RHOP: Michael Darby Stars in “Sex, Lies and Butter Knives”

Tonight we’re back from a short RHOP break, checking in with the ladies, making our way to this explosive cast dinner at the house of Candiace’s mom.

There’s beauty in the way Bravo allows drama to unfold on these Housewives shows.  RHOP is no different.  The audience has been watching issues bubble but not boil over for seven episodes so far this season.

We begin at the end, with a few glints at the fight to come, before flashing back to the Chris Bassett and Candiace Dillard Bassett planning the dinner. Candiace is reluctant to invite Ashley Darby even though as a (former) restaurant owner, her opinion is most valuable to Chris.

Some casual shocking news

Candiace casually drops this bomb that her mother hit her at a party. This is a big deal, but we don’t hear a lot about it. Sadly, I’m not surprised that Candiace’s mother would hit her. They blow by this topic for whatever reason and on to the next one.

I am very surprised that Chris appears a little reluctant to move despite the fact that this house seems to fuel some of the issues between mother and daughter.

I get it, Chris wants to get his cookbook out and bring in some more money. But doesn’t he have a successful restaurant? Why is he so comfortable staying in a situation that clearly isn’t working for his wife? Regardless, the stage is set for this dinner.

Meanwhile, we get a glimpse of what the other RHOP ladies will be bringing to the dinner.

Ashley, Gizelle Bryant, and Robyn Dixon take a walk and swap stories about who said what about whom. Just your normal walk in the park with the housewives… Ashley learns that Candiace is skeptical about Michael’s emotional response at the rainbow party and the Amistad comment comes up again.

Interestingly, Robyn does not use this opportunity to tell Gizelle what she hears Michael say at the party or get clarity from Ashley.

Monique can’t come to the phone right now

Ashley takes the Amistad comment back to Monique Samuels who couldn’t care less. She’s focused on her beautiful underwater maternity shoot.

Monique and Candiace meet up for lunch, and Candiace is expecting to dish about Ashley until Monique pulls out her dagger.  Monique drops a line about Candiace treating others like her mom treats her.

This does not sit well with Candace, but she doesn’t apologize or acknowledge her behavior. She downplays her involvement, throws Gizelle’s name in the mix, and denies that she’s taken the messy mantle from Ashley. They resolve their issue without many fireworks.

Dinner is served

Gizelle expects to confront Monique about the Amistad comment until Candiace, Robyn, and Chris compare their notes about Michael’s desire for… sausage. Gizelle is shocked. She can hardly contain herself with this new tea when the doorbell rings.

It’s Monique looking amazing in pink. Then, a very put together Karen Huger. And then, Ashley and Katie show up together.

Ashley gets started with the shade early, commenting on Candiace’s hair right at the door. After a little table banter about wine and pregnancy, Ashley goes right in to confront Candiace about what she’s been saying about her.

Poor Monique just wants to eat, but things unfold so quickly. Ashley makes another comment about Candiace living in her mother’s house and Candiace forgets that she’s holding a knife.

Suddenly our chef is a bouncer, pulling Candiace away. In true Bravo fashion, we’ll have to wait for the next episode to see how they all get back to the table…

The Real Housewives of Potomac in on Sundays at 8 PM ET on Bravo.