RECAP: ‘Sister Wives’ Kody Brown Puts More Effort Into Garrison’s Burial Than His Life

RECAP: ‘Sister Wives’ Kody Brown Puts More Effort Into Garrison’s Burial Than His Life 

The Sunday, May 18 episode of Sister Wives opens with the Brown family in Wyoming to bury Janelle and Kody Brown’s son, Garrison Brown.

The burial site is adjacent to a plot of land owned by Kody’s father, where Janelle’s mother is also laid to rest. This isn’t a vacation. This is grief embodied. Janelle Brown, emotionally gutted, tries to stay afloat by keeping busy with her grandchildren — teaching them how to cast fishing rods and helping the kids manage the weekend’s itinerary. But the tears come without warning. “No mother should have to bury her child,” Janelle says.

Christine, Janelle’s steady right-hand through it all, is by her side with her own children. She admits she doesn’t like fishing, but she’s there for Janelle, just as she’s been every step of the way. Despite the solemn reason for the gathering, the family tries to keep their spirits up and focus on healing.

The Absence of Accountability

Noticeably absent from these early moments are Kody and Robyn, who are also in Wyoming — but completely removed from the rest of the family. Instead of joining the grieving group, they treat the trip more like a rustic vacation, smiling for pictures, riding horses, and giving history lessons about Kody’s father’s land. Robyn seldom mentions Garrison in the episode. 

Meanwhile, Janelle reflects on how Kody still hasn’t reconciled with his surviving children — even after Garrison’s death. The estrangement continues. “He still hasn’t learned,” she says. The heartbreak is amplified knowing that even this tragedy hasn’t moved Kody to repair what’s broken. The only silver lining is that Garrison’s death has brought the siblings closer together, putting their past issues behind them in a show of unity.

A Grave Act of Redemption

At the burial site, Janelle allows Kody the symbolic task of digging Garrison’s grave — a gesture that seems more about Kody’s guilt than genuine healing. He calls it a pilgrimage, but viewers are left wondering where this energy was when Garrison was still alive. Kody says the physical labor is helping ease his pain, but it’s also clear that it’s a kind of unspoken penance. “I want the experience of doing some real effort here,” he confesses, acknowledging — perhaps subconsciously — the emotional debt he owes his late son.

Garrison is laid to rest beside his grandmother, Cheryl. Janelle reveals it’s her wish to one day be buried next to them both.

A Funeral Full of Symbolism and Sorrow

Before the service begins, a title card reminds viewers that cameras were kept at a respectful distance. Janelle appears on screen, emotionally drained and numb. “How did we get here?” she wonders. “It’s just heartbreaking.”

Leading the service is Tim — Kody’s brother-in-law, who shows up in a Hawaiian shirt — a tribute to Garrison’s dream of starting a business called “Bob’s Floral,” built around fun, tropical shirts. Tim’s eulogy walks a delicate balance between humor and raw emotion. He throws subtle shade at Kody, referencing remorse and pride, and speaks to a deeper understanding of grief that only parents can truly comprehend.

Kody’s moment comes when Janelle hands him Garrison’s urn to place into the grave — an act she later says held “symbolism.” Kody shares a dream he had of Garrison sitting on his bed saying, “I’m not gone, just stop playing sad music.” It’s a haunting moment that leaves viewers questioning whether it’s closure — or just another attempt at rewriting history.

Mitch Thompson, Christine’s son-in-law, had hand-carved Garrison’s urn into a Viking ship — a nod to Garrison’s love of Norse mythology. Family members took turns placing meaningful items into the grave: Paedon Brown dropped his military tags in. “I have yours, you have mine,” he said. Hunter Brown added the hat he wore during his first military salute from Garrison. Other family members added dirt and mementos.

Tim concluded the service by asking everyone to remove their shoes and stand barefoot on the soil, saying it’s how Garrison would have wanted it. “This funeral is not cookie-cutter,” Kody added, in one of his rare moments of insight.

After the Burial: Leon Appears

Back at the family’s rental home, the Browns try to rally around Janelle. Madison admits she’s still furious with her father, but doesn’t know how to express it constructively.

Leon, formerly known as Mariah Brown, appears in a rare moment — nearly unrecognizable in his new identity, but present for the family nonetheless.

Sister Wives airs Sundays, at 10 p.m. ET, on TLC.

 

Stay Connected With All About The Tea: Twitter Ι Instagram Ι YouTube Ι Facebook Ι Send Us Tips