'Couples Therapy' Episode Two: It's Time To Let Go
Joe Francis would serve as his own therapist if he could, scribbling down a list of constructive yet complimentary assessments of his daily behavior. As a self-starting business man, we understand that the Girls Gone Wild creator is used to calling the shots and making important decisions. But when it comes to his relationship with girlfriend Abbey Wilson, Couples Therapy host Dr. Jenn Berman suggests he might be taking his need to control and dictate what goes on a little too far.
Episode Two of CT featured more athletic activity to test just how well the couples work together, as well as the group's first official therapy session with Dr. Jenn. Flavor Flav and Liz certainly did enough to make themselves stand out during the Season Three premiere, and last night's installment showed just how far Dr. Jenn may have to go to make an impact on this couple. Read on for the most outrageous moments from the episode.
1. TUNING OUT
After the bowling alley blow-up, Flavor Flav and Liz shuffled back inside the CT house with no regard for the outside world. (At least he held the door open for her.) Headphones prevented them from talking to each other, as well as hearing the growing whispers about how their dysfunction is problematic to the group. But after last week, we have to ask: does Flav need to match with someone in the house at all times, or is everyone else just mimicking his incomparable style?
2. LOWEST OF THE LOW
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It can be hard to love someone with as extreme a personality as Flav's, and even more so when that personality is broadcast on national television. Liz's first breakthrough came early on, when she described the pain she experienced when she learned Flav would be searching to find a romantic partner on Flavor Of Love, eight months into their committed relationship. His disregard for her feelings at this moment, and obsession with money, set off an early red flag.
3. TELL HER HOW NOT CONTROLLING I AM! DO IT!!
After Abbey opened up about her lifelong struggle with an eating disorder, Joe was very quick to interject that it's "ruining her life and ruining [their] relationship." This led Jenn to provide quick and, in our opinion, very accurate analysis: Joe is controlling. Yet somehow a chorus of "I think you are most comfortable when you are in control"; "As long as you are in control I don't think this is going to be a healthy dynamic"; "it's very hard for you to let go of control" didn't strike a chord with the GGW creator, who later whined to his partner about not sticking up for him in front of the group. He doesn't tell her what to do, sure, and we're guessing the whole "make the bed" incident was just some sort of kinky role play?
4. I THINK I WANNA MARRY YOU
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Along with dating someone who had women vying for his attention on reality TV, Liz was the recipient of the least romantic marriage proposal in history. As women, we're not asking for fireworks and champagne under the Eiffel Tower, but putting the ask in the form of a question (and getting down on one knee) certainly helps.
5. FLAV AND LIZ DRESS FOR BATTLE
Likely knowing they're in for a brutal first therapy session, Flav and Liz dressed the part on Day 2, bringing the necessary accessories to stay hydrated after all that talking.
6. DR. JENN'S POTTY MOUTH
Dr. Jenn spent a lot of her energy trying to get through to the couple she feels looks "absolutely miserable" together. While Liz may still have her own issues that need to be unpacked, Flav's ignorance when it comes to her feelings and needs is barreling them towards an extremely destructive end point, as Jenn illustrates with choice words. "Holy f--king s--t, this guy might not be on my side!" Whatever gets her point across, right?
7. FLAV SAYS HIS PRAYERS
Perhaps to help his love get her head straight and help them get back on track as a couple, or to wish for a larger, brighter clock necklace. One thing is clear: Flav's bedtime routine would not be complete without those silk, polka-dot pajamas.
8. GRIN AND BEAR IT
Temple explained that her lowest point in her relationship came when Chingy fathered a child with another woman. "We weren't together when that happened," Ching-a-ling replied to the group. Fine if you want talk specifics, but that doesn't mean it hurt her any less. Meanwhile, all Temple can do is smile.
9. MELTDOWN NO. 2
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Another group outing means another opportunity for Liz to sabotage Dr. Jenn's attention and threaten to go home. Despite free food and outdoor activity, Liz thinks she could be having much more fun at home and threatened to leave the show right then and there. Does Liz have a Case of the Kanyes? 90 percent of the time it doesn't look like she's having a good time, either.
10. FLAV'S EXCLAMATION OF TRIUMPH
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Not only his name, a playful introduction, and euphoric party refrain, "Fla-vor FLAVVVVV" can also be used when you conquer your biggest fear. We're confident the sound of his voice is still reverberating high up in the trees.
With Episode Two officially behind us, which couple are you rooting for? Are you excited for the arrival of Real World alums Dustin and Heather next week? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Catch an all-new episode of Couples Therapy on Wednesday at 10/9 C.