Wow. I don't even watch this show, I'm holding out for the octomom spinoff, but Jon and Kate have some really effective sordid marketing going on. As anybody who shops for groceries knows, Jon and Kate have been on the verge of a split for some time; blame it on her violent off camera temper, or various boyfriends; no wait, maybe it's his numerous affairs, and recent bought with STDs. Hold on a second, none of this is true, is it? Regardless of whether it is, or isn't, TLC definitely knows that America is enraptured by the off-screen Jon and Kate Plus 8 Drama, because they are at least alluding to it in the marketing.
The various tabloid rumors got a big boost when Kate's Brother and sister-in-law gave an interview claiming that Kate had made Jon sign a contract stating that he could date, but he must show up for filming. The theory being that Kate wanted to maintain the illusion of togetherness to keep the show running so they could support the kids. And how much "support" did Kate's Brother and Spouse get for spinning this yarn, who knows. On the TLC side of things, excs have been kind of terse giving the equivalent of "get your stuipid question out of my face" dismissive responses.
It's probably all bogus, right? Perhaps the funniest aspect of it is that in TLC's marketing for the Jon and Kate Plus 8 season premiere, Jon is on the couch, solo, talking about the challenges he and Kate have had. TLC, you don't get to profit from the controversy and call it stupid at the same time.
Prediction: after sucking in all of the tabloid glances who are convinced that the stories must be true by TLC's solo-Jon presentation, the premiere ends with Jon and Kate together pledging their never ending love for one another. "How could either of us have an affair?" Kate will say. "We have eight kids, there's not enough time for affairs." Jon will finish for her. Or maybe not. Maybe we should tune in, just in case.
Yeah, I'll confess, I watched. There was not tearful committment, and definitely no "How could we manage an affair with eight kids!" More like very stoic, and bored looking, Jon saying he was "there for his kids", and a weepy Kate trying to pull it together, with comments like, "I couldn't help thinking this could be our last family photo…" (the sextuplets turned four? Or is it five?). It was actually the first time I have ever felt for Kate…
Yeah, I’ll confess, I watched. There was not tearful committment, and definitely no “How could we manage an affair with eight kids!” More like very stoic, and bored looking, Jon saying he was “there for his kids”, and a weepy Kate trying to pull it together, with comments like, “I couldn’t help thinking this could be our last family photo…” (the sextuplets turned four? Or is it five?). It was actually the first time I have ever felt for Kate…