Brett Layton made her debut on Married at First Sight‘s 13th season, which took place in Houston, Texas in 2021. Though she ended up saying “I do” to Ryan Ignasiak at the time, the two have since divorced. On Oct. 15, season 18 of Married at First Sight premiered on Lifetime, returning to Chicago to follow five couples as the reality of their newlywed lives together sets in. Here, Brett gives PEOPLE her recap of the Nov. 12 episode.
For anyone who has ever felt the jitters of meeting a new boyfriend/girlfriend’s family, can you imagine meeting the family of your spouse when you haven’t known said spouse for 24 hours yet? You don’t even know what questions to ask, yet they have all the questions for you. Wild.
As a stranger, making that first impression is so important on both sides. Things will be learned and red flags will be waved.
Michelle and David
Unpopular opinion: It’s more jarring to wake up to someone you pledged commitment to on the first morning than to do the fun “dog and pony show” the night before. That’s the “fun” part. It’s apparent (to the viewer AND to David) that Michelle is having some extreme buyer’s remorse.
Their strength right now is how honest and raw they are being with each other. David rebuttals Michelle’s overwhelmed and anxious demeanor with a laidback calmness that only few possess. She probably needs someone like that, and he seems to have the patience while she works through her hangup of him living at home (in a basement apartment that he chooses to stay in, with his own entrance he might add). They are the only couple who don’t seem physically at ease with one another and it’s a bit awkward to witness in comparison. Michelle noticed it too.
Something notable: these two both have some strong sisters! It was nice to see them voice not only their concerns, but their love for their siblings. Can Michelle, or will Michelle, allow herself to move past his living situation when she so desires to have her definition of an independent and successful partner?
Ikechi and Emem
These two are fun to watch together, albeit some reddish orange-ish flags slowly waving in my face. Their physical chemistry is off the charts, and they seem like kindred spirits (the chitlins conversation, anyone?). Both being engaged before, it’s clear they really desire partnership and marriage. I love their energy and easy rapport.
With Emem’s career as a nurse practitioner and Ikechi being a fellow high school educator, I see them being able to relate about the ways they help others and move through the world. I’ve got my eye on Ikechi though, because his family said he has a lot of social media attention and the idea of anyone “not doing this for the right reasons” is always something to make me pause. Please don’t be a clout chaser Ikechi, I’m rooting for you and Emem. I hope Emem has her eyes on you too, just in case.
Karla and Juan
This is the way I like to describe these two: they’re the same noodle but different sauce. They are made of the same stuff, but they have a lot of differences too. I know their wedding must’ve been a blast and seeing the similarities in their families has solidified my view on why they were matched. They both radiate positivity and it definitely makes me want to share a meal and some tequila with them.
The thing that makes me tiptoe cautiously, is how practical Juan is and how whimsical Karla is. She’s manifesting a stay-at-home motherhood while he’s planning financial success in a very self-aware way. Juan’s high energy (that music in the morning, y’all?) and Karla’s sound healer energy could either swirl together and make beautiful music or it could end up clashing and making horrible noise. I’m hopeful for the former.
Thomas and Camille
I’m throwing caution to the wind and putting all my eggs in Thomas and Camille’s basket. They are both hopeful (not hopeless) romantics, they both have been waiting so long to find true partnership, and they seem to fill in the gaps for the other person. Camille’s radiant energy may be enough to bring Thomas’s reserved mature nature to a more carefree place, while Thomas’s desire to have true love and commitment is just what Camille has been desperately waiting for.
Thomas’s twin gave Camille some important insight into his brother’s habits and personality traits, while Camille’s sister voiced concern over potential heartbreak. It’s apparent that both families want what’s best for them; Camille and Thomas share the same core values despite some personality differences.
Something that could derail their progress, although I’m hoping they won’t allow it to, is Thomas’s trouble being truly vulnerable. I can feel their past heartaches and desire to be loved coming through my TV screen. To Camille and Thomas: keep being honest with yourselves and allow yourselves to truly open up to each other. You got this!
Madison and Allen
Here we go. Madison is not attracted to Allen. I said it. She’s a gym babe who’s used to “pretty boy” gym bros. It seems like Allen is intimidated slightly but is also being incredibly respectful of his wife’s body language and cues. I do think that Allen is the optimistic, intelligent, and caring partner that Madison is looking for. Madison is a lively, fun, open-minded partner that Allen is looking for.
I don’t know if their puzzle pieces fit together, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t make it work. They have all the ingredients to have a great life, but do they have the intangible spark of the “zsa zsa zsu”? Usually when the dreaded words of “you’re not my type” get uttered, it’s lights out for that couple.
Allen’s family was so sweet and supportive, while Madison’s father was demanding an STD test with proof of results. Gotta respect it, dad. Bonus points to Madison and Allen for the conversation around mental health and the benefits of therapy. Not enough people invest in themselves and take those steps. I like these two people a lot and I’m rooting for their success, but I’m worrisome Madison’s shock over marrying a stranger may affect them.
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Married at First Sight (produced by Kinetic Content) airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on Lifetime.
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