The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Recap: Hard and Rough

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From my perspective as a film critic, it’s challenging to convey the unique essence of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” to those who haven’t experienced it, particularly if they’re not accustomed to reality television. To put it simply, this show is a world apart from regular TV. When it comes to understanding its sexual dynamics, one could grasp the swinging scandal rather easily. However, the subtle yet palpable sexual tension that permeates every scene, much like an odd aroma wafting from craft services, can be harder to decipher.

Take this recent episode for instance; it encapsulates precisely what I’m trying to express. Imagine a blend of repression, decades of pressure and unquestioning obedience, layer on top of that an obsession with physical perfection fueled by a culture obsessed with social media algorithms, and voila! You’ve created a simmering pot of curiosity – or as I like to call it, MomTok. It’s fascinating, complex, and at times, quite overwhelming.

In summary, Layla and her beau, Cameron, share a kiss atop a Ferris wheel. He ponders venturing into his first beer, but given his father’s religious position as a bishop, Layla remarks that he can be quite traditional in certain aspects. This sets my guard up. He expresses a preference for trying weed gummies over smoking or drinking, which I find illogical. I can only hope they capture this experience on film. Layla 2.0 doesn’t appear to tolerate foolishness easily. However, it doesn’t seem like he’s sexually satisfying her in any way. On the contrary, she mentions that she might perish without experiencing an orgasm. Layla dear, I implore you to watch the captivating series Dying for Sex. It brims with creative orgasm suggestions, and barely any of them involve penetration. Farewell, Joseph Smith, I believe you would have appreciated that intriguing scene with the chastity device.

At a place where they enjoy brunch heartily, Mikayla, Taylor, and Mayci indulge to the fullest. They discuss the state of Dakota and Taylor’s relationship, with no major changes, but Taylor expresses concerns about his sobriety amidst their current challenges. If it weren’t against MomTok’s visual guidelines, I’d suggest adding a seasoned Al-Anon member to their group. Imagine a confident, assertive woman, sipping on Diet Coke, offering advice like “Surrender and trust in a higher power” in everyday talk. Essentially, MomTok could use a maternal figure or a ‘house mom’.

Since elder advice is absent, Mayci returns with fresh “confessions” to fuel the fire of drama. She understands she can’t keep hating Dakota and Zac indefinitely, so she’s introducing a new antagonist – Bret. He supposedly slept with someone last year when Demi was away, as per her latest confession. Furthermore, they discuss Jen’s comment that Zac is “allowing her to be herself,” which, indeed, seems questionable. One thing we can always expect, however, is that Mr. Optics will continue his misogynistic blunders.

Moving on, it’s mentioned that Jen visits Miranda while both are dressed in identical cable-knit sleeveless turtlenecks. If she didn’t wear the same outfit twice, she must have had quite a challenging day, juggling her pregnancy announcement shoot, a spat with Zac during their nature walk, and other unspecified events. Jen confides in Miranda about her personal struggles, including her current crisis of faith and overwhelming doubts. If Jen doesn’t genuinely dislike and fear Zac, she is an exceptionally talented actress who deserves a long-term contract for Lifetime thriller movies. In fact, she seems destined to play the final girl character.

The trio, Bret, Jordan, and Zac, donned similar trousers that accentuated their lower legs like a rooster’s, and headed to the golf range to discuss anew the Chippendales predicament. Zac suggested their actions towards Jen (dancing shirtless near her) were borderline physical abuse. The group discussed consent and the fact that Jen was part of the plan. Zac claimed Jen vowed “on her children’s life.” However, it is inappropriate to involve children in such discussions, as it could escalate a risky situation for those with gambling issues. Nonetheless, they agreed to enjoy golfing and then invited Zac to join their DadTok activities. However, this DadTok extension clashes with the MomTok brand identity and may weaken its core values. It should be halted.

One thing I find intriguing about the latest reality show is its capacity for fresh ideas. Normally, flashback scenes are portrayed in black and white. However, what if we combined black and white with lens flares? That’s exactly what we’ve done for certain clips from Taylor and Dakota’s joint therapy session, which appears to be productive since Dakota listens and apologizes. This is where I believe my proposed Al-Anon auntie addition to MomTok could truly benefit Taylor, helping her plan her next steps post-session.

It strikes me that Erica, the sex coach facilitating Demi’s “Remove the Taboo Party,” temporarily steps into a guidance-like role, akin to an auntie figure. During this gathering of mothers, excluding Whitney, they assemble to support Layla on her sexual exploration. In essence, Erica initiates discussions with the girls, inquiring about their most exciting triggers. Initially, Layla admits she’s unaware of what excites her, but fortunately, they all don a blindfold and inquire from one another whether they prefer to be spanked or tickled, rougher or gentler. Swiftly, Layla learns that she prefers harder and more intense experiences.

Initially, the thought might cross your mind that these characters are embracing a strong homoerotic theme. However, allow me to clarify – Demi boldly declares her unwavering heterosexuality, stating she’s “scary straight.” Similarly, Taylor shares her experience of kissing other women, but insists she’s just as straight. While their assertions seem a tad excessive, we can understand their intentions and accept their declarations of heterosexuality.

Incidentally, Jen isn’t revealing any details about her situation with Zac as they work things out between them. On the other hand, it seems more plausible that Layla will have her first on-screen climax rather than the other women allowing Jen to quietly end her marriage to her husband at her convenience.

At MomTok Headquarters, the team members are attempting to launch DadTok. They create a single video imitating a MomTok clip and have the nerve to grumble about the choreography. One of them remarks, “We can’t let the girls know how difficult this is.” However, it’s already been revealed! MomTok might want to include “Bring Your Husband to Work Day” in their Q4 projects as a way to involve more male perspectives.

Aren’t you just as puzzled about how Mayci claimed she never stepped foot in a sex shop yet still finds Mormons strange? We might find out the truth by fall 2025, given that Mayci has secured a book deal. She’s inviting the entire group, including Whitney, to a celebration dinner. Since Whitney is only three days postpartum, I won’t comment on her attire (but her S1 Lord Farquaad x Ballerina Farm style will stick in my mind forever).

Producers keep showing Demi giving Mayci a disapproving look while she talks about her book and pickleball tournament in Arizona (a girls’ trip), trying to make it seem like Demi is the villain, but I’m not convinced. It reminds me of movies where we’re supposed to think one character is the villain, but it turns out someone else is. For instance, in “The Devil Wears Prada,” Meryl Streep seems like the bad guy, but Andy’s boss (Adrien Grenier) is actually the real villain. Similarly, in “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” Demi, Whitney, or Taylor aren’t the true villains. The real villain is Zac, who represents the Mormon church in a negative light.

The mothers are unaware of this puppetry, but they decide to use the honesty device for another round of playful controversy. Initially, the confessions are humorous and somewhat risqué – stories about hot tub adventures and toe-sucking. However, as expected with the truth box, it also leads to chaos. So, we hear a dramatic reading of “I believe Jen might be insincere.” And just like that, the drama unfolds!

What happens next? I expect that Jen will persist in supporting Zac, and the other women may pressure her excessively, which is perplexing given that some of them have experienced controlling relationships themselves. It’s disappointing since they should understand the power dynamics involved here. Additionally, they might keep urging us to watch “Vanderpump Villa”, but only time will reveal the truth.

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2025-05-16 21:01