Sure there was a lot of footage of Kody celebrating Meri's and Dayton's birthday, and Kody taking Janelle out to dinner for her wedding anniversary, but it seemed to me something was still off. And then, I began to see how the producers snuck in snippets here and there of Kody being a complete jerk.
This episode was not Kody's shining hour, that's for damn sure.
For example (and yes I have many examples) we got to see the no good, definitely bad and extremely ugly sides of Kody.
If that wasn't icky enough, we were treated to Janelle wrestling Kody's thinning locks into a ponytail. Now I found this interesting, being that Janelle wrote about how she never combed her daughter's hair for school but there she was, grooming Kody like a good mama would.
I was like, hell yeah Kody. Why don't you actually get off your ass, actually go to Utah and actually get something done instead of making one of your wives do the job for you, you lazy bum!
Yep, it looked like Kody was definitely getting the asshole treatment this episode. But the producers were not done.
Now, I really think the producers set up Kody to come out looking really really stupid in his first meeting with "friends" who just happen to be partners in an investor group. Kody came off looking kocky© - even dressing in his signature rumpled shirt. I didn't see his feet but I wouldn't be surprised if he was wearing his signature sandals.
Yeah, I'll just give ole Stan here the basic Kody Brown smooze talk and he'll be THROWING that investor money at me.
Don't worry Robyn honey, I'll be able to hire all the help you need, no problem! And maybe throw in a couple of Rolexes too.
Kody to Stan: "You guys are in your lane, we're in our lane. But if we're not doing our job in our lane, you're gonna come over into our lane... "
Stan to Kody: "Then we have the option to take your company...This is the big leagues...this isn't the little leagues here. This is how we play in this arena."
Stan's answer wiped the arrogant smirk off of Kody face. When Kody then asked Stan if he thought MSWC was a viable business, Stan simply replied "[With] what we have right now, my partners would basically chew you up and spit you out!"
But why is MSWC in such dire needs for an influx of other people's money. Well, you see, Robyn thinks her little business simply must have that dough. And that should be reason enough.
 |
| Mystery relative who tweeted about cleaning Robyn's toilets while holding Sol |
Robyn's got Kody in a hard place. It seems she feels she's overworked having to care for a toddler AND that booming online business of hers. Makes me wonder why she hasn't asked her sister wives for help...and doesn't she have a relative already helping her out?
Oops, I forgot. Sisterwife Meri IS helping Robyn as head of the packaging and shipping department.
 |
| Robyn telling Kody they can only have sex for fun... |
 |
| Kody giving Robyn's ultimatum a lot of thought.. |
So, Robyn decided to call a meeting with Kody to let him know that she wants to have a baby, but she can't because she's just got too much work to do. Wah...wah...wah
Now, call me silly, but if I were a polygamist man and my "wife" told me she would NOT be having any more babies until she got some help, I'd look her straight in the eye and say to her "What the HELL are you talking about?
And if I were one of her sister wives, I would be telling her, "Hey, sex is for procreation not recreation, bitch. You better start popping out those babies or we'll find a fifth who WILL. And she'll be living at YOUR house. Do you smell what I'm cooking?"
Kody was speechless, no doubt because a few minutes before he was gloating how his father used to think he was the most irresponsible of all of his children and how now with four wives and 17 children he's "pulled it off." Well, not if one of your wives tells you she won't be having any more babies until he pours some money into her hobby company.
You got to hand it to Robyn. That took a lot of chutzpah. But just like Kody, she's about to get humble-ized too.
So there we have it. Kody marries 4 women and sires 14 children (not to mention taking on 3 children from another man) so he can prove to himself his father was wrong and that he wasn't irresponsible after all. And Robyn wanting to risk financial ruin playing with MSWC while wanting Meri drop her college plans so she can continue to play Robyn's game instead.
That's some messed up stuff.
Next week, it looks like there's still more MSWC drama. Stay tuned.
When I got to work and logged on to my computer for my morning visit to CJ's living room (this is the first thing everyone does when arriving at work.....right??), I was keeping my fingers crossed for the recap - and there is was. Thanks for a nice start to Friday morning, CJ. :-)
ReplyDeleteI've already snarked a lot on the other threads, but I watched the episode again last night, as I always pick up on things the 2nd time around that I missed the 1st. So, a few quick observations from viewing #2.
1. Meri was already wiping a tear at the very beginning of the scene where she and Kodouche are discussing the Lehi house. Makes me wonder if we joined them mid-discussion, and she was already frustrated?? 2. I actually watched the scene w/ Christine sitting at the head of the table during their MSWC "meeting" about 5 times, and I wondered something... If you are raised in a culture where the man is always in charge, you "keep sweet," and always subordinate yourself to your husband, isn't it kind of odd that 40 years into life (or however old Christine is), that one day you just happen to forget all of this and plop yourself down at the head of the table....? Anyway, made me wonder if this whole scene was yet another contrived set up to get viewers all enraged at (and engaged with) the Kody klan. Love 'em or hate 'em, whatever keeps people watching, no? 3. By far the funniest line in the episode (even better, in my opinion, that the swapping spit/hormones crap), was during the Lehi house discussion. Kodouche says something to the effect of, "*I* would NEVER pay a contractor for a POS drawing like that," and Meri says, "You DIDN'T pay for it, Kody!!!!" :-)
Happy Friday - Lori
Visiting the living room is the first thing I do at work in the morning and right after lunch! I don't feel right not doing it!
DeleteYou know, Lori, when I watched the scene between Meri and the Kreep the first thing I thought was, "This is about far more than the Lehi remodel". That conversation looked like a culmination of anger and frustration that has been festering for quite a while. Anyone who has been married for over a decade recognizes that kind of fight. Hopefully, Meri will get her college degree, find a job that pays enough to support her, and then file for divorce and take half of the Brown family assets. (which will probably be 5 ugly watches and 1500 unwanted Be Pitiful necklaces)
DeleteWhat exactly is holding Meri to the family now? Her only child is grown and in another state. She only gets her husband 1 out of every 4 nights. It cannot be fun watching your husband with his 3 mistresses and 12 other kids and 3 step children while you are all alone. I hope Meri gets out. She's already had issues with her marriage to Kody before the show ever started and says she only stayed for Mariah's sake. What is she staying for now? The show?
DeleteWhat's holding Meri is her belief she needs Kody and her sister wives in order to reach the highest level of heaven in the celestial afterlife.
Delete1) Christine in the King Kodouche chair - I think Christine sat down out of habit where she normally sits for dinner with her children. They've made no secret that he spends the least amount of time with her.
Delete2) Meri stays now probably more for the TV $ than anything else because she gets the same size cut as the others & less mouths to feed. Although I do believe she truly loves Grody.
"What exactly is holding Meri to the family now?"
Delete*** (Or holding Janelle, Christine or Sobbin?) **
$$ Money $$...
Freebies and Perks...
$$ Money $$..
*C* list, or more realistic, *D* list celebrity status.....
$$ Money $$
a McMansion all to themselves....
$$ Money $$
Lack of any independent thought...
$$ Money $$
Meri is the legal wife. All she needs to do is find a competent celebrity divorce attorney and clean Kody out of at least 50% of his assets. Buh bye Lehi house and the Vegas house. Buh bye half of Kodys income and cash reserves and retirement. She could clean him out. So I have to agree with anonymous that her religion is keeping her there not her love of money.
DeleteIn Meri's case, I think she will always stay out of pure spite....and money.
DeleteShe isn't wired to leave knowing that the rest of them would not only will have her "lover," but would also cash in on any future scams fueled by their now-cemented TV Plyg identity.
Besides, Meri is the Queen of Kodyworld when it comes to actual Plyg pecking order.
Her status as first and "legal" wife is a weapon she enjoys having and using.
Nah, I doubt Meri will go anywhere except maybe to VLL concerts wearing a drool bib.
As for Meri, I don't believe that religion is keeping her there. Janelle neither. They say that because it's what's expected of them. Christine believes in it and maybe Robyn, but I don't believe for a second that it's that serious to the other two. They stay like any other unhappy wife - because it's all they know, it's easier in their minds to go with the status quo, they don't know how to make it on their own, don't believe they can make it on their own, don't want to disappoint family or church, for the kids' sake, etc. Of course, add to it the fact that now they have a tv show and a bit of money ...
DeleteThis family is awful. I cringe so much during episodes that I almost can't continue watching. This episode is still paused at the investor meeting...I watched Born in Brothels instead and didn't feel as uncomfortable as this show has begun to make me feel.
ReplyDelete(Not joking at all)
Watching Robyn and Meri struggle and fail at the simplest of tasks (and with more help and financial opportunity than many single mothers) disgusts me.
Watching Kody preen and laze, and condescend while Christine and Janelle bolster him with compliments and doe eyes makes my skin crawl. I used to believe they were silly, stupid people, but I now believe they are self destructive and harmful to themselves and the children.
The kids seem amazing for growing up in this family, enduring the changes, fear, disappointment and teasing (I'm sure they've had more than their fair share). Absolutely amazing.
I would have been on the first bus out of town (or available substance) to escape this dynamic.
People have commented that they can't wait for one of the kids to write a tell all, but honestly, I'm a little nervous as to what it would say.
I think there is a lot more depression, manipulation, and outright emotional abuse than I ever imagined. I hope the kids get to see the world and know that they are worth more than their 'purity' and father.
Hi CJ. Great summary as always!!! I love how have you the thread the needle so precisely with the thinning strands of Kody's hair linking all the oafish behaviours into a pattern (male pattern of... baldness? Do I even need to say it??? Sorry!). I have two more incidents involving the kids I'd like to add to the list. The first was at the big birthday BBQ bash when Kody grabbed his daughter by the chin and sternly demanded that she ask her mother to find his apron. Why is he incapable of rustling up his own apron? I did not enjoy watching (Gwen?) manhandled like that or being so aggressively "talked at" right into her face. You'll notice that Robyn materialized immediately with said apron in hand. He mugs like an utter jerk modeling his "I turn grills on" BBQ attire with that smug grin on his face. There was not even a second glance back at his daughter.
ReplyDeleteNext is his entire interaction with Dayton. At 14, Dayton is now too old for snuggling according to Kody. It makes him uncomfortable. Given the frequent macho tossing about of his "man card" it doesn't surprise me that Kody needs to stress that he won't cuddle a boy who is nearly his own size. Regardless of size, this boy, who calls the buffoon "dad" is still a boy. And he was publicly labeled by the buffoon as not only un-huggable, but also as "quirky". I was shocked to hear the disdain in Robyn's disagreement with him. She has usually been so agreeable and sweet with Kody, but as we saw, at least in this episode, Robyn's tone has drastically changed. However, despite the reluctance Kody has for snuggling, he did rather bearishly hug birthday boy Dayton and tell the viewers how open his relationship is with Dayton; maybe even more so than with his own biological kids. Ouch! All the other kids, AND their mothers, must have just loved that!!!
It appears the honeymoon is over for Kody and Robyn! I can only imagine how awful the other kids and moms felt hearing that Kody doesn't have the same relationship with his other kids.
DeleteCJ, Your point about this episode not having Kocky''s (brilliant, ha!..love it) finest moments is spot-on.
ReplyDeleteI guess the producer/writers in their quest for new hooks had to go there with him since they have effectively and systematically exposed and demonized each of the wives these past four seasons.
Not that any of it is unwarranted since the wives really are a collective jumble of dysfunction. But it all has become repetitive and boring about the Brown babes.
Hey, TLC.....tell us something we "don't" know !
And let's face it, if they are seeking juicy meat for blog chat, Kocky is their man.
He always has been overripe for snark.
Mabe Tlc has been censoring Kodys behavior this whole time. Mabe this is the real deal! I mean its something to consider. In almost every scene in this episode he is short, tactless, and condescending to anyone in his path. Including his children. He seems extremely agitated. Mabe his behavior has came to the point where is just to much to censor out now. Anyway Janelles comment about Christine setting in the wrong chair really bothered me. Also the scene with Gwendolyn, Kody seemed to think of her as nothing more than an obstacle in his way. My opinion is the grownups get what they deserve, but the children is a different story. Is it me or does he not seem that interested in his younger children the ones that still need parenting and guidance.
Delete"Don't worry Robyn honey, I'll be able to hire all the help you need, no problem! And maybe throw in a couple of Rolexes too."
ReplyDeleteBest comment e v e r. ROFL.
In fact this whole review with pictures just made my whole day. I'd like to be a fly on the wall in one of MSW houses as they read this. It'd be hard to choose which house I'd go to first though - Robyn? Kody? Oh, that's right, Kody didn't get a house. Maybe I'd just read over Robyn and Kody shoulders together but I'd have to be perched on the screen to catch all those faces Robyn makes like you managed to grab so nicely :)
All I could think of when I saw that last pic of Robyn is, some one let all the air out of her balloon. She looks deflated.
ReplyDeleteRobyn really does seem like she's had the life sucked out of her in the past several years. Don't think living so close to her sister wives and being a single mom to 4 kids has done her well.
DeleteHer honeymoon ex-purr-rience does seem to be over.
DeleteI think the Robyn newness def wore off & he's over it. I started thinking that when they ladies returned from San Fran & he said to Meri quickly & quietly (but caught on camera) that he had fondue set up at her house for him & her. Previously he would have gone with Robyn upin tgeir return but not anymore it seems...
DeleteAwesome review as always CJ!
ReplyDeleteAnd I think the most obvious thing about this episode is that the producers are setting up several plot lines (such as they are) and every single one of them makes the adults in this family, especially Kody (and I'm including Janelle in this) look pompous/ridiculous/whatever. I think that the family is clearly pandering for the cameras, and Christine's sitting in Kody's "manchair" was not accidental at all. That was a total setup. As was the whole show.
They don't give a crap, just keep the TLC check coming in.
Yes, Yes and Yes !!!
DeleteI actually digged the Kody vs. Meri scene about the Lehi house. Seemed real compared to a lot of other scenes. I'm usually not on team Meri but wanted to applaud her for the way she handled Kody. In general, I thought the theme of the episode was intentionally more anti-Kody. Last season, the show really projected the wives relationship with each other as the family's main problem, and at times I thought that was unfair. I think/hope this season we will see less wife bashing and more of Kody being called on the carpet for some of his actions and decisions.
ReplyDeleteITA. Last season, Kody repeatedly pointed fingers at the wives and insisted that they work on their relationships. It is about time someone held up a mirror to HIS actions. I didn't plan to watch it this season, but I will if they start portraying accurately and stop sugarcoat in everything about him!
DeleteWe got to see the real Kody quite a few times in this episode. Although I usually think the show is staged, I do not think the scene with Meri and Kody arguing about the Lehi house was staged. Meri's frustration with Kody seemed genuine, as did her tears. I particularly noticed how Kody didn't make one attempt to comfort his number 1 wife. Meri appears very close to leaving in my opinion and is no longer coddling Grody.
DeleteThe scene where Kody snapped at Christine to get out of his chair was genuine. It must be a regular even seeing as not one of the adults batted an eye at his verbal attack.
Finally, the scene that stood out to me was when Kody lamented being closer to Dayton than any of his bio kids. What a terrible thing to say on national t.v. knowing that all 13 of your bio kids will be watching. It is great that you have a good relationship with your stepson, but why go out of your way to put down your relationship with your other kids? How hurt his 13 bio kids must have felt hearing that. It's not their fault they've been in this rodeo long enough to know their dad is a creep who treats all of their moms terribly. Side note, saying that he didn't think Dayton really has a aspergers was not necessary.
I have the feeling that Kody telling Robyn that Dayton does not have asperger's was just a jab at her parenting style. Remember how he complained on the tell-all about the co-sleeping Sol? (although to be fair, Robyn did make him feel like a knight in shining armor for providing a crib for Sol since her children never slept in a crib....and didn't mention it's because she is a believer in co-sleeping)...Kody likes to think of himself as a wise man, from declaring that Dayton does not have Aspberger's to declaring that hormones pass through the mouth while kissing....And everyone is supposed to believe him because he is Kody, Polygamist Wise Man.
DeleteDid anyone get the feeling that robbyn was solo quick to correct Cody about the aspergers diagnosis is because she doesn't want to lose any as disability bennies? That is of course if he gets any....because to be fair I don't think they have discussed that topic before, however with other polygamists group and the whole "bleeding the beast" I wouldn't put it past them.
DeleteAnd CJ , great review!
One of my cousins goes to school with Dayton, who is called David at school. When I asked about the asperger's, and then explained what it was, she said that he was no different from any other kid. And she's worked on projects with him, so she does know him.
DeleteI'm happy to hear he still gets to use his real name IRL!
DeleteI have a cousin with Aspergers. He has done therapy since he was quite young and is mainstreamed at his high school. I think in most social situations he would seem a little odd but not necessarily like he has a disorder. This is the result of a lot of time and energy on his part, his parents, and various teachers and therapists.
DeleteDayton may be similar where he may now be able to cope well in most situations.
Another topic that could be fun is to take each Brown and list the bullshit plot lines which have been pushed about that character. We all know that each one of them has a trail of pure BS, scripted dramas. And we all have our favorites.
ReplyDeleteJust for starters.....
Meri and the rent-a-uterus.
Coupled with her visit to a fertility doc where she red-faced moaned about not wanting to talk *about sex*. So why then were the cameras there for such a private, embarrassing moment.?
Janelle and her business plan for a Fitness Gym that she copied and pasted from the Internet.
Yeah, right, that was real...and professional !!!
Christine and her super dramatized bathroom-hiding fear of her Aunt.
Christine, take your meds!
Sobbin has so, so many to choose from....but my all time winner has to be her "Purrity" pitch to the kids. She should be forever mortified on that one. (what was she thinking letting the producers talk her into that?)
Kody...any time he opens his mouth......but when he was helping to stuff Meri down the water hole on vacation with her hefty self all bathing-suited up with her girls on full display and with the camera man poised close up, right above the girls, was beyond contrived, not to mention hysterical.
And yet he still fancies himself as the modesty/ morality police for his harem and his daughters.
Anyone else ??
Ahem - I just have a differing opinion to CJ's statement:
ReplyDelete"If the Browns are smart, they will walk away and not give up 30 percent of MSWC."
Hey, if these VCs are clueless enough to throw money at the Browns for 30% of a worthless (and infringing) domain name/URL, then Kody should take the money and run like a rabbit...
I keep expecting the real My Sister's Closet to come after the Browns any day now. Apparently, they aren't aware, or don't care.
They know now. I live in Scottsdale and have been doing business with them since they opened their first store.
DeleteThat's interesting Anon 10:30 AM, aren't they concerned about the blatant copyright infringement on the part of the Browns?
Delete(personally, I'd love to see a season where the Browns are sent cease and desist orders by My Sisters Closet AND the LDS - for the Be Values line...)
I'm thinking that's why Robyn changed up the name by making sister wife one word sisterwife in order to avoid problems.
DeleteI have lived in 4 cities, all in different states, in the past 15 years and have seen a My Sister's Closet in all of them. They've all been small resale/consignment stores featuring mostly women's clothes. It's interesting that the owners apparently don't seem to care about the name use - or maybe they don't know other stores are using the same name. idk
DeleteThe store names are different. Period.
DeleteWell, the Brown's are going to have to defend just how different their store names are.
DeleteI'm not an attorney, but to me as a layperson, the names are pretty damn close. The first thing that came to mind when I first saw the name was the original My Sister's Closet. Sticking in the word "Wife" doesn't make it completely different. And if you look on the FB pages for either TLC/SW or MSWC, people commenting in both places refer to the Browns' site as "My Sister's Closet" frequently. And they DO have a website listing their locations, merchandise for sale online, as well as a blog and so on.
DeleteBut like I said, maybe they just don't care.
I think it is about the cost to litigate it and the likelihood of a favorable outcome. The name and what it connotes is different, and the concept of the store is different. If the Brown's brick and mortar dreams come true, and an aspect of that is resale clothing, I think that is a different story-
DeleteI think if the browns were successful and/or were actually selling real clothing... Then perhaps... I think my sister's closet realizes that my sister wife's closet is a joke. Besides, it's also kinda like free advertising for my sister's closet.
DeleteSo, I am an attorney, and although I've never done a second of IP work ever, I do have some fading memories left over from law school on the subject. Let's see....the names of businesses are protected by trademarks. In order to have a trademark infringement, the business names do have to be the same or similar, but there also has to be some kind of likelihood (forget the legal standard) that people will confuse the two businesses. For example, I'm more than welcome to open a pet store named McDonald's, as no one is going to confuse my pet store as a place to get french fries vs. a place to have the family dog groomed. So, I'm not sure what the stores named "My Sister's Closet" sell, but having a similar name to MSWC is not enough by itself to be a trademark violation.
DeleteHope that helps some... :-)
- Lori
well Mysisterscloset also sells jewelry and accessories in their online store so there is a bit of a conflict. However I just looked up the value of MSWC and it's worth a whopping $1,400.00 as of today. So I don't see Kody getting that big cash influx. Does anyone know anything about the VC company?
DeleteFrom what I could remember (I'm not at my Pc right now) the company is new - less than 3 yrs since inception. The principles are stan, his wife. The Ceo may be a sports figure. Company website is not exceptional and sketchy. They have linkedin profiles...stan may not have a degree, previous experience in government (enlisted prrhaps). Did not get warm fuzzies from what I read. Gut feeling these are friends of a friend on the show for exposure.
DeleteCJ - the credit repair guy might be their connection perhaps?
DeleteNot much like the VCs we have around here, but Silicon Valley is different from Vegas for sure.
Nah DJ. This looks more like central casting.
DeleteHave you noticed hat when Kody BBQ for the family he decides who gets steak. When the wives went to SF he decided the kids get hot dogs and he got the steaks. (he burned) For Meri and Dayton birthday they got the steaks. You could see the looks of disapointment on the kids faces. No wonder they have food issues. Can you imagine deciding in your own family who gets the premium or better food? I think this is sick behaviour, Kody probably takes a bite out of whoever gets steak
ReplyDeleteI noticed that too. His typical arrogant controlling behavior. I'm surprised he doesn't make then bow and kiss his pinky ring. What is wrong with these women that they find this emotionally abusive creep appealing? Brainwashing and a fear of being relegated to toilet scrubber on their eternal after life planet is the only explanation I can come up with.
DeleteGrowing up it was uncommon for steak to be eaten in our house and when it was it was a special occasion (instead of going out) for my parents. We kids ate our regular dinner at our regular time while mom and dad ate their special meal later. We knew it was a treat for them and sneaked in at the end of their meal to get a few nibbles. ;-) I think it's rude for the adults to be eating their special dinner in front of the kids though.
DeleteWe always ate the same thing as our parents (granted the portions were smaller and child appropriate), so it's always blown my mind when people say they need to prepare 'kid friendly' meals.
DeleteThat may be because my mother was an excellent cook, and there weren't 17 of us, but it never crossed my mind or either of my parents that we would eat a lower or different quality of food...and it certainly never resulted in us eating less to the reward of a parent.
On the few occasions there was less prepared than expected my parents made our plates first and took whatever was left. I can't imagine my mother or father taking food from my plate to satisfy their peckishness.
It reminds me of the mock tapioca episode where Kody unhygenically takes spoonfuls from each child's plate. I think my mom would have died first than let someone take food from her children.
**full disclosure if dinner was a dish my mom or dad particularly liked they would check if we had finished everything before allowing second helpings or dessert, but I think that was more to avoid wastefulness. It was never done as a means if paying homage to my fathers narcissism.
I think a big difference here is that the Browns are rich (temporarily, maybe, but rich none-the-less). Steaks are not just for a special occasion and there doesn't seem to be an "instead" of going out, they go out all the time. I really does seem to be based Kody enjoying being able to decides who gets the "best" food.
DeleteWe've had this discussion before, but given the number of people involved, the Browns are certainly better off than they were, but rich, no.
DeleteMost of the time our kids eat the same as us but there are times when they don't and steak is one of them. We have 2 kids who would pick a hamburger, chicken, even a hot dog over steak. Even when we eat out at a steak place they pick chicken fingers instead. Now our youngest, he'd pick filet mignon & lobster if we let him. He has a very grown up (& expensive!) palate. Also, I have a sister who's not the greatest cook. Her kids live on spaghettios, kid cuisine frozen meals, chicken fingers, fast food, etc. and they don't care for my homemade cooking at all. I think rge Brown kids grew up on tgd frozen fish sticks & tator tots etc. and probably don't care for rge steak either. And another thing we do is let the bday person pick their own dinner. So maybe Dalton/Meri picked steak & it was a "treat" for them. I didn't think it was a big deal. Now Kodys other actions all episode - yes, big deal for sure!
DeleteI agree with HockeyMom. That was not the worst part of the episode. I think if it was established that the birthday person gets their favorite meal then it should be ok. Hopefully the other members of the family get to pick what they want on their birthday. They have probably barely made it all these years with all those kids. I can't imagine feeding that many people everyday.
DeleteBefore being on TLC, the Browns' (at least Christine) received food stamps. Isn't there footage of her buying groceries with food stamps, season one? And I think being "rich" or not is arguable. They take lots of vacations, eat out A LOT, are able to throw huge parties with cakes that cost thousands, buy expensive watches and cars as well as four McMansions.....it's probably temporary, but they are definitely living like they are well off. I mean, we've gone from Kody telling Christine to "save her grocery money" to visit her father to him just "dropping some cash" whenever he wants to do something. I'm sure it will implode, but for now, only giving the "best food" to a few is bound to further exacerbate tood and self-worth issues amongst the children.
DeleteI was so confused over the whole business of Kody saying Janelle really liked his hair in a ponytail. I remember in a previous season when they were discussing his hair, Janelle said she did not like it pulled back. Oh well. I think I have way too much time invested in these nuts....lol.
ReplyDeleteWhat I was confused about in that anniversary scene was that his hair, shirt, jeans, flip-flops .. well it was the EXACT same look/outfit that he wore in his twitter pic of his and Robyn's anniversary. Their 4th anniversary which scored her a trip to the Hard Rock and Janelle just gets dinner out?
DeleteYou know, I think I remember Janelle saying that too! I think she said it during the same couch session that Robyn said she DID like it. I remember smiling inside because Janelle went up against her - and this was back in the quiet Janelle days.
DeleteMaybe her newfound love of the pony is all part of this bizarre newfound love for Kody in general. Or maybe she decided that the slicked back pony is better than the frizzed out, thinning, strands of straw that he flips back and forth con-stant-ly. Maybe when it's pulled back he can finally focus on something other than flipping it?
Or she just forgot her storyline :).
The Lone Lady
If Janelle gets dinner out only while Robyn gets to stay at the Hard Rock, then I think that's all on Janelle. If a grown woman lets her "husband" treat her like second best, it's her own fault. I find Janelle's humility to be false.
DeleteFor some reason I can't even explain to myself, I have started re-watching this entire series. Today I am on Season 3: "The Four Lives of Kody Brown" episode and there is Meri, sitting on the couch with the other mistresses talking about the different options they have for a family business. What does Meri say?? "The idea of the family business is a good idea. But then there is the situation that I REALLY want to go back to work with at-risk youth. I'm not sure how much time I want to devote to a family business. (Robyn glares at her). Don't look at me that way; I want to..." Robyn's reply? "You're trying to not be a part of *my* family anymore, aren't you?" When did it become Robyn's family, exactly? Oh yeah...season 1, episode 2. My bad. But I digress.....
ReplyDeleteWOW!
And so it has finally hit me. All of this time I've been thinking these ladies don't communicate with one another. But that's not really it. No adult in this family LISTENS to anyone else. The words are being said, very specifically, but nobody is hearing them.
So, so sad.
Spot on as usual, CJ!
ReplyDeleteI agree with the above person who noted Kody holding his daughters chin very firmly asking where he apron was. That was a very firm and authoritative gesture. It was not a loving gesture.
Another thing that caught my attention. When Meri told Kody she was applying at UNLV, he made a point to say “you made this decision yourself? You have already decided”. I couldn’t tell if it was to show how progressive he is for a plyg husband “look at my wives, they make their own decisions” or if he were clarifying to Meri that she hadn’t come to him for his ‘permission’ but had decided on his own. And he was an ass about the Lehi house. I was actually saying to the screen “yes, Kody, why don’t you go to Utah and take care of this? That is what you should be doing rather than trying to get some free ideas from contractors”. Geez, maybe if I were Meri, I would be a VLL groupie, too.
I would like to continue seeing more of the real Kody because I think there is so much beneath the surface that the producers want to show us. Robyn seems tired of the whole thing. I think it’s a very bold statement to threaten your plyg husband that there will be no more babies until you get some help with work/house, etc. Plyg women, by definition, have to take on way more responsibility for their homes and work than monogamous women. It makes them all better, you know. I think Kody definitely expect 2 more kids by Robyn. He didn’t marry a fifth wife for just one more kid. Expect Wife #5 is Robyn withholds much longer.
And yes, Janelle has clearly forgotten her role for TV. She did say in a previous season that she did not like the ponytail…but now we are expected to believe it makes her all hot and bothered? Hmph.
Interesting CPA. Remember when tlc had enough of Kate and they stopped showing her "kinder" side and the warts were shown? Maybe tlc is getting tired of the KodyKlan, too.
DeleteI totally expect a fifth wife if Robyn doesn't start having more babies soon. I am so surprised that she doesn't have at least 2 with Kody by now. Can't figure out if she is having trouble getting pregnant again (she doesn't appear to be all that healthy) or if it is by choice. I would have assumed she'd want at least 6 total like Janelle and Christine, but maybe now that she has her mansion she doesn't see the need. Either way, not having more Brown babies is sealing her fate.
DeleteYes, that is exactly what I was thinking. TLC does that after awhile. They kind of gradually do it and you think you have discovered something (and you have) but it's something the producers want you to see. Build them up and tear them down, TLC-style.
DeleteI do not think the Browns have any say in the editing of the program. I would imagine they are caught off guard sometimes by what shows up on the air.
I agree......TLC may have begun the process of getting rid of SW.
DeleteA lot depends on what their contract reads as to the mutually agreed on number of seasons, and/or on the conditions (ratings?) required for being granted another season.
One thing that seems to work for TLC's process is that if this is their exit plan for SW like they did for Kate G, while they begin the subtle stripping down of the character (s), the fans will spend at least the initial period actively interested in still watching it, much like gaping at a car wreck.
Well, I love visiting the CJLR. I learn so much from everyone and I have "lurked" here frequently. Often, I hear people say how the family has changed. Well, I am at home sick so I thought I would pull up an old episode on Netflix. Wow! What a difference. I watched an episode entitled the price of polygamy. It felt like a different family. Robyn had just joined the family and there were discussions about how that would impact them financially, including a explanation of how they pay their bills Janelle and Kody pay big bills and Meri pays the little ones. Christine does child care and shops in bulk. Robyn talks about how she wants to get a job to contribute financially. I wonder when she decided that wasn't necessary. She is even different in how she approaches the family. She is much nicer and does not butt in. It must have killed her to be that sweet for so long. She is helping to care for the kids but is worried that Janelle won't see her value. They seem like real people trying to live a different life. They are relatable and open. That is why people watched them. Now they are caricatures of themselves and they are spoiled and Whiney and unlikeable on every episode. It makes me wonder if they ever go back and watch the old shows and marvel at how they have changed. Even Kody is likeable in a doofus kind of way. If anyone has some time, go watch that episode and see if you see the same thing. Thanks cj for your living room!
ReplyDeleteI remember the family dynamics from the first shows exactly as you describe them! They've all changed considerably. Idk if most of the change is because they're on camera and so much is 'scripted' or if their different environment has caused it or if it's because they're no longer trying to impress each other since the newness of Robyn has worn off. Whatever it is, it's painful to see how they're now so unrelateable and unlikeable.
DeleteAll you have said is correct. One of the biggest things that stands out to me is how happy Christine was in the beginning vs. now and how thin Meri and Mariah were. Wow, such a change to today. They seemed like a real family. Once Kody announced the move to Las Vegas to the kids in the living room you could literally watch the family start to crumble.
DeleteHonestly - I do not think they "were" different in the beginning, I think they just acted better. When they figured out that drama creates more rating, that's what they'll give us.
Delete"When they figured out that drama creates more rating,...."
DeleteBingo !!
Between TLC coaching them and thus creating dramas for them, and their own greed, Kody and Co. learned quickly what it would take to keep the show on.
I tend to agree with Lobotomized...
DeleteI think that Meri, knowing that they were going to be on TV, lost weight for the show (that said, I think she probably didn't start out with as much weight as she has now).
The whole family was cognizant of the cameras, so they were on their best behavior.
I don't think it was all sweetness and light before Robyn. In fact, they've acknowledged that Meri was awful to Janelle and Kody was awful to Christine. and that Meri and Kody went to marriage counseling when he started courting Robyn.
I also think that the official story line that Meri "picked the wives" is bogus. Except maybe for Robyn. I think Kody had eyes for Robyn, Meri saw that, and encouraged it because she wanted to hurt Janelle and Christine.
I think that this is a good assessment... they're putting out better acting/more drama for ratings. I also think that some of their misery can't be manufactured. There are a lot of different dynamics with these people, and it's sometimes like watching crocodiles at feeding time -- somewhat gross and fascinating and horrifying, but I just can't look away. Lol!!
DeleteI don't remember the ponytail being discussed before. I do seem to recall that Janelle was a Team Cutyourfrigginhair though.
ReplyDeleteRobyn Robyn Robyn. Just admit that you don't want another baby and stop blaming Meri or a lack of help with your "hobby business". From season one it was obvious that Robyn had difficulty handling her kids and it doesn't seem like she's gotten any better over the past few years. How hard can it be to run a simple online business for a STAHM? I honestly don't know who looks unhappier, Meri or Robyn. Not wanting another baby might be the smartest thing I have ever heard Robyn say. Who else thinks she has thought about leaving after the show is over and doesn't want anymore ties to Kody?
ReplyDeleteChristine and Janelle looked great this episode. I love how they stay clear of Meri and Robyn as much as possible.
Mykelti is hilarious. You could just tell by the look on her face when Grody was talking that she thinks her dad is an idiot. Her poor boyfriend was a good sport to put up with that garbage. I hope we get a special about Maddie and Mykelti's graduation. Best wishes to those girls in the future.
The thing I am most interested in watching for this season is the story line with Logan and how Kody cannot control him any longer. I honestly thought the MSWC business was created as a plot for the show, but it looks like they are still beating the dead horse and it appears they really thought it would make money. I really don't know if I can keep watching if they continue to focus on this stupid "business". Happy Friday the 13th everyone and thanks for another great re-cap!
Dear Robyn,
ReplyDeleteAs a mother of 4 who survived several of my husband's deployments, military schools, etc, I'd like to say... STFU. Seriously. I both worked AND managed to care for and nurture those 4 children while being a supportive wife (who also has an autoimmune disease), and not once did I bitch and whine for "help". Get over yourself; you appear weak and pathetic, and YOUR CHILDREN ARE WATCHING YOU.
In fact... you, your fellow mistresses and Kody's WIFE need to each grow a pair and step up to the plate. Own your past and current choices, and reevaluate whether those choices are the most beneficial FOR YOUR CHILDREN and their future. Stop thinking with your pelvis, letting your EGO rule your life, and look around you -- are your choices best for your kids or for that giant prancing boob, who is Meri's husband? Think about it, and try some intellectual honesty for a change.
AndreaF
(Sorry for the rant... that picture of Robyn looking so self-pitying above really creamed my corn!! They're all self-made "victims", except for their kids, who I hope succeed despite the adults in their lives. And, finally, I loved the review of this episode... very astute!)
AndreaF, I rarely comment on here these days, mainly because everyone takes the words right out of my head before I can post them. Although I'm still very much a loyal reader here. But if there were a best comment award, you would get it. I couldn't agree more and couldn't have said that better! I do hope they read this blog. I think out of all the children, Robyn's are the ones I feel for most.
DeleteThey're all self-made "victims"
DeleteNow that is the truth!! No one is persecuting them because of their (nonexistent) religion, they simply use that as an excuse. Total lack of responsibility for anything in their lives and constantly blaming others for their own failures--and this is the best polygamous family they could find????
FaLW, I appreciate that! And I hope you comment more, I remember you from the other blog! :)
DeleteSnarkaholic -- you got that right, sister! If the excuse is 'good' enough and makes people believe that the Browns have suffered horribly at the hands of everyone else, then no one will notice (or call them on) the possible welfare abuse, obvious emotional problems, serious lack of responsibility ... you name it!
"....whether those choices are the most beneficial FOR YOUR CHILDREN "
DeleteAndrea,
When I saw the episode, and let us remember that the Brown adults *allowed* it to be filmed, of gathering those kids in the living room and telling them that they all were moving "in three days" with the phoney scare story that it was happening so Daddy didn't get arrested and go to prison. THAT was when it was clear to me just what these people were all about.
Kody and his harem..these parents...were hell-bent on cashing in on the promised TLC windfall, no matter *what* it would take to get there.
How they or TLC did not see *or care* what the viewers would see on those children's faces as those adults leveled that news (however bogus) on young kids and what it was doing to the kids is forever a mind-blower, .
All of the adults were shamefully complicit in that sham of a scene and storyline.
For me, it set a tone about them all.
If Robyn needs help with the business then why don't they enlist the help of some the older children? They could work part-time for minimum wage and learn the business---assuming this is a truly viable operation. The family has all the human resources they need at their disposal yet seem oblivious to the obvious.
ReplyDeleteMr. Spock, true, true.
DeleteWhat is obvious is that they are oblivious to the obvious.
And would normal people be that oblivious if all or even any of this was "real?"
I went to high school with a girl who was one of 8 children, all girls. Her parents owned and ran a restaurant and every one of those girls worked in some capacity in the family business as they came of age until they went on to college.
There you are, Spock, with your logic! The Browns don't want logic, they want someone else to do all the work! Why on earth would it occur to them to teach their children to have a work ethic? No, no, asking their older kids to work on the online junk store would stop them from running Christine's household or raising Janelle's children....
DeleteI'm beginning to think the reason Mariah worked at the popcorn place was because she needed to make real money and MSWC wasn't making money so Robyn couldn't afford to pay her. MSWC must be bleeding money. I don't understand why Robyn couldn't just work on making MSWC profitable before begging for money to expand. It just seems like the business is being set up to fail, be taken over and then liquidated by the venture capitalists if they do invest their money. Robyn and Kody are really stupid, aren't they?
DeleteMr. Spock - perfect and logical suggestion, but something the Browns would never think or or if they did, would they ever do.
DeleteAnon @ 5:37: Yes, the business was doomed to fail from the beginning for almost every reason under the sun, but IMO, the investors are the really stupid ones if they give them any money. And, if they do invest, they have no one to blame but themselves for losing all their money because of the joke of a 'business' MSWC is. I don't think any legit investor would invest in MSWC IF they did any kind of research; heck just reading online reviews would give them all the answers they need. lol
A logical recourse, Mr. Spock; however, I think most (if not all) of the older Brown kids would rather chew off their collective thumbs than work with/for Robyn. As would I.
DeleteYou know, depite Robyn going on in the very beginning about wanting/having a special relationship with the teens, I don't think any of them are that fond of her. I bet none of them want to work that closely with her. Maybe not even Mariah.
ReplyDeleteGreat summary of the episode CJ. I for one am all for Kody getting the bad edit. Freakin Buffoon.
ReplyDeleteAnyone notice the uncomfortable exchange between Meri and Kody when she leaves with Robyn. She says (very monotone).. "Bye Kody" "Happy Birthday"..He glares from his recliner..grumbles out a goodbye.
Is this due to the shared knowledge of the conversation she is about to have with Robyn, or is the tension still pretty thick due to the contractor fight.
I have noticed editing issues in the past that have the sequence/timeline out of order,so it's hard to say if the fight has already happened in "real time" yet. Either way..odd..no hug..no smile..just a strained goodbye from across the room. My thoughts for what they're worth:
Meri is checking out.
Robyn is a train wreck.She looks pasty(could she already be pregnant and this whole storyline is a shitshow)
Christine is on her own.
Janelle is now getting their leftovers...or going along with pretending like she wants them.
I still think that Kody feels most peaceful with Janelle..although the preview has her looking pretty pissed.
There is nothing about this family that is genuine anymore. They are just characters on a TV show.
I don't know if anyone mentioned this, but did Kody use a straight iron on his hair when he went out to eat with Meri (college conversation scene)? His hair is the most unattractive haircut I have ever seen. He might do better with a mullet.
ReplyDeleteYep, he straightened it saying he had a Bob Denver look. UGH
DeleteIt's a scraggly Dorothy Hammill (70's era) hairdo - or really a hair don't!
DeleteAnon 8:13 PM, yes, he let Meri use her flat iron on his hair before they went out to eat to discuss the going back to college plans. She said she was a big Keith Urban fan and always wondered whar Kody's hair would look like straight. I guess maybe we will be treated this season to the many styles of Kody's hair (eyes rolling). I am surprised, as much money as they throw around, that he hasn't tried Bosley. Or maybe Bosley has too much integrity to be associated with them and they wouldn't do the hair restoration for free.
ReplyDeleteOh, ok... truth be told, I haven't seen the episode yet. I just watched the clip on the TLC website. At any rate... his hair is gross.
DeleteJust went over to MSWC and those watches are really, how can I politely say this, not special. And the names of them - the Modest watch?? And no description of them on the website. Only one view of the watch that wraps around your wrist so you really don't see how it works. They can't be serious on this. Make sure your site has the same features as successful sites like multiple views of unusual items, good descriptions (what is PU as a material?), etc. hopefully, one of the kids takes a Marketing class and can advise them.
ReplyDeletePeople on EBay do a better job displaying jewelry for sale and that is just regular e people selling stuff not the professionals the Browns seem to think of themselves
DeleteJust...eeeewww. Krow-dy wiggling those eyebrows repeatedly after that faux anniversary dinner "isn't it time for bed?" Made me cringe. Then the door closing( just in case we don't understand the message that its time for a plyg-boink). Those poor kids must be mortified. Thank God school is out for the year so they did not have to face classmates on Monday.
ReplyDeleteWell they had to one up Brady's "this is where the magic happens, baby!"
DeleteKody can't let Brady out-sexify him ya know.
And am I the only one here who hears that Gap Band song in my inner jukebox every time I read the title of this ep???
"You dropped the bomb on me, baby..."
That is exactly what i thought. Kody has to up his game to compete with Brady in the sex with the sisterwives dialouge. I thought when robyn said kody is cute doing dishes and he responded " because i know it turns you on"that was a reach for him to say on camera..meri must be shedding and wiping away a tear when she sees that
DeleteHi! I'd like to say I hope Sisterwives never ends, I love this blog so much. Nice job CJ! I agree, Kody was edited into a dirt bag this show. The head shot line of how he had three birthdays AND an anniversary in the same week would make ANY Monogamist head spin. Generally, I give them all the benefit of the doubt, but seriously? Thank his Lord, he didn't have any twins or triplets, imagine the kink that would put in his week. (Yes, I have twins, and one other kid.) I guess if I had to remember more than one anniversary that would make my simple Mono head spin.
ReplyDeleteAs a simple Mid-Western Monogamist mainstream Christian, I have a question: Robyn's three children from her first marriage, are those kids adopted by Kody? Do they have the last name Brown now? Are they going to heaven--or where ever--with Kody or their real dad? These children do see their real dad still, I assume. TIA and again, love this blog.
I mean, wherever, I pulled a Robyn myself. sorry.
DeleteSWAddict, Kody can't legally adopt Robyn's older kids unless their actual father goes through the process of forfeiting his parental rights. Since the show, in a previous season, has allowed viewers in on the visitation exchange, it seems extremely unlikely that David Jessop has (or would) give up his kids.
DeleteHowever, when she and Kody married, Robyn started insisting IMMEDIATELY that the children call Kody "dad." There was an early moment (they were still in Lehi, and Robyn was living in the separate house) when one of her girls called Kody "Kody," and Robyn about jumped down the kid's throat correcting her so that she backtracked and said, "dad."
Nauseating and coercive--in other words, typical Brown behavior.
Thank you. Hmmm....interesting
DeleteKody was a dirt bag because he is a dirt bag. They can edit things out but they can't edit things in.
Delete"....but they can't edit things in."
DeleteRight, DJ !!!
They all know when the cameras are buzzing, so it is all down to arrogant, entitled choice or just flaming, freakin stupidity.
Yea it is not right to make her children call Kody "Dad". He is not their father and that is very unfair to both the kids and their biological father. I would come unglued if my kids called another woman "Mom". I think it's tacky and just shows their ignorance of social norms, after all, Polygamists do what they want.
DeleteI think you are confused. It is not a matter of being ignorant of social norms. It is that their norms may be different than yours so who is really the ignorant party?
DeleteAnd I suspect there are many groups besides polygamists who could be accused of doing what they want. That is the seed of hatred and jealousy to accuse one group of receiving special societal favors over another group.
I have a close friend who started dating her husband when her daughter was 3. They had an extended engagement while living together, and her daughter started to call him "Daddy" in kindergarten/1st grade. She said it just happened naturally. The real father lives nearby and has shared custody. He was livid of course. It is hard for me to judge ... her stepfather has been every bit of a real "daddy" to her when he is with her and loves her as his own. He has just been fantastic. However, if I were divorced, and my daughter callex hed stepmother "mommy", I would hit the roof!
DeleteMy parents were divorced and both remarried. I call their respective spouses (my stepmother and stepfather), "Mom" and "Dad", and I also call my birth parents Mom and Dad. My stepfather legally adopted us after marrying my mother, but everyone insisted on cordiality in front of the kids, and my mother and stepmother actually sat down once and had a deep conversation about how, regardless of the differences between adults, "we need to raise all these kids together". Perhaps a similar conversation between Kody and Robyn's ex would help the relationship and help the kids. Just sayin'.
DeleteI noticed it was one of the few episodes in a long time where Maddie allowed herself to be filmed off of the teen couch. She seems like a terrific kid. All the kids do. Despite the false producer bred drama those folks appear to be doing a wonderful job with those outstanding young ladies and gentlemen.
ReplyDeleteGreat review CJ! I also love all the insightful comments from everyone. Just wondering if the kids who are 18 get paid differently now that they are adults? As despicable as some of these forced/staged scenes and plot lines are, money is money...and college is expensive, so I do hope the kids are compensated independently and can use the money how they see fit. I think the kids would have better judgment than the parents. I always wondered if this is why we saw so much of Mariah once she turned 18...
ReplyDeleteWhy are the graduation gowns for Maddie and Mykelti different colors? Don't they go To the same high school?
ReplyDeleteNo, Maddie graduated from Centennial High School while Mykelti graduated from a high school program at a local community college.
DeleteThank you for such a wonderful review!!!! One comment ... I like the watches! And the website seems to have been through an overhaul and is more professional. I agree w others this biz is very misguided, but I feel sorry for Robyn trying to make a go of a family business on her own. I think she was sincere in wanting "the family" and working together. I can see why she is upset Meri is going back to college. She doesn't understand that the closet will never be a viable business. That said, good for Meri for finally starting on her degree!
ReplyDeleteI kind of got the impression that Kody was 'teasing' Janelle about the ponytail. He kept saying he wore it because Janelle 'Loooooved it so much' and that she was 'giving him the EYE' and I don't think he meant the eye of death (as I hoped).
ReplyDeleteI think that might be Kody's super mature* and sexually well adjusted* way of flirting....you know, like pulling a girl's hair on the playground...like any 46 year old man would do.
Additionally, did anyone else notice how similar Kody and Meri looked with his straightened hair? I am in no way joking or being mean when I state that I had to pause the screen during their 'dance' to tell which was which.
I can't say who that would be more offensive to, but Meri has become a very hard, rough, and bulky looking woman. Her personality is seeping through her skin. Perhaps Kody's OBVIOUS masculinity is the only other possibility? Is it possible that his outrageous amount of manly testosterone is affecting her hormones?