Season 2 Discussion

[Puffaroo]

I see red flags but they're all around Brett's mother. Does she have a key to their apartment? Bout the time I walked in and found one of our parents sitting there...! If anyone needs to pass a torch, it's she. She is the one forcing Brett to choose. She needs to admit she wants him forever single.

 

I assumed someone in the TV crew let her in.

[LennieBriscoe]

"yet after finding out that she is flat broke he still makes the decision of marrying her? why?"

 

Even for a Tunisian, the lure of appearing on American television must be powerful.

 

That, and the green card!

Edited December 17, 2014 by LennieBriscoe

[MsMagoo]

Cassia - rooms in Vegas are super dirt cheap. Why are they staying in some old No Tell Motel with hourly rates off the strip? This is a "once in a lifetime" occasion - go ahead and spring for a room on the strip so she can see some lights or whatever.

 

Not anymore, unless one is a big gambler.  Food isn't cheap, either.  I spent almost $10 for a bagel with cream cheese and a cup of coffee.  Of course, I'm "frugal".  ;)

[TonyasBlueEyeshado]

I just did a cursory search, since it's been nearly 2 years since my last Vegas trip... The ole cheapies are in the $20s with more than 15 options under $70. Dirt cheap, considering any place I stay for work is $150+

[Lola16]

"yet after finding out that she is flat broke he still makes the decision of marrying her? why?"

 

Even for a Tunisian, the lure of appearing on American television must be powerful.

 

That, and the green card!

I doubt Mo thought Danielle was rich but that's not the same as finding out that she's in danger of being evicted. We don't know who paid for his plane ticket - maybe Mo did.  And maybe he figures it's better to stick out this arranged marriage for his green card.  I really don't see love in Danielle's eyes when she looks at Mo.  More of a possession.

 

I just did a cursory search, since it's been nearly 2 years since my last Vegas trip... The ole cheapies are in the $20s with more than 15 options under $70. Dirt cheap, considering any place I stay for work is $150+

It varies based on actual dates booked.  I've stayed at top hotels on the strip for $69 a night and I stayed at a mid hotel once (also on the strip) for $149 a night because others were priced higher.  I don't doubt Jason price shopped.  He seems like he'd invest a lot of time on the computer searching and comparing.

[TonyasBlueEyeshado]

I doubt Mo thought Danielle was rich but that's not the same as finding out that she's in danger of being evicted. We don't know who paid for his plane ticket - maybe Mo did. And maybe he figures it's better to stick out this arranged marriage for his green card. I really don't see love in Danielle's eyes when she looks at Mo. More of a possession.

It varies based on actual dates booked. I've stayed at top hotels on the strip for $69 a night and I stayed at a mid hotel once (also on the strip) for $149 a night because others were priced higher. I don't doubt Jason price shopped. He seems like he'd invest a lot of time on the computer searching and comparing.

She looks at him the same way she looks at a meatball sub.

[cooksdelight]

I don't doubt Jason price shopped. He seems like he'd invest a lot of time on the computer searching and comparing

Like these guys?

[EyeofHorus]

Between the crossed eyes and the inappropriate smile, my skin just crawls.  I find it irritating that you can tell that no matter how much people try to use reason and logic with her, she's just set on doing what she wants to do.  Children, job, finances, family, integrity and self respect be damned.

Her friend is being more serious than Danielle. The friend is about to cry with seemingly genuine concern for her and here Danielle is all "la di da...Not gonna happen to me." Sad!

[FarahYoussef77]

Long time lurker first time poster.

I knew Mohammed would get out of the kiss and we all knew it was BullC*&.

But from the Islamic Association website for Rules of the Fasting of Ramadan

Under Actions That Are Permissible During Fasting

There are some actions that are permissible to do while fasting, which will not nullify the fast.

Kissing and embracing - one's spouse. It is permissible to kiss and embrace your spouse as long as one is able to control oneself.

Now as for Sex-

Six Actions That Invalidate Or Nullify The Fast

Intentional Sexual IntercourseIf one has sexual intercourse while fasting, then he must perform kaffaarah, expiation of the sin. (Fasting continuously for sixty days or if unable then one should feed sixty poor people).

Sorry Danielle that you couldn't get your little sausage fingers on Moe!

Love this! This is exactly what I had tried saying in an earlier post. He either has been taught Islam entirely wrong ( doubtful) or knows these redneck nit wits won't know the difference between what is haram or not. My guess is that he takes chances with the latter, and does it frequently

[Persnickety1]

She looks at him the same way she looks at a meatball sub.

 

Dani is like some type of mutated combination of Annie Wilkes and Carl Childers, at least in my perception.  

 

Sometimes I find myself waiting for her to sharpen her blade while uttering, "Some folks call it a sling blade, I call it a Kaiser blade."

 

Maybe someone should lock up the lawnmower blades.  

 

Maybe Mo should wear protective headgear, just in case.  

 

And lock up any heavy mallets that she could use to hobble him.

 

I dunno.  Something tells me Miss Dani is not someone who takes being fucked with lightly.  In spite of the Damsel in Distress machinations we see her resort to on the show.  I have a feeling (especially after hearing that spine-chilling voice change in the bathroom) she's not as benign as she would have others think.  

[GracieK]

I have a feeling being on television was Dani's idea.  I believe Mo just wants a green card.  Plain and simple. 

 

It may have been Dani's idea, but I don't doubt for a second that Mo was on board.  With all of his silly photoshopped fb pictures and his newer fan page listing himself as a "movie star"... he may be naive to how stardom works in this country, but he damn sure isn't shying away from the prospect.

[erikainak]

I'm so sick of Danielle's damn crying, she is so disgusting and if Mohammad is using her for a green card, she deserves it

[Persnickety1]

It may have been Dani's idea, but I don't doubt for a second that Mo was on board.  With all of his silly photoshopped fb pictures and his newer fan page listing himself as a "movie star"... he may be naive to how stardom works in this country, but he damn sure isn't shying away from the prospect.

 

GracieK, have you checked out that Facebook page and seen the hordes of Dani-like women fawning all over him?

 

It's no wonder his ego is so overblown at this point.

 

Dani must be gobsmacked that he has so many (presumably) desperate and needy women clamoring for his attention on that page.

 

I try to console myself by believing a lot of them are puppet pages and women just fucking with him and, by extension, Dani.  Although I'm probably dead wrong on that.  

 

Not that I think in my wildest dreams he'd have any success at acting or modeling (we know he can't act, for fuck's sake...We saw his "I'm about to hurl" grimace during the wedding ceremony when he was trying to look happy), but still it must have come to a shock to a simple "bezness" man (con man).

 

I'll bet he wishes now that he would have taken his time and chosen a more, what was his word..."acceptable" cohort.  

Edited December 18, 2014 by Persnickety1

[GracieK]

I have read the comments from those desperate women and it's EMBARRASSING to witness!  I seriously cringe.. I want to say "come on ladies, you're humiliating yourselves and shaming our gender!"  Those ladies need to grow some self-esteem, self-respect, and learn a little about integrity!

 

But you're right.. he probably never anticipated all that attention, and I'm sure it has over-inflated an ego he has no right possessing in the first place!

[SnarkKitty]

Re: Danielle and Mohammed - Speculative or not, isn't bringing that Tumblr stuff in, and then discussing it, considered spoiler-ish to those of us watching in real time and not searching the net to find out what happens after?

[sleepyjean]

Duke2801, I couldn't agree more.   It doesn’t matter how much Daya has supposedly transformed and evolved, her future mother in-law’s opinion of her was formed the moment she barked at her son, complained about the bouquet and questioned the authenticity of her engagement ring.

 

Daya and Brett's mom also spent the first few days alone together with Cassidy while Brett was at work/school. Apparently that time together did nothing to mitigate mom's first impression.

 

Danielle's own bedroom is a different world.    She has a huge ornate bedroom set

Purchased, no doubt, in anticipation of Mohamed's arrival. I'm sure she had plans for the two of them in that bed. When you think about it, that makes his flat out refusal to sleep in it with her an extra slap in the face. Especially since she probably went into (further) debt to buy it.

Edited December 18, 2014 by sleepyjean

[CottlestonPie]

Dani is like some type of mutated combination of Annie Wilkes and Carl Childers, at least in my perception.

SPOT. ON. This is about the best description of Dani I have seen so far. Although in fairness, Carl at least seemed to mostly have a kind heart. Dani I'm not so sure about. I think she definitely favors the Wilkes side of the family tree.

[Taylorh2]

Last night I watched Danielle & Mohammed wedding. All that was, was a backyard bbq with a side of wedding. None of the guest bothered to dress up at all. I dress better then they did  while I'm just sitting on the couch watching TV

[sleepyjean]

The thing I thought was weird is that everyone was standing around watching the ceremony. I know it takes 5 minutes to get married, but couldn't they have found a couple of benches or something?  It's like the family was a bunch of campers wandering past and they stopped to gawk at an impromptu wedding.

[SaucyMommy]

I might be the odd one out here.  My husband and I got married outside in August.  It was 98 degrees that day.  Many of our guests wore jeans or shorts to our wedding.  We did not care.  We just cared that the wedding party and immediate family members were dressed nicely for pictures.  We had to strong arm my father in law to wear a suit.  That said Corey wearing Cargo shorts is probably a direct reflection of him not caring about his mom getting married.  Why dress up when you know it's just a joke of a marriage?

[trimthatfat]

I might be the odd one out here.  My husband and I got married outside in August.  It was 98 degrees that day.  Many of our guests wore jeans or shorts to our wedding.  We did not care.  We just cared that the wedding party and immediate family members were dressed nicely for pictures.  We had to strong arm my father in law to wear a suit.  That said Corey wearing Cargo shorts is probably a direct reflection of him not caring about his mom getting married.  Why dress up when you know it's just a joke of a marriage?

It might be a cultural thing. Anything that isn't considered formal attire for a wedding would not be acceptable in my culture.

 

I have a feeling Danielle's family and friends would have dressed similarly even if the marriage was genuine. They just don't strike me as the types who'd care to wear formal attire.

[gunderda]

Didn't Daya and Brett's mom spend time together watching Cassidy when Daya first got there? I thought Brett's mom was there for like a week or something (or maybe just a couple of days?)

[cooksdelight]

Didn't Daya and Brett's mom spend time together watching Cassidy when Daya first got there? I thought Brett's mom was there for like a week or something (or maybe just a couple of days?)

Yes, she was there for a week. I think what we're watching is manufactured drama.

[Lola16]

Brett met Daya on a website because he was looking for a Filipina wife.  They chatted and then he flew over to meet her.  Spent 5 days and asked her to marry him.

 

If Brett's mom wants to cast a cock-eye at someone, it should be at her son.

[MsMagoo]

So, I actually appreciated Jason's "so funny I forgot to laugh" comment because it showed some personality. All season I have struggled to get a read on him, and when he threw out that dated joke, I was finally like, "ohhhh, you're THAT guy." And then the scarf he is wearing in the scene-opening photo of him and Cassia made total sense.

 

Jason's first trip to Brazil was in the summer.  He had never traveled overseas before, and forgot our summer is their winter.  He wasn't prepared to freeze his a$$ off.  Cassia gave him the scarf.  I like it!

[cooksdelight]

Why did he take that long bus ride to the airport? Instead of driving or flying?

[MrsSmartyPants]

Not anymore, unless one is a big gambler.  Food isn't cheap, either.  I spent almost $10 for a bagel with cream cheese and a cup of coffee.  Of course, I'm "frugal".  ;)

 

 

I guess it's all relative.  Vegas is one of the cheapest places to vacation that I can think of.  I consider many of the name brand, ON STRIP locations to be VERY affordable at less than $100/night. Hell, most are under $50/night (according to Hotels.com)  and I'm not even talking about Circus Circus.  For his "once in a lifetime" event - Jason could have sprung for a little more than the spot with the hourly rates. 

[GracieK]

I guess it's all relative.  Vegas is one of the cheapest places to vacation that I can think of.  I consider many of the name brand, ON STRIP locations to be VERY affordable at less than $100/night. Hell, most are under $50/night (according to Hotels.com)  and I'm not even talking about Circus Circus.  For his "once in a lifetime" event - Jason could have sprung for a little more than the spot with the hourly rates. 

 

Yeah, I was a controller and risk manager for a group of casinos in AC and Vegas and you can do Vegas ridiculously cheap because the whole goal isn't to make money off of the rooms... it's to get you on their gaming floor.  The food can be pricey though if you want to do something other than buffets.  I think it's a combination of Jason being unsophisticated/cheap, and TLC wanted to capitalize on that perception and dramatize it by pushing them into a crap place off the strip.  

[Adeejay]

Brett met Daya on a website because he was looking for a Filipina wife.  They chatted and then he flew over to meet her.  Spent 5 days and asked her to marry him.

 

If Brett's mom wants to cast a cock-eye at someone, it should be at her son.

 

Based on the first episode, I don’t believe the issues Brett’s mom has with Daya stem from her being Filipina.

 

Vegas is one of the cheapest places to vacation that I can think of.  I consider many of the name brand, ON STRIP locations to be VERY affordable at less than $100/night. Hell, most are under $50/night (according to Hotels.com) . 

 

In less than two weeks, my husband and I are going to Vegas for five nights.  Due to the holiday season, we couldn’t get a room on The Strip for less than $160.

Edited December 18, 2014 by Adeejay

[MsMagoo]

Why did he take that long bus ride to the airport? Instead of driving or flying?

 

$$$  Flying is expensive for Jason's budget.  Ron and Jason were having auto issues at the time, so they only had one car between them.  Jason would have had to rent a car.  btw - Jason flew to Brazil because Cassia was having visa problems, and he wanted to be sure it was issued after all the hassle and money they had already put into it.  It took them longer than expected; they had to postpone their scheduled flight back to the US, and pay fees for the flight changes.  

 

 

[trimthatfat]

Based on the first episode, I don’t believe the issues Brett’s mom has with Daya stem from her being Filipina.

Whatever her issue is, she's going to need to get over it, imo. When you've already given your opinion on your adult child's life choices, you have to move on and let them live their lives.

[Adeejay]

Whatever her issue is, she's going to need to get over it, imo. When you've already given your opinion on your adult child's life choices, you have to move on and let them live their lives.

 

You are absolutely correct.  However as parents, it is extremely difficult for some of us to just sit idly by and watch our kids make what we believe to be poor choices and bad decisions.  That is why some of them move far, far away or go to college and don't come back (laugh). 

[TonyasBlueEyeshado]

$$$  Flying is expensive for Jason's budget.  Ron and Jason were having auto issues at the time, so they only had one car between them.  Jason would have had to rent a car.  btw - Jason flew to Brazil because Cassia was having visa problems, and he wanted to be sure it was issued after all the hassle and money they had already put into it.  It took them longer than expected; they had to postpone their scheduled flight back to the US, and pay fees for the flight changes.  

And was Jason going to strong-arm the Visa Czar into issuing that badboy?

[cooksdelight]

So, he took the bus to meet her at the airport. What was all that stuff about, with her threatening not to show up?

[MsMagoo]

Yeah, I was a controller and risk manager for a group of casinos in AC and Vegas and you can do Vegas ridiculously cheap because the whole goal isn't to make money off of the rooms... it's to get you on their gaming floor.  The food can be pricey though if you want to do something other than buffets.  I think it's a combination of Jason being unsophisticated/cheap, and TLC wanted to capitalize on that perception and dramatize it by pushing them into a crap place off the strip.  

 

It is all relative and a matter of perspective.  My first time in Vegas was in the mid-sixties, when it was nothing.  In the '70s and '80s we could fly from IL to Vegas for about $50.  The rooms and food were all free.  In the late '90s, it was reasonably priced, imo.  Since they are trying to promote it as a vacation spot rather than a gambling mecca, rooms and food are more on par with a vacation resort.  Again, imo.  I'm probably suffering from sticker shock.  I usually stay in bed and breakfasts and often buy ingredients for meals at the grocery store or farmers' market.  (Not junk food, like Jason.)

 

I paid $120 for two nights at the Westgate with a "guest of a frequent gambler" discount.  I think the usual price is twice that.  The discount included just one free buffet and one free drink.  I am under the impression Jason had the same discount.

 

I believe GracieK is correct in saying, "I think it's a combination of Jason being unsophisticated/cheap, and TLC wanted to capitalize on that perception and dramatize it by pushing them into a crap place off the strip." 

 

I'll say more after Sunday.  I don't want to "spoil" anything.

 

PS - I'm Ron's ex, aka Jason's stepmother.  We still consider each other "family".  Some people don't believe I'm who I say I am, but that's OK with me.  I'm an old fart with tough skin.  I love reading all the comments, except for those that are downright mean and cruel.  Happy watching!

[cooksdelight]

MsMagoo, if there's anything you want to post that might be consider a spoiler, use that thread. And we look forward to whatever you can divulge. LOL, this season has been a wild ride.

[Toaster Strudel]

The thing I thought was weird is that everyone was standing around watching the ceremony. I know it takes 5 minutes to get married, but couldn't they have found a couple of benches or something?  It's like the family was a bunch of campers wandering past and they stopped to gawk at an impromptu wedding.

 

But but but... traditionally, one spectates an execution standing up

 

[MsMagoo]

And was Jason going to strong-arm the Visa Czar into issuing that badboy?

 

Yeah, he probably considered that.....  haha.  They had turned down her tourist visa earlier, supposedly because she was too "high risk".  He might have been concerned about her ability to prove the relationship was genuine and/or wanted to provide more information.  I know he was panicking several days before he left. 

[Toaster Strudel]

They turn down tourist visas from Brazil???

[cooksdelight]

It depends on the person, their financial situation, family background, etc. My friend who is from the same hometown had a helluva time coming here. She went to college here, got her US citizenship and has a very successful business now. So, you never know.

[Lola16]

Based on the first episode, I don’t believe the issues Brett’s mom has with Daya stem from her being Filipina.

I didn't write that his mother's issues were about nationality.  Brett's mother was criticizing Daya on the show, implying that she was only marrying Brett for a green card. Since Brett is the one who went online looking for a wife from a specific foreign country and found one, my opinion is that his mother should direct her criticism right at her own son.  Brett wasn't duped by a foreigner seeking a green card or tricked into 'love'.  This was all his idea.

[SaucyMommy]

Mrs magoo, the beginning episodes make it seem like they aren't even engaged and that he didn't think she was coming. That part confused me.

[MsMagoo]

So, he took the bus to meet her at the airport. What was all that stuff about, with her threatening not to show up?

 

Actually, he took the bus to Miami for his flight to Brazil, but I think that's what you meant.  ;)

 

I'm curious about her threatening not to show, too.  I haven't had a chance to ask.  It's something I would like to talk about in person.  My guess is that she was "having a day", as Jason said. PMS, cultural differences, being young, indecision, who knows?  Jason probably wasn't paying much attention to her in the midst of all the chaos that ensued after they decided to leave IL.  Jason was genuinely worried.

 

Edited to say......  I think the stress described by DisorientedSeaCow played a huge part.  They decided to go to FL in mid-April and left IL three weeks later.  Paperwork, changes of address, finding the house, fixing it up, dealing with vehicle issues, the dogs, cash flow, getting furniture, new bank accounts, utilities, inspections, living out of boxes, yada, yada, yada..... all took it's toll on everyone.

Edited December 19, 2014 by MsMagoo

[SaucyMommy]

It still boggles my brain that people meet for 5 days and get engaged

[MsMagoo]

SaucyMommy - I think my post above will help with your confusion.

 

[Adeejay]

Brett's mother was criticizing Daya on the show, implying that she was only marrying Brett for a green card.

 

Given that all the families with the exception of Chelsea's have voiced their suspicions, I can't help but wonder why you are singling out Brett's mom for criticism.  

[SaucyMommy]

Thanks, mrs magoo! That's a lot of stress. In regards to Brett shopping for a bride online. I don't get it. Why?

[cooksdelight]

Adeejay, in this episode, she was very vocal in her objections to Daya. That is why it's a topic of conversation for this particular episode. And it harkens back to their first meeting as well, and the private conversations Brett and his mother had.

[SaucyMommy]

Call me crazy but I like Daya. I think brett and is huge lips is weird, but Daya has grown on me

My take on Cassia is that she was trying to be difficult to keep him on his toes. If you act like you've always got one foot out the door, it'll appeal to his competitive nature and he'll try harder. I can't live like that, but some couples thrive on it.

Sounds like the average 23 year old in a relationship

[cereality]

I can't imagine standing up at the altar ready to say my vows and having my own invited guests snickering or looking at each other and smiling during the "does anyone object" part. Is Danielle so divorced from reality that she doesn't understand that her own sister/kids/guests saying things like "this will be a train wreck," "maybe it'll last a yr or two" is a HUGE red flag that needs to be looked at?

 

From the things Danielle has said in her interviews -- I get the sense that she wants Mohamed bc he is a young man who can bring home a paycheck. Even in the first episode she made some reference to having someone to "provide for her," and in this episode after the wedding -- she again said something about her and the daughters being taken care of. We all know that Mo has no interest in having sex with her, but frankly I think she'd live with a sexless marriage and just clutch his arms when he allowed if that meant she wouldn't have to hold down a job.

 

If this goes forward, he's 8-9 months away from having working papers it sounds like. While that isn't a long time for a normal couple, given the shape they're in -- how does Danielle intend to survive for that long? More importantly how much opportunity is there in that town? I admittedly don't know Ohio, but that town doesn't look like it's near Cincinnati, Cleveland etc. Rather it looks like the kind of place where your options are retail or restaurant or maybe factory work, unless you are in a skilled trade and can work for a contractor, have the education/training to be a doctor/nurse/tech at the local hospital or a teacher in the local school district. I'm assuming Mo isn't a skilled tradesmen, dr. or teacher -- or we would have heard "oh we just need to stick it out 8 more months and then he'll be making $$$ as a cardiologist," so how much money does Danielle really think he can make as a factory worker? Nothing against factory workers -- many work a lot of shifts and make a solid living -- but I'm not sure it's the kind of living for which you want to bring over a mail order husband who doesn't have any interest in touching you whatsoever.