Love Is Blind Recap: Pack It Up

The couples on season nine of *Love Is Blind* all seem to believe that strong relationships require consistent effort and compromise – love isn’t always easy. This raises a big question: how do you know when it’s time to end things? As the Denver cast approaches their weddings, they’re realizing time is running out to decide how much uncertainty they can handle before making a lifelong commitment. They’re all facing the challenge of whether they can overcome future problems and still choose to stay together. Ultimately, two couples decide they can’t. But are they giving up on relationships that could have worked with more time and effort, or are they recognizing that they simply wouldn’t be happy together, no matter what they tried? Let’s take a closer look.

Annie and Nick

It’s a relief we didn’t have to watch Annie and Nick get married and become one of those overly enthusiastic Christian couples online. Thankfully, their relationship only lasts a couple of scenes. First, they have a conversation where Annie, admitting she’d had a bit to drink, repeatedly expresses her worries that Nick doesn’t love her enough. While Nick proving his love by taking time off work is nice, their conversation is filled with the word “love” to the point where it feels meaningless. They spend a full minute saying “I love you” almost every five seconds, focusing more on *saying* they love each other than explaining *why* they do.

The following day, Annie was ready to try and fix things, but Nick felt they’d reached a limit. He’d warned her before about misrepresenting his feelings, but the sudden breakup still shocked her. Despite her pleas for him to reconsider, he explained that she couldn’t change the fundamental issues between them. He felt conflicted about her love, seeing both sincerity and a lack of depth. He believed their fights were damaging, and ultimately, he wasn’t content. Annie predicted he’d change his mind, but Nick firmly stated she couldn’t force him into a commitment he didn’t want.

Annie is questioning whether her connection with Nick was genuine. She might be shocked to learn, once she sees the season play out, that many of the other cast members think Nick was being strategic. Nick, however, seems prepared to explain his actions in interviews and at the reunion show, likely with a carefully prepared statement.

Madison and Joe

Joe felt sure about his relationship with Madison after meeting her family, but that confidence faded when she met his. Madison’s family was very welcoming and supportive, even playfully claiming him as one of their own. They offered practical advice about marriage – emphasizing commitment and suggesting he comfort Madison even during disagreements. Knowing Joe had previously called off a wedding when everything was already planned, Madison’s mother expressed hope that both he and Madison would be honest with each other and avoid any surprises this time around.

As expected, Joe breaks up with Madison, telling her they’re just not a good match. He insists it’s not about wanting to reconnect with an ex or the show’s schedule – he simply doesn’t see a future with her. Throughout their time together, it was clear they weren’t compatible. Madison is hurt that Joe doesn’t seem very upset or try to comfort her, while Joe feels like he’s finally admitting something he knew all along. He admits he would have been unhappy if they’d continued, and while it took him a long time to realize it, it’s better to end things now rather than at the wedding. Surprisingly, the breakup is fairly calm; Madison thanks Joe and says he’ll always be special to her. It’s a remarkably mature reaction from her, considering how upset she is. Could this be a sign of personal growth?

Ali and Anton

It’s clear alcohol is quickly consumed in their home, and Anton avoids being honest with Ali about what’s happening to it. When Ali questions him, he claims he can easily stop drinking to prove he doesn’t have a problem, but then quickly changes the subject, criticizing Ali’s housework. While this initial interaction is worrying, their attempts at family meetings suggest they’re trying to work through things and offer a glimmer of optimism.

Although one of Ali’s sisters isn’t thrilled, both mothers – Ali’s and Anton’s – are very supportive of their relationship. Ali is feeling hopeful after hearing how well Anton’s mom speaks of him. Ali’s mom, who met her husband online, has given Anton some advice: don’t go out with friends and leave your wife at home, but also reminded Ali that everyone needs time to themselves sometimes. Anton told Ali he loves her, and it seems like both mothers are eager to welcome each other into the family.

I have to say, watching Anton get ready for the date, he briefly voiced some doubts, but his mom and best friend quickly encouraged him to just relax and enjoy it. By the end of the night, though, he seemed genuinely convinced he and Ali were a perfect match. However, the film also cleverly shows Ali wrestling with that universal question: how much effort *is* enough when a relationship just isn’t clicking? Anton, ever the optimist, thinks marriage can succeed if both partners are committed, but honestly, after this episode, I’m left wondering if that’s really true – and I’m definitely eager to find out next week!

Megan and Jordan

Okay, so at first, Jordan and Megan seemed *so* sure of themselves – like, totally confident this was it. They even told Jordan’s parents it would take a major disaster for the wedding to not happen! Jordan was joking about Megan having to physically assault their son to make him change his mind. Things also started well with Luca, though Megan’s going to have a learning curve with his diabetes. But here’s the thing… we’re starting to see Megan’s a bit into… well, let’s call it new-age stuff. Her fiancé, who’s a pretty down-to-earth guy, seems really skeptical about her tarot cards and the idea of using numerology to pick out a house. It’s a bit of a clash of worlds, honestly.

They’re facing deeper problems than just effort in the relationship. Jordan already has a stressful job he keeps separate from his personal life, preferring silence over discussing work. Megan desires a more engaging partner, reminding him that their initial connection thrived on conversation, but Jordan notes they’re no longer in the isolated environment where they first met. When Megan tries to relate by saying they’re in the same situation, Jordan playfully points out her life is much busier than his – a subtle commentary on their differing levels of free time. It’s clear that making time for each other is a challenge.

Another issue is Jordan’s ongoing concern about Megan’s occasionally harsh manner. He feels she doesn’t respect his need for rest. He also believes she needs to accept that life will naturally slow down now that they have children, questioning whether she’s willing to give up things like trips to Italy or weekday morning tennis dates. At the same time, she’s hesitant to compromise the comfortable lifestyle she’s worked hard to achieve. It’s a crucial conversation, and it’s surprising they’re only having it now. Jordan points out that Megan chose to be with him, perhaps because her past relationships with wealthy men didn’t work out. For now, we’re putting discussions about age and income differences aside – Leonardo DiCaprio is safe for the moment.

Kalybriah and Edmond

I’m struck by how patient Kalybriah is, even though she seems to have mastered it already! This week, we learn more about her argument with Edmond from their recent get-together. Before they even arrived, he upset her by refusing to help with a simple task and then seeking reassurance while she was getting ready. She clarifies that her biggest problem was him embarrassing her in front of others – and then trying to make up for it by simply saying he loved her. Edmond, however, seemed to stick to his opinion that she wasn’t very kind and suggested she’d forgotten what attracted her to him in the first place. Kalybriah explained she stayed with him because she believes in his potential, and she eventually apologized for getting upset. They ended the conversation feeling hopeful and agreed they’ll be good parents. Seeing them happily complete their marriage license application, I can’t help but wonder if their relationship will always be a rollercoaster.

KB’s friends notice Edmond is a bit unusual, but they hope stepping outside his normal routine will be a good thing for him. Meanwhile, Edmond is confusing a staff member by changing his outfit, and his friends are sure this all means he’s falling in love.

Their seemingly sweet mountain date hinted at improvement, but unsettling music signaled trouble. KB shared that Edmond was cold and dismissive during the car ride – even ignoring her to talk only to the driver – but became cheerful once the cameras started rolling. A frustrated and tearful KB admitted she can’t make him take responsibility for his actions. Edmond refuses to apologize, believing he hasn’t done anything wrong. KB, unusually angry, accuses him of bringing out the worst in her and uses stronger language than she has throughout the season.

Edmond eventually made amends with flowers after KB confronted him about their issues. While she admits she almost ended things, she feels hopeful because he took responsibility for his actions. She also apologized for her harsh language, and both feel they’re positively influencing each other. I can see that, and I don’t expect any relationship to be perfect. However, I question if they’d be better suited with someone who wouldn’t cause so much drama. Still, seeing Edmond be so devoted and them creating their own little traditions – like their handshake during a date – makes me wonder if I’m asking for too much. I’ve never been married, so maybe this constant effort to overcome challenges *is* what true romance looks like – a couple committed to working through everything, no matter how many arguments they have.

Extra Engaged

Here’s a quick look at the latest predictions from my colleagues at Vulture and New York Magazine – we’ve been informally polling each other on who we think will get married this season, and we’ve narrowed it down to three potential couples.

🥇Ali and Anton – 67%

🥈Kalybriah and Edmond – 33%

😭Megan and Jordan – 0%

I often think about what life would be like if people stopped getting married. Perhaps we’ll get a glimpse of that next week! Instead of picking a best and worst moment from the week, we’ve decided to focus on the ups and downs of being a parent.

It often feels like watching social media unfold is similar to a season of *Love Is Blind*, but there’s been less frantic sharing in my friend group this time around. Kacie reportedly told a coworker she regrets ending things with Patrick, and someone claiming to be her former partner is getting attention on TikTok because of it. Also, Madison shared on the *Viall Files* podcast that she was still considering other connections right up until she got engaged—and that a comment Joe made about preferring smaller women led to her developing an eating disorder.

A Couple of Last Thoughts

It’s really nice that Anton’s mom is the first mother to be included in a tuxedo fitting! Ali probably felt special that Anton invited his mom instead of just a friend.

KB’s emotional moment looking in the mirror and saying she felt like a virgin was a strong scene. It did make me realize we didn’t see any discussion of their sexual issues with Edmond this week. I wonder if they actually worked things out without us seeing it?

I’m hoping Luca can still be part of Jordan’s wedding somehow. I understand protecting his privacy as a child is the most important thing, but it would be a shame if the Netflix cameras prevented him from enjoying his dad’s big day. Perhaps he could have a role, like being the ring bearer, even if that part isn’t shown in the final edit?

I totally misread the season preview! I thought a groom was going to cancel his wedding, but it looks like it was just Joe having a tough time with his tux fitting. So, the wedding episode might not be as crazy as I expected… but anything could happen. Tune in next week to find out!

2025-10-15 17:56