Valentine’s Day may be reserved for couples but you best believe on this day of love, I will be celebrating as we single people do: devouring the newest episode of a fav reality TV show. In my case, it’s “90 Day Fiance” (thanks for the delay, SuperBowl), a show that follows couples who are united under the “fiancee visa” that grants their partners 90 days in U.S. to marry them–or not. But how real is this love portrayed on TLC?
I understand that some people will go through great lengths for love, but some of these couples face some of the most wild relationship hurdles, to say the least. Take Season 7 where I was constantly conflicted thinking about the authenticity behind the relationship between Anny (Dominican Republic) and Robert (US), which was built on texting and meeting in-person once. Robert conveniently forgot to mention to his fiance that he had 5 kids and very shallow pockets (guess all that child support adds up!). Nevertheless, he romanced her with thefalse promise of a life full of luxury. He made her leave her clothes in the D.R., only to offer her second-hand clothes to build her wardrobe here, a promise she doesn’t let him forget. So I have to think that all she’s here for is to “make his pockets hurt” rather than actually being in love with thim. But then again, why would she put up with his broke-a** and mess-of-a-life in addition to taking care of his kid, if she’s aware that Robert cannot provide her a luxurious lifestyle? She even refuses a free plane ticket back to the D.R.; it was literally her only way out. So do you see my dilemma? Their situation is so ridiculous, especially with the blazing red flags that come with Robert. But it’s also believable enough to make you make excuses for the couple to validate that this could be a loving relationship.
My optimism is not baseless or built from a place of naivety. It comes from the very likely rumors that the craziest, most volatile couple, Anfisa and Jorge…are still married, even after all the slapping and screaming! I mean if they can make it anyone can! Before I lose all credibility, I think this rumor may be true because some ex-cast members have revealed that TLC is known to display these relationships in the worst light to emphasize the drama or make the situation worse than it was in reality.
TLC has to stir the pot to make a good show, otherwise who would watch it? It’s not a farfetched thought. The more stable couples are usually considered the boringest. Remember them? I don’t.
I’m not here to judge. Like everyone, I need to see if Syngin finally decides to drop Tania’s crazy a**! This show grabs your attention like no other. It keeps you glued to your screen week after week and all night, until you’ve watched the end to find out what happens to these couples. I’m also sure that like me, other fellow reality TV connoisseurs that watch this show religiously, must watch with a grain of salt, constantly wondering about the authenticity of the show in general or the people. A rumor surfaced that Caesar from Season 6 was allegedly an “aspiring actor” and his relationship with Maria was fake.
Are the situations scripted to exploit their relationships for drama? Is money really stirring this pot? But more importantly, where do they find these people?!