S18.E04: Wedding Bliss or a Miss?

[Elizzikra]

The couples wake from their first night together, do the standard cringey meetings with friends and family and head out for honeymoons!

[Elizzikra]

For the first time in, possibly, ever, everyone on After Party is actually dressed appropriately for the occasion. The episode is split into two halves, so six of the cast appear (in two groups of three). I can't say I love all their outfits, but there aren't any pageant gowns or hoodies!

[atomic]

I love Camille. Happy to see her and Thomas vibing well so far.

Wtf was with Madison's dad grilling Allen about STD's? Last I checked Madison is a grown woman who should be taking charge of her own sexual health. The sister was so out of pocket too telling Allen he's the complete opposite of a pretty boy. I am really not seeing what Madison and her family all seem to, that Madison is so far out of Allen's league.

I hope Michelle and David call it quits soon if she can't get past the basement dwelling. Like, I get that it's a turnoff for her, but also don't see what purpose it serves for her to bring it up every conversation.

Does not seem like Ikechi is into Emem at all while she's clearly all in and doing the most.

Karla is still a loony toon and I cannot believe she spends ~$400 a month buying juice.

[princelina]

I think Madison seems to like Allen, but her family was doing her no favors.  "When I saw you I thought, No Way!  But luckily you had a good personality" 😳

At least Madison was tactful enough to tell him that pretty-boy meant clean-shaven and overly groomed.

Michelle really needs to stop carrying on with the living situation until she sees it and sees how he lives.  When I met Mr. P his parents lived with him in HIS house and he wanted the friend who introduced us to make that VERY clear to me 😄. Turns out they are kind of idiots who make very poor decisions and ended up without a house.  Of course he didn't mind his mom cooking and cleaning while she was there, but he has no problem being a grownup in our house.

As for Karla, I'm willing to bet that she spends no more than $10-$13 a month on juice 😄

[seacliffsal]

I felt for David and Alan during this episode.  David explained that he actually has an apartment (2br, kitchen, etc.) and his mother said the same thing so I believe it.  I could see saving money and still be independent.  He and his mom both said that he pays rent.  Michelle needs to give it a chance IMO, but she isn't and she brings up his living situation in every conversation.

I think Alan has a lot to offer and Madison shares way too much in front of the group and is tending towards dominating the group conversations.  Her actual hair length seems like it would be very flattering so I don't understand why she felt she needed the extensions that she is continually petting.

Ikechi just seems cringey to me.  There were a few times that Emem was leaning away from him when he was being affectionate.  There's just something about him that I don't like.  Oh, and his friend at breakfast stating how women are all over him on the street because he's so 'famous.'  Yeah, not buying it.

So far I like Camille and Tom.  It was so weird at her breakfast with his family to see his twin there as I kept thinking 'why is Tom at this breakfast?'

Juan and Karla are just a mess IMO.  Both seem to just be seeking the attention.

[Elizzikra]

58 minutes ago, seacliffsal said:

I felt for David and Alan during this episode.  David explained that he actually has an apartment (2br, kitchen, etc.) and his mother said the same thing so I believe it.  I could see saving money and still be independent.  He and his mom both said that he pays rent.  Michelle needs to give it a chance IMO, but she isn't and she brings up his living situation in every conversation.

I think Alan has a lot to offer and Madison shares way too much in front of the group and is tending towards dominating the group conversations.  Her actual hair length seems like it would be very flattering so I don't understand why she felt she needed the extensions that she is continually petting.

Ikechi just seems cringey to me.  There were a few times that Emem was leaning away from him when he was being affectionate.  There's just something about him that I don't like.  Oh, and his friend at breakfast stating how women are all over him on the street because he's so 'famous.'  Yeah, not buying it.

So far I like Camille and Tom.  It was so weird at her breakfast with his family to see his twin there as I kept thinking 'why is Tom at this breakfast?'

Juan and Karla are just a mess IMO.  Both seem to just be seeking the attention.

It sounds like David doesn’t “live with his parents” as much as his parents “are his landlords.” I feel like it might go over differently presented that way. That said, Michelle does need to stop bringing it up. There’s nothing left to discuss about it. He has explained why he does it and that explanation either works for her or it doesn’t, but nothing he can say at this point is going to make her feel differently. It’s just the same conversation, over and over again. What I would be interested in hearing is whether David is planning to live there after Decision Day; e.g. does he expect that he and Michelle would live there as newlyweds (if they stay together, which is not looking likely at this point). Since it’s an entirely separate apartment, I don’t know that it would be a deal breaker for me (depending on geography, etc.) but where and how they plan to live together in the future would be much more important to me than how he has been living in the past at this point.

Agree on Madison’s extensions. They are much too long. I don’t love the color either. 

I like Tom and Camille and I have hope for them. They seem a little more grounded and down to earth than the others on this show.

I have zero interest in Juan and Karla. She gets on my nerves. I don’t think they are a good match, except that they are a good looking couple. Maybe I’ll try muting while they are onscreen and see if that makes them more appealing.

[Retired at last]

I have pretty much the same reactions. I wanted to yell at Michelle (who I really do not like) every time she brings up his living arrangements - and she keeps bringing it up. What does she expect him to do right now while he is on his honeymoon, for crying out loud???? I think she has decided that she doesn't like him or want him and she is going to stick to this story until he walks out. She is nowhere near ready to be in any relationship where COMPROMISE is critical. I think David is pretty nice. I wouldn't like the smoking, and I think that this should have been one of those things that was disclosed before matching. But, they never should have been paired. I hope David is one of the ones who swaps spouses, if that actually happens. He seems like he could be a good partner. She does not.

Karla and Juan are not even close to being compatible. They are pretty, vapid, people who look nice together. That is all. She is a flake and he is empty. I thought that when his father asked how she made her money, that it was a legitimate question and he wanted to know what she does. He didn't ask her if she was a hooker or anything like that. But, on Afterparty she explained that she loves what she does, but talking about money just ruins the  mood. 

Emem and Ikechi are kind of strange, but he seems way more affectionate towards her when they are in the group. Was he serious that he is vegan and they matched him with someone who enjoys eating meat organs? Again, maybe they were asked and they expressed no preferences, but that seems like it could be an issue.

Madison is not interested in compromising, either. Whenever they keep focusing on how they don't know each other and don't think about their partner instead of trying to get to know them better shows that they aren't ready. Again, if they stop putting everyone together on the honeymoons, it would make the couples focus on themselves and spend time getting to know each other instead of the constant comparisons between the couples. ("This couple is way more comfortable together and that makes me seem even more upset with who I am matched with.") So, I think Madison and Michelle are going to bail or use each other to make each other feel that they are ok for not feeling their "marriage." 

Camille and Tom might be OK, but I am, unfortunately getting a zero/five end game yeses.

But, I am sad for David that he is going to try to work through something that has already been decided.

Edited November 14 by Retired at last

[kristen111]

I’m loving this season.  I actually like them all compared to the other seasons.  Michelle has to stop with the basement situation.  It’s like a two family house.  Husband and I lived upstairs from my parents to save money for a house for 7 years.  She is using it as an excuse.  If David cut his hair, got rid of the beard, he would be a hunk.  I don’t think she likes the hair, but he appears to be a good guy.  

[LakeGal]

I really noticed in this episode that Madison kept staring at and talking to David.  The couples all met and Madison was talking to David more than Allen.  I do think Madison's extensions are so obvious.  She would look better without them.  

[DrewPaul2010]

It seems to me Michelle is already throwing in the towel and is going to use his living arrangement as the cudgel to leave him. I don't think they'll even go the distance. She was really in his face shaming him about it. That said since he knew this would be an issue why didn't he move out prior to hooking up? I'm giving odds this doesn't go the eight weeks.

Allan and Madison aren't that far apart as far as looks. When I see them together they compliment each other well. He needs to exude confidence and some swagger. If he has a sense of humor start using it. For many women a man's confidence is sexier than his raw looks.

Emen and Ikechi seem to be so close they could be in for a fall.

I like Carmille she's very sweet. Hope it works out for them.

I'm looking over all the couples from seasons past and not many of them remain married.

 

 

 

[Elizzikra]

Quote

That said since he knew this would be an issue why didn't he move out prior to hooking up? 

I think he was hedging his bets in case the marriage didn't work out. Or even if it did, why move out only to have to deal with him having a new lease and not knowing what his wife's current situation was? David living with his parents does make it a lot easier for him to live elsewhere in the short term future.

Quote

Allan and Madison aren't that far apart as far as looks.

I don't think they are either. I really like Alan and at his age, I would have been all over him. He seems like a nice guy (though it's not uncommon for flaws to emerge after the honeymoon); he's educated, ambitious and successful. He says all the right things about wanting a solid marriage, a partner and a family. I thought it was really insightful for him to tell Madison that he wasn't sure how much it was ok to hold her hand or have his hand on the small of her back. I would have appreciated being asked that if I were in her position. I think thus far, this is her marriage to lose; he seems all in.

[endure]

21 hours ago, atomic said:

I love Camille. Happy to see her and Thomas vibing well so far.

Wtf was with Madison's dad grilling Allen about STD's? Last I checked Madison is a grown woman who should be taking charge of her own sexual health. The sister was so out of pocket too telling Allen he's the complete opposite of a pretty boy. I am really not seeing what Madison and her family all seem to, that Madison is so far out of Allen's league.

I hope Michelle and David call it quits soon if she can't get past the basement dwelling. Like, I get that it's a turnoff for her, but also don't see what purpose it serves for her to bring it up every conversation.

Does not seem like Ikechi is into Emem at all while she's clearly all in and doing the most.

Karla is still a loony toon and I cannot believe she spends ~$400 a month buying juice.

Totally all in on your comments 👏🏻 Madison's Dad and sister were horrible to Allen especially the comment about his looks, funny but I think Allen kind of looks like her Dad.  I wasn't going to watch this season and just binged the episodes so was hoping this season might be better than the past few..... so far not convinced.  I think Michelle is totally not attracted to David because being so upset about where he lives just doesn't make sense, it's more like an excuse for something else.

[endure]

9 hours ago, Elizzikra said:

I have zero interest in Juan and Karla. She gets on my nerves. I don’t think they are a good match, except that they are a good looking couple. Maybe I’ll try muting while they are onscreen and see if that makes them more appealing.

Ha ha hard to mute him jumping on the bed, they are both over the top and annoying 🙄

[atomic]

15 hours ago, LakeGal said:

I really noticed in this episode that Madison kept staring at and talking to David.  The couples all met and Madison was talking to David more than Allen.  I do think Madison's extensions are so obvious.  She would look better without them.  

I am really surprised if Madison is attracted to David.

She told the experts she only dates white guys, and her preference is also "pretty" ones who are well-groomed, fashionable, and fit. Her family said that Allen does not fit her physical type, but David's appearance is pretty much the polar opposite of everything she claims to like.

[DrewPaul2010]

10 minutes ago, atomic said:

I am really surprised if Madison is attracted to David.

She told the experts she only dates white guys, and her preference is also "pretty" ones who are well-groomed, fashionable, and fit. Her family said that Allen does not fit her physical type, but David's appearance is pretty much the polar opposite of everything she claims to like.

I guess they figure if the type of guys she prefers never works out why not try something different? I think over 75% of these couples end up getting divorced, so now not only are they not married, but they are irrevocably divorced as well.

Maybe its like lets make a deal and at least one person gets zonked every episode.

[Retired at last]

Every season we see people matched with people who are "exactly what they asked for," and it doesn't work out. We also see people getting the exact opposite of what they "asked for," and then get scolded by the experts when there is no attraction.  I do understand matching people with others who may have some qualities that are not what was requested because if people did so well with their own dating, why are they here? But, certain requests/requirements, such as religion, smoking, pets, wanting/not wanting children and other major life issues should not be ignored.

ETA - I just had another thought. This year, the cast seems a bit older, in general. So, maybe they are more stuck in their ways and are going to challenge learning to think about someone else and not just party on their own when their spouse leaves early. It didn't even seem like it occurred to Madison to leave with Allen when he left. That sounded like eternal party girl from a few seasons ago, who was matched with an older guy. (His name was Eric. I will remember hers once I hit submit!) Aha - VirGINia!

Edited November 15 by Retired at last

[Alexander Pope]

I am not buying what Ikechi and Emem are selling.  They really amped up the PDA when around the other couples, annoyingly so.  In general they always seem to be performing, for each other, and for the camera.  I agree with the poster who says they're trying to be the next Woody and Imani, but Woody and Imani genuinely liked each other and were truly charismatic. I don't see either of those things here.

Madison is not all that--she seems much more interested in herself than in Allen.  Her extensions are Bachelorette-worthy, and that's not a good thing. Maybe he should play a little harder to get.  She may not like David, but I do think David likes her.

[Hip-to-be-Square]

 I watched the latest episode and here are my thoughts 😏:

- Ikechi is using this show for promotion of his book and he's only pretending to be into Emem when it benefits his image in front of the group.  They've been married for one day and Emem is smiling wildly and seems unhinged to me. Keep some mystery to your emotions- he's not all that. I don't trust him.

- Madison isn't attracted to Allen at all and he's smart enough to realize it, but too polite to confront her directly on it.  I hope that Allen calls her out on her iciness and smug attitude. 

-Michele isn't attracted to David and she's using his living at home as a way to break him down and hopefully get him to leave her.

-Karla's right boob tattoos are not attractive, and I don't like her Valley girl voice.  She comes off as somebody who is playing a character.  

-Thomas is an asshole for leading his ex-girlfriend on for 9 years, cheating on her and breaking up with her since he wasn't ready for marriage.  Imagine the betrayal the ex must feel to see him on this show marrying too-smiley Camille at first sight?! Screw him.  

   This show is way too long, and it would be much shorter if they cut out the eating scenes and every time a cast member says "like". Can any of these cast members speak succinctly? So annoying! 

[kristen111]

On 11/14/2024 at 11:06 AM, Retired at last said:

Every season we see people matched with people who are "exactly what they asked for," and it doesn't work out. We also see people getting the exact opposite of what they "asked for," and then get scolded by the experts when there is no attraction.  I do understand matching people with others who may have some qualities that are not what was requested because if people did so well with their own dating, why are they here? But, certain requests/requirements, such as religion, smoking, pets, wanting/not wanting children and other major life issues should not be ignored.

ETA - I just had another thought. This year, the cast seems a bit older, in general. So, maybe they are more stuck in their ways and are going to challenge learning to think about someone else and not just party on their own when their spouse leaves early. It didn't even seem like it occurred to Madison to leave with Allen when he left. That sounded like eternal party girl from a few seasons ago, who was matched with an older guy. (His name was Eric. I will remember hers once I hit submit!) Aha - VirGINia!

I could NEVER marry a guy sight unseen.  When iwas dating many moons ago, I knew the first minute if I could go forward with the guy.  The very minute muy husband came over to me,I knew he was the one.  Inseparable after that first encounter.  We just clicked.

[Jeanne222]

These women have gone through so many men!  Hopefully the experts can assist!

With that said we can see why things didn't work out for them in previous relationships. 

[Chatty Cake]

That Michelle is one nagging shrew. She already made it clear how she feels about the living situation. Bringing it up again was unnecessary. It’s not like he can change the situation immediately. Now she’s just being a bitch about it. No wonder he is already sleeping on the couch. She should be grateful she got a nice looking man. Could he use a haircut? Sure,  but that’s an easy fix. Her nasty personality however ever will drive any decent guy away.

Poor Allen.  That was so weird that Madison  dad was grilling him about getting tested. He should have asked if his precious daughter has been tested. She looks like she gets around more than him.

Ivechi seems to be faking it. That’s too bad because his wife seems really nice and into him.

The older dude with the twin seems to like his bride and vice versa. Hope they stay into each other and trying to make it work. 

Juan and Karla seem like fun and games right now but I don’t see them lasting. He’s too serious for her. 

[Elizzikra]

Quote

She looks like she gets around more than him.

What about her makes her look as though she "gets around" more than he does?

[Chatty Cake]

7 minutes ago, Elizzikra said:

What about her makes her look as though she "gets around" more than he does?

Cause she’s nice looking and seems to have a good personality where he seems more awkward with people. Gets around was probably the wrong phrase. She looks like she’s more at ease in relationships is how I should have worded it. 

[princelina]

I just watched the Afterparties and boy does Karla seem to hate Allen!  And she seems to be looking to make Madison find him unacceptable too.  I'm curious what that's all about.

[Elizzikra]

11 hours ago, princelina said:

I just watched the Afterparties and boy does Karla seem to hate Allen!  And she seems to be looking to make Madison find him unacceptable too.  I'm curious what that's all about.

Maybe she is jealous that Madison got matched with someone with more financial resources than Juan? She wants to be “taken care of” and Allan can probably afford to do that.

[princelina]

5 hours ago, Elizzikra said:

Maybe she is jealous that Madison got matched with someone with more financial resources than Juan? She wants to be “taken care of” and Allan can probably afford to do that.

Good point - I figured it was jealousy about something!  Allan probably would be okay with it too, whereas Juan certainly is not.  If next week's conversation goes the way I'm expecting it to from the previews, I think I'll know why  Juan is having trouble finding a wife! 😄

[candall]

On 11/15/2024 at 12:14 PM, Hip-to-be-Square said:

 ...

 

   This show is way too long, and it would be much shorter if they cut out the eating scenes and every time a cast member says "like". Can any of these cast members speak succinctly? So annoying! 

I use Closed Captioning and one of the women--literally--inserted "like" after every four words.  My eyes spun around in my head, fell out and proceeded down the hall to pour themselves a cocktail.

[Elizzikra]

5 hours ago, princelina said:

Good point - I figured it was jealousy about something!  Allan probably would be okay with it too, whereas Juan certainly is not.  If next week's conversation goes the way I'm expecting it to from the previews, I think I'll know why  Juan is having trouble finding a wife! 😄

I think Allan (Alan? Allen?) is savvy enough to know that he is financially successful and there are women out there who will pursue him for that alone. I think he might be ok with a stay-at-home wife if that's what she wanted to do and if it didn't feel as though she was using him just for his ability to provide financially. I think this might especially be the case if he and his wife had children and she was being a stay-at-home mom. Karla strikes me more as someone who wants financial support so that she can "feed her soul" and not have to worry about feeding her stomach. I'm not sure Alan would go for that.

[Hip-to-be-Square]

5 hours ago, candall said:

I use Closed Captioning and one of the women--literally--inserted "like" after every four words.  My eyes spun around in my head, fell out and proceeded down the hall to pour themselves a cocktail.

hahaha its infuriating 🤣😫! Do these people even hear themselves speaking?! I can't even follow what they're saying since every other word is "like". 

Edited November 19 by Hip-to-be-Square

[Elizzikra]

12 hours ago, Hip-to-be-Square said:

hahaha its infuriating 🤣😫! Do these people even hear themselves speaking?! I can't even follow what they're saying since every other word is "like". 

They can but all of their peers talk like that too so no one notices anything amiss…

[Retired at last]

I just read a transcript of an interview with Katy Couric and I was shocked to read how she said, "like," in almost every sentence. She USED to be a professional journalist and TV reporter. She didn't use to speak that way. I am now so aware of its misuse, I hesitate to even use the word correctly any more. Sorry to go OT, but we have to wait for tonight to get a new show.

Edited November 19 by Retired at last

[Hip-to-be-Square]

25 minutes ago, Elizzikra said:

They can but all of their peers talk like that too so no one notices anything amiss…

It would be difficult for them to change since It's a habit that's ingrained into their speech patterns and they don't seem articulate enough to stop it.  I see the same overuse of "like" on The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, Love is Blind, Love Island and more.  It's such a turn off! 😅😣 You know what's also annoying? When I hear someone telling a story and they say, "I'm like, and then she's like, and then I'm like" Absolutely annoying! 

[princelina]

15 hours ago, Elizzikra said:

I think Allan (Alan? Allen?) is savvy enough to know that he is financially successful and there are women out there who will pursue him for that alone. I think he might be ok with a stay-at-home wife if that's what she wanted to do and if it didn't feel as though she was using him just for his ability to provide financially. I think this might especially be the case if he and his wife had children and she was being a stay-at-home mom. Karla strikes me more as someone who wants financial support so that she can "feed her soul" and not have to worry about feeding her stomach. I'm not sure Alan would go for that.

That's why I'm waiting to see what she actually says tonight.  When she spoke with Juan's dad, who immediately asked about her job and money and insisted that "fifty-fifty" was the ONLY way to go, she seemed to be saying that she agrees to a point but would love to stay at home if she had kids.  That may or may not be true - time will tell 😃

[kristen111]

Where is tonight’s thread? 
 

[Elizzikra]

1 minute ago, kristen111 said:

Where is tonight’s thread? 
 

Anyone can start a new thread.  There should be a “new thread” button at the top and then you enter a title for the thread and a short description. It’s not dissimilar from a regular post.

[Meowwww]

I HATE MICHELLE. What a mean cold b*tch. 

[LuvMyShows]

On 11/13/2024 at 12:25 AM, atomic said:

Karla is still a loony toon and I cannot believe she spends ~$400 a month buying juice.

I hate Karla, but...isn't spending $10-13/per day on juice almost the same as when people buy expensive coffees every day?

On 11/13/2024 at 11:02 AM, princelina said:

At least Madison was tactful enough to tell him that pretty-boy meant clean-shaven and overly groomed.

I'm still not sure he understood, given that at the After Party, when the topic came up about what a pretty boy is, he said that he was like that.

On 11/13/2024 at 12:41 PM, Elizzikra said:

It sounds like David doesn’t “live with his parents” as much as his parents “are his landlords.” I feel like it might go over differently presented that way. That said, Michelle does need to stop bringing it up. There’s nothing left to discuss about it. He has explained why he does it and that explanation either works for her or it doesn’t, but nothing he can say at this point is going to make her feel differently. It’s just the same conversation, over and over again. 

I actually do think there is more to discuss, and I put the blame on each of them for not delving into it. Clearly there is an aspect that bothers Michelle a ton, so when she brought it up a second time, he should have said something like, "Clearly this bothers you a lot. Could you talk a little more about what aspect is bothering you and how it is impacting you?"  If she is reading all kinds of things into it, that would give him a chance to clarify and perhaps she would change her outlook.  And likewise, when she brought it up a second time, she should have asked if they could discuss it further, and she should have really delved to understand what his living situation was before, why he decided to change it, what his timeline is, etc.