Original subtitles

NARRATOR: Previously... Experiment 552.

Oh! WOMAN: Oh!

(DRAMATIC MUSIC BUILDS)

A woman... I didn't tell you to relax.

..would not be relaxed after that.

..following Sara and Tim's tumultuous start...

No, you didn't! Yes, I did!

Don't you ever yell at me!

..the pair's unwavering pursuit of true love...

Sara, you're giggling like a little girl.

..was on full display at the recent commitment ceremony.

We can kind of just get to know each other a bit more

and have some fun.

And...

I'm really sorry, but I wrote 'leave'.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC SWELLS)

Ben, that is you being put on notice.

..after being given a seven-day ultimatum

to turn his marriage around...

She's turning to you, going, "All of this is a sham."

..Ben disappeared on Ellie.

ELLIE: I don't even know where he is.

Whoa!

And it was the start of Family and Friends Week...

We need to unpack it. I mean, it's not the 1950s.

..where Lucinda's dad intervened...

Do you think it's time maybe not to get pissed off so easily?

..when he gave Timothy a wake-up call

with some unique advice.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC SWELLS)

Tonight...

Moddy! CASSANDRA: Hey!

..Cassandra's dad, Moddy, is back...

Love, love Moddy!

..as Family and Friends Week continues.

MAN: Obviously I want all the goss, the drama, the tea.

But will Tim's friend...

Are you feeling the tension? Do you need to relax?

(DRAMATIC MUSIC SWELLS)

..undo all of Sara and Tim's recent progress?

(DRAMATIC MUSIC CONTINUES)

And... ELLIE: Welcome back.

..Ben's shock return.

# I've been unaware... #

..but can he sing his way into Ellie's heart?

I'm not sharing this place with you tonight.

He's just wasted my time.

Before...

Never had an issue with it. And you shouldn't!

And I shouldn't... That's right.

..and I've never had an issue with it.

And we're right back to zero again.

..a dramatic turn for one of the experiment's strongest couples.

Can their loved ones get them back on track...

I don't understand what's going on.

..or is it too little, too late?

Andie's not into me at all anymore.

(SOMBRE MUSIC)

(CRIES) WOMAN: Oh!

(SOMBRE MUSIC CONTINUES)

(MOMENTOUS MUSIC BUILDS)

The experiment has reached its halfway point...

..and for Family and Friends Week,

our original couples have been meeting each other's loved ones...

So, it was good. It was a good day.

I think you did really well.

She really liked you. Well, that's good.

I would've been able to know if she didn't.

Yeah. She would have told you.

..which, so far, has helped strengthen bonds

and given the couples renewed confidence in their relationships.

WOMAN: You were stoked to see your coach?

Yeah, it was great.

When you walked away,

he said to me he's never seen you like that with anyone, ever,

and I was like, "Stop it!"

I think we're in a good spot. I think we're doing well.

(UPLIFTING INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)

But as many of our bride and grooms continue to grow closer...

(TENSE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)

..Ellie and her husband, Ben, couldn't be further apart...

(TENSE MUSIC CONTINUES)

..with Ben missing from the apartment.

Ben disappeared after the last commitment ceremony.

when Ellie finally took him to task for his inconsistent behaviour.

I feel that I am not getting the authentic Ben.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC BUILDS)

We just can't have open conversations.

I can't get a straight answer out of Ben.

It's just made me question, does he actually wanna be here?

(DRAMATIC MUSIC BUILDS)

So, um, I'm really sorry, but I wrote 'leave'.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC CONTINUES)

JOHN: Ben, that is you being put on notice.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC BUILDS)

ELLIE: I'm so angry.

He's taken off.

I don't even know where he is.

He's literally wasting my time.

I feel cheated.

I've come into this experiment to find my person.

Like, I'm 32 years old and I do want a family.

The clock is ticking, like...

I just don't want anyone to waste my time.

But once again, Ben is not showing me he's in this relationship,

and that's what I want to see.

It's just constant up and down.

I don't see a way forward, because he's not here.

Right now, I feel like I'm being short-changed.

Like, where is he?

(TENSE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)

(LAUGHS) Where is he?

I actually, like...

I'm just laughing because I am in shock.

Like, I just...if you don't laugh, you cry, right?

(KNOCKS AT DOOR)

(DRAMATIC MUSIC BUILDS)

Hi. Hi.

How are you? I'm OK. How are you?

Yeah. Hang on, I'll just put these down.

(SOMBRE PIANO MUSIC)

BEN: Having time apart has helped me absorb

what she put out on the couch.

It was the wake-up call I needed.

You know, I haven't been fully present, or listening,

to Ellie, and her needs.

So, I definitely wanna spend the rest of this week

restoring trust and faith

and being the best supportive husband I can be.

John said you have seven days notice, and then you took off.

(SOMBRE MUSIC)

I just felt like you just didn't care.

So, it's good that you've come back so we can chat about it,

and you know, try and see a way forward.

But, like, do you actually... you wanna be here?

I do wanna make it work.

(GENTLE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)

You know, learning that the way I sort of behave

and how that makes you feel,

that was, you know, an interesting mirror of reflection.

It actually makes me a little bit, like, emotional to hear that,

'cause I'm just so pleased.

Like, that you finally have seen that.

I feel like it took me to write 'leave' to get you to say this.

It was a hard, but welcome slap in the face.

Yep.

I'm trusting you now to show me that, you know, I'm still here,

but I'm not gonna make any guarantees.

Like, I just... I need to see some change.

I'm happy you're back.

We'll give it a go. That's all I...all we can do.

That's all it's about. Yeah.

I'm hopeful that the rest of the week might actually be positive,

but he's got less than seven days to turn it around,

and he's got to show me that, you know,

he does care for me and he wants to try.

So, time is ticking.

Thank you.

(MOMENTOUS MUSIC BUILDS)

Today, more of our couples are coming face to face with their loved ones

in Family and Friends Week.

I'm actually really excited to see Dad.

I'm really excited to see Mum as well.

I'm sure they've got some words of wisdom for us, as always,

and a little bit of trash talk, and then they'll be fine.

(LAUGHS)

Couples have been living in the bubble of the experiment.

So, meeting up with their loved ones

will be a great way for the original couples

to get a fresh perspective,

reflect on their journeys so far,

and identify and unpack any issues

that have come up during their time in the experiment,

as they attempt to figure out

if they have a viable, long-term future.

One of the experiment's most tumultuous couples, Sara and Tim,

have now found their groove and begun to relax into married life.

We're definitely in the best place that we have been.

(MOMENTOUS MUSIC BUILDS)

We have the physical...chemistry.

Alright, I'm ready to go.

OK, I'll book an Uber ride through the app.

We're just moving in the right direction.

Bit of a relief, actually.

At the start of the experiment,

there was just this, like, tension in the air.

Always tension.

That's not right.

You need to, um...

(SARA SIGHS) What?

From early on in the experiment, small issues set them off.

No, I was gonna say you need to relax.

Oh, yeah, you don't say that.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC SWELLS)

(LAUGHS) Have you ever dealt with women before?

They don't like to be told to relax.

..and Tim found Sara's fiery communication style...

..confronting.

(SOMBRE MUSIC)

So, Tim, does Sara intimidate you?

Yeah. Potentially, yeah.

But the couple have moved forward...

I know that I can be quite an outspoken Latina.

..and since regained their spark.

Sara, you're giggling like a little girl.

Oh, because... (LAUGHTER)

We haven't seen this before! (LAUGHTER)

It's lovely.

It's feeling really, like... easy now.

It's fantastic progress.

Yeah.

(MOMENTOUS MUSIC SWELLS)

OK, cheers to Friends and Family night.

But there's one person who could derail their progress.

Tim's lifelong friend and provocative best man, Ben.

Yeah.

Tim had the idea to pack his own lunch

at a four-day music festival

in the middle of an Australian summer.

We sat in awe as he devoured rancid, four-day-old chicken.

(CHUCKLES)

And, Sara, you can find solace in the fact, rancid or not,

Tim will still eat you.

Cut it.

TIM: I'm a little bit nervous about today.

I love Ben, but he can be an acquired taste.

(TENSE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)

Sara and I are only just getting to, like, an OK position now.

So, hopefully he doesn't push Sara's buttons in the wrong way,

and hopefully, like, that doesn't come back into our relationship.

(TENSE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)

What I've heard from Tim is there's been a couple of ups and downs.

(TENSE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)

BEN: Look who it is!

Heyo! SARA: Hello!

Yeah, I'd like to get a more detailed picture, I think.

How you doing, brother?

If he's being restrained, if he's well fed.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC BUILDS)

And obviously I want all the goss, the drama, the tea.

(MOMENTOUS MUSIC BUILDS)

NARRATOR: With Family and Friends Week in full swing,

and Sara and Tim finally in a good place again,

they're meeting with Sara's friend Cherise...

Oh, hello! Hi, darling!

How are you? Mwah!

..and Tim's best man, Ben.

How you been? BEN: I've been very well.

More importantly... how have you two been?

(LAUGHTER) Well...

CHERISE: Let's start from the honeymoon, 'cause I haven't...I didn't see you since the wedding.

Um, it's been good.

I mean, we're good...we're, like, doing really well at the moment.

Are you sure? Tim said he was counting the days.

(TENSE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)

Look on the wall on his side of the bed. You'll see the tally.

(TENSE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)

Um...

Look, like... (SIGHS) ..we have done...

..like, we've come, like, so, so far.

But we've had some...some... a really rocky start.

Oh, really? Oooh.

Yeah. Let's unpack that.

(TENSE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)

We got to the honeymoon and we ended up kind of having a big blow-out.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC BUILDS)

Um...we took a shot of tequila,

and I made a face and I was like, "Eugh, yuck! I hate that tequila."

And then Tim, like, decided to tell me to relax.

CHERISE: Oh, no, he didn't!

(LAUGHTER)

But should you have relaxed?

(DRAMATIC MUSIC BUILDS)

No, you don't tell a woman to relax.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC BUILDS)

Can you tell men to relax?

I never...I would never tell someone to relax.

Tim, relax! (TIM GROANS)

Don't tell me to relax.

But anyway...

..we've had...we had, like, a little speed bump,

a couple of speed bumps since then.

Yeah.

Like, little tiffs about, um, like,

me feeling like I want him to be a little bit more, like, assertive

and, like, confident in, like, the social settings.

Can you say them?

Blink twice.

(LAUGHS)

Our communication style is very different.

Yeah.

And my thing was more that I was struggling to get a voice across.

So, I was feeling like...

(LAUGHTER)

(TENSE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)

I'm just kidding. I don't know.

Relax. (LAUGHS) I don't know. (INDISTINCT)

Oh, god!

(TENSE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)

He just feels a little bit childish.

(TENSE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)

It's just inappropriate.

Like, it's, like, you've come here to discuss our relationship.

Like, take it seriously, you know?

Like, it's all fun and games.

Like, we can have a crack, we can have a laugh,

but, like, we're having a discussion about something serious.

Like, it'd just be nice to have him, like, listen as well.

(LAUGHTER)

Are you feeling the tension?

I'm feeling it, yeah, a little bit. Do you need to relax?

(DRAMATIC MUSIC BUILDS)

Tim's groomsman seemed a little bit...

..on the...juvenile side.

(LAUGHS)

It made me a little worried,

because I think - what's that saying?

Birds of a feather flock together.

(TENSE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)

I was just hoping Tim shuts this down.

And then you needed to relax.

TIM: I had to put my foot down.

Ben can be a bit much sometimes.

We've definitely been, like, much more...

..smooth sailing than it has been.

We've been trying to learn

each other's communication styles as we go,

and, like, I feel... we've been getting there.

You know, I love that she's very emotionally intelligent.

That fieriness and the passion, I love that.

(UPLIFTING INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)

I think we're in a good place now to actually just enjoy each other

and, like, try and build something special together.

SARA: That was really sweet.

That's, like, things that I love to see.

I need my person to support me, have my back, and speak up,

and...yeah, it was just, like, nice to see him do that for me.

So, I'm very happy.

You're in a good spot.

(UPLIFTING INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)

The vibe's been good.

It feels like we're just starting now,

and now we can actually, like, get to know each other,

and, like, have that flirty, playful vibe and...

Yep. Nice.

I mean, that's a good, positive sign.

I think Tim and Sara's relationship could last

if it continues on this positive trajectory.

(LAUGHTER)

And they look very happy,

but to make the relationship work better with Tim,

I think Sara needs to relax.

(LAUGHS)

Cheers!

To relaxation.

(LAUGHTER)

(UPLIFTING INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)

NARRATOR: Despite still being in separate apartments,

Lucinda and Timothy are catching up

following a positive meeting with their family and friends.

LUCINDA: Did you have a good chat to Dad?

Sounds like he made you giggle more than anything else.

TIMOTHY: Yeah, he was... he was interesting.

He just...he cracked me up.

He'd go from scolding you to making you laugh,

like, all in a matter of, like...

(LAUGHS) That's very Dad. ..two seconds.

It was, like...yep. (LAUGHS)

(LAUGHS) Yep.

Oh!

Her dad, he did have a few things to say.

Like, he didn't back down.

He was a fiery little guy! (LAUGHS)

Oh, you are a prick, aren't you?

You're all, "Oh, I'm always a prick.

"I can't, you know, blah, blah, blah."

You know, it's boring.

(TENSE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)

Yep.

From my point of view,

you need to sort of not get your tits in a tangle, maybe, sometimes,

and pull your finger out.

(LAUGHS)

I do like your advice.

I sometimes can hold a grudge. Don't.

And, hey, it's not for me to tell you what to do,

but we'd love to see a little bit more sort of action on your behalf.

Yeah.

Could be a one-night stand, or could be anything, but just try it.

(JAUNTY INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)

I have never actually had a father say,

"Just have a one-night stand with my daughter, see where it goes!"

Like, that has never happened to me, like... (LAUGHS)

What were his tips?

Um...

..like, he just...you know,

he just wanted me to make more of an effort.

Um...yeah.

How does that sit with you?

(JAUNTY INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)

Yeah, look, I said that I would just drop being pissy, or pissed,

and...I'll be better.

Yeah.

(GENTLE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)

I think Tim and I have had a reset from this Family and Friend visit.

Like, a bit of healing and positive forward traction,

'cause Tim just lightened up.

His whole energy field was open again.

(ROMANTIC INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)

Your dad's cool. Mmm.

Yeah. He's a little peacemaker.

Yep.

I just want to put him on the top of a wedding cake, I said.

(LAUGHS)

NARRATOR: Still to come...

TRISTAN: Moddy! (LAUGHTER)

..Cassandra's dad, Moddy...

You can ask us whatever you want. We're pretty open books.

..asks the big questions.

(JAUNTY INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)

And later, Stephen's emotional revelation...

MAN: This is probably the first time I've told anyone

the reason why I'd guarded with every relationship in my life.

(SNIFFS)

..before a relationship on the edge.

From my point of view, Andie's not into me at all anymore.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC BUILDS)

(MOMENTOUS MUSIC BUILDS)

NARRATOR: As our original couples meet with their loved ones

for Family and Friends Week,

our two newest couples are in the midst of Crash Course Week,

which has been designed to help fast-track their relationships.

WOMAN: Jonno - not my type. Tristan - I love Tristan.

(JAUNTY INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)

Jade and Ridge are undertaking the photo ranking task,

where they will reveal what they find attractive in the opposite sex,

and it seems at least one couple have figured out

how to achieve marital harmony.

Of course, you would be first, darling.

You've got the tanned skin, you've got the dark hair.

And as far as attractiveness goes, it's a no-brainer for Ridge.

RIDGE: Obviously you're number one, by, like, a stupid mile!

Like, not even in the same level.

(JADE LAUGHS)

Jade needs to know that, you know,

I don't really have eyes for anyone else but her.

You're the best-looking girl here. You're in a league of your own.

JADE: Ridge was very sweet.

I got really lucky with you.

JADE: I really like him a lot,

and I am excited to just keep getting to know him better,

and see how we go.

(UPLIFTING INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)

Good job. Good job, darling.

Down the hall,

Michael and Stephen are about to delve into

one of the experiment's most confronting tasks -

the confession letter.

"It's time to dig deep

"and share something very personal with your partner.

"Sharing with your partner your innermost secrets, fears, memories,

"and even regrets take courage,

"but this level of honesty and trust can deepen your bond.

"So, be brave and let your partner in."

Time to get deep.

Yeah, alright. Let's get into it, eh?

I guess. (LAUGHS)

Stephen and I just moved in together.

We haven't really been deep in our conversations.

So, hopefully it's gonna help both of us understand each other more.

Michael and Stephen have been slow to connect on a deeper level

since Stephen's walls went up

when he discovered he was Michael's second match.

Instantly, I felt sick.

I just felt like, "This is not a genuine match, then."

This is a really last-minute, "You'll do."

But some timely advice from expert John

gave Stephen some perspective.

JOHN: I, personally, gave him the worst news

that he wasn't going to have the experience

of Married At First Sight.

(GENTLE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)

But I also told him that we'll do everything we can

to find someone better.

(GENTLE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)

And since then, their Crash Course Week has been an exercise

in slowly bringing Stephen's guard back down.

This is probably the first time I've told anyone

the reason why I'd guarded with every relationship in my life.

I really wanna open up to Michael.

I wanna kind of give a little bit of clarity

as to why I put my walls up.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC SWELLS)

My dad cheated on my mum when we were kids.

(STIRRING INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)

I grew up in a broken home and saw what cheating does.

One thing I've always struggled with my dad

is the lying and the betrayal.

(STIRRING MUSIC CONTINUES)

The disappointment, yeah.

(STIRRING MUSIC CONTINUES)

No, we don't have a relationship anymore.

(STIRRING MUSIC CONTINUES)

(SNIFFS)

(LAUGHS)

(EXHALES)

(SNIFFS) I'm gonna go to the bathroom.

(STIRRING MUSIC CONTINUES)

(STEPHEN SNIFFLES)

(EXHALES)

(STIRRING INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)

Always being patient with me. (CHUCKLES)

Always.

Um, I have experienced a man,

who was supposed to love his family unconditionally, up and leave.

(STIRRING INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)

(CRIES)

(STIRRING MUSIC CONTINUES)

(EXHALES)

For so many years, I have watched my family put themselves...

(EXHALES)

You got this.

(STIRRING INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)

(CLEARS THROAT)

Watched my family put themselves in vulnerable positions,

only to be disappointed and let down.

(EXHALES)

So, slowly, over time, it became heaps easier

to just shut off...uh, the...possibility of being hurt

and stay guarded.

I'm gonna do everything in my power to work through this

and give you my full trust.

Stephen. (LAUGHS)

Oh!

I didn't realise that you really had that much weight on you.

Feel like this was a good opportunity to kind of explain

why I am so shut off and guarded.

I was madly heartbroken, listening to his letter,

and just setting the struggle of him to push through it.

It was a strong moment for him.

Not too intense for you?

(LAUGHS) No.

My part, as a partner, to carry that with you,

and make it lighter for you.

(GENTLE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)

Thanks.

I strongly believe that was a breakthrough moment for him,

and for our relationship, moving forward.

I feel like we could build on that,

and get to know each other even better and deeper.

I just wanna give you a big hug right now.

Yeah, bring it in.

Mmm.

(UPLIFTING INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)

(MOMENTOUS MUSIC BUILDS)

(LAUGHTER)

NARRATOR: After meeting with their loved ones

for Family and Friends Week,

Sara and Tim are feeling stronger than ever.

I'm feeling good about Sara.

Like, I'm feeling, like,

we had, like, a little bit of a, I don't know,

potentially, it could have been a bit shaky,

like, with the friends coming through,

asking to rehash everything,

but it feels...it feels good.

We're in a good place.

You go a very good massage, though. I'll tell you that.

Sara's becoming more affectionate,

and I'm, you know, becoming more affectionate towards her as well.

It was, like, 20 minutes. Oh.

Maybe, like... Mine was three hours!

Yeah, yours was three hours. (LAUGHS)

We've been intimate again, and that's been nice. (LAUGHS)

Like, I think that's actually helped a lot for...for the day's mood.

Should we go to bed?

Yeah, I'm tired. OK.

Things are going really well.

I feel like we are making progress

and, like, we're understanding each other more.

So, I'm just, yeah, happy and basking in it.

(LIGHT SWITCH CLICKS)

(MOMENTOUS MUSIC BUILDS)

It's a new day in the experiment,

and true to his word,

Timothy is taking a big step in his relationship with Lucinda

and has moved back into their apartment.

TIMOTHY: I've got you pegged!

LUCINDA: What - for the whole game? (LAUGHS)

Talking to Lucinda's parents, especially her dad,

gave me a lot more hope with Lu, and us,

and we came back from that just in a really good place.

(UPLIFTING INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)

(LAUGHS)

I...I thought I had it won a minute ago.

Lucinda is a great girl,

and our time together is actually a lot of fun.

15. And you got 14.

I won.

But it's baby steps.

Tim has moved into a separate room Lucinda is calling The Man Cave.

I think he wants a little man cave where he can get a bit messy.

(JAUNTY INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)

His ensemble of pants and undies on the ground.

I don't mind that he has a man cave.

I think that's good for us for now.

I reckon I've got 80 pairs of sneakers.

80 pairs of sneakers?!

I think we really have turned the page now.

Actions speak louder than words,

and I just think we can get on with it now, truly.

I'm happy to have him back. It's good.

You know, we have so much fun together.

Tim! Oh, my god.

I know that when the sparks fly,

it's gonna be a special moment, if I'm so blessed.

(GENTLE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)

JADE: How do you feel about, like, partner looking at phones?

Like, do you care, or... RIDGE: No, go for it, go for it.

As one of our newest couples,

Jade and Ridge are about to undertake a crash course in trust

with the phone swap task.

You know what we gotta search? What?

Gotta see if Tinder comes up.

Tinder?

Oh!

Yep, that's not there. Great.

Ha! Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha! OK.

What's the other one? Hinge.

None of it.

You have done very well. I am very impressed.

Good job. Good job.

Michael and Stephen are also going from strength to strength...

STEPHEN: Ding, ding, ding! Oh, another match!

(LAUGHTER)

..finding common ground in the values task.

MICHAEL: And the last one - I think we align on this one.

Mm-hm. Let's just put it down together.

Has money. Has money.

Doesn't matter.

This was, like, such a breeze of a challenge compared to the last few.

It was a breeze, yeah!

Does it make you like me more? Yeah.

Oh, OK. It does.

It makes me...yeah, feel like we are...very in sync

with what we're after.

(GENTLE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)

Whilst our most recent newlyweds hit new heights

in their relationships,

down the hall,

after disappearing on Ellie following the commitment ceremony,

Ben has taken the first step to win back wife Ellie -

writing her a song.

# I've been unaware

# Till you pointed them out on the

# Couch And I just wanna say thanks... #

Music, for me, is excellent therapy.

(JAUNTY INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)

It's one way I get out my feelings, or my thoughts...

..through melody, through music.

It's very emotive.

(SINGS)

When you get the mirror held up to you,

and you go, "OK, everyone else is seeing that,

"but is that really who I am?"

I'm just like, "Whoa!"

So, that was...that was heavy.

# Thank you, Ellie

# So, thank you... #

Having completed his original composition,

singer/songwriter Ben is now excited to premiere the lyrics

to his brand-new single to wife Ellie.

So, I ended up writing a song.

So, that was the lyrics.

So, all these were just thoughts on what we said on the couch.

Bit that really stood out, like, "I was unaware..."

And I think I, even in the song, said,

"I'm unaware of (BLEEP)-up behaviours

"until you pointed 'em out on the couch. Thank you."

Thank you for communicating.

I don't know what I don't know sometimes.

Um...

But, now I do know, it really sat with me,

and I tried to summarise those key points the best I could.

I don't know, it's just thoughts and then I just...

Hang on, those thoughts is now a verse.

Those thoughts are now a chorus.

You're making me cry.

It just came out.

I need a tissue.

Which bit made you cry?

It's just really thoughtful.

It was sweet.

No-one's ever done that for me, so...

I feel really happy.

It kind of showed me that he was, you know,

obviously thinking about this quite a lot, which I appreciate.

Like, it's just showing me that he wants to make it work,

and he wants to try and make these last days the best, if not better,

than possible, so I'm inclined to believe that.

Bit of work.

Hopefully, it'll sound good.

What's the name of the song, Stay or Leave?

Well, and then it turned into the chorus,

I just started saying, "Thank you, Ellie."

I can't even remember the song.

I just... I don't...

If I sing it and play it again, it'll come out different again.

I haven't recorded it, I just...

That's really nice, thank you. It's just impulsive.

I do like Ben.

It's pretty obvious that I have genuine feelings for him,

so it's good that it's finally getting a bit more consistent.

It makes me hopeful for our future.

Yeah.

I know.

Coming up...

Ben's ballad backfires.

TRISTAN: Your dad, my mum coming down.

It's Cassandra and Tristan's turn to put their relationship

under the spotlight, and are meeting up with Tristan's mum, Jolan...

Mum! Hi!

Don't you look beautiful.

..and Cassandra's dad, Moddy.

Moddy! Yeah!

Love, love, love Moddy.

The best father-in-law anyone could ask for.

Oh! It's good to see ya, good to see ya.

At the wedding, we connected.

We're gonna become best friends in no time.

Yeah, best friends in no time. You're gonna be fine.

He was so funny.

Tristan, if she causes you trouble, please don't come to me.

(LAUGHTER, CLAPPING)

And, Cassie, this is serious now.

If he gives you trouble...

..call her.

(LAUGHTER)

Mic drop.

(LAUGHTER AND CHEERING)

Oh!

Hi!

Married.

It's been two months since my daughter got married.

I think they were off to a good start,

so I'm just hoping that they've built up on that.

She can't hide much from me.

I've known her for 30 years.

I can pick up on body language, you know?

I am nosy.

I gotta be.

My dad always gets the truth,

the whole truth and nothing but the truth out of me.

And, you know, the truth is Tristan and I have been rocky.

Are we OK?

Yeah.

I just think, lately, we've just been in a bit of a rut.

The couple have really struggled

to take their relationship out of first gear...

Nothing's going on and that's the problem,

and I'm just frustrated because I need more intimacy.

..with Tristan's deep insecurities surfacing throughout the experiment.

The thought that you aren't attracted to me scares me.

Through our journey so far,

you understand I was very overweight during school.

For a long time, I always thought

that the only way a girl would love me is if I had a six-pack.

When I would approach them or ask them out,

they would reject me and also they'd laugh and make fun of me.

This made me feel worthless.

I want you to know I am attracted to you.

Tristan, is there a possibility

that this is you getting in your own head?

She's shown you she really likes you.

I know. Do you hear that?

Yes, I do.

And, today, the pair are hoping

their parents can provide some much-needed words of wisdom.

Toast to families reuniting. JOLAN: Families.

How is it going?

Moddy, you've got an amazing human being here.

I call her perfect human Cass. She's the best person on the planet.

You've raised a good daughter there, Moddy. You've done well.

We've had a lot of highlights.

We've had a couple of rocky times.

We're working through it, so...which is good.

OK.

Moddy, you're being awfully quiet.

Oh, he's listening. Do you have any questions?

He's listening intently. I'm watching your body language.

Yeah, fair, fair, fair, fair.

And what you are hiding.

(TRISTAN AND CASS LAUGH)

You can ask us whatever you want. We're pretty open books.

(CASS LAUGHS)

He's being cheeky.

Moddy turns around and asks the hardest-hitting question.

You don't have to answer...

Completely caught me off guard, you know?

Here we go.

This is a bit weird telling our parents this,

but I do find her attractive and stuff like that.

We just kind of got stuck in the friendship zone,

and that's kind of where we're, like, kind of...

Trying to get out of that. Getting out of that.

When you're stuck in the friendship zone, why?

I was struggling to make the first move 'cause I get really nervous.

Why?

Remember when I was back at school and I was really fat?

I used to ask out girls and I used to get made fun and laughed of.

Yes. Yeah.

And I'm struggling a lot on just, kind of, getting to that level.

You just really lack self-confidence.

Tristan, sometimes, I think you have imposter syndrome

where you think you don't deserve what you've got.

I continuously say to Tristan, "Give yourself a break.

"You're actually a really wonderful person."

Always so hard on yourself.

Please, just have some faith in yourself.

I'm working on it. Right.

It just takes some time.

And it's obviously hard for Cassandra.

Yeah.

I'm a big-time romantic, so I was hoping for sparks and fairy-tales

and chemistry and everything, that's what I was hoping for.

Tristan is, like, the most thoughtful,

considerous, kindest person I've ever met.

Other than the intimacy, he's everything I want in a man.

Young people, you are too much in a hurry to get there.

Yeah, yeah. You're missing on the journey.

Some people, you know, they come together

and they go, psh, like a soft drink.

But it doesn't last. Psh!

But it doesn't last.

It's like, no, lasting things take time.

You know, fire, you've gotta put logs of wood on the fire

and the heat goes up and up and fills the whole house

'cause you're putting one more log on the fire.

I know what it takes to build a really good relationship that lasts.

I was with her mother for 30 years, and then I put so many logs in...

(ALL LAUGH)

The intention is there for both of them to be in this relationship.

All they need is a little bit more patience.

It's as simple as that, you know,

especially Tristan - put in more logs.

I'm starting to see maturity and the relationship maturing, you know?

Yeah, yeah, you're right.

Part of the reason why I've been shooting myself in the foot

is that, like, I really like Cass,

and I'm starting to really invest myself into her, you know?

I've never been this vulnerable with anyone before,

so I'm accepting that I've gotta rev it up a bit, as well,

and focus on affection.

Get out of your comfort zone,

really, really try hard on this because this is the make or break.

OK, one more cheers, everyone. Cheers, guys, good hustle.

It's wonderful seeing you. Family reunion lunch.

Don't forget the bottom!

Back at Skye Suites, things are tense for Andrea and Richard.

(SOFT KNOCKING)

Richie and I just had our first fight, and it's still going.

The vibe between us is really bad and awkward.

We had a blow-up over something stupid.

It's really annoyed him that I went and had a conversation

with my three best friends on the phone last night.

I don't even know if it was 2.5 hours but he says it was...

..and that that ruined everything.

He woke up this morning just cold.

It's a far cry from how the couple started the experiment, with a bang.

How would you describe it? Spontaneous combustion.

(HEARTY CHUCKLE)

But after a candid couch confession

where Richard revealed intimate details about their relationship...

We gazed, we hugged, we sucked, we (BLEEP).

WOMAN: Oh, my God.

..Andrea's guard went up.

I felt like my bubble burst.

And we've lost what we had.

Because of what I said to her, she's got a wall and it's not the same.

Despite both wanting to get back on track...

Andi, do you want to be as connected with Richard as you were previously?

Of course, of course I do, yes. OK.

..Richard feels like Andrea's not making enough of an effort.

There's nothing wrong with me talking to my people.

Andi, you do your talking on the phone all the time every day,

and I never say a word and I've never had an issue with it.

As you shouldn't. And I shouldn't.

That's right. And I've never had an issue with it.

The issue is it doesn't seem to me that you're trying.

I thought this was a night where we should maybe spend time together

and start, you know, reconnecting

and that didn't happen and so I was just a bit, you know, let down.

I wasn't expecting another night with Andi

in the room on the phone for two to three hours, which happens a lot.

That's not the real issue.

The issue for me is

there's something going on with her and there is a wall.

You know, this has been going on for a while.

There's a wall up and nothing's shifting.

I don't see that there's gonna necessarily be any shift

in your feelings towards me or anything like that at all,

you know, because I just don't...

I'm not sure you...

..what's really going on with you,

you know, to be honest, you know, and we're right back to zero again.

You know? Well, we're not back to zero.

Well... You really, like, dramatise stuff.

Well, you just said... You make it sound worse than it is.

I'm trying.

OK, Andi, that's fine.

See, we're clashing here.

She believes that she is trying.

Well, where are you?

Like, you weren't present at all, you know?

I don't see any, uh, effort.

A voice is saying, yeah, no, no, no, no, this is not good.

(OMINOUS MUSIC)

What's actually going on here?

This doesn't make sense.

(MUSIC CONTINUES)

Following an earlier argument, tensions are still high...

Oh, nice.

..as Andrea and Richard prepare for a visit from their loved ones.

Friends and family are coming today.

I'm like, "Of course, they have to come

when we've just had a massive fight and not talking, really."

(PENSIVE MUSIC)

Little bit awkward.

But I actually think it's a good thing

because our people know us so well.

It might help us to get a bit of perspective.

I like Andi so much, you know, and I want this to work.

I don't...I'm just, yeah, just feeling upset.

Feeling rejected and, like, very sad

because I'm still not clear what's going on.

I actually don't know.

(KNOCKING AT DOOR)

Joining them for lunch is Andrea's best friend of 30 years, Kate Maree.

Hello!

And Richard's daughter, Roxy.

Oh! Dad!

Oh, my God, it's so good to see you.

Aw!

You OK? Yeah?

I was walking in, like, super happy and excited

and, as soon as we hugged and I felt him crying, I just, like, knew

straight away, like, OK, something's really up and he's really hurt.

KATE MAREE: How's it goin'?

How are you?

How are we? How are you?

How are both of you?

Um...

We're OK.

OK.

You sound sad. You look sad.

Yeah, I feel a bit sad.

Why?

It's been a tough day for both of us, and a tough day for me.

I think, um, I mean, I think, first, I just want to say that...

..like, I'm hoping that having you guys here

would be, like, a really positive intervention for us

because you know Andi really well, you know,

and Roxy knows me really well.

And, uh...

..I don't know, do you want to start talking?

Um, we have had a really big fight.

We didn't resolve it.

OK, so you're not in a good spot today?

Can I ask what it was?

'Cause maybe we can help you. Yeah.

So...

..we started off with, uh, with, like, a bang, you know?

Very intense. We started at a ten.

Very passionate. Ten out of ten.

Which is common, that's common in new relationships, you start...

Yeah, yeah, yeah, it was a real high.

And then it sort of petered off, you know?

Andi admitted that there is a bit of a wall

when it comes to romance and intimacy with me...

..and that I'm more into her than she is into me.

OK.

(INTROSPECTIVE MUSIC)

Like, I don't... I don't...

I just... I mean, I'm...

(MUSIC BUILDS)

I don't understand what's going on.

Why did it go from being so strong to what happened?

OK. Because that...

Roxy, it's your dad and it's awkward.

But, um...

..the second commitment ceremony, your dad said some very...

..inappropriate things.

He was really open with sharing our intimacy.

The way he said some things, I just went like that.

I felt disrespected.

So, I think I've sort of put a bit of a block in,

put up a wall a little bit.

But I want to not have that up,

and I was working on trying to pull it down.

So, I'm here, I'm trying. Yep.

And Richie was cold to me, and said to me that I wasn't trying,

and I was, like, going out of my brain, going, "I am."

Why did you feel Andi wasn't trying?

Because Andi said, "I'm here, I'm gonna be present,

"I've shifted my mind

"and let's now start to build the intimacy and get that going."

And then, after that, she basically spent the evening on her own

doing her own thing and talking to friends.

(DISCORDANT PIANO CHORD)

So, I don't know what's different. Like, it just seems to be the same.

From my point of view...

..Andi's not into me at all anymore.

(TENSE MUSIC)

Oh...

Oh, my God.

Are you OK?

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

From my point of view...

..Andi's not into me at all anymore.

(EMOTIVE MUSIC) Oh...

Oh, my God.

(SOBBING)

Are you OK?

(SNIFFLES) Yeah.

OK.

As someone who knows her really well,

Drea definitely has a lot of baggage from past relationships.

Like, I know she ended up with somebody

who didn't love her enough and didn't treat her well.

And so, the minute something comes up, she will react.

She will shut down.

She will retreat if she's not feeling respected.

And even if you're not intending that 'cause I don't...

I think you're a nice guy.

You seem like a really cool guy, and you seem like you are very kind.

But she's coming in with all that baggage.

It's not easy.

I can see where he's coming from.

I know that he's probably feeling a bit rejected

and that she's quite distant at the moment.

But I can also see why Drea has definitely retreated a bit,

and that, unfortunately,

is gonna take her some time to come back out of that and then try again.

I told you, didn't I, I said,

Richie's been nothing but kind and beautiful to me.

And that's why...

And I told you I like him more because of it, so...

Because I start to think I am that person,

that's what happens, I'm a bad guy...

You are not. And that's where I go.

I know you're not that person. I can see that.

Like, he has a good heart,

and he lives his life in his happy little world,

and he goes dancing and he...

He, um...

He kicks bottles around and he just plays,

and he's...just means no harm to anyone.

He's such a good man and we have so much fun.

I adore your dad and I want to fix it.

(UPLIFTING MUSIC)

It sounds like, to me, that, yeah,

throughout this whole journey from the beginning up until that fight...

Yep.

..that he has been really patient and kind.

Yes.

It's been great.

I think it's important to highlight that.

Yeah.

I'm sorry that she's been through that really horrible stuff,

no-one should ever have to go through that,

but, you know, my dad is not her ex.

He's super, super kind and he is patient,

so he would never be treating her like that, especially not her.

He's really into her. He likes her, he's told me that.

If last night is the only big fight that has happened,

then that's really not bad.

Bigger picture, yeah, like,

trying to work on the good things and focus on the good things.

Yeah.

I see so much potential between the two of them.

Like, I really, really do.

I want...I see a future in this.

I adore Andi.

I'm here to be patient and to support Andi and do what she needs.

What I like about her the most

is her...she's just, kind of, off-centred.

She is a kooky girl, that's why I love her.

I love that term - off-centred.

You don't quite know what's gonna happen.

She falls over, literally.

Yes, she does. She loses stuff.

She crawls over the carpet.

It's weird, you know, but I like that.

I feel really a good energy, and I reckon you guys have a really...

There's a real hope here. I can see it.

OK, good. I can see it.

(GENTLE MUSIC)

Richie and Drea, they still really like each other which is so good.

Drea has a lot of baggage.

I hope that it's something she can work on

and create a nice, healthy relationship.

You're alright, you're a good man..

I hope you all work out.

There's always effort needed on both sides.

I love you. Bye.

Thank you for coming to my party. Bye.

After having Kate Maree and Roxy here, I do feel better.

I've let go of the...unhh..that I had.

And I do want to try 'cause that man is a beautiful man.

I feel ready to sit on the couch with Richie and snuggle up.

OK.

As a successful family and friends week draws to a close...

Goodnight. Goodnight.

..our original couples have grown closer...

..and gained a better understanding of who their partners truly are.

Whenever I see half-price Tupperware, I gotta buy it.

We need... you're gonna need to get a truck

to get all your Tupperware back to Melbourne.

And crash-course week for our intruder couples...

It's so fun just seeing you smile and laugh a lot more.

..has helped to push their relationships forward.

Stop looking at photos upside-down. Alright.

I'm tired, you've made me tired 'cause you're annoying me too much.

(JADE LAUGHS)

But, as everyone winds down, a surprising turn of events

has left one of our original couples at breaking point.

(FROSTY MUSIC)

(DEEP SIGH)

(MUSIC CONTINUES)

Um...

You've missed hours, I'm sorry, and you're not gonna get it.

What the (BLEEP)?

(SCOFFS)

I'm so confused.

Not so long ago, Ben was writing songs

and all kindness and positivity, and then, all of a sudden,

Ben sat me down for 2.5 hours,

and listed everything that he has not enjoyed about this relationship

or me.

It was literally just, like, nitpicking at me.

(MUSIC CONTINUES)

I expected that, to be honest.

For her to get emotional.

I actually had, like, a little glimmer of hope this afternoon

but now I feel cheated, actually, from this experiment.

He's literally... he's just wasted my time.

(TENSE MUSIC)

(MUSIC CONTINUES)

You've missed hours, I'm sorry, and you're not gonna get it.

Ben sat me down for 2.5 hours,

and listed everything that he has not enjoyed about this relationship.

It was literally just, like, nitpicking at me.

I requested that we got to talk about the relationship

because I think it's been focused on me for a while

and I wanted to be honest,

and I was just telling her how I feel the best I possibly can.

And it just didn't sit well, obviously,

and, you know, what do I do?

So...do you mind if I just grab my book?

So, I took notes.

He didn't like that I applied make-up.

(FROSTY MUSIC)

Because he's used to dating girls that don't wear a lot.

(MUSIC CONTINUES)

He didn't like the fact that I was 32 and he's 39.

He reckons there's a generational gap.

He didn't like the fact that I was from the Gold Coast.

He didn't like that I was sensitive or emotional.

And he also liked good conversation from me.

Apparently, he's not getting good conversation.

I think he wanted to highlight everything that he's been feeling

in the past five weeks, and, yeah, I don't know what the purpose was.

It's just so hurtful.

I'm sorry, like, telling me that he's not used to dating girls

that wear make-up, but what is that going to achieve,

except make me feel shit about myself?

It's unfortunate.

I mean, I expected that, to be honest.

Her to get emotional and not want to...

It's OK to get emotional, but time...

How do you have a good conversation?

So, it is quite challenging.

And I want to finish my dinner.

I haven't eaten much 'cause I've had this tooth removed

so I'm only just starting to eat, so it's horrendous timing.

I actually feel stupid.

I so badly wanted this to work.

I literally sat in this apartment all day today

and then the other day, as well, to try and save this relationship.

Yeah. (VOICE BREAKS)

A big disappointment.

You know, 'cause I was hoping to find love,

and that turned out a (BLEEP) joke.

No, I'm not coming back from this.

I'm not doing it to myself anymore. I'm so done.

I literally have...

I'd rather be single than spend another night with Ben.

Boys want attention, men want respect and legends don't give a..

VOICEOVER: Egos.

My relationship is near perfect.

Call me in 3 years.

VOICEOVER:..are about..

Watch it, cos I'll be all over you like a pitbull on a poodle.

VOICEOVER:..To clash.

That's why I'm asking the question.

You've always been a grandstander. (THUMPS TABLE) (GUESTS GASP)

Cowboys out with their guns. (IMITATES BULLETS)

VOICEOVER: This dinner party..

I'm in this with all my heart. Tim is an awesome person.

Yeah we've heard it, we've heard it.

One minutes, I haven't finished.

VOICEOVER:..pulls no punches.

There's a food chain here and you are not at the top. Shut up.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

The truth is.. It is what?

She's completely blind-sided.

It was like an absolute car crash in slow motion.

And it was like.. (GASPS INTERMITTENTLY).