Season 3 Discussion

[EverybodyIsACritic]

Mark is barely controlling his anger, going to be a long 90 minutes. When he was asked about those car windows, I almost fell out when he asked the moderator, "Do you let your *children* put their hands on the windows?!?!" Freudian slip, Mark?

[PityFree]

Are we to understand that Mark doesn't even have life insurance with Nikki on the policy? He's a complete ass.

[AussieBabe]

I loved how she said Mark's house and he said something about her living under HIS roof. Is she allowed to receive mail at his house? What property does she have that's hers if she was living in the family home? I officially hate the Specimen. I thought editing was making him look bad, but his jackassery was on full display.

[EverybodyIsACritic]

I loved Loren's wedding dress.

I loved it, too! She really is a tiny, petite girl, and the sleeker style flattered her much more than a ball gown, and it was a sophisticated look for her.

Did anyone else notice the black ribbon on Melanie's dress? Was it an intentional add-on, or maybe it had some special significance?

[islandgal140]

I hate white tuxedos too but for what it was it looked nice on Devar, especially the chocolate vest and pinstripe accent on the tux. 

 

Devar looked really moved at the altar when he first saw Mel and throughout the ceremony.

 

Mel''s son is so sweet!!! The reception looked really nice.

 

Melanie, girrrrlll. Would a little lipstick or lipgloss have killed you? She looked like a half made bed walking down the aisle. Why spend all that money on a dress, pay to get your hair done and not do your makeup? Sorry. Not sorry. 

 

Don't think I will get to the reunion tonight. 90 minutes really?!?!

 

Didn't expect Loren and Alexei's wedding to be so casual.  They did look very happy.

 

Have we ever heard Fernando's father speak? 

 

I really like Fernando and Caro's backyard wedding. She and Noon are my favorite overall bridal looks. 

 

 

I was really hoping that Nikki tried to swim for it. Damn! Was the Specimen her best and only viable option? Sad, but I do believe she is still banking on being able to change his mind about kids in a few years. Those two have ruined kissing for me.

Edited December 7, 2015 by islandgal140

[Miss Chevious]

Elise's pink hair looked like cotton candy. Glad Mark finally got Nikki a decent ring. Their wedding seemed sad and lonely although Nikki looked lovely. I knew she'd go through with it because her desire to live in the USA trumps everything else.

The other weddings were OK. Loren continues to be annoying.And I agree Devar's white tux wasn't the greatest look for him but at least it wasn't a white undershirt.

[truelovekiss]

Josh looks like a little boy sitting next to Aleksandra. Is he slouching or what. Not surprised to hear they're expecting. Mormons are big on procreation.

I want to be happy for them and I am, but they're just so young. I was hoping that Aleksandra would go back to school, and while that's certainly a possibility, it would be much more difficult, and I doubt that she will be encouraged to do so by his family. If Josh is still in school full time, I'm sure he isn't making much money. I wonder how dependent they are on his parents financially.

[EverybodyIsACritic]

Josh looks like a little boy sitting next to Aleksandra. Is he slouching or what. Not surprised to hear they're expecting. Mormons are big on procreation.

Bless his heart, he must have taken to the sex thang from the get-go! I really liked Josh and Aleks as a couple, I hope they do well. And move from Dullsburg ASAP.

[cooksdelight]

Bless his heart, he must have taken to the sex thang from the get-go! I really liked Josh and Aleks as a couple, I hope they do well. And move from Dullsburg ASAP.

They did, they are in the midwest where he's in dental school.

[BradandJanet]

Everyone stayed in character for this "tell-all," so it doesn't seem like much was revealed that didn't follow the script of the show. Everybody looked awkward, but who wouldn't going through the rehash of Aleksandra's "bad" previous life, Kyle's unfortunate mother, Fernando's girlfriends, etc.? Most of them were probably trying to stay focused on the check that would come to compensate them for this embarrassment. 

[truelovekiss]

I hate white tuxedos too but for what it was it looked nice on Devar, especially the chocolate vest and pinstripe accent on the tux.

Devar looked really moved at the altar when he first saw Mel and throughout the ceremony.

Mel''s son is so sweet!!! The reception looked really nice.

Melanie, girrrrlll. Would a little lipstick or lipgloss have killed you? She looked like a half made bed walking down the aisle. Why spend on that money on a dress, pay to get your hair done and not do your makeup? Sorry. Not sorry.

Yes, I'll give him that, he did look very handsome, and I think he genuinely cares about Hunter. Still not sure if he and Melanie are actually in real love, but he and Hunter at least seem like they're on good terms.

YESSSSS, ugh, Mel, the makeup is the most important part!

[cooksdelight]

[Lion18]

Niki said she was crying because they were talking about her family. I think she was crying because she knows she made a mistake. Feels trapped and controlled. She kept looking at Mark to make sure she was saying the right thing. Perhaps since her dad didn't approve ( at first?) she is not allowed back home since she went against her family's wishes. I'm just thinking about this

[truelovekiss]

Elise (and her pink hair) seemed to be in this "I can either laugh or cry" place with the whole thing, and is choosing to laugh. She seems to be smiling a lot when interviewed, and rolling her eyes.

[truelovekiss]

If I could like this 10000000000 times I would.

[truelovekiss]

Glad Mark finally got Nikki a decent ring.

It's about time. I can't help but wonder if she got another "birthday" gift, or was the engagement supposed to be the only birthday gift? I'm also curious how much the specimen paid for it. When it comes to things like cars, I think he's more eager to get her one because he gets to pick out a toy for himself. With the ring he can occasionally grab her hand and wave it at people to show it off, but nowhere near as much fun as a convertible.

[AussieBabe]

Mark married somebody he could manipulate and control like a ventriloquist dummy. He didn't want a mature woman. It wasn't baggage he was trying to avoid because he has a shit load. It was life experience, wisdom, and the know how to avoid pricks like him. I know people like Specimen. They feel threatened by self-assured, confident women. Notice he bitched about the independent women he dated. People like him want to be white knights and rescue people but the irony is the people they save become like caged birds with pinned wings. I'm sure that's what happened to the ex Mrs. Specimen. "I promise to take care of her," but you forced her to sign a prenup that says even if she stays with you for 20 years, she doesn't get a dime. Oh you really care Specimen.

Edited December 7, 2015 by AussieBabe

[Miss Chevious]

Are we to understand that Mark doesn't even have life insurance with Nikki on the policy? He's a complete ass.

During the reunion special, he said Nikki has "other options" outside of the prenup, like purchasing life insurance on him. Yeah right, Mark. With what part of "her money" is she supposed to buy it? She can't work now, in the future I see him not allowing her to work or have any means to make money on her own, including getting an education. It was so obvious that he wants to exercise total control over her. He had a death grip around her shoulders on that couch. I got such a creepy vibe just from seeing that. Also hearing him answer the children question using the expression "it's not in The Plan", like he has every move of their life together mapped out and all hell will break loose if it's not according to The Speciman's Plan.

Of all the couples, Mark and Nikki were clearly the most uncomfortable. I predict Nikki has her own plan which involves her marking the days off on a calendar. As soon as she gets a green card, she'll dump him.

[Toaster Strudel]

Mark explains why he bought Nikki a Miata: "I love that car, I always wanted a convertible" - why, how generous and selfless of you.

[mittsigirl]

Every year at my church, there's usually a handful of little boys who wear the white tux for First Communion. I mean, they're like 8 years old...but it doesn't matter, I hate the white tux. It makes you look like fucking Scarface, and that shouldn't be your goal.

Who is Scar Face? Any relation to Butter Face?

[deltaburkefan]

The movie with Al Pacino.

[truelovekiss]

Another weird thing about Mark: whenever he makes Nikki his love promises, it always starts with protecting and sheltering her. I'm sorry, are there monsters and shit running around out there, looking to eat pretty young women? What does he need to protect her from? Other creepy ass 60 year old men?

Who is Scar Face? Any relation to Butter Face?

The movie with Al Pacino.

That's exactly what I was referencing, but then I remembered Butter Face and that made me laugh :)

Edited December 7, 2015 by truelovekiss

[charmed1]

Psst, Erica Hill, Melanie and Devar aren't the only interracial couple on the show, FYI.

That bonus scene of Devar at the club with Melanie and her friends made me think Devar was hypnotized by Tony Robbins on an elevator. Devar, if you're reading this: Shallow Hal Wants a Gal!

Beverly's boob tattoos look like ringworm.

At first, I thought Mark was just creepy, but judging by the reunion, he's downright scary. He's gone on a hundred dates and every one was a disaster. Gee I wonder why? Are they buried in your basement, weirdo? Mark is the quintessential awkward loser who can't see his own faults, but puts the blame on women for being "too independent." This fool is damned near 60, but only wanted to date women between 27-35? He dyes the top of his hair, but the bottom is gray. Not only was he wearing pedal pushers and loafers with no socks, he also had his shirt buttoned down to his chest. Not even Don Johnson dresses like that anymore. Good luck Nikki. I hope I don't see you on an episode of Snapped.

My favorite line from Mark was when he corrected the host to tell her he was 57 during filming. As if that sounds much better. Nikki's own father is 10 years younger than Mark, yet he's appalled, appalled I tell you, that people on the internet are calling him a pedophile.

I like the beard on Alexei. I'm glad he shared that tidbit about having a bachelor party in Israel and Loren freaking out about it.

Aww, I love that Carolina skypes with her cat.

Edited December 7, 2015 by charmed1

[truelovekiss]

Fernando's mom is giving me the legitimate feels. I have a feeling that they are going to have a lot of ups and downs, but I think that in time, if this relationship goes well, Mom Fernando will truly accept Carolina as one of her own. She seems like the kind of lady that doesn't let people in, and changes to her family and her place in her family probably freak her out. I do think she was horrible to Carolina, and probably capable of continuing to do so. But I'm hoping for the best. At the very least, Carolina seems pretty tough, like she doesn't take anyone's shit, so she can probably hold her own.

[mittsigirl]

Bless his heart, he must have taken to the sex thang from the get-go! I really liked Josh and Aleks as a couple, I hope they do well. And move from Dullsburg ASAP.

She must have been wearing that pink nightie a lot! I so hope she does not end up with the baby-blues.

The movie with Al Pacino.

Thanks you, I will have to watch that movie now!

[mittsigirl]

I detest this specimen.

[Honley Lass]

I thought it was cute during the "pop quiz" when Josh's answer as to who was in charge was "The Russian"  ;-)

[mittsigirl]

It's about time. I can't help but wonder if she got another "birthday" gift, or was the engagement supposed to be the only birthday gift? I'm also curious how much the specimen paid for it. When it comes to things like cars, I think he's more eager to get her one because he gets to pick out a toy for himself. With the ring he can occasionally grab her hand and wave it at people to show it off, but nowhere near as much fun as a convertible.

I bet he bought that ring used.

[truelovekiss]

Usually I'm not a fan of the novelty cake toppers, but Loren and Alexei's was perfect. That shrew really did drag him to the altar.

[Honley Lass]

I actually like Loren after watching this episode.  Sure, during the whole season she was a total nightmare drama queen, but tonight during the session with Erica Hill I really caught her sense of humor.  She also seemed very supportive of Alexei, and was giving genuine smiles to some of the other couples as they were telling their stories.

[cooksdelight]

I bet he bought that ring used.

Dollar Tree had cubic zirconia jewelry in the half price bin. :)

[mittsigirl]

Psst, Erica Hill, Melanie and Devar aren't the only interracial couple on the show, FYI.

That bonus scene of Devar at the club with Melanie and her friends made me think Devar was hypnotized by Tony Robbins on an elevator. Devar, if you're reading this: Shallow Hal Wants a Gal!

Beverly's boob tattoos look like ringworm.

At first, I thought Mark was just creepy, but judging by the reunion, he's downright scary. He's gone on a hundred dates and every one was a disaster. Gee I wonder why? Are they buried in your basement, weirdo? Mark is the quintessential awkward loser who can't see his own faults, but puts the blame on women for being "too independent." This fool is damned near 60, but only wanted to date women between 27-35? He dyes the top of his hair, but the bottom is gray. Not only was he wearing pedal pushers and loafers with no socks, he also had his shirt buttoned down to his chest. Not even Don Johnson dresses like that anymore. Good luck Nikki. I hope I don't see you on an episode of Snapped.

My favorite line from Mark was when he corrected the host to tell her he was 57 during filming. As if that sounds much better. Nikki's own father is 10 years younger than Mark, yet he's appalled, appalled I tell you, that people on the internet are calling him a pedophile.

I like the beard on Alexei. I'm glad he shared that tidbit about having a bachelor party in Israel and Loren freaking out about it.

Aww, I love that Carolina skypes with her cat.

You made me laugh so hard, you are really funny!

[truelovekiss]

I was happy that Fernando and Carolina saved their church wedding for when her parents could be there. Assuming that they're Catholic, I would imagine that it would mean a lot more to them than just the civil wedding, although they seemed so happy to be able to see that too. Anyway, I really do believe that the two of them are in love, and got married for the right reasons.

[cooksdelight]

What was wrong with the beach minister in Hawaii? He had the strangest, monotone voice. Reminded me of Lurch from The Addams Family.

[truelovekiss]

"I found my love, and today we will be betrothed."

Sorry if I'm not up on my Jane Austen, but isn't betrothed just another word for engaged? You're already engaged, Specimen.

Their wedding was weird to me (as if I could have expected anything normal). I get that it just being the two of them was supposed to be some kind of show of solidarity? Like she couldn't have her family there, so he wouldn't have his? I'm usually ready to blame the weirdest shit on editing, but even this is beyond TLC. Why not have at least your children there? Don't they need a witness to sign the marriage license? Was it signed by a beach goer or a cameraman?

What was wrong with the beach minister in Hawaii? He had the strangest, monotone voice. Reminded me of Lurch from The Addams Family.

Frankly, the cadence of his voice reminded me of Mark somehow.

[Honley Lass]

Instead of having a fluff interviewer like Erica Hill (no offense, I like her, but - fluff!) they should get someone like Dan Rather to grill some of these people.  The late Mike Wallace comes to mind, too ;-)  Now that would be some good teevee!

[cooksdelight]

Well, let's see.... there's a sound guy, and a camera guy.... that's two witnesses. Unless they hijacked a couple of tourists walking down the beach.

[Toaster Strudel]

When Mark says "protect and shelter" he really means jealously spy on her every move, not allow her to use the internet unsupervised, and isolate her socially.

[islandgal140]

Devar said Oh no. LOL!

 

The Specimen really has some nasty resentment towards women. American women in particular, probably because they smell and recognize the Specimen for what he is - a big pulsating pile of shit. If he treats the women he prefers so much (Fillipino) like possessions and 2nd class citizens, I can only imagine how he treats women who he views as too independent, too old, etc. Why have a required age range for women who are in prime baby making age when your ass doesn't want kids?!? Again, Specimen, get yourself neutered. The idiot says that they are 5 common things about all the people bitching on the internet - overweight, jealous (LOL!), etc., but can only name 4. Specimen these are your 5 points! You brought it up and said there were 5. He also thinks the only people who have a problem with his relationship and age difference are women. 

 

I heard Mark talking about taking care of Nikki in the event of his untimely death and Nikki can take out further life insurance on him and I immediately thought, the next time I am likely to hear about Nikki is on an episode of Snapped after she gets tired of being compared to his ex-wife. 

 

 

Psst, Erica Hill, Melanie and Devar aren't the only interracial couple on the show, FYI.
 

 

Thank you!  Funny that Asian women/White men seem almost to the point of being normalized and not even being interracial. 

 

Devar does have a great sense of humor!

 

Mel looks so much better with the darker blond hair.

 

Carolina looks like she could be related to Mariah Carey.

[salvame]

 

What was wrong with the beach minister in Hawaii? He had the strangest, monotone voice. Reminded me of Lurch from The Addams Family.

 

They couldn't use anyone more animated or risk "upstaging" Mark.  

Were they ever shown with any "friends" as in, you know, people not related to Mark??

[truelovekiss]

Call me crazy, but Fernando is growing on me. When he was joking about how people would criticize him whether he said he got a lot of action, or if he was a 40 year old virgin, I was like, ah, crap, Fern, you got me. I am going to criticize you no matter what because you're on a stupid tv show. He and Carolina really do seem to have a great sense of humor, and really get along well.

Alexei's facial expression when Mark was talking about how he and Nikki are consenting adults was everything.

They couldn't use anyone more animated or risk "upstaging" Mark.

Were they ever shown with any "friends" as in, you know, people not related to Mark??

There was one scene where Nikki met one of his 60 year old man friends, who looked pretty weirded out by the whole thing. Edited December 7, 2015 by truelovekiss

[millennium]

The most telling Mark moment was when he asked Erica Hill (whoever the hill that is), "Do you let your children touch your windows?"

 

I still think Nikki's a grifter and that Mark has no idea what he's in for.

 

Loren was detestable even on her wedding day.   "I want him to cry when he sees me," she says.  "He probably won't, but I hope he will."    She wants Alexei to cry to validate her vision of her own beauty, the same way she wanted him to become an underwear model -- because of how it would reflect on her.  

 

All in all, the season ended with a whimper.   Not even one of the K-1's had enough self-respect to walk away, leaving us to watch six lame ceremonies.

[cynic]

It's about time. I can't help but wonder if she got another "birthday" gift, or was the engagement supposed to be the only birthday gift? I'm also curious how much the specimen paid for it. When it comes to things like cars, I think he's more eager to get her one because he gets to pick out a toy for himself. With the ring he can occasionally grab her hand and wave it at people to show it off, but nowhere near as much fun as a convertible.

Well, at least if the ring is technically a birthday present, she gets to keep it no matter what happens, right? With this douche though, it's probably cubic zirconium

 

Nikki looked pretty in her $10 dress. She'd look good in anything though with her figure. Mark could have at least taken her to David's Bridal though. 

 

When they were playing in the ocean and he lifted her up, it looked like a father lifting his preteen daughter.  Ewwww.

...

Alexei's facial expressions when Mark was talking about how he and Nikki are consenting adults was everything.

There was one scene where Nikki met one of his 60 year old man friends, who looked pretty weirded out by the whole thing.

Loren's side eye made me laugh. I think everyone there had Mark pegged. He was so awful. You could tell how pissed he was when he pointed out that he was 57 last year. Ugh. Serious issues.

 

While I think that Nikki has ulterior motives for the union, clearly Mark does as well. I hold Mark more responsible since he's older, more experienced, and holds all the power. Mark is getting a hot, young thing he can control for the duration of their marriage. I hope Nikki gets what she wants out of it too. I hope she uses this time to get her education, get established in this country, and meets the love of her life and has lots of babies with him.

Edited December 7, 2015 by cynic

[millennium]

 

I hope Nikki gets what she wants out of it too. I hope she uses this time to get her education, get established in this country, and meets the love of her life and has lots of babies with him.

 

That's a good reason for why Nikki shouldn't be in this country.   The very reason the K-1 should be eliminated.   It isn't meant as a shortcut for people like Nikki to get the lives they want while other immigrants who aren't 19 and female have to wait.

[AussieBabe]

Mel was travelling every six weeks? Damn. I wish I could take a mini holiday every six weeks.

[hoosiermom]

Well, if Nikki does show up on "snapped",there isn't a jury in the world that would convict her!

[Rachelb]

Mark has twenty years worth of failed dates, but like every asshole in the world, he thinks the problem is women, not him.

I also loved his insinuation that no men are attracted to women over 35. Because we all transform into ugly hags on our 36th birthday. And attraction is based 100% on looks all the time and always. But only if you're a man, because if you're a woman I guess you should marry the first guy who shows up with a dozen roses and takes you out to five star cuisine.

It would be better for him if just admitted that he wanted a pretty young toy for his boner.

[lilabennet]

I loved Fernando's mom basically confirming that the house doesn't belong to Fernando, guess she didn't get the memo about the company line!

 

I thought that Loren's dress was a good idea for her, but it didn't fit correctly.

 

Kyle was hilarious during the reunion.  He obviously had zero interest in being there.

 

I was dismayed when Aleksandra said she was pregnant.  They are way too young to start a family.  And I don't mean in age.

 

Mel's son is too adorable.  I thought he showed a lot of poise when he gave his speech at the wedding.  Clearly, she and her ex are doing something right and Devar seems to be a good influence too.

 

Mark was fuming throughout the entire reunion and it was delicious.  Sure, Mark, we believe that you don't care about what people think of you.  Hahahahaha.

[Christina]

Damn, I thought it was 40 when women became washed up. Oh well, I guess I'll go polish off that bucket of ice cream since I'm already over the hill.

 

The looks the others were giving Mark when he was saying that the people who criticize are overweight and jealous were funny. He really is clueless to how he comes across and does think he is a specimen. When he was talking about how much he would spend on a date and how they were still bad, I wanted someone to point out the common denominator was him. It's like he lives in his own world. 

 

I live in a rural area of Ohio where the only thing that would turn heads about Devar is his accent. I wonder if there is other prejudices in her area, or if it is just her family. Interracial couples don't get a second glance where I live. Huge age differences, however, still do and probably always will, unless the couple is older, say a 57 year old with a 30 year old, no one cares. 37 with a 19 year old, big ole side-eye.

 

I'm having stupid debug issues and this will probably post 4 times. 

[madforplaid]

I found all of the couples a lot more likable during the tell-all EXCEPT for Mark. He is awful. His contempt for women is palpable. He views women as either children to be controlled, 35+ year old crones with too much independence and baggage, or overweight and alone social media trolls who make his penis sad. My eyes were rolling hard when he was saying that his 100+ first dates over the years with American women have all been disasters. Reminds me of the quote, "If you run into an asshole in the morning, you ran into an asshole. If you run into assholes all day, you're the asshole". I hope Mark's sons didn't inherit his toxic attitude toward women, and I hope Nikki cuts and runs the minute her conditions can be removed on her green card.