[S20:E04. New Orleans is the Perfect Place to Find Love!]

I was on a much-needed vacation for the start of this season and was amazed how little it mattered that this was my first episode and I didn't know who anyone was.  I have come here to comment on the cardigans.  Sean (the blonde on the two on one who can't believe that "girls" may not love him back) is clearly auditioning for DEAD POET'S SOCIETY with all his cardigans.  But the winner is clearly Xavier whose cardigan festooned with lavender flames blew my mind.  

[S16.E24: Nashville Reunion Part 1]

My favorite moment was Nicole's face when Chris flat out said that she was very opinionated/judgmental and he was more open-minded.  She was not best pleased! She exercised major self-control there and I think she may have had one of her little "upsets" during the break.  Still, he looked relaxed and happy and the fact that he could say that was a good sign.

I also really liked Jasmine's friend and found myself thinking that Arris might have liked her too, given his "type."

[S16.E74: Cast Tell All]

the best thing about this show, which I found more interesting than most of last season (admittedly a very low bar), was watching everyone else's facial and other reactions to Lindsey's rage fits.  That was very entertaining!!

[S04.E10: With Open Eyes]

I am continuing to obsess about the Kendall/Roman hug and I think it is the emotional version of Wittgenstein's duck/rabbit or that dress that looks blue or gold to different people.  Kendall could have been strong-arming/abusing Roman, as many have suggested.  But Roman was also seeking out pain (pain and fighting are what he knows and needs, as was the case with him throwing himself into the crowd), and appeared to be grinding his head into Kendall's jacket (although at a certain point he wanted to let go and Kendall wouldn't let him).  Let's not forget that Roman was worrying that he didn't look wounded enough! He thought that if he looked too healed up, people would wonder why he wasn't chosen as CEO.  So to some eyes, Kendall did him a favor by reopening the wound.  I love and am frustrated by the ambiguity in equal measure!

[S04.E10: With Open Eyes]

10 minutes ago, Eliot said:

I think he was still uncertain. That’s why he was quizzing Shiv in that scene; just testing out to see whether the Matsson offer was real. He didn’t tell her it was him until he had confirmed in his own mind that he had the job.

Also, I disagree with folks who say that Shiv  was making her choice for Tom and their baby. The show runners did not know Sarah Snook was pregnant when they were planning the season, and to them, at least according to accounts that I have read, the pregnancy was kind of an afterthought. Kind of like it was to Shiv. I think ultimately it came down to a vote against Kendall versus a vote for Tom/Matsson. And she was right. He couldn’t do the job.

I haven’t seen this brought up anywhere else, but I thought that video with Logan was very telling. He was having a real family moment with his real (work) family. It kind of echoed the juxtaposition in the opening credits of Logan first at the table with his children, and then fading to Logan at the table with his key executives. That was ultimately where his heart lived, never with his children.

But Connor was at that dinner too, doing a really funny imitation of his dad.  It showed us that there was a relationship there we didn't know about, and that the other three kids didn't have.

[S04.E10: With Open Eyes]

9 hours ago, Chicago Redshirt said:

Because he's 2 metres of nepotism. 

Husband. Although they were in the process of getting a divorce, as far as we have been shown, it was never finalized. As recently as two days ago in show time, they hosted a function together at their apartment.

And let's not forget father of her child. 

Let's not forget that early on in this episode, Shiv called Tom and asked if they could get back together having seen the worst in each other, and to me she seemed sincere. He said he didn't know and gained the upper hand there too.

ETA:  Others have commented on this, posted before reading the whole thread.

[S04.E10: With Open Eyes]

When Kendall hugged Roman after Roman melted down about how "it should have been me," Roman was in agony, both emotionally and physically.  It was a weirdly tender and violent moment.  Did Roman deliberately open his cut during that long Jesus/Judas-like embrace?

I also thought that when Matson told Tom he would rather work with the guy who put the baby in the lady than the pregnant lady it won the prize for the most sexist moment in this thoroughly sexist universe.

[S16.E21: The Final Decision]

17 minutes ago, Retired at last said:

I loved the scene next week with Clint and Hank and Airris and Duchess walking the dogs in the park. I don't want to see Airris, but I am glad that he likes Duchess and that she gets more playtime. I still want to see a road trip with Clint and Hank. I would so watch that!

Same!! Think of the drive throughs they could enjoy together!  Burgers all around!

[S16.E21: The Final Decision]

"When explaining why he wanted a divorce, Shaq emphasized that he was in the marriage 100% (although we have seen the footage that disproved that), but during the After Party (which I rarely watch but did watch this week), he finally admitted that maybe he wasn't there 100% and some of what he saw in the episodes about his interactions opened his eyes."

I couldn't watch the Afterparty because like everyone else I was sick to death of this show and these people.  But I am glad to hear that Shaq stopped portraying himself as the endlessly giving martyr.  Yes, Kirsten is no prize--she is a mannequin (good call there!)  and she is selfish. That creepy smile on her face when he was dumping her was very unsettling.  But he was, as others have said, extremely needy and she could never do enough to please him.  She could have been the one to say what he did at decision day--I kept trying to please you and nothing worked.  I also think he was really cold to her and I will never forget that moment when she said to him, I don't think you even like me.  I don't think he did!! So both of them failed IMO.

We did see a genuine love match this season--Clint and Hank!! Seeing Clint say a goodbye, however temporary, to Hank, really warmed my heart more than any human interaction on this show. 

[S04.E09: Church and State]

There was a great moment in Kendall's speech--which I enjoyed far more than I should have because of Strong's performance and Kendall's unexpected eloquence (of course Mencken dug it)--when he was orating about how much Logan made, and said "he made me and my siblings."  Did anyone catch Caroline's face at that remark?  So classic! If Kendall could have been born from the head of Zeus (i.e. Logan), that would have been perfect given the sexism of this family.

[S04.E09: Romeo and Juliet Didn’t Work Out]

Chelsea's mother seemed nice and maybe she was nervous, but it was cringey how often she interrupted Kwame during their one on one chat.  She barely let him talk!

[Married At First Sight (UK) - General Discussion]

On 5/7/2023 at 10:13 AM, Chatty Cake said:

The newer groom without the tattoos was stupid for saying he wouldn’t be attracted to his bride if she put on weight. Especially in front of the other couples. It’s one thing to feel that way but nothing good comes from announcing it. 
I’m surprised that cold Whitney is getting a vibe from Tattoos. That part seems manufactured.

Oh I think Whitney was feeling him for real.  He looked like he wanted to eat her alive right before they kissed--if she didn't like him, she would have run away! I sure would have!

[S16.E18: What's Our Safe Word?]

15 hours ago, StatisticalOutlier said:

I have Mr. Outlier trained so well that he thanks me when I make Kraft Macaroni and Cheese in the blue box and add a link of andouille sausage for dinner!  If I were Clint's partner, I have no doubt he would eventually plead, "Can you PLEASE stop thanking me?"

I would love for someone to make me that exact dinner!!

[S16.E18: What's Our Safe Word?]

I completely agree that Kirsten has gotten a bit of a raw deal when it comes to family.  This convo reminded me of something Shaq did that really pissed me off.  When she told him that she had arranged a family visit and her mother and brother were coming, he immediately responded by complaining that it had taken so long and expressing upset and concern about that. Dude, why not take the win and express excitement that they're coming! No compassion for her, only whining about how he felt slighted.  I'm not a fan of hers but I really felt for her at that point.  He never lets things go and he doesn't try to see her side.  I'm glad she spoke up and told him how isolated she felt--I get it!

[S16.E18: What's Our Safe Word?]

Gina complained that Clint cooked dinner but not FOR HER.  What does she do, ever, for him??  At least he cooks and takes care of the dog! She and Kirsten both fail to see that marriage is a two way street.  Though at least Kirsten offered Shaq salmon and broccoli that one time.

[S16.E15: Whiskey a No-No]

13 minutes ago, Chalby said:

I'm sure she's anxious, but I really like her and her ability to reflect (sometimes too much self reflection). Chris will have a ride or die wife with her.

I appreciate your generosity! I do hope they're happy.  It was her overbearing advice that really poisoned everything for me.

[S16.E15: Whiskey a No-No]

Nicole definitely got on my last nerve this episode and I second the wish that the group gang up and throw her in a pool or lock her out of the vacation house and let the bears eat her.  But Chris got on my other last nerve by repeatedly asking if there was anything else he could do to help her process all her emotions.  Dude grow a pair!! I also hated the way he told Pastor Cal he was completely over his past and Nicole was still hung up on hers.  Like he is a paragon of emotional health.  Blech!!! I can't stand either of them and their co-dependency.  

[S04.E03: Connor's Wedding]

19 hours ago, BC4ME said:

I have some thoughts about Willa. She was a hired escort or sex worker or whatever. She probably lost her aspirations for a true fairytale love a long time ago. Her values are just different. This is probably the very best outcome for her. She is real. I probably like her the best of anyone on the show.

And I liked how the sibs seemed to think Conner should stick with her. Actually they said something to the effect of, you can't do better, but from them this was acceptance and endorsement. 

I agree with this completely.  The scene between Willa and her mother, who was also a terrific actress, was also very telling in this regard.  When her mom said "he'll take care of you," there was a lot of history behind those words and that look.

[Married At First Sight (UK) - General Discussion]

17 minutes ago, Welshman in Ca said:

Both have to say leave but that doesn't seem to stop people moving to another apartment or going home & being as annoying & as petty as is humanly possible until the other person also says leave.

The way Whitney was behaving you would have thought she was Joan of Arc being left to burn at the stake by staying.  I have never seen so much drama instigated by one person! what could Duka (sic?) possibly have said in private to get her to this point??

[S16.E10: Love is Up in the Air]

I have some thoughts on Airris's bout of covid.  When he rated Jasmine's nursing a "7 out of 10," I was done with him, and I was already close.  Also, we kept seeing shots of her coming in and covering him with blankets, etc., and neither of them were masked.  He was very contagious at that point--WTF.  Glad they're both ok now.

[S27.E07: Week 7]

54 minutes ago, Kiss my mutt said:

I’m ready to see him test his resolve about not having sex in the fantasy suites. 
Ariel needs a show or podcast or something if she’s sick of this franchise. I would love to see more of her. She’s the anti-bachelorette. 

You know what you say here also makes me wonder--has there ever been a Bachelorette quite as HOT as Ariel?  She is "sultry" as one person said, and she is what in the old days we would have called a vamp.  I don't think Bachelorettes in the past have had that kind of sex appeal.  They're more athletic, more girl next door (and of course YMMV and some in the past have been sexier than others).

[S27.E07: Week 7]

1 hour ago, Andyourlittledog2 said:

No, JT.

Or their middle names! 

Honestly, I hate the meet the family episode. It is just an opportunity for the families to hog tv time and play the part of concerned loving parent or aggressive patriarchal protector (father/stepfather/brother).  And the women get to be all daddy's girl innocent virgin to be protected from the ravenous wolf bachelor who has come to take her away.  The whole show is based on the fairytale prince and princess premise but it's the hometowns that really lay it on thick.

And count me in on the whole sobbing 'my family is my life I miss them so much!' thing that shows trot out time and time again. So you haven't lived at home for years but you go on a tv show for a few weeks and suddenly you can barely live without seeing them every day. Sure.

But without the family episodes, we would have missed Dean's crazy family and JoJo's mother swigging from a bottle of champagne, and so many other wonderful moments in morgues and other strange locations.  They are my favorite part of the show!

[S27.E07: Week 7]

I completely agree that Greer was toast but I felt bad for her all the same.  Her crying was EPIC and strange and went on forever--that whispery voice! what was that?? It's horrible to say but I liked her most when she was on her way out.

[S27.E06: Week 6]

14 hours ago, Lamb18 said:

I'd like to see Ali in a bright green or yellow version of that silver dress she's wearing.

 

Ali's dress, which I would call greige or just whatever MEH would be as a color, was one of the ugliest dresses I have ever seen worn on this franchise.  It matches that horrible black bathing suit Kylee wore in looking uncomfortable and making the wearer look "trussed" like a chicken, plus it did absolutely nothing for her in terms of color/fit/fabric.

[S16.E08: Poised for Battle]

10 hours ago, Blissfool said:

I think he's such a baby. Nicole is gonna be doing a lot of mothering if they stay together, I think.

And I think that is exactly what she wants. It makes her feel good about herself and also in control of the relationship.