The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Recap: She’s Coming for the Crown

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Two days following the friendsgiving baking competition, Taylor attended the CMA Awards. She was given the opportunity to present an award, which she was quite excited about. As expected, she shared this achievement on social media, but to her disappointment, none of the MomTok influencers commented. This slight was something Taylor felt compelled to share with her 1.1 million Instagram followers. When others inquired about the issue, they found supportive messages from friends. Demi then took action, venting her feelings across Instagram with comments such as “let’s not inflate the already massive ego” and “you don’t need her darling.” The situation escalated further from there.

Absolutely! Here’s my take:

As a film enthusiast, let me share an intriguing incident. Last night, Mayci, Mikayla, and I gathered at Demi’s place to discuss Taylor’s Instagram stories over some comforting hot cocoa. Mayci initially perceived Taylor’s posts as satire, but Demi disagreed, suggesting that Taylor often uses her page for satire as a veil, which she believes is a bunch of baloney. Demi even argued that Taylor poses a risk to MomTok, hinting at a potential vote of no confidence. Well, I told you all that she was planning something significant, and it seems like the wheels are already in motion for this coup.

In Taylor’s circle, she discusses the incident with her parents. Taylor argues that it was unusual that none of them acknowledged her significant achievement online, considering they all work together. This situation seems more like being annoyed that your colleagues aren’t assisting in promoting your major project rather than feeling upset that friends didn’t show appreciation (she confirms they reached out to her!). She expresses that MomTok is a community where we uplift each other not just privately but also publicly. It seems this issue could have been prevented if the MomTok rules had clearly outlined these obligations. Each member of MomTok should be expected to like and comment on a fellow member’s post within x hours, with y emotional sentiment. However, it appears that clear guidelines don’t often lead to being highlighted on The Viall Files podcast.

As a devoted admirer, I’d share that Taylor then expresses her struggles with self-confidence and doubts whether she truly belonged at the CMAs, as she didn’t receive the public praise from friends she anticipated. But fear not, dear Taylor! The wise Al-Anon auntie is here to guide you. She’d gently touch your shoulder and whisper, “True self-worth comes from performing worthy actions.” And just like the 12-step program, let’s ground ourselves by taking on a service commitment—perhaps arranging chairs before the meeting, a simple yet meaningful task that reminds us of the value in small acts.

Instead, Taylor decides to jump into the car with Mayci and Mikayla, sharing that she’s okay and ready to repeat the situation. However, they argue that it’s unfair to cause such a stir and transform their direct messages into a “you’re a poor friend” nightmare. Mikayla questions whether this whole incident is related to their online or real-world lives, as each of them ponders where the boundary lies for everyone involved. Since the drama unfolds on Instagram, but here they are, consuming actual 12 oz. frozen hot chocolates and investing genuine hours of their unique lives discussing it, they wonder aloud if Taylor understands the gravity of the situation. Eventually, they manage to make Taylor acknowledge that she feels somewhat remorseful for subjecting everyone to online bullying.

Brace yourself for a positive vibe! In an unusual instance devoid of drama on MomTok, Mayci and Jacob travel to San Diego for a frozen embryo transfer. This was something I didn’t know you could do while awake, and Mayci enlightens us about the church’s ambiguous stance on IVF. Although there isn’t a clear-cut definition, it seems that they cherish babies above most things, so it’s likely acceptable. As ever, we appreciate learning!

In this version, I’ve attempted to keep the tone friendly and conversational while making the text easier to read for a broader audience.

Across the country, in New York City, Layla and Taylor are filming a commercial and billboard advertisement for an undisclosed brand. Afterward, Taylor issued an apology to everyone, which Demi responded with a book-length rejection. This has turned their group chat into a battlefield. Additionally, Demi inquired about how much Layla was being paid for the photo shoot. I’m urging the members of MomTok to create a Google spreadsheet right now. At a minimum, we need to share the brand name, deal amount, and contract details. The only way to increase earnings is through collective bargaining and wage transparency! Or perhaps not the only way, as this chaotic situation has likely boosted their visibility for the algorithm. However, the price of sanity appears to be quite high.

Taylor persuades Layla that Demi overstepped at the photoshoot, but things escalate when both fly back to Utah in a private jet. Later, Layla admits she’s been influenced by Demi’s negativity regarding Jen before and doesn’t want to have to pick between Demi and Taylor now. She also expresses fear of Demi. This scenario seems ripe for manipulation by the producers, and it’s important to remember that Layla was only 23 when this footage was recorded.

At home, two events – the [brand redacted] shoot and the Saints and Sinners party – occur concurrently on the same day. Whitney and Demi decide to visit JZ Styles, where they continue their gossip about Taylor. Whitney worries that Demi might overstep boundaries, but she feels vindicated knowing others share her long-held belief that Taylor struggles with friendship. Demi is gathering support for her stance, which appears to be putting the next board meeting at risk for Taylor.

But hang on, things aren’t finished yet. Layla is either the messiest queen you can imagine or she seems extremely relaxed after taking Xanax, and the producers appear to be controlling her movements like a marionette. Because she hands over her phone to Taylor, allowing everyone in the group text without her to become Taylor’s in-flight reading material. Demi describes Taylor as “dumber than a rock,” while Jessi calls her “crazy as a bat.” Mikayla is intelligent enough to send her derogatory comments as voice notes instead of writing them. Furthermore, there are many instances where Demi acts as the minority leader, encouraging all the other girls to support her in the group chat. On a separate note, I find it fascinating how this TV show dramatizes text conversations. The word “bitch” has never looked more sophisticated!

At long last, we reach the Saints and Sinners gathering, doubling as a business function for Baby Mama and JZ Styles. The local women can’t resist the offer of free hair styling, making the event crowded. Mayci is scurrying about, attempting to maintain an air of nonchalance despite her recent pregnancy revelation, unaware that in a blink of an eye, this will be forgotten as all eyes turn to the heated exchange between Demi and Taylor. Accompanied by Dakota, Taylor arrives seeking both emotional comfort and assistance in managing her oversized wings, resembling those of a mothman. With that, Jessi ushers everyone away to prevent disturbances, setting the stage for the impending confrontation. The battle commences!

Taylor admits to apologizing to others, not Demi, as she feels Demi went too far with her counterattack. Jessi criticizes Taylor for expecting Demi’s supporters to defend her and bully the other cast members. Taylor responds angrily by saying something like “you all think I’m as dumb as a stone…” At this point, Layla appears visibly distressed, her spirit seemingly departing through her eyes. This moment is filled with regret for Layla; for showing Taylor those texts, for participating in the show, and for likely being contractually obligated to endure at least 10 more episodes. Demi accuses Taylor of having a victim mentality, and Taylor retaliates by calling Demi insincere. Demi then challenges Taylor to provide proof of her allegations.

Afterward, it’s disclosed that Demi has doubts about Jessi’s hair styling skills and advised Taylor to visit another salon instead. Apparently, Demi frequents JZ Styles out of duty rather than choice. This little tidbit certainly sparks intrigue! I may not resonate with the Instagram drama, but who hasn’t encountered a tricky tress issue similar to this? My life was quite a mess with hair before I met someone who could handle my curls competently. Whitney and Miranda aim to diffuse the hair feud and find a resolution concerning the Instagram story, so they can move past it too. Unfortunately, Taylor becomes even more incensed because she’s been advocating for both Whitney and Miranda’s presence on MomTok. Seems like there’s no sense of loyalty here!

As a movie enthusiast, let me rephrase that: Later on, Demi shares some behind-the-scenes insights about Taylor, suggesting we invite Dakota into the mix, hinting it’s time to revisit Taylor’s past domestic violence issue. Mikayla finds this all too complicated for her taste. Whitney is curious if Taylor has apologized, but Taylor seems resigned and implies that this isn’t over yet – which is disappointing. I’d always rather have my reality TV drama unfold in person (or at least involve some face-to-face interaction) instead of just online squabbles.

There’s a glimmer of optimism, but it remains to be seen if removing Jessi from the show and criticizing her performance publicly and privately will cause her to turn against Demi. Maybe in peaceful New Orleans, we’ll witness some sensible advice on MomTok return. I certainly wouldn’t bet on it!

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2025-05-20 01:55