On their journey to the altar, the Rocky Mountain romantics of Love Is Blind Season 9 must summit a range of relationship challenges. But will their differing approaches to conflict, money, physical intimacy, and even style prove to be insurmountable? Or will they rise to the occasion when the rubber meets the road — preferably in an understated yet practical Kia if Jordan is driving.
This season, 32 Denver singles entered the pods eager to form emotional bonds through deep, meaningful conversations instead of based solely on physical attraction. Over the course of the first 11 episodes, futures are planned, intense connections take shape, and many “I love yous” are shared. Ultimately, five couples leave the pods engaged and head off on a romantic getaway, while one pair stays grounded back in Denver. But of course, the twists don’t stop there. Once they return home, new drama and old flames await, and with their weddings only days away, the pressure is on. Ultimately, after a particularly dramatic pod squad gathering and a wedding suit fitting pushes two men to the brink, only three couples remain.
Keep reading for a recap of the relationships formed so far in the pods and beyond and what happened when the new fiancés settled back home in Denver. Check back here for more updates as the season continues.
Ali and Anton
STATUS: STILL TOGETHER
In the pods, Ali and Anton quickly discover they have a lot in common. They both began learning English as a second language at age 8, worked at McDonald’s as teenagers, and shortened their first names in order to assimilate into American culture. They’re also both looking for partners with whom they can be their full, authentic selves, and they find just that in one another. Even with a literal wall between them, Ali is able to let her own figurative walls down and fall in love with Anton. All the signs point to marriage, so he gets down on one knee and the couple becomes the first to get engaged this season.
When they finally meet face-to-face, Anton is blown away by Ali’s beauty. While on vacation together, he can’t take his eyes off her, even when they kiss. Though Ali says his eye-wide-open kissing technique is a bit “creepy,” it definitely isn’t a dealbreaker. The two explore the physical side of their relationship, and the other couples admire how attentive they are with each other. Once they move in together, Ali and Anton finally discover a few differences, especially in their approach to daily chores and finances. When she meets Anton’s best friend and the topic of strip clubs is raised by his friend’s new girlfriend, Ali begins to suspect that Anton is a bigger partier than she thought and worries their lifestyles may not match.
Ali and Anton don’t see eye-to-eye about their day-to-day routines. He drinks more than she would like, and, according to Anton, Ali doesn’t clean up after herself. When Anton’s mother comes to visit, they discuss their plans for raising their family, and Ali is reminded how much their goals for the future and core values align. Later on, Anton gets a heartfelt pep talk from his friend at his wedding suit fitting, leaving him with a renewed sense of readiness to head down the aisle. Ali’s older sister, on the other hand, is less supportive of their next step, but her mother accepts Anton with open arms when they finally meet.
