Season 8 Discussion

[cereality]

What Kelly wants, Kelly gets by any means necessary including guilt. She’s always depended on her older daughters to raise the younger kids, though she’s not entirely checked out like Michelle Duggar. But still she went from having 6 older daughters to watch and entertain Jeb, Jud and Callie to just Katie. Carlin’s pretty much out as she’ll be married in 3 mos. I imagine Addy (or Ellie?) is 12-13ish now and has to step up. And in that house it’s not gender role rigid as the Duggars so I imagine Law, Nathan, Trace, Jackson, Isiah and Warden help if they’re around. But my strong sense is that the guys are welcome to come and go as they please and their help isn’t “required” as it was from the girls. So yeah I bet Kelly is looking to pawn off the 3 younger kids to Erin or Josie when she can - I doubt she cares if Josie is interested or not.

[RebeccatheWriter]

On 2/11/2019 at 4:31 PM, cereality said:

What Kelly wants, Kelly gets by any means necessary including guilt. She’s always depended on her older daughters to raise the younger kids, though she’s not entirely checked out like Michelle Duggar. But still she went from having 6 older daughters to watch and entertain Jeb, Jud and Callie to just Katie. Carlin’s pretty much out as she’ll be married in 3 mos. I imagine Addy (or Ellie?) is 12-13ish now and has to step up. And in that house it’s not gender role rigid as the Duggars so I imagine Law, Nathan, Trace, Jackson, Isiah and Warden help if they’re around. But my strong sense is that the guys are welcome to come and go as they please and their help isn’t “required” as it was from the girls. So yeah I bet Kelly is looking to pawn off the 3 younger kids to Erin or Josie when she can - I doubt she cares if Josie is interested or not.

In terms of the boys...Lawson, Nathan, and Trace specifically...their responsibility at this point is to become financially stable enough to enter a courtship and marry. It's doubtful that you would see Gil and Kelly Jo requiring anything of them that would interfere with building stable careers at this point. In addition to taking the burden off of Kelly, the family and all IBLP followers see the girls cooking, cleaning, and raising children as preparing them for their husbands and children. Crown College is an opportunity for them to go off and meet potential husbands, etc. However, it will always come in second to subservient mindsets. 

Katie's about to get the brunt of it, but I have no doubt that we'll be given an episode soon where Ellie and Addallee are somehow convicted to learn to cook. After all, Alyssa and Michael were suddenly so interested in cooking at those same ages. 

[RebeccatheWriter]

And there went my hopes for her...

https://www.intouchweekly.com/posts/pregnant-josie-bates-reveals-she-and-kelton-balka-are-expecting/?fbclid=IwAR2sZvBSilG1PAYBUpkMcWc1Sgh_I49pI-wn-2Vdi7dIcmlTUGKsykx86BY

[BitterApple]

Congrats, I guess. 

I wonder if she's already quit her job? I can't imagine she can stand for hours on end in a salon if she's struggling with morning sickness.

[andromeda331]

3 hours ago, RebeccatheWriter said:

In terms of the boys...Lawson, Nathan, and Trace specifically...their responsibility at this point is to become financially stable enough to enter a courtship and marry. It's doubtful that you would see Gil and Kelly Jo requiring anything of them that would interfere with building stable careers at this point. In addition to taking the burden off of Kelly, the family and all IBLP followers see the girls cooking, cleaning, and raising children as preparing them for their husbands and children. Crown College is an opportunity for them to go off and meet potential husbands, etc. However, it will always come in second to subservient mindsets. 

Katie's about to get the brunt of it, but I have no doubt that we'll be given an episode soon where Ellie and Addallee are somehow convicted to learn to cook. After all, Alyssa and Michael were suddenly so interested in cooking at those same ages. 

Oh, yes, just as Tori and Carlin "volunteered" after Michael left to take over the cooking and teaching. Ellie and Addallee will "volunteer" too just to help their poor mom out so she can continue to do absolutely nothing. It is absolutely amazing how everyone of their daughters just volunteers to take over each time one of their sisters leaves.  Sure Kelly, that's what happens. Have you ever connected that with the speed of how fast your daughters court, marry and leave?

[Lisa418722]

I was hoping she would at least pull a Jinger and Jeremy and wait a little while, but I guess that's wishful thinking.

[andromeda331]

I guess congrats. I really wish it was Michael instead. I can't imagine how hard it must be for her to see all of her sisters having kids so quick and easy. 

[cereality]

I mean I’m not at all surprised because if a 23 yr old and 19 yr old have unprotected sex nightly, of course they’re going to get pregnant ASAP. I mean this was a honeymoon or within the first weeks of marriage baby. They’re both kool aid drinkers so of course they wanted a family asap - and now their kid grows up with Bobby’s kid. Their friendship seems so tight that I bet Bobby and Tori having a baby before their first anniversary reinforced to Kelton that that’s the way to do it.

I guess Kelton isn’t freaked out by his wife birthing a child?? I mean he was only 13 when his mom had his sister - it’s only been 10 yrs. Normal people would put off the childbearing decision given the trauma he’s faced since he knows his 19 year old wife has years to produce kids; normal guys would put it off and then around 30 agree to 1-2 kids delivered in a very controlled health system setting. But I bet it’s different for fundies, which he is. They believe this is a woman’s greatest calling and who are they to say no?!

[Sew Sumi]

Ugh, I knew this was coming, but man, it's so soon. 

[floridamom]

I think I said it on Monday that Josie would be pregnant sooner rather than later. No need for her to have an apt near her work. It came true. Like we're so shocked. I, too, wish it were Michaela.

[BitterApple]

Watching the wedding episode now, and I find it funny how the in-laws put on nicer rehearsal dinners than the brides' families do weddings. That's been the case for both the Bates and the Duggars.

Alyssa's speech was really nice, but Bobby's took kind of a weird turn. I don't think I'd want to be reminded that my intended's father put the kibosh on my relationship the night before my wedding. 

It must've been blazing hot during the ceremony. The guests looked like they were melting. 

I still think Josie's bouquet was way too big. It blocked out the entire top half of her dress. Aside from that, she looked great. 

Edited February 15, 2019 by BitterApple

[Adeejay]

A Bachelor party where the guys played pool and drank root beer is different and rather refreshing.  A rehearsal dinner with real food.  Take notes Duggars. 

Josie and Kelton's wedding was beautiful.  Sometimes, I believe Kelly overreacts.  Her behavior before the wedding had me anxious and on edge.  

Congrats to the happy couple.  I think they did the right thing by waiting to announce the pregnancy. Wishing it were Michaela.  Speaking of, I know she was at the wedding, but I didn't see her or any of the Duggars.  

Edited February 15, 2019 by Adeejay

[Tdoc72]

46 minutes ago, BitterApple said:

Alyssa's speech was really nice, but Bobby's took kind of a weird turn. I don't think I'd want to be reminded that my intended's father put the kibosh on my relationship the night before my wedding. 

For me, the uncomfortable moment was when Bobby said Skelton said that losing Josie (who he hadn’t known for all that long) was the worst thing in his life. I was all, “What about your mom dying?  Wasn’t that worse?”

[FaithfullyYours]

I noticed that neither Josie or Kelton made a big deal about this being their first kiss. They always seemed pretty physically comfortable with each other so it probably wasn’t. 

This was my favorite Bates wedding special and Josie made a beautiful bride. My heart broke for Kelton when he cried after seeing his dad walk the aisle alone. 

[cereality]

Pretty standard wedding episode. I was just reminded of how young Bobby and Kelton are. Bobby referenced college like 8 times in that speech — being roommates, how they had rivalries in sports etc. I mean I get that lots of people get married right out of college esp down south but it is clear they haven’t lived much life post college yet and they’re just rushing to grow up (i.e. hook up). In Bobby’s defense he said that Kelton said that losing Josie “hurt as bad as anything has ever hurt” — so he didn’t say it was the worst thing ever. I got the point that it showed that Kelton was SUCH a good guy that he still was happy for Bobby and Tori but yeah awkward to mention a parent required break up — and then cut away to the groom looking somber and Gil looking sheepish.

Heart breaking to see how Kelton cried when his dad walked down the aisle. He said he’d been emotional all day and then lost it when he saw his dad walking alone. Bobby was great sitting his down in the guest chairs for a minute and consoling him, knowing Kelton had to go up there and was obviously thinking about his mom. Even when Josie walked down the aisle, I’m sure some of it was — I’m the luckiest guy in the world tears — but a lot of it looked like all the emotion from earlier. He’s usually a grinning ear to ear kind of guy who didn’t even crack a smile during any part of the vows and just looked somber. Poor kid (bc a kid is what he is despite being someone’s husband). I honestly wish he and Josie had waited on pregnancy. Can he really handle it?? 

[RebeccatheWriter]

It was a lovely wedding and nobody truly overshadowed it with histrionics (looking at you Carlin) about losing a sister or drama about the first kiss. Josie was a beautiful bride who remained calm even there was the slight delay. I appreciated that she really did take charge and told her bridesmaids when to get dressed and tried to keep things on a timetable rather than letting them rush about aimlessly. I'm not a fan of the giant yard clipping bouquets, but it did fit the theme she was going for and worked out fine. Bobby's speech at the rehearsal was a bit awkward, but it wasn't the worst in the world. If he's going to successful in the ministry, he needs to step up his storytelling a little bit. I now get the waterworks from Kelton a bit more after the explanation that seeing his father walking alone would be a hard thing.

The main things I am grateful about are 1. Tori was seen but we didn't have 1,000 mentions of her pregnancy and the heat of the day. We all get it. I didn't need her sourness. 2. There weren't 1,000 mentions from Carlin about her being next. 3. There wasn't an overkill on decorating/trashing Kelton's vehicle or other childish stuff.  

Edited to add: Someone asked about Michael. She was in the audience and shown at one point holding someone's baby. 

Edited February 15, 2019 by RebeccatheWriter

[Evagirl]

During the THs with the 3 younger girls - the older two (Ellie and Addellee) hardly ever say anything.  Callie is a lovable chatterbox.  She can definitely hold her own in a conversation - grown up or otherwise.  Ellie (the one in the middle) always seems to be pouting and/or in a foul mood.  Her body language-arms always folded, scowl-are dead giveaways.  And when she does manage to say something, it's with an angry tone.  I don't think she likes being on TV. 

Did you notice how the older two girls looked at Callie whenever she was talking?  They acted like she was the oldest of the three, spouting words of wisdom!!

I could easily be entertained for 30 minutes of Callie, Jeb, and Judson only.

[ehall1052]

Did they say 400 people attended the wedding? The seating area didn’t look like 400 to me. Maybe more like 200. 

[sATL]

RE; Kelton's dad walking alone - Is it against their beliefs to remarry if the spouse dies ? IE "death they did part..."

Yes - there is no one going to take the place of his 1st wife and mother to his children, but him walking alone after 10 years, shows his  single side . after all he is a man.. an fairly young-middle-aged man.. and a nice looking, too. 

[BitterApple]

44 minutes ago, ehall1052 said:

Did they say 400 people attended the wedding? The seating area didn’t look like 400 to me. Maybe more like 200. 

I was thinking the same thing! The seating looked like it was barely 200 and the ceremony wasn't even full. 

Unless it was the editing, it also seemed like Josie and Kelton didn't even stay at the reception for 15 minutes. All that drama over her stupid dress, why not enjoy it for as long as you can? 

[RebeccatheWriter]

17 minutes ago, sATL said:

RE; Kelton's dad walking alone - Is it against their beliefs to remarry if the spouse dies ? IE "death they did part..."

Yes - there is no one going to take the place of his 1st wife and mother to his children, but him walking alone after 10 years, shows his  single side . after all he is a man.. an fairly young-middle-aged man.. and a nice looking, too. 

In many cases in the fundie world he would be remarried so that he was not saddled with raising children alone. It's a role that some of the fundie girls who don't get married in their late teens or early 20s would want. That way they could raise children as these people interpret that God has ordained and maybe have a few more too. 

I can appreciate that he hasn't and that he didn't just throw the rehearsal dinner responsibility on someone else. From the little we have seen, he seems to love his children and want to provide them with a life all the same that if they had their mother still alive. That's quite admirable when many men in this group tend to brush off parenting responsibilities that aren't specifically male. 

[Barb23]

I was looking for Michael too. She was wearing a dark colored dress & was on the left hand side of the family picture (looking straight ahead) that was taken at the end.

I thought the bridesmaids & their dresses looked so nice and their hair looked great as well. The little flower girl looked so cute with the rollers in her hair in the picture of the bridesmaids in their getting ready robes. That was nice that Josie rented a house for the girls to get ready in. 

It is funny how the rehearsal dinners turn out better than the weddings with these folks. (Remember the nice job Guinn Seewald did for Jessa & Ben's rehearsal dinner?)  I love how the tables were decorated & it looked like each person's napkin was a gingham towel. That had to be a little pricey even if they were bought in bulk.

They should have had Kelton's dad escort/walk Kelton's grandmother down the aisle.  The guests knew his mother had died & I feel this would have lessened the sadness of her not being there a little bit.

28 minutes ago, BitterApple said:

Unless it was the editing, it also seemed like Josie and Kelton didn't even stay at the reception for 15 minutes. All that drama over her stupid dress, why not enjoy it for as long as you can? 

I thought the same thing.  Josie said something along the lines they had to make sure they spoke with guests that came a long way to the wedding before her & Kelton left.  She made it sound like they had 15 minutes to do that instead of staying the usual 2-3 hours at a non-fundy wedding.  I think it was Gil's voice over that said josie & Kelton would leave after cutting the cake which looked like happened as soon as they arrived.  

It is funny they make such a big deal about their wedding gowns but barely stay at the reception to enjoy & show it off.  I felt like I was a princess  on my wedding day & know I felt a little sad when I had to change out of my wedding gown to my going away dress. (Yes, I'm old & have been married for 34 years & wearing a going away dress or outfit was the norm at the end of a wedding back in the day.) You would think since these girls get lost in such a large family, they would want to stay & enjoy being the center of attention.  We all know the reason  why they leave early but it's just a shame they can't stay & enjoy their special day. 

[riverblue22]

I think Michael was playing the violin in the orchestra, along with Erin on the piano, of course.

I might have seen Jill Duggar Dillard close to the vehicle when they left the reception.  Anybody else notice that person who might have been Jill?

[sATL]

the little girls spray-painting lanterns... now that is a memory.. looked like fun !

[sATL]

 the original song "Crazy  Love" by Lawson ???

If you wrote the song to be sung by yourself... isn't it customary to write it in the key you sing in ? She didn't want it to sound like the others... and make sense...

Wonder if she and/or Kelton get a advance drop on the song ?

Edited February 15, 2019 by sATL

[BitterApple]

1 minute ago, sATL said:

 the original song "Crazy  Love" by Lawson ???

If you wrote the song... isn't it customary to write it in the key you sing in ? She didn't want it to sound like the others... and make sense...

Wonder if she and/or Kelton get a advance drop on the song ?

It always kills me how the Bates kids want Lawson to write a song and sing at their weddings, because he sucks at both. He does the same sappy, off-key shit over and over. I mean it's a nice way to include him, but they hype it up like they scored Luke Bryan or Brad Paisley to do a private performance. I thought he sounded awful last night. They would've been better off having Evan and Carlin do a short duet.

[Sew Sumi]

1 hour ago, riverblue22 said:

I think Michael was playing the violin in the orchestra, along with Erin on the piano, of course.

I might have seen Jill Duggar Dillard close to the vehicle when they left the reception.  Anybody else notice that person who might have been Jill?

Tori was on the violin. 

With Derelict in law school, there's no way the Dillards were at the wedding. Josie is younger than Carlin, who is tight with Joy. If any Duggars attended, I would bet on the Forsyths first.

[LongDenimFrumper]

On 2/10/2019 at 1:18 PM, zenme said:

Something I noticed—couldn’t help it, but Josie looks bustier in her talking heads than in her wedding dress, for example.  At first I thought it was the style of the top of her talking head dress, but no...These must’ve been filmed after the wedding. Maybe she’s been eating—not dieting for the wedding dress, or birth control? A padded bra?

She's already pregnant...might be why she's looking a little bustier.  It was announced on her Instagram a couple days ago. I was hoping they might wait a year and get to know each other as a married couple before having a baby but who am I kidding... she's going to be a teen mom. 

I hope they actually did get a 2 bedroom apartment. I did a serious eye roll when Kelton said they were thinking one bedroom. We all know they are going to need multiple bedrooms sooner rather than later!  

****Finally caught up on all the comments. Sorry for the repeat information about her pregnancy. 

Edited February 15, 2019 by LongDenimFrumper
updated information

[sATL]

2 hours ago, Sew Sumi said:

Tori was on the violin. 

With Derelict in law school there's no way the Dillards were at the wedding. Josie is younger than Carlin, who is tight with Joy. If any Duggars attended, I would bet on the Forsyths first.

Stop !!! Derrick (Derelict) - Jill's husband - is in LAW SCHOOL ?? He got into an accredited LAW SCHOOL ????

{sATL is in shock... I thought he wanted to preach overseas}

Edited February 15, 2019 by sATL

[Sew Sumi]

LOL, yes, he started matriculation at the University of Arkansas last fall, so he's in his second semester. No publishing of grades over winter break, so we assume he was mediocre at best.

[Bessiesue]

Boy, I am way behind.   We are in Alabama, and yes, it is very hot in October.  We also paused, and looked for the Duggar clan, and I guess UPTV did an amazing job hiding them.  I could not find anyone.  We are also on the "sad they did not wait train" with the pregnancy.  Given Erin's problems, I do hope she has a safe one, and I am sure Dr. Vick is the OB.  

I really thought the dress was tailored fit to her, or did the extra white fabric lining make the dress smaller.  I was terrified about Renee touching the dress, but she did appear to know exactly what she was doing.  The dress (other than the lining) did look amazing on her.  

15 hours ago, cereality said:

Heart breaking to see how Kelton cried when his dad walked down the aisle. He said he’d been emotional all day and then lost it when he saw his dad walking alone. Bobby was great sitting his down in the guest chairs for a minute and consoling him, knowing Kelton had to go up there and was obviously thinking about his mom. Even when Josie walked down the aisle, I’m sure some of it was — I’m the luckiest guy in the world tears — but a lot of it looked like all the emotion from earlier. He’s usually a grinning ear to ear kind of guy who didn’t even crack a smile during any part of the vows and just looked somber. 

I will admit, I cried during those scenes.  I knew it would be hard on Kelton and family to see him wed without Mom there, and I am sure as the girls wed, it is going to be even harder.  I maybe off my wedding etiquette, but why did Dad not walk with Kelton down the isle.  It is what my husband and his Dad did, and our Moms are still living.  The Groomsmen walked them down the isle. 

Speaking of the Groomsmen, I loved the idea of the root beer, pool, and shaves.  It is about time UPTV found something for the men to do for a bachelor party, and have a good time.   

4 hours ago, sATL said:

the little girls spray-painting lanterns... now that is a memory.. looked like fun !

I loved how Callie critiqued the other two, and told into the camera, what was missed on the lanterns.  She definitely has Carlin's spunk.  

Overall, the wedding for us was the best one yet.  Simple yet sophisticated. 

Oh, one more thing:  Agreed with everyone about the editing and the couple leaving right after the cake cutting.  They flew to Atlantis for the honeymoon, and the wedding also started very late due to the crash on the interstate, and maybe this is why they could not stay and mingle with everyone (not an excuse, just a memory).  I do remember the People article talked about the guests munching on sandwiches and cake.

On 2/13/2019 at 1:48 PM, cereality said:

Sorry, Cereality:  I have no idea how this happened.

[sATL]

On 2/13/2019 at 9:46 AM, RebeccatheWriter said:

In terms of the boys...Lawson, Nathan, and Trace specifically...their responsibility at this point is to become financially stable enough to enter a courtship and marry. It's doubtful that you would see Gil and Kelly Jo requiring anything of them that would interfere with building stable careers at this point. In addition to taking the burden off of Kelly, the family and all IBLP followers see the girls cooking, cleaning, and raising children as preparing them for their husbands and children. Crown College is an opportunity for them to go off and meet potential husbands, etc. However, it will always come in second to subservient mindsets. 

Katie's about to get the brunt of it, but I have no doubt that we'll be given an episode soon where Ellie and Addallee are somehow convicted to learn to cook. After all, Alyssa and Michael were suddenly so interested in cooking at those same ages. 

Katie is 17/18, which makes her very close to "marrying" age. She better take a crash course in cooking. Sad to say,I would be praying for a beau to show up in a hurry just to get the hell out of the house and let Kelly raise the last 1/3 of her children. Bobby/Kelton/Evan don't have any more college buddies, who have a brother 1-3 yrs younger ?

Micheala not wanting or allowed to speak on camera anymore ? at least according to preview I think she will be playing in the newlywed game next week,.

Edited February 15, 2019 by sATL

[RebeccatheWriter]

1 hour ago, sATL said:

Katie is 17/18, which makes her very close to "marrying" age. She better take a crash course in cooking. Sad to say,I would be praying for a beau to show up in a hurry just to get the hell out of the house and let Kelly raise the last 1/3 of her children. Bobby/Kelton/Evan don't have any more college buddies, who have a brother 1-3 yrs younger ?

Micheala not wanting or allowed to speak on camera anymore ? at least according to preview I think she will be playing in the newlywed game next week,.

Katie has been cooking some, but Kelly knows that if she is like her sisters that she won't be around much longer. Got to get those young ones trained before they are left with no girls at home who can do anything. 

Michael's one of the few on the show who I actually believe really is painfully shy. Tori claims that, but I think that was part of the act to snare Bobby because her rude and loud style weren't demure and sweet enough for an aspiring minister to consider as wife material. Even before she got married, Michaela has always been all about being in the background. She was always the one holding the newest baby and doing the menial tasks that nobody else wanted to do. I think it was Erin's wedding where she asked not to be a bridesmaid because she didn't want to be up there in front of everyone. But then Callie (I think) didn't want to walk down the aisle and she ended up having to carry her up front and hold her. I just don't think she seeks out the camera for interviews like some of them (Carlin, Lawson, Erin). If she's asked, she seems to do it, especially with Brandon. I would bet they do the one or two episodes that feature them a year simply for the paycheck. If she's still seeking answers or treatment about infertility, the money from UP is probably helpful. 

That being said, I think that was what I liked about this episode and dislike about the Duggar weddings. They didn't do 10,000,000 on the spot interviews and talking heads with every single sibling to repeat the same lines about how they can't believe Josie is getting married, going to miss her, and how excited they are about "this journey God has planned for them." I know UP! filmed that because there were snippets just after the wedding of all the congratulations messages. But we didn't need to see that. I preferred seeing the getting ready and Josie really seeming to take charge on things (like time). I think that UP made a good decision to show more of Kelton's story and what he was thinking versus the usual drivel we get about kissing with each of the other couples waxing nostalgic like they are 80 and sitting on the front porch in rockers. 

[floridamom]

I just watched Josie's wedding episode. I thought that the best man gave a great speech. I didn't mind one bit that he brought up the fact that Gil broke Josie & Kelton up a bit ago. Good for him for sticking it to Pa Bates that he profoundly hurt Kelton in that way. This guy is such a good, kind, sweet young man. I hope Gil felt terrible about it and always will. He also should have profoundly apologized to Kelton for this. I understand that Josie was young, but 15 year olds have 'boyfriends' at that age and get to experience a long term boyfriend-girlfriend relationship without having sex. Kelton has such a baby face; this guy will never age.

I, too, felt for him about his mother not being there. I could see that she was a very good looking woman. So sorry that she died having a baby. Does anyone know if it was one of those unqualified mid-wife home deliveries? No reason Kelton's grandmother couldn't have accompanied Kelton's father up the aisle. Thoughtless of the wedding planner, IMO.

It didn't look like anywhere near 400 people seated at the outdoor ceremony to me. I also noticed that floor length gowns when walking on grass is not a good idea. Josie's wedding gown was in the way of HER walking too. She constantly had to hold it up. This takes away from the look of the dress. Perhaps ankle length dresses would have been a better idea for the bridesmaids. Josie's gown should have been hemmed with the terrain that she would be walking on in mind.

About Miss Renee'....does she ALWAYS personally deliver her wedding gowns to the brides' homes? 

Kelly needs to go on a good diet …...and get some decent shoes. I'm tired of seeing her wear those dirty canvas things with no socks. Her feet must smell after days in those things.

Gil needs to quit the 'yuck, yuck, awe shucks" schtick. It's gotten old long ago.

I don't intend to be mean here at all, really, but these are some things that crossed my mind when watching this morning.

[3 is enough]

I don't understand why they didn't just schedule their honeymoon so that they only left a day or two after the wedding.  That way they could have stayed at their own reception longer.  My daughter and her husband got married on a Saturday and only left on Tuesday for their honeymoon.  They stayed until the very end of the reception, and we had a get together for all of our family & friends who came from out of town the next day.  They were able to visit more with everyone.  I thought it was much more relaxed than rushing off during the reception.

Of course we had a heathen reception with a real meal, open bar, and dancing.  And, DD and SIL had been living in their apartment for almost a year before the wedding, so there was no need to rush away to finally be alone together.  But Josie and Kelton could have arranged to stay at a nearby hotel the night of the wedding.

[andromeda331]

I liked the wedding it was really nice. Josie looked beautiful in her dress I was worried when Renee got her hands on it but it turned out nice. Loved Callie's comments. I do love how rehearsals always end up being better then the receptions. I loved the little flower girl with her hair curlers she looked so cute. I'm surprised Tori and Carlin weren't annoying in this episode like I thought they would be.

One part I hated was Alyssa explaining how their parents paired up the kids. Not at Alyssa but Gil and Kelly. It really ticked me off that they paired Alyssa and Josie up. I really wish the Bates kids (and Duggar kids) would realize how messed up it was that their parents did that to them. I know it will never happen but I wish it would and they go off on their parents. Unless I missed it there wasn't a younger sibling sobbing like Callie was at Michael's and Judson at Tori's. I wonder if there was one and they didn't show it or if it didn't happen this time. 

Edited February 17, 2019 by andromeda331

[Evagirl]

Last night's faux "Newlywed Game" was a total snooze fest.  I watched the first 5 minutes, then ff through to see if ANYTHING else was going to be shown.  It was not.  I gave up and deleted without even watching.  To do this for the entire show was ridiculous!  Everybody talking at once, including the middle guy/girl, was just too much.  And Carlin . . . beautiful young woman, but she acts like she doesn't have one functioning brain cell in her lovely head ("Chad, is that a gray hair?") - good grief!

Sometimes I want to give up on this show, but I keep hanging in there.  I feel vested I guess.  I've been watching ever since Jim Bob introduced them to us on 18 & Counting (it may have been 17 & Counting).  I seen them go through so many things that I'm afraid I'll miss something big if I stop watching.  

As long as they continue to show the little kids, I'll remain interested.  They are so much more fun to watch than engagements, marriages, & pregnancies.  Of course, if Micheala gets pregnant that's different.  She wants to be a mom so bad and I want it for her as well.  If they can't conceive a child, I hope they consider adopting.  I think she and Brandon would be great parents.  I remember being so happy when Erin finally delivered a full-term, healthy baby.  But it got old after #2.  I'm sure I'd feel the same for Micheala whether she delivered or adopted.

[BitterApple]

I think Michael would be willing to adopt, but I'm not so sure about Brandon. He strikes me as the type of guy who'd be weird about taking on a child that wasn't biologically his. I know it isn't any of my business, but I really wonder what's their issue? In a family of super-breeders  (Kelly, Erin, Alyssa) and honeymoon babies (Josie, Tori), it's interesting how Michael has struggled. Part of me wonders if the problem isn't Brandon and Michael's just being the dutiful Gothard wife and taking the "blame." Otherwise, that's a really shitty stroke of bad luck that the one daughter who truly loves children can't have one. 

As far as last night's epi, total waste of time. I watched ten minutes before my eyes got sore from all the rolling and I turned to something else. 

[Evagirl]

1 hour ago, BitterApple said:

Part of me wonders if the problem isn't Brandon and Michael's just being the dutiful Gothard wife and taking the "blame."

You know BA, I've always felt (but reluctant to say) that Brandon has always appeared to give off the-low-sex-drive aura.  I don't know why.  He seems like a nice young man, however he never struck me as being as head over heels "in love" with Michaela like the other young men who married the Bates girls.  I feel the same way about Josiah Duggar.  I so hope Brandon is not a dud.

[BitterApple]

19 minutes ago, Evagirl said:

You know BA, I've always felt (but reluctant to say) that Brandon has always appeared to give off the-low-sex-drive aura.  I don't know why.  He seems like a nice young man, however he never struck me as being as head over heels "in love" with Michaela like the other young men who married the Bates girls.  I feel the same way about Josiah Duggar.  I so hope Brandon is not a dud.

I agree. I know speculation leans towards a man being gay if he isn't a raging ball of hormones, but I think some men just aren't sexual, same as some women. I think Josiah flat-out married the wrong girl, and Brandon married because he reached the age where it was culturally expected. He and Michael seem more like polite friends than husband and wife. They don't have the same easy intimacy you see in other Bates couples.

[Bessiesue]

We are a sucker for punishment, and watched all the way through.  Half of the answers you could not read on the screen, and they did not say the answers.  Tori, Josie, and Erin were asked how many children did you want, and of course 6 was the popular answer.  Bobby said that they will see how they do with this one.  Another question had to do with their greatest fears, and I really hoped Kelton did not answer with the dying in childbirth.  All the husbands said storms/tornadoes were their wives worst fears, as well as Lawson.  Ellie asking the questions was way to funny, and Lawson said many times if he was married his answer would be such and such.  Carlin was Carlin.  Loud mouth as usual and full of opinions.  

I also agree about Brandon not being a raging ball of hormones, but we also saw Dr. Vick talk to them about their infertility trouble.  Michael mentioned that they had seen a specialist in Chicago, and I thought she mentioned both were tested.  He also did a test where he shot red dye into her fallopian tubes.  One was almost blocked completely, and the other had dye running through it.  He made the comment that every other month she had a chance of getting pregnant.  

Brandon works at Gothard headquarters right?  They have been very vague of his job compared to the rest of the son-in-laws, and if that is the case, poor Michael will never be able to adopt a child.  

Next week is the honeymoon of Josie and Kelton.  They head to Ashville,NC for a few days before heading to Atlantis.  So there went my theory of the wedding running way behind they had to catch a plane.  

[ehall1052]

41 minutes ago, Bessiesue said:

Half of the answers you could not read on the screen, and they did not say the answers. 

That’s why I also turned it off after 5 minutes.  

[Sew Sumi]

All in all, a very poorly produced filler episode. Thank heavens I watched from the DVR, so I could FF my way through the majority of it. 

[Absolom]

The show did not make the top 150 cable shows of the day this week.

[woodscommaelle]

You guys: I didn’t hate it. Not sure what’s wrong with me.

Lawson made me laugh.  

[BitterApple]

21 hours ago, Bessiesue said:

I also agree about Brandon not being a raging ball of hormones, but we also saw Dr. Vick talk to them about their infertility trouble.  Michael mentioned that they had seen a specialist in Chicago, and I thought she mentioned both were tested.  He also did a test where he shot red dye into her fallopian tubes.  One was almost blocked completely, and the other had dye running through it.  He made the comment that every other month she had a chance of getting pregnant.  

Right, I remember that, but if Michael still has one functioning fallopian tube, shouldn't she have gotten pregnant by now, assuming they're tracking ovulation and having frequent intercourse? Granted, I know nothing about infertility, but every other month seems like a fairly generous window. That's why I feel like Michael's falling on her sword to cover for Brandon. I could be wrong, but it's just the impression I'm getting.

[sugarplum]

5 hours ago, BitterApple said:

Right, I remember that, but if Michael still has one functioning fallopian tube, shouldn't she have gotten pregnant by now, assuming they're tracking ovulation and having frequent intercourse? Granted, I know nothing about infertility, but every other month seems like a fairly generous window. That's why I feel like Michael's falling on her sword to cover for Brandon. I could be wrong, but it's just the impression I'm getting.

The every other month thing is inaccurate. Either ovary can release an egg any month. So there’s no way to know (other than checking on ultrasound each month) which side is realeasing the egg, and if it will be the side with the good tube or the bad. I, too, have a blocked tube. We’ve been trying for 2 1/2 years. Tracking ovulation, timed intercourse, medication to stimulate ovaries, we’ve even done IUIs and actually placed the sperm in my uterus (not to be confused with IVF, which is completely different) and...no luck. You definitely CAN get pregnant with just 1 tube, but it’s not always easy. And I’d venture to guess even some of the things my husband and I have done are things Michael and Brandon would view as going against God’s plans. 

* not directed at you, bitterapple!

[floridamom]

I certainly as a mother understand Michaela's desire to have a baby. She should take this time to appreciate the fact that she is the only married Bates child who actually has been given an opportunity to grow as a couple with Brandon and actually get to know the guy. I would bet dollars to doughnuts that she is the only one there who actually knows her spouse. The others have had almost immediate distractions, BIGGER THAN A TELEVISION IN THE HOUSE....a baby ...and do not know their spouses well at all.

I certainly hope that in the near future Michaela and Brandon are able to conceive. Perhaps she is the only one who is relaxed in her marriage and is really ready to be a mother....

[lookeyloo]

1 hour ago, floridamom said:

I certainly as a mother understand Michaela's desire to have a baby. She should take this time to appreciate the fact that she is the only married Bates child who actually has been given an opportunity to grow as a couple with Brandon and actually get to know the guy. I would bet dollars to doughnuts that she is the only one there who actually knows her spouse. The others have had almost immediate distractions, BIGGER THAN A TELEVISION IN THE HOUSE....a baby ...and do not know their spouses well at all.

I certainly hope that in the near future Michaela and Brandon are able to conceive. Perhaps she is the only one who is relaxed in her marriage and is really ready to be a mother....

In theory of course that sounds wonderful, but to Michaela, I'll bet it is suppressed feelings of misery that is her actual life.  I don't speak for her, but just from the little I know about her and the way her family lives.  From baby to baby.

[BitterApple]

1 hour ago, lookeyloo said:

In theory of course that sounds wonderful, but to Michaela, I'll bet it is suppressed feelings of misery that is her actual life.  I don't speak for her, but just from the little I know about her and the way her family lives.  From baby to baby.

Sadly, I think you're right. I think the fertility issues are the monkey on Michael's back and the elephant in the room when she goes to visit family. Everyone's hoping for a big announcement and there always has to be an awkward throwback to Michael every time one of her sisters announces she's expecting. 

From everything we've seen of Gothard culture, women have two purposes: a) marry and b) pump out children. The Bateseses act sympathetic, but I don't doubt there's some subtle shaming going on. Maybe not from the sisters, but most definitely from Kelly.