Married At First Sight Season 17: Struggles and Strain in Search of Love
“Married At First Sight” (MAFS) Season 17 has unfolded with dramatic twists, emotional confrontations, and unprecedented challenges. The show, which pairs strangers together in matrimony with the guidance of relationship experts, has historically had a low success rate. Season 17 has not bucked this trend and, if anything, has set new lows. Here’s a comprehensive look at the ups and downs, particularly focusing on Michael Shiakallis and Chloe Brown, and why this season has been especially turbulent.
The Runaway Bride Incident
The season began with an unexpected and historic event: Michael Shiakallis was left at the altar. This was the first instance of a runaway bride in the history of the series. Michael, a tech worker, stood waiting at the altar, adorned with a crown and sword gifted by his intended bride. However, his bride-to-be, whose face was never shown, walked down the aisle, saw Michael, and decided she could not go through with marrying a stranger. She promptly ran away, leaving Michael humiliated and heartbroken.
A Second Chance with Chloe Brown
Following this dramatic event, the show’s producers and experts decided to offer Michael a second chance at love with a new bride, Chloe Brown. Michael, eager to find a partner, accepted this opportunity. Chloe and Michael got married in a lively ceremony attended by their friends and family. Initially, they appeared to hit it off well, but as the season progressed, it became evident that significant issues were brewing beneath the surface.
The “Icks” and Gender Nonconformity
One of the primary sources of tension between Michael and Chloe has been Michael’s gender nonconforming style. Michael embraces his individuality and feminine side, boasting a distinctive and edgy fashion sense. He has numerous tattoos, a wild curly mohawk, and an overall aesthetic that challenges traditional norms. Michael’s unique style reflects his cultural background—half Filipino and half Greek—and his personal identity.
In stark contrast, Chloe exhibits a timeless, conservative elegance. Her fashion choices are simple, sophisticated, and clean-cut, embodying the trend of quiet luxury. During a recent episode, Michael tried on some of Chloe’s jewelry, which made her visibly uncomfortable. Chloe expressed that she was used to dating men who adhered to traditional masculine norms and was struggling to accept Michael’s nonconforming style. This significant difference was overlooked by the MAFS experts, leading to friction in their relationship.
Michael’s Character and Chloe’s Struggles
Despite Chloe’s discomfort with Michael’s style, it’s clear that Michael possesses many admirable qualities. Chloe, a self-described “recovering perfectionist,” faces her own internal struggles. As they returned from their honeymoon, Chloe began having second thoughts. She confided in Michael, saying, “Tomorrow, reality sets in. And it’s absolutely terrifying. I’m unsure if I can go through with this.”
While Chloe’s feelings of discomfort with Michael’s appearance are understandable given her preferences, they do not diminish Michael’s worth. Michael has made significant efforts to make Chloe feel safe and seen in their relationship. He is a good and honorable man, and Chloe might need to reevaluate her expectations regarding what a man should or shouldn’t wear. Clothing does not define a person’s character or the value they bring to a relationship.
Shared Values and Compatibility
Despite their differences, Michael and Chloe share several key values, particularly concerning pets and children. Both have a strong love for animals. Chloe has adopted numerous pets, including a blind elderly poodle, demonstrating her commitment to giving unwanted animals a chance at life. Michael is also a devoted pet owner, caring for three shelter animals. This shared passion for animal welfare is a positive aspect of their compatibility.
Additionally, both Michael and Chloe are open to the idea of a child-free life. Neither is determined to have children, which can often be a dealbreaker in marriages where partners have conflicting desires about starting a family. This shared view on children is a crucial element of their compatibility, highlighting an area where the MAFS experts successfully matched them.
The Outcome and Broader Season Struggles
Despite these shared values, rumors suggest that Michael and Chloe’s marriage did not last. According to the Instagram spoiler account @MAFSfan, the couple broke up before the show’s official Decision Day. Although this has not been officially confirmed, the account has a track record of accurate predictions. This potential breakup underscores the broader issues faced by the couples in Season 17.
The other four couples on MAFS Season 17 have also struggled significantly. Clare and Cameron, and Lauren and Orion, have already broken up. Becca and Austin face challenges due to religious differences and intimacy issues. Brennan and Emily struggle with Brennan’s lack of attraction to Emily. The season’s pattern suggests that none of the couples are likely to stay married by the end.
The Experts’ Role and Challenges
The MAFS experts, including relationship counselors and psychologists, work diligently to pair individuals based on compatibility and shared values. However, Season 17 has highlighted the significant challenges in this process. Despite their best efforts, the experts faced difficulties in creating successful matches. The issues of physical attraction, communication, and differing expectations have all been prominent.
Conclusion
Season 17 of “Married At First Sight” has been a historical low point for the series, marked by unprecedented events like the runaway bride and a general lack of lasting connections among the couples. Michael Shiakallis’ journey, from being left at the altar to struggling in his second marriage with Chloe Brown, epitomizes the season’s challenges. The lack of chemistry, differing expectations, and fundamental incompatibilities have overshadowed any initial sparks of connection.
As Decision Day approaches, it seems unlikely that any of the remaining couples will choose to stay together. This season’s struggles highlight the complexities and difficulties of the experiment, where strangers are expected to form lasting marriages under public scrutiny. The shared values and admirable qualities among participants are often not enough to overcome the deeper issues that arise in these hastily formed unions.
For fans and participants alike, Season 17 serves as a reminder of the inherent challenges in reality TV dating shows. The journey towards finding love is fraught with obstacles, and the path to a successful marriage is rarely straightforward. As the season concludes, it will be interesting to see how the couples reflect on their experiences and what lessons they take forward into their future relationships.
