Ep 4. Mama Don't Play

In episode 4 of Marriage Boot Camp: Reality Stars season 8, titled "Mama Don't Play," the couples are in for a surprise as their own mothers enter the house to help them work through their issues. As the mothers arrive, tension begins to build, with some couples hoping for a supportive presence, while others dread their mother's arrival.

The episode begins with a group therapy session where Dr. Ish and Dr. V discuss the importance of family and how our relationships with our parents can impact our romantic relationships. They then bring out the surprise guests: the mothers of the reality stars. Some couples are joyful and emotional at the sight of their mothers, while others are less than thrilled.

The first exercise of the week is called the "Mother May I," in which the mothers ask their child for permission before giving them advice. The rules of this exercise help couples set boundaries with their parents, which can be tricky when dealing with strong-willed mothers.

One couple in particular, Aubrey O'Day and Paul "Pauly D" Delvecchio, are struggling with Aubrey's mom's presence in the house. Aubrey and her mother have a complicated relationship, and Aubrey's mom tends to be very critical of her daughter's choices. This dynamic becomes even more difficult when Pauly D gets involved, as Aubrey's mother doesn't approve of him as a partner for her daughter.

Meanwhile, the other couples are also working through their issues with their mothers. Kim Richards and her daughter Kimberly Jackson are working on their communication, and Kim's sobriety remains a concern for her daughter. Brandi Glanville is dealing with her mother's criticism, and she worries that her mom is pushing her towards a divorce.

In a private session with the therapists, Judge Toler and Dr. Ish discuss the importance of breaking through barriers with family members. They help the couples identify patterns in their behavior that may be getting in the way of their own happiness. For some couples, this means confronting issues that have been buried for years.

The second exercise of the week is called the "Mother Load," in which the mothers help their children pack a suitcase with items that represent their baggage. This is a symbolic exercise meant to represent the emotional baggage we carry with us in our relationships. The couples and their mothers have an emotional discussion about their past and present, and it becomes clear that some couples have a long road ahead of them.

Throughout the episode, tensions remain high as the couples work to navigate their relationships with their mothers. Some mothers are supportive and helpful, while others struggle to connect with their children. As the episode comes to a close, the couples must face the fact that their mothers may not always be the solution to their problems.

"Mama Don't Play" is a powerful episode that delves into the complicated dynamics of mother-child relationships. The exercises force the couples to confront their past and present, while also setting boundaries that will hopefully serve them well in the future. As the season moves forward, it remains to be seen whether these couples can overcome their baggage and make their relationships work.