S04.E01: Matchmaking Special / Wedding Preparations

[Tara Ariano]

Quote

In the fourth season premiere, six new singles are introduced and matched by the relationship experts.

Quote

The singles meet their matches and wedding preparations begin.

[ClareWalks]

I wonder what the deal is with the episode description. So they meet before they plan the wedding now? They usually show up at the wedding and meet at the altar.

[Evil Queen]

A bit odd considering the title but yet it seems this channel is great at misleading titles (looking at you Arranged). I know my DVR had like 3 different shows set to record though. Will watch it Wed morning though and read all the comments as they come tomorrow night. LOL

[bichonblitz]

Did they say they had 30,000 applicants? Holy crapola! They better bring some really good couples on board, there is NO excuse with this many to choose from. 

[Evil Queen]

LOL wonder how true it is. As well as where they got them from and how many actually went to the site and applied. That is where the true story would be I think. As well as how many walk out on them when they find out its not a "dating" show but you are marrying someone. Would be interesting to see the numbers for all these things would't it?

[Empress1]

I'd also wonder what the ratio of men to women is; I'm guessing a lot more women than men applied.

[moonxyz]

^^I bet you none of the men selected actually applied. They were probably scouted on social media, like for the previous seasons. 

[mentalquaducts]

4 hours ago, moonxyz said:

^^I bet you none of the men selected actually applied. They were probably scouted on social media, like for the previous seasons. 

I sure hope not, you'd think the producers would learn from their mistakes. 

[Evil Queen]

2 hours ago, mentalquaducts said:

I sure hope not, you'd think the producers would learn from their mistakes. 

Sadly they haven't. If you go under the social media, spoilers thread there is an article there on 2 of the people and it basically says different. I am not sure if I can say more than that since this is a episode thread.

[Liberty]

15 minutes ago, Evil Queen said:

you'd think the producers would learn from their mistakes.

Quote

Sadly they haven't.

 

What have we fans learned from our loyalty?

[okerry]

19 hours ago, bichonblitz said:

Did they say they had 30,000 applicants? Holy crapola! They better bring some really good couples on board, there is NO excuse with this many to choose from. 

Yes, but 29,999 of them were women.

[mentalquaducts]

@Evil Queen  I just saw, wow. "They found me on Facebook for a dating show"... they want train wreck over quality.

[humbleopinion]

Or isn't a friend of Doug's?

[belladonna77]

I still don't understand how Dr. Pepper is still on the show.  She always seems to have harebrained ideas about the match ups.  I distinctly remember her saying about some couple's matching that "they'd be sexy together."  I'd have a bit more faith in this season if they'd brought in new "experts" entirely.

[Cherrio]

Spoiler

Bus Boy?    A guy who is almost 7 feet tall?   Yessireee, match him up with a 5'0 woman.

[belladonna77]

3 minutes ago, Cherrio said:

  Hide contents

Bus Boy?    A guy who is almost 7 feet tall?   Yessireee, match him up with a 5'0 woman.

You know they'll pair him up with someone who cannot handle living in that bus.  They should have grabbed Taylor from this season's "Arranged" if they wanted to see some fireworks.

[belladonna77]

VanSensei, you are so right!  At least we're not dealing with Dr. Cilona and his heavy foundation.

[Empress1]

I hope Nick is more interesting than he appears, because he comes off very dull.

[ExplainItAgain]

Derek is pretty hot, I hope his personality is hot too. I think Heather might be a good match for him. Nick seems dull; I think his wife might be a little much for him. Unsure about Tom and Lillian at this point.

[humbleopinion]

AND the topper to that mish mash resume is to be cast as an "expert" on Married@ 1st Sight.

Parents must be so proud.

[Cherrio]

I am terrible with names.     So, the bearded guy was very stoned while tux shopping. Big buzzzzzzzzzzzz

 

Gee, so you think the new wife will be happy in the used Manson family bus?

[Straycat80]

27 minutes ago, Cherrio said:

I am terrible with names.     So, the bearded guy was very stoned while tux shopping. Big buzzzzzzzzzzzz

 

Gee, so you think the new wife will be happy in the used Manson family bus?

And this couple is doomed even before the wedding, he's giving her a pearl necklace and she says pearls are bad luck. Ooooooookay. 

[ExplainItAgain]

Sonia looks like two different people depending on whether her hair is straight or curly. She's cute and seems very sweet. I think she might overwhelm poor Nick though. Although it was sweet that they both seemed to do something different for their bachelor/bachelorette parties.

I wish Lillian didn't have the two-tone hair. She's a real estate agent; I bet she hasn't seen anything like Tom's "luxury" bus. The pearls had producer intervention all over it. Jesus, can they not move the wedding indoors?!

Heather also seems really sweet, but I'm getting a teensy vibe that Derek might be a douche.

[belladonna77]

I hate how they draw out this fake drama with "Will they or won't they get married?"  Just show the weddings and get on to having the couples get to know each other and start hating each other. 

[ralph]

3 hours ago, belladonna77 said:

I still don't understand how Dr. Pepper is still on the show.  She always seems to have harebrained ideas about the match ups.  I distinctly remember her saying about some couple's matching that "they'd be sexy together."  I'd have a bit more faith in this season if they'd brought in new "experts" entirely.

I agree. I think Dr. Pepper seems like a nice person, so I can't really say anything too mean about her, but really, her ideas on why two couples would be great together are ridiculous. She sounds so immature and childish when she talks about people being "sexy together".  Can't forget the couples she matched based on the fact that they were both raised by step parents, or they were both bullied as children.

---

So it's safe to say that Lillian and Tom's marriage is gonna be an astounding success or a disastrous success. From the pearls to the rain, she's getting bad omens...but we have a thing where I'm from, that the more disaster and bad luck that happens on your wedding day assures a long and happy marriage.

That chick Sonia is pretty....but I'm not gonna like, she looks like a completely different person with her wedding hair and make up, it's gonna be a real shocker for the groom to see her the next day...again, not that she's not already pretty, it's just the difference is huge.

This dude Nick seems boring, hope that changes. As for now, he's got like 0 personality

Tom is really reaching when he's talking about women being "ok" with living on that bus for a short time but then eventually wanting the "white picket fence thing". You're really pushing your luck if you think you're gonna find a woman (or anyone) who's completely ok with that when they can actually afford better as a option. I mean, I don't even think HE wants to live like that long term. Is he planning on raising his children and family in that thing?

Edited July 27, 2016 by ralph

[Cherrio]

13 minutes ago, belladonna77 said:

I hate how they draw out this fake drama with "Will they or won't they get married?"  Just show the weddings and get on to having the couples get to know each other and start hating each other. 

Excellent post ! There is really nothing more to be said.

[Straycat80]

I hate how they draw this show out. I didn't watch the specialist pick part of the show. I didn't pay much attention to the bachelor and bachelorette parties either. Just skip to the weddings and move it along.

I get a bad vibe with Lillian and Tom. Pearls and rain on the wedding day, bad luck, according to her and her Mom. Why didn't they quickly move the wedding inside? There weren't that many guests there. I can't picture Lillian living in that trailer either. 

Sonia seems sweet. Nick seems dull and uptight but maybe he'll loosen up.

Heather seems nice too. Derek, same as Nick, seems like a nice guy. Or not, guess we'll have to wait and see.

Edited July 27, 2016 by Straycat80

[ralph]

Derek's friend is talking kinda negatively on Unfiltered. "He was very commuted [to the show]....He was a very strong believer that the professionals involved in the show would truly find the right person for him"

I don't know, could be me, but I don't think it worked out well.

[Empress1]

57 minutes ago, ralph said:

Tom is really reaching when he's talking about women being "ok" with living on that bus for a short time but then eventually wanting the "white picket fence thing". You're really pushing your luck if you think you're gonna find a woman (or anyone) who's completely ok with that when they can actually afford better as a option. I mean, I don't even think HE wants to live like that long term.

I said this on Arranged, where a couple was living in a camper for no discernible reason (I hope it was producer-driven) and the wife complained about it. She had many many many MANY flaws but she was right about that camper; it was a shithole. The husband said he lived in it to save money but he had a stable job as a teacher/coach so I can't imagine he couldn't afford a decent one-bedroom. There's nothing unreasonable or princess-y about not wanting to live in a bus.

[Cherrio]

I am picturing the groom taking his new bride back to the bus for the first time.  Neil from last season is sitting in it , in his footsie pajamas.

He made comments about how his previous relationships fizzled after a year because they wouldn't compromise.  Huh?   Compromise to him means his way (the bus) or the highway I guess.

[seasick]

So Nick is the vacation rental guy marrying Sonia the social worker?  It could work.  If he's a little dull she's about giving and all that.  She may not care.  But to me he seems like he could be a bit of a prick.  I worry she may not be enough of a challenge.

Derek is the account executive (salesman I guess) and Heather is the flight attendant.  Right from the start I thought trust issues from her.  Not so much cheating trust, but apparently her past breakups has her gun shy.  i think she may come off as stand-offish and uptight at first.  But overall they just don't look or feel like a match to me.

Tom the bus guy and Lillian.  I like the maturity levels they appear to have and I actually think they could sync personality wise on a certain level.  I picture him with an athletic surfer chick,  but my guess is he's tried that route a few times already.  I see RV living as such an 'american' counter culture--not something a traditional Latina would 'get' but I'm hoping she surprises me and gets into that lifestyle.  I wouldn't mind living in an RV but we'd better be using it to travel with.  Then it's worth it to me.

They have admitted openly now that they look on dating sites. social media etc.  And I'm not too surprised or concerned that the men are pushed a little.  After seeing the denial/delusion level that David had last season because he desperately wanted to 'be married', I've lightened up a little. These guys are older and appear to be over the player/dating scene.  None appear to want a free vacation (Tre)  or so up against it financially (basement Ryan and Ryan douche).  They are all older.  They don't appear to want modeling/acting careers (mmm maybe Nick vacay rental guy would like the exposure)  So far I like them as individuals, but not real optimistic for matches. 

ETA Ooosh..just saw the unfiltered coming attraction scenes (I wish they wouldn't do that) but Heather does seem uptight!

Edited July 27, 2016 by seasick

[humbleopinion]

6 foot 8 inch guy/size 13-14 shoe gave good talking head.

He got a blurb with Rachael and Pastor Calvin.

And a visit from Dr. Pepper.

He probably too normal and well adjusted so no "drama."

Nick, the smoker has a recently dead aunt who had the "perfect long marriage" like D-bag Ryan's beloved grandparents.

Guess that will be Nick's emotional go-to reference.

Tom is a Peter Pan, he doesn't want to go up.

If you are trying to get your bus interior business going then he should have done more than those dark laminate flooring shelves.

A recycled Greyhound bus...ewww.

Lots of sad karma in that bus.

Flat hair Sonia "good girl"

Wavy hair Sonia-kinky boots

The experts' results-

Sonia and Nick-she wants a provider

Heather and Derek-she wants a provider

Tom and Lillian-He rescues sea animals, she has a dog

[Jade Foxx]

Did the experts forget to mention these are legally binding marriages? 

/sarcasm/

[Snarklepuss]

Eh, I don't see any improvement in the matches this season over the previous seasons.  Dr. Pepper is still living in some kind of 1970s sexual revolution fantasy where sex is the major thing that brings two people together.  All three women want someone who is ready for the white picket fence, meanwhile at 35 Derek is already a confirmed bachelor (oh please, he's fresh from the nightlife and dating scene) and Tom has already said he doesn't want someone who wants the picket fence.  I guess he expects his wife to live with him in his RV.  Yeah, dude, when you get married you have to compromise on some things.  No wonder he's still single and basically a surfer boy.  Plus the Hispanic women definitely give off that traditional vibe, like they're looking for a constant companion who will provide, come home, put money on the table and give them babies.  That's a little emotionally taxing and high maintenance to the independent and free spirited guys that were matched with them.  As for Derek and Heather, I just don't see that match either.  Something about each one of them seems self centered and stuck up like they think they're God's gift to men/women.  I don't know, just a vibe I get.  I hate to tell them that they're not all that and to get over themselves.  I think both of them have too high expectations.  Heather seems like a controlling type, almost like a Jamie Otis, while Derek does not seem like the marshmallow that Jason is.  He seems like he's used to being the leader in relationships and I predict conflict on that alone.  Plus both of them are moderately attractive but with facial features that one would have to have a reason to want to warm up to, IMO.  I don't see either of them falling for the other one any time soon.

Whew, I give up with this show, it's unbelievable how bad the matches are.  I was hoping the new "experts" would have more sense but I can tell neither of them has a clue and they're just playing "connect the dots" with people's likes/dislikes.

[Evil Queen]

9 hours ago, mentalquaducts said:

@Evil Queen  I just saw, wow. "They found me on Facebook for a dating show"... they want train wreck over quality.

Agree...telling them its for a "dating" show then springing it on them its for marriage is just bad taste IMO. Dude said many fled once that was out there. Can't blame them. 

 

4 hours ago, belladonna77 said:

I still don't understand how Dr. Pepper is still on the show.  She always seems to have harebrained ideas about the match ups.  I distinctly remember her saying about some couple's matching that "they'd be sexy together."  I'd have a bit more faith in this season if they'd brought in new "experts" entirely.

Seriously go look up about Pepper. I won't even call her a Dr. She is all about sex. When I really did a search on her I was disgusted by what I was reading. I feel of all people she should NOT be doing this show and giving her crap advice to anyone EVER!! 

[izabella]

Does that guy really live on a stupid bus (and expects a woman to NOT get tired of it?)?  Or is that just for the show, to make him "quirky"?  If he really lives on a bus, I'd be so mad if I were Lillian.  Who wants to be with a guy who lives on a bus?  Certainly not a real estate agent!  A guy who think that's the best lifestyle for himself is not the kind of guy that will be appealing to most people looking for a life partner.

Edited July 27, 2016 by izabella

[Squirrely]

1 hour ago, Jade Foxx said:

Did the experts forget to mention these are legally binding marriages? 

/sarcasm/

What if they split up? Can the marriage be annulled or do they have to divorce? I suppose we'll never know for sure!

[zxy556575]

I always forget that they annoyingly tease out the weddings until the second episode.

Was mentally mocking the cheesy hotel conference room setting after last season had such nice venues, but at least it was out of the rain. Seriously, there were 20 people total. Go huddle under the nearest porch or something. Probably the camera crew meanly made them stay outside since all the lighting and set-ups were in place.

Couldn't Lillian have done something about her ombre hair before the ceremony? Looks like we're stuck with it all season now.

A bus is just as roomy as a single-wide manufactured home and I wouldn't have a beef with that in and of itself. I would take exception to Tom's particular bus being old, rickety and not looking terribly clean.

So far the two new experts are a big improvement over the former wienies, and three is more manageable than four. Dr. Schwartz can be a bit loopy she doesn't bother me. I think her heart is in the right place and she always seems to be the most emotionally connected with the participants.

I'm not sure the experts were seriously considering matching that Caucasian/African-American couple, but that seems like a whole lot of extra strife to add to an already shaky situation. Even if the participants said they were okay with it, we've seen how things like that played out before when reality hits (i.e., they're not okay with it at all.)

The guys all seem pretty low key so far. I've taken a small dislike to Heather for no good reason.

[moonbunnychan]

I bet anything that after seeing footage of the dress shopping, a producer heavily hinted that he should buy her pearls.  It's way too much to be coincidence, and creates that sweet sweet drama.

[sleekandchic]

The show has jumped the shark!  Matching a 24-year-old with a douche who lives in a bus?  I see you, show!

And by the way, why did the show accept a 24-year-applicant in the first place?  She's tried "everything" to find a mate?  Please.

None of the couples will work.  They are horribly mismatched. I don't think ANY of the three men were looking for marriage.

The one guy who smokes and mentions his aunt and uncle who were in a tragic car accident has a weird vibe coming off him, imo.  His eyes are empty, or, at least, too far away and distracted.

It's obvious to me that all these people were found on dating sites.  Other than Sonia (maybe), no one is endearing or worth rooting for. All of a sudden, the show seems pervy to me.

[Snarklepuss]

ITA, sleekandchic, Sonia seems like a sweet woman who is going to get royally burned by the show.  I almost can't bear to watch it.

When the "experts" were sitting together talking about who to match with who it seemed like they were choosing from a small group of maybe 20 people and just playing with the possible combinations until they found what they thought would be the best "fit".  With a group that small none of the "matches" are going to be that good.

[biakbiak]

Glad to see that the producers aren't doing basic stuff like telling the groom that some people believe pearls can be bad luck! Never change, cringeworthyTV! 

[Neurochick]

10 hours ago, ralph said:

Tom is really reaching when he's talking about women being "ok" with living on that bus for a short time but then eventually wanting the "white picket fence thing". You're really pushing your luck if you think you're gonna find a woman (or anyone) who's completely ok with that when they can actually afford better as a option. I mean, I don't even think HE wants to live like that long term. Is he planning on raising his children and family in that thing?

I know I'm in the minority here but I actually liked the bus, and I liked that it was near the beach.  I never wanted a large house because, heck, it takes time to clean a large house.  Why do that when I can clean a smaller space in an hour?  Give me minimalism any day!

[Neurochick]

5 hours ago, lordonia said:

I'm not sure the experts were seriously considering matching that Caucasian/African-American couple, but that seems like a whole lot of extra strife to add to an already shaky situation. Even if the participants said they were okay with it, we've seen how things like that played out before when reality hits (i.e., they're not okay with it at all.)

Just want to post how much I agree with this comment.  I'm all for interracial couples but not on THIS show, that puts people together for drama's sake, however, wasn't the woman in that couple biracial herself?  Wasn't her father white?

Edited July 27, 2016 by Neurochick

[cardigirl]

Nick's mom is already a problem for me.  I'm sure it's producer-driven to have her be so outspoken, but I dislike her.  Immensely.  Suddenly, I'm beginning to understand why Nick maybe has issues finding someone to marry.  Ugh.

[Pepper Mostly]

11 hours ago, VanSensei said:

And also: one of the new experts has a communications degree, a law degree (JDs are not doctorates - at all), is licensed as a hypnotherapist AND a life coach. I seriously have to wonder how the fuck you get to that. I knew the legal turnover rate was high, but jeez.

Not to nitpick, but J.D. means Juris Doctor, Doctor of Law, and is equivalent to a PhD or ScD. They're entitled to wear a Doctor's academic regalia. (I know this from my previous life working in an office that ran Commencement at a Harvard grad school). Most definitely not any kind of qualification to be a life coach or therapist of any kind, though. I'm sure she, like countless other bright liberal arts graduates before her, went to law school without any intention of ever practicing law, but with the idea that law school would prepare her for all kinds of situations and opportunities. Like reality TV!

Bus boy will constantly be whining about how "uptight" his new wife is.

Why is Lilian even on this show? I damn near lost it over Pearlgate. Stop listening to your mommy, put on your big girl pants and wear the damn pearls. If you are not mature enough to stare down a superstition, especially in order to acknowledge a kind thoughtful gift from the man you are about to marry, you are not mature enough to get married. What am I saying? this is Married at First Sight! I'm sure halfway through episode 2 we'll all have decided that none of these people should be married! To anyone! This season they have to outdo Crazy Sam and Refrigerator Queen Ashley. Who will be the biggest train wreck? I vote Lilian, obvs.

[Vinyasa]

Wow, I don't even know where to start. So they have three experts this season. Dr P, the sex lady and the spiritual guy. Last season they had four experts. What "profession expert" is missing this season?

Does anyone think:

1)Heather trying to look like Marilyn Monroe in that wedding dress??

2) Tom and Nick look somewhat alike? I'm getting them mixed up.

[Empress1]

The pastor is my favorite of the three panelists. He seems to have some sense. I always kind of bristle at life coaches because it's my understanding that you don't really need any formal training to become one - some psychologists are life coaches but not all life coaches are psychologists. According to her bio, the new panelist's undergrad degree is from the S.I. Newhouse school at Syracuse (doesn't say in what), and then she was a trial attorney. It seems like life coaching is a career change.

Looking at those bios, I didn't realize that Dr. Schwartz is a sociologist, not a therapist. I'd been assuming she was a counseling psychologist since that's the role she's taken, from what I can see, but that's not her field.

[operalover]

The voice on this one chick is annoying..it's so babyish. The one with the long brown hair. She sounds like a 4 year old.

As for the 30.000 people who applied- it was NOT because they want to be married, they see the show as easy street to fame, a stepladder to success.  They know now what the show is. The first people -- the applicants before Season 1 walked out-- not this season when everyone knows the premise.

My friend saw Neal from S2 at a function in downtown Atlanta- she said he was preening around like he was really important...

Edited July 27, 2016 by operalover

[humbleopinion]

The "expert" missing this season is candle stick maker.

1) If Heather stands over a windy street grate at the reception then you've gotten your MM answer.

2) Tom is Bus boy.

He has the douchey black scruff growth.

-Derek, ex-Navy with the colorful tats, salt and pepper rooster comb hairdo and facial scruff, squinty eyes, had the strippers on the partybus.

-Nick is clean shaven but is an ashtray... maybe the producers encouraged him to start smoking to create drama. This dude is wound up tight.

Nick's mom is a camera hog.

She'll be twisting a knife in Sonia's back every chance she gets.

Her husband/Nick's stepdad's veneers are so big it distorts the camera and they have to adjust the glare off those choppers.