S02.E03: Jinger Flips

[Absolom]

Ratings post apparently didn't take.  1.297 M viewers and a .4 rating.

[Marigold]

From my viewing, there is an undercurrent of anger/rage in Ben. I sometimes get the sense that he could go off at any moment and he is just barely holding it together.  I get the same read from Jessa as well.  Their talking heads remind me of the talking heads between Jon and Kate (and we know how that ended up).

Originally I thought Ben was just being quieter on camera due to the "shut up, Ben" he probably googled up.

Now? I have to agree. There seems to be a current of unhappiness between them.

Sort of like when you have walked in when a couple has been fighting and there is that awkward vibe in the air and you're thinking "hmmm. I think I came at a bad time. I'm getting outta here." But one of them tries to break the mood and is suddently overly happy. Yeah, that's the vibe I get from those two now.

Very sad. I hate to see anyone unhappily married.

[StaceyNotStacie]

Nice that we got a glimpse of Jimboobs "car lot" now. I think that is the most reality we have seen this whole season.

Can't believe I am saying this, but I am glad that Jana and JD have each other.

I hope they have good security for that car lot. I can see fans trying to find the car lot location and it wouldn't surprise me if any of the vehicles were vandalized.

I can't help but feel for any potential mate of John David. He seems to hold Jana to a higher standard and I can't help but wonder if any future wife would constantly be compared to her (i.e., "that's not how Jana cooks that or cuts my hair" or "Jana would never yell at a child like that").

Edited March 30, 2016 by Stacey1014

[OpieTaylor]

That sounds a little crazy. I know several people who do it. If it's a crime, there's a lot of cops turning their heads to look the other way. They buy them too. I think above a certain number you do have to have a dealers license.

I don't think just anyone can go to the auto auctions; I think you have to have some kind of dealer's license to buy from there. And that's where you get cars at lower prices so that there's room to mark the price up some.

[Magoo]

Disclaimer:  I woke up cranky this morning, so this is going to come out more snarky than intended; and, I know it's not her fault, but the way Anna moves her mouth when she talks is just...weird.  Her mouth goes every which way when she speaks - like stretching her lips around the words is somehow painful.  Since I've noticed it, I can't focus on anything else when she's onscreen. /petty rant over

 

This show is ridiculous.  Ridiculous.

[Spencer Hastings]

I don't think just anyone can go to the auto auctions; I think you have to have some kind of dealer's license to buy from there. And that's where you get cars at lower prices so that there's room to mark the price up some.

I frequently attend dealer and police auctions. In Missouri you don't need a dealer's license to buy. Just come with cold, hard cash.

[Fostersmom]

The whole set-up was odd. Jana just sat there like a lump while Anna and Jessa struggled to make conversation. In the past Anna has been pretty funny in her TH's, so I think it's the Duggar girls who are incapable of talking about anything besides Gothard platitudes and Bible verses. I agree they should have had Jinger go instead.

 

Anna seemed desperate to find out Ben was having issues with the baby and almost seemed disappointed he wasn't.

[Mollie]

The views for "Jinger Flips" are way down.  This Episode, #3, had 1,297,000 views.  The first Episode in the series had 1,913,000.

http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2016/03/30/tuesday-cable-ratings-march-29-2016/

 

TLC is also losing advertisers right and left for the Duggar show:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/hayleycuccinello/2016/03/30/tlcs-duggar-family-show-loses-more-advertisers/#57acf4452918

[JoanArc]

The views for "Jinger Flips" are way down.  This Episode, #3, had 1,297,000 views.  The first Episode in the series had 1,913,000.

http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2016/03/30/tuesday-cable-ratings-march-29-2016/

 

TLC is also losing advertisers right and left for the Duggar show:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/hayleycuccinello/2016/03/30/tlcs-duggar-family-show-loses-more-advertisers/#57acf4452918

So these delayed perma-teens sta around talking about how advanced their kids are. Jesus, they all stall out at age 15. Younger sometimes, see Jackson, who's perma-7. And TLC thought this would get ratings? And sponsors? So glad I'm not watching. Season 2 was probably greenlit based of the premier.

They better announce a pregnancy next week or pull Josh from cold storage.

[luvbadtv]

3. Had I known that ten year old J-boy "flipped" my potential vehicles, I would have ran away too. That's a lot of effort to only make $500 profit. They had to: go to the auction (they're loud, smelly, and chaotic), tow the vehicle, detail it, and get it running. That's not a good return.

 

And they are suppose to pay income tax on that $500.

[louannems]

Jana and JD both seem world-weary. Exhausted, really. They seem like a married middle-aged couple!

[cereality]

As screwed up as this family is, I think there were some flashes of authenticity from JD and Jana. I'm glad that they have a bond still -- despite mommy and daddy's weird rules re male and female siblings needing to separate. I honestly thought they looked a little too close on the couch and I'm surprised JB and Michelle didn't make them re shoot that TH a little further apart.

 

I do think JD compares/will compare any potential mate to Jana bc he does think highly of Jana. I did believe him though when he said -- he didn't know what he was looking for, he was just looking for "the one." That's honest -- this is a guy with no dating experience, little game, and next to no female interaction other than his family -- how can he realistically know what turns him on or what annoys him?

 

As for Jana -- she gave the stock answers she HAD TO give re looking for a guy with wisdom, Godly etc. BUT I think in that answer, she threw in a bit of what she realistically wants. I like that she said she wants an experienced/grown man, not a boy (ahem-- Bin); she wants a guy who understands the value of hard work and can hold down a job (ahem -- Bin and Derick); in another trailer she says she wants a guy who an get his hands dirty, not an office guy (ahem -- Derick); and she was honest in saying there has to be physical attraction. It would be great if she could land herself a fundie or conservative contractor/electrician etc. They make good money. And if she happens to land a guy who someone views women as an equal, I could see her jumping in and running/doing the books for a contractor business. Hell I could even see her learning some real tasks from him like electrical and then working with him to identify a house, buy it, and flip it for extra income. I think Jana is smart -- smarter than she's given credit for and there's lots of things she could do, except that in their world you aren't allowed to do ANYTHING unless someone puts a ring on it and in their crazy world by putting a ring on it when you've hardly met the person often means that they end up with someone who is controlling, borderline abusive, lazy, a serial cheater etc.

[truthtalk2014]

Anna really made a fool of herself telling Jessa to check Bengermin’s social media accounts.  As if she can advise anyone how to keep tabs on their hubby!  I found it strange that she took M4 with her.  Guess she didn’t trust MEchelle and Boob to watch over her. Can’t say that I blame her.

 

Bengermin changing the diaper.  Supposedly he does this all the time.  Does he talk out loud each time about the smell and how hard the clothing is to get off the baby?

 

WORD OF THE DAY- bottle.  I don’t know too many breastfeeding mothers that have not at least built up a supply to last a couple of hours.  Geez Jessa.  All you do is sit and breastfeed.  Borrow that pump from MEchelle!  Oh wait, she is probably still hanging on it - just in case. Nice time out with the girls- all you do is talk about the baby you left at home!  Give me a break.  Baby talk… baby talk…baby talk.  Those three need to go to a strip club  with some dollars and down a couple of Long Island Iced Teas.  This is just crazy.

 

Bengermin is so over this whole deal. 

 

Iz on the fan- I just don’t know what to say.  I guess Jill is used to seeing Josie lick anything and everything, so it’s all good for baby Iz.  Hoping Miss Cathy sends him a real teething ring in the near future.

 

“Bigger is always better.”  Wow- I guess when money is no object- it is.  Sickening.The brother standing next to JD is dumb as dirt.  I can’t even think of his name.  He holds his lips so weird during the tree house discussion.  Is he doing dip or what???  Yea, let’s try to get the kids out of the main house in the spring and summer and into another house?  WTF?

So Joy took a ‘class’ on auto detailing?  They never cease to amaze me.And Jinger is going to sell cars but hardly opens her mouth during the selling process?  

[mjstrick]

Omg. Butthead needs to stop wearing backward baseball hats. Holy tan line batman! Huh-huh-huh.

Edited March 31, 2016 by mjstrick

[cereality]

The commentary from Bin re the diaper change was weird. I realize people talk to babies, but I'm not sure it's about the contents of the diaper itself. And supposedly he does this all the time -- and he says the diaper doesn't smell like buttered popcorn -- wtf!?

 

Bin seems incredibly unhappy now. We all knew he married for sex and/or to be part of the Duggar empire, but it's very clear he's regretting his choice of a bitchy daughter and obviously realizing that daddy Duggar isn't giving him jack $hit except more toilets to clean. I think he really really enjoyed sex for a while and now it's gotten old and/or he isn't getting much of it during pregnancy and post-birth, so he's wondering why he's stuck in this marriage. I know fundies marry for life, but somehow I wouldn't be shocked if this marriage didn't go the distance. I think other fundies may also realize they aren't super compatible (Derick and Jill), yet they know they made a vow and are willing to just slog thru the marriage for God. For Ben -- I don't know -- he probably imagined (to the extent he even considered it), that if he ever ended up with a wife who disagreed with him, he'd be the headship so he'd get his way and the wife would compromise most times. Yet his reality is that his bitchy wife will never compromise on anything bc she doesn't have to -- he's younger; he's taken a job and house from HER father; and were he to give those things back, he has no way of providing for his family; she knows those things and takes full advantage and he looks like he just sucks it up. Except he doesn't look like he's such a laid back guy that he doesn't care and can say "whatever" and let her rule the roost. He looks like he's angry/stressed/tired and is bottling it all up. It will explode -- whether a yr from now or 10 yrs from now. He does remind me of Jon Gosselin actually. When that marriage broke up Jon said -- I let her rule the roost since day 1 and I never stood up for myself and then I couldn't take it anymore. And I think it's similar with Bin. He'll pray on it for a while and won't break up his marriage easily, but I don't see him taking it for the next 60 yrs either and I think he'll break it off before there are 10 kids. And I don't see him staying for his kid. While I'm sure he loves his kid, let's be real he's barely 20 yrs old. He can make more babies with someone else and he'll see this baby, as and when he can.

[truthtalk2014]

Disclaimer:  I woke up cranky this morning, so this is going to come out more snarky than intended; and, I know it's not her fault, but the way Anna moves her mouth when she talks is just...weird.  Her mouth goes every which way when she speaks - like stretching her lips around the words is somehow painful.  Since I've noticed it, I can't focus on anything else when she's onscreen. /petty rant over

 

This show is ridiculous.  Ridiculous.

I will agree with you on this- but only if you say it in a way that stretches your mouth in weird positions as you say it. ;)

They better announce a pregnancy next week or pull Josh from cold storage.

Preach!  Pulling Josh from cold storage is the funniest thing I've heard all day- or all season from this group of Dullgars.

Edited March 31, 2016 by truthtalk2014

[louannems]

Anna really made a fool of herself telling Jessa to check Bengermin’s social media accounts.  As if she can advise anyone how to keep tabs on their hubby!  I found it strange that she took M4 with her.  Guess she didn’t trust MEchelle and Boob to watch over her. Can’t say that I blame her.

 

Bengermin changing the diaper.  Supposedly he does this all the time.  Does he talk out loud each time about the smell and how hard the clothing is to get off the baby?

 

WORD OF THE DAY- bottle.  I don’t know too many breastfeeding mothers that have not at least built up a supply to last a couple of hours.  Geez Jessa.  All you do is sit and breastfeed.  Borrow that pump from MEchelle!  Oh wait, she is probably still hanging on it - just in case. Nice time out with the girls- all you do is talk about the baby you left at home!  Give me a break.  Baby talk… baby talk…baby talk.  Those three need to go to a strip club  with some dollars and down a couple of Long Island Iced Teas.  This is just crazy.

 

Bengermin is so over this whole deal. 

 

Iz on the fan- I just don’t know what to say.  I guess Jill is used to seeing Josie lick anything and everything, so it’s all good for baby Iz.  Hoping Miss Cathy sends him a real teething ring in the near future.

 

“Bigger is always better.”  Wow- I guess when money is no object- it is.  Sickening.The brother standing next to JD is dumb as dirt.  I can’t even think of his name.  He holds his lips so weird during the tree house discussion.  Is he doing dip or what???  Yea, let’s try to get the kids out of the main house in the spring and summer and into another house?  WTF?

So Joy took a ‘class’ on auto detailing?  They never cease to amaze me.And Jinger is going to sell cars but hardly opens her mouth during the selling process?

They have 20 acres! Don't those kids have plenty of outdoor space to run and play?!? Besides, they will never be allowed to play in the treehouse unsupervised because insest.

[mjstrick]

I've always thought Anna did that thing with her mouth when she's uncomfortable and spewing the party line. Maybe wishful thinking

[Tabbygirl521]

Aren't most of the J Kids teenage or older? NOW someone gets the bright idea to build fun things to do outside? Yeah, I am totally buying it. Poor Jana.

[cmr2014]

Disclaimer:  I woke up cranky this morning, so this is going to come out more snarky than intended; and, I know it's not her fault, but the way Anna moves her mouth when she talks is just...weird.  Her mouth goes every which way when she speaks - like stretching her lips around the words is somehow painful.  Since I've noticed it, I can't focus on anything else when she's onscreen. /petty rant over

 

Thank you! Her mouth drives me crazy and I hate to snark on someone's physical appearance, but I can barely stand to watch her because of the weird shapes her mouth is making.

 

I've said this before about Ben, but don't they ever watch the show? They are so off-putting in so many ways -- and they clearly want to stay on television -- why don't they make any effort? JB's heh heh heh's (hey, stop commenting on your children's sex lives), J'chelle's green shirt and ridiculous hair (consult a stylist), the endless ers, ahms and eee-ands (practice your lines!), Ben's eyes (get a Claritan), the filthy kids (drop them in the tub sometime), etc. etc.

[Clemgo3165]

As screwed up as this family is, I think there were some flashes of authenticity from JD and Jana. I'm glad that they have a bond still -- despite mommy and daddy's weird rules re male and female siblings needing to separate. I honestly thought they looked a little too close on the couch and I'm surprised JB and Michelle didn't make them re shoot that TH a little further apart.

 

I was honestly a little sleeved by how close they were during the talking head. I'm glad they're tight but it's a bit too close for comfort for me. They seem stunted.

[Micks Picks]

It looks like JB may rent out many of those 20 acres for cattle.  I doubt they are his.  

We get treated to rural idyllic sites of the homestead with cows grazing now.

 

Anna mentioning social media snooping I'm sure is part of the minestry we are all exposed to.

You know teaching us how to handle a cheating husband who also molests young girls.  Pray and snoop, that's the ticket.

[cereality]

So now it's the woman's job to spy on her headship? And if she finds that he's on porn sites or scheduling hook ups for himself, she's supposed to do what? Is she allowed to yell at his royal highness then? Or is her only recourse to pray harder and then strip down right then and there and allow him to hit it?? And even if tugs approach works for a little while - is she really supposed to raise 4 kids and all the other blessings still to come, while spying on her man and doing her wifely duties for the next 50+ yrs? I'm thinking divorce would be easier and less work for Anna.

[lookeyloo]

So now it's the woman's job to spy on her headship? And if she finds that he's on porn sites or scheduling hook ups for himself, she's supposed to do what? Is she allowed to yell at his royal highness then? Or is her only recourse to pray harder and then strip down right then and there and allow him to hit it?? And even if tugs approach works for a little while - is she really supposed to raise 4 kids and all the other blessings still to come, while spying on her man and doing her wifely duties for the next 50+ yrs? I'm thinking divorce would be easier and less work for Anna.

For us, but not for Anna.

[kokapetl]

Good god this was boring. Yeah I get they're nearly all available as spouses. Put up a phone number for the sales department at the bottom of the screen and move on. Don't film joint THs with John-David sitting wife style, slightly in front of Jana.

Why is Jana trying to get the kids out of the house? It's not her house and they aren't her kids. And they'll freeze to death.

The car sale was the weirdest little piece of fakery. The guy just happened to sign the filming release?

[Churchhoney]

I was honestly a little sleeved by how close they were during the talking head. I'm glad they're tight but it's a bit too close for comfort for me. They seem stunted.

 

When you grow up with parents like JB and M -- and then you add to it indoctrination by an infantilizing cult -- you don't have much choice but to be stunted, I'm afraid.

So now it's the woman's job to spy on her headship? And if she finds that he's on porn sites or scheduling hook ups for himself, she's supposed to do what? Is she allowed to yell at his royal highness then? Or is her only recourse to pray harder and then strip down right then and there and allow him to hit it?? And even if tugs approach works for a little while - is she really supposed to raise 4 kids and all the other blessings still to come, while spying on her man and doing her wifely duties for the next 50+ yrs? I'm thinking divorce would be easier and less work for Anna.

 

Actually, I seem to recall that being the woman's job all along. Didn't some of the wedding vows or premarriage promises or something include a stipulation by the male that he would be fully on board with having his wife "monitor his computer use"?

 

Plus, all these people have the job of monitoring and snooping on each other. The "accountability partner" thing seems to run very deep into most daily activities, and I'm guessing that, if your snoop buddy screws up, you take some of the blame, don't you think?

 

(Now why this snoop-partner-accountability principle doesn't extend to laying some blame on JB and M for Josh's numerous screwups, I don't know. .... Oh, wait, I do. It's because they're hypocritical, irresponsible jerks.)

Edited March 31, 2016 by Churchhoney

[MrsMommy]

I don't think just anyone can go to the auto auctions; I think you have to have some kind of dealer's license to buy from there. And that's where you get cars at lower prices so that there's room to mark the price up some.

My aunt and uncle own indiana auto auction and my uncles parents own carolina auto and another in another state I can't remember atm, they all have open auctions monthly for the public. On another note having a car lot jimbob probably has his license which his kids can use and others can use as long as he let's them. When I was manager at ABU Auto Sales I went to actions all the time under the owners license.

[tabloidlover]

So now it's the woman's job to spy on her headship? And if she finds that he's on porn sites or scheduling hook ups for himself, she's supposed to do what? Is she allowed to yell at his royal highness then? Or is her only recourse to pray harder and then strip down right then and there and allow him to hit it?? And even if tugs approach works for a little while - is she really supposed to raise 4 kids and all the other blessings still two come, while spying on her man and doing her wifely duties for the next 50+ yrs? I'm thinking divorce would be easier and less work for Anna.

Exactly!  What the everlovinghell is she supposed to do when she finds any of this?   It doesn't make sense!  The man, I mean headship, is in charge of everything and everyone, yet the wife, err helpmeet, is supposed to police his online activity?   I just don't get it.  If my husband can't control his penis, I sure as fuck don't want him in charge of my entire life and our home. 

[FakeJoshDuggar]

I can't remember who stated it cause I was.falling asleep last night but, yes, Ben and Jessa remind me SO much of Jon and Kate's TH's... so much hostility on Ben's part.

Jessa is going to be a cautionary tale as to why you shouldn't marry teenagers who only get married to have sex. Perhaps she and Anna can move into the pool house together after the show is canceled and they realize what a shit show their life has become.

This whole revamp is going off the rails and I just can't stop watching the inevitable train wreck.

[flyingdi]

I am not sure I see all the anger on Ben's part. Ben seems to be the type of guy, to me, that anger would take to much energy to muster up. Poor Ben just seems so tired for someone who is only 20.

 

Edited cause I meant tired not tiresome although that may also describe Ben.

Edited March 31, 2016 by flyingdi

[sometimesy]

Regarding Jana and JD so close together. I didn't see a lot of empty screen around them, so I'm guessing they were told to snuggle in tight for the TH shot. More of a production thing. I didn't have a weird vibe from them. I think they are the default parents and being twins as well, they are probably really relaxed with each other. I think JD's relationship and respect for a sibling of the opposite sex is an indication that he will have a healthy respect for his wife. 

 

I wonder if a Jilly prego announcement has to happen soon. This show is painfully dull and we haven't been shown a lot of Danger America. 

 

TLC is either not hiding their inconsistencies anymore, or the Duggars have a lot more say and are stupid enough to expose their duplicity. 

[gunderda]

What happened to their actual car lot/dealership??

 

Didn't Jill Instagram video of Izzy's first pickle? Guess TLC was there filming at the time too. How sly.

Most of their scenes looks like amateur video, likely done by themselves with their phones or maybe someone with a camcorder.  I doubt a TLC crew is over there.

 

I did laugh at Jana being the only Duggar who has ever been to jail.

I think they said Jinger but I also laughed.  

 

Jill and Derick are freaking morons. Jill was standing their awing about how cute it was that Iz was hugging the pedestal fan. Meanwhile he's STANDING on the pedestal -- and instead of acting like a mom and pulling him off -- she lets him stand there and I'm surprised the damn thing didn't topple on his head. Not to mention it was a running fan that was plugged in as he was licking the pole and electrical wire. Not sure what's worse -- risking electric shock or having a running fan fall on a 1 yr old's head.

The bases on those fans are REALLY heavy. Of course if he's trying to hang off it then you wouldn't want him to do that, but him just standing on it will not make that thing topple over.  

 

After all the years of being on tv you would think they would look natural. They all look awkward and uncomfortable even when talking to each other.

I've always thought this... they make the Bates Family look like TV pros.

 

 

Is that all auto detailing is? Cleaning a car? For some reasons I thought it had to do with painting and working out dents and stuff. I really don't know.

Yes auto detailing is cleaning the car really really REALLY good both inside and out.  A good detailing can probably cost you about $100 or higher.  Sometimes I feel like I should get it done at least once.... since I've had my vehicle 10 years now... but then last weekend I actually got out my vaccum and bought some cleaning wipes and now it looks clean enough lol

 

 

 

In regards to the above comments about Bin and babysitting, Bin looked like he wanted to punch Jessa in the face during every TH. Correcting him over semantics was unnecessary on her part.

How was it unnecessary?? It's SUPER necessary to correct a husband if he says he's babysitting his own child.  I don't even have a kid but that irritates the crap out of me lol   And I did laugh when Jessa made that comment in the background.

 

If the boring ass show lasts, I bet they drop "Jill & Jessa" and keep the Counting On part. As the Duggars sell off their daughters in order to keep the gravy train moving, er, what I meant to say was, as each Duggarling falls deeply in love with virtual strangers through Godly Courtship™, the name has to be more adaptable.

For awhile I was wondering why Jill and Jessa got included in the title. Then DUH, like a lightbulb I realized.  It's because they are the only two (minus Josh) that have kids so that's where the 'counting on...' comes in. 

So I can see why they titled it that way but yea it doesn't make much sense when they seem to be focusing on all of the kids. 

[FakeJoshDuggar]

Having it titled "Counting On" would allow TLC to focus on courtship, marriages, and the births of other Duggarlings. They're going to need several courtships STAT to introduce new blood into the show. As it is, we've seen this exact same show ten times over, the difference being that JB&M are largely left out. Jill is barely on the show. She's not even in the promo shots and they couldn't be bothered to Photoshop her in either.

Oh well, I don't see this ever seeing a season 3.

[BitterApple]

I can't remember who stated it cause I was.falling asleep last night but, yes, Ben and Jessa remind me SO much of Jon and Kate's TH's... so much hostility on Ben's part.

I can't remember who made the initial observation either, but they were dead on in comparing Bin and Jessa to Jon and Kate. Their TH's are identical with the same tense atmosphere, stiff body language and the wife dominating the dialogue.

I think on some level Bin is sick and tired of being viewed as the derpy, bumbling husband. I know he comes off as slow, but he's the one with the Associate's Degree, not Jessa. He's also shown himself to be a fairly skilled artist, while Jessa's talent is finding the right Instagram filters for her selfies. It's too bad he settled for Duggar-dom because he probably could've made something of himself if he'd stayed on track and went to U of A.

[Mollie]

I can't remember who made the initial observation either, but they were dead on in comparing Bin and Jessa to Jon and Kate. Their TH's are identical with the same tense atmosphere, stiff body language and the wife dominating the dialogue.

I think on some level Bin is sick and tired of being viewed as the derpy, bumbling husband. I know he comes off as slow, but he's the one with the Associate's Degree, not Jessa. He's also shown himself to be a fairly skilled artist, while Jessa's talent is finding the right Instagram filters for her selfies. It's too bad he settled for Duggar-dom because he probably could've made something of himself if he'd stayed on track and went to U of A.

I'm not sure Ben has the smarts to be admitted to the University of Arkansas.  Right now, he just started online Bible classes at Moody Bible Institute, which is probably the only school where you can get a preacher diploma without studying Greek and/or Hebrew.  That school takes just about anyone who can pay the $10,000-per-year tuition.  My guess is that Jessa is paying for it from her accumulated TLC earnings, because Ben doesn't have that kind of money.

http://www.moody.edu/distance-learning/undergraduate-programs/

[Fosca]

Generally, if you've graduated from a community college, the state universities will admit you automatically (unless it's a really popular program, like psychology or nursing, when there might be a GPA cutoff).  So Bin can go to whatever university he wants, and the fact he chose Moody Bible School pretty much shows how seriously he's taking his education.

 

What will Anna do if she spies Joshley Madison doing anything untoward online?  Simple, in this case anyway: she'll tell JimBob or Michelle, who will then unleash hell. Perhaps literally.

[Mollie]

Generally, if you've graduated from a community college, the state universities will admit you automatically (unless it's a really popular program, like psychology or nursing, when there might be a GPA cutoff).  So Bin can go to whatever university he wants, and the fact he chose Moody Bible School pretty much shows how seriously he's taking his education.

The University of Arkansas has very high standards and difficult requirements for scores required on the SAT or ACT tests.  High scores in Math and English are mandatory.  Also, 10,630 out of 16,749 applicants or 63% percent were admitted last year, making Arkansas a moderately competitive school to get into.

[cereality]

I can't remember who made the initial observation either, but they were dead on in comparing Bin and Jessa to Jon and Kate. Their TH's are identical with the same tense atmosphere, stiff body language and the wife dominating the dialogue.

I think on some level Bin is sick and tired of being viewed as the derpy, bumbling husband. I know he comes off as slow, but he's the one with the Associate's Degree, not Jessa. He's also shown himself to be a fairly skilled artist, while Jessa's talent is finding the right Instagram filters for her selfies. It's too bad he settled for Duggar-dom because he probably could've made something of himself if he'd stayed on track and went to U of A.

I was one of the ones who said Ben is like Jon Gosselin. That's just it -- Ben isn't THAT dumb. I'm not suggesting he's Einstein, but I get the sense he was an average guy growing up -- albeit in a fundie family. If he had gone to public school, I think he'd be middle of the pack; neither the smartest nor the stupidest guy in the class. He has some interest in/talent for art. He grew up playing quarterback on a community football team. He got through community college, and is in most states a community college degree gets you automatic entrance into some state school in that state - may not be the flagship university campus and may not be for the best programs - but unlike his wife and all his siblings in law, he COULD get a 4 yr degree in something like business administration and get himself a regular job. Except he fell for the hot fundie girl with the rich family and decided to go down that road. And barely a yr later, he's learned that all his father in law will ever do for him is give him odd jobs to do -- esp the ones no one else wants; all his wife will do is talk down to him -- on TV . .. . I can see the anger/resentment building. I disagree with whoever said he is just tired and doesn't care.

 

I think he DOES care about how he's being made to look, and sometimes in the THs -- he shuts up when Jessa talks down to him so as not to look like a bad guy, but the look on his face says he's pissed. This is how it started with Jon Gosselin. He was married at 21-22. He did NOT want kids right away, yet Kate did and thus he had 8 kids before age 28, all with Kate bitching at him 24-7. And when they did their separation TH, Jon said -- I let her rule the roost since day 1 bc it was easier to not say anything, but I shouldn't have done that and I can't live like that anymore. That's pretty much Ben's story.

[Absolom]

UA seems to have a liberal transfer policy if I'm reading this right: "Applying for admission
NEW TRANSFER

AUTOMATIC ADMISSION
REQUIREMENTS FOR
NEW TRANSFERS
•
2.0 cumulative GPA
on all college coursework
Students who do not meet
admission requirements
may apply and be reviewed
by the Admissions and
Appellate Board."

[Mollie]

UA seems to have a liberal transfer policy if I'm reading this right: "Applying for admission

NEW TRANSFER

AUTOMATIC ADMISSION

REQUIREMENTS FOR

NEW TRANSFERS

•

2.0 cumulative GPA

on all college coursework

Students who do not meet

admission requirements

may apply and be reviewed

by the Admissions and

Appellate Board."

That only applies if someone has more than 24 transferable credit hours and the 2.0 grade average.  Many of the classes offered by the college Ben went to are not transferable to the University of Arkansas.

https://courseequivalency.uark.edu/?ext_org_id=009963267&search=Search 

 

"The acceptance of courses for general transfer, whether listed as designated, core, or limited, does not constitute acceptance of the transfer courses or the university’s courses for the fulfillment of degree requirements. You should read carefully the requirements for graduation in the appropriate college section of the catalog and consult with the Dean’s Office of the college which will grant your degree."

[bigskygirl]

Reminder: Please keep the discussion on what happens in the episode. Unless one or more of the family members talks about Ben attending the U of A on the show, do not go off topic discussion about the school. Thank you.

[flyingdi]

I thought of one more crossover that would be ratings gold! Jim Bob and Michelle meet Jo Frost! Not they would take her advice or anybody's.

[mjstrick]

So I've been thinking a bit more about what it is with Jessa and Ben that bugs the hell out of me. I think it's that they still act like they barely know each other. No fun banter or joking allowed I guess. In that situation if I left my infant with my fiance, even I got home I'd be, "yahoo! You managed not to kill him"! And he'd be, "oh yeah I only dropped him on his head twice and nearly lit him on fire when lighting up a joint." Maybe that says more about us than them but they need to lighten the hell up. And we don't even smoke weed. Lmao

[tabloidlover]

So I've been thinking a bit more about what it is with Jessa and Ben that bugs the hell out of me. I think it's that they still act like they barely know each other. No fun banter or joking allowed I guess. In that situation if I left my infant with my fiance, even I got home I'd be, "yahoo! You managed not to kill him"! And he'd be, "oh yeah I only dropped him on his head twice and nearly lit him on fire when lighting up a joint." Maybe that says more about us than them but they need to lighten the hell up. And we don't even smoke weed. Lmao

Love this!  If you don't feel sure about leaving your infant with his/her father for an hour, perhaps you should re-think your choices.  For reals.  It's almost as if they don't feel safe being themselves with one another - always with the fake persona.  I couldn't live like that for a single day...

[toodles]

Anna mentioning social media snooping I'm sure is part of the minestry we are all exposed to.

You know teaching us how to handle a cheating husband who also molests young girls. Pray and snoop, that's the ticket.

Add self-righteous to the praying and snooping and you have the holy trinity of the duggar belief system.

[toodles]

Exactly!  What the everlovinghell is she supposed to do when she finds any of this?   It doesn't make sense!  The man, I mean headship, is in charge of everything and everyone, yet the wife, err helpmeet, is supposed to police his online activity?   I just don't get it.  If my husband can't control his penis, I sure as fuck don't want him in charge of my entire life and our home.

Or IN my home

[sleekandchic]

Anna said that her husband wasn't available to babysit, so she was taking M4 with her. Why would TLC want Anna to keep reminding us of Josh on every episode. I would think that it would be in their best interest for everyone to forget about him. It would certainly be in my best interest. Just the thought of him makes me sick. If they insist on having Anna participate in the show, I wish they would stop having her talk about Josh.

The TLC audience is being groomed, slowly and methodically. If this show, or another Duggar derivative, is going to grow legs and find success, OF COURSE Josh will need to reappear and be an integral cast member. And, as soon as he insinuates his pudgy, oily, balding presence, then the awful parents/grandparents can put their toes in the water too.

IMHO, that's the game plan here. IMHO, it's painfully obvious that the mentally- and emotionally-stunted second generation cannot generate enough interest to carry a show by their lonesomes. They need Ma and Pa. (God forbid any of them should retreat into private life.) But, first, Josh and Anna must reunite...to teach us Neanderthal-heathens about the Forgiving and Subservient nature of Woman and the ultimate Superiority and Authority of Man. He might be Sinner, Perv, Liar and Cheat, BUT, ultimately, he is Man. He will triumph because that's the way God wants it.

TLC should be ashamed. And, you know what? IMHO, somebody over there is INDEED embarrassed. Suddenly I'm seeing feel-good, treacly commercials featuring teary-eyed Cake Boss Guy and Stacey London and the Wedding Dress Atlanta proprietors waxing poetic about being forces for change. Kind and loving, all-inclusive. Right.

Edited April 1, 2016 by sleekandchic

[becca3891]

Sooo Jinger is flipping the car but the Jerbil boys are doing all of the talking? All of the haggling? All of the dealing? While Jinger stands...and looks. Ok then.

But she's a good talker. Right. So much for them showing me the womenfolk stepping up.

I thought it was comical that for their FU Internet episode, they couldn't even find something for Jana or Jinger to do beyond standing in the background while their brothers did everything. FAIL! And what was up with the mechanic friend not charging labor? That's stupid reality TV for you. Her profit margin was already slim, and it would have been nonexistent if a friend hadn't put in a new part(s) for free. Also, did anyone notice they didn't show any of the supposed gunk in the car on film? That was probably just played up for dramatic effect and to showcase Joy's amazing skills from her class, spraying cleaner in a car.

 

The car sale negotiation was so made for TV -- supposedly it's Jinger's car, yet she stands there and let's the menfolk -- i.e. her 17 yr old brother -- negotiate the deal. She makes $1000 profit on a car where she did nothing besides clean it, and her brother tells the buyer that they know nothing about the car's history and just gave it a check up. Then magically that deal falls apart and she later sells it off camera for a $500 profit.

That was funny -- the guy probably just felt pressured with the camera crew and knew he'd immediately back out afterward. And why do I have this sneaking suspicion that Boob is the one who bought the car from Jinger? They explained in their book that they give each of the girls a car when they reach adulthood, so it's probably for Joy and that was why she was cleaning it in the first place.

 

You are so right.

TLC - we are very tired of hearing the older kids being asked the same courtship & questions about their future over & over again. I'm sure they are just as tired giving the same old answers as well. I know it's hard with this group, but please think of something new to ask them that may possibly interest us viewers!!

Seriously, the courtship questions need to stop. How many freaking times will they insist on asking, and how do you expect someone to answer the question of who will be next? It's pointless, but I guess they know there isn't much else to talk about with this crew.

[Tabbygirl521]

I actually bailed before the end of the episode. I don't think I even made it halfway. Dull dull dull. I think what makes this boring show extra annoying to me is the forced smiles in th talking heads with the young women. Only Anna - and the boys - drop that three-tooth, keep-sweet smile. It doesn't always reach their eyes. And Jessa has a nervous giggle. It just reminds me of how they are raised not to be genuine, that everything is good because Jesus. Never mind what's REALLY going on. It feels fake because it is fake, and there's not even any fabricated drama or fun like on other fake reality shows. They lose, and the audience loses, too.

How I wish they would realize that they have turned their backs on a huge part of God's creation, including their own intelligence, talents, and emotions.

[lookeyloo]

I actually bailed before the end of the episode. I don't think I even made it halfway. Dull dull dull. I think what makes this boring show extra annoying to me is the forced smiles in th talking heads with the young women. Only Anna - and the boys - drop that three-tooth, keep-sweet smile. It doesn't always reach their eyes. And Jessa has a nervous giggle. It just reminds me of how they are raised not to be genuine, that everything is good because Jesus. Never mind what's REALLY going on. It feels fake because it is fake, and there's not even any fabricated drama or fun like on other fake reality shows. They lose, and the audience loses, too.

How I wish they would realize that they have turned their backs on a huge part of God's creation, including their own intelligence, talents, and emotions.

Right indeed.  They are either very scripted for this supposed reality show or really that dim.  None of them look comfortable talking to each other and they say they are all close.  What does that mean to them if that is all they can muster up.  Or they are all too scared to be themselves.  Do they ever tease each other, cut up, be silly?  The Bateseses do and it is so much more normal, recognizing they are still part of the cult.