I Don’t Hate Kate But

I‘ve been watching Jon and Kate Plus Eight as long as it’s been on, 3 years or so, not including the initial specials. Let me first say I don’t agree with the media’s spin on things and sudden entitlement to narrate their lives and stalk them 24/7. I’m only giving my view once.

In the very beginning, “Jon worked in IT and Kate quit her job as a nurse to stay home with the kids.” They started off in a tiny house, scraping by and relying on friends, neighbors and even complete strangers to donate what they needed to supply for their sextuplets. Kate had no interest in her appearance, let alone a fashion sense, and Jon still felt like a normal dude.

Four years later, Kate is self-indulgent, completely obsessed with her looks  and blinded by her fame, money, fans, and sacred book tours. Jon has quit his job, without reason to work anymore thanks to the millions the show has made, bought himself a sportscar, and dresses in Ed Hardy. They have isolated themselves and their kids from close friends and family.

We’ve all seen Kate torment, berate and insult Jon for years to usually no reaction. He is “proud of himself” for finally standing up to her and she plays the victim in most of the newer episodes, hoping someone will take her side and feel bad for her.

Season Five was one of the worst agreements to date. The show is not about the kids anymore, it is about the drama of Jon and Kate doing interviews at seperate times. This decision was irresponsible, greedy and, yes, probably Kate’s idea.

Although, I’m sure TLC was great at convincing them. TLC has become very exploitative, stomping all over their show-airing rights for Jon and Kate in particular.

So when they announced on the show last night that they were seperating it didn’t come as a surprise. Kate swears it has nothing to do with the show but if she actually listened to Jon she could see that it has everything to do with the show.

Admitting their seperation to the world has torn up Kate but Jon said “I’m sad but excited” so there must be some happy ending within this. Maybe the one Kate is searching for will go to Jon instead.

There are reports that Jon is looking for an apartment in NYC where he will be working again but none of where Kate will stay when she’s not at home; “the kids’ home”, as they’ve dubbed it. Yes, you are rather outnumbered.

The enjoyment has been sucked from this show altogether and I don’t think so much of their kids’ lives should have ever made it to our living rooms. Family memories are not something the rest of the country should share with you.

If fame was what Kate really wanted, she has it now; becoming a household name in the worst way. Jon wanted to end the show, she didn’t listen, and it turned out like this.

The best thing that could happen would be a hasty end to the show, both of them truly putting the kids first and letting them lead next-to-normal lives until the tabloids lose interest and everyone forgets the conjoined name of Jon-and-Kate. Jon sounded way too happy to be free so I doubt there’s any chance of mending their marriage but hopefully they will decide soon when enough is enough.

Mimi