The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Season-Premiere Recap: Two Kisses, That’s It

by

We need to hold an urgent meeting of the MomTok leadership team. The principles MomTok stands for have never been more threatened, and right now, support for female empowerment is at its lowest point.

Warning signs about the show’s direction should have appeared from the very beginning, especially when Nick Viall spoke and when Jordan repeatedly used the word “emasculating.” It’s as if everyone watching—especially those familiar with online parenting discussions—could see the main contestant being reduced to a humiliating and unwanted role in another man’s life.

MomTok has been operating with a very small team, working incredibly hard to keep up with events and the demands of social media. That’s where things stand now. I’m optimistic they can improve, as long as they don’t put Taylor’s mom in charge of marketing. Trust and positivity are central to the MomTok brand, and personally, I have strong faith in the staying power of successful reality TV – much like people in Wisconsin have faith in the Green Bay Packers.

The show starts with a new opening sequence – it’s definitely more dramatic! – and then cuts to Taylor’s house in Provo. Dakota is there to pick up Ever, as he’ll be looking after him while Taylor goes to a two-week therapy retreat. We’re really curious about what this retreat will be like – will it be intense, like a spiritual journey, or focus on addiction recovery, or something more relaxing like yoga and counseling? Whatever it is, it seems like it will be a good experience. Also, it’s a relief to start the season knowing that Taylor and Dakota won’t end up together – a welcome break for everyone involved!

Compared to that, the Minky Couture influencer event was…something. Minky Couture makes blankets, and honestly, trying to understand how blankets can be considered high fashion is just part of living in Utah. Mikayla and Mayci then explained what’s happening with MomTok, and it’s not good. Taylor and Jen are taking time for their mental health, while Miranda’s status is still up in the air. Demi left MomTok after last season’s drama, and Whitney left again – this time because she didn’t get the awards show tickets and acting role she wanted when negotiating her contract. Don’t expect this to mean we’ve seen the last of Whitney or Demi, though! Just remember that MomTok is always a tight-knit group, usually tied to a brand, and definitely doesn’t reflect who’s actually going to be on the show.

Layla and Jessi, the two remaining members of MomTok, met at the Minky Couture event to talk. Layla shared what she’d learned from a conversation the producers arranged with Marciano from Vanderpump Villa. Jessi quickly revealed some difficult news, which she’ll repeat throughout the episode: she and Jordan separated in September, she had been drinking and kissed Marciano twice while in Los Angeles, they then had an emotional connection through texting for two weeks, and she immediately told Jordan everything, and they are working on resolving it.

Jessi was shocked to find out Marciano had told Layla they’d slept together, something she strongly denies. Layla immediately called Marciano on speakerphone, and he admitted – and this is key – that he’d taken Cialis and had evidence on his shorts, but still maintained her version of events. It’s a strange detail, and feels like trying to prove you survived a rough boat trip by saying you took motion sickness pills and didn’t get sick. Regardless of whether he’s telling the truth, Jessi immediately called Jordan, who said he’ll quit the show if she brings the cameras home to investigate.

Those contracts are completely binding, so immediately after, cameras started filming at Jessi and Jordan’s house. They said they talked it over and decided to share their side of the story. Jordan admits he’s hurting and wonders if he can cope with feeling disrespected and undermined. Jessi hopes Jordan will feel better with support from loved ones now that this is public, but she’s worried about the reaction on MomTok, as it’s another scandal, and they’ve been trying to avoid that. Honestly, I think this situation fits perfectly with how people actually view MomTok – it’s often about drama – even if that doesn’t match the image the brand tries to project.

Jordan asked Dakota to hang out, hoping to get some support since Dakota is the only person he knows who’s gone through a similar public relationship hardship. Jordan admits it’s tough to face explaining things to his daughter and feels deeply vulnerable about the situation. Dakota offered a hug and encouraged Jordan to pray and concentrate on what he can control – his family. While it’s tempting to joke about these two friends tackling loneliness, it’s actually really sweet to see Dakota offering his support and experience to help Jordan through a difficult time.

As soon as Zac appeared on the screen, I felt a huge weight lift. They’re doing well in Arizona, really prioritizing their marriage and going to a lot of therapy. Jen just finished a session and explained that while everyone understands postpartum depression, prenatal depression – what she dealt with last season – isn’t talked about as much. They’re planning to drive back to Utah in a few weeks to welcome their baby there. Jen’s worried because she needs to have some difficult conversations, including apologizing to Jessi for a really insensitive comment about her husband. I’m concerned this will just give Jordan more ammunition to continue his fixation on perceived emasculation, and I don’t want to see where this goes.

Jessi filled Mayci and Mikayla in on everything that happened with Marciano. She explained he passed out and fell asleep on her bed while she stayed up all night worrying about what might have happened. While Jessi pointed out that it’s common for men to have pre-ejaculate, especially when using drugs, Mayci and Mikayla left feeling uneasy. I found it strange that Mayci joked about things happening when drinking and suggested Jessi shouldn’t have been at church in the first place.

During Layla’s birthday dinner, the group realized someone had been secretly sharing their plans with Demi. They became suspicious when Bret drove past Jessi’s house while Mayci and Mikayla were there, and then Demi immediately texted them with details. Jessi suspects Layla and Miranda are the ones leaking information. Layla offers to prove she’s innocent by showing her phone records. As for Miranda, she seems completely out of touch and simply goes through the motions – dressing up, posing for pictures, and collecting her payment.

Things quickly get chaotic when Layla’s birthday party really gets started. Liann conveniently shows up, claiming she was nearby for work – right! Jordan keeps complaining that being with his wife makes him feel less masculine. And to make things worse, Chase – the guy from the Halloween party – arrives and immediately causes drama. Everyone except Layla is upset to see him. He hosts a podcast I won’t mention, but basically, he spends a lot of time criticizing MomTok and its creators.

It seems odd that Layla would invite her mother-in-law’s rival to her birthday party if she was interested in her husband’s brother – a double date would have made more sense. However, unless producers interfered, Mayci and Mikayla apparently knew this man would be there, as it was hinted at earlier in the show. It’s also worth remembering that this party is to celebrate Layla turning twenty-four – a significant milestone!

Jessi’s attempt to fix things between Layla and Mayci/Mikayla is the final straw for Jordan. It makes him feel unimportant, and he breaks down crying in the snow. Luckily, Dakota arrives in his truck to help him. Ultimately, this whole situation highlights how the show’s real problem isn’t any one person, but the harmful effects of the Mormon church – specifically, its strict rules, traditional views on gender, and focus on appearing perfect, all amplified by modern pressures and desires.

Looks like we’re in for a lot more drama this season! Expect plenty of hidden truths, problematic guys, and speculation about who the mole is. Plus, Taylor’s still threatening epic revenge. But despite all the chaos, the show’s community of moms offers support, so everything should be okay. Or, if not, at least it’ll make for good TV.

Read More

2025-11-13 09:55