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Saturday, September 21, 2013

"Sister Wives" Review: "Sister Wives On the Ropes" Ed Kociela

**Trying a different COMMENT way - instead of a bunch of posts, once you have read all the comments here, click the link at the bottom of this post and go directly to comment area two!  

Ed Kociela, author of 'Plygs' wrote our review this week!!!!!
BIG Love Shack, Baby Love Shack, Bay-Bee....


It’s been three days since I watched the latest episode of “Sister Wives.” I hope, in time, my stomach will stop churning. I must admit, I am not a fan of reality TV. Give me a good old-fashioned dose of “unreality” TV any day of the week, like a rerun of “Seinfeld,” or “House,” or “Everybody Loves Raymond” (thank God for DVDs!)

"The Real World?" According to whom? It certainly doesn't resemble the world I live in. And "The Apprentice?" Can't the American viewing public fire Donald Trump?
Yeah, Sunday’s episode was that bad.

It did little good for the credibility of TLC, the network that broadcasts
the show, to have it fall within 48 hours of the outstanding two-hour presentation NBC broadcast on “Dateline,” where newsman Keith Morrison explored the world of fundamental Mormon polygamy through the eyes of escaped polygamist Rebecca Musser. It was a news broadcast that lived up to the depth and integrity of a long-standing, well-respected news-gathering institution.


TLC, which was once known as The Learning Channel, on the other hand, is a lesson on just how far the media in the United States has slipped.

Production values for the show were minimal. The camera was unfocused, so badly that it wouldn’t even qualify as bad French noire
cinematography. The editing was sloppy, making the cut-and-pasted segments flow with all the grace of a tree branch bouncing in the current of a flash flood. The actors in this vignette were poorly equipped to carry through with the obviously scripted bits handed them by the show’s producers.

<<<Robyn caught "Chomping at the Lip" again.





And therein lies the greatest problem with the show.

I spoke with Kristyn Decker, an escapee from the shackles of polygamy
herself, about what it was like to participate in the most current episode of the show.

I gather it was akin to a cliff diver stepping off his perch only to find that the tide was out and he was doing a nose dive into the rocks.
Would Kristyn, given the opportunity or the foresight of what would occur, do it again?

“No way,” this soft-spoken refugee from one of Utah’s polygamous cults told me. “I was told we would be able to give our views, our perspectives…I feel totally betrayed.”

And that, I am ashamed to say, is how I feel about the media today. I write a weekly column for a Southern Utah newszine called
“STGnews,” but before that, I worked extensively in the media world as a newspaperman for the Herald-Examiner, once a major daily newspaper in Los Angeles, and at The Spectrum, a daily newspaper in St. George, Utah about 40 minutes from where Warren Jeffs and his FLDS bunch set up camp in the twin cities of Hildale, Utah and Colorado City, Arizona, along the border in a remote spot in the desert.

I left that behind several years ago, packed it in and hauled it down to Mexico with my wife Cara, to write my first book, a journalistic novel called “plygs.” We were gone for a year and a half. During that time, we collected our news from a variety of sources other than the local and national U.S. agencies. It was an eye-opener.

We’re here in the U.S. for the time being, doing some PR and promo work for “plygs” and my new book, “It Rocked! (Recollections of a reclusive rock critic.)” Since we’ve been back, I have been stunned by how much the media has changed. It is advertiser driven, contrived, geared more toward titillation than, well, truth.

There were moments that, as I watched, seemed totally contrived, particularly those surrounding the panel discussion held at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas facility that pitted Kody Brown and his wives against former polygamist colony members Kristyn, Kollene Snow, Willie Steed, and Christine Katas. 

The bathroom scene where Christine feigned fear of a confrontation with Kristyn just before the panel met that required sister wife
intervention to escort her from the toilet because her aunt was standing outside?

“That was ridiculous, I was just waiting to use the bathroom,” Kristyn told me. “I really needed to go to the bathroom, then fix my hair and get ready for the panel.”

She said she was really concerned, at the time, that something was wrong with her niece, Christine.

“I thought she had a (physical) problem of some kind and I really felt sorry for her,” Kristyn said.
                                                                
 Robyn giggling saving Christine

Assessment?                                           

The fear factor instilled in Christine came from the producer, not Kristyn’s presence. To have them smile and greet each other warmly would just not be good TV.  A little TLC - influenced drama spiced the scene up.

There was the moment of the episode when Robyn looked at her phone
and said somebody texted that Kody was a misogynist pig.

Sorry, the timing was just too perfect. Had it been real, wouldn’t she have mentioned who sent the text?

“They tried to make it look like one of us sent a nasty note like that,” Kristyn told me. “Then he (Kody) says the biggest adversaries in his life are the ones who left polygamy.”

To have my suspicions confirmed inflamed my sense of fairness. It also saddened my sense of loyalty to a media I have served faithfully for my entire writing career, which stretches back to when I was a 15-year-old hanging out at the offices of the small daily newspaper that served my southern California community, wanting to learn all I could about being a newsman.

The truth, as occurs so often these days, became a casualty in the pursuit of viewership and ratings. Fairness? Credibility? Out the window.

“Sister Wives” leaves us with more questions than answers.
It’s vague, misleading, especially when they get around to defining it as a lifestyle choice rather than religious mandate, but I guess as long as the group the Brown family is affiliated with gets its 10 percent tithing, everything’s OK.

                                            5th Beatle Wanna-Be or heading to "Breaking Amish?"

Me?
I’d really like to know what happens after they turn off the cameras.
I’ve seen some personality traits in Kody Brown that are alarming, his flashes of temper, his immaturity, his angry eyes, his domineering Alpha male personality. He doesn’t seem a likeable guy. At least not to me.

The women?

There doesn’t seem to be much going on behind their eyes. They always look as if they have something else they would rather say than what tumbles out of their mouths.

Are they happy?

I think Kristyn nailed it when she told me: “I used
to be there. You have to sedate your feelings with food or become a workaholic…whatever it takes to stay happy in a polygamous relationship.

“My mother taught me how to be miserably happy.”


 Sedation by bathroom affirmations?
Me?
Well, as far as reality TV goes, about all I am willing to deal with at this point is “Pawn Stars.”At least Chumlee seems to be having fun.

Thank you Ed for such a thought provoking review! 

TWD

233 comments:

  1. The about 8 minute panel discussion! (Total air time)
    Wonder what they talked about the rest of the time?

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  2. I so agree with your assessment of Kody. He has angry eyes and flashes of temper. He looks sometimes like he could blow up at any second over something stupid. He seems to me, beneath his facade, he can be an angry control freak. I'm sure when he's upset at one home, he just goes to another to get away.

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    1. You're probably right about Kody getting upset at one home & just going to another to get away. I also think he probably takes all his anger & frustration with him when he goes. If Kody aint happy, aint nobody happy.

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    2. I wish someone with some good film editing skills could put together a montage of the many times Kody has shot one of his wives the evil eye (accompanied by that famous head snap of his). The camper scene was my favorite.

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    3. @Occupy the Cuddle-sac.. I agree, however, that would mean actually buying the videos of this and I refuse to give them any of my $$$ ... good thought though :)

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    4. I could do it, since I have to watch the episodes via iTunes... But those would be hours of my life I'd never get back. :-)

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    5. Maybe sometime in the off season you and I could trade off and try to catch things; lies, etc. but boy, we both need a rest after this season!

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  3. She Came in through the Bathroom WindowSeptember 21, 2013 at 11:59 AM

    Well you know I was loving this episode! For those that don't know,I have long posted under names of songs I love. "She Came in Through the Bathroom Window" is part of a set of great songs by the Beatles, but I love it b/c Steven Tyler of Aerosmith sang it to Paul at the President's Gala.

    I still think Christine made a big baby poopy pants about the whole thing. She knew it was bogus. Kristyn wasn't going to jump out and say boo. We've learned that Kristyn and Kollene stood there a LONG time. This was just a way for her to get some attention from Kody and the ladies. Geez!

    This week should be super good! Going on a marriage retreat! ohhoohh how many times will Kody say "we are polygamists?" Why won't he say We are AUB?

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    1. But....I thought you went to marriage retreats to make your marriage stronger and better. These marriages are going well....they told us so themselves. They wouldn't lie to us..would they?

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    2. I knew what your name was! SCITTBW! I guess Christine should leave that way to stay away from the scary people!!!!!

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    3. I think they want to work on relationships that is not goingso well. Eg. Meri & Janelle. Or Kody & Christine. At end I think they will have a commitment ceremony with the whole adult family committing to each other family member. What' does it mean 2out of 4 broke their commitments before.

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  4. Well stated Ed. I think most of us have seen what you see regarding Kody. He tries so hard to show himself as carefree and easy going but underneath you can catch glimpses of a quick temper and a controlling nature. I dont believe we are being shown the truth about this family.
    As far as the women, as much as they insist that they're happy it seems they are miserable. Except maybe for queen Robyn who has made it her mission to kiss Kody's behind at every opportunity.

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    1. Kody loves to talk and enlighten us. Fancy-boy fancies himself as an intellectual. I can't stand his dopey manic inbred face.

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    2. Hello Anon...
      Reality TV is not always as honest, spontaneous, "true" as they would want you to believe. We have seen many reality TV subjects come back later and talk about how they were scripted, or at least urged to behave in certain ways, say certain things, do certain things, by the show producers. Having seen what I consider to be a very poorly edited and, in my mind, fairly contrived set of instances in the last episode of "Sister Wives," I cannot help but think that TLC has done that with this show.

      There is also, from what I hear, reason to believe that a lot of others believe the same thing, especially after viewing last Sunday's show, and that TLC is quite nervous and twitchy about the Tweets, comments, and general response to the show, its image, and that of the participants -- particularly Kody Brown, his wife, and his mistresses.

      As I have stated several times, I am sadly disheartened by the turn in quality and credibility of a network that was once devoted to doing good work instead of titillation. Sorry, TLC, we hardly recognize ye any more.

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    3. Anon 12:01 You got that right....Robyn is Queen Cody's Behind Kisser

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  5. She Came in through the Bathroom WindowSeptember 21, 2013 at 12:01 PM

    I think it is fascinating to watch now and just catch all the lies, or come here and find them! 5th Beatle! I just caught that! Oh I am loving me some Sister Wives Blog.

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  6. My 5 Wives picked up for a season, here we go folks, another show to post and review! Yeah! (there is a my 5 wives comment post open) Whoop Whoop

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    1. So what's your honest take on this development, Mister Sister? Do you think with My 5 Wives being picked up that TLC will drop Sister Wives like a hot potato? I know you've said in the past you think it has another season (or two) of life left in it. But does this news change anything?

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    2. Okay !!! Game on!!!

      Should be interesting watching Kody and Brady, the two roosters, compete and control their henhouses. Almost makes me wish Big Joe Darger was in the competition too. he has a control style all his own.

      But seriously, I think it will be overkill, and both shows will sooner than later cancel each other out.
      How much sweet, happy *phony, scripted* plygs can one stand?

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    3. I was just coming here to tell the same news. Saw Dargers tweet this info. Makes me wonder if we will see them in the Brown's off season or if they will replace them.
      Ed thank you for your review. It was great! I also agree about Kody's temper. I can guarantee my husband would never look at me like that due to the fact he respects and loves me. How can he say he loves all his wives and be so disrespectful to them?

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    4. Just saw the same tweet, do you think they are replacing the Brown's or will we see them during their off season. Not sure how I feel about this family. Mixed feelings between boring and strange. Defiantly think there is a lot more to them then we know at this point.

      Thank you Ed for your review!

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    5. I tried...I REALLY, REALLY tried to look at this show objectively Sunday night.

      Just...Cannot...Go...There...Again!

      Another disappointing offering from TLC.

      Will they ever show the other side of polygamy?

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    6. I say game on for both. I think Browns will defiantly be on for at least another season? We will be right here, talking about the good, the bad and the just plain wrong!!!!!

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    7. yeah, let's hope YET ANOTHER marketing of "the joys" of polygamy is finally going to pave the way for a reality show of all the peeps who've left it and how they reconstruct their lives and shattered emotions.

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    8. Thre are some shows in the making as we speak. We will be covering those also.

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    9. I am glad they got a show! I can't wait to see more about their family and see if they are the same level or a different one (seeings how religion is a true part of their family dynamic) than the Browns.

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  7. This episode was extremely eye-opening for me. I have watched every episode of every season and had my own idea of each wife and Kody.
    My idea for each was:
    Kody as the fun-loving perpetual teenager who surrounded himself with girlfriends to validate his awesomeness, in his own mind.
    Meri as the witchy first wife who ruled with with an extreme case of passive-aggressive entitlement mentality because she's the long-suffering victim.
    Janelle as the level-headed working woman who could bring home the bacon and keep Kody in his place without batting an eye or giving in to the emotional blackmail or religious stereo-types.
    Christine as the sweet, lovable princess who only wanted affirmation of Kody's love and some attention.
    Robyn as the conniving, emotional leach who needed to control Kody's times and keep herself as his go-to bed buddy.

    However, after this episode I see them in a slightly different light. Now, I see that Kody seems to quietly rule with fear of persecution or damnation if the women don't live the life. I noticed at least 3 of the wives, Meri, Christine and Robyn intimated that they wouldn't live that life if they didn't feel they had to.
    I think Meri has had to be the grown up in her marriage with Kody for so long that she fulfills that role with the other wives as well. She comes across as witchy, demanding and mean but she's probably learned that you have to be firm and uncompromising with Kody to get your point across when it really matters.
    Janelle seems to be steadfast and the same in all situations. She's level-headed and no-nonsense in her marriage as well as her work.
    Christine, boy does she show us her tried and true Plyg colors in this episode. She comes across as whiny, bratty, juvenile and over-dramatic. If Kody has to put up with that personality all the time then no wonder he runs every chance he gets and tunes her out. Who wants a perpetual 5 year old whining all the time!
    Robyn, OH MY! Her ignorance just shines. She definitely did not portray herself in a good light. Junior high drama queen is what I saw. She's not articulate, doesn't think things through and gets way too defensive over nothing. We've seen that with My Sister Wife's closet when Janelle and Christine didn't want to participate. She seems to think she's defending the family honor but she'd really just casting them in a worse light. The others need to keep her quiet. She doesn't help their cause at all!
    I think we've been seeing a persona of each that they have wanted us to see for 4 seasons. As time goes on, those persona's are starting to crack a little and you get to see tiny images of the real person. Kody's temper and manipulation, Meri's stubbornness, Janelle's strength, Christine's whininess, and Robyn's drama are starting to reveal their true colors.

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    1. yeah - i agree. if this family all stopped believing in the fairy tale of it all like the Brady Bunch all did, i SERIOUSLY doubt they would all hang around and make it work anyway like the Brady Bunch are doing. Time will also tell how long all the Brady women will stay, too, tho up the road when kids are older and start leaving. But i don't think for one minute that MERI, JANELLE or CHRISTINE would hang around at all if they no longer believed and would gladly hand KODY over to Sobbin' on a silver platter and let them both choke on all their "goodbye, i'm so outta here" dust! :)

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    2. "I think we've been seeing a persona of each that they have wanted us to see for 4 seasons."

      The editing changes in the show remind me so much of Kate Gosselin and how her series ended. TLC carefully edited her show for years, keeping her worst personality and behaviors away from the viewers. As time went on more and more of who she really is was shown -- until the last few episodes where the editors let her bad behavior/personality all hang out. And, then TLC announced her contract was not going to be renewed. I get that same feeling with the editing of the SW show recently.

      I'll bet Kody and krew are biting their nails with the announcement about 5 Wives being picked up.

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    3. Not seeing Janelle as a hero in all this. Due to taking herself out of the situation for longer periods of time, her kids have turned out better, but I get the feeling she is motivated by a LOT of long held grudges against Meri. Her flippant reply about how her religion says she can have any man she wants, even if he is married, was revolting.

      I also get the sense that Janelle harbors a lot of bitterness for being used as the workhorse that supported Kody and Meri for so long.

      It's like she doesn't resent Christine though since Christine babysat and took care of her 6 kids. She admitted she doesn't really care for being a care-taking mom and would rather be away from the kids all day working.

      I feel sorry for all of them. Just as human beings they deserved better in life than being resigned to taking Sobbin Robyn's sloppy seconds. Because now it is evident that Kody has fallen deeply in love with Robyn and does not hold anywhere near that level of affection for the other wives.

      He actively dislikes Christine. It's like her higher standard of following the religion when he just wants to play at it makes him resent her. He's supposed to be the spiritual leader in the family but Christine for all her foibles is the spiritual one.

      Janelle, Kody shows no physical attraction for whatsoever. She could be a knot on a log for all the attention he pays her. And you know what's sad? Someone would have loved her and made a good husband to her. Someone would have cherished her and protected her and not allowed her inheritance to be spent supporting another woman instead of her own children. She could have been someone's beloved instead of being someone's financial windfall to be used.

      1 Corinthians 7:2  Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.

      They all deserved their own husbands who would have loved them like Christ loves the church.

      Titus 1:6  ¶If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.

      7  For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;

      8  But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;

      9  Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

      10  For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:

      11  Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.

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    4. I see Janelle as someone who was attracted to being different. She lived in a teepee on the family ranch before getting in with Kody and Meri. I think she likes the thought of having a husband but she is ok with him not always being around. She may have cared about all the other stuff that goes with a marriage in the beginning, but at this point not so much. She was trying out something new and was in awe with polygamist. She has already said that she wouldn't take her kids away from their family. I think she is over the principal of plural marriage idea. Robin just gets on my nerves. I think Kody is in love with Robyn. He thinks he has a catch. Christine is like a young girl. The kids all seem to like her. Meri is well probably in it for the house, wetbar, and money at this point. The part of the Browns principal of plural marriage belief that I have a problem understanding is that it is ok if their children chose not to live the lifestyle. If I had this belief and felt it was the way to heaven, I would want my children to practice this lifestyle. I don't get it.

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    5. Tapioca Brown - That is something that has been bothering me from the beginning! I've been thinking that from the moment I first watched them, read the book, and again with this bs panel episode. It just doesn't make any sense to me. Why would you go on and on defending the fact that you believe in this lifestyle because its your only way to heaven and the only way to truly live on this planet and than go back and tell the world that you would be completely okay that your kids didn't follow through with the faith? Don't get me wrong. I'm happy that these kids have a choice. After all that I've learned I've decided that I don't like polygamy. But like you, I still dont get it either.
      Although its clear Christine pushes it a lot more than the other wives. And I'm sure Robyn dearest does too, we just don't see a lot of it. It makes me wonder if they tell the kids more than they would like to admit.

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  8. That's one show I won't be watching. I would rather watch someone show how to mow the grass to create different patterns.

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  9. Re the news media -- I'm confused by the fact that there is no source of independent news anywhere it seems in the U.S. - for all that we have a half dozen 24/7 news channels.

    Is there no integrety anywhere in modern journalism? Does no one care to start a network to give in depth impartial news? I think all we need is one new channel to start a trend toward truth - if the American people are interested in truth, rather than the homogenized twaddle that passes as news these days.

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    1. Hello, Anon...
      Actually, as far as news reporting, "Dateline" did a very good job with a two-hour special built around Rebecca Musser.

      http://www.nbcnews.com/video/dateline/53005764#53005764

      As far as "Sister Wives" going away?

      It will be on the air as long as it has an audience and people love to watch it and talk about it (as evidenced here.) I agree with Mister Sister that it will be on for awhile longer. I don't see it going away any time soon.

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  10. So glad you caught that smirk on Robyn's face when she entered the bathroom! I thought I had seen that... :/
    We should play the drinking game tomorrow night - drink every time Kody says, "I have four wives" or "I'm a polygamist", although we may not be able to type after the first 15 minutes of the show!

    Thanks Ed for insights! Love it

    dj

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  11. Ed,
    OUTSTANDING review!! Thanks !!!
    Outstanding because starting from the middle of the first SW season, the show hit me as "not real"...not real at all. You eloquently punctuate that very fact throughout the review.

    Kody *is* a disturbing man, and surprisingly, the producers do nothing to dilute that impression.

    *The accompanying pics and snarks are perfect too.

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  12. Fine analysis, Ed, of what's happening w/ "advertiser driven, contrived, geared more toward titillation" news in today's world. I completely agree with you.

    Damned straight that Kody Brown has a flashing temper! I picked up on that fairly early in the series. (*This is what happens after a person has fearfully, repeatedly walked over emotional mine fields during an abusive marriage. You never know when you're going to accidentally hit the explosive trip wire and have a s*^t storm completely engulf you. From that time on, you can pick up on "tells" in other people, even when they disguise their tempers with a "gee, aw chucks" easy manner, topped off with a big, gleaming smile. Thankfully, there is escape, freedom, and there is happiness, too. There are also decent, loving, gentlemen in the world, and happily, I found one.)

    You mentioned the eyes of Cody's wives, and I agree. There is sadness and insecurity revealed in those eyes, and I believe they spend their lives doing their level best to not ruffle his feathers, aka his product-laden, thinning Kody-Do. I don't believe that Kody physically abuses them, but I can assert that emotional abuse is a diabolical punishment. It undermines a person's personality, it robs a person of spontaneity and light, and it corrodes self-esteem.

    I am sorry that Kristyn, Kollene, Willy, and Christine Marie were unfairly edited to the benefit of the Browns. I'm not surprised in the least b/c this is a TLC program, and TLC has lowered their standards and included an artificial "gotcha" format to increase their ratings.

    One of the most important lessons I have learned in my life is to make a concerted effort to take each experience, from the full range of worst to best, and extract something valuable from it. In this case, the SW Blog was started as a result of the show "Sister Wives." I started off by just intermittently visiting the blog, reading comments, occasionally posting under Anonymous or other names, and then I began to routinely come here b/c I enjoyed the threads put up by the administrators and then commented on by some clever, witty posters. As I've mentioned a great deal of late, as more personal stories were revealed, and books, special programs, T.V. shows, etc. were recommended, there was a seismic shift in me. You and Cara, Ed, have not only informed us, you have also brought some levity, and we all need to laugh.

    Thanks, and good wishes on your new book "It Rocked". I look forward to reading it. "plygs" is excellent!

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    1. Hello Guiltee Guilt,
      It is a pleasure to come here and chat and Cara and I thank Mister Sister for the opportunity.

      Look, there is a need for good dialog, and even serious subjects can benefit from a humorous touch. Mister Sister has built a really nice community here where people can visit, share thoughts, chat. We can also look at things in a variety of manners, depending on how they strike us at the moment or upon reflection. I think we need some of that to level the day-to-day we all undertake.

      And, I am happy you liked 'plygs.' I have a huge emotional attachment to that book and am learning, especially after comments here, that I really need to do a sequel to let people know how it all turns out. Oh, well, a great excuse to go back to Mexico, where I wrote 'plygs.' Really miss it.

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    2. I'm very excited that you will be writing a follow-up book to 'plygs'. I will definitely buy it for my Kindle when it's finished.

      It sounds like Mexico truly feeds your literary spirit! :D

      So many good wishes to you and to Cara.

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    3. Giltee Guilt, I admire this post as you make some really good points. And thank you for early posts on book suggestions. I've read a few really good ones but a few mentioned turned out to be really enlightening and educating so for that I thank you. Also, I'm really happy you ended up finding happiness. I too have a loving relationship. My husband is attentive to me and our kids, his family whom he sees everyday. We aren't interrupted with jealousies, insecurities and sadness. Darn the horrible monogamous lifestyle that makes us happy LOL! Perhaps one day one of the Browns will wake up and see how fulfilling "our" way of life really is. Instead of putting us down all of the time.

      @plygs thank you for the review and to you and Cara for answering questions and educating us a little bit more. I love this blog more and more each day. I've always been a truth seeker and this blog never disappoints. Plygs will most definitely be my next read! I can't wait! And I'm sure the next will be enlightening as well. Everyone should be required to learn about this. Many thanks to you, this blogs admins and many others who've told there stories for what each of you do.

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  13. If they (TLC) had used that hour to actually broadcast the panel "discussion" it may have very well been a show worth watching with true feelings expressed. However, as our delightful reviewer pointed out, it was trash. It only served to make all of us more interested in the people that didn't have a chance to say their piece and make the Browns appear small and childish (I should say even more so). Thank you sisterwives blog for allowing the other panel members an opportunity to have their stories told.

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    1. We did things a bit different and I was thrilled they all came and spoke. they didn't drive 5/6 hrs, spend 5 days filming to not be heard.

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    2. I agree, this is a great venue to not only voice opinion but to educate and show the factual side of what goes on in this "hidden" world... hahahaha ... I still cant believe they call it that to this day after all of this... but anyway, Yes, Broken Cookie, it is refreshing to have such wonderful people that have brought all of this to light :)

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  14. Where doea it say for sure TLC picked up my 5 wives!? This should be interesting. Isnt tlc filming the brown clowns for another season? So we'll have 2 plyg shows?!

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    1. Joe Darger tweeted so I am guessing Brady called him? I swear he could have waited until Brady announced it.

      Delete
    2. Dargers have their noses bent out of shape for not getting their own show to market polygamy properly and successfully according to their own self-important arrogance. I haven't seen any humble non-egotistical plyg man yet! especially the ones that want to be on TV! Papa Joe, Kody, Brady, Uncle Arthur, Creepy Crawley, Hyrum, etc. - they ALL come across as egotistical, sexist, controlling dinosaur cavemen where their view of women and their role/purpose in life is to please/serve them and stuff their feelings and emotions and BE SWEET at all times while you're continuously pushing out their babies and wondering how you're going to feed and emotionally care for them all as SINGLE MOMS for the most part.

      Delete
  15. I thought Robyn said WHAT if they say you are a mysogynistic pig Kody? I love this blog and have followed it since its inception but I dont like how the anti plyg "side" have been given free reign on here since the last episode. Its all gotten so serious and I miss the snarky fun we had on here. I know it can be serious issue for some but I just feel the mood has changed here on the blog and feel a bit bombarded with negative videos/articles about the Browns that have been posted last few days I also dont like the mock up pics of Christine as the wiz of oz Lion etc, I think its a bit childish and smacks of bullying..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know my husband did too. I think when they show the clip, they put that in there. But if says and also sounds like...THEY just called you when it is in the scene. Creative editing on the scene we see before the show? Who knows?

      Delete
    2. that's what i heard Robyn say, too, ANONY 2:52 pm. (even played it back several times based on others not hearing her soft/muffled "what if" beginning part.) also - when you think about it if Robyn had actually said "THEY said you're a misogynist pig, Kody!" i think there would have been some instant reactive drams right then and there from the Brown group. NO WAY would that have just slid on off their backs like Robyn's actual "what IF" statement did.

      Delete
    3. Sorry you feel that way anon. we have been snarking and talking about the Browns since the inception. It feels very obvious to me you haven't read or seen previous reviews and posts for most have been much more missile fueled at comedy. did you read the review of the Book here? Obviously not. It was much more cutting than anything seen this week.

      This week we allowed the truth of how a show was filmed that carried a large weight making it seem those awful folks were out to get the Browns. They don't want you to know that it was THEM that approved things. I gave those folks a chance to speak.
      We are here to the review and you can snark all you want!

      If you do not want to know the truth of how a show is filmed, that's sad. If a post isn't your cup of tea, skip it. Life goes on, and so will the Browns this week with a 2 hr special that will have plenty of snark in the spoilers!

      Delete
    4. And you go MS and all the others for making this week a HUGE week here of learning what really happens. I enjoyed every minute of it, and I happen to be a polyg myself. Sorry folks, but many of us believe the Brown family is making a mockery out of our beliefs. I am neither pro nor con as far as the public is concerned. the browns and kristyn are my relation. saddens me that the truth and honesty is what seems to be missing. Why were there no other pro families there? They were not asked.

      Delete
    5. Nope. Watch it again folks, turn it up, and watch her look at her ipad. The blog is correct.

      Delete
    6. It's been a great week on the blog (from an educational standpoint) and at the same time pretty emotionally challenging. I decided to order "It's Not About The Sex, My Ass" by Joanne Hanks and Steve Cuno on Kindle and am reading it now. I have to say I am learning a lot and getting some good laughs at the same time. I mean this plural wife thing gets more wack-a-doodle the more I read about it. I may get my snark back this week after all. The absurdity of plural marriage really is portrayed in a very humorous way in this book by a woman who got caught up in it (along with her husband) and later got out.

      I also ordered Kristyn Decker's book (which is a bargain on Kindle folks) and will read that next.

      One thing that jumped out at me reading J. Hanks book was her statement that many first wives who no longer have much of a relationship left with their husbands purposely serve as helpmates and find their husbands hot sister wives because they hope their husbands will be grateful to them and love them more. She said when she asked how that was working out for those first wives, most admitted their husbands were too busy having sex with the new wives to pay much attention to them. Meri's "endorsement" or claiming to have found Robyn completely popped into my mind. Whether she recruited Robyn or not - she'd like Kody and the other sister wives to THINK she did.)

      Delete
    7. Anon 5:24,
      I'm not polyg, but I agree with you that the Brown family poorly represents polygamy of any sort, AUB, or independent. I agree that the editing of the show about the panel discussion was horrible, but I don't understand your question about why there were no other pro polyg families there.

      They weren't asked because it's the Brown's show and TLC wanted them to be the only ones on the pro side; they're the 'stars' of the show, you know (ugh). It also seems that TLC didn't want this episode to be a learning experience for the viewers, but rather to portray the Browns as misunderstood, fearful, innocents, which we know is far from the truth.

      If you've read through the previous 2-3 threads I think you'll see many of us agree with you and feel TLC did a disservice to everyone involved by so heavily 'scripting' the show.

      Delete
    8. and the times, they are a changin'

      Delete
  16. Ed mentioned something about the Real World that got me thinking instead of a camera crew following them for a few weeks, why not cameras installed around the houses and in the cars? Even the Browns would have to let their collective gaurd down.I know it will never happen....but it would be fascinating.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Ed thank you for the review. You captured the very things that have long bothered the posters here. It's too bad that the producers of this ridiculous episode couldn't let the panel discussion stand on its own without building up the drama by wasting 2/3 of the episode on that.

    More than anything I notice that all the women keep their feelings stuffed down deep inside and there is so much unhappiness. It's really not good for the kids to see that all the time, but it may make them realize there's a better life out there outside a polygamist relationship.



    ReplyDelete
  18. A lot of people commented on Robyn's laughter as the bathroom door shut. I didn't catch it during the actual episode. Now her about-to-burst-into-hysterics smirk is clearly evident. Shame on her! What a jounior high moment for the Brown women. I used to think Robyn was sweet and a neat addition to the family. How first impressions can be deceiving! What a b*witch! Ugh!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, it was at the most one quick second, but it was there. heheheheheh

      Delete
    2. Just to play Devil's Advocate: I think I would have laughed at Christine hiding in the bathroom when I got in the door if it were me. I don't think I could have kept a straight face if I needed to rescue a friend/sister-wife from the clutches of her cousin who was simply standing outside the bathroom. It would have made me smile to see my friend/sw melt down over such a small situation.

      Delete
    3. I agree with you Devil...I would have been laughing at the whole situation.
      With that being said, I have always loved Christine despite the fact that she is a Brown. I liked the way she seemed to be light hearted and happy. In their book Kody said that she "saved our bacon".
      This episode put her in such a different light to me. The "purity" episode did it for me with Robin and this one did if for Christine. This made no sense that she would talk about her aunt in this fashion. Everyone is entitled to have their own beliefs. This was really revealing sadly.

      Delete
    4. Devil's Advocate, you bring up a good point! However, if I were Christine's sister-wife and I truly loved her and was worried about how she was taking the whole event enough to go "rescue" her, I wouldn't be laughing with a snarky attitude. It seems to me either Robyn enjoyed Christine's discomfort or she knew the whole scene was bogus (and was thus getting in a good laugh before the panel started).

      Delete
  19. First, thank you for the contributions and comments from Ed, Christine Marie, Kristyn, Willie and KoKo. I am SO grateful I was not born into the plyg life.

    Now, regarding the Sister Wives show tomorrow night and the preview TLC keeps showing of Kody telling the "wives" that they are only a family if they all stay together if he kicks the bucket-----Really? And how is that going to work with their afterlife beliefs? Are they all just supposed to stay together and not re-marry (well, only Meri would actually be re-marrying), wait to die, then hope Kody calls them up? Should they all "marry" one other guy and stay together that way? But if they do, then won't they be "sealed" to that guy and HE will "call them up"---along with their children (who are Kody's children---but they'll now be "sealed" to the new "dad"---or be married themselves and getting their own planet or something)? So, Kody could, under their belief system, be left with no one to "call up" to his planet should he reach his expiration date first because his whole family might have moved on to different pastures and be "sealed" elsewhere.

    If any of the Brown family are reading this---I would love to hear how you think this will all work out considering the things I just mentioned. Or any AUB'er out there or any plyg person????? Or any Mormon non-plyg where there have been divorces, deaths, re-marriages, etc.????

    Because, as MrSpock would say, there is no logical explanation here.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. In AUB there is a lot of pressure on women to remarry if their guy dies. If their first fake marriage was a "sealing" for eternity, then subsequent unions would be for time only. And these new liaisons do split up existing plyg units, so it's highly unlikely that the women would stick together after the death of the man they were living with. Part of the insistence for women finding new guys to live with is twofold. 1. If young enough, she is supposed to participate in raising up "seed" to her first man - in other words have more babies that will be the property of man number one (not the actual biological father that comes after him). 2. Even if a woman is too old for more children, all women are supposed to have a "priesthood head" to rule over them, and guide them spiritually. Guess Kody finds it "too vulgar" to contemplate "his" women being with other guys.

      Delete
    2. Thank you for the info, exAUB. So, Robyn and her first three children are sealed to her first husband---or can one be unsealed? Are children unsealed without a biological parent's consent?

      Delete
    3. I too have a question. These children of Kody's are growing up. When they marry, do they still belong to Kody's heavenly planet. Won't the boys have a planet of their own to populate? What about the girls? I suspect they will be sealed to their husbands planet if they decide to go plural. Is that why polygamists want/need ever younger wives. So that they will still have someone when they die. But ever then, these children should eventually grow up and leave their father's planet behind. I simply do not understand.

      Delete
    4. Hello Anon 8:20 p.m.
      OK...As I understand it, it goes this way: The exalted male and his wives enter the Celestial Kingdom where they will live and multiply in the form of spiritual children, who will, someday, be placed on Earth. Each male will be judged on their own merit. It is divided up thusly: They live, here on Earth, in 'this time and place,' and eternally in the Celestial Kingdom if they lived the righteous life, where they will be with the wives they were sealed with on Earth. Single women who reach the Celestial Kingdom will become the wives of "worthy" men. However, a single man cannot enter the Celestial Kingdom.

      Did I confuse you even more?

      Delete
    5. But, if the male dies, leaving the "wives" then, can't they get "married" again and sealed to another male---thus leaving the dearly departed male without any "wives" to help him have spiritual children?

      Delete
    6. So in other words, they believe in reincarnation? Considering that when they reach the highest level of the Celestial Kingdom they multiply spirit babies that, if deemed worthy, will come down to live on Earth to live the principle that will bring them back to the Celestial Kingdom, and so on and so forth? At least that's what I take from it all. I thought I heard Meri say once that she made spirit babies before living the Earthlife hence why she was so upset that she could only bring one of them here. Yeah...its confusing. I wonder what happens to those "babies" that she couldn't give birth too? I'm so confused.

      Delete
    7. MrSpock, the "new" husband they marry would only be alone if the guy didn't have any other non widowed spouses. As ex AUB stated, they most likely wouldn't stay together. For the example though, I'll pretend the Kodettes stayed together after Kody dies.

      ex: Janelle, Meri, Christine and Sobbyn marry Bob because Kody dies. Bob is already married to someone named Jane. So when they all eventually die, Janelle, Meri, Christine and Sobbyn will all be in that kingdom thing with Kody. Bob and Jane will be in their own kingdom.

      HOWEVER, Sobbyn won't be joining them all because as she told us in that over hyped "I have a secret" episode, that she "gave her virtue away". That is why she was so upset. In her mind she only gets Kody for a short time, not for eternity.

      Delete
    8. Why wouldn't Robyn be with Kody and krew in the Celestial Kingdom? If it has to do with virtue, then what about Janelle, who was married to Meri's brother before she married Kody?

      Delete
  20. Great views Ed. I agree about how contrived the whole episode felt. The few "real" moments of the panel "discussion" were overshadowed by the previous drama. Additionally, there was no debate shown. Rather, it seemed as though it was a show of ignorance by the Browns. Instead of acknowledging that they *may* be an exception (though I believe them not to be), they ignored the terrible truths told by the other panelists. Sad :(

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There may be more "good plygs" out there than we know about. Not that any of them are truly what I would call "good."

      Delete
  21. If 'My 5 wives' is being picked up, do you think 'Sister Wives' will get the axe? How may polygamy shows does TLC need?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't think it would for at least 2-3 more seasons. It's doing very well in the ratings dept.

      Delete
    2. they're going to have to rev up the fake drama then to last another 2 or 3 seasons. it's gotten *yawningly* predictable w/these clowns. and they're so unlikable as a whole. otoh, i thought My Five Wives was boring from the get go just like Darger's special was.

      Delete
  22. Yay! Let's hope the Williams family has more integrity than the Browns. It will be interesting to see polygamy lived out from a non-coersive religious standpoint. Though it might have been a driving force at one point, at least they freely CHOSE to stay in their lifestyle!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Two to three more seasons of WHAT?!?! TLC is already grasping at straws. Unless Kody adds wife #5, I can't imagine the creative ingenuity it will take to plan out more than ONE more season.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well... to try and find him a new bride I was being a smart ass and searched for a polygamy match web site... I FOUND ONE!!! I am going to see how far I can get in before it asks me for personal info just to be funny... it is called http://www.polygamylifestyle.com/ ... it says...

      You practice a certain religion which some people understand and some people do not. You want to find love but it can be hard when you start dating someone and you tell them you are already married but would like to have another wife. Don’t go through this again because with Polygamy Lifestyle you will meet others who want to have this way of life and want to meet you. With hundreds of members already on our site, you will enjoy browsing through the profiles in the comfort of your own home. Whether you are looking for another wife or would just like to start dating to see if you want to add to your family, you can do so on our site. This is a safe community for open minded individuals, so you will always feel accepted and not judged for who you are and what you believe. So if this sounds like the perfect way to meet then all you need to do is set up a personal with some pictures and a description of what you are looking for in another partner. Maybe even add in the picture of your wife so that others can see the family that they might join. Perhaps you don’t have any wives and have just started the polygamy lifestyle. Where ever you are in your journey, we will help you get the family that you want. Have you seen someone interesting? Great! Go ahead and send them a message to meet. Since our site takes pride in keeping our members local, you can easily meet up to see if there is a connection without having to travel across the country. So get online and start searching for those special singles because they are online now!
      Disclaimer: 100% Free basic membership allows you to browse the site, view profiles, send flirts and modify your profile. Charges will accrue if you purchase a premium membership which is offered upon completion of your profile. ....


      OK ... here we go... wish me luck... I could be Kodys next pick hahahahahahahahahahahahah As if he could handle me... hahahahahaha (wicked laugh)

      Delete
    2. Well... there went that ... they want my $$$$ as usual... hahahaha OH well, we tried :)

      Delete
    3. Wow... A "match.com" for polygamists. Who
      Woulda thunk it? The closest I've ever gotten to that was using an au pair site to find a family to work for (live-in).

      Delete
  24. Ed I'm sorry about the way things are for you in the world of Journalism. It really is shameful they way the field in America has changed. It is easily seen in the fact that prostitutes who are killed by serial killers are not publicized, missing kids are carefully selected before publishing and more.

    I applaud you and the few other real journalist out there who do what you do. There is another side to polygamy other than the abuse and I thank you for bring that to light. Please don't get frustrated and ever stop writing. I deep down want to believe that journalism will come around eventually.

    Reality TV will never change because reality is boring. A while back I watched the live feeds on Big Brother for 12 hours straight (for research purposes lol) and IT IS BORING! So they have to cut and paste it together. Sister Wives are no different. The fact that they don't have jobs makes their reality all the more uninteresting. If they would allow for their religious stuff to be filmed, that might be interesting because it is a world very few know about. Viewers want a peek into a world that is new to them, watch someone climb a ladder to success, or fall down that ladder they once conquered. Sister Wives is basically an older cast of the Real World; minus the alcohol.

    To the admins, I appreciate this blog tremendously and also like that at the bottom there is clear directions on what is to be discussed in the post. Helps me to keep my posts within the topic and not just rant.

    ReplyDelete
  25. The snark below the home pictures...
    I just got it! the song by the B52's LOVE SHACK! Brilliant!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  26. I enjoyed having a different type of review. Shakes things up!

    Also loved the pcs...OH OH OH Robyn laughing going into the bathroom,. BRILLIANT

    ReplyDelete
  27. What are the last two picture of? The ones with writing on the mirror. I only watched the episode once and can't bare to watch it again. Was it in the episode?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The one in the mirror at Robyn says
      "Hey beautiful I love your guts!"

      The second was early on at Robyn's home and we never did make it out. something like I am soo happy written on a shower!

      You can click pictures to make them larger - just so folks know.

      Delete
  28. Kool, my man did the review ha! Well, Cara's but I enjoyed his q and a so much!!
    Great job.

    Mister Sister I have a question for you. Been pretty quiet this week. What did you think of how Christine and Kody allowed Kristyn to be the bad guy? I wouldn't do that to an Aunt I am not speaking to. then to go on an on about it. your point that the debate actually only being 8 minutes of the show floored me. I guess the Browns didn't fair so well or it would HAVE BEEN the entire segment. Thoughts?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Exactly Darla D. My Thoughts? I've spoken with hundreds of pro and anti polygamists, those still in the religion, etc. I've talked to Kristyn. In all my time, I have NEVER EVER heard one peep against her as a person. NONE! No, these groups have folks that don't like each other just as any group does.
      I had to stay out of the room and only listen to get a real sense of what was going on, and I didn't like it one but. Listen, Kristyn was hurt terribly by all this. Could they not do their deeds on someone else that might not have taken it so personal? geez.

      8 -9 minutes and from what I gathered this was a long debate NOT won by the Browns by any means. Shame on them is what I think.

      Maybe these new shows coming up will shake them up to become more realistic, who knows. but we will, because we will be watching!

      If anything, it gave those that didn't get to speak a chance to. I thought that was fair.

      Delete
    2. Good thing you said Cara or she might of come on and laid some whoop ass on you hahahha just kidding.

      Delete
    3. Glad you enjoy my hubby's writing so much :) We try to get all points across and between the two of us we have a good time doing it :) It is nice to be here to visit with great people like you to try and help get this crap figured out... TLC is quite scared of the outcome of what we are saying here, on twitter and on FB... they are worried about the Browns rep... as they should be after that BS... Cheers my friend :)

      Delete
    4. Cara,

      Just want to say that you are obviously a wonderful partner and co-inspiration for your husband's work.
      And...a very lovely woman.

      Delete
    5. Hello Amused...
      I must agree.

      Cara has been my inspiration, my strength. She's been my cheerleader when I needed it and kicked my butt when I needed it. She knew when I needed to be taken away and into the sun when it all got too much, when to help me through some very emotional passages of the book.

      She is my partner, my focus, my love, my life and I would be nothing without her.

      Thank you for your kind words.

      Delete
    6. Ooh! Do we know for sure that TLC is nervous about our reactions to last week's episode? That would be interesting.

      Delete
  29. IRT a previous response I bet if the Browns were willing to come to this site and post or respond as themselves they would be welcomed. They could explain their side. It isn't all about the anti plyg side. They are just the ones willing to come on here. Maybe the editing is bad on Brown's end too. For example, didn't Kollene say that the panel episode left both sides unhappy with the editing? I am not defending the Browns just playing the Devil's (I mean Brown's) advocate.

    I still wonder about the scene so many seasons ago with the broken door frame in one of the wive's homes. Or why the boys fight so much. I grew up with brothers and they never fought like that. IF they ever got close to being physical (which they didn't) it would have been a race between my parents to get them separated. Kody's response of doing nothing seems abnormal. And the fact they (as siblings) are physically fighting in the first place seems odd. But maybe I just think it is abnormal because I had the misfortune of growing up in a monogamous 2 parent home with my dad around every night to teach my brothers how to be respectful men that didn't have to resort to physical violence.


    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. EXACTLY. I actually started this blog after reading another one and unhappy with TWOP. Their blog is about a show, and buddy, the skeletons they bring out there! Well, they contacted the ppl on the show. The ones THEY WERE TALKING ABOUT. And they not only gave interviews, had the folks to their house, etc!! Those ladies were smart enough to know, all press is good press, and that finding out things was part of it. They took it with a grain of salt and allowed the blog into their lives. I am sure it won them over many many fans.
      We actually had a roving helper contact "My 5 Wives" and they wanted an email. Sadly, they did not even return an I'm sorry can't email.

      The Browns, oh yes they know about us. Here's a cute one. We don't tweet anything but our posts. We don't "talk" well, until this week. Kody has us banned, which is cute, because we can read his anyway. If you look at the beginning of the blog, we didn't know a thing about polygamy. Many Many posts are very kind and nice. Well, if they want to get their truth out, we are here! I dare them.

      Delete
    2. OH,
      and anyone I have interviewed or talked to- Kollene, Kristyn, Christine, Willy - no one said, "You can't say this or that." Total honesty begats total trust.

      Delete
    3. I kind of wonder if Kody's having been a wrestler gives him a high tolerance for his sons' rough housing. Not that I condone him not stepping in. Just wondering if he thinks it is cute/funny somehow. Perhaps he set a tone early on that physical scuffling between the boys was ok. If so, that would leave the mothers in a tough spot because sometimes boys just need their Dads (or another male role model) to step in there and break it up.

      Delete
    4. Anon 5:22, I was also bothered by that broken door frame. (I think it was in Christine's rental house, but it might have been Janelle's.) It takes a LOT to do that to a door frame.

      The kids have mentioned--on camera--that they don't see much of Kody. That's undoubtedly changed a a little since they moved to the McMansions in Cuddle-Sac, NV. (There is so much narcissism and selfishness in their father.) But, WOW....what a large number of kids there are among those 4 women! It would be challenging to consistently spend quality time w/ each of them, but Kody would reap the rewards if he did. This begs the question, "Why does Kody want to add more kids?"

      My husband and I made a happy decision to spend special time w/ each of our 3 kids. We did it as a couple w/ each child, and we'd have mom or dad time w/ each child, in addition to spending important family time together as a group of 5. They're all grown now, and we all love it when we can get together b/c they're all spread out around the country. Our oldest now has 2 little boys of his own, and he's a terrific father. It goes by so very fast.....

      It would be nice for TLC to show the Brown kids, as individuals, out doing special w/ Dad, x/c maybe that never or rarely happens in real life. If Kody doesn't do this, he is sadly missing amazing and very fleeting opportunities. (Wonder if he's ever heard the old Harry Chapin song, "The Cat's in the Cradle" ?)

      Delete
    5. Hello Anon...
      I seriously doubt we would get something directly from Kody or one of the women (I think we should refrain from calling all but Christine wives because they are not wives...more like mistresses, by clear definition.) You see, in the world of TV, music, film, the actors and musicians rarely do their own posts to Facebook, Twitter, or any other social media. Most of the time the posts and responses are written by a publicist who carefully crafts the words because they have an agenda -- maintaining viewership and getting new viewers for the show.

      Celebrities -- even the Reality TV variety -- just are not equipped for the subtleties of that kind of marketing, promo, or PR. So, unless you were in the room with him and saw him actually write it, I would be suspect of anything attributed to him or the others. It's just how the business works. It is contrived to create image, bond viewer/fan loyalty, achieve the goal of holding on to a certain leval of popularity and expanding upon it.

      Delete
    6. Correction: "It would be nice for TLC to show the Brown kids, as individuals, out doing special things w/ Dad..."

      Delete
    7. This was my original post. I have been a reader for many years and I know this blog has been open minded. That is one of things I really enjoy so thank you so much Mister Sister for giving us this place to come to to learn, vent and laugh. I think the Browns are to scared to come here to discuss polygamy because WE know to much about their inconsistencies in their real lives and the story lines on their show.

      The other issue of Kody and wrestling could be true. There may be a higher tolerance for physical contact in his households. Which walks a much closer fine line to going over the edge into fights/violence.

      - K

      Delete
    8. I do not believe that households where wrestling is important have a higher tolerance of violence. My son wrestled and played football. He also knew very well that violence would never be accepted. He and his dad mock wrestled on the floor, much as I have seen Kody and his sons do, but no door were ever harmed, no phsical violence was ever seen or praticed.

      Delete
    9. Christine is not Kody's legal wife. Meri is. So, by your definition, that would make Christine a mistress as well.

      Delete
  30. My favorite part was when Christine said there is 4 of them and 1 of us!
    Meri: There are 5 of us!
    hahahahahhhahah

    ReplyDelete
  31. I have a few thoughts about this episode and I am really curious to see how the Q&A pans out tomorrow night.

    1. I have always like Christine, always. She seems so funny and although not put together completely, she could have been someone I would have spent time with.. Until this episode. I was so sad to see her true colors. How on earth could a person act so immature? If you wanted nothing to do with your aunt, why bother doing the panel in the first place? You knew she was going to be there, you knew she has NO ill feelings toward you, why act like so ridiculous? And to reject dinner because you have different feelings about something is silly. They must only hang out with people who practice Polygamy..
    2. I really dislike Robyn. Can someone please tell my why she was yelling about "not being made a victim" because I didn't see anyone attacking her..

    This family has really started showing the world what happens when you sell your souls for fame. They will fall apart at the seems.

    I hope and pray for their kids because they are my favorite part of the show. The teens show so much maturity which means to me they often have to be the parents. I wish them the best.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Such a good post, T-shirt!

      Delete
    2. Hello T-shirt...
      This is where I think it began to really appear contrived last week. I mean, it is their show, TLC arranged the panel discussion at UNLV, and they knew well ahead of time who would be involved.

      I think that is where somebody from the show planted some ideas in the minds of some of the women. It all changed so abruptly

      Delete
    3. One thing that Christine's reactions proved is how cultish their religion is. It's well known that the AUB preaches and teaches that if anyone leaves the religion they must not have anything to do with the "apostate."

      Of all the wives, Christine is the most wedded to living what she thinks is true. Therefore, she is the most threatened when something logical comes along. Logic isn't something she deals with well because it threatens everything she believes in.

      It's weird though, that she would keep believing in it after Kody has treated her so horribly.

      Delete
  32. In The Shadow Of The TempleSeptember 21, 2013 at 5:50 PM

    I think Christine should be ashamed of herself for being such a drama queen with that bathroom incident. It makes me wonder what really went on in her family-- was she afraid her aunt would tell some truth about her or her family that she didn't want out there? Otherwise, why the panic attack? Very fishy.

    I thought the whole Brown Family, even with TLC's careful editing in their favor, came off as self-promoting jerks. Normally I am impressed with Janelle but when she said she controls her own money I thought WTF -- seems like she has been required to subsidize everyone else, now she says this just to get some applause!

    As I said before I started watching the show to see how this was working for this family. I was open minded then, but now based on their show I believe Polygamy should never be legalized. I shudder to think of all the women with low self esteem who would be victimized if it were legalized. But more than that I don't think it is fair to the children in most cases. Love may be multiplied for Kody Brown, but it is divided by 17 for those children. And is it really true he isn't on any of their birth certificates? There is no law against fathering children out of wedlock and taking responsibility for them rather than scamming the government. If it is true he isn't on the birth certificates so they could all take advantage of the "system" (bleed the beast), then the only law I think needs to be put in place is requiring a father be named on the birth certificate-- backed up with DNA testing-- and now that they are on the TLC gravy train and can afford McMansions, how about paying all of us law abiding taxpayers back?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This is such a superb post, In the Shadow of the Temple. Thanks!

      Delete
    2. Shadow...
      Good point. However, because they are minors, and because you cannot access them unless you are immediate family or have approval from the immediate family, you cannot access birth certificates. Many states hold birth certificates as private documents only available to parents and close family members or those with permission from the family to obtain one. So we will never know unless Kody or one of the women comes forward.

      Delete
    3. I would like to add that we have been contacted before about the birth certificates. Even if you have proof, a copy of one, etc. We here at SWB would NOT POST NOT TELL about a minor. Even if we know, does not mean we would comment on this. I am not saying you, shadows, I am just reminding all.

      Delete
    4. "....then the only law I think needs to be put in place is requiring a father be named on the birth certificate-- backed up with DNA testing-- and now that they are on the TLC gravy train and can afford McMansions, how about paying all of us law abiding taxpayers back?"

      Now *this* is a profoundly fair and practical thought !!!
      Yes, since the Browns are all flush with the McMansions, including Janelle who has "her own money and bank account," how about paying back the money you all scammed from the unknowing taxpayers through the years.

      Delete
    5. Mister Sister, it's correct, IMHO, that you adhere to the policy of not posting or revealing things about minors on this blog. Thank-you for showing such respect.

      The Brown children, and other children in polygamous households, will eventually see their birth certificates. If the space for the father's information is blank, the parents will have to explain the reasons for it.

      As Ed Kociela has explained in several places on this blog, in Utah, the most recent attorney general and his successor have revealed that they would not prosecute polygamy. Since this is the case, why wouldn't responsible, loving fathers who practice polygamy make sure that their names are listed on their children's birth certificates? It smacks of cowardice, laziness, and also implies that by making sure that their names are NOT on those legal documents, the mother can continue to claim single parent status-----> Bleed the Beast.

      Delete
    6. I too have respect for the privacy given to the children. They are the innocents caught up in this mess. However, I have quetions that should not require the violation of that privacy. Kody has 13 biological children that we know about. How many of them have his name on their birth certificate? Is it only one, the child from his legal marriage? If so he was lying when he said that he was being painted with a broad brush. The brush may fit him just right. He said that it was sterotypical to blame plygs for not putting their name on the birth certificates. Did he take on that responsibility? He has admitted to fathering these 13 kids. Some of them look just like him. It is not a broad brush if he is not claiming his own offspring from his 'celestial marriages."

      Delete
    7. I drew some parallels between Janelle and Christine Marie. Both have been required to work and support the first wife and family. When she learned she had an inheritance she bought the house in Lehi and then was persuaded to add Kody and Meri as co-owners. At least I hope that Janelle had a better job than was found for Christine Marie.

      Delete
    8. I believe that in order to receive any benefits whatsoever, a mother should have to name the father.

      Delete
    9. They do not. From what I read from the bankruptcy papers Christine filed long after they were filming, she listed as living along, with 5 children, renting off of a "Kody Brown" and had to pay him 1,000 a month rent. (although she claimed to not make more than 2,000 yr) getting food stamps of $600 a month, which means her and her kids were on medicaid father unknown and no child support!
      wonder if the the child born was born on this medicaid since these papers were right abt. that time.

      Now, makes you wonder, was Kody getting paid her rent money from the state too? I just read them from the post on Welfare at the beginning of this blog.

      Delete
    10. I do not think that people need to know the specifics of Kody's name on each and every birth certificate. Though it would be enlightenling to have a ratio. Is he on 2/14? Is he on 8/14? That should not infringe on specific children's privacy.

      Delete
    11. So let me get this straight...Kody or other plyg men don't want to claim their kids on birth certificates to make them legally his sons and daughters in this earthly world, BUT they WILL claim them for the heavenly realm??? Just doesn't make sense...

      Delete
    12. Anon 8:57 is on the right track. Prior to the TLC gravy train, at least all of Kody and Christine's illegitimate kids were on a bonanza of welfare because Christine is/was a single mother household. This means taxpayers paid for their food snaps, WIC, pre-natal to age 18 Medicaid (medical and dental), cash welfare payments, and possibly a monthly HUD voucher that was paid directly to her landlord -Kody.

      I wish the Browns would be investigated for possible welfare fraud. I wish a lazy journalist would ask them about "bleeding the beast" during one of their many orchestrated TV interviews.

      Delete
  33. LOVE you caught Robyn laughing on the way to the bathroom-perfect.

    Really wasn't much to snark this week. It was drama drama drama fake drama.

    Leave it to this blog to find the few things to laugh about. Love shack - will be playing in y head everytime I see the homes on TV

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    Replies
    1. Thank Ed for that snark. I'll get him yet hee hee

      Love Shack, Baby love shack.... VERY Fitting in more ways than one!

      Delete
  34. Ed, I really like to read your comments and insights. I am going to buy your book, anxious to read it.
    I think that this "reality" show will spell the end for the Browns. I wouldn't be at all surprised to see Janelle leave, and the others will slink back to Lehi and obscurity.
    I wholeheartedly agree with you about the "news" that we are fed through the various media outlets. I just commented to my husband that if they play another cute cat video or some stupid you tube clip, I will stop watching our local "news station" (KSL in SLC)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Funky...
      I don't know that this will spell the end for the Browns.

      People rubberneck at a car wreck as they pass, they are intrigued by the odd and unusual, and the Browns are certainly odd and unusual by majority standards. I think as long as they remain a bit odd and unusual, there will be a curiosity factor.

      Now, should they get tainted with some major scandal of some sort, should some deep and dark secret emerge, it could be the end of them, but it would have to be something very, very negative to have that kind of impact.

      No, I think we have more Kody Brown and his women in our future. At least for a little while.

      Delete
  35. Singing "Love Shack...Baby Love Shack"..funny! thanks ED KOCIELA, for sticking that in my ears for seasons to come. I see those homes, off that will be in my head. Followed by an ewwwww tht's where he boinks them. Thanks ED, for the questions and answers and being so informative this week. Love every minute of your time.

    It was odd to me the words used by the Browns..ambush, etc. "They will invalidate our beliefs with their beliefs." Sorry Janelle, that was plain stupid. If you "believe" this so much, you wouldn't have a worry n the world. To you think the black community (yes I am one) bowed down after years of oppression when we got the chance to speak? Hell to the NO. We didn't give a damn what the other side thought, no did we worry.

    My personal point is simple. We learned though the post by an audience member that Kody and crew don't know their religion very well. the producer doesn't even want to do the show. Very telling. No love lost.

    Both sides felt they didn't get a good edit.

    These women hate the panels because it shakes up what they tell themselves each day is truth. I know someone that was there. She said you could see SEE in Janelle's eyes her wandering off..like she knows better. Sad to see these affirmations. If you read twitter pages on here, you see they tweet affirmations all the time. We all like them, but they seem to live by them.

    We learned Meri is much nice than portrayed on TV. We might know it here if they weren't scardy babes. Those ANTI POLYGAMISTS TOLD US THAT. Those trying to gripe the blog I have this to say. You are lucky this is a fair blog and MS and others posted what you said. I for one like to see the true stories. Why is it you like to snark and make fun of a show, and then get all bunched up with allowing a couple of kids a chance to speak that were abused their entire life? Let's give all their chance.

    The fun side is back out in me. I have to laugh thinking as a woman does. Ed tells us the backstory about the bathroom, that Kristyn wanted to do her hair. Now that poor woman had to sit through a panel thinking "My hair is flat." THAT is real hell my folks, myself, I would smack Chistine not over the issues but for making me look bad on TV. Kristyn, you looked great, just using this as an example of their selfishness.

    I have learned the anti polygamists look much better in my eyes for speaking the truth, and even talking nice about some of the Browns. Could they do the same? NO.

    Another snark. Robyn, quit writing about how you are so skinny. you haven't lost the baby middle and you nurse! Quit wearing stuff singed to you waist. It must be hell wearing those magic undies. Who ever thought cotton could do what they think Jesus can't?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Great post that gave me lots of grins, Princess&amp;ThePea. :D

      Delete
    2. Hahaha... Princess, at least I am not the only one he messes with about music :) He will sing the opening lines of Gilligan's Island or Its a Small World just to mess with me :) Welcome to the club :)

      Delete
    3. Who ever thought cotton could do what they think Jesus can't?
      Heck yeah! What you said!

      Delete
    4. Hello Princess & The Pea 6:27 p.m.,
      You know, when long-held beliefs are challenged, one of two things happens. Sometimes, if the person has strong beliefs, they are not shaken. In fact, they are firmer in their resolve. But other times, they are quite distressede because the nagging little things in the corner of their brain that they cannot seem to answer are suddenly amplified. I think, perhaps, that may have been the case here.

      When it comes to faith, religion, and beliefs -- I separate them because they are not always one in the same -- people can become very defensive, very emotional, very distressed. And, it doesn't only relate to the fundamentalists we are talking about here.

      The other bits? Well, we can feel sorry for the producer if he does not like his job, we can understand personal insecurities regarding their faith, but we can remain puzzled that they would choose such a public venue to aggrandize a religion they, apparently, know little about or are not comfortable discussing.

      Delete
    5. Copying : Anonymous sept 21, 2013 at 7:51 PM

      Who ever thought cotton could do what they think Jesus can't?
      Heck yeah! What you said!

      bwahahahahahhahahahahahha GREAT LINE PRINCESS!

      Delete
  36. Living in Las Vegas here to report:
    Saw on this site the Browns were going to be at the Nevada Wild Fest. My son had a ballgrame and didn't get to go. My husband doesn't have 17 kids so he gets soo see all his games..I digress.
    Checked out all the major blogs, websites, even NWF itself. Not one picture nor mention of the Browns big viewing. They did not get any pics or mention on the news, etc. NO BIG SPLASH what I am trying to say.

    Ed, I stopped at Wal Mart for your book ITRocked. I didn't see it, is it out yet?

    I am not a Kindle or Ipad gal but my son is. Did you guys know if you click any of the links on here to Amazon, you can buy all these books for 3.99 or less for your device?
    Super good deal.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Las Vegas 6:43...
      We are available in print and ebook on Amazon.com

      For 'plygs' -- http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008NRZT1M

      For 'It Rocked!' -- http://www.amazon.com/Rocked-Recollections-reclusive-critic-ebook/dp/B00E70IZG0/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1375052926&sr=1-1&keywords=it+rocked%21

      Delete
    2. Ed,

      Just got "Plygs"....looking forward to diving into it.

      Question.....
      Considering your observations about the changes in the media, do you think ethics and truth will ever reign again?

      Delete
    3. no offense, ED, but i'm so burned out on reading depressing plyg books, articles, research, and watching documentaries of all the things plyg the last 4 years that i'm definitely more interested in reading your IT ROCKED book and will choose that one instead. :)

      Delete
  37. Great Review!

    Ed, don't you feel Kristyn was being more than fair with Christine? She even gave her an out for her bad behavior. I still say they were in on the act. They have been doing this show a long time and should know.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Las Vegas 6:44
      I think Kristyn is always fair. She happens to have a very soft voice and doesn't get all riled up easily, although her emotions do come to the surface easily. She is a kind and gentle lady. Christine? I think she was heavily prompted by the producers. It all seemed so contrived.

      Delete
  38. This blog is GREAT. I found it through google. did you know you are right under the show, like #2 or 3? that is great. Loved this write up. Off to read this blog, looks super fun.

    ReplyDelete
  39. After watching the episode just today, and reading Rebecca Musser's book this week, the first thing I thought about Christine and her aunt is that Christine was fearful of being around an apostate (as Rebecca described people who left the church). I feel that Christine is extremely indoctrinated and since reading Rebecca's book, I see a lot more of the indoctrination than I did before. Christine doesn't appear happy in her marriage, but won't ever leave Kody as that risks her salvation in her belief system. Since Kody knows this, he doesn't have to do anything to work on their relationship. Robyn is much the same way, except as the younger, newer wife, she has Kody's attention. I could tell how pained Kristyn Decker was about Christine. Kristyn knows better than any of us what Christine is truly dealing with. I truly believe Kody is short-tempered, and narcississtic. I know the Browns aren't as happy as they try to claim to be, and those wives certainly don't like each other as much as they try to claim.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are so right!

      Delete
    2. I agree completely. Christine, underneath her fake cheer, appears deeply unhappy to me. I think now that she is past the baby making stage she is finding this lifestyle very different from what she hoped. During the polygamist cults episode, she said "what if I tried to leave, and god forbid they helped me leave?". My first thought was, why would you try to leave unless you wanted to, and why shouldn't they help you if that were the case? She finds her aunt very intimidating because Kristyn did what Christine secretly probably wants to do but won't for fear of losing her salvation.

      Delete
  40. So pissed at TLC. You tube by TLC, not some crapshoot, said watch episode here of "On the Ropes" and guess what,t hey want you to buy it. False Adv. from TLC

    The Browns made this show serious. Can't wait to have fun with tomorrow's 2 shows. One is on a marriage retreat and one is tell all!

    ReplyDelete
  41. Thank you for the great review. Also want to say that Ed's book is fantastic everyone- I highly recommend it.

    I have learned so much this week thanks to SWB! Sadly, I don't think we'll ever see the Browns present an honest, open picture of their lives in polygamy. Kody has stated many times that's why they went public, but we're still waiting.....

    ReplyDelete
  42. Can I just say for the record that the person who runs this blog, Kristin Decker, Christine Marie, Willie Steed, Ed & Cara Kociela deserve a huge round of applause from the internets for shedding so much light on what TLC and Sisterwives Brown family would like to lie about and keep hidden.

    I don't know any of you, but thank you for the truth, thank you for trying to help people trapped in the lie of polygamy and a false religion that would trap women into only being worthy of Heaven if they have sex with a married man.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. WOW!! You are so nice :) thank you for paying attention and wanting to learn more about what is going on in the reality of polygamy. I, along with Ed am very grateful to be a part of that. We feel honored that SWB asked us to join in the discussions and be a part of this wonderful meeting place :) I hope you learn a ton, I hope you also have some fun :) Cheers my friend!

      Delete
    2. It is so nice of all of you to give your time to help others. My deepest thanks!

      Delete
  43. Ed, great review from an insider. Sadly, all TV is reality based. the real housewives, etc. This is the lesser of all evils to watch Sunday. I love it because it is so funny most of the time, this was a rare ploy to seem serious.
    Anyone else notice Robyn is packing a few pounds? Even that flat butt looks bigger in the bathroom pic.
    If my husband wrote I LOVE YOUR GUTS I would think he lost his mind. But then again, I see him more than every 4 days. Not kidding me, those kids do not see him that much nor do they get one on one time with him. Those women make the rules for the kids. That's why in an earlier episode, one teen was griping the other the same age was getting to do something. It's not fair.
    these women have to be strong single women, seeing their man less than dating. Knowing they are sleeping with another. No religion I learned reading here but this one calls for this mandate. Come on women, free yourselves. GOD call your to heaven, not a dang gone man.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. JuJu, not Ed here but I hope I will do :) We are still not understanding TLC and what they are wanting to do with the Browns, sometimes it is so comical that it is as if they are being made fun of (by more than just us). As for Sobbyn and her lbs, depression does add weight.

      As a single parent for 14 years i can tell you, it is not easy. I did my 3 months drawing from the gov while looking for a job and trying to care for a 1year old after moving to another city to escape emotional abuse. I have since over the years been very lucky in that I have a profession, I have a skill..(and I paid the gov back for what I had used) the main sad thing is that most plyg women have no skills other than being moms... Now, understand, that the SW can stay home thanks to the show and the $$ from TLC and other engagements. NOW, before show, before crap jewelry before all of that they were just another polygamous family that put "father unknown" or left it blank on birth certs to get the $$ from the gov... as 3/4 of plyg women do... as Kollene said, hers is blank.. so, you helped raise not only her but all others as well... thus the lack of paternal interaction, unless to discipline, sadly a line from Kristyn Decker ...

      Delete
  44. I am very confused at the fact that they consider the panelists to be apostates because they no longer adhere to the beliefs of the ABU or FLDS, the only thing the Brown's still live by is polygamy. They come off as being very liberal in all other views. They no longer attend the church, so are they tithing 10% and this is all they have to do to stay in " good" standing with the church or is the whole religion based on nothing but polygamy and every thing else is a believe as you like? These may be silly questions but I am truly confused.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. From what I have been told by ones close to the situation is this.

      Kody Brown and family are still very much in the AUB church. They however do not want to appear that way to seem more fan friendly. It wouldn't be too cool for them to say YES we are against the blacks, the gays,etc and have tried to play us on these aspects. They believe in all tenants and do wear the magic undies. They do tithe. However the head of the AUB wasn't happy with them doing the show, because it was like "sending his sheep out to the slaughter" ie on their side.

      They do confuse us, and that is the goal. that way they can get it decriminalized. It's not a lifestyle choice it is a religion mandated choice. I am with you, they did confuse us and am learning they certainly try to. Ed and others may have more.

      Delete
    2. Hello Anon...
      The 10 percent tithing is a very important part of remaining in good standing with the church. Mister Sister has it right, as far as I know, that Kody is still a part of the AUB. I have been told by those much closer to it all that the AUB is not real happy that Kody and the women are doing the show. It is a matter of control, particularly in the offshoots of mainstream Mormonism. They do not like their lifestyle discussed in public, do not offer a lot in the way of clarification of doctrine, etc. In the mainstream church, they prefer that all references, statements, etc., regarding church practice, doctrine, lifestyle be answered through official church channels and personnel. It is something we see more and more of in many facets of life -- from religion to politics -- as the heads of churches, political parties, even business, want to keep everything on point and in official language. Now, it is true the mainstream church sends many missionaries across the globe to seek converts. However, they are trained in what to say and how to handle situations they encounter.

      And, like all political parties, religions, and businesses, the tendency is to not handle criticism well.

      The confusion is purposeful. If you remain confused, your criticism is looked upon as uninformed and unimportant. It's one way to deflect criticism.

      Delete
    3. I never got the feeling that they left the church. They hold church in their homes because there isn't a branch near them.

      Delete
    4. Make me respect them even less, as I christian I have convictions about my beliefs and would never compromise them but I guess it doesn't matter because as long as Kody calls they will make it to heaven. Praying the kids find a way out if this messed up lifestyle!

      Delete
  45. Examples.
    "We believe that the gay's should have marriage rights. We are for each to choose their own."

    What they are not saying is this: We don't care because they are apostates, or worse and not meaningful to us.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Mister Sister can you get some info on how the other panel turned out for Polgamy USA? Was that the one held the same day as this one?

    Note to the Browns: if you are going to continue to be a relevant face for a successful form of Polygamy and a leader in the charge to decriminalize it you need to be better prepared for panels and debates. You cannot site up unprepared, be defensive when you don't have answers and call your selves victims etc. If you look back through history any of the successful changes to the constitution/law/popular belief were all done through well researched, thought out, articulated conversations and speeches by strong men and women. They weren't afraid of their opponents, many even died for their cause for equal rights. They sacrificed everything because they felt so strongly about their cause. What have you sacrificed? They did NOT hide in a bathroom! Now I don't agree with your "lifestyle" because all I have seen and heard is nothing but the bad. And your silly show which is an excellent platform which reaches millions does nothing to educate or sway public opinion to your cause, in fact it probably hurts it more than it helps.

    -K

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anony, you are in luck here. Ed Kociela was at the panel with the Centinneal Park group - here's a post about that.
      http://sisterwivesblog.blogspot.com/2013/09/ed-kociela-author-of-plygs-on-polygamy.html

      I am sure Ed will come here and answer too.

      Ed, I've got a question also to verify - The panel at the St. George U, althought filmed for the show, was no set up like this one, correct?

      Delete
    2. Anon 8:18 and MS
      Indeed, the panel at Dixie University in St. George was the same day, which prevented us from going to Las Vegas to at least lend support to Kristyn.

      There was no pretense of discussion among two viewpoints at the St. George event. There were simply four women from the Centennial Park group, which goes by the name "The Work" or "The Work of Jesus Christ," or more informally, since they broke off from the FLDS, The Second Ward, who appeared, sat in the front of the room and talked a bit before taking questions.

      We did not know until we arrived what would take place. We didn't know if there was going to be different groups on the panel, who would moderate, etc. And, we were fairly rushed because earlier in the day, we attended the courthouse steps auction of some Warren Jeffs that had been seized. Warren's former right-hand man, Willie Jessop, purchased the property with money he had already won from Warren in a lawsuit. Now, Willie is a guy who still strikes fear in the hearts of many present and former FLDS members for the time he spent as Warrens top guy.

      The St. George event was taped by the National Geographic crew that was putting together the "Polygamy USA" series.

      When the women walked into the room to take their seats at the front of the auditorium, one of them made direct eye contact with me. She recognized me immediately and did not give a warm greeting. You see, we were, at that time, in a bit of a beef with the Centennial Park group. They were being highly critical of my book and accused me of writing fallacies about them. The thing is, the book is not about the Centennial Park polygamists, has nothing to do with them. Still, they went after us with negative reviews they posted on Amazon.com, without ever having read the book! They swarmed our Facebook page and wrote some very ugly things there, including making threats, even against Cara, who administers the page. So, we were very aware of each other. Very aware.

      The forum was very disjointed in many ways. By that, I mean contradictory. They would talk about how they are not associated with the FLDS, how the FLDS split from them, how they abhorred what had taken place in Hildale, Utah and Eldorado, Texas. Then, in another breath, would talk about how when the law enforcement officers went on the rescue mission to protect the girls in Texas, it was akin to the 1953 raid on Short Creek. One tearfully recounted her mother's experience during the Short Creek raid, then said how their children came crying to them about what was happening when the law swept in on the Texas compound. "They asked why they were taking those people to jail and I told them 'Because they have more than one mommy like you.'"

      When pressed about what the differences between the FLDS and Second Ward were, all they could say is the Second Ward is against marrying off little girls, that they believe in education, and that was really about it, even though they said repeatedly how they are "different" than the FLDS without any other real explanation.

      They opened it up to questions from the audience and I asked them to define what they are, what they believe, stand for, their position. I got a roundabout non-answer. That and one other audience question made it to the broadcast. And, my question was set up in an adversarial way. As the narrator introduced the Q&A he said it would be "confrontational" as they fixed on a shot of me, then one of the wives without identifying me. There were a number of questions asked -- Cara asked one, as a matter of fact -- but they only used two in the broadcast. Not terribly representative and, quite frankly, the answers to the two questions were pieced together in the editing room.

      My assessment was that they were incredibly elusive, vapid, evasive.

      Delete
    3. Totally worthy of being expanded and made its own stand alone post.

      Delete
    4. Ed, I can only imagine the level of frustration that you and Cara must have felt @ Dixie University. And, afterward, for you to have discovered that Kristyn, Willy, Kollene, and Christine Marie were given such a bad edit w/ TLC, that must have completely exasperated you. The good news is that you have been able to get the word out on what really happened in St. George, despite National Geo. dropping the ball w/ their edit. Also, b/c Kristyn, Willy, Kollene, and Christine Marie have all explained what happened @ UNLV, in addition to the audience member who wrote a detailed piece about it for the SW Blog, we now have a full picture, even w/o the footage.

      Until tonight, I had no idea that the Browns are still very much a part of the AUB. I'm very stunned, to be honest. Wow..................

      Delete
  47. I think you are totally right!

    ReplyDelete
  48. Thanks! I saw it mentioned but I wasn't sure if it was going to be addressed. I am excited to see the comparisons!

    I don't know how to do a name from my phone.

    -KT

    ReplyDelete
  49. The 2nd part of my 8:18 post was answered above it. Now I understand why the Browns may look so uninformed if it had to go through official church channels. This may also be why their show is so boring. If they don't work at real jobs and can't talk about religion they probably have to make up almost every story line. My Sisterwife's Closet is probably just a storyline and not a tax shelter. Hence the discrepancy between what we see in the show about their needing money and in real life having plenty and buying 4 McMansions?

    -KT

    ReplyDelete
  50. This week I have been pondering about Christine's behavior. She was a completely different woman than she usually shows herself to be. However, I think there is something that has slipped between the cracks. We have all quite rightly blasted Robyn for her rude marginalizing of Kristyn Decker by calling her "sweetie." But if I saw what I think I did, she was not the first person to do so. Christine called her aunt "sweetheart" when she said "But sweetheart, your husband was not a very nice man." That use of sweetheart was not sweet. It was the same type of misuse of an endearment as Robyn later expressed. Indeed, it may have given Robyn the idea that Krystyn could be verbally put in her place by such a fake endearment. If Christine really cared about her aunt in any way at all she wouldn't have done that. One does not call an elder "sweetheart." It is the other way around if there is any respect at all.

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    1. It was Christine's tone with Kristyn that irritated me. Christine was over the top the whole episode. She showed me her fears of talking to the people who have left the church. And it wasn't pretty...

      Delete
    2. That and Kollene after being in their homes saying she wasn't nice. Kids know.

      Delete
    3. Christine may very well have been the impetus for the name calling by Robyn.

      Delete
    4. Kids do know. Christine may appear to be nice, but that may be scripted. She could be awful for all we know.

      Delete
  51. I think it's a total hypocrite to say BUY THESE EARRINGS when they do not believe in ear piercing by their religion! Crazy, they want us gentiles to buy their shit. I actually thought some was cute but wouldn't buy now for nothing.

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    Replies
    1. I felt the same way. I thought the "Be Line" was cute, but I don't want to give any of them a cent.

      Delete
    2. @Anon 9Pm and Jennifer, The only ones that do not believe in piercing ears is the FLDS . The AUB (SW) can pierce ears (from what I understand, will have to check sources to confirm), to look normal... I actually ran the What Women Want Expo (the one that the SW totally SUCKED at) in St. George for 2 years. I have to tell you, the SW gals are the FIRST EVER to complain about it or not sell their quota that I have ever known of. I ran this expo in 2007 and 2008 I had ALL of my booths sold before the end of one for the next... It is an amazing event and a ton of fun.. it is SO good that they started one up in Salt Lake City (Kollene was there this weekend) how the SW could not sell their crap is just a testament to the fact that even those that are mainstream LDS do NOT approve of all of this ...

      Delete
    3. Extremely interesting new information here, Cara.

      I wonder how sales are going @ the Guilt store for the MSWC merchandise?

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    4. Pierced is against the AUB rules.

      Delete
  52. Love shack, Baby Love Shack...B 52's! wow love it great Review, very thought provoking.

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  53. I can't wait to read Ed's book. Robyn's smirk in the bathroom is duper's delight. I can't believe her tweet on Sunday citing the professor's study on polygamous vs. monogamous marriages. Robyn should have been burying her head in the sand after the way she treated those on the panel but instead she blasts out her righteousness. I don't for one minute believe her self-serving blog entry about the monogamous beautician being discriminatory towards her. She is revolting.

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  54. That blog she wrote was a complete flop and not worth your time. "oh, the beautician was against me" or maybe the beautician ambushed her hahahah. Listen her and Kody have gone to the same lady for a long time and that blog post of hers was bogus.

    ED is great, isn't he? hope he watches at least the tell all tomorrow and comes to spoilers with us!

    As far as those statistics are concerned, that was not a study done right. It was simply his notes from talking with the Centennial Park group, which was discovered here later. IT WAS NOT A BONA-FIDE STUDY. CP members are very few and the richest independently wealthy bunch. that is proven. They make their money above board and only are about 1,400-3000 tops in number (I'd have to check.) That study was not anything in comparison to what Christine Marie was whipping out. THAT is why it is not used during the debate. Also Christine talks about this on her post.

    Anything out of Flakey Baked Robyn's mouth is simply false.

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  55. Hi I guess to be Rockin Janelle but must change my name after the show.


    Ed, I loved the insight you have. Question. Don't these shows need somewhat of a script too?

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  56. Kaduche, real men need 1 womanSeptember 21, 2013 at 10:29 PM

    i used to be Rockin Janelle but must change my name after the show. Ed, I loved the insight you have. Question. Don't these shows need somewhat of a script too?

    Youve watched the show once and aught the mean eyes, the dullness in the women, and are spot on.

    I don't believe that Kody is being honest. This sect breeds men who think they are gods and get their rocks off with many women. It breeds abuse. Any studies on this that the religion alone breeds this?

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  57. There are so many tings I want to tell all of the wonderful readers of this blog as well as the admin of the wonderful page ... it is difficult to get it all in the responses I or Ed do... maybe someday...(I have NEVER lived plyg life... so that is not it..) i hope for you all to understand the reasons I feel the way I do... Until then, I will respond, I will interact, I will support and I will cheer for those that cant ... or wont... i am very grateful for this meeting place to voice our thoughts and be able to interact :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have very much enjoyed the comments and writings from you and Ed both. Nice to have some of our questioned answered. Hope to see you both here on a regular basis.

      Delete
    2. We appreciate you and Ed providing so much information to us, Cara.

      I know I'm revealing how naive I must truly be, but up until I read the latest comments posted tonight, I honestly had no clue that the Brown are still part of the AUB. How did I not know this? Yikes!!

      Delete
    3. Your not naive, we only see on the show what TLC & the Browns want us to see. We knew he was in some way connected to the church, we just didn't how much they were still connected audubon church. Don't forget they had to get approval from church for Body & Robin to get semimarried.

      Delete
  58. NOTE - tomorrow nights line up
    8:00 PM Eastern - 60 min. - Polygamist Marriage Therapy

    Kody and his four wives travel to a couples retreat to tackle their relationship issues head on. After a meditation session that barely eases the emotional stress, Browns finally make a discovery on the root cause of their internal conflicts.



    9:00 PM Eastern - Sister Wives Tell All

    The Brown family is back on the couch and ready to tell all in a revealing hour-long reunion special. Kody, Meri, Christine, Janelle, and Robyn sit down with NBC’s Tamron Hall to set the record straight .

    ReplyDelete
  59. Have you bought your T shirt today? Go to the right, click the Kollene Logo, and help her help others!

    ReplyDelete
  60. I have posted once before, about how sneaking something is going on about the baby issue. Robyn telling Meri to hurry up with having another. I bet she has changed her mind and Kody's but anyway that is for another day.

    I do want to say, I have been watching from the beginning. I have been curious, amused and confused by the Browns.

    I do enjoy this blog, thanks for all the time and work by all. And the honesty and openness.

    I must say though something has changed in me after the last show. It has hit me hard in my heart, what is happening in this day and age to all these women and children. I can no longer just watch the browns train wreck and not think about the harm, their lies, their motive for confusion and TLC promoting it. I want to read more, find out more and contribute when I can to stop this. There was a comment above that said about God getting you into Heaven not a man, oh so true. Polygamy is awful. It makes me sick how Kody says it is stereotype, yet he used the system for benefits and acting all high and mighty. He is disgusting, it is all disgusting. These Brown women do not appear to like each other really, what an emotional abused mess they all are. I know they can walk away, but if they really believe this, then they must need help to break the cycle, the bondage, the brainwashing, the abuse.

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    Replies
    1. All so true, and it's all so sad. :(

      Delete
  61. 5th Beatle, lion all too funny!

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  62. Oh gosh, I have a scenario in my head about tomorrow's episode:
    Counselor to Kody: "I think I have discovered the root cause of all your problems.....you have 4 wives, dumbazz"

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  63. Thanks for the hard work everyone puts into this blog. I have been reading it since season 1 and always posted under anonymous but I think today I will become, Sweetie

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  64. I have two questions about last week's show. First, didn't the television listing for last week include a story line about Mariah's tuition crisis, too?

    On another aspect, on the panel, didn't Christine say that her mother had one sisterwife? I found that strange, because she has said that she always knew she wanted to be the third wife.

    I think that last week's show jumped the shark or toasted their McMansions.
    (One more question - can someone please help with my punchline?)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes it did say that in the episode guide. they didn't show any of it I guess.
      That was strange. In the book Christine talks about how she learned to put a smile on and go on. all wasn't well in that house. How could it be when your uncle (mom) shot your grandpa? (dad) pleeaazzee.

      Mister Sister stated it had very good ratings. That's all that TLC cares about.

      Ed, I enjoyed the review from a Media man's viewpoint. I also enjoyed the pictures and the poster, oh my!

      Can't wait for tonight, I hope everyone posts what's happening, how they feel about it. I enjoy reading those.

      This week was the best week so far here at the blog. I love it always, but wow. GREAT JOB to all that run the blog.

      Delete
  65. I have been reading this blog for a long time now, but have never posted anything before. So many thoughts in my head about so many issues. I will try to keep this short and "sweet" tho.

    First off, when I read that the Darger's had tweeted about M5W's getting a show, I decided to peek at their twitters. Saw the pic of the Brown's at WildFest, and a tweet that had someone else listed with all the Brown's. So I peeked at that person's twitter, and I'm not sure if she is just a friend, or their entertainment manager, but she mentioned that the Brown's are currently filming. This was in response to another twitter from a PR firm about a skirt that a designer sent to Robyn, as well as another company sending them headbands and things. This very much reminds me of Kate Gosselin. How people were always sending her things and money. I wonder how much they are getting in freebies from their fans. hmmmm Most interesting tho, was they are currently filming. So perhaps there is another season for the Brown's.

    Secondly, the panel episode. There are so many things wrong with that episode, I don't know where to begin. I think the thing that bothered me the most, was in the pre-panel interview, and Christine said it wasn't "safe". I cant bring myself to watch it again to get her exact wording, but I found it very telling that she thought her Aunt wasn't safe to be around. It makes me wonder just how much arm twisting went on behind the scenes for Christine to agree to do the panel. I personally think that she was set-up. Of all the people that have left polygamy, they picked her Aunt. I think the drama was all contrived on TLC's part, because they know how deeply rooted Christine is in the religion, and how much it would affect her to be around "apostates", let alone family member "apostates". Granted, she was doing her best to kill them with kindness, which came across as fake and catty, and I certainly don't look at her in the same light as before, but I think her religion imposed fear is behind her behavior, making her no different that what the other panelist fled from.

    Robyn, well there just are no words for her. She is nothing but a scene stealer in my eyes. Everything has to be all about her, and she craves the attention she gets. It certainly explains the behavior I have seen from her girls in the show; over the top on everything.

    So pleased that Logan and Aspyen attended. They got to see what we didn't, and I have hope that having the TLC show, and everything that has come with it, has given them the opportunity to see what real and normal lifestyle choices look like, those that are not lead by religious fear.

    Lastly, Kollene, Kristyn, Willy and Christine Marie: I applaud your courage and strength in leaving, and in telling your story to whoever will listen. Thank you for sharing with us not only your take on the panel discussion, but also your very moving personal experiences with polygamy. My heart was touched by all of you. I only wish that more of what you had to say had been shown on the show. I think the Brown fans would have at least been exposed to the other side of this religious choice veiled as a lifestyle choice. Thank you Ed and Cara for sharing your personal experience and research with these groups with us as well.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous September 22, 2013

      Hi! Just taking a peak before I go back to bed and wanted to say welcome!
      We always post the tweets, if you'd like to look back through and will have these up tomorrow for all.
      Funky town is making a flipbook so it should be really cool!!
      Can't wait!

      Delete
  66. Forgot to add: I love this blog! I seem to miss so much on the show that you all talk about afterwards. For instance the whole Robyn doing that licking her teeth thing on the couch, the eye-rolls, and those ugly pink chairs. I have gotten pretty good at catching the Kody head snap tho. I'm just waiting on TLC to add the sound effects. :)

    ReplyDelete
  67. I just ordered 3 of the books on the right below the posts stuff. Click on one of the book ads. I got 3 books listed for .50 cents. If you go now and get amazon prime for free (for a month) you DO NOT have to pay shipping and handling! Just remember if you don't want it later to cut off amazon prime before a month is out. but the deals on used books is great, and no shipping. Just thought I'd pass that along.

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  68. “My mother taught me how to be miserably happy.”

    Kristyn's quote tells it all.

    BTW Kody said he had been persecuted always; his family did not go into it until he was 20 so hows that?

    ReplyDelete