S5.E11 Troop Salt Lake City

[ZettaK]

Heather and Whitney host a girls' camp to reunite the women; Meredith invites Mary to a gallery, but things quickly go awry; Lisa and Angie meet up to attempt to make amends; Meredith hosts a Shabbat dinner; Mary has a heart-to-heart with Robert Jr.

Sneak preview.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DC4jMotp8D2/?igsh=NWZ5c2JncjdoZHNq

First aired on 11/27/2024.

Edited November 30 by ZettaK

[Stats Queen]

Luckily, Mary can find her sons rooms as it is clearly labeled Robert J

 

[Straycat80]

I’m never going to look at a hot dog the same way again after listening to Heathers explanation of Mormon non-sex acts. Ick.
I wish they’d keep Britani out of this group, she’s trying too hard to be more than ‘a friend of’. And we don’t care about Jared Osmond, he seems creepy. 

 

[TheCouchPotato]

Wow! Anyone else tear up while watching Mary and her son? Truly makes her a “Real” housewife and one of my favs now.  Awareness is so important and I’m glad they used this platform for good. 

[Stats Queen]

6 minutes ago, TheCouchPotato said:

Wow! Anyone else tear up while watching Mary and her son? Truly makes her a “Real” housewife and one of my favs now.  Awareness is so important and I’m glad they used this platform for good. 

That was so emotional and so sad. That was so emotional and heart breaking. What Mary has going on is not petty, stupid HW drama - it is real life.

I hope Robert J. gets the help he needs.

I just want to hug Mary, which is ironic as I usually roll my eyes at her.

[funnygirl]

The moment with Mary and Robert Jr was so raw and heartbreaking. I was shocked at all that he's taken. (did I hear right? did he say he'd take 10 oxy and not feel it?!) When Mary said she won't judge him but she can try to help him, that's a testament to a mother's love. It had to be so hard for her to hear that her boy was so unhappy he wanted to die. 

"Recognize it, own it, and change it. Because you can."

I truly wish Robert Jr well and hope he is able to get the help he needs to come out of this. 

[Marley]

Meredith is so delusional. Her recollection of the events at Mary’s is so wrong it’s funny. I guess she expected Mary to just buy her usual bs victimhood. I can’t believe I’m siding with Mary of all ppl lol.

Ugh no I don’t need too see stupid Brooks. Altho what he said wasn’t too bad but still no thanks to him.

Mary did not kick Meredith out. Get a grip Meredith.

Bronwyn is a little shit stirrer. Her playing dumb act not understanding who likes each other in the group is such bs.

What they were doing was not camping lol.

Ugh Britani. Go away pls. She’s still falling for Jared’s bs. Annoying. Britani is an idiot. A huge idiot. And fake as hell.

Now Meredith is deeply offended by someone taking about her hearing aid. She’s crazy. Any way for her to be a victim.

Why was Bronwyn upset at the end of their fake camping? Makes no sense.

I don’t need to hear so much about soaking. It’s idiotic.

Todd seems to be shitty at dinner conversation. He’s such a grump ass jerk to Bronwyn and everyone really.

I hope Mary’s son can get help. He probably needs professional help tho.

[Emmeline]

1 hour ago, Straycat80 said:

I’m never going to look at a hot dog the same way again after listening to Heathers explanation of Mormon non-sex acts. Ick.
I wish they’d keep Britani out of this group, she’s trying too hard to be more than ‘a friend of’. And we don’t care about Jared Osmond, he seems creepy. 

 

My god there has to be more to Britain than her dating various men.  It’s boring and sad.

[Stats Queen]

15 minutes ago, funnygirl said:

The moment with Mary and Robert Jr was so raw and heartbreaking. I was shocked at all that he's taken. (did I hear right? did he say he'd take 10 oxy and not feel it?!) When Mary said she won't judge him but she can try to help him, that's a testament to a mother's love. It had to be so hard for her to hear that her boy was so unhappy he wanted to die. 

"Recognize it, own it, and change it. Because you can."

I truly wish Robert Jr well and hope he is able to get the help he needs to come out of this. 

It is amazing he is still alive. I feel like all those drugs affected his brain (happened to my previous next door neighbor’s son. 
I am just praying for him and Mary.

Mary is in so much turmoil and pain and Meredith it focused on her petty crap.

Sometimes we expect out friends to up on our stress and turmoil, but they often don’t. they don’t know the pain you are in… and they don’t pick up on obvious clues (was there very recently)

Edited November 28 by Stats Queen

[princelina]

Sorry, but all I could think of during that scene was, "Well, I've got to go talk to my son about his obvious drug problem as soon as the camera crew gets here."

I'm baffled that the Marks' daughter wants to put herself forward so we can find her annoying and gross just like Brooks Marks, Seth and his Taint.  Heather had better watch out - discussing gross sex acts with Meredith's "children"!

I literally couldn't figure out what was even going on in this episode - they just plan a random event, show up and everyone starts randomly airing their grievances.  It's a few weeks early for Festivus, isn't it? 😄

[Emmeline]

5 minutes ago, princelina said:

I literally couldn't figure out what was even going on in this episode - they just plan a random event, show up and everyone starts randomly airing their grievances.  It's a few weeks early for Festivus, isn't it? 😄

All this bickering and arguing is not interesting and tedious.  I can’t figure out who and why they are at each other throats and I don’t care.  It’s ugly and not enjoyable entertainment.

[Straycat80]

I feel bad for Robert Jr. I hear he’s doing well now (because they said that on WWHL). But I agree this should not have been aired on a reality TV show, drug addiction and recovery should be private. 
I don’t think any of these women are really friends. And Bravo marriages don’t last, I think Bronwyn and her Father acting huzzband might be next. He insulted her twice at Meredith’s dinner. 

[princelina]

1 minute ago, Straycat80 said:

I don’t think any of these women are really friends. 

Me neither - that's what makes this show annoying and hard to watch.

[65mickey]

33 minutes ago, Straycat80 said:

I think Bronwyn and her Father acting huzzband might be next. He insulted her twice at Meredith’s dinner. 

What was the second thing that he said to her? I heard him tell her not to say something but I couldn't catch the second insult. Living with him must be hell. 

[Stats Queen]

1 hour ago, Straycat80 said:

I feel bad for Robert Jr. I hear he’s doing well now (because they said that on WWHL). But I agree this should not have been aired on a reality TV show, drug addiction and recovery should be private. 
I don’t think any of these women are really friends. And Bravo marriages don’t last, I think Bronwyn and her Father acting huzzband might be next. He insulted her twice at Meredith’s dinner. 

I kind of disagree that this shouldn’t be on a reality show, because it was actual reality - raw, non edited honest reality. I say this because I think this was so real and could help others and know they are not alone.

Addiction and recovery should be private and has been mishandled and used by Bravo for so long (Kyle outing Kim is a prime example). 

Also, suicide came into the conversation- and anytime you can support others who are suffering and want to end their lives - that should be broadcast as it could help someone else in crisis. 
If this scene only helped one family, that is wonderful.

This is the first time I have been so supportive of a real housewife.

 

[princelina]

I didn't actually have a problem with Kim being outed - she was an adult who took a job, drank throughout, made all of her coworkers uncomfortable and expected them all to overlook it and keep hush because that's what addicts do.  And then after her rehab she did it again for a couple more seasons.  This young man isn't part of the show and shouldn't have to air his issues on camera to give his mother screen time.  If it does help people that will be good, but I don't think it's right in spite of that.

[dancingdreamer]

Heather  went on a little  too long, about the sex life of an unmarried  Mormon,  I'll never look at a hot dog, or Bronwyns outfit  the same. Be quiet  Heather,  it's getting  gross and boring. 

Mary  and Robert, that  was sad, and very raw, she was the reason  he didn't  kill himself. I know she'll  get him help, but it won't  be easy. We never  know what someone  is going through. If anyone has gone through  something  similar,  you know that the next few months will be very bumpy.

I don't  know  why we need to see grumpy Todd again, or him telling  his wife" don't say that!" She isn’t  a child. He makes me uncomfortable,  and I'm angry at Bronwyn  for putting  up with his bullcrap.

[65mickey]

It's not just that Todd is awful to his wife he has no social graces. He sits there  with a huge pout on his face looking like he is ready to erupt at any minute. Has he ever carried on a conversation other than to give Bronwyn a tongue lashing? 

[Pi237]

23 minutes ago, 65mickey said:

It's not just that Todd is awful to his wife he has no social graces. He sits there  with a huge pout on his face looking like he is ready to erupt at any minute. Has he ever carried on a conversation other than to give Bronwyn a tongue lashing? 

Seriously, the first time, I figured it was understandable that he was so cranky. All the women were screeching and it was their event. He probably wanted it to be upscale and fancy and felt the fighting lowered the taste level.

However, this time he was tense immediately.  Arms folded across chest, sneer at the ready…In real life? Dude, Totally get it. Normal people don’t act this way. But you’re on a reality show and reality tv has been around for decades! No way he’s completely unfamiliar with it. Someone who does a background check on his girlfriend would research a tv show he’s appearing on.  
 

just leave the husbands home. 
 

Addiction is an evil disease. No snark from me to Mary. My heart breaks for the struggle they’re just beginning, and seemingly never ends. You let your guard down a little, start to breathe again, and Bam! find out they’re using again. It’s not something that’s fixed after rehab. It’s a lifelong  rollercoaster for most.  She was so kind to him which was heartfelt. Anger and shame don’t keep people sober. However, going forward, she’ll have to keep strong boundaries.  Too easy to use in that cushy situation. 
 

Love a Troop Beverly Hills theme! No one went for the red curly wig? Disappointing. When Heather and Whitney are getting along, they’re fun. God knows this show needs more light hearted moments between the screaming banshees attacking each other over stupid stuff.  I loved Heathers snicker when Meredith started trying to make ‘insulting my hearing aides!’ A thing.  But Way too much detail on Mormon sexual loopholes (no pun intended)
 

 

Edited November 28 by Pi237

[Vanderboom]

9 hours ago, Emmeline said:

My god there has to be more to Britain than her dating various men.  It’s boring and sad.

The thing is, I don't think there is. More importantly, it seems like Brittani doesn't think there is, which makes me sad for her. Brittani clearly thinks a will-they-won't-they with a junior varsity Osmond is what makes her special.

[FlyingEgret]

Did anyone else notice when the others were gathered to talk about Mary it was like a switch was pulled and all of a sudden they were giving her grace. Almost like the producers told them what was happening (or had happened) at the Crosby House. 

No dis on that; it was just a very obvious and abrupt pivot. And is it too much to hope that in the future they give everyone grace without being told to do so...

[snarts]

The conversation between Mary & her son was one of the realest things to happen on a RH show (the others that come to mind being the Lynne Curtain eviction and Josh Waring situation, both on RHOC). I applaud both of them for agreeing to have that honest, raw, emotional discussion filmed. It truly can help so many. Glad to hear that he's doing better.  Quick question, what happened to his father? I remember him from earlier seasons. Did he die?

I'd much rather see real life stuff than these stupid she said/she said fights. My opinion of Bronwyn is quickly souring. While I like that she initially stood up to Heather, it's clear she's now just a competing shit-stirring attention whore.

Don't even get me started on Brittani...then again, the only time I laughed was when they got confused thinking she was talking about Donnie vs. Jared. 

[Straycat80]

9 hours ago, 65mickey said:

What was the second thing that he said to her? I heard him tell her not to say something but I couldn't catch the second insult. Living with him must be hell. 

He announced to the table that he ran a background check on Bronwyn when he met her. She looked embarrassed. I feel she wanted to be on this show so she can leave him eventually. 

[Chatty Cake]

On one hand I applaud Mary for being so real. On the other hand Robert Jr is really not in a place to consent to airing his addiction. Hopefully he gets clean and will be glad that his appearance could help someone else who is struggling. 
The fights are old. Meredith and Mary seemed close for a few seasons so I really hoped Meredith would apologize for overreacting by leaving Mary’s party. 
I don’t mind Britani and her tales of Jared Osmond. 
I thought that I had perhaps been a little too hard on Todd last episode. He is entitled to not want all the screaming arguments around him. However, he doesn’t appear to be willing to engage with Bronwyns costars at all. Doesn’t mind embarrassing her and admonishing her like she is one of his adult children.

Edited November 28 by Chatty Cake

[SweetieDarling]

Do we know what kind of work Grumpy Cat Todd does? If whatever he does requires government security clearance, it may be common practice to run background checks on partners. He did say it was an NSA background check. And, frankly, if I new someone in the NSA that could run background checks I'd probably check out a potential future spouse, and possibly a few other people.

I wonder why he didn't just stay home. He obviously wants nothing to do with the ridiculousness that is the RHWs*. He seems to think Bronwyn is making him or herself look bad, but it's his behavior that's making them both look bad.

 

*On the other hand, John Barlow seems enjoy and be entertained by the drama 

[howiveaddict]

Seth seemed wasted talking to Jared about Jews and wine drinking.  I was only half listening, but it seemed like Todd got pouty after Lisa interupted his story about ancestry to tell that John Barlow had some Jewish in him.  But, like I said, I was half listening.  She does try to make every conversation about herself.

[Tiggertoo]

I was moved by Mary’s conversation with her son.  But I’m with those people who wonder why they’d agree to film it for a TV show. And I still don’t like Mary.

The Mormon sex stuff was just weird!  I don’t want to know about any of that. 

I’ve never gotten into SLC the way I have with some of the other RHs. Their arguments are so dumb.  Like when Lisa and Mary were snipping at each other.   “You keep talking.  No you keep talking.” And I don't think I like any of them.  

[StevieRocks]

Unpopular opinion--sorry to offend. I still find Grandpappy humping Elmer Gantry thievin' Mary revolting and repulsive. 

[politichick]

3 hours ago, Chatty Cake said:

I thought that I had perhaps been a little too hard on Todd last episode. He is entitled to not want all the screaming arguments around him. However, he doesn’t appear to be willing to engage with Bronwyns costars at all. Doesn’t mind esmbarrassing her and admonishing her like she is one of his adult children.

I think she used the word "c***" and that was a bridge too far for him. He didn't object to her use of the word shit or any of the crap she was discussing with the ladies. He didn't even interject at the tiny mention of Lisa's connection to Gwen's ancestry. He's an older, internationally renowned businessman. I didn't mind him saying, "Don't say that." He wasn't loud about it.

Surprised he came back for more taping and from the midseason trailer it looks like he gets upset at another event. 

I hope Bronwyn is not one and done as I really like her, but if she does return we're sure to see far less of Todd.

[lasu]

Bronwyn must have come back squeaky clean since they ultimately married with no prenup. It's actually kind of wild to think he's the type to do a serious background check but marry just on trust. 

[Chatty Cake]

50 minutes ago, politichick said:

I think she used the word "c***" and that was a bridge too far for him. He didn't object to her use of the word shit or any of the crap she was discussing with the ladies. He didn't even interject at the tiny mention of Lisa's connection to Gwen's ancestry. He's an older, internationally renowned businessman. I didn't mind him saying, "Don't say that." He wasn't loud about it.

Surprised he came back for more taping and from the midseason trailer it looks like he gets upset at another event. 

I hope Bronwyn is not one and done as I really like her, but if she does return we're sure to see far less of Todd.

I think you are right, she said she could be a snarky c- word.  I’m sure he’s not a fan of that word lol.

[ZettaK]

This is a reality show which is normally about petty drama, and fighting, but the interaction of Mary with her son was too real. It was so sad to hear a young person who has a nice life, and is loved saying he didn't want to live anymore....

I don't think that Mary wanted the scene to be filmed for the sake of a storyline. It was her story, and she probably thought it would be a warning to other parents, people. And I don't mind it being shown. 

What a shocker (not really) another HW group activity resulted in fighting.

The scene with Whitney grabbing Meredith's phone was shown again. It was such a rude thing to do. Since we said rude, Brooks asked his mother in a rude way why she was FaceTiming him. And Meredith, nobody attacked a disability, or a disabled person, like nobody attacked your son in the past.

How hypocritical to pretend a sex act is not a sex act. 

Britani must be very insecure to constantly claim she dates 10 guys at the same time. She wants to show how desirable, and popular she is. 

Edited November 28 by ZettaK

[RealHousewife]

37 minutes ago, ZettaK said:

This is a reality show which is normally about petty drama, and fighting, but the interaction of Mary with her son was too real. It was so sad to hear a young person who has a nice life, and is loved saying he didn't want to live anymore....

I don't think that Mary wanted the scene to be filmed for the sake of a storyline. It was her story, and she probably thought it would be a warning to other parents, people. And I don't mind it being shown. 

What a shocker (not really) another HW group activity resulted in fighting.

The scene with Whitney grabbing Meredith's phone was shown again. It was such a rude thing to do. Since we said rude, Brooks asked his mother in a rude way why she was FaceTiming him. And Meredith, nobody attacked a disability, or a disabled person, like nobody attacked your son in the past.

How hypocritical to pretend a sex act is not a sex act. 

Britani must be very insecure to constantly claim she dates 10 guys at the same time. She wants to show how desirable, and popular she is. 

I think as long as Robert Jr. was comfortable filming the scene, it is okay. I agree that it was a good warning to other parents. A lot of times people who have kids/loved ones struggling with substance abuse, there can be a lot of denial, shame, and wanting to pretend everything is okay until it's too late. It's good to have these conversations. It helps with the stigma. The scene really moved me, and that doesn't happen often with these shows. 

One thing between Meredith and Mary, I did see why Meredith left. If someone screams to leave their home (even if there is an IF you continue to behave this way), I understand why Meredith felt unwelcome. I only remember her ever being supportive and gentle with Mary too. I like to think if she knew what Mary was dealing with at home, she would have tried to be there for her. She said she went through something similar with her own nephew a few years ago. 

Anyone else suspicious of Lisa's finances? I know she's open about her love of cheap food, but her horror over flying coach even for a short flight (said she wouldn't carry Coach either), bragging about how much she spends on glam, how much her jewelry costs, etc, it reminds me of the whole "money talks, wealth whispers." I don't think I've ever heard Kathy Hilton brag about how much she spends, for example. 

When there are genuine rich people moments (Adrienne Maloof struggling making PB&J with even her husband giggling you poor, poor girl) or Lisa Vanderpump asking what a Ford Flex was, it can be a funny moment reminding us that yeah, these people live totally different lives than the rest of us.

But the stuff Lisa Barlow said kind of reminded me of Lisa Hochstein on Miami, who thought it was funny to show up with her housekeeper's Kia. Being able to fly at all, Coach bags, or a new car of any kind are things that a lot of people work very hard to afford. By all means enjoy the fruits of your labor. I like nice things too, but can we chill on the bragging and acting high and mighty?

[twilightzone]

5 hours ago, Tiggertoo said:

I was moved by Mary’s conversation with her son.  But I’m with those people who wonder why they’d agree to film it for a TV show. And I still don’t like Mary.

That's rich considering how viewers often complain about HW hiding their real lives.  This wasn't about whether people like Mary or not.  As a parent, she was trying to do everything to help her son.  And you can tell she was scared - for him.  As hard as it was, Robert Jr's story needed to get out.

This harks back to Laurie, OG of RHOC and the struggles her son, Josh had with addiction.  Sadly, he died from it earlier this year.

[StevieRocks]

2 hours ago, RealHousewife said:

I think as long as Robert Jr. was comfortable filming the scene, it is okay. I agree that it was a good warning to other parents. A lot of times people who have kids/loved ones struggling with substance abuse, there can be a lot of denial, shame, and wanting to pretend everything is okay until it's too late. It's good to have these conversations. It helps with the stigma. The scene really moved me, and that doesn't happen often with these shows. 

One thing between Meredith and Mary, I did see why Meredith left. If someone screams to leave their home (even if there is an IF you continue to behave this way), I understand why Meredith felt unwelcome. I only remember her ever being supportive and gentle with Mary too. I like to think if she knew what Mary was dealing with at home, she would have tried to be there for her. She said she went through something similar with her own nephew a few years ago. 

Anyone else suspicious of Lisa's finances? I know she's open about her love of cheap food, but her horror over flying coach even for a short flight (said she wouldn't carry Coach either), bragging about how much she spends on glam, how much her jewelry costs, etc, it reminds me of the whole "money talks, wealth whispers." I don't think I've ever heard Kathy Hilton brag about how much she spends, for example. 

When there are genuine rich people moments (Adrienne Maloof struggling making PB&J with even her husband giggling you poor, poor girl) or Lisa Vanderpump asking what a Ford Flex was, it can be a funny moment reminding us that yeah, these people live totally different lives than the rest of us.

But the stuff Lisa Barlow said kind of reminded me of Lisa Hochstein on Miami, who thought it was funny to show up with her housekeeper's Kia. Being able to fly at all, Coach bags, or a new car of any kind are things that a lot of people work very hard to afford. By all means enjoy the fruits of your labor. I like nice things too, but can we chill on the bragging and acting high and mighty?

100%. Whenever someone tries to act "rich," 🙄 I always instantly know that they're a low-rent, broke rube trying to cover up a past about which they're probably embarrassed. It's so sad and ironic because people would respect and admire a person who came from humble beginnings. Lisa isn't fooling anyone except herself. Isn't she the one always in a drive-thru and sucking on a big gulp? Wow---we're so envious--your life is identical to that of a 16-year old who just got his license. Congratulations?

[For Cereals]

8 hours ago, SweetieDarling said:

Do we know what kind of work Grumpy Cat Todd does? If whatever he does requires government security clearance, it may be common practice to run background checks on partners.

This!  I thought he did something in tech?  Maybe with government contracts that requires it.  His way of being funny bringing it up, but it didn’t land.  I don’t like the way he talks to her.

[heatherchandler]

1 hour ago, StevieRocks said:

said she wouldn't carry Coach either

Well now I’m with her on that!

[RealHousewife]

1 hour ago, heatherchandler said:

Well now I’m with her on that!

lol I don't care if Lisa or anyone else has preferences. I know I do. It's the pretentiousness of it all. If the Barlows really had it like that, I don't think Lisa would try so hard either. Think of Dorit on BH. I don't think the Kemsleys have that much money, and she's all about flaunting labels. You don't have to be so loud when you have real money. 

[Ms.Lulu]

I know that we have a good bit of the season to go, but Mary is the MVP. Beyond her conversation with Junior, she eats Meredith and Lisa. She was gold at the scout camp. I fast forwarded through shabbat dinner.

I am so hoping that Viewers Voice asks me about the cast:

Definitely want back: Mary, Angie and Bronwyn

Won't mind back: Whitney

Should not be asked back: Meredith, Lisa and Heathe

 

[princelina]

15 hours ago, 65mickey said:

It's not just that Todd is awful to his wife he has no social graces. He sits there  with a huge pout on his face looking like he is ready to erupt at any minute. Has he ever carried on a conversation other than to give Bronwyn a tongue lashing? 

He talked about the Barlow's mediocre tequila! 😃  (And seemed to enjoy Angie's inappropriate sex game in the middle of dinner, even though his actual friends were left out!)

[heatherchandler]

3 hours ago, RealHousewife said:

It's the pretentiousness of it all. If the Barlows really had it like that, I don't think Lisa would try so hard either. Think of Dorit on BH. I don't think the Kemsleys have that much money

Oh I totally agree!  Lisa is trying way too hard and it is so ICKY!

Dorit and PK are apparently broke but they always put up such a ridiculous front.  I am sure Lisa’s house of cards will come down soon too.

[sugarbaker design]

I cannot get enough of Bronwyn and her father/husband's relationship dynamic. It's so entertaining.

[Dr Mama]

5 hours ago, RealHousewife said:

lol I don't care if Lisa or anyone else has preferences. I know I do. It's the pretentiousness of it all. If the Barlows really had it like that, I don't think Lisa would try so hard either. Think of Dorit on BH. I don't think the Kemsleys have that much money, and she's all about flaunting labels. You don't have to be so loud when you have real money. 

Exactly. I actually Googled Lisa's net worth after that "I don't fly or carry coach" comment, and the internet says $5 million. I think that seems high based on what we've seen about their businesses, but I don't even think a $5M net worth is enough to pay for glam constantly, have a personal shopper in Milan sending you couture, etc.

[JenE4]

21 hours ago, snarts said:

The conversation between Mary & her son was one of the realest things to happen on a RH show (the others that come to mind being the Lynne Curtain eviction and Josh Waring situation, both on RHOC). I applaud both of them for agreeing to have that honest, raw, emotional discussion filmed. It truly can help so many. Glad to hear that he's doing better.  Quick question, what happened to his father? I remember him from earlier seasons. Did he die?

I'd much rather see real life stuff than these stupid she said/she said fights. My opinion of Bronwyn is quickly souring. While I like that she initially stood up to Heather, it's clear she's now just a competing shit-stirring attention whore.

Don't even get me started on Brittani...then again, the only time I laughed was when they got confused thinking she was talking about Donnie vs. Jared. 

A few seasons ago, Mary said that Robert Sr “moved to Florida” and then we never heard about him again. I’m not sure whether they’re separated or they live together sometimes but he just goes away during filming or she’s sometimes in Florida and goes to SLC for filming. Since she hasn’t mentioned him in years, it seems like they’re separated but wouldn’t actually divorce because of the church. Just wait it out to be widowed—the marriage equivalent of the “soaking” loophole, but keeping your bun and hot dog across the country from each other.

19 hours ago, howiveaddict said:

Seth seemed wasted talking to Jared about Jews and wine drinking.  I was only half listening, but it seemed like Todd got pouty after Lisa interupted his story about ancestry to tell that John Barlow had some Jewish in him.  But, like I said, I was half listening.  She does try to make every conversation about herself.

I think Todd got activated when Lisa brought up investigating John’s ancestry, and Bronwyn said quietly like you investigating Gwen’s. That was the first time we saw Todd pissed when he found out Lisa and Bronwyn were making Gwen’s grandparents a storyline and demanded she shut that down. It made sense at the time, and it seemed like he was being a good step-father protecting Gwen. But since every other scene with Todd since then has pretty much gone the same way, it’s obvious he’s very controlling of Bronwyn’s image. Maybe this is why she’s so over-the-top with her couture/costumes—it’s truly the only way she’s allowed to express herself in her own way. Though Bronwyn doesn’t seem to have any issue “talking back” to the women and standing up for herself, so could be off there.

11 hours ago, For Cereals said:

This!  I thought he did something in tech?  Maybe with government contracts that requires it.  His way of being funny bringing it up, but it didn’t land.  I don’t like the way he talks to her.

Bronwyn said Todd “invented the palm pilot,” though he was CEO at the time so technically others invented it. But, the Palm Pilot hasn’t been a thing for like 30 years(!!!), basically an entire career ago. I don’t know what he’s “invented” in the last quarter of a century of the tech boom that he can drop $4M on a necklace like “he got it at Jarrod’s.”

[ZettaK]

Mary said in an interview that Robert Sr doesn't film because he didn't like the way production treated him in the past. 

[RealHousewife]

7 hours ago, Dr Mama said:

Exactly. I actually Googled Lisa's net worth after that "I don't fly or carry coach" comment, and the internet says $5 million. I think that seems high based on what we've seen about their businesses, but I don't even think a $5M net worth is enough to pay for glam constantly, have a personal shopper in Milan sending you couture, etc.

Yeah it reminds me of the Girardis. Not saying Lisa spends as much or there is anything at all like the scandal going on. Other than the pretentiousness, I don’t  dislike the Barlows. But I remember thinking is Tom the lawyer of all lawyers? How are they living like billionaires? Lawyers can make good salaries but enough to spend $40,000 a money just on glam never made sense to me, and we all know why now. 

[Dr Mama]

2 hours ago, JenE4 said:

Bronwyn said Todd “invented the palm pilot,” though he was CEO at the time so technically others invented it. But, the Palm Pilot hasn’t been a thing for like 30 years(!!!), basically an entire career ago. I don’t know what he’s “invented” in the last quarter of a century of the tech boom that he can drop $4M on a necklace like “he got it at Jarrod’s.”

He's done a lot since then--he currently appears to be a venture capitalist, but previously he was an Executive Vice President at HP.

I'm sure he was well compensated in these roles and made a ton of money through stock and stock options, and likely does extremely well as a VC. He's also on multiple corporate boards.

Plus, SLC is a lower cost area than NYC or Silicon Valley, so his money goes further.

I have questions about how a couple of the ladies afford the lifestyle they present on the show, but none about Bronwyn and Todd.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-bradley-aa453a2/

https://www.oneequity.com/news/one-equity-partners-appoints-r-todd-bradley-as-operating-partner/

[pasdetrois]

23 hours ago, SweetieDarling said:

He did say it was an NSA background check.

Federal government security checks are very serious business these days and conducted by government employees or contractors. One doesn't run a federal check on a personal friend or family member; that's illegal. Also, the type of check depends on the level of clearance. How would Todd have access to the systems needed to conduct a check? The FBI does heavy spot checks of applicants' fingerprints to catch criminals and the camera systems must produce very high quality fingerprint images or the applicant is rejected. A brainless housewife doesn't need or qualify for a government security check, especially at NSA level. Anyone with a federal clearance is not supposed to discuss it outside of the job, including stating what type of clearance he/she has. He's a liar.

Edited November 29 by pasdetrois

[Arynm]

21 hours ago, politichick said:

think she used the word "c***" and that was a bridge too far for him. He didn't object to her use of the word shit or any of the crap she was discussing with the ladies. He didn't even interject at the tiny mention of Lisa's connection to Gwen's ancestry. He's an older, internationally renowned businessman. I didn't mind him saying, "Don't say that." He wasn't loud about it.

I have to agree. He is a grumpy old man but I think saying the C word at Shabbat dinner would make my husband tell me to watch my mouth. He doesn't police me in any way usually, but that is really beyond the pale. Shabbat dinner is a family event and it really is too far. If my husband had done a NSA background check on me however... that is crazy. Is he really that rich? I would need him to be super rich to put up with that. Still love Bronwyn.

I loved the Heather soaking/hot dog stuff. I love a peek behind the veil (so to speak) of the Mormon religion. Who else is going to explain that stuff AND admit to actually doing it! Heather made me laugh this episode and I have been very annoyed by her this season.

I did not watch the Mary/Robert segment, I did not have the emotional bandwidth for it this week. Maybe I will try again later.

Edited November 29 by Arynm
spelling

[princelina]

4 hours ago, ZettaK said:

Mary said in an interview that Robert Sr doesn't film because he didn't like the way production treated him in the past. 

You mean they told us who he was and how he came to be Mary's husband? 😂

2 hours ago, RealHousewife said:

Yeah it reminds me of the Girardis. Not saying Lisa spends as much or there is anything at all like the scandal going on. Other than the pretentiousness, I don’t  dislike the Barlows. But I remember thinking is Tom the lawyer of all lawyers? How are they living like billionaires? Lawyers can make good salaries but enough to spend $40,000 a money just on glam never made sense to me, and we all know why now. 

In Lisa's case I'm guessing she has glam "all the time" when she's on the show, in order to show off, but in private not so much.  Her "look" is not that complicated 😄. And flying first class isn't that big of a deal if you  are regular rich, plus you get airline deals.  

1 hour ago, Arynm said:

I have to agree. He is a grumpy old man but I think saying the C word at Shabbat dinner would make my husband tell me to watch my mouth.

Does he seem like the type of guy who would enjoy having his wife show up at the airport in Halloween costumes every week to greet him?  I mean, come on 😄🙄😂