The Ultimatum Queer Love Review: Netflix is back again with yet another dating reality show that everyone will be binge-watching in the coming weeks. The show is hosted by JoAnna Garcia Swisher and is executive produced by Chris Coelen, Eric Detwiler, Sarah Dillistone, Stephanie Boyriven, Kelly Montalvo, and Sunny Franklin.
The premise of the show involves five couples consisting of women and non-binary people, who are at a crossroads in their relationship. One partner wants to get married and the other is not so sure about it, thus through the experience they will try to date other people and figure out what they really want. Over the course of a few weeks, they will decide if they want to get married to their original partner or the new person or walk out newly single.
Meet The Ultimatum Queer Love Couples
The first couple is Vanessa and Xander, who have been dating for the past 4 years. Their ex-boyfriends were actually friends in High School and they reconnected over that and eventually started dating. Xander has given the ultimatum, while Vanessa is worried about losing her freedom by getting married. The second couple is Mildred and Tiff, who found a connection on Instagram but might lose the same over their differences in commitment and communication.
The third couple is Sam and Aussie, whose first encounter was something like a movie. Sam is the one who gave an ultimatum and Aussie is yet to figure out if marriage is something they want, despite being the oldest among all couples. The fourth couple is Lexi and Raelyn, where Rae is on the receiving end due to her unsurety. The fifth couple is Mal and Yoly, who are on the same page but at different stages of walking the aisle.
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All the Tea From The Ultimatum Queer Love Episodes 1 to 4
Most couples on the show have been dating for more than 2 years, so it can be speculated that they are at a place in the relationship where they would know almost everything about their partner and think about if they want to build a life together or not. Thus, we do not come across any couples who might have come to the show for the sake of dating other people and finding a bit of clout through their endeavours, err for one exception.
Each couple got to spend one night together before they became supposed exes and would actively start dating other people. They were given one week to go on dates with different people and get to know everyone before making the decision to choose a new partner for a trial marriage. It means they will be living with a completely new person in an apartment together for 3 weeks, as a married couple.
Some people were a bit reserved and cautious of going on dates while some were quite carefree, as if they have been released from a cage to explore the world. One contestant that certainly caught everyone’s eye was Vanessa, even from her introduction it was clear that she is not ready to settle down anytime soon. Her comments about how Xander will not even look at others, while she is going around flirting with anyone that would talk to her – was seen as a red flag by others & they were sure to let her know as well. Especially Lexi, who was initially attracted to her but as they went on more dates, she realised that they were definitely not on the same page.
Her hunches were kind of right as well when Vanessa had a meltdown and even tried to emotionally manipulate Xander from even choosing anyone else, even though that’s what they have signed up for. In the dating week, most partners shared issues like non-commitment, communication, and not being sure if the partner wants to get married because they love them or just conforming to the societal norm. As the new couples moved in together, we get to see the individuals on a much deeper and more vulnerable level. Some couples instantly find each other connecting over it and others find it more difficult than their original partners.
The Ultimatum Queer Love Review: Final Thoughts
From the first four episodes, it is evident which couple might be breaking up and who might find their way back to the one they came in with. It will be interesting to see what other colours various contestants will show, over the weeks and what more conflicts can arise among them.
Understandably, the concept is to experience a different kind of relationship and figure out what they really prefer. But the way each contestant was expressing their attraction for the new person they found on the show was low-key a dig and a way to make their original partner jealous. Personally, it makes the relationship look shallow and definitely would not recover from it, if my partner said that they found someone better when we are not exactly over yet.
The Ultimatum: Queer Love is currently streaming on Netflix and new episodes will be released on Wednesday every week.
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