All language subtitles for married.at.first.sight.au.s10e33.1080p.hdtv.h264-cbfm

NARRATOR: Twelve weeks ago...

Sometimes you've got to
do crazy things

to go on a crazy love story.

..our hopeful singles
took an enormous leap of faith...

To fall in love in this experiment
would mean everything.

..marrying a complete stranger...

I'm absolutely ready to
share my life with someone.

..in search of true love...

I'm not gonna settle for any less.

..in Australia's
greatest social experiment.

MAN: I've got visions
of standing at the end of the aisle

and hopefully finding
the love of my life.

And at the final dinner party...

I'm done with you!

Bronte and Harrison
officially exited the experiment.

We're over and I honestly
don't want to see you again.

The final question box...

Are you falling in love with me?

Am I there now? No.

..forced our couples to face up to
some hard truths.

There's so much tension
between Duncan and I.

..as they prepare to

make the biggest decision
of their romantic lives.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

After nearly 3 months,
it's time for the final vows.

Over two massive nights.

Where the first two couples

will decide...

whether they will stay together...

I feel ready to open my heart
and wear my heart on my sleeve.

..beyond the experiment.

I know it's
going to be uncomfortable

but I've made the right decision.

Making a commitment with the fear
that you could get hurt

is really scary.

Will Layton
finally stop listening to his head

and start listening to his heart?

I'm sorry for all those times
I let you down.

Or is it too little too late?

MELINDA: I have been extremely hurt.
Is this worth it?

I'm not sure if we can find a way to
bring out the best in each other.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

And...

ALYSSA: I wouldn't change anything
about our relationship.

They had the most perfect start
to the experiment.

DUNCAN: Towards the end
it's been really tough.

But is Duncan about to
turn the fairytale...

I don't wanna hurt you

and I don't wanna
continue getting hurt.

..into Alyssa's worst nightmare?

(TENSE MUSIC)

(MOMENTOUS ORCHESTRAL MUSIC)

NARRATOR: Today marks
the end of the experiment.

And the time for final vows
has finally come

for our five remaining couples.

Melinda and Layton.

Lyndall and Cameron.
Yeah.

Yeah.
Evelyn and Rupert.

Alyssa and Duncan.

It's the end of the experiment.

And Tahnee and Ollie.

I can't believe it's over.
Mmm.

Our time in this apartment
has come to an end.

Alright.

They'll now separate

and spend time weighing up
if they'll continue as a couple

in the outside world,

and reveal their decision
when they meet again at final vows.

Big decisions to make.

Big decisions.

Yeah.

Our couples must now go back to
their respective homes

to reflect on
their time in the experiment,

before they make the life-changing
decision -

whether to remain as a couple
or go their separate ways.

DUNCAN: The biggest day of the year.

NARRATOR: For Alyssa and Duncan,

the reality
of having to separate soon

is starting to set in
as they begin to pack.

(SNIFFS)

I'm think I'm getting emotional
right now, packing,

because it's the last day
of living here.

I'm not gonna be able to see him
or speak to him a few days and...

not knowing where his head is
at or where his heart is at...

is terrifying.

Being with Alyssa while we pack up,

and seeing how upset she is
is heartbreaking.

We just had another tough 24 hours,
myself and Alyssa.

"Describe how you feel about me."

(EXPECTANT MUSIC)

I feel warmth.

I feel close.

I love how you make me feel
when it's good.

When it's good.
Yeah.

Which is what, 56% of the time.

(HARSH MUSIC)

Even just then I'm just describing
some things about

how I like about you
and you just cut me down.

(FRAUGHT MUSIC)

DUNCAN: But waking up with Alyssa
this morning,

there is warmth
and there's affection.

Good times.

I'm feeling optimistic.

There's lots of great things
about my relationship with Alyssa.

Heading into final vows,

this is the biggest decision
of that I've gotta make

in a really long time.

I've got a lot to think about.

(TUMULTUOUS MUSIC)

(KNOCKING ON DOOR)

DUNCAN: Eugh!
Thrown the spanner in the works.

NARRATOR: But before
going their separate ways,

the experts have one last surprise
for Alyssa and Duncan.

Asking them to look back
at their wedding day.

Oh, my god! Wedding video.

(MOMENTOUS MUSIC)

(ALYSSA GIGGLES)

Hi, everyone.

I'm crying already.

(LAUGHS)
Hi.

How are you?
Hi. Alyssa.

I'm Duncan.
Duncan, nice to meet you.

Nice to meet you too.
Let's get married.

(LAUGHTER)
You have great tears.

So do you.
Thank you.

I'm crying already.

Do you need a tissue?
Yeah. Do you have one?

I do.

It's gonna make me cry more.
Thank you.

So, take me today as your new
teammate, your biggest supporter,

and partner.

Let's trust each other,

put everything into this,

and we may just have the fairytale
that we've both been looking for...

our forever person.

I need a tissue.
(LAUGHTER)

ALYSSA: And I love, love,
love to love

and I have got a lot to give.

I'm so ready to take this leap
with you.

I'm all in.

(CHEERING)

CELEBRANT: Family and friends,

I invite you to give a
very warm welcome to our newlyweds,

Alyssa and Duncan.

(CHEERING)

(LAUGHTER)

Holy shit!

Eugh!

I feel like that's like,
five years ago.

(EXHALES)
Hold the feels.

Looking back at the wedding day
reminds you of all the good times.

And there's been so many.

And that makes me weigh up
what's the right thing to do for me,

for Alyssa,
and for the relationship.

How much are you gonna miss me?
A lot.

Got a few days to think about
the really big decision

and there's
a bit of soul-searching to do.

NARRATOR: As Alyssa and Duncan
return to their respective homes

and prepare for their final vows
in a week's time,

another couple feeling emotional
this morning is Melinda and Layton.

But for very different reasons,

after last night's dinner party

showed them that they are
still not on the same page.

MELINDA: I am just feeling
pretty hurt and humiliated.

Before last night
we were really good

whereas right now
we're in this terrible place.

The distance between Melinda
and Layton is so great

they spent the final night in the
experiment in separate apartments.

But like, to spend the last night
separate,

and then now leaving
on these terms, very bad.

Not good for us.

(FORLORN MUSIC)

I do love Layton

but I guess, because
I have things that aren't 100%,

it's just not good enough
for Layton, it doesn't add up.

The words don't match
the feelings, apparently.

He's so analytical that he,
you know,

will never let his emotion
come before his thoughts.

"Are you falling in love with me?"

Already there.

If you can't speak to someone,
are you really?

I knew you were gonna do this.

LAYTON: The dinner party
didn't go the way

that I think either Mel or I
would have liked it to go.

I'm feeling confused.

I'm feeling upset and disappointed.

It's not a great feeling
knowing that, you know,

we've got final vows coming up.

NARRATOR: But before they head home,

the experts are hoping that
by reliving their wedding day,

they're reminded of the journey
they've been through together

and gain much-needed perspective
ahead of their final vows.

(NERVE-RACKING MUSIC)

MELINDA: First impressions,

he may be punching just a little.

I would swipe left.
(LAUGHS)

I'm a 9.5.

On a bad day.

CELEBRANT: Friends and family,

we gather here today to witness

and celebrate the marriage
of Melinda and Layton.

Today our couples have decided to
write their own vows.

LAYTON: Someone who's passionate,
dedicated...

I want to reassure you
I'm here for the right reasons.

Please know that
I'll do everything I can

to make sure Melinda gets through
this experiment safely.

MELINDA: I'm just questioning if
I judged him too soon, potentially.

LAYTON: One day I ran out
to the garden

and I couldn't believe my eyes

when I had realised
I'd grown my very own money tree.

(NERVOUS EXHALE)

With coins sprouting
all over the branches.

(EMOTIONALLY) Spoiler alert - it's
amazing what you can do with

some sticks and a strong adhesive.

(LAUGHTER)

(EMOTIONAL MUSIC)

(JOYOUS MUSIC)

Now?

(CHEERING)

(LIGHT MUSIC)

MELINDA: You know, watching that,

all the things in the beginning
that made me not like him,

not be attracted to him,

are all the things I like now.

Just how weird he is.
(CHUCKLES)

Like, the thoughts
going through my mind,

it's kind of a tug-of-war
right now.

(SOBS)

I feel like I'm gonna need
a few days.

(SOULFUL MUSIC)

Yep.

Mmm.

There's plenty of good memories.

But it also does, you know,
show you how far we came.

(SOBS)

The dinner party, that's not us.

And that shouldn't be
the way our story ends.

But I just don't know what to do.

NARRATOR: With the impending
final vows

weighing heavily
on their minds,

our couples have headed back
to their respective homes.

They'll each spend the week apart,
contemplating whether to

continue their relationship
outside of the experiment

or leave for good.

Alone in Sydney,
Layton is in turmoil

as he continues to analyse the
events of the final dinner party.

I don't know what to do.

The last few days
has been this real struggle between

trying to think between my head
and my heart.

Just reflecting on the relationship
and what we do moving forward.

At the final dinner party,

the way in which Mel sort of
said that she was in love with me,

it's like well,
I don't know if I'm in that place.

I'm here because

I want someone that I can build
a life and a family with.

For me to say that
I'm falling in love with someone,

I want to really mean it.

NARRATOR: As a high-powered CEO,

Layton came into the experiment
driven, determined,

and unemotional,

which soon caused problems
in his marriage to Melinda.

The problem for me is that
I'm an analytical thinker

and a logical thinker,
and Mel's quite emotional.

There's gonna be situations
that'll come up

when I really will disagree with
something that Mel might say...

Layton, Layton, you're
taking me back to the boardroom.

You're getting into
a lot of analysis here

and there's not a lot of emotions
coming out from you.

You've got to
go to a vulnerable place.

NARRATOR: Fellow CEO Melinda

entered the experiment
as headstrong as her future husband

but quickly followed the experts'
advice and let herself be vulnerable

and allow the couple to overcome
their initial awkwardness

and connect.

So, Layton and I are
actually bonding.

Can you picture candles?
Fragrant stones.

We've got fragrant stones.
Do you reckon these?

They'll go in that room,
do you reckon?

Yeah, for sure.
We're looking good. We are on.

We're getting a little closer.

Like, there's
little touchy-feely things.

OK, and then give me
the other one.

Now go. Float me.

Babe, I don't think this is going to
end well.

(SQUEALS)
What is called, babe?

(LAUGHTER)

This is called
relationship struggles.

(LAUGHTER)

Something just switched.

The attraction just came.
Mmm.

You know?
Mm-hm.

And like, it came a lot. Like...

(LAUGHTER)

LAYTON: OK...

NARRATOR: But Layton's
continued inability to

get in touch with his own emotions

became the roadblock
in their relationship.

Do you think you did the task well?

Do YOU think you did the task well?

How is staring for five minutes
into each other's eyes

gonna build intimacy?

You know what I mean?

When the relationship
comes priority to you

and I become something that you're
interested in, you let me know.

Well, now...
OK? You let me know.

Don't put that on me.

Yeah, I will put that on you

'cause as a sum up,
that's exactly how it is.

That's not how it is.
It is.

That's not how it is.

NARRATOR: Incapable of examining
his relationship,

Layton was not willing to
participate in feedback week.

I don't feel comfortable

moving into a different apartment
with someone else's wife.

And you're sitting here
with Harrison

the person you said
is your most hated person.

Yeah.

And you're not supporting me,
your partner.

Oh, for (BLEEP)'s sake.

You guys just
cannot agree on anything.

I don't feel comfortable, guys.

I don't feel comfortable doing that

and I now feel like
I'm being put on the spot

with something
I'm not comfortable with

and I feel like I'm
being challenged on it.

You're impossible.

You're actually
acting like a Harrison right now.

NARRATOR: And at
the final dinner party,

Layton's analytical reaction
to Melinda's deeper feelings for him

rocked their relationship.

OK.

(READS) "Are you falling in love
with me?"

Already there.

MAN: Aw.

OLLIE: Damn. That's big.

You but it's like...

if you can't speak to someone,
are you really?

I knew you were gonna do this.

Far out.

Was that not a relevant question?

If you think that
we can't communicate

how can you be in love with me?

It just doesn't make sense.

I don't think about it is just
a feeling, someone feels that way.

I'm just
thinking about it logically.

I think about all those things
as sort of data inputs

and I'm like well,
this doesn't add up.

NARRATOR: To help her brother
with his decision,

Layton's sister Erin
is cutting straight to the chase.

Can you see yourself
falling in love with Mel?

Um...

The experts asked us some questions.
We had a question box.

The question that Mel had was,
"Are you falling in love with me?"

And Mel said,
"I'm already there, babe."

So, we had a bit of an argument
about that

because that's the first time
I've ever heard it.

It did come
a little bit out of left field.

Communication is a big issue
for him.

He finds it hard to articulate
how he actually feels.

Layton needs to work on himself

for the two of them to
work on the outside.

I just hope that the relationship
is not too far gone.

Well, it sounds like Mel's
feeling abandoned or neglected,

but you haven't validated
her feelings.

At the dinner party I hate how
Mel would have felt in that moment.

Absolutely hate it.

Definitely going back, I wouldn't
have reacted the way I did.

All I was focused on is to hear her
say that she was in love with me

is such a big thing for me.

That's a real shame
the way it ended.

I feel like our story
shouldn't end like that, you know?

Well, that's telling, isn't it?

I certainly, in the last couple
of days, not being with Mel,

I've definitely missed her.

Being vulnerable and expressing
my feelings is so unnatural to me,

and this is what prevented me

moving forward with relationships
in the past.

Making a commitment with the fear
that you could get hurt is, is...

that's really scary.

If somebody can fall in love
so easily

then they fall out of love so easily

and I've
seen that happen in my life.

I've seen my parents, my mum and
dad, who are now no longer together.

(SOMBRE MUSIC)

(ANGUISHED GROAN)

OK.

Yeah.

(SNIFFS AND CLEARS THROAT)

And so I take it seriously.

I take making the relationship work
seriously.

(EXPECTANT MUSIC)

NARRATOR: With the final vows just
days away,

Melinda has returned home
to Brisbane.

I'm just feeling
like, a bunch of things right now.

I'm like, hurt, I'm angry,
I feel like, let down.

But Layton's got a lot
of really good things about him.

He walks in the room
and lights up the room.

He is super caring.

And I don't think I've ever met
somebody that's like,

such a close match to me.

So for me, final vows
is a big question on my mind.

NARRATOR: Melinda and Layton did the
work to build a strong connection

but Layton, not wanting to
participate in the partner swap,

caused problems for the couple
late in the experiment.

You're actually acting like
a Harrison right now.

The only one making it toxic,
Layton, right now, is you.

(FRAUGHT MUSIC)

I'm out.

If you're out, you're out
of the relationship altogether.

If you're taking your bags

and you're about to walk out
and not even talk to me...

Don't come and give me a hug
when you won't even talk to me.

(DOOR UNLOCKS)
No.

No, no, no. Mel... Mel.
No. Stop this.

You've just come to give me a hug

and she won't give me a minute
to talk.

Hey, just give me a sec.
One minute to talk.

You can't even do that.
You can't even do that.

NARRATOR: The tension between
Melinda and Layton didn't ease

when they reunited.

(CRYING)

I've been scared all the three days,

trying to like,
worry about how I can do this

because I was so upset and angry.

I felt attacked on the day
by you and by Harrison.

How am I attacking you when I've
come in to hug you and talk to you

and say, "Let me support you"?

Mel. I'm sorry, Mel, the fact that
you're saying that I left you

when I felt attacked by...

It's all about you!
But in that moment I needed you.

NARRATOR: Layton's struggle

between his logical mind
and his emotions came to a head

at the final dinner party,

when he questioned
Melinda's declaration of love.

How are you falling in love with me
if we can't communicate?

This is a robot sitting next to me,
guys. I'm not asking him anything.

CAMERON: No, it's not. Come on.

There are multiple moments
throughout every day

when I think to myself, this is
someone I can fall in love with.

Am I there now? No.

MELINDA: Usually, when we fight,
we end up stronger.

But this time
it's definitely different.

So, I want a few days to just see
if it's even worth fighting for.

NARRATOR: Ahead of her decision,

Melinda is
catching up with her mum Lorraine.

Cheers.
Cheers.

What are we cheers-ing to?

Cheers-ing to making it this far...
Yes.

..in the experiment.
Congratulations.

So, where do you feel like
you're at?

I don't really know, to be honest.

We have had really good times,
you know.

But then we got to
the final dinner party and I had...

What, darl?

It's OK.

Aw, babe.

So, what happened
at the dinner party?

We had this question box that had
all these questions in there for,

you know, to ask hard questions.

Mmm?

And then there was a question

and it said, "Are you
falling in love with me?"

And I said I'm already there.

And then he didn't like that

so he just screwed up his face
and pretty much called me a liar.

If you're trying to tell him
how you're feeling

and he's taking a personal attack
to that, he's not listening.

Yeah, I know.

So, he's not hearing you
other than what he wants to hear.

Yeah, I know.

I think the issue is

he has completely
disconnected his body to his mind.

He's almost emotionally blocked.
Like, he's, you know.

If he's forever gonna fight
his emotions and things,

it's gonna be a lonely road ahead.

Well, it sounds like

you need to work through
what's just happened here

and come and talk about it.

We tried, Mum.
He just doesn't understand.

If it's of any relevance,

or if it's causing somebody else
a lot of hurt,

then you need to settle it.

Because to walk away and feel upset
and hurt and angry

is not healthy for anybody either.

You do need closure.

You can't just walk away and go,
see you later.

It should still be talked about.

But the last night seems to have
been really hard on Melinda.

So I'm not sure that's
what's going to happen.

It's just ended the way that it has

so you've got to make a decision
of what you... feels in your heart,

what's in your heart.

(SUBDUED MUSIC)

It's OK.

It shows that you care,
having these emotions and crying.

It shows that you actually do care
about the relationship.

Of course I would love for
them to work.

But I don't want her to be in a
relationship that makes her unhappy.

MELINDA: I'm questioning if it's
ever gonna work.

I feel like we both want
a relationship to work together

but I think we're both
intelligent enough to know that

(EMOTIONALLY) it may not ever work.

And I don't know what to say
to Layton at final vows.

I wanna stand strong and choose me,

and to not be hurt anymore
going forward.

If the final dinner party
didn't happen,

I would still kind of
see a forever with Layton.

But it's just taken a full turn.

(HARSH MUSIC)

NARRATOR: Coming up,

Alyssa and Duncan weigh up whether
their love is worth fighting for.

DUNCAN: Beyond this experiment,

my future with Alyssa could be
full of love and laughter.

It could be full of passion.

Like that real, true, love story.

ALYSSA: I need to do
what's best for me

and just do what's right
for my heart.

And it's decision time
for Melinda and Layton.

MELINDA: In my mind there is
100% no turning back.

I will never, ever let anyone
hurt me again.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

(EXPECTANT MUSIC)

NARRATOR: It's the day of the
final vows for Melinda and Layton,

and after an intense few days
back home,

Layton has the clarity
that has eluded him for so long.

LAYTON: I really needed
the last few days back home

to process all those thoughts
and feelings.

Talking to Erin made me realise that

I'm not the easiest person
in a relationship,

and there's things I've got to
work on.

My whole life I've been trained to
live in my head.

But this experiment has taught me
I need to trust my heart.

MELINDA: It's upsetting for me

because I've worked so hard
to be vulnerable,

and I still feel he's a robot.

Never want to be in that position

feeling what I felt the night
of that dinner party,

ever again.

Let's do it.

LAYTON: I'm not proud
of the way I acted.

, know that I've hurt Mel

and so I wish that I had acted
a different way and apologised.

But I just hope that it's
not too late to tell her how I feel.

Mel is one-of-a-kind.

I love that Mel's passionate.

I love that I can be myself
around Mel.

So, my heart is telling me that
Mel could be my soulmate

and by not taking this outside
of the experiment,

I risk losing that.

MELINDA: I have been extremely hurt.

I deserve better than this.

I am worth more than this.

I've just got to remember that

I came into this experiment
for a reason.

My nan has these love letters
from Pop that are hand written.

When he was off in the Army he would
write to her from the trenches.

(READS) "Did I ever tell you
that I loved you, Mrs Willis?

(EMOTIONALLY) "As that is all that
runs through my mind nowadays."

What my nan and pop had

shows me that you can have that
eternal love and true love forever.

And that's what I want.

So, I would never, ever,
let anyone hurt me again.

(MOMENTOUS MUSIC)

LAYTON: I don't want to hurt Mel
ever again.

All I want is to show her
I'm here to change.

MELINDA: In my mind there is
100% no turning back.

My mind made up.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

I've made the right decision.

Hello.
How are you?

Good. How are you?
It's good to see you.

(EXHALES)

Are you nervous?

(LAYTON EXHALES)

This is where it started.
Yeah.

You look beautiful.
Thanks.

I smile when I'm nervous.
(LAUGHS)

(ANXIOUS MUSIC)

(MEL BREATHES DEEPLY)

Mel, I came here with
genuine intentions to find love.

I wanted to find the person
that I can build a family with

and have my happily ever after.

After a slow start, our relationship
quickly turned to fireworks,

sparked by our passion

and a very rare connection

that most people will
never get a chance to experience.

(SHARP EXHALE)

But somewhere along the way
the journey became difficult.

We got so caught up in our feelings,
our flaws,

and the external noise
within the experiment,

and I don't feel like we
ever had a chance to fully recover.

(SNIFFS)

At times, our relationship
has been stressful, overwhelming,

and difficult.

And for my part in that,
I want to apologise.

I realise there were times
when I failed you.

(EXHALES)

(BLEEP)

(SNIFFS)

There were moments when
you needed me

and I wasn't there
to support you.

(EXHALES)

There were moments where
you didn't feel secure

and I wasn't able to
make you feel safe.

(SHARP EXHALE)

(SNIFFS)

(SHARP EXHALE)

(LAYTON SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY)

Hey.
No, I'm right.

It's OK.

And there were moments when you felt
alone and I didn't do enough to

make you feel like
I was standing there by your side.

At times I let my pride, my ego...
(CLEARS THROAT)

..and my own insecurities
get the better of me.

And so, I'm sorry for
all those times I let you down.

(EXHALES)

People think a soulmate
is your perfect fit

and that's what I thought I wanted.

But maybe a true soulmate
is a mirror.

It's a person who shows you
everything that's holding you back.

The person who brings you
to your own attention

so that you can make a change.

And my biggest fear is that
despite so many similarities,

our differences will always
bring out the worst in each other.

When love should bring out the best.

The last week for me has been
a constant battle

between my head and my heart.

Our relationship is hard
and us being together is a risk.

(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC)

So, I'm ready to take that risk
with you today.

It's better to have loved and lost
than to have never loved at all.

And I am
falling in love with you, Mel.

(TUMULTUOUS MUSIC)

(EXPECTANT MUSIC)

OK.

(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC)

(PENSIVE MUSIC)

(MEL EXHALES)

(SIGHS) OK.

Layton.

I remember meeting you for
the first time on our wedding day

like it was yesterday.

I'd been manifesting my
perfect match for quite some time

before that day.

I was quick to judge
that you were not him...

'cause I didn't feel an initial
spark or attraction to you.

Little did I know you would soon
become someone so special to me.

Our time together in the experiment
was filled with big highs, big lows,

and sharp twists and turns
at every corner.

I came in here hoping for a soul
mate, a best friend and a teammate.

There were times you had my back...

but there were also times
you were on the opposite team.

At the final dinner party,
I confessed how I felt about you...

but instead of reassuring me that
night, you made me feel alone...

(SOLEMN MUSIC)

..humiliated
and attacked by my own partner...

at a time
when I was at my most vulnerable.

(POIGNANT MUSIC)
(MEL BREATHES HEAVILY)

(SNIFFS)

I'm not sure if we can find a way to
bring out the best in each other...

(SNIFFS)

..and I worry at times
we bring out the worst.

(OMINOUS BOOM)

And although it upsets
and frustrates me...

it doesn't change
the feelings I have for you

and who you are at the core.

(EXHALES)

You've got this.

But let me tell you now
all the things I love about you.

I love your ability to light up
any room you walk into...

and the time you always have
for others.

(SNIFFS) Most of all,

I love how you make me feel loved

without needing
to actually love me at all.

(BREATHES SHAKILY, SNIFFS)

(POIGNANT MUSIC)

After everything we've been through
together...

(SNIFFS) ..this decision
has not come easy for me.

But the bond and connection we share
is real,

and I think we owe it to ourselves

to take a risk on us
and getting it right.

You are my match...

(SNIFFS)

..and I don't think
that's just inside the experiment.

I'm not ready to throw in the towel
on what could be happily ever after.

Layton...

in case you're still confused
with how I feel about you...

let me make it clear.

I love you
and I want us to be together.

(WONDROUS MUSIC)

(SIGHS) Ah!

(MEL SNIFFS)

(EVOCATIVE MUSIC)

I am happy I married a stranger.

Although it doesn't feel like
a stranger

'cause I still feel like
we're very similar.

I think Mel feels like
I'm a boy version of Mel...

(LAUGHS) ..and Mel feels like
a boy version of me.

I got you something.

What you're trying to say is you're
happy you married your soul mate.

(CHUCKLES) Yes.
I'm happy I married my soul mate.

I didn't want to let Mel get away.

I'm falling in love with Mel.

What is our future?
What our are plans?

Two little boys,
an Italian greyhound,

a house on the beach,

and, ah, Layton,
you know, cooking up a storm

and telling me...
how I'm just his perfect person.

With beautiful eyelashes.

(CHUCKLES)

Perfect.

I missed you.

I missed you too.

NARRATOR: Coming up...

ALYSSA: Heading into final vows,
this decision is massive.

..will Alyssa and Duncan's fairy
tale become their reality?

If he wants it as much as I do...

we can definitely make it work.

DUNCAN: The connection, the passion,
that me and Alyssa have -

a lot of people search for that
for a long time.

The decision heading into final vows

is, is easily
one of the toughest decisions

I've gotta make in my whole life.

(CRYPTIC MUSIC)

NARRATOR: With final vows
fast approaching,

Duncan has returned
to Sydney's Northern Beaches

to reflect
on his time in the experiment.

DUNCAN: The decision
heading into final vows

is, is easily
one of the toughest decisions

I've gotta make in my whole life.

I know that
Alyssa has some reservations

and I definitely do as well.

Beyond this experiment,

my future with Alyssa could be
full of love and laughter,

it could be full of passion.

Like that real true love story.

My feelings for Alyssa
are still there...

but I'm also questioning whether we
are the right person for each other.

It was a fairy tale start for Alyssa
and Duncan on their wedding day.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Hi!

How are you?
Hi. Alyssa.

NARRATOR: And their connection
continued to flourish.

(EVOCATIVE MUSIC)

You've got a bit of a glow to you.

(CHUCKLES)

(EVOCATIVE MUSIC)

So then what's your feeling about
Alyssa having a child?

I don't think we know
what the answers are,

but at the same time,
you know, I'm 36.

All my mates are...have got kids.

It's just a normal part of my...

circle of friends
and my environment.

So it's not as worrying for me.

But despite
their strong foundation...

Alyssa's self doubts crept in.

(INTRIGUING MUSIC)

Since we've been here, you've
literally just been with the boys.

Give me attention.

Can I argue?
No.

Duncan's attempts
at reassuring Alyssa,

and the experts' advice,
fell on deaf ears.

MEL: Can I just say to you...
(SNIFFS)

..you have this incredible man
sitting next to you right now

and this amazing opportunity...

for a relationship

with one of the most emotionally
intelligent guys in the room

right now.

And my fear here for you, Alyssa,

is that you're not seeing
the potential here.

How does it make you feel?

Like, the fact that you probably
will be second priority?

Oh, oh, that part's fine actually.

Fine? Really?
Yeah.

ALYSSA: It will be, like,
every other weekend

and maybe, like,
a Wednesday here or there.

But, like, your job's really hectic
during the week,

where I feel like the weekends

are probably the only time

that we will actually be able
to spend time together.

And that will only be
ever other weekend.

Do you think the last 3-4 weeks
was a good relationship? Do you?

No.

If you think that that was like
a normal or OK relationship,

that scares me.

NARRATOR: In light of the turbulent
events of the experiment,

Alyssa is riddled
with doubt and confusion

heading into her final vows
decision.

I didn't ever think that
this decision was gonna be...

a difficult one.

I still have a question in my head

if Duncan is really ready
to truly settle down

and, like,
potentially being a role model

and, like, a future father
for my child.

I don't feel like Duncan's
given me the reassurance I need

for a long-term relationship.

I feel like, if anything,

he's put more doubts and concerns
into my head

for a long-term relationship.

(TENSE MUSIC)

With the enormity of her upcoming
decision beginning to hit home,

Alyssa is meeting up
with her mum, Debbie.

Hey!
Hi, Momma.

How are you, baby girl?

Oh!

My mum is always the one
I gravitate towards

if I have a really big decision

because she has
a really good understanding

of how I am as a person,

how I am in a relationship,

what I need in a relationship.

Far out, Mum.

I just feel like our communication
has just been, like, at combat.

Hmm. Like, I feel like
any time I bring up anything...

or, like, I try to explain to him,
how, like, I feel,

he, like, takes it
as a personal attack.

It's like, I don't even feel like
I can even... Hmm.

..have a conversation with him
anymore without it going like this.

Like, he's so logical that when
I explain how I feel from my heart,

he takes one word and runs with it.

And that's what's so frustrating

is that the Duncan in the beginning

has completely changed
to the Duncan he is now.

So how am I supposed to understand
who he is and who he's gonna be?

And how did that shift?

Yeah.

So what now then? What do I do?

You know I like Duncan.

I've liked him
from the very beginning,

but I don't know
who he really is now.

I think Duncan has this...

very unrealistic view of what
a relationship should be like

and how perfect it should be.

And it's a real concern for me,
heading into my final vows.

I need to do what's best for me

and just do what's right
for my heart.

(PENSIVE MUSIC)

NARRATOR:
Duncan is meeting with his sister

to get an outside perspective
on his relationship with Alyssa.

RENEE: So, how are we feeling
with it all?

It's tough.

I'm not used to the level of
conflict that I've had with Alyssa.

And the energy it takes.
It seems really...full on for me.

I don't think
I've actually said it like that,

and now that I'm saying it,
that's sort of like...sinking in.

There's been times
on this experiment

where I've felt more rejected than
I have in any other relationship.

So you're treading on eggshells
a little bit.

Yeah.

Like, I've really...

thought about A -

how to, what words to use in front
of Alyssa so I don't trigger her.

And really made sure
that my behaviour...

wouldn't give Alyssa any reason
to, like, to doubt me

or to feel insecure.

That is...a growing concern.
Yeah, for sure.

Like, I'm starting to second guess
my, like...

my own judgment, my,
my way of looking at the world.

There's all the good times,
the great times that we've had.

BOTH: Cheers.

(MAGICAL MUSIC)

With Alyssa, I felt warmth,
felt at home, felt at ease.

And I feel good.

Now?
Yes.

(MAGICAL MUSIC)

Felt like fireworks.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

What's going through your head?

I feel good
about the journey we're going on

in terms of, like,
the speed that we're going at. Mm.

Yeah. Same.

(LAUGHS)

(LAUGHS) Don't!

(BOTH LAUGH)

(SNIGGERS)

Yeah, you know, the passion's there.

It's just we're trying to hold onto
something that's not...working.

Wow.
It... I don't know.

Alyssa's actions have kept Duncan

from truly being able to express
how he feels,

which is causing him
to kind of retract.

I think that really concerns Duncan

and that really concerns me too.

You're making
a life-long commitment... Yeah.

Gotta do what's right for you.

Duncan came into this experiment
to find love,

and I feel that Alyssa and Duncan
have a fantastic connection...

But can you see yourself
growing old?

I guess that's how
you have to look at it too.

Are the highs worth the lows?

I feel like you have...

There's only so much energy you have
each day,

and if most of that
is based around arguments,

I mean, what's the point?

I think I've... (INHALES)

..probably put up with some things
I wouldn't do in the real world.

But that was my way

of trying to be understanding
of the hard situation that we're in

in this experiment

and give more leeway
to the relationship.

Heading into final vows...

I still feel really conflicted.

(CRYPTIC MUSIC)

NARRATOR: For Alyssa and Duncan,

it's time for them to confirm
their feelings at their final vows,

and with it, make a decision that
could change their lives forever.

I've been through so much, you know,
in my life at a very young age.

When I was 16, my life changed
forever when my dad came out as gay.

Was an absolute shock
to my whole family,

especially being
in the Mormon religion.

My first marriage ended.

I lost sight of who I was
and where I was going.

And I didn't want that for my child.

This experiment came into my life
at the perfect time.

It's exactly what I needed.

(MAGICAL MUSIC)

But over the last few weeks,
things got really tough.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)
I'm crying already!

The Duncan in the very beginning
was a completely different Duncan.

DUNCAN: How good is this!

I want the real Duncan back.

Because when times are good with
Duncan, I feel on top of the world.

I feel respected and loved
and seen and heard.

Is it love?
I said, "I'm definitely in like."

He's become my best friend.

Oh!

And so throwing that all away

would be, you know, cheating
ourselves out of something

that could be really great.

I know that Duncan
isn't gonna change overnight...

but I want to help him grow
as a person and as a partner.

(BIRDS CHIRP)

DUNCAN: First half of the experiment
was amazing.

There was so much affection
and warmth and I was giddy.

What felt like

the start of something
really special with Alyssa.

(EVOCATIVE MUSIC)

Towards the end of the experiment,
it's been really tough.

But the connection, the passion,
that me and Alyssa have...

that definitely weighs on my mind.

A lot of people search for that
for a long time.

(EPIC MUSIC)

I feel...confident
that Duncan's the one for me.

But I need to teach him
a bit of emotion.

It's a lot of work
and it's not gonna be easy.

If he wants it as much as I do...

we can definitely make it work.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

(GENTLE MUSIC)

Hi!

How are you?
Good. How are you?

(CHUCKLES)

(WHISPERS) Miss me?

Yeah. And you?

You look nice.

Thank you. You look beautiful.

(EXHALES)

Was not nervous until right now.

(EXHALES) Oh!

OK. I think I go first.

You do.

A bit long - sorry.

No, that's alright.

(CLEARS THROAT)

Duncan...

feels like a lifetime ago
I saw you for the first time

walking down that aisle
in such a beautiful setting.

My heart was pounding
but instantly settled

when you turned around
with your big cheesy grin.

I felt instantly connected to you.

We've had so many good times
over the last couple months.

The spark we had from the beginning
just kept growing and growing.

You were my biggest support
from day one.

(UPLIFTING MUSIC)

There were times where you let me be
completely raw and vulnerable

and you listened.

I felt so heard
and I felt so seen by you,

something I've never had before.

(UPLIFTING MUSIC)

When it's just the two of us,
it's easy and magic.

You can make me feel like
I'm on top of the world.

But...

the last few weeks have been
increasingly difficult.

I sometimes feel our love for each
other has turned into a combat...

and I'm really worried that

your logical brain will continue
to clash with my emotional heart.

But I'm not ready
to give up hope on us.

(TENSE MUSIC)

I wanna fight for our relationship
because I know it's worth it.

Our connection from that first
moment really means something

and I can't imagine my life
without you.

Duncan...

I want to help you...

dig deep
into that big heart of yours...

and feel what my soul
is feeling for you.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

(EVOCATIVE MUSIC)

Duncan, I want to help you...

dig deep
into that big heart of yours...

and feel what my soul
is feeling for you.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

There are so many pieces to our
puzzle that we haven't found yet,

but I wanna find them together
with you.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

Thank you for your words.

(EVOCATIVE MUSIC)

Your turn.

Ooh, that was...rough for me.

(EVOCATIVE MUSIC)

Alyssa...

I came into this experiment
to find the love of my life.

I hoped, I dreamed,
of finding my forever person,

the beginning of a great love story.

From the very beginning,
I love how you interacted with me.

Your caring nature and empathy
is seen by everyone,

and I love that
you wear your heart on your sleeve.

(CRYPTIC MUSIC)

However,
mixed with all the good times

were also some really low lows.

(TENSE MUSIC)

From the start, I was told

who I can and can't talk to
on this experiment.

I also didn't feel like I got
the benefit of the doubt from you,

even though
I hadn't broken your trust.

I struggled with being shut out
for days on end

and not being able to communicate.

I thought the couples retreat was
a turning point in our relationship.

(BREEZE NOISES)

But through all of this, there
was never a time in the experiment

where I gave up or said I was done.

I leaned in and I've given,
given my all...

full of hope, trying to stay
positive, trying to stretch....

trying to focus on the good
even when we were struggling.

(TENSE MUSIC)

But week to week,

it felt harder to continue to grow
the connection that started so well.

I know what love is

and I know what a great relationship
is and I think we both deserve that.

But our views on what
a healthy relationship looks like

seems to be apart.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

I felt emotionally rejected
more times than I can remember.

(TENSE MUSIC)

Maybe it's our personalities.

Maybe it's our differing mindsets.

But either way...
the gap seems too big to bridge.

(SILENCE)

(DARK MUSIC)

I don't wanna hurt you and
I don't wanna continue getting hurt.

(TENSE MUSIC)

So I have to say goodbye.

(SOMBRE MUSIC)

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

(BLEEP)

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

(SILENCE)

(BIRDS CHIRP)

Do you want a tissue?

No.

(PENSIVE MUSIC)

(SNIFFS)

(SOBS)

(SNIFFS)

(SOBS)

(PENSIVE MUSIC)

(EXHALES)

(ALYSSA SOBS)

(PENSIVE MUSIC)

(SNIFFS)

Walking away absolutely devastated.

I feel sick.

(SNIFFS) I feel betrayed.

(SNIFFS)

(PENSIVE MUSIC)

Just, yeah. I don't...

I just,
I don't know who that person is.

I don't know who that is. (SNIFFS)

(PENSIVE MUSIC)
(ALYSSA SOBS)

I say, like,
Duncan is looking for a princess

to kind of, you know, take care of,

but I'm not a princess, I'm a queen.

(PENSIVE MUSIC)

(PENSIVE MUSIC)

(EXHALES) Hoo!

(PENSIVE MUSIC)

(SOBS)

Mate, this decision today
was one of the hardest in my life.

Hurt someone
that I really care about.

Now I think
I just wanna be around my family.

(POIGNANT MUSIC)

(SNIFFS)

(SOBS)

(PENSIVE MUSIC)

I tried so bloody hard...

and I second guessed myself.

And it's not that
Alyssa's not a great person.

It's just that
we're just not great together.

(SOBS)

(SNIFFS)

Captioned by Ai-Media
ai-media.tv

# Colour the empty... #

This is the biggest decision

of our relationship.

# This is a crowded place #

I'm just gonna be true to myself.

# Standing... #

NARRATOR: Love will rise..

TAHNEE: It's hard for me to picture

what life would look like

without you in it.

(THROUGH TEARS)
I'm so grateful to have met you.

OLLIE: Going back home kinda
changed my mindset.

# We love who we love #

Been a lot to weigh up.

The most unexpected...

LYNDALL: It's definitely my time

to be honest.

..end to the experiment...

Um, before you start...

Yeah.

..you have ever seen.

Then...

The time has come.

(YELLS) Reunion!

Let's take a moment now
to take a look back.

Everyone is on
the chopping block tonight.

..the reunion event

you simply...

Harrison has said that
he has dirt on me.

That in frame?

..cannot miss.