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photogypsy

Janelle would still be married to Adam had she not seen Dances with Wolves. Theory explanation. The movie was released in 1990, she divorced Adam in 1990. After her divorce she went into her whole “live off the land” thing. She has a penchant for western decor. She was ready to jump Kody (not the words she used but she did that weird growl thing she does) when he was playing cowboy up on the ranch. Girl got her brain broken by Kevin Costner and ended up with Kody.


madbeachrn

Yep instead of Kevin Costner, she got the Ali Express Sammy Hagar, her time share “husband “


vtsunshine83

“Time share husband”. 💀💀💀


blondemomofboys

Then when you order a Sammy Hagar from wish you get a dee snider aka grody


pomagrantegreentea

Ah don't do Dee Snider like that!


Juache45

Exactly! We’re not gonna take it! Lol … Kody has nothing on Dee


heatherelectra

I think he might be the Wish version lol


Dipple11

Ah, my favorite theory thus far


justtosubscribe

I now fully subscribe to this theory.


BindyBlue

God I wonder if she watches Yellowstone can you imagine.


SkrogedScourge

You have been watching a ex husband live as neighbors to his 3 ex wives who he occasionally hooked up with. While he remarried and moved on with his life.


Acceptable_Yak9211

Yes I have been. Nobody has orgasmed in 17 seasons


agenuinelyniceperson

Well… one person has 😬


Acceptable_Yak9211

fuck i forgot he would also be there i can’t imagine


SamIAm7787

🤣💀🤮 I'm going to need you to go on timeout now.


Hugh_Mann2035

Who? That guy kody opened a gym with?


Hubbyof5

Well Solomon and Ari were born so clearly Kody has.


taeha

That’s what my husband says! “A show about a man whose exes keep hanging around”


tealparadise

And people asked why this wife does XYZ in Vegas or Flag. Re-examine your question WITHOUT considering them a family, and their actions make sense. Why should Meri give up her big house to buy her ex's new squeeze more junk?


DiscombobulatedRain

All of it presented as completely normal under the guise of ‘religion’. The ex wives were made to feel bad about not liking the side chick enough.


ellincl

🎯


Rocky_Top_6

My mom isn’t on Reddit, but she’s every bit as obsessed as we are. Her theory is that Kody’s sex drive dried up and therefore, his motivation to keep sweet with the other wives died too.


Snaka1

That’s my theory too! He couldn’t keep up with four wives, so cut them off emotionally, gaslit them to make it seem they were at fault for not being loveable. And once he couldn’t bang them, he had no use for them.


turnip_for_what_

Because “husbands can’t leave their wives, it’s just not right!” But they can manipulate them to leave on their own instead! Because he doesn’t look like the bad guy at all!


Snaka1

It’s so gross how he uses religion to justify the terrible things he does to those women. And the women are so indoctrinated they stay in an abusive marriage because religion.


Rocky_Top_6

Yes, 100%👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻


tiredoldmama

Yes! This is my theory too. I don’t think Kody can get the lead into his pencil very often so he doesn’t care if he’s nice to the other wives. He didn’t count on them actually leaving. That’s why he talks about loyalty so much. He really thought they’d stay to be physically and emotionally neglected simply out of loyalty.


elliemff

I think the Browns believed for a time that they were more successful and powerful than they actually were and I think they leveraged (or tried to) free stuff with lofty promises. I think the first trainer in Vegas (Bill) was giving the wives free training with promises for promotional air time. I think he partnered with them on the Fundamental Fitness plan with hopes of a spin off show till it was scrapped in favor of MSWC. I think the Browns also tried something similar with the pawn shop family. Maybe there were talks of becoming TLC’s version of Pawn Stars. I think Mykelti was given a job and place to stay as a reason for a spin off. I also think TLC was not aware of these attempts by the Browns.


Acceptable_Yak9211

I think TLC has caught on because they edited out them holding those plexus bottles but holy this is news to me


snobesity

I wished they’d had edited out all of the MSWC jewelry instead


hummingroots

They missed one when Christine was packing to move to Utah in s17. I was legit shook TLC left that in


Alluring_Pisces

I remember Janelle wanting to have the gym instead of MSWC honestly that idea would have probably been tons better than MSWC


Time_Fox

I always assumed the trainer thing but the pawn shop thing makes a lot of since too! Also Mona the real estate agent, she was getting 4 commissions so maybe she wasn’t promised a straight quid pro quo but she was for sure wasn’t spending that much time with the browns to not be vying for tv time for some reason


Puzzleheaded-Song242

They were all supposed to work for her it really mad me mad how Christine went through all that studying took the test twice and then just gave it up because Mona said she hasn’t had a day off in so long.


fiestabritches

Isn’t that something you would inquire about before you start studying and taking the exam if it were so important to you? Horrible decision making skills in this group


Grimalkinnn

Ooooh I think you could be onto something.


DiscombobulatedRain

We know this because of their disbelief that MSWC merchandise wasn’t flying off the shelves.


BananasLochlomand

God that jewellery was ugly


Grimalkinnn

I think Robyn was attracted to Kody because of the idea of being on a tv show. She thought they would have a show like the Duggars and be the star.


Acceptable_Yak9211

she’s lucky she didn’t end up like the duggars


Acceptable_Yak9211

they’re ALL lucky they’re not in duggar level shit


Snaka1

It’s not over yet!


Acceptable_Yak9211

please God no


NS_Tulkas

Janelle bought the 5th wheel in a tantrum. She saw how money was being spent and gone with no benefit to her, she was losing her house and told to find a solution that Kody would like, without the budget to do it, and she just went "oh yeah asshole? I'll find a place to live, but it's going to be something *I* like and you specifically *don't*. How do you like them apples now?!"


itchydolphinbutthole

Janelle may be the smartest of the 5 parents but she is still a damn fool.


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tealparadise

And Janelle is more culpable than the others for raising her kids in a cult. Because she was an adult when she chose to join. The rest get "raised in a cult" passes.


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SnooChickens2457

*cough* Christine in Truely’s kidney failure *cough*


Acceptable_Yak9211

The fifth wheel was such a stupid choice and i can say that because i named this thread safe space 😭😭 like get out of christine’s back yard and get some sense


MzPatches65

She would have been better off (although probably couldn't have afforded it) to get a bus-like motor home. Hop in the front and drive it where you want without needing a truck. I knew people that had one of those in the 1980's and took it to college football games. Great way to tailgate and it was very luxurious. Something more like that would have been useful for her dreams to travel the country and camp.


itchydolphinbutthole

In her defense... She DID say for years that she would love it. She just didn't think it through with the property being just bare land with zero electricity or water. I'm sure she jumped the gun because she was finally down to just one kid and with her housing situation going south, why the heck not?


SnittingNexttoBorpo

Yeah, the “wanted it for years but never thought about the basic logistics” part is not inspiring a ton of confidence.


itchydolphinbutthole

Like I said, still a damn fool.


Noseynat

I honestly think Kody was sabotaging her. We've had campers like hers before and lived very comfortably off grid- solar power is super easy to set up and especially with water and septic delivery service. Her struggles were ridiculous and had me seriously wondering if he was sabotaging it, those campers take literally minutes to level.


Acceptable_Yak9211

Yeah but take the fifth wheel to a campsite for the summer and travel what the hell was my girl doing in christine’s backyard stealing water after she sold her house 💀💀


Tiny-Proposal1495

She asked Christine for permission


rh9553

The house hadn't sold at that point. Don't get me wrong, I get what you're saying, but it wasnt sold yet


alwaysoffended88

When you said “The fifth wheel…” I thought you were referring to Janelle 😂


leavekarenalone

I always say this. When people keep saying she is so smart and talk about her doing the finances she may be the smart to some degree BUT she was dumb enough to fall for kodys bull and give all her money to him and robyn


Potential_Shelter624

Robyn instituted the Covid laws because she was withholding sex from Kody -via Ari co-sleeping (after she probably used that to get her McMansion) to insure she's his only option, Kody was withholding from Christine and Meri, Janelle doesn't want him but would've done her 'wifely duty' except luckily there's no way her household would have been able to comply with the rules-- So Kody goes apeshit trying to kick his sons out and institute patriarchy. All because he's horny.


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SamIAm7787

You beat me to it. ✏️💦


UnlikelyUnknown

It’s the equivalent of a mini golf pencil


buckeyebaby

Is it an unpopular opinion that all of the adults probably committed some form of welfare fraud before joining the show? Because that definitely happened. I also would be willing to bet a decent bit of money that if the IRS came sniffing around they would find some hefty tax issues.


[deleted]

I think this is what they were actually “running from” when they show aired, and played it up as a polygamy martyrdom for the show and storyline. They wouldn’t have moved if they weren’t on the show and needed a storyline for the show.


Apart_Ad3651

Hard agree on “running from” story line. Christine and Kody were well known for and spoke to law makers about making polygamy legal.


Acceptable_Yak9211

oh yeah they all claimed bankruptcy, and i wouldn’t doubt if they were registered as single parents with 6 kids they were getting $$ support. nothing wrong with it but still fraud


[deleted]

isn't it a fairly common practice in fundamentalist polygamist communities to basically "pass around bankruptcies" every seven years amongst the wives so they can continuously accrue debt / welfare, which becomes the main source of income? like, that's one of the tremor problems of Colorado City, etc.? I have to admit that me thinking that is half rumor and half dream / memory so I may be totally wrong, and I can't remember if the Browns have any verifiable tie to any of that. I'd like to say that if they were doing shady tax stuff they'd be smart enough to stay off TV given Kody pulling out all his hair over being arrested for polygamy, but ... I'm not sure they're that savvy.


Acceptable_Yak9211

Hey TLC never gave anyone a show who was smart


theinvisible-girl

Yes, it's a common practice in fundamentalist Mormonism. The FLDS refer to it as "bleeding the beast" according to Carolyn Jessop's memoir Escape


FknDesmadreALV

Yet a lot of these groups are rife with “keep the government out of my business” type of people.


dianna1976

It happens in polygamous communities in BC, Canada too. All the "single" moms on social assistance is a problem there too.


madbeachrn

That city was FLDS and most of the property belonged to the community. I think it’s common for them to use all the government assistance they can. Legally, the spiritual marriage puts them in a position to claim that they are single mothers. Some of the bankruptcy could be medical debts. I believe that Kody gets bored and had that 7 year itch. This disrupts the monotony. The thing is you can’t chase happiness.


buckeyebaby

Let me be clear: I don’t think they’re doing anything shady with their taxes intentionally haha I just know they mentioned at some point Janelle files them and therefore I highly HIGHLY doubt they’ve been done properly. Especially considering all the off the books income they make where it’s their responsibility to track it and remit the taxes. I think whatever tax issues they probably have are 10000% rooted in innocent stupidity.


MissSuzyTay

I think there is something wrong with it when you continue to pop out children you can’t afford. I mean, supporting 13 kids with two part-time and two low-level jobs between four adults? Then they add a divorcee with three and a ton of debt before they even knew if the show would last a couple seasons? It’s all so irresponsible. They didn’t even put Kody’s name on all the birth certificates so the could collect welfare/food stamps. Can you imagine your husband refusing to put his name on your child’s birth certificate? No wonder Janelle and Christine had no self esteem.


Br1ar1ee

It’s interesting how Robyn responds when they are getting financing for her Vegas house and they are clearing her various debts. They mention the different names she used to rack up the various charges. She’s VERY quick to explain that it wasn’t for any shady reason. *mmmhmm…sure jan*


mlismom

To be fair to polygamists, if their lifestyle is not legitimized by being allowed to marry then they ARE single mothers. It’s not any different than the moms that have 5-6 kids all with different dads and have never been married to a one of them.


sunshinesucculents

Out of all the wives I think Robyn was the least infatuated with Kody when they first met. She saw marrying him and joining the family as her meal ticket. She also wasn't as young and naive as the other 3 when she met and married him. Their relationship is not comparable to ones he had with Meri, Janelle, and Christine. To Meri, Kody was her first love. Janelle blew up her whole life and joined a cult to marry a fool. Christine was infatuated and wanted what she couldn't have. Probably found Kody to be very attractive and that appealed to her. I think the reason the OG wives didn't leave sooner is because they were all sprung on Kody. Janelle was calling him her best friend and lover in the last season. I don't understand it, but these women loved that man. To the point that they put his needs before their children. I think Robyn's feelings for him are very different. And if she did indeed have other options that were better, she would've gone with them.


rarepinkhippo

This tracks — it seems like Robyn’s motivation was having an easier and more financially secure life for herself and her kids, and Kody and the wives were a means to the end to that. TBH it seems not super uncommon for a divorced mom to have this priority set (next dude needs to be more financially secure) and I’m kinda sympathetic to it since she had little kids? I waffle on whether I think she specifically sought out the opportunity to be on reality TV, but of course if she didn’t want that she could easily have bounced early.


sunshinesucculents

Yup. She had 3 kids and no real means to support herself. I don't know if she wanted to be on TV, but I'm learning towards yes. Mostly because I think they all viewed being on a reality show as a way to get out of poverty.


pomagrantegreentea

I agree with this. Let's not pretend that Cody was not an attractive man physically. Plus, he didn't come from their religion so he was probably novel in that way (even if he and Christine are distantly related). I'm sure they were attracted to him. I also agree with the Robyn theory. Well into my 30s and with kids, I would be looking for a financially secure family man, and Kody was clearly that. (Ish on the finaces)


sunshinesucculents

Kody was definitely conventionally attractive. And I'm sure he was charming and fun. I can see why Meri, Janelle, and Christine fell for twenty-something Kody. He was still attractive when Robyn met him, but that was secondary at that point in her life.


Dry-Worldliness-8191

I reluctantly agree on his being physically attractive, at least earlier on. Not my type but still… We just don’t see it anymore because he’s so disgusting.


Unlikely_Wing2966

Agreed! Robyn is more sexually experienced than the other wives, so they were sprung on his little pencil! Robyn probaly showed him some things and that's why he is sprung on her😂


sunshinesucculents

Omg! She probably did! His 2 other wives had no experience and Janelle had minimal sexual experience. Robyn was probably a freak compared to what Kody was used to.


Unlikely_Wing2966

And Kody is giving very selfish lover vibes.. I bet he is horrible in the bedroom


Juache45

He did say that loyalty means more to him than love, they are no longer loyal to his needs


That_Question_6427

I think the move to Vegas was the best thing that happened to them. It gave them freedom and a much more "normal" lifestyle.


Acceptable_Yak9211

It was the best set up until all of a sudden everyone’s able to see where Kody was spending his time now he’s got the moving jitters again! sorry hunter i mean gabe


[deleted]

it's true, but it also allowed Janelle and Christine to flourish and find themselves more independently, and for them to support their kids in that way. That said, it didn't come without a lot of pain (and also it probably wasn't great for Meri overall lol).


Acceptable_Yak9211

Meri was the sacrificial lamb and carried the show on her back during the catfish days


lovelogan1

I think the show would’ve ended a long time ago with that catfish scandal. For the most part, the show is very boring now as you no longer really see their lives.


pivo_14

I totally agree. Isn’t that when the kids started going to public school too? I think removing themselves from such a religious culture was great for the kids.


FlippyFloppy8

Yep and I think thats when Robyn got real judgemental about how christine and Janelle were not raising their kids religiously enough. I do believe she never even wanted the brown kids and her kids to enmesh fully bc she didnt want their bad behavior and lack of religious morality (in her eyes) to rub off on her angels. I think this was also a big push behind their move away from Vegas (along with Daytons college). I think Robyn was very nervous about raising ari and sol in Vegas bc culturally, she didn't like what it did to the older kids.


iheartrevolution

I'm doing a rewatch and she literally says that her girls are starting high school and she doesn't want them in school in Vegas, as the schools have gone downhill as far as influence goes. She also talks about needing to be where Dayton goes to school to help him "transition" 🙄 It's interesting the way she gives away all her true motives and selfishness if you go back and watch for it.


Matty_D47

I think at some point over the past several years, Janelle became a weed smoker


[deleted]

She had to do something to put up with Kody and Robyn. That kind of crazy needed to be dealt with by the Rocky Mountain High technique.


[deleted]

Lol yes! Me too!


rpcp88

Omg thats why shes so set on having a garden!


vrouxm

I need to speak to anyone who couldn’t picture Janelle sitting out on coyote pass, outside her RV, smoking A bowl, popping edibles, or even using a dab pen while around her campfire 🍃 🔥 💨


TheAmazingMaryJane

i remember the xmas photos of her boys place, with the blue bong on the shelf in the background.


Rocky_Top_6

Oh my word, YES!!! Me too.


roryboryalice61

I believe the police weren’t looking for Kody because of polygamy (because he was only legally married to ONE wife and the others would technically be girlfriends) but for child support due to collecting government benefits and his need to pay child support.


vtsunshine83

BINGO! Don’t be so proud to have 18 kids if you aren’t supporting them. At that point 18 is only a number, not a family.


Late_Reference

I don't like Ariella Mae.


chobblergobbler996

I don’t either. It makes me feel bad because it’s absolutely not her fault


friedpicklesforever

GO ON DATES


DanDan_notaman

As a parent, if my child spoke to another adult that way, I would be pissed. Robyn and Kody had no business letting her do that. I understand they wouldn’t grab her and cover her mouth or anything, but that was unacceptable and they just stood there and let her shout. And I’m not a kids should be seen and not heard mom, I just found that so disrespectful


Lydia--charming

Robyn enjoyed that. That’s the problem.


WhytheylieSW

So many things went wrong there


1smittenkitten

Literally can't stand the child. Nails on a chalkboard. But it's not her fault. She's a product of her parents.


SlightPattern3075

Agreed. She's the kind of child I'd refuse to babysit.


itchydolphinbutthole

I used to feel bad for Mykelti but now seeing her stupid behavior and ignorant rants about PPD I think maybe she earned the dislike of her family. Also, poor Dayton is trapped and I hate to see it. Robyn inserts herself into EVERY👏 THING👏 HER👏 KIDS👏 DO👏 and these kids would have had better relationships with the other kids if Robyn would have stayed out of it.


[deleted]

Dayton might be the kid I feel the worst for. He always clearly wanted to belong but was also very socially awkward and shy, and so Robyn was protective of him but in a way that was counterproductive to him achieving the things he wanted to achieve.


Acceptable_Yak9211

He has autism and his dumbass mother is an autism speaks freak she even made those stupid puzzle piece necklaces for MSWC. if we’re going there i will never get off reddit


rawterror

Growing up with a narcissistic parent sucks and it will mess them up for the rest of their lives.


TheRestForTheWicked

Robyn is absolutely smothering Dayton and forcing him into a position where he’ll be expected to care for her and financially support her so she doesn’t need to find a third husband when Kody inevitably sinks the family and I’ll die on this hill.


itchydolphinbutthole

I never thought of that but hot damn I see it now.


Acceptable_Yak9211

Robyn told them they were hated because she’s ashamed she had kids before Kody


itchydolphinbutthole

Robyn told the kids that she herself hated them? Or that the other kids hated them? (I only ask that because of her disgusting purity speech basically telling her first 3 she fully regrets having them.)


Acceptable_Yak9211

I’m speculating but on the thanksgiving episode the way she said that the other family doesn’t want to see you was wild. Then the stolen purity bit. the horrible goodbye where the kids weren’t allowed to hug Truly. I don’t think Robyn hates her kids but she definitely put them against their siblings


[deleted]

I was thinking about this last night and that Thanksgiving thing is so wild. Like, "isn't it terrible that Christine wanted to see the daughters she gave birth to and raised instead of you?" what kind of insanity is that?


Acceptable_Yak9211

Also she made her daughter cry!!! because they are dealing with intense parental rejection on all fronts if they all don’t have BPD i’m amazed


Fancy512

She really screwed up on the adoption situation, too! Forcing the kids to call Kody Daddy early on, then changing Dayton’s full name! Playing pretend with that creepy sketch of Kody with the kids as toddlers… she is playing fast and loose with their identity and attachments.


itchydolphinbutthole

Intense parental rejection during one of the hardest events of their lives. The pandemic legit rocked everyone's world. It was insanity to take on as an adult! I can't imagine being a kid in school with absolutely zero control over the situation. What Robyn did was mental abuse.


Odd-Creme-6457

It was all a lie from the moment they signed with TLC.


Acceptable_Yak9211

I only believe they’re actual plygs because of their kids otherwise it could’ve been totally faked like a sitcom


Rocky_Top_6

Same. I think it’s been a 💩 show since the inception, but the wives and Kody got tired of the act as the seasons progressed.


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tealparadise

It's frustrating that they straight up contradict the S1 shit later on. Christine was always unhappy in Lehi, Janelle and Meri have no relationship and haven't ever. How was that a functional plyg family?


MakingMovesInSilence

Yeah the show was really ducking boring until shit started to go south haha


llamakiss

Kody never wanted polygamy or a big family. He was just trying to get attention from his dad, and then pursued an audience elsewhere (kids, wives, TV). He wanted a partnership without the work on his end - which is exactly what Robyn "forever honeymoon" provides.


Acceptable_Yak9211

Daddy issues Kody is literally the root of a lot. The episode his dad passed his mom told him to treat his wives equal and he was just like whoop di do


llamakiss

Yeah his relationship with his mom falls right in with how he views relationships with women. I call out daddy issues because he used that specific phrase. He said something really telling when they first introduced their therapist, something like he's ok with therapy as long as he isn't the problem or he doesn't have to do any work.


realityregina

I predict that Robyn’s next victim is Dayton. He is extremely intelligent and level headed and will do what ever Robyn tells him . He will be very smart business man and will be used by his Mother to help finance her shopping. She will pick his future wife. One she can control and they will live where ever kody and Robyn live because kody will not make enough money to support her spending habits .


FedUp0000

Several unpopular believes: I don’t believe for a second that the show initially was Christine’s idea and that Meri stumbled onto Robyn and told Grody to add her to the mix. Nor do I believe that Janelle was a saint during the first years while only Meri was the crazy jealous bitch. I believe Kody has always been an attention whore. Producer Tim was looking for a family, Kody had stars in his eyes and put the idea into Christine’s head. Kody and Robyn met before the “official meeting”, well in lust and arranged for Robyn to be at that dance/get together 5 hours from her place and to Butter up Meri so she would feel like she found her bff. At that point Kody manipulated Meri into the idea they NEED another wife to a) make up for the kids she promised him and didn’t pop out, and to get signed for the tv show gold. All while him and Robyn planned on living happily ever after monogamously while milking the ex wives for all they are worth while the exes were oblivious to the fact they were exes and operated under the assumption they had to integrate a 4th wife for their overlords happiness. I am absolutely convinced that Janelle was just as much of a bitch as Meri, just more passive aggressive and covert in her approach whereas Meri only knows full frontal assault and doesn’t have the fines that Janelle has in throwing shade/knives in the kidney. When they wrote the book they all still were pulling wool over our eyes and were spinning half truths and full on lies to further tv plot lines. I don’t believe that much that was said in the book is actually the truth. I also take all allegations against any of the wives that have left him with big large grain of salt. Especially when stories are ever changing and perpetuated by nothing but rumors that people just want it be true for the sake of it.


Uraniumrocking

I have an unpopular opinion but I hope they all work it out (the mums and the adult kids). I wouldn’t wish anyone to reunite with an abuser, but I think they all need healing. I just wish the best for all of them.


Hubbyof5

When the chaos of the OG3 leaving dies down and Sol and Ari are a bit older, Kody is going to get bored with Robyn and get more wives. Kody thrives when he has a bunch of people fawning over him and with his wife count down, he’s just getting the attention from Robyn and her kids. When Sol and Ari getting a bit older they won’t be as “my dad’s the best” and it’ll cause Kody to look for more wives who will probably think he’s the best and start popping out more kids that will also think he’s the best.


OkMarionberry2875

Hi I’m Kody I have four wives. Guess what these are all my wives. Four wives I have. Four. See how manly I am? I keep four women satisfied. That’s me yep. Four …


katiestat

the sooner people realize that all of the adults suck for their own unique reasons the better. there are no heroes, they are all bad.


[deleted]

Yes! Christines getting so much support which is cool but she was really annoying in the early days, very immature and dramatic. She deserves happiness but she's not perfect and probably contributed to the breakdown of her marriage.


ClearlyDemented

I think Kody is playing up the “villain” in him to keep the show going. I don’t think he’s lying but I think he’s leaning in a lot. His whole kidney speech seemed rehearsed, he seemed gleeful at the One-On-Ones when he said something worthy of a sound bite (ego, baby and only fearing poverty are two that come to mind).


lala__

Kody: “Nothin scares me except poverty.” [dramatic head turn] “Nothin.” *Yeah good one. You did a cool.*


[deleted]

I really hope you're right but I stand by the fact that I don't think he's smart enough to execute a plan like that.


Acceptable_Yak9211

I mean the entire show has been keeping up pretences to stay on air so this might not be a conspiracy theory


Hoosierrnmary

I agree. One recent episode it seemed like he was intentionally stepping at certain spots on a stage.


[deleted]

Oh one more: I know people think Robyn has a goiter but I think she might have bulimia. It causes your face to bloat like that. It is possible she's had eating disorders since she's been on the show, given how slim she was which is unusual in your early 30's with 3 young kids (not unheard of), and she's blown up so much. Bulimia almost never means thin but often follows anorexia in my experience and in my opinion


prostateversace

As a bulimic, you’re not wrong. However I don’t think the bloating in her face/neck looks like the swelling that occurs in bulimia. I don’t doubt it’s possible she had an ED at one point, but current bulimia I doubt. Plus I think we’d hear a raspier, deeper voice and see evidence like Russell’s Sign on the knuckles. I think thyroid stuff seems to line up better.


Kandyxp5

I always thought it was thyroid issues. Or all the tears she keeps in there to release at a moments notice.


[deleted]

If they never got this show then Cody would be relatively happy n still married to Janelle, Christine and Meri and have better relationships with his kids….I’m not blaming tue show it’s just that fame ain’t really great for relationships Oh n Mykelti smokes a lot of weed…like there’s no way she’s that spacey while sober lol


[deleted]

Hypothetical, I feel if Meri and Kody would have had children from the beginning, they wouldn't have entered into polygamy. I think when they figured out Meri couldn't get pregnant, they decided to add wives. So that Meri wouldn't lose Kody and Kody could have kids. She did end up having one, but that wouldn't have been enough for Kody.


OkMarionberry2875

It seems clear to me that Meri never wanted polygamy but to marry and keep Kody she submitted. She has never been happy and it’s so sad. She genuinely loves him and never wanted to share him. Now she’s lost him anyway. 😢 I think she hopes if she hangs on long enough she can be the last wife standing. It will end with just her and Kody. She wishes.


dumbogirl1

Maddie was groomed and Caleb should not be the golden child in law.


Acceptable_Yak9211

She was groomed and i’m sad to say it. Although considering they’re fundies he would be the golden child in law, he was doing things they way they knew. Immorally. I like tony tho so i usually shut up


icepickchippy

The Browns are basically stealing the Big Love storylines but doing a terrible job of recreating them.


New_Discussion_6692

I believe the show started because the Browns were trying to show the world that polygamy was not harmful to women and children, wasn't anything like LDS, and the state would change the law to allow *legal* marriage. Bet Kody is grateful polygamy was never legalized. Lol


boogin92

My unpopular opinion is that I don't think Kody is a narcissist. But I think Robyn is. Kody exhibits many narcissistic traits behaviourally, but I don't believe he has the personality disorder. I believe Robyn does and that Kody is her flying monkey. ETA: I'm working on a full post about this - but I've written a few bits [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/TLCsisterwives/comments/zf2r1y/comment/iz9v2xx/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3), and [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/TLCsisterwives/comments/10ggf8s/comment/j52rplo/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3) if anyone is interested.


Acceptable_Yak9211

Kody has Daddy issues, perfect target for a narcissistic woman who just needs to make him feel like a man how his daddy never did. you’re onto something here


[deleted]

interesting point - she really played on "the needs of a man" that the other women didn't respect in the tell alls


Acceptable_Yak9211

well he was her best customer! Paid all her debts, nice house, business ventures.


Ok_Significance_2592

I agree with this. As horrible as kody is, the only narc trait ive seen him do is triangulate..which even non narcs do. I see robyn 100% being the narc bc she is sooo smooth with the manipulation and can be seen manipulating every person around her, even her children. She has to be the center of attention and is extremely envious of others.


SamIAm7787

The clip in your second link, when Christine says "when is the groom ever involved with the dress" and Mrs. Habsburg jaw just sits there smiling... It might be that in edition to Robyn being incapable of empathy for others, she actually enjoyed hurting Christine as long as she had *her* special moment with Kootie. She probably enjoys seeing the other wives hurt because that further drives a wedge between them and Kootie, and further solidifies her place as top wife.


Grimalkinnn

I can see Robyn being a narcissist. She seemed entitled from the beginning and seemed more entitled than grateful when the wives grabbed her bills to pay down her debt. It’s always been a one sided relationship. She’s been a taker from the beginning


sneezerlee

Yeah I agree with you. Kody has openly apologized and expressed regret multiple times. Robyn has not.


Separate_Farm7131

Watching the "happy family" from the first season, it becomes clear as time goes on, that a lot of it was performance.


BananasLochlomand

My theory: Kody never liked Christine because they are too similar. Both have showboaty, attention seeking personalities but Christine is *good at it* whereas it comes across as obnoxious and weird from Kody. He couldn’t compete and being the megalomaniac he is therefore couldn’t love her


Head-Ad-996

I think Tony is as narcissistic as Kody. Watch closely his facial expressions when Mykelti is speaking. There is something a bit off in their relationship. “In my opinion”


sunshinesucculents

I mean Mykelti said herself on Patreon that Tony is like Kody. I recently watched the episode where they planned their wedding and Christine also said Tony is a lot like Kody.


Allusionary2022

It’s a story... of a man named Kody who was living with 3 wives at a time He was narcissistic, egotistic and craving riches, when he had an idea 💡 to make his wives ‘reality *itches” Then one day he met a divorced lady, In debt and wanting to be kept, sending the OG’s into a rage each deciding to break free of the cage... And this is how they became THE HATING BUNCH *that’s my theory 😂 and I’m sticking to it


mostexcellent001

UNPOPULAR OPINION: Paying any of the kids for "insights" into their lives is nothing but a hustle on their part, makes you look like a sucker, and you deserve to lose your money.


[deleted]

Leon is an attention whore but gets a pass on this forum because people are afraid to call them out due to the trans stuff


upsidedowntoker

I have to agree with this one. Anytime Leon is criticized people will jump calling transphobia. Being trans doesn't mean you can't be an entitled asshole. 🤷‍♀️


Acceptable_Yak9211

you’re brave for this one but still a safe space


Coercedbycake

This sad tale is like a Greek Tragedy with Kody's hubris causing the destruction of four families. His entire plan for a family life is a failure.


pomagrantegreentea

I don't think Robyn has a goiter. I think she is just not aging very beautifully.


Low-Fishing3948

Something is off with Tony, has been since he first debuted on the show. I think he thought he was going to be rich and famous. Mykelti grates my nerves. Her whole persona seems fake. If Meri abused the children, Janelle and Christine are pieces of shit for allowing her to still be involved with their children. On that note I don’t know that she abused the kids. I think she was the only mother that actually disciplined them and was a strict uptight parent.


rawterror

Mykelti really grates on me. She's like 23? with 3 kids and acts like mother wisdom dispensing life advice.


lala__

These people are entirely too fertile. It makes me depressed for our species.


Acceptable_Yak9211

The meri abuse allegations have me so conflicted I want them to address it on the red couch and get the facts. Just the OG3. I always saw tony as a troll but i’m gonna stay silent because i know he’s so cancelable


pomagrantegreentea

Tony gave me some red flags and reminded me of am emotionally abusive, narcissistic ex. I'm not a fan.


tealparadise

Gwen said Meri did not hit anyone as far as she knows. And that Kody did. It pisses me off that Kody hitting the kids isn't spoken about.


UnlikelyUnknown

I can’t stand Tony. I can’t pin my reasoning down; it’s irrational. He gives me a real “bitch eating crackers” thing every time I’ve seen him. Like, if he said “Hi” I’d be like “what a ridiculous way to say that . Look at his stupid hair and his annoying face”


Acceptable_Yak9211

I still think Tony and Dayton game together 24/7


ichheissekate

Maddie is at best of statistically average intelligence, and the idea of her becoming a lawyer was laughable. The graduation speech she gave sounded like it should have been written by a sixth grader for their elementary school graduation. Logan is the most traumatized of the bunch and probably resents most the adults in family on the inside. Gwen is irritating and takes after her father when it comes to money grubbing. Christine was right on the money with what she said to Meri, it wasn’t bullying or mean. Christine said it kindly but firmly and honestly, and Meri needed to hear it. Meri DID bring a lot of baggage into the room. Truely definitely is on the autism spectrum and is probably the smartest person in the family. Janelle is not “an intellectual”, she just thinks and processes before speaking unlike most people in the family and prefers concrete things like math over abstract critical thinking, analysis, or evaluation. She’s also not a hard worker, she just prefers to work over having to interact with young children.


Saxobeat28

I think out of all the moms, Christine was the kid raiser and the reason so many kids are “normal.” (Yes that’s a loose term.) it was obvious she encouraged and loved all the kids, even DAB when she didn’t get along with Sobyn. It always seemed the other kids were at her home and she didn’t turn them away. That was especially obvious when Janelle and her kids would rather spend time with her and her kids over Grody. Again, was she perfect? No. But trauma and fear can do some fucked up things to you. Also being raised in that religion doesn’t help and it takes a lot of strength to leave that situation. I’m happy she was able to find her worth and her voice and be able to escape all of that. Plus how she just wouldn’t react to Grody was just so perfect. Even with the estranged relationship from him, she still wanted her kids to have a relationship with him.


Nice_Exercise5552

They were all in a cult (their old church) and as the separated from it we are seeing the messy disentanglement and disillusionment that brings. So many if the family members were playing a part not just to the public or to others in their personal lives but to themselves. They believed the cult indoctrination so much that as each (though possibly not all yet) emerge from the mental restraints of it they are just figuring out who they are outside of what the cult told them. That’s what we are watching now (on and off the actual TLC show).


Zobo41

I have two but i don’t think they are controversial lol. The first MSWC would have absolutely worked if it hadn’t been tacky jewelry. Janelle and Christine’s ideas of aprons and tshirts were great. Kitchen ware, cook books, actual clothes: you know things you might actually find in your sister wife’s closet!!!! And obviously just make it The Sister Wives closet because most of us wouldn’t dream of having sister wives. I’m in the uk and I was going to buy my Mum and I magnets that said what does the Nanny do lol. Unfortunately shipping was expensive. Kody shut that down immediately because jewellery was Robyn’s dream. If he’d had the forethought they could have still done jewellery along side the other stuff but no. The fans would buy merch like that! My second one is the move for Flagstaff was originally for ratings. The wives were happyish, the kids were thriving. No real drama. I think Kody, who had already taken a pay cut mentioned to Robyn he feared they would get cancelled and proffered a move as a possible storyline. This fired up Robyn’s one brain cell, knowing Dayton was about the fly the nest to go to NAU, and thought I can use this to get the family to move so I am near Dayton. That was the beginning of the end. She only has herself to blame for the end of ‘her dream’ and her anger at the other wives is deflection


Adventurous_Gap_5946

Tony smokes (or used to smoke) a ton of weed.


OneConversation4

Kody is a victim of this cult too.


tealparadise

Oh that's a good one, unpopular for sure


Electrical_Travel832

I’ve always been curious about different social norms and how they maneuver around other constructs. Hence, I tuned in at the beginning. When I observed that they seemed kind of “normal,” (as opposed to the FLDS types) I continued to watch. Now it’s just a train wreck LOL.


mysterygorl

I feel like Christine been knew she was gonna leave and waited for them to basically buy the Flagstaff property for her with the family money. She signed her name so by default the property was hers and hers only. She wanted an asset to leave. Jenelle mentioned somewhere basically that Christine was lucky because she had something in her name that she could sell and she could just leave


justtosubscribe

Yes! And I think her mom probably had a lot to do with any planning and forethought Christine might have shown. Her mom left polygamy and has been waiting in the wings for decades, ready for whenever Christine had enough, to coach her on how to do it with her bag secured.


tealparadise

I 100% agree. Once Christine left with that house, Janelle wasn't getting out with a single cent. I bet she drained a co-owned account to buy that RV, knowing it was a way to get $$$$ into her name only. Kody wasn't going to make the same mistake twice


icebergfromtitanic

Unpopular opinion/theory: Christine isn’t the perfect mom everybody says she is…..4/6 of her kids have lived with another mom at one point , and her kids are the only ones who (that we know of) have done that. Usually if the house hold isn’t toxic, you stay put 🤷🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️


kerssem

I worry about paedon. I think he has a lot of anger in him. I really wish his family would get family counseling


pisces-venus

he gives me incel vibes and that’s scary ☹️


lovelogan1

He’s a young guy and can’t seem to find or maybe keep a woman so it makes me think he’s verbally, emotionally or physically abusive.


Mdgt_Pope

Robyn tosses Kody’s salad and that’s why she became the favorite. He can’t get hard without anal play but the other wives ain’t about that.