Netflix hit show proves love is blindsiding

By Micah Hart Collegian Reporter

Some couples find love even before meeting their future spouse, others can’t seem to get over the physical connection that they believe is required in a relationship, and some are left shocked at the altar. The newest season, which premiered on October 19, serves up all three types of relationships, as individuals attempt to ditch their former dating history and test if love truly is blind.

“Love is Blind,” a Netflix original dating show, gives individuals the opportunity to build a relationship based on emotional connections alone.

Placing contestants in “pods,” couples talk, bond, and “fall in love,” with a wall preventing them from seeing their date. The only way to meet in person is to get engaged. This 12-episode season will leave viewers both concerned about the meaning of love and enthralled by the captivating stories of the individuals and couples.

At first, this season got off to a slow start, with couples seeming to connect and fall in love without many obstacles. However, the season picked up momentum after five couples got engaged and their relationships began to blossom throughout their honeymoons.

Learning how to interact with one another, most couples had to adapt to being with their new partner. For Raven and SK, their cultural differences seemed to make the biggest impact. SK, a proud Nigerian, stressed the importance of his culture through food, attire, and his family’s patriarchal view of marriage. Introducing his family to his fiancee, SK cooked a traditional Nigerian meal, which the family ate with their hands. Yet, Raven refused to follow suit, asking if she could eat with a fork. This cultural struggle continued up to the wedding. While SK wore an agbada, the traditional attire for a Nigerian male,

Raven attempted to blend their cultures by pairing a traditional head wrap with her wedding dress. Cul - ture had an impact on this relationship, and others throughout the season.

Honeymooning in Malibu, the couples quickly learned that life can’t always be sunny and carefree. Nancy and Bartiste were also forced to discuss and reconcile their opinions on issues like abortion, the role of an ex, and their age difference. The couple’s largest conflict centered on if abortion is acceptable, especially if a child would suffer from birth defects. This moment defined their chemistry throughout the show, but it also showcased the practical side of being in a relationship. These difficult discussions are some of the most important when developing a connection, and this specific disagreement added to the relatability of the show.

Not only did this season highlight these difficult issues, but it also focused on grief. Because of the show’s premise, it’s common for contestants’ families to disapprove of the circumstances and their new partners. Cole’s family told their son that they would not even meet his fiance, Zanab, until after the wedding day. On top of his family’s disapproval, both of Zanab’s parents died when she was young, so the couple was forced to reconcile the absence of some of the most important people on their wedding day. This is supposed to be the best day of these young people’s lives, yet their families sometimes fail to support them and either miss a beautiful day when their support would be the most appreciated.

Overall, this season is packed with drama. Contestants shade each other. Superficial relationships either grow into something great, or snowball into big arguments that end in “I do not” at the altar. Shockingly, this specific season sheds light on more significant issues and seems to be much more like real life. Reality television will always be scripted and staged in hopes of high viewer approval, but the production team made this season much closer to what ordinary people experience.