Sister Wives Fans React to Garrison Passing Episode – Robyn’s Reaction Wasn’t Needed

The most recent episode of Sister Wives focused on a tragic and emotional chapter—the passing of Janelle and Kody Brown’s son, Garrison. Many fans anticipated this would be a heavy episode, but few were prepared for the raw and complicated emotions it would stir. The portrayal of Garrison’s death left viewers with mixed feelings—some were heartbroken, while others were frustrated, especially by the way TLC chose to frame certain reactions.

The overwhelming sentiment among long-time viewers was clear: Robyn Brown’s presence and reaction felt out of place. As fans processed the heartbreaking news and the impact on the family, many questioned why Robyn was given so much screen time. While the show didn’t necessarily portray her as disrespectful, her reaction didn’t resonate with audiences—and for many, it simply didn’t belong.

Social media lit up with reactions from fans who expressed their heartbreak over Garrison’s passing. But just as passionately, they voiced frustration over the decision to spotlight Robyn’s emotionless responses. “It didn’t matter,” one fan bluntly put it. “Nobody wanted to see her reaction.” The consensus was that Janelle, the grieving mother, deserved more time on screen. While it’s possible that Janelle, out of grief, may not have wanted extensive airtime, fans still hoped the episode would have honored Garrison more fully—with tributes, memories, and perhaps a deeper look at his life.

One detail that caught some viewers by surprise was that Garrison had been cremated. Some fans didn’t recall hearing this before, and although cremation is a personal and often private choice, it added another layer of emotion to an already sorrowful episode. It was noted that Kody suggested laying Garrison to rest in Wyoming, which initially sparked some criticism. But others were quick to point out that this was where Garrison grew up—where the family ranch is located, and where Janelle’s mother and other family members are buried. It was a place Garrison loved deeply.

Among the most heartbreaking moments in the episode was learning that it was Gabriel, Garrison’s younger brother, who found him. This moment shook fans to their core. Gabriel and Garrison shared a powerful bond, and for Gabriel to experience that trauma firsthand is unimaginable. Many fans emphasized the importance of keeping both Gabriel and Janelle in their thoughts and prayers. While Kody too is grieving the loss of his son, Janelle and Gabriel’s connection to Garrison was unique and deeply personal.

The lack of authentic emotion from Robyn drew intense criticism. Many fans fast-forwarded through her scenes, unable to stomach what they saw as performative reactions. One viewer remarked, “You don’t get to react when you never even tried to connect with these kids.” For some, Robyn’s lack of relationship with the older children disqualified her from having a meaningful place in this moment of grief.

Viewers also called out TLC for missing the mark in their editing choices. Fans believed more airtime should have been devoted to Janelle’s reflections or even Kody’s grief, setting aside personal opinions about him. Many acknowledged that regardless of past actions, no parent deserves to lose a child, and the focus should have been on those most directly affected by the tragedy.

The episode also touched on Garrison’s mental health struggles and his battle with alcohol—something not all fans were previously aware of. Some viewers criticized how lightly this aspect was treated in the episode, feeling that it was glossed over with vague statements like “he struggled” or “we did what we could.” Mental health is a serious issue, and many viewers—especially those with similar struggles—felt this was a missed opportunity to bring real awareness to the topic.

While many were critical of Kody’s past behavior toward his children—particularly how he created divisions in the family during the COVID era—some fans did believe his pain in this episode was genuine. One viewer said, “I don’t care for Kody, but I believe he is truly hurting. Imagine the guilt he must feel.” Kody’s strained relationship with his older children, especially those who voiced disagreement with his choices during the pandemic, weighed heavily in this episode.

Gabriel’s silence spoke louder than any words. The stillness, the heartbreak in his expression—it hit home for so many. Fans respected the way he was portrayed, with one commenter noting, “Gabe’s silence said more than anyone else’s words.” The knowledge that he was receiving counseling and therapy offered a small glimmer of hope in an otherwise tragic narrative.

Viewers also noticed the contrast between Robyn’s and Meri’s emotional responses. While Robyn appeared disconnected, Meri—often seen as emotionally distant in previous seasons—seemed truly devastated. Many believed Meri genuinely loved the Brown children as her own, especially the original kids. Her grief was raw and real, a stark contrast to what many saw from Robyn.

Ultimately, this episode served as a painful reminder of life’s fragility. While some fans used it as an opportunity to criticize Kody and Robyn for past behaviors, most agreed that no parent or sibling should have to endure the loss of a loved one in such a tragic way. Garrison’s struggles, the silence of grief, and the haunting aftermath of a fractured family were all laid bare for the world to see.

The episode left a lasting impression on many, not just because of the loss, but because of what it revealed about the family’s inner dynamics. Some fans called it “the most genuine moment” they’d seen from Kody since the beginning of the series. Others hoped that maybe, just maybe, this devastating event could spark reflection, healing, and growth.

As viewers continue to process the grief and fallout of Garrison’s passing, many hope that future episodes will bring more heartfelt tributes, more honest dialogue, and perhaps a deeper understanding of the emotional impact this tragedy has had on each family member. In the meantime, fans continue to grieve alongside the Browns, lifting up Janelle, Gabriel, and the entire family in thoughts and prayers.

May Garrison rest in peace—and may his memory be honored in the most respectful and meaningful way possible.