Ah, the return of Love Is Blind!
Who would have thought that after binge watching this explosive show pre- pandemic, that a month later it would actually resemble our lockdown experience?
Last year we were hooked watching strangers fall in love from separate pods without being able to see or touch each other. All they had to rely on was conversation and the connection they felt with each other, regardless of what the person looked like. The show stripped dating back to basics, and it was gripping. Once they found their match and spent time together, they met at alter and had to decide whether to say ‘I do’ on the spot.
The three-part reunion special saw the whole cast reunite to celebrate the two-year anniversaries of Cameron Hamilton and Lauren Speed-Hamilton and Amber Pike and Matt Barnett. These two couples were the only ones from the experiment to make it down the aisle.
At first fans of the show were questioning why we were sticking with the same cast and rehashing old drama.
However, as part 1 began, it’s clear to see that actually this cast IS the show. I have no interest in another cast yet, they bring the drama every single time. As a cast they understood the assignment yet again and delivered. Spin off show anyone?
Damian, Giannina and a surprise plot twist
Damian Powers and Giannina Gibelli – the couple straight out of a telenovela special. The drama and twists and turns between these two are just never ending. My lasting memory of them is watching Giannina fleeing from their wedding after Damian said ‘I don’t’ at the altar. For many, this would be a deal breaker but not these two. During part one Giannina explains that the pair have been dating for two years but the lines are still extremely blurred, as we see in part 3.
The pair seem to be taking things at a slow pace, but after two years, fans are still questioning why. Perhaps Francesca Farago from Netflix’s Too Hot to Handle might have some answers…
In part 2 we saw her sitting with Damien having a very cosy chat, and Giannina was no-where to be seen. I must say, I respect Francesca’s effort to insert herself into every reality show she can. Earlier this year she featured in TOWIE alongside ex-girlfriend Demi Sims. I respect the hustle.
Francesca and Damian were previously photographed together linking arms, which according to Giannina led to a bitter argument between the couple.
The most jaw-dropping moment in part three saw Francesca turning up to the anniversary party, much to Giannina’s annoyance. Yes, Damian actually invited her. The cast went into a frenzy with a savage comment from party goers like “She’s on the wrong Netflix show.” Ouch...
Francesca awkwardly made the rounds introducing herself to the guests, while Giannina chugs on her wine in the distance. The two eventually do ‘ bump’ into each other at the bar with Damian standing sheepishly between the two. What follows is a tense chat leading to Damian buying tequila for all of them. All three of them then cheers and basically toast to the awkwardness. As a viewer, it is impossible to take your eyes of this exchange.
After Damian cowardly departs leaving the two ladies standing together, Giannina point blank tells Francesca “You are messing with the wrong bitch, he’s mine.” Francesca does reiterate that they are friends but will not rule out future romance. After more heated words between the two Francesca leaves the party and Damian escorts her out. He returns to the party with his tail between his legs for a final showdown with Giannina. She reveals she no longer trusts him and storms off – she does love a dramatic exit. We are left with Damian pointing at the camera firmly stating, "That was bullshit."
Or is it just the consequences of your actions Damian?
Cameron and Lauren are still relationship goals
Cameron and Lauren provided much needed relief from the drama. As one of the two remaining couples we watch as they manoeuvre married life very comfortably. They start jokingly (but also not a joke) teasing each other while cooking about their differing opinions on the need to wash chicken. We watch as they come together with their family for meal and discuss the upcoming reunion.
Lauren and Cameron enter the reunion like a presidential couple, the attention is on them from the moment they walk in. They really seem to be the rocks within this cast, giving advice and lending an ear between each respective party.
Cameron makes a speech at the party for his wife Lauren and tears up while reminiscing on their journey. The fan favourites never fail to make our hearts warm!
Not much drama with these two, which was expected. The pair are just wholesome, creating YouTube videos and living in married bliss.
They really are goals.
Amber and Barnett … and Jessica.
Amber and Barnett are the other blissfully married couple in the cast. They too are very in love, as we saw from the emotional video montage Barnett played at the reunion party. It could melt even the coldest of hearts.
Unsurprisingly, Amber still has unresolved feelings towards Jessica Batten and still feels “disrespected” by how she conducted herself. In the original Love Is Blind - Amber, Matt and Jessica were in a turbulent love triangle. Barnett eventually chose Amber, and they went on to say, ‘I do’. Jessica was also engaged to ex-fiancé Mark at the time, but she still felt like her heart was with Barnett after connecting in the pods. She put herself out there repeatedly (and was very forward) but was shut down. Her actions later caused an almighty argument with Amber at the Love Is Blind season 1 reunion.
In part 3 we watch Jessica approach Barnett with an olive branch, an anniversary gift for the couple. Barnett squirms at the very sight of her and constantly looks around for his wife Amber. He actually does not accept the gift firmly stating, “I’m not allowed” and dashes off to find his wife. Jessica is left in tears with the Tiffany gift in hand. Once Barnett catches up with Amber, she agrees with his decision not to accept the “fake apology gift”. She explains Amber is “not a part of their world.” The couple even have her blocked-on Instagram…
Jessica and Mark
Now, Jessica and Mark Cuevas really didn’t work out at all. Their relationship was the messiest from the start to finish. Mark did not make an appearance in the reunion show, but he didn’t even need to, we heard all about his new life.
In the first episode it was revealed that Mark has a new girlfriend, and they are expecting a baby. Jessica sat at brunch with LC (his other former flame) to discuss the breakdown of their engagement. They both shared and compared notes about Mark cheating on them and how it affected them both. For many the very thought of sitting and comparing notes with another woman is odd, but Love Is Blind and the pods are a different world. Everyone dated each other, and this is why we are left with intertwining relationships and a whole lot of drama.
Jessica also revealed that she has a new boyfriend and has moved on. It is clear she still carries some hurt from her relationship breakdown with Mark and the drama with Amber and Barnett.
At least they have both moved on and are happy now right…