Three seasons into “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” I have to admit something: I am tired of hearing the never-ending vortex of whether these women are “proper” representatives of Utah’s predominant faith.
It’s a question that results in a slew of different answers and makes for an interesting, if not tired, conversation topic, but it isn’t the question that came to my mind as I sat down to binge the newly released third season.
Simplifying the show’s impact to answer one question does it a certain level of injustice. As a culture reporter, going into the new season, my focus wasn’t on the faith of it all. It was on the characters; the moms who have, to many, become the face of Utah in a way.
I wanted to know more about these Beehive State celebrities: The issues they face in their friendships and relationships, the way they grow as individuals, and admittedly, the tea — the drama that is a hallmark of any reality show.
MomTok, for better or worse, has become a flashpoint for Utah representation in pop culture.
And in the third season, it wasn’t the state’s cultural staples that stole the show (think: Swig and Stanley mugs), but the layers of depth the reality show has managed to build upon from the first season.
Here are my takeaways from Season 3:
• The growth of DadTok is charming.
(Fred Hayes | Hulu) The Dads of DadTok at the Season 2 reunion of "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives."
Jordan Ngatikaura and Dakota Mortensen’s friendship is one of the backbones for Season 3. The other DadTok dads, like Jacob Neeley and Jace Terry, also contribute to the dynamic. What started as a MomTok parody seems to be a real support system for the men of the show.
• Every season, one of the moms has a major growth arc. This season it was Jessi Ngatikaura.
(Pamela Littky | Disney) Jessi Ngatikaura for Season 2 of Hulu's "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives."
In the past two seasons, Jessi Ngatikaura has become known as the “hair girl” — the cast member who experiments with cosmetic procedures openly. One of the sinners. But in this season, we see a strikingly vulnerable side of her, particularly when she goes to therapy. Navigating marital issues is never easy, but it’s especially challenging on a reality show. This season she grows, and audiences get to know her — flaws and all — a bit better.
• MomTok’s reach is wide. Even Lana Del Rey is locked in.
(Natalie Cass | Disney) The cast for Season 2 of "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives," which follows Utah MomTok influencers. From left to right: Jennifer Affleck, Miranda McWhorter, Layla Taylor, Demi Engemann, Mayci Neeley, Jessi Ngatikaura, Mikayla Matthews, Whitney Leavitt and Taylor Frankie Paul.
Lana Del Rey, the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, asking the MomTok moms to come backstage to meet her before the Stagecoach music festival is a surreal moment, and is one that reveals the reach of the influencer group and the curiosity people have about it.
• Therapy is a huge asset to the moms (and dads).
(Natalie Cass | Disney) Taylor Frankie Paul and Miranda McWhorter during Season 2 of Hulu's "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives."
Some of the most poignant moments from this season are from the therapy sessions. These cast members are moms and dads and yes, influencers, but they are also human. Taylor Frankie Paul’s growth after her therapy retreat is one example of success.
• The show becomes a bit more real this season.
(Natalie Cass | Disney) Jennifer Affleck, Layla Taylor, Jessi Ngatikaura and Demi Engemann, from left, in a moment from Hulu's "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives."
Sure, the Utah gimmicks and influencer squabbling can get tiresome for those not interested in it, but careful watchers will notice the real, vulnerable points the show touches on, like struggles with faith, marriage, intimacy and mental health. In Season 3, Layla Taylor also touches on how growing up as a Black woman in Utah can be alienating, further cementing the show’s commitment to tackling heavy issues amid all the drama.