Sister Wives, a long running reality series on TLC continues with its 19th season showcasing how polygamy changes the dynamic and family interactions of those involved. Now having some members separated from the core group is creating a whole new look for the show’s future.
Robyn’s Struggle in Monogamy
The latest season shows a focus on how Robyn Brown is now experiencing what it is to be in a single marriage with her husband Kody after all other wives separated. For Robyn the show is now detailing all of her internal struggles as this isn't the family style she had always planned. She now admits she is just “stuck”.
Loss of a Polygamous Family Dream
The end of a shared household that once existed is creating internal issues for Robyn who now recognizes how her expectations are different. She shares with Kody that she believes the other relationships between him and her Sister Wives are not completely gone.
Kody’s Perspective On the Former Relationships
Kody on the other hand wants closure and states he does not have feelings to mend relationships that have failed. While having discussions with Robyn he says there was no “love” with ex-wives Meri and Janelle. The focus on not “missing” those relationships except the love from his children highlights the change.
Accepting Monogamy With Robyn
Despite seeing that Robyn is sad for the prior relationships, he asks for her acceptance of a monogamous relationship with him as that is all he seeks going forward in his relationships. With this he claims he has not known “deep divine love” before this connection. It also gives way to him putting down those he had known in past times.
Other Key Relationship Issues
The show provides several key topics of discussions as well as problems in each relationship . Issues that occurred throughout time have all compounded on top of new conflicts as it explores the dissolving bonds that were once a shared family. These issues all become prominent during all moments for all characters who are still seeking connection through these challenges.
Meri's Perspective on Kody
Meri was the first to leave and still looks at the lack of honesty of Kody regarding true feelings and lack of communication throughout the prior decades as a main source of her reason for the marriage failing. She stated many things were revealed as time went on about what his intentions actually were when asking her for commitment.
Janelle's Departure
Janelle’s perspective on Kody is that it revolved around his lack of parenting for some of her kids. Those relationships breaking down combined with his inabilities to prioritize her or his children lead to her leaving.
Past Financial Disputes
The series brings to light multiple conversations from the different wives and all have something to say regarding financial responsibility. One event to note is how the original family money was used in support of Robin with issues now brought up how to figure that debt as they are now divorced.
Coyote Pass and Property Disputes
Coyote Pass a previously desired property for the family has come under fire due to no money being available to be used for the property development and Kody is no longer wanting to utilize the land for any long term purposes. While also wanting to claim the resources for his benefit this caused even more dispute over funds with Janelle. She wanted to acquire money from both the land as well as a home she assisted in purchasing with their family funds, noting this new division of responsibility has a big financial shift and should be treated fairly.
Parenting Challenges
With all the different issues it shows strain for how the children have seen things over the course of the years and even how some adult children were being manipulated with "brainwashing" or feeling used in emotional conflicts between the parents. The distance between family members has caused fractures for connection with siblings as well as parents as the show highlights many moments of distrust and neglect.
Kody's Perspective
The main response that Kody gave was that those children should apologize to Robyn. He feels the kids have excluded him. However he did state at other points he felt they were being used as messengers. This resulted in him keeping away and allowing further distance to grow with them. All his relationships with all family are different levels of hurt but are not equal across the board as time continues to move.
Shifting Dynamics and Distrust
Throughout the new episodes it also highlights new details of issues throughout relationships. New elements from “what he did” for each member versus what he did for one versus all show how each character processed this very complicated journey. Robyn is portrayed as someone who was always the “chosen one” . A concept that came into focus when conversations highlight the family dynamic was built around that as its foundation.
Views on Kody's Behaviors
Kody’s comments about no loving relationships was shocking and new as Meri thought she was very well loved by him. She states she does not know why he would offer marriage knowing all along he would never truly love her in that sense . Additionally the mention of a new desire for deep connection with monogamy seems contradictory to his previous views that he had upheld with the show’s past storyline.
Key Takeaways
- The show continues with all new complexities to family dynamics due to marriage dissolutions.
- Kody and Robyn are struggling to define what monogamy will look like in their new home life.
- Financial disputes become an important part of understanding all of the separations with legal issues threatening the group.
- Parenting dynamics take center stage showcasing where children now feel their relationships are with a complicated father who has lost connection with his original family.
- The shows long term fans can now see that past actions have direct consequences on current moments and how people are working together for a better future.