Fastball

I've thought about that, and it's concerning. You can't blindly trust companies' signs or announcements about the measures they're taking, because it comes down to whether the individual employees are conscientiously living in that precautionary mindset among other people who are all doing the same. As if the US doesn't have enough us-versus-them identity politics, now we're fracturing according to the cautious and the defiant.

Considering a few of the people who have been elected into office recently, Jed's lack of experience might be the new normal.

I knew something was going to happen when Dr. Cilona planted the seed about the possibility of somebody walking out of the wedding. Tres stepping off the altar looked like it'll turn out to be momentary. I can't imagine the season losing a couple in the first episode. David and Ashley seem quiet and reserved, so it's hard to get a read on them. The whole thing with the strippers was odd, because I assume Ashley's friends would know that she wouldn't be into it. I like that she walked out. I couldn't stand on the altar looking my bride-to-be in the eye knowing that I had cavorted with strippers the night before. I'd hope my bride-to-be felt the same. I'm not sure about Neil and Sam. I agree that their mutual quirkiness might clash.

Are we to believe that Megan is dropping off hardcopy resumes at corporations? I was surprised at first by the price of the barstools, then remembered Megan saying that she wanted a new handbag every few months. I think she's going to turn out to be a lot like Lisa. I can't stand Christian's attitude toward Maria, but he was forced into a marriage with her. Just like we see with Peter, Christian is still young and wants to have his fun. He's acting out on his dislike for the situation. Maria doesn't deserve it, but I think that's what we're seeing. It's interesting that the prohibition against romance with non-gypsy girls doesn't seem to hold any sway with the cousins in Seaside Heights. (First Jersey Shore and now Arranged - that poor water tower.)

I'm glad this season is over. The final episode was the worst. When Sean and Davina did the message in a bottle, I almost turned off the TV. I can only assume it was calculated to add some last-minute uncertainly about what their decision would be. But no, that ship had long since sailed. I'm glad their decision was first so that all concerned could be done with it. I thought Jessica and Ryan D would stay together. They're both kind of conservative and don't want to divorce too quickly, and I think they want to give it a second chance once the cameras are gone. But from what I saw in the preview of the reunion, those cameras might have played a part in keeping Ryan in line. I'm guessing it's him who Dr. Cilona was scolding. I'm optimistic about Jaclyn and Ryan R. I think she likes that he's laid back and lets her be the more vocal partner. I'm sure he exerts himself when necessary. I can see them going the distance. If they don't, it won't necessarily be because their marriage was a mistake from the beginning. I don't know if Dr. Cilona is hamming it up, or if the editors were being heavy handed. Did you notice how he was nodding almost in a panic during the decision? It was totally out of sync with the situation. As for Dr. Levkoff getting tough with Davina, I think there was some stuff we didn't see. It'll be interesting to see what comes out in the reunion.

It has to be partially staged, or at least edited to optimize the drama. Too much money goes into these shows, and too many people's resumes are riding on them, for it to be left entirely to chance. Somebody needs to explain to Ryan D. that he and his wife aren't his grandparents. He needs to let his relationhip evolve based on the individuals who are in it.

I'm new to this forum. I've watched MAFS since S1.E1. Jaclyn and Ryan R. are my favorite of the three couples this season. I'm not surprised that Ryan is going through a period of homesickness, but was surprised to see him vent about it to Jaclyn's family. It would've been fine if he had simply mentioned that his family was on his mind, but he got too heavy about it. Then again, harping on the issue of the day is what this show does. I'm guessing he'll get in touch with his mother and niece, they'll assure him that they're fine and give him a pep talk, and he'll recommit to Jaclyn. The question is, Will she still be interested? After all, there needs to be some tension when they say whether they'll stay together or divorce. Jessica and Ryan D's relationship has taken lots of damage, and Ryan seems to be doing some of it deliberately. While Jessica is doing her own laundry, he walks right by her and drops his off for laundering service. If he thought paying for hers would have sent a mixed message, he could have done his own laundry along with her. Then again, maybe he offered off camera and she declined. The one thing I noticed about Jessica is that she isn't constantly breaking down into tears anymore. She's going toe to toe with the silent treatment and arguments. But she did make a good attempt at Pepper's advice, and he just smacked it away. Disappointing. As for the closet space, they should get a wardrobe unit. Didn't the experts say that the couples were at similar places in their professional development? I'd assume earnings was part of that, and Jessica and Ryan clearly have quite the chasm between their earnings. That seems to be weighing on Jessica. Davina and Sean are hard to watch. They treat their relationship like a self-help exercise. They're very intelligent academically, but have a lot of emotional work to do.