BitterApple

I wondered the same up thread. Maybe they got a casual estimate from their friend, but when he took a look at their yard he told them a bunch of costly modifications would be needed. For the hell of it, I looked up some pool construction threads on Reddit. Apparently the building codes are bonkers and inspectors don't play around. We all know Fundies love to skirt the rules and cut corners, but if that wasn't possible I could see Carlin figuring it's not worth it.

I also noticed she posted the kids in the backyard. Still no signs of pool construction. I wonder if they scrapped it?

I knew they were going there based on the title for ep 13, but it still gutted me. Even going in blind, the set up was there. The way Mary was stressing that photo and everyone having to be there by a certain time, plus that last scene in the kitchen. The atmosphere felt heavy, even though it was a typical morning where everyone was rushing off to start their day. I can see both kids having regrets as adults. Missy, for not accepting that ride and Sheldon for not acknowledging his father as he left. Watching Sheldon totally shut down as he heard the news was heartbreaking. The acting was so well done.

Josie briefly mentioned doing preschool a while back, but we haven't heard anything about it since. I can't tell if it's because she's like Carlin and lost interest or she's being deliberately evasive. She's clearly trying to broaden her reach, and a lot of people associate homeschool with right-wing Christians. I'm assuming she's gonna need a few Liberals to buy those hair noodles if she wants to spend half the month vacationing.

I agree the reveal was nicely done. Simple with no obnoxious theatrics.

Lol, exactly. I think it's standard Influencer shtick. They have to portray themselves as successful and in-demand. I'm sure Josie makes money off of it, but it's not as time consuming as she makes it out to be. She basically posts the same GRWM reels and shots of Sad Beige Miles over and over. She could probably do it in her sleep at this point. She did mention she has exciting new stuff coming to EB! I'm wondering what the scam product line is this time? The Temu jewelry apparently didn't sell that well.

I don't know what it is about Josie, but this Girl Boss kick she's been on lately is annoying the crap out of me. Today's reel featured Josie telling her audience about how she's so stressed because she's so busy with work and has so much on her plate. She has to answer emails...and do stuff! It all has to get done before they leave on vacation (not to be confused with the vacation they just got back from last week). Honey, you sell foam hair dildos off your website, you're not the CEO of Sephora. Get over yourself.

Looking at the synopsis for ep. 11, do you guys think the secret vasectomy will play a role in George's death? I know it's a low risk procedure, but maybe he gets a blood clot or something that causes his heart attack? It's kind of an odd plot point at this stage of the game, especially where Mary and George have been getting along so well.

I saw that. She looked ridiculous.

Josie's friend Makayla is a fellow hair stylist. Her husband is the barber who cuts all the Bates boys' hair. I guess that could be the connection to Lawson but when Josie showed her in the car, her vibe was "I'm just along for the ride." Interesting that Josie didn't bring Kelton and the kids. I'm sure Kelton has no interest in going anyways, but it also gave Josie a good excuse to make an appearance yet dip out early. I really hope James Duggar isn't sniffing around the Bates girl that just turned 18. (Is it Addie or Ellie?). Both of them could do way better. Also noticed Katie didn't post anything about the shower aside from a close-up shot of Hailey. Idk, that seems kind of bitchy. Tiffany always writes warm and supportive comments on Katie's social media. You'd think Katie could return the favor and acknowledge an SIL thrilled to be expecting her first child.

I think a big part of the problem is Tiff and Lawson live in Nashville, but the shower was held in Knoxville. They travel non-stop, so they haven't been in any one place long enough to put roots down and make friends. It's often cultural for people to show up as a sign of support for the family, even if they're not necessarily friends with the couple, but that doesn't look to be the case here (unless video footage proves otherwise). It may be a racial issue like you noted, but I know quite a few people who are nervous about the economy, and have cut out all unnecessary spending. The Bates don't travel in wealthy circles, so it wouldn't surprise me if their crowd was hesitant to spend money on an expectant mother they have no attachment to. Tiffany probably would've been better off having her shower in San Diego, with her side of the family.

Tiffany had her shower yesterday. I feel kind of bad for her. Judging by the Instagram pics it looked like it was held outside at some random city park and not very well attended. If you subtract the bazillion grandkids from the frames, the only adults there were Bateses and Tiffany's parents. If Kelly was the one who organized it, she did her daughter-in-law pretty dirty. It's entirely possible the YouTube footage will reveal a livelier event, but by the time Lawson and Tiff get around to posting it, their kid will be in braces.

If the only plot for this spinoff is the miserable dynamic between Mandy and her mother, it's going to crash and burn very quickly. Georgie is one of my favorite characters but his relationship with Mandy is such a drag. He had way better chemistry with his high school girlfriends and the storylines were much funnier. I thought Octavia Spencer was a fantastic guest star. I liked that she didn't give MeeMaw a pass. Sheldon and his rubber gloves organizing the donation room was hilarious. I'm sad we barely got any Missy.

I don't think so. Allie seemed way too happy, which makes me think she's not stuck with Rhett for the week.

Same! I can't wait to see her match wits with MeeMaw!

I just got done watching Alyssa's latest video. She's clearly reading the comments about never taking the girls anywhere. They went on a park playdate to meet friends. The girls were so over the top with excitement, you'd swear they got paroled early from San Quentin. Alyssa and John are going away on their anniversary trip. She's keeping the location secret to make her audience watch the next video, but she mentions they'll be hiking and it's supposed to be rainy every day. I'm thinking Pacific Northwest? She explains the kids will be split up because it's hard to find one person who can watch all five at once. Allie and Lexi had their bags packed a week in advance, and all four girls (even Maci) are chomping at the bit by the front door, anxious to leave. Apparently they can't wait to get away from their parents as much as their parents can't wait to get away from them! Alyssa tries to explain it away by saying the girls like staying at other peoples' houses because "their dreams come true" i.e., they get whatever they want. I wonder if they like it because they actually get attention and treated like individuals rather than background characters in The World Of Rhett. There's an agonizingly long scene of Alyssa and John packing and droning on about nothing, then mercifully the video ends. We'll have to wait until next week to see which amazing location John and Alyssa manage to make look boring!

I saw that and thought it was incredibly sweet of Erin to wrap everything individually so Bill and Jane could pull items from the freezer as needed. Erin took care of Bill after he came home from the hospital, so I think her visits are similar to Alyssa's where she actually helps.

They need to give you a writer's fee. You just gave them their script for their next video!!

I thought that was the best voiceover of the series. I can just picture the collective audience going "Huh?!!" when Sheldon announced he was going to MIT. I know I did! I agree this was one of their best episodes. It was a little bittersweet because I have the feeling this was the last time we're going to see Dr. Sturgis and Dr. Linkletter. If so, I'm glad they went out on a positive note. Missy telling Sheldon she was turning his room into a dance studio was priceless. I really hope one of the remaining episodes focuses on her, rather than limiting her to zingy one-liners. George handling the recruiting process like the father of an athlete was hysterical. He's a lot smarter than his family gives him credit for. I'm really going to miss this show. 😭

The way I cackled over this comment! It reminds me of 80s and 90s sitcoms, when the youngest kid outgrew their cutesy phase. They'd always have the mom pop up pregnant. I agree this is the set-up for the announcement and E&C feigning surprise. Their views have been tanking, so a new baby will keep the Tesla payments current for a while. With regards to the pool, I'm thinking of a possible scenario. They had a casual conversation with their sweet church contractor friend. He throws out a price range and a tentative time frame. Things change when he does a thorough yard inspection and tells the Stews they need all kinds of amendments, therefore more $$$ and a longer build. All of a sudden party! party! isn't looking so fun and they figure they'll spend the summer at Katie's apartment pool instead. Otherwise I can't figure why they haven't broken ground. We're nearly into May. As noted above pool season will be over by the time they get it done.

That is a conundrum! 🤔🤔🤔🤔

Maybe Katie will stay at Carlin's on the days that Travis is away? In a weird way, it's a win-win for everyone. Evan and Carlin hate being alone together, so Katie will provide a buffer. Hailey can play with Layla and Zade. Remi can play with Izzy in the Stews' huge, fenced yard. Travis can rest easy knowing his wife won't be crying her eyes out every day, or even worse: begging to tag along. Katie won't have the anxiety of being alone in their apartment and having to adult for the first time in her life. Everybody ends up happy!

Normally I'd say it's great Travis is actually pursuing his music, but I don't think Katie will be able to manage on her own, pregnant, with a toddler and large dog. I'm assuming Remi has to be walked several times a day. It's not like Katie can leave Hailey by herself in the apartment to take the dog out, and trying to wrangle the two at the same time will be difficult. I predict they'll be moving into a house before long.

Same. I love Georgie but can't stand Mandy. There really isn't anything about their relationship to make me invested in a spin-off. I feel like the heavy focus on them this season is dragging the show down as it is.

Who would've thought there'd be such a large market for overpriced Shein dresses?!