S08.E05: An Explosive Reveal

[frenchtoast]

Jinger and Jeremy celebrate their first anniversary, and Jeremy has a very special surprise for her; Josiah is ready to take the next step and seeks the blessing of Lauren's dad; Joe and Kendra reveal the gender of their baby in a very explosive way.

[Sew Sumi]

Man, the timing of events is especially messed up in this episode. JinJer's anniversary was the beginning of November. SiRen got engaged at the end of February. Too lazy to count when Kendra was around 15-20 weeks for the reveal, but it would have been last winter sometime. 

Edited August 21, 2018 by Sew Sumi

[Aunt Catfish]

The only explosive action happening with Kendra's baby these days is probably occuring in his diapers.  Ahhhh memories......

[Soaper410]

I still find explosive news everyday...in  that no new baby news has come out!

Nobody is officially pregnant right now.  Although Jill, Jessa ans Anna will probably all announce tomorrow!

Edited August 21, 2018 by Soaper410

[Sew Sumi]

I read on FJ that TLC fudged another timeline.

Some of the family travel to Laredo, supposedly to surprise Jinger on her anniversary. Except they know that Jinger is expecting; this wasn't announced until Thanksgiving weekend (for those keeping score, their anniversary is early November). The Duggars also wore winter coats. It was in the upper 70's in AR on anniversary dsy, so it was likely even warmer in Laredo. Ergo, the Duggars did not visit Laredo on JinJer's anniversary.

I guess TLC really thinks their viewers are Grade A morons not to figure this out. 

Edited August 21, 2018 by Sew Sumi

[farmgal4]

Like him or loathe him, Jeremy loves that girl!

[ginger90]

Why the heck would the family think surprising them for their anniversary would be a good idea? Who came up with that? (Sorry, I’m not able to watch)

[farmgal4]

3 minutes ago, ginger90 said:

Why the heck would the family think surprising them for their anniversary would be a good idea? Who came up with that? (Sorry, I’m not able to watch)

This is the first episode I’ve watched since the Josh fiasco, so it’s been a few years.  I’m only watching because I like Jinger/Jeremy and Henry/Spurgie.

[Soaper410]

7 minutes ago, ginger90 said:

Why the heck would the family think surprising them for their anniversary would be a good idea? Who came up with that? (Sorry, I’m not able to watch)

It is all the boys and the parents. None of the little girls, Jana, etc.  Like what?  Did they all go to Christian Camp and this was a place to stop on the way there or home?

Edited August 21, 2018 by Soaper410

[woodscommaelle]

Ok what's this song? It's really pretty. I never noticed it from past episodes.

[flyingdi]

Is it just me or is Jinger the only one the rest of the Duggars show any genuine emotion over, even the broothers? What is it about Jinger that makes her easy to show emotion about?

i still say it's like this;

Mom's favorites-Josh, Jessa, Josie

Dad's favorite-Jill 

The kids favorite -Jinger

Edited August 21, 2018 by flyingdi
I type faster than I think!

[mythoughtis]

Jeremy really loves Jinger. I agree, they had a late anniversary celebration geared toward TLC.  But, Jinger WAS surprised by the piano and her family.  

It was nice to see Joy actually more equal in her marriage than people have thought.  Austin really does love her too. 

Anorher episode featuring JB, Michelle and the kids.  Did the married offspring limit their film schedule??

Edited August 21, 2018 by mythoughtis

[flyingdi]

Don't the Duggar women do anything for anniversaries?   is an anniversary mainly a male jurisdiction?

[farmgal4]

19 minutes ago, woodscommaelle said:

Ok what's this song? It's really pretty. I never noticed it from past episodes.

Come, Thy Fount of Every Blessing

[Soaper410]

37 minutes ago, farmgal4 said:

Like him or loathe him, Jeremy loves that girl!

Agreed.

and Joe and Kendra seem to adore John David.  

& I also have Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing in my head 

***

This courtship is a joke. 

Edited August 21, 2018 by Soaper410

[woodscommaelle]

I'm not judging, just observing: that doctor does not look healthy.

Lauren is a little bit creepy. <--- that's me judging ?

Edited August 21, 2018 by woodscommaelle

[BitterApple]

32 minutes ago, flyingdi said:

Is it just me or is Jinger the only one the rest of the Duggars show any genuine emotion over, even the broothers? What is it about Jinger that makes her easy to show emotion about?

i still say it's like this;

Mom's favorites-Josh, Jessa, Josie

Dad's favorite-Jill 

The kids favorite -Jinger

 

The brothers also gifted Jinger with a car for her wedding. Granted, it was a car they bought used and fixed it up, but that's still a pretty generous gesture. They didn't do anything like that for Jill or Jessa. I imagine Jinger's role in the home was the least authoritarian of the J'Slaves, so they probably see her more fondly than they do Jill, the Snitch or Jessa, the Drill Sergeant.

Edited August 21, 2018 by BitterApple

[cereality]

Here's a hint Boob -- when you visit someone's home with 12 of your kids and want to make them a meal, usually the key is to make a NICE meal. You know -- BBQ some steaks or burgers, fish; you can go cheap and even do pasta. Anything but your "famous" BBQ tuna or tator tot casseroles. IDK how Jeremy chokes down this stuff and jokes around, acting like it's awesome when at his home we see his mom making omelets, fresh fruit and juice on real plates. Jing REALLY seems to be homesick. Loved the heart to heart with Michelle where she was sharing pregnancy info and you could tell was DESPERATE for Michelle to share ANY wisdom and Michelle goes -- I don't know which of you I was pregnant with but I couldn't stand the smell of broccoli for 3 months. Uh way to make your kid feel special and let's be real, how often does broccoli ever enter that home?

Man the Swanson home and all the acreage are amazing! And in the next episode, Si goes to Georgia to propose -- do they own a property there too? Talk about marrying down when she ends up in a loaner shack from JB with Si. Si just doesn't seem into Lauren. I feel like they DO get along/joke around so that's good, but when he's talking about her before heading over to talk to her dad -- it was very much, as I think about life, work/business, this is the next step. Meaning -- I'm done school, I'm working in used car sales or cleaning rental properties or whatever and I'm expected to take a wife now so your daughter is fine for that purpose . . . . Loved that he couldn't say anything about providing for Lauren -- just that he's doing car sales/real estate w Daddy and will keep doing that.

Seems like Kendra grew up in a "regular" home with manners, emotions, etc. JD walks in to go to the ultrasound with them and she immediately says -- hey I have breakfast for you if you're hungry and hands him a plate of French toast. It was such a "normal" interaction -- to feed a guest real homemade food; you wouldn't be seeing this in the Duggar home where you probably don't want to eat or if you must -- then feel free to scrounge around for a piece of bread and slather some BBQ sauce and tuna on it.

[woodscommaelle]

"Do you know Lauren's love language?"

??

[flyingdi]

9 minutes ago, woodscommaelle said:

"Do you know Lauren's love language?"

??

Cash and or compensation?

[woodscommaelle]

Little Life on the Prairie? Come the fuck on, TLC.

Kendra got her mom's laugh. 

Edited August 21, 2018 by woodscommaelle

[SabineElisabeth]

John David has a total smart ass sense of humor, and cracks me up!

[flyingdi]

27 minutes ago, SabineElisabeth said:

John David has a total smart ass sense of humor, and cracks me up!

Its such a dry sense of humor, too.

[VioletNevermind]

Jinger: “You never make me feel like I have to measure up to some standard.”

Jeremy: “You are the standard.”

Dammit, Jeremy.  I’ve been trying to dislike you for a very long time now, but if you’re going to keep saying things like that, you’re going to make it difficult.  

[flyingdi]

I really think Jana, Jill and Jessa are seen as junior mothers while Jinger and Joy are seen as one of the boys, if that makes any sense!

[madpsych78]

58 minutes ago, woodscommaelle said:

"Do you know Lauren's love language?"

??

Well, Lauren did mention in a previous episode that Josiah's "love language" was food, so...apparently it's a Swanson thing.

I must say, I thought Jinger's reaction to the piano and to seeing her family (especially Michelle) were really genuine. Also, her response to Jeremy's surprises surpassed Jessa's, because Jinger just seemed so grateful, whereas it seemed like more of a sense of entitlement with Jessa during her and Ben's anniversary.

Good point about Kendra offering food - she did grow up with manners, for sure!

It just seems like in every episode there is more and more JB and Michelle.

[Maya]

1 hour ago, cereality said:

Si just doesn't seem into Lauren. I feel like they DO get along/joke around so that's good, but when he's talking about her before heading over to talk to her dad -- it was very much, as I think about life, work/business, this is the next step. 

Why do you say that, because Josiah and the dad shook hands when the deal was done? Ugh. Sorry if this has been discussed, but I suspect the whole Lauren transaction was signed, sealed and delievered before her family even moved to Arkansas. Her dad was even at Joe and Kendra’s “gender reveal” - wtf? He loves the camera!

[madpsych78]

3 minutes ago, Maya said:

Why do you say that, because Josiah and the dad shook hands when the deal was done? Ugh. Sorry if this has been discussed, but I suspect the whole Lauren transaction was signed, sealed and delievered before her family even moved to Arkansas. Her dad was even at Joe and Kendra’s “gender reveal” - wtf? He loves the camera!

OK, so here's what I don't get about that. The Swansons moved to Arkansas before Josiah and Lauren started courting, correct? So why do the previews for next week's episode show Josiah going to Georgia to propose to Lauren?

[Fostersmom]

1 hour ago, woodscommaelle said:

"Do you know Lauren's love language?"

??

That was creepy as all hell. Lauren’s dad is setting off my something’s just not right radar. 

[Squirrely]

8 minutes ago, SuzyLee said:

Jinger: “You never make me feel like I have to measure up to some standard.”

Jeremy: “You are the standard.”

Dammit, Jeremy.  I’ve been trying to dislike you for a very long time now, but if you’re going to keep saying things like that, you’re going to make it difficult.  

I think it's his OTT ways that make him seem disingenuous. He is always "on" in front of the cameras. I do hope it's genuine and that he is that sweet to her in day to day life when it's not for TV or the perfect IG post. I think we all know at least one couple who seems to barely tolerate each other, yet their SM feeds are gushy and mushy and 100% full of fakery. Most couples who are in no danger of splitting feel no need to shout it from the rooftops on a near-daily basis. I think this is why Jeremy makes so many people question his authenticity. 

And to be fair, Jinger is enamoured with him, and it seems she can truly be herself with him, so I'm inclined to like him for now. They are still newlyweds, so hopefully he learns to calm the hell down with his performances at some point.

[flyingdi]

Joe had the best advice for dealing with the girl thing.  Something like, just treat her like she's the most important thing in the world.

Edited August 21, 2018 by flyingdi

[asuwur]

Jeremy looked so geeked out happy presenting that piano....he may have initially had ulterior motives entering the Duggar orbit but he absolutely loves that girl. Dear Sweet Baby Jesus; he choked down BBQ tuna and a glob of TTC. If that's not a measure of devotion, I don't know what is!

It appears that very early on Jing was not at all interested in a home birth sided by a sketchy "midwife" with medical "things".  My favorite line of the night, "I don't know who I was pregnant with..." or something to that effect...the warm motherly effect of her being the literal old woman in a shoe washed over me in that moment. (Michelle did sound non-medicated and her voice was truly conversational and not dolphin pitched which was refreshing and she really did say "pregnant" so color me surprised in spite of her lack of engagement.)

JD has really come into his own. He's funny and has accomplished a couple things off the compound. Good for him. It's nice seeing him so happy.

Edited August 21, 2018 by asuwur

[flyingdi]

1 minute ago, Squirrely said:

I think it's his OTT ways that make him seem disingenuous. He is always "on" in front of the cameras. I do hope it's genuine and that he is that sweet to her in day to day life when it's not for TV or the perfect IG post. I think we all know at least one couple who seems to barely tolerate each other, yet their SM feeds are gushy and mushy and 100% full of fakery. Most couples who are in no danger of splitting feel no need to shout it from the rooftops on a near-daily basis. I think this is why Jeremy makes so many people question his authenticity. 

And to be fair, Jinger is enamoured with him, and it seems she can truly be herself with him, so I'm inclined to like him for now. They are still newlyweds, so hopefully he learns to calm the hell down with his performances at some point.

Is it bad that his performances are the exact thing that, out of all the husbands, remind me the most of Jim Bob?

[riverblue22]

Well, Ma and Pa Kettle are definitely back on the show~

[madpsych78]

4 minutes ago, Squirrely said:

I think it's his OTT ways that make him seem disingenuous. He is always "on" in front of the cameras. I do hope it's genuine and that he is that sweet to her in day to day life when it's not for TV or the perfect IG post. I think we all know at least one couple who seems to barely tolerate each other, yet their SM feeds are gushy and mushy and 100% full of fakery. Most couples who are in no danger of splitting feel no need to shout it from the rooftops on a near-daily basis. I think this is why Jeremy makes so many people question his authenticity. 

And to be fair, Jinger is enamoured with him, and it seems she can truly be herself with him, so I'm inclined to like him for now. They are still newlyweds, so hopefully he learns to calm the hell down with his performances at some point.

Which is why I prefer Joe as a husband...he doesn't have to be OTT to show how much he cares for Kendra.

[VioletNevermind]

10 hours ago, Squirrely said:

I think it's his OTT ways that make him seem disingenuous. He is always "on" in front of the cameras. I do hope it's genuine and that he is that sweet to her in day to day life when it's not for TV or the perfect IG post. I think we all know at least one couple who seems to barely tolerate each other, yet their SM feeds are gushy and mushy and 100% full of fakery. Most couples who are in no danger of splitting feel no need to shout it from the rooftops on a near-daily basis. I think this is why Jeremy makes so many people question his authenticity. 

And to be fair, Jinger is enamoured with him, and it seems she can truly be herself with him, so I'm inclined to like him for now. They are still newlyweds, so hopefully he learns to calm the hell down with his performances at some point.

I can’t argue with one word.  I’ve always viewed the overly lovey-dovey social media feeds as a sign of major insecurity.  Basically, who are you trying to convince?

I’ve had a soft spot for Jinger from day one, back when they wore the prairie dresses.  She always seemed like the one with the most potential to be “normal” (any regular viewer knows what I mean by this).  I’m overjoyed that she escaped this funny farm and if doing it 1,000 miles away with the occasionally smarmy Jeremy was the way it had to happen, so be it.  I think Jinger will blossom as a mom and woman and the farther from her family she can be while she learns the ropes, the better.  Her pedo brother and enabling, batshit crazy parents have done more than their fair share of damage already.

Edited August 21, 2018 by SuzyLee

[JocelynCavanaugh]

Damn Jeremy making me choke up about this dumb show! That piano was beautiful, and he nailed the "paper" theme for a first anniversary. "Come Thou Fount" [not "Thy"!!!] is one of my favorites, too. It's not every day you hear a song use the word "Ebenezer" and use it well. (Okay, just to clarify that I am not being weirdly emotional here: my dad bought my mom a piano for their 15th anniversary and it's a very sweet memory, I walked down the aisle to "Come Thou Fount," and my husband also got me a pretty great paper gift for our first anniversary. I'm practically a Duggar, y'all.) 

I also choked up about Jinger's very real emotion at seeing her family. It's easy to assume she is glad to be away from them, living a normal life in a clean, quiet home, but they are her family, after all. I didn't expect her to be so overwhelmed. Jim Bob looked really emotional and I think I even saw a glimmer of human feelings from Michelle?

One thing that confused me was when Jinger was saying how important it was for her mom to be there so she could ask her questions about being pregnant. I kept waiting for the part where she explained what was different about it compared to a phone call or FaceTime but... *crickets*

[sATL]

1 hour ago, flyingdi said:

Cash and or compensation?

 

2 hours ago, woodscommaelle said:

"Do you know Lauren's love language?"

??

 

49 minutes ago, Fostersmom said:

That was creepy as all hell. Lauren’s dad is setting off my something’s just not right radar. 

Gotta give Pops a plus at least he at least came up with reason to stall before saying yes...Dugger and Bates stall mainly so the network can go to commercial.

Is your dad supposed to know what your love language is?  The question kinda creeped me out. "is she going to be loved in the way she will receive it..." icky...

RE: not going to bed angry... sounds good on a paper.. wouldn't that depend on how important sleep is to a person? I don't want to stay up all night hashing out something.... and I don't like to make major decisions when I am tired - catch me at 9 in the morning...

RE: provide/ plans for life's work - Joisah kinda answered with jobs that I describe as "pick- ups".. not really a career,trade or steady income.  just doing a little of this.. a little of that....collecting side dollars...

Let's hope he doesn't officiate the wedding... more icky-questions might come out ( flashback to Kenda's father).

Edited August 21, 2018 by sATL

[sATL]

2 hrs to a birthing center ???  I know birthing centers aren't on every corner - but just how small is Laredo?

I'm not as familiar with "birthing centers" but I have warmed up to the idea of where Alyssa Webster has her kiddos.  Looks like a professional bldg that might be close to a hospital or at least not in someone's living or bathroom.

[Sew Sumi]

10 minutes ago, sATL said:

 

 

Gotta give Pops a plus at least he at least came up with reason to stall before saying yes...Dugger and Bates stall mainly so the network can go to commercial.

Is your dad supposed to know what your love language is?  The question kinda creeped me out. "is she going to be loved in the way she will receive it..." icky...

RE: not going to bed angry... sounds good on a paper.. wouldn't that depend on how important sleep is to a person? I don't want to stay up all night hashing out something.... and I don't like to make major decisions when I am tired - catch me at 9 in the morning...

RE: provide/ plans for life's work - Joisah kinda answered with jobs that I describe as "pick- ups".. not really a career,trade or steady income.  just doing a little of this.. a little of that....collecting side dollars...

Let's hope he doesn't officiate the wedding... more icky-questions might come out ( flashback to Kenda's father).

Sorry, he did officiate the wedding. 

[Spencer Hastings]

Jinger made me tear up tonight.  We snark a lot about her being glad to be out of that house and while that could be true, it’s got to be hard being away from everything and everyone you’ve ever known.  I can’t imagine being newly married, emotional, and pregnant so far from home with just my husband.  She seemed genuinely touched to see her family and cried real little girl tears in Michelle’s arms. JB and the boys were even emotional and respectful in that moment.  Jeremy took one for the team when he let all that chaos into the house, but it was probably worth it to see Jinger happy.  

Edited August 21, 2018 by Spencer Hastings

[Adeejay]

1 hour ago, SuzyLee said:

Jinger: “You never make me feel like I have to measure up to some standard.”

Jeremy: “You are the standard.”

Dammit, Jeremy.  I’ve been trying to dislike you for a very long time now, but if you’re going to keep saying things like that, you’re going to make it difficult.  

That exchange made me misty eyed.  I love a man that loves his woman.  The editors seem to get a kick out of comparing and contrasting Jinger's and Joy's lives.  They tend to go directly from the Vuolos to the Forsyths.  We get it.  One has a nice home and a doting husband and the other is literally bare foot and pregnant with a husband who doesn't seem to give a damn.  I sincerely hope Austin is going to bumpers in the baby's crib.

[BitterApple]

How long does it take to fly from Springdale to Laredo in that puddle jumper? It doesn't look like their plane has a bathroom, so I wonder what they do when nature calls? 

I thought the anniversary dinner, piano and family surprise was very sweet. Jinge's hormones must've been raging. I don't think I've ever seen her that emotional. 

I appreciate that Joy isn't one of those annoying moms-to-be who talks about her pregnancy 24/7, but she doesn't seem all that excited about it either. It looks like she had a rough time physically so maybe that dampened her enthusiasm, but she comes across oddly disconnected. 

Si and Lauren? Just all kinds of wrong. He has nothing personal to say about her other than she's "the next step." Mr. Swanson talking about Lauren's love language was skeevy. 

[sATL]

1 hour ago, riverblue22 said:

Well, Ma and Pa Kettle are definitely back on the show~

Yep.. they are off punishment... I know the point was to make Jinger less homesick, but could have made their "signature" dishes more heather for the mom-to-be?  The salad looked skimpy on other veggies, I didn't see anything else green on the plate, and the sodium level...

I thought Michelle was a member of weight watchers - she didn't run her family creations by her group/ counselor ?

Tuna & bar-b-que sauce... I can't ... just can't... 

Edited August 21, 2018 by sATL

[LexieLily]

1 hour ago, SuzyLee said:

Jinger: “You never make me feel like I have to measure up to some standard.”

Jeremy: “You are the standard.”

Dammit, Jeremy.  I’ve been trying to dislike you for a very long time now, but if you’re going to keep saying things like that, you’re going to make it difficult.  

The snark-er in me wondered if Jinger ever felt the pressure from her sisters or her mother to do a homebirth like everyone else had done. (This was taped before Kendra delivered Garrett, I assume.) 

[Quilt Fairy]

I know there are serious discrepancies with episode numbering for this show, but did it seriously jump from S07E11 to S08E05? 

Edited August 21, 2018 by Quilt Fairy

[flyingdi]

The Swansons seem to be a family of fundie pop psychologists.

[frenchtoast]

6 hours ago, Quilt Fairy said:

I know there are serious discrepancies with episode numbering for this show, but did it seriously jump from S07E11 to S08E05? 

I just copied the info from the onscreen description before going to bed. I'll investigate, but TLC is the worst about this. The onscreen description is different than the online guide is different than tv.com. They just cannot get their act together and it is beyond frustrating.

[SunnyBeBe]

I was touched by Jinger and her surprise, joy and appreciation.  I still hope that she is able to build some confidence though.  Did you notice that when she was chatting with her mom, she rarely made eye contact, but, looked straight ahead, instead of at her mother when speaking....just a little odd to me. 

[Evagirl]

10 hours ago, SuzyLee said:

Jinger: “You never make me feel like I have to measure up to some standard.”

Jeremy: “You are the standard.”

Dammit, Jeremy.  I’ve been trying to dislike you for a very long time now, but if you’re going to keep saying things like that, you’re going to make it difficult.  

I have ALWAYS liked Jeremy - smugness and all.  He has flaws like all of us, but the way he treated Jinger from courtship up until now has been nothing short of amazing.  She was raised to be submissive, a miser, a brood mare, and homemaker - period.  Jeremy has encouraged her to be her own woman every step of the way.  He knew she had low expectations for herself, but he let her know she could set the bar as high as she wanted.  He could have really taken advantage of her like Derrick did Jill and just run all over her until she was totally beaten down. 

Jeremy wants Jinger to be his equal.  I admire that about him.  I can't say that about any other Duggar son-in-law.   I also think that Jeremy is going to be a wonderful dad.  His loving relationship with his own father leads me to think that.