Goodbye to Kate ... plus 8

Last Monday night you might have heard an odd buzzing sound. If you listened closely, it sounded like a stadium crowd. 

It was the mixed sound of cheering viewers and booing fans as Kate Plus 8 ended its run on TLC. 

When the show premiered 2007 as Jon & Kate Plus 8, the Gosselins were our heroes. 

Without nannies or fanfare, they managed a family of sextuplets and twins with aplomb. But soon, the house turned into a mansion and the once-endearing germa-phobe drill sergeant began to grate. 

Even Jon, who once glowed in the spotlight, had had enough of Kate. 

And then came the paparazzi.  Kate claimed to hate the media attention. 

So we sympathized as she made her way through talk shows, public appearances and, of course, Dancing with the Stars. 
Oh Kate, how we felt for you.

And now, according to Kate, “it’s the end of an era.”

Um, Katie, honey, 150 episodes does not an era make. 

But she’s threatened, er, promised they’ll be back. Jon has suggested that Kate and the kids should focus on a normal life with a regular job, more privacy and less media exposure. 

Kate refuses to have such a “mediocre” life.

Now, I could point out Kate’s clear disconnection with reality. 

She has no talent to parlay into other shows. She has no following beyond her role as a mom of multiples. 

She is, in fact, one of the most reviled women on television today.  So what twisted mind would want Kate to headline their program?

But I can see her concern with mediocrity. It’s true. Most of us have a mediocre life. And we’re okay with it. But if we could have better jobs, nicer homes, fancier cars, and more cash, we’d grab it. 

Shouldn’t little Katie want something better too? Especially when she’s already had the cars, house, clothes, babysitters and bodyguards for a few years now. Can we blame her for wanting the gravy train to continue?

And yes, Kate’s behaviour on her own show has not been flattering. 

She’s unreasonably demanding and argues with everyone. But when was the last time you or I travelled across the country with eight kids and a production crew in motorhomes that broke down in the summer heat? Would you be perfectly calm?
Which is a reminder that most shows would want her to do more than just “what comes naturally.”

However, reality TV producers are always looking for the drama.  They encourage the blowouts and over-the-top behaviour. So what’s a gal to do but comply? And now we hate her for it?

No, while I too cheered the end of Plus 8 on TLC, I think ol’ Katie is just a misunderstood little girl with big dreams for herself and her children.  

And according to Kate, “the best opportunity for all of us would be ME continuing on TV.” 

Bless her misguided little heart.