Friday, December 7, 2012

Review: S05Ep03 "More Sister Wives!"

Isn't it amazing that, although this show is called Sister Wives it really revolves around Kody, the husband? Therefore it should come to no surprise that this episode is titled "More Sister Wives!" This  simply means the show will center on Kody meeting another polygamist, Joe Darger, who happens to bring his 3 wives along for the ride and lots of PDA.


The Dargers main claim to fame is that the HBO series Big Love was based on their family. Well, sort of based, being that Bill Henrickson wasn't married to twin sisters and their 'distant' cousin. And Bill did unknowingly marry an underage Margene Heffron, but that's for another discussion.

Anyway, the Dargers live in Utah, in a huge house that is home to 4 adults and 23 children. And get this, the sister wives only have one kitchen...imagine that! No abuses there!

Papa Joe (as he is affectionately known on SWB) is very, um...controlling. He looks stern, but has this sweet little voice, like Mike Tyson - only without the lisp. He was a business major in college, so between skillfully planning who sits in what seat in the rented plyg mobiles, and having public displays of affection with all three wives at one time, he can suddenly bark out orders just like that drill sergeant in Full Metal Jacket. The only difference is Papa Joe will tack on a "RIGHT NOW" at the end of his request instead of  "You miserable maggots!"  Papa Joe is kinda scary. His son (from a different father) describes him simply as "big, bald, and intimidating". Is it just me or isn't that kind of a weird way to describe your mother's spiritual husband? Did Joe try to bite somebody's ear off?

While the Dargers are on the road, Kody is busily driving his MLMobile from one sister wife's house to the other, trying to finalize those pesty building options important to each wife for their McMansions. Christine wants each of her 6 children to have their own room. She's going for the gusto - or as she says "going big or going home." I'm presuming the 'home' she's referring to is the one in Lehi.

Janelle, on the other hand, wants to save costs by only having 3 bedrooms upstairs for the children in her McMansion. An extra bedroom would only add "a lot of money" and her children do not need their own bedrooms. So if Hunter has his own room (inherited when Logan left for the dorm) and Gabe and Garrison both share a room that leaves Savanah to share with Maddie. And Maddie was so looking forward to having her own room, too. Kody is not impressed with Janelle's frugality, because he wants Logan to still have his own room when he visits. Call me silly, but it seems it hasn't occurred to Kody that Logan could pitch a tent in one of the extra unused bedrooms at Meri's McMansion.

Robyn explains to Kody she wants her 'hubby' room to be her office. In the couch interview, she lets her sisterwives know she also needs an extra bedroom because she plans on having more babies. I wonder why Meri had that slight smile on her face, like she knows a secret or something. Hmmm.... 

Finally, at Meri's house, Meri again states how important that damn wetbar is to her. She then trys to joke about adding a tennis court for Mariah. Earth to Meri - there's barely room in the backyard for a pool! But Kody knows Meri is just kidding...I think.

Leave it to the Kody and Meri to create a new word to describe their upcoming road trip with the Dargers. "It's a plyg vacation" says Kody. "It's a plyg-cation" corrects Meri. Only Janelle laughs. Robyn hides her face with her hands, while Christine looks like she has failed to see the humor. As the Browns wait for the Dargers to show up, Christine educates us that they have been friends with the Dargers for a long time, that they are not AUB, but are independent polygamists, and that there will be almost 50 people on this road trip. Meri seems more concerned that she will have almost 50 people for dinner in a few minutes. And Kody seems to have honed in on the fact Papa Joe has married  two sisters, and that Val, like Robyn, brought her children from her first marriage to the new marriage.

As the Dargers finally arrive and pile out of their vehicles, Christine remarked how good the wives look after being on the road all day. After dinner, Kody asked Joe if he had a preference of when he wanted to leave in the morning. Being the perfect guest, Joe replied "The pressure's on you guys...So don't tell me eight and then leave at ten because I'll be really irritated". Kody, shocked by Joe's response, simply replied "then we're telling you ten..." Big, bald and intimidating all right. It's ON!

Now that Papa Joe has thrown down his gauntlet, it's time for Kody to step up, or shut up. So Kody does what he does best - he poses. In typical poser style, Kody thinks by standing on top of a pile of luggage, looking all kool in shades, and yelling "We need to leave in an hour and 15 minutes...see any lawn chairs?" to the camera crew,  he can prove to Papa Joe he can lead his family to be all packed and ready to go by the 10:00 departure time.  Christine is not so optimistic. Forever standing by her man, she tried to explain away Kody's apparent lack of leadership skills by saying "...the Darger's are more organized than us...We are always in a state of chaos...I think that all of us go in with good faith, everytime we do anything with a plan. I just think there are 5 different plans."

Ouch!

As Kody continued to demonstrate how totally in over his head he was, Val remarks "I heard Kody raise his voice a little bit (nervous laugh). As long as they can get it in there and get on the road it's wonderful." Ouch, I don't think Kody's getting Val's vote of confidence anytime soon. And as the minutes drag on, it becomes apparent that even his number one wife, Meri, is in Joe's corner when she tells Janelle "I would get along with somebody who was like ..yeah...let's do this and let's do it on time...I could be married to that!" And Kody's number three wife joins in on the Papa Joe bandwagon when she says " I...don't consider Joe that much of a control person as everybody else does, just because I've watched him with his family. The way that he says 'Everybody get loaded now' and they all do it, I think its 'cause they just respect him fully. I think he just has a good communication style with them. "

Poor Kody must be really hurting now. One wife likes the leadership of Papa Joe, and another wife appreciates the respect Papa Joe's family shows him. Kody has got to be feeling pretty damn low right  because Papa Joe is schooling him on how to effectively lead a polygamist family. I can see on Kody's face he's thinking "Whose idea was it to bring this guy on MY show anyway?"

But Papa Joe apparently can feel Kody's pain because he says, with a sly grin on his face, "I'm glad I don't have to do separate houses. But I'm impressed they're on time...I really didn't expect it...trying to keep up with the Joneses or Dargers, I don't know..." OK, so it was kind of a backhanded compliment because Kody's family lives in separate houses and he's basically saying that even with an inept Kody in charge, they still were able to leave on time, at least he tried to say something positive...right?


Finally, the Browns and Dargers reach their destination in Oceanside. Now, this beachside condo is not cheap - The cost of the minimum 2 night stay is over $7500. A seven night stay is close to $21000. The Browns were definitely staying in some extremely nice diggs. So was it really necessary for Kody to trash talk about it? When Kody says his first impression was "How are we going to fit in that little postage stamp?" Little postage stamp? That condo had three stories, 9.5 bathrooms and enough beds and bedrooms to sleep 22 people! And Kody, maybe you could learn from your "good friend" Papa Joe. Next time, rent 2 plyg-vans and take ONE of your own vehicles for the luggage and just leave the 2 convertibles at home. That way you won't have to worry about where to park all your friggin' cars! It was kind of funny seeing how the Dargers were unloading their vehicles while the Browns were still trying to park theirs. Nice planning, Kody.


And once again, Papa Joe showed off his planning and organizational skills by making short work of assigning the Browns' party of 22 to their respective beds. Now which way is better, Kody's rock/paper/scissors method of assigning rooms or Papa Joe's getting online, pulling up the condo's floorplan, and assigning rooms accordingly - something I bet Papa Joe did days earlier for his own crew. Christine was definitely impressed (again)... "It was the fastest decision-making ever!" she exclaimed, while snapping her fingers for emphasis.


Once again, Kody is shown to be lacking in comparison to Papa Joe. And when Kody tries to take back control of his krew by suggesting they determine which kitchen they'll be using to cook in, Meri snapped back "Let's NOT start out with the kitchen. Let's start with the bedroom!" Kody was left looking at his sunglasses to tell him what to say next. On the couch, Kody tried to laugh it off. As he explains it, "...it seems like Joe does lead his family, and THEY [pointing at wives] lead mine." Earth to Kody: Somebody's got to take charge and lead your family. They'd starve if they had to wait for you to rock/paper/scissors a decision where to eat!


Next morning, Kody and Papa Joe take their combined crew of almost 50 people to the watersports shop. As Kody reaches out to shake the owner's hand, you can almost hear him say Hi, I'm Kody. I'm a polygamist. Here's my friend Joe. He's a polygamist, too. The owner was not impressed...well, maybe impressed by the sales revenue from such a large crowd, but not so much about it being Kody Brown. As  owner Josh puts it, " I've got a nine month old daughter and a female dog. That's all the girls I can handle. I'm already a chick magnet but I got a household full of chicks, I don't need any more." I think it's safe to say this guy is not a fundamentalist Mormon.

Amongst the woman folk frolicking on the beach, there seemed to be differing levels of modesty being displayed. Robyn wasn't afraid to flaunt her attributes on the beach. The Darger Wives kept themselves modestly covered, but it was noticeable what lean machines these women were.  In fact, Christine even mentioned how she felt intimidated by the Darger Wives exercise 'regime'.









And if that wasn't enough, the Dargers tend to have a lot of PDA - Public Displays of Affection.

As the Darger Wives explain it, they decided early in their marriages to allow Joe to kiss and hug them in front of each other. They wanted their relationships to be more 'natural' that way.

Say whut?

You've got a situation where a man is married to twin sisters and their cousin, and Joe is openly affectionate to each one in front of each other.
That's natural???? Geez Louise!!

Not to mention that Joe can only be affectionate to two women at one time! That's the way the human brain has been wired. You can only do two things at once, like adding a set of numbers, for instance. One woman will always be on the outside looking in. So it doesn't  really matter how the Darger Wives try to rationalize this situation, it's not fair and certainly a bit skeevy. Wife Val just doesn't understand how Kody is  affectionate with his wives only when it's her day. She says this while she's holding on (for dear life it seems) to Joe's left arm, while her twin Vicki is holding on to his right arm. Poor Alina is left to sit off to the side. And this is normal? No wonder the Darger Wives are referred as being like Stepford Wives. Four guesses who decided that PDA was okay, and the first three guesses don't count.

All Kody says is that in theory (meaning the Darger's world) it may work, but in his family, it doesn't.
Translation: Meri would NEVER in a million years allow it to happen. NEVER! But on the positive side, since Kody has 4 wives, the outsider two wives can have each other for company...hmmmm.....
.
At the dinner for adults only (plus Solomon),  it's obvious that Joe Darger believes in his wives and children living in one home with one kitchen. Kody, on the other hand, came to Vegas looking for a 15000 sq ft home with 4 kitchens and 25 bedrooms owned by a rich person who had it listed as a short sale for pennies on the dollar. Kody is clearly suffering from delusional thinking at this point. Even Papa Joe has a hard time keeping a straight face. When one of the Darger Wives suggested maybe they should go back to sharing a home with one kitchen, of course Kody said no way. It would be abusive for his wives to share their 'domain' with another wife Kody says. Not to mention a step backwards from Kody's wealth plan.
The dinner illustrates the differences between the Dargers and the Browns. The Dargers are generations deep in living polygamy. It is really the only life they know, and I think they truly believe in their faith. Joe understands that his marriages are not only for this lifetime, but for eternity. They strive for perfection. They want their children to live together as brother and sisters, not like cousins. They may not always be happy but they apparently do try to work through the rough spots. They clearly are family oriented with set goals in life. Most important, Joe has a J.O.B. and the respect of his wives and children.

Kody on the other hand has not lived very long in a polygamous setting. He didn't grow up having multiple mothers. The only person who would have the same depth of generations with the Dargers is Christine...the wife Kody barely can stand. This lack of experience explains why Kody's family seems so chaotic when compared to the Dargers. Kody may talk a good game, but it's all talk. He doesn't have a clue how to manage a large family, and doesn't care to learn. Where Joe is preparing for eternity, Kody doesn't even prepare for the present. Kody is into being the center of attention, of being a showman, of having more wives than he can handle and more children than he can afford. Kody doesn't want a house, he wants a mansion. If Kody can't get a mansion, he'll settle for four McMansions. It simply isn't about faith with Kody. It's about wealth and seeing how many material items, wives, children and cars he can collect along the way.

And Kody, getting four  McMansions costing almost two MILLION dollars does not mean you're planning for the future. Like Papa Joe said earlier, sometimes you got to learn how to walk before you can run.

194 comments:

  1. Wow. You summed it up great! Lots of differences in their two supposedly similar life styles. Personally, I know this sounds crazy but I like the Browns better now. At least the wives can have a voice even though we all know they have abused it at times.

    I do think the Dargers are hoping for a series of their own. There could be two like The Roloffs and The Little Couple.

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  2. Got to Get Me a Sausage TopDecember 7, 2012 at 10:24 AM

    Well that is a good summary. I like it!

    Still, I like the kid who really got it all in a "nutshell" who described Joe as "big balled and intimidating" - so I guess that would make Kody "a little balled and wimpified".

    I rest my case.

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    1. "Big, BALD and intimidating" ;) But yeah it did sound like an anatomical comment on first listening.

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    2. Got to Get Me a Sausage TopDecember 7, 2012 at 11:22 AM

      I know.....I just couldn't help myself! LOL!

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    3. LITTLE BALLED and WIMPIFIED hahah OH lord I laughed and laughed hahah

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  3. I'm sorry to be mean..but I can't bear to look at the face Meri is making when Koty is talking about packing the car in the above picture..she looks downright UGLY and hateful..

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    1. Got to Get Me a Sausage TopDecember 7, 2012 at 11:13 AM

      And you haven't had a moment like that when your husband was being a "boob"? Unfortunately hers was caught on film. Thank goodness mine have not. LOL!

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    2. However, Meanie has had 3 seasons under her belt (by CHOICE) to *know* when the cameras are on her.....
      Just saying.



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    3. To tell you the truth..no, I have respect for my husband..there's a difference between voicing your feelings and opinions in a respectable manner..it's like she disrespects him to make him pay for the "lifestyle"she willingly chose..and hey, she even chose Robin..

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    4. Got to Get Me a Sausage TopDecember 7, 2012 at 7:02 PM

      While my hubby and I do not disagree often, I am not as perfect as the two of you, and do have my moments on occasion. This does not mean I don't respect my hubby. Disagreements from time to time are part of a normal relationship. Albiet, Meri's are frequent, but she likely has 100 times more reasons, than I have, to be upset with that boob she married. Who could live in the mess these folks have put themselves into and be at peace?

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    5. I honestly saw Kody actually just being a little frustrated and stressed and trying to get it better organized at that point. I didn't understand Meri's overreaction and exaggeration of him "yelling and needing to talk nicely and calm down" like she accused him of being.

      She's a helluva lot worse when she's stressed and out of control. Remember her ridiculous lecture to the whole group of kids when it was just one kid picking on one of Robyn's on their road trip?? that whole scene was so stupid and ridiculous on Meri's part and i'm sure all the teens are long sick of her (and precious Mariah) by now.

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    6. I have always thought that Meri is in charge of Kody. You can just tell by the way she talks to him. Funny thing is, he seems to take it from her. From Christine, not so much. Personally, I think Robyn sees their "disrespect" and has decided to never do that so she could enjoy the "honeymoon forever". Good move, no matter how calculated, on her part.

      I have to say that as much as I'm sure Kody lacks in the husband/father dept, I do believe in respecting one's spouse. I would hate to be on TV and be embarrassed by my hubby. However, I know he does that to them (specifically Christine) so, I guess you reap what you sow. You gotta give a little to get a little.

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    7. yeah, Kody did have a ballsy moment going with Mother Meri but then immediately backed off when she called him on it - in front of the kids and camera. Meri's a bully and can bully Kody, her sister wives and all their kids. Kody's a bully but can only bully Christine. Robyn's just a cool cucumber manipulator and passively bullies with her tears. Janelle and Christine are screwed in the bullying dept. ;'p

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  4. Well-written as always, Cynical Jinx. Especially liked this: "Kody was left looking at his sunglasses to tell him what to say next." Maybe Kody remembered that Joseph Smith purportedly had "magic glasses" to help him write the Book of Mormon, and hoped his cool shades were imbued with similar abilities?

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    1. Just give him a hat and a "magic" stone to use with his glasses and he'll be all set to define his own new religion.

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    2. Either that or he had his script crib notes written there :)

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  5. If I have to like a plg hubs, I am going for Joe. He does not intimidate me at all. If you have a large family, someone has to take charge or you have a crying, sobbing mess like Kody's brooding brood. Joe has no sense of entitlement, unlike Kody.

    PLUS - if you really believe in their "religion" I would worry more if I were one of Kody's wives about hearing my name "called" to celestial planet than if I were one of Joe's. Kody will leave Janelle and Christine behind, that's for sure.

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    1. I would take my chance at freedom at that point and become deaf and hear NO plyg hubby calling my name!! lol go ahead and send me to hell now. it's got to be better than eternal polygamy!!

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    2. Actually, anony 7:07pm, I think Carolyn Jessop wrote exactly those same words about her ex in her book.

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    3. I like Joe better as well! he seems to genuinely care about his family and be content where Cody is a train wreck and chaff in the wind.

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    4. We call it dating because we want our daughters to expect to be treated as good as her father does on the date when she dates a boy. It is an acquired saying.

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  6. Most excellent!

    You nailed it, Kody doesn't have a clue AND he doesn't want to LEARN! He needs a mentor if he's really been "called" to this "lifestyle" (cough, cult) Instead of feeling intimidated, maybe ask Papa Joe for some insight, some "lessons". Geez, there are self help books for anything and everything, don't fly by the seat of your pants with so many innocent lives at stake.

    What I find strange is before the Darger appearance, a lot of us felt that Kody was the army drill sargent, the intimidating one, that the wives bowed down to the almighty Kodouche, and so did the kids...now with this comparison, another view has been exposed-Kody has NO say, NO influence, NO respect, from his wives or kids,he's vetoed on everything and it's true, the wives "lead" HIM!

    And maybe the Darger women are all over Joe and talk sweet and lovingly is because I doubt Joe has been degrading, dismissive, uninterested in his wives...nachos anyone??

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    1. Right on in that last paragraph - remember wife #3 left her first husband so if she's not happy she can leave PJ!
      Excellent point!!

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    2. i remember reading about her background a few years ago and iirc her hubby was a scammer in some real estate deal. anyway, i thought he left all his wives and they were all digging in dumpsters scavenging for food for themselves and their kids. maybe it was on doris hansen's show Polygamy, What Love is this? or somewhere on the internet it was all posted.

      I haven't read their book so, i know i didn't read it there if it's even in there. which i kinda doubt it would be if their book is to sell peeps on the lifestyle.

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  7. Got to Get Me a Sausage TopDecember 7, 2012 at 11:05 AM

    I don't think it is suprising that the families are so different. If you look at two families that are not plygs, I think you would find that they organize and raise their families in accordance to what they feel is important to them. Why should it be any different for plygs?

    I have raised by family in a much different way than say my best friend, or my sister.

    I think that is true of us all.

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  8. Am I the only person who thinks Robyn looks pregant?

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    1. Well - if she is the new breeding stock, she had better be!

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    2. Not as pregnant looking as Janelle, Meri or Christine. As we all know looks can be deceiving.

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    3. I've been wondering and posting about Robyn being pregnant and after seeing that one picture above with all of them standing (she is wearing a tight orange shirt and white little vest), IMO she IS pregnant and DID boogie board while pregnant... That ain't no pooch, that is a BABY BELLY! Thanks for the great pictures and AWESOME recap Cynical Jinx! We don't have cable so I can't watch this and the pictures and recaps are wonderful.

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  9. I always look forward to your reviews :)

    You didn't mention Kody leaving the couch though? I seriously think he was aghast at the wives praising Darger and he left the couch in a seemingly humourous way but with genuine undertones of being pissed about it. I also thought there was a lot of male competition going on with Kody and Joe and truth be told I'm not sure how comfortable Kody was with Joe constantly trying to demonstrate how organised he is vs how chaotic Kody's approach is.

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    1. I don't think PJ was "showing off" per se - I think he was just being himself. I tend to be the same way when leaving on a trip or setting goals with deadlines - this weekend for me being a perfect example as I am a very goal-oriented person- this weekend's goal was to repaint the kitchen so I could meet my 2012 goal of repainting my entire pad! Joe would understand - Kody could've cared less - he expects others to do for him which is why he's not interested in purchasing a fixer upper house or working on modifying the Lehi home. IMO

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    2. I agree anony 11:11. I think that was the gist of the script this episode. Team Darger vs. Team Brown and Team Darger obviously won, so everyone should be anxious and ready to tune into their upcoming one hour featured show to learn more about them. pretty elementary. we're easy! lol

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    3. I thought the same thing when kody left the couch and they all laughed at him (except Kristine) I think he was acting as if he were joking but he was secretly pissed. I mean they were ALL fawning over Joe.

      I think Joe went above and beyond trying to compete with kody. His comments about "keeping up with the Jones'.. Or the Darger's just prooved that he's a pompous ass who wanted to show off how structured his family is and how hott his wives are.

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  10. Spot-on, as usual, CJ. Skeevy, indeed!

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  11. Just about the only thing that would have made this episode better.. would have been Christine serving Papa Joe a big plate of nachos!

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    1. On the Darger Blog, one of the wives had wrote that one of the meals Christine made a burrito salad type meal... not exactly nachos but who knows she may have use tortilla chips in the mix too...Lol

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  12. Good write-up! I bet anything Kody completely expected Christine to take a few swipes at him when it came to discussing the Dargers. I think he was kinda smiling about it because she could have been a lot more mean and he knew it!lol

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  13. I honestly think that neither Jenelle or Christine could live JD's family life, just like they don't feel like they could live with their own "Sisterwives" anymore. The Brown women have felt the life of monogamy AND THEY LIKE IT. They can't admit it, but they truly like having their independence. There is no going back to the life of what we (the outside) see as a polygamist family.

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    1. I think sharing a kitchen is abuse. I wouldn't want to share a kitchen or a house either. I agree with you completely! They like what we have. Independence!

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    2. I could share a kitchen - a penis - not so much!

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    3. Got to Get Me a Sausage TopDecember 7, 2012 at 1:42 PM

      I think having to use a kitchen is abuse! I need a sister wife who wants to be tied to the stove day in and day out. I have had 25 years of meal making and I am done.

      Well maybe a dietician and meal service.

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    4. OH I love that...same here kitchen sure come on it...a penis I THINK NOT...

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    5. I disagree. I feel that Janelle and Christine would both do well in PJ family.

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    6. I don't think. Joe would tolerate Christine allowing her kid to skip school whenever she feels like it.

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    7. The reason I think Janelle and Christine would do well in PJ family (not that he would ever have them) is because he lets his expectations and high standards be known, and I feel that both of those women would do well with that kind of husband. I don't think you would see Christine letting the girls skip if she were with PJ. I feel she would raise the children differently with the kind of support he provides. PJ would treat these ladies well, make them feel worth something, and in turn I feel they would do wonderful things in that kind of family. We already know Janelle does this already in this crappy family, and I truly feel Christine just needs some guidance and company and she would do very well and blossom as an individual. I don't think Janelle and Christine necessarily want to be in separate houses and have tense relationships with sister wives. I think they would enjoy the kind of relationship the Darger sister wives have and PJ (although I do have many issues with him) seems to try and help to nurture the relationships between the ladies.

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  14. A lot of people comment that the women should leave (mainly Janelle & Christine) but the realty of this situation is, these women have been "brainwashed" to believe in a cult that teaches you that youronly way to heaven is to latch yourself to a man that will call u up. I say CULT bc Christianity teaches us that there is one way thought heaven:Jesus Christ.

    If they believe the only thing standing in their way between heaven & hell is Kody, you can believe they will "keep sweet" regardless how abused, depressed, drained, or how little self esteem they have.

    Not to mention the obvious: aging over weight women with a litter of kids isn't.necessarily the pick of the litter for any other man regardless what religion he believes in.

    We can all agree, meri is selfish, janelle is lost, christine is well christine, and robyn doesn't kniw what really going on. Kody goes any way the wind blows. Our only real hope for escape is that the kids see the big MESS that this situation really is and leave in order to break the cycle

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    1. Could not agree with you more, Erika...I have posted previously on here that it is easy for US to see that the wives, especially Janelle and Christine, would be so much happier leaving this 'lifestyle' and living their own lives becaue we are on the outside looking in...but we have to look at this through THEIR eyes, and like you stated, Erika, they have been brainwashed to believe that this lifestyle is their ticket to heaven....it is truly sad and heartbreaking to me, not just for the wives, but for their kids, too....and I have lots of hope that some of the kids (YaY Maddie!! And Christine's little girl who went to the dance with Logan) already see that this lifestyle isn't for them...

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    2. I'm hoping when Maddie moves out & establishes her own independence & gets married & has a family of her own, that she'll start encouraging her mom to leave the circus once in for all. Maybe by then Logan, Maddie, & Hunter will extend a helping hand to their mom & siblings to finally leave this crazy life & start making it on her own, since she seems to be a self starter... Guess time will only tell. I'm thinking, once Kody kicks the bucket, then the SW will definitely go their separate ways. Christine would probably want to be reassigned to another husband so she won't be left out to fend for herself.

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  15. Got to Get Me a Sausage TopDecember 7, 2012 at 11:39 AM

    Right on! Just a Thought - perfectly said. But, when you have made your bed you have to lay in it. The "TV plyg" thing is paying their way to more autonomy, and I am sure you are right....it feels great! They simply do not have the life experience, or raised in a supportive family, or the necessary education to know how to support themselves and be independant in the real world.

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  16. "You've got a situation where a man is married to twin sisters and their cousin, and Joe is openly affectionate to each one in front of each other.
    That's natural???? Geez Louise!!"

    I guess that it's no more unnatural than only being affectionate with your spouse once or twice a week. But the Dargers have been doing things this way for 20+ and 10+ years so by now it probably doesn't seem strange to them at all. They also seem like more affectionate people in general than the Browns do. I've seen pictures of Val and Vicki sitting with each others kids and reading and being close but according to a blog post by Val, Christine is the only adult in the Brown family that even like to snuggle with the kids. Janelle seems against PDA just because of her personality and because Kody and Meri used to be all over each other. The Dargers acknowledge that they are jealous sometimes but they seem to find ways to deal with it or solve what's making them jealous. Whereas the Browns idea of problem solving is stopping or ignoring whatever is causing the problem. Plus it is much easier to be openly affectionate when there are only two wives and for many years it was just Alina and Vicki. With two wives you can all hold hands, hug, sit next to each on the couch, ect. No one gets left out.

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    1. I don't know how many women that have told me that they wanted a husband that would "look after them" - and these ladies being outside the "plyg gig".

      Inside or ourside of the faith many women have been raised to be dependant.

      Time for all of us ladies to "buck up" our child rearing and not let our girls be coned by some pair of trousers out there.

      Delete
    2. I remember in the first season when Kody tried to hug Janelle or be affectionate and she basically shoved him off of her. If I am remembering correctly Kody looked hurt. I totally get not being a touchy-feely person. I know some people commented earlier that they thought Janelle was looking at the Darger's PDA on the beach longlingly, but I personally think she was kind of grossed out/intrigued. I don't see her wanting that at all with Kody. Who knows, maybe if she was with somebody different she would feel differently, but maybe not. I am not into being super affectionate in public either. I don't really even enjoy hugging people, I feel like it is an obligation and would rather not but will if someone else initiates it.
      And Bellarina, Freya is my daughter's name too! It is an old family name (I am Scandinavian) and have always loved it.
      Hope everyone has a great weekend! Freya

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    3. I agree, I don't think that was Janelle being sad about not getting any. That looked like her being grossed out and wanting to yell "Get a room!"

      My husband and I are Scandinavian as well! All our kids have Scandinavian names too. Gotta love tradition

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    4. It's strange to me that the Brown wives have issues with sharing a kitchen and issues with PDA. I always thought they said that polygamy makes you a better person? Isn't it supposed to make you more generous, understanding, kind, loving, closer and more of a family, it helps you realize your jealousies and issues within yourself so that you can eliminate them and be a better person from it? These women have their jealousies and they have their issues with each other they're just not working through them. If they can't even stand the sight of him kissing another sister wife then they have a lot to work on. They're obviously not working through their jealousies and they're all obviously not better people from polygamy. What's the point of it all?

      Delete
    5. I agree Rachael & U would think after 20+ years there would be some compromise & sisterly bond type frienship formed. But there's lots of jealousy,anger,spite,dishonesty, no trust, instability, etc...still very rampid in the Brown bunch!

      Delete
    6. I feel that part of the reason why there are still those issues with the Browns is because the Browns are far less religious than the Dargers. I feel like with the Dargers, everything they do is for their faith and for their family. You could never say that about the Browns. Rachel is so right; the way in which they practice polygamy does not make them better people or less jealous (if you could actually even believe that you can overcome jealousy, which I don't). I think it's sad that after all this time there is still no trust or sisterly love between them. I can relate to the Dargers when Val said that it's a sense of comfort to know that your husband loves your sister wife too and cares for you all and your family. The Browns don't have that. All four of the wives are so insecure and caught up in their own selfishness that I don't think any of them have ever even wanted a real sister wife relationship with the other wives. They are a poor example of a functioning plural family because there is no effort even made to work together as one family.

      Delete
    7. It's just another example as to why polygamy doesn't work and is so painful. You can either act out with your emotions (like the Browns) or you can suppress them (like the Darger's) - who also say that there are times where jealousies erupt- either way you're jealous on the inside. It's the same thing in God's eyes. It's like setting yourself up for constant failure. There are enough things/ people/ relationships in this work that will "refine" you and make you a better person without having to share your husbands penis and attention and love. Polygamy makes everyone a worse person whether it they are worse on the inside or out. Just my opinion.

      Delete
    8. I don't feel like polygamy makes me a worse person or a better person. My marriage doesn't define my life or who I am as a person. I feel bad for anyone, polygamist or monogamist, whose self worth is defined by their spouse or marriage or religion. I become a better person every time I acomplish something I set out to do or learn a lesson or overcome something or am selfless in my actions; those are things that will make anyone a better person. Everyone deserves to be respected and while I see mutual respect more so from the Dargers, I don't see it from the Browns. If you want to live polygamy do so because you feel that it's the lifestyle choice that is right for you, not because your religion tells you it's the way to a greater place in heaven and will make you a better person. Just my opinion haha.

      Delete
  17. Well written. Kody is just a mess. Makes me laugh to see how he is so disorganized. Joe and his family have it down. Papa Joe has a job and comment sense. It would be healthy for Janelle to leave. She is the only one capable of standing on her own. The other three are a wreck. Always crying about this or that. I hope they get those houses pd for soon. It might be goodbye train wreck sister wives while the working class absorbs more debt to this group of unemployed welfare takers.

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    Replies
    1. Ilove this show because, with the exception of Janelle, they all make me feel like a genious!

      Delete
  18. I don't find Papa Joe's personality intimidating. I find his organization and delegating and leadership normal. Probably because both my dad and stepdad were similar---whenever there was trip, we were given the time we were leaving the day before, how much luggage each of us were allowed to have. Then, we would get ourselves up and ready the day of the trip, hand our bag to my dad for loading the car. And we usually left within 15 min, early or late, if not on time of what was stated. Only difference with my step dad was that my mom couldn't stand how he packed the car so she did it. As all the kids left home, my step mom decided to live life in a more "fluid" way and felt that my dad was too controlling so, they now leave when she determines she is ready or they take separate cars on the trip. This would frustrate me but it's her way so we all deal with it.

    In my home, we determine a time...and like Papa Joe, if the set time is 8 but we don't leave until 10, barring emergencies, I'm going to be frustrated and so is my husband. I have given that same look that Meri is giving to Kody when we are doing something like packing for trip....so we found a solution that works for us.
    Every family has their way that makes them work.

    And just because we didn't see the Darger Wives voice their opinions as loudly as the Brown Wives, doesn't mean they don't. And it doesn't mean that Papa Joe just "pretends" to listen either. We don't really know.

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  19. Good summary.

    I'm reading the Darger book now. (I'm more interested in historical polygamy than modern polygamy, so I didn't rush out to get it.)

    But a couple of points -- the book is what I call "Sunday School" writing. It's meant to be inspirational, and a lot of times, you get the impression that this means things get glossed over. Not only in their own marriage, but for instance, in Val's first marriage. Sometimes, by saying little, you end up telling the read a lot more that you didn't mean to, and then by glossing over it, you leave it up the reader's imagination. It ends up making it sound like they "doth protest too much" -- by saying too little, too casually.

    Second -- these folks are clearly very religious people, which is very different from the Browns. I believe that Janelle has a strong testimony. (It creeps into her casual language.) Christine comes from the background, as does Robyn, and I believe they have a cultural appreciation, perhaps, of polygamy, but none of the Browns speak of it the way the Dargers do -- not even in their book. This doesn't mean they (the Browns) don't believe or anything, just that they don't seem to have the same grounding in religion that I believe the Dargers do.

    Third -- the kitchen discussion with the Browns is just fluff for the cameras. I say this because it's clear in the book that none of the Darger family members shared kitchens. I'm telling you, sharing a kitchen is much, much less common than they are making it out to be. It's all just heightened melodrama to pitch in to the "will they or won't they get the houses" storylines.

    Four -- What is it with the Daddy/daughter dating talk? The Dargers use it in their book, and Kody uses it with his daughters. I have a daughter My husband will never, ever, go on a date with her! Ewwwww.

    Five -- I hadn't realized that Alina was the younger sister of Joe's father's second wife. (Try typing that five times fast!) The trouble with polygamy is that no matter what, you get "weird" even when you don't "do weird."

    Six -- there is a flat out falsehood in the book. They mention that "most scholars" believe that Joseph Smith received a prophecy of plural marriage in the 1830's, when he was first getting the texts and translating the book of Mormon. This is not what "most scholars" believe at all. Perhaps most POLYGAMOUS "scholars" believe this, but not even pro-polygamous history scholars think this. The Doctrine of Plural marriage is very much an 1840's revelation. Naturally, the polygamists would like to claim that polygamy has always been tied to the very formation of the church itself, but there is no evidence for this other than wishful thinking, and stating it that way in the book, without any disclaimer, is a disservice to readers. Yes, the LDS church has done a lot of whitewashing on the subject. But that doesn't mean the other side should go back and rewrite history too.

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    1. I have seen several stories with pictures on the Dargers and they always shared a kitchen. I've read the book and I'm not sure what you mean by that.

      Delete
    2. Now I thought that the Darger's have one large kitchen with areas for all the wives to work in. Am I worng?

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    3. >>I hadn't realized that Alina was the younger sister of Joe's father's second wife. >>

      Sometimes I'll be reading this blog and just burst into hysterical (nervous?) laughter and my daughter just looks at me.

      At this point are they just ALL really second and third cousins? Seriously. You can't do that generation after generation without consequences- some of which are brought up in the few books I've read (Elissa Wall and Flora Jessop)

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    4. word on the street is that they are identical twins, which would make their children by the same man, genetic as well as celestial siblings

      Delete
    5. Thanks for these points, GEML! I haven't read the Darger book book because I"m not sure it'll be all that enlightening. The fact that they gloss over certain areas makes me think that there's more style than substance in the book.

      I wish that F8F/TLC would quit the shenanigans. The situation is interesting and sensational enough without the extra fakery. The way the show portrayed the Darger's views on sharing a kitchen made it seem like the Darger's were all harmoniously sharing their kitchens and living as one in peace. This, in turn, made the Dargers look better, polygamy-wise, than the Browns. If the Dargers don't share a kitchen then the situation reads very differently.

      Sigh. I really don't like being manipulated this way.

      Delete
    6. I'm reading Love times three, too but in chapter 10 A day in the life...Alina talks in detail about their house. It's 5500 square foot, 2 level brick home that has one kitchen. In fact she talks about when the kitchen was remodelled, they put in a split level counter design to accomodate both Alina (who's tall) and Val (who's short). She even mentions that the kitchen is large enough to hold a kitchen table for the entire family and that more than one person can work in the kitchen at one time. I can't find anything to say that they have separate kitchens.

      GEML can you provide a page where they say they don't share a kitchen?

      Delete
    7. I'm sorry, it's my fault for not being clear. None of the extended Darger families shared a kitchen. Meaning that Joe's mothers, Alina's mothers, and Vicki and Val's mothers all either have separate home and or separate kitchens for all or most of their marriages.

      I just don't like how the show is making the shared home/ shared kitchen the norm (it certainly is not) when all it is was a way of ratcheting up tension about the homes. I say this because it is brought up during both the adult dinner AND during the kids session. What kids talk about kitchen sharing?????

      It's scripted.

      Delete
    8. Regarding daddy/daughter dating, I think that is incredibly sweet. IMHO it shows a daughter what to expect in a relationship with a man. Of course, not from a physical standpoint, but from an emotional standpoint. Her father treats her like a princess and she comes to expect that from her future husband. I think that is a good thing, even if it is a lofty goal.

      Delete
    9. I don't get the big deal about sharing a kitchen personally, but I don't really enjoy cooking. I really don't enjoy cleaning the kitchen, so I would see it as less work in general. However, I wouldn't be down with sharing a bathroom with a sister wife. I don't know why the Brown family just doesn't admit they don't want to live together anymore and having individual kitchens in the least of it?

      Delete
    10. Kim in A b haha I had to laugh at your comment because I do that exact thing all the time! My husband looks at me and knows exactly what I'm reading when I do it too! Haha. Sometimes the stuff we read on here is just toooooo much!

      Delete
    11. GEML, Very interesting about your last point. I have also read 2 or 3 books about the history of the LDS, FLDS and polygamy and it seems pretty clear that that was a "revelation" that came much later on, much to the chagrin of Joseph Smith's wife.
      I agree with the "dating" thing. A lot of my friends with older kids do that now, and I just think it's weird. I think it's fantastic for each parent to spend one on one time with their kids and help teach them how they should be treated, but calling it dating is just not necessary! We just had a little boy a few months ago and agreed we will do this with our kids when they're older, but never ever call it "dating", cause it just give us both the heebs.

      Delete
  20. Kody's pose on the pile of luggage is disturbing(think 'do weird'). Probably due to the angle of the cameraman. Once you add the context, then it is laughable.

    I really did not need to hear that Alina was the younger sister of..... It's a wonder the children survive gestation with all the wreath like family trees.

    The Daddy/daughter dating thing must be a common theme in the very fundy or old-time religions here in the USA, because I know it has been discussed in other forums, usually in conjunction with Purity Rings and Daddy/daughter Purity Dances. Why can't they be normal and say 'spending quality time with daughters'? and then have a night the next week 'spending quality time with sons'? Instead, they want their own terminology to make themselves appear better than others. Frankly, the idea of the word 'dating' with any family member is just as disturbing as the afore-mentioned picture of Kody.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know a lot of monogamous, non religious people who call it a date too. So not just an old time religious thing I guess. Maybe it's more prevelent in certain places in the US than in others but that would just be a guess on my part.

      Delete
    2. A few of my friends call it date night w/ their kids too & I have to in the past w/ my son, but now I'm an empty nester. Whether its a mom/son or father/daughter date....& we're definitely all NON PLYGS!! ;)

      Delete
    3. I have to admit, when I was a kid, if anybody had called the times I went to ball games or the movies with my dad "date night", I would have punched them in the face. Waaaayyyy to many sexual overtones.
      Also, I don't think that the father/daughter relationship should be indicative of how the husband/wife relationship should be conducted. I think that daughters look to how their dad treats their mom as to how a mature, adult, loving relationship should be. I know that if any husband of mine treated me like their child, I would totally lose it.
      It's cute, I suppose, for those who grow up in a culture that doesn't have the semantic connotations around the word "date." It might work, but it totally creeps me out. Kind of like toddlers in make-up at Glamour Shots.

      Delete
  21. It is impossible to get over the jealously they feel because it is a natural part of being human. These thoughts and feelings can not just be shut off and in the Brown women's case, they are stifled and it breaks my heart! It is so sad to me that they feel this is the only way to get to heaven. I can't imagine not being able to be affectionate with my husband spontaneously. The thought of him with another woman just makes me sick! They brag about how wonderful polygamy is because of help with the children, they are underestimating the value of community,neighbors, co-workers, extended family... I know that if I had a problem they would step up to help me with the child rearing and any other problem I may have, and they wouldn't expect to share a bed with my husband in return!!

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  22. I just love the Dargers! I'm glad we have gotten to know them more besided on Twitter and the media junk.

    They make the Browns look even more lost and confused. Dazed even.

    ReplyDelete
  23. I wonder... what kind of "clauses" Robyn would insert into their mission statement?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I wondered that myself Anonymous @ 12:44 PM.

      Why would a mission statement even need clauses of the type she was insinuating she'd insert? I just got the impression from her tone of voice that they'd be restrictive clauses...of course I could be very wrong, but that's how I took it.

      Delete
    2. Robyn missed the whole point of a mission statement when she gleefully added that she was excited about it as long as they could each add their own clauses to it! now we're back to square one. lol ridiculous.

      anyway, she probably just wants to add Santa Claus to it. or her own "claws." just stupid.

      Delete
    3. I suspect she doesn't even know what the format of a mission statement is! One sentence dammit!!

      Delete
  24. Does anyone else find it a bit off that whenever they showed Joe and his wives during couch interviews, the wives were grabbing onto his arms? I mean, love is grand and all, but the PDA strikes me as overkill, especially when there's an odd number of wives, and poor Joe only has two arms.

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    1. yes, i thought it spotlighted the 3rd wheel wife constantly that was left with no arm to cling to. ;')

      Delete
    2. You know, when I saw poor Alina sitting on that couch with nothing to hold on to, I imagined her getting off the couch, sitting on the floor and hugging Papa Joe's leg for dear life (like the twins were doing with his arms). I wonder if she ever thought to do that?

      Delete
    3. They should've brought that fake arm along that they lay w/ at night when it's not their night w/ PJ. That way, no one would be left w/o an arm to grab on to....LOL

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    4. Oh my gosh CB, you remembered that pillow with the arm? One of the twins gave it to Alina...now I see why!

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    5. yes, i remember that pic and blog about it on their site, too! they thought it was the cat's jammers all right! well, i guess it's better to laugh about the insanity than cry about it. hah!

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  25. Freaky religious ideas are freaky religious ideas no matter what religion dictates the terms to get into heaven. People! - Figure this out for yourselves!

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  26. Longtime reader and first time poster. Coming to this blog and getting a new update and fresh comments is like Christmas!

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  27. BROWN VS. DARGER

    Papa Joe-Alpha male
    Vs.
    Kody-Alpha WIMP

    Papa Joe- JOB
    Vs.
    Kody- Grifter

    Darger wives-competitive physically for Joe's attention, controlled (sweet), balanced even though they are more Stepford than Darger, they are united, attractive, fit and loving.
    Vs.
    Brown wives-other wise known as Grumpy, Sleepy, Dopey and Goofy. They have physically given up; even new, skinny bedroom wife is packing on the girth. Emotionally depressed, medicated(?), over whelmed with emotion and seething with hate, envy and petty jealousy.

    Darger wives-admiration and respect for priest holder and leader
    Vs.
    Brown wives- serial apologist, KODY-pendent and meal tickets for their priest holder and #1 chaos invoker.

    Darger-one happy home
    Vs.
    Brown-four McMansions, isolating and divisive

    Darger's-intelligent, computer savvy, well written book and website, building a brand
    Vs.
    Brown's- to lazy to take the opportunity to build a brand or promote themselves right down to a simple daily status update on facebook

    Keeping up with the Darger's.... no contest at all.

    *disclaimer, I do not feel that body weight is a factor in happiness; however it can be an indicator and symptom to depression and emotional struggle. As always thanks to Cynical Jinx for a great review, platform and the word "KODY-pendent"...so much better than "plyg-cation."

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    1. Agree across the board !!!

      Delete
    2. Hi Lisasumms...I am glad you added the disclaimer about body weight.

      I enjoyed seeing some of your comparisons. I would add:

      Darger--No stranger to sacrifice, in fact seems to see it as a normal part of raising their family as ONE unit.
      Vs>
      Brown--Not fond of sacrifice UNLESS it is another family member sacrificing their funds for them to have a frivolous wet bar or 4 extra rooms.

      expanding on the "one happy home" comparison:

      Darger--Grasps the concept of living as ONE family, altogether, working TOGETHER for the good of the family. (And seem to enjoy being together)
      Vs.
      Brown--More interested in living separately and do not see living as ONE unit as being a goal or providing happiness.

      Darger--Hard Working leadership qualities.
      Vs.
      Brown--Entitled, whiney, victim mentality.

      P.S. Thanks CJ for a great write up!!

      Delete
  28. Good review and right on the money. I can relate much more to Joe than Kody because I, too, run my family on a schedule. I was a single parent and had to budget every penny, account for every second, and schedule every chore. Even today, my children are grown and I am now married again, but when we travel, I make a list of what I am taking and I pack everything the night before we leave and have a list of last minute packing, and those items go in before we load the luggage up. I also have a animal sitter lined up and leave a list for her about when to empty the litter box, when and what to feed, and where the favorite toys go (the cats have as much fun dragging them out as actually playing with them. I cannot imagine flying by the seat of my pants the way the brown clowns do. Even cooking is half assed. They make these high fat and high carb diets and slosh it on plates and it just seems so over cooked. I don't know. I schedule my meals (grocery shopping) the same way I budget and do chores. So much money on fresh vegetables to be served daily, so much on canned food to be served with a fresh vegetable, and protein sources. I could never live like the browns...not only because of the emotional abuse but also the lack of structure. They are not organized at all.

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  29. Personally, I see nothing of a teen saying bald and intimidating- it was like more of a joke. I was scared to a degree of my dad, who had a very organized way, but it lead me to be the same and I am grateful for it. Kody is leading his flock to make excuses.

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  30. They really need to get a new editor..it's almost maddening to see Meri and Robin crying when Meri is apoligizing to Janelle,(if you wanna call it that) then look at Robin right after that when Coty is responding, and Robin is smiling at Koty. Is it even the editing or is it really happening? Coo coo! Lol

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    1. I have said this all along...the editing SUCKS on this show and is killing them.

      You would think that after a cryfest on the couch that when the director says cut...there HAS to be some MAJOR talk between all of them...LIKE "can we not bring some of this stuff up ON AIR!!!" I just think that WE need too hear ALL of the past crap! Because honestly...if it is going to make them cry...I DON'T WANT TO SEE IT!!

      Why oh why do they think the viewing public wants to see them cry and cry and cry and cry....done, next...on to other crap.

      Delete
    2. "Crying" sells.......!!!

      Delete
    3. Just a thought. Yet you still watch. Something must be working.

      Meri admits to abusing Janelle and you want the freaking director to say..Hold on Hold on. Why are we having this crazy drama? Let's get back to how wonderful it was to eat dinner with those other polygamists!

      If you don't like it DON'T WATCH!!! oh..and then take time to comment on a niche blog. Something tells me you like the show a bit more than you let on. Keep watching!

      Delete
    4. Something tells me you like the show a bit more than you let on. Keep watching!

      And something tells me you like SWB a bit more than you let on. Please keep taking the time to comment on this 'niche' blog!

      This may be a 'niche' blog, but its OUR 'niche' blog! And it could be YOUR 'niche' blog, too.

      If you don't like SWB, you have the choice of not reading SWB. Far be it from me to demand that you never darken our doorstep again!

      Thanks for dropping by!

      Delete
    5. MEOW! Aren't you the little cat's meow. You go girl! I'm voting for Jinxy to be the mother cat of the clan! Whoooooo! Take that moran! This is OUR niche blog!

      These polagimists are so dumb! always crying ofer something. Hey! Get a life!

      Delete
    6. lol - "just a thought - NOT!" omg, we all come here to crazy vent about this crazy show about this crazy lifestyle and its own created brand of crazies. and we love doing it!! apparently you do, too! hah! (it's ok to admit it's a guilty little pleasure. geesh. come on now.)

      oh yeah - and thanks again CJ for providing us with this fun venting venue. I'll thank you in behalf of "just a thought - NOT" too! ;'p

      Delete
    7. Did i really miss something? i promise i listened VERY CAREFULLY and Meri so did not admit to abusing Janelle. She told Janelle she was sorry she felt she had done that and then made lame ass excuses for doing it. BIG DIFFERENCE.

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    8. Exactly anon 8:27. Meri never admitted. She said "Jhanelle felt like I abused her" instead if saying something along the lines of " I was rude and awful and controlling and abusive and I'm so sorry Jhanelle!" It wasn't. Sincere apology because she still doensnt feel like she is in the wrong.

      Delete
  31. Wow...been painting my kitchen and just popped in! CJ - how in earth do you find new insights after 1,000+ observations made over the past week?? Also great pix of PJ - ok he's kinda cute. :)

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    1. OMG Dakota, your post is gonna make me come clean. I think PJ is kinda cute too. There, I said it. I'm pretty sure I have been brainwashed by this whole inexplicable obsession with this show, mormons, polygamists. Now I actually think that Big Bald and Intimidating is cute. I think I'm gonna need an intervention soon. I also wanna thank CJ for the great write up on this episode.

      Delete
  32. I just thought of another new word - Im-plyg-cation as in Kody thinks the Dargers are making Im-plyg-cations that they are better at this lifestyle than he is. Lol

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  33. Although Kody's wife think they want leadership like Papa Joe's, none of them really would. They have lived many years doing it on their own, and they like it. Kody is along just for the ride.

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    1. Got to Get Me a Sausage TopDecember 7, 2012 at 6:31 PM

      I think Christine would be up for it. Her family history is long on plyg life. Since Truly was born, and Robyn the babe taking up all Kody's attention, she has found out that she doesn't want to live alone raising her children. She was right up front in the first show saying she did not just want a man - she wanted the support of a big family with sister wives to work with within the large family unit.

      Delete
    2. i so agree. Meri saying, "i could marry that!" about PJ. Both of them are control freaks. Wouldn't work for either of them in a million years. I doubt PJ would be anything but pissed w/Meri and Sobbin's constant crocodile tears as well. Those stepford wives trio would eat those two alive as well, i imagine. Christine i could see being happy as a lark mixed in with the Dargers but not sure she's PJ's cup o' tea physically. Plus i doubt he's gonna take on another huge passel of ready-made kids she'd bring to the table. literally. I kinda feel sorry for Christine and Janelle as I think they both see they picked wrong.

      Team Meri, Robyn and Kody are all dysfuncitonally fine together. and would remain so without Janelle and Christine in their mix.

      Delete
    3. I'm not smitten whatsoever w/PJ's looks. I thought he definitely had a odd Jack Black clone look going on. I thought he sounded very arrogant in his "you think you can come in based on your youth and your good looks" words he put in Alina's dad's mouth when he was against her marrying him at the same time as her cousin. blech Even if he actually was good looking, his arrogance is a huge turn-off to me.

      I'm not Team Darger any more than I'm Team Brown. they both have far more minuses than plusses to impress me much. I'm just Team Brown KIDS and Team Darger KIDS. i feel for all of them cause they've got no choice but just to be born into it and live it and see what they can overcome up the road from it all. How can that be an emotionally healthy lifestyle for 25 kids to be brought up in?

      Delete
    4. Got to Get Me a Sausage TopDecember 7, 2012 at 11:11 PM

      I look at these crazy mixed up families, and I wonder if you folks out there are like me, so gratefull for what what I have. I would be suffocated in either family. There is no situation that would prompt me to be a plyg and bring children into such disfunctional family units. Not for me!

      Delete
    5. Right there with ya Sausage top!

      Delete
    6. Omg. Anonymous 6:54. I have been trying to figure this out. Jack Black is Joe's long lost twin that I've been trying to identify!

      Delete
    7. Sausage top I totally agree! Every time I look into the emptiness of Kristine's eyes I want to lay face first on the ground and thank God for sending me such a funny husband who is obsessed with me and thank him for all of my wonderful and amazing friends who would do anything for me and don't want to bang my husband! I just cannot imagine. I also thank God for letting me into heaven on my own terms. Jesus Christ will be calling my name when I get there. Not my husband.

      Delete
    8. Rachael: Amen, sister, amen!!!

      Delete
  34. GEML, at what point did Joe's father marry Alina's sister? Did he grow up with her as an 'aunt" or was it later? At any rate, yeah, weird.

    After reading Under the Banner of Heaven, and other articles and books on the subject, the claim that "most scholars" believed that Joseph Smith received a prophecy of plural marriage, period, is just funny.

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    1. >>GEML, at what point did Joe's father marry Alina's sister? Did he grow up with her as an 'aunt" or was it later? At any rate, yeah, weird.>>

      I wondered that, too. Is she a sister, half sister, step sister, is she much older or close to the same age (ick... ick... ick...) but I decided that probably it doesn't matter- it's all in the category of 'too close' to me.

      Delete
    2. Joe was 13 when his father took a second wife. There could be a big age gap, given how large polygamous families are. (And monogamous families -- there are 15 years between my son and daughter!)

      Delete
  35. I have to wonder why the Browns keep referring to their vacation as the "Plyg-cation" or whatever they call it. We know you're "plyg." We can tell because there are 50 of you. They seem to enjoy the shock value in the reactions of others...this vacation, the Meri/Kody Mexico trip, the parent-teacher conferences, etc. Why not just leave it alone? If no one's asking, there is no need to explain, is there?

    Also, why do they need to sausage-layer at home in 100-degree Vegas heat, but can wear a beathing suit to the beach? If it's a rule at home, seems like it should be a rule everywhere. The only thing consistent about this family is that they are always inconsistent.

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    1. "The only thing consistent about this family is that they are always inconsistent."

      And there in lies the saga and impact of Kody Brown and his harem.

      Delete
    2. "Also, why do they need to sausage-layer at home in 100-degree Vegas heat, but can wear a beathing suit to the beach? If it's a rule at home, seems like it should be a rule everywhere."

      1. They don't actually believe any of the crap that they're spewing.
      2. They believe rules are for the suckers that will follow them.
      3. It's one thing for fellow-vacationers to see them in all their exposed glory, yet quite another for the neighbors
      to see.
      4. They believe that all the "sausage-layers" (means something completely different where I'm from) will just melt
      away the pounds.
      5. They are delusional and don't understand that they are a bunch of hypocrites.
      6. Refer back to 1.

      Delete
  36. Thanks Cynical Jinx! I love reading the recaps because I honestly can't sit through entire shows anymore! I'm so sick of Meri that everytime she starts the whining and crying I switch channels. Love the picture of Kody on the luggage...perfect example of what a tool he is- yuck!!!

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    1. Got to Get Me a Sausage TopDecember 7, 2012 at 11:12 PM

      Kody is like a kid with no boundaries. Very unflattering in a grown man.

      Delete
  37. It all really, logically makes no sense at all...let's be real here...soooo they can share their hubby with each other...but lord have mercy, they refuse to share a kitchen!!! Can we say..."twisted" boys and girls?

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    1. I commented on this topic earlier and how I don't understand it. I said It's strange to me that the Brown wives have issues with sharing a kitchen and issues with PDA. I always thought they said that polygamy makes you a better person? Isn't it supposed to make you more generous, understanding, kind, loving, closer and more of a family, it helps you realize your jealousies and issues within yourself so that you can eliminate them and be a better person from it? These women have their jealousies and they have their issues with each other they're just not working through them. If they can't even stand the sight of him kissing another sister wife then they have a lot to work on. They're obviously not working through their jealousies and they're all obviously not better people from polygamy. What's the point of it all?

      Delete
    2. the point of it all is to get to the highest degree of their celestial kingdom heaven just to rinse and repeat FOR ETERNITY!! No Thanks - include me out of that godforsaken sounding "heaven." lol

      Delete
  38. I don't think it's fair for Koty and Meri to lump the children up as one..and say there are gonna be 50 plygs on this trip...as we know, the kids have a choice so they have told us numerous times.

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  39. 1. Great review, CJ!
    2. Polygamy is gross and I agree with all of you who aren't about to share your spouse with another---in a spousal way, that is.
    3. Daddy/Daughter and/or Husband/Wife "date nights." Thank you to those pointing out how weird that is. I hear it here in churches (Christian) all the time. Pastors encouraging "date nights" etc. Intra-familial time together is NOT "dating." When my spouse and I go to a movie it's the natural thing to do---not a date! When my spouse and daughter do something together---well, the same thing---it's what families do.
    4. Can't believe they ran out of Christmas ornaments in the height of the season. I had no plans to buy one---but, jeepers, it doesn't make good business sense.
    5. Kody v. Joe: Neither is appealing because polygamy is so UNAPPEALING.
    6. Strange, but true: I like Kody's longish hair.

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    1. I'm with you on the NEITHER Kody or Joe plyg pick vs. pick the better of the two. blech

      Delete
  40. This little plyggy cried wee wee!December 7, 2012 at 3:51 PM

    I've been reading this blog for awhile, and at times I've felt some of you were a little extra critical of the Browns,but Kody did say something that made me angry in this episode. In reference to Joe saying they should share a kitchen, Kody gets all self-righteous, like that's great for them but don't try to put your beliefs on us. Say wha!? They are the ones who spent an entire season agonizing because they couldn't be in the same house together (back when they first got the rentals), who were crying at Christmas because they would all have to go back to their seperate houses, and who pledged they would raise their children as siblings. I thought the point of having sister wives was that you're not just married to the man but each wife pledges her friendship and love to her sisterwives. What liars! Abuse isn't 4 wives (and a husband!, geez what year is this?) sharing a kitchen, abuse is seeing your kids barely twice a week. Man up Kody, Woman up Janelle, Christine, Meri, and Robyn!

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    1. Got to Get Me a Sausage TopDecember 7, 2012 at 6:33 PM

      Once you get the taste of the "good life" it is hard to go back.

      Delete
    2. Not to mention Kody saying he was disappointed in Christine and Meri when they said they liked the one on one attention they got when he visited their houses albeit less frequently

      Delete
  41. Great job on the review!!

    I especially appreciate that putting aside all their senseless, fake dramas of surrogate/or not, houses/or not, wet bar or not, etc, etc, blah, blah.....
    your review really gets down to what is left on the table with this family, inspiring the reader to wonder just how long can the Browns' now so obvious individual and collective dysfunctions go on unchecked before they just implode as a family or become chronically, emotionally toxic.

    Whether the intention was deliberate or not to set up the comparison between the Browns and the Dargers ...and it would be interesting to know if that was a production ordered idea or was it conjured up by the Browns themselves.....
    It certainly did not improve the Browns image at all. At least not to me.

    The really sad part is that the Dargers really didn't have to do much at all to come off looking better and more normal than Kody and Co.

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  42. Christine looks like she's lost weight!! I think she looks good! And Robyn definitely looks pregnant again. Just thought I'd point that out for the bazillionth time

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    1. I don't see any difference in their weights. Janelle looks bigger though. How can they say they work out too when they don't look any different than 1 1/2 ago.

      Delete
    2. Charlottsmom, I assume they haven't lost weight while working out because they still leat an unhealthy diet. I see them eat out a lot, and the stuff I've watched them serve for dinner looks like junk. They have to eat less calories than they expend on a daily basis...assuming they workout for 30 minutes on a treadmill, they probably max out their calorie-burning at maybe 200 calories a day and if they have a BMR of around 1500...if they haven't corrected their diets, they are certainly consuming more calories than they're burning, because they would have to be eating less than 1700 calories a day to begin to lose weight. To lose a pound, they'd have to create a deficit of 3500 calories over time. I seriously doubt they're eating the 1200 calories a day it would require for them to lose about a pound of week, assuming the calorie counts I did are accurate. They're probably bulking up, sadly. Gaining some muscle but not losing the fat.

      Delete
    3. Definitely agree - coming from both the viewpoint of personal experience and observation after the last 6-7 years as a fitness professional - genes are important sure but habit and environment more so. I suspect the Browns overall consume far more calories than they burn - with the exception of Logan and Hunter. Both Janelle's kids - so much for genetics.

      Delete
  43. Can anyone tell me why Robyn has Sol with her everywhere? Is that to get Kody's attention? To make her look too busy to work and bring in money? To make it look like she's not ready to have another? Why? Can't understand it.

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    1. She is probably breastfeeding and still needs to cart him around with her if she doesn't pump...that's pretty much the only reason I would find to be acceptable. Especially since Taralyce is there now to nanny.

      Delete
  44. After apparently being one of the few people here not "squicked out" by the twin thing, I've come to the conclusion that I read WAY too many VC Andrews novels ...
    But really it makes sense. Polygamy - at least the religious type - runs in families and is a fairly small community in the context of the total population of the western US. Not a lot of women willing to accept all the accompanying BS. So it makes sense that we see these close family ties.

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    1. I agree. The twins issue doesn't bother me so much, thinking about how incestuous and closed the polygamy community really is. And also yeah, too many VC Andrews novels LOL.

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    2. Yeah. The twin thing does more than gross me out. It makes me physically ill. Completely not okay with me and I wouldn't watch or support the Dargers because I have such an issue with that. Sorry, I just can't get past it.

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  45. Please shed some light on this (for me) because I'm slightly confused. If their reason for being Sister Wives is because this will help them get to Heaven, then why don't they seem to mind if their children don't "choose this lifestyle"? Don't they want their daughters to get into Heaven? Have I misunderstood their reason for choosing Polygamy?

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    1. They know that not everyone can live the life that they chose to live. Not everyone is cut out for their life style, so why force their children into a life that they would be miserable in if they could be happy?

      My father believes in God and believes that going to church will bring him closer to God and I am the complete opposite but he respects my decision. The issue of a parents religion being inflicted on a their children is not a polygamous issue but rather is social one.

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    2. Personally, I have to say (and I've said it before) that when a person truly believes in a particular religion, I don't see how they would not want it for their own children. True, their children may not go their way, but if you really believe that (for example) Jesus is the only way to Heaven, I don't see how you would not want that for your children. I would be praying and praying for my kids to come to know and love the God that I have. When I hear people who claim to believe a certain way say they don't care if their child chooses no religion (Meri said this once) or it doesn't matter what religion their child chooses (many say this), then I am inclined to think that they really are not all that serious about what they believe.

      Delete
    3. I guess I just don't understand the "Conviction" they talk about or the "Religious Freedom" they are fighting for if they don't expect their own children to follow through with it also. I agree that as parents we should let our children make their own choices but if I felt that my son would be condemned to Eternity in Hell I wouldn't be so casual about his "choices". It's not as if we're talking about whether or not he'll go to trade school versus college. If you're going to try and sell me on your religious beliefs then I would expect you to want the same for your own children instead of "just hoping they choose this lifestyle". (is it a lifestyle or a religious belief?)

      Delete
    4. I think it depends on the beliefs in question. For example, I am Christian but I happen to think that God made more than 1 'covenant' or agreement with us. If you follow the tenants of whatever religion you feel works for you, then to me you have met the burden required. Therefore, I belie
      ve you can be Jewish and get to heaven, you can be Christian to get to heaven, you can be Muslim (NOT a terrorist) and get to heaven. If you read the bible, you will see that Jesus does not void the Jewish religion, he adds to it with Christianity for the Gentiles.

      That is why some woman, for example, feel wearing skirts is required for them, but they don't care if someone who thinks wearing pants is ok wears pants. It is just that you have to follow what you believe... not say one thing and do another.

      Maybe that is what the Browns and Dargers also believe. They seem to feel that since they feel polygamy is required, then they must live in polygamy. If their children don't feel polygamy is required, then the children can be monogamous.

      Delete
  46. I don't think it has to be an either/or question with regard to Brown vs, Darger. Being plopped down in either of these families would make me slit my wrists. Joe's style is repugnant, IMO. Krody is just a loser. None of these people seem to work TOGETHER, either as spouses or as families. Being told what to do would never work with me. And I don't boss my husband around, either. We work as a team, and respect each other, in the true sense of the word. Not through intimidation, and not by the rockpaperscissors method.
    Surely there is a happy medium in some polygamous family SOMEWHERE. As dopey as Kody is, what business was it of Joe's to assign the Browns' sleeping arrangements? On their numerous vacations, that never seemed to be an issue. So, I don't think Joe gets any stars for taking over that task. I can't think of a man (or woman) I know who wouldn't tell him, in so many words, to mind his own damn business.

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    1. If the browns didn't want to accept joe's recommendations/suggestions then they didn't have to...

      Delete
    2. Sure they could, but it was still rude and presumptuous of Joe.

      Delete
    3. Agreed anonymous. It was very rude. And it is part of the controlling aspect of Joe that is so off-putting.

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  47. I think they do mind. But at worst, their children will be with them on their own planet.

    There are various stages of godhead, and not everyone achieves the highest levels (in fact, very few people achieve the highest form.) The first is getting your priesthood membership if you are a man, or accepting a priesthood holder if you are woman (usually your father then your husband.) That at least gets you on the planet. Then marriage gets you through "the veil" -- which is why in a Mormon marriage ceremony you get you "special name" (for women, I know it's usually "Sarah" or some other Old Testament name. For men it's often Adam.) Many of the Endowment rituals are based upon going through an Old Testament play and others are based upon similar ones found in Masonic Orders, which were a particular fascination to Joseph Smith.

    Then there is the Covenant of Celestial Marriage -- taking two wives is good, three wives is better, seven or more is best. Three and seven have mystical properties, by the way. (See biblical and Masonic references above.) Only someone with seven plus wives can achieve the highest number. You don't actually have to have a physical relationship with all wives -- they only need to be sealed to you, which is interesting. There is some speculation (and this is all it is, speculation) that one of the ways contemporary LDS members get around the Doctrine of Celestial Marriage (which is still on the official Doctrine and Covenant books) is by sealing themselves to people who have died through baptism of the dead. This way, they will "call" to these wives on the other side, thus making sure they have the proper number of wives in the afterlife for their godship. I have no idea at all if this is true, and it wouldn't even be something that would be happening at the ward level if it is -- like I said, it would be something only being offered to those who pass the highest levels of secrecy and leadership in the church hierarchy. Polygamy was never, even in the earliest years, something that was permitted for anyone and everyone.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. GEML, VERY interesting! Thanks for the information! Awesome stuff.

      Delete
  48. Don't you think that if sisters get along, that would be much better in this type of situation than a stranger? You get isolated from your family. I certainly would want mine over a Robyn.
    I applaud Joe for actually talking about their reasons. Not afraid to say religion.
    Not afraid of being arrested. Keeping his family in an area where they can go to church. I feel he consults his wife, and thinks of their feelings when making decisions. Just don't think he is as bad as everyone makes him out to be.

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    1. I have to be honest...there is no way I could share a husband with my sister. I see the viewpoint that you are coming from, but these women did not seem isolated to me at all. They look very modern and current. From what I read on their own website, Alina is considering going to school to get a degree in design, and Valerie owns her own business. The women are trendy in style, look like they get their hair done and take care of themselves. They aren't "oppressed" like a lot of the plyg families we see on t.v.. My sister and I are extremely close, almost like twins we often say, and there is no way I would want her sharing a bed with my husband, nor would I want to share one with hers. Just my opinion though.

      Delete
  49. There is enough available drama with four wives and one husband. The producers don't need to invent things such as the nail-biting over getting home mortgages. Obviously Browns are making a nice salary as participants in a tv show. In what universe would Christine who is unmarried (legally)and without a work history or a present job qualify for any type of mortgage, let alone one on a McMansion, if she didn't have this income? Do you think someone should mention to Meri that wet bars are generally used for making alcoholic drinks? Why on earth does she need one? None of their homes, vacations or cars would be possible without TLC. I wish they would just acknowledge that and not treat the audience like dunces.

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    1. plus all their welfare received in the past has been courtesy of the taxpayers and their bankruptcies have been courtesy of us people who pay our bills and get to pay higher prices for their irresponsibility. their creditors don't just eat those losses. we do.

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    2. Bingo, Anonymous 11:26. Multiply that by the number of polygamists who are "bleeding the beast" and it's even more disturbing. I resent paying for the irresponsibility of others.

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  50. Just a thought, some people commented (I know its been a whole episode ago) about Maddie not wanting to be a Plyg and Kody shooting her a disgusted look, It does reflect badly on their religion if all their kids don't remain in their religion, it does look bad since they're spreading their "message" about how Plygness is healthy and happy. I'm sure the kids are coached to skirt the issue and never say right out unless they are for it. Depressing...

    It really cracked me up how much the Dargers seemed to be eye rolling or mocking the Browns. Joe strikes me as a controlling jerk but if I was in the position of having to chose (ew) I'd pick his family over the Browns because he seems to keep the woman from growing these resentments against each other. Kody almost seems to enjoy when his wives fight or have hurt feelings. And then he "Stays out of it" and thats crazy considering isn't the point of the Man in this lifestyle supposed to be the King, the leader, or whatever. Joe has it figured out, Kody is just enjoying getting to flaunt his girlfriends in front of each other (screwing around is so much easier when you don't have to hide it).

    I don't get the kitchen thing, maybe I'm crazy but if you have "Sister" Wives wouldnt you expect to live with them and share things with them?

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  51. yeah, someone mentioned that out of PJ's 18 brothers and sisters all raised in polygamy with him, that he's the only one that chose it for himself. That didn't seem to be too good of marketing PR for being raised in it. But kudos to those 18 that all chose not to continue the insanity w/a bunch more plygs brought into the world to perpetuate it further.

    I know that's a drop in the bucket but it seems for every plyg family, they're bringing 20 or more kids into it. Some of those FLDS and other plyg kids that have been featured have had 40-50 kids in their families! Given that, it seems like rabbits multiplying!! Then you add in that so many of them commit welfare fraud (yeah, i know Browns - none of you have! hah!) it's all very costly to the law abiding taxpayer to support their religious lifestyle. ;'(

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  52. I would like to ask them this question. I know mainstream Mormons have the 13 Articles of Faith. I'm assuming Dargers believe those as a tenet of their mormon faith as well since they call themselves Mormons. Anyway, the 12th article of faith states:

    We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.

    Polygamy is clearly against the law. How do they justify breaking that law based on one of their faith's tenets?

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Like in Christianity, Following God is first.. And we ate supposed to follow and abode by the rules of the land UNLESS they go against God. So, to polygamist.. Their belief in multiple children comes before the governments law on that subject.

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    2. But that's not what their 12th article of faith states. It doesn't contain the important caveat you stated. ;')

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    3. I don't really know any Christian churches either that have a "God law" that goes against our country's laws. What are those Christian churches besides mormon polygamous ones??

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    4. In the USA, where we have so much religious freedom, it is not often that religious rights get challenged or Christians can't freely express their beliefs.

      In the NT, the classic example of obeying the laws of government is when Jesus tells the pharisees that they need to pay taxes. ("Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's.") I would extropolate that means "don't buck the system." I think fundamentalist mormons are bucking the system a lot (for example: welfare fraud, bankruptcies, tax fraud).

      Delete
    5. To be fair, many polygamous Mormons did try to stay within the law, especially early on. Polygamy wasn't illegal, when the revelation was first made. When it did become illegal, they went to the Utah territories, which weren't under US jurisdiction until after the Mexican-American war. Then, many Mormon families went to Canada and Mexico rather than break US law. They also tried to fight it in the courts so they wouldn't be against the law (they lost, and, I believe, will continue to lose, assuming their case ever makes it to the Supreme Court.)

      Delete
  53. The "plyg-cation" talk annoyed me too. I hate when they try to tack plyg onto every words. If they used that on certain things, it could be cute. Like if Mariah decided to take Latin in college, she could say she's taking Plyg Latin and I would smirk. But plygcation? Oh my Plyg, that's so irritating.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. in reality, being called "plyg" by outsiders is a derogatory label to them. They're just letting outsiders know they own it and are taking away the power of its insult. that's why they overuse it but also why Robyn was laughing and shaking her head when Meri and Kody kept calling it that. But mostly, Kody's always labeling it "our lifestyle of choice" and the wives are always referring to it as "plural marriage." that's the "respectful" way they wish outsiders would address it as well.

      but i still just go with "plygs." ;')

      Delete
    2. They've used that term since the first season. Especially when it comes to the kids and the school situations. It rolls out of their mouth pretty easily for someone who might be offended. I'm sure that offensive terms for various people are not easily used by people who take offense at whatever term it is.

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  54. The Special Education teacher in me is so thankful (yet shocked) that the producers haven't jumped on exploiting Robchin's son's Autism Spectrum Disorder. I'd hate to have 4 mom's and a bumbling dad show up for an IEP team meeting to shock and awe me like those bogus parent teacher conferences. However, having 4 parents at an IEP meeting or parent teacher conference isn't really unheard of either - in many blended families 4 parents is the norm. Nothing I would run home to talk about with my husband, or that any fly on the wall would find the least bit interesting. I can't imagine what it is like for that child living in that kind of chaos - that it hasn't been a focus makes me hope that Robyn actually is not as much as a ding bat as the producers have made her out to be.

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  55. I come to this blog often. Is very eye opening and just plain old good fun. I was just thinking to myself, "self, do you think the Brown's come here and read, or sare i say post from time to time." So then I wrote it here guessing someone might maybe answer

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    1. I think they do or at the very least have friends/people who know them who visit this blog and probably comment. If you Google "Sister Wives", I think this blog comes up pretty early in the search engine. I wouldn't be surprised if some of them post here too :)

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  56. Great review CJ & thank you all for having this awesome niche blog for all of us to come vent & discuss!! ;)
    Now, I get that in the very beginning the Browns had no experience or role model, but come on now damn it's been 20+ effing years!! Ya'll should've have some sort of system down instead of this constant Brown chaos you continue to live...smh Excuses, excuses....Like others have said, time to step up, be accountable for all ur own actions, & take charge of & lead the family.
    IMO, when Meri & Christine were pining over PJ, I think it was more of a standpoint from having emotional & financial support & stability all the time.

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  57. I'm curious about something. I always see the women doing all of the daily purchasing of food...etc. I also noticed that when they were all writing their checks for the new homes to be built, where was Cody's checkbook??? I have yet to see him pay for anything! Is he sharing in the purchase of all of these new homes, as he should be? He just seems to flit around from one home to the next, and boasts about it! OMG...and his hair is atrocious!!! Get it cut into a style Cody!!! :-)

    Also, when they go anywhere as a family, he drives his cute little sports car all by himself, rather than have anyone ride with him....why is that? It seems to me that having a couple of the kids ride with him, it would be a bonding time....at least our kids always felt that way when they were asked if they wanted to ride with their dad or myself to go wherever it was that we were going.

    I love the show, but it just seems that the women are the ones making sure everything is financially secure while Cody plays & has fun!

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  58. I said in an earlier post that I’m “Team Papa Joe.” Here’s my reasoning.

    Mr. Christian and I are in a traditional marriage, and have been for 48+ years. We think we understand how the Dargers function, because it’s much like we do things. The bottom line is recognizing each person’s strengths and interests, and letting that person have free rein to do what they do best.

    If you look at the Dargers’ website, they talk about each person’s area of expertise. One wife handles shopping for the group, another does child care, a third runs her own business, and Papa Joe WORKS for a living and is a wiz at organizing. So, BOOM, they don’t have to hash those duties out every time they get together. They trust each other to have the welfare of the entire family as the center focus.

    With the Browns, it appears that three of the adults (Kody, Meri, and Robyn) have their own interests as the primary focus. Only Christine and Janelle seem to be truly supportive of what the “sister wife” concepts (as the intro to the show define) are. And since Kody portrays a laid-back surfer dude personality, it doesn’t seem that ANYONE is really in control of that mess.

    With any group of more than two people who interact on a daily basis, somebody has to be in charge. That doesn’t mean that Papa Joe is a dictator. It appears that IF there are areas of disagreement, they all voice their opinions, and PJ works as the arbitrator. I didn’t get the impression that he’s like a drill sergeant, barking out orders. I think his personality and demeanor are such that he LOOKS intimidating, but what I saw was three women who feel secure in knowing that their man is taking care of them. That’s probably why they don’t mind seeing him show affection to the others – they know they’ll get what they need when they need it.

    If I have to pick between a disorganized bunch of people who “worked” the welfare system and all declared bankruptcy, or an organized group who work together for the common good, I’m hangin’ with the Dargers every time.

    I’d like to see Kody, Meri, and Robyn move in with Kate Gosselin and fade into obscurity, while Janelle and Christine move to wherever they want to and each reach their full potential. At least they HAVE potential.

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    1. Can you just imagine Kody courting Kate Gosselin? LOL

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  59. i'm glad there's a third option and that's NEITHER Team Brown nor Team Darger. ;'p

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  60. As usual, this summary is spot on! I have to agree with "Just a ThoughtDecember 7, 2012 11:32 AM" that the Brown wives have tasted monogamy, and it's left them hungry for more. When it's "their night", she can feel she's the apple of her husband's eye thus the need for the "Mcmansion" drama. If they all lived together, their flimsy fantasy would crumble.
    Sad.

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  61. Great review CJ! As much as Papa Joe's organization appeals to me more than Kody's chaos, I have to say one comment made me roll my eyes so hard I thought they were gonna stick. He was talking about when he asked one of the wives' (can't remember which one) father if he could court her while he was courting another woman at the same time and Joe said something like , "I'm sure he was thinking 'Who is this punk thinking he can just come in here with his charm and good looks'", and I did not get the impression he was joking AT ALL, which makes me think he's just as delusional about himself as Kody. Especially since in the old pictures they kept showing of the Dargers PJ looks like a serial killer.

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  62. I don't get that impression of Joe at all! I find him very attractive. He has integrity and takes his job very seriously. What woman would not want that. Kody is just a loser in every sense of the word.

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    1. I wouldn't want it if it also came with a dose of polygamy, as in Joe's case.

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  63. to the poster who said that this is a niche blog and we should not watch if we aren't fans (just like all the fans say on FB) well my response is - this little niche blog is more than likely tlc's and the browns main indicator of show interest..,3.5+ million page views - anyone checked the page views for MSWC lately? If it wasn't for this niche blog the show would have been off the air after last season IMO. I love a good train wreck as much as any other person!!

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    1. amen, DJ! and the poster who said that is a hypocrite herself as she's obviously here reading this site! lol

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  64. This blog is so much fun to read! But ladies...I think if we weren't comparing them to the dysfunctional Brown's, not so many of you would be singing their praises. The Darger family is all kinds of creepy. Joe's control and order is such a relief after Kody's lack of it, but these women really have to follow orders and don't seem to get much of a say in the rules. And the way they always have a full face of makeup and look all stylish and thin takes a lot of effort and upkeep. Looks kind of like cut-throat competition going on in that harem. With all that competition they can't cut themselves any slack. The Dargers are much more sophisticated and charming..but something just screams facade over there.
    As for the bathing suits on the women, I am religious myself (NOT Mormon) and dress modestly, as in covering elbows and knees and no low necklines. I would never walk around like they did, and can't imagine how they justify it according to their beliefs.

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    1. amen, splishsplash. hyprocrisy much? from these "religious" fanatics? yeah, i'm a little perplexed with some of the Darger woship here myself. a polished up turd is still a turd. lol

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    2. i agree. especially given the number of kids these Darger women have all had. seems like there's definite some competition going on for PJ's standard for his harem. ugh

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  65. Someone tell me why again (I'm reading about PJ deciding where the Browns would sleep) they had to split the families up amongst the two condos? Maybe bc of boy/girl numbers? I wonder where Krody slept or if he rotated the couple of nights they were there?

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    1. According to the condo's booking website, there is a maximum of 20 persons allowed to stay in one party. The leasing company probably took into account the 2 babies (Sol and Truley) to allow the Brown party of 22. I believe the Darger crew stayed in the condo (almost same floorplan) next door.

      Here's the url: http://sandiego.beachfrontonly.com/Unit.mvc/Details/35659. It even has the floorplans that Papa Joe was looking at.

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  66. I'm closing down comments now.
    Feel free to continue your discussion here:
    Discussion Page 5 for S05Ep03 "More Sister Wives"
    Thanks!

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