S05.E15: Cold And Calculated

[greekmom]

Quote

Gino's attempt to ask Jasmine for a prenup does not go as planned; Kim and Usman say goodbye; Mike tries to work things out with Ximena; Ben confronts Mahogany; Memphis and Hamza prepare to say "I do."

First Look: 3/25/22; TLC: 3/27/22; Discovery Plus: 3/27/22

[magemaud]

3 minutes ago, Frozendiva said:

 

Boring preview.

Gino and Jasmine are back in Panama City and are moving her into a new apartment, which he is paying for. $700 per month plus probably utilities and wifi. He claims to be poor but mentioned or maybe I heard wrong, that he has about $650,000 in stocks that he can cash some out to help support Jasmine. The apartment looks nice and it is obvious that she cannot afford the place on her own. I can see a couple of hundred dollars a month, but..... once she gets wind of the stocks, she will want a better ring.

 

Watching now and you heard right. He claims that he “buys and sells his own stock and it just went way up” and it’s now worth 650K “but it’s for retirement.” I am confused because when Jazmine said she would lose her job because of the photos that ended up on the internet she claimed to make $3,000 a month. Now she can’t afford a $700 apartment? 

[Frozendiva]

1 minute ago, magemaud said:

Watching now and you heard right. He claims that he “buys and sells his own stock and it just went way up” and it’s now worth 650K “but it’s for retirement.” I am confused because when Jazmine said she would lose her job because of the photos that ended up on the internet she claimed to make $3,000 a month. Now she can’t afford a $700 apartment? 

She also wants to completely redecorate his home. Uh, Gino, it is your home and you are paying for it. I can see Jasmine buying a new couch, some new bedding and maybe some paint for the walls, but if this keeps up, you will be selling that home because nothing about it will make her happy and she will be jealous of a cookie jar.

[magemaud]

No mention of Ella and Johnny again in the episode description 

[AR Traveler]

4 hours ago, magemaud said:

No mention of Ella and Johnny again in the episode description 

I don't think we will, ever.  Where else can that go?  She cries, he won't leave China.  The end.

[magemaud]

3 hours ago, AR Traveler said:

I don't think we will, ever.  Where else can that go?  She cries, he won't leave China.  The end.

But I'll bet these Star Crossed Lovers will be on the Tell All, Ella in the studio (can't pass up a free trip to NYC) and Johnny on camera from China. She will cry and get all blotchy faced and squeal in a high pitched voice about her physical needs. He won't leave China, he loves her but there's a pandemic, he has a family to protect! February came and went without them meeting in Dubai...

[RedLA]

He buys and sells his own stocks?  As opposed to the stocks of companies and corporations?  He is smooth.  🤮

[1011101010001]

2 hours ago, RedLA said:

He buys and sells his own stocks?  As opposed to the stocks of companies and corporations?  He is smooth.  🤮

Sounds like a day trader many of whom end up losing their shirts lol 

[Me from ME]

Quote

He buys and sells his own stocks?  As opposed to the stocks of companies and corporations?  He is smooth

He must be thinking about his own capital investments. 😉

[Starlight925]

2 hours ago, RedLA said:

He buys and sells his own stocks?  As opposed to the stocks of companies and corporations?  He is smooth.  🤮

Right, he's trying to sound impressive that he handles his own trading, rather than using an advisor.

Sure, his value was up 6 months ago.  We were all up.  You just had to breathe, and you were up in the market.

But given the abhorrent market this year, his value is probably down $60K - $100K now, with no income coming in to replace it.  So if all he has is $500,000 for retirement, um buddy, that's nothing.  By the time he reaches retirement age, he'll need 4-5 times that amount, especially to continue taking care of Jasmine in the manner in which she is accustomed.

And how does he get medical care?  From the magical medical care fairy?  

I just want to wipe that stupid smirk off his face.  Bragging about $650K, at his age & jobless, is quite frankly laughable.

[1011101010001]

Gino mentioned that he has to pay rent in Michigan so I guess he doesn’t even own the house.  So it would be easier to move than let her redecorate the whole thing.  Also she wants him to work in a restaurant?  Around waitresses all day lol?

[Gobi]

3 minutes ago, MrBuhBye said:

Also she wants him to work in a restaurant?  Around waitresses all day lol?

Gino already has applications in at Hooters, Twin Peaks, and Tilted Kilt.

[1011101010001]

Just now, Gobi said:

Gino already has applications in at Hooters, Twin Peaks, and Tilted Kilt.

Has to be a place that allows staff to wear hats though.

[Frozendiva]

3 hours ago, MrBuhBye said:

Gino mentioned that he has to pay rent in Michigan so I guess he doesn’t even own the house.  So it would be easier to move than let her redecorate the whole thing.  Also she wants him to work in a restaurant?  Around waitresses all day lol?

The owner may only allow certain modifications. Gino can have a garage sale.

[ALittleShelfish]

4 hours ago, Gobi said:

Gino already has applications in at Hooters, Twin Peaks, and Tilted Kilt.

:::Hamza has enthusiastically entered the chat:::

[magemaud]

7 hours ago, MrBuhBye said:

Has to be a place that allows staff to wear hats though.

He could be a soda jerk since he already has the jerk part down pat 

[Kid]

I think Hamza understands more English than he shows.  And I think his mother and sister are lovely people and beautiful and that he has a loving family.  He deserves better.

Edited March 27, 2022 by Kid

[Kid]

So, old Ben tried to gaslight her and it didn’t work!🤣🤣🤣
Based on the previews for next week, she needs to get the police involved. He is a serious stalker.

Edited March 27, 2022 by Kid

[CrazyInAlabama]

30 minutes ago, Kid said:

So, old Ben tried to gaslight her and it didn’t work!🤣🤣🤣
Based on the previews for next week, she needs to get the police involved. He is a serious stalker.

I doubt the local police will be too sympathetic to Ben stalking Mahogany.   Ben might want  to think about that he's an outsider, and has zero rights. 

Edited March 27, 2022 by CrazyInAlabama

[Breedom]

22 hours ago, Starlight925 said:

But given the abhorrent market this year, his value is probably down $60K - $100K now, with no income coming in to replace it.  So if all he has is $500,000 for retirement, um buddy, that's nothing.  By the time he reaches retirement age, he'll need 4-5 times that amount, especially to continue taking care of Jasmine in the manner in which she is accustomed.

I think that Gino has done fantastically, being able to save and invest that amount of money by 51 years old. I don't think he was bragging about it, although I personally keep my finances private, but I know many who don't. That money has lots of time to grow by full retirement age and I don't think it's that expensive living in Michigan. Good for you, Gino. And if Jasmine continues working with the money she's earning and they stay together, they will be well situated. I'm assuming she will be able to return to teaching and they settle into a comfortable budget. I know a couple where the woman spends her income on trips, furniture etc. while the husband socks his away on bills and retirement.

I still can't wrap my head around Usman. I know he likes being in the spotlight on TV and if he chooses a nice, older, American woman life would go on uneventfully, but with Kim, who is especially unlikable, keeps him relevant and on the show. So take that, Kimbelly. Also, she looked horrific going to the airport. You couldn't make an effort and try and look half-way decent the last time you see Usman for awhile? That hair, pulled back as far as she could get it to go only showed a huge amount of forehead. Usman, remember that image, that's what you get. You can dream about Kimbelly and that harsh, stern, Dana-Carney-Church-Lady expression she favors. They go out and have some fun behind the cameras when she's gone. Find someone you can really be in love with, not a fan that you only see as loyal and supportive in your career.

[Pimming Swool]

Mike's mask finally fell, and it turns out he is ugly, petty, and mean.  Good for Ximena that she wouldn't be shamed into compliance.  

It was also satisfying when Mahogany walked away from Ben, even though I'm convinced she and her "family" are all actors.  Ben is the worst (behind only Mike) - both of them are acting like the women owe them.  

  

[Sir RaiderDuck OMS]

Yes, Jasmean, you are certifiably crazy. Gino has NO legal right to force his ex-wife to take back her maiden name.

If Memphis didn't know what a Tunisian wedding was like, she could have simply Googled it. And you'd think a NP would know how to properly use contraception.

Mike: Ximena has dumped you. Quit being a spiteful ass. Accept your losses and move on.

Meanwhile, Creepy Ben continues to earn his nickname.

[Tuneful]

A lot of foreign people on the show seem to think that the home and lifestyle of the American they are dating is what you’d find, e.g., in Beverly Hills. That all they have to do is hypnotize the other person through sexytime. Yet so many of these Americans are just barely squeaking by and would not offer a better standard of living for the foreign person. Maybe Gino got unemployment benefits for awhile, but Jasmine, for the lifestyle you describe, you should have been holding out for a wealthier guy, although none would be the doormat that Gino is toward you. This won’t end well.

I have seen few visual gags on this show as OTT as The Benz in his pink party sweater and urban sombrero. Mahogany (or whatever your real name is, off the dating-for-pay site), bring your parents and/or the cops with you to deal with this stalker. How dumb was it to not have dropped the Dad’s letter off at the desk and given them a tip to take it to the Pink Panther, while you take off? 

Many of the American men (even the ones who seem fairly well off, like MMmmmDavid) are incredibly cheap. Last I read, Mike has a FT job in IT support, but Ximena has come to learn (1) he isn’t as loaded as she thought and (2) he has begun to resist being a cash cow. Mike, at least it’s not a divorce. Take the lessons learned like a man. Don’t expect the stuff back (given shipping costs) or any cash. At least your expenses living with your family are probably less than those of most single people. It was bizarre to see his Pole Run; I want to call Kimbaaaly’s walk a Pole Walk. 

What is with the timing mishaps for Come to Jesus talks? Ximena, you don’t accept a "fun date "with Mike on the night before leaves, to dump him in public and detail your complaints. If it was that bad at the home, then go to a friend's or a hotel. I need to never see X'x skanky, greasy self on my TV again. Memphis, who chooses the night before their wedding to sit the other person down for a contentious discussion of finances and a divorce scenario? Who yanks him out of his family's celebration to do so and puts his sister in the middle of that mess? By that time, the train had left the station, Memphis, and YOU DIDN”T DO YOUR HOMEWORK--so you either cancel and go home, or suck it up and hope for the best. But blaming a  prenup/postnup on your kids is cowardly. Overall, I’m incredulous this individual does mental health counseling. Hammy's family did an incredible job keeping a stiff upper lip on the wedding day. P.S. Would it have killed Memphis to research the wedding ceremony in advance and prepare one prayer in Arabic??

Edited March 28, 2022 by Tuneful

[nutella fitzgerald]

4 hours ago, Kid said:

I think Hamza understands more English than he shows.  And I think his mother and sister are lovely people and beautiful and that he has a loving family.  He deserves better.

Too bad neither he nor Memphis understand “condom”.

[greekmom]

On 3/26/2022 at 3:10 PM, Starlight925 said:

But given the abhorrent market this year, his value is probably down $60K - $100K now, with no income coming in to replace it.  So if all he has is $500,000 for retirement, um buddy, that's nothing.  By the time he reaches retirement age, he'll need 4-5 times that amount, especially to continue taking care of Jasmine in the manner in which she is accustomed.

And how does he get medical care?  From the magical medical care fairy?  

I just want to wipe that stupid smirk off his face.  Bragging about $650K, at his age & jobless, is quite frankly laughable.

I don't think Gino is an investor or does investment or is into stocks.  Gino probably has that cash from an inheritance from Dad (remember the uncle? He pretty much hinted at it in the first episodes) and the bank invested it in some blue chip stuff. Not much risk, but low return.

He could buy a home in Canton MI for around 300K and stop paying rent and pay a mortgage if he had a job.  I think Gino being let go by work due to covid just gave him an excuse to not find another job.  There is so much work out there now. I bet he can find something but resigned himself to not even try.  I know someone like that exactly. He lost his job back in 2016 (packaged out) and just lives off his sister all day.  

[Gobi]

I think Gino invested heavily in hat futures.

[Mrs. Hanson]

Just watched the whole thing.  Madame X, I apologize for anything bad I said about you.  That scene where Mike was trying to badger you, shame you, wanted you to grovel and feel something that SHE HAS NEVER FELT and has made it VERY CLEAR - oh my friggin' God.   I am sorry she was took your virginity and now you are having a hard time but I thought she was going to call in her gangster friends and he was going to get killed.

Ben:  You are a stalker.  I did not need to see you make a meal of her.  It looked like Daddy molesting his daughter......oh wait.

It broke my heart to see how happy Hamza was at the wedding, then Memphis sharing the pregnancy news.  They will probably never touch that baby.  Hey Memphis, do you know what they call people who practice the rhythm method?  Parents.  I knew more about a Muslin wedding that Memphis before this episode without looking it up.  They must be Muslim lite as normally women are not allowed to be in the same room.

Tonight pay attention to the goodbye with Kim and Usman.  She tells his she loved him twice, he never says it back.  And she does kiss him on the cheek even though he asked her not to.  Muslims just do not touch their spouses in public.  

No, Jasmin, you don't get to tell someone to change their last name.  Lots of women keep their husband's name after a divorce.

No Ella and Johnny.  Good.  I cry enough at work - don't need to see her tears.

I need to vent:  I was behind a car that had MMM on license plate.  At red light I took a picture and it will not let me upload it!  BOO!!!  David and Lana!

 

Edited March 28, 2022 by Mrs. Hanson

[bravofan27]

I have a friend exactly like Gino. He sits on a very very modest trust fund and lives extremely frugally-- mooching off those with more money than him, and befriending people much younger who he doesn't have to try to impress to hang out with. Given men lie about the money they have, his savings account is probably way less than 650K. And stock? Really? IMO, he likely inheirted some money that is in a savings account somewhere. 

Mohag and Ben are both equally dishonest and shady. Ben loses it when Mahog asks him hard questions, but Mohag does the exact same when Ben tries to get info from her. They both have a parenting voice when talking to the other. 

Also, does Mohag sort of look like Rachel Ray?

Hazma is so cute and very  handsome. I was very happy for him that Memphis was pregnant, they both seemed very happy. She said the sex lasted 10 seconds the first time, and possibly his first time? In any case, they were potent. Memphis was drinking a lot when she first came, so I don't think pregnancy was on her radar. I do think she asked a producer to get a pregnancy test-- I doubt she snuck out to a Rx on her own. But I do think it's Hazma's.

 

 

Edited March 28, 2022 by bravofan27

[kristen111]

On 3/26/2022 at 7:16 AM, AR Traveler said:

I don't think we will, ever.  Where else can that go?  She cries, he won't leave China.  The end.

Good.  Why would he live on a farm?  He has obligations at home like his Son and Parents, and a JOB.  She just wants sex every night.  Go buy some vibrators.  Crass I know, but I just can’t help it.

Ben ..go home.  You are a broken record and annoying.

Edited March 28, 2022 by kristen111

[Mrs. Hanson]

1 hour ago, kristen111 said:

Good.  Why would he live on a farm?  He has obligations at home like his Son and Parents, and a JOB.  She just wants sex every night.  Go buy some vibrators.  Crass I know, but I just can’t help it.

Ben ..go home.  You are a broken record and annoying.

No you are not crass.  Everyone needs an outlet for sexual tension.

[kristen111]

WTF ?  Is this guy Ben still here?  He’s leaving, he’s staying.  GTFOOH !!!!!!!!!!  Pervert.

[JeanJean]

Jasmine's loopy again. She can't make the ex change her name, Gino can't make the ex change her name. All she's really doing is maintaining the connection with the ex.  And I hate that she calls her "bitch."

[Adeejay]

Someone should probably tell Jasmine that Gino nor anyone else for that matter, can make his ex-wife give up his last name. She has these huge mood swings and can be very irritational. 

Seems to me the one who was cold, and calculating was Mike.  His whole countenance changed when Ximena told him it was over. He went from this sweet simpleton to a raging a-hole. I am glad she stood her ground.

Hamza said, “Today, I am going to marry an American girl. This makes my family very happy.” I wish the producers had the awareness to ask him if he was happy.  When Memphis arrived in Tunisia, she seemed desperate for them to have xes. So, now I am wondering if Hamza is the father.  

Edited March 28, 2022 by Adeejay

[JeanJean]

1 minute ago, Adeejay said:

  When Memphis arrived in Tunisia, she seemed desperate for them to have xes. So, now I am wondering if Hamza is the father.  

Hasn't she only been there two weeks? Can an over-the-counter EPT detect a pregnancy that early these days?

[My Girls]

Mike really gave me the creeps with his insistence that he was going to stay and say goodbye to the kids.  At the point of the relationship breakup, I wouldn't let this man near my babies.  Hell no.  He probably thinks he's going to get laid one more time.

[Kid]

19 minutes ago, Adeejay said:

When Memphis arrived in Tunisia, she seemed desperate for them to have xes. So, now I am wondering if Hamza is the father.  

I thought exactly the same thing.

[anoninrva]

On 3/26/2022 at 2:46 PM, MrBuhBye said:

Sounds like a day trader many of whom end up losing their shirts lol 

He could just be talking about his 401k or roth account.  I don't know.  If that's all he's got for retirement, as an engineer, at his age, he's not doing that well.

[AR Traveler]

1 hour ago, Adeejay said:

When Memphis arrived in Tunisia, she seemed desperate for them to have xes. So, now I am wondering if Hamza is the father.  

I thought of that, too.  She said she was three weeks pregnant.  Pregnancy is a dim memory for me, but are those tests that sensitive now?  If memory serves, the exhaustion and nausea didn't kick in until well into the second month, and that was after a missed cycle.   In fact, did anyone else catch the awkwardness when they broke the news to Mom and Sister?  

1 hour ago, Adeejay said:

Hamza said, “Today, I am going to marry an American girl. This makes my family very happy.

I caught that too.  He did seem happy at times, other times befuddled ("what have I done?"), and at one moment he looked like he was waiting in the dentist's office for a root canal.

Weddings in many countries and cultures are very simple-signing a document.  All the hoo-hah and partying is extra. I'm thinking of Sumit and Jenny in India.  I too was surprised that women and men weren't segregated.  I wasn't surprised that Memphis didn't know diddly about weddings in her husband's own faith, or probably diddly about Islam.  Why didn't Hamza or anyone in his family explain what would happen?

And what a way to go home-"Hey, kids, you have a new stepfather who can't speak English and you're soon to have a half-sibling".  Those poor kids (although I think they're teenagers?)  That's a lot to take in.  How did she explain her Tunisian trip to them before she left?

[AR Traveler]

I wanted to break up my posting before I write a dissertation!

Mike/Ximena:  Mike is a nasty, peevish little man.  He thinks because he got Ximena out of being a cam girl that she should be grateful, and that means physically, too.  She doesn't owe him squat, and especially not contact with her kids.  He would have tried to manipulate them: "Don't you want me to marry Mommy?"    Mike is just like the man who expects "putting out" after an expensive date.  They didn't have a relationship for a year; they had an ongoing transaction.  

Boy, did that turn on a dime.  The night before, she was the love of his life.  Now, she's a calculating B.  I believe Ximena wanted to have a happy marriage with a man she really loved, despite the stench of money involved.  Good on her to turn down her chance with Mike since she knew she'd grow to detest him.

Ben/Mahogany: I don't  know what Mahogany's little game is.  She kisses him (and ewww, he says "That was hot"), then the next day as soon as Ben tries to pin her down on things, it's "I don't remember"; "I'm confused"; "I didn't say that".   Per usual, when he starts prying, she splits.  Read the tea leaves, Ben!  This is a coquette who probably has a boyfriend somewhere and they wanted a laugh.  However, she didn't realize what a nutjob she attracted.

Ben makes my skin crawl.  You've essentially had a few days with this girl and really know nothing much about her, but you have to pour out your heart?  You've also followed her across the country like a truffle-seeking pig.  And in the previews, she gets back in her car to get away from him, and he opens the door to push his way in?!  I would have been screaming and kicking the heck out of him at that point.  I'm so glad she didn't let him ride back with her.

Gino/Jasmine: When I was divorced, I took my maiden name back because we had no kids and it was a brief marriage.  That said, not Gino nor anyone else can make the ex change her name, whatever her reasons for keeping it.  So Jasmine forgave Gino about the pictures and even agreed to marry him, then flips out over the ex's last name-a woman she'll never have reason to even meet?  It seems such a stupid thing, and once again the ex is evil incarnate.

Kim/Usman: Yeah, like that's going to last long.

[1011101010001]

“I don’t care if there are ONE HUNDRED documents, that BITCH can change them!”   I have a feeling Jasmine was going to lose the teaching job when this show aired regardless of the topless pics.

So Jasmine had to move because of a situation with the roommate/mates.  Please bring them on the Tell All.  I can only imagine the stupid fights she would have with roommates.  

Edited March 28, 2022 by MrBuhBye

[1011101010001]

Ximena can look mannish (she was channeling Bowser of Sha Na Na at the pool hall), but is she really a son of a bitch?  And I thought Mike likes her mother.

[1011101010001]

Mahogany grins like the Cheshire Cat when Ben points out that she looks nothing like her pics.  But again she is the mature one.

[seasons]

Usman so happy in car on way to airport. Smiling and singing.

He is literally like on a high because she is leaving.

 

 

No fool like an old fool.

Edited March 28, 2022 by seasons

[seasons]

Uncle Marco looks and sounds like George Costanza's father.

[Frozendiva]

21 minutes ago, MrBuhBye said:

Mahogany grins like the Cheshire Cat when Ben points out that she looks nothing like her pics.  But again she is the mature one.

Maybe she thinks that the older men aren't that bright and will fall for her games. Be honest with him instead of leading him on.  She is just a little kid and Benjamin has more money and more ability to do things. If you don't want to see him, don't show up don't respond to his texts. Get a new phone number. She evaded every single question. If she still has his $1000 loan, pay it back. Don't walk out and say I have to leave when you don't like what he is asking you. The story smells pretty fishy.

[LennieBriscoe]

On 3/26/2022 at 3:10 PM, Starlight925 said:

Right, he's trying to sound impressive that he handles his own trading, rather than using an advisor.

Sure, his value was up 6 months ago.  We were all up.  You just had to breathe, and you were up in the market.

But given the abhorrent market this year, his value is probably down $60K - $100K now, with no income coming in to replace it.  So if all he has is $500,000 for retirement, um buddy, that's nothing.  By the time he reaches retirement age, he'll need 4-5 times that amount, especially to continue taking care of Jasmine in the manner in which she is accustomed.

And how does he get medical care?  From the magical medical care fairy?  

I just want to wipe that stupid smirk off his face.  Bragging about $650K, at his age & jobless, is quite frankly laughable.

No, a person doesn't need $2.5M or more for retirement. Get real. 

[winsomeone]

Jazmine thinks $700 is nothing to Gino? She must really think he is rich? What little he has, she will spend within a couple of years as she has expensive taste. Would like to see how she adapts to Michigan winters too.

[gaPeach]

Quote

Ben/Mahogany: I don't  know what Mahogany's little game is.  She kisses him (and ewww, he says "That was hot"), then the next day as soon as Ben tries to pin her down on things, it's "I don't remember"; "I'm confused"; "I didn't say that".   Per usual, when he starts prying, she splits.  Read the tea leaves, Ben!  This is a coquette who probably has a boyfriend somewhere and they wanted a laugh.

This was very interesting to watch.  You could see the wheels turning in her head as Ben was going over all her little inconsistences in her story trying to figure out how to get out of it.  She feebly threw out the "you did not take any responsibility for your marriage break up" again.  That did not have the same impact as the first time so she bolted.  I do not like Ben at all and was pretty much on her side until last night.  Shady is as Shady does.  And yeah the make out session was just gross....

Mike, dude you just need to leave.  Now.  I too was mostly in his corner until last night when he refused to leave the house.  Insisting he stay to say goodbye to the kids in the morning.  Then one of them comes out to comfort his mom and I am thinking, say your goodbyes now and leave.  Yes she took advantage of you Mike, but I think you went into it with eyes wide open, thinking she would be forever grateful to you for your money.  You underestimated her and she realized she could not pretend to love you due to your personal hygiene and well, she got to know  you.  Go Home and let it go.

[kristen111]

11 hours ago, Mrs. Hanson said:

No you are not crass.  Everyone needs an outlet for sexual tension.

Like a good cup of coffee, and a donut?  Lol.

[AR Traveler]

Everyone can call me horrible for even thinking this.  Memphis never mentioned a pre or post-nup for most of the two weeks before the wedding.  Is it in the realm of possibility that she realized she was pregnant (by whom is another story), and suddenly had to prevent Hamza from taking her biggest asset-the baby?  She has to keep that secret above all else.

Somewhere is a link that even Hamza doubted the baby was really his.