Courtney sitting on Doug's Lap
In five years of reality TV, I’ve written show blogs in some strange places — this is not the first one I’ve written on a plane but perhaps the first one written on a day of FIVE airports! Am headed to Tulsa, via Houston, then Nashville via Atlanta…I’m road warrior mama today. Simon is working from home and taking care of our two chums, and his thoughts on this week’s episode are here.
Watching last night’s episode, I ran the gamut from disappointment to resignation, then surprise. Since Couples Therapy is a 24/7 show, we were aware that Krista came for a session and that Todd and Monica and Nik and Shayne went on dates, but didn’t see what happened. Let me amend that; I heard an earful about Nik and Shayne’s date but nothing about the others.
Although we lived through it once, it was still disappointing to see that upon Doug and Courtney’s return they took absolutely no responsibility for their part in the drama in the house. Their persecution complex was solidly in place, despite everyone’s monumental effort to welcome them back.
One of the things I love about Simon is his idealism, his hope for and expectation of the best from everyone. He didn’t get that from the return tribunal — I call it that because that’s what it felt like. It’s rare that I see him speechless, but this was one of those occasions. He just couldn’t believe that Doug and Courtney took no responsibility for their actions, and that Courtney’s hyper-sexualized behavior continued despite her wearing more clothing — clearly the clothing didn’t fix the issue. He got flustered and chose to opt out, while Doug, who had been subtly needling Simon for 3 weeks straight, looked as smug as a cat with feathers hanging out of its mouth. I stayed behind to tell him so, and he still didn’t get it. I don’t think he ever will.
Seeing Courtney’s mom Krista in a one on one with Dr. Jenn was a major clue to Courtney’s past and present behavior. I don’t think that will ever be fixed, either. But, if their marriage ultimately does not work out, maybe there’s a chance for Doug and Krista.
Todd and Monica were a joy to watch — first Todd’s growing realization that he wants more from life than the player ride as Too Short, then their growing affection. The gondola ride was a beautiful moment for them and I just found myself shouting “I hope this sticks!!!”
On the other hand, I felt so sad for both Shayne and Nik. The date was a disaster… and I think there’s more to come. One thing I wish Shayne could have remembered is that the extra-curricular dates are put together by the producers, certainly based on cast input but it usually gets put it together on the fly. It looked great to me and I wish Shayne could have made the best of it and at least tried to enjoy herself. By way of foreshadowing, our two dates were a complete surprise and we had a great time.
Well, it’s the end of my blog for this week and I’ve gotten as far as Houston. Miles to go before I sleep!
If you’d like to know what else we’re up to in real time please follow both Simon & me onTwitter @SimonvanKempen @McCordAlex as well as our joint page on Facebook.
yes i watched it and got what u did out of it… but i say to myself two things. he is an adult that is really fading out and she is a child who cant get in because she is to young. and her mother loves the kids husband. the christians leave each other.. i believe that there is so much more one can get out of their lives if they are going to live one that is recognizable. and in truth his and her connection is much like a child and father. she must sit on his lap and she is so young god bless her there is little to blossom into an imagination. there for it is what it is. the therapist was wrong to invite them back. she didnt stick to her people who were working. she could have had then in the next couples therapy and continued on with all of you. after all she made the choice to send them on their way…
I appreciate that Simon walked out when “Tweedle Dee & Tweedle Dum” kept intercepting his input. That couple will have to learn, over time, that they are not supported because it simply isn’t morally right (I know morals are individual).
Ive been with my boyfriend for a year and a half and I sometimes want to ask him why he has to chew so loudly!! lol 
Courtney’s Mom may be a ‘free spirit’ but is not the sharpest tool in the shed. It’s annoying when the term ‘free spirit’ is confused with poor or careless choices. I feel badly for Courtney and I hope she is allowed to grow out of this personality.
Shayne is just a miserable soul! i totally get that her husband’s business is marketed towards all that is sleazy and that must be daily torture for her! Nonetheless, she comes across as such an ugly person.
Alex, I think you and your hubby stand a chance at working things out. I believe that any couple that has been together long enough will become weary of the others habits, short comings, and idiosyncrasies
Luv u guys.. How could anyone expect anything more from Doug he mentally is the same age as Courtney, I imagine that’s why his mind is ok with his pedophelia… Krista???? No words!!! Nik may not have the best moral job but it funds his wifes shopping sprees which do seem more important than her emotional relationship… Any woman would be proud to be with nik as we all see he’s putting in hard work!!
I don’t understand why it is so important for Dourtney to take responsibility for their contribution to the ill feelings toward themselves. Firstly it is the doctors responsibility to lead them toward the realization of how they push buttons. Let them labor in their own demention and the rest of you work on your own issues. As long as they are part of the group they will be a distraction. The doctor knows this and allows it to continue. Shayne is so needy when it comes to attention that no one person can fill the well. As I have said before, as far as Courtney’s mother, no one can fix stupid. When Courtney leaves Doug maybe Krista can fill the void.
Hello Alex, first let me say I was thrilled to meet your Mother(on TV) and see the healing. As to Courtney, you can’t communicate with her, she’s stupid and you are not the Jackass whisperer. You’re take on Doug is spot on.The last show just creeped me out. Watching Krista was very disturbing to say the least.Dr. Jenn does not seem to be in charge of this circus called dourtney, she appears to be a participant,with Doug manipulating the other two Stodden’s to do his bidding. I have so enjoyed watching you and the other couples work through your issues with a bigger, better love, being the reward. Best wishes to all of you and Thank you for sharing the journey with us.
Alex, I was wondering if you had a chance to tell your mom that you were struggling with guilt regarding feeling somewhat responsible for wishing your father were dead when you watched him suffer with his mental decline. I know that the therapist reassured you that you did not need to feel any guilt, and that you were in no way responsible for his passing. Did you ever have a chance to share this painful detail with your mother?