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As the ladies make their final decisions, it’s quickly followed by the reunion show, which begins with each addressing the beef some had with one another.
Plot Recap
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And The Final Decision Is? – Maurice, Shareese, Tabari, Verneashia, Donald, Ashlee, Cameron, Zadia
Ultimately, Shareese picks Maurice, which seems to be the easiest decision of the night. Why? Well, in comparison, everyone else was more of a toss-up. Communication, whether things were said or not, was an issue across the board for the other ladies.
Cameron has been rather clear he can’t give 100%, but with Zadia smitten, she stuck beside him. However, Verneashia wasn’t as willing to put up with someone having to learn how to love her the way she wanted, so she decided not to move forward with Tabari – who was notably devastated.
As for Ashlee? While she doesn’t think Donald is ready to be in a relationship with her, there is no denying the friendship, so while she decides not to make a move, they still decide to hang out.
The Zadia v. Shareese Issue – Tamica, Tanika, Zadia, Shareese
With the decisions made rather quickly, since there wasn’t really much to build up to, we jump right into the reunion show with Tanika back and Tamica helping to provide context. This becomes necessary for the first notable topic is, Zadia and Shareese’s beef, and from the start, Shareese makes it clear she wants no part in rehashing who said and did what.
Though, can you blame her? As Zadia gets caught in multiple lies, there aren’t apologies or anything like that. Shareese is just left to sit there, trying to explain herself, and forced to wait her turn. After some time, she gets to have her turn, but it becomes clear that because Tamica and Tanika root for Cameron and Zadia, they are willing to let her slide.
Meanwhile, in regards to the LJ kiss, while Tanika and Tamica make it clear kissing in the south is normal, Tanika isn’t so supportive when she learns Shareese hasn’t pursued more with LJ because of his age and height.
All Eyes On Me – Tamica, Tanika, Zadia, Shareese, Verneashia, Ashlee
Things don’t end there for Shareese, which triggers that desire to walk out, as shown in the preview for this episode. To summarize, Shareese may have had cool and cordial moments with the other ladies, but she never felt consistently part of something. Tamica and Tanika explore that wound by getting out of Shareese that betrayal in her female friendships was a thing in the past.
However, quick to defend themselves, Verneashia and Ashlee push the idea they never took sides and excluded Shareese, and once again, she is pushed to be the bad guy because she has an unpopular opinion. If not, she expressed a feeling others may see as negative or contrary to what they want to put out there – maybe even something uncomfortable because it requires a certain amount of accountability.
Hence, she eventually gets tired of the back and forth, especially because Ashlee gets animated with her like she did with Donald, and it is too much for Shareese to sit next to.
General Information
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Network |
OWN |
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Release Date |
December 29, 2023 |
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Director(s) |
Luke Terbieten |
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Writer(s) |
N/A |
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Previously Noted Characters and Cast |
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Reunion Host |
Tanika |
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Season Matchmaker |
Tamica |
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Self |
Ashlee |
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Self |
Shareese |
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Self |
Verneashia |
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Self |
Zadia |
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Self |
Donald |
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Self |
Maurice |
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Self |
Tabari |
|
Self |
Cameron |
Review
Highlights
Shareese Finding Someone Who Might Be A Good Match
I feel like for a lot of Type-A people, no matter how they identify, they want to find someone who allows them to chill out and be soft, let someone else take the reins, and recover. Now, do I think Maurice coming off as cool as he does initially worked for Shareese? No. Taking charge looks likely very different for her.
However, I want to give him the benefit of the doubt in him maybe being the kind who speaks softly but will switch up on you and make it clear he ain’t for that childish s*** if he has to. We haven’t seen that side of him, but I’d like to think what we all could easily see as baggage when it comes to Shareese, is filled with the type of knowledge where, at this point, if the worst thing she can say is how long distance was a struggle for her, and not mention something about him? There should be hope.
The Drama
To be a fan of the “Ready To Love” franchise for an extended time means you need to love the drama. Not just the highs of people dealing with insecurities or getting excited about a potential match but also the interpersonal drama.
It’s a shame, but it is interesting to watch people like Shareese in situations like this, the lone wolf types, who you can see want to be soft and part of something larger, yet feel ostracized left and right. Now, does having the attitude of a lone wolf make it easy for people to be against you? Yes, absolutely.
But that’s the push and pull here. You can feel that Shareese isn’t always making it easy when her best defense is a notable offense. Yet, she isn’t outright wrong when she makes it clear you can’t play with her. She was living in an unfamiliar place with people she never met, going on a vulnerable journey on television again, and when it comes to Zadia, Zadia often acted in the capacity of doing as she pleased first and apologizing later.
Though, as shown, there weren’t any apologies, or at least apologies that led to changed behavior, and just as much as the ladies shouldn’t be expected to put up with nonsense from the men, I think it is fair to say they shouldn’t have to expect that from each other.
I will say, however, everyone jumping in to make it seem they was equal opportunity to call out Zadia or Shareese was worth a side-eye. I get Shareese wasn’t fluffy and cuddly, but it seemed while everyone might have been cordial, Zadia was far closer to being one of the ladies and given a gentler hand.
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