KateHearts

except he's not really filling the trough...

It's hard to believe they filled an hour with packing, unpacking, and literally 10 minutes of Kody, Robyn and Dayton debating and strategizing over the parking of two u-hauls. REALLY. I did enjoy Janelle's comment that she needed "NORMALICY". As well as Robyn asserting that she RARELY takes a hard line with Kody but she was gonna put her foot down about parking those vans on level ground! (as an aside, she looks really unhealthy and very heavy in the U-Haul scenes. Like either she is pregnant, or is hitting a very hard early menopause). However, no one really needs to hear the Browns' speculations about when Maddie's baby was going to come ("I'm thinking 1-2 am"; "I think it will be today or tomorrow" or their very educational comments about childbirth such as "you never know" or "its unpredictable when a baby will be born."

My. We can pretty easily bullet this season thus far: The Browns are in Flagstaff. Lots of trailers and furniture.They are having adjustment issues. They love Coyote Pass. Christine buys a house. Meri rents a house; she's driven out, goes back to Vegas and then rents another house. Trailers and furniture. Janelle rents a house. Trailers and furniture. Boxes. She moves into another house. Robyn rents a giant house. It gets sold. She cries. Buy/rent/buy/rent/buy. Tears. Everyone visits Coyote Pass. They debate about lots. Wives fight and cry. Meri moves again. Fires coming. Trailers, bins furniture. Crying and arguing. Rent/buy/rent/buy. Cry cry cry.

I'm glad Mindy finally dumped Zach's ass, because I was getting tired of watching this all evolve only to have the previous episodes end with her acting hopeful and ridiculously optimistic. I agree that she kept classy, but keeping your dignity is not the same as being a doormat. when he would spew his nonsensical drivel, and her brows would furrow, that was a good time for her to (in a classy way) put her hand up and say, "whoa, wait a minute; stop. You're saying what? You aren't making sense." Or when he blatantly lied, she could have said "no, back up. That is not true. Here is what happened." Instead, she continued to nod and present an accepting face to his phony attempts at the "relationship." When she would say "I'm your WIFE," it didn't mean anything. He wasn't acting husbandly from the get-go and the marriage was a sham, so saying that was empty. Also, Zach's allegations that he never lied are completely false, the "remote friend" story notwithstanding. Having a hidden relationship with Lyndsay is a lie- it's a lie of omission. The fact that he did not disclose it to Mindy means he has things to lie about. I kept rewinding the paycheck thing over and over because between Michael's mumbling and the roundabout questions/answers, I was having great difficulty in following. My interpretation is that maybe the salary offer was low (maybe he had quoted her a larger number?) and he was trying to do backwards math to convince her that the gross salary presented on the offer was really his net? I respect Meka more now than I did a week ago; however, her repeating that "maybe we can make this work" is all a line. No WAY would I continue to pursue a (new) relationship with someone so obviously unable to be forthright about ridiculous things like gas mileage (?!) as well as big things like salary and occupation. I think Taylor and Brandon are just grinding along at this point to stay on TV. If my husband showed me his college (high school?) cooler with a dream list on it, my only reaction would be that it was sweet. Katie wants to think she has the upper hand in their relationship and I hope that he shocks her by deciding to split at decision day. Her inflated sense of self-importance, her belief that her view of the future should be his, is going to get her in every relationship. Her comment that "I have supported you in all of your dreams, even the ones that are STUPID!" is still riling me up.

I think it's hard for most of us to understand; i.e., why don't they get basic groceries and store in a cooler? Why do they not pay taxes and opt to buy mountains of food instead? How could they think that a crispy fried chicken sandwich and fries is "healthy"? It's important to remember- and was really driven home for me in this episode- that they do not think like "we" do. Their view of the world (from their tiny microcosm) is skewed. They have limited education, few social skills, traumatic histories, and possibly learning disabilities/mental illness playing against them. For these reasons, it's so hard to snark about these episodes because it's unfair to. Sadly, they reach out to desperately try and get someone to work magic for them because all they hear is "there's a doctor in Houston who helps really fat people get skinny." They have no clue what that might entail. Asking them to read a diet plan- and understand it- is like getting the earth to spin in the other direction for them. It's easy to mock people like Steven Assanti, who for the most part is acting for self-gratification and youtube watches and "fame." These guys are a mess and the show seems to have hit rock bottom.

I'm thinking she hit age 26 and could no longer be covered by her parents' insurance.

I'm two minutes in and I'm already fuming. Cry me an effing river, Geoffrey. She lied! I'm wasting my time! Boohoo!!! Let's be honest about your life. YOUR incarceration and illegal activities. I think it's very sad that he lost a child; I really do. But don't use that as a manipulative tool to excuse you from the despicable past that you have. All she did was talk to an American on a dating site. Where YOU met her. A liar can't bellow about someone else lying to them.

I don't feel pity for any of them. Kody especially; his bending down to Areola and murmuring "we have to leave our HOME, sweetheart," and drama queening to Robyn, "we will be HOMELESS in a few days!! The police will evict us!" just reinforces my belief that this entire family's existence is based on victimhood and persecution. Add to it now an apparent God who doesn't listen, sends them mixed messages and won't find them that six-bedroom house they so desperately need. If I had taken a drink everytime I heard the word "rent" or "buy," I'd be having my stomach pumped right now. Robyn has turned into the sourest, meanest-looking, miserable human being on earth. Do yourself a favor and go back to season 1 and look at her footage. She's gained about 40 lbs, a perpetual frown, and a massive attitude. I think the only Brown kids I like are Janelle's older boys and Aspyn.

Most laughable line of the episode: "I have never not been supportive of your ideas, even the ones I think are STUPID." Pastor Cal's truly puzzled face when Zach opens his mouth is priceless. I am still... STILL waiting for him to say outright, "You don't make any sense, Zach. I asked you a question: Are you loyal to Mindy? That requires one of two answers: yes or no." They could have pressed a little more for direct answers: "what are you accusing Mindy of lying about?" I was annoyed by Brandon's "conditions" upon which he might deem his interest in the marriage to Taylor worthwhile: all things he expected from her. How about the fact that he sulked and ran off during the honeymoon? Swore at her on the bus? Left their apartment? I really think Mindy is trying to look gracious at this point; no one could be so naive and stupid to "hold out hope" because her moron "husband" brought a pair of sweatpants to her apartment and slept in the guest room. He is so despicable. But she really came off badly in the "sleepover" scene. Hovering, asking way too many questions ("can I borrow those sweatpants sometime?"), asking about his washing up routine. Desperation doesn't look good on anyone, Mindy. She bent over backwards to get the food he said he likes, give toys to his dogs, empty a drawer for him. And he barely gives her scraps. Someone has to tell this guy to go fuck himself. Meka is a sourpuss but Michael is so phony. His telling PC that he is the one who is invested and has put his emotions out there? Really? I was wondering what I missed when he read that little phony speech. If they started out with him lying and that was her first impression, I doubt the relationship can be repaired. Did you notice Jessica saying, the second she walked into the apartment at the end of the day, asking Austin, "did you get that dishwasher emptied?"

This week on Sister Wives: the Backpedaling Episode-— -the Sister Wives don’t hate each other! They all bond in Chicago over water toasts and say “I love you guys” 62 times! -kody is a great dad! He can watch his umpteen kids while the moms are away! Look! Dad tosses pizza, has a cookout and terrifies Truely pushing her on a bike that’s too big (and her Mom didn’t tell him she is scared-oh wait, maybe she did...) -Mariah declares that she had a great upbringing and her parents are the best! Dad only loves. -TheSister Wives are all such open, supportive women who completely accept Mariah’s lifestyle and hate that their church wouldn’t approve. And Meri is regretful of her initial reaction of Mariah’s coming out. (And offers her B&B for the wedding) -the younger kids LOVE Coyote Pass! It’s awesome! -let’s watch Mariah and Audrey profess their woke-ness on the couch. And we’ll intersperse those scenes with the wives planning axe-throwing as a bonding experience at Coyote Pass. Kody’s face can be posted on the targets.

I just watched an old episode where they actually discuss their religion (along with denouncing warren Jeffs) and Meri says (paraphrasing) “ I would prefer a monogamous marriage, but because I believe [my faith tells me] that this will bring me closer to God, I’ve agreed To live a polygamous lifestyle.” I found that very telling.

I posted last week that Victimhood is their claim to fame and their excuse for all of their bad behavior and stupid decisions. They are persecuted in Utah, no one understands their "culture," the neighbors stare at them; their landlords are selling so surely it's because they don't want a plyg family in the house, blah blah blah.. It's why Meri has become so adept at feeling victimized by her sister wives, why Kody feels that the Universe has made him move seventy billion times, why Robyn mopes that she gets the other wives' scraps and needs six bedrooms, why Mariah has decided she's going to show everyone that bras are evil. That's how they cope. They are victims, and they run.

I'm not opposed to Robyn's thinking that God will help them. But the way she believes seems amazingly skewed. Most Christians believe that God provides and that keeping faith will see them through tough times and help them figure out their way through life. So in this predicament, one might be praying for "our family to have the strength to weather another unexpected move." NOT "I'm going to pray for a 6-bedroom, 5000 square foot house." Big difference. Robyn is so staunchly set in her insistence that she needs 6 bedrooms, she can't see straight. The other super annoying thing is that they talk in circles and leave most of what's important unsaid. If Robyn said, "I don't want to buy a house because it could tie up a lot of money that could be used to build on Coyote Pass," then she might appear more sympathetic. But no, she just puts on her scowly face and says "the thought of buying makes me feel sick." Similarly, Kody, with his beady-eyed, manic stare and flapping hair, says stupid things like "THERE ARE NO RENTALS OUT THERE," which of course is an exaggeration and he just looks stupid and uninformed. And then of course, his God counters: "God wants us to buy a house!" Do they have any idea how moronic they look and sound? Then the presentation to the children. Their preface to it was drama that should have been reserved for telling them a beloved grandma had died, or that their house burned to the ground. Robyn put on the super-constipated face, added a few tears and set those poor kids up for a panic attack before one word came out of her mouth. And nothing like saying "OK kids; go start boxin' up your stuff!" How about, "So, guys; the owners of this house are selling it- which we know can happen when you are renting- so we're looking for another place until we build at Coyote Pass. It's kind of a transition period, but we'll make do because we've done this before! At least we know we love it here and that eventually we'll build our permanent homes." They are teenagers; they will be annoyed but for heaven's sake, it won't end life as they know it.

The episode is where Jerry is dating Gwen, who is very pretty in some lighting and then horrifying (picture his horrified face) in other lighting. Kramer meets "unattractive" Gwen at Jerry's and then sees her while picketing at the bagel store and doesn't recognize her, leading her to think Jerry is cheating on her. There's a Seinfeld episode for just about every occasion.

They try to be... but everything is pleather and fake knockoffs people shill in the alleys of NYC. I was embarrassed for Yolanda when she was trying to figure out where William went and said, "I'm gon' jump on the 'gram!"

I watch her ITMs and think, "Where is her neck?" Although she does have pretty hair (and knows it; goes to great lengths to splay it across her shoulders).

Her gym is called "THE RESISTANCE TRAINING"? Who came up with that ingenious name?

Katie has been a diabetic since her early teens. Kids who are diagnosed with a serious illness (or chronic illness) seem to halt in their development at the time they are diagnosed. She was probably the center of her parents' concerns, as they figured out how to manage her diabetes. Her dad was super protective at the wedding ("he needs to treat her right; that's my baby...") and I imagine she has always been the focus. She does have a brother, as I recall, who also seemed very protective. He spoke at the wedding.

According to Kody, he's a "dirt mover."

I had a little realization dawn on me this morning (because I have too much time to think about it; and also because I've been watching the whole series from Season 1 so I'm getting a good perspective on how things have evolved with them over time). Kody DOES set the tone for this entire family. They are taught in their "culture" that the man runs the family and what he says, goes. His theme, over and over and over, has been that they are driven by their beliefs, that God tells them to live the way that they do, and because others don't agree (or the law says differently) that they are victims. There is an investigation into their living arrangement in Utah so they must flee in the night to escape persecution. They are met with stares in public; no one understands. Zoning won't allow for a giant multifamily home in Vegas. Poor them! It's ALWAYS about how maligned they are; how people frown on their beliefs, their culture, their beliefs, their lifestyle, etc. So as a result, they justify all of their stupid moves and blame everyone else- those of us who don't choose their way, who have legit jobs, aren't on TV, pay our taxes and our mortgage payments on time. We don't understand them. We are unkind, judgmental, narrow-minded people In the microcosm of their family, they operate the same way. Kody facilitates the wives opposing each other, no matter what he spouts about togetherness and unity (which he did in earlier seasons, but sure doesn't now). In this episode, Robyn was a victim ("I will take the leftover lot..." sigh...); Meri is a victim ("whatever; you are giving me mean looks and I'm uncomfortable.") Someone always has to be hurt, left out, villified. I can't totally blame Meri for being indecisive and manipulative because she has lived her entire adult life thinking that the victim reaction is a way to cope and deflect from real issues. She can't face things head on because the Browns as a whole don't. They run away. Over and over again. And this also explains why Robyn entered the family as a fresh-faced, smiling, sweet young woman and who now presents with a perpetual scowl, downturned face, and is complaining and even SWEARING on tv. It's a remarkable transformation, and not in a good way. She has adapted the Brown way of facing life- they take no responsibility for their own stupid decisions. As an aside, on the old episodes, the women all watched Kody raptly as he spoke on the couch, and they all openly kissed and hugged. Interestingly, too, they dressed more conservatively (I just watched an episode where the ladies all went to a gym together and all wore long-sleeved bodysuits underneath their gym tanks) and drove really shitty beater vehicles. Janelle had an old hoopdie Toyota with missing hubcaps and Christine's minivan was dented in the back. They are surely riding out the TLC check as long as they can at this point.

This all dragged on and on when it could be summarized this way: Kody parcels out the lots, and takes into account Meri's comment that she isn't sure about being in the trees which she made when their wife-beating friend was there last week. Then Meri backpedals and says "I didn't really say I didn't WANT to be in the trees; I said I wasn't sure; I LIKE trees; I need sun; I don't know; you gave me the leftover lot." Robyn very craftily says that she took the offending "tree lot" to be the nice wife and let Meri "win," and that Robyn basically got the bad lot. Lots of back and forth ensues, giving us whiplash. A little pizza picnic is soured as Robyn endlessly wipes her eyes even before things get confusing. Meri storms off. Kody then proceeds to trash talk her (including a little dancing pantomime that sets his hair flying and lets us see that he's done a cool shave on the sides of his head, forming a sort of long, curly mohawk). The other wives subtly agree that yes, Meri is really annoying and they heard her talk about disliking trees (I'm a bit tired of the word "trees"). Janelle and Christine get together to express their relief to each other that they aren't the least hated wife at the current time. The family meets again to try and iron out their differences. Meri feels attacked and points out that this is another reason for them all to hate her. (See? She is the persecuted one). Robyn apologizes, kinda. Christine is using her sweet inside voice to facilitate things between Meri and Kody, murmuring "let her finish; let her talk; don't look at Kody..." as Meri makes her little pouty face but we really can't take her seriously because what adult woman wears a t-shirt with puppies and soccer balls on it? For god's sake, pick a part of the property and be done with it. Besides, Kody has dollar signs in his eyes because his lawyer friend said the land is worth a fortune! Rent out houses on it! Robyn is frowning (well, she always frowns) thinking that Kody is acting like a businessman. Oh, and by the way, there are NO HOUSES AT ALL IN FLAGSTAFF TO RENT. NONE. Robyn MUST BUY A HOUSE (which makes her cry again). I'm not sure why the concept of buying a house makes her so upset. But it does.

I don't think the OP meant that at all. I find it odd that so many people speculate about Mindy's looks, that she's skeletal, that her teeth are oversized, that she must stink or be dirty. Just because a self-centered, conceited asshole isn't attracted to her. Oh, and let's not forget that he treats her like shit. It's got to be something she is doing.

I'm just scratching my head here wondering how she can "get rid of" her front teeth. Drill them down?

I think this season is weird in that the "experts" are pushing love talk... as if there is a deadline to meet. Katie's all over that. In a normal dating situation, people need time to develop their opinions and feelings about the other person. And yes, I know the "experts" say that THIS IS DIFFERENT; THEY ARE MARRIED!! But still, they hardly know each other. I don't know that anyone who has been on a few dates in a few weeks would be anxious about expecting to hear "I love you" within a certain time frame. Jessica is getting pushy about it, too. A year is a long time to wait? Why? What makes 6 weeks okay? Anyone notice that now, when anyone asks Zach a question, there is a notable silence and then some weird music comes on as he starts to ramble, followed by the puzzled face of the person he's talking to? The producers are loving his shtick and showcasing it like it's a sitcom. It's like the elephant in the room now: Zach says absolutely nothing and spends 20 minutes saying absolutely nothing. He just confuses whoever is trying to follow him. SOMEONE needs to call him out. "Dude! You talk in circles and don't make sense!" Please let this happen. Mindy says it off camera. why not on camera? I think I would have a hard time not bursting out laughing. I'm a little mixed on Brandon and Taylor. Yeah, someone constantly on their phone posting pictures of their dinner is super annoying, but he's not given her much reason to engage. He is so quick to anger and play the drama queen role, that I imagine it's hard not to bait him at this point. But both of them are full of shit if they really believe they are putting their all into this thing. He sits in the spare room playing x-box; she is out with her girls posting about the "single life." Things blow up, then they are both wide-eyed and sputtering, "I don't know what's wrong with him/her! I am working so hard on this marriage! I wore my 'wife' t-shirt! I took a leap of faith!" And come on, Taylor; posting about not finding a decent man when you are supposedly working hard at a marriage is not "funny," it's a direct jab. Michael and Meka are interesting; I think, as others have said, she has caught him in more lies than we are seeing and while I used to think she was just joyless and uptight, I think she's become extremely guarded given their brief history together. He takes a job, then decides against it and doesn't tell her? Then when she asks he clams up? He's a weird guy. I think they could have fun together on a superficial level, but it would be very hard for me to be in her position to trust him at this point. His body language, his hesitation when asked something (as if he's working to come up with a bogus answer), his refusal to directly address things he has said in the past- all point to a history of serial dishonesty.

I think that Mom was, in a really awkward way, trying to help her by "throwing her out of the nest;" however Seana had no mental resources to figure out how to navigate life on her own. She went from mom literally feeding her ("here are your FAVORITE FOODS!" as she gives her two plates groaning with food), to providing her with money (I gathered her rent was somehow covered when she mentioned "my disability kicked in"), and paying for a daily assistant/cook to just "ok! Can't do it anymore! You're on your own!" When Mom took her to the airport, she stressed that Seana had to succeed in Houston and that she needed to save her own life. But Seana had nothing in her emotional toolbox to even know where to begin. The second place she moved into was so depressing I could barely look at her sitting there in that dreary place. I think that therapy with little guy (I forget his name) was a good start. She probably would have benefitted from 2-3 times weekly. She shut right down when starting to mention her dad; she has never dealt with his abuse and needs a lot of help to get over it. But then she was able to BLAME therapy for bringing up her feelings which- surprise- led her to want to eat all day long. No way is she going to understand her physical limitations and how to overcome them until she starts facing her huge emotional hurdles. Overall, this episode was just depressing. Watching her sit in Now's office, barely mumbling "yessir" and trying to come up with an answer to his questions- "I guess I didn't try hard enough? Because I lost the paper?" and her abject fear that by losing the diet instructions ( did she really lose them? was that more of a self-sabotage move?) would incur Dr. Now's wrath showed that she has a deeply ingrained fear of authority figures (dad set the tone) and has no self-worth at all. She shouldn't have been considered for weight loss surgery at all, much less selected to be on TV to display her dysfunction.