Married At First Sight

Who doesn't love a good reality TV show, right?!

I have just finished watching yet another MAFS episode and am completely addicted, I even prioritised it over my beloved Home and Away (I know, I've lost it). So, in honour of my obsession, this weeks post is going to be a little analysis, a lot of opinion and my thoughts surrounding all the controversy and drama on the show.

Please rest assured I understand everyone is entitled to their own opinions but this is just mine. I know this TV show is ultimately about complete strangers hooking up for 10 minutes of fame but it's kind of the only thing I am loving right now. Kind of disappointed that they are all super hot though, how the hell do I have a chance if these people are still single?

Okay, let's get into the good stuff.

For those of you who aren't caught up with the latest, I'll give you a little insight into where MAFS is at. We've just seen Andrew and Cheryl go on their second date. They went horse riding, had a romantic picnic and life looks pretty great. There was a little issue with the 13-year age gap but they both agreed that age really is just a number. It's now onto the second weekly dinner party and we're down to seven couples, eight including Andrew and Cheryl.

Everyone seems to be enjoying a relaxed drama-free evening and all agreed things were going to be pretty boring. Cue the dramatic entrance.

As soon as our new couple entered the room everyone cheered. All you could hear was "Jonesy" over the clapping and it seemed Andrew was more than welcomed back. Things were very different for Cheryl though. While Andrew was welcomed with open arms it was pure scepticism and judgement for her. The twins needed reassurance that she was "doing this for the right reasons" and Anthony just wanted to stamp his authority all over the place. It was a complete interrogation into why she was back.

This is where I get a little defensive.

I'm not claiming to know anything about any of these people and I can certainly understand that things have probably been skewed to create the most drama, BUT, Cheryl did not need to be portrayed as the villain or questioned under such scrutiny. At the end of the day she is doing this for the same reasons as everyone else and doesn't have to prove herself more than any of the other contestants. The way Anthony bullied her to the point of tears was quite confronting. I understand that we all had questions and there were things that I would have loved to ask too, however claiming that "the relationship has to work" and that Cheryl "better not stuff it up" is ridiculous.

I genuinely really enjoy this show and part of that is the drama that follows but personally attacking fellow contestants in an already stressful environment is certainly not the way to go about it. As I sat on the edge of my seat I felt so sorry for Cheryl. I know things looked bad for her but she didn't deserve the rapid fire questioning or judgmental comments.

To her credit she held her own and answered everything as honestly as she could. Andrew was also super sweet when it came to standing up for her. They showed their dominance as a strong couple and really think they have a chance of working long term.

Say all you like about the show being a bunch of BS but watching how people interact and stand up for themselves is entertaining. All I can hope is that Anthony comes off his high horse and the twins stop marking their territory over "Jonesy".

I also thought I should provide a little background on each of the couples and what I originally thought of their match versus how they are going throughout the experiment.

Wedding No. 1: Sean & Susan

I loved this match at the beginning and still do. As soon as Sean and Susan locked eyes you could tell they had a connection. I am a little uncertain how this couple will deal with the decision to move interstate but really think that if they have given up so much to be a part of the experiment they should give moving a go.

I thought it was hilarious that the experts kept referring to Sean's hometown of Maryborough as "remote".

Wedding No. 2: Jonathan & Cheryl

At first I thought this pairing might have worked but from the outset both entrepreneur boy and Cheryl never seemed to be completely comfortable around each other. I really admired Cheryl's honestly when she opened up about how she didn't find Jonathan sexually attractive. Obviously this was a hard conversation to have but I think being open is key to a successful marriage/relationship. From that point on things took a downward spiral, we all heard about the cheating saga and eventually these two went seperate ways.

Wedding No. 3: Michael and Scarlett

I don't think Michael was ever portrayed as a nice guy. From the outset we knew he was too picky (who has a thing for small earlobes?!) and had too many high expectations (under 60kgs?!). I thought he looked like a nice combination of a monkey and frog, sorry Michael. Unfortunately, I think his portrayal made this couples relationship a little secondary and I didn't feel a strong connection to either of them. All in all I wasn't too concerned with this match and wasn't disappointed when they ended things in the first commitment ceremony.

Wedding No. 4: Anthony & Nadia

Originally, I saw Anthony as an extremely genuine and down-to-earth gentlemen, Mum even mentioned she wanted me to end up with someone like him. I thought the experts did well with this match and admired Anthony's honesty when Nadine didn't go in for the first kiss. However, I think this relationship has changed somewhat. Anthony seems very dominant and a little overbearing. I loved when Nadine stood up for Cheryl at the second weekly couples dinner and am really intrigued with how this relationship will continue.

Wedding No. 5: Simon & Alene

I didn't see this wedding but I like how Simon and Alene were matched. I think they are both flying under the radar but I like that, they seem to be quite drama free. Can we talk about Simon's haircut?! I know it's a tough line between changing a person from being themselves and wanting them to look good so there is a greater chance of sexual attraction but I feel like getting rid of the curls has helped this couple to blossom.

Wedding No. 6: Andrew & Vanessa

I don't feel a huge connection to these two but think they are a great match and compliment each other's strengths and weaknesses. I relate to Vanessa in the sense I think I come across as overly extroverted and outgoing. I can see how she struggles with Andy's shyness but hope the two of them can balance each other. I want them to work.

Wedding No. 7: Andrew & Lauren

I thought these two were matched really well. I was extremely disappointed to hear Lauren was the run away bride and would have loved to see these two connect. The explainer episode where Lauren finally spoke about why she ran away came across a little childish (I mean, she laughed as she walked into the room) and I did feel really sorry for Andrew.

Wedding No. 8: John & Deborah

I didn't think these two really had a chance in hell. In my opinion, once you get to a certain age you're determined about what you want. I felt Deb didn't ever want to let go of the idea of her perfect Polynesian man. Honestly, if she had of said that once more time I probably would have thrown something at the TV. I did admire how John said goodbye to the experiment and really hope they both find what their looking for. Maybe Deb should move to those islands she kept referring to.

Double Wedding - Couple No. 9: Nick & Sharon

Well these two looked smitten from the moment they met. You could tell they had a connection instantaneously. I feel like it's going to be a rocky road considering how much they have already fallen for each other and can't wait to see how the next commitment ceremony goes down. Honestly, it wouldn't matter how Nick tried to justify the stripper thing, he would always be in the wrong. I really hope they work out.

Double Wedding - Couple No. 10: Jesse & Michelle

I'm not convinced this will be a slow burn and think there's too much pressure to compete with Nick and Shaz. I liked this match but can't really see it working long term.

Our New Couple - Andrew & Cheryl

I think it's quite obvious that I am behind Andrew and Cheryl 100 per cent. I want them to work out so bad. In terms of their connection I think it was quite obvious at the first dinner party. You could tell the conversation flowed and they both seem to have fun when together.

So, that's it for my first MAFS blog post and it was quite a big one. Congratulations if you made it this far. Please let me know if you liked my analysis and would like me to give another recap.

I hope you are just as excited for Monday's commitment ceremony.

DISCLAIMER: All of the photos used through this post are courtesy of the Married At First Sight Instagram page: @marriedau.

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