S16.E08: Two Cliques

[Scarlett45]

 

The Brown family grows more divided than ever; Christine and Janelle must choose between seeing Kody and seeing their older children; Robyn and Meri follow Kody's COVID rules so they can have Thanksgiving with him.

Air Date: January 9, 2021

 

[Sasha888]

Robyn primly says that her mother says she is the Brown Family Scapegoat - as if that makes it a fact.

Actually Robyn, the only thing that proves is that you call your mother and trash talk your family.

[waterytart]

Oh man, when Robyn said My mom calls me the Brown family scapegoat and Meri gives her major side-eye and says Wow, that's gotta be a hard position!! Puhleez. I'm not necessarily a Meri fan but I felt for her.

 

 

[JeanJean]

The kids take their cues from Robyn and Cody. If she and Cody were very matter-of-fact about, "Well, we're a big family so not everyone can be with everyone for Thanksgiving, especially now that some kids are adults," the kids would be fine, too. And she could add in some info about how everyone also has to make some adjustments this year because of  Covid without making the others look bad.

[deirdra]

When Meri doesn't believe Robyn, it must be BS because Meri is the only wife who might believe some of the things Robyn says.

[RedDelicious]

At the end of the episode they showed previews for next week. So you mean to tell me exactly one month later, rules were followed and everyone got together for Christmas at the Big Canoe? Aka Chez Kobyn? 

[Tuxcat]

How many more episodes? I fill like we are stalled for the season. I'm annoyed with all of them for different reasons.

[sheshark]

12 minutes ago, RedDelicious said:

At the end of the episode they showed previews for next week. So you mean to tell me exactly one month later, rules were followed and everyone got together for Christmas at the Big Canoe? Aka Chez Kobyn? 

I believe it is Douche Manor. TM Julez

[Kbo]

My personal name for this episode is “Shut up, Robyn”.  I was interested to finally get a better look inside her house. She’s managed to make a $900,000 house look tacky and cheap. Can’t say I’m surprised. 

[taragel]

Christine and Janelle's chat made me feel very glad for both of them that they have that support, especially that they both commented how much each of their kids love the other wife. And it felt so genuine. And very reasonable (to me) that they would want to see their adult kids over Kody who has shown them for so long that he has little to no interest or investment in them, for all his crowing about the "whole fambly."

And then in contrast, the Robin/Meri/kids reunion just felt so overdramatic and fake to me.

IDK I'm so glad Christine left in search of a better life and I wish Janelle would too.

I wonder if it was Aspyn who called Robyn and asked about her rules? Didn't she live with Robyn for a while too? Hmm.

 

Edited January 10, 2022 by taragel

[Adeejay]

I can't believe Robyn lied to her children about why Janelle, Christine and their kids wouldn’t be joining them for Thanksgiving. She is also using them to manipulate Kody and reinforce the notion that the rest of the family doesn't respect him and won't allow him to "lead", therefore making her children stand out as shining examples of obedience to him.

I laughed out loud when Christine said that she feels bad for Janelle not seeing Kody, because she actually likes to spend time with him. Ouch!

[deirdra]

Yes, Janelle & Christine's chat sounded natural & genuine.  In comparison, I laughed out loud when Day'un said "you want me to let her in???" and also after the group hug on Meri when Aurora pulled back quickly with an "ick" look on her face. 

Kootie & Robyn would have only let Janelle & Christine come for Thanksgiving at the Full Marriage Mansion if Janelle left the boys at home and only brought 1 of her 6, Savanah, and Christine only brought her 3 youngest.  Instead, Christine got to see 5 of her kids and Janelle 3 and her sister.

When they had that 3 firepits for 4 wives get together in ~August, Robyn's kids stuck to their picnic table and acted stand-offish, especially AuroraBreanna. A couple of the other kids came over (10' away) and spoke to them for a bit.  Day'un came over and spoke to Christine & her girls. Aurora, we don't believe your crocodile tears for a second. You don't miss any of them.

Edited January 10, 2022 by deirdra

[Tuxcat]

7 minutes ago, deirdra said:

When they had that 3 firepits for 4 wives get together in ~August, Robyn's kids stuck to their picnic table and acted stand-offish, especially AuroraBreanna. A couple of the other kids came over (10' away) and spoke to them for a bit.  Day'un came over and spoke to Christine & her girls. Aurora, we don't believe your crocodile tears for a second. You don't miss any of them

Christine said in previous episodes that her girls really struggled in Flagstaff. Gwen in particular had trouble making friends, Ysabel was in pain and Truely never made friends either. By contrast Robyn's girls love Flagstaff according the Robyn. If IIRC Breanna was on the dance team? I wonder if they just ran in very different circles and I wonder if that caused some tension that still exists. 

[Pooky]

The bomb shell at the end... Janelle says she doesnt know if Polygamy suits her anymore...  no it doesn't.. you have one sisterwife left now and she is hogging the husband.  

I can't even imagine what next season will look like

[Ms.Lulu]

Two very different perspectives: Meri says she has been begging Robyn and Kody for months to see the kids.  Robyn says she and Meri have been counting down the days.

I was glad that Meri called Robyn out on how she was trying to portray the separation.

[Pooky]

Just now, Tuxcat said:

Christine said in previous episodes that her girls really struggled in Flagstaff. Gwen in particular had trouble making friends, Ysabel was in pain and Truely never made friends either. By contrast Robyn's girls love Flagstaff according the Robyn. If IIRC Breanna was on the dance team? I wonder if they just ran in very different circles and I wonder if that caused some tension that still exists. 

When Christine mentioned moving back thou all three girls said they didn't want to

[toodywoody]

Robyn's daughter has learned from her that fake crying makes people think they are so upset. When their actions say something else.

[Tdoc72]

So annoying that Robyn didn’t explain to the kids that it was for this year b/c of COVID.  Not forever or they never wanted to see them again. And that it was only for Thanksgiving and they’d be around for Christmas.  
 

And they acted like Janelle & Christine went to Thanksgiving with a group of randos they met on the street the day before. They were with their family.

I really would love to know what Janelle and Christine thought about these last couple of episodes. 

[Pooky]

Just now, Ms.Lulu said:

Two very different perspectives: Meri says she has been begging Robyn and Kody for months to see the kids.  Robyn says she and Meri have been counting down the days.

I was glad that Meri called Robyn out on how she was trying to portray the separation.

That was great Meri . Very real. Frik Robyn lies so much.. even to her own kids.. scapegoat..! scapegoat... man I wanted to scream.. home wrecker more like.

Just now, Tdoc72 said:

So annoying that Robyn didn’t explain to the kids that it was for this year b/c of COVID.  Not forever or they never wanted to see them again. And that it was only for Thanksgiving and they’d be around for Christmas.  
 

And they acted like Janelle & Christine went to Thanksgiving with a group of randos they met on the street the day before. They were with their family.

I really would love to know what Janelle and Christine thought about these last couple of episodes. 

Be good if they started filming reactions and giving the other wives a chance to respond.. now that would make great tv!

[deirdra]

2 minutes ago, Pooky said:

Be good if they started filming reactions and giving the other wives a chance to respond.. now that would make great tv!

Pillow Talk episodes from the other wives' homes.

[Pooky]

Just now, deirdra said:

Pillow Talk episodes from the other wives' homes.

Yes!! Bring it on 😂🤣

[islandgal140]

8 minutes ago, Adeejay said:

I laughed out loud when Christine said that she feels bad for Janelle not seeing Kody, because she actually likes to spend time with him. Ouch!

That was some primo shade! Most people mistake outright insults for shade, but it ain't. Shade is subtle and if done incredible well, needs a bit of time and unpacking for the target to even realize they had been insulted. 

I'm getting a real "Flowers in the Attic" (sans the incest, hopefully) vibe at the Brown compound. Seems like all the kids are shuttered away from all civilization and goodness gracious, watch old VHS tapes of Robyn breakdancing (da fuck).  I think at this point I would wonder if I died and went to the Bad Place. 

Both Robyn and Meri making it seem like Janelle and Christine don't value the family because they made a choice to spend the holiday with their kids who couldn't/wouldn't comply with Robyn/Kody's rules was despicable. 

Kody conflating strict unquestioning compliance with showing respect and love - how is it possible to keep getting douchier and douchier with each episode? 

[Ms.Lulu]

Robyn says her kids have only been around her part of the family.

To quote Christine: What. About. The. Nanny?

[Pooky]

2 minutes ago, islandgal140 said:

That was some primo shade! Most people mistake outright insults for shade, but it ain't. Shade is subtle and if done incredible well, needs a bit of time and unpacking for the target to even realize they had been insulted. 

I'm getting a real "Flowers in the Attic" (sans the incest, hopefully) vibe at the Brown compound. Seems like all the kids are shuttered away from all civilization and goodness gracious, watch old VHS tapes of Robyn breakdancing (da fuck).  I think at this point I would wonder if I died and went to the Bad Place. 

Both Robyn and Meri making it seem like Janelle and Christine don't value the family because they made a choice to spend the holiday with their kids who couldn't/wouldn't comply with Robyn/Kody's rules was despicable. 

Kody conflating strict unquestioning compliance with showing respect and love - how is it possible to keep getting douchier and douchier with each episode? 

Christine is shady af.. love it 😍😂

[suev3333]

Yes we wives must bow down to Koduche and RESPECT him, and be LOYAL to him.   Pffft      

Try being a halfway decent husband before you get any loyalty or respect from any of your wives.  And he's gotta keep letting us all know he wants nothing to do with Meri.  She keeps saying, "we're still technically married".   Uhh  not really.  He doesn't want to be married to you.  This episode just showed how much more happier everyone is within their own smaller family units.  It can never be one big solid family unit ever again.   And everyone knows it.

I keep thinking. . .what would this season have been about if there was no covid?  Prob everyone fighting over which lot they get  and who gets a wet bar....oh, and who gets that gorgeous crystal clear swimming pond they have 🙄🙄

 

 

 

 

[Desert Rat]

Aurora, dear, shut up. Just shut the hell up. This isn't about you. It has nothing to do with you.  

[crimson23]

2 hours ago, JeanJean said:

The kids take their cues from Robyn and Cody. If she and Cody were very matter-of-fact about, "Well, we're a big family so not everyone can be with everyone for Thanksgiving, especially now that some kids are adults," the kids would be fine, too. And she could add in some info about how everyone also has to make some adjustments this year because of  Covid without making the others look bad.

Exactly this.  There were no real life facts, just Robyn's selfish take to make her and Kody look better.  Why not mention that family members like Tony and Mitch and Garrison etc etc all have to have real jobs they go to everyday? they can't sit at home like Robyn and her brood and have the rest of the family pay their way and their Nanny.  Ridiculous. 

Another funny thing,  if the Kody Covid rules were being followed all that time, how come the Kids didn't know of the list? lol  proves Kody used Covid to isolate them and then again when Christine when Kody did come by, it was a few hours and straight back to Robyn's. 

[magemaud]

2 hours ago, suev3333 said:

 

Yes we wives must bow down to Koduche and RESPECT him, and be LOYAL to him.   Pffft   

 

Cue the “Theme From The Godfather”! Remember, never go against the fambly! 

[eskimo]

Kody complains about what he doesn't get from his wives but says nothing of his obligations to them.  He withholds affection, attention, and time, then demands loyalty.  

One major  problem with the way the Browns practice polygamy is that with so many wives, Kody will always have his needs met somewhere, therefore there is no incentive to meet his partners' needs.  When things get tough in a monogamous relationship, generally neither partner is getting all of their needs met and either decide to work it out, or completely separate.  But they both have an interest in doing one or the other.  With Kody, if one (or more) of his relationships aren't working, he can just turn to another one and ignore the one in trouble.  He doesn't need to work on it for himself, and he doesn't have to fully cut it off in order to move on.  So he leaves his wives in a purgatory of sorts while he still has a 'fully functioning marriage' with someone else.  Then has the nerve to complain that he's not getting the loyalty and respect from the women he's essentially hung on a hook to await his return.  I wish someone in his 'culture' would point out to him that he has obligations to these women, as their husband.  Instead he takes the role of a king over his lowly subjects.  However,  the women have allowed this to happen, so there's blame to go around.  

Edited January 10, 2022 by eskimo

[Xena]

1 hour ago, eskimo said:

One major  problem with the way the Browns practice polygamy

Like your post eskimo - but I have to toss in that there is no good way to practice polygamy.  It's a silly religious practice that only serves to keep men in charge of women.  There is no good way IMHO.  

[Desert Rat]

6 hours ago, deirdra said:

Pillow Talk episodes from the other wives' homes.

Please TLC, please. That would be awesome tv. If the wives won't do it, get some of the adult children like Hunter, Gabe, Aspen. But not Mariah. Please keep her off my tv. 

[Lassie]

Robyn and Kody spinning the story to justify the inevitable switch to monogamy from polygamy. They want it to appear the decision was made by the other three wives. Kody even said Christine decided to separate in his announcement about her leaving. Truthfully, they forced it by all the antics we see-the lack of exposure to him, his lack of closeness to his children, he shut them out which will force them to leave (who sticks around for his scraps) and then will say they chose to leave. Meri will end up like an aunt to Robyn and Kody. Those rules he and Robyn came up with were a bit of CYA for the nanny. Their answer for What Does The Nanny Do? The same with allowing Meri to visit. The situation is so sad for Janelle and Christine’s kids and I don’t enjoy watching anymore. 

[Granny58]

2 hours ago, eskimo said:

Kody complains about what he doesn't get from his wives but says nothing of his obligations to them.  He withholds affection, attention, and time, then demands loyalty.  

YES x 1000.  He's such shit.  And let us NEVER forget that he expects Meri to woo him.  Frikkin WOO HIM!!!!!  If he truly believes in spiritual marriage, then he is obligated to spend time with Meri.  

[laurakaye]

As usual, I didn't make it all the way through this show in one sitting - but I did see the reunion with Meri the Shunned Peasant, finally being allowed access to the Queen's Chamber to cavort with the princes and princesses.  The fact that the kids really seemed happy to see Meri partially thawed my frozen heart.  But immediately after that scene we get Kody Manson with his beady creeper eyes declaring, "My wives!  Will!  NOT!  Ever!  Share!  A KITCHEN!"  And it was right back to reality.

I find this stupid kitchen crap just another not-so-subtle way that Kody manages to drive a wedge between his wives.  I wonder, if left to their own devices, a couple of these women might manage to make some microwave popcorn or a bowl of Cheerios without beaning each other in the head with the nearest small appliance, were it not for Kody putting the thought into their heads that no wives of his will ever breathe the same kitchen air.  He is such a piece of crap - he constantly declares "Family above all!  Where we go one we go all!" while at the same time doing everything in his power to drive away everyone except Robyn and her kids....and then pretending to not comprehend why no one wants to spend any time with General Brown.  He is gaslighting his entire family so hard, it's a wonder they don't spontaneously combust.

[winsomeone]

The one thing Meri always contributed to Thanksgiving dinners, the turkey, Robyn just decided she wants to try her hand at making it this year? Punishment much? Have those kids remained inside the mansion for the last 8 months? They don't work or go to school? The rest of the family must kick the kids out once they reach 21, but these darlings get taken care of the rest of their lives?

[Pepper Mostly]

I can't believe no one has mentioned Kody's final bit of "wisdom" this episode: "If you want an easy life, be a monogamist!" Christ, what an asshole. I mean, I know we all say it every episode but every week he plumbs new depths of douchebaggery.

The way he just casually dismisses Meri-"We don't have a marriage any more" makes my stomach turn. I thought this whole polygamy thing was all about your sacred responsibility to all these weak and tender vessels (women) to teach them and help them attain heaven by virtue of their servitude to your sacred peen? But now you cavalierly toss her aside. She, as a wife (bear with me, I know she divorced him) supposedly has equal standing in your family, right? Oh wait, the Gospel According to Kody says not so fast. And poor deluded Meri, going on about how they're "technically married". NO YOU'RE NOT YOU DUMB BINT. 

It seems that "the family" only means Kody, Robin and Robin's kids. Kody's absolute shock and dismay that Christine and Jenelle went to their kids rather than spend Thanksgiving with "the family"! Um, they're your family too, dickweed. God I hate him. 

[suzeecat]

What I got from this episode is that everyone celebrated Thanksgiving EXACTLY HOW THEY WANTED TO (with the exception that I believe Cody would have rather Meri not shown up), and were happy, yet had guilty feelings about how much they enjoyed it.  Congrats, Brown family, your initial vision that your reality series would shine a favorable light on your lifestyle has blown up in your faces in epic proportion. 

[MamaGee]

From the way she talked in this episode, I would have guessed Janelle would be out the door right behind Christine. 

[Fostersmom]

9 hours ago, toodywoody said:

Robyn's daughter has learned from her that fake crying makes people think they are so upset. When their actions say something else.

Yep, yep, yep! That was my first thought and I actually said it out loud to the TV, oh.... Robyn's kid knows how to fake cry too. 

1 hour ago, Lassie said:

Robyn and Kody spinning the story to justify the inevitable switch to monogamy from polygamy. They want it to appear the decision was made by the other three wives. Kody even said Christine decided to separate in his announcement about her leaving. Truthfully, they forced it by all the antics we see-the lack of exposure to him, his lack of closeness to his children, he shut them out which will force them to leave (who sticks around for his scraps) and then will say they chose to leave. Meri will end up like an aunt to Robyn and Kody. Those rules he and Robyn came up with were a bit of CYA for the nanny. Their answer for What Does The Nanny Do? The same with allowing Meri to visit. The situation is so sad for Janelle and Christine’s kids and I don’t enjoy watching anymore. 

Robyn slipped when she told her kids right before Thanksgiving that those were the rules Kody came up with for THANKSGIVING. Um, I thought those were the rules your family followed on the regular.... not just to get together for a day. If that was the case, she would have said he told them our rules. 

[TurtlePower]

5 minutes ago, MamaGee said:

From the way she talked in this episode, I would have guessed Janelle would be out the door right behind Christine. 

Right? But this is the same Janelle who swore she wouldn’t uproot her kids and move to a flagstaff. I think she genuinely didn’t want to, but gave in way too easily. I’ll be surprised if she leaves as Christine did, but I do hope she does one day. 

[Elodia]

I was kinda surprised that Janelle spent Thanksgiving with her sister in Utah. I thought there was "no one there for her" in Utah? So Janelle did not only disregard Christine's daughters and Mariah, but also her own sister.  And I'm not buying Christine's story that her children "love Janelle so much" for one second. Maybe they like her, but love? Did Janelle ever visit Aspyn or Mykelti in Utah? Finally, the scapegoat. Of course, Robyn is the scapegoat. I mean, she's only ever got the tablescraps, right? 🙄

Edited January 10, 2022 by Elodia

[islandgal140]

4 hours ago, eskimo said:

Kody complains about what he doesn't get from his wives but says nothing of his obligations to them.  He withholds affection, attention, and time, then demands loyalty.  

One major  problem with the way the Browns practice polygamy is that with so many wives, Kody will always have his needs met somewhere, therefore there is no incentive to meet his partners' needs.

I always thought one of the most despicable things Kody ever said was that he was not responsible for his wives being or feeling emotionally fulfilled. He said this in response to a polygamist husband (who was visiting the Brown's in LV) stating the exact opposite - that he (the visiting ply husband) was responsible for his wives feeling happy and fulfilled. Of course, Kody's outdouched himself when last season he told his teenage daughter to go have major back surgery by herself.  All this shit tracks.

Aurora is mini-Robyn and annoying. I hope she never lives plyg, otherwise she will be in a perpetual state of tears and panic attacks. 

One burning question that needs answering: Can you be considered spiritually married if your husband keeps saying you have no marriage to speak of?

Edited January 10, 2022 by islandgal140

[Sandy W]

11 minutes ago, TurtlePower said:

Right? But this is the same Janelle who swore she wouldn’t uproot her kids and move to a flagstaff. I think she genuinely didn’t want to, but gave in way too easily. I’ll be surprised if she leaves as Christine did, but I do hope she does one day. 

Janelle has had the jam to separate herself twice before.  I knew about the 2 years or so she spent away before the purchase of the Lehi house (which she came back and financed), but was surprised to learn that she had stayed behind for 8 months in Wyoming? for her employment. 

The will to fight for her own and kid's mental health seems to have left her.  Even muttering F**k you to Kody was done in a gutless manner with her back to him as she was walking away.  To have been really effective about her feelings, she should have made this declaration right to his face, waited for his response, then countered with her honest emotions.  Instead she took the cowardly route of hit and run, nothing gets resolved that way.

[Libby]

Robyn is toxic. She twists everyone she comes in contact with into a pretzel with her manipulation. She gets people to a point that they can't even think straight.

Anyone who crosses paths with Robyn will suffer. Her children will suffer the most. I fear for their mental health. 

That woman is trouble.

[NoWhammies]

If there was a video of young me doing that whacky wavy waving arm flailing inflatable tube man "dance" that Robyn was doing, I'm relatively certain it would never have seen the light of day if I knew it existed. But I'm glad Robyn's self-absorption and lack of self-awareness made it possible for us to view it. What an absolute twit she is. She and Kody really are perfect for each other. I bet somewhere he has a video of himself doing virtually the same thing. 

[OliversMom]

Overarching thought for this episode:

Aurora is Sobbyn’s mini me, she has the not so subtle snark and fake overemotional tears down pat. 
 

Also, Sobbyn is the family’s scapegoat?

Wasn’t aware scapegoat meant scheming, manipulative bitch, but there you go. 
Apparently you really do learn something new every day.  Who knew? 

[laurakaye]

1 hour ago, suzeecat said:

What I got from this episode is that everyone celebrated Thanksgiving EXACTLY HOW THEY WANTED TO (with the exception that I believe Cody would have rather Meri not shown up), and were happy, yet had guilty feelings about how much they enjoyed it.  

Pretty sure King Kodoof wanted his entire brood to quarantine in separate rooms for 14 days and not touch anything that hadn't been doused in Lysol so they could all gather at Robyn's house, and Kody could hold court and pontificate to all of his children about how they were messing up their lives and not living up to his lofty standards while they all gazed adoringly at him and solemnly nodded their heads in agreement.

Also, he'd prefer for Meri to take her dinner in the driveway.  Or in the trees.  Or...IN a tree.

 

33 minutes ago, NoWhammies said:

If there was a video of young me doing that whacky wavy waving arm flailing inflatable tube man "dance" that Robyn was doing, I'm relatively certain it would never have seen the light of day if I knew it existed. But I'm glad Robyn's self-absorption and lack of self-awareness made it possible for us to view it. What an absolute twit she is. She and Kody really are perfect for each other. I bet somewhere he has a video of himself doing virtually the same thing. 

hahahahahaha omg that video...

For someone who's supposedly SOOO modest, there were some pretty come-hither dance moves that she worked into her routine.  Maybe that's what she does for Kody while modeling her VS "extra-long pants."  Honestly, Robyn and Kodork could cut quite a rug together at the next wedding reception - clear the floor, here comes DJ Jerky Kode and the Flygirl Robyn!

Edited January 10, 2022 by laurakaye

[Madding crowd]

Robyn has a high opinion of herself considering she dresses from the Jaclyn Smith for Kmart collection. I’m sure she thought that video showed her amazing dance skills. Her youngest daughter, still don’t know the spelling of her name, seems too old for a pacifier.  The Browns want us to think  they are suffering so much when the whole world spent holidays the first COVID year with smaller family groups. With the sheer number of kids they have it makes it harder but I know plenty of people who weren’t able to see grown kids or grandkids that first holiday season. It seems pretty obvious that Kody is phasing out his entire family that is not Robyn or her kids. He isn’t the first divorced man to do that and won’t be the last. I think Meri and Janelle like the TLC money or they would be gone.

Edited January 10, 2022 by Madding crowd

[Kellyee]

I just watched the first scene during my lunch break. "That's a door" is the same thing as "Look at the trees." Dumb and in denial of the reality of the situation. It's also cruel for Robyn to be giving Meri hope when there is none and she knows it. 

And all 4 of these women make a huge show about being moms to all 18 kids. But Robyn got annoyed when one of the other kids dared to call her, and I'm betting Christine and Janelle haven't given a thought to Robyn's kids' mental health. They are all so full of it. 

Is there a production set on the Prairie Land that they just keep reusing? I can't think of any other reason for continuing to drive out there to talk.

[Cetacean]

49 minutes ago, Madding crowd said:

Her youngest daughter, still don’t know the spelling of her name, seems too old for a pacifier.

Are you kidding me?  That kid was born in January 2016.  She's still sucking on a pacifier? 

Wait, hold the phone, Robyn is probably still nursing her along with the whole co-sleeping scenario.