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Any reality show can create shock.
Its why cast reunions are so popular: because theyre forums for analysis and finding answers.
The best moment is the conversation afterward between Clays parents.
From the beginning of this season, Clay and AD have been an infuriating story about ignoring red flags.
Clays the pop in shed usually go for hung up on physical attraction and haunted by his fathers infidelity.
This has been the best process, he says.
AD, I love you.
I dont think its responsible for me to say I do.
But I want you to know that Im rockin with you.
I still need to get to the point where Im 100 percent in.
A woman holds a hand over her mouth, agape.
Another presses her lips together, seemingly about to cry.
ADs mothers face falls.
But Clays mother merely cocks her head, looking resigned and unsurprised.
Theyre both in a state of stunned confusion.
Clay seems to be operating in some delusional space of detachment.
Neither of them are really able to adequately describe whats happening in their heads.
How could they be?
Afterward, though, Clays mother, Margarita, and his father, Trevor, show us.
He struggles with a marriage, Margarita explains.
No excuses; just apologize.
Margarita is preternaturally coherent about whats going on in Clays mind, but Trevor appears totally unaware.
[He struggles] with commitment?
Its apparently news to him!
Heres the thing, Rita, Trevor says, beginning to cry.
I didnt necessarily have the best role models in my life.
I cant ever remember my father being a part of my life.
Tell him to meet somebody like his mom!
Yeah, Margarita says, you met me, but you wasnt goodtome.
Even more satisfying, Margarita instantly recognizes it for what it is and responds right away.That right there.
That is the problem.
Jeramey and Lauras falling-out lacks a sense of resounding conclusion, but its not because theyre inherently less interesting.
(Or at least, its notentirelybecause of that.)
Its more than just stories about these people as children or reflections on who theyve become as adults.
Every dating-and-romance reality show is about who decides to be with who and whether they stay together.
