Married at First Sight fans are expressing their outrage, chanting “Shame on them,” as the panel of experts for season 18 appears to be failing its cast, jeopardizing their public images. Viewers have already witnessed the five couples exchange vows, embark on their romantic honeymoons in Mexico, and acclimate to their shared living conditions as they near their one-month anniversaries. The couples were paired by a panel that includes Dr. Pepper Schwartz, Pastor Cal Roberson, and Dr. Pia Holec, all of whom have been with the franchise since season 15.
The primary responsibility of these experts extends beyond matching couples; they are also expected to provide guidance throughout the eight-week experiment. Their roles include intervening during difficulties and defusing potential crises. However, the experts have struggled, achieving a dismal success rate of only 12 out of the 64 couples they have matched over the franchise’s course. In season 18 of Married at First Sight, the experts seem to be falling short in their counseling efforts, leading to significant concerns about their qualifications.
Controversial Guidance from Dr. Pia
Inappropriate Handling of Ikechi’s Concerns
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5A77-onRqUhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5A77-onRqU
Initially enchanted by his wife, Emem Obot, cast member Ikechi Ojoré has since characterized her as “aggressive.”He now perceives Emem’s directness and curiosity as overwhelming, and it has led him to distance himself. In a recent session with Dr. Pia, Ikechi accused Emem of being sexually aggressive and making advances that he found unwelcome. Dr. Pia’s insistence that Emem should apologize to Ikechi further exacerbated the situation, even amid Ikechi’s blatant disrespect. Emem expressed her frustration during this exchange.
“I came into this just being who I am, and it was too much for you, and I’m hearing that now.”
A discussion on Reddit featured user u/ProudSound2835, who criticized Dr. Pia’s approach, arguing it not only excused Ikechi’s behavior but also undermined Emem’s confidence. This user declared that Dr. Pia’s actions were detrimental to both parties involved.
“Watching this woman apologize to this ‘man’ for being herself was one of the most heartbreaking scenes I’ve seen on this show. Not to mention that there’s an expert supporting and mediating this conversation. Shame on them, on Ikechi, the producers, etc. This woman is vibrant, successful, full of life and genuine.”
Pastor Cal & Dr. Pepper’s Misguided Advising
Off-Base Feedback from the Experts
Dr. Pepper and Pastor Cal’s efforts in season 18 have been equally ineffective. Despite their joint visits to assess the couples’ relationship statuses, they continue to provide vague and unhelpful feedback. Their failure to deliver targeted advice means they are not adequately guiding the couples toward positive interactions or resolutions.
While they have highlighted problematic behaviors, such as Michelle Tomblin’s defensiveness towards her spouse, David Trimble, they fail to offer constructive counseling that could facilitate genuine progress or awareness for the couples involved.
Reputational Damage to the Experts
Falling Short of Expectations
Through their inadequate assistance, the experts are unwittingly steering the couples toward negative trajectories. Their inability to effectively fulfill their roles is progressively eroding their credibility as professionals. The participants in season 18 of Married at First Sight are struggling, and the perceived lack of adequate support from the experts is endangering the prospects for stability and success in their newly formed marriages.
Married at First Sight airs on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. EST on Lifetime.
Sources: Lifetime/YouTube, u/ProudSound2835/Reddit