Watched the show last night. Yes, they are fundamentalist Mormons, which the guy explained as the difference between Catholics and Protestants. So the dude was very clear to differentiate from mainstream LDS Mormonism.
The 2nd wife was actually raised as LDS. She is also the fattest one.
And the one who wants to spend the least amount of time with the kids.
The dude is kind of annoying. Imagine Lebowski as a fundamentalist Mormon, and that's what he reminds me of. Annoying thinning, long hair. The kids are annoying too. Even though there house is nice and big, there is definitely the feel of Utah white trash going on here.
So I expect most of the season is going to be about the adjustment as the dude takes on wife #4, who is "in the lifestyle" and divorced, with a couple of kids. She's younger and hotter. By a fair margin.
It was actually kind of boring. One gets the impression that we are seeing their best side. Not that I blame them. If for some reason, I was roped into a reality show, I would try and present my best side as well.
I wonder if this show will have any cultural resonance. I saw one non-LDS friend on facebook posting about it. Typical (female) reaction was "No way I could do that!" There was no male reaction.
I'm pretty sure that I would go crazy if I were in the dude's shoes. I value my independence and alone-time too much. Being pulled by 4 wives and some 18 kids would probably be the end of me.