Fifth Time’s The Charm: Love Is Blind S5

After four seasons and a worldwide pandemic, Netflix is still asking the same age-old question: Is love blind? We’ve gotten a few different answers throughout the seasons. We’ve seen unlikely pairings and shallow rejections. We’ve seen epic betrayals and embarrassing denials. And to Vanessa Lechay’s joy, we’re now seeing babies.

With the new season hitting screens this week, I figured it was time to catch up on our favorite on-screen social experiment. Here are our thoughts on the couples and drama from season 5:

Jared “JP” Pierce and Taylor Rue:

I’m not entirely sure if they ever really loved each other or were craving a connection so bad, promised it by the show, that they forced it along so they could meet each other and then it fell apart. He was craving someone more “natural.” Taylor did not come off super earthy-crunchy so I don’t know why he was expecting a no-makeup proposal. No fancy dress? No freshening up at all? That’s just not realistic. And it was this interaction that colored everything else in their relationship. That doesn’t happen when walking into a relationship with realistic expectations of who they are, which can be understood from love.

Similarly, on the beach during the simulated honeymoon, Taylor felt JP wasn’t fulfillingthe charismatic partner she was craving, someone to entertain the room together. They just didn’t seem like a realistic pairing and I think the real-life moments just brought that to life.

Uche and Aaliyah:

This whole relationship was a big ol’ mess. The first red flag was finding out ___ and him used to date. He absolutely hid it on purpose because it didn’t end well. Do I think __ should have told Aaliyah? Yes. But it also would have strained their relationship and in a world with no one, __ wanted a solid friend to help her through. Whether that’s “right” or not, it makes sense.

Throughout the season, Uche makes some serious judgments on Aaliyah’s character and gaslights various cast members, but can’t seem to take criticism himself. I get the sense there’s a lot that didn’t make the screen. They went out post-experiment but it was glaringly obvious the relationship was never going to work. Separate from their individual issues, they realize away from the show that they don’t have the same priorities.

Johnnie and Chris:

Let me be clear, Johnnie and Chris were never going to work out. Though Johnnie claimed to want someone “all in” and confident in her, there was always something holding her back. Maybe it was Izzy. I think it was just nerves. It was enough doubt to break up with him, and their relationship never really got over that.

Izzy and Stacy:

I was SO surprised by this couple! Based on their personalities, expectations, and relationship dynamics, I thought they were the new Chelsea and Kwame. Ultimately, it was finances that drove them apart, or more lying about the reality of them. I think Izzy got nervous and insecure at Stacy’s “I’ve got this” attitude and presentation of life. He felt like he needed to lie, and that’s the one thing Stacy couldn’t stand beside. It seems small, but it eroded the trust in their relationship. Until that, I saw them going all the way.

Lydia and Milton:

This couple is the perfect example of how communication can solve everything. They experienced so much more drama, emotion, and outside pressure than everyone else, but they still made it work. They appreciated one another’s individuality from the beginning. They truly do love each other, enough to sign off on life with a crick in your neck from kissing your partner (seriously, the size difference is CRAZY!) Their families blend well. A year later, they’re still making it work. They appear to be a mature consistent couple with similar goals, aspirations, and ultimately love for one another. I’m glad one couple worked out.

This season, love was not indeed blind. I don’t believe any of these relationships would have persevered without mutual attraction. Some didn’t. There’s an expectation from going on reality TV that everyone is going to be highly attractive, and while generally that’s true (they are cast to be on camera), everyone has a different opinion, scale, and expectation on attractiveness. I would argue the show chronicles a more interesting question: is lifestyle or personality more important when crafting a lasting partnership? I would say lifestyle. Let’s see what season 6 has to say…

3 stars