The Allure of Love: First Impressions of Temptation Island
I promised myself that I wouldn’t do it. I wouldn’t give in to the sappy and overly dramatized love shows like Love is Blind, Love Island, and Married at First Sight. Even with my best efforts to resist, the clips always weasel their way onto my TikTok “For You” page, and eventually, I have to watch the shows for myself.
The guilty pleasure is truly real, but there is one series that I told myself under no circumstance that I would watch. However, the temptation of this particular show was too strong for me to resist. That show is none other than Temptation Island (USA). What sea of chaos comes with Temptation Island, you may ask? Oh, I’ll tell you: essentially, couples that are at a crossroads in their relationship book a one-way ticket to Temptation Island, the place where they find the answers to all of the questions they have about their relationship (even though they can just ask each other these questions themselves). On the island, the couples are split between two separate villas; the men go to a villa full of single women, and the women head to a villa with single men. As the couples are now separated, they are free to explore other connections and people during their stay on the island. With this, I give you my reactions to the first episode, and as an astute anthropologist (I took two classes in the Anthropology department), here are my reactions field note style:
Ashley and Grant (together for 1.5 years)
“I am coming into this knowing that I am deciding to be tempted but not give in” –Grant.
Hmm, Grant is giving bad vibes a minute into the show. His partner Ashley is pretty though. He cheated on her a month into their relationship; no wonder they have trust issues. Wait, Grant has a daughter??!!?
Aww, Ashley is a sweetie pie. I think she should have fun on the island—I don’t think Grant is for her (six people have already shown interest in her for a reason!).
Shante and Brion (together for 1 year)
Brion needs to learn how to control his sexual desires… He chose someone else over her before, but he realized that the grass isn’t greener but is now choosing to go on Temptation Island—I don’t understand, but hey, #nojudgment!
Shante seems like a darling though!
Alexa and Lino (together for 3.5 years)
Lino says that they are three and a half years in, and they want to go forward and not backward in their relationship…so Temptation Island is a step forward in their relationship—questionable? Again, #nojudgment! Omg, she just revealed that she was married before, wait, and she cheated on him!
Yeah, Lino, you kind of have to get your lick back and explore on the island. I’m #teamLino. I also feel like she wears the pants in the relationship, but Lino seems sweet.
Tayler and Tyler (together for 2.5 years, and they have a cool name duo)
Tyler met her when he was married, ooo. Oh, he’s a model and cheated; from the way she looks at him, she is PISSED. I honestly get bad vibes from Tyler.
Tayler, I have four words for you: Get. Off. The. Show! You shouldn’t have to prove your worth to anyone!! I feel like he’s bringing a crazy side out of you and stressing you out, hun! I also feel like he’s gaslighting her to HELL. Realistically, she should be single!
Wait…why do I feel like Alexa and Tyler want each other?
Memorable Temptresses
Okay temptresses, why is Brion licking his lips while they are doing their entrances? I can already tell where this is going.
Mia, the dentist, is gorgeous; her intro is crazy!!!
Natalie: loves her (ass)ests.
And the winner for the craziest introduction goes to…Alex!
Tayler again is not having it with these temptresses.
COURTNEY!!! Marking her territory!
Is Shante crying while the single ladies are coming? Aww, she’s sweet, but babe, you know what you signed up for.
Memorable Tempters
Alexa loves green eyes, and Quentin has some striking green eyes. Wait, does Lino have green eyes??? (he might; I just can’t see from my phone screen). *update, I just got a closer look, and he definitely does NOT have green eyes!
Hold up, are the tempters tempting me…
Ooo, I think that Yamen would treat Shante right!
Chris (short king) is eyeing Tayler up and down; Tyler should be worried!!
I liked Hashim's introduction!
Initial pairings (couples choose one of the single people to date)
Wow, bringing all the couples together to see who their partner chooses…messy!
Yup, Alexa chose Quentin, the green-eyed tempter.
Yay!!! Tayler chose our short king, Chris.
Ash chose Logan, the youngin of the bunch.
Shante chose Hashim, okay Shante, I see you!
Lino chose Ally.
Ooooooooo. This was literally the sound I made when Grant chose our stallion, Courtney. Okay Tyler, I was not expecting that!
Brion chose Mia, and she seems sweet!
Grant chose Olivia.
Predictions
As for my predictions as to who comes out of Temptation Island unscathed, I see Alexa and Lino’s potential, but I think Lino should explore. However, I think that Shante, Ashley, and maybe Tayler should explore and LEAVE THEIR PARTNERS!! It seems like trust is broken, and going on a reality TV show where the objective is basically to cheat on your partner will not help them!
Overall, this first episode has me wondering what will happen next: whose relationship will persevere, whose won’t? How far will these couples go with the singles? And will you give in to the temptation and watch the show for yourself?