Love is not blind, and neither are the viewers. The reality television series “Love Is Blind” premiered in February 2020 and has since produced five seasons based around the question, “Is love truly blind?”
The contestants go through four distinct phases during the show — speed dating through an opaque wall, getting engaged, the physical reveal and finally a climactic wedding scene. While to the rational mind, the prospect of marrying a complete stranger after five weeks might seem absolutely insane, it typically makes for good television. However, season five, which concluded on Oct. 13, should have stayed in the drafts.
As a self-proclaimed reality television junkie, I was ecstatic to start the new season. There is nothing quite like watching other people engage in delusional behavior in order to soften the blow of one’s own horrific romantic endeavors. “Love Is Blind” often exercises the perfect mix of second-hand embarrassment and genuine investment. Although 75% of the footage hurts to watch, the 25% of authentic personal growth, budding romance and petty drama captures my attention.
Season five, however, sacrifices all 100% to downright cringe. I think all viewers can agree that the love triangle trope has long been exhausted. The first triangle between Izzy Zapata Jr., Johnie Maraist and Chris Fox is the classic “Love is Blind” affair — one girl, two guys; girl chooses, but now this guy has a new girl; girl returns to her abandoned lover, who eventually accepts her again. I did not know who to pity.
The second love triangle is a never-before-seen pre-show relationship saga. On the brink of proposing to Aaliyah Cosby, Uche Okoroha reveals his previous relationship with another cast member, Lydia Velez Gonzalez. This revelation is somehow the driving force of drama for the remainder of the season. Uche claims Lydia is a stalker who followed him to the pods with the intent to rekindle their flame, while Lydia, of course, refutes this claim. This inventive transformation of the love triangle trope was interesting for approximately one episode, but the overdone focus on this saga quickly became exhausting.
The show’s fixation on miniscule plot lines is likely a product of this season’s horribly incompatible couples. Instead of the typical four or five couples showcased, only three pairs make it to the reveal, and only two make it to the altar. There is only so much attention two sub-par couples can warrant.
Nevertheless, the tired drama is nothing in comparison to the terrifying characters. There is simply no one to root for. Taylor Rue, who gets limited screen time, is beautiful inside and out, quickly realizes JP Pierce is more in love with the United States than he will ever be with her.
Izzy and Stacy Snyder are a match made in hell. Their tag-team bullying of Johnie, Stacy’s genuinely scary makeup and Izzy’s “lost and found” for the accessories left behind from one-night stands speak for themselves. Just in case you are not convinced yet, Stacy repeatedly crones “I lurv you” all through the season — unironically.
Last but not least are Lydia and Milton Johnson IV. Lydia is the least likable character this season. Her entire personality is being loud, desperate and emotional. At 30 years old, Lydia is somehow less mature than her 24-year-old fiance. Milton is young and smart, and although slightly boring, he is the only character with some class.
Unfortunately, season five of “Love Is Blind” is a miss. However, the discourse on social media continues to be wonderfully entertaining. TikTok videos dissecting body language, roasting the main couples and even highlighting the storylines that did not make the final draft are the most interesting parts of this season.
Although the drama is overdone and the characters are unlikeable, this season is not a reflection of the show as a whole. Love may not be blind, but this franchise has produced a number of successful couples such as Cameron Hamilton and Lauren Speed from season one, Alexa Alfia Lemieux and Brennon Lemieux from season three and Brett Brown and Tiffany Pennywell from season four. Watching strangers fall in love “sight unseen” is cute, and to be frank, who does not love a little petty drama? While season five is sadly not worth the watch, “Love Is Blind” is not a franchise to overlook.
