Saturday, August 29, 2015

Seven Year Switch S:1 E:8 Finale! Accepting the Truth




The first season of Seven Year Switch far exceeded my expectations. Every Tuesday night, FYI Network and producers at Kinetic Content took us on an intense emotional roller coaster, sprinkled with a dusting of sound applicable relationship advice from psychologists Dr. Jessica Griffin and Dr. Dan Shapiro. 
The season finale was hands down the most nerve-wracking two hours of viewing pleasure I've had since the finale of Married at First Sight Season 2. No wonder FYI has become my new go-to station for my reality TV addiction...intense emotion and sound advice? That's a win-win! 
Houston and Aleshia

Houston seems to have turned over a new leaf, helping with domestic chores. 

 He and Aleshia talk about whether to keep the lines of communication open with Leah and Neal. While they both care about their experimental spouses, it's an awkward situation.



Houston and Aleshia realize that if they don't take more time for each other, they could end up down the same path as Leah and Neil. They even recommend switch therapy to their friends. 






Houston proves he's a new man by opening up his DJ world to Aleshia. This is major, considering she previously hasn't been allowed in the room. 







Being a part of this experiment taught each of them to recognize what needed to change in their marriage. We see those changes. 




Houston appreciates all that Aleshia does for him and wants to make her happy.

 Aleshia has a better understanding for the long work hours Houston puts in. 

They couldn't be more grateful for this experience.

*Special Update*
Houston and Aleshia announced they spent so much quality 
time together after the experiment, now they look forward 
to sharing their lives with their soon to be born baby girl.
Congrats you two!!!
Eric and Danielle


Eric stayed true to his promise to come up with a 5-year plan, making travel, owning a home and having kids a priority. 

 Although Danielle had definite opinions about career goals being #1, she was able to communicate it to Eric in a way that he didn't shut down. That's progress, people!




Danielle's friends react to her spending time in a cabin on Big Bear with an "experimental" spouse. They learn that CW is the male version of Danielle. 

 An "aha" moment for Danielle is the realization that every relationship has problems, it's how honestly you communicate and deal with them that matters. 
A fun day of fishing becomes a little heated...and not from the sun. Danielle indirectly seeks assurance from Eric that Rachel is not more compatible with him. Eric has a hard time reading between the lines. They powered through the discomfort to ended on a positive note. 




Danielle has come to appreciate what a wonderful man Eric is. She accepts the balance he brings with his relaxed and free spirit. 

 Eric now realizes that a little more effort with communication, organization and goal setting goes a long way with his wife. 



Eric continues to step it up and planned a party to apologize to Danielle's dad for not getting his blessing prior to marriage. This brings tears of joy to Danielle.

 There is no question in their minds that switch therapy saved their marriage. 




CW and Rachel
Rachel pushed herself way beyond her comfort zone and spoke her truth to CW regarding his promotion. CW played his usual game of shutting her down. Let's change the subject...






Finally an honest dialogue! Rachel realizes she has completely lost herself with CW. We saw her open up, laugh and be free with Eric. She was like a butterfly emerging from a cocoon. Now she has retreated back to confinement. 
  



Feeling guilt for how sad and down she was about their relationship, Rachel apologizes to CW for missing the boat in honoring his last promotion.







CW refuses to go through a communication exercise with the psychologists. When they suggest couples therapy, he feels that it wouldn't be beneficial to their marriage.

 In other words, he is scared to death of being caught in his lies. 

They decide to save their marriage and have a recommitment ceremony.

 CW promises to implement immediately what he learned in the experiment and try to understand Rachel better. 
 
Rachel vows to be his biggest cheerleader and give him constant affirmation for the wonderful husband he is. 


Neal and Leah


Neal has been stuck for a year in a place where he's harboring hurt. He doesn't know how to move forward and Leah is getting tired of throwing hail Mary passes to save their marriage. 






Neal drops the bomb to papa that he wants kids. Yes, papa Neal, you DO have to be on the same sheet of music, going in the same direction in life.

 Unfortunately, Neal and Leah are on polar opposite ends going different directions.




Pastor Calvin gets real and tells them marriage is not for punks. Either Neal wants it or he doesn't. Time to stop the flip flopping and make a decision. 







Neal (and Leah) have made the decision to end their marriage. 

 The hurt Neal experiences is greater than the love he feels for Leah.

 Although it didn't end the way Leah had hoped, at least the year of emotional ups and downs is finally over.


Leah did not feel this experience has been beneficial or helpful to their marriage. 

 Neal gained a lot of information and a new perspective from it.

 They have been in different places from day one and neither seemed fully invested in the process to save their marriage. 


***
I end this season with a myriad of thoughts. Look for my next blogpost, Seven Year Switch Season 1, From the Lens of a Viewer to be out next week. 
Screencaps made by Bee..Photo credits: FYI




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