I watched ‘Love Is Blind’ Season 9 blindfolded, and it’s a roller coaster

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This article contains spoilers for Season 9 of “Love Is Blind.”

I’m one of those people who finds faces in everything – seriously, Swiss cheese, cars, even wall sockets! So, I figured watching “Love Is Blind” wouldn’t be too weird, even though I was watching it with a blanket over the TV. I thought I could easily picture what the people on the show looked like, you know?

I was wrong.

Netflix’s hit dating show features singles who are looking to get married. They participate in an experiment created by Chris Coelen, where they date people by talking to them through separate pods – they can hear each other, but not see each other. The goal is to find a spouse, and couples only meet face-to-face after getting engaged. Four weeks after that, they get married – though things don’t always go as planned.

Being a big fan of the show, I decided to try watching Season 9 in a unique way. I watched the first six episodes with my eyes closed, experiencing the ‘blind dating’ aspect just like the contestants. I only turned on the video when the couples finally revealed themselves to each other – I’ve been calling it ‘Love Is Double Blind,’ though I haven’t seen anyone else refer to it that way yet, even though this viewing method is becoming popular online.

My experiment showed me it’s surprisingly easy to tell which couples have a real connection – if you can look past how they appear. I also noticed almost everyone looked different than I’d imagined, which might explain why people feel surprised when they first meet someone they’re quickly marrying.

I carefully took notes while watching the first few episodes, just like the people on the show do during their dates. Then, I analyzed my thoughts episode by episode. All the usual drama and awkward moments – from Sparkle Megan’s multiple suitors to the season’s breakups – were still there, even watching it this way.

Episode 1: ‘A Love That Sparkles’

This was definitely the most challenging episode to experience as if I were blind. I initially tried using a blindfold, but it made it impossible to take useful notes. Switching to a blanket over the TV screen worked better, and I figured out a good way to do it by the end of the episode. The best method is to only cover the top portion of the TV, leaving the bottom third visible. That way, you can still see the participants’ names, ages, and jobs, which is especially helpful if you rely on subtitles, like I do.

Even after I perfected how to observe the show without knowing the contestants beforehand, it was hard to follow everyone. However, a few people really made an impression. Patrick Suzuki immediately talked about feeling insecure as an Asian American, which led me to believe he might not be prepared for a show that challenges your vulnerabilities, especially once romantic connections start forming. He seemed to be questioning whether he fit the contestants’ or viewers’ expectations and if any connection would last outside of the show.

I noticed that Patrick and Anna Yuan, both Asian American, seemed to connect well from their first conversations, even before they realized they shared the same ethnicity. They later talked openly about it.

Megan Walerius, known as “Sparkle Megan” on her dates, quickly formed bonds with Blake Anderson, Jordan Keltner, and Mike Brockway. While she and Mike had a lot of initial chemistry, it seemed like he might not be the best choice for a lasting, healthy relationship.

Television

Patrick Suzuki, who appeared on the Netflix reality show about dating, discussed his relationships with both Anna Yuan and Kacie McIntosh, including why he and Kacie ended things.

Episode 2: ‘Love Me When I’m Blind?’

Ali Lima and Anton Yarosh were the first couple to get engaged on the show, and I first saw them at the beginning of Episode 2 – even though the show teased their appearance in Episode 1. It felt like we didn’t have much time to get to know them before the proposal, as the show had a lot of other couples to introduce. I didn’t appreciate a comment Anton made about Ali’s size, but I figured he was just caught up in the excitement of the moment.

It was tough to hear Madison Maidenberg open up about her vision problems and the chance she might lose her sight, but it was refreshing to see her be so honest, and Joe Ferrucci seemed to handle the news well. Edmond Harvey and Kalybriah Haskin seem like a surprisingly good match, and so far, they’re getting along great. Nick Amato immediately came across as someone who’s just playing the game, and I didn’t appreciate the overly suggestive conversations happening in the pods – especially considering their families will be watching this!

It was difficult to watch Patrick struggle with his identity and reluctance to talk to Kacie McIntosh about his background. Kacie was understanding, but at that moment, Patrick and Anna still seemed like a better fit, even though Blake and Kacie also had a strong connection. There were just a lot of complicated relationships happening!

The most touching part of the episode was definitely Joe proposing to Madison – it felt really sincere. On the other hand, Anna suddenly cutting off contact with Patrick was a real downer. It was a shock, and I felt bad for him, though I was also relieved I didn’t have to witness that awkward situation.

Episode 3: ‘Ghost Town’

Megan found herself in a difficult situation. While she usually would have chosen someone like Mike, I thought Jordan was a better emotional match for her. Blake and Anna both left the show, which actually worked out well because it cleared the way for Megan to connect with Jordan. I would have been disappointed if Blake leaving had led Megan to choose Mike instead.

Honestly, watching Madison and Joe meet felt so real – his reaction especially. It’s wild to think about finally seeing the face behind a voice you’ve grown to care for, and it would definitely be a shock. I’ve been listening to the podcast version of this show lately, and it’s made me way more understanding of those awkward reveal moments. I’m willing to give Joe the benefit of the doubt, but now that I can see him, I’ll be paying extra close attention to how he acts!

Okay, I have to say, Edmond’s proposal to Kalybriah felt so right for them. They genuinely seem to connect on a deeper level than anyone else we’ve seen, having really open conversations. But it always makes me think – how much of that is real, and how much is the editing? I mean, the show needs drama, so are they making anyone seem more or less interesting than they actually are? With Edmond and KB, I wonder if we’re only seeing the best bits – the parts of their conversations that are actually engaging – and the rest is probably just…normal, everyday stuff.

Here’s my take on how everyone’s pairing up: I think Kait and Nick work better together than Nick and Annie Lancaster. Annie and Brenden probably aren’t a good romantic match, and Patrick and Kacie just don’t seem to have much connection. Plus, I’m still not a fan of Mike – no offense to him, I just wouldn’t want to date him myself.

Episode 4: ‘The Dangerous Games We Play’

It was difficult to hear Nick and Kait discuss religion, especially since Nick acted surprised that she wasn’t religious, even though she’d already explained her views. While Nick and Annie feel they have similar backgrounds, their conversation about raising LGBTQ+ children was awkward. Annie suggested that young people identifying as LGBTQ+ is just a trend, and Nick expressed concern if children explore these feelings at a young age. They have both since clarified their positions in interviews.

Watching the latest episode, I got the sense that Nick was really pushing for a deeper emotional bond with Annie, trying to match the obvious spark they have. I actually scribbled in my notes, “This is heading for a really messy breakup!” And honestly, while it’s tough to see, I think Brenden actually dodged a bullet – he’s so clearly head over heels for Annie, but it just wasn’t going to work out for him.

Regarding Kacie and Patrick, I’m surprised anyone would be so open with intimate conversation while knowing it was being filmed. While Kacie clearly cared for him, it seems his lack of confidence might be too much for their relationship. Patrick’s proposal was really uncomfortable—if someone proposed to me and then immediately started yelling and rushing things after I accepted, I’d probably take back my answer.

Things were really starting to get tense between Jordan and Mike, both of them clearly competing for Megan’s attention. Honestly, it was pretty obvious how different they were approaching it. Mike was all swagger and confidence, while Jordan seemed genuinely focused on what would make Megan happy. It made me start to question if all the sweet talk and nice gestures were real, or just a way to win her over. With Mike, especially, it definitely felt like he was just trying to impress her, using kindness as a tactic.

Television

The Netflix dating show usually avoids talking about politics, but Season 7 is different – political discussions are now a main focus.

Episode 5: ‘I Want You to Want Me’

This was the last blind episode I could handle. The biggest issue was the music – it’s always overly obvious, but this episode was the worst. When Mike finally showed a vulnerable side and told Megan, “I want you to want me,” the soundtrack immediately launched into a song with the exact same lyrics. It felt incredibly heavy-handed – we already understood the moment!

Television

Netflix’s hit reality show, featuring artists like Lee Ann Wombat and Forest Blakk, is known for its surprisingly fitting love songs that seem to match the on-screen events. Here’s a look at how the show creates that connection.

Nick and Annie’s proposal was cute, but I wasn’t convinced they’d make it as a couple. I was most surprised by them because I hadn’t pictured what they’d look like at all. They seem like a nice pair, but I have a feeling this won’t last.

Seeing Patrick and Kacie together was heartwarming, even though it was a little awkward. I had previously thought they wouldn’t be a good match – if I’d seen Kacie interacting with Patrick while they were still talking through the pods, I wouldn’t have predicted they’d connect, as she seemed to prioritize physical attraction. While I don’t necessarily think they have a super strong connection, their reveal was really sweet.

It was lovely to see Megan and Jordan together – they seemed really happy! I was glad Megan didn’t end up with Mike, and it was sweet to see one of them walk the other back to their friends and family when they had to separate.

Episode 6: ‘Coming in Hot’

Starting with this episode, I could finally see the screen clearly. It was a little strange comparing the faces I’d imagined to how the people actually looked, but once I adjusted, it was good to see everything happening on screen.

Watching Kacie and Patrick at the beginning of the episode actually made me regret giving that blanket away. It was frustrating that she couldn’t just tell him if she was ending things, and her saying it wasn’t about his appearance felt unnecessary. Patrick really deserves someone who will be honest with him.

It was entertaining watching the couples connect in Mexico. I also noticed—and kind of loved—those ridiculously large gold goblets the show’s producers make everyone drink from. I hadn’t realized how much I’d missed them when I was watching without knowing what was happening!

Tensions were rising between the couples. Edmond was upset that Kalybriah wanted to wait until after the wedding to be intimate, and Joe was acting strangely. His initial appeal was starting to fade for Madison and me.

Whenever the partners of people on a show meet for the first time, things usually get interesting, and this episode was no exception – it delivered plenty of drama.

Episodes 7-11

I’ll break my thoughts down on these episodes by couple for simplicity’s sake.

I wasn’t surprised to hear that Annie and Nick broke up. Their conversations on the show never seemed very intimate, and it didn’t feel like they had a strong enough bond to get married, particularly after such a short time.

Looking back, I should have noticed Joe was acting strangely when he revealed his feelings. He was unpredictable from the start, and it only got worse. I feel sorry for Madison, but honestly, I tend to naturally root for the woman in these situations.

Knowing Madison is likely to lose her sight, I really hoped she’d find someone who would love her for who she is, and accept her completely.

Despite the criticism this show often receives for its music, using Sabrina Carpenter’s “Manchild” when Joe left his tuxedo fitting was a brilliant choice. We need more moments like that!

Ali and Anton just don’t seem like a good fit for each other. While neither of them is a terrible person, I noticed little things that bothered me about both of them – Anton’s drinking and Ali’s messiness, for instance. By the eleventh episode, I didn’t think they should get married, and their conversations leading up to the proposal didn’t feel deep enough to justify getting engaged.

Megan and Jordan are navigating the challenges of blending their lives, particularly with Jordan being a father. They seem to be working through these adjustments together effectively.

I’ve always been curious about what Jordan actually does for work. There’s been a lot of online speculation – some people even think he might be a spy! He says he’s a service manager in transportation and logistics, but his job has become a point of contention in his relationship with Megan. Despite the issues with their different lifestyles, I surprisingly think they have the potential for a lasting marriage – they just feel like they could make it work.

Kalybriah and Edmond noticed a change in Edmond’s behavior during filming. He appeared more open and communicative in the pods than he did in everyday life, and Kalybriah pointed out he acted differently when the cameras were around. This raises questions about how much reality TV affects the authenticity of the entire experience.

I believe they’re compatible, but they should probably date for a while longer before getting married.

Episode 12: ‘Vow or Never’

This season of “Love Is Blind” ended with a surprising first: none of the couples got married. While the dramatic music and editing made the rejections at the altar seem shocking, looking back at the season, it wasn’t entirely unexpected that no one said “I do.”

I initially doubted Ali and Anton were a good match, but after seeing her interviews the day before the wedding – especially the touching interaction with Anton’s mother and her heartfelt vows – I fully expected she’d accept his proposal.

Kalybriah’s rejection felt inevitable, considering the problems she and Edmond had been facing before the wedding. Edmond’s reaction to being turned down at the altar was surprisingly calm. Their split really showed how intense this experience could be. If the show had focused more on helping couples build lasting, healthy relationships instead of creating drama for viewers, maybe Kalybriah and Edmond could have worked things out. At the very least, they wouldn’t have felt so much pressure with everyone watching and judging.

It was really painful to see Megan and Jordan break up, especially knowing how deeply connected they were from the start. While it’s sad that life challenges interfered with their love, it seemed like a marriage would have been difficult anyway. Megan was thoughtful to avoid causing even more hurt by pretending to go through with the wedding only to call it off.

Parting words on ‘blind’ viewing

As a movie buff, I really tried to look beyond just the on-screen chemistry this season and dig into what actually makes a relationship work. Honestly, it was a bit of a letdown – I found very few couples who seemed like they had a real shot at a happy ending. I’d call my little ‘relationship audit’ a success, because it made me think about what’s underneath the surface.

I’d only continue watching if I had someone to watch with. Trying to keep track of everything alone is really tough, and it would be much more enjoyable with friends – especially to share the surprise when things are revealed, since it’s so hard to picture what’s going to happen.

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2025-10-22 13:38