TV’s favorite polygamists are back for another season! The season opener of Sister Wives started with “Mother-In-Law Invasion”. A more accurate title could have been “Are We Having Fun Yet?”
It’s hard to believe it’s been three years since we first had a glimpse into the Brown household. I must admit, I like this family. I like the various wives – even the bitchy ones. I even like the husband now. It took me a while to warm up to Kody Brown. (I think it has something to do with his hair.) But I am pretty sure he doesn’t lose sleep over the fact Patty took a while to warm up to him. I am not looking for another husband, and I hope that he isn’t looking for another wife – he has his hands full!
If you haven’t been watching this show, let me bring you up to speed. The Brown family are a group of polygamists. No, not those kind of polygamists. They don’t wear prairie dresses or subscribe to the teachings of Jeff Warren. The are kind of “new age” polygamists, I suppose. Kody has four wives and seventeen children. The women usually wear jeans and have fashionable hairdos. They lived in secrecy until the start of the show, when they came out of the plyg-closet in a big way. Shortly after the show started to air in 2010 the state of Utah announced it was investigating the family with the possibility of charging them with bigamy, a third-degree felony. In response, the family loaded up the truck and moved to Las Vegas.
The early shows had a much lighter feel to them. We heard how Christine never uses a toaster, because more people die from toasters than shark attacks each year, dontchaknow? We saw a loving Dad tucking in his little kids each night. We saw busy Moms trying to hold it all together. The house looked like it was decorated in Early Garage Sale and the kids were adorable. But since arriving in Las Vegas it feels like the show is filled with angst and tears along with the nicer furnishings in the new houses. Last night this tweet summed it up:
@LuvgvsUwngs #sisterwives hope they do more than just cry on the new season
— Sandra Alfermann (@SAlfermann) December 29, 2013
This is where all reality shows get a little murky. In the beginning it’s great just to watch the day-to-day activities of an unusual family. But as seasons continue, producers seem to want to ramp up the drama. Forget the toaster, producers think we want to hear the wives’ innermost thoughts, ad nauseam, on what’s going on with her marriage or the dirt on how the wives really feel about each other. The whole show seems to be one big therapy session, complete with lots of tears. Kleenex should be a sponsor!
On last night’s show all of the mother-in-laws showed up in Vegas for Mother’s Day. Let the mayham ensue! Except it didn’t. The mother-in-laws, all four of them, seem like really lovely ladies. They reminded Cody to keep things equal when picking out Mother’s Day presents for his wives (duh!), and we even heard how one mother-in-law encouraged Christine and Cody to stay close with Christine’s mother when she left the polygamist lifestyle. Kody said a bonus of his lifestyle was he could identify with friends who love their mother-in-law and he could also identify with friends who hated their mother-in-law. He declined to say which mother-in-laws are which for him. He has learned something in twenty years of marriage to four women!
The truly heartbreaking moment of the night was when Janelle’s mom described her early days as the second wife as “hell”. Wow. I don’t think I have ever heard someone describe their marriage as “hell” unless it was abusive or dangerous. The Browns are religious folks, so if a mom used the word “hell”, it must have really been bad. Even though the show doesn’t heavily focus on the religious beliefs of the family, through last night’s episode it really hit home to me how this family feels that it is God’s will that they live this way. It seems to me they believe that as they work through the jealousy and other emotional issues surrounding sharing their husband, they will become better people and closer to God. It’s hard for an outsider to fully understand. Never once has God given me even an inkling that I should live a polygamist life.
The other thing that really came across loud and clear in last night’s show was that the extended family is just not that close. Perhaps it’s an issue of money and distance or just the number of people involved, but last night was the first time all the mother-in-law’s have gotten together. While Kody and Robin (the fourth wife) have only been married three years, the other marriages range from 16 to 20 years. It was surprising to me there was talk of the moms getting to know each other, especially when you take into account that the mother of Kody’s second wife Janelle is married to Kody’s dad. But come to think of it, Kody’s wives aren’t even that close. They each have their own large house in Vegas but seem to live separate lives. Until last night’s episode, the family had never gotten together to talk about how (and how much) they will pay for each child to go to college. Yikes! You’d think finances would be a big topic in such a large family. Cue the tears as Meri’s daughter wants to go to a college that costs four times as much as the colleges the other children are attending.
Getting closer as a family is a big theme of the show. The kids seem close in their large family. Not surprisingly, it’s the wive’s relationships that need work. In the preview for upcoming episodes this season there is talk of a “commitment ceremony”. Here we go again: the reality show wedding. It’s the favorite meme of the reality TV producer. I just hope Christine and Janelle get nice wedding dresses this time.
So what do you think about this show? Too many tears? Do you think the Browns are proselytizing or just looking for acceptance. Do you watch?
I never watch. I confess I find polygamy disgusting*, as gross as serial cheating. To me polygamy demeans women in a marriage and makes children feel insecure. Are these actual marriages? Isn’t polygamy illegal everywhere, even Las Vegas?
*not starting a hate blog about it
I thought it showed how real it is even for their mothers who are part of plural marriage.
It does! I like watching the show myself. Not that I want to share my husband with other women but I like seeing that family work as a team. Id love to have as many kids as they do. But they be all mine lol
I watched the frst season and some of the second after that I lost interest. Reading your review, I realized I haven’t missed anything
Ann I think technically since in the Brown situation only the first marriage is legal and the others spiritual – it’s not actual bigamy. I think NV is kind of a live and at let live kind of state so it was safer than Utah, where they are anxious to distance themselves from the polygamy.
I watch the show and I must say I love it! Not that I share my husband,or have I thought about it! I think they are just like everybody else and have problams in there relationship as we all do! I watch the show because I like them not because I agree with there beleives,in the sence I try not to judge.That’s not my place! I am eager to see what is yet to come!!!
No. Cannot condone this lifestyle! I don’t want to see this. I wish that each one of these women had a husband for themselves only. They deserve that!
nah , I have enough drama
It really surprises me that the women arent really friends .I really couldnt live like that if I couldnt be friends with my sisters wives. Good thing I wouldnt live that life style anyway.
I watch the show and I like it . I agree there is to much crying. I also think the producers are going ruin this show . As for the wife’s it seems their is something blocking them all from being closer .
I have to say that my feelings on this show have greatly changed. While I don’t get polygamy, I have always seen it as a religious choice as long as abuse isn’t occurring and I think having it more out in the open makes abuse harder to get away with. While I totally respect parents rights to make decisions about filming their kids for many reasons, I felt that this show teetered awfully close to being harmful for the Brown kids. It was outing the parents and thus them for illegal activities and consequently they had to uproot their whole lives and move to another state in public distress. Over the course of years, have seen that these children are some really neat well rounded kids and I have to give a lot of credit to the family. I also really enjoy following Janelles weight loss journey as she “gets it” in a way people out of our circumstances do. It was actually through that that I was able to relate to them outside polygamy as neat people which is what I think the message they want to convey. I also think that TLC edits their show much as it does Little People Big World, emphasizing the conflict.
TLC edits for the drama, just like every other family show, it gets boring and the ratings are going down because of it. I think the wives were closer when they lived in Utah, now Vegas style huge houses takes away from the purpose of the family. I would not want the responsibility of raising and supporting 17 children. TLC saved this family financially, and I do think a couple of the women know how to handle money. I’m not into TLC anymore, the conflict they cause in a family is not healthy, hopefully they can survive it all when the show ends.
I have to say I really liked their Utah home. I could see so many uses for a home like that outside of polygamy like extended family, aging parents, amicable shared custody, developmentally disabled adult child, grandparents helping out with grand kids, several families getting together to share child are, running a business, etc. I see what you are saying Snickers, even typical families find themselves distancing from each other in large homes. They all spread apart and do their own thing. They keep talking about getting closer, but this might not help.
I don’t have any moral objections to their lifestyle – if it works for them, fine – but the Browns don’t seem to be a very good advertisement for polygamy. I’ve never gotten the sense that the wives really feel spiritually “married” the way that they are supposed to, at least in my understanding. Robin seemed to really cleave to Meri, and so I suppose they are close. Janelle and Christine seem closer to each other than to Meri or Robin. But I don’t get the sense that there is real love there, only tolerance.
I really can’t stand Meri. The last couple of seasons I’ve just found her ego and selfishness hard to tolerate. I can sympathize with her insecurity over her fertility issues, but when she insists on getting a big-ass house that she DOESN’T NEED, it kind of makes me want to scream. Now Mariah is going all special-princess with wanting to go to a super-expensive college that the family cannot begin to afford. But she haaassss to go there. She can’t stay in Vegas. So move to Utah and start attending community college; get a job. I should be more sympathetic because I know what it’s like to be 17 and want what you want. But her behavior is so reminiscent of her mother’s – it’s all about her.
Everyone is different and believes different things. It’s certainly not the way I would want to live my life but who are we to judge? It’s their life not yours. I don’t believe in any religion so to me their beliefs are just as crazy as anyone else’s. Who are any of you to judge them?
It’s one guy sleeping with 4 women. What is so great about that? They aren’t legally married because polygamy is illegal. Why do we need a show about this?
I am all for different life styles and letting people live their lives the way they want and I like to mind my own business, but I absolutely will not support the show because I find this particular life style quite disgusting. My opinion, and I’m entitled to it. I have a very open mind to many things including lifestyles and religion beliefs. I refuse to support both shows on TLC, “sister wives” and “19 kids and counting”.
I’ve been hearing about this show for years, but I’ve never actually sat down and watched an episode. I know a ton of people that watch it, so one of these days I will have to check it out.
Patty, love this. I am not caught up on this latest season. I’ve just gotten to where they are finally all in their homes. Janelle’s mom saying her life was hell as a second wife is so sad. I wonder about the generational differences between their marriage and her daughter’s. I would be interested in learning more. Were they trapped by religious choices? What an awful way to live. I do remember Cody mentioning that his mom hid her lifestyle.
I enjoyed learning about the family when they lived in the communal home in Utah. I liked watching the kids run through their big home and Christine talking about her fear of toasters.
Watching them begin their lives anew in LV has been a completely different type of show than what I was expecting.
“I felt that this show teetered awfully close to being harmful for the Brown kids. It was outing the parents and thus them for illegal activities and consequently they had to uproot their whole lives and move to another state in public distress.” ~Brandy
I felt so bad for the kids when they had to move. I’m not sure that the parents could have foreseen that as being a consequence of the show. The decision to live publicly certainly turned their lives upside down. The family went through a lot of stress and the kids all missed their home. How rough to be uprooted and transplanted so suddenly and for those reasons. It’s a shame they weren’t left alone to live as they wanted in Utah. They seemed happier there.
JennieIW, Meri has been getting on my nerves too. It may be editing, but she seems to need drama. I couldn’t believe her rental home had to be as big as her sister wives’ when the family was in crisis.
I have actually enjoyed the show. I have a little “behind the scenes” info as one of my best friends from growing up actually married a relative of the browns. (but not the one practicing polygamy)
She says they are very real. What you see on the TV show is truly who they are. They don’t try to hide anything from the cameras. And the purpose is simply to draw awareness that not every poly community is like Warren Jeffs. Although she wants nothing to do with polygamy, she has a respect for them being able to manage it like they do and she appreciates that Kody really does love his family and isn’t motivated by some evil design to just be loaded with women.
I enjoy following the show when I have time. But I do think the producer is focusing a lot on the drama and not as much on the fun stuff like they did at the beginning of the show. I wish they would show more of the fun stuff; cause I know they still do it all. I hear stories of it from my friend.
I watch this show but I could never live this life. I can see why these women are attracted to Kody, is very likeable. He does have different relationships with the women. He seems to have a closer more affectionate relationship with Robin and Meri while his relationship with Christine and Janelle seem to be more a couple who are busy with the many kids they both have. It seems like Christine and Janelle are closer to each other and Meri and Robin are closer to each other and Christine and Janelle might be a bit jealous of Kody’s relationship with Meri and Robin. Janelle has admitted that her relationship with Meri has been rocky. There is no way I would want to share my husband or my kids to share their Dad. I’m not sure the wives or the kids get that much time with Kody. Clearly they are profiting from going public how else could they afford those 4 big houses and nobody is working (besides the jewelry website they have)
I watch, I enjoy and I have no problem with their lifestyle choice. I too had to warm up to Kody but somewhere in the middle of the move from Utah to Nevada, I started warming up to the guy when it became apparent how much of a family man he really is and how very much he loves his wives and his children.
I think the biggest draw for me is to see how incredibly normal and likeable their children are. All of them. They are awesome kids so these parents must be doing something right!
I never even knew this show existed–and to be honest I am not all that interested in watching it. i truly believe that however people choose to lead their lives is their personal business–I neither condone nor condemn. If it makes them happy–then so be it.
I wasn’t aware that they are back on. I will definitely have to watch the new episodes. Although I don’t agree with their crazy marriages, it’s not up to me to judge. It’s actually a quite interesting reality show to watch.
I am obviously behind the times because I didn’t realize this show was on. But… I would hate to think I was sharing my husband with three other women.
I never watched it before. but im always looking for new shows to watch, maybe i will check this one out
So, not going to lie, I’ve not watched this show yet, and from what you wrote I probably never will. It doesn’t sound like fun.
I have never even heard of this show but it sounds like the perfect example of why I no longer watch television and let my youngest have the remote to watch his pre-school shows. It has nothing to do with how they live (though I do not get that either), just plain sick of the so-called reality shows and wish they would come back with some good entertainment. Until then my set will belong to my 4 year old. It does make me have a whole new appreciation for Barney though.
I find the show pretty horrible sounding. I do want to watch an episode eventually.
I saw a few of the episodes and it was really interesting. As long as they are happy then no one has the right to judge them.
never seen this show but then again if it’s not music or dancing i’m not usually interested.
Having lived in Utah and being aware of the polygamy that is stilled practiced in areas I find the show actually really interesting. I don’t agree with the lifestyle, but that is their decision.
I think the dynamics of the show are fascinating. Maybe it would be nice to not have to deal with Hubby every single moment and to be able to take a break while he is busy with one of the other wives.
I’ve never seen this show before but then again I don’t have much time to watch TV. Not sure I would want to watch a show with a guy with 4 wives either. Seems kinda weird to me. Happy New Year!
i seriously love the show sister wives and hope it comes on amazon for viewing soon!
I don’t watch the show, I’m not sure where I stand on this. I always say to each their own and that’s true to life but I don’t find airing this sort of thing for the world is grand at all. It may put a strain on their lives and I don’t see any good from it. Again to each their own, I’m not judging really won’t watch the show I just find these reality shows make it hard for the people living their life harder. They end up having to explain and deal with judgment ect.. 🙁
I actually really enjoy Sister Wives. The wives make me want to have my own sister wives. There is no way I could share my husband, but to have friends that live so closely to you and are there for you to rely on.. I would love it!
Pam, I agree, the Brown children are incredibly normal and likable. Despite any other reservations, I think they are the biggest indicator that the Brown parents are doing a good job and raising happy, self-sufficient kids who know how to think and question choices.
Amber, interesting. I do believe that one of their main reasons for doing the show (aside from the money – duh!) is to draw the distinction from their lifestyle and the Warren Jeffs of the world. On that point, they have sold me. I think they are very loving and no more crazy than any other normal family out there! 😉
Of course, I have quibbles with some of the family (cough, Meri, cough) and the editing of the show (yes, Patty, very typical of the reality show ‘cycle’), but the show is still one I DVR and mostly look forward to although I roll my eyes (along with Janelle I like to believe) at some of it!
I think ive watched that show once. i dont agree on what they do, but it’s entertaining.
I never really felt like my parents needed to be close to my in-laws so I’m not sure where that comes in for the show to need to do that either, but heck what do I know. I might tune in to see if there’s too many tears, lol.
I didn’t watch this episode yet. I hope this season is better, there’s something about Meri that makes me not like her. Why did she need a house as big as the wives who have many children? That seems selfish to me.
I’ve never watched it before. It just doesn’t interest me at all.
I haven’t seen the show, I have heard about it. But it really isn’t something that interests me. I dislike polygamy from a woman’s point of view and wouldn’t want to promote it by watching a show like this.
Stxmom, I can understand why Meri wanted a home the same size as the other wives on the cul-de-sac where they bought. I can’t understand why she had to have a rental home the same size. It was a temporary situation and the family was under stress. It was hard to hear Janelle say that she was worried about providing for her children at that time.
I have no problem with their lifestyle as long as it is a choice. Communal living has always interested me, but I don’t know how manage their feelings. It seems a constant struggle for them.
I almost think that the squabble over house size was exaggerated for the camera. TLC might have even been paying the rents. I just hope they are getting sound financial advice so they can maintain these homes when the show ends, but then again, finances make me nervous
I HOPING THAT THIS EPISODE IS THE BEGINNING OF THEM SHOWING EACH OTHER THAT THEY DO WANT TO BE A BETTER FAMILY UNIT. THEY NEED TO WORK TOGETHER BETTER. I THINK IT WAS BETTER WHEN THEY WERE ALL IN ONE HO– USE
I like sister wives. However for a Christian family, I find one of the wives very childish and spoiled. When Meri sobs because her house is not ready for Christmas, or because of any other small disappointment, I just don’t get it. The majority of the world is starving and she has a melt down because of her wet bar. Go figure …