Snark Should Be Multiplied, Not Divided: General Show Discussion

[Rhondinella]

I predict hostile negotiations over who gets the wet bar in the split.  :-)

[Oldernowiser]

It's granite, right?

I have a mental image of Meri trying to cut it two with a chainsaw just to keep her half.

[toodles]

Well, when the houses go in to foreclosure, nobody gets the wet bar.  It may be a moot point.

[Bubbetv]

The nuther woman moving in is prolly Meri's mother...

[leighroda]

Everytime Kody comes on my tv saying polygamy is complicated... Don't try it at home, like he's some sort of guru diety thT has it all figured out... I want to jam a sharp object in my eye.

[purpleflowers]

In that promo did Robyn say "Everyone is making fun of me for having a baby...and I can't" ? It was probably some funny editing. And wow, as is typical Sister Wives tradition, they make drama out of nothing. Kody lazing around on a couch while the voice-over says "things get shaken up" or something. For goodness sake. 

[riverblue22]

None of those teasers are worth a second thought.  They have led us on too many times.  The only one that could have the least bit of credibility to me is Janelle talking about problems with someone.  Although, I don't think working with a therapist to resolve her issues with Meri is anything Janelle would do in real life, it is a similar plotline to Rosemary and Paulie working out their "issues."  I have never watched it, but I imagine these types of problems showed up on Big Love, the foundation of all this TLC nonsense.

[toodles]

I'm a big fan of the Little Couple.  Their love for each other is touching beyond words.

 

The commercials for Sister Wives (which were on endlessly) was such a stark contrast to what a real marriage is.  You all chose this life.  Do you want a medal?  No one cares that it's "haaarrrddd."  Be a family, take the good times with the bad because that's what life is.  And for god's sake, shut up about it.

[mmmsoap]

The nuther woman moving in is prolly Meri's mother...

I was guessing Kody's mom, given that her husband recently died, but that made me wonder about Janelle's mom, unless she's going to go live with a different sibling or something.

[Kohola3]

The nuther woman is apparently a puppy.  Big whoop.

[Zahdii]

The nuther woman is apparently a puppy.  Big whoop.

 

You know what's going to happen next, don't you?  The puppy will need a playmate, so they'll get another dog, probably a boy.  Then because they're polygamous...  You get the picture.

[RealityCowgirl]

And, because they're irresponsible dumbasses, they'll neglect to spay and neuter them.

[Zahdii]

Each of the wives will end up with a female, Kody will get a male, and Meri will insist on having the fanciest dog house and cry when her dog fails to get pregnant, while Robyn's dog will start popping out puppies the instant she's old enough.  Janelle's dog will have a couple of litters but mostly be just good buddies with Kody's dog.  Christine will be throwing her dog over the fence into the yard of wherever Kody's at because that's the only way her dog will be able to get preggers.

[Rhondinella]

Each of the wives will end up with a female, Kody will get a male, and Meri will insist on having the fanciest dog house and cry when her dog fails to get pregnant, while Robyn's dog will start popping out puppies the instant she's old enough.  Janelle's dog will have a couple of litters but mostly be just good buddies with Kody's dog.  Christine will be throwing her dog over the fence into the yard of wherever Kody's at because that's the only way her dog will be able to get preggers.

 

 

This made getting out of bed by 10 on New Year's Day totally worth it!  Thanks Zahdii!

[Ilovemylabs]

Everytime Kody comes on my tv saying polygamy is complicated... Don't try it at home, like he's some sort of guru diety thT has it all figured out... I want to jam a sharp object in my eye.

Oh please don't!  Jab it in HIS eye.

[toodles]

Oh please don't!  Jab it in HIS eye.

Amen.  I want to barf every time I here that.

[DakotaJustice]

How about that clip with Mykelti (that headband she's attempting to wear "rakishly" isn't doing her supposed future Fashion Designer career any favors IMO, BTW) where Kody says he's GLAD that she broke up with John and that it's not in their CULTURE to date?  Now he's calling it CULTURE?  please.

[MaryMitch]

How about that clip with Mykelti (that headband she's attempting to wear "rakishly" isn't doing her supposed future Fashion Designer career any favors IMO, BTW) where Kody says he's GLAD that she broke up with John and that it's not in their CULTURE to date?  Now he's calling it CULTURE?  please.

I think it IS a "culture".  ("beliefs, customs, arts, etc., of a particular society, group, place, or time.") They may not be shining examples of any culture, but they do represent the Fundamentalist Mormon culture.

[VioletNevermind]

I'm almost ashamed to admit how excited I am for the return of this show tonight.  I'm watching reruns on TLC now to get all pissed off and irritated in preparation.  I'm pleased to report that my loathing for Kody survived the last few months intact and stronger than ever!

 

I can't wait to see how far they drag out the true reason for Janelle's "therapy sessions," to say nothing of the supposed "other woman moving into the house."  I look forward to weeks of smoke and mirrors, plots that go nowhere, and discussions about mission statements and the direction of the family while no one works and 20-some children need to eat.      

[kelm]

I've been peeking at the reruns today. I haven't watched regularly for a long time. I keep wondering... Do ANY of these people chew with their mouths closed?!

ETA: I was furious when I saw them at a steakhouse and 5(?) of them did the food challenge and NONE of them finished, so owed $72 each!

Edited January 5, 2015 by kelm

[MaryMitch]

ETA: I was furious when I saw them at a steakhouse and 5(?) of them did the food challenge and NONE of them finished, so owed $72 each!

but... they got those cool t-shirts!

 

Kidding aside, I'm sure the restaurant comped them the meals just for the publicity.

[kelm]

but... they got those cool t-shirts!

Kidding aside, I'm sure the restaurant comped them the meals just for the publicity.

I'm still furious LOL and even more furious that I care enough to be furious :D

[Chalby]

I don't believe that TLC helped them financially other than whatever they were being paid to begin with. ...

I don't think it was TLC's idea for the Browns to move etc. Kody's main goal is to keep the show going. By any means possible, keep the money rolling in, and milk it for all he can until the proverbial lemon is squeezed dry.

 

Doesn't Nevada have cheaper taxes? Or does the same income tax apply federally? (I am not American)

[Chalby]

I don't begin to understand this lifestyle and impossible to believe they really are one big happy family. They seem more like neighbors who share a husband and sometimes get along with each other.

If love really is meant to be multiplied, why aren't the wives allowed to add to their 'repertoire"? Maybe Robyn would be able to get pregnant with someone else? Or if Jannelle doesn't want to wait every 4 days to spend time with a loved one, she could find a fill-in for 3 days. It doesn't have to sexual. Just someone to love her and pay attention to her. I don't feel that any of the wives have attention paid to them, aside from the kids. That's why they look so beaten down in life. They need to get independent jobs, friends, and interests.

[Chalby]

This show is so skeevy, anyway, but that is beyond the pale.  A woman has to have several screws loose to want to share a marital bed with her sister's husband. 

What I can't understand about this show, or this belief system, is how these ladies convince themselves this arrangement is somehow to their benefit.

I love that term, "skeevy" lol. Women who are dependent upon others for their well-being or happiness could he easily sucked into this mentality. The part I don't understand is how Kody Brown was able to talk anyone into having a group marriage. He is so simple-minded and self absorbed. I just shake my head and try to erase that mental image of him seducing anyone. Sheesh...

[DakotaJustice]

Doesn't Nevada have cheaper taxes? Or does the same income tax apply federally? (I am not American)

No state taxes (I'm not sure about property tax however) but they still have to pay the IRS, Fed and state tax are two separate things.

[Chalby]

... They would also have to completely change their lifestyle concerning homes, cars, vacations, eating out and all the other ways they waste money, but that's another story...

Thank you for pointing out their lifestyle choices, so I realize I am not alone. I often wonder how they can afford all of their activities and I question how they can all be overweight (save for maybe Robyn and two kids) when I never see this family cooking or eating. It's not like the Duggars, or Little Couple where you see them constantly cooking huge meals, or picking up takeout...

[jellywager]

I just found out season 6 is in Hulu plus, now I can catch up on my snarling instead of just reading the threads. Whooooo-raaaay!

[RedheadZombie]

None of those teasers are worth a second thought.  They have led us on too many times.  The only one that could have the least bit of credibility to me is Janelle talking about problems with someone.  Although, I don't think working with a therapist to resolve her issues with Meri is anything Janelle would do in real life, it is a similar plotline to Rosemary and Paulie working out their "issues."  I have never watched it, but I imagine these types of problems showed up on Big Love, the foundation of all this TLC nonsense.

 

Big Love was well researched, so there are some similarities to the Browns and Williams families.  But neither family is as awesome as the Henrickson family:

 

Bill - Raised on a Warren Jeffs-like FLDS compound, until the prophet (his grandfather) was killed in a coup by Roman Grant, who became the new prophet.  Only in his mid-teens, Bill became a "Lost Boy" - evicted from the compound so he couldn't compete for the women against the older men.

 

Barb - First wife.  Raised LDS, she's called to the principle after having a hysterectomy from cancer.   She only had three children, and believed they needed to build their spiritual family.

 

Nicki - Second wife.  Former caretaker of Barb, raised on the same FLDS compound as Bill, and daughter of Roman Grant (yes, the man who killed Bill's grandfather!).  Clings to her prairie dresses and braids, and extremely manipulative, as she learned at her mother's knee - a sixth wife who leap frogged over the five women before her to seize power and become the prophet's most trusted confidant and ally.

 

Margie - Third wife.  Former babysitter, raised Catholic but really a non-believer.  She pretends to read The Book of Mormon and honor the principle, but she's in it because she loves the family.

 

Ana - Very brief fourth wife.  Serbian Christian, but basically a non-believer like Margie - who helped recruit Anna so she wouldn't feel so alone against the first two wives. 

 

At one time they shared a house, but now live in three separate houses with a shared backyard.  At different times, they each worry about staying together should Bill be out of the equation, and by the finale, they know the answer.

 

**Just listing some Big Love basic facts, as we frequently compare these shows to Big Love.**

 

The similarities between Big Love and Sister Wives, are they both involve a man struggling to keep his family united, and the struggle with guilt about time spent with children and wives.  Unlike Kody, Bill had only eight children, and he owned a home goods store and later a casino in Las Vegas.  They kept their lifestyle secret and openly outed themselves on the night Bill was elected to the state senate.  Bill did this in the attempt to force Utah to deal with (and hopefully openly accept) polygamy.

 

Although Big Love uses different names, it uses many elements of FLDS and AUB.

 

Moderator, if you feel my post doesn't add to the discussion, please delete.

 

[toodles]

I had trouble deciding where I should post this comment.  Having said that, I really need a life.

 

All of the Brown "adults" sold their souls to TLC.  Lock, stock and barrel.  Maybe things were better before Robyn, maybe they weren't.  Now they have the job of trying to drum up drama to keep people watching.  In the process, they use whatever sneaky, hurtful trick TLC decides would be entertaining.  And then acting surprised when it goes badly.  The way they treat each other is just awful. 

 

I lay most of the blame at Kody's feet (hence my indecision) for being such a crappy husband and father.  He doesn't know his daughter?  Wow, what a surprise.  If you spent some time with those kids instead of manufacturing drama for the sake of the all mighty dollar you might feel differently. 

 

This family made some really bad choices and it's coming home to roost.  When the cameras are gone and they assess the damage to the family, I hope they can find a way to live with themselves. 

[MarysWetBar]

It's granite, right?

I have a mental image of Meri trying to cut it two with a chainsaw just to keep her half.

Easssssy now...lol

[purpleflowers]

 

 

The similarities between Big Love and Sister Wives, are they both involve a man struggling to keep his family united, and the struggle with guilt about time spent with children and wives.  Unlike Kody, Bill had only eight children, and he owned a home goods store and later a casino in Las Vegas.  They kept their lifestyle secret and openly outed themselves on the night Bill was elected to the state senate.  Bill did this in the attempt to force Utah to deal with (and hopefully openly accept) polygamy.

 

Although Big Love uses different names, it uses many elements of FLDS and AUB.

 

This is very interesting! I have thought about parallels between Big Love and the Browns too in the past.  What I noticed is:

-The first wife Barb, couldn't have as many kids as they expected to. Same goes for the first wife Meri.

-Second wife Nicki was previously married. Same goes for second wife Janelle.

-The wives were upset that Bill went all the way with the fourth woman/wife; Christine was upset because Kody and fourth wife Robyn kissed during courtship. 

-Margene is the third wife, but somehow her getting into the whole home shopping business reminds me of Robyn and her Joory. 

-Both families have been involved in those pyramid scheme businesses. 

ETA: I just thought of another "similarity". Meri has her infamous wet bar (not that she uses it for any alcoholic beverages), and Barb...well, she enjoyed her wine. 

There are a lot of differences for sure, but it's still interesting to compare. 

Edited January 10, 2015 by purpleflowers

[RedheadZombie]

I slam the Browns a lot, so I like to praise them when I feel they've earned it.  I like to compare the Brown parents to the Duggars.  The Duggars have a twenty-four year old daughter who has never left the home unchaperoned.  A grown woman who lives in a girls dormitory (in the family home) and shares a bed with a little sister.  A grown woman with little to no education, and cannot/will not marry a man unless he's selected and approved by her father, and she will not hold his hand until they're engaged, and will not kiss him until they are married.

 

Now the Browns - Kody talks a good game about no dating, chastity, modesty, etc.  But at least two years ago, every teen girl (save Mariah) admitted she had already kissed a boy.  Mykelti had a boyfriend, even though Kody wasn't happy about it.  Logan - the MVP of the family - was allowed and even encouraged to go live in a dorm, even though he could have lived at home.  Mariah - Meri's only child and to whom she's co-dependent with - was encouraged to go away to college in another state and be independent.  You know that killed Meri, but she probably realized it was what Mariah needed, and she put her child first.  Christine admits she overly relied on Aspyn, but she encouraged her eldest to live on campus instead of at home.  She then relied on Mykelti, but supported her moving out and pursuing her dreams.  And although the sisters live together, they live their own lives and even belong to different sororities.  Maddie was also encouraged to go to school back in Utah, even though they may have feared she'd never return.

 

These parents make so many mistakes, and they seem like morons much of the time, but they have got the coolest teenagers.  That says something about the parents.  Their children are opinionated, outspoken, independent, and even rebels.  And they are loved and allowed to be who they are.  They are often disrespectful to their father (although rarely to their mothers) and he doesn't like it, but he doesn't attempt to crush their spirits.  The Duggar kids should be so lucky.

[RedheadZombie]

Is the show on hiatus?  I noticed it didn't appear on my DVR, so I searched and found "Sex sent me to the ER" in its place.  Even worse - I put the show on a series record.  TLC, what have you brought me to?

[Galloway Cave]

No show tonight due to Super Bowl, new eppie next week. The Very Special Robyn Episode.

[Chalby]

According to public records: Meri's house--$477,017; Robyn's--$475,039; Janelle's--$443,700; Christine's--$443,315. For a whopping total of $1,779,071.

I just don't see it. If you go onto Las Vegas MLS - you can get amazing homes for much less. I doubt if they would actually get those prices if they tried to sell. I am sure the homes are appraised as such in order to squeeze out some taxation dollars. Am I being fussy, or are all the homes quite boring (decor wise)?

[Chalby]

They're probably hoping TLC will still be around to step up to the plate and help them.

How long is TLC going to finance this mess? The Browns are not really a polygamist family anymore. As everyone has pointed out, they live separately. Robyn hired a babysitter so blended families aren't a goal. Meri even said last week that they are nothing like they were years ago. They all discuss their 'busy' schedules and how they don't have time to be with each other. Finally, as others have also noted - this group of people can barely stomach each other, let alone be intimate. Every time I see Janelle walk out on Kody in mid topic (because he makes ridiculous assumptions about women) I keep waiting for her to continue walking - out of everyone's lives. I hope she's built another nest egg. This show offers us nothing different from any other family that has stepchildren, ex wives, and financial ineptness. The real story is in Kody's children's response to him, especially when he pretends to give 'fatherly advice'. Does anyone else notice the eye-rolling, the snickers, and the general tuning him out or doing their own thing?

[Chalby]

I've been peeking at the reruns today. I haven't watched regularly for a long time. I keep wondering... Do ANY of these people chew with their mouths closed?!

 

LOL, I know - their manners are atrocious. Ewww.

[SometimesBites]

 

I just don't see it. If you go onto Las Vegas MLS - you can get amazing homes for much less.

Very true. Part of the reason the homes are so pricey is that they have a large number of bedrooms, not to mention they rolled extra stuff into their financing, including exterior landscaping, appliances, and even window treatments (mini-blinds, wow!). Also, new construction will almost always be more expensive than an already-built home; the Browns are willing to pay top dollar to have the houses all together in the culdesac, AND they have absolutely no sense for money. NONE. They are immediate-gratification spendthrifts, especially Kody.

[youcantbeserious]

Very true. Part of the reason the homes are so pricey is that they have a large number of bedrooms, not to mention they rolled extra stuff into their financing, including exterior landscaping, appliances, and even window treatments (mini-blinds, wow!). Also, new construction will almost always be more expensive than an already-built home; the Browns are willing to pay top dollar to have the houses all together in the culdesac, AND they have absolutely no sense for money. NONE. They are immediate-gratification spendthrifts, especially Kody.

I'd also be willing to bet that cul-de-sacs are more expensive + location. I don't know how far they're from the strip but they don't appear to be up in the hills.

[youcantbeserious]

How long is TLC going to finance this mess? .....Every time I see Janelle walk out on Kody... I keep waiting for her to continue walking - out of everyone's lives. I hope she's built another nest egg.

Two unfortunate answers to your well said questions: it's been confirmed there'll be a new Season 6 & even more unfortunate, I read that Janelle--and possibly Kody,as well--cashed out their retirement money to finance Vegas. Though I never met any of them, my eyes actually teared up for Janelle. It so wasn't worth it

to destroy her future! Kody I couldn't care less about. Well, she's stuck there for sure & for good.

 Am I being fussy, or are all the homes quite boring (decor wise)?

That depends if you are into inspirational sayings and bland neutral tones.

[youcantbeserious]

I slam the Browns a lot, so I like to praise them when I feel they've earned it.  I like to compare the Brown parents to the Duggars.  The Duggars have a twenty-four year old daughter who has never left the home unchaperoned.  A grown woman who lives in a girls dormitory (in the family home) and shares a bed with a little sister.  A grown woman with little to no education, and cannot/will not marry a man unless he's selected and approved by her father, and she will not hold his hand until they're engaged, and will not kiss him until they are married.

 

Now the Browns - Kody talks a good game about no dating, chastity, modesty, etc.  But at least two years ago, every teen girl (save Mariah) admitted she had already kissed a boy.  Mykelti had a boyfriend, even though Kody wasn't happy about it.  Logan - the MVP of the family - was allowed and even encouraged to go live in a dorm, even though he could have lived at home.  Mariah - Meri's only child and to whom she's co-dependent with - was encouraged to go away to college in another state and be independent.  You know that killed Meri, but she probably realized it was what Mariah needed, and she put her child first.  Christine admits she overly relied on Aspyn, but she encouraged her eldest to live on campus instead of at home.  She then relied on Mykelti, but supported her moving out and pursuing her dreams.  And although the sisters live together, they live their own lives and even belong to different sororities.  Maddie was also encouraged to go to school back in Utah, even though they may have feared she'd never return.

 

These parents make so many mistakes, and they seem like morons much of the time, but they have got the coolest teenagers.  That says something about the parents.  Their children are opinionated, outspoken, independent, and even rebels.  And they are loved and allowed to be who they are.  They are often disrespectful to their father (although rarely to their mothers) and he doesn't like it, but he doesn't attempt to crush their spirits.  The Duggar kids should be so lucky.

IMO, assuming the older Duggar girl(s) are that obedient, it'll never attract normal males. Instead, what I sense are golddigging gay men in the closet who're just dandy with no sex ( from her ) plus financial support/help from her parents.

They spent a whole freakin' season writing that stupid mission statement. And, yet, they remain in conflict about direction. 

 

As if we needed more evidence they're a giant waste of oxygen.

Substitute " control " for direction.

[youcantbeserious]

I love that term, "skeevy" lol. Women who are dependent upon others for their well-being or happiness could he easily sucked into this mentality. The part I don't understand is how Kody Brown was able to talk anyone into having a group marriage. He is so simple-minded and self absorbed. I just shake my head and try to erase that mental image of him seducing anyone. Sheesh...

All the wives, except for Janelle, were raised in Mormon polygamous fundamentalist sects. Janelle's family was mainstream Mormon. She first married Meri's brother, thus meeting Kody. I guess Meri's brother was no big day at the park so a young Kody was cute & exciting, plus an encouraging Meri.

Edited March 1, 2015 by youcantbeserious

[DakotaJustice]

well to be factual there probably wasn't all that much accrued in Janelle's 401k/retirement account.  She'd only worked that state job for what - less than 10 years?  And since hers was really the only STEADY income most of the time, she was supporting at LEAST six kids so how much of a percentage of her pay would have been put in the 401k or retirement fund anyway?  she might have had $10-15k in there at best.

[Kohola3]

That depends if you are into inspirational sayings and bland neutral tones.

 

Best left that way.  That's the type of decor that Realtors recommend when selling a house. And theirs will undoubtedly go into foreclosure soon so they may as well be ready to be put on the market.

[youcantbeserious]

well to be factual there probably wasn't all that much accrued in Janelle's 401k/retirement account.  She'd only worked that state job for what - less than 10 years?  And since hers was really the only STEADY income most of the time, she was supporting at LEAST six kids so how much of a percentage of her pay would have been put in the 401k or retirement fund anyway?  she might have had $10-15k in there at best.

As someone who worked steadily for 40 years before I retired, it wasn't how much was in Janelle's retirement account, but the idea of withdrawing the entire thing that made me cringe in empathy. I read Kody did the same thing. Apparently, it was enough to get them to Vegas & help with housing ( of course, not enough to

buy the 5 homes totally, but I'm sure it helped somewhat ).

[Galloway Cave]

I'm pretty sure Janelle said they blew through that money during their time in the rentals.

[youcantbeserious]

I'm pretty sure Janelle said they blew through that money during their time in the rentals.

Thank you, Galloway Cave, for straightening it out. It make sense. So I guess that's that for Janelle.( I couldn't care less for him ).

Edited March 1, 2015 by youcantbeserious

[elainebenis]

Not to mention at cashing out a 401k early incurs withholding and penalties - 30-45% off the top, IIRC.

 

So if the amount she had invested and withdrew was indeed $15,000, they flushed $5,000 (minimum) of that right down the shitter.

 

These people are idiots.

[Zanne]

I'm watching the latest tell-all and one of them makes a comment about how they still need to do the show because people still have (erroneous) preconceived notions about their family. I'm thinking, they've been on television about five years now? At this point all the notions people have are post-conceived, based on evidence of what they've seen on the show. If those notions are still mostly negative, even (especially!) after watching the show, then the Browns need to rethink their strategy about introducing the wonders of polygamy to the world.