The most controversial constant of Love Island season 8, Sincere, choosing between the two fish, Melanie and Sol | Courtesy of Peacock
By Standia Louis | Contributing Writer
When I heard the newest season of Love Island came out, I did what every reasonable person should do: ask my cousin, who obviously has better things to do, to watch it with me.
After endless begging (it was only 5 minutes), she finally relented. Once we got cozy, grabbed snacks, and shooed my younger sister out of the room, I opened my laptop with my hot Cheeto-stained fingers and started what can only be described as the most unnecessary show in television history.
Love Island is nothing more than another reality TV dating show, but what sets it apart is just how ridiculous it can be. Half of the drama in the show could be summed up as “lust-filled hot people exchanging saliva and crying over their partner exploring any new hot person that comes into the villa” (which comes up way more times than I can count).
Despite the absurdity of it all, my cousin and I found ourselves hooked on the drama, spamming the “next episode” button nonstop just to see what questionable decision would elicit the next round of chaos.
Now, to be honest, this season so far is a bit better than last season. The conflicts between the Islanders feel much more natural and are balanced among different people instead of one person. The cast is way more likable, especially with contestants like Trinity and Beatrice.
This is a huge contrast to Season 7, where it felt like everyone else was overshadowed by Huda’s drama. There isn’t a definitive “villain” in the villa, and there aren’t as many borderline abusive tactics, but it is still unnecessary in terms of how many arguments were started just because people were doing what they should be doing, which is talking to people until they find their “perfect” match.
The Casa Amor episode proved this, as one islander in particular, KC, decided to couple with the casa bombshell, Titi. Although his decision to recouple with Titi is encouraged by the show, the way he went about it was iffy.
KC wasn’t upfront with his feelings to Aniya, as he always said that he would choose her no matter the temptation, and gave no indication that he wasn’t interested in continuing the connection. Aniya had repeatedly rejected the advances of other men under the impression that KC would do the same.
Although there is criticism regarding how Ainya put too much trust in KC to remain in a relationship with her, given the nature of the show, KC was misleading in how he felt towards her, which makes this recoupling a bit controversial.
As of July, the couples in the show are Bryce and Trinity, Ainya and Carl, Melanie and Sincere, and Kayda and Zach. While they all had their trials and tribulations, I personally think none of them will survive outside the villa.
That being said, my favorite couple for now is Trinity and Bryce, since out of everyone, their connection seems much stronger than any other couple on the show. They both seem to genuinely like each other, communicate well, and respect each other despite the age difference. But one thing I do believe is that, because of their age difference, they might not last long once the cameras stop rolling.
As the final episode is set to release, I find myself wondering which couple will be able to convince America that during the six weeks of “exploring” each other, they’re in love. I already placed my bets on Trinity and Bryce.
Even though the show is pure brain rot, I can see the appeal in watching it. Every recoupling, argument, and drama leaves you itching for just one more episode, just to know what happens next.
Now, is this show a meaningful contribution to society? No. Will I be seated for the reunion? Yes. Love Island may be one of the most unnecessary shows on television, but it’s entertaining if you’re willing to turn your brain off for an hour.
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The opinions presented on this page do not represent the views of the PantherNOW Editorial Board. These views are separate from editorials and reflect the perspectives of contributing writers and/or university community members.
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