Love Is Blind Recap: Care to Comment?

How are you all doing? This week marks the final stretch before we discover which couples are tying the knot, a thrilling aspect of every season of Love Is Blind. Typically, at least one pair calls it quits before the wedding, and there’s often drama when former pod partners re-emerge. However, I usually find myself losing focus during the wedding preparations, especially when it comes to the dresses – my thoughts are generally “Everyone looks beautiful!” regarding the dresses, and I honestly have a tough time remembering the men’s suits. The same goes for bachelor/bachelorette parties, although the contrast in activities is fascinating. It seems like there are two distinct groups in Minneapolis: the Minnesota Vikings fans and the Mall of America shoppers. I’m not entirely sure why the women participate in geriatric roller coaster-themed events, but as long as they’re enjoying themselves, that’s all that matters. Taylor appears to be genuinely excited about wearing the nasal cannula.

However, it’s worth noting that while we’re gearing up for some heartwarming scenes, there will still be a dash of tension in this upcoming set of episodes. This week, Lauren and Dave are finally parting ways, and the single pod members have their own share of issues to deal with. Meanwhile, our engaged couples are having crucial last-minute discussions. Given that we’ve got four couples to cover next week, we’re delving into Ben and Sara’s wedding preparations a bit early. So, let’s dive right in!

Lauren and Dave

What strikes me as unusual in this split is simply how prolonged the process has been. It seems to me that Dave hasn’t fully moved on from Lauren’s previous partner, which could be the reason behind it. Despite projecting assurance when meeting her mother – a woman who supports Lauren wholeheartedly – Dave avoids introducing Lauren to his own family and friends.

During a bowling outing, Dave hinted to Lauren that he had mislead his sister into thinking he wouldn’t seriously participate in this experiment. However, the real stinger came when he mentioned that his family doesn’t casually meet people and that he didn’t want to waste his sister’s time. That hurts.

In a sudden shift, we find ourselves in an empty room instead of the bowling alley, as neither party is keen on carrying on the discussion there. The dialogue is unyielding since they fundamentally disagree about the facts surrounding the incident. Simultaneously, Dave is grappling with a heated exchange he had with Lauren’s father, who shares his name. It’s perplexing to follow Dave’s reasoning that his peers and relatives would rally around him when needed, while also acknowledging that people are resistant to change and can’t be forced into actions they don’t wish to undertake.

In the end, Dave expresses his belief that they should part ways, and Lauren reluctantly concurs. It’s surprising when Dave goes on to speak about his affection for Lauren, admitting in a private moment that his downfall was due to an inability to move past his self-importance. Simultaneously, a devastated Lauren shares with us that she penned a letter to Dave’s sister outlining the predicament and her deep feelings for Dave, hoping for her understanding – but regrettably, he never allowed her to deliver it.

At the mini reunion, Lauren arrives solo, while Molly shares that she recently encountered Dave at a bar. Interestingly, Lauren had previously heard some details about this encounter from Dave himself, who opted to stay at his own place that night. Molly then discloses that there was apparently another woman clinging to Dave at the bar. When Lauren clarifies why her relationship with Dave ended, an upset Molly expresses her opinion that Dave and his social media posts aren’t as impressive as people might think. In a moment of distraction, she suggests they both continue dating others. Later, when Molly confronts Dave about his behavior towards Lauren, she declares him as her top priority… If this were scripted for television, it would set the stage for a sweet, budding romance or at least a strong friendship. (I’m glad to see them seated together at Sara and Ben’s wedding.)

At the mini-reunion, Dave shows up and admits to his friends that the breakup was difficult for him and he regrets how it appeared as if he was the one ending things. In a private moment, he expresses his desire to change the past and continue being her significant other. However, during an apology conversation with Lauren, he becomes defensive, insisting she didn’t contact him, before quickly adding that what he means is she shouldn’t have to be the one reaching out to him. The implication here is that Dave wants another chance, leaving it up to Lauren to decide. Some viewers might perceive this as a moment of longing or romantic tension (as suggested by the use of Madison Beer’s “Male You Mine” in the background). Yet, the overall atmosphere strikes me as more reminiscent of a psychological thriller rather than a romance.

The other singles

Previously, we discussed Dave and Lauren’s encounter at the mini-reunion, but let’s not forget about the significant instances involving those from the pods who couldn’t join us in Honduras.

Initially, Brittany provides Devin a chance to express remorse for his immaturity during their discussion about her sexuality. She feels he could have been more supportive instead of making a casual remark about homosexuality (“Bruh, everyone is a little gay,” she remarks). However, instead of acknowledging this concern, he proposes they remain friends. This, indeed, seems more like him being an irritating relative than a boyfriend to Brittany. It’s disheartening that Devin doesn’t seem to grasp why that conversation was challenging for her. Despite this, Brittany chooses not to pursue the issue further and instead ends the conversation on a positive note by jokingly asking for a wedding invitation.

As a film enthusiast, let me share my thoughts: Madison struts in next, and I can’t help but notice she’s sporting a vibrant pink hairstyle now. A part of me secretly wishes she had dyed it during the pods; it would’ve been refreshing to have one less blonde woman to confuse matters. Mason and Meg stroll in hand-in-hand, with Mason confirming that they’re “hanging out” and things are going “really good.” It seems Meg reached out to him, leading to an unofficial reveal filming session. Lastly, Alex makes his entrance. Madison reveals that Alex altered his stance on their relationship upon seeing her Instagram. However, according to Madison, Alex also mentioned that Meg had contacted him, claiming he was her top choice, and Madison felt like Alex was setting them against each other. Hang on, Meg and Alex? I share Lauren’s puzzlement — where did that connection arise from? Netflix fails to offer any evidence from the pods, leaving us to wonder whether Alex is being truthful or not. Regrettably, we don’t witness Madison engaging in a conversation with either of Meg’s pod exes. Perhaps we’ll uncover more answers during the reunion?

Monica and Joey

Time for problem-solving! Just as I anticipated, Monica has reservations about attending the wedding unless her fiancé and sister can find common ground. Nicola has graciously agreed to photograph Monica and Joey’s engagement. Miraculously (meaning Joey’s dance moves like dabbing and flossing), the photos turn out adorable. With some encouragement from Monica, Nicola apologizes to Joey, expressing newfound faith in their bond. The resolution seems too convenient — perhaps Nicola had more substantial concerns than merely differing sleep habits — but given her acting background, it’s possible that parts of this conversation were rehearsed.

Despite some reservations, I’m reassured by the fact that this couple has managed to resolve other problems together. For instance, during their pre-wedding date at a conservatory, Monica revealed that she required more physical affection from Joey. He made an effort to accommodate her needs, even though it wasn’t his usual style. Although we didn’t witness this interaction — as the focus seemed to be on Joey’s pickleball hat — their ability to address such issues gives me a positive outlook. It also increases my confidence that they can handle future disputes, like laundry disagreements, effectively.

On this final date, Joey and Monica were overflowing with praise for each other and their relationship. However, Monica mentioned in a private comment that she’s holding back slightly because Joey hasn’t fully committed yet. Earlier, during his suit fitting, Joey stated he wouldn’t feel completely certain about his answer until the wedding day. Yet, he didn’t hesitate to affirm yes when his cousin asked if he was ready to abandon everything for Monica. So, we’ll have to wait and see.

Taylor and Daniel

This pair exhibits the easygoing demeanor of an elderly married couple. Daniel jokes about his nickname, Danny Balls, during a casual round of mini-golf that also serves as a low-key wedding planning session. (He loses the game.) Later, they head out for drinks, where she expresses gratitude for his reminders to take things one hour at a time via text messages. As usual, she finds reassurance in his choice of words. To further solidify their connection, Daniel reminds us that they also share a bond from Christmas. They even take Christmas card photos to be used as wedding favors, with the wedding not taking place until nine months later – a clear indication that these two might just be perfect for each other.

It’s heartwarming to see that both Taylor’s mother and mother-in-law attend the wedding dress fitting, suggesting a harmonious relationship for this couple. Prior to their wedding, they went ice skating together, followed by a dinner reminiscent of Parks & Recreation, where Daniel affirmed he wouldn’t miss anything about being single, while Taylor admitted she was falling even more in love.

It seems I’ve figured out Netflix’s pattern with this show now. In the coming episode sneak peek, Taylor is shown crying and we hear her mention that her husband isn’t in Minnesota – leading us to speculate about potential trouble. However, her subsequent statement is “But then I met Daniel.” Frankly, it seems unusual for a Christmas couple to make Christmas ornaments if they weren’t completely committed, don’t you think? That might be considered sacrilegious to them.

Virginia and Devin

Could you kindly assign Virginia’s mother to the moderator roles in these discussions? Her insightful perspective on relationships would certainly benefit these conversations. After witnessing her approval towards this couple who prioritize God and teamwork in their union, Devin should understand that he is expected to continue demonstrating the character he has shown today, in other words, maintain his current behavior.

At their residence, Devin expresses that there’s little left to talk about and admits he’s never felt as relaxed sharing a bed with someone else. It’s odd how his demeanor shifts when Virginia subtly encourages him to share views on politics. I find it hard to believe they’ve delayed this conversation for so long, but it seems they enjoy the thrill of discussing sensitive topics like attempting a last-second shot in basketball. (I hope this version maintains the essence while incorporating a basketball reference for Mr. and Mrs. Buckets.)

It appears that Devin tends to be more moderate in his views, as Virginia, who typically votes Democrat, notes that she aligns her vote with her religious beliefs, even if Christian Republicans might disagree. Virginia has to encourage Devin to share his thoughts on the topic. Interestingly, they seem to hold similar views on abortion rights, but it’s still unclear how Devin casts his ballot. There’s a moment of mild awkwardness when Virginia laughs and mentions that there aren’t many Black Republicans, to which Devin responds by sharing that his father is Black. Despite this, the conversation remains cordial, and they both conclude that there’s no need for further discussion at this time.

Indeed, there remains the issue of the prenuptial agreement. Virginia has made it clear to him that this is a precautionary measure and doesn’t imply she expects the marriage to falter. He hasn’t instantly signed the agreement, but he does present her with a gold Team Buckley basketball and customized jerseys instead. The thoughtful details he’s added – their school colors, their wedding date – move her deeply, and they decide to wear the jerseys at their wedding reception.

One day prior to the wedding, Devin arrives bearing a prenuptial agreement. He, his lawyer, and his mother have all scrutinized the terms, giving everyone a sense of relief. Virginia then proclaims them husband and wife after they sign the document that they believe won’t be necessary. In the upcoming episode teaser, we hear Devin express doubts about wanting to marry her. To envision an out-of-context interpretation, perhaps he is saying that this was his initial assumption of how he would feel?

Sara and Ben

Sara can’t help but rave about how fortunate she feels to have someone as exceptional as Ben. She confesses to having some concerns regarding the online chatter about him, yet he has managed to reassure her that he has evolved since then. “I fell in love with you for your heart today,” she expresses. (It seems clear that the physical attraction between them is undeniable, as evidenced by Sara’s smile during their reunion and her quip about breaking her bed by sitting on it, adding, “I sat down on something.”)

Sara’s sibling, Lisa, along with her spouse, Kelsie, appear to be uncertain about the upcoming wedding. A sense of anxiety seems to permeate their interactions, as if Sara is trying to convince them with endless compliments about Ben (it’s quite an unusual pastime for an evening to be filled with praises about a man, I must say). However, I admire Kelsie’s assertiveness, particularly when considering that Ben and Sara share similar financial and social viewpoints. Kelsie encourages the couple to give serious thought to the fact that Ben belongs to a “different category of privilege.

Later, Sara is spotted at church with Ben, appearing uneasy. Subsequently, she expresses doubts about frequent attendance, preferring occasional visits during vacations. During their last outing camping in style (glamping), she brings up a controversial service from his church that seems to be both transphobic and fatphobic. Ben admits he disagrees with it too, but insists on continuing church attendance, emphasizing the inclusive messages they both find appealing. “It’s not my role to persuade or prove I’m right,” he explains. “My role is to celebrate everyone.

I find myself echoing his thoughts that dwelling too much on our differences might overshadow the shared values we both hold dear. Just like Sara, I think it’d be rather shortsighted to expect a man who mirrors me in every way, especially when it comes to those significant topics. Girl, I believe finding someone as exceptional as Ben who resonates with you on multiple levels and shares your passions is not an impossible quest. Yet, Sara is deeply in love and, before we know it, she’ll be taking the next step—walking down the aisle.

It’s evident that Ben is certain social matters and religious beliefs won’t pose a problem. However, it seems like the rumors about him might have made things difficult for Sara when her friends arrive. Yet, it remains unclear whether this is linked to the initial TikTok or if there have been further developments off-screen, such as Sara possibly hearing that Ben may be known for handing out his YouTube business card to women he’s slept with.

Sara’s mother expresses her pride in Sara, mentioning that she’s clear about her goals and doesn’t compromise. However, Sara’s sister harbors concerns that she might agree due to a desire to please others. Before the event, she advises Sara to follow her own instincts. In a private reflection, Sara acknowledges feeling content with this decision, but her mind is questioning, “Am I sure?

Sara maintains her gaze during the officiant’s prayer, and subsequently utters “Amen.” Following some heartfelt vows, it falls upon Sara to decide if love truly is blind. Though I remain hopeful for a negative response, when Ben hinted at nearly kissing her, she responded, “We are going to.” It would indeed be surprising if she declined after that statement, wouldn’t it? Netflix skillfully builds tension by incorporating the sound of a racing heart and amplifying the intake of a deep breath before the scene fades out.

Compatibility Tests

It’s crunch time! Once again, I’ve gathered some colleagues from Vulture and New York Magazine to cast their votes on this season’s wedding predictions. The percentage shown indicates the number of us who believe the couple will exchange “I dos”. Here are the outcomes:

Or in a more conversational tone:

Hey there! Guess what? It’s time for the grand finale! I got my Vulture and New York Magazine pals to take a poll on who’ll be tying the knot this season. The percentage you see represents how many of us think the couple will get married. Here are the results:

🥇 Joey and Monica (89%)🥈Taylor and Daniel (78%)🥉Devin and Virginia (56%)
😬Ben and Sara (22%)

Investigation of the week: What’s the situation with Lauren’s ex-situationship?

It’s challenging to definitively establish the details of their private conversations, but it has been revealed that Daniel, who recently posted on social media, claims to be the person in question. A TikToker shared screenshots of his Instagram post that appears to depict him on a Love Is Blind poster with the phrase “Time to swap leg day for love day.” This and other posts suggest strongly that this may not be the individual involved in the drama. Good luck next time, Lauren.

This week’s quote: My colleagues expressed a hope that Joey and Monica find a creative way to include socks in their wedding reception.

I find it amusing that nobody’s tagging him, which means he’s missing out on the recognition he craves.” – Leo, LIB season 7, observing a video concerning Lauren’s past relationship.

A couple of last thoughts:

It wasn’t right for Ben to question Lauren about Dave at the reunion, given she was no longer engaged. I’m glad Taylor called him out on it. It seems as though the editors dislike him too, and they keep including scenes of him accidentally spilling gold cups.

It amuses me strangely that Virginia employs the same tentative, optimistic grin whether she’s discussing with Devin her desire for a champagne room in her home or advocating for the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals.

• I hope the Lacheys get Dave’s sister to come to the reunion. We need to hear from her.

2025-02-28 16:58