So I recently rewatched RHOSLC season 4 in preparation of the upcoming season. Initially, when I watched the season, I didn't like Monica and I was just so shocked and amazed at how all the drama played out. And I'll admit, I was glad to see her go.

That being said, after my rewatch, I have slightly changed my opinion of Monica. Not much, but enough to make me think she should've been given at least a second season to see how things played out. Her relationship with Mary was hilarious, I like how she was slowly building an alliance with Meredith, and it was exciting how she was even able to start getting Lisa and Whitney on her side. Yet her big personality and ability to steal nearly every scene she was in (for better or worse) clearly intimidated Heather.

Heather was a clear fan favorite from the get-go. A lot of people seemed to like her personality and her storyline. They found her relatable, but once season 3 aired, there were a lot of cracks beginning to show in Heather's character, especially since she defended Jen to the bitter end and even covered up the whole black-eye situation.

After rewatching season 4, it seems a bit more apparent that this was the season Heather really wanted to redeem herself. Personally, I think Heather already knew who Monica was when she got cast. She already said Monica had unpaid bills at Heather's business, so it's possible Heather and her team did some snooping and already was well aware of who Monica was. Also, Heather was friends with Jen and Heather's hairdresser was besties with Monica, so how could Heather not know who Monica was, right? And on top of that, at the finale, Heather blatantly said that Monica told a producer who she was. You could argue that Heather barely learned that bit of information that day, but I doubt it.

Now, I have two theories here. My first is that Heather already knew who Monica was and wanted to keep her close (you know, keep your enemies closer). Simple as that. But I think once she saw how well Monica was clicking with the other women, how much drama she brought, and how her backstory would make for excellent television, I think Heather saw Monica as a threat. Heather has already basically stated that this show means so much to her and she wants to bring good entertainment, so it would make sense that she would try to eliminate anyone who threatened to outshine her on the show. So that's when she decided to reveal who Monica was so as to have her kicked off the show, or at the very least have the women turn against her.

(SIDE NOTE: I think Meredith also knew who Monica was, but liked having her close on the show so she could get information out of her. But like Heather, I think she realized Monica posed a threat of exposing Meredith's level of involvement in the drama and decided to help expose her.)

But another theory I have (and it sort of ties into my first) is that Heather was hoping to use Monica as a means to redeem herself, sort of like using Monica as a sacrificial lamb. Monica would reveal the truth of the black-eye so that Heather wouldn't have to and could play the victim card. Heather even says at the reunion that she was hoping Monica would have said something or revealed it. Of course, when that didn't happen, I think that's when Heather awkwardly threw in how/why she covered up the black-eye.

So again, do I think Monica was an excellent housewife...eh, maybe not. But I do think she could've been interesting to have around another season or two just to see how she shook up the dynamics of the group. And again, I also really enjoyed watching her and Mary's relationship play out. It would have been cool to see a Triple M alliance (Monica, Meredith, Mary). I'm almost certain had Monica stayed a second season, Whitney would have been the first to bring her back into the fold and it would have shattered her and Heather's relationship. And I will say, there were moments at the reunion where it seemed like Andy was trying to help Monica out and give her some grace, but it clearly wasn't working. I think he would have liked to have kept her on another season, but after hearing the producer and casting stuff, I wonder if that made him decide to give her the boot.

What are you thoughts?