I love Love Island USA again
Plus my adoration for The Gilded Age, the show where nothing happens
Dear Readers, things aren’t looking to great in this ole USA. Millions of Americans are set to lose their healthcare. The Trump administration is building ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ in Florida, which is alarmingly similar to the concentration camps in Germany. And Texas was just washed away from a major flood. My heart goes out to anyone battling anything and everyone reading the news. During my moments of reprieve, I stick my head in the sand and turn to my worthy distractions.
Love Island USA is so back
After two weeks of absolutely hating Love Island USA, I’m now a fan again. One episode changed it all. Cierra Ortega, a frontrunner for most of the season, left the show on Sunday after multiple social media posts of her using a racist slur against Asian people surfaced. This was the SECOND cast member to be ousted after the internet exposed their racism. What is going on over at Love Island casting???
Cierra’s ousting had much wider implications because the show is much further along and she had a pretty solid relationship with Nic. But, Nicolandria fans prevailed. During Sunday’s episode, Ian Sterling abruptly said, “Cierra has left the villa due to personal reasons.” Nic looks upset as he processes it with his boys. And soon after, Olandria and Nic are off to the races as they rekindle their love.
The recoupling made everything better. Iris is with Pepe. Amaya found her Dominican king, Bryan. Nic clicked his heels when Olandria called his name. The only thing that would’ve made this episode better would be if Ian Sterling also announced Huda had left the villa! Now, I was not able to watch Monday night’s episode as I simply had to sleep, but I hope we are moving in a direction that prioritizes RELATIONSHIPS and CONNECTIONS over friendships.