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Monday, December 3, 2012

Discussion Page 1 for S05Ep03 "More Sister Wives"



Oh dear. While the Brown and Darger kids wait patiently for service, Papa Joe just tweeted the following concerning what happened during the trip to California.

Seems the Dargers wanted to follow the Browns to the happiest place on Earth...however, maybe not for the plural family kind of happy? Anyway this is what Papa Joe tweeted:

The full text on their Facebook page reads:

We had tried to take all the kids to Disney while we were there, but they did not want to be associated with or shown as approving plural families. :(

 Now, at first I thought he meant his kids, but we are talking the happiest place on Earth, right? Kids love Disneyland, right? And it would be strange for his kids not to want to be associated with their family or being seen as approving of plural families, right?

Anyway,  once the Darger fans realized exactly what Joe was trying to say, they were, needless to say, not so happy with the happiest place on Earth. I mean, how rude! Disney let those rascally Browns in, didn't they? Even after Mariah insulted  the Anaheim Walmart by calling it  'ghetto'.

The Dargers are now clarifying by  saying:

To be clear, the producers tried to get permission to film us with the Brown's at Disney and they refused which we think is unfortunate. Some of us went after on our own after filming, it was not about refusing admission.


So the plot thickens. They wanted more TV time and the good folks at Disney said "Are you NUTS".

Well, it is private property, and Disney is very very VERY careful of its public image. All I have to say is, if this is an example of Papa Joe stirring up you know what, I can't wait until their show premieres! Taking on Disney -  now that takes the cookies!

What are your thoughts?

For those of you who are still in the dark as to who the Dargers are, here are some links to previous SWB articles (including a link to the 20/20 special on the Dargers and a link to their interview with Dr. Drew) plus aa article from Troy Bowles. Very interesting stuff.


http://sisterwivesblog.blogspot.com/2011/11/dargers-on-2020.html
http://sisterwivesblog.blogspot.com/2012/05/hln-dr-drew-3-wives-24-children-we-all.html
http://sisterwivesblog.blogspot.com/2011/11/troy-bowles-growing-up-mormon.html

197 comments:

  1. Like predicted, there was some nauseating tweets going on w/ the Browns & Dargers tonight **eyes rolling**
    In tonights episode, Janelle says that she really didn't want to establish a mission statement for the family...Well she tweeted"I changed my mind about the mission statement. Getting excited to undertake the project. Stay tuned. Thanks to @TheDargerFamily for the the idea"
    Ok, seriously, didn't ya'll vacation like 5-6 months ago & ya'll are just now deciding to establish a mission statement for your family? I have a feeling they won't even be able to agree on one & even complete it.
    Oh yeah, Kody saying sometimes we forget to be kind to each other. WTH?? Seriously?? & U guys claim that ya'll really love each other & are in a relationship even tho it's a very toxic one...smh
    I find it interesting that during their vacation, Meri & Christine both tried showing a lil public affection to Kody but it seemed a lil forced.
    Overall, I feel that Kody was a lil on the defensive side b/cuz compared to the Dargers, his family was just really shown as a very chaotic mess!!

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  2. I think the Dargers probably have some secrets in the closet. One of the boys says his dad is bald and intimidating. Papa Joe? Are you kidding? That is something you call one of your grandparents. Weirded me out. Also his wives I think kind of really LIKE each other. Not just sharing the kitchen if you get my drift. Independent but were they Mormon or what? I dunno. If my husband handed me a seating arrangement for the car and pushed his weight around that much I would NOT be a happy woman. Kody, I think I like you a whole lot better now that I met that bald intimidating grandpa joe.

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    1. Also his wives I think kind of really LIKE each other. Not just sharing the kitchen if you get my drift.

      His wives are RELATED to each other: Joe is married to twins and the twin's cousin. Of course they like each other, as opposed to 4 women from 4 different families and backgrounds.

      Independent but were they Mormon or what?

      They are independent fundamentalist, or, as they recently called themselves, Orthodox Mormons.

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    2. Armchair psychologistDecember 3, 2012 at 6:29 AM

      Yeah, as those boys were talking I got the feeling that Papa Darger was mean. That line about their dad being the authority on everything was scary.

      I also suspect that wife number one - the cousin - gets left out a bit - I suppose she's the one legally married to Joe? It was weird that there was a wife number one when he supposedly married the first two at the same time.

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    3. Papa Joe? Are you kidding? That is something you call one of your grandparents. Weirded me out.

      I think that the reason he called him Papa Joe was because he is the son from the one twin that brought her kids along with the marriage....so he has a dad...and refers to his "step dad" as Papa Joe.....I have heard other kids refer to their steps as Mom ___ or Daddy ____

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    4. Well to be fair, the kid who called him Papa Joe was not his kid. He was from the youngest "wife's" first marriage.

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    5. Anonymous 3:12 a.m. - I'm thinking I like Kody a little better now too after meeting Joe. Kody is his own strangeness, but Joe Darger completely creeped me out. Marrying twins and the cousin is too strange for me. Even Christine mentioned she would have a problem if it were her real sister wanting to marry her husband.

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    6. Bellarina- this is in response to your comment on the last thread. I know I said perverted and I do think that probably was too harsh. But Joe Darger just gives me such a creepy vibe even if he is now better looking than he was before with his weirdo hair, lol. Kody I probably could deal with in real life. I'd have a hard time liking Joe Darger at all.

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    7. Caramel Brownie said "Ok, seriously, didn't ya'll vacation like 5-6 months ago & ya'll are just now deciding to establish a mission statement for your family?"

      Exactly !!! Ridiculous how once again, what is being shown as "in the now" was filmed months and months ago.
      And now the tweets are flying as if this is actually a recent happening.
      It's really stupid and insulting to viewers to have Janelle now tweeting and reframing what was shown as her stance "back then"....it's all just plain ol PR manipulation. I guess TLC or the Browns didn't want that opinion of Janelle to stand. Looks like the viewers are going to have to watch the makings of the "mission statement" ad nauseam.
      But then again, they DID need a new hook for the show and apparently here it is.

      Also noticed the discrepancy of the Browns at the very beginning of the episode claiming they were vacationing with *close friends they have known forever*.....and then the Darger wife saying they had known the Browns for 4 years and really don't see them much and this would be an opportunity to get to know them.
      So if as they said, the Browns knew the Dargers for soooo long and so closely, then why were the Brown babes so surprised at how fit the Darger women are and how organized their family is....wouldn't they have known all that if they were such close and long-term friends?? Or at the very least, they too would have watched the Darger bits out there and read their book, so there should have been no surprises at all.
      I guess viewers aren't supposed to really look or listen too closely to the performances. :))

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    8. Anon 3.12- I would be way more creeped out if the Darger wives liked each other romantically than I am about Joe marrying women who are related to each other hahaha.

      I don't think they really knew each other well before. Besides appearing on some talk shows and interviews together and tweeting each other... Certainly did not seem like they had spent any decent length of time together.

      I still think Joe looks a bit creepy. But I have more resepct for him than I do for Kody because at least Joe seems to be an involved parent and husband. He seems more focused and dedicated on keeping his family together and raising his kids as siblings.
      I don't really think of Joe as controlling. He seems to hold the same place that someone like Jim Bob Duggar does. He is the head of the family because of their religious beliefs and honestly in a family that large you do need someone to take charge and be in control of the things like packing and getting everyone set to go for vacation. I mean the alternative is really the Browns- five different adults who all have different plans and it results in pure chaos.

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    9. I read somewhere that Joe Darger was a member of AUB when he was a kid so maybe that is why the Browns said they knew him for a long time. I am not sure what group the twins and cousins were in (if any or if they were independent Mormons).

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    10. Sorry, but just because you live with family does not mean that you always get along with them and that it is easier to share space. Related or not, when you are living with someone there has to be compromise.

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    11. That "papa Joe thing sounded kinda funny to me too..then I realized that he may be one of wife 3's kids from her previous marriage..he may be the kids "step father

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    12. I love my sisters, but my oldest one I haven't even seen in over 2 years and seldom talk to her. that's her choice.

      My two baby sisters (WHO ARE TWINS!) love to run my life. But they have a special close relationship - I call it the "Twin Thing". I can TOTALLY understand why they would be okay to share a husband and live in the same household. The show kept repeating Kody stating/implying that there would be "issues" or "problems" with having wives who are twins...I think he was going for the Squick Factor really. Quite the contrary IMO - if you're gonna by plyg, it's probably BETTER to be married to twins who are already very close and used to sharing rooms, clothes, and love being together. My sisters (who can't stand each other's husbands BTW!) would actually probably be okay with being in a plyg relationship (um except for the fact that they are Baptists!) as long as they could be together...lol

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    13. Like your comment above Amused ....

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    14. I think the difference is that Joe feels his responsibility as a father is to BE A FATHER - a guiding figure who practices loving discipline, not just procreating again and again and again. How old is the youngest Darger kid anyway? is Joe trying to get his wives to squeeze out more and more babies at any cost?

      Kody on the other hand seems to want to be a pal/friend to his kids. Provided of course that it doesn't infringe on his own personal agenda of doing his hair, driving his fugly convertible, taking naps, or practicing his shooting.

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    15. Joseph Smith married sisters and a kid too so I guess a Mormon would be fine with that.
      Knowing Mormon theology ..think on this.. they believe when they die faithful, temple worthy males go to the celestial kingdom and then THEY call u[ their wives.. ( women can not get there on their own )..he is going to be a god of his own planet..which he HAS TO ORGANIZE and run.. they he and his wives populate it with their 'spirit babies.. Now looking at the dagers it seems to me that HE really believes that crap.. so he has a business degree, he organizes everything even the packing of the cart and knows the layout of the vacation homes.. he is practicing for his godhood..on the other hand..could you see the cody organizing ANYTHING let alone a planet >>LOL..he is not even thinking about that..he is only thinking about his sex life and cash...

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    16. I totally thought that kid said "big balled and intimidating." Did he not? :)

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  3. Papa Joe evidently wanted somebody to film them at Disneyland and Disney did not give approval, or he was trying to get comp tickets for his mob of a family and Disney declined. As usual these people do not say precisely what happened. They leave innuendo behind.

    Good for Disney not approving all the requests they get for filming, or comping all those who think they deserve more than everybody else, for whatever reason. Hey get in line with the rest of us, and fork over the big bucks along with the rest of the world, pal.

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    1. Yes, I think Dakota had mentioned a few times that Disney doesn't allow filming. I bet it's not just polygamy - probably anything they don't want to be associated with.

      Also, I wish they'd stop with the PR ... Janelle, really? Always gotta step in and smooth things over. I know they're just doing what they think will present their family in the best light, but it makes it difficult to trust anything they say. I don't know what to believe.

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    2. It's not a Disney-related show - therefore WD would NEVER allow filming on their property.
      Disney, ABC, Pixar...the other companies they own...not Discovery. They have made exceptions in the past for shows ABOUT the parks which have aired on the Travel Channel, but that's totally promotional.

      I say...good for Disney for not allowing the circus and Steve Jobs ...rest in peace.,

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    3. This is such what related: but I was watching "My Fair Wedding with David Tutera" and they filmed inside of Disney, specifically the Disneyland. Because he managed to give his bride, Cinderella's coach (and groomsmen), and I think it dropped her off in front of the Castle.

      "My Fair Wedding..." is on WeTv and AMC Networks owns them.

      Sorry, if this way off topic: I'm just thought I'd throw this little bit of information out there. :)

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    4. Weddings are BIG money-generators for Disney especially at Disney World, so of course if there's a wedding show, they would allow the filming. Just as they allow the Travel Channel to do those "10 top attractions at Walt Disney World" (or what have you) specials. both of those examples promote the Disney brand. Also the filming of those types of shows would not interfere with the regular business day at Disney, or create chaos. Whereas you would have 40+ people AND their film crew(s) running around, cutting in lines, and creating havoc. I don't think it has much to do with polygamy - I bet if the Honey Boo Boo people wanted to film at Disney, they'd get the same brushoff.

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    5. Cake Boss, which is also on TLC also filmed at Disney World in Florida!

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    6. I think its safe to say any entity that promotes family values(as dictated by Disney Inc) might get that E-ticket to film inside the park.

      Like I said earlier, Disney is Very Very Very protective of its public image. Just like DJ mentioned, having 50 people (including many many small children) running amuck during park hours, possibly ruining the park experience for the other visitors, well that's a risk Disney is not willing to take. And frankly, neither the Browns or Dargers warrant the super A++ list perk of having the park closed so they could have the park entirely to themselves.

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    7. I thought Jon and Kate went to Disney...I vaguely remember Kate freaking out because the girls got ice cream on their dresses while they were there. Maybe that was a turning point for Disney...not the best representation IMO

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    8. I don't watch Cake Boss - I checked the list of eps on Wiki and apparently it was a commemorative cake for one of the Disney cruise ships, and there was a wedding involved as well.

      Disney, like most other big companies, is very cognizant and protective of the value of its brand. Having a commemorative cake made for one of its cruise ships gives positive publicity to their cruise line, also there was a wedding which is another major Disney business, and this was all done without infringing on the enjoyment of their customers who paid a lot of money to enjoy the attractions at the park/take a cruise. Having 40 or so people and their attending film crew running all over the park would definitely infringe on other's enjoyment. and again, Disney's parks are private property and they have the absolute right to say who can and who can't be filmed there. I for one would not want MY brand to be associated with the Browns.

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    9. Yes, Bullcrap!! I was just about to basically post what you did: the Gosselins definitely filmed at DisneyWorld....I guess it's OK to film multiple kids, like sextuplets, but not multiple wives, like sister wives!!! :D

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    10. I'm w/ all of ya'll who are giving kudos to Disney for saying no the Browns/Darger filming too!
      Besides, it's not like Disney is hurting for business, so they can pick & choose as they please! Besides, if I'm there w/ my family & we had to pay full price for the experience, I'd be a lil upset if my experience got ruined by a bunch of plygs & film crew all up in my way, etc....
      Sorry Browns & Dargers, but ya'll just really aren't that special & really don't deserve nor are ya'll entitled to special privileges or treatment!

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  4. I think Disney did not want to comp the tickets is what Mr. Darger meant. The Disney people do not want to come off as being the support Polygamy theme park. They probably have comped the Browns in the past and got some bad feedback including from religious groups such as the LDS themselves. Politics is what it came down to... oh yeah, and tickets that the Dargers expected to get in for free. Admittance and one day of food and treats at Disney would be a lot of money for a clan as big as his.

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    1. Why would they"comp" the Browns? There is absolutely no affiliation.

      I'm guessing that the multiple trips to Disneyland have to do with incentives from LIV - which are probably obtained from third-party travel agencies at a low rate and offered/given as a perk for high sales. Happens all the time - my employer gives out free Disney passes frequently (the unused ones are given to employees in random drawings - we have drawings for events every week - in fact I am going to go see the Killers this coming Saturday and get to sit in our company's box suite - squeeeeee!!

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    2. I'm sure the Dargers probably did expect ot get in for free, etc...But they could easily go on line & purchase their tickets to get some sort of group rate, right?

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    3. DJ - i'm sure you probably know that Brandon Flowers is a mormon? ;')

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  5. The kid that called him Papa Joe was his stepson.

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  6. The kid with long hair who called him "Papa Joe" was his step son. I see nothing wrong with that. However, plural marriage freaks people out, so let's point out some obvious differences between people and ruin their lives.

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  7. Who is the blonde girl on Maddie's right in the picture? In one scene she was agreeing about the Brown family being chaotic or something, so I did not get the impression she was a Darger child. Is she?

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  8. All the Dargers want is $$$$ they tweet about Disney not letting them film their family yet, the sisterwives got to, they tweet about reading their book every .5 seconds and they try to appear on every show out there. They wanna be famous and roll in the dough. How can Janelle say they have known the family for years yet, Meri can't tell the two women apart? All these families are is a bunch of money hungry, star struck, selfish and fame whoring people who thrive on attention.. Both families are the same in the respect that the men can't stand not being in the limelight. It's all for show and $$$money$$$

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    1. I thought that was hilarious from the get go - the Browns wanted to make it sound like the Dargers were their close chums and oh they have known each other for years and blah blah...then the Dargers state well we just met them 4 years ago, don't know them that well, first time we've gotten together...lol

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    2. I don't agree. Several years ago, before Sister Wives began airing, a journalist was doing interviews with polygamists and at the time Joe absolutely refused to be named or shown in the interview. Only Valerie was in it (and Christine was actually in it too). I don't think just because they are on TV or doing well with PR means they're money crazy. I certainly think that it could become that way, but I don't think they're that way right now. I think the Browns have unfortunately gone in that direction, but I don't think they began the show with the intention of making a bunch of money. I think at the beginning they were quite genuine. Unfortunately though, the love of money has turned their hearts, in my opinion, and that's why there seems to be (in my opinion) more chaos now than before.

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    3. Actually i know the Browns and absolutely they were after the money!! It was a BIG motivating factor in their doing the show. And they will even throw their own kids under the bus for ratings sake. Money, oh yes, money!!

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    4. Another thing... I'm very sorry they lost their baby girl. I didn't experienced that and don't know how I would feel. But I know I wouldn't use it to sell a book... The Darger's tweeted that after the show...
      "Sad part of our story of Kyra. Read #lovetimesthree to hear the whole story. Still hard to relive. She is behind all we do !"
      It doesn't make sense to me... But again, never walked in their shoes....

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    5. Yeah I was thinking the same thing too, about Meri not being able to tell the twins apart. Meri even tweeted that yes, she can now tell them apart...lol
      Ya, sure U can Meri. Besides not all of us are gullible like some of ur blind adoring fans...lol

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  9. PEOPLE THESE WOMEN ARE Related! Of course they will seem to get along better. Don't be fooled! Don't be fooled like we all were when we first saw the sisterwives come out. The Dargers seem 10x more money hungry than the Kody gang.

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    1. well, they're only human after all, but my thought is that the Dargers aren't going into this for the famewhoreness of it...I think bottom line, Joe and wives are truly thinking about putting a good face on their family, and have learned from watching the Brown choo choo go off the rails (not like it's ever been ON the rails to begin with). The Dargers remind me more of the Roloffs I think - I am betting that any money made from their book/show/media appearances isn't getting spent, it's being banked/invested/saved with an eye either towards their retirement or the kids' higher education costs. In comparision to the Browns, who are definitely into it for the celebrity and spend as fast as they get. Janelle has no power or control over the spending of the other adults IMO.

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    2. Hi DakotaJustice: speaking of the literal "face" that the Dargers are putting on, I noticed how much the Darger women have aged in the past few years. I've seen the Darger women on various shows, including Oprah in 2008, and Secret Lives of Women in 2007. They are still attractive women, but last night they each appeared to have aged 12-15 years. Polygamy-- it doesn't do a body good, it seems.

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  10. The total emasculation of Kody Brown, he makes a better sisterwife than a hubby.

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  11. I was actually surprised that any of the Dargers kids would be opposed to plural marriage. He seems controlling, so I thought they'd be too scared to go against him. Hope they didn't just say that for tv. They, like the Brown kids, seem like good kids.

    Also had this thought and forgive me in advance - u know as commanding as Joe is, if he wanted to "do weird" those wives would. Just saying ...

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  12. I find it interesting that many LDS families do family mission statements. Of course they are not LDS.

    I wonder if it has to do with TLC being a different company than Disney? Every Disney participant ages to be filmed when they enter the park.So that wouldn't have been an issue.

    I really don't think the kid meant to say anything negative. Likely they show clipped sound bites together. Conversation just doesn't more that fast with that many teens.

    One home and one kitchen is more economical meaning expenses can be stretched. And there are enough times where the entire family gathers to make it worth while. There are likely no separate allowances for food. Any kid can get cookies at any time no matter if their mom has 2 kids and always can afford snacks or 7kids on a pressed budget.

    They have been on tv before. Maybe not the husband, but one of the wives looks familiar but I wonder if it's from her prior marriage she is familiar?

    I like that they opening show affection.

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    1. There was that sideway glance from asexual Janelle during Dargers PDA's.

      We saw that same uncomfortable glance and quickly look away from Janelle when the brothers visited Vegas. When non-polygamous brother was embracing wife #1 and only, Janelle had that same weird sideway observation of what affection looks like. Not a quick dry peck that she gets from brainless, her business buddy, but a couple with true passion for one another. :-(

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    2. I've seen the one Darger wife before too. I think there was a show on polygamy one time. They interviewed several polygamist families that were more along the lines of the Browns beliefs, etc.. I think they also interviewed polygamists that werent necessarily Mormon, too. Cant remember the show tho...

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    3. Oh yeah, I totally noticed the same uncomfortable look on Janelle ur talking about lisasumms...lol
      Kinda seems prudish to me, esp when ur a grown ass adult. Hello, that's how loving married couples interact w/ each other. Showing true affection & not just a quick peck or a 1 arm 1/2 ass pat on the back hug...Lol
      I totally think that Janelle & Chrsitine are definitely the ones who are the most affectionate & personal attention starved by Kody, IMO!

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  13. When I look at Meri, I see a woman in deep need of medication...

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  14. Give me the Dargers all day long over the selfish, whiny, mean, boring, fame hungry, pipe dreaming Browns! Yes the Dargers are different but I'm so sick of the Browns. The house discussions are so done. We all know they are not getting the houses so these discussions where Meri demands a wet bar and now a tennis court?!!! Kody said no the $45,000 tennis court but the request by Mariah was not a joke. Once again.....Meri DOES NOT need 5 bedrooms and a wet bar.

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  15. I think that Meri is on a major PR trip to clear up clear up the "mean girl" status she has. The recent tweet about loving "her" kids maddie and hunter, and the whole "I didn't mean to abuse you Janelle" on tonights show. I think that she is probably the most opposed to living together because she really loves Kody and her jealousy is so over the top, that she would go ape shit crazy if she had to see him show any affection to anyone other than herself.

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    1. I agree. Meri seems to be trying to clear up her image with that statement to Janelle. Janelle sat there without much expression, so I think she has learned to put her guard up and go into her shell as far as Meri's emotional displays are concerned. She is probably trying to keep from sighing and rolling her eyes at this point.

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    2. Ithink Janelle was seathing and knows that she is above and refuses to get in to it with Meri.

      I did enjoy when she said that they had no role models and slipped in there that "Kody didn't know he was supposed to be listening for me"

      Translation, Kody didn't get involved or deffend Janelle when Mean Meri wasboing a bully. I think that was a score for Janelle, stating that both Meri and KODY was responsible for Meri's bad behavior.

      Why would Kody get involved, that would require thinking and caring for someone else. He only thinks of the wotld around him as his kingdom and all that serve him. YUCK!

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    3. I agree Bamaview. Meri is def trying to change public opinion of her. Also, she is the boss of this family. The reason they are getting separate houses is mainly because of Meri and probably Robyn. If Janelle and Christine wanted sep houses and the other 2 did not, they'd all be in ONE house.

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    4. lisasumms.....I agree....I also liked that Janelle didn't go for any phony "Oh, it's all right Meri, all is forgiven" crap.....

      Kody still has no clue how bad he and Meri look....and there's no amount of backpedaling that can fix that now. That BS Meris came up with about feeling the "abusive" comment was lame....It irritated me on Janelle's behalf.

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    5. I wonder if Janelle not wanting to make a family mission statement means that she already is considering getting out. I creeped me out how infatuated Meri, Christine and Robyn seemed to be with Joe Darger and his style. He seemed controlling to me. Cody is more passively aggressive in his controlling behavior. Neither seems healthy to me.

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    6. I totally agree with you Bamaview... Good point.

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    7. That's for sure Bamaview!
      Also definitely contradicts Meri's advice to Christine a while back about 'keeping sweet'. Obviously she doesn't practice what she preaches!...lol Since she now has earned the nickname Mean girl Meri!

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  16. I'm not so sure a show about the Darger's would be as successful as Sister Wives. Yes, they are definitely more organized and there seems to be less conflict, but that won't make for good entertainment. There's a spark lacking in that family. You can see that there's some sort of internal struggle going on with most of the Brown wives, and that's what people want to see. The Dargers almost seem hypnotized. Even the Brown kids seem more lively than the Darger kids.

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    1. Although the Browns seem to be like the "poor country cousins" next to the Dargers, the Dargers came off as Stepford Wives.

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    2. While I don't think the Darger children are hypnotized, the Darger wives are ROBOTS. They make the Stepford wives look like individual personalities. These three women are completely subservient and submissive to Joe, which is why they all "get along." The stepson nailed it when he described Joe as "intimidating." Joe is a dictator, and his wives are his harem.

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    3. I agree that a show on the Dargers would not be as successful as Sister Wives. I mean by now, the majority of us who still watch Sister Wives only really tune in to watch the trainwreck happening. Beyond the first few episodes where you learn more about how they make polygamy work for their family, the Dargers would appear more stable and normal than the Browns do. There would be less of a trainwreck factor to tune in for. Reality tv usually needs some drama and big twists to keep people watching.
      I thought the Darger kids seemed normal. Maybe more reserved than the Browns' kids but they seemed happy and healthy and were pretty outgoing at the beach.

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    4. I doubt that I would use the term "normal" or "stable" regarding the Dargers. I'm betting there is plenty below the surface. Ten bucks says the women compete sexually and physically for him in a way the Brown women do not. Whether you are competing over a kitchen or the sexual appreciation of your husband, you are still competing, and likely there is a wife that is higher on the food chain at one point than another- we just don't know enough about them to know. And the kids know too. The kids would know everything.

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    5. Is there plently below the surface when it comes to the Dargers? Perhaps, however, it is apparent that they do not allow things as trivial as sharing a kitchen or decorating to take precedent over what is best for their children. I am asure they have their issues (like any other family) however I sensed that they are committed to what is best for their family. All together in ONE house with accessibility to each other.

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    6. You push any family, and the stuff they fight over sounds pretty trivial to the outside ear. But it's because those really aren't what they are fighting about- they merely stand in as proxy for the real fault lines of any marriage.

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    7. Yes, sorry, should have specified that I found the wives to be hypnotized, not the kids (although I still prefer the Brown kids.)
      I am curious about Alina Darger, I will admit. In almost *every* photo, Joe is flanked by the twins, and Alina is off to the side. What the heck is the deal with that? Is it just the photographers who try to pose them that way to get the "oh ho ho! check out the twin babes!!" reaction from the viewer? Not sure, but Alina does seem to get the short end of the stick.

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    8. While I enjoyed watching Joe make Krody look totally inept, Joe isn't likable by any stretch of the imagination. I did like the Darger wife who was incredulous that decorating would be such an issue. At any rate, it was just two cars on the same crazy train.

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    9. Anon 11:48- I actually think the opposite of the pictures, I feel like usually it's one twin, Joe, Alina and then the other twin. That's even how it is on the banner of thier website. I don't think Alina always gets left out. And I appreciate that all four of the Dargers write posts on their blog. And I feel like Alina seemed to be a part of everything we saw last night on the show. I find the Dargers by far much more likable than the Browns (not children wise, adult wise.) At least they seem to have a united front for the kids whereas the Browns run around like chickens with their heads cut off, each in a state of insecurity and chaos. And I didn't think the wives looked/acted like Stepford wives. I think it's great that they take the time to take care of themselves and exercise and put effort into their appearance. And I thought they had personalties of their own, but maybe they are more similar to each other than the Brown wives are. So they get along better and each wife doesn't have to try so hard to be heard.

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  17. I cannot wait til the next episode. The Brown kids are going to help other polyg kids run away? The one said Mariah was "brain washed". I'm glad not all the children buy into what their parents are selling! Cannot wait.

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  18. For once in a LONG time I actually enjoyed this episode. I found it very interesting to see the contrast between the Darger and Brown families.

    I think that anyone that is raised in polygamy has had such a different upbringing than most of us that they will always seem weird or unusual. I don't think that Joe Darger is creepy. I think that he realized that in order for such a large family to function relatively smoothly he has to rule with an iron fist. That doesn't make him abusive. I believe that in any family final decisions are the husbands. The wife or childs preferences, likes or thoughts are taken into account but ultimately the husband makes the final decision based on what is the greater good for the family. Thats how I viewed the car seating arrangement scene. Also, if you noticed the rental house room assignment scene. Joe wasnt arbitrarily assigning rooms to his liking. He was taking input from his wives. It's probably safe to assume that the car seating arrangements went in a similar fashion.

    We all criticize Kody for not being with all of his wives and kids on a daily basis and not working hard to support them. Joe is obviously exactly the opposite.

    I also think that even though the 3 Darger wives are related that does not guarantee happy and peaceful cohabitation. I think this family actually works at it. The Brown's on the other hand are petty and selfish. I mean really, who cares which cabinet the cups go in and how the laundry is folded? If petty things like that are the reason you live in seperate houses and your children are seperate you are selfish and pathetic.

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    1. Icequeen, I totally agree with you in your last two paragraphs, but I have a question from your second....

      You said that you believe that in any family the final decision is the husbands....umm...did you mean in any polygamous family? 'Cause I know very very *few* families where the husband gets the final say, all the time, using only input from the wife and kids.....

      In fact, I can't think of anyone I know who is of similar age to the Browns/Dargers where the husband makes all the final decisions....I think that sort of power comes from this brand of polygamy.

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    2. I get the organization and having rules and guidelines, but the "iron fist" of Joe is not attractive, IMO. I get the distinct impression that he does no compromising; that the wives obey, period. What little I heard from the kids seem to confirm as much.

      Delete
    3. Also, in the graduation episode, during a couch interview w/ Maddie, Mariah, & Aspyn...Maddie said that they(the teens anyways) really don't listen to their dad. Aspyn said well sometimes we do....Lol
      But IMO, that just comes from really having some lack of respect for him b/cuz he's really not around or involved w/ his kids as much as he would like America to believe!!

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  19. The Dargers: I don’t understand the ‘hate’ people seem to feel for Joe Darger. What others see as ‘controlling’ I see as ‘organized and methodical”….I thought it was impressive that he had a plan for the drive, the wives had coordinated snacks and such, the kids helped load the seemingly well maintained vehicles. He has a military approach which isn’t bad when you have 24 children and are taking a driving trip. And I think it’s totally logical that he looked up the floor plan online and thought through how the space would be shared. Joe is a leader and it shows. I mean, compared to the Brown chaos (which by the way could be a new drinking game ‘drink a shot when the word chaos is used’), the Dargers are a breath of fresh air. I kind of doubt one of the Darger wives would be late for a graduation, because Joe would have made sure they knew how to get there or better you would have all driven together. Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure there are cracks in the façade but overall, I liked the Dargers. Also….the kids were all laughing and joking around. I don’t think they were dissing their dad at all. If they were truly ‘afraid’ of him they wouldn’t be saying anything. Both the Browns and the Dargers have kids that are willing to speak their minds….which does show that they are a lot more free to express themselves then say, the Duggars…

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    1. Very well said CPA Carol! I agree 100%

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    2. I think you hit the nail on the head - Papa Joe is definitely a leader while Kody is one of those followers that wanders around totally lost refusing to listen to directions while flipping his Geico caveman hair (what's left of it). Brown chaos is not a good thing.

      It was refreshing not to see Papa Joe driving a sports car convertible, though, I think I saw Kody's Lexus being parked at the Oceanside rental house.

      I don't think Papa Joe is doing the show for money. The Browns had an ulterior motive but lost their way. The Dargers have been brought in to show people THEY are the faces of polygamy and decriminalization.

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    3. Drinking game == A+ freaking hilarious!

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    4. I totally agree with you CJ and CPA Carol. Joe Darger definitely seems to be a leader and Kody just has big dreams lacks the ability to plan how to achieve them.

      I would like to know exactly how it came to be that these two families went on vacation together (since it's apparent that they don't get together often and haven't known each other for life). Was it the idea of the Browns? Was it the idea Of the Dargers? Was it TLC's idea in order to promote the Dargers upcoming documentary special? Was it the idea of the polygamist community in general?

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    5. I had exactly the same take on the Dargers. The sheer logistics of getting all those people coordinated requires a strong leader which we all know the Browns lack. I also wanted to jump into my screen and kiss whichever Darger twin it was that called Meri out on the "decorating" as being something so unimportant compared to the unity of the family and the benefit of having a father who sees his children everyday. She politely and sincerely made the Kodettes (especially Meri) look even more like the selfish needy biotches they are. If there were on◙1 thing I'd like the Browns to hear it would be just that.

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    6. I agree! I am sorry to say but the Brown family looked pretty pathetic next to the Dargers. I also found it interesting that as the differences between the two families were pointed out, the Brown family became more and more defensive about their own way of life. The reality is that whatever the Brown family is doing is not working. The needs of the adults have taken importance over what is best for the children. Was moving to Las Vegas (of all places) on such late notice and separating your family into four homes the best thing for your family? I believe that one of Kody's wives mentioned that one of the reasons why the Darger family is so organized and efficient is because of their respect for Joe, which in turn alluded to the fact that Kody does not have the complete respect that a father should have from his children. Kody either allocates all of the decision making to his wives or when he makes a decision it is usually on the fly and irresponsible.

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    7. Here, here, sissymae....I had the exact same reaction to the Darger wife that seemed frankly amazed that Kody's crew would rank decorating dilemmas above family unity.

      Though really, I suspect that is all a front for saying, "Well, we all hate each other, and could never share the same roof again." And maybe the Darger's caught onto that as well.

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    8. I thought Joe was creepy before seeing this ep. But my opinion of him has changed a BUNCH. as did my opinion on his wives. I take back the Stepford comment, because it was clear to me when one of them questioned Meri how important that decorating was over raising the kids that this was certainly NOT the case, these wives each have a mind of their own, but know how to get along and compromise.

      but enough with the "my grandfather was in jail for polygamy 40 years ago yada yada" stuff. it would be like me talking about MY great-uncle being put in jail for moonshining or possessing alcohol during Prohibition. That was then this is now, and you gotta wonder what other stuff the grandpa did to get put in jail, and how long he was actually incarcerated. I doubt it was a Cool Hand Luke working on the chain gang deal. get OVER it already, if you guys were really worried about being arrested, you'd not be doing this show to begin with. Again, I equate that with smoking a joint on the street - at least here in California, the MOST a police officer is going to do is make you put it out and hand it over to him, unless you're doing something else to break the law. Most of the time, the police have better things to do than bust people for smoking pot. jeez.

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    9. sissymae - ITA. She worded it perfectly...why worry about decorating, the kids need to see their dad every day. She said it in a very matter-of-fact, nonjudgmental way. Perfect answer to Meri's question. Win Dargers!

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    10. I grew up with an organized father, and a educated one. That is what I see. Mission statements became the RAGE in not only Colleges, but schools, businesses, etc. Basically, a PLAN.
      I would think since Joe wants harmony, he wants his wives happy, and takes that into consideration. Seems to me they are happy as a parental group.

      Delete
    11. Yes joe seems a bit creepy but he also clearly is head of his family. How could u run that size family with no one in charge? Oh yeah. The Brown family method.

      Something I just don't understand is why would u want plural marriages but live in four different homes? Isn't point supposed to be how great it is for kids to be in one big happy family?

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    12. Yes CPA Carol, I do agree w/ you too. I didn't really think Joe was controlling either, just more efficient & definitely a better leader & planner.
      Also, the Browns definitely did the show for $$, b/cuz they were deep in debt(& apparently still are, even tho they're trying to live it up like they're real A-list celebrities)& hurting for $$ really bad before the show aired.

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  20. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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    1. In other interviews and shows that they have done the Darger's have been very clear that there is no "multiple action". They seem to me to be very religiously motivated and since all 3 of the women are related that would be moving into incestuous territory. I seriously doubt they would be involved in that sort of activity.

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  21. Oh, oh, oh...these people (Browns') just make me crazy! As crude as this may sound I have to vent.

    You can't share a house for the sake of your kids to be able to grow up together as siblings?

    You can't share a kitchen...because you can't agree on the location of the glasses?

    You can't agree on home decor and share the space without bullying ?

    BUT YOU CAN SHARE A PENIS??? And the modicum amount of affection and attention the lane brain offers that it is attached to?

    You women are cray, cray, crazy!!!

    What a bunch of hypocrites!

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    1. Well said. Their "reasons" for not living together seem petty and contrived. The Dargers obviously saw that too.....

      The only reason they won't live together is the wives (mostly) can't stand each other, possibly Janelle and Christine excepted.

      Oh, OK two reasons....the greed of owning 4 brand new homes is going on too....

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    2. OH I love that, they cant share a kitchen but they can share a penis ...

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  22. United States of BrownDecember 3, 2012 at 9:57 AM

    I'm a long time reader, and I love this blog. The topics, discussions, and posts here are informative and witty. My husband and I watch the show, and he finally convinced me to post for the first time. We've sadly become captivated by the "train wreck" that is the Browns--as many have so accurately termed it. I look forward to hearing CJ and Mister Sister's reviews for the rest of the season :-)

    Side note: Did anyone catch Kody's reference to "gangster polygamists?"... and the next segment one of the Darger kids called his step-dad Papa Joe....all I could think about was Kody and Joe singing that old rap song...I love it when you call me Big Poppa.

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    1. LOL - my bestie reviews reality shows and was reviewing "Amish Mafia" yesterday *rolleyes*. I'm waiting for "Plyg Mafia" now!!! LOL

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    2. Oh my god and also Kody said he didn't want to be associated with the plygs who commit "welfare fraud". Um...what? The Browns are KNOWN for welfare fraud. Did he really try to say that? Is he drinking his own kook-aide?

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  23. Why was Solomon at an adults only dinner?

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    1. I was thinking the same thing. The older children in the Brown family couldn't watch him for a few hours? Not even Robin's sister who was on the trip as well?

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    2. I think Solomon was there because he is still breastfeeding. I saw him on the patio with Robin and the other adults too when they were talking. Robin probably could have pumped and left him with her sisterm but I am glad she gave her sis time to spend with the other teenagers.

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    3. That's what I said!!!!! (Enter husband walking into room, " Watching sisterwives? Your yelling at the tv again." )

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    4. Sol was there, but of course Truely was nowhere in sight.

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    5. hahaha - thinking of Tara having to watch Sol while her age-mates were off drinking milkshakes with the Darger kids reminds me of the last part of the book "Nanny Diaries" where Mrs. X makes Nanny watch all the kids on the island while the adults hang out at the tennis courts and so on.

      And HOW ABOUT Kody and the Brown wives talking about "oh the girls had their eye on a Darger boy" trying to get them fixed up? I don't recall the Darger adults expressing a desire to have THEIR kids hook up with any of this bunch - IRL I doubt that the Dargers would want the Browns as in-laws. And personally...didn't see ANY type of attraction between the kids. Kody saw what he wanted to see!

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    6. Was I mistaken? I think I saw a pretty small baby in Joe Darger's arms.... That baby wasn't at the restaurant or I didn't see him.... Robyn uses Sol to get attention....

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    7. well he is Kootys and Robins KING baby...

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    8. Oh and I loved how Kody said directly to the camera "now I know everything". That was too funny. I doubt he really understood who Robyn was talking about anyway, but the thought of Kody knowing everything is hilarious. :)

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    9. The Darger baby may have been a grandchild. I understand they have 1 grandson.

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  24. So, Janelle has three bedrooms for her six children due to her very fixed budget. My-Way Meri will have five bedrooms for one child who will live there for six months. Sobbin' Robbin has to have her hobby room.

    Wise up, Janelle. Every penny you pinch will just mean more for My-Way Meri and Sobbin Robin. You are cheating your own children, so that they can have luxuries.

    And, Meri, STOP crying for goodness sake. It is getting OLD.

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    1. Perhaps....I get thse sense that Janelle has X to spend, and has decided to skimp on the bedrooms, and instead to put that money into the common areas of the house, where her whole family can enjoy the benefits together.

      Of course, I still think the families with more kids should have a bigger budget.

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    2. I was actually surprised by Kody on the couch saying they needed to move into each other's houses, meaning he gets that it's crazy that the one with the most kids is getting the smallest house.

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    3. I am so glad I found this blog. I feel the same way "Eeeewww"! Hearing Meri whine about her wet bar was so offensive. I cant stand Meri..period.

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  25. How old is Meri? She is crying constantly! The beginnings of menopause perhaps?

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    1. I didn't think of menopause before, but it seems likely. I think that would rule out ivf for Meri snd put that issue to rest. Also there would be reduced interest in giving out "the cookie". I think Kody would be grossed out by night sweats, maybe even more than Christine's nacho situation. I think karma is about to eat Meri's lunch.

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  26. So happy I found this blog; the issues with the Brown's go on and on and this season truths are coming out. I was fully on board with them untill this episode, the thought that Meri thinks she needs a 5-bdrm home is REDICULOUS, poor Janelle is always the only thinking with reason..I am glad others see this point. Joe is a pig my opinion, I have no love for him. I will continue watching the show to see if any one of them will ever admit that this plural marriage thing is driving them (the women at least) totally nuts. Also, I feel for the kids....

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  27. This morning, Valerie Darger blogged this: "Our children had met the Browns maybe three times over a period of three years for about three hours each time. They seemed friendly with one another, and the Browns are outgoing so they made it fairly easy." Full post is here: http://lovetimesthree.com/dargers-and-browns-teenage-edition/

    So I guess thet were acquaintances with the Browns having run in the same polygamous circiles in Utah.

    Joe Darger. Creeped. Me. Out.

    That said, I think I would like to see more about the Darger family. It is strange and fascinating to me that the wives are sisters/ cousins and already were very close before they became sister wives. I'd like to see more of their family dynamic.

    I am sooooooooooooooooo tired of Meri. She is a bully and a baby.

    Kody tweeted this last night in response to a fan question about living together:

    "@dpalestino13: @realkodybrown why don't u push your sister wifes to live in the same house" Simple: peace, autonomy, permitting & resale."

    It's sad that the Brown wives aren't close. Well, I think Janelle and Christine are close but I don't think Meri is close to any of them. I think Robyn is close to Meri but I think Meri resents Robyn for being "the young uterus" and for offering to have Meri's baby for her. I think Meri is pretty angry about the offern, truth be told. Meri does not want another baby but now she's in a real bind. She wants 5 bedrooms and no more babies? I'd say Meri is really being fake with Robyn when she acts like they are so close and poor Robyn believes it.

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    1. Just think about how Meri is when the cameras aren't on. Can you imagine? Meri and Robyn are KRody's favs. Meri bc they have the connection/relationship and Robyn bc shes the new toy so obviously they'd be close. *barf*

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  28. I actually almost understand the problem with sharing a kitchen. My best friend moved into my home when we were younger and started charging things. Although I understood her need to make the house her home, it grated on my nerves that she wanted to change my things around. That being said....I wasn't sharing a man with her. I look at this way; how can you have sex with the same man as a women you refuse to share a garbage disposal with?

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  29. I really wanted to hit Meri when she started crying over Kody's remark about it two of wives seeing it as abuse if they had to share a kitchen; there was no reason for her to point the finger at Janelle. I'm sure Janelle isn't the only sister wife, who doesn't like you.

    Also, I think Robin was just talking out her butt when she was hinting at some of the Brown children finding some of the Darger children attractive. It was probably more wishful thinking than anything else.

    And the Dargers have intrigued me, simply because they appear to have their heads on their shoulders (and the wives have a stepford vibe going). :)

    I can't wait for next week's episode, though I think the blonde!girl in the previews seems a little rude and judgmental.

    But one thing that bugs me about the preview is when Aspyn talks about having to work through jealousy in a plural marriage because she loves the religion. Correct me if I'm wrong, but there are monogamous AUB (if that is the Brown's religion) families, are there not?

    In this case, you can love the religion and be apart of without taking all aspects of it -- I see plural marriages as a lifestyle associated with the AUB/FLDS, not an actual part of the religion. Especially given how the LDS seems to have no problem with following the teachings of Joseph Smith without the polygamy aspect of it.

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    1. Yes, in fact Kody told Madison that on the couch, that she didn't have to be plyg to be part of their religion, when she said she wasn't going to do that.

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    2. It's much more than a lifestyle. It's a way of spending eternity, which really matters much more to fundamentalist Mormons (and most LDS and even many other religions) than what is happening here.

      It's been awhile since I looked over the doctrines, but I believe there are several levels of becoming a God - there is marriage, plural marriage, marriage to three women, marriage to seven women, and then after that it is more about populating your planet. (No, I don't know how it works if your children have planets of their own.....)

      So if you want to live the religion FULLY, if you truly LOVE the religion, you have to agree to live in plural marriage. Even in early Mormon times, a good half to two thirds of the followers of Joseph Smith "failed" at this test, and it is true that there are fundamentalist Mormons who "fail" now. But it isn't by any means, theologically, equally valid of a choice to make - being in plural marriage or not.

      The "lifestyle" language is relatively new. It is actually piggy backed from the success of the pro gay rights movements as a civil rights issue. It's political language for non religious people, not something fundamentalist Mormons think themselves.

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    3. Agree that Robin was making up crap about the Brown kids "checking out" Darger kids....

      Yes, I believe that you can be AUB, etc without being plyg...BUT, should your husband decide, 10 or 12 years into your marriage that he wants another wife, your whole world is upside down. Any woman who does not wnat sister wives would be better off marrying someone who is NOT in one of these faiths...to avoid a possibly nasty change of mind a few years later.

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    4. I disagree simply for the fact that in any marriage/relationship if something that was agreed upon 10 or 12 yrs ago suddenly had a change today, say a childless by choice couple and suddenly one of them wants a baby, that's going to create a huge problem. It isn't limited to people of a particular faith. It's simply part of life.

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    5. Oh, I agree, Karma...this could absolutely happen with any married couple and big decision, it just seems that this faith allows the husband way more control over the married life...and while they *say* the wife has to agree to accepting a 2nd wife, I could see the husband (and other family, and church...) applying a *lot* of pressure for her to accept it, if he suddenly "feels the call." If she has already had kids with him, well, she may well feel her hand is forced to accept being polygamous or else getting divorced. And while I know some of these folks do divorce, I doubt it is very common....

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    6. In the radical Mormon faiths (is that FLDS?? Warren Jeffs type) the women are always told to "be sweet." They basically have to supress natural feelings of jealously or other emotions and keep it to themselves. They are to always be sweet and not bother their husband with the problems. Makes my skin crawl.

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  30. Two more comments: just because someone doesn't like something doesn't mean they hate it. The Browns pull this card too- commenting negatively on them doesn't mean we hate them. Commenting negatively on the Dargers doesn't mean we hate them either. I personally couldn't stand that kind of husband even in a monogamous relationship, but I have friends who are that man (and who are married to him.) Let's try and keep some perspective other than black white, please?

    Second, although we are all sick to death (and we are!) of the story of Meri's infertility, during the day to day lives of their marriage the story would have sounded very different, especially in their religious culture. Just like being married to women who are related is an apples to oranges comparison with the Browns, so is it when you have three relatively fertile women and compare that to two fertile women and one who had only one child. That would create a very different dynamic that the Dargers, frankly, never had to face.

    And a third point (sorry! I'm on my phone, so editing is a pain!) The Brown women sounded pretty smug that first season about polygamy too, until Robyn came into the picture. The Dargers sounded a lot like the first season Browns. Perhaps if they were to introduce a new wife - a reset, to use Christine's word- some of that easy complacency would go out the window.

    Dozens of historical polygamous diaries say this is true!

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  31. I LOVE Joe Darger. I don't think of him as controlling.

    I agree that he is a leader. Doesn't he run a business? I can see that. And I do think he gets input from his wives. His kids look like they admire him, but tease him. Not the hallmark of a control freak. Kody seems like more of a control freak than Joe Darger.

    The Darger wives get along because Joe uses his skills as a manager to guide conflict resolution and makes an affirmative effort to study relationship skills and parenting skills. The Dargers seem to confront their challenges while the Browns avoid them. The Dargers talked out their concerns about affection. The Browns just decided to avoid the issue and show no affection. The Dargers evaluated their priorities and decided that sharing a kitchen was worth it because it benefits the children. The Browns just avoid the issue and have separate kitchens.

    My husband is a lot like Joe. Very organized, intelligent, and always prepared. At the same time, he is also a huge pushover for me and the kids. When my best friend first met him, he was in "project mode" and focused on a task. (Kind of like Joe on the trip) It crossed her mind that he may be controlling. After getting to know him, she calls him "The Softie" because he is such a nice guy.

    My husband manages employees at work (like Joe) and is results oriented. There is no one I would trust more to lead our family. Sometimes that means he can be task-oriented, but he is also the kindest, most loving person I have ever met.

    I'm not saying that Joe is like my hubby. It is too early to tell. But I would much rather Joe than puke-tastic Kody.

    I was completely disgusted with Meri. The more I watch, the more I dislike her. When the Darger wives were talking about compromising in the kitchen for the good of the children, she Itasked about decorating the house?!? Really, Meri? Home decor is more important than the children? That explains the wet bar.

    In the couch session was revealing. Meri abused Janelle and now she starts crying and painting herself as the victim? Disgusting.

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    1. The difference between joe and kody is joe is a father figure and kody is one of the kids.

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  32. Until the end of last season/start of this one I quite liked Meri. She was my favorite but now I really can't stand her. The whining, the selfishness. It's just too much. I understand the builder's were limited to room count and probably couldn't go below 4 (havent' watched this week yet, am about to) but Meri doesn't need that many so should trim what and where she can so her family, the sister wives she claims to love so much, can do for her bonus kids!

    Btw, love the blog! Stumbled on it earlier this fall. Tried commenting but apparently Safari doesn't like the setup so today I tried Firefox and BAM! It's letting me comment :) YAY lol

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    1. Is it just me, or was Meri really serious about adding a tennis court?

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    2. As far as I could tell she was just joking. I think on many levels she totally understands that she's being selfish about wanting a big house and joking is her way of handling it. It's better than seeing her cry since she's unable to just be normal and "share".

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  33. Sobbin’ Robyn is losing her title… Meri is the new reigning Champion of Crying, there has not been one couch session this season in which she didn’t cry. In her usual passive-aggressive way, she cries that it was “perceived” that she abused Janelle and that Janelle clearly felt that way but she was just speaking her mind because she was raised to do that. That didn’t seem like an apology it was “Kody is picking on me and I am taking it personal “(which I think should be ‘personally’) and I look mean but boohoo I am not really that mean. She DID abuse Janelle. If there are any doubts, read their book, it clearly outlines how she abused Janelle. And it was more than just the kitchen, it was about EVERYTHING. So, Meri, it is ‘perceived’ that you abused Janelle because you DID.
    Major disappointment in Janelle this episode for giving Meri an out by blaming Meri’s abuse on their youth (although kudos that she blamed Kody for not listening when she was trying to have a voice) and inexperience. I was also disappointed that Janelle was not interested in a mission statement but was all ‘but if you all do, then I will be on board’. If Janelle is going to continue to be this passive, she will continue to get dumped on and taken advantage of.

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    1. I got the feeling in the couch sessions that Janelle is done with the family and looking after the best interests of herself and her children. It seemed like she is choosing the smaller house in an effort to be able to continue to afford the home in the future, possibly on her own. Also, her disinterest in the "family mission statement" seemed like an indicator of her lack of interest in being part of the family. Throughout the episode she came across as completely indifferent.

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    2. Icequeen - I agree with you on this. Janelle seems very checked out and when she didn't immediately jump on board with the mission statement, I was thinking, she doesn't care because she no longer wants to be part of the family. That said...Kody is pushing her for more bedrooms because he is thinking down the road, new wives, more kids, etc..does anyone really think Kody cares if some kids share rooms? That is very common in large families and they have all grown up sharing rooms. Two kids per room is extremely reasonable. He is thinking about his future families and having space for all of them

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  34. Has anyone noticed that Robyn is pregnant again???

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    1. Yup, it was noticed by the commenters and admin here a few threads ago.

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    2. she's not. check out the interviews with Jeff Probst and Steve Harvey last week. she is NOT pregnant - this show was filmed in May or June.

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  35. Best episode of SW in a VERY, VERY long time.

    I have to say - Joe did come off as a bit creepy at first - but not so creepy now. I know, not everyone will agree with me, but...he is a bit controlling, but kind of more in a "supervisor" type of way. The Stepfordish-ness of the wives and kids, that I thought was there just seeing them in bits and pieces in 2-minute interview spots on different talk shows, was MUCH less apparent in the show. Actually, Joe reminds me quite a bit of my own dad when I was a kid. He's not trying to be a "pal" to his kids, he's trying to be a PARENT, which means providing stability, a good example, and discipline when needed.

    The thought comes to mind of one of my favorite Goldie Hawn movies - "Overboard" - where she tells Kurt Russell "Our boys have enough friends, they need a FATHER." Joe is more of an old-fashioned type of dad who runs a tight ship, but still lets his kids make their own decisions - witness the older one Caleb who clearly stated he is NOT going to be a plyg.

    Seeing them sitting together at one table drinking milkshakes, you can see the difference immediately - other than Logan/Hunter, the Brown kids look slovenly, undereducated, slack-jawed (Tara especially), dumpy...while the Darger kids look trim, slim, intelligent, well-spoken.

    Also, I didn't hear Joe go on and on about squeezing out more babies, or pursuing a Wife #4. From the way his third wife described it, he saw she was in a jam, she already got along well with the other two wives. Joe doesn't seem hell-bent on having more kids at any cost, or adding to his wives. I think that Kody's mania towards having more and more children is the main reason he will eventually be looking for wife #5, 6, whatever. It appears that Joe is content with what he has, and might even now be focused on making sure he and his wives can have a comfortable retirement.

    One of the best things about this ep, was watching how the Browns reacted to the Dargers - Kody all but sputtered that "Joe controls the family, and in my family the wives call the shots" and the look on Janelle's face was like YEAH RIGHT...um I think if that were true they would still be in Lehi!

    Or how about the way each family reacted when they saw the two rental houses in Oceanside - Kody immedately said IS THIS ALL WE GET?? - while Joe had ALREADY downloaded the floor plan from online, and had already planned where each member of his family was going to sleep. LOVE IT.

    OR Kody anticipating how the surfer dude at the rental place was going to react when he said WE ARE POLYGAMISTS or THIS IS OUR WHOLE FAMILY AND WE ARE THE TWO DADS OF ALL THESE KIDS...he just kind of brushed it off, I think he was more annoyed that 40 people showed up all at once and could have cared less about the plyg thing. TOO FUNNY!

    AND the Darger wives looking great in their short sleeve tops, almost chic...in their bikinis, etc. and the insinuation that Joe MAKES the wives work out and OH WE WORK OUT TOO. Um...just hazarding a guess here, and I know there are different body types/genetics to deal with, but I'm guessing that the Darger wives/family CHOOSE to work out (it's more fun and motivating to work out as a team/family unit than alone - it becomes a lifestyle, just as the apparent lifestyle choice of the Browns appears to be sitting on their ass in their air-conditioned houses, bitching about wet bars and watching their big screen TVs). Also, I doubt they live on all the high-calorie simple carbs that appear to make up the greater portion of the Browns' diet. "working out" can mean a lot of things, and if one wants to lose weight, the nutrition/caloric intake is as important - maybe more important - than the exercise, although that's essential as well).

    OK - not a fan of polygamy, but the Dargers are growing on me. That said, I doubt we'll see much of a train wreck with them, the Browns are the Titanic in comparision!

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    1. I agree with pretty much all of this! I find polygamy creepy, and I think Joe is creepy- but not nearly as bad as he was in those old pictures, holy cow. You have to give the Dargers credit, they seem to be doing what they're doing because of their religious beliefs and are committed to it and not using a religion to justify the way they want to live (coughKodycough). Joe definitely seems to be the type of leader that a family of that size needs. And I agree, the Darger kids seemed much more "together".

      The scene with the poor rental shop guy annoyed me for the same reasons the parent teacher conferences annoyed me last week- Kody and krew eager to "shock" and get a reaction out of somebody.

      Oh- and I loooove the movie "Overboard"!

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    2. My sister (the one who tries to control my life) can do a PERFECT impression of Goldie Hawn as Rich-Bitch Joanna Stayton (or whatever Goldie's name was in Overboard). Never fails to crack everyone up! "WHAT is this gelatanous MUCK??"

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    3. Personally, I think the Brown kids look, well normal. Sure, some of them are overweight, but they just look like kids to me. The Darger kids look kinda back-woodsy to me. I was actually surprised by that because the parents look very modern.

      I don't like to esteem anyone as being better simply because of their weight. Yes the Browns need to lose weight (like me!) and yes the Darger women are svelte, but that has no bearing on how I see this family. I find the Dargers more appealing simply because of the order and respect. I do think Joe is controlling and I think the twin/cousin thing is the main turnoff for me, not just the polygamy. My monogamous mind can't get past that one.

      Also, does the older wife remind anyone else of Ashley Judd.

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  36. DId anyone else catch Kody's self-righteous statement about not committing welfare fraud...did I imagine that? I'm not sure what his interpretation of that is, but I've read so many posts on this blog about them "bleeding the beast" that I was a bit shocked.

    It was also telling (and funny ) how Meri and Christine were almost giddy at how much they loved Joe's leadership skills, Kody just sat there on the couch glowering at them.

    The Browns didn't come across very well compared to the Dargers. I'm sure they have issues, and there's always the ick factor but they seem to have their shit together as a well oiled family.

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  37. Question- Were those white Darger vans rented for the trip or is that what they own for themselves? If they own them, how cool to show the Browns to not own all those inefficiently sized vehicles!

    I'm tired of how much of the show is done for the cameras. I realize that it is just part of reality television, I just simply don't believe any of it is authentic anymore.

    When they arrived at the rental place for wakeboards etc., they were yakking like they had just shown up and how surprised the business will be with their group...NO! They aren't surprised at all because it was pre-arranged!

    The kids getting together and really all they could find to talk about was to compare plyg notes? As a teen I didn't compare notes with my friends about their parents- we NEVER talked about parents. That was prompted by the producers.

    Last week, Meri was almost smiling at times when Kody was pushing her for an answer. I don't think Meri is considering Robyn's offer at all- it was just for show. They were asked to drag out the drama and so they did. Last night, Robyn talked about having more children, Meri gave a supportive smile (because she isn't interested in the surrogacy offer!)

    I don't watch much reality tv, so I get bored with the drama for the camera. I wish they would just not stage conversations.

    What else was staged last night?

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  38. I, for one, did not find Joe Darger to be a breath of fresh air. I thought that he was a controlling, self-superior dictator. I thought he was was borderline disrespectful to Kody ( and I hate that I am defending Kody ) and that his wives were smug and condescending to the Browns. I don't find belonging to a family that is run like a business, complete with mission statement, to indicate that they are superior plygs. It all seems too contrived.

    One of the Darger wives said that monogamous marriages fail at a rate of 60%. Well, I don't know a lot of polygmists, but in the Dargers there is a divorcee, in the Browns there are two, and there have been references to Robyn's parents divorcing, etc. I think the Browns are crazy, but I think the Dargers just might be a less obvious brand of crazy, too. I definitely think they want a piece of the Brown spotlight.

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    1. Hi West Texas Rev.: You just hit upon my biggest pet peeve regarding polygamy defenders. They bemoan the sad state of monogamous marriage, as if there are no divorces in polygamous marriages. If you read Church of Lies by Flora Jessop, or Escape by Carolyn Jessop, there are many divorces recounted. Of course, polygamists don't tend to call it "divorce": they either say the wife "left the group", or that the wife was "reassigned". Uh-huh.

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    2. Uh didnt Robyn leave her 1st husband and Janelle left her 1st family?? Come on...

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  39. Long time reader--first time poster--love this blog! Meri is ridiculous--her "apology" to Janelle was NO apology. "I'm sorry YOU felt abused Janelle" is not an apology--it's passive aggressive bs. Or my favorite--"I was raised to speak my mind, I didn't know it was bad or abusive" only discounts Janelle's feelings and experiences in the situation, and gives Meri an out. Meri has no self awareness and refuses to see how poorly she treated Janelle--she paints herself as a blameless victim so she doesn't have to see the truth of how she acted (or continues to act) and doesn't take responsibility for what she puts out into her corner of the world.

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    1. I agree! I was also raised to speak my mind and the early Meri we saw, I related to very much. However, speaking your mind about something and running over someone else because you don't like something they are doing, are two very different things.

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  40. About the house plans/# of bedrooms/wet bar issue - I believe that it was said on the show that they decided that the budgets for the four homes would be divided equally. So, say that they each get $500/k per house, and however much per month on mortgage payments. If Meri wants to go all whole hog and trick out her house with a wet bar and five bedrooms and can do that with her $500/K budget and allotted monthly mortgage payments, fine. Unnecessary and frivolous, but if it falls within the $500/k, so be it. On the other hand, if Janelle wants to be more frugal with her house and go with the more modest floor plan and come in under budget, well, is it possible that if her house comes in at a lower monthly mortgage payment, does she get to keep remaining allotted monthly mortgage budget for herself....and for things like actually paying the bills, savings, etc.? That would be fair under the equal budget scenario, after all. If so, I say wise planning, Janelle. However, if Janelle doesn't get to reap the rewards of being frugal and if what she does doesn't spend goes to the other wives, then I say Go Big or Go Home. :)

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    1. Isn't Janelle's rental house the one with the pool? Maybe she is saving part of her house budget for a pool or something fun for the common space. Wouldn't it be funny if Meir has made such a big deal about the wet bar so she can entertain and none of the kids want to hang out there because Janelle's house is more fun.

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    2. So who do you think will make those mortgage payment once TLC goes away? Who will pay for Meri's wet bar ?? ..maybe she can get her own show on how to entertain at a wet bar with no alcohol ..LOL who does she think she will 'entertain"?

      Janelle makes Meri look like a selfish bitch ...she goes with an affordable 3 bedroom, while soon childless Meri goes with 5 bedrooms ANR a hobby room ( what the hell is that?? ) She could have used the spare bedroom ...

      Jenelle was married because she is the money maker and fiscally responsible one not because Cody loved her.. and she will have the home easiest to resell and pay for in the group... smart woman .

      One more thing..meri keeps saying how much she loves her "bonus" kids.. remember when Robins baby was born she was going to have a play room for the babies? She was so happy...so why isn't "mothet Meri" watching Robins kids while she "works ..(LOL). Ummmm seems like the benefit of polygamy ends when you have to put yourself out

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  41. I thought Joe and Darger Wives showed a TON of restraint when Kody explained that he figured that when they moved to Vegas they'd find some old rich lady living in the Vegas equivalent of the Winchester Mystery House with 25 bedrooms selling it for pennies...and he was TOTALLY serious.

    If I were the D's, I would've been trying not to bust out laughing.

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  42. I love this blog! That being said I am surprised no one brought up what Kody said about welfare fraud. I had to rewind it to make sure he said it-he was talking about how they came on tv to show America polygamy was not all child brides and welfare fraud. Ummm hello--multiple bankruptcies, food stamps, medicaid,the wives (except meri) not putting kody as the father to receive single mother benefits etc.etc. That IS fraud!
    I like the Dargers but, Joe creeps me out and I don't know why. I DO love how he takes charge--someone has to in a group of 25! I don't think he orders the wives around but, I think he is very involved in day to day things in the family. Also he really shows to be a good dad--so far we have seen him actually interacting with his kids--you know like holding them and not looking awkward.
    Meri is a selfish and narcissistic woman who I believe bullied all the wives at some point. Is she doing damage control? YES.
    Last but not least Janelle. She is my favorite but, she will never leave nor will she ever stand up for herself. I think she knows Kody does not love her and at this point doesn't even care about her feelings. Meri (and Kody) has laid on the mental abuse for 20 years and she is a broken person. Janelle never gets excitied, never even really smiles or shows emotion. In fact the only time I have ever really seen her animated was at Logans graduation. She will ride sisterwives out for all its worth (including defending Kody and his dumbass actions) because she knows in her mind) this is the best it will ever get for her.

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    1. Oh thank goodness you caught that too. I mentioned it in one of my posts here. So is he just bald-faced lying or is he so deluded that he actually believes their perfect plyg family doesn't milk the government for more than their share? It's mind boggling to me. I have such a hard time reconciling the skewed perception they have of themselves. Or maybe they sit around patting themselves on the back for successfully fooling everyone (NOT).

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  43. Last night was the best episode yet! I'm sure next week will be better with that girl speaking up about having to be really stupid to fall for this cult and it's beliefs.

    My observation, I don't think any of these wives like each other, especially sobbin Robbyn and me me me Meri! I think those 2 are the most manipulative. Meri has to pretend to love Robyn to stay in good graces with Kody, Robyn knows she has to appear to be on Meri's side for appearances. I just have a hard time swallowing that their faith is what really drives these people. I have been a single mom, I can't imagine how frightening it would be to be single, with little to no education and have 5 or 6 kids. I think that kind of fear would keep a lot of women in this position. I do think if Janelle or Christine left that TLC could pick up a show for them that would be interesting to see. They could make it with a pay check from TLC. I wish they would. As far as the other plyg family, They were gross too, It's all creepy, maybe a different kind of creepy, but gross in it's own way! You have to lose any common sense or self esteem to live like that! How stupid to think you need a penis to get to heaven!!
    Love the blog!

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  44. Why was Sobbin Robbyns sister with the teenagers on this episode? I thought she was only about 5 years younger then Sobbin? How old is Robbyn and her sister?

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  45. While I was watching last nights episode a thought popped into my mind while watching Meri sob away again... Meri cries as much as Robyn. I am thinking that maybe she figured out that Robyn uses her tears to get her way, so Meri should try it herself to get more attention from Kody.
    As for the Darger family, it was nice to see another family that functions in a completely different way. I difference between the two families is like night and day. I am sure the Darger family has their own issues, but with their "guest star" appearance last night those issues were hidden, I am sure that if they were on tv every week then eventually those issues would be more obvious as with the Browns.

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    1. Would make sense, they all probably seen how Robyn is the fav and try to copy her. First with the top over top look (which is awful!!) robyn came in wearing that look and before long they were all wearing it, even Mariah. Then came the crying over nothing, Meri started doing and so did Christine. Remember the whole waterbill cry fest???

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  46. I'm sorry, but Joe Darger still kind of creeps me out. I, personally, could not be with someone that controlling. My husband & I make desicions about our family together and I just couldn't be with someone is is always telling me what to do.

    Also, the whole twin thing creeps me out. I am married to an identical twin and I could never see myself married to both him and his brother. It would just be too weird for me.

    That being said, I do have to give credit to the Darger wives. I know I could never be part of a plural marriage. I would be way to jealous of a person to share my husband. But, they really do look like they all can handle the jeasouly much better than Kody's wives can. They all seem to get along so well together. I understand about the whole "twin thing" and have seen first hand how close twins are, but these three ladies seem to be genuinely nice people and seem to get along with others as well. I don't think i could ever be that nice to someone sleeping with my husband, even if it was another wife.

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    1. Same here, Lorrie. I'd place a large bet on the odds that the Darger wives work out, for example, because Joe doesn't allow them to opt out. But yes, the wives seem to be more together in every respect than the Browns.

      On another note, I think the Browns could write a mission statement, a treatise, treaty or constitution, but nothing is going to change. The three stooges, in particular, aren't going to magically turn into responsible adults no matter what b.s. they manage to pen.

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  47. Ok I just have to say, this felt like a PR clean up mission by the Dargers. I get that they "know"each other. I am pretty sure all the plurals in Utah know each other somehow ,someway. But for 2 families that have never hung out before to suddenly go on vacation together???
    When the adults were out to dinner and the D wives started telling the B wives to share a kitchen and saying things like is decorating more important than family, I really think the D wives were on a PR mission. They really believe in their religion and they "live" it. The Browns don't know why they are living the life.
    The D wives probably are not happy with the B wives being the public face of their lifestyle /religion. I mean really, if you wanted to promote plural marriage and show how it can be a happy life, would you really put the Browns in front of the camera???????

    I like the Dargers they are attractive, personable, organized and really show the fact that they love and support each other. I loved when they talked about sacrifice, so that the family can be a whole and the kids can have access to each other and the dad.

    This is what I thought the Browns were going to show in their show. But instead we see narcissism, meanness, backbiting and Janelle needs medication!!

    Janelle is so checked out she seems robotic! Years of abuse and indifference by Kody and Meri have made her into a depressed,catatonic person.

    If the Dargers were there to clean up the image of plural life they did a darn good job.

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  48. On the subject of the house budgets: Meri should get a house equal to that of her sister wives, IF a proportionate amount of children move in with her. Seriously what is she compensating for? Mariah can't be that bad of a kid.

    On the subject of Browns V. Dargers: I bet Papa Joe wouldn't have gotten 3 flat tires while escaping to Vegas.

    On the subject of the teens: The conversation topics were definitely forced, except for the line "...until a man with a wife starts courting you." That phrase will haunt me forever.

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  49. If this episode did anything, it confirmed what I've suspected for some time: there are plenty of versions of polygamy, but they all pretty much suck.

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  50. Not only can the Brown women not share a kitchen, but I don't believe Kody could handle that. I posted before I think Kody in part marries another instead of working on his current marriage. I think if Kody had to deal with all wives in same kitchen, he would be forced to acknowledge them and the problems. For example, Meri sees how lovey dovey he is with Robyn and demands to be treated the same. Christine sees how Kody gives in to Meri's demands and wants that. Kody cannot allow them to compare notes too much.

    No Kody, you didn't sound sexist when you said that women sacrifice their identity when their share a kitchen, SNORT! I just about spit out my drink like DJ does when she reads this blog.

    Meri crying on the couch about how Janelle felt abused. Ha! Even funnier was Sobbin Robyn trying to work up her own years over the story!! Those two are in a tear competition, cry me a river!

    Robyn's dig at Christine when Christine said the Dargers work out every day: Robyn, in a so fake tone, says to Christine "but don't YOU work out every day?!?". I think Robyn was trying to point out that Christine must not work out every day or she would look like the Dargers. Then Robyn, who is the thinnest, throws out that she is the only Brown who doesn't work out trying to imply she is just naturally thinner. Robyn honey, your acting is transparent and won't win you an Oscar.

    Joe does appear controlling but what can you do with such a large family? I think he likes to be prepared, really. His wives seem to have their own opinions. One of his kids has his own band where he performs in public. That's a little non-traditional and if he truly were so iron fisted, I don't think that would happen. I think???

    Oh Robyn, you only wish the Dargers would accept the Brown kids as mates. They want nothing to do with your insanity. But I'm sure Robyn would jump at the chance to tag along on the Dargers' fame ride, too.

    I notices Super Sol hanging out at dinner, too. Again, don't think Robyn WANTS the other Browns to babysit him cuz he's so special. Also, she must make sure he's in the spotlight. Weren't the Dargers holding a younger baby in one beach scene? That baby didn't make the adult dinner table like Super Sol

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    1. SA, there have been times when this blog has put me in so much mirth, that my beverage comes out through my nose...okay, just call me Mona as in TMI... LOL ;-) DJ

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    2. Since the Darger kids have to pay rent, I'm guessing Joe probably has different "rules" for revenue streams.

      Yes, Robyn would probably jump on the Darger train in a heartbeat. Christine also seemed quite taken with Joe!

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  51. The thing that grated on me the most this week was how Kody was going on about how awful it was that the Dargers were afraid of their family being split up. Being afraid of going to jail for something illegal is not a "tragedy", but losing a baby is, and I hated how he took the focus off of that to make his point. (Although, maybe he was properly sympathetic and it was just edited out.)

    Reading back through this thread I didn't see if anyone had answered this question- anyone read the Dargers book and know how they decided which wife was #1 and #2 when they got married at the exact same time? Or how they decided which one would be the legal wife?

    I can tell you one thing- I am looking forward to next week's episode!

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    1. If I remember correctly, the oldest of the two girls was wife number 1, the younger one wife #2

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  52. I have to be honest: I don't think the Browns are perfect people. I think Kody is ridiculous most of the time, I think that Christine acts like a petulant child. Meri and Janelle need to learn how to get over the slights they made to each other over a decade ago and not hold on passive-aggressively. Robyn's naivete gets downright frustrating. HOWEVER, I would choose watching them and their flawed (human) lives ANY day over the Dargers' condescending and plastic-feeling facade.
    I know that a lot of people have said that they found the Dargers to be more refreshing and genuine, but I honestly couldn't disagree more. They are the ones that make my skin creep and think of brainwashing. Good for them for wanting to be fit and pretty and organized but all of it just reads as a show, not as real people living real lives.
    I have been a fan of Sister Wives since its beginning BECAUSE the Browns are so flawed and willing to be so. The fact that Kody and his wives (and their children, let's be honest) are such polarizing and specific individuals is what makes me go "Ok, this is a legitimate family."

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  53. One of the things I like about the board is we are respectful of each others comments no matter how different.Yay us.
    I aslo got a wierd vibe about Joe. On their website they have a blurb for each child describing their personality and hobbies. Every child, except the small ones, play a musical instrument and the oldest are trying to launch a music career. This sounds like Joe is trying to build a musical empire, ala Osmonds. I'm all for children playing a musical instrument if that is their passion but find it odd that every child in the
    Darger family has the same interest. Not one soccer, gymnast, martial arts interest?. I think this is one aspect of Joe's controlling the family. I think the Darger wives are astounded at how disfunctional the Brown wives are. Kody is more of a buffon than I ever thought possible.

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    1. well...back when I was a kid, it was standard for most kids to learn at least one musical instrument - not necessarily for a career in music but just to kind of broaden one's interests. I had to take 2-3 times weekly piano lessons, and later in high school learned to play guitar. My sisters also had their kids learn at least one instrument. For some families, it's just what's done. In fact, if I had a child I would probably have him or her learn to play an instrument.

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    2. Good point, Anon 2:18. It seems almost impossible that none of the Darger kids would want to pursue some other interests.

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    3. Maybe the instrument thing is just really common in oversized families. I know the Duggars and their friends like them all seem to play instruments. Wonder if Kate G will have her bunch playing?!

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    4. I agree with DJ, I thought learning an instrument was just a normal part of growing up. I started with piano at age 5 taking lessons 2-3 days a week along with most of the other neighborhood kids. Once I got to middle and high school I played the clarinet, flute, oboe, and piccolo. Went on to play in college as well. I also participated in many other sports/activities, but music was definitely something that was just a part of my life. I don't think it's weird especially if the family as a whole enjoys music.

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  54. Where to start? Oh my, lions and tigers and bears. When I was watching the show, all I could do was think about how unorganized, lazy, immature, untruthful, and self-indulgent the Browns are in comparison to the Dargers. Also, the scene with Meri crying about Kody’s remarks about the two wives thinking abuse if they had to share the same kitchen and what about decorating made me want to throw the TV outside. Really Meri: You not only pick Janelle to death but you and Kody practically made out in front of her every single night under the covers in front of the TV; in addition, you belittled and embarrassed her and don’t say that you think that type of communication is socially acceptable. And, then you all say well we didn’t have role models…LIARS. Meri is from Poly and Kody’s parents were practicing polygs, so please don’t try to say you didn’t have a model.
    Also, anytime you all do something, you have all the adults standing around with absolutely no plans. Then you just start throwing crap together which results in arguments. WOULD IT HURT YOU TO PLAN AND ORGANIZE ONE EVENT?
    Finally, the jealousy thing being why no public affection and why you cannot live in the same house…really? I thought the rationale for multiple wives was to teach the poor women how to control their emotions, make them better, humble them, and all that other patriarchal BS.

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    1. <
      Oh my gosh YES!! So glad I am not the only one who sees this!! I am sick to death of Meri and her manipulating and whining and overall nastiness to Janelle and Christine! I'm about to stop watching the show because I want to reach through the TV and snatch her bald-headed! When I read how Janelle basically worked and provided needed revenue so Kody and Meri could live the life of Reilly, I wanted to scream. Meri SHOULD GET LESS because she has fewer needs. Why should she get equal resources??! The other women have 5 and 6 kids! Regardless of Meri's fertility issues it just makes sense. Oh my word shes terrible and I feel so sorry for Christine and Janelle. I dont know why they choose to live this way. No wonder Meri and Robin are bffs..they are Cody's favs while the other two get left with the grunt work. GRRRR

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  55. After the tennis court comment, we are the ones being played here. Also, Janelle always was the best actress in the bunch (remember how "terrified" she acted before the move to Vegas which we know was complete balderdash?)

    I also think, after the boom came out, these little scenes between Meri (sobbing) and Janelle) stormy eyed are completely scripted. Now we have another polygamous family that they can "learn from ". How about a series finale where they don't get the houses but remember what is really important again in life - their family and each other. (Cue people on FB clamouring to join.)

    Like I mentioned earlier, I write fiction for a living!

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    1. I thought the tennis court remark (which came out of nowhere) was total BS. of course the whole house buying plot is total BS.

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  56. So how are Joe's kids related? Are they all cousins AND half siblings? Would some them be second cousins as well?

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  57. Do the Dargers live in Utah?

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  58. Peanut Butter FritosDecember 3, 2012 at 3:30 PM

    As we learned last week, the Browns can't afford Disneyworld, so I'm sure they had no idea. And it was big, bad, mean Disney who didn't want to not get paid to film a bunch of admitted felons.

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  59. I'm sorry if I am posting this in the wrong thread/area but I need to express my frustration with Meri. Am I crazy or is she one of the most passively-aggressive vindictive whiners you have ever seen? I read the book and can totally see how Janelle has been mistreated. I mean she has said unkind things to Janelle and Christine the last 2 shows. I'm sorry but I don't think it's "fair" that she gets an equal share of the resources when she has fewer people. Regardless of whether or not she can have more children or whatever...it just makes more sense. When I read the book and saw where Janelle had a full-time job and Meri and Kody acted more or less like newlyweds and left Janelle holding the bag, well I thought even less of both Meri and Kody. Meri has been on a tear lately and I think shes behaving like a spoiled brat. Shes gone after Janelle so many ways and Janelle doesnt even stoop to respond. I dunno..just aggravates me to death.

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  60. Watching the SW's to analyze relationship issues, some things cross my mind.
    Something is missing - and I can't put my finger on it. Formerly a grade school
    teacher, it appears to me that's one is herding two classrooms of students around - to recess or restroom break or lunch. The noise factor.
    It would be interesting to learn how the Dargers budget - living in one house
    they probably sit down and review income to bills like anyone else would.
    The Browns indicate they divide resources evenly. Take a few minutes and do some
    calculating: X#$ divided by four for season episodes divided by months etc;
    or by # of children (17) or # in HH - Moms x the share for the family income divided by yr. If more that one season a yr it is more lucrative. Can see where Meri wants no part of that!! Also does Kody get a double share or is he part of Meri's household!!












    T

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  61. Last night's episode showed me just how staged the whole thing is. That thing about the tennis court just showed that TPTB are trying to create drama.

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  62. Question.....
    Why is Christine insisting on having a bedroom for each child (six bedrooms total) when she has two teenage daughters who will likely leave in the next few years?
    Meanwhile Janelle insists that her children can and should double up on the bedrooms.

    I do believe the tennis court comment was Meri and Kody's lame attempt on scripted satire...they thought they would smugly just throw that out there and watch it fester falsely on the blogs.
    Didn't work, though, did it !!! They are lousy actors.

    I don't agree that the Dargers have surfaced to show the world the right and workable version of Plyg Life as opposed to the "chaos" of KodyWorld. The whole specter of polygamy is just not that mysterious anymore.
    The Browns were successful in showing the basic concept and workings of it all, along with all the books and expert opinions which out there for all to see and read.

    The Dargers definitely have their own agenda, whatever that will turn out to be......
    Be it just purely for the money, promotion for their "musical" children (Partridge Family 2013 style?), fronting their own businesses, or simply for any and all potential show biz and speaking gigs.

    No one in their right mind would open up their private lives AND their children's lives to public scrutiny and media focus without some seriously motivating enticement.
    They want something....and it's not merely about setting the Plyg record straight, since isn't that what their book was supposed to do?

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    Replies
    1. Why is Christine insisting on having a bedroom for each child (six bedrooms total) when she has two teenage daughters who will likely leave in the next few years?

      One word....SPITE

      Delete
  63. Has it been commented before that when Meri had Janelle join the family, she thought of it as her personal slave being brought in?

    If she pitched a fit over where to put cups or how to fold laundry, she must have been sitting on her behind while Janelle did it all and then complaining how it was done?

    There does not seem to be any caring between the wives.

    The Dargers were as someone mentioned, "a well oiled machine". I'm not a plyg but have a large family and I can tell you life is more enjoyable when the chaos is managed. For those families that aren't super organized or haven't had to manage a large number of children, it may look rigid, but it really makes like more enjoyable. The Dargers were very impressive in running their family! Joe Darger sure looked like he was turning Meri and Christine on with his organizational skills! LOL

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  64. For those of you commenting on the tennis court, it was obvious that Meri and Mariah were kidding around. I do think they are aware of the backlash amongst the 'fans' (i.e. us here at SWB and those at TWOP) about the wetbar and they threw that in for a laugh. They all laughed, it was clearly meant as a joke. I mean, the wetbar and hubby room are riduculous but even Meri and Mariah sometimes have a sense of humor.

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    1. THANK YOU.
      I 100% agree. I think the comments are completely overreacting about the small tennis court moment. It reads obviously as a joke. I don't really even like Meri and I can tell it was a (albeit weak) attempt at self-deprecation. It's obvious by the conversations that even though she is being quite pig-headed about the wet bar, she also knows how ridiculous everyone else thinks she's being. It's also obvious that there is no ROOM in their yards for a tennis court, which just lends to support that they were kidding.
      Again, I don't even LIKE Meri but cut the woman (and Mariah) some slack.

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    2. It's also obvious that there is no ROOM in their yards for a tennis court

      You know how Kody says he wants the houses to have a common backyard (like Big Love)? There's no room! Those have to be the smallest backyards! Maybe a common backyard sidewalk leading from one house to the other...

      Delete
    3. Considering this was filmed months ago, before we knew of the wetbar, them making the joke because of backlash on sites doesn't work. Though as I said above, I truly think it was just a joke.

      Delete
  65. Has it been commented before that when Meri had Janelle join the family, she thought of it as her personal slave being brought in?

    If she pitched a fit over where to put cups or how to fold laundry, she must have been sitting on her behind while Janelle did it all and then complaining how it was done?

    There does not seem to be any caring between the wives.

    The Dargers were as someone mentioned, "a well oiled machine". I'm not a plyg but have a large family and I can tell you life is more enjoyable when the chaos is managed. For those families that aren't super organized or haven't had to manage a large number of children, it may look rigid, but it really makes like more enjoyable. The Dargers were very impressive in running their family! Joe Darger sure looked like he was turning Meri and Christine on with his organizational skills! LOL

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  66. I might have missed it scanning over the comments but did anyone else notice Christine trying to hold Kody's hand on the beach and him kind of brushing her off?

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