S03.E02: Testing Trust

[Mrs. Hanson]

24 minutes ago, magemaud said:

Maybe you'll make some new friends who watch the show! 

Ha ha!  I just asked the middle school staff during lunch if there were any watchers and sadly, no.  It is for the best, really, I am weaning myself off except for the two new couples.  I can only take so much, lol!!!  I will still tune into the live chat to read the snark when my internet returns.

[Xebug67]

On 9/6/2021 at 9:51 AM, magemaud said:

now THAT would be an original plot line...NOT! Wait for it! 

That's altogether possible because I noticed she always says she married him at 19 and they were married for 10 years. She's 29 now, so she must have gone to see the world and ended up getting pregnant in Ethiopia about the same time he went to IU for grad school and never bothered to file for divorce (thinking they'd get back together eventually.) The only thing she didn't foresee was getting knocked up by a vacation fuckboy and how a baby would derail her plans. 

I disliked her last season the moment she dismissively told the prenatal yoga group, "Well, MY birth story is REALLY interesting..." but this season my hatred for her is off the charts (and we're only two episodes in!) 

Her repeatedly saying that has bugged me, because it either means she's lying about her age (which I don't think is the case) OR she's STILL MARRIED (which I DO think is the case).

I also just made a comment almost identical to yours about her prenatal yoga group comments without having yet read what you said.  We're on the same wavelength.

[seacliffsal]

Summit showed Jenny exactly who he was when he first lied to her about his name, identity, etc.  He continually demonstrates that is his true self.  It's on Jenny that she didn't believe him and continues to actually believe his lies.  When one shows who they are-believe them!  As to why he didn't escort Jenny out when she said he was leaving is because, again, he has shown that he doesn't want to work, so he wants the easy TLC money which he won't get if Jenny goes home.  I think he is one of the most consistent people on the show-he lies and he doesn't want to marry Jenny.

I don't know how the producers got Leoardo to go to Ethiopia and participate in this show.  I wonder if Ari's parents are supporting him somehow and he felt obligated to go see Ari.  She is actually playing a dangerous game as I think Bini could take Avi and leave and she wouldn't have any legal recourses to get him back (or to get custody).  Or, maybe having a baby didn't meet whatever expectations she had and she is willing to lose Avi.  Don't know what is really going on but at some point Ari may not be able to manipulate her way out of whatever circumstances she finds herself in.

Fast-forward Evelyn and Corey.  Don't care.

Steven and Alina just seem way too young and without any kind of well-thought out plan.  Maybe the draw for them to be on t.v. were just too much for them to resist, so here they are.

[Mr. Miner]

2 hours ago, Xebug67 said:

Bini's feeling uncomfortable in his own home just so as to accommodate Miss Piggie's desires to have her ex-husband stay with them is unacceptable in my opinion,

That's the thing, Miss Piggie's parents are paying for his "own" home. For Bini and his 7 occupations to live in a style he has grown accustomed to he has to put up with her ridiculous bullshit. I dislike both of them equally.

[Breedom]

Where did Ari get money to travel in the first place? Does she have a career or a job? Did she ever? Apparently it's her parents' job to support her travel agenda, her life, and now her apt with Bini. Ari must feel like the ultimate failure in her successful family and marrying foreign men seems to be her thing. Leandro was too busy for awhile furthering his education, thereby minimizing the time and attention she needed from him so she just left. I think having Leandro and Bini both vying for her attention gives Ari a deep sense of validation, that she is wanted and valued. This is why she has created all the drama between the two men. It's all she has. Her self-worth is zero.

[1011101010001]

Apparently at one point Ari was a “travel writer,” although I suspect that she was subsidized by the parents.

[Colfrmb]

@Breedom, I agree but I think they are all either living off her parents to some degree or have benefited from the parents financial support at some time - including Leandro.

[Twopper]

Am I the only person laughing my head off over Jenny's  religious conversion?

I have commented on the couples thread about the little I know about the ISkcon visa.

[SunnyBeBe]

6 hours ago, Baltimore Betty said:

Can you imagine opting to live in Ethiopia rather than getting a job...seems extreme if you ask me.

What was that appliance Mr. Ex handed to Bini?

The bras were not in a bag from the store, that seemed like production really wanted to drive the bra story home.  Ari said her bra size has changed, without shopping for a bra or getting fitted for one how would she tell her mother what size to buy?  I bet the girlfriend was really thrilled to buy black bras for her boyfriend to give to his ex.  

Bini does not really have the right to complain about the ex visiting, after all we have seen BIni dance with his ex and that included the butt bongo dance move.

I’m wondering if Ari is getting back at Bini for him staying out all night when he’s not working.  Jealousy and resentment may be her motivator ….of course maybe she has pushed Beni away with her obsessiveness.  She really was sitting there insulting her ex and Beni at the same time.  So unaware.  Beni should have asked her ex if Ari would fit in that bag….send her back to wherever he was going. 😆

[TzuShih]

On 9/4/2021 at 11:16 AM, Persnickety1 said:

I was expecting to hear he was "working" for an MLM like Prepaid Legal or Amway.  

I guess a privately owned and operated pest control company would be a step up.  

Watching the 'farewell' meeting twix Steven and his boss, I kind of felt that his boss truly IS concerned for his future.  Apparently Steven's job past has not been exemplary, and I think his boss may well be worried that Steven's 'quirkiness' may not find the same understanding from future bosses.  I felt that their parting seemed quite genuine...

[Tuneful]

8 hours ago, Baltimore Betty said:

I bet the girlfriend was really thrilled to buy black bras for her boyfriend to give to his ex.  

Leandro said right off the bat that Airy-Heady gave him "a huge order." Just what I'd expect from this princess- tasking someone more who you've convinced to put his whole life on hold to take a 22-hour international flight and participate in your fantasy-reality segments,.. expecting him to run around online (as she could well do) and/or in person and go significantly out-of-pocket for a lot of merchandise to somehow package and get on the flight (extra freight $) and shlep all over, if they don't get stolen. Her mother could shop and ship, or many companies--it costs, but apparently $ is no issue there. I wonder if Airy got Mother's Little Helpers from daddy, she seemed especially goofy this episode. 

The ex's GF probably went to TJ Maxx or Ross and grabbed a couple of $7.99 bras. Airy handled them like they were dog turds. 

The Jens has signed up for more of Sum Meat & Co.'s  lying, passive-aggressive BS. She's taught him she'll never walk.  

I FF through Evilyn and Mr Potatohead. I've no doubt the amounts discussed were not what those services/items actually cost. Someone (or two or three) plans to line their pockets. Also, sign me up for the Never Cared for Kenny Klub.     

Edited September 8, 2021 by Tuneful

[Auntie Anxiety]

5 hours ago, Breedom said:

 

Where did Ari get money to travel in the first place? Does she have a career or a job? Did she ever? Apparently it's her parents' job to support her travel agenda, her life, and now her apt with Bini. Ari must feel like the ultimate failure in her successful family and marrying foreign men seems to be her thing.

Areola has had emotional issues, including cutting, throughout her life and has learned that she can make everyone walk on eggshells by merely mentioning her anxiety/depression/stress levels. As a result, her parents have decided that it is THEIR job to keep Areola from going over the edge. They’ll do anything she wants and sign on for any harebrained idea she might have, just to keep her “happy.” Do you think it was okay with them for her to marry at 19yo? Areola and her parents have a codependent relationship. They are her hostages. It would have been a lot kinder if they’d cut Areola off years ago, but she has convinced them that she’s a ticking time bomb. Maybe she’d have more confidence and self-esteem if she actually accomplished something for and by herself.

[renatae]

On 9/6/2021 at 12:57 PM, Auntie Anxiety said:

 picked Bini out of a lineup 

This really had me snorting in a most unladylike manner!

[Takitaki]

I think Evil-in knows Corey has inheritance money, so she wants him to spend $50k on a wedding and skim a bit off the top. Her parents restaurant can cater and they can tell Corey $1000 worth of food cost $10k. Same with everything else, and Corey will be none the wiser since he can't even speak Spanish. So wedding costs $10k max and Evelyn puts $40k under her mattress 😄

[CrazyInAlabama]

I bet the producers will foot most of the bills anyway, so Evelin can pocket almost every penny.    

[Uncle JUICE]

13 hours ago, TzuShih said:

Watching the 'farewell' meeting twix Steven and his boss, I kind of felt that his boss truly IS concerned for his future.  Apparently Steven's job past has not been exemplary, and I think his boss may well be worried that Steven's 'quirkiness' may not find the same understanding from future bosses.  I felt that their parting seemed quite genuine...

I watched this scene and hated how staged it came off. In reality that scene is a "I can mail your last check, no need to come by to get it, not a big deal, good luck" phone call. I kept imagining the boss saying "OK, well, there's your last check, so..." awkwardly every time Steven was like "Alina this, Hungary that." Just "Sounds cool man, take care" is all he'd really get. 

[SunnyBeBe]

Wouldn’t it be normal in any culture to be a little more grateful for items brought to you from abroad with a polite Thank you.  Instead Ari and Bini looked at the items as if they had feces on them.  I realize Bini might have been caught off guard with the bras, but the ex explained that his girlfriend picked them out.   Couldn’t he use the speakers? Maybe, the quality wasn’t up to his satisfaction….idk.  Just odd reactions.  

[Mrs. Hanson]

30 minutes ago, Uncle JUICE said:

I watched this scene and hated how staged it came off.

Was it any more staged than the Ari telling Bini's sisters the "great news!" that her ex was coming to visit and to stay with them?

[Uncle JUICE]

2 minutes ago, Mrs. Hanson said:

Was it any more staged than the Ari telling Bini's sisters the "great news!" that her ex was coming to visit and to stay with them?

LOL, no, I erased that nonsense from my memory. The overlaid audio of the baby crying in that scene was the best part, now that I'm forced to recall it. Even the PREMISE of that scene is completely idiotic. 

[Mrs. Hanson]

1 hour ago, Uncle JUICE said:

LOL, no, I erased that nonsense from my memory. The overlaid audio of the baby crying in that scene was the best part, now that I'm forced to recall it. Even the PREMISE of that scene is completely idiotic. 

How up each other's asses these people are makes me laugh out loud.  Look, I am close with my siblings but good fences make good sibling relationships!

[Breedom]

2 hours ago, SunnyBeBe said:

Wouldn’t it be normal in any culture to be a little more grateful for items brought to you from abroad with a polite Thank you.  Instead Ari and Bini looked at the items as if they had feces on them.  I realize Bini might have been caught off guard with the bras, but the ex explained that his girlfriend picked them out.   Couldn’t he use the speakers? Maybe, the quality wasn’t up to his satisfaction…

Under normal circumstances, if I were Bini I'd be super grateful. But with the whole background love-story going on between Ari and Leandro, I would not be in a grateful mood. Even with Leandro's girlfriend picking out the bras, Leandro and his GF way overstepped. As for Ari, remember she is an entitled little brat, only expecting the best.

[maxmama]

I don’t like anybody on this iteration of the show.  Maybe Ellie, a little, and Bini, who just desperately doesn’t want to lose another child to a baby-mama from another country who is dangling that possibility in front of him all the time, this time in the form of her ex-husband.  Just gross.  Will content myself reading all of the informative and insightful recaps from all of you, and I thank you!

[Kid]

8 minutes ago, maxmama said:

I don’t like anybody on this iteration of the show.  Maybe Ellie, a little, and Bini, who just desperately doesn’t want to lose another child to a baby-mama from another country who is dangling that possibility in front of him all the time, this time in the form of her ex-husband.  Just gross.  Will content myself reading all of the informative and insightful recaps from all of you, and I thank you!

Well, if he had wrapped that weenie every time he had an encounter with an American he wouldn’t have had all this angst.

Edited September 8, 2021 by Kid

[Xebug67]

On 9/6/2021 at 11:22 AM, Frozendiva said:

Steven and Alina: Girl, you make sure you have a Plan B. Both of you do not really know each other and will be spending time together in a foreign country - aka Turkey. It is a more modern Muslim country and you do have to be careful. Why are you tying yourself down to him at such a young age? Get a good grip on what converting to Mormonism means for you and your life. Think about it. Your hopes and dreams may go bye-bye. And Steven, be honest with Alina. She probably thinks you are part of the whole vow of chastity part. Uh, no. Take things slowly as both of you are pretty immature. Her mom and grandma have a reason to be wary of this.

Corey and Evelin: So she's turning in to Bridezilla? Guess they need a storyline. Witch Covid, the huge, fancy wedding may not happen. The country's health rules come first. And how does one think that the wedding attire will be close to $10,000? Evelin will need 2-3 gowns - one for the ceremony, one for the cocktail hour and maybe dinner, and one for the dance? That kind of cash can go toward a smaller beach wedding and put the money down on a house or something. Maybe TLC will fork out the money for a big and unnecessary 'do'. It's not about the dress and the big day/the white carpet. I can see if Evelin was Miss Universe and the $50,000 wedding would be expected, but really?

Jenny and Sumit: Jenny, how much longer are you going to let this go on? When do you think Sumit is going to marry you? He is having his cake and eating it too. I'd have walked out when I found he lied to me about who he was and if I didn't do it then, I would have when I found out he was married and lied to me about that. Ask him when the divorce will happen and consider him as a prospect then. He just seems to be a lying liar who lies. Sumit will not go against his parents. Someone has his passport? And now you can stay in the country if you become a Hare Krishna? You have spent a lot of time in India just waiting..... 

Bini and Ariela: So, she may not be actually divorced? She just.... left? Did they talk about her ex coming to visit? Did Bini agree to it? Or did she just spring it on him at the last minute? I initially handwaved her getting her nails done to 'look presentable' for a visitor. Not so much. I might meet my ex husband at a public place for dinner if he is visiting my city. That is about it. Take my current spouse along. Her comment about Leandro missing out on having a kid was weird. Something is off with her. This is not a game and these are two real human beings and not people she can just manipulate. I can see him bringing stuff to her that she had 'ordered' from the US. My former boss did some teaching stuff in Sri Lanka and shipping a box of teaching materials by plane was $250 for a 20 lb box. Excess baggage of sorts and folks are advised to put it in a suitcase as part of checked baggage. Buying her the bras was awkward and weird. He did qualify that his current girlfriend actually bought them. Ari may need to figure out who exactly she wants and not pit both against each other with her being the 'prize'. I thought she was only spoiled and entitled but there seems to be more to this mess.

Kenny and Armando: The 'normal' ones probably with manufactured drama. It was cute to watch Hannah teach Kenny some Spanish with the cards. They do seem to be a 'family' that doesn't have too much visible dysfunction. It is hard to watch Armando wonder if his dad knows about his engagement. Kenny may need to pull back and give some space on this. Gay men in the US still continue to face family problems and being disowned by their family. In Mexico, it is probably worse. Armando's dad may or may not ever come around. At least their wedding planners asked about the number of guests and a budget. Even so, with public health restrictions, the wedding may need to be downsized a bit from the 100 plus guests.

Ellie and Victor: Maybe going to Providencia right after a massive hurricane hit the island is not the best idea. Her friends can care for her and wish her the best  and advise her that it's not a great idea, but she is the one making the decision to screw up her life.  It is her decision and lesson to learn. Her friends may be there with the broom and dustpan. Finding out that her soulmate had a domestic violence charge is a massive red flag. She may not have experienced it, but chances are that she may when the 'honeymoon' period is over. For giving up everything, she really hasn't spent much time packing up her stuff. Unless she only has a small apartment and most can be done in a day.

 

He'd BEEN having his cake and eating it too, up until now when he's having indigestion as the result of Jenny slamming doors and busting his balls for being the lying liar who lies.  You can just see him choking on his words as he seems to be forcing himself to remain calm and refrain from yelling back at her, while trying to calm her down in the process. 

[Hotel Snarker]

Steven’s paycheck scene had me reeling. I can’t believe his manager is hung up on him walking away from a good job (selling pest control door to door) to see if him and Alina can work. Also, I just need to understand why the pest control boss's office bookshelves were filled with The Phone Book and The People Book. 

Why do you guys think they were playing that whimsical ass music for Alina’s segment? I was impressed by her studying Chinese and Asian politics, though. That is a smart career path with lots of opportunities. I haven't met anyone choosing that specialty. Good for her.

SteVen is creepy. He can’t control himself being alone with a girl? 

"We might accidentally...have sex" is killing me. The fact that Mormons deny themselves sex before marriage is crazy. They should read an unbiased biography of Joseph Smith sometime, that dude was wilding out. Messing around with other dude’s wives, different pairs of sisters, underage girls. He even suggested passing off one of his side chicks to Brigham Young, yes really.

Kenny being 58 makes me realize just how bad Angela looks for her age...

Armando's daughter, Hannah, is just the most adorable little girl, just like last season. She's just so precious, so welcoming, so cute.

Oh, Ellie.....Victor's cheated on you and he beats women....you're too smart for this. I feel like he’s going to take her on a ride. I feel so bad for her. Her entire situation is stressing me out far too much. Grief is going to be her undoing. Her loneliness may end up being her demise. Ellie, there are men in the Pacific Northwest or even the rest of the US that you can have a nice time with and be happy. I wish I could just shake you through the TV. Ellie is a VERY sympathetic character I think we are all rooting for but at the same time I’m shouting, "You are smarter than this". 

I think Ari is purposely pushing Bini's buttons so they start a fight and she has an excuse to return back to America. Biniyam is showing great restraint in expressing his feelings to Ari about her meeting up with Leandro and looking how she looks. Especially because she keeps saying “don’t be jealous”. That would infuriate me. He’s made several good points. She doesn’t usually wear heels or that short of a dress, she’s been walking around for days probably with chipped nails and now that Leandro is coming she needs to get it fixed, she “forgot” to wear her ring. Maybe I just have anger issues but all that combined I would’ve exploded. 🤣 These are more than coincidences.

Ari is obviously still in love with the ex-husband. Like, come on…. Who on earth says to their ex husband IN FRONT of their new husband, “You could’ve had a baby like this but you missed out?” Ari is insane for bringing her ex there and for thinking that how she’s acting isn’t strange and disrespectful to her husband.

Getting dressed up for your ex, taking your ring off, having this man hold your child right infront of your fiancé all while still having feelings for him ??? Just terrible all around. Air is so disrespectful, and she thinks it’s cute. It ain’t.

I feel for Bini, truly. He doesn’t seem like such a bad guy and Ari is quite literally taking him for a ride. He has no power in the relationship and Ari knows it. He can’t get angry at her. He can’t lash out at her. He can’t disagree with her. If he does she’ll take their kid and leave on the first flight to America. It’s a sick joke.

Sumit: “Pandemic is not something created by me or my parents.” Well damn, I’m not one for conspiracy theories but now I’m wondering if Sumit protests too much.

Why can't Sumit just say his passport was stolen (which is true) and apply for a new one? Oh, is it because he doesn't really want to marry Jenny? Huh.

Next episode Sumit will tell us ISKCON’s can’t get married.

The week after that - Breaking News: The Art of Marriage Delay by Michael 'Sumit' Jones has made the NY Times bestseller list.

I know some of ya’ll are sick of them but the Sumit & Jenny storyline is one of the best storylines in 90 Day history of ALL TIME! The big reveal Sumit is actually married, the time his family barged into their apartment, the love between them (can’t deny they are in love) and now Jenny’s gonna become a missionary! It’s just insane how far Sumit will go to just to avoid marrying Jenny. I’m entertained!

Am I really hearing Evilin question Corey about saving money for the wedding when he has literally spent all his money on her this entire time?! She’s HORRIBLE and he is such a doormat, the absolute worst.

Edited September 8, 2021 by Hotel Snarker
Space

[1011101010001]

32 minutes ago, Hotel Snarker said:

Am I really hearing Evilin question Corey about saving money for the wedding when he has literally spent all his money on her this entire time?! She’s HORRIBLE and he is such a doormat, the absolute worst.

He must get off on being humiliated in a major way.  She found her person alright.

[Xebug67]

23 hours ago, MrBuhBye said:

Apparently at one point Ari was a “travel writer,” although I suspect that she was subsidized by the parents.

I also get the impression that she never wrote professionally for any magazines or businesses, but rather for perhaps a diary-style blog on her own blog site.

[lilysmom]

46 minutes ago, Hotel Snarker said:

 

Sumit: “Pandemic is not something created by me or my parents.” Well damn, I’m not one for conspiracy theories but now I’m wondering if Sumit protests too much.

Why can't Sumit just say his passport was stolen (which is true) and apply for a new one? Oh, is it because he doesn't really want to marry Jenny? Huh.

Next episode Sumit will tell us ISKCON’s can’t get married.

The week after that - Breaking News: The Art of Marriage Delay by Michael 'Sumit' Jones has made the NY Times bestseller list.

Ok, Ok, I enjoyed your whole post, but this part just made me laugh and laugh and laugh. Thanks, I really needed that!!

12 minutes ago, Xebug67 said:

I also get the impression that she never wrote professionally for any magazines or businesses, but rather for perhaps a diary-style blog on her own blog site.

More likely, her travel writing was texting her parents to tell them where to send the next wire transfer!

[Pepper Mostly]

On 9/7/2021 at 6:14 PM, MrBuhBye said:

Apparently at one point Ari was a “travel writer,” although I suspect that she was subsidized by the parents.

Ari's a "travel writer" and I am Miss America. Any asshole can go to WordPress and start a blog. She is so full of shit, its unbearable. She apparently cares for no one and has not reached a stage in her development where she realizes that other people have feelings, an interior life, hopes and dreams, and stuff to do. She thought Leandro would just kind of not notice that she'd left and be waiting at home for her to come back (if she wanted!) and just take right back up where they'd left off! She could just put him aside, you know, like that extra brownie you stash away to have later. She is the WORST. 

[Grifter Lives]

I would quote all the great comments earlier, but then my post would be too long!

I think that Leandro's visit was producer-driven or arranged by Ari's parents as a wellness check on her.  But, I also think that Ari needed Leandro to visit her because she needed an audience - first to make Bini jealous and second to show how special and exotic her life is.  If nobody admired or reported back on how she was married, raising a child and living in Ethiopia, she'd be irrelevant.  (She's like the philosophical question, "If a tree falls in the forest with nobody around, does it make a sound?")

Leandro seemed uncomfortable with his gift presentation of the bras and probably knew Ari's (or the producers') set-up.  He apologized to Bini, not Ari, when he explained that his girlfriend bought them and that he couldn't find the brand that Ari requested.  From the hangtags, they looked like Maidenform.  Everything that he said showed that he wasn't giving Ari lingerie as a gift, although Ari had to exclaim that he was.

I assume that the speakers that he gave Bini plug into the stereo or electronics; otherwise, Bini would need a converter.  

Also - It's probably cheaper for Ari's parents to pay for her life in Ethiopia than subsidize her in Princeton, NJ ($200/month for the nanny, much less for a 3BR house).

 

Edited September 9, 2021 by Grifter Lives
One more thought

[novemberjenny]

On 9/7/2021 at 1:27 PM, Xebug67 said:

don't know what it is about Kenny, but I just have never been able to warm up to him.  There's nothing awful, mean or glaringly unlikable about him.  It's just something about how my gut reacts to him, giving me negative vibes when he's never done anything to deserve negative criticism or a bad reaction.

I’ve never really liked Kenny. I’ve thought from his first episode that he came off as aloof, elitist, and rather cold TBH. Perhaps it’s just a veneer he puts up or maybe it’s just a stark contrast to the warm and soft spoken Armando. Also for someone who raised 3(?) children, he seems oddly uncomfortable and stiff around Armando’s daughter. 
 

IDK, the “bridezilla”’comment rubbed me the wrong way too. He seems so condescending towards Armando sometimes. 

[Xebug67]

9 hours ago, novemberjenny said:

I’ve never really liked Kenny. I’ve thought from his first episode that he came off as aloof, elitist, and rather cold TBH. Perhaps it’s just a veneer he puts up or maybe it’s just a stark contrast to the warm and soft spoken Armando. Also for someone who raised 3(?) children, he seems oddly uncomfortable and stiff around Armando’s daughter. 
 

IDK, the “bridezilla”’comment rubbed me the wrong way too. He seems so condescending towards Armando sometimes. 

With his know-it-all personality, seeming to need to be always right or "above" his partner in almost every way, I don't think Kenny is capable of having a loving relationship with a man of his age, or closer to his age than Armando is.  I think he enjoys somewhat "fathering" Armando, but I don't mean that in a nasty way.  I don't think he can help being who he is.  And I don't think Armando minds that nurturing by Kenny that goes along with him also being Armando's love partner. 

As an aside, Armando is just the sweetest ever cast member on any of these shows to date.  He's such a wonderful father to that awesome little girl.  I believe he is also a wonderful son and brother, and he probably was also very loving towards his now deceased wife, even if he was never in love with her. 

I hope that Kenny is worthy of this gem of a person (well actually TWO people, counting Armando's daughter) that he now has in his life.

[novemberjenny]

On 9/7/2021 at 2:15 PM, Xebug67 said:

Her repeatedly saying that has bugged me, because it either means she's lying about her age (which I don't think is the case) OR she's STILL MARRIED (which I DO think is the case).

I absolutely GUARANTEE that Ari fully intended to mess around with Bini for a few weeks/months and dump him and never speak to him again before returning to her comfortable, pampered life funded by mommy and Dr. daddy. Leandro probably even agreed to an extent, like have your fun, then come back home and be my wife and grow up. The baby was the thing she never anticipated. The dark side of me even wonders if she found out too late in the pregnancy to have a uh, rhymes with ‘smasmorshion.’ She doesn’t seem like the mothering type. Even now that she has an actual baby lol. She seems all too happy and grateful to hand him off to nanny Mimi. 

[novemberjenny]

On 9/7/2021 at 8:58 PM, Tuneful said:

The ex's GF probably went to TJ Maxx or Ross and grabbed a couple of $7.99 bras. Airy handled them like they were dog turds. 

Knowing now that Leandro studies at IU, I’ll bet the girlfriend went and bought them at the Edinburgh outlet mall, which is maybe a half hour from Bloomington. I was watching the episode again on TLC (only because I was too lazy to get up and get the remote to change the channel 😂) and I’m pretty sure they were Vanity Fair brand bras. There is an outlet store at that mall and they’re a very nice brand. Although Ari I’m sure demands something ridiculously overpriced and name-brand like Soma or La Perla. 

[magemaud]

19 hours ago, Hotel Snarker said:

Who on earth says to their ex husband IN FRONT of their new husband, “You could’ve had a baby like this but you missed out?” Ari is insane for bringing her ex there and for thinking that how she’s acting isn’t strange and disrespectful to her husband.

Not to be nitpicky, but Bini is not her husband at this point

[Breedom]

27 minutes ago, novemberjenny said:

She doesn’t seem like the mothering type. Even now that she has an actual baby lol. She seems all too happy and grateful to hand him off to nanny Mimi. 

Yup. I wonder how she spends her days. When I was a new mom (and like most other moms) I wanted to do everything for my baby and it killed me to have to go back to work. Not our Ari. And her mom seems to be fully aware of her limitations in this arena.

I just don't feel sorry for Ellie. I feel bad for her that her husband died and especially in such a traumatic manner, but we all have our traumas. My husband passed too in a traumatic way. We never forget, but we move on. That being said, I think judging by what her decision process is now, I bet that she has made plenty of other poor decisions within the last 10 years that don't have anything to do with her husband's passing. She is really, really going off the deep-end for a guy whom she hardly knows. Maybe she is good at running a business, but just flounders along in making emotional decisions.

[MakingBacon]

I don’t believe for a minute Ellie is selling the business. Hell, she probably doesn’t actually plan to move permanently. More like an extended vacation, particularly in light of 
 

The math doesn’t work so I don’t believe Ari is divorced. She married him at 19, is now 29, and she said the last three years of their married she traveled? Is her current living status considered traveling? Also, Leandro is her best friend? I would believe that more if the storyline was Leandro was gay and that’s how they have built their relationship into what it is today. Instead, he is her best friend, is straight with a girlfriend and brings Ari bras? What man goes and buys everyday bras (not the sexy time type) for his current significant other, let alone an ex? I assume that once she is not longer on the show, Ari and the baby will be winging their way back to New Jersey for good. 

[hookedontv]

20 hours ago, Pepper Mostly said:

Ari's a "travel writer" and I am Miss America. Any asshole can go to WordPress and start a blog. She is so full of shit, its unbearable. She apparently cares for no one and has not reached a stage in her development where she realizes that other people have feelings, an interior life, hopes and dreams, and stuff to do. She thought Leandro would just kind of not notice that she'd left and be waiting at home for her to come back (if she wanted!) and just take right back up where they'd left off! She could just put him aside, you know, like that extra brownie you stash away to have later. She is the WORST. 

^^^ This. Completely agree and couldn't have said it better myself. Ari is a HORRIBLE person. 

Edited September 9, 2021 by hookedontv

[magemaud]

1 hour ago, MakingBacon said:

She married him at 19, is now 29, and she said the last three years of their married she traveled? Is her current living status considered traveling?

I think so. My guess is that Leandro started his PhD about three years ago and Ari, instead of going along with him to IU, decided to see the world first. I do recall her saying something early on about traveling "all over" and that Ethiopia was one of the last stops on her itinerary before she went home to NJ. She went back to Ethiopia when she was about 6-7 months pregnant. That was probably at least three years ago (now) based on the timeline of her being pregnant after three months with Bini and Baby Avi being born December, 2019. 

[Xebug67]

OMG.  I was listening to a YouTube India call center scam bait video called "Girl scammer gets MAD when I DELETE her FILES!", and at 00:13:26 time stamp into the video a man who sounds eerily like Sumit answers his phone as "Michael Jones".  This can't really be him, can it?  Not so much because I think he's above being a scammer, but more so because I can't imagine lazy Sumit being willing to go back to work now that he's got Granjenny supporting him, as well as her probably not wanting him to work either. 

 

[cheewhiz]

On 9/7/2021 at 11:55 AM, CrazyInAlabama said:

Ari's fascination with Bini ended when the dreads were cut off, and she realized what life in Ethiopia would be like for her.  

1000% I will never forget when he met her at the airport. The first thing she said was "you cut off your dreads" with such dissappointment.

[Persnickety1]

On 9/8/2021 at 5:41 PM, Grifter Lives said:

I would quote all the great comments earlier, but then my post would be too long!

I think that Leandro's visit was producer-driven or arranged by Ari's parents as a wellness check on her.  But, I also think that Ari needed Leandro to visit her because she needed an audience - first to make Bini jealous and second to show how special and exotic her life is.  If nobody admired or reported back on how she was married, raising a child and living in Ethiopia, she'd be irrelevant.  (She's like the philosophical question, "If a tree falls in the forest with nobody around, does it make a sound?")

Leandro seemed uncomfortable with his gift presentation of the bras and probably knew Ari's (or the producers') set-up.  He apologized to Bini, not Ari, when he explained that his girlfriend bought them and that he couldn't find the brand that Ari requested.  From the hangtags, they looked like Maidenform.  Everything that he said showed that he wasn't giving Ari lingerie as a gift, although Ari had to exclaim that he was.

I assume that the speakers that he gave Bini plug into the stereo or electronics; otherwise, Bini would need a converter.  

Also - It's probably cheaper for Ari's parents to pay for her life in Ethiopia than subsidize her in Princeton, NJ ($200/month for the nanny, much less for a 3BR house).

 

Or to escort her back to the States.  

I think she's looking for a reason to bounce on Bini and wants Leo there as her Captain Save A Ho and her escort out of Ethiopia.  

I could be wrong, but I just get the sense she's bored and looking for a reason to end it with Bini.  

[magemaud]

8 hours ago, Persnickety1 said:

Or to escort her back to the States.  

Haven’t we seen some kind of teaser for later this season that looks like she’s leaving with the baby (and Leandro) and telling Bini on the phone that she will "never go back to Ethiopia after what you did to me and Avi”? It’s probably just a big fake-out to keep viewers speculating, but there’s obviously some drama brewing even if it's totally manufactured

 

Edited September 10, 2021 by magemaud
edited for clarity

[lightninggirl]

On 9/6/2021 at 11:20 AM, Kid said:

Don’t do it Alina!!!   Don’t do it!!!

 

I am LIVING for her girlfriends. They're coming up with everything that her mom and grandma won't point out to her, and they're both pretty pointed to begin with. Go, ladies!

[lightninggirl]

On the surface, I think Victor is ADORABLE. Would I date him? Sleep with him? Move to another hemisphere for him (especially to THAT apartment)? A huge fuuuuuuuuuccccckkkkk no. But he's totally cute and I totally see how Scary Curls fell for him. That being said, JFC WTF IS SHE DOING. 

I didn't see Corey and Evelyn before, but they remind me of a slightly more cunning Teem and Meleya (or however you spell that slag's name). Thankfully, Corey doesn't look like he's going to drop dead from a fatty liver and also doesn't wear his jeans 4 sizes too small like Teem did. I don't have balls but I'm still sad for what Teem did to his each time he limped through a scene in those ridiculous pants.

When I saw SteVen last episode, I thought he was cute, young, impulsive, and probably on the spectrum. However, after this episode? He's a manipulative little shit and the rules don't apply to him. Period. He's using his 'religion' to keep his girlfriend in check, but I'm sure he'll find a pocket of wherever they're staying in Turkey to kick back with some shots and some babes. 😂😂 His "am I moving my hands too much, producers?" quirky schtick is REAL old.

[Mrs. Landingham]

On 9/3/2021 at 8:04 PM, MrBuhBye said:

Yeah giving up a door to door pest control job is giving up a lot.

Right? Between that and Jenny giving up her all her furniture to go to India, gosh, these people sure are saints, no? 

[Mrs. Landingham]

3 hours ago, lightninggirl said:

When I saw SteVen last episode, I thought he was cute, young, impulsive, and probably on the spectrum. However, after this episode? He's a manipulative little shit and the rules don't apply to him. Period. He's using his 'religion' to keep his girlfriend in check, but I'm sure he'll find a pocket of wherever they're staying in Turkey to kick back with some shots and some babes. 😂😂 His "am I moving my hands too much, producers?" quirky schtick is REAL old.

Nailed it. 

[SunnyBeBe]

On 9/10/2021 at 10:31 AM, Persnickety1 said:

Or to escort her back to the States.  

I think she's looking for a reason to bounce on Bini and wants Leo there as her Captain Save A Ho and her escort out of Ethiopia.  

I could be wrong, but I just get the sense she's bored and looking for a reason to end it with Bini.  

Good options I suppose, but why would Ari need an excuse?  In her own mind, she’s so entitled, she could just announce she’s not being treated right and storm back home.  She’s not too timid about what she expects.  For this and other reasons, I think bringing her ex by is just a desperate storyline to keep them on the show and generating a little money.  They may be able to make it in that income alone, without a lot of frills like dining out, travel, upscale bras, etc. 🤣

Along with her parents paying for the nanny.

Edited September 14, 2021 by SunnyBeBe

[Rt66vintage]

On 9/8/2021 at 9:06 AM, SunnyBeBe said:

Wouldn’t it be normal in any culture to be a little more grateful for items brought to you from abroad with a polite Thank you.  Instead Ari and Bini looked at the items as if they had feces on them.  I realize Bini might have been caught off guard with the bras, but the ex explained that his girlfriend picked them out.   Couldn’t he use the speakers? Maybe, the quality wasn’t up to his satisfaction….idk.  Just odd reactions.  

Maybe Ari's entitlement has rubbed off on Bini. I mean he's living his best life with Ari's parents supporting his family. He may also look to Ms Piggy as to how to react to the various unfamiliar situations. He basically has no personality of his own. 

On 9/8/2021 at 4:25 PM, Hotel Snarker said:

I know some of ya’ll are sick of them but the Sumit & Jenny storyline is one of the best storylines in 90 Day history of ALL TIME! The big reveal Sumit is actually married, the time his family barged into their apartment, the love between them (can’t deny they are in love) and now Jenny’s gonna become a missionary! It’s just insane how far Sumit will go to just to avoid marrying Jenny. I’m entertained!

I'm remembering Father Sumit shouting at his son, talking  about Jenny, who was sitting right there, "IS THIS THE BEST YOU CAN DO? WHY NOT FIND A HUNDRED-YEAR OLD?" 

[SunnyBeBe]

I’m trying to envision family dinners with Summit, his parents and Jenny, as his wife…….😗……idk.   
 

I like Kenny and Armando too, but I do agree with others upthread who commented about Kenny and Hannah.  How long have they known each other?  It seems like a very new relationship.  I’m a little surprised.  

Edited September 14, 2021 by SunnyBeBe