Love is Blind season 5 tests what it means to fall in love…again. Do looks, money, and other things matter when it comes to matters of the heart? Or can you fall in love with someone sight unseen? Again, we are watching a bunch of hopefuls navigate these questions in season 5 of the series. And since we can’t control ourselves (as evidenced by our season 5 episodes breakdown for 1-4, 5-7, 8-9, and 10), here is our breakdown of the season 5 reunion!
1. Are you surprised that Lydia and Mitlon are still together? Also, that fanvid of their life in the past year. How’d it make you feel?
Lizzie: Honestly, no. I’m not actually surprised. I had a good feeling about them. There was a sense of camaraderie between the two of them, and it felt like they really connected and brought out the best in each other. It’s hard to know in reality TV because you aren’t truly seeing reality, you’re seeing the edit, but even through that, Lydia and Milton felt real. I especially liked the way they teased each other. Sure, the edit sometimes made that seem mean-spirited — but they clearly never took it that way, and I know from my own relationship that sometimes couples know their own limits and push them in a way only they understand.
And the fanvid! I was so happy they had all that time together, and that they got to have another wedding and could have their families there to celebrate them properly. I was also really happy to hear Lydia and Milton’s mom get along. Look, it all sounds just like what you want out of a marriage and I’m glad they both got the partnership they deserve.
Lyra: I’m not surprised at all that Lydia and Milton are still together. Their wedding really showed me something different about them and the way that they clicked. And I can still see it in this reunion for season 5. It looks like they’ve grown as people but also as a couple. They’re not showing off. They just are themselves and I’m happy for them and how far they have come on Love is Blind.
As for the fanvid that the show made about the past year of their lives, it was so cute. It meant something that they had another wedding ceremony. One where Lydia’s brother officiated and there were no cameras from Netflix. That was for them to solidify their love and commitment to each other. I also love the fact that Lydia is besties with Milton’s mom. Really didn’t see that coming. Even they have grown and welcomed her as their daughter while even changing how they treat Milton.
2. After this reunion, what do you think about Stacy and Izzy? Did they still make the right decision?
Lizzie: I think they did. Honestly, they seem better apart and I’m actually really proud of the two of them for managing to salvage a friendship out of the mess that was that wedding. They just weren’t what the other person wanted — or needed, and sometimes that happens, and the heightened emotions in the pods can make you believe you still have to commit when you don’t.
Lyra: Stacy made the right decision by telling Izzy no. He wasn’t ready then and I think they’re just good friends. Nothing more. And good for them that they are in committed relationships. And good on Stacy for not saying anything about her partner. Per usual, commentators watching the show have not been kind. And I wouldn’t want to subject my partner to that. And you can tell Izzy didn’t want to either.
3. What even was that cheating mess between Johnie and Chris?! How did you feel about that?
Lizzie: Now THAT was messy, and kind of surprising. It also felt like there was more to the story… like perhaps Chris did it to punish her. Maybe I’m just going to the worst-case scenario, and perhaps he really just has issues telling people bad things, but it feels to me like he could have just wanted to hurt her like she hurt him. Either way, it was messy. The two of them didn’t seem to be on bad terms, so it’s clear Johnie forgave him, but that was really, really nasty, and no matter what Johnie did before, I don’t think she in any way, shape, or form deserved to be cheated on.
I’ll commend Chris for owning up to it, though I also think it’s Season 5 and most smart contestants do know what they have to say not to get crucified on social media at this point.
Lyra: Out of everyone, I did not expect Chris to be the drama. Good on him for coming to the season 5 reunion and owning up to what happened. (After dealing with Shake and Jackie in previous reunions, I’m not used to people owning up.) But what he did to Johnie was nasty. And I don’t even like Johnie. And I don’t think anyone deserves to be cheated on. If anything, it’s a sign that they were never meant to be from the very start.
4. Aaliyah came to the reunion and spoke her piece about the whole Aaliyah/Uche/Lydia mess. Was she fair in her assessment? And Lydia’s reaction?
Lizzie: There’s no doubt that Aaliyah got a raw deal. In fact, she had it worse than anyone else on the show. The experiment was ruined for her, and through no fault of her own, she was put in a situation where she felt she couldn’t trust anyone — and no one really had her back. So I’m glad she had a chance to try to clear the air, and I also don’t think she owes anyone anything. I’m glad Lydia got to clear the air too, and hopefully, they can both now move forward and be free from Uche’s toxic presence. Because I think if we can all agree on something it’s how toxic that man truly is. He lied to everyone, he tried to manipulate everyone and he wasn’t even brave enough to face the music and come to the reunion.
Plus, the thing about him not being attracted to Aaliyah is straight-up BS. She’s an absolute Goddess, what is wrong with him?
Lyra: If there’s anything that I learned from Aaliyah speaking her piece during the season 5 reunion, it’s that there is plenty more that we did not see as viewers. I’m glad she told Lydia that she had boundaries and that Lydia crossed the line. And I’m glad that Lydia was open enough to have this discussion on a public stage with millions of people watching. That’s not going to change some people’s minds about Lydia or Aaliyah, but as long as these two women have cleared up the air, I’m good. They can move on and be happy with their significant others.
And if anything, they absolutely dodged the danger zone that was Uche. Because it says a lot that even Aaliyah confirmed that the Uche that we saw at that barbecue was the one that she saw when the cameras weren’t around. Also, that comment about his attraction to her sounded out of pocket and like some gaslighting that Aaliyah did not need because this woman looked like a straight-up goddess. Evidence below.
5. Did you feel like Nick’s rehearsed explanation as to how Lydia and Uche got on the show was them covering their tracks or owning up?
Lizzie: I feel like if the producers didn’t know, then there’s something really wrong with the background checks they do. I feel it’s more likely they did know and they decided having them both there would be a new and fun kind of drama — this is Season 5, after all, something new had to happen. I trust no one when it comes to reality TV.
That makes a lot more sense to me than the ridiculous notion that Lydia somehow stalked Uche and manipulated a Netflix show to make sure they cast both of them just to end up with someone other than Uche but sabotage his relationship. One of the most upsetting parts of this season has been how the social media narrative has turned so quickly on Lydia — why are we so quick to turn on women to support clearly toxic men? We all, collectively, need to be better.
Lyra: I still feel like there is something fishy about the whole Lydia and Uche knowing each other before Love is Blind. Reality TV isn’t totally unscripted. It’s a game where the people behind the scenes try to piece together a juicy story that will get viewers watching. And I still believe that the people in charge of the show kind of knew beforehand. I believe it even more after the cast commented over and over again about how small Houston was. For all we know, they could have gone through Uche’s followers and saw an opportunity with Lydia. But honestly, I don’t think we’ll ever know the truth. We’ll just move on to season 6.
6. Milton really said that he and Uche were never friends (or peers) and that Uche was obsessed with his relationship with Lydia. What does this say about Milton and Uche?
Lizzie: I knew Milton and Uche were never friends ever since Milton’s infamous reference to the group chat, but his speech at the reunion was perfect. Not just because he stood up for his wife, but because he made it clear that all the things Uche put on Lydia were things Uche did himself. He was actively trying to sabotage Lydia’s relationship with Milton, and for what reason? He kept saying he didn’t care for Lydia in a romantic way, and he was just trying to protect his friend, but if Milton and Uche were never friends, then that was clearly a lie.
The truth, it seems, is that Uche just wanted to be the center of attention — and he was upset that Lydia had found the thing he hadn’t, love. And to be clear, the reason he and Aaliyah didn’t end up together wasn’t Lydia, instead, the reason was 100% Uche. Just the definition of toxic. Now Uche needs to keep Lydia, Milton and Aaliyah’s names out of his mouth.
Lyra: Milton’s comments about Uche after Aaliyah spoke her piece were perfect. Firstly, he didn’t invalidate Aaliyah’s feelings. If anything, he connected with her and gave me some perspective on how he was also in this situation but on the opposite side of things because he was with Lydia. Secondly, he made it unequivocally clear that he is not friends with Uche. He never was and never will be.
And Uche was obsessed with Lydia and continues to be obsessed with Milton’s relationship with her. Because what was the point of asking so much about Lydia and crossing boundaries in the pods? What was the point of crossing boundaries and messaging Milton on his wedding day inquiring about his relationship with Lydia? Uche is continuously trying to control the narrative. And he can’t do that with Milton, Lydia, or Aaliyah.
7. What did you think about JP’s excuse for what he said to Taylor?
Lizzie: I know this isn’t an answer, but I will say I was really disappointed no one asked him where he was on January 6th.
Anyway, JP was about as awkward as ever in the reunion, and he basically said the same thing, because, after a year and a half of thinking about it, he really couldn’t come up with anything better. He didn’t even have an excuse! This is just who he is, an asshole who thinks women who wear makeup are fake and men have a right to decide what women do with their bodies. And this just makes me feel very bad for the poor girl who is dating him now. I bet she doesn’t wear makeup. And she wears a lot of red, white and blue.
Glad you got out, Taylor. Also, you looked like a literal Greek Goddess.
Lyra: JP had a year to think about what he said to Taylor. And when confronted by her, he basically gave the same answer. He still thinks that she’s fake and he thinks other women who wear makeup are also fake. And if there’s another reason why he didn’t connect with Taylor, as Taylor herself believes, he never said anything. Which leads me to believe that he is actually being truthful. It doesn’t make me like him. In fact, I dislike him even more. Because he thinks that he is absolutely right in his comments about Taylor and did not take a second for introspection or how she might feel.
8. Which contestant was the MVP of giving the best WTF faces? Because there were plenty!
Lizzie: My girl Stacy. Though, honestly, everyone was having FUN. Especially during the Chris cheating convo. And the JP being JP part. A+ faces, would watch again.
Lyra: Stacy, hands down. She was making faces left and right. Milton and Lydia of course were making some really good faces and even Izzy looked like he couldn’t believe what he was hearing sometimes. But Stacy was serving up face left and right and I kind of loved it.
9. Personally, what was the highlight of this entire season 5 reunion for you?
Lizzie: We all know what the show is, so I appreciate the reunion giving us a chance to sort of see behind the curtain. I’m also glad Vanessa didn’t ask any invasive baby questions. But like Lyra, I think my highlight was these women — not just how they looked, though they looked amazing, but where they are in life: happy, fulfilled, and better than where they were when they went on the show.
Lyra: I have to say that the highlight of the Love is Blind season 5 reunion was the women. Lydia looked like a goddess in that black dress with the deep v-cut in the front. Stacy looked remarkable and like some sort of painting and that red tied-around-her-neck kind of ensemble. Aaliyah looked stunning, from her hair to that champagne dress that complimented her. And Taylor looked so freaking elegant in that updo and golden dress.
Admittedly, Johnie was my least favorite look. It was giving prom. But she looked pretty too. Not goddesses like the other ladies who were just serving face cards left and right. Basically, our eyes were eating up the beauty being served.
Love is Blind season 5 (and the reunion) is available on Netflix.
