S09.E04: Meri's Crazy Idea

[Kyanight]

2 minutes ago, bichonblitz said:

$50,000 each person per episode? If yes, then no wonder she can afford 2 homes! If they split that between the 5 of them, it's still in the or close to 6 figures per season. I'd say these grifters are doing just fine for themselves. And here I spin my wheels trying to figure out when and how I can retire. Life just isn't fair sometimes.

No kidding!  I'm reading about how these people are always having money troubles and I just don't understand it!

[Absolom]

3 minutes ago, bichonblitz said:

$50,000 each person per episode?

No, just no.  They might get $40 to $50K for the whole family per episode, but that is very high for TLC payments.

[kicotan]

I could be wrong, I stipulate that I have been and might still be BUT, Mr. Kicotan used to dabble in mortgage financing so I asked him his opinion.

He said acquiring a second mortgage means a bigger down than the first one, so if her Mom contributed her gain from selling her house to the down then that part would make sense if approved. Whatever her earnings from her business, seeing how it's an MLM (social retailer?), it wouldn't be considered/included as income on the BL.  Her income from the show would be more than likely used.  Proposing to the lender that it is a business purchase, not a second home, would also be in her favor and most likely result in approval, especially if the Vegas house's equity is also included as an asset, subject to lien, should she default on the second.

[ginger90]

Perhaps Tony is Meri’s banker.

[Kyanight]

12 minutes ago, Absolom said:

No, just no.  They might get $40 to $50K for the whole family per episode, but that is very high for TLC payments.

true.

Edited January 30, 2018 by Kyanight
Because I sound like a freaking ditz and can't delete my post. ha ha

[ginger90]

I wonder how Meri got everything together to make this transaction. She couldn’t make deadlines on the house she’s in.

[Kyanight]

14 minutes ago, bichonblitz said:

$50,000 each person per episode? If yes, then no wonder she can afford 2 homes! If they split that between the 5 of them, it's still in the or close to 6 figures per season. I'd say these grifters are doing just fine for themselves. And here I spin my wheels trying to figure out when and how I can retire. Life just isn't fair sometimes.

No, not per person.  For the entire group.  

7 minutes ago, kicotan said:

I could be wrong, I stipulate that I have been and might still be BUT, Mr. Kicotan used to dabble in mortgage financing so I asked him his opinion.

He said acquiring a second mortgage means a bigger down than the first one, so if her Mom contributed her gain from selling her house to the down then that part would make sense if approved. Whatever her earnings from her business, seeing how it's an MLM (social retailer?), it wouldn't be considered/included as income on the BL.  Her income from the show would be more than likely used.  Proposing to the lender that it is a business purchase, not a second home, would also be in her favor and most likely result in approval, especially if the Vegas house's equity is also included as an asset, subject to lien, should she default on the second.

Thank you Mr. Kicotan!!  :D

[ginger90]

Kody Brown Family Entertainment no longer exists from what I can see. The thought  was that’s where the money from the show went. So, perhaps they are receiving actual individually verifiable income?

[Galloway Cave]

46 minutes ago, Kyanight said:

I read $50.000 per episode,

This number has been discussed about a million dozen times in this forum and someone who is very familiar with reality show production has said they more than likely make $20,000-25,000 an episode for the entire family. The family has said they split it evenly six ways (four wives, Kody and a family pot). So after taxes, each pot isn't that much.

[Adeejay]

12 minutes ago, bichonblitz said:

$50,000 each person per episode?

Based on the earnings of other TLC shows, I believe it's between $30K -$40K per hour show, times 24 hours of show per year.  Somewhere in the neighborhood of $720K - $960K per year. After taxes and given the amount of people in the Browns' household, I am guessing each family gets about $100K.  Which is why Meri can afford to send her child to a private college, complete with a brand new car.  So unfair. 

[RoxieRambles]

2 minutes ago, Adeejay said:

Based on the earnings of other TLC shows, I believe it's between $30K -$40K per hour show, times 24 hours of show per year.  Somewhere in the neighborhood of $720K - $960K per year. After taxes and given the amount of people in the Browns' household, I am guessing each family gets about $100K.  Which is why Meri can afford to send her child to a private college, complete with a brand new car.  So unfair. 

It is so unfair. I bust my ass everyday and will probably never have half as much, material things....but i have my dignity and never have to share cold sores or a peen.

[Galloway Cave]

2 minutes ago, Adeejay said:

times 24 hours of show per year.

They only have eight episodes a year, some 2 hours, some one hour. Then they have a two hour Tell-Nothing. So that would equal 14-18 (at the most) hours per year.

[xwordfanatik]

10 minutes ago, RoxieRambles said:

It is so unfair. I bust my ass everyday and will probably never have half as much, material things....but i have my dignity and never have to share cold sores or a peen.

The last part of your post is a huge plus in itself.  Not sharing those things is something I'm happy about, as well!

[dreadfulLeigh]

3 hours ago, Sandy W said:

Unless, as I suspect, FT is already resident there, that would explain the undue wear on the Lazy-Boy where Mykelti sat making her fake flowers.

I legit just choked on my dinner lol

[MoodyGirl]

Speaking of money and how the multiple wives that aren't the first don't get benefits...this is just me thinking out loud...I may be way off base...

...but an ex-wife can collect on her ex husbands social security if they were married at least 10 years. So couldn't Kody marry each wife and divorce each one after 10 years? Then they could all collect. Not saying it would be much money...just wondering if this is conceivable and actually done? Or maybe it's stupid  ?

[toodles]

1 hour ago, RoxieRambles said:

It is so unfair. I bust my ass everyday and will probably never have half as much, material things....but i have my dignity and never have to share cold sores or a peen.

Boy, our forum bar is pretty low if the standard of good is not sharing a cold sore or peen.  Thanks Browns!!!!!! :D

[Marshmallow Mollie]

15 minutes ago, MoodyGirl said:

Speaking of money and how the multiple wives that aren't the first don't get benefits...this is just me thinking out loud...I may be way off base...

...but an ex-wife can collect on her ex husbands social security if they were married at least 10 years. So couldn't Kody marry each wife and divorce each one after 10 years? Then they could all collect. Not saying it would be much money...just wondering if this is conceivable and actually done? Or maybe it's stupid  ?

Marrying each wife so each wife had some semblance of equal benefits would be a loving, thoughtful, and intentional act, so yes, you are thinking too much ;-)

[mythoughtis]

Yes, Kody could have married/divorced  each wife after 10  years. As long as they didn’t marry anyone else, they could collect on his social security. They would each have  been able to draw as if they had been the only wife. So 4 full payouts. 

however, Meri wouldn’t have done that for either Janelle or Christine. Christine wouldnt have been able to collect public assistance. Kody would have been required to pay child support for children he claimed as his from each marriage.  Meri did get bamboozled into divorcing for Robyn. So Meri and Robyn may collect social security, Janelle will get her own. Christine will be out of luck. Because I bet they claim minimum wage for the TLC income after deducting all kinda of ‘expenses’. 

Edited January 30, 2018 by mythoughtis

[Kbo]

3 hours ago, suomi said:

That place is seriously overpriced, income property or not. And fuck any sentimental value. You can buy a newly constructed, absolutely stunning McMansion with a home warranty for less than that in Utah. Chalk up another incredibly stupid/delusional Brown family financial decision.

Don’t forget, that price included all those dusty, musty, stuff your grandmother wouldn’t want furnishings.  Umbrellas hanging from the ceiling don’t come cheap, missy!

While I think that part about Meri suggesting they buy the house for her Mom was producer driven, I think we got a real glimpse of Christine when she said Meri should get a smaller house. I love when the seething resentment seeps out!

Poor Ysabel, hope it was her idea to share her struggle, and that she doesn’t have to have surgery. That x-ray looked awful.  

[camom]

Quote

Does Kody not realize he is a fool saying - we are acting like a divorced couple living on the same block?  That is exactly what you are idiot!?  What did you expect?

I laughed out loud when he said that.    And who in their right mind plans an outdoor wedding in December in Utah?  They get more stupid with every episode.

[LilWharveyGal]

Dang, y'all are so hilarious and raise so many good points that I don't know what's left to add.  Well, in true Brown fashion let's just jump into the play-by-play and see what happens, shall we?

Previouslies:

Meri's girls' night at the B&B.

Tony's parents came over and the table arranging taxed every brain cell in the cult-de-sac.

The Brown-Brushes announced Baby Brush.

We open at Meri's house, and she has asked the adults to come over to talk about, "the Parowan house," which hasn't been in her family for about 30 years.  Meri voiceovers that since the house was run as a B&B for the past 15-or-so years, she thought she'd just continue that.  Then she started stressing about how she'd run the business from 3 hours away.  After talking with her mom, Bonnie, Meri told Bonnie that she should move into the house to run the B&B.  Initially, Bonnie did not want to move but later told Meri she wanted to live in the house, and Meri is so excited by that she can't stand it.  She continues that she now won't have the income to pay for the house, so she doesn't know how the family will react.  Robyn comes in, followed by Kody and Janelle.  They repeat their song-and-dance from a few weeks ago that they never know what's going to happen when Meri invites them over for one of these mysterious announcements.  Christine arrives.  Meri starts talking while giggling and playing with her hair, making her "aren't I just an adorable little devil" face (TM @RoxieRambles).  She tells them what she just told us - that originally her mom had no interest in living in Parowan, but that she's now changed her mind and wants to live in the house.  There's some excitement about that, but then Meri drops the bomb that Bonnie doesn't want to rent the house as a B&B.  Christine asks what business she'd be running there instead.  Nothing, Meri responds.  They just want to buy it.  Christine voiceovers that she's extremely irritated and wants to hit her head against the wall.  Janelle asks again if any income will be generated from the property.  Meri says her mom has no interest, and Janelle agrees that Bonnie is an introvert and she can't see her in the hospitality business.  Janelle goes on to say that the property is overpriced for just being a home.  Meri voiceovers that obviously the price is high, because Vicki is selling the business and the furnishings in addition to the home itself.  Janelle repeats that there would need to be income to offset the expense.  Christine says that the plan is, "kinda dumb."  She voiceovers that it's sweet that Meri wants a second home for her mom, but, "how about get a smaller home, then?"  Kody finally pipes up to ask how Meri's "direct sales" business is going.  She thinks it has the potential to take care of a house payment.  Kody points out that the bank has to make that decision.  Meri voiceovers that she's a successful "social retailer" for a clothing company but that adding a mortgage is a big dill.  Kody asks if Meri is asking all of them to fund this second house, or if she can cover it with her business.  She responds that she doesn't know.  Kody voiceovers that the family is not going to support Meri's mother while they still have young children to support, but he's not going to come out and say that because Meri's already emotionally invested and he would become the enemy.  Kody suggests to Meri that she buy the empty lot across from the Parowan house and build her own B&B.  Meri responds that that would be her own personal hell.  Meri voiceovers that she doesn't want a B&B, she wants that house - in case it wasn't clear the first million times.  

The segment just keeps going and going with Christine opining that she's firmly on the no side, and Janelle wondering why they're all even having this conversation.  Robyn suggests that Meri go ahead with the plan if she can support it with her own business.  Christine notes that Robyn said that more nicely than she did, and Meri says, "I knew I liked Robyn better than you."  Everyone knew that, Meri.  Meri voiceovers that Robyn chooses her words very well, but that makes Meri wonder how honest Robyn's being.  Janelle comments regretfully that she had been looking forward to the B&B project even though she knew she and Meri would probably fight the whole time.  Meri says, "Next time we get together I'll just let you know what I'm doing, and see if you support me or not."  Support on the cult-de-sac is a one-way street, folks, in case you couldn't tell.  The wives make like the seams in a pair of LuLaRoe leggings and split.

Kody hasn't left yet, and Meri tells him that she'd really like to take him up to Utah to show him the house.  She reiterates that she needs people to share her passion and excitement.  Kody is very non-committal and says that seeing the house might turn him off even more.  Aww, come on, Kody!  It has 4,982 doors and a ghost!  He worries about the cost of all the upgrades required by an old house but finally agrees to go and they hug.  Meri voiceovers that the two of them have struggled for several years and it's a big dill that he's coming.  Kody voiceovers that he and Meri are not really working on their relationship, and are like a divorced couple living on the same block.  Umm, you actually are.  He continues that it would be a good idea for him and Meri to go see Therapist Nancy before they visit the house.  

Over at Christine's, Truely is waking up in a huge bed.  It's the weekend of Mykelti's wedding and Christine is getting ready to head to St. George.  Supreme Word Chooser Robyn voiceovers something about being willing to help.  Honestly, all I can see is her cold sore so thanks to whoever pointed that out.  Janelle comments that sometimes plural wives just show up to the weddings of their bonus children as guests.  Ysabel comes into Christine's kitchen and asks if she can help put on her brace.  Christine voiceovers that Ysabel has scoliosis.  An orthopedic surgeon originally recommended a night brace, but a recent visit found that the curve in Ysabel's spine has progressed and she now has to wear it in the daytime as well.  Ysabel gets emotional as she says that the daytime brace is hard on her both from an aesthetic and a functional perspective.  It's also painful and leaves bruises.  Christine explains that surgery might have to be an option.  Ysabel continues that when it gets her down she thinks about people who have it even worse than she does.  (Ya hear that, Meri?)  

Christine is driving to St. George where she'll have a manicure with Mykelti, Aspyn, Maria, and Tony's sisters.  At the salon, Mykelti is asking for matte maroon nail polish.  Christine hugs everybody and voiceovers that she's learned how to say, "Where is the bathroom?" in Spanish for the occasion.  Good thinking, Christine.  I know I'd need to plan a place to throw up if I were around Tony.  In the salon, Mykelti says that she's feeling good about the wedding prep but that Tony is stressing.  "Is he worryingk about marryingk you?" asks Christine.  Aspyn mentions that Tony and Mykelti got in a fight last night over the wedding flowers.  The family has been making 7,000 fabric petals to make into bouquets and it's been a lot of work, but neither Kody nor Tony have helped.  Aspyn explains that she may have instigated the fight by asking Tony to help, but that Tony was really pissing her off.  Christine repeats the story to Maria who needs one of Tony's sisters to interpret.  Christine thinks that bickering between a couple is healthy.  Mykelti's nails are done and she voiceovers that she's so ready and excited for the wedding.

After the break, Christine goes to Officiant Chris's house to meet the guitarist, Jordan, who's going to play at the wedding.  She is very nervous and wants to do a good job.  On the couch, the wives think highly of Christine's skills and don't know why she's so worried.  Chris's wife, Dawn, lets them into the house, and as they set up Christine interviews that Mykelti won't care how she performs but that both Kody and Tony will let her know if they think she sucks.  Jordan plays an intro that Christine says is too low.  There is much adjusting...of the guitar, unfortunately.  They land on Christine's preferred high notes and she goes full Florence Foster Jenkins.  Didn't one of the girls on Downton Abbey sing Let Me Call You Sweetheart during WWI?  Because for some reason the feeling of imminent suffering and death is washing over me.  They practice but Christine is still nervous because she's never been accompanied by a guitar before.  Her goal is to make Mykelti cry.  Oh honey, I predict very few dry eyes when you're done.

At Mykelti's apartment, she and Aspyn are still working on the fabric petals.  On the couch, Christine lets it drop that she asked all of the sister wives for help but nobody showed up.  Mykelti lists all of the bouquets, boutonnieres, and centerpieces that they'll need.  The flowers appear to contain a lot of lace, plus the wedding colors of maroon and silver.  They might be the tackiest thing on my tv since the Versace mansion on American Crime Story.  Kody voiceovers that this is Mykelti's vision and incorporates her love of sewing, but it's only a neat idea in theory and he refuses to go near it.  Well then, in the words of Versace himself, "Brava, baby, big kiss for you."  Christine enters with the pinatas, which Aspyn and Mykelti hadn't seen yet.  Kody shows up, and Christine asks to speak with him privately in Mykelti's room.  She's got the "something borrowed" fabric flowers from her shredded wedding dress and Tony's Claddagh ring.  We flashback through the storied history of the Brown family Claddagh rings.  

Tony shows up with his friend Tristan and Mykelti's friend Rachel.  Rachel is a bridesmaid.  The Entitlement Twins like the pinatas and prepare to fill them with Mexican and "generic white people" candy.  On the couch, the wives give their opinions on the pinatas for what feels like the tenth time.  Rachel mentions needing a handkerchief for a blindfold, and apparently Mykelti's never heard about how pinatas are actually destroyed because she's shocked.  Tony says that there's a Mexican song that must be played during the pinata-bashing, and Mykelti adds that all the Spanish people there will know the song.  Christine and Mykelti were under the impression that the little kids would also hit the pinatas, but Tony wants it to be just the two of them.  Kody thinks it would be "classier" to let the kids in on it, and a plan is finally agreed upon that includes kids.  Before Christine and Kody leave, Christine presents her gifts to Tony and Mykelti.  Mykelti is genuinely touched by the fabric flowers.  Tony also accepts the ring graciously.  

Now we're back at Officiant Chris's house.  Kody voiceovers that he's still not very familiar with traditional weddings, what with being a polygamist and all.  Tony's parents are at Chris's as well, in addition to his sisters who will help translate.  Chris says that Tony and Mykelti gave him no direction apart from "unique and fun."  He wants to run a few points past the families but keep a few things as a surprise as well.  What's not a surprise is that it's December and it's supposed to be 40 degrees and raining on the big day, and Mykelti shot down the idea of a tent because it would block the view.  Chris plans to incorporate a frisbee into the ceremony because that's how the Entitlement Twins met.  Kody doesn't exactly love the idea and calls it "trite."  Tony's parents sit there stone-faced.  Christine says it won't feel as solemn as the Brown-Brush wedding but that doesn't mean it won't be as serious.  As I always say, frisbee symbolism is about as serious as a fake knighting.  Chris continues that the guests will throw mini-frisbees over the bride and groom instead of birdseed or rice, and Christine unveils the collection her girls were personalizing in the last episode.  Gwendlyn apparently branched out into mildly naughty Spanish phrases.  Kody doesn't want any guests to get hurt but says, "if you know Tony and Mykelti you'd try and hit them with a frisbee!"  Tony's father, Antonio, says they're ok with Chris's plans.  Kody's main concern is the weather.

At Robyn's house, her niece, Mindy, actually gets a line this week as she asks Sol if he's excited for Mykelti's wedding.  The mystery brunette girl is there too, and we find out that her name is Maya and that her mom, Sara, is Robyn's sister.  They're all in the wedding party.  Robyn voiceovers that she's really excited for the wedding and that the Entitlement Twins are made for each other.  Mindy also gets to explain that they're heading out earlier than planned due to the rainy weather, and additionally a bunch of them are getting sick.  Robyn reiterates how worried she is about the illness and OMG the cold sore, people!  Can't.  look.  away.   Mindy and Sara wrangle the little kids into the car.  Back at Mykelti's apartment in St. George, Mykelti is hole-punching little hearts out of pages in what looks like an old library book.  Her vision is that people will throw the hearts during the recessional, but she doesn't have a container.  Christine takes charge of the task because she knows the secret of the mini-frisbees and that the hearts won't actually be needed.  Then Aspyn says something about Tony and Mykelti "connecting" which she meant emotionally but Christine interpreted sexually.  Let's instantly clear that image from our minds.  Kody comes over and brings up intimacy, by which he insists he does not mean sexuality.  Enough with the sex, Browns, we're trying not to go there!  In his oafish way Kody goes on to give them a rather sweet wedding blessing.  Tony voiceovers that Kody's been married 4 times, that they know of, and he appreciates Kody's tips.  Kody says to not worry about the little details on the day but instead focus on intimacy with your partner.  Selfless Supreme Word Chooser Robyn insists that on her wedding day she didn't focus on Kody, but instead on the whole family because she wanted them to feel included.  Conversation turns back to the forecast of rain and wind.  Mykelti stands firm that it absolutely will be an outdoor wedding no matter what.

All the leaves are brown and the sky is gray at the country club.  It's rehearsal time, and there are 18 people in the wedding party including Tony's 8 bros-men.  Coordinator Taunya is trying to line everybody up but it's too windy to hear.   Truely rolls across the lawn.  The correctly lined-up participants practice walking out.  Turns out that walking at a specific pace to a specific spot and then standing nicely is hard.  Truely is again sprawled on the ground.  Everyone goes back inside to try it again, and the second time meets Taunya's specifications.  Mykelti voiceovers that she's actually glad to be marrying in December instead of their original plan of August.  This way, Hunter and Garrison will be able to attend.  Officiant Chris is worried about getting everything set up the next morning, but Christine and Kody assure him that they have everything under control.  Next, the families and wedding party go bowling for the rehearsal dinner.  Hey, it's Hunter!  Robyn voiceovers that the Vegas contingent waited until the older kids were out of school and then booked it to St. George.  Maddie's there and one of the bridesmaids asks how her pregnancy's going.  She's already showing a little bit, and Michelle and Caleb touch her stomach.  Comedienne Selfless Supreme Word Chooser Robyn tells about how she caused confusion in her family when she told them she was going to be a grandmother.  They thought she was talking about Dayton, chuckle chuckle!  Her monogamist relatives apparently don't look at the "big pitcher."  As the bowling continues, there's more distress over the likelihood of rain, wind, and cold.  

Next week (actually February 11):  Bundle up!  The wedding is finally here!  I'm sure we'll all be holding our breath til then.

Edited January 30, 2018 by LilWharveyGal

[suomi]

You make it really hard to choose a favorite line, LilWharveyGal, but I decided to go with this one: The wives make like the seams in a pair of LuLaRoe leggings and split.

I love your recaps! Brava, LWG, big ol' mwah for you.

[RoxieRambles]

LilWharveyGal, I love the line"Comedianne Selfless Supreme Word Chooser Robin...lol. Thanks for the mention ?

[Pachengala]

I agree with @suomi—it’s pretty much impossible to pick a favorite part of your recaps, @LilWharveyGal. Though tor some reason, ‘Truely rolls across the lawn,’ absent any further explanation, is making me die laughing.

[the-grey-lady]

7 hours ago, suomi said:

The wives share in raising the kids - except when they don't. They lean on and support and trust each other - except when they don't. They provide safe harbor for each other - except when they don't. They love and respect each other - except when they don't. They share the burdens of managing large households - except when they don't. They rise above jealousy and favoritism - except when they don't.

I'm quoting this because it needs to be seen again. So true, Suomi. The wives can pontificate all they want about wanting to be ambassadors for polygamy and to demonstrate how well it works, but surely they don't really believe that. They're masters are making a claim and then beautifully illustrating the exact opposite. Nobody could possibly watch this show - especially the last few seasons - and think, "Wow, polygamy is awesome! If this is what sharing a husband looks like, sign me up!" Wow, how could anyone pass up the opportunity to spend her life begging for attention from a self-absorbed part-time father and making snarky, passive-aggressive comments to the sister wives she's supposed to love but doesn't?

[EtheltoTillie]

Well, I finally heard the singing. It was even worse than I imagined. 

[AllyCat]

3 hours ago, Pachengala said:

I agree with @suomi—it’s pretty much impossible to pick a favorite part of your recaps, @LilWharveyGal. Though tor some reason, ‘Truely rolls across the lawn,’ absent any further explanation, is making me die laughing.

agreed. The lularoe seam splitting line was great, but for some reason I can't stop lol'ing over "Truely rolls across the lawn".

[Kohola3]

9 hours ago, LilWharveyGal said:

They land on Christine's preferred high notes and she goes full Florence Foster Jenkins. 

BWAHAHAHAHAH!

[Kyanight]

9 hours ago, LilWharveyGal said:

  Christine hugs everybody and voiceovers that she's learned how to say, "Where is the bathroom?" in Spanish for the occasion.  Good thinking, Christine.  I know I'd need to plan a place to throw up if I were around Tony. 

This was my favorite recap!!!   LOLOL!

[laurakaye]

10 hours ago, LilWharveyGal said:

All the leaves are brown and the sky is gray at the country club. 

I'm going to choose this line as my fave because I'll have this song stuck in my head all day long. :)

As usual, EXCELLENT work, @LilWharveyGal!

[SunnyBeBe]

To me, Kody's comment about how he and Meri are like a divorced couple living on the same street, is surprising, because he is acknowledging that it's not the way they had represented it being.  When they divorced, it meant nothing to the family, because they were in a spiritual marriage and a piece of paper did not touch that.  So, all of the reassurances about how nothing would be changed with the divorce, did not pan out.  That's why I think the new revelation sheds much light on what really happened.  I suppose the catfish situation didn't help matters, but, they have drifted far apart.  Now, there are not even pretending to be in a marriage.  Not sure how that spiritual thing fits in there. 

[AZChristian]

I think Christine should have massacred "California Dreamin'" instead of "Let Me Call You Sweetheart."  

"All the leaves are brown, and the sky is gray . . . " would have fit into the wedding scenario so much better.

[SunnyBeBe]

16 hours ago, suomi said:

The wives share in raising the kids - except when they don't. They lean on and support and trust each other - except when they don't. They provide safe harbor for each other - except when they don't. They love and respect each other - except when they don't. They share the burdens of managing large households - except when they don't. They rise above jealousy and favoritism - except when they don't.

The crazy-making cherry on top of this dysfunctional cake is how they refuse to admit to any of the above. Polygamy is a multi-level marketing scheme. MLM sellers recruit others to join the company as fellow salespeople so that they can become the recruiter's down line distributors. Meri had a good, long run as bottom bitch until her down liners rebelled and bolted. Which always happens, eventually.

 

These are some of the reasons that I no longer will begin watching any new shows that feature polygamists.  I've watched quite a few over the years, even some documentaries. But, it never pans out, like they say.  And, even with all my witching, I do like to watch the Brown family.  I have watched from day one and will continue,  but, I have no desire to watch another one, because what their ideal is and what happens in reality is very different.  No marriage is perfect, but, the disparity between the ideal of the polygamist marriage and the reality is so great, that it boggles the mind. Of course, you may not get a person who is devoted to polygamy to accept that. It is their religious teaching, so, I get how you can't just let go of that easily.  I suppose what shocks me are those who go for it without any religious leanings and just think that it's a good idea.  That tells me they haven't done their homework. 

[lookeyloo]

The Florence Foster Jenkins line got me!!

[Absolom]

Ratings are in and they indicate the show will continue.  1.436M viewers and a .41 rating.   .62 with women 18-49.  TLC loves that.  For more perspective 15th cable show of the evening and they were against the Grammies. 

[SunnyBeBe]

15 minutes ago, Absolom said:

Ratings are in and they indicate the show will continue.  1.436M viewers and a .41 rating.   .62 with women 18-49.  TLC loves that.  For more perspective 15th cable show of the evening and they were against the Grammies. 

So, how does this show rank along with TLC's other shows, say.....My Big Fat Fabulous Life or My 600 Pound Life.  I'm just trying to gauge if they are a TLC top show, middle of the road or on their last leg.

This year with the Grammy's.....I'll admit that I turned there a few times, but, it was painful vocals.  Not much better than Christine.....lol.  I'm not kidding. With the exception of Ben Platt. (GREAT prefomance), there were some pretty sad performances.  Not sure if the mics were messed up or what. 

Edited January 30, 2018 by SunnyBeBe

[Absolom]

First I don't watch or track those shows.  1.5M is close to double TLC's prime time average so is in the good range.  For comparison Seeking SW was low and I expect heading toward cancellation at 783K viewers and a .26 rating.  I've seen a couple of TLC shows get a second short season with numbers like that and then they vanished.  Years ago TLC was trying for its top shows to be 2M or higher.  The Roloffs were cancelled back in that era.  They brought the Roloffs back as the TLC overall audience dropped. 

[neh]

Do you think that Tony and Meri get paid extra for being the reviled focal points of the season?  Without them what would we have to snark about...ok, Robin...add her to the list too.

[Sandy W]

12 minutes ago, neh said:

Do you think that Tony and Meri get paid extra for being the reviled focal points of the season?  Without them what would we have to snark about...ok, Robin...add her to the list too.

I think Tony, Meri and Robyn would 'perform' for free.  Everyone's talking about them and fame is it's own reward.  As the old Hollywood saying goes, "say what you want about me, just spell my name right".

[neh]

There were a lot of exterior shots of Mykleti's apartment in the two episodes.  I thought that she lived above the pawn shop.  Her apartment looked like it was in an apartment complex - no commercial enterprises.

 

When in the nail salon, I also got the impression that Tony's mother didn't appreciated Christine's comments about Tony.  Maybe she isn't liking Christine 2.0 so much.

[Sandy W]

4 minutes ago, neh said:

There were a lot of exterior shots of Mykleti's apartment in the two episodes.  I thought that she lived above the pawn shop.  Her apartment looked like it was in an apartment complex - no commercial enterprises.

 

When in the nail salon, I also got the impression that Tony's mother didn't appreciated Christine's comments about Tony.  Maybe she isn't liking Christine 2.0 so much.

I noticed the difference in location too and wondered if Mykelti moved so Tony's comings and goings wouldn't be noticed by the pawn shop owner (friend of Kody's).

 

The Brown's treat Tony's family like second class citizens and speak of him as if they are not even there.  They act like they are doing the Padron's a favor by allowing them to be on their show.

[Roslyn]

23 minutes ago, neh said:

There were a lot of exterior shots of Mykleti's apartment in the two episodes.  I thought that she lived above the pawn shop.  Her apartment looked like it was in an apartment complex - no commercial enterprises.

I think Kody said that Mykelti was living in an apartment owned by the pawn shop owner.  So he gave her a job and put her up in an apartment of his.  He may own the whole apartment complex.  Kody has referenced him being a "business man" and "owning businesses", so I don't think the pawn shop is his only gig.

I hate to think what her apartment looks like before it was most likely cleaned up for cameras to come inside.  I can just imagine.

[Tabbygirl521]

2 hours ago, SunnyBeBe said:

These are some of the reasons that I no longer will begin watching any new shows that feature polygamists.  I've watched quite a few over the years, even some documentaries. But, it never pans out, like they say.  And, even with all my witching, I do like to watch the Brown family.  I have watched from day one and will continue,  but, I have no desire to watch another one, because what their ideal is and what happens in reality is very different.  No marriage is perfect, but, the disparity between the ideal of the polygamist marriage and the reality is so great, that it boggles the mind. Of course, you may not get a person who is devoted to polygamy to accept that. It is their religious teaching, so, I get how you can't just let go of that easily.  I suppose what shocks me are those who go for it without any religious leanings and just think that it's a good idea.  That tells me they haven't done their homework. 

I agree. I have been cringing so hard and trying not to see the “Seeking Sister Wife” commercials, especially with them since apparently two of the families don’t even have religious convictions behind their family structure. There is likely some patriarchal/long-suffering-woman bullshit going on and I am tired of women being played. I am REALLY tired of these attempts to normalize downtrodden women. 

Edited January 30, 2018 by Tabbygirl521

[Gothish520]

1 hour ago, neh said:

Do you think that Tony and Meri get paid extra for being the reviled focal points of the season?  Without them what would we have to snark about...ok, Robin...add her to the list too.

Robyn has been completely chill this season. She's become one of the sane ones amidst all the Meri and wedding drama. Christine is in the catbird seat, Robin is in post-baby mode, Janelle is cruising under the radar and Meri is doing backflips trying to stay relevant while also doing her own thing. Kody seems much happier now that he doesn't have to deal with Meri on any kind of day-to-day basis.

1 hour ago, Sandy W said:

The Brown's treat Tony's family like second class citizens and speak of him as if they are not even there.  They act like they are doing the Padron's a favor by allowing them to be on their show.

I don't see that at all. If anything, they are going overboard to include them and make them feel welcome.

Edited January 30, 2018 by Gothish520

[Meghzie]

On 1/29/2018 at 4:08 AM, onatrek said:

And if someone's not on FB, it's also included in this article (about 2/3's down below a picture of Kody, Janelle and I think Meri and an umbrella)

https://www.sltrib.com/news/polygamy/2018/01/07/one-of-the-sister-wives-opens-a-utah-bed-and-breakfast-despite-family-being-seen-as-felons/

Or here under a spoiler is the quote:

  Reveal hidden contents

Meri Brown said her mother has sold her house in Lehi and will live at Lizzie’s Heritage Inn. The mother and daughter will run the bed and breakfast together, the latter said, in what they want to be a moneymaking endeavor.

The irony of the first photo, Meri running for an organization to help women leave polygamy...

[Emma C]

Does anyone else think Mykelti has kind of a pig face?

[kassa]

On 1/29/2018 at 1:27 PM, trimthatfat said:

So I spoke to a friend of mine who sells for LulaRoe and has done well enough that she can pay her mortgage (under $1,000 a month) without using money from her full-time job. If Meri is as successful as it's been said (I read elsewhere that she's a top seller), I bet she could pay for the home without everyone contributing.

I'm going to go out on a limb, though, and guess that it's the full time job your friend has that qualified her for the mortgage, even if she uses her LR money to pay the mortgage. Meri's already carrying a mortgage on her television money (I presume), and has no other job.

(A fraction of) The time spent on the gazillion bouquets might actually have been better spent on the frisbees.  A little bit of tulle on each one would have been better than plain plastic with Sharpie. 

[ChicksDigScars]

Well, technically, Meri divorced Kody. Is she still considered a felon in the eyes of the law in Utah?  Right now, she and Kody are exactly what they said on the show. A divorced couple living across the street from each other. 

 

Because you KNOW there's nothing going on between them, otherwise. In fact, I'd guess that only Robyn and Christine share 'wifely duties" with Kody at this point. 

Edited January 30, 2018 by ChicksDigScars

[Marshmallow Mollie]

4 hours ago, SunnyBeBe said:

To me, Kody's comment about how he and Meri are like a divorced couple living on the same street, is surprising, because he is acknowledging that it's not the way they had represented it being.  When they divorced, it meant nothing to the family, because they were in a spiritual marriage and a piece of paper did not touch that.  So, all of the reassurances about how nothing would be changed with the divorce, did not pan out.  That's why I think the new revelation sheds much light on what really happened.  I suppose the catfish situation didn't help matters, but, they have drifted far apart.  Now, there are not even pretending to be in a marriage.  Not sure how that spiritual thing fits in there. 

Exactly. The fact that they are going to see the family therapist before going to the Parawan (sp?) house so Kody feels, and I quote, "safe" says it all. You could go, walk around, and drive back all in 10 hours.

[TresGatos]

On 1/29/2018 at 9:29 AM, JDAlexander said:

MARTY ALLEN!!!!  That is EXACTLY who Tony reminds me of

FT reminds me of the former child actor John Cassisi

He was in the movie Bugsy Malone starring Scott Baio and Jodie Foster. He played a character called Fat Sam. He was also an actor in the series Fish, the Barney Miller spin-off starring Abe Vigoda. Later in life he was Director of Global Construction for Citigroup where he was found guilty in a bribery scheme and sentenced to prison. (Another aside: my son named his pug Pugsy Malone).