Love Is Blind season 5 has undoubtedly had some shocking moments, and the latest episode drop was no different. As Taylor Rue and Jared “JP” Pierce unsurprisingly called it off amidst JP’s apparent disdain for his fiancé, Lydia Velez Gonzalez and Milton Johnson competed with Stacy Snyder and Izzy Zapata for the least compatible couple. After the undisputed success of Love Is Blind season 4, the Houston season has been an unfortunate letdown. However, the tea is piping hot, and the drama is seething.

Love Is Blind season 5 episodes 8-9 crashed relentlessly into the much-anticipated finale, setting up questions of whether anyone will end up married this season. Controversial cast member Johnie Maraist and sweet Chris Fox made a dramatic return, and Izzy and Stacy fought well beyond Izzy’s now infamous paper plates. While Uche Okoroha and Aaliyah Cosby decided to call off their relationship, the drama between Uche and Lydia was far from over. What were some of the most shocking moments from the filming of Love Is Blind season 5, episodes 8-9 leading up to the finale?

Johnie And Stacy’s Argument

In what seemed to be an attempt to include more unmatched pod members, currently engaged couples and specific singles, such as Miriam Amah, Renee Poche, and Carter Wall, were invited together for what quickly became a drunken brawl. No love was lost between Johnie and Stacy, who vied for Izzy’s affections in the pods. Johnie crawling back to Chris Fox after being rejected by Izzy wasn’t a good look, but Johnie and Chris still ended up dating after the pods.

Stacy called out Johnie for being fake and manipulative, likely fueled by copious amounts of pinot grigio from the infamous gold cups. It’s clear everyone else there except Chris was thinking it too, and despite getting what she deserved, it was still shocking Stacy chose to go there relentlessly.

Chris Believing Johnie

Chris is blatantly too good for Johnie, who has some apparent hang-ups she needs to work out before embarking on another serious relationship. However, despite having all the evidence in front of him, he backs Johnie, at least on camera. Whether he doubts Johnie’s honesty is unknown, but his loyalty is admirable, if not misplaced.

Miriam Popping Off At Uche

Miriam presented a confusing front in the pods. There was uncertainty regarding whether she lived in Houston or abroad, and she seemed to dodge basic questions. However, Uche’s swaggering masculinity struck a major nerve with Miriam, who cussed him out. While it started as protection over Lydia’s honor, she felt the need to protect her own against Uche, who has used the past few episodes to prove he’s as much of a snake as Lydia herself. After seeing Uche skulk around for allies, it was satisfying yet shocking to hear Miriam call him out.

Uche and Lydia’s Blowout

Uche and Lydia’s drama was the central focus of the golden-cup-laden meeting between cast members in episode 8, and their blowout did not disappoint. What was most shocking about their argument was Milton’s reaction. The more heightened dramatics in a scene, the more Milton visibly retracts into himself, eschewing emotion as something he has overcome. Lydia getting so caught up in her past instead of focusing on the honeymoon stage of her relationship was perplexing, but she hasn’t backed down from a fight yet.

Uche Not Letting Go Of Lydia Conflict

Uche’s inability to let go of his past with Lydia was unexpected, but he likely felt he was owed retribution after he believed Lydia was the sole cause of ruining Uche's relationship with Aaliyah. However, that’s an unfair assessment. While Lydia befriending Aaliyah in the pods and crossing lines with her after the secret was out was unacceptable, Uche bungled his relationship with Aaliyah all on his own. He claimed production asked him and Lydia to keep their previous relationship secret from others in the pods, but he could have bridged that conversation better.

Uche also continuously dismissed Aaliyah, talked over her, and reacted poorly to her previous infidelity. While cheating is always a red flag, viciously attacking a potential partner over an honest mistake for which they’ve atoned also isn’t a good look. Uche’s futile attempts to salvage his image went too far as he continuously pushed the Lydia conflict and tried to gain allies in episode 8. His behavior is shockingly immature, and it’s time for him to go away.

Lydia Accusing Uche Of Cheating

Lydia’s comment that Uche was a cheater was completely glossed over, but if that’s true, it’s shocking information, especially since Uche was so judgmental of Aaliyah. Lydia possibly tried to smear Uche in any way she could, but those are serious claims. It would be very convenient for Uche to leave out the only information in his and Lydia’s breakup that makes him look bad.

Izzy And Stacy’s Drunken Argument

In a twist no one expected, Izzy and Stacy engaged in a drunken argument upon their return from the disastrous post-pods hangout. Izzy innocently commented it was attractive that Stacy got feisty, and this offended Stacy somehow and turned into her airing her grievances with Izzy, who was doing his best for Stacy, to the point that he went to the bathroom to cry off-camera. While viewers aren’t privy to everything that happens during the Love Is Blind process, it seems Stacy expects something unattainable from her man, and Izzy wants to give her the world, but he doesn’t know what she needs.

Milton’s Sister Accusing Lydia Of Being Phony

Milton’s sister, similarly to Bliss Poureetezadi’s father in Love Is Blind season 4, thinks everything about this process is phony. It’s easy to see where Milton gets his cautious, logical approach to things, and everything about Love Is Blind breaks the barriers of logic. As Lydia shed the shadow of Uche’s accusations through the rest of episodes 8-9, she seems more earnest in her pursuit of Milton. However, Milton’s mother and sister were right in ascertaining that she seemed to have all the correct answers and looked good on paper. However, family members rarely say on camera that they think the experiment is phony.

Izzy’s Credit Issues

Izzy’s money issues were mentioned in the pods but quickly glossed over. After Izzy and Stacy made amends post-drunken argument, the pair went on a romantic date flying in a private plane since Stacy appreciates the finer things in life. After their candlelit dinner among private jets, the pair seemed they would say “yes” at the altar, but shockingly, the pair packed suitcases in silence in the following scene. Stacy had discovered Izzy’s credit issues, and she felt rightfully blindsided and worried about marrying someone who might not be good with money. It was fair and shocking that Izzy wouldn’t share that with the person he was about to marry until nearly the last moment.

Milton and Lydia’s Museum Date

Milton and Lydia seemed solid going into the finale, but their date among rocks at a museum dredged up old arguments. Lydia couldn’t see why Milton wouldn’t stand up for her more forcefully, and Milton couldn’t see why Lydia could not let her conflict with Uche go. Neither understands the other emotionally, leaving them on the proverbial rocks going into the finale. Love Is Blind season 5 doesn’t have a solid couple going into the finale, and the shocking moments in episodes 8-9 seem to lead to a tumultuous wedding episode.

Love Is Blind season 5, episode 10 airs on Friday, October 13 at 12 a.m. PST.