Watch What Crappens - #2916 LOVE ISLAND: State of the Union with Hunter Harris

Episode Date: July 10, 2025

As we approach finale weekend for Love Island, we decided to assess the season and pick our faves to win.  Hunter Harris (Lemme Say This podcast) joins Ben as they discuss each couple and the state of the villa. Who do you want to win?  Catch up with our Love Island recaps on Patreon at https://patreon.com/watchwhatcrappensSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Wondry Plus subscribers can listen to Watcha Crappin's ad free right now. Join Wondry Plus in the Wondry app or on Apple Podcasts. Agent Nate Russo returns in Oracle III, Murder at the Grandview, the latest installment of the gripping Audible original series. When a reunion at an abandoned island hotel turns deadly, Russo must untangle accident from murder. But beware, something sinister lurks in the grand view's shadows.

Joshua Jackson delivers a bone-chilling performance in the supernatural thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Don't let your fears take hold of you as you dive into this addictive series. Love thrillers with a paranormal twist? The entire Oracle trilogy is available on Audible. Listen now on Audible.

My name is TJ Raphael. I'm the host of Liberty Lost, a new podcast about who gets to be a mother and the control of young women hidden behind the veil of faith. Binge all episodes of Liberty Lost ad free right now on Wondery+. Hello and welcome to Watch What Crap In's, a podcast about all that crap on Bravo that we love to talk about, but sometimes it's not just Bravo, sometimes it's Peacock too. And today it's a very special episode.

Our sweet, sweet Ronnie Karam is not here today because he's having his eyes done. Very exciting. I'm the Mandelker by the way. And in his place is the one and only Hunter Harris, who is one of the co-hosts of Let Me Say This podcast, and also writer of Hung Up on Substack. Hunter, thank you so much for joining us here today. Thank you, I'm so excited.

I am dying to talk about Love Island. Well, you're in luck because that's exactly what we're going to do. We're gonna have a Love Island state of the Union. Now, normally our Love Island content, we do all of our recaps all season have been on Patreon, but this one's actually going on the Crappin's main feed because we feel like it's, you know, the finale is this Sunday and we need to like stop and assess, take a breather and get a lay of the land. Right off the bat, let's talk about favorites. I feel like I know who your favorite is just from seeing you on

Instagram. And I feel like we're going to, we're going to, we're going to have to talk about this because I think your favorite is not my favorite. Oh, listen, I've had this, were you standing? I've had the same conversation 50 times this season. What can I say? I love Ace. I know, boo, hiss, tomato, tomato. No, Ace is a comedian for second and third. It's not Love Island.

It's truly Ace running that island as if he's the landlord. And I love it. He definitely is running that island. Like whether you like him or don't like him, he really has everyone kind of, I'm not even going to say wrapped around his finger because that implies that they're actually doing anything that requires being wrapped around a finger, but like, because they're just lounging around, but he really does seem to be the one that they're all going to for like advice and thoughts. And, you know, like he's like the wise elder, which is wild because he's like 21 or something

like that. Yeah, the wise elder at 22 years old. But I mean, I don't know, this is only my second love island season, but I'm such a like, Bravo survivor girl. So when I see Ace like truly positioning himself in every main scene at all times and kind of, you know, making like allyships and building coalition, we can say, I recognize that behavior. Because really Ace is like in the middle of a lot of big storylines this season, whether it's like him and Amaya, Amaya and Austin, Huda and Jeremiah. Even in Nicolandria, Ace is kind of like in the background telling Nick, I think you should go over her.

I think this, I could see this working. And then in addition to that, I don't know if you noticed, but like everyone who does like an exit interview after they leave the Villa, they all said that they think that strongest couple is ace and Shelley. And I think that says a lot. Yeah. I mean, it's so funny because you mentioned that ACE is in the middle of the storylines of like Amaya and Huda and Jeremiah. I'm like, you know, he was like a terrible part of those storylines. He was like the villain in those stories. He was like the bad part of those stories, right? Like he was a total hater and kicked off Jeremiah. Like that's undeniable.

Yeah. And he was like, and he was so cruel to Maya. That was a big turning point for me because I was on, I was, I was ace rising at that point. You know, I was like, you know what? The season started. I thought he was gonna be just like terrible. I thought he was gonna be a total fuck boy. I thought he was going to just, like every new bombshell that would come in,

he would just like drop and leave for the next one. I thought he was gonna be awful. And then I was like, wait a second, he's not like that. And I started to like him and you know, he is so darn cute. He is so cute. He's so cute. He's so cute. Like the camera loves him. He is adorable.

But so I was like, Oh my God, I think I like ACE. And then he was so mean to Amaya. I have not been able to get over that. I think it was so above and beyond cruel. Okay. I, I see what you're saying. And I understand. I'm listening. And I'm learning. But can I say, I feel like, yes, Ace was quite cruel to Amaya's face. However, look at how Zach treated her. Look at how Austin treated her. And Ace was the one in that mailbag, staying on business, calling it a challenge is honestly crazy in that activity where he says to Austin, you were feeling this way

about Amaya for days and didn't say a word to her face. You were telling all the guys a different story, but to her, you were saying like, okay, like whatever, like begrudgingly say next to her and Zach, uh, Zach with a K who is, I was like, he's going to like break up, like shake up the bill because he's so hot. But then I saw those like, like big veneers and I was like, maybe not. Um, but even Zach was like, Oh, truly. And even like, I thought his tattoos were so hot, but anyway, I digress. Um,

but Zach was like acting like he was into Maya. And then all of a sudden in front of everyone switched up and was like, actually the babe stuff is too much. The like affection is too much. And ACE was the only one who was at least willing to like not lead her on string her along, which I didn't handle in the best way, but also I don't think he handled in the worst way. Okay. I mean, I feel like, I feel like sure you can get credit for being like upfront and honest. I don't sometimes I actually think that like honestly is like slightly overrated.

I think there's like something, I think there's something about like, you know, if you have a choice between being like sort of dishonest and like not hurting someone's feelings versus being like honest, but it's gonna be like incredibly cruel. I don't know. I'm like, I don't know if that was like a huge like win for the honesty camp.

However, I do think. No, I mean, the worst, the worst like PR rep the honesty camp. However, I do think. No, I mean, the worst, the worst like PR rep for honesty, I'm going to say is like Bethany Frankel and Ramona Singer. Do people who are always honest and you're like, wait, but no, we don't actually mean honesty that bad. All the time, you know? But that being said, I think that like Ace, Austin and Zach were like literally like that each were like so, and Zach were like literally like, they each were like

so flawed about their approaches to Amaya, which is why I'm so happy that she has found Brian because I feel like she finally has found someone who just like appreciates like the way she talks and like her emotions and how she moves. Like it was, it was just wild. I felt like she was being shamed so much in that villa and I I kind of felt like it all started with Ace. But you are right. Ace was up front in a way that Austin never was. And by the way, thank God Austin is out of that villa because I could not deal another day with that voice. The voice? But also, I'm like, who were you here with? Who were you here for? Yes.

It was always so nonsense to call it he was still in the villa because he had no real connection to anyone. No one. And, like, he had, like, a little bit of the Shelley triangle in the beginning of the season. Yeah. He just was, like, floating around like a plastic bag in the ocean. And it was just, he was just there for way, way too long. I mean, realistically, I think we can all agree he should have been voted out instead of Jeremiah

during that pivotal, pivotal, you know, vote off ceremony. Yeah, yeah. But I think my favorite thing about that vote is that all season, Jeremiah had thought that he and Nick were like boys, like that they were really good friends because he even told Huda, like, I need you to tell someone

that you're a mom, I want to talk to someone about this, and my closest friend is Nick. Meanwhile, Nick in that vote was like, hmm, Ace is my guy. I'm sorry. Ace says you need to go, so you need to go. And also Nick, Nick coming out that Nick truly again and again, like just cannot stand Huda and always is like voting for her. We'll look at her in her face and vote her off at every opportunity is so funny to me. And then, but he'll like have these moments where he'll pull her aside and almost play the role of like a caring friend who's just gonna be honest and you know, level with her and then he will go around

and just be like, like he'll be like, yeah, I'm gonna vote you off yet again. It's a weird dynamic. By the way, going back to Ace, how did you feel about when doing the stand on business challenge when he kind of like humiliated Shelly like right there, like by writing her a letter?

That was also honest. Oh, yes. Yeah. She did not like that. She was like, why would you, why would you just like put me on blast like in front of the entire group like that? Which I do not like. This is another case, another piece of evidence for me in the anti-Ace camp.

Anti-Ace camp. Oh my goodness. Anti-Ace case. I see both sides. I definitely see why Shelley would be like, don't bring this in front of the group. Why would you address it? But it is a reality TV show. I mean, it is like, this is what they're here to do is to settle stuff on camera. And that's how you get the best scene. Ace is a field producer. I don't know if you know. Like he is on boots on the ground, making sure drama happens on camera. But I do think Ace is kind of right about Shelley like wanting him to decide on her,

but then wanting to keep Chris around. I'm not the biggest Chris fan either. I think the way that he's like, I mean him and Huda together is honestly like Jeremiah all over again. Like they're both just like doing all the wrong things and pushing each other's buttons. But I do, I see Ace's point like, what is, you are kind of not rushing, but you are, as he said, I think you move very

intentionally and all of us has felt intentional to me. And I think it was kind of making me sad to see people on the internet being so mean to Shelly and it's like, okay, well she can make a mistake and I still like adore her. I mean, and I think, you know, she and Ace have rebuilt and that is probably a testament to like how strong their bond really is. Yeah, the people were very mean to Shelly. I really liked Shelly a lot.

I thought that was like her weakest moment of the season was like everything sort of surrounding that, like that three day or that two day period that we had of like the heart rate challenge going into like the stand-up business challenge. That was like not like her strongest moment. But it is funny that he accuses her of being like, you know, you move very intentionally.

And although maybe I guess maybe it's not an accusation. Maybe he's just saying you move intentionally because he moves intentionally, right? Like he's very, very intentional. So do you think he was criticizing her for moving intentionally or just saying because you move intentionally, I felt like you can't act like, oh, I was just exploring. Is that what you feel about?

Yeah. I think certainly the latter. I think certainly the latter because also I think that's kind of what Ace is drawn to is that like, I think that was almost kind of the biggest disconnect between him and Amaya. Is that Amaya? Amaya Papaya. She's so like, kind of goofy and silly and Ace likes a more serious person. I think of Coco as well, his like Casa Amor.

He liked that she was very intentional and kind of serious and that she really spoke with it like conviction. Oh, thumbs up. Okay, period. Yeah, but wait, StreamYard gave you a thumbs up just now. StreamYard is team ace. Thank you. Um, but I, I think that, yeah, I think that ace was really probably hurt that like, he knows how intentionally, um, or I should say how like certain, uh, Shelley is and that she was moving with so much uncertainty. It's like, but after all of this,

you're still looking at like the, you know, alleged professional basketball player who doesn't have a team or a home. Totally. Totally. You know, I have to say like for me, like I've really enjoyed Shelly all season and for a while she was like my number one in the house. But I think where she started to lose me a little bit is that I felt like she enjoyed being in a triangle a little bit too much. I felt like the whole thing with like Austin and Ace went on like just a little bit too long to the point where I was thinking, we all know you like Ace. Yeah. Why are you still trying to act like you like Austin? And then with Chris, I felt like it

was starting up again. And I was like, oh, here we go again. And so maybe that was like, I wonder if Ace was picking up on that energy that like, that I know that I felt. I wonder if it's like me. Yeah. No, I can totally see that because maybe there's something about Shelley's previous relationships that make her like familiar with that kind of like stuck in the middle dynamic. Because I do think that she kind of gravitated toward trying to maybe not make that happen, but like to a place in which she's kind of choosing between two men. When we all can see that she, even from, you know,

when she was coupled up with Austin, technically, in name only, was like had the most attention for and the most emotion for Ace. That was, by the way, one of the rudest things that happened all season was that Shelley had to be stuck with Austin for like two weeks on this show. It seemed like it was eternal that she was stuck with him.

It was a really long time. And then I feel like Shelley really seemed to focus, lock in, as they say, with Ace. I feel like after they found out about America's views, it seemed almost like that seemed to bring them together a little bit more, right? Like it seemed like they were like, oh wait, America's not happy with us right now. And I wonder if they had this moment of like,

well, we know that we're good. And that somehow made them kind of say, you know what, fuck all this other bullshit. Like, let's just focus on us right now. Did you get that vibe? No, I think that's very perceptive. Yeah. I guess I noticed individually how Ace and Shelley had both kind of ranked themselves

a lot higher than America had ranked them, which they are both high in my heart. I'll say that. Okay. But I do think that they sort of bonded over it. And you can also see in the same way how Taylor and Clark, after both being ranked at the bottom by America, I was like, ooh, but that's how I felt. So I wasn't mad.

But I think that a lot of the couples really locked in after seeing who could be a potential winner based on America to size. Because I don't know if you noticed, but Zach also, after all I said about Amaya during that sit on business challenge, then once he sees how high Amaya is getting rated in all of these like little games, then he's like, Oh, actually I, I've like Amaya papaya, like I have so much love for you.

And it's like, but just a minute ago you were telling her that you didn't want to kiss her in Casa and I was like a pack. It was just so crazy. And now he's switching it up 100% once he sees that like America, that she is kind of like the people's princess. That's when he was totally like done. I was, I already thought he was sort of garbage for calling her out during that challenge, which I thought was totally bullshit. But then when he then then on after the stand on business challenge, when they had that, like they had

that one challenge, I went forever with it to like slam through doors. And like then he pulled her into the ball pit for like an extra kiss. And I was like, Oh, you're a big faker. You saw that she's really popular. This is all bullshit. I've lost all respect for you, Zach. I'm sorry. There was a moment in time where we all thought like Zach and Amaya were going to like take

over and I was like, No, this is this dream is completely dead. I also think by the way, the reason why Shelley and Ace came back together after that challenge is because they probably realized like, oh, America doesn't like us because we're doing all this like triangle stuff, like everything with Huda and with Chris and everything like the whole thing. They're probably like, oh, people don't like us right now. We should probably stop with this bullshit. Just focus on each other. Yeah. So I think again, their savviness kicked in there. But either way, I don't want to fixate on them

because I love that you love them because I think what's so important when you watch reality shows is that you pick your favorites and you just go with them, you have fun with it. And you're like, you know, like, you just do. And like, you defend them even when you, like... I have had so many reality stars that I've enjoyed that I've enjoyed that

I can't really defend but I just will find ways to defend. I'm not saying you're like coming up with like workarounds No, I get it. I think it's great. That's the best part of reality TV You can tell that I was raised on mini leaks Atlanta house. I was like well listen She's not always right, but she's never that wrong Yeah, and that's never that wrong. Um, and that's just kind of how, yeah. Did you see by the way, ACEs, um, tour of his home or is like, Oh, I've seen a little bit of it. Yes. But I have a show.

I've been watching his, um, his like dancing videos really teaches, uh, people like in foreign countries and like big zoom rooms of like 30 guys had a dance. And it's so funny. It is really funny. So the big thing that happened, I think last night or this morning is that Sierra issued a formal apology. And I actually haven't seen it yet. I just woke up this morning and I read it

and I actually couldn't find it. Instead, I got distracted because I found out also this morning, because I'm like a very savvy internet person and I'm always at least like six days behind, I found out that Clark is like a meme at the moment. Clark it. I had no idea about Clark. So I went to look for Sierra's apology video, but then I wound up going into Clark it content instead, which was not what I expected. I okay, listen, I, at first I did not like Clark

because I honestly just found her kind of annoying. And then I didn't like how she, we're just kind of moving in the Elandria conversation. Like I understand what she was telling Elandria, like I don't like that you called me in like my relationship, which I feel like is very valid, a test, which I have to go with my girl. If Elandria says you're a test, you're a test.

Mm-hmm, yeah. Like, okay, I hope you pass, I don't know. But I did start to like her more. I am happy that she's gone because I could not have Taylor in my villa any longer. But I think also Clark is beautiful too. Yeah, I had a moment, there was one episode, I think last week where she was sort of on her side

and the light was hitting her and she just like this one is so beautiful and we're just not paying attention to her because we just hate Taylor so much yeah yeah and I think that she's also an introvert so she's not really very interesting on camera I think we just I think we just don't really pay attention to her and I was like she's. But I was okay with her to go because, you know, every time that like, you know, you'd be watching a show and then suddenly it's like, oh, it's a Taylor and Clark scene. I was like, I can't.

Truly. It's like their little date. I was like, can I fast forward through this? Like, I don't care. I don't care. And every time Clark says something that I love, she falls in love with something that I'm like, I roll to the heavens. Like when she, during that date, she she told Taylor like you always tip 20% no

matter how good or bad the services. I was like, okay, period. Love that. And then like the next two days later, they're talking about like what their wedding would be like. And she's like, Oh, I really want to like a sexy like lingerie shoot with my future husband. I was like, okay, so the pick me to end up pick me is understood. Like I, whenever I want to see it for her so bad, she does something. I'm like, girl, I can't support that. I know I'm just gonna,

we're just gonna let them go off and have their next like Taylor. Okay. Before we get to Sierra, as long as we're talking about Taylor, I have to say like I kind of feel like when they cast Taylor, they were hoping to like capture the capture the magic of, um... What's his name? Oh, Serena and Cordell. I think they wanted someone like Cordell, sort of scrawny and stature, kind of goofy and silly.

And Taylor did not deliver on any of those things. He was, to me, I thought he was a painful watch. He just never really developed any personality. I've been watching Love Island for many He just never really developed any personality. I've been watching Love Island for many years now, like UK primarily. And there are people who they come in and they're odd and strange.

And then by the end of the season, they have like blossomed and you've like peeled away layers and you just love it. I think Amaya is like that, honestly. I mean, that's how I think of her ascendance. Yes, I think last season, you know, well, Cordell was a great candidate for that last season, but also like Miguel was a great candidate last season where he came on just like beefcake, but turned out he had a huge amount of personality and silliness, you know?

And Taylor, I'm telling you, I mean, we spent six weeks with this man and not, there was nothing to peel away. Not a layer, not a thin membrane, nothing, right? No, I think you're so right. Watching Taylor doing the heart rate challenge, that's when I was like, honestly, flip the table over, I'm done. I'm done because if you can't even... It's like Love Island, it's obviously a show where your only task

is to look hot, wear swimsuits and make out and like, try to like build connections with people. And he has filled in all those accounts. And I don't like that he just like kind of hung out just to stay around the boys. And what I really didn't like, which this is like actually when I was, when I completely was like, I have, there's nothing more for me to see with him on camera was when Nick and Alandria came back to the main villa after like they'd both been dumped and Taylor jumped over Elandria to hug who he truly had not seen in maybe six hours. Like hadn't seen Elandria in two days or just like months in

Love Island time. Hadn't seen Nick in six hours and was literally picking Nick up, hugging him so tightly. He was like, Oh my God, I miss you. Had nothing to say to the woman that he's been sleeping in bed with for all of these weeks. I was like, you're so weird. And this is like, he's also just like, yeah, not very good on camera. Always like goofy, but not in a fun way. And I kind of like distracting, like childish way. Um. Just, yeah, really, really not good casting. Like, yeah, that was a real fail. It's time for a commercial. It's time for a Crappin's commercial.

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That's because Alandria was so set on him and she is so, everything that makes him annoying and a nuisance is what makes her so captivating. She's so beautiful. She is so expressive. She is so good at talking and the confessional is leading you through her thought process. Also, there's a lot of friendships in the house. Also, is very set on showing her connection how she feels and Taylor reciprocated none of that and so at the first opportunity I was like please get him out of this house. I know I was actually Elandra is great like I think she's she's my number two she was my number one for the longest time but like I have really fallen for Amaya Papaya. I think that I

what I tell Ronnie is that I think Elandra is the one I would rather actually be friends with I'm just like rooting for Ronnie is that I think Alandra is the one I would rather actually be friends with. I'm just rooting for Amaya because I felt like she had such a... She really had a hard journey in the villa that I just want to reward her. But Alandra is the one who I'd actually like to have a conversation with. I don't know if I could have a conversation with Amaya. As much as I love her, I think that might wear me down just a little bit. I get why people love her so much, but like some of the non-sequiturs

kind of kill me. I'm like, girl, I'm sorry, what are we talking about in this conversation right now? Like, what is the subject of this sentence? Like, I'm just not following along as to like, I feel like I'm always dropped in the middle of an Amaya conversation and I forget, I like lose all context until it's very confusing for me. But we had the comedian Devin Walker on our podcast this week and he was saying like, okay, Hunter, I hear what you're saying, but imagine you're at a boozy brunch and you're like four mimosas in and you meet this girl in the bathroom line and like your song is playing and it's like, okay, and that specific circumstance,

I'm like, that's my girl for life. But I do agree. Alandria is more the person I'm like, oh, we could like really have like a nice dinner lunch chat. We could sit and watch TV together. Like, sit and watch TV with Elandria. I feel like with Amaya, like sometimes her conversations, she's like, yeah, so what sort of bread do you like? Yeah, that's my favorite. I like that bread. And I'm like, what? It was funny whenever Taylor and Ace are making that picnic for Taylor and, oh my gosh, Clark to go on that date. And Maya is trying to distract Clark. And she's like, okay, so what's your color? And Clark's like, black. And Maya's like, ooh.

I know. I was like, I Amaya's like, ooh. I know, I was like, I feel like Amaya's not. She tries, she tries. She tries, yeah, she tries. I, okay, wait, I'm gonna put a pin in Amaya because Sierra's the big thing. Yeah. So you watched her apology? Yes, I did, I did.

So can you summarize what she said in it and how you felt it was? Okay, just for context, she is filming this kind of self-tape style, wearing a big sweatshirt that says either empath or empathy. I can't remember the why, was that the end or not? And she begins by saying, first off, I've left the villa, it's been about 48 hours since I left Fiji. My first apology is to everyone in the Asian community. I don't want to center myself at all in this. I really apologize for using that word. Then she shares a screenshot of someone calling her out on it in response to whatever story she'd posted and use that word. They were

like, I'm unfollowing you. I'm so disappointed. She wrote a pretty lengthy response saying, I'm so embarrassed. I was I'm sort of disappointed. And she wrote a pretty lengthy response saying like, I'm so embarrassed. I was so naive. I had no idea. I really apologize. You'll never see me say this again. Da da da, which I hadn't seen that circulating in all the screenshots of her using this word,

which I thought was like, at least she has like some receipts to back it up that she had in, at least had one time been called out and had like acknowledged and apologized immediately. So it was on her post there, on the post itself, someone had responded prior to Love Island. But she didn't take down the post or? She did. It was a story post. I think she took it down. So it wasn't like, yeah, it was like, I feel like she was like at some kind of like injector's office or something.

But then what did she say after that, then she said that like she's so apologetic, but that she understands and honestly appreciates that they asked her to leave the villa and that it was the best decision for everyone and that she totally supports that action. And then she continued to apologize, said that she wants to like, the only way to really make amends is like proving your future actions that you understand that she intends to do that. And then said that, you know, the reaction to all of this, although she understands like why people are hurt, that some of the people like called ice on her family have like some of them is death threats, like some of her friends death threats, all of this stuff. But I don't know, it's not my apology to accept,

but I did appreciate that she led with the apology and kept that very separate from like, but also the stuff that's been happening to her has been really parasocial, weird, similarly kind of harassment and over the top. And I think honestly, it felt like a pretty good apology from a celebrity. I've seen... Mm, I'll say, I've seen less from bigger, more famous people who've done, like, I'm thinking, like, just the Justin Timberlake apology, honestly, which is, like, one of the crazier ones I've ever seen. BOWEN LAUGHS

I tried to block that one out of my mind. BOWEN LAUGHS That's, like, how not to apologize. Yeah, well, okay, I'm glad that's a good apology. I'll have to definitely go and look at it. That's like how not to apologize. Yeah. Well, okay. I'm glad that's a good apology. I'll have to definitely go and look at it. And again, like you said, it's not for us to say whether truly whether it's a good apology

because it's not our group that was explicitly affected by it. Totally. It is, you know, it is nice to see that she did not lead with like, I'm, you know, I feel really bad, but you guys, da, da, that, that, that, that. Yeah. Yeah. And I also appreciate it too, that like, my thought is that she's going to go on like, call her daddy, like the like Nick Vile podcast and like really capitalize on this moment. But I liked, I guess I, yeah, I liked that she had, no, totally. But I liked that she like, didn't do this really dramatic, breaking my silence, but it did feel pretty swift.

And also, again, leading with the apology and not her own personal complaints about her own treatment. Yeah. I think the stories that have been coming out over the second half of the season, the toxicity in the fan base is terrible because I don't, first of all, people shouldn't be acting that way. I mean, calling ICE on Sierra's family

is like really so vile, especially because like ICE is doing such terrible things in general. And actually like, we don't want to, we don't want to engage with ICE at all and do things like, I just think it's, that's actually like so offensive to me that anyone would do that.

And I'm just feel like that's like so shameful. But also like it makes me sad that the, so much of the audience has gotten so toxic over the past half of the season because I don't want that messiness to get onto the show. Like in terms of like, I don't want people to think of Love Island as like, oh, well I want to watch it, but I hear it's really toxic, you know, and I don't want that

to affect how the show acts. I just want people to, to like calm their parasocial instincts a little bit and just be like chill with, with some of the stuff that that's happening. But people are, they're really, the fan bases are out of control. And I honestly have a theory, and I don't know if you feel the same way about this or not. I kind of think that the Hooda and Jeremiah situation that was like poison on the show and then in the audience. And I think it's just only kind of- Interesting. Since then, I think that was like a really,

a really toxic relationship. And it like, it was really riveting to watch, but I, it kind of like seem to stall out the whole house in terms of developing relationships. I think it's assumed everyone's time and energy. Yeah. I'm only laughing cause it's so crazy to imagine clocking in for another day on your ship of just watching Hoda and Jeremiah go back and forth. And like you're as like a person in that Villa, it's like, oh, I don't want to wake

up and have to deal with this some more. Yeah, I know. And I think that's somehow I think that's like that that's just hard to affect the audience in a weird way. Like I don't have any empirical evidence, but I have to imagine that's where this all started. And I think that the stand on your business challenge was very messy for Love Island. Love Island's a messy show, but that one was a challenge where they were like,

let's get these islanders to directly combat each other, which we don't really see too often. It's usually like passive aggressive challenges. I don't know. I mean, how do you feel about the levels of toxicity on this season? Do you think they're overblown or do you think they're... No, I think they're very present. I saw someone say that people have tried to call Child Protective Services on Huda for leaving her child to go on this show. And it's like, well, wait,

what? I mean, I think Huda is an interesting case because as much as I do think a lot of the ire directed toward her and the Jeremiah stuff was a lot of misogyny, her behavior in that relationship was almost as toxic as his. They were both kind of locked in this real smog of both of their projections and both of their miscommunications and misunderstandings. But still, I think that it kind of unleashed a level of both vitriol, maybe from like higher investment in this couple, because I think you're right. I think that's very perceptive. It really did draw a lot of people in because people were taking sides. And then even Ace saying to Jeremiah, this is weird. He didn't say it in the best way. He said

he thought it was scamming. But it's weird that you guys are so locked in, like so, um, only have eyes for each other and act like this is like a once in a lifetime love, all of this stuff. And it's like, but it's day three, four, five, six, like, where's this all coming from? And that a lot of the other people in the house didn't, you know, weren't setting up for Jeremiah and that it was only, you know, knucklehead Austin, I think says a lot. Mm hmm. Yeah. I still think that Jeremiah, I think it was, well, we talked about before, but I don't think Jeremiah should have been voted off in that situation because

I think that like when the fact that they were like, oh my God, Jeremiah, but you were like, you're doing it all over again to undrain it. I was like, no, I don't really feel like it's the same thing. I think he just likes her. I think you're allowed to like people. But yeah, I think that that, yeah, that situation was, I was so compelled by it. I was like it's the same thing. I think he just likes her. I think you're allowed to like people. But yeah, I think that that, yeah, that situation was, I was so compelled by it. I was like tuning in every day to watch. I was like, what's gonna happen? But little did I realize,

I feel like I was also contributing to this thing that was going to really affect the whole season. And because it's a shorter season, it's like six weeks on the US version, as opposed to, I think eight weeks on UK. Those extra weeks make a difference because they get to cost a more way too soon on the US version, I think. And I think that last season we had a great season of casting where we had lots of relationships building.

But, you know, sometimes, you know, three weeks in you don't have anything going yet. And I do think that the Hood and Jeremiah thing sort of took up all the air in the room and they had to go to Casa Amor and then they come back from Casa Amor and now they have to like, they haven't even had a bombshell since Casa Amor, which is wild to me. No, but then I think it's like, it's so weird because it's, it feels like some people have been so locked in from the very beginning, but then you're like, but who have been the main couples? Like no one since day one really, which is, you know, not like last season at all, I would say. But I don't know with Jeremiah, I truly feel like the house just collectively, the mood was like

someone has to go between Huda and Jeremiah. And if it has to be Jeremiah, then it has to be Jeremiah. And I think Ace saw that coming because that needed to end because it was only going to continue even after America had decided that they need to be uncoupled. It was still more drama. It was still more of like, have you seen people compare her to sadness from inside out? Oh, no. That's hilarious. In the background of a scene. Like, I have definitely seen that. Like, definitely her sulking in the background. Like, you know, you know, even during the baby challenge,

like, she was, like, cleaning up everyone's towels after, like, the, um, like, their, like, baby yoga thing. And it's like, ugh, girl. Now I know that you want some attention, but now is not the time. She definitely pouts quite a bit. Too much for my taste. I'm like, I really can't stand her.

I'm not gonna lie. I think can't stand her. I'm not going to lie. I think she's awful. She's awful. She's had some nice moments because the producers have been kind enough to give her some sort of redemption arc, but she's terrible, terrible, terrible. Okay, so in terms of like, who's going to win? And then there's Iris and Pepe who are like, so credible. Yeah, so totally. And then there's Iris and Pepe.

And just silence. That feels about right. People love Pepe. I don't totally get it. I think that he's just, because he says nothing, that therefore, like, he's like a blank slate. And like a season where people have like a lot of, like, feelings about the men especially, he's like the best of the worst, you know?

Yeah, something about Pepe is that, I think he's like 27. I think he's the oldest person in the house. And it shows, because he's the one who the worst, you know? Yeah. Something about Pepe is that I think he's like 27. I think he's the oldest person in the house. And it shows because he's the one who's not like rushing into anything, not like starting the most drama, but he very much is just there. And I think because of that, you're right, people can project a lot of like, he's the most stable, the most mature. And it's like, no, he's just kind of quiet. Yeah. They're just kind of boring together. I mean, they're fine. I've always, you know, Iris is nice.

She's, I enjoyed Iris. I enjoyed her thoughts on crows. And one day she was like, guys, you know what I want to do? I want to get a bird. I was like, okay, great. Thanks for the update. Iris doing that, like, would you rather challenge? I was like, this is kind of the most you've talked all season is like talking about crows, talking about would you rather and telling Sierra you should be mad at Alandria for kissing Nick. I was like, okay, girl. And also the way that she was sobbing over TJ

and then like a second later, he was like, oh, you know what, Pepe's not so bad. And TJ, I did see a video of TJ yesterday where like he was on like... Yes, I saw this, yes. Where he was like, well, at least I got to go camping. I was like, okay, well, I saw this. Yeah. He was like, well, at least I got to go camping. I was like, okay, well I'm glad you're gone. Oh, so Nick and Alandria, do you believe, do you feel this?

Do you feel like this is a real thing or do you feel like this is a last ditch effort? I mean, have you been a Nick Alandria person in general? I know you're a Landria fan as am I, but do you do you ship to use the words of the young people? Do you ship Nicolandria? I will go to war over the two of them together. I love them as a couple. And I'll tell you why. There's one scene I'm actually writing one in the newsletter right now. There's one scene from when they were dumped from their houses and they went back to the main villa together as a couple and they made out in soul ties, which was like,

so the best kiss of the season. But what I really loved is right after that, they go downstairs. I think it was TJ who's like, were you guys in soul ties? And Elandria is like, no, we were at the daybeds. And then she sits down and she says, oh, I'm like, cold. I try to change the subject saying she's cold. And Nick, mid bite of a cookie, takes off his shirt and gives it to her. And then Clark, it's like cinematic.

Clark comes in with Taylor and Clark's like, where's your, where did your shirt go? And Nick says, Oh, Alandria was cold. And then Taylor, of course, comes in and is like, Oh, Alandria, no one in the house likes you. And it's like, womp, womp, like get out of my villa. But I do think that they always gravitate towards one another and not just like from a produced way of like they were set up after they were both dumped,

of course. But I think at every opportunity, from night one, night two, Nick would always want to kiss Alandria. Alandria loved kissing Nick. And even in like that one, like, Ringham Door challenge, they would, Nick chose to partner up with her for that challenge.

And then we cannot forget, Nick was whipping the votes to keep Elandria in the house and told Clark straight up, you've only been in this house for two days, Taylor could change his mind, Elandria needs to stay. And I said, that's love. That's love. Yeah, that's love. I think that's a great I think you just made a really strong case. I, I feel like I'd like the I'd like the idea of Nicolandra. Like I want I want that to be real. I just don't

know if I feel like it's real. Like it's not that it's not, I think everything you said is right, you know? But sometimes I, I don't know, I feel like the next pivot into it so quickly, I just, I am doubting some sincerity behind it. I feel like he was suddenly severed from Sierra and rattled by it. And then I felt like he said, I've got a week left. I've got to do something here. I've got something sort of with with Alandria. So let's let's go for it. And I totally applaud that like this love Island, you got to do that. But I don't know if I feel the chemistry the way other people do. And I want to, I want to be in the Nicolandria haze, you know? But I'm not quite there.

I mean, if they win, I'll be happy for Alandria. But they're not, yeah, I don't know. I want it to be, I want it to feel more vibrant for me. And it's just not happening for me. But I also think that- Is this a Ben problem? Do you think it's something wrong with me? I think a little, but I think that maybe something

that you're picking up on is that Alandria has been quite guarded in this relationship because she was so set on Taylor. And even the morning after they made out in soul ties, she did say like, okay, I felt really bad because like Sierra is my friend. But what she didn't say is that she's still so stuck on Taylor. And it, I think, required Taylor saying in that St. On business challenge like if you want me to pick between you and Clark, guess what? I picked Clark for her to be like, okay, this is totally over. I need to like start opening my mind because she did not have eyes for anyone else. Even, um, And that bothered me.

Yes. Yes. Because she really put her eggs in that basket. And then every time she said, oh, we really, you know, but we've been building something, we've been working towards something. I'm like, what are you talking about? It was never really there in the first place. I know. And even who I can't remember that guy, the other country boy who came into the house and bombshell. Yes. I thought he was so cute. I was like, why can't you see that he is taller, thicker, like more into you more like curious about you. It Taylor is like the definition of a guy who goes on a date with you and doesn't ask

you one question about yourself. And it's like, well, how is this going to work? Like, um, yeah. I'm concerned that Alandra is someone she's very principled. And I think that like, she has this idea of like, Oh, well, I see something in this guy. I think this could be something and I'm not like a fly by night person. Like if I see something, I'm going to follow it through. And I think she was like very much dedicated to this like idea that like,

you know, uh, if there does seem to be some potential, I'm going to do whatever I can to make it's not going to be my fault that this doesn't work. And I kind of wanted her to just sort of assess halfway through and realize this is not going anywhere. You're like begging essentially for him to kiss you. And especially when he came back from Casa and was like already he connected with Clark. I can't even begrudge him for connecting with Clark. You like who you like. And she still was like, like, oh, well, I'm in consideration. I just wanted

her to move on. So yeah, I think that's why she couldn't. That's why her kind of monologue at the fire pit during that sit-on business challenge just kind of felt so flat for me because it's like she said, I've been supporting you through everything. I've been taking scraps and it's like, but sweetheart, I said this with love. No one has asked you to do that. No one has indicated that that is going to get any closer to getting Taylor because in the reality in which we all live, he would sleep. Have you seen the screenshot of him and Elantra sleeping in the bed together where he, Taylor, is all under the covers and she is like truly in the wind, like has nothing on her. He's like,

he just like, just has everything on him. Yes. And with Clark, he's like coupled with her and sleeping with her, cuddling with her at night one. And that says it all. Yes. That says it all. And I just want, I just wish that she had explored more in the villa. Yeah. And like, do you, I mean, she's very guarded and I feel like in life, it's good to be guarded when it comes to dating.

I mean, good and bad, obviously, but like, it's not the worst thing in the world to like have some sort of standards that you keep for yourself. But do you think that you should be so gargantuan when you go into Love Island? Do you think you should move the way you move in the outside world the same way as you would in Love Island, as you do in Love Island? No, because, because I mean the Iris and TJ, Iris and TJ to Iris and Pepe thing kind of really speaks to how you really have to be able to pivot. And I do kind of like between Iris and Pepe how they had both been in the house together for days and days and days and like there's never a spark. And then it's like, I don't know, like the light hits just right.

TJ is gone. She kind of looks at him for a little bit too long and it's like, oh, maybe there is something here, which is kind of my favorite thing about this show. Because wherever you think there's, oh my gosh, all is lost. What is I was going to do now? Then she's like, maybe it's Pepe. And that's sort of nice. Same with Amaya. I mean, it's like Amaya had been in the house for weeks. No one was interested in her. She was not really feeling anyone else either, truly. And then here comes Brian. And it's like, that's so nice. I wish that Alandria had been a little bit more open. But then again, I do feel like it's not a coincidence

that at every chance, like that she could, you know, form another connection. It was always like a little bit platonically with Nick. And I think now she's like being dissuaded from that. I think she's realizing that she, like, that she has to let her guard down if she wants to really truly do the Love Island experience. Otherwise, you're gonna act the same way you did

in the outside world, that wasn't even the point of coming into the villa in the first place. Aside from like fame and influencers, like numbers and all that stuff. So, okay, so predictions, who do you think is going to win? Why don't we do, let's say to make it spicier,

who do you think is gonna be in the top three? And who do you, I think I know who you want to win, but, uh, say it anyway. Predictions predictions. Um, okay. I think Amaya and Brian and, um, okay. So we, we see what stream you're just good. I think it's actually Apple. Apple does this thing for people who are watching, people who are listening, they don't, they don't see this, but for people who are watching every now and then, if you do a certain gesture on like your, on like your Mac book or something, it'll send like

balloons up or thumbs up, thumbs down. That like it always seems to happen when you're like giving an opinion. It's like, like the, the internet is agreeing with you at this moment. It's like a true coastline. Yeah. Yeah. Right. The internet is agreeing with you at this moment. It's like a true cosine. Absolutely, you're totally right. I think finally it's going to be Amaya and Brian,

Shelley and Ace and Nick and Alandria. I don't know. I honestly feel like Shelley and Ace might be on the chopping block because a lot of people who I did not expect this are voting for Iris and Pepe. And I'm like, oh, I know it's shocking me too. I mean, Kristen, oh, we didn't even talk about Kristen Huda, but do we think that that's over or do we think that they're just starting their first fight? Their first pattern is

beginning. I truly think it's over. I think Chris, Chris was so, I think he was kind of right to be a little bit like, I think Huda is like over-correcting from the Jeremiah. She's like taking all the wrong lessons. The Jeremiah thing wasn't an issue because it was PDA. It was an issue because they both would just like go around and around and around have the same conversation, the same fight again and again. And I think- And it's among everyone. Exactly. And I think Chris is already kind of frustrated with her and has like a much shorter

temper, honestly, because he just is more arrogant and egotistical because he is a ball player, so he says. But I also think, I mean, did you see that last elimination? Chris looked like he wanted to make himself leave the villa. He said, get me on the first flight out of here. I cannot take this anymore. He was done. This is the first time that I've ever seen the baby challenge

on Love Island actually be consequential. Like they've done that on UK for years. It's like my least favorite because it goes on forever. And like you're really affected, Huda and Chris. I think if the show were still had a few more weeks in it, I think that still be the roller coaster would go on for like another week or so. But they're about to get out of the villa. I think they're just going to go there. He's going to go off and bang some randos at clubs. Whatever, like he's gonna live his fullest

and she'll do whatever she does. I think- Whatever she does. Whatever Hedda does. You know, be annoying, deal with it. She has her own controversy she has to deal with when she gets out of the villa, little does she know. But you know what I'm talking about, right?

No, what? Well, there was all, people were up in arms because- Oh, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes. But like, it's a debate about whether or not she actually said it, et cetera, et cetera. Like, she was lip syncing along, it's its own can of worms. I just can't talk about Huda anymore, I'm sorry. Like, I'm like, honestly, whatever.

Like, just let's move along, please. I don't understand that. I don't understand how she has so many followers. OK, so I think Shelley and Ace are going to win. I think the momentum has moved towards them. Just like my sense, like when I always go onto Twitter, and I, you know, every morning I'm like on the hashtag Love Violent USA and all the chatter is about them.

And I think that the vibe has shifted. I think the narrative of this week, which is really all that matters, is that they've gotten through the rough stuff and now they're together. And you know, the truth is they are a good couple together. And I think that like, Amaya peaked. I think that like, so much of Amaya's story

was that like, she was always getting shat on, but now she found a guy, and I feel like there's a sense of like, oh good, well that's tied up and done. And I think people are going to, I think it's gonna be Shelley and Ace. I personally, I think it's gonna be Shelley and Ace number one, Amaya and Brian number two, and number three, Nicolandria. And although you're, Iris and Pepe could be a weird, no, you know what, I'm gonna say Iris and Pepe

as number three now. Over Nicolandria? I think they've got the bland vote, you know? Yeah, that's true, that's true. You know, it's with people who vote for bland people. Yeah, yeah. I mean, I love Sheailene Ace together so much. And I do think from day one, you could be like, that's going to be a couple.

They're a couple. They're going to stay together through this whole thing, which I like. I think with Amaya and Brian, my only sort of hesitation in saying that they could win, like the only thing that's holding me back from being like definitively, they're going to win is that people like Amaya so much, but like the depth of her connection with Brian is really just not there. I mean, we saw them in the hideaway together. It was just like, I mean, they have fun together. It's that's a relationship that like you date for six months and then he simply ghosts you and never talks to you again. And you're like, but we, I still have like stuff at your apartment. Like it's just not, it's not, it's not there. And the same way that like

ACE and Shelley and even sort of like Iris and Pepe also are like, you know, not the deepest relationship, but at least they like, um, talk about more than just like the daily drama, you know, like they kind of like just whisper together and I'm like, okay, totally. Whatever you guys say Yeah, I think I Think we're all rooting for Amaya and I'm for a mind to be in a relationship and we all love that Brian was the only One who stood up. Yeah Ace I'd like to point out against ace for Amaya against Austin you mean and Austin and Ace and Austin and Zack all of them He was the only one who stood up for Maya in that moment.

And we all like that. And so, but I do feel like we do get a deeper, we do get a sense of a deeper connection with Ace and Shelly. And I think that the audience is gonna respond to that. I think it's gonna be Ace and Shelly are gonna win. I'm gonna say that right now. Premier loves two God's ears.

I love Ace, I would love to see him and Shelly winning. I mean, truly I love Ace and I love Shelly so much. And even before they were cobbled up, I was like, those are kind of my two favorites. Well, I love Shelley. Don't really like Ace that much. She drives me nuts, but that's, that's okay. If that's a Leo man, I will listen, if they win, I will be happy for you. I'll be happy for the people in our audience who are also Chile's fans. But thank you, Hunter, so much for the people in our audience who are also Chalice fans. But thank you, Hunter, so much for coming on today. Please tell everyone where they can listen to you and follow you and do all the things. And everyone should because Hunter does some

really good content. I'm just saying that. Thank you. Thank you. That is so... You're the Shelley. You're the Shelley. I wanted to say the Chalice, but I'm like not really... I can't say that sincerely. You're the Shelly of content, I'll say. Superstar. Thank you, thank you. That's really as high praise, because the feeling is mutual.

But I have a podcast that I co-host with my best friend, Peyton Dix. It's called, Let Me Say This. You can listen on YouTube and Spotify, wherever you find your podcasts. And I write a newsletter called Hung Up, and it comes out twice a week and we have just the most fun conversations about everything from Love Island to I don't even know, Drake's

Abs, all of that. So I hope you join me. I love that pivot to Drake's Abs. We'll have to circle back to that one. Thank you so much for coming on and good luck on Sunday night at the finale, watching the finale. I hope it all works out for you. Thank you. Same to you. Bye everyone.

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