Just when you thought Kody Brown and his Kodettes© could not sink lower, TLC/F8P shows us, "Hey. You ain't seen nothing yet!"
Oh yeah, this episode was so bad, it became compellingly good TV. Well, good TV in a kinky, non sexual Oedipus Rex meets the Marquis de Sade kind of way.
TLC/F8 outdid themselves. They deserve a standing ovation if not the Emmy for creating the worse road trip ever.
So let's get started, shall we?
The Browns do not travel well. Let me repeat this....THE BROWNS DO NOT TRAVEL WELL...
For one thing, Kody and his wives have no organizational skills. And Kody lacks interpersonal, leadership and basic communication skills, too.
Add some recalcitrant teens, you now have a recipe for disaster.
So what does Kody do, besides bark orders that nobody seems to follow? He laid down the law to "problem" teen, Garrison.
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| Kody giving Garrison his "Me general. You sergeant" spiel... |
Unfortunately, Garrison was given the bad boy edit for this episode (and possibly for life), evidenced by his retort back to his father basically telling Mr. Potato Head Dad that during the Russian revolution, the soldiers rebelled against their superiors by shooting them.
Ouch!
Now, I'm no prude when it comes to a good fragging threat, but when that threat comes from a son and is focused at the father, I get a weird vibe. And that ain't a good thing.
Kody, if I were you, I'd sleep with one eye open, if you know what I mean. You might want to double check the black water valve on the RVs really good too while you're at it.
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| Kody contemplating fistfuls of promises and crap |
After hemming and hawing for what seemed like a lifetime, Kody broke the bad news to Robyn. It's been eight weeks and the venture capitalists had not paid up on the $250K they promised. In fact, it was likely MSWC wouldn't receive any money, at all.
Surprise, surprise.
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| Robyn contemplating fragging some venture capitalists |
CFO Robyn was heartbroken. "But they promised!" she cried. Kody, ever the stoic priesthood holder solemnly told her to "Put crap in one hand and promise in the other and see which one fills up first."
For once, Robyn shut her piehole and was silent.
Okay, so that didn't really happen, but think how more exciting that scene would have been if it had!
Back to the trip preparations, the Brown parents set departure time as 9:00AM.
Did they leave at 9:00? I ask you, do chickens have teeth???
No, duh!!
Kody was no better. He yelled at Aurora for not wearing her shoes and tracking "barefeet crap" into the RV. Never mind they were now 40 minutes past departure time. And frankly, why the hell was he making a big deal about "barefeet crap" when it's quite evident the bottom of those kids feet are just as nasty as his, and Janelle's. (Flashback to the episode when Janelle was trying out beds and she slipped off her shoes.)
Meri, Robyn and Janelle were not to be found. I figured they must have been hiding out somewhere wishing the madness would be ending soon.
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| Papa Joe ordering his crew to an efficient, ontime departure |
Watching the Brown Khaos© for the umpteenth time, I could only think of one thing: What would Papa Joe do?
The first (and last) time we saw Papa Joe and his 3 wives (who happen to consist of a pair of twins and their cousin), was that memorable road trip to Oceanside CA, dubbed 'Plyg Vacation' by the Brown Klan©.
Kody may think he is a general; Papa Joe KNOWS he's his family's general and efficiently ordered his 2 vans and a truck caravan and passengers to an impressive ontime departure from both Utah and Las Vegas.
Kody can only dream of possessing Papa Joe's organizational skills. Papa Joe would have had those RVs and passenger van packed and ready to roll in time for the 9:00 departure. NO PROBLEM...
I suppose we should be thankful Kody was able to find his way out of Vegas, but I have a feeling that was due to Meri and appearing as "The Niece" and van driver, Mindy.
Eventually, the Browns were on the road to their Route 66 adventure.
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| Yep, that's the famous corner in Winslow Arizona... |
Yes, I do own the Eagles' greatest hits record album. Yes, I said record and it's vinyl. I am old, remember?
Anyway, they take some pictures, meet a shop owner who (surprise!) not only recognized the family, but could name off each of Kody's wives.
Next stop, an RV Park in Holbrook Arizona.
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| Kody pointing out the sewer line and waste valves to Garrison |
Garrison? I'm getting a bad vibe from this. We also found out wives Meri and Robyn (and her children) were staying at a local motel.
In fact, Kody left his other two families to fend for themselves in the RV park. General Kody stayed at the motel, too. He even had the nerve to declare he was "...going to have to check the attitudes of some of the whiners today" as he moseyed on over to the motel coffee shop for some breakfast the next morning.
Okey, dokey.
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| Yep, that's Janelle's hand snagging some chips at Truely's party |
I just hope someone left a nice tip for the table help at the diner...especially since Kody and Christine seemed particularly proud of the fact they trashed the joint and had the nerve to giggle about leaving a mess for someone else to clean up in their couch interview.
Immaturity, your name is Kody and Christine Brown, I swear!
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| Robyn cursing the cold and showing Kody what she'll look like in 5 years... |
All I have to say is Karma is definitely a biotch...
After arriving at the RV park, the Brown Krew© discovered it was snowing and freezing outside.
It was dark, and cold and Robyn was cussing and Meri was complaining. They were from Vegas, you know, and they wanted everyone in the RV park to know that.
For some reason, Kody decides he has to hook the RVs up to the utilities, including the sewer lines.
Kody was jumping around, acting all officious and all, swinging his long, thinning locks in the wind and sleet. I had to wonder, what IS that dude's problem.
It was the funniest scene. Kody cursing and jumping and putting his hands (with those useless gloves) in all that gushing Brown goo while Hunter yelled "Push it in! Dad!"
You see, smarty pants Kody must have been trying to screw the sewer cap back on, instead of simply closing the valves by pushing the levers back in, which would have stopped the flow of Brown crap from the tank.
And to think this Einstein married 4 women and sired 14 children.
Just when it couldn't get any worse, guess who got blamed? No, not Garrison. Kody blamed HUNTER!! I suppose he thought Garrison would be too rebellious to screw up like that. He blamed Hunter for not closing the valves when they left the other RV Park that morning.
Unbelievable...
All I could think about was, if we are only seeing a fraction of what happens in the Kody household, it must be a living hell to have to live with that guy full time.
Yep, Karma bit Kody in the behind, all right.
So who did it? Who sabotaged the valves? Kody said someone had pulled a "...dirty joke" on him.
I think there's a reason why you first check the valves to make certain they are closed. Kody had no one but himself to blame for that little incident.
Yep, that contest has Kody written all over it. Especially when it says the meal is free if you can eat the entire steak.
To train for this feat of extreme athleticism, if not gluttony, Kody and Krew© headed out to the nearest gym to work out first. Kody thinks that will make them really hungry. Right...
Finally, they arrive at the steakhouse, located in Amarillo Texas.
In her couch interview Christine says "As a polygamist family we want to just get things for free because it's a low budget thing. Tee hee hee hee!!" Oh how funny...NOT. And they wonder why people accuse them of bleeding the beast.
Hell, the Browns will bleed ANYTHING that crosses their path!
However, joy quickly turns to consternation when Maddie notices there's a time limit of 60 minutes, and Kody comes to the realization you've got to finish the side dishes, too.
Eventually, the reality of eating that much beef is too much for them. Garrison goes out first, followed by Maddie and Hunter. Kody lasted for 48 minutes before he called it a day.
Hopefully, TLC paid the restaurant bill. But the Brown Kontestants© did snag those t-shirts and enough leftovers to last a couple of days.
Next stop, the RV Park in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Yes, Garrison lost it when sister Ysabel kept clowning around during family prayer. And no, I don't think Kody nor Janelle possessed the necessary parenting skills to deal with him.
Hunter told Garrison like it was. In their couch interview, Hunter and even brother (from a
And don't forget it was Garrison who told Kody about the soldiers killing their sergeants. I really fail to see why this apparent animosity between father and son was allowed to be shown and documented for posterity on a 2nd rate, scripted reality show. Was the production team staff writer that hard up for material to flesh out an hour show?
How about scenes of Kody cleaning up that crap left on the ground at the Tucumcari RV Park? How about the vomitorium at the Steakhouse, where surely Kody and the other family participants relieved themselves of all that meat they had eaten?
Before we move on down the road, I just want to point something else that disgusted me to the max.
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| Uh, Kody, there's a reason that hose is WHITE... |
I noticed a grievous sanitary faux pas being committed by Kody. He actually used the white hose (which is to connect the RV to a water supply) to clean out the sewer hose! He STUCK THE HEAD OF THE HOSE DOWN INTO THE SEWER HOSE!!
That was just plain old, jacked up nasty.
As the Brown Karavan© slowly made its way down the long, lonesome highway, it stopped for luncheon on the side of the road.
Do these people ever eat just sandwiches?
And did the Browns clean up all those plates left from sliding down that hill, or did they leave it for someone else to deal with and clean up?
Finally, as the Karavan© rolled into Missouri, we find out the biblical polygamist Richard family will appear on next week's episode.
I can't wait...
I think it is pretty clear that teenagers test boundaries and can at times be disrespectful...I know I was, and I was no where near a 'problem child' even by Brown family definitions.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, I don't think garrisons comment was that awful. I know a lot of people will disagree, and I fully admit my family had/has a very dark sense of humor so many jokes pushed what others might seem acceptable. Kody has joked that his sons were 'dead to him' and made similar military like references of power.
I think the concerning part is that the parents allowed it shown in conjunction with the fact that the boys do not seem to like or respect their father. The core relationship changes the dynamic of a joke and it's reception.
I don't blame any of the teens for being jerks, because teens are always jerk. I do blame the family for allowing a normal if inpleasant part of teenage rebellion to be filmed for posterity, and the power dynamic we see Kody abuse when he feels fit.
I wouldn't be surprised if much of the animosity is from seeing their mothers treated differently or dismissed out of hand (like Christine in Kody's chair).
The most upsetting part is that Garrison may have been joking, but it might be one of those jokes that comes from a deeper place; teens do not always have the ability to contextualize 'I think we'd be better without your being in charge' and a joke about patricide. That's why you don't film for children for public consumption.
"That's why you don't film for children for public consumption" Good point Lepetite.
DeleteI think I'm more upset to see Dayton/David sitting alone at the table still eating his steak. While everyone is focused on his rock start step-dad, he is abandoned on what was supposed to be a fun family competition. At least they can stay at the table and cheer him on.
I fuc***ng hate Kody.
I agree with everything you said LaPetite. I come from a family of 13, and I only had one mom, and my dad worked three jobs at all times yet still had time for all of us kids, at least on Sundays, when he didn't work at all. At least then, he spent time w us. But he didn't have three other wives to sleep with or go chase, just one wife, who took care of all of us by herself with no help, and cooked and cleaned and our meals were home cooked, nothing store bought and we never at a restaurant. I just don't get why it is so hard for these moms to raise their own kids without help, and Kody doesn't work yet still doesn't even have patience for his kids let alone give them any one on one time. My dad sure did. I just don't get why their lives are so freaking hard or different from anyone elses. And we went camping in our camper several times in a summer, and my parents always had all of us pitch in and help load our own clothes, and we had the RV packed and loaded the day/night before! If we would have waited to get it all done in the am, we surely would have been rushed. Why can't they do it the day before, except for personal items they need to take on at the last minute? Then all they would have to do is just wake up, have breakfast, shower,etc...and get on the RV. So much easier. I mean, you usually know well in advance when you are going on a vacation, so they had plenty of time to plan to pack up until the day of leaving. No organization skills at all. As someone posted earlier.
DeleteI don't believe for a minute that Kody spends really quality time with most of those kids, which is why they are probably so dismissive of him. I did not like how he brushed Gabe off when the little boy asked who would drive the RV. I figured the little boy wanted to ride with his dad. Kody is shown being very kind to Dayton and Solomon, which is great. But we don't get that same vibe when he deals with some of the other kids, like Garrison. I hope it's just editing.
DeleteI will also add that I am old school and I believe children are to be taught certain principles, like showing respect for your elders-most especially your parents. You don't talk back or be disrespectful. That is how I raise my own children. Yes, there will be people who don't deserve it and, as someone said in another thread, they may not have earned it, but you show them that you are better than that. Respecting authority is a Biblical concept. Logan, to me, is a good example of a respectful kid. It doesn't mean that kids are necessary brow beaten, but it is certainly a lot easier concept when your elders are considerate and respectful back to you.
I guess at the end of the day it's not only how children are raised (because it seems Janelle does try to get them to respect Kody), but also that child's nature. Logan is much more compliant than little brother Garrison.
Jasmine:
DeleteI agree 100% with you.
It could be a vicious circle, Garrison may be acting like that not only out of hormonal changes and age, but also because he is looking for his father's attention and time, who then in turn denies it to him for any reason (too many people and not being able to take care of everyone's demand for time and attention), so the child rebels in response, starting the cycle all over again.
In my opinion, Kody is not built for poligamy (I don't know if anyone really is, but I cannot say), but would have done better at a monogamous relationship. If would have had one wife, and a couple of kids with her, he might have done better than to try to cover more and end up spreading himself extremely thin. Not fair, in my opinion, for anybody: himself, four adult insecure women, and 17 innocent but nevertheless affected children. Just not right.
Jasmine, I agree with you......I don't think the kids should talk to their parents like they talk to Kody.....even though he doesn't "deserve" their respect......
DeleteI have a great relationship with my grown kids and they never spoke to me like that growing up.....I think Kody is just more of a "goofy uncle" to them......so they treat his as such.......
I've never seen such a "helpless" man in my life! Not sure what the 4 women think they have in him......but they don't have a man/husband!
Triple loved the review. Through your review, it occurred to me that the Brown adults are really socially and emotionally deficient. Christine's comment about getting something free and their leaving a mess for someone else to clean up sealed her immaturity up for sure. Kody's inability to work with his sons is just sad. I know from being a parent and a grandparent that in order to work with teens and get their full respect and cooperation, you have to start early by teaching and exemplifying a good strong work ethic and a collaborative culture. It's a little late in the game for Kody to come in now and try to get those boys to work with him or under him. On the facebook pages of TLC's sisterwives, the drones go on and on about how great the kids have turned out but when we watch the show, we see all of this drama from the boys and even bullying, so I am not seeing that the Brown's have contributed much in the way of socialization. The fact that Meri and Kody and Robyn and Robyn's kids stay in the hotel room while Christine and Janelle and their kids sleep in the RVs is just pure and simple classiest. You know since Robyn's kids were in her room, Kody stayed with Meri, which means that while everyone else bunked with all these kids, Meri and Kody were on their hundred honey moon and that is gross.
ReplyDeleteThe thing about using the clean water for the sewer is just crap...the rules don't apply to the Browns. They can do whatever they want cause, you know, they are plygs.
Robyn's losing it was the icing on the proverbial cake. I loved her ugly face, her tone, her tensed up body...yes, we see you Robyn and you are looking more and more like a loon every episode. From your losing your purity to losing your cool, you are a loon.
And Janell has no clue how to supervise and teach her children. Her strategy is to just get in their faces. Oh, yes. That has worked well for you, hasn't it.
OMG! I am LAUGHING AT MY DESK right now. This is CLASSIC!
ReplyDeleteGranted you had ample material to work with...but Here Comes Kody Boo Boo...
Kody Boo Boo who doesn't give a crap (sic) who else has to clean up after his mess.
I actually saw a little bit of Honey Boo Boo tonight and I think I like that family better than the Brown's. They are odd, that is for sure, but they seemed to love each other. The kids are treated like they are loved by their parents. Kody doesn't seem to care about his kids. It is weird how he loves Dayton so much but seems to not want anything to do with his own sons.
DeleteHoney boo boo & her mom was on the tonight show a couple weeks ago. They said the whole show had to b edited. The other guests were outraged, she was referred to as a monster, slapped her mom. They said it was a total mess. They edited out most of it, but they said some crazy stuff aired.
DeleteWas that a public use water hose that Kody contaminated? These people have no concept of good citizenship unless it relates to their plyg-equivalency legal demands.
ReplyDeleteSo Meri doesn't even pretend to lift a finger to help the other wives and their kids pack? And then she brags about her ability to be on time?
I think Meri would be on-time whether she had 1 child or 10. She seems like a person who values punctuality and organization. I think that's just her personality. It's like we all know or work with someone who is always 10 minutes late. No matter what. And someone who is always on time. No matter what.
DeleteI agree that Meri would probably be on time no matter how many kids she has, but, I also see where she could lift a few fingers to help her sisterwives, as someone just stated. Her bragging about it is just immature. She has done this before, when Mariah was at home. Go walk across the street and ask one of the other wives if they need help!!!! Gee whiz Meri. She looks down on the other wives and I wish someone would call her out for it. Go help them get ready and quit boasting Meri!
DeleteI remember one episode, after they moved to the rental homes where she was sort of complaining because by living so far from the other wives' houses, she got no help from the 'boys' for packing or getting her stuff in the car to go somewhere. I think it was when they when they rented the house in or near Vegas for Christmas or something like that. It has to go both ways: others help you, and you help others, it's very simple. I don't see how their faith or religion, or religious beliefs is strong in them to not see that it is better to do for others. She doesn't seem to be the best example for their religion.
DeleteI think that over the years Meri has probably lifted her fingers hundreds of times to help the others due to her wanting to be as organized and punctual as possible, but currently seeing the laziness and proctastination of the mistresses, I can see where she probably had enough of trying to be the family organizer. I can imagine Christine and Janelle sitting back, stuffing their faces, letting Meri do most of the work and complaining about how bossy and mean she was.
DeleteI have to say that while I think Meri was uber-stupid to agree to let Krody have sanctioned misstresses in order to keep popping those babies out, and while I think she most probably dealt with her resentment and jealousy badly, I also believe she has gotten a bad rep from women who whined and complained because they were also dealing with their own resentment and jealousy of the first and only LEGAL wife.
Even if she was mean, I just can't see them as innocent widdle victims who did no wrong. I know that no one really said that, but it has been bugging me for a long time and I had to vent! :)
AndreaF: Totally agree with you. She might not have dealt with it perfectly (who among us is perfect?), but I find it hard to comprehend the amount of pain Meri had to deal with over the years. It's hard enough to not have children when you want to, but I just can't imagine going through alone (and she was/is ALONE - Kody is not going through that with her) while you have to not only watch but also celebrate and support your husband popping out baby after baby with his mistresses. I just can't imagine it. And yes, I know she "asked for this life of polygamy." I don't care. Painful beyond what I can imagine. And now she has a johnny-come-lately 4th wife who is a complete shrew about things and won't support her in moving on with her life and finding things to focus on besides being a babysitters for the step kids. I still get mad thinking about how Robyn and Kody treated Meri at that last reunion. Awful.
DeleteI agree with AndreaF. I bet that the mistresses viewed Meri's help as "bossiness" and "taking over." I can't see them kindly accepting Meri moving their stuff, or directing them or their kids.
Deleteoh and also, it's becoming clear, to me anyway, that Kody could give a crap about his sons, unless of course they happen to excel in sports. Classic plyg male behavior. I can't wait until Paedon squashes him like a bug.
ReplyDeleteI agree Dakota. It's hard to watch. Kody only cares about one person (okay 2 if you include Robyn).
DeleteHe only cares about Logan and Hunter. He also likes David/Dayton, who reminds him how noble he is to take in three step-children and treat them like his own.
ReplyDeleteThe truth behind this family will be told by Garrison, Gabriel, and Paedon.
he didn't used to act like he liked Hunter. I think DakotaJustice is correct with her sports assessment.
DeleteHe's just living vicariously through Hunter. Every time Hunter wins something he reminds everyone he was a wrestler too.
DeleteI would be sure to purchase Garrison, Gabriel, and Paedon's tell all story.
Kody accused Christine of living vicariously thru Aspen when they were planning the graduation party, and at the time I thought, look who is talking. Kody snagged Hunter's glory with the wrestling in that story line.
DeleteI read some study somewhere that said 90% of people's complaints of others are true about themselves.
DeleteThis is really interesting when applied to the Browns. As Anony 9:11 said, how Kody made that comment about Christine that was true about himself. It also makes me wonder about Robyn, who always complains/worries about the other wives not wanting to be a part of the family or getting close to the other Sister Wives. Does SHE feel like she doesn't want to really be a part of the Krody Bunch? Or that she doesn't really like the other wives?
ANyway, just a thought! Also as a side note, try this trick the next time someone you know (or yourself) complains about someone. More than likely it sounds like they're describing themselves!
Great review CJ! Entertaining as always, thank you for the comic relief. I truly believe that everything we see on this show is scripted and then heavily edited. When you read the Browns' live tweets they often state that they are surprised by what shows up and what is edited out. My hunch is that the Garrison / Ysabel dust up was scripted to show how the Brown's "co-parent". Christine touched on the subject when she said when her kids pick on each other she handles it from start to finish, but when another mother's child is involved it is that mother's responsibility to step in so that each adult backs each other up. The storyline was somewhat lost in the sauce.
ReplyDeleteCJ, thank you for the review. Your take on each show is always so spot on!
ReplyDeleteGood night, I sure hope that the RV rental agency cleans not only the black hose, but also the white hose after every rental, just in case something like that happens. That could have serious repercussions, and here I was considering renting a RV like that in the Fall. Makes one think twice.
ReplyDeleteTotally sincere question: Why did they need to rent the RVs at all? They really failed as a plot line, except for Kody's valve mishap, and I didn't notice their product placement. We didn't see much of the Khaos within, or hear the children wanting to sleep over or switch between families, and they didn't take advantage of all the amenities within the parks themselves (which an earlier commenter noted). Also, we heard Kody's whining about how the wives don't travel well together, and the RVs to Navoo didn't make wonderful family memories (for them).
ReplyDeleteIt would have been more economical to rent a van per family and 4 additional hotel/motel rooms. They weren't planning to drive non-stop, so bathroom breaks would be less of an issue. Also, they probably would have increased their pool of potential drivers.
Half of them stayed in hotels every night, anyway. Meri got a room, because she was a driver. But, Mindy, the other driver, still had to sleep among 5-6 kids every night. I can't imagine that she would have been well-rested, and I don't know how good sleeping configurations are in RVs. I can imagine that by Day 2, they trashed the RVs as much as they did the Route 66 diner. They ate their meals in restaurants, except for the luncheon, which wasn't cooked, and which they could have pulled out of a cooler.
Finally - I can't imagine that their HOA would have welcomed those vehicles, and all the crew vehicles, in their cul de sac, but that must have been settled long before the season was filmed. All my questions may stem with my own unfamiliarity with this type of travel, or my being tired of all the contrived events and endless waste of money, even if TLC pays.
Kody's the HOA prez,,,or so I've heard.
DeleteKody's the HOA prez,,,or so I've heard.
DeleteYou are correct. The last time I looked, Kody was the president of the HOA of the subdivision.
I thought I saw a KOA sign at the camping spot one night, but if they arrived after dark it would have been hard to get much footage then. The campers were from Camping World I believe- pretty sure it's the same company as last time they RVed (I only noticed/remembered b/c I know a relative of the owner of that RV company). I thought I'd heard that they didn't want to rent to the Browns again after the Nauvoo trip- maybe it was on the other SW site?
DeleteWe have travelled by car cross-country many times in my life, and there's no way I could travel the way the Browns did! I get stopping at a couple touristy places along the way, but it would seriously drive me crazy (see what I did there?) to spend all day going only 300-400 miles. We routinely drove 10-12 hours a day (often more, depending on how many drivers we have) on our trips. Our kids have always been good travellers and don't have to stop very often for potty breaks. I get that part of the journey is to enjoy stuff along the way, but I couldn't handle being on a road trip with them at all!
President Kody...holy geez...
DeleteWho drove the other RV?
ReplyDeleteEither Kody or Janelle. I believe I heard Christine say she was sharing driving with Mindy.
DeleteKody was riding in the van with the crew. He may have said that in his pre-trip talking head.
DeleteSounds like Janelle let herself get shat upon again. She drove the RV with no recognition, no hotel room, or no other adult in the car. Hand over the nachos.
DeleteCJ, thank you for your hard work and sharp analysis. As always, you hit it right!
ReplyDeleteI just finished watching the episode and also caught Kody cleaning the sewer with the white water hose.... Now THAT can make the kids sick for a day or two, way more than any steak can.
I hope the RV company cites them, fines them or sues them.
Robyn (and the other adults) are using a LOT of bad words. So much for morals and modesty.
Robyn is starting to look worse and worse. Kinda like a flower that opens and closes, it seems like her face is a "closing" flower and it ain't pretty. She's letting her true colors shine through more and more. Definitely very conniving. No way is Kody the second guy eating that cookie!
It is very obvious that Kody in no way, shape or form has any control or power over his teenage boys. They don't respect for him, care for him or listen to him. They take him about as serious as all the faux drama on the show. Why they had to take the teens with them on that road trip, is beyond me.
Truely is cute and sweet, but she looks sickly. She doesn't look strong and healthy.
Christine... So much about her... We KNOW you like your stuff free... wrecking up dept & declaring bankruptcies, omitting the truth to get free food (food stamps) and other benefits & now this show to get more for free!
Meri.... well she's sporting the same hair as Kody! The only difference is she has way more of it..
Even though most of it is scripted and fake, between the lines we can see more and more of Kody's real personality shine through & it ain't pretty! He's worse than what I thought.
Oh and teen Browns (sans Mariah): you rock!
I just finished watching the episode and also caught Kody cleaning the sewer with the white water hose
DeleteI watched about 5 videos on you tube about connecting an RV to the sewer and water lines. One of the things mentioned was to bring a can of Lysol spray. It seems people like to clean that sewer hose by using the faucet that you connect the white water hose to. Yep, they put the sewer hose over the faucet. Anyway, they suggest always disinfecting that faucet with Lysol before attaching your white water hose.
I think if I ever rent an RV, I'll just buy my own white water hose.
I've been watching old Duggar shows. Jim Bob could teach Kody a thing or two about being a successful businessman. They both have a lot of energy, but Jim Bob invests his in real estate and small businesses that people will use. Kody uses his energy running around the cuddle-sac and working on scams and get rich quick schemes.
ReplyDeleteThanks CJ for the timely review. These episodes have not been worthy of watching more than once or even finish watching, so i respect your effort to make lemons out of lemonade. Dakota Justice was right. The clip pre view of the show was it, the best of the episode. These people are worn out and sick of each other. Robyn's face has gotten down right bizarre ..you would think a financially more stable lifestyle would help not hurt her.
ReplyDeleteRobyn commented that she didn't have to drive. The adults were ok with that considering she blew an engine on a suv. Granted Kody heard the ticking on it before she took off, but she more than likely ignored an oil light.
ReplyDeleteMy father always told me if the oil or water light comes on, it's already too late. Kody should have checked that car because ticking usually means low oil!
DeleteWell since it took Kody a bazillion years to replace the hubcap on Janelle's vehicle and with their past vehicle maintenance history, I'm not at all surprised. I'm sure Kody babies his Harley and LIV mobile however. If he still has the car...
DeleteI'm sure Kody babies his Harley and LIV mobile however. If he still has the car...
DeleteOh he still has the LIV mobile. It was parked next to Robyn's silver van in her garage.
And it had a big ole dent in the left side back fender.
HA! They never take care of their stuff.
DeleteHe probably bought it after the lease was up, or something.
Mswc is now offering scarfs as a new product. This may be one of the cheapest items they have on their crappy website. Just thought I would let you know just incase you wanted to hurry up and buy one. Ha ha ha !!!!!
ReplyDeleteI was really alarmed at how sickly Truely looked during the couch sessions with the younger kids.
ReplyDeleteI made that comment to my daughter too...but then I noticed one of her older sisters (Ysabel)...she kind of has the same look, inset eyes with dark circles...so I think she will look more like her then...oh say Aspyn. I have just always been concerned about her weight, in fact Christine had made a comment way back after Sol was born that Truley wasn't much heavier then Sol and Truely was like 2 years old. I guess she is just a very petite little girl.
Deletei will never shut up about truely's health until a paediatrician tells me she's fine. she wasn't just underweight, i checked the growth charts and she was on the thick line at the bottom, below which there is no more data. that's pretty serious if you ask me and it has bothered me since then. when she had kidney failure last year, i was shocked but not surprised. i hope the doctors read the browns the riot act and truely is getting the medical care she needs. she's an adorable little girl and i want her to be well, in spite of her parents' incompetence.
Deletewell, it's not for ME to say how her health is, but it bothers me that Christine has decided to put Truely on a gluten free regimen - the only people who really need to be on GF are people with celiac disease. Based on statements made by Chrstine when they were doing LIV (that she was giving the LIV stuff to Truely to help her poop) I think that Christine just makes her own assumptions and hops on the bandwagon of whatever is popular. She thinks churches are filled with sharks, I'm sure she thinks the same about medical doctors as well.
Deletei never realised just how little christine might believe in conventional medicine until i saw rhonda on 'my five wives' reacting to her cancer scare. she was not only terrified, she also felt GUILTY about going to a doctor, because in their belief system, god will just heal the righteous. looking back, this gives a whole new perspective about how surprised christine was that giving birth in hospital was comparatively pleasant (i don't have kids, but i understand giving birth is not much fun) and why robyn droned on inanely about 'losing the magic of the actual birth that god designed' by 'going the hospital route'. while robyn mentioned taking king sol (i have an irrational dislike for this poor child because of how he is treated and i realise he doesn't deserve it) to the doctor when he had a cough, i doubt christine ever did the same with truely. no paediatrician in their right mind would not have taken action on her weight. truely wasn't small when she was born, she was 7 lb 11 oz, which is hardly worryingly tiny, but her weight didn't increase as it should have. she's such a vivacious little girl that i don't think anybody would assume anything was wrong, but a doctor would have. while i might be wrong, i imagine that christine simply did not take her apparently healthy child for her scheduled check-ups, for whatever reason. anyway, i hope that last year's crisis taught the browns something and that truely is now well, if deprived of gluten, which is what makes bread fun.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
DeleteCJ, thanks for the review. Again, you managed to make "dull" entertaining.
ReplyDeleteAll the adults and their behaviors are predictable now, regardless of whatever stupid premise TLC/ F8P comes up with to fill the allotted hour.
Meri is standing aside of any crap, making it look like the rest of them are the loons and it doesn't concern her.
Janelle will always be clueless, as if she needs more time to process each and any event before she can offer any thought or action. And even then, it will be to bolster whatever Kody says or does.
Christine is just ditzy. The eternal adolescent stuck in time.
She plays that one, or is that one, and therefore can't be expected to ever take charge as an adult.
Sobbin continues to downgrade in every way. She is like an expensive dress that turns out to be of cheap material and poor workmanship.
And Kody? Kody will be spazzing and jerking, mindlessly reacting to everyone and everything, being the star and ultimate face and voice of it all.
Except that now his star is looking old and boring.
The show is done, yet TLC may choose to refry and recycle this show and these people as long as it suits their game plan.
Which means we can snark onward !!
My pleasure, Amused!!
DeleteAny downfall in this family is Kody's fault - pure and simple. You cannot have this type of family and somebody not take the lead and be in charge. Just gonna play armchair psychologist for a bit:
ReplyDeleteHe should've taken charge (a la Joe D.) 20 something years ago when he married the first two. He should not have accepted Meri's maltreatment of Janelle or allowed Janelle to accept it. He should have put his foot down because all that talk about leaving it to the wives is not going to work in this situation. You need a strong leader, which Kody is not. I think his women spoil him; I think he's a pretty boy who is into his hair and clothes; I think he's straight and don't believe he is anything but straight; but I don't think he felt accepted by his dad; I think polygamy was his way of getting dad's approval; I really don't think he's abusive to his family - negligent perhaps, but not abusive; I think he's a nice guy overall who just needs a lot of attention; I do think the latter is pathetic for a man his age.
Polygamy was not a good choice for him either.
Jasmine, once again, you're spot on!
DeleteI think that he not only didn't feel completely accepted by his dad, but also was overly spoiled by his mama. I mean, what middle age man with any self-respect and leadership skills would go and on-camera stuff his face with his mother's food right after claiming that what is "hers is mine, and what is mine is mine"? And she just lets him do it! Now his wives perpetuate this negative behavior by clapping at his immaturity. Great example for all those children looking up at them-NOT!
Kody doesn't care, in fact IMO Kody relished in the jealousy and still does because, you see, it was all about HIM. they were fighting over HIM. and that's all that matters in his little world.
DeleteI don't believe Kody is anything but straight, either, but I do get a vibe that Meri may have bisexual tendencies. She's done nothing overtly, it's just a vibe I pick up on from time to time when watching her on the show. And, a la Seinfeld, "not that there's anything wrong with that!!!"
DeleteI think Kody is a latent homosexual. His religion doesn't allow it and his father sure wouldn't have tolerated it. Kody is so busy screaming "I'M A MAN! I'M A REAL MAN!" That is just seems like he doth protest too much....
DeleteI think Kody is a latent homosexual.
DeleteWell, that would be keeping in line with the Big Love story book...although Albie Grant was a bit more lovable.
Right on Amused! Sobbin continues to downgrade in every way. She is like an expensive dress that turns out to be of cheap material and poor workmanship. Great analogy. I wonder how well they really knew her before bringing her in to the family. In reading their book it was just so crazy how they explain all of that. It was an uncomfortable feeling how Meri reeled her in then banished her.
ReplyDeleteDid it bother anyone else that during the couch session with the younger girls they were billing Aurora as "Kody & Robin's daughter?" I'm divorced, & that would have sent me through the roof if it were my kid! Of course, I would never let my kids be exposed to this kind of insanity in the first place, but still, it really irked me to see that!
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't bother me. My mother remarried when I was 7. I asked my mom what I could call him and she said how about daddy. I did. He adopted me 2 years later and finally he was really my daddy. And he is still my daddy. Kody is providing a home and food, clothing etc. So what if they have 2 dads. I just don't see what the big deal is.
DeleteWell, we actually don't know what is going on in their personal life (lol reality meh), there is a chance that their dad has removed himself from their life or has received $$$$ to go with the flow and whatever happens....happens. I would think if there were any issues the guy would have been ringing the "media bell" and we would be seeing something in regards to the Browns and "his kids" type thing, but I don't believe anything has been dug up. So I am not going to worry too much about the title they put under the kids names...it might make the kids feel more a part of the family and that is what is important the most.
DeleteTwo dads, two moms, titles don't matter as much as actions...what bothers me most is the way Robyn bad mouths bio-Dad. Countless professionals all agree, it doesn't matter what hell a spouse put you through, bad mouthing a parent hurts the kids. Children processes things differently, they internalize all that negativity. Robyn has repeatedly stated she was abused and victimized by her ex, even if it was absolutely true ( which who knows) that is not how you handle it, particularly when the kids have an on going relationship with the parent. Saying the marriage was difficult, unhealthy, troubled, toxic, all fine, but calling Dad an abuser on tv and a deadbeat on twitter, are not ok.
DeleteAnd her ex can't be that bad if the kids stay with him during the summer and Christmas.
DeleteI divorced my first husband when our children were both older teens, and we had joint custody of them. I remarried, and he had a girlfriend, and it would bother me if my children were referred to as their daughter, instead of Dad/Step Mom. I never allowed my children to call my new husband Dad, out of respect to their father. It may be different since Robins children were much younger when Kody came into their lives, but still. I just think it's a respect thing, if the bio dad is still in the picture, and clearly he is. Robin bad mouthing him on tv and in front of their children is wrong, especially since he still has visitation to these children. Why he allows her to say those things without being upset I don't know. Or, maybe it does upset him, we don't know what goes on with personal things/conversations. Maybe he doesn't mind them calling Kody dad, but I know my ex wouldn't like it, and would have let me know! I just think it comes down to respect. If the bio dad/mom is still in the picture, then I don't think children should call their step parents mom or dad. So yes, Anon, July 10, 9:10 a.m., I totally understand. It would bother me as well.
DeleteI don't even see WHY the producers/TLC feel the need to put those captions in to begin with. "Janelle - Kody's 2nd wife" "Meri - Kody's 1st wife" and "Hunter - Kody's and Janelle's son". why not just say Janelle's son if the assumption is being made that Kody is the father of all of them including Robyn's oldest three? And why put Kody's and the wives' names in captions? The intro of the show already has that every single week for the people watching who just came out from under a rock.
DeleteAgreed about parents not bad-mouthing parents. My mom never said a kind word about my dad in front of me, and I never forgot it. Granted, he was a hot-mess, but I would have found out soon enough on my own. Even though my mom took care of us, I still resented her for talking about my dad that way. Now that I'm older I've grown to understand her anger, but back then I just wanted to be like the other kids on the block and have my dad around as much as possible.
DeleteI see what you mean DJustice. Kody doesn't refer to the kids as "mine and Janelles kids" when talking about them anyway. He simply says "Janelles kids, Christines kids..etc." I noticed that a long time ago. So why put "Kody and Robins kids" or whatever wife they are referring to, in captions? Don't know.
DeleteIt doesn't bother me in general. I think life is complicated enough for kids from divorced homes, so why add extra pressure of having to "footnote" every introduction? The bad-mouthing of the other parent (or of any of the step-parents) bothers me. Again, why make an already stressful and complicated situation harder for the kids?
DeleteJules: Your point reminds me of something that always seems odd to me. I think the words the Browns use to describe things are really interesting and very telling in terms of how they really see things and feel about their connections. And I think it often shows they do not see themselves as one big family. You mentioned that Kody refers to the kids by their mother's name; I noticed that too and he rarely says "my" or "our" kids. He talks about "Meri's anniversary" or "Janelle's anniversary", not "our anniversary." He talks about "the wives" not "my wives", which is oddly impersonal and objectifies them. The kids also talk about "my mom" when referring to their biological mother. When they are referring to multiple of the parents, they also use the impersonal phrases, like "the moms" or "the parents" versus "my moms" or "my parents." Very odd. It always makes me go "hmmmmm…?"
I have always thought it interesting that they say they are one family, but talk as if they are separate families. I also found it interesting on "My Five Wives" on the last "Q and A" episode when they were asked if they had any pets...each wife and her children had their own pets that they announced. Instead I would have expected them to say "Yes, we have 3 dogs, 4 cats a bird and a guinea pig" or something like that.
DeleteI was wondering what was going on with Robyn this season; what's with all the scarves? Then I noticed MSWC has added scarves to its inventory. Well, I guess I know why Robyn is suddenly sporting a frou frou bow under her chin, or maybe it's just someting else to fuss and pick at. (Robyn, if you want to promote the wearing of scarves, leave that to your sister wife Janelle. She pulls off the look with panache, but you look fussy and dated--however if you DO insist on wearing scarves, with your hairdo you really should go with more modern prints, and tie them in edgier ways, or you end up looking like Laura Petrie from the Dick van Dyke Show. "Oh, Kody!")
ReplyDeleteAmong a wide variety of other cheap gew-gahs.
Their website has no clear focus and no clear identity. Their business name is confusing. Even after trying to browse there, I don't know what they are selling (are they just random items, or is there some kind of theme?), and I don't know why I should shop there (I'm willing to spend more, if there's a good reason). Their temporary celebrity may have brought me to their website, but that's where it ends.
I was wondering what was going on with Robyn this season; what's with all the scarves?
DeleteI thought maybe she was trying to hide a spot on her blouse or her double chin...
As far as their website is concern, that is part of Robyn's master plan: to bombard would be consumers with globs of junk hoping they find something to buy. It's like they have no clue. How many times have you walked into a huge flea market, looked around, got tired and left to go to a smaller more organized store - then voila, you find something you want to buy.
I am sure Robyn is not interested in my opinion, but in the spirit of snarkiness, I shall offer my two cents anyway.
DeleteFirst, I think the branding for mysisterwifescloset is really poor and even polarizing. I would recommend changing the name and refocusing your brand on the positive values you are trying to promote through your economy line. If you must offer apparel, build on your mission by offering modesty wear for women. If it's really that difficult to find "fashion forward" shirts and dresses with 3/4 sleeves, then it should be a guaranteed money-maker. Most importantly, eliminate any mention or hint of your family or polygamous background. If the business is going to be successful for the long-term, it must have a wider appeal and not be tied to anyone's 15 minutes of fame.
I don't get Sobbin's thing with too small and tight, and for her height, too short, jackets. They never fit her right.
DeleteHer jackets, rather than being accessorizing, always look like she just grabbed one from the kid's closet.
I couldn't agree more, anon 11:25. I am older and I love 3/4 length blouses, tees, and summer/winter shirts. THEY ARE HARD TO FIND. :) Unless you like the plaid, "button up at the elbow" look, which is dated, IMO. Janelle would be perfect for this mission! Get on it, girly-girl!
DeleteFrom the very beginning I believed their brand was polarizing and restrictive, and would eventually go nowhere. It's actually a great idea, but boy, have the Browns' went about it wrong. The name could be changed into "________ Closet" and make it into a best friend's, a biological sister, a mother, or whomever else's closet a woman may raid for whatever reason. I don't know if it's too late to salvage it at this point, though.
Anon 1:41 - I think you might be looking at the wrong person, because Janelle (just like the rest of the SWs and Kody) ain't no clothing designer.
DeleteIr you're looking for 3/4 sleeve tops, check designer James Perse, he makes great 3/4 sleeve shirts of all types and they are stylish/timeless and cotton. It's easy to find his stuff on sale. He's my favorite designer and I have at least a dozen of his shirts! his V-neck T is classic!
Thanks for the head's up, DJ...I'll take a look at the website.
DeleteLove Love Love James Perse..have a closet full of t shirts and blouses. Neiman Marcus Last Call online has great deals on all of it.
DeleteHow about just calling it "Be Values by Robyn" at bevaluesfashions.com? The domain is available Robyn. I checked. If you were a smart entrepreneur, you would buy it anyway for your jewelry line before someone else does.
DeleteWhy does that family even hire a business consultant. All they have to do is read this blog to know what they are doing wrong;)
I always wondered if there was some sort of infringement issue with the "Be" line of Crest toothpaste... Probably not since it is a different product, but interesting nonetheless.
DeleteI was bored and watched the first episode again on Netflix last night. Christine rolled her eyes when speaking about Robyn back then. I never noticed that before. I also noticed that Robyn's reaction to Kody when he came to pick her up for their date was bizarre. She giggled and behaved like a school girl on her first date - certainly not the behavior of a grown woman raising three kids on her own. This whole polygamist culture is remarkably out of touch to me. I guess they like it that way. Ignorance is bliss.
ReplyDeleteI remember the first episode, when Robin first saw Kody at her house too. He was picking her up for that date they had, where he took her for hot chocolate and gave her "ring", which was made of string I believe, that one of the children made for her. What I didn't like is the fact that he kissed her that night, if I remember correctly, and you may correct me if I'm wrong, but I know they kissed several times before they were married, and it was caught on tv. Yet, he preaches to his teens to wait to kiss until marriage due to hormones. (which, I did read a story about hormones in your mouth, yada yada, on Yahoo, just 4 or 5 months ago, so it confirms Kodys story to Mykelti) I just don't understand why it was ok to kiss Robin, but not ok for teens to kiss. And I never read their book, so it would be interesting to me if someone could post a little back story on how it came about exactly when Robin entered the picture. I know they met at a mutual friends party, I believe, but how did Meri go about getting them together and if she did, why were her and Kody in therapy during the time he was courting Robin? I would be interested in how that began if anyone wanted to post, who read the book.
Deleteannon 11:01..notice how Kody strutted like a pea cock when he walked in to Robyn's house?
DeleteCan anyone tell me why they have so many products on their website that contain hearts/keys? As an adult, I just don't like the cutsie heart jewelry. If my husband bought me something with hearts on it, (and he has), I would wear it and cherish it for sure. But it just seems that a lot of their jewelry has a heart/arrow/ key stuck on it somewhere, and I just don't get it. Is that jewelry really what her and her sister wives would/do wear? I thought the whole concept of the closet was to show the different styles/identities of all the sister wives, and so I would think they would sell things that were relatable to them. Like Meri says she wanted an edgier dress to wear to the commitment ceremony. She may be trying to dress more edgy now that she is an empty nester so to speak, so, why not have a collection of more modern/edgier pieces from Meri? Or the stupid aprons they have? What? They could have made some cute/vintage aprons that stores are selling now if they wanted to go that route. Instead it's a hard material, with their butterfly/hand logo on it, that looks like a child had drawn it for them. I just think it's a mis/matched closet/website. They could have done so much more in terms of jewelry, and clothing pieces. A closet consists of much more than just jewelry. I'm glad they have branched out to scarves, at least it's a clothing piece, but what makes their scarves different from what we can buy in the store? They need to be more creative in their buying process and give their customers more of a choice in products. Do they really sell a lot of these things? Does anyone know? I know they talked about shipping sooooo much out, when Mariah was complaining, but seriously? Do they really sell that much stuff?
DeleteOOOH OOOH Jules I have the answer!!!
DeleteIt's because neither Kody nor the wives have any taste or talent for designing!
Those scarves - eech. They don't look special. I think they probably just got a killer deal on them from Ali Baba or some other wholesaler site.
What a hodgepodge of crap! It's like the J. Peterman catalog (from the Seinfeld show). What's next, an urban sombrero? That would suit Kody since he likes to laze around and nap.
LMBO DJustice! I had forgotten about the J.Peterman catalog!!!! So funneeeee. You just made me lol and I don't normally do that when reading these comments.
Deletedamn, now i'll have to go and rewatch seinfeld to enjoy mr peterman again. maybe they just like hearts and keys, but if i understand correctly, keys in particular are an important symbol in mormonism, relating to salvation and getting into heaven. i assume something similar might be applied to hearts. then again, i might just be overthinking things.
DeleteHa! Now I'm searching for J Peterman Seinfeld on Youtube. The Urban Sombrero...
DeleteActually I was just thinking about the correllations. The fictional Seinfeld J. Peterman and Kody have similarties - they both want to be seen as The Big Stud and the Man in Charge, pontificating like they are the SMEs in everything. Pompous blowhards who are obsessed with their appearance and their hair. The big difference is that Mr. Peterman knew how to dress and always looked put together (except for when Peterman went crazy and escaped to Burma and left Elaine in charge, when she did a slightly better job than Robyn does on MSWC...LOL). Kody just looks like a freaking slob.
DeleteI didn't even notice he used a white house in that scene - I was to blinded by the fact that he was wearing Dansko's Staple Clogs. Never in my life have a seen a man wearing them (although I'm sure they do).
ReplyDeleteWe'll look at that mop of hair covering his face, I'm surprised he was able to find ANY hose. What a moron.
DeleteKodys pony tail on the back of his head looks like my daughter's my little pony from 23 years ago,,do men wear them that high up? ate they not lower to be cool?
DeleteClogs and a high ponytail....ya, that's super manly....
DeleteFor a guy who is desperate to prove his masculinity, he sure has some non-man-card looks going on...
Cousin It... he couldn't see the hose!
DeleteI enjoy hearing from the kids more than the adults.........I really admire the way the older ones seem to have a good plan for what they want to do with their futures.....and you can't help but notice that polygamy isn't really in anyone's future......(except Mariah).......
ReplyDeleteI think that is "telling" of what their everyday life is really like.
The show is definitely not interesting..........I'm confused at how they keep bringing them back.......yawn!
I find it interesting that Mykelti and Aspyn have no real urge to marry, but would love to have children. Very telling.
Deleteinteresting if Mykelti and Aspyn don't ever get married they go to Kody's planet heaven without having to deal with sisterwives and sharing a husband... is this right? sounds like a way to get to the best Heaven without all the bullshit... Those girls are way smarter than their parents... LOL
DeleteSadlly, Aspyn and Mykelti have had their mother show them by example that it does not take marriage to raise children. Their mother has six children without a real legal husband. What they are talking about is not so very different.
DeleteAnonymous 6:46pm: Agree completely. Very, very sad.
DeleteI suspect that one of the reasons that Kody reacts to David and Sol more positively than Christine and Janelle's boys is that the other wives do not have the same emotional currency as Robyn. I mean we have seen her anger at the snow and how she cannot be quieted by Kody, so I wonder if her relationship with Kody is based upon her somewhat bullying him. While I think that Christine may have meltdowns, remember she is a "princess" in terms of her family's royality position in that culture and she is emotionally stunted in that prepubescient stage where she pouts and the man will give in or she needs rescuing by the man or whatever else goes through her giggly little brain. Janelle, on the other hand, just makes these faces that show her disappointment but with Kody, he pays attention to the one with the loudest and sternest affect. Meri versus Janelle, according to the book, Meri won. Even Meri says she had not tempered her opinions and her mouth; Janelle was more passive. So, Robyn probably gets by with brow beating Kody into paying attention to her kids and it works. Kody is so emotionally immature that for him if a wife doesn't make waves, he doesn't see this as her being unhappy but simply as she is being sweet or a good wife.
ReplyDeleteThat entire system of his running from one wife to the other drives me nuts. While I do not understand how the women settle for less than for themselves and their children, I cannot fault him. If Janelle and Christine are content being put on the side lines or in an RV or with an unsatisfactory budget, then who am I to blame the man. I suspect one of the reasons that Janelle's boys are so disrespectful to Kody is that they have seen their mother's pain probably when she hasn't actually acknowledge it herself and they blame Kody. They do pick on the younger kids and the girls and fight with each other but I am sure a lot of their striking out is masking their urges to knock the old man on his ass. I am glad the girls and Logan are moving out and moving on and my hope for all those kids is that they are given the same opportunities. Kody is a freak, plain and simple and his children must see it even though their mothers are blinded. As my grandmother would say about the wives, bless their hearts...maybe they'll wake up.
I just think that Kody's still in love with Robyn, while he loves his other wives, with the exception of Meri, of whom he is still in love with, also. Did anyone read in the book where Meri and Robyn went to counseling before the wedding took place? Maybe I'm just remembering it wrong, but I found that interesting.
DeleteAnon 2:07 PM, I had mentioned earlier in my post about the counseling as well. Yes, they went to counseling, after Robin came into the picture. Yet according to Meri, it was she that got Robin and Kody together. I didn't read the book, I'm only commenting on what I heard them say on the couch interviews. They did go, all three of them at one time. Just confusing as to why Meri was so gung ho about bringing Robin on board, then had to get counseling to deal w/it. Maybe she didn't realize how in love Kody would fall into with Robin.
DeleteThanks, Jules, for refreshing my memory. As you mentioned, it does mention in their book that the trio of Kody, Meri, and Robyn attended counseling sessions together before the marriage. Then Meri and Robyn (Meri placed it in quotes) "did our own 'couples counseling'" (p. 108). According to Meri (paraphrasing the page, here) Robyn actively tried to create positive, healthy bonds with Meri before she married Kody. I have to say that as mean as Meri was to Janelle in the beginning, she was quite honest about her actions in this book, at least to a point.
DeleteKody gets on well with David because to David, Kody is a hero who rescued his trailer-livin', Victoria's Secret wearing mama. Kody is superficially nice, non-abusive, mostly absent, and he probably leaves David alone. Kody gets on well with Sol because Sol is a toddler and has no expectations.
DeleteKody's other male sons clearly have issues with Kody. Kody no longer fools them and they no longer idolize Kody. Kody and his sons will continue to grow apart as it's revealed what a selfish idiot Kody is. The more those boys age, the more they understand, and the more they will disrespect Kody.
So now Kody gives his special needs stepson and new toddler all the attention because they are clueless and don't realize that their father is a joke.
I find the relationship between Kody, Meri and Robyn very sick. It goes all the way back to the beginning, how they met and pursued Robyn, the strange pre-marital counseling, just yuck. But the worst thing I think I've seen was during that marriage retreat they did when they did the body sculpting session. Meri positioned herself away from Kody with Robyn between them. And when they were talking about it not feeling good, Robyn asked "Is this better?" and then she took both Kody and Meri's hands in hers so she was still between the but she was the connection point between them. Yuck, yuck, yuck! And intrusive. And rude. And incredibly insensitive. And totally unhealthy. I honestly felt ill when I saw that, especially when Meri's reaction was an emotional, "Oh yes, that's much better!" HUH? Wake up Meri. You deserve so much better.
DeleteYou absolutely can and should place blame on Kody for his wive's willingness to demand less for themselves. In this culture, men have the power. These women were raised to believe that their husband is the ticket to heaven and that heaven is more important than this life. Kody is willing to grab that power and has no qualms about putting these women through hell just so they can join in the afterlife. This religious teaching is ingrained in youth and it is so difficult to escape that kind of thinking. What we see- the power struggles and skirmishes between wives- are really just attempts at self-preservation. These women are not in charge and they are being told they have no power. Saying Kody should not be blame is like the stupid "don't hate the player, hate the game." No, we should despise the player for choosing to abuse power when he is free to make a different choice, too. I'm not saying the wives are without blame, but I am saying that absolving Kody (as suggested above) is ludicrous.
DeleteIn anticipation of Sunday's episode, I googled biblical polygamy. I came across the "premiere" website for christian polygamy, truthbearer.org. If you want information on the practice, you have to join for a mere $30/month or $80 for six months. They are all charlatans at heart.
ReplyDeleteI'm beyond tired of people who clearly are not Christian and don't understand it calling themselves Christians and blaspheming the faith in the process. The only thing that frustrates me more is that the vast majority of Christians are complacent and allowing it to happen unchallenged.
DeleteAnon - here here!!! SO tired of every religion being lumped into Christianity. Really. When you start to scratch the surfaces a bit about what ppl really believe, it is anything you want to... make up! Anything goes!
DeleteAnd..isnt she always saying how she was raised up in the faith? But if she has Jesus memobrialia all around it stands to reason that she was raised in Christian home? But she then goes to say she is glad her children dont have to hide anymore. (she said this in the earlier videos, at that point they were married maybe 3 months when the kids went to school so they actually never HAD to hide) They make my head hurt with their inconsistency.
DeleteAnd..isnt she always saying how she was raised up in the faith? But if she has Jesus memobrialia all around it stands to reason that she was raised in Christian home?
DeleteHere's a link to Mormon Fundamentalism.
Mormon fundamentalism
Noel: I think Christine was talking about "hiding" polygamy. Although they didn't have to "hide" it during school when they were in the Utah private school for polygamist families, I expect they did have to hide it when they were out and about in public beyond the AUB, family and private school.
DeleteDid I hear Kody or Christine right when they said that this family they are visiting have one husband and three wives and the wives and husband share the same bedroom? I don't know about you guys but to me that's a little strange. Maybe, though, if you actually were in the bedroom with your husband while he boinked his other wife, you might not be so jealous or so crazy.
ReplyDeleteI think one of the wives said at one time they had to share a bedroom. I'm just going to reserve voicing my opinion until I see the episode. SW is notorious for showing scenes in previews that don't make the final cut.
DeleteDo these wives all share one bedroom to sleep in and then have a separate, "private bedroom" for the individual, wifely visits with hubby? I'm confused.
DeleteMy money is on that they threw that line out as a teaser to lock in viewers.
DeleteIt isn't honest, but that is the way the ratings game is played.
Odds are the subject of plyg communal bedrooms came up in conversation with these people, and the statement was made that "some" plygs share the bedroom and bed.
BUT not them !!
The producers are apparently going to have to resort to any ploy to get people to keep those ratings up. Makes you wonder just how bizarre and how far they will go to keep the show on.
That is exactly what was said in the preview. The new plyg family said that they knew of some people who share a bedroom, but that they do not do so themselves.
DeleteIn reading about polygamy I have found times that wives have to share a bedroom. The "husband" usually has his own room in this situation and the wives visit him. I do not recall exatly which book I was reading, but it was one in which the wives moved to Mexico. The husband was eventually murdered by his brother.
DeleteI have seen plenty of documentaries of non-religious plygs that they all share the same bed. There are many of them on youtube if you want to go see.
Deletehuh! On YT huh? Strange that Kody and Christine seem totally surprised. One would think that since they were plyg advocates they'd be aware of the different communities. Notice how I use the past tense. They WERE advocates, now they're just media whores.
DeleteI believe the difference there is that those couples were polyamorous not polygamist, meaning it was totally about the sex and not a tenet of their religious beliefs. This may be screwed up of me, but I actually have alot more respect for polyamorous arrangements than polygamist marriages. Somehow it seems more fair and equitable to the women in the relationship.
Delete"The "husband" usually has his own room in this situation and the wives visit him. I do not recall exatly which book I was reading, but it was one in which the wives moved to Mexico. The husband was eventually murdered by his brother."
DeleteJust makes ya wanna run right out and join that fun fundy religion, doesn't it?!
Didn't one of the PUSA families have the same arrangement or am I not recalling accurately?
DeleteThat is correct DJ. Their real last name is Barlow but I don't remember offhand their first names. The wives had a steak and wine party for themselves while he was working out of state.
DeleteWell, CJ, it's been a great recap, thanks for your efforts. I wish you could've posted that one screen image of Kody with his frowny-face while he was doing his talking-head segment. Every time I saw that I immediately thought of that ubiquitous frowny emoticon we all use - Kody looked like the perfect frowny emoticon in that screen image!!!
ReplyDeleteThe new bracelet called Bright on the website comes with a description that can not be right. It's 4 inches?
ReplyDeleteNo bracelet is 4 inches...her attempt to add description and meausurments looks incorrect
I did see the new rhinestone daisy headband for $23! There is no rhyme or reason to what they sell... scarves, aprons, music, pewter trinkets, overpriced sterling silver, watches, candy- where does the madness stop?
Delete"where does the madness stop?"
DeleteHeart-shaped Viagra pill boxes ???
HA! lol Amused.
DeleteI'm waiting to see the following on their website... Gluten free peanut butter, corn chips & toffee clusters!!!!!!!!!
DeleteI thought only hipsters were gluten intolerant...I guess self diagnosing plygs can be too.
DeleteBtw, I want to say I appreciate Cyncial Jinx and the effort and time put into this blog. It is only the second blog I ever comment on, and seems I have had a lot to say lately on here, lol and I appreciate the forum to do so. I missed the other blog so much, and looked for it to open up again someday, so when I found this sight, I was so excited to see what others thought and felt about this show and have others to bounce off of. Thanks for the time you put into it, and thanks for letting me post.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Jules, thanks Ms.Jinx for inviting us to your living room!
DeleteYou are all very welcomed. It's my pleasure!
Deletemy mental default setting is metric, but that struck me as immensely odd too.
ReplyDeleteI don't doubt the kids have less respect for their parents than is usual but heres what this episode made me think about.....
ReplyDeleteAs the youngest child of a family I truly feel bad for these kids. When older siblings move out the whole family dynamic changes. Parents generally have adult responsibilities that can help fill the void or ease the change but it's harder on kids. Good parents will help them through it but we know the Browns.....
Just imagine a kid like Garrison. In so few years- a tv show, a new sibling, a new "mom" and siblings, moving to LV, change schools, move to rentals, new sibling, move again, Logan's not home, uncle dies, grandfather dies, Aspyn leaves, Truly gets sick, Maddies about to leave.... I mean, Damn. And we all know he and the other kids aren't getting support like they should from their parents.
I feel sorry for those kids.
So true. Spelled out in this way, it's startling. To top it all off, he is called out and ridiculed on said TV show for his peers to see. I see an angry man in the making.
DeleteIf this show had staying power, which it does not. Would we see the younger kids next on the "we can't stand the teenagers" hit list? Even..gasp...Solomon!! They really do not care for the teenage age group. Takes real parenting effort and hard work to deal with them and their moods.
We all know how Kody and Krew feel about effort and hard work! So it's just that they have "monsters" and "wild" kids. Their teenagers are fair game for storyline. Kody's the general..he gets to say so.
But when stepson Dayton got injured he requested to not have that personal event featured. Rightly so,and they respected that.(except on twitter..be more specific next time Dayton)
Do the other kids get a say in what is shown about them, on this gone on for way too long invasion of their privacy? I'm thinking not.
Hunter was dragged into several scenes when they first moved,so they could show his depression, that they caused. I'm sure he had no choice. Now it's Garrison's turn..Stand right there!!("where..on my mark for the camera?") Now apologize!!!
Humiliation...Nice parenting Kody!
These kids are all planning their escape from this mess.
Agree 1000% Anon. Another youngest here and it is very hard when the older kids move on and the whole family shifts focus. You get lost in the shuffle. I feel bad for the youngest Roloff boy for the same reason. They spent years talking about the kids growing up and having and empty nest, WHILE having a pre-teen in their home!! He was invisible. :(
DeleteWhat's with Kody's klogs? Added height? Maybe him a Meri have the same size feet...
ReplyDeleteClogs? Ohhhh!! I hadn't noticed that until the picture. I need brain bleach. That's worse than the hairy toe flip flops. A man card carrier wears work boots or at least manly sneakers on a camping trip.
Delete1. Most homeowner association rules provide at least 4 hours for loading and unloading rvs. 2. Most HOA s prohibit commercial operations that are not purely administrative in nature. Like constantly filming a tv show or merchandising crap out of your garage. 3. All hoas I have ever worked with (over 1k) prohibit conversion of a garage for residential or commercial purposes...like making a wrestling room. As board officers a number of browns...those on the board, are breaching their fiduciary duty. Also...they exposed the hoa corporation to an effed up degree stringing those lights over the common area streets for their commitment shindig.
ReplyDeleteKody is the president of the hoa. I don't think he really cares about rules because he thinks rules are for other people.
DeleteQuestion from a Canadian... Are HOAs really common? We don't have them where I live so I am quite baffled someone can tell you what/how you decorate your home or what cars you can and can't have in your driveway. I will stick to Canada!
DeleteAnon Canadian - most of the newer home communities and all of the condo buildings I know have HOAs. Ya I couldn't deal with it either. My best friend owns a condo and she goes to the HOA meetings...the directors in charge basically call all the shots. There's a lot of power tripping going on. No way could I deal with that crap.
DeleteAnon 5:43 - the only HOAs where I live (east Tennessee) are in condo developments. I don't personally know anyone who has to deal with a HOA.
DeleteHidey-ho, Canada! HOAs are not as common as it may seem when there are so many stories on the internet about overly-zealous HOAs and their heavy-handed (and usually ridiculous) "rules." I've lived all over California and have friends and family all over the U.S., and I've never been part of any HOA. The vast majority of us just live where we live and consult our own sense of propriety and taste about what our homes look like! :)
DeleteI remember watching a flipping houses show a couple of years ago. They were in Los Angeles (near the ocean) and these 2 sisters were flipping a historic house. The sisters painted the house this weird color with the doors and window trims in another bad color. They got a letter from from the HOA that the color scheme was not one of the approved schemes set by the HOA. They had to repaint or else.
DeleteOn a more personal note, a friend decided to buy new screens for her townhouse about 30 years old and yes, the HOA wrote her a letter saying she was in violation as the screens had to match all the other screens. She also complained about the high cost of the HOA fees.
I own a home in an area of Colorado with lots of new construction. HOAs are very common. We got a violation that last year because there were some dandelions in our front yard. Where I grew up, those were food for animals and people, not something to kill with chemicals. It was a pain in my butt and thankfully I'm leaving the area soon. Most people in my city do have to deal with an HOA. I think it just depends upon where you live.
Deleteannon 10:38 you are so right about the HOA restrictions. When Kody was stringing those lights i thought the same thing. Besides the damage to the houses by drilling in bolts (which are probably still there) Kody bragged about the wind and how hard it was to hang them. It was a risk and im surprised he was allowed to do it. Common areas are bonded and insured, The HAO would have been the ones on the hook if damage or injury from the hanging lights caused such.
ReplyDeleteI agree, and Anon 10:38 really pointed out other issues that I didn't even consider. Thank you, Anon 10:38.
DeleteAlso, although Kody is the HOA President, he is not a dictator or autocrat. Pinnacle, the sponsor, probably still controls the HOA, especially if they have unsold plots and homes.
If I were the Browns' neighbors, especially if I lived in their cul de sac, I'd be mad that my dues are subsidizing them, and the HOA rules are disregarded, at the expense of my quiet enjoyment. I wouldn't let them hang out in my pool and profess what nice people they are.
Guess who's the hoa president?
DeleteIt would be interesting to see who else is in the HOA, if it is Kody and his wives they are probably the majority. Looks like there's another Karen posting, I think that makes 3 of us. I will just sign off with my name here. Karen F.
ReplyDeleteI think the HOA is just for the culdesac and since the Browns own four of the nine houses in said culdesac, they of course have the majority rule. Of course, since they trashed their rental homes (or at least Christine did) and these are basically just rentals anyway, they could care less about how many bolts they drill into the walls.
DeleteHey, CJ and fellow snarkers, I'd like to throw something out there about comments: While the semi-religious nature of the Sister Wives show (and similar polygamy shows) naturally lends itself to speculation and discussion about the ins-and-outs of doctrine and beliefs, I'm hoping we can ease back on comments that stray away from the show and begin hammering down on the specifics of "correct" articles of faith, i.e., what constitutes true Christianity, etc. CJ has a BIG living room and I have a hunch that a wide range of political and religious beliefs are represented here. What keeps us all coming back is the fun of the sister wives/polygamy discussion, and I'd hate to see that derailed. CJ, I mean absolutely no disrespect to the wonderful job you do here--I LOVE this blog!
ReplyDeleteHi Anon 10:14 !
DeleteFirst of all, I value your opinion and agree that an in depth discussion of "the ins-and-outs of doctrine and beliefs," would be out of place in my living room. I was taught there were two things that shouldn't be discussed in a public setting: Politics and religion. And I've learned from experience how true that social rule can be.
However, the producers of Sister Wives have opened the door somewhat with the introduction of "biblical polygamy" featuring a "Christian" plural family on Sister Wives.
Why they just didn't say the family was non Mormon fundamentalist is beyond me, but there we have it.
My opinion is as long as there are no knock down, drag out fights about biblical polygamy, I don't have a problem. And believe me, if I feel a conversation is about to tip over into dangerous territory I will step in and end it.
And please, leave hardcore discussions centering on what is Christian and what is not (including if Mormons should be considered Christians) outside my living room.
Thank you in advance.
Three things that should never be discussed in public ....politics , religion and the great pumpkin! ( hoping someone will get the reference!)
DeleteI don't think that's possible Anon, because polygamy and this show are centered around religious beliefs and articles of faith and the proponents of polygamy have made it a political issue and campaign in current events. And to many people, they are not small issues. I've learned a ton of new things about a variety of religions and faiths (including my own) through the former Sister Wives blog and now this one (thanks for opening it up, CJ!) and I'm grateful for the doors it opened for me. There are many other things that are often (and to me randomly) brought up on this blog that have "nothing" to do with the show that distract and annoy me (such as the consistent guessing about the sexual orientation of people on the show), but I don't expect people people to censor their posts or CJ to censor them. IMHO, if you don't agree with someone's post, you are welcome to move on and read the next one.
ReplyDeleteI don't think that's possible Anon, because polygamy and this show are centered around religious beliefs and articles of faith and the proponents of polygamy have made it a political issue and campaign in current events.
DeleteI agree, however I believe we can still discuss without resorting to a "my religious beliefs are better than your religious beliefs" type of argument that I'm noticing some people tend to exhibit.
Okay, during the show the other night and Kody was skipping around the gym in preparation for the eating contest, I totally lost it. What was the purpose of the skipping? Was he trying to work in some cardio? This is so typically Kody getting camera time. I re watched the episode and when the camera crew was showing the steak eaters grubbing down, Kody started to gag and act a little sick and I am sure it was a ploy to get the camera back on him. We have said it before: he is a narcissist.
ReplyDeleteWhen I caught a glimpse of him flitting about the gym I just thought he had heard Disney is doing another Peter Pan movie & he wants to be Tinkerbell.
DeleteI wonder--now that Logan, Aspyn, Mariah, Mykelti, and Madison have left the house(s) for college, are the now-oldest kids stepping up to assume some of their duties? We saw Hunter and Garrison assigned to black water duty (poor them), but I wonder if some of the older girls are now also assuming increased childcare and home-care duties to assist the moms who still have school aged kids at home? I wonder if they already have some of those skills, or if they'll have to be taught? As an oldest (and a girl) kid, I practically raised my younger siblings myself and ran the house virtually unaided from the time I was ten, including budgeting the household money to last between my parents' paydays (they both worked). When I left home after high school, my parents tried to get my younger sister to assume those duties, but she couldn't do it all and they ended up having to hire after-school child care for our two younger brothers. And Mom had to take back grocery and cooking duty. Wonder if the younger Browns have had the same training as their older siblings, or if those responsibilities will pass back to the parents?
ReplyDeleteare you related to the duggars by any chance? btw, well done for managing all that. i hope you still got to have a childhood, too.
Deletein an unaired segment which can be viewed on the TLC website, christine said she didn't want more kids (before she had truely) because she didn't want the older ones having to raise the youngest. then kody bribed aspyn to talk her into another pregnancy.
i think christine only zoned out after robyn entered the family and she was also suffering from severe post-partum. i have the impression she was doing really badly for a while and they tried to downplay it.
"kody bribed aspyn to talk her into another pregnancy."
DeleteWow. Just...wow. IIRC (and I think I do), Christine had a serious miscarriage before Truely, one that involved serious hemorrhage. If Kody actually used his child to coerce Christine to do something as serious as go through another pregnancy, then SCREW HIM. Not saying that Christine wasn't a fool for capitulating, but to drag Aspyn into that conversations? That is beyond despicable.
If Kody actually used his child to coerce Christine to do something as serious as go through another pregnancy, then SCREW HIM
DeleteLet's break this down, logically.
Meri and Kody were having serious marital problems when Kody first laid eyes on Robyn.
Something tells me his relationship with Christine wasn't any better. So what does a woman, who basically is a throwback to the 19th century, do when she sees her "husband" getting serious with another woman? She gets pregnant.
I think it was Janelle who spoke of Christine's terrible miscarriage, and how surprised she was when Christine got pregnant again.
Kody had his hands full courting Robyn. I doubt very seriously he ever asked Aspyn to do that. Sorry, I just don't see it happening. Not from Mr I Only Have Eyes for Robyn Kody...
But, Christine has admitted she is a consummate liar. Maybe she thought by getting pregnant, it would slow down and even end Kody's infatuation with Robyn, especially after her miscarriage. But Kody continued full speed with Robyn - even when they were so poor Kody couldn't even afford a proper engagement ring and without the consent of the AUB.
Is it possible she fabricated the story to save face when Kody still went through the courting and eventual marriage of Robyn without any regard to how dangerous her pregnancy could be? I think it is.
And I have no doubt Kody may have used the story because if he didn't, he would look like a real jerk the first season (which after 4 years we now know is true.)
i don't think they lied about this, it's in this unaired video. watch and gape at the insanity.
Deletehttp://www.tlc.com/tv-shows/sister-wives/videos/the-baby-deal.htm
If anything that video clip confirms my theory! Aspyn had to remind Kody of what he asked her to do? C'mon, that was fabricated for the show! Watch Maddie's face.
DeleteQuestion........When did Christine get pregnant with Truly? Was it before Robin came into the picture? If she carried full term, 9 months, then how long was Kody and Robin courting? Anyone know? I know Robin was at the hospital the night of the birth when everyone went to see her, so that means Robin was moved into the rental house they found her near their home. So, just curious as to when Christine got pregnant and when R came into the picture.
Deleteah well, as i have mentioned before, since i am an honest person, i tend to assume that other people won't lie to me either. yep, i am pretty naive. i believed everything the browns said for years.
DeleteI think that the only mother who totally depended upon the older girls is Christine. She seems to me to be the most inept at organizing, and when they lived in Utah, she also had Janelle's kids so she really depended upon the older girls. I think that Janelle depended upon Logan to assume some of the parenting duties and we saw this with Logan cooking breakfast for the kids. Where the Duggar girls seem to be taught from their very early years to take responsibility for their younger siblings and they are assigned cooking and cleaning chores, Christine seems to me to just depend upon her older girls to watch the younger kids and maybe clean up a little; none of the wives seem to be too concerned with house cleaning or, for that matter, kid cleaning. I don't know if the wives neglect their house hold duties because they are bored or depressed or just not aware that things need to be cleaned, but they don't seem too concerned about the outcome of piled up clothes or messy counters. I am not a neat freak by any means but when my children were school aged, I knew that if their home environment wasn't organized and clean, it affected their ability to concentrate, so I made an extra effort to provide them with a clean and organized home. I don't think the wives priorities are centered around the home as much as when Kody's visits their homes. I think this type of lifestyle breeds disorganization and chaos. Just by very nature of the husband's visits lends a break in the routine of the home. If every fourth night the father shows up, the wife wants his attention, the kids want his attention, and his attention may be else where. It's just an upsetting situation.
ReplyDeleteI was watching a Duggar rerun and one of the older girls mentioned that all of her brothers (I'm assuming that she meant all of them that are old enough) can cook and fairly well. One of Joy's chores was to mow the lawn. They seem to share in the chores without firm gender lines. It's interesting to me to see that the girls are right out there cleaning out abandoned houses right alongside their brothers. They appear to come from a very patriarchal religion, but yet they seem to "get" that all of the kids need to be able to take care of themselves. I find them rather fascinating. Definitely not my cup of tea, but good on them if they are happy.
DeleteThe Browns just don't do crap.
I think Meri is very concerned about cleanliness though, it shows in all the episodes, her house is always organized and clean. Kody even mentioned once in an earlier episode that he liked going to Meris because it was organized. Something to that affect. Then you see Kody having to do dishes at Robins house, which he acted like he didn't mind, but I get the feeling he would much rather just show up at the wifes house and just sit or lay and do very little. I don't know why the women can't have their homes clean and tidy anyway. Especially the new homes. One would think they would want to keep the walls and carpet and everything looking new for as long as possible. What does Kody do during the day at the wives homes? I often wonder that. Like, if he stays at Christines house for example, the next morning, what does he do? Does he stay at Christines all day then go to the next wifes house that night? Curious how he spends his days. hhhmmm. And I watch the Duggars too, and actually find their way of living commendable. They are debt free and never been on public assistance and never filed bankruptcy. I would like to discuss them sometimes too. They do things a little different yes, but the kids all seem happy and they get more time with their parents then I think Kodys kids do with him.
DeleteMy bet is that they all have a cleaning service.
DeleteKody is being such a girly girl lately. Even more so than usual. The way he paraded in the gym, like a 5 y/o girl in her first ballet class.
ReplyDeleteHe's so feminine.... And at the same time such a selfish Jerk. Poor kids. It must be so shameful for the teens having their crazy dad on tv like that.
We could probably spend thread after thread trying to arm-chair quarterback, Dx'ing the dynamics of the Brown household and the parent-child relationships within each wife's group, but the reality is that we are seeing only the edited clips that TLC/ F8P chooses to air. I think the dysfunction in their individual and collective world goes much deeper than what is shown.
ReplyDeleteWhat we do see, and have seen, is Kody Brown, Plyg Harem Master, exhibiting consistent narcissistic behavior. He is center stage in *every* episode, be it spouting inane parental concepts, dodging any "real" interaction with wives or kids to avoid any ownership, or he is poduim hogging for "his" version of the Plyg cause. Kody is a caricature of his own and of TLC's making. For four years, he has been selling himself, and offering up his baby mommas and children as collateral.
Kody is a guy who wanted to be *somebody,* somebody famous !
He reeks of self-promotion.
No doubt he feels that he paid his Plyg dues in Lehi, gathering his harem and having to live small, waiting for his karmic break. A break which TLC and destiny's timing has handsomely provided.
The wives are nothing more than accessories/tools to further his dream of being a "star," a star whom he irrationally believes has no limits for ego fulfillment and financial success.
Doubtful he cares one bit whether this wife or that wife is carrying the burden of viewer criticism. Ditto for his children !!
As long as their story sells, and he gets the lion's share of the camera time, and the TLC checks and $$$ opportunities continue, he is happy.
If nothing else, Kody is a conscious-less salesman, dedicated to furthering HIS dreams.
Absolutely agree with you, Amused.
DeleteI think what we are seeing, particularly when Kody is forced to be in close contact with his families, is a reflection of how Kody was treated by his own father when growing up. Hunter used to be the "testosterone" monster until he became a major HS wrestler which reminds Kody of his high school wrestling career which his father ignored. A pair of winter underwear in a letterman jacket box? That was just so unspeakably cruel.
So far, Paedon, Garrison and Gabe are now the testosterone monsters who are basically ignored by Kody in favor of Sol.
Agreed, Amused and CJ. CJ, you absolutely read my mind. Just this morning I was thinking about the discussion of Kody's relationship with his teen sons; when they say flippant things to him, I think some of it is just a family dynamic, which is fine--I have a similar dynamic with my four sons. But my sons also have a base level respect for their parents, and that caused them to USUALLY (no perfect kids in my house...) have an instinct about when humor was appropriate, and when it wasn't appropriate.
DeleteFrom much of what I've seen and read, Kody's dad was a serious hard-ass, and I honestly believe Kody desperately does NOT want to be like his dad. The problem is that he vacillates between trying to be the cool dad, and then trying to assert his authority by falling into the dictator mindset he was raised with. So there is a vicious cycle: the kids love him, but don't fully respect him; when they show disrespect, he acts like a jerk to try and get control. Ever have a teacher like that? I did! He'd act goofy and childish until the class was out of control, then he'd be pissed and bark at students for not paying attention.
In one of the early seasons--I think it had to do with finding homes, or finding the cul-de-sac--one of the older kids said straight up that the adults were always saying things that ended up not happening, so it was hard for them to believe what they were being told. That speaks volumes about the authority of the supposed "head" of the Klan.
I wonder how much of kody's attitude towards his boys is rooted in the plig problem of older men competing with the younger men for the younger women. It is not uncommon in this culture to turn away the young men because this life only works if there are fewer men. So, kody may be subconsciously pushing them out. Ha! That analysis was better than anything I have seen on the show! Lol!
DeleteI think all of these were good points, and actually made me feel a little sad for Kody. I think watching how Kody acts out his idea of manhood and the comments he's made in the past about how he thinks his dad would have been impressed with him "managing" all his wives and kids speaks volumes about what his childhood was like and how damaging an unloving father can be.
DeleteThat said, I feel like it's concerning that lately it seems we're seeing so much of this almost aggressive energy Kody has towards his older boys. He wants so badly to be the dominant male that he can be very harsh and domineering towards his teenage boys (when he's not trying to be the "cool dad", of course). I think we are seeing this more now than before because Logan seems to be a more laid back, obedient kid and of course the rest of the oldest are all girls. At least it's not the FLDS, where the teenage boys get kicked off the compound by the older men once they seem like competition for wives...
Since the entire point of going public was to get public opinion on the side of polygamy being a legitimate choice it strikes me odd that we are not shown any blessings of polygamy. How does Kody sleeping in a different bed every night make him better? How does a child spending 4 nights a week without their dad in the house make that child better? The women don't seem better. Instead of having a husband and child to put their needs ahead of their own they have other adult women to add to that group of people who matter more than themselves. Robyn can't be happy about the baby and just shout it out without a private moment ahead of time to tell Meri. Meri has to be enthusiastic that yet again her husband gets another child when she only was given two, only one living. Surely the bedroom rotation IMHO threw off several months of her possibility of getting pregnant. I'm sure she didn't him every other night for the entirety of their marriage even giving her some preferential days connected to her cycle. I haven't seen a single blessing. Each wife takes 50 more nights away from the previous wives. I don't even understand the Old Testament model for this. Those men had concubines. Or were deceived into marrying. The men didn't even want it that way. And it was always a disaster. Which child would be favored? Jealous brothers. Concubine and child sent away into the desert to die. It is gluttony.
ReplyDeleteI don't think anything of value happened after the very first showing of this family it appeared that he made sure to speak to each wife and child daily back in Lehi. That each wife was free to do her thing whether it was be the house mom, take classes or work. That the kids had their siblings daily. They lived in relatable 3 bed units. They were expecting the kids to get a skill beyond high school and while hoping that the kids would live this, they expected not all would do so. All but the last just seems like a lie they were telling themselves or maybe just us?
Thanks for making Sister Wives even more depressing than the show! Whether you want to admit this, Sister Wives accomplished what it set out to do. Now there are more people who see polygamy as practiced by the Browns and others as totally different from extremists like Warren Jeffs. The only people who refuse to see this are the ones who like to blame polygamy for all of societies ills including global warming.
DeleteDifferent but both bad. In the Jeff's group there was organized crime as well. There could be organized crime in a Italian catholic family as well.
DeleteI think you have made some valid points, kms! I hadn't really thought about the actual amount of time each new mistress takes from the previous mistresses as well as the actual wife. I'm sure that arrangement did not help Meri's ability to even try and conceive... which makes Kody even more of a douchebag imo.
DeleteI have a hard time believing that anyone accepts the plyg lifestyle as viable and healthy except for a few starstruck fans. And we don't know if they aren't just trying to befriend some d-listers (g-listers?) by sucking up.
Anonymous 8:39, as someone who eagerly anticipated the advent of the SW show and has not only watched every episode when it was aired but has also re-watched previous seasons AND has read the family's book, the observations I make on this blog are simply the personal impressions of an individual viewer. I think that's true for most, if not all, of the other commenters, too.
DeletePeople can't be browbeaten into changing their perceptions. You claim that, because of the show "there are more people who see polygamy as practiced by the Browns and others as totally different from extremists like Warren Jeffs." First, you MIGHT be correct about that change in people's perception, but there is no way to accurately measure whether their ideas have changed without doing a statistically robust poll of viewers. If I had to make a prediction (and that's all any of us can really do--speculate), I'd say that a lot of viewers look at the practice of polygamy as a continuum, with horribly sick systems like Warren Jeff's at one extreme, and the relatively innocuous Kody Brown family somewhere on the other end.
I actually started watching SW with a totally open mind, and the first episode or two had me thinking quite favorably about the Browns. But let's be absolutely honest here: while the Browns came out vocally against the Warren Jeffs FLDS situation, that was NOT the primary intention that they claimed for going public--not onscreen, anyway. The first reason they put forward was that they wanted the world to see that they were just like everyone else; in essence, they wanted the viewers to come away with the impression that their plural marriages and their family were not all that different than most families out there.
But here's the rub: most of us out here watching the show have come to the conclusion (after several seasons of watching) DON'T see their family as similar to our families. By letting the TV cameras into their lives, the Brown's made the viewers privy to the many ways that polygamy is making their life painful and problematic. If that is our perception, you can't get angry and fault us for our take-away opinions. Just because the Browns have their own agenda about what they want people to believe, that doesn't mean we're going to magically fall in line. We see what we see, and we formulate OUR OWN OPINIONS based on what we see.
You undermine your own argument with the broad-brush (and frankly silly, IMO) exaggeration that ANYONE is claiming polygamy to be the root of all society's ills. I know that sometimes we who post (here and elsewhere) can throw out some extreme speculation that's based on little except imagination and irritation, and I can see why that would piss off someone whose world view embraced polygamy, or at least was sympathetic to the Brown family. So why not take on specific points and logically argue those points with evidence to the contrary? Making big, knee-jerk responses is how children address their differences (and if you're a child, I don't think you're posting in the right forum!)
So why not take on specific points and logically argue those points with evidence to the contrary?
DeleteWith all due respect, I would prefer that this debate take place outside of my living room.
Thanks in advance for everyone's cooperation.
"which reminds Kody of his high school wrestling career which his father ignored."
ReplyDeleteAnd that fact was validated when they ran that absurd episode where Kody and his BFF at the time put in the wrestling mats in Janelle's (or was it Christine's) garage. Haven't heard anymore about them since, but for that episode Kody was a wrestling star once again....
...and this time for the viewing world to see.
The strange thing about Kody, and it may well be due to childhood father intimidation, Kody seems to puff up more effectively when impressing women with his manly skills.
We saw him with the wrestling, and the motorcycle riding and the rifle.
After season one, the blog chatter frequently noticed Kody didn't seem to have any male friends. Then, as if answering that observation, there was an episode with Kody having dinner with some friends, one of whom was the newly acquired trainer for the wives.
Kody's bro-group for that bit was so obviously contrived, but then again, what doesn't come off as contrived with SW ?
It all does seem to beg the question, "Kody, who are you trying to impress and convince?"
Wives....your sons....viewers....or yourself?"
Agreed! There is an obvious distance between Kody and some of his older kids. They grow up, begin to assess the situation, and formulate opinions based on their own knowledge of the facts they've lived. That's bad news for the parents.
DeleteLike I said once to Robyn ... Their children are watching them, and they see a LOT more than they get credit for seeing!
Kody is a sad specimen. He's almost comical in his inept ability to be a real man.
On another note, just saw that Brady Williams is filing bankruptcy. http://www.tmz.com/2014/07/08/my-five-wives-brady-williams-bankruptcy-utah-polygamy/
ReplyDeleteHe must not have the Kodster's "Midas Touch"
anyone know the ratings?
ReplyDeleteSlightly better than last week's: 1.393 M viewers and a 0.4 rating.
DeleteAnon 11:06 - I think you're referring to the TLC show Property Ladder (2005) the best reality show ever aired on TLC IMO.
DeleteIt was those two ditzy sisters flipping an old house located right on the 10 freeway! She made some awful decisions including ruining the kitchen, and wanting to paint the entire home barn red. It wasn't an HOA that got after her though - the house was located in an historical district, and she was limited to a specific palatte of colors that went with the era. So instead she painted the top of the house red. Amazingly enough she made money, over $100k profit!
So if MSWC is a real business, then how come the entire family (minus the college kids) can take this long cross country vacation? If you are serious about your business (especially when still in the upstart stage), you just don't shut down for a week. I am part of a family business, and it is laughable to me how the show tries to present MSWC as anything but a hobby. I don't see commitment or sacrifice from any of these people. Yes, they want 2M from VC, get all bummed out when they don't see the 250k as they are leaving on vacation -not working on the business. What a total joke.
ReplyDeleteSleep'N, of course it's a joke. Their customer base is really small - even if you think of the people who watch the show, who would want to pay for overpriced stuff that proclaims affection for a polygamous family? They seem to think the people who watch the show want to donate to their family, when I suspect most of the viewers are just waiting for the family to explode in colorful fireworks!
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