Pimming Swool

Good for Kobe to thank Emily's parents a few times. That seemed nice.

I really enjoyed Season 2. I liked Season 1 as well, but Season 2 is sticking with me a week after finishing it. I routinely dislike period pieces and romances, but it's so smartly written, well acted, and so beautiful to look at. The glow coming off the Sharma girls (especially Kate) was so beautiful! I hope I didn't miss something, but I loved that it left it open whether Kate had a past, or at least was a bit more worldly about men. To that, I say, good for her. I don't think it was suggested she was virginal or doing it with Anthony somehow "sullied" her - it seemed her flashbacks may have just been because she was with someone amazing. I thought that agency suited her perfectly since she's older (ancient, practically!) and smart.

Mike's mask finally fell, and it turns out he is ugly, petty, and mean. Good for Ximena that she wouldn't be shamed into compliance. It was also satisfying when Mahogany walked away from Ben, even though I'm convinced she and her "family" are all actors. Ben is the worst (behind only Mike) - both of them are acting like the women owe them.

So much cringe! Ben slowly inching towards realizing things don't add up. Mahogany and the parents all have the look of actors trying to keep the improv scene going. Usman's thousand-yard gaze the morning after, while also dropping enough love kernels to keep the hustle going. Oh, Mike...the translation wasn't needed to pick up on Ximena's disdain. I love when a translator is pulled out for important conversations - it always fails spectacularly.

This sounds plausible, particularly since the full list of rules they showed in this episode includes being honesty with family members about travel and exposure. That would explain a lot, but doesn't excuse Kody being so spiteful.

It's remarkable how Kody can be more unlikeable each week! The disdain for Gabe and Garrison living with Janelle, the sneering at his wives, the hateful grin during the guilt trip, and the righteousness of it all. Even if he actually wanted a relationship with his family, there's no way back from acting this way. Interesting that Kody acknowledged that Christine blamed him for Truly's kidney episode. As she should. I don't think that's been mentioned before as a turning point.

At the gender reveal, it was striking how Kody seemed to be a stranger in the group. No one interacted with him, he didn't interact with others, his chatter during the gender reveal seemed to be ignored, and he sat in the back with Robyn's children. In the early seasons, the children (especially the older ones) were often interviewed on the couch. I would love to hear their direct perspectives right now.