12 things I didn’t see discussed…
Ok, I think we can all agree that episode was WILD. But, while Michelle and David and Madison and Allen had all the drama, there were a few dynamics I didn't see mentioned... Or, at least, not too thoroughly.
- Juan and Emem did a great job keeping Allen from losing it, even though Juan bordered on tone deaf. Allen did a great job not becoming a villain, as the first person in MAFS history to kick something and not be pseudo-canceled. It's like man just landed on the moon.
- It was a little patronizing that we all applaud Allen for not driving while drunk...as it does seem like that was one of a laundry list of things that Madison used as her "out." We need to stop acting like Allen is a drunk, until we know more. Feel bad for him there, given that this is televised.
- I don't know how I would feel, as a Latino male, about being called a pool boy. (Particularly by a white guy.) I feel like that registered for a few people, but no one said anything. Not great.
- I think Juan considered saying something, but didn't want to make Allen look like an ass on camera. That was nice, Juan, and I hope you said something off camera. And Allen, just a note for the future. We know you care about Juan.
- I didn't love that Camille was congratulating herself on being "too mature" for the drama. Like, just because Thomas is a nice reliable guy, that's not a reflection on you, in this case. Just luck! I feel like Emem and Michelle and Allen didn't bring this on themselves. (Rewatch: I think it's more a tone thing...like, she doesn't want to be involved, but I feel the girls need her support? Thomas actually was similarly checked out. Unfairly pinned only on Camille.)
- What the heck happened to the "stolen phone?" That vanished quickly. Or rather, reappeared. What a weird alibi.
- It seems like David or Madison has done this before. Why don't they know how to synchronize deleting individual messages?
- I am amazed that Emem can keep her composure and laugh and smile when she knows what's brewing, after the car ride. So classy.
- Karla's confidence in the universe is actually weirdly inspiring, even though I don't connect with some of her worldview. She has pretty strong emotional resilience, and she doesn't stress about wrongdoing.
- I felt secondhand embarrassment during the latex scene. But, luckily, everyone will forget about that! Ha!
- I wonder how the producer felt manipulating Madison like that. Guilty? Excited? Just earning a paycheck? Interesting ethical moment.
- Michelle is a great example how trauma can become wisdom. She is truly uncanny...and it makes me sad to know that it's at least partly because she experienced this BS growing up. That's why she works so hard to keep herself safe, even to a fault.
What's your 13??
ETA...
Michelle sending David to talk to Allen was a great example of how women (I am one) sometimes hide behind the patriarchy only when convenient. (I know some will adamantly disagree here, but that was just my thought. Not a worldview.)
Madison picking on Allen is a great example about how people take advantage of insecurities to create a distraction, while also subconsciously absolving their guilt. Allen was so worried about his comments, that night, that he couldn't even notice what was going on with Madison and David. Notable at work, in friendships, and in relationships.