02x07 - Episode 7

[bunniefuu]

It's time to turn the table.

My God.

Thirteen single parents
entered the retreat

with hope in their hearts.

I would really like to fall in love.

I'm ready to find
that happy ever after.

I'd really like to enjoy my life
with a beautiful man -

that's inside and out.

These mums and dads
place their future happiness

in the hands of their
loving children.

Alright, mum, I'll find you love.

We all have a genuine reason
for bringing our parents on here,

and we just want to see them happy.

Armed with the power
to pull strings,

our Cupid kids
have witnessed the good...

I like seeing them happy.

I'm finally back to being Danny
without the tag 'widow' behind me.

..the sad...

You know how this
is playing out, right?

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

I do know how this is playing
out and I don't like it.

..and for Kim and Shannon's
daughters, the not-so-pretty.

Kate came and saw me today, she said
that I was clingy and needy.

No, I didn't use the word clingy.

She just needs to tell the truth.

I'm hoping that mum can realise
what she's done and admit to it.

Apologise and take accountability.

With the power in their
hands for the first time,..

Now's the time
to make your decision.

..four couples chose
to seek their child's approval.

It's a big yes from me.

Absolutely.

..at the upcoming blessing ceremony.

That is an absolute yes.
Delighted.

Now, what will
the once-perfect couple,

Shannon and Kim, choose to do?

Now, Shannon and Kim.
The troublemakers.

I do think Mum
needs someone like Shannon.

I think it just played out wrong,

but you never know what
could happen in the future.

You never know.
Maybe Kim will apologise.

We don't know.

So the question is...

..would you like to continue to the
blessing ceremony?

Um...

Under the circumstances, it's a no,
but it's a it's a very loving no.

And friendly and happy no.

Whoa!

You know, as amazing
as this experience has been,

it has come to a close.

So the answer is...

It's a no.

I'm so proud of my dad
and this whole experience.

I think he's learned
how to express his feelings.

He was the sweetest guy ever.

You came in here
to try and find romantic love.

Yeah.

Is this a disappointing
ending for you?

I guess I would be
disappointed if I hadn't tried it.

Good answer.

If I'd done nothing and sat
and let it all go past me.

And we didn't do that.
But we gave it a damn good shot.

He should be really proud.
And so should Kim.

Well, Shannon and Kim, this
is the end of the road for you.

I know that both of you
would ideally have liked

a different result,
a different outcome.

But some things
are just not meant to be.

I'm disappointed that Kim and
I didn't see it through

to the really next stages of falling
in love and starting life together.

You know, we had to
be true to ourselves

and also true to the children.

Bye, sweetie.
Oh, I'm gonna miss you.

We'll miss you too.
Love you lots.

This is a shared experience
that I've had with Kate.

Even though we weren't together,
I knew she was there.

Hello.
Hello, my sweetness.

She didn't want me to blindly
go into the same mistakes again.

And if I ignored Katie,
I would have learned nothing.

She wanted me to listen to her,
and I did.

And I will forever.

Let's go home, huh?
Mm-hm.

I believe that there's love
out there for everyone.

Of course there'll be someone out
there, I have no doubt about that.

Eternal optimist.

I did get to see my dad
in a different light.

I honestly just could not be
prouder of who he actually is.

I came in here hoping
my dad would listen to me,

and I'm coming out
knowing that he has.

Ciao.
See ya.

I would have liked to see mum
take a bit more ownership.

Found my mum
the guy that we were looking for.

The guy with all the green flags.

And I need to hold her accountable.

And I want her to change
because she can't just go around...

..being like that,

and she's never going to get
anywhere in relationships

if she's behaving this way,

because it's not the best quality.

[LAUGHS] Oh, my God.

Look at my gorgeous,
gorgeous daughter.

At my age, I feel like
do I want to invest a whole

lot of time with somebody
that hasn't got what

I see as a basic toolkit
of emotional skills to

ride out life's
tidal waves, highs and lows?

Yeah.

Come on, let's go.

It's been hard,
but I think if we really

sit down and just lay it all out,

Mum will come round
and she will sort of accept

that she does need to
grow and change a bit.

A lot of explaining to do.
Me?

Are you serious?
Yeah.

How's everybody feeling about
Shannon and Kimmy leaving?

Sad to see them go, but I think
they made the right decision.

Yeah, it's.
Always sad to see somebody go.

I'm glad that they put an effort in
and they explored what could be.

KATE: Exploring what could be

is exactly what life
in the retreat is all about.

But let's see how our
four loved up couples

respond when temptation comes
calling.

Hey! Message!
What do we got, Simmo?

OK, guys, it's been a big day.
Rather emotional.

Parents, the privacy suite is open.

Oh!
OK.

If anyone would like to enjoy some
alone time for the night,

now is your chance.

So the opening of
the secluded privacy suite,

with its sumptuous queen sized bed,
plump pillows,

juicy strawberries
and champagne is enough to

make any couple bubble
over with excitement.

I couldn't watch that. No way.

Eugh!

We'll start the bidding at $1,000.

Going once!


We'll start from this side of the
room.

Thank you.
We're very honoured that you asked.

Are we in agreeance?

The privacy room was open to us.
I was pretty keen.

I will defer to you.

But Bec was a bit more reluctant.

A little bit too soon yet.
And that's completely fine.

It's very early on in the piece.

There's certainly no pressure
in that department.

Passing? OK. Nadia and Masi.

We agreed to pass.

Intimacy is a big thing for me.

So, you know, that's something
that I can see in the future.

But at this moment, I'm just
enjoying where I am at the moment.

It's a little too early and yeah,
I think we agree to pass as well.

Yeah.
Yep. Fair.

I do have a desire to go to the next
step with him, and he does with me.

Yeah, I think for us it's going to
be a pass just on the fact that

I don't think it's the right
thing to do in this situation.

I imagine he's very good in bed,

but we're being respectful
while we're here.

It's just early days.

It's not that we don't want to,
we're just scared of our kids.

And I agree with everybody else.
Alright?

I would have loved them
to take that opportunity

and go in the privacy suite,

but I respect the decision
of politely declining.

It's literally just because of,
like, the stigma around the room.

I think they just made it clear

that they're just going to
go and just...

Have a chat, just have a cuddle.

Yeah, just sleep in a massive bed.

Let's have a good night's sleep
and see what tomorrow brings.

Thanks, Simmo.
Thanks, Simmo. Thank you.

Goodnight, my darling.

I genuinely think that Mum and Wes
not going into the privacy suite

is a missed opportunity for them to
get to know each other a bit more,

and it doesn't have to be sexual.

Oh!

I'm feeling very shocked.

Yeah, I don't wanna hear that.

I cannot hear this for
another second, Mum.

Stop!

Oh, she's a shocker.

I don't want to show too much of
Brandon because, you know,

it's his Mum, he's cringing a bit,
but in my head,

I'm like, "Yes, Dad! Go, son!"
That's what they're here for.

They're here to have fun and be
a little bit young.

Goodnight, gorgeous.

Oh, yeah, that was a bit passionate.

That was... Yeah, yeah.

Basically, I could touch the back
of his brain with my tongue.

Our bodies are definitely
reacting to one another.

He went off to his bedroom
and I went off to mine.

Because we're keeping it PG.

KATE ON P.A.: Goodnight, lovers.
Goodnight.

[DOOR CREAKS]

[GASPS]

[GIGGLING]

Simmo!

Ew! I hope he's got clothes on.

[LIGHT KNOCKING]

Ooh!

Oh, no.

Simmo is on the move.

I don't know why they said
no to the privacy suite

and ended up having
a little sleepover anyway.

Just like tiptoeing
around, being all sneaky.

Do you reckon they forget
there's cameras in the room?

I'm, like, half-looking.

I don't know whether
to actually look at the TV.

I think they're just cuddling.

Do you want audio description?
Or do you want to watch it?

Wait, what?
Is that it?

I thought it was a little too far.

I sort of wanted to shut my eyes.

KATE: Mm! It seems someone's looking
to tuck someone in.

Now Ben in his bedtime boxers
is in on the action.

[SQUEALS] Oh, my god!

[LAUGHTER]

Who's that?
It's Ben.

[BEN WHISPERS] Hey!
Come into my room.

What is your mum doing?

Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!

[MAN LAUGHS]

I like watching your mum sneak
around at night. She's so funny.

Like, she thinks no one's
gonna know it's her.

The towel over the head.
That was so dumb.

Mum, I know it's you.
A towel is not a disguise.

You look dumb.

REBECCA: You are so lovely.

I think they think
they're being so sneaky.

Like between bedrooms.

It's like there's
no cameras in the house.

Nah, it's nice that they
have a connection.

You just don't want to hear it.
Yeah.

Yeah. It's like when camels eat.
That's what it sounds like.

[LAUGHTER]

[PARENTS HUM, KISS]

All parents are to write
a letter to their kids.

Letters before
the Blessing Ceremony...

It was really hard to hear
those vulnerable words from her.

..cause concern for the kids.
Sorry.

Sorry.
And later...

Now officially best day ever.

..the final four days
before the Blessing Ceremony.

Was that a proposal? Wow!

♪ This time
I'm stronger than before

♪ I'm breaking down the door
I'm standing like a rock, yeah... ♪

It's the last day before
the Blessing Ceremony.

Oh! It's getting too close!

Where the relationships formed
by these parental lovebirds

will either receive their
children's blessing or not.

Jesus, get a room.

We have a room.
We're definitely not using it.

Over at the Bunker...

Good morning, Jaxon.

..the weight of these decisions
is not lost on the kids.

Are you guys excited
for the ceremony?

Yes. How important does everyone
think this decision is?

Very.
I think it's pretty important.

I am really feeling
the weight of this decision.

My mum and Masi obviously
have a connection,

but will it work, like,
outside the retreat?

That's the...that's
the real part, you know?

Is it going to
be sustainable long term?

Do you reckon your parents, like,
value what you say a lot?

I don't think she would
continue if I said no

because I wouldn't say
no for no reason.

I think as much as Mum and Simmo

have made a really
great connection...

..there are a few things
that are weighing on my mind

going into the blessing ceremony.

Like, you got to think
if someone was to be, like,

watching my every move
and then be like,

"No, I don't trust that person."

Then I'd be like,
"OK, what have you actually seen?

"Because I'm obviously
missing out on something."

So I think she would definitely
take my opinion quite seriously.

I want my mum to be happy...

but if I don't think
this relationship

can work in the real world,

I don't want to sign up my
mum for another heartbreak.

I think in a situation like this,

when it's designed
to have us see everything,

I think it's sort of
a must to take it very

seriously if your kid disapproves.

On that note, out we go.
Shall we?

[MESSAGE ALERT BLEEPS]

Oh, my god, guys, we got a message!

[READS] "As a group exercise
this morning,

"all parents are to write
a letter to their kids

"about their experience
here at the retreat."

Oh, that's going to be hard.

Lucky I've put on waterproof makeup.

Everybody in the retreat

was emotional immediately
at the thought

that for the first
time in a long time,

we were going to be able

to write to our babies.

I've got a ball in my stomach.

KATE: This is an opportunity
for our parents to share

their innermost feelings
with their kids,

and to express how much their
newfound romantic connections

mean to them.

Get your sh*t together, love.

The parents are hoping these
heartfelt letters

will persuade their children

to give their blessing
at tomorrow's ceremony.

Well, hello, offspring.

Oh, hello, hello!

Well, the retreat
is coming to an end soon,

and I'm sure the big decisions
you each have to make

at the blessing ceremonies

are weighing heavily on your minds.

Today, we're giving your parents
the chance to communicate with you.

Oh, what?

Here in my hot little
hands are some letters...

that your parents
have written to you.

That's crazy!

That's so weird to think about.

Jake, come and get a letter
from your dad.

Dad's never written
me a letter before.

The way we express how we
feel and how we communicate

is more through
doing things together.

So it's going to be interesting
to see what he has to say.

"Hey, little buddy.

"As you know, mate, I come into
this house a nervous wreck.

"But after being in here
for a couple of days,

"I've already come out of my shell,
as you've probably seen.

"I think I've met a really cool
woman who makes me feel alive again.

"And those walls you said to break
down are starting to fall already.

"I really hope I haven't embarrassed
you while I've been in here.

"Love you, champion, and can't
wait to see you soon."

Jake...

..little buddy, how did you feel?

Yeah. Good.

I know we come kind of come
from a family where

you don't really express
your emotions too much.

It might not seem like
he's opened up that much,

but for me to see him be like that,

it's just like...
it's really different.

Have you ever heard words
like that from your dad?

No. No, especially
not in a letter.

I've never read it.

Yeah, even in real life.

Like, he's never, never really
communicated how he feels.

It's good to see that his
walls are coming down and yeah,

his emotional side I think is
coming out a little bit more.

OK. Brandon, you're up next.

"My darling Brandy.

"You brought me here
a broken woman who thought

"she was incapable
of finding love again.

"My feelings of guilt
have been all-consuming,

"and with each day that passes
here, that guilt has faded away.

"After four years of darkness,
I've found some light.

"And I feel the burden
of being a widow

"has been lifted from my shoulders.

"I feel free.

"I believe everything happens
the way it's supposed to.

"That includes the sad times, too.

"I'm leaving here a stronger woman.

"I can't wait to
see my beautiful boy.

"Love you. Cool Mum."

"P.S. He's friggin' hot."

Oh, Brandon.

I'm just really proud of her.

I know that the guilt that
she's had has been hanging

over her head for
a really, really long time.

She's lived under
the umbrella of being a widow,

and the expectation to be grieving

and mourning
for the rest of her life,

and she has wanted
to feel love again.

And it's been hard
for her because she's

always felt that
she would be judged.

At the end of the day,
I'm really proud of her

for absolving herself of her guilt.

Mum has such trauma and such sadness

from losing the love of her life.

And for me, so far, I'm running
on very little to no information

on who Wes is apart
from base physical presence.

And so it is hard for me
to try and make a decision

on whether or not I think
he is suitable for mum.

I have no idea right now
whether or not

this flirtatious connection
that they have is a genuine one,

or if she just wants
love so badly in her life

that she's just rushing into things.

Alright, Harper, would you like
to read your letter from your dad?

"Whanau, as my youngest son,

"you have experienced
every one of my emotions

"and ridden them out with me.

"You have seen and witnessed
every relationship we had

"for the last seven years,
watching the good,

"the bad, and unfortunately,
the ugly.

"I don't know what it's like
over there, but all the pain,

"anger and hurt I have held onto
for so long has been released.

"The love, bonds and support
I have formed with

"the parents here have been
the medicine I needed.

"Now I must tell you about Nadia.

"There was only one
word to describe her.

"Beautiful.
She has opened my heart wide open.

"I have never felt such
a deep-rooted soul connection ever.

"The darkness that once
was has been set alight.

"My son, I'm so glad you're here
to witness this chance with me.

"I love you. Dad."

I really think Dad that has changed

over the course of
his time at the retreat.

I remember for a very long
time he didn't really

have longevity to a relationship.

It's good to see him, though...
he's being so earnest now.

I'm really glad that he has been

able to find
a connection with Nadia.

I can really see a deep bond
being formed in between them.

I definitely think
that my dad has changed.

He has been able to connect
with Nadia on a very deep level.

I'm really happy to see them
sort of build something together,

and I would like to see that persist
outside of the retreat as well.

Mona, would you like to get
a letter from your mum?

Yeah. Thank you.

"My beautiful Mona.

"I couldn't ask for a better
daughter to share this journey with.

"I'm truly grateful
and blessed to have met Masi."

My main concern is that
Masi might not fit

into the family
in a religious sense.

"I have so much to say,

"but I will keep it short
as I don't want to upset you."

Sorry.

"I'm truly grateful and blessed
to have such a beautiful,

"loving daughter like you.

"I love you so much.
Love, Mum."

What hits you the most
about that, Mona?

I think that, you know, obviously,

like, we came into this
experience for her to find love.

You know?

I, um...

..I think that continuing with
the expectations of the religious

side with the family,
it'll just be an issue.

Yeah.

Masi not being a Muslim

is something that could
definitely hold Mum back because,

you know, family is
extremely important to Mum.

I know that she really likes
Masi, but we're talking about,

you know, religion and culture here.

So this decision
is going to be huge.

That's a big problem to me.

KATE: In the bunker,
the kids are reading letters

written by their parents.

It's the last chance for
the parents

to communicate
directly with their children

ahead of tomorrow's
all-important blessing ceremony.

Well, Gracie, it's your turn now.

Would you like to come get
your letter?

I'm so excited to read
a letter from my mum right now.

This is the longest
I've gone without

any form of communication with Mum.

So I'm going to
be holding back the tears.

"To my darling Gracie Mallou.

"I told you what I wanted in a man,

"and my precious girl
gave me exactly what I needed.

"I have often marvelled at how
incredibly smart and caring you are.

"Thank you for having the wisdom to
know what my heart has longed for."

Seeing my mum happy,
it's beautiful

and I can see her believing in
herself and coming out of her shell.

"Your boundless love has
always inspired me

"to be a better version
of myself every day.

"Thank you, my sweet child,

"for knowing me better than
I sometimes know myself.

"I love you to the moon and back."

I know my mum's
always been really insecure

and always thought
she's not good enough.

And I think being in a relationship,

you kind of have to reassure your
partner that they are enough.

It's lovely to see her happy, and
I haven't seen her happy in so long.

She's always sacrificed
her happiness for mine.

Jasmine and Jaxon.

Feels like a book.

[THEY LAUGH]

Holy sh*t.

Oh, we had a bit to say.
Oh, my gosh.

Oh!

[BLEEP!] Three... It's like five!

Wow!

Five pages long
and everyone got one.

I can't read all of that.

He doesn't make it easy for us.

"Dear Jasmine and Jaxon.

"I hope this message finds you
well and in good spirits.

"I came on this
adventure with only one goal,

"to find a kind and giving heart.

"What I found,
against all probabilities,

"was a beautiful soul,
for I see in Bec,

"the light of the universe
shining within,

"a kind and giving heart bursting
forth with unbridled spirit.

"She has blown me away
with her joyous laughter.

"And I've let myself go.
My soul borne aloft in happiness.

"Dot-dot-dot."
[BLEEP!] hell!.

"Her hilarity and comedy are
only matched by her serenity.

"Her jovial nature underpinned
by her kindness.

"Yet for all the raucousness
there, in the moments of calm,

"when laughter subsides
and gravity holds away,

"there she stands, a vision of
wisdom

"borne from the complex
experiences of her life.

"What a wonderful gift to us all.

"I love you kids.

"Remember 'per audacia ad ignotum' -
through boldness into the unknown.

Holy moly. Your father is quite
the philosopher.

He's quite the poet.
Oh, look at these words.

Though these
were impossible to read.

"Leaning forth."

That looks like "thrusting forth."

[LAUGHTER]

Even though Dad's handwriting
was very hard to read,

he wrote some beautiful words
like we knew he would.

Hello, you.

We've seen Dad in
relationships where he's been happy

But to see him really delve this
deep and be so emotional about it,

I know that he is truly happy.

Tiarn...
Thank you.

"Dear Tiarn, thank you,
first and foremost, for being

"the beautiful daughter
that you are.

"Thank you for putting
me-slash-us forward

"for this unforgettable
and unique experience.

"I came in with no expectations,

"but I did come in with hope.

"I got off to a slow-but-respectful
start, as you knew I would.

"But I have met a wonderful man who
is handsome, kind and considerate.

"But most of all, I know
he'll be loyal, prioritise me..."

Sorry.

Mum and I came here
not sure exactly what would happen.

I wasn't sure whether
Mum would find somebody or not.

Just to see it in writing...

[SOBS]

..I found it really emotional.

Sorry.

The first time you'll see me cry.

"..things that past
relationships have lacked.

"For this, I am forever grateful to
you, this opportunity

"and the potential happiness
and love I have been waiting for.

"I love you and know you will
support me moving forward.

"Love, Mum."

I think I can tell how you feel.

I'm just so happy
she's found someone

because she's
been through a lot and...

I just...we came here, like, really,
really wanting her to find someone.

I actually am in a lot of disbelief
that Mum has found somebody,

and such
a nice person at the same time.

I think he's seen her
for who she truly is,

which is something that's
really great to hear.

And also a massive deal for
Chook, seeing her dad so happy.

Chook.

You're up next.

"Dear Chook.

"Firstly, I love you to
the moon and back.

"Secondly, thank you so much

"for accompanying me on
this amazing journey to find love.

"Your belief
and guidance and patience

"has helped me forget the past,

"focus on the future, and deal
with my vulnerability going forward.

"Lots of work to be done.

"But the future is looking
bright with Janine.

"I have met someone I believe
just might be the one.

Yay!
"Love Dad."

Aww!

Might be the one.
The one.

Big words.

I haven't seen them like
this in a very long time.

Like I think he might be in love.

[THEY CHAT]

As much as I want
him to be in love,

I've seen him be really hurt
in the past.

He falls quick and he falls hard.

You always run the risk
of the heartbreak.

And I don't know if he could
do another big heartbreak.

OK. Now, officially, best day ever.

We hit the open road...

Can't believe my life right now!

..for some epic final dates.

Look at the city.
My golly gosh.

..that will leave the kids
absolutely speechless.

Was that a proposal? Oh, my God.

What?
Wow!

With the blessing ceremony
just around the bend,

the kids have some super serious
decisions to grapple with.

And to help our young matchmakers,

I'm arranging for
something truly special.

A new message!
Oh!

What have we got?

Ben and Rebecca.
Ooh, ooh.

Get ready for your final date.

Please leave the retreat
for a little trip to Italy.

[CONTESTANTS EXCLAIM]

[CHEERING, APPLAUSE]

[UPBEAT ROCK MUSIC]

[ENGINE REVS]

JAXON: Today is the day where they
will be going on their final date.

I can speak for both of us when
I say we're extremely excited.

I just want to say Dad and Bec
spend quality time together

outside of the pressures
of the retreat.

The challenges they face are
going to be when they go outside.

[THEY LAUGH]

It is kind of make-or-break.

I know my mum does
have a couple insecurities.

And I just wanna know if he's
going to be the kind of partner

to reassure my mum
and put those insecurities to ease,

just so that I can be
a little bit more clear on my

decision for the blessing
ceremony for tomorrow.

How cool is this?

This is beyond cool.

The image of Bec sitting
in the left hand side,

the headscarf on and the dark
glasses looking like Audrey Hepburn

as we're just motoring
down the country roads.

It was just...
it was quite a special moment.

OK.
Now, officially, best day ever.

She loves that sort of stuff.

Can't believe my life right now.

[CACKLES]

My lady.

The connection with Bec
is growing day by day.

She is a truly beautiful person.

Oh, my!
Oh, look at this.

Oh, this is incredible.

Wow.
This setting is amazing.

I can't believe it.

It's very special to
be able to spend some time alone

with Bec outside the retreat.

We really haven't been
on a date since day one.

And, yeah, it's going to be
a very, very, very special moment.

What a beautiful setting.
I can't believe it.

Just like Italy, isn't it? Lovely.

Thank you.
Welcome.

What shall we toast to?
To a wonderful experience.

Wonderful. Yeah, it's
been incredible, hasn't it?

Salud!
So weird.

It feels so good
to be here with Ben.

I feel our connection
is lovely and easy.

It's going so beautifully

and it's just nice to have some
alone time with him.

So what do your children
think about you dating?

Has that been an issue?

My kids want me to have
somebody in my life, you know?

I mean, I haven't had much luck.

I just hadn't really got down
to the nitty gritty of it.

And...this has been

a test for me.

Did it feel like a test?
Yeah.

To prove to myself something
that I've, you know,

long believed the beauty
is in the inside.

You know, that's where it lies. OK.

And for years and years and years,

I've just got it so wrong.

Were you looking at the outside?
I was just looking at the outside.

You guys.

Shiny things.

I've lived with dad since
I was about 14,

and I've never, ever in my entire
life seen him so happy.

Really?

You know, I don't know
if I told you,

but you will actually
be the first man that...

..I will actually
introduce to my children.

Really?
Yeah.

You know, it's... [SIGHS]

It has been lonely

because I promised myself, you know,

that I wouldn't make
them endure relationships

that that didn't have any substance

and that had the potential
to fail very quickly.

Yeah.

Um...I wanted to be absolutely
sure that they were ready.

Mum's always been, like,
really protective over us kids

and not want us to
meet just any guy.

So this is massive.

So I guess the issue that's probably
been raised a few times is, um...

..will your children
be concerned that, um...

..you know, I might
be a gold-digger?

Awwww.

Or be in it for the money?

Is that something that they
are concerned about or...

I don't know. Has that question been
raised by your children at all?

I'm feeling pretty guilty

after hearing Bec bring up
the gold-digger comment again.

Our intentions when asking
those questions at the massage date

were not directed
specifically at her.

It's something we had to
ask on behalf of ourselves

after seeing dad's past
relationships.

We've had this conversation and...
We've had it over and over.

The best thing to do is just...

As long as that's not
something that would concern them,

because I would be
mortified if they actually

thought something like that.

It is really
hard because that label,

you couldn't be more offensive
in any shape or form.

I would rather be without a man than
be labelled that in a million years.

You know, that's not the type
of relationship that I want.

I'm looking for love.

Am I starting to fall
in love with Rebecca?

Absolutely. But how
can I explain it?

What I'm looking for in
a person is someone who

isn't held back
by the perceptions of others.

The fact that she...

..you know, worried about it

was more of a concern to me.

How is it going to unfold?

And that I got to say,
I honestly don't know.

Insecurities don't
go away overnight,

and it's so clear that I'm going to
be the one picking up the pieces.

And I need to find out if Ben
is in this for the long haul.

[EMOTIVE POP MUSIC]

KATE: For the first time,

Danny and Wes are dating
in the real world.

It's their last opportunity
before the blessing ceremony

to suss out their true
intentions to one another.

Oh, my gosh, this is a place
I needed to be today.

Cute!

For kids Brandon and Jake,

they have just 24 hours
to make a tough decision.

Will they give their blessing
or not?

Wes has barriers in trusting people

and emotionally
opening up to people.

For me on this date, I want to see
Wes open up a lot more with Mum.

I want to see a lot more than
just surface-level discussions.

And so far in this relationship,

mum has been doing
a lot of the pushing

in terms of trying
to make this thing happen.

So I do want to see if
Wes can push back.

Which one of these boats
were you going to steal for me?

That big one,
the big white one over there.

Think it's big enough
for my makeup?

Yeah, it's big enough
for your makeup.

Today is kind of make-or-break.

I've only got one day
to really make a decision.

Dani being a widow isn't
really a big deal for Dad,

but I would like to see her
have a deeper conversation

with Dad about whether
or not she feels like she's

ready to love again
and be with someone again.

This is so beautiful.

Oh, gosh. Look at this.

You gotta be...
Amazing, isn't it?

You gotta be happy
with the water.

Very amazing.

This is like every dream come true
for you, surely - the water, me!

It is.

[LAUGHTER]

Got a bit of a knot
in my stomach about this.

Just got the butterflies myself.

To us.
To us.

I never, ever could have imagined
that I could find a new love.

Really, it's incredible

that a complete stranger
has caught my eye.

I feel like I've known him
my whole life.

So where to from here?
Like straight away...

I'm going to be going "Where's
Wes?" when I get up in the morning.

It's going to be really strange.
I know how that's gonna feel like.

BRANDON: Oh, that's cute.
That's beautiful.

The thing is I'm really excited
about the physicality of us.

I am.
Yeah, I am too.

I feel like...it's going to be very
expl*sive when we leave.

Oh, my god.

Right now, the relationship
is very physical.

But this relationship
is only going to work

if there is
a deeper connection.

When you're away for work,
with your ex-partner,

where do you
think the breakdown was?

Because I had the long distance
work issues with my ex.

While I was away,
she was mucking around.

That's cut me up,
and that's something I've...

..I'm still carrying with me.
I suppose.

It's hard to get it out
of your head, I guess.

Yeah. For that long distance
thing that we were doing.

I'm glad that
they are discussing this,

'cause it is definitely something
that needs to be considered.

I will do whatever I can to be there
for you, and as soon as I can,

I'll be at the Central Coast
and I know you'll come to Melbourne.

Yeah.

He has concerns around us
living in two separate states.

I'm not concerned about
him being insecure.

I just think it's something
I need to be really aware of.

And it's my job as his partner
to make him feel comfortable.

We're going to be OK. Yeah.

Had you noticed I'm still
wearing my wedding ring?

Yeah.

I've tried taking it off before

and moving it to my
other hand, and I just...

I guess I haven't felt
like I could, I felt guilty.

And I know being in the retreat,

I've been working on the guilt
about moving on,

and I think I've made massive,
massive inroads for that.

Since you've been in the house?
Oh, absolutely.

I've kept my wedding ring on
since Paul passed away,

um, just as a way
to stay connected to him.

And I did vow to myself
that if I ever

meet somebody else
and we get serious,

that I would move my wedding ring
over to my other hand

and finally stop feeling guilty

about the prospect of moving on.

Since meeting you the last few days,

everything's starting
to shift for me.

The weight's gone off my
shoulders, the burden's gone.

I feel like the widow tag
is something that everybody,

including myself, can just retire.

She's worked on herself so much.
It's beautiful.

I know I said I was fine with it,
and I totally fine with it,

but I really...I wouldn't care
if you actually left it on there

for as long as you wanted to leave
it on there 6 to 12 months.

You are a very strong man.
Leave it there.

Honestly, until...
this is real honest,

until hopefully one day
I can put one there.

What?!

Oh, my gosh.

What is even happening to me?

Made me feel good.
Made me feel really, really good.

Was that a proposal?
No, it was not a proposal.

I think it was.
It was not.

I think it was.

That woke me up!

[CHUCKLES]

Talk about running
into things so quickly,

I thought Mum was fast.

Jeez. Wes is like the Flash.

[CHUCKLES] Yeah. Just do us.

But I'm happy that
Wes is opening up.

With the blessing ceremony,

I think we just need
to go into it

ready to let the kids know

if they haven't already noticed

about how we feel about each other.

I'm feeling
slightly nervous about it.

But then again,
all we can do is go in

and hope for the best and hopefully,
they see the connection we've got.

I'm really confident
that Brandon would think

you were the absolute
perfect person for me.

I hope I come across that way.

I can't even! I can't!
I've been attacked.

You're like a hero.
You're like a super hero.

I've never seen him be
this open to someone.

It's like, kind of trippy.

I'm already planning out
what this is going to look like.

Our future.

I'll be having a beer
on the beach wearing a bikini.

Yes, you will be.

Yeah.
The two piece red one.

And when you come out of the surf,

I obviously will run up to you
with a Big M and a Chiko Roll,

because I'm a very
supportive girlfriend.

I mean, is this a scene we can see?
I can see that.

You can see that?
Totally.

I'm so happy that they're
starting to develop something.

But I am still very
cautious because Mum does

jump into relationships
pretty quickly.

I am still going to keep
my cautious eye on it,

because I do want to see it develop,

and I do want this to be able
to continue into the real world.

[EMOTIVE MUSIC]

[UPBEAT POP MUSIC]

KATE: It's time to set sail
for our next date.

Wow. Check this out.
Yeah. It's beautiful.

I hope you enjoy this, darling.

And for Janine and Simmo,
it's all aboard the Love Boat.

Cheers.

Good things come to those who wait.

So my first date with Janine
out of the house!

Gotcha.
Thank you. Wow!

It could very well be potentially
the start of a love story.

Janine is a beautiful lady.

She's stunning. She's funny.

There's a chance it could
lead to something more.

Can't wait.
Here we go.

Awww! They look so good together.

Yeah. I'd like to see a conversation

between Mum and Simmo
about long distance.

A long distance
relationship on the outside

will come with its challenges.

I'm not sure she would move
the entire way to Yamba.

I think it'd be great to hear

exactly how they're
going to sort it out.

CHOOK: I need to know
that Janine's 100% committed

and that she's ready for,

you know, hopefully the last
relationship she'll have.

This isn't just
another romance for Dad.

I know he's looking for the one.

The one to grow old with
and spend the rest of his life with

and fall in love with again.

Have I told you
you look stunning?

Yes, you have.
But I'm ready to hear it again.

I'm looking for
Simmo's forever love.

I don't want him to go
through another heartbreak.

What a magic location, right as the
sun's setting, right on the water.

Yep. We'll have to come back.

Make it our anniversary spot.

BRANDON: Awwww. That's cute.

I'm getting a bit excited.
Alrighty. Here we are, darling.

I hope they don't fall in.

How good is this?

Look how smart he looks!

How long are my legs?
You'll be alright, baby. I got you.

Look at this setting.
My golly gosh.

[LAIDBACK MUSIC]

Slow Burn Simmo
with spring in his step.

I took Janine's hand.
I was ten foot tall and bulletproof.

Wow.
How good's this?

I know!

I've never been to a restaurant

where you've only
got access via boat.

Access by boat is pretty
exclusive, isn't it?

The company's good.

The company's fantastic!
I know.

So we've spent a few days together

and we've fostered this connection.

And each day, it's getting
stronger and stronger

the more we learn about each other.

Progress... Slow Burn Simmo's
come back from the dead.

[LAUGHS] He sure has.

Slow Burn Simmo was very
strategic being slow.

And then Janine came along
and we've just grown the friendship.

And the date was just
the icing on the cake.

I'm in first gear.
Now I'm ready to get back.

Come out of second
and go on the journey. Yeah.

Simmo is a very...he's very
romantic. He's very thoughtful.

The fact that Simmo had been
hurt before and quite recently,

I can see that he would
go to any lengths

to make sure things were perfect.

So how are you feeling
about all of this?

I know you've been hurt in the past,

so are you ready to move on?

Absolutely ready. Yeah.

I'm ready to...
Full-heartedly?

Absolutely.
Yeah?

Yeah. Definitely ready.
OK.

Initially, I
felt comfortable with you,

so that's allowed me to drop
those walls or barriers,

which has helped me.

Yeah, I don't need
to have any walls up.

Like I haven't got any walls up now.

Not at all.

And with you, I can
just see what it would be like

if we were together forever.

Yeah, I can just see you'd
be the same man at the end.

Awwww!
Yeah.

Cheers.
Cheers!

Here's to us.
To a beautiful future.

My vulnerability levels
have also come down,

so I'm opening up more.

And we just have so many things
in common.

And she's such a cool chick.

So how do you
feel about the distance?

The distance thing is...

Yeah, we'll manage it.
It'll be fine. Yeah.

So obviously, you know,
the stronger we grow the...

you know, it's going to be
more and more difficult

not to see each other
on a regular basis.

Do you have a surfboard
down at your place?

A surfboard? Actually,
I gave it to the neighbour.

OK. I've got about 18 or 19,
so I might bring my with me.

It's hard because they're
still in the same state,

but it's still an eight-hour drive.

It's a long time.
I know dad wouldn't consider moving.

I need to be confident with how it's
going to work on the outside

and just little things that they
haven't really addressed

because they have
their love goggles on, I guess.

How are you feeling about
the ceremony? The blessing ceremony?

Oh, I'm confident. Yeah.

I know that Tiarn
will give her blessing,

but obviously I don't know
your daughter at all,

so I can't speak for her.

If by chance I wasn't to get
the blessing from Chook,

it would be a it would be a shock.

It's been a magnificent day
in this amazing destination.

What more could we want?

So we'll do a quick cheers and...
A good, long future.

Yeah. Here's to us.
Yeah, yeah.

That was cute.

Yeah.

I think at the start
I was just super excited.

I think I had
my love goggles on too.

I was just happy to see Dad happy.

But now when you sit back
and you really think about it,

if I am going to give my blessing,

I need to be confident
Janine's committed

to doing long distance

and happy to potentially
move in the future.

I really hope this works because
I don't want him to get hurt again.

[UPBEAT ELECTRONIC MUSIC]

KATE: It's stunning Sydney Harbour
for the last of our final dates.

You look absolutely beautiful.
Oh thank you.

You look alright.
[LAUGHS]

And for Masi and Nadia,
we've pulled out all of the stops.

On the eve of the blessing ceremony,

their young matchmakers
Harper and Mona

need to decide if
these two lovebirds

will fly in the real world.

What I really want to see
is Mum and Masi having

deep conversations about
what happens next.

I want them to be
addressing, you know,

concerns like the religion,

the culture barriers,
just the logistics.

They're realistic things that they
have to think about going forward.

That's pretty.

Oh, wow.
Oh, it's got the bridge!

This is gorgeous.
Yeah.

Love it.

[PLAYS CLASSICAL MUSIC]

Wow.
That's so cool.

That's beautiful.

Cheers again.
To what?

To this experience,

to what we have right now
right here.

And a hopeful and happy future.

Cheers.
Cheers.

He makes me nervous.
He makes me get all shy and giggly.

It's because I really like him,
you know?

I don't easily get
nervous around my dates,

but with him, I just get so nervous.

And that's a sign that
I really like him.

You know, Nadia,

in this whole
experience that we've had,

you have really opened my heart
to a lot of possibilities.

You peel back a lot of layers that
I had within me before I came here.

You really dug deep into who I was

and what I was feeling
and why I was here,

and why I wanted to make
a connection with you.

The things that you say
mean so much to me.

It was like I was just,
like, washed, like, clean

of all the things that I
thought in my head

that I really wanted in a person.

Awwww!

I was always about the superficial.

I was always getting in quickly

and finding out what
that person was about,

like further down the line,
you know?

I think this whole experience
of being in this house has brought

out a person that I haven't seen
for a very, very long time.

I have to thank you for that.

Thank you. That was beautiful.

Yeah.

I definitely think that
my dad has changed,

and he has gained
a new understanding

of what he wants in a relationship.

I am glad that now he is able

to develop an emotional
bond with someone.

I never felt like this
before about anybody.

And...look, I'm just
hoping that you feel the same.

And I'm definitely feeling the same.
I've been shut down.

Like my feelings have been that
romantic feeling you get, that...

you know, that love kind of feel
that I just use the L word, but...

Oh!

But, you know, I mean, I haven't
felt like this in a long time.

I am falling in love with Masi.

Yes, I am.

I wasn't even sure if I could
get this feeling again.

But this feels like heaven.
It feels beautiful. It feels warm.

It feels like my heart is full
and I can't stop smiling.

I hope to continue this
outside of here.

Yeah. Me too.
And to live a happy life.

There's one concern that I've got.
Yeah.

What is it?
I know culturally, we're different.

But, you know, in some
aspects we're the same.

You know, we do come
from both different cultures,

island culture and African culture.

I know that yours
is a lot stricter than mine is.

I just want to know, like...

..what are your concerns
and fears after we leave here?

Well, the fact is, my family will
struggle with our connection.

Yeah.
Because of the religion.

And I'm not sure

if they will
ever really fully accept it.

You know?

Would you think by talking to them
and seeing the person that I am,

they would be able to accept that?

I doubt it.
You doubt it?

Yeah.
Right.

I don't know if I
will get their blessing.

Are you willing to take this
further? Even with...


and see where this takes us.

I'm not going to just end
everything because I'm worried

what's going to happen to you
in six months or whatever,

you know, I just want to take
it, you know, day by day.

Yeah. OK.
Baby steps.

Yeah. OK.
See where this takes us.

Yeah.

I don't want to choose

because my family are
just as important as he is.

And he's become a very
important person in my life.

So we have to make sure
we are solid first

before I start
thinking about the future.

I don't want to ruin this moment,
this experience, this time with him.

I just want to enjoy him now

and just build
something first together.

Are you happy with that?
Yeah, I'm happy with that.

Let's just enjoy.
OK. Yeah, yeah.

It's a hard one, for sure.

I can't just give my blessing
because Mum looks happy.

There's a lot more to
think about than that.

We're talking about
religion and culture here,

which are two things that can
be quite hard to work around.

So yeah, it's a lot.

I wouldn't want to see Nadia
have to make

that choice between Dad
and her family.

There is no guarantee
whether or not this relationship

will survive outside of this bubble.

[UPBEAT ELECTRONIC MUSIC]

It's the final night in the retreat
before the blessing ceremonies.

Awww!

Oh, look at this dapper couple.
Looking stylish!

And after four epic dates...

Oh!
Here's cheers.

..our parents drink and clink

to their last night together
as a group.

This is their last night.

Our last night as well.

I've made friends for life.

And, you know, we had
a conversation in the bunker

that once you finish high school,

it's kind of hard to find
and make new friends.

And the fact that I've made,
like, 15 new friends.

Yeah. I couldn't be more happy.

You got a bit of colour, cap?

Yeah.
He got sunburnt in his Ferrari.

Was it was it a convertible Ferrari?

Yeah. Yeah, yeah.
Blow your wig off.

Nearly blew mine off!

Can you kiss my cheek?

Today with Dani was a great day.

And the blessing ceremony
coming up tomorrow.

I'm feeling quietly
confident with it.

I know there's going to be throwing
some tough questions at us,

and we'll just answer
them the best we can.

But if they both give their
blessing, that'd be amazing.

So tomorrow, the blessing ceremony.

How are you guys feeling
about it? Are you nervous? Excited?

I'm confident that they'll say yes.
Gracie most definitely will.

Yeah.

Are you nervous about tomorrow, Cap?
No, not at all.

I'm quite confident
they'll see me in

a completely
new and different light.

I think this is going to be
a pivotal moment in my life.

I think it was good, though.

Like the dates gave us
that extra information

a lot of us needed before going
into the blessing ceremony.

Tomorrow we've got a big decision
to make.

It is the most important one
that we will make

as a part of this experience.

It is going to be make or break
for a lot of the relationships

and whether or not this is going
to go OK in the real world.

Yeah.

While the kids ponder
their ultimate decision.

It's time for me to throw
the cat among the parental pigeons.

There's Kate!
What?!

[PARENTS EXCLAIM]

Oh!
Hello, lovers.

How are you?

I'm making a little bit
of a habit of this, aren't I?

Where's Ben with my champagne?
Coming up.

Hold on.
Coming up!

There you go, my dear.

I can tell you're a pilot,
not a flight attendant.

They would've done it a lot quicker.

Well, I'm here
to celebrate with you all,

because this is your final
night in the retreat.

Yeah.
Cheers to that.

Cheers.
PARENTS: Cheers.

Alright, well,
let's head into the lounge

because I have
something to show you.

Oh, no!

Kate walked into the retreat.

That means there's something
going to go down.

Well, parents,
for the first time in the retreat,

everyone here is happily coupled up.

Yay!
Very good.

It makes me so happy
that you've each been able

to overcome
whatever obstacles you had

that were blocking you
from making a connection,

and all along, your children have
been watching you and guiding you.

Sometimes in ways
you don't even know.

Your kids have been glued to
the screens

watching you from afar.

Analysing your connections.

Your words.

Your behaviour.

And now...

..it's time to turn the tables.
Yes!

Oh-h*! Yes!

Would you like to get to see them?
ALL: Yes!

I've been wanting
this the whole time. Yeah.

And the kids have no idea.

[LAUGHTER]

Oh, here we go.

As the blessing ceremonies
are tomorrow,

your kids have been discussing
their thoughts and their concerns.

Whatever they decide

will be what they believe is
in your best interests.

Some of it might be a bit
hard for you guys to hear.

BRANDON: From what
I've observed in mum in the past,

is that she does have a bad habit

of jumping into
relationships pretty quickly.

Once the honeymoon is over, it ends.

My God!

KATE: Next time,
nothing is guaranteed.

As much as you guys hate to hear it,

we're the ones
in the power right now.

As the kids ask the hard questions.

Do you expect my dad
to convert to Islam?

Are you the kind of person
that just jumps ship?

We all heard about your body count.

To bless or not to bless?
That is the question.

Giving my blessing...it's huge.