Finally have a chance to get a new MAFS recap up. The newlyweds are half way to decision day and things are finally going to get real.
Beth & Jaime
These two seem mismatched. For their anniversary, they go back to the venue for their wedding. Jaime gives some new vows to Elizabeth. He vows to be a better husband when things get heated and try harder to see both sides. We see from the teaser that this probably doesn’t happen. He set up a very romantic lunch for their anniversary. She gave him a little leaflet of what I presume to be sexual positions. They didn’t show the book. He gave her silver a Tiffany heart necklace.
Jaime asks what three things he could be doing better. She has nothing. This foils his plan to tell her a few things. So he says he doesn’t have any complaints either.
Later Jaime has a picnic set up with the top layer of their wedding cake. And they get the gift basket. Beth is overly consumed with how great she looks in the photo. It’s about her. Again. I am hoping this is scripted. Because into every episode, a little rain must fall?
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Apparently not. Because later that night after the cameras left she went through the album again and talked about herself. Jaime pointed out how she is missing the point of the album. They had a huge fight that we saw on surveillance video. In a talking head, Elizabeth is clueless as to why this was hurtful to Jaime. Jaime called her a materialistic cunt. That was a bit harsh. The he packs his stuff and leaves.
Iris & Keith
Iris and Keith are in the swing of real life. They both work full-time and don’t work the same hours. So they are struggling to find time together. Keith talked to one of his good friends about his concerns over Iris’s virginity. I just noted below that I somehow missed the previous episode.
Apparently Iris feels somekinda way about Keith having struggles with her virginity. She seems to have no clue that this would be a serious consideration for a man with principals as well as a lot of pressure. Thankfully, Iris’s mother breaks this down to her. I love Iris’s mom. She tells her through a metaphor to just do it.
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Keith takes Iris horseback riding. Actually they get on horses and then are walked by people holding the reins to an anniversary lunch. I love these two together.
These two love their photo album and champagne. Keith gives Iris a heart necklace. Clearly, production gave them a small amount of cash to purchase their gifts. Jaime, it seems, upgraded for a Tiffany heart. Iris gave Keith some vinyl records. It’s a touching gift. And you can tell he was touched by the thoughtfulness. I might have gotten a bit misty-eyed myself.
Deonna & Greg
Pastor Cal drops in on these two. He thinks these two are in love. Deonna isn’t ready to vocalize it. Deonna is worried that Greg won’t like Deonna once Greg really gets to know her. One of the things that Deonna may have been hiding is that she is a poor sport.
These two go to a fancy steakhouse for their anniversary. Production pays for these meals. So Deonna wants to get the grilled octopus appetizer. Greg is not down for it but agrees to try. She’s never had it before either. I love that Deonna is adventurous. That is a great quality to have. It looks good actually. Apparently, it is very chewy.
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Oh, now we are going to get to the airing of grievances. She feels like Greg is “too playful” in the bedroom. We just saw a scene where he was ecstatic to get four pecks on the lips in a bowling alley. I highly doubt he is that “playful.”
Back at their place, they get the gift basket with the wedding album. These two have their top wedding cake layer in the refrigerator? Greg wants to eat it. Deonna explains that it is for their one year anniversary. Then Greg leads her into the bed that is covered with roses, and a beautiful bathtub with candles everywhere. Then, Deonna puts on her full pajamas and goes to bed.
Amber & Matt
I missed an episode of MAFS. I didn’t realize it until just now. Things seem hunky-dory with these two and the last time I saw them I was sure it was over. How did that happen? She’s cooking dinner and he is coming home with flowers and pastries? This is a surprise.
Matt is still a bit overwhelmed by the loss of his bachelor days. He writes Amber a song. Awwww.
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These two celebrate their one month anniversary eating wings at the Omni hotel. She says her favorite part of their first month together was the honeymoon. He says for him it was the first time he saw her coming down the aisle. He asks for areas of improvement. She suggests that he just make sure to let her know he’s alive. That’s about as low of a communication bar as you can get.
These two got to view their wedding on a movie screen on top of the hotel. If that wasn’t emotional enough, Matt busts out his song on the guitar. Can I just say that having a guy sing to you while playing the guitar is not as great as it seems on TV? I have had this experience a couple of times and it was really awkward. You don’t know where to look. You don’t know the right expression. It’s awkward. Maybe it’s just me. Nevertheless, it was sweet.
I loved this episode—mostly. I was almost able to forget the previous Matt and Amber issues and the Jamie and Beth train wreck. But I wasn’t.
Deonna and Greg and Iris and Keith make me happy. I hope both couples make it for the long haul; they definitely have the potential. I know both women have had some detractors, but I think editing heightens their negative flaws. I also think they both have amazing men who make them better. I am lucky to have a wonderful man as well.
TT, I wanted to think like you that production set Beth and Jamie up. I think it is apparent that they didn’t. They are a perfect example of the fine line between love and hate with a good amount of crazy mixed in for good measure.
I do find it interesting that the couples with immediate sexual chemistry don’t make it season after season. I think this season will be no different. Adding a virgin into the formula is an interesting twist. I just hope Iris and Keith can keep it from destroying the relationship.
I finally saw the teaser for Wednesday. I think production and the experts regret the hell they put Kate through last season. I hope the one month checkup accomplishes something.
So does anyone have a different opinion on the Jamie and Elizabeth fight? I realize that Jamie could have handled the matter much better. But he literally went all out for her. He renewed his vows. He asked how he could make the relationship stronger. He gave her Tiffany! And she took and didn’t give him anything except a coupon book for sexual favors. I can understand his angry and frustration when all she could talk about was herself.
I guess what I am asking is are you on Jamie’s side of the argument or Elizabeth’s? Also, did I miss anything important last week?
All I can remember from last week is Matt and Amber’s ridiculously quick kiss and make up, so I don’t think you missed much. I think the editing also started to make Iris look more sympathetic again.
I pretty much blame both Beth and Jamie equally. She is spoiled and narcissistic. He can be cold and rigid. He is also very smart and knows how to use his words to inflict the most pain; she cannot compete with that. They both only see their own side. Neither of them is good at compromising nor being in a position to care for someone else more than themselves. They frustrate me because—like many couples who have been on this show—they make a good match and not just on paper. I don’t like watching them hurt each other on purpose over and over.
I have seen Pastor Cal advise many couples that no one and no marriage is perfect. Marriage and love are a decision you make every day. That is true for any couple be they matched or fall in love via current societal norms.
Sorry for long post. I hope I satisfied your inquiry.
I loved when Iris gave Keith the vinyls! His entire body and face changed. He was so clearly touched and genuinely happy.
Jaime’s whole body changed as well as soon as Beth pointed out herself the first time. I knew she was screwed at that moment. At first i thought she was in the wrong but then I thought about finally getting my wedding album (it used to take months back in the day) and I remember absolutely looking at my dress, my hair, the lighting, etc, before commenting on the photos of the two of us. Any bride who says different is a lying liar. And now Jaime’s reaction scares me because that’s the type of reaction my ex would have had and it ain’t pretty. He needs to get real therapy and she needs to move on without him.
And just to be petty the Tiffany necklace is from the Elsa Peretti Open Heart collection ($400) which is the most counterfeited/ copied design in Tiffany’s history. Every tween had the version without the pink sapphire for awhile there before the fakes popped up everywhere. Hope she exchanges it for something more creative. ???
Deonna and Greg are so cute! She’s letting her walls down slowly, I can tell by the little bit of baby voice. He is a total catch, I don’t know why he hasn’t been snapped up!
Amber and Matt I’m reserving judgement. He does seem like he wants to be married and that he knows he has to change his thinking so I am hopeful.
I think they both completely over-react to things. The other week Elizabeth lost her mind because Jamie wanted to talk seriously, and this time Jamie lost his because Elizabeth was being vain. On the bright side, he seems to take a lot of her nonsense in stride. I don’t know how many men would be interested in all the sage burning and moon water.
It’s that hair trigger temper that is scary, you end up walking on eggshells because you never know what’s going to set it off. My ex and I were in the National Gallery in London standing in front of a stunning Van Gogh. He became irate in about 1.2 seconds because I didn’t tell him what it was about. I think it was one of the starry night paintings. He stormed out and left me there. That’s what Beth has to look forward to with Jaime. Eggshells suck.
I know Beth can be irritating as all hell. She’s high maintenance to the extreme and she’s obnoxious to boot. To be fair though, I think lots of brides might look at their wedding album and focus on their hair, dress, makeup, etc. Right or wrong most women grow up thinking that is going to be the most beautiful day of our lives…it’s the closest to being a real princess most people will ever get. I think tons of guys would just shrug their shoulders and know that some of that obsession with appearance is part of the day. Jamie got seriously butthurt. He took it personally like he is apt to do.
For any man to call a woman a “cunt” is a dealbreaker for me. Nothing warrants that.
I’m more leaning towards agreeing with Elizabeth on this one. When I was a young bride I was very excited for my pictures because for the first time ever I had my hair and makeup done professionally, was wearing a dress that wasn’t from the bargain bin, and for the first time had someone take professional pictures of me. Yeah, I was looking to see how good I looked. Also, Jaime seems like the type of person who you must walk on eggshells around him, I imagine it’s exhausting.
I also think his expectations for this one month anniversary were way too high. If they knew each other for years I would expect more from Elizabeth, but she’s stuck in a very weird marriage to a pretty weird guy who she’s only known for a month. At this point in time, she just doesn’t have the attachment/mature feelings that he was looking for on that day. They’ve already had some scary fights and it seemed to me she was trying to admire the pics in a way that made sense to her. I think this couple is doomed.
Beth is spoiled and a bit selfish in her views of marriage. She does not know how to communicate her feelings or show non sexual affection.
Beth, did not put the same effort into their one month anniversary as Jamie did. All the other couples seem to really dig deep and show the effort. A book of sexual favors… that’s it? I know they like sex, but what about the deep connection and discussions about feelings? She provided superficial nonsense.
I don’t think these two are a good match if they can’t compromise. Jamie needs to be more patient and beth needs to stop thinking only of herself and become a responsible adult. She needs more moon water!
I *kind of* understand where Jamie was coming from, but his totally over the top reaction completely nullified any sympathy I had felt to that point. I see Beth as sweet and harmless. She is kooky in an entertaining way. I don’t see her as a pain in the ass. I mostly like Jamie, but when he fights, he fights really dirty and says deeply personal insults to her. He really tears her down and apart. It is ugly. I see her as mainly defending herself against his onslaught. But I see chemistry there, too, and I want them both to grow up and make this work.
I think Keith is really spooked by Iris’s virginity. He doesn’t want to deflower her and then possibly leave her, so the stakes are just too high for him. I think he’s very thoughtful in that way. I do think he is attracted to her. I wish she would lighten up about her virginity already, because it has become tedious, and I’m just a viewer.
Amber forgave Matt WAAAAAAY too easily. That stunt he pulled, ditching her for a full day, was some bullshit. Either you’re in or you’re out, and that was an “out” move. And then he writes her a song for their monthserversarry? Vey confusing.
I love Greg. He is such a sweetie. I still think she is a bit much, and I rolled my eyes pretty hard when she said she’d be happy with sex every 2 months. How old is she, 70? I’ve heard speculation that she is pregnant, which is why they aren’t showing her on the Unfiltered shows. That would be sweet.
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Jamie and Beth are just an all around mess, and like someone above mentioned, it’s not fun to watch them emotionally and verbally hurt each other. I think she’s spoiled, self involved, and thinks her kooky free spirit personally is a lot cuter than it is. But it was really uncomfortable to hear her upset and asking to be left alone, and then watching him barge in to berate her and call her a cunt. Even if he was fed up with her, it seems like he lashes out and insults her instead of trying to communicate what is actually bothering him.
Elizabeth and Jamie get on my nerves. He comes off as tremendously insecure and I believe that is why he is so explosive at times. I think he likes Elizabeth’s free spirit and quirkinesses, but also wants her to be more responsible. I can’t remember which show it was, but one time he admitted he was bothered that her dad “gave” her a job and also that she portrayed herself as having a stable career. She is probably the least traditionally “successful “ of all the women on the show and that kills him.
If I have to hear one more time Iris speak of her virginity, I’m going to scream. She has absolutely nothing to talk about other than this. As a viewer it is getting old & boring. Iris needs a hobby.
Iris needs to get laid. 🙂
I agree about Iris! She is obsessed with her own virginity… And definitely needs to get some. In some ways I think that women who save themselves for marriage feel like they are giving this special gift. But for some men, I think it is a lot of pressure, because they just want to have normal steps of intimacy in a relationship. However, when someone is a virgin, the lead up to the actual sex is so drawn out and over amplified, that it’s not that desirable to have a virgin unless you are also very conservative and religious. I think that is what Keith must be feeling on the show. It’s great and all that she is so pure, but it would almost be better if she wasn’t…
Iris’s problem is that she has been saving her “special gift” for her husband, only to discover that he doesn’t value it as much as she does. She must feel kind of foolish about it at some level, and no one likes feeling that way.
Iris’s virginity is a third member of the marriage. It has a whole life of its own.
Jamie’s reaction to Beth admiring herself in the wedding pictures was way over the top. In my opinion, he should have just let that slide but instead he choose to let it completely spoil his mood and ruin an otherwise great day. He has a tendency to go straight for the jugular. His reaction, last week, to her asking whether his parents’ divorce affects his views on marriage was insane. He felt uncomfortable and just went in for the kill, intentionally hurting her anyhow he could think of.
Odds of making it:
Deonna & Greg – 95-100%
Really loving Greg’s patience and he’s totally in love. She seems to have most of the power (withholding sex and affection is major) but I think he’s winning her over.
Iris & Keith – 70-90%
He’s patient and mature but there’s something hesitant in his eyes. He’s attracted to her but he’s starting to see the crazy. Iris’s behavior AND body language are extremely weird. Every time the subject of sex comes up she turns into a child. She seems very mature sometimes – the records gift and her support for his grandmother, and immature at others – the lemonade issue was a childish tantrum. I wonder if there’s something hidden going there. Her virginity is her whole identity and story line, she’s not giving that up.
Amber & Matt – 50-60%
She’s too needy and he’s not ready to be married. He’s revealed too many red flags that any real expert could’ve caught and I wonder if there’s some dark secret around his family too. Their communication seems only surface, they’re both too afraid to go deeper.
Beth & Jamie – 0-30%
I wonder if they need the drama to get to the makeup sex. Their fights escalate too quickly and cut way too deep. And they haven’t even told their parents they don’t want kids? Doomed.
Excellent summary of Iris, childish is the perfect descriptor. I know Matt has family issues but doesn’t Jaime as well? I hope we get to hear about that, it might explain his explosive temper.
I think Jamie and Beth have higher odds than Matt and Amber. Matt is already sprinting the other way.
I realize I will probably get flamed, and I am ready. It has been a while since I got involved in a good discussion here. TT I apologize in advance and hope this doesn’t go sideways. This site is a daily must for me, and I am totally addicted to MAFS.
I have watched Iris be viewed negatively episode after episode for her behavior and life choices while other participants get support and justification for the same. I do not doubt her virginity plays significantly into the success of this experiment for she and Keith. I also think she is getting a lousy edit to prove her virginity is just another of her weird character flaws, and Keith is a saint no matter his decision. Production and viewers see her virginity as a reason for the marriage to fail. I think that is sad.
I think most seasons production quickly realizes the couple(s) who are most likely to make it beyond decision day and will have very boring storylines for tv. Production then immediately focuses on the couple’s weakness (usually it seems to be the wife’s shortcomings/issues) and inflates the weakness into a major storyline. They have to keep us watching and guessing. They show the same few talking head segments over and over. They make sure to tape and manipulate the couple, families and experts to discuss the weakness ad infinitum. I don’t think Keith and Iris spend every minute talking or thinking about virginity. Just like Bobby and Danielle didn’t spend every second talking about her reticence for deep emotional conversation. And just like Ashley and Anthony didn’t fight every minute of every day about her priorities regarding family and family business (even if that seems to be all they showed in episodes).
I agree with pp that Keith doesn’t want to “love and leave” her, nor is he sure he wants to stay married with someone with whom he has never been intimate. I find him to be a prudent, wise and thoughtful young man. He takes the legacy given to him by his family very seriously. Production really went for shock value on this storyline. They knew their audience, and we as suckers played into it. If Keith had started DATING a virgin by his own choosing, I think he could have easily determined his way without losing either his or the girl’s values. He was not given a choice and there is a countdown clock looming. I imagine there is not much divorce in his family, and he really cares for Iris. It is a catch-22 because he knows she will likely not have sex until after decision day and he respects her too much to pressure her otherwise.
As to Iris’ other quirks/weaknesses/faults or whatever. Both Keith and Iris work for nonprofits. Most people who watch this show would agree teachers work too hard for their pay. That is nothing compared to “mentors” at a nonprofit A nonprofit in the South. Iris was an only child with a job that doesn’t pay tons of money who lived alone as an adult. I am sure she is used to stocking food and drinks for herself she rations for whatever reason. I would assume we all do the same—or at least should sometimes. The only time we had teenage/college boys in my house growing up was boyfriends. Maybe they helped themselves to food at their friends’ houses, but they never would have gotten food and drink at my house without permission. They were guests, and it was our responsibility to make sure they got refreshment. I now have a teenage boy, and I still have to offer his friends snacks over and over. Grown men handle things differently. They are called man caves for a reason.
I can’t judge as to anyone else’s crazy; I have enough of my own. Iris may be a total loon. However, I firmly believe production has edited out the rational conversations Iris and Keith have about her issues. They want us all to think anyone who is a 27 year old virgin has to be a certifiable nut job, and today’s society is more than happy to agree.
1stimer, I totally agree with your observation of this show! There is the good, the bad, the ugly in every relationship but Producers of these shows always Zoom in on the negative of each person. Have we, as viewers of these shows allowed such behavior because we like Train Wrecks?