Sister Wives. Season 19. Ep 23. “The Stars Will Fall From the Sky” — Instant Reaction!

In a deeply emotional and somber installment of Sister Wives, Season 19, Episode 23 pulls back the curtain on the heartbreaking aftermath of Garrison Brown’s tragic passing. While the episode began with scenes that felt like filler — including a laid-back backyard gathering between Christine and David involving a misplaced frisbee — it quickly shifted tone, ushering in one of the most devastating moments in the show’s history.

The episode awkwardly opens with Christine and David spending quality time together. The couple’s lighthearted game of frisbee and discussions about shared decision-making seemed ill-placed, given what was to come. Viewers may find this introduction jarring and unnecessary, as it failed to match the emotional gravity of the real story that unfolds.

After nearly 17 minutes of screen time, the tone shifts dramatically when Mary, in the middle of a confessional interview, is interrupted by repeated calls from Kody. At first, she’s annoyed, remarking that he never calls and could’ve just sent a text. But the persistent ringing hints that something is very wrong. Finally, she takes the call, and it’s revealed to be an emergency: the devastating news of Garrison’s death breaks.

The next several segments of the episode are heart-wrenching. Janelle delivers the crushing confirmation — Garrison took his own life. Christine adds that while they all knew he was sad, no one truly understood how deep his pain ran. Kody shares his version of grief, though his reflections seem to focus more on his own regret than Garrison’s memory, which may leave viewers with mixed feelings.

Robyn’s contribution is almost exclusively about how Kody is feeling, offering no insight into her own emotions. Her tears feel more like a support role for Kody’s anguish than a personal reaction to the tragedy.

Mary, on the other hand, appears deeply shaken. She visits Kody and Robyn, describing a moment where she clung to Gwen for comfort. She also makes a heartfelt visit to Janelle, bringing food and support. Her raw grief indicates a close bond with Garrison, one that perhaps wasn’t fully shown in earlier seasons.

Maddie, along with her husband Caleb, shares her own moment of impact. When Janelle broke the news to her, Maddie said it changed her “brain chemistry,” reflecting how profound the trauma was. Caleb is visibly shaken, unable to express much but clearly absorbing the depth of the loss.

Gabriel, Garrison’s closest sibling, provides a deeply moving perspective. He talks about how Garrison loved more deeply than he let on. Christine reads a quote Garrison cherished — something about always being seen in the stars — reinforcing the episode’s poignant title. Gabriel’s tribute to his brother, saying he made everyone feel comfortable, paints a touching picture of who Garrison truly was: kind-hearted, warm, and gentle.

Janelle opens up about Garrison’s struggles during the COVID lockdown. She reveals that he began drinking more heavily, and on the night of his death, his blood alcohol level was nearly lethal. It’s a chilling reminder of how silently mental health struggles can escalate.

Kody shares that Garrison was cremated and will be buried next to his grandmother, Cheryl. For him, transporting the urn to Wyoming feels like a pilgrimage — a way to cope and honor his son’s memory. He repeatedly laments that he thought he had more time to make things right. Robin echoes the sentiment, remarking how people always assume there’s more time — until there isn’t.

In one of the episode’s final scenes, Janelle is visited by her sister. They have a heartfelt conversation about grief, Gabe’s pain, and the toll mental health can take. Janelle admits she’s just trying to survive moment by moment, sometimes forgetting her son is truly gone.

The episode closes with Kody and Robyn again. Kody says he’s haunted by the “what ifs” — what he could have done differently, and how he’ll manage holidays without Garrison. He believes bringing the urn to Wyoming will bring him closure and mark the start of his healing journey.

While the emotional core of the episode is raw and powerful, many fans will likely agree that it could’ve been handled with more grace and focus. The early filler scenes and lack of deeper reflection from all family members make the structure feel uneven. Viewers hoping for more tributes, photos, or moments of remembrance for Garrison may walk away feeling there wasn’t enough. Some may even be left wondering whether the show’s producers struggled to balance storytelling with respect for real-life grief.

Looking ahead, the preview for next week’s tell-all promises tension and controversy. Reports suggest that Kody clashes with host Sukanya Krishnan — shutting her down during questioning. Rumors are already swirling that Kody refused to be interviewed by a male host, further fueling ongoing critiques about how the show’s dynamics are handled behind the scenes. Some fans even suggest someone like Entertainment Tonight’s Kevin Frazier would be a better match to go toe-to-toe with Kody’s ever-dominant narrative.

Ultimately, Sister Wives Season 19, Episode 23 stands as one of the show’s most sobering episodes to date. The tragedy of losing Garrison casts a long shadow, forcing the entire Brown family — and viewers — to grapple with the realities of grief, mental health, and the things left unsaid.

What remains to be seen is how this event reshapes the future of Sister Wives. Can the show continue with such fractured relationships and such heavy loss? For now, fans are left in mourning, under stars that now carry new meaning.