Married At First Sight - Episode 14 Recap
It took until episode 14, but the only reality show element the was missing from Married At First Sight has sprung up in the nick of time, thank heaven (or the show’s diabolical producers). It starts with the men and women being separated and encouraged to talk about their relationship problems to start some shit gain support and understanding. From that point, a teensy bit of gossip leads to crumbs of truth for one couple and ends up separating another. There's a bit of he said she said, and one irrevocable statement at the end of the episode that may change the course of the season.
Over dinner with Danielle and Mia, Amber confessed that she worries her defeatist attitude will hurt her relationship, and spoke of marital ups and downs of the most unspectacular nature. Neither Mia or Danielle had much to say, since Mia is atoning for her sins through a marriage contract with the devil, and Danielle happened to be born without feelings. When it was Danielle's turn to share, she said things were “perfect”: “[Bobby and I] communicate very similar...”. By that I think she meant they decide exactly what to tell people about their marriage and agree to stick to the script. Two paragraphs from here, you will come to respect this theory.
Watching that dinner scene mood….
Mia explains to her fellow wives that although she has moved back home after last week’s eviction, she still feels insecure about the strength of her relationship with Tristan. Amber offers words of understanding while Danielle blurts out that she would not have come back. Danielle offers additional commentary, but not to Mia’s face; that would have been rude. Instead, Danielle tells the camera that she didn’t believe Mia’s assertion that Tristan could not make the gathering because he was at home sick.
Me, every time Danielle speaks….
The husbands’ outing contrasted with stereotypical predictability: instead of going straight into emotional conversation, Bobby and Dave first battle it out in Jenga, set to unnecessarily dramatic music. When the conversation started however, Dave spoke candidly about his doubts. He noted Amber’s pessimism as a reason for him to be undecided about their marriage. Instead of tapping into his emotions and truly conversing with Dave, Bobby stuck to the script: “[Danielle and I] just have similar communication styles.” He also may have said “I would rather die than have my wife get a hangnail. I know she feels the same about me,” or something like that. I can't remember exactly. But I do remember him speaking with an expression bordering on false bravado and fear. When Dave called his bluff, Bobby dug in his heels and reiterated that his union was perfect.
Bobby is so sure of his wife’s love in fact, that he later asked his mother to coddle him with her assessment of his marriage. As it turns out, his superhuman ability to detect specks of love must be genetic, as his mother said she can also feel it. Although Danielle has never said it. Not. Once. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that Danielle isn’t a good communicator. If you may recall, she was very clear on her stance on children making her want to “shoot [her]self.” Bobby on the other hand, is ready to pop out some miniature blondes sooner than later. Yep, similar communication styles.
Despite their admittedly different communication styles, Amber and Dave, aka Barbie and Ken, are maintaining their plastic life quite well. They may stand the test of time simply because they have so little of it. They are the oldest couple, a fact that was punctuated when Amber realized last episode that she must properly schedule the use of her remaining eggs. Not only that, but their issues don’t seem as dyer as the others. Amber feels Dave is judgemental and Dave wonders if she can become more secure. Dave’s nervousness about staying married may just be his logic scolding him for marrying a stranger. Or, maybe they need a storyline to compete with the hot mess that is Mia and Tristan’s relationship.
Let’s start with the good news surrounding Mia and Tristan, as it will be brief. Tristan was in fact ill and Mia cared for him, giving Tristan the warm and fuzzies for the woman he evicted last week (ok, that’s the last time I bring that up). He is back to health by the time the couples pack up for a “mini-moon” before decision day. But as they drive to Austin, Mia notices Tristan covering his face and shaking his head, prompting her to ask the obligatory “what’s wrong?” As it turns out, the same old same.
Dave told Tristan that the word ‘round the condo complex is that he tossed Mia out last week (I lied). Dumbfounded by his reaction to the simple truth, Mia allows Tristan to explain: according to him, Mia chose to leave that night, yet paints him as the villain. Before you continue reading, please take a look at their argument and decide for yourself (spoiler: Tristan must want to be single again).
As they arrive at their hotel, Mia suggests they go straight to bed with anger in the air. They should have taken a note from Dave, as he felt the need to say for the second time that he and Amber have sex every night (thanks again, Dave). Instead they let their feelings fester. By the time the cameras arrive in the morning, Mia was M.I.A. According to Tristan, she asked for a divorce, packed her own things this time, and disappeared into the twilight. Tristan pouted and said divorce is not what he wanted. If you believe him, I think this is a good time to review Mia’s previous exit once again.
For next week’s episode, Mia returns to either fulfill the remainder of her contract with Lifetime, or to actually try and save her marriage. Barbie and Ken showcase their dark side, and Bobby is still two creepy ‘I love yous’ away from wearing Danielle’s skin as a suit. Whatever goes down, be sure to come back here for final predictions for decision day.