WillySteed*ChristineMarie*KolleneSnow*AudienceMember*EdKociela AuthorPlygsAnswersQuestions *JewelryAtGuilt* DickJaneFlipbook*Spoilers*Tweets*RebeccaMusser*My5WivesGreat Stories*BuyTeamKolleenTshirtTodayDon'tMissOut!!!Review!!

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Slowly but shirley, I am back!

Dear Friends,
I am happy to be feeling well enough to be back on the blogging scene. Luckily, my illness seems to be better, and I thank many of you who Sent prayers and private emais, they meant alot. Now on to the infamous Browns.  A few posts back, Cynical described her reasons for watching the show and some of her beliefs, which I thought it was a brilliant and interesting post. 
I have to decided to do the same. The wonderful thing about us is that often, we see things differently, yet, respect each other and often decide what is the best thing to do here on the blog is a middle of the two.  
 I will be shocked if this train wreck of a show lasts another season. Therefore, I've decided that we should both just say it like it is, no holding back.  The Browns certainly don't hold back on their fame whoring tactics, so our opinions will certainly be a bit more.... Blunt.
I started watching the show because I like family shows. I have never been near polygamist families, but was taught to be open minded and loving.  I am of the christian faith. Soon after starting this blog, I was warned that the Browns were up to much more than just a family show, with grand Political ambitions. Was that certainly was true!  
The bible certainly does not condemn polygamy, although any reasonable adult would also not that it was used in early times to populate. Also a study will show that most polygamy situations did not turn out well in the old testament.  
 Joseph Smith to me is a man who got caught cheating and turned it into a religion.  Sorry, thats how I feel. 
I also believe there are many that were born into this religion and may work and live very hard to do God's will as good people.
The Browns have made a mockery of it. Their greed, laziness, seemingly uncaring of what it is doing to their children is... Sad. How hypocritical is it to tweet all summer umpteen trips to Disneyland..... And our first clip of the new season is boo hoos over past debt and bad credit?   HOW much more of their crocodile tears are left?  TLC, you need to come up with something besides their debt or we might revolt.  GO back to the home you have or shut up!

My one ounce of sympathy goes to Christine. she probably doesn't even know what to do at this point.  I find that this is a very dysfunctional family.  Where did their religion go?  I see nothing of it.  If it is the total basis of living this way,    I am afraid they have lost their way, and Kody the head of the mess with his own wants and needs.  This should be interesting. And we will not be holding back! Glad to be back some, and thankful for Cynical.   my mouth is watering for the first review!!

90 comments:

  1. Glad your doin better MS. We will see what they do if anything to salvage this mess. I think TLC as well as the adults in family need to take responsibility.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Welcome Back, Mister Sister !!
    Yes, prayers have been streaming your way !!!
    So glad you are recovering and back to posting your wit and candor once again.

    I find your observation about the hypocrisy of seeing their gleeful, boastful tweets about their endless odyssey of trips, to now being the over-played tears and fears of financial crisis to be absolutely spot on.

    Really, it is hard to feel sorry for such blatant lack of responsibility. How five adults all came together with similar religious convictions is an easy one to grasp; but how all five having such a collective lack of awareness and common sense meshing together is pretty sad....especially for those 17 children.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Good to hear you are feeling better!

    I watched the series to see what a modern Mormon polygamous(they're all Mormomish to me) is like. I wanted to see something different than Little House on the Prairie dresses and child brides.

    At first, the happy, hectic, family I saw was interesting. But as I look back, I think the newness of being filmed just distracted them from their unhappiness so it looked like they were fresh and happy. Fresh is the perfect word to describe the first episode.

    Of course, Kody was happy and ALL of them look to Kody to set the mood. They walk on eggshells, hold their breath until they see what kind of mood Kody is in. Only then can everyone else show an emotion. They don't dare ruin his mood. Reminds me of children of alcoholics. NOT saying he's an alcoholic, I'm saying the control over the family's emotions reminds me of what happens in alcoholic families. I think Kody not only has narcissistic characteristics, but a lot of borderline personality characteristics. He seems incapable of empathy yet strangely has strong emotions himself. He acts like a little kid wanting to be recognized when he feels he has an appropriate behavior(aren't I a good husband? Reference the watch gifting scene.). He MUST get a "high" somehow only he doesn't use drugs, it's travel or fame or luxury items or sex etc. He seems to have very dark, scary times followed by these highs. Someone could write their whole psych dissertation on him.

    So as long as it was his new toy or made him think the money was going to roll in, Kody was happy and so the whole family appeared happy. Once his mood changed so did the entire show. It wasnt Robyn or psuedo-fame that ruined it, it was already there and it was Kody. Now I watch the show just to see it end.

    Run Logan and Maddie!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Welcome Back my friend! I have a feeling this will be an epic season!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I am happy to see you back, Mister Sister. I am glad you are feeling better and hope you will be at full recovery soon.

    "Joseph Smith to me is a man who got caught cheating and turned it into a religion. Sorry, thats how I feel."
    I am so glad you posted this. I do not want to bash anyone's religion or faith, but I must say that the religion Joseph Smith "invented" bothers me. The current religions that are based on this "original religion" bother me. Admittedly, there are some attributes of the "Joseph Smith" religion "branch offs" that are really great, (ie. family night) but SO much of it makes no sense at all. One being the "caught cheating, turned it into a religion". There are many more, but again, I do not want to bash someones faith. (No coffee or tea because it is a "hot" drink? REALLY? Uh huh, that makes sense.) Sorry, that was aggressive.

    I agree with your statement that many people who are of this faith are wonderful God loving/fearing people and live a life that is commendable, but the Brown's snarfed their ministry BAD.

    How can I look at their life and think "wow, how great" when the suppression of women and children is so apparent? Why would Krody want to treat "the loves of his life" as though they were dumber than hair and suck the confidence right out of them? I know that he does that so he can control them, I just do not understand how Krody can think anyone will buy this crap and think he is a hero. Yes, the Brown's missed their ministry. BIG TIME!

    It just makes me so frustrated. The Brown's have beautiful children. How lucky they are, but their choices, which they have made public, really piss me off. My husband and I cannot have children, we would love to be parents. How can this family be blessed and screw it up so badly? Unbelievable! I am sure the Brown's love their children, but for the love of all TEACH THEM. Teach them how to be responsible in life and with money. (I have faith in Logan, Maddie, Hunter and maybe Aspen.) What has the rest of them learned? Waste gas and drive to Disneyland. I wish I could go to Disneyland weekly, I just live an hour away. Oh that's right, I can't afford it. I have responsibilities.

    Originally this show fascinated me. Now I have to "watch the train wreck" with everyone else. So sad.



    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Really, my thoughts exactly. Well said.

      Delete
    2. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

      Delete
  6. Hi Mister Sister. Still kind of new here, but I'm glad you are doing better.

    I have friends who are LDS not the AUB or fundamentalists Mormons. I was curious about the differences and have to say that I am glad that Latter Day Saints no longer follow pokygamy even though I know it was part of their past heritage.
    Kody Brown and his family seemed happy at first. Since the addition of Robin and the move, the family unit has not recovered. I think as a family, they would do better to give up the McMansions and face their financial reality.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Glad you are feeling better MS. Lots of continued prayers and good thoughts.

    I'll be sad if the show ends, simply because I've enjoyed this blog so much lol! We would have to continue to talk over something!

    Sadly Addicted is right on. Krody definitely shows signs of borderline personality and does get a 'fix' through his dysfunctional behavior. The family dynamic is very much like an alcoholic family...everyone on eggshells to see how Krody will be today. I find it sadly disturbing to watch...and I just keep rooting for my hero Maddie! She will have sanity once she gets out and will succeed.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Greetings MisterSister! I've been reading this blog for awhile but just post a bit sporadically in recent months. It's so good to see that you are feeling better :)

    I agree when you say the Brown's have made a mockery of their religion. I know they are not LDS but besides the Polygamy issue, I believe much of the Dogma (yes, Dogma, Kody..) is the same or similar and this family does not resemble any mormon's or religious people I have known.

    You mention having an ounce of sympathy for Christine. I know what you mean. On that same note, at least Meri has the legal security that goes with marriage. (If Kody dies she can draw off his SS when she's older).. Janelle has proven she can get a decent job on her own. Robyn, well, I don't believe Robyn is really in it for religious reasons and just saw this as an opportunity. Christine though, what does she have as this falls apart? I think she really believes in the religious aspects a and if she were to leave, what would she do? She has no financial security in this family either and the longer she goes without working a "real" job, the less likely she can even draw Social Security when she gets older that will be enough to live on.

    ReplyDelete
  9. The only thing that could save this show is to bring in doctor drew and change tthe whole concept from plyg promotion to crisis management for mentally disfunctional family and misstresses. I agree with the bordeline personality diagnosis for more thane one brown

    ReplyDelete
  10. Welcome back Mista Sista!!! :) just in time for an epic season of trainwrecks...can't wait to read your two centavos. :)

    Again with Janelle's job prospects. I'm just thinking...she's in her 40s and been out of work (by choice) for almost two years now (I'm sure on her resume she'll put "Brown Family Entertainment" down as a reference for 2011-201?...what employer is going to buy that?). The more time that goes by being out of work...the harder it is going to be for her to find a new job. Especially these days - because the nature of "office work" has changed SO much over just over the past few years. Janelle will have to get up to speed with the latest software/hardware, whatever is being used now (right now at my employer's we are going through the grief of changing from WinXP to Win7...and from MS Office2010 to the newest version...one would think it would be easy, not so much...) In addition, there are younger folks with higher levels of education competing for the same jobs, at entry-level pay (right now, my employer requires a minimum of a BS degree for most if not all open positions).

    And let's not even mention the fact that she's been on a notorious reality show.
    Janelle has an uphill road to hoe, and I doubt she's going to just be able to go back to her comfy State of Utah government job (perhaps she thought she could?), especially since she is one of the parties SUING her former employer...
    my apologies, I can't feel sorry for her - although I know this was Kody's doing, she's an adult and part owner of the Lehi house - she could have put her foot down and stayed in the home with her kids while the rest of them moved to LV. Ultimately, she made her own choice.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Welcome back Mister Sister and I hope you are fully recovered soon! You've been missed.

    I agree with much of what you wrote, especially the part about tweeting about all the Disney trips and other trips and then we see the season "preview" where the lack of McMansions is blamed on Robyn's debt. In a normal family, if you were trying to purchase 1 McMansion, much less 4, I doubt you'd be going to Disney weekly nor would any of the other trips be going on! You'd be saving your money! But not the Kody Krew.

    As far as Christine, I think she'd be completely lost if/when this whole "family" blows apart. Most likely she'd turn to her AUB roots and they'd likely find her another polygamist "marriage" to join, much as Robyn joined the Browns. I think that would be horrible for Christine and her children and certainly not a good solution for her. Honestly though, I don't see how this family will be able to survive when the TLC gravy train runs out. They will have even worse debt and now they've amped up the lifestyle to which they feel they are entitled....

    As far as TLC, they are really scraping the bottom of the barrel and heaven forbid, if they bring that creepy Darger family on (or however it's spelled) they will have lost me. That man is a creep and the sisters and cousin that feel it's okay to be married to the same man have issues also. Yes they support themselves and their children, but something is really freaky in that family and I'm sure it's just a matter of time until we find out what.

    I also agree this is likely the last season for Kody and Krew. It might be the most interesting, who knows?

    ReplyDelete
  12. Rachel Ellis wrote any wife that wants out can go.per Kody He still avoiding christine &its Christine gained more weight. She should leave she will get assistance
    They would even help her go back to school. I would take my kids & go.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow how generous of Kody to allow his spiritual wives to leave and take her kids with her (and of course raise them on her own without his financial or emotional support). Since their "lifestyle" believes the woman can only get into heaven by way of her husband who she is spirtually sealed to.....how much of a choice is this The only reason any of them are plygs are because they believe that Kody will be a God with his own planet in the afterlife if he lives the plural lifestyle. In order to get on that planet, the woman (and her kids) must be sealed to the husband. So what does Kody care if they leave? He will still have his Planet and he can 'get rid' of those pesky complaining wives and then get new wives to birth more children. What a joke that Kody is always saying "anyone can leave at any time"....so freaking generous when you are their only hope at salvation. I agree with the poster who said Christine will likely just go back to her AUB family and find another husband to be sealed to. I said all of last season that Kody wants her to leave. He doesn't even seem to care about the kids he has with Christine. I feel for her, she is truly all alone in this without any support, doesn't have any skills (yes she could babysit but still...) and knows no life outside of polygamy. She has so few options.

      Delete
    2. Actually, if Christine was already sealed to Kody, then in her mind, she is truly stuck...because even if she leaves and gets a new "husband" she can't be sealed to another man....women only get to be sealed to one man, period. So she still ahs to rely on Kody for getting into Kody-world or heaven or whatever they believe.

      Delete
    3. Fake Fan,

      The AUB "unseals" parties that are divorcing is what I'm sure I read here somewhere.

      This was posted on June 8: FreeAndClearJune 8, 2012 10:55 AM
      AUB doesn't re- assign in the same way as FLDS, but if a man gets off track then there is no problem with women getting "releases" and being married to another man

      Link: http://sisterwivesblog.blogspot.com/2012/06/sister-wives-blue-blood-polygamist.html

      I think it's different in the off-shoots of the LDS religion (meaning FLDS, AUB etc). Of course I could be wrong - just going on what I've read.

      Delete
    4. Really...wow. I guess it makes sense though, otherwise she'd never be willing t be another man's wife after the first guy gets tired of her....so sad.

      Interesting though, if they are claiming to be following what the mormon religion is "supposed" to be....because there, men can get sealed more than once, but not women....at least men can if their first wife dies. I don't actually know if men can get sealed more than once in the case of divorce....but my guess is they could.

      Thanks for the link.

      Delete
    5. Fake Fan,

      You're welcome - glad the link was helpful.

      I too found it odd that it differs in the "sealing process".

      I do have a male relative that is LDS and was divorced and now remarried, but I don't know whether or not his first marriage was sealed in the temple or not although I do know his second marriage was.

      I may have to see if I can tactfully find that out, then we'd know whether a man can be sealed and unsealed during divorce in the mainstream church.

      Delete
    6. I think we all know that this 'show' is on its last breath. How will they afford one house let alone four? If they get the McMansions, I will eat my new shoes and the old ones,too.

      Delete
  13. Hi Y'll
    Here's the thing - I have friends of all faiths, and we can appreciate each others' beliefs. However, if I were an "Independent Fundamentalist" I would be ashamed that this crew was my mouthpiece. They act like they can't talk about religion, yet THAT is why they supposedly suffer by having one husband, really they can't leave, for if they did, that hubby might not call them to heaven!; list goes on and on.
    IF they really BELIEVE their convictions, they might be believable and respectable. Fighting, wrath, jealousy, contempt, new cars, sure are not showing much of a religion. Running to LV was a joke. Talk about it and live it for flipping sakes!
    About like the show "Being Amish". I live NEXT DOOR to an Amish community, and that show made a mockery of it. You could not find nicer, more God fearing people than the ones in my community. We all respect them, even buy eggs and ... believe this or not, they have a headache pill that will get rid of anything that is all natural! They believe it, they live it. I am sick to death of the Browns tears, and I'm afraid that Cynical and I might have to have buckets near us if the whole first show is about their bleeping credit and Robyn crying. IF Robyn didn't want her credit to ruin another marriage, why not WORK IT OFF before even entertaining a man? Didn't she go to Mexico (allegedly) where she has dual citizenship and file bankruptcy? Who knows? Does she still wear the expensive underwear? LOL

    Man, I think I must of taken a truth pill during all those surgeries!!!LOL LOL

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Here's what I keep wondering...Are they not talking much (or showing on air) about the religious aspects as to not put people off in some way? Or do they not show it or talk about it because they truly don't LIVE it..(I tend to think the latter)...It's more of a deal where Kody likes the idea of having a ton of kids and women around to stroke his ego and the rest is an afterthought...Or I have wondered too if it was coming fron TLC...to downplay it (but that makes no sense)..Just random thoughts..I too have wondered why if this is such a strong belief, why they don't live and talk about it more..It's a huge part of who they are (supposedly) and isn't the point of the show to give an inside view of the lifestyle, the who what's hows and whys????????.Also, why run from Utah? If it was such a big part of who they are, why not stay and fight.

      Delete
  14. So glad to hear you are doing better! The start of the new season will spark more interesting conversation on here, that's for sure. I agree that Kody has "issues." The sad part is that Janelle always sticks up for him, Robyn idolizes him, Meri mothers him and poor Christine always feels neglected by him IMO. Christine is by far the prettiest and sweetest of the women and I hope she realizes that she doesn't need him. It would be great if she were able to get away from the group by herself for a week or so and explore all the options she has in life. She is still young enough to learn a career and get a job and become a strong indpendent woman.

    ReplyDelete
  15. The best most realistic ending... Janelle, Christine and their children go back to Utah. Janelle could work and Christine could mother everyone. Mean Meri and her soul Sister could have stupid, narcissistic Kody. The End.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I bet that Janelle is regretting signing over part-ownership in the Lehi house to Kody and Meri. If memory serves, she was the sole owner of the house when initially purchased, after Kody "found" the house and persuaded Janelle to come back and use her (at the time) good credit and work history to secure financing for their "dream house" (or at least I think that's how they termed it at the time). A few years later, the ownership was changed to the three of them. A shame for Janelle. I'm guessing it was changed so Kody and Meri could milk out the equity during those happy golden years of the real estate bubble. I'm sure they're upside down on the house, now.

      Delete
  16. These people are scam artists. The only way that they can afford so many children is by repeatedly filing for bankruptcy. Janelle was the first to file in the District of Utah on 10/16/97. She had four credit card debts forgiven for a total of approximately $11,700. She also had debts to Lane Bryant ($141.) and Living Scriptures ($1277.) forgiven. There are many people who would like to have a lot of children but don't because they can't afford to raise them. The Browns don't don't care. After this bankruptcy, they had ten more children and added another wife. Chritine, and Meri and Kody also filed for bankruptcy. (Christine and Janelle filed as single people because only the first marriage is legal.) These bankruptcy filings are available on the Internet. It makes my skin crawl that Kody said, regarding the pregnancy of the seventeenth child, that it was a "fun secret".

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. With all their documented financial history and obvious disregard for prudent cost and debt management, why would anyone view them as "good" credit risks?

      So on top of their abdication of responsible money management, their arrogance in deciding and continuing to publicly live large and entitled is amazing. Did they not realize that their $$$ history would be available for public scrutiny??? Would generate disdain?

      Or do they simply not care?
      But then feel entitled to cry fowl when critical observations are made about their choices. Cry fowl when THEY have made the choice to put themselves and their children out there to be subjects of observation.

      Delete
  17. I have been a lurker for a while. I loved the show in the beginning but it's just like the rest of the TLC "family" shows. They pump the people up. Make them feel like they are big stars and then crush them. Makes me think TLC is evil! : - )

    I just had to jump in, though, about the bible and polygamy.

    The New Testament does mention having one wife a couple times:

    1 Timothy 3:2

    Titus 1:6

    It makes me think polygamy may not be christian. Also, it makes me realize that priests may not have to remain single.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hi MichiganI
      i know what you are saying. several times in the Nt it mentions an overseer or deacon should be of one wife, and marriage of a man andwoman. however, no place did I see it banned, but just like many thongs of the OT, I too believe it does not implyolgamy is good.

      Delete
  18. Hey Mister Sister good to hear from you & glad ur feeling better...I totally love the idea of not holding back & just being blunt :D

    ReplyDelete
  19. Long time lurker, chiming in to say, "Welcome back Mister!" I also want to add that I know A LOT of Mormons, and these people are a far cry from what I have seen. Their lack of financial prudence alone is shameful. I happened to be living in Utah at the time of their hasty exodus. I was disgusted by how trumped up it was for TLC. Gimme a break! I agree 100% Michiagander1969, I am starting to think that TLC is evil as well. All these shows an no one makes it out alive, it's like a reality version of Hunger Games.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have a hard time entirely blaming TLC. Every one of these families, at least the adults, had a choice to say yes or no. In the case of the Browns, if I read correctly, they actually sought out the opportunity to be featured on a show, with the official story being to "show the real life polygamists" and to put a positive spin on it...but really I'm sure it was all about the extra much-needed $$$ and the attention for Kody mostly. The Dargers are coming in now as "Phase II" but again they have been aggressively courting the media for well over a year - like the Browns, riding on the coattails of the interest generated by "Big Love" and YES - Warren Jeffs notoriety as well. Even if they don't allow it to be mentioned, or refuse to discuss it - the sex thing is a HUGE deal and reason people are interested.

      There is a VAST difference between TLC and the Hunger Games - in the book/film the participants had NO choice in the matter of whether to participate...the Browns, the Gosselins, the Duggars, the Roloffs and now the Dargers - all had, and still have, a choice. and they made the choice to have their private lives aired to the public, for money.

      Delete
  20. I haven't posted in a while but I check this blog frequently in order for a good laugh. Mister Sister I am glad to hear that you are feeling better and thank you for sharing your honest opinions. I think the majority of us share your view point. The Browns debt blows my mind. I understand wanting to indulge from time to time, and giving your children the best lifestyle that you can offer, but in reality what are they teaching their children? Disneyland Park tickets for ages 10+ are $87/a day, without the park hopper option. Also, I truly doubt they are annual pass holders as you need to own Disney Vacation Club points for that. Plus Disneyland is over 260 miles from their homes in LV one way! Talk about a lot of money going to traveling expenses. Maybe they are trying to write it all off as LIV business expenses, I don't know.
    But please do not go on national tv crying about debt when we all know thanks to your twitter accounts about how you really are living your lives: trips to the salon, disney, eating out, going dancing, etc... I'm still curious how they are even affording the basics in LV: rent, utilities, vehicles/vehicle up keep, food, and clothing. Not to mention the expense of the Utah house. Even if each wife was getting $4000/per episode, after taxes, and basic monthly bills, for a family of 22 it really isn't all that much....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Y for W - my personal theory is that the Browns are either skating off credit cards (which I'm guessing based on the numerous bankruptcies is their modus operandi for the most part) OR they are spending the book royalty money. I'm guessing that they probably got $1.00 per book sold once sales exceeded whatever they collected as an advance. I wonder how many books they sold? Certainly, it wasn't a million. My guess is in the five figures, because the book wasn't on the Bestseller Lists for all that long and these days it doesn't take as many sales as it used to to get into the bestseller list. Maybe 100,000 copies but that might be stretching it.

      Delete
    2. and of course on royalties - I'm guessing the publisher didn't take out taxes, the Browns will have to report that on their taxes. They will probably not have to pay that much, because since the book lists 5 authors they will split the money five ways and each report on their taxes with all those dependents...

      Delete
  21. Did Janelle, Christine and Robyn file legal petitions to have their last names changes to 'Brown' after they had their mistress ceremonies with Krody? Some states require you to give a reason...wonder what they wrote down.

    ReplyDelete
  22. I think Robyn is still legally Sullivan, but when Janelle bought the Lehi home, it was as Janelle Brown.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. you know, I've never figured that out. I have seen her name Marck also, her fathers name. Sullivan is the creepy stepdad - She may have changed it.

      Delete
    2. I don't know how old Robyn was when her mom remarried Mr. Creep Sullivan, but I bet she changed Robyn's name when she did. I think that happens pretty often anyways, whether plyg or no.

      Delete
  23. I am SO looking forward to the season opener of Sinister Wives. I hope those older kids escape as soon as they can. Do you think the oldest boy ever really had a chance to leave home to go to college, or was that just for the show so it would look like he loved this life so much that he just couldn't leave? I just don't understand how Krody and those women can parade those children in front of the cameras and embarrass and humiliate them like they do. This will follow them around for a long time. At least they are getting a chance to publicly denounce the so called 'religion' their parents are hiding behind. I don't see ANY happiness in that family, they all seem miserable. By the way, if something were to happen to Meri, do you think Kody would ever legally marry any of the other three? Hmmm...

    ReplyDelete
  24. Just saw another promo for tomorrow night's show...something about the family being divided, in turmoil, blah, blah,blah! Seriously, when has this family ever been anything but weird and dysfunctional?

    Can't wait for the next round of krazy!!!

    ReplyDelete
  25. I was looking at articles written on Sister Wives from each season. I found 1 from Sept 2012, I e-mailed it to you. Boy the reviews sure went down hill since last season & the book. This one went way overboard, calling Kody a hard working family man. Wow how the mighty have fallen. Most reviews for this comming season are not flattering. If he just apologized to Christine they most likely would be better. It looks like everyone is tired of sister wives.


    .

    ReplyDelete
  26. Mister Sister - Welcome back! Looking forward to hearing more from you, CJ and all the other great folks who provide insight on this blog. So glad to hear you are feeling better, and we will continue to keep you lifted up.

    I liked your post, especially the part about polygamy being all many people know (paraphrasing) and so they try their best to live the way they think will please God. I think that is what is happening with a few of the Browns, but certainly not all of them. I'll let you all just guess the ones who are probably in it for reasons other than the love of God. Anyways, you're right about Christine. She usually gets on my nerves b/c she is so adamant about polygamy, but I do understand where she's coming from since that's all she knows.

    Take Care MS!!

    ReplyDelete
  27. If I had read the book first, I never would have watched any of the tv episodes. I don't know how anyone could ever write and publish things like that about themselves. I'm sure they felt it was an honest(by some) memoir or maybe would show that despite flaws they still have this great thing but that's not at all what I got from it.

    Kody opens and closes the book. He has to have the first and last word but it also came off almost like he was introducing his wives' writings, like he was stamping his mark in it even though the title said sister wives? Well, he had to put his stink on the cuddle sac(liked that) lots so why not the book.

    Mary says that the Mary on the show is exactly how she is in real life. We all supposed that ourselves after watching, but if I knew that before I wouldn't have bothered watching.

    The book admits that they are a group of people who individually have mental health issues and/or serious self-esteem problems that brought together exponentially increase each others' issues. I would have had no interest in the show had I read the book first.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Are you kidding me??? Both Madison and Aspyn talk about their new cars. Aspyn says her daddy bought it for her. They're crying about their credit and they're buying new cars???

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's my question!!!! And people with bad credit can get a car loan....at 10% and above! They've got to be paying $300 plus for each of their (at least) 3 new cars! (That's just the two toyota vans and the Kia. I don't know what models the girls have.)

      Delete
    2. Are they actually "new" or are they "new to them"? I just assumed they purchased used cars.

      Delete
    3. LMAO, they got them 'cheap' when the cars fell off the transport truck, if ya know what I mean ;)

      Delete
  29. Thanks everyone!!
    Can't wait to see what fodder they showus tonight!!

    ReplyDelete
  30. CAN SOMEONE EXPLAIN THIS TO ME?

    I don't understand how the Browns all have new cars and are surprised that they can't get into a house. They had an older, green suburban, a gold suburban, the lexus, and Meri's convertible (I believe there was a van in there, too.) Now Janelle and Christine have new Toyota vans and Meri has a Kia SUV. (I'll leave the convertible/coupe/SUV/ purple monster thing Kody drives because it's a perk from LIV international.) But everyone else would have to buy or lease these new cars (presumably with money from previous seasons.) WHY DIDN'T THEY STICK WITH THE OLD CARS SO THEY COULD BUY NEW HOUSES???????? That's their "priority." It just makes me think that this whole "McMansion Crisis) is a shame. Even if they got great deals (yeah right) and pay $200 each, that's $600 per month, before insurance. Any ideas?????

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree, why not keep the old cars, but TLC may have 'encouraged' them. Like Jon and Kate Gosselin mega-house purchase. Sadly, I've heard Kate is having financial problems. I feel sorry for the kids if they have to sell. (Jon's not paying any support. Can't afford to.)

      Delete
    2. You know, the Gosselin kids are cute, but I'm not sure why J&K didn't consider the expense involved in having so many children. For that matter, I feel the same way about the Browns.

      The LIV car isn't exactly a "Perk" - if it works like Mary Kay, having LIV pay the lease on the vehicle is dependent on the Kodester keeping his downline growing and reaching a certain $$ amount in "sales". if they don't reach that amount, then the person who has the car has to cough up a co-pay, or lose the vehicle. and from what I've read the lease amount is significantly more $$ than what you would get from a regular car dealer.

      Those cars that they drove to "Yoming" and LV were pretty much on their last legs I'm sure. If they have BALD TIRES then that more than likely means there were other issues as well that would have cost way more than the vehicle was worth. but given that -- had they taken CARE of the vehicles, they would have served them longer and better. Of course it looks like it was more important for Kody to have a motorcycle...priorities.

      Delete
    3. You're right, those old cars weren't exactly what they needed, but I just don't see the numbers at all! Sometimes ppl wish they had 3-4K to buy some old crappy van and run it into the ground, but they don't. Then these ppl have to get into a bad loan or lease so they can afford the smaller, monthly payments. BUT WHERE IS CHRISTINE GOING THROUGHOUT THE DAY? Meri might have to drive to some meetings for the closet project or something like that, but the chrysler could hang! I just think that TLC is making this out to be WAY more dramatic than it is (and it's tv, I get that.) But don't insult our intellect!

      Delete
  31. Glad you're feelin' better! I don't know why I watch this show, but then I don't know why I watch The Duggars either. I think this may be the last season and I'm pretty sure 19 Kids is on its way out too.
    What I don't understand is why these adults claim they accepted TLC's offer because they wanted to change others' views of their lifestyle choice. For example, the Bates family initially said in an interview that they would never do a reality show and then BAM! here comes The United Bates of America. What? Well, it's off the air now but I have a feeling it will probaly come back, retooled. Just like the Roloffs - Little People Big World Wedding Farm. Oohh-kay?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't know much about the Bates family other than they're kind of similar to the Duggars but perhaps they didn't want to commit to more than 1 season. but the last show in the first season aired just this September, so who knows? Personally I think that perhaps the Giant Almost Fundamentalist Christian Family niche has already been played out by the Duggars, but again I have only watched a couple shows.

      Delete
  32. Anon. I will explain. THEY ARE IDIOTS!! ;)

    ReplyDelete
  33. I am right now surfing the net and "watching" the "marathon" or whatever you want to call it, the airing of (either) last season or the first half of this season (depending on whether you're a regular person, or in TLC Land - even Comcast/Xfinity states in the show description that this is the 1st show of the 4th season! sheesh.

    I rewound a couple shows back but right now I'm watching the valentines day ep.

    Is anyone else reading the original reviews as you re-watch the eps? I love reading CJ's synopses and the comments originally made on the specific ep as I kinda/sorta watch it. I just rewind into the bits i wanna see again, in this ep it's the big announcement from the loan gal Tanya and Kody's EXCUSE that since one of the homes was bought, they just couldn't do the loan deal of 40$ down and interest only for 5 years. "Good Job You Rock!" says Kody right before he finds out the terms. LOL!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Amazon, where you may purchase the DVD, watch the individual show online, or download to PC, shows the first episode in Season 5 (so called by Amazon.com) November 19. Today (November 18) the 4 minute introduction airs.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Why does robyn blame her debt on her ex? Wasn't most of it run up by her?

    ReplyDelete
  36. I don't know why I do this to myself...I watch this show and I KNOW it is such a scam!!! But, alas, I am hooked. Guess they solved their money problems for now. What I don't understand though, if Hunter is only 20 minutes from college, why will he be moving into the dorms????

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You mean Logan right? We've known here on SWB for some time now that he lives in a dorm. I'm watching the last season's eps, and he makes it pretty darn clear that he was planning to leave home "within a year".

      Delete
    2. I'm sure he loves his siblings...but that boy needs to cut the cord or he will be a man-slave forever! Run, Logan!

      Delete
    3. What I don't understand though, if Hunter is only 20 minutes from college, why will he be moving into the dorms

      When I went to college (about 30 mins away from my home) my parents insisted that I live on campus to experience college dorm life and meet new friends. As it turned out, there were a lot of us that went home on the weekends, so our parents took turns carpooling every Friday and Sunday night my freshman year. When my father got stationed in California, I no longer commuted on the weekends. That's when it REALLY got to be fun and I had to learn how to budget my allowance in order to eat on the weekends.

      Delete
    4. If there was ever a college student that needed to live in a dorm rather than at home, it is LOGAN. College requires a lot of concentration, and there is no way that Logan could concentrate on studies with this needy bunch of people. Here's hoping he gets out and never looks back except to check in with those that he wants to.

      Delete
    5. Sorry, I meant Logan (not Hunter). How much does it cost for him to live in the dorm instead of at home? Wonder if he is taking out his own loan or is he drawing a paycheck from the show too?

      Delete
  37. I CAN NOT WAIT FOR CJ'S REVIEW!!! In not wanting to spoil it for those of you on the west coast, The Browns truly never cease to amaze. What a train wreck! First, am I the only one who felt they spent more time watching commercials than the show? And second, Robyn please stop crying! Go and put on your big girl panties from VS (which we all know you have) and dry your tears!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 90 more minutes here in Cali! I'm watching Meri climb up the ladder with her cleavage in Mexico! LOL

      Delete
  38. Does anyone know why they don't buy two llots and put (large) duplexes on them? Is there some sort of Las Vegas ordinance against it? HALF the cost and HALF the stress!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm so confused by that. 4 separate houses makes no sense at all. I'm surprised they didn't try to buy a four-plex or something when they got to LV. Granted, smaller number of rooms, but doesn't everybody share bedrooms when they are kids???

      Delete
    2. I'm not sure my last comment went through...idk why they didn't buy a four-plex when they moved to Vegas. I know those usually have a smaller number of bedrooms, but I think it's safe to say that MOST kids have to share rooms growing up!

      Delete
  39. I kept shaking my head through the whole show.

    Robyn: (read in a very air-headed voice) "Ohhhhh, you can wipe out my debt...just like that?!" "That's good to know!"

    Please!

    ReplyDelete
  40. That show was nuts....seeing her ball her eyes out(FAKE)just to get you hooked past the commercials. They are so full of s***. How can people with bankruptcies get funding for mansions they will be ill-equipped to afford in the future? What a crock!

    ReplyDelete
  41. How do you erase debt ......just like that. I don't believe it! How can Robin afford to live or rent the current house and not pay her previous debt first. Why wouldn't the family pool together and pay it..cause that's what they do. She never intended to pay those debts. Great role model for those kids. Live above your means and don't pay your bills! !!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This country just went thru a housing crisis largely caused by banks loaning money to people who couldn't afford the loans. These folks have bankruptcies in the last 7 years, late payments, etc, etc, some of their crazy behavior is documented on TV, but the banks give them loans?????. And what bank was this? How many real estate agents do you know that know the status of your loan approval before you do?

      Delete
    2. squee! now you're whetting my appetite! 35 minutes...yikes time to make the bed so I can hit the hay right after SW!! yyyeeeeahhhhhhahaawwww

      Delete
    3. I'm not even sure I believe this "loan" crap anymore after tonight's episode. I think they have the money for a massive portion of the homes from TLC an they are getting approved for a loan of 25K or less. The other idea is the interest rate could be really high. You can get a car loan with bad credit...you'll just have 15-21% interest. Might be the same for homes. But the banks don't care if you pay on time. They're okay if you can "sort of" afford something because they make money on fees etc. when you pay late. The never-ending cycle continues...

      Delete
    4. Amo - no, neither TLC nor Figure 8 Films is giving or loaning money to the Browns. I haven't seen the show yet - it's just now 9 AM.

      There is zero evidence that TLC has EVER purchased or assisted in the purchase of real estate for its reality families. With the Browns show dying the death why would they do so for them? besides it makes for more DRAMA if the Browns screw up, as we all anticipate. LOL

      Also - even now, there is ALWAYS some sort of financial entity willing to loan ANYONE money. The Browns were already approved for a loan last season with a 40% down payment. It's all about the terms...

      Delete
  42. DVR'ed it and watched just the first 15 minutes so far......

    Already this reeks of silly, over the top plot padding.
    Robin, huffing and puffing into the lawyer's office with *loose in papers in hand,* flapping in the wind. Now wouldn't any *normal* person have them in a folder, or folded or contained somehow?....but no, that wouldn't have been nearly dramatic enough for that scene.
    Then hoisting the car seat w/baby up onto the lawyer's desk....what??....
    There are FOUR adults and FIVE or more teenagers back at home....No one could watch the baby while Robin filmed her tearjerker???
    Definitely going for the "look at poor me, I have a baby, don't judge me".

    Already it looks like just more of Brown BS !!
    Back later......going to watch the rest...

    And can't wait for CJ's Critique.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I wondered about the baby thing too. (I am trying to remember if I actually saw a baby in the car seat she was carring around with her?) Especially since her sister is living with her now because Robyn is just so busy being a business women that she can't take care of her kids anymore. Also, I know they only have room for four homes on that cult-de-sac, but the question of a fifth wife hasn't been completely shot down yet. Which makes me wonder if Robyn's sister is being "courted". Does anyone know if she is legally married or mistrissed out already?

      Delete
  43. Is there anyone out there who has a guess as to how much these folks are making from being on this show?

    I am trying to guess a reasonable figure - do you think $500,000K would be possible? 250K?

    I really have no idea, but it is driving me nuts trying to figure out where all the money is coming from. I don't see how 5 adults in the prime of their lives, the time when they should be socking away as much money as possible for retirement, instead are popping out baby after baby and talking about how an on-line jewelry business is going to pay for 4 brand new homes.

    I just don't get it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. TLC doesn't make their reality participants' payments public, but we've discussed this at length here on the blog.

      my personal opinion - maybe at MOST $250k for a season. Plus whatever they make from the LIV business. based on the page view numbers of the Sisterwifescloset site, I'd say they are on the loss side of that "investment".

      The book has pretty much run its course for now, although I'm sure that sales will spike a tad now that the show is back on. Especially if they insist on talking about it. however i'm also betting that most of the people who watched tonight, have been following the show all along and knew about/read the book. by now it should be on the library shelves for the checking out, with no holds.

      Delete
  44. The worst thing I think TLC can do is....think that your audience is dumb to buy into something. For heaven sake, Christine's comment "Oh, I didn't pay my water bill once...OH NO!!! I screwed up! Hellllllloooooo, you don't pay your water bill THEY TURN IT OFF! Obviously you still have water in your house now or you would stink and no one would want to sit next to you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Maybe more bad plot padding to make us think it wasn't Robyn after all. In the end, they just made Christine look like a dumb blond again. She needs a mega dose of self-esteem...what does she plan to do with her life when the kids are grown or if the Kodster up a dies or something? Somebody WAKE HER UP!
      Oh, and on another note, if not for the camera and scripting...the lady handing out the loan letters probably wouldn't have said something like..."we never discussed what would happen if only 3 of you qualified"...more fake drama I guess.

      Delete
  45. I'd like to know why the 4 dumb wives all wrote out a cheque for their new homes, but the MALE/HUSBAND didn't write one out!!! Pretty smart guy getting the wives to pay for everything!

    ReplyDelete
  46. I totally agree with Anonymous (above). One smart dude. Hey TLC, you are welcome to film my life. It's VERY colorful and full of drama. I could use the money. After all, isn't that what people do these days when they need money? Film a series on TLC? Oh wait, I'll have to call you after I get my food stamps and Medicaid. What happened to good old TV shows with some substance? BTW, why don't they show any of their religious experiences into the show?

    ReplyDelete
  47. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Do some/all of their kids get checks for being on the show too?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No one (other than F8F, TLC and the Browns themselves) really knows HOW (or how much) they get compensated. From the little that comes out from other former reality "stars" such as Jon Gosselin, the family gets ONE check. My guess is that, for tax reasons, the check (or direct deposit) is made payable to Brown Family Entertainment.

      Delete
  49. ..."slowly but surely."

    And yes, Joseph Smith did "invent" the commandment of polygamy as justification for his adultery and desire to have relationships with other women.

    Watching the Browns lament about their debt and approval to buy these expensive homes is sickening to me. These are the types of people that led to much of the housing and economic crisis in the U.S. Unqualified buyers without jobs or extremely limited income taking out loans for homes they cannot afford (and do not deserve.) Just watch them all drool over the upgrades to these already beautiful homes - granite countertops, french doors, tile flooring. Why would unemployed single parents (because that's what they are - 3 of them are not legally married, and if you want to say they are then they're at best 1.25 parent households) think they can purchase expensive homes? It is truly sickening. Here's a thought - why don't y'all quit making more babies and all go get freaking jobs?

    ReplyDelete