Quick Take: The Millionaire Matchmaker, “The Boys Are Back in Town”
“There were a lot of guys... a lot of guys today.” - Destin
Review: The Millionaire Matchmaker, “The Boys Are Back in Town”
(S0505) Leave it to the all gay episode to be the most magical and romantic of the season. Patti endeavors to find love for fellow reality TV pal, Madison Hildebrand, and TV producer, Eric Allen.
In another Bravo synergy move (eye-roll), Madison from Million Dollar Listing is enlisted by Patti to peep out from his workaholic ways and let her fix him up with a soul mate. He’s skeptical but I’m sure his bosses at Bravo don’t like to be denied so he signs up. They have a heart-to-heart about his dating track record. He wants an outdoorsy Latino guy to play with on his days off. He admits his last relationship lasted about 18 months and fell apart because the guy was a lowly production assistant on a different financial and social track. Patti hones in that Madison isn’t really being aggressive about anything but his work and she labels him a “lazy lion.” She wants him to stop expecting the lads to run to him and put in some effort. Madison kind of shrugs with a smile in response. That’s not exactly overwhelming enthusiasm but he’s ready to try to be fierce.
Eric is an older, successful professional who is ready for a serious relationship. He decorated his abode beautifully and has been in several relationships where he’s essentially played sugar daddy to younger, problem cases he ends up supporting financially. Patti determines he has “stray syndrome” - always going after the wounded birds that he gets tired of supporting when they don’t step up for their own lives. Patti asks Eric to see Dr. Nicki who’s going to tweak his perception and pattern issues before she sets up an intimate cocktail party of hand selected possible dates. Eric says he’s keeping an open mind and does enter into Nicki’s candle-infested den of Zen. She quickly sees that Eric has shut himself down emotionally and is hiding from the guys that are on more equal footing because that would make him too vulnerable. Eric sees the truth in that and admits he’s perhaps been ignoring his own true feelings for some time.
Patti , Destin and Rachel set up their recruiting session this week on the roof of the Thompson Hotel near WeHo, or Boy Town. It’s her first all-gay mixer and she knows her fellas are looking for hot dates so she’s quick to get the candidates out of their shirts to check out the ab factors. It’s eye candy city by the pool except for the unfortunate few that have been self-coloring their hair to their detriment. Patti calls out the nonsense with two guys in particular (Mike and Charlie) and tells them to get rid of their hair emergencies and she will let them into the cocktail party. The two promise to get primped right and Patti gushes that the gays listen to her better than the bitchy girls. With that height, makeup, and hair, Stangers like a Tranny Pin Up – how could they not?
At the mixer in a posh Beverly Hills house both Eric and Madison have little one-on-one chats with their four selected men. Neither come off that comfy and it’s pretty much awkward city inside and outside for the millionaires. Destin even has to go in and run interference on Eric who is grilling his men like they’re interviewing for a job. They’re both advised by Patti to take it easy and relax and then the chatting gets a little better.
Madison is drawn to surfer dude Charlie (with the improved hair) and Brazilian Luciano. Eric feels comfortable most with Michael and Chris. It’s a tough call for them both but Madison goes with Charlie and Eric gives Chris a try.
Madison plans a Catalina Island paddle boarding morning for Charlie, who is game and excited for the new adventure. Charlie takes to it well and they are able to paddle and converse, finding common ground and philosophies. Madison says it was an awesome morning and then they meet later for dinner on the beach. Both are world travelers so the pair bond over perfect vacations and how to date without losing their true selves. It’s a mutual admiration party that ends in them wanting to see each other again. Charlie even coos that it was the “perfect date.”
Over in Malibu, Eric has set up a beach horseback riding session. While Chris knows his way around a horse, Eric is a newbie and feels like he’s opening himself up to something different just as he’s been advised to do. The two get along well and Chris helps Eric out when his horse decides to randomly run like a bat out of hell. Eric has fun and says he feels some sparks (not saddle burn).
Later at dinner by the ocean, Eric and Chris have a great conversation about how vulnerabilities make someone more loveable which is eye-opening for Eric. Chris is very comfortable with his emotional self and he gently guides Eric along in the conversation. It’s really charming and sweet to watch. Eric also seems quite smitten by Chris’ ability to draw him out in a trustful way. Chris calls the date “pretty damn perfect” and asks to set up the next one. Eric agrees and they kiss, closing the date.
Back at Patti’s, Eric is glowing and looking pleased with how well he clicked with Chris. Patti agrees and tells him to keep thinking with his heart and to “not screw it up!” Eric laughs and the title cards reveal the two have been dating.
Madison is also quite happy. He tells Patti that she was right and that he wants to see Charlie again. However, according to the cards “lazy lion” Madison has yet to set up the second date. Despite that disappointment, “The Boys Are Back in Town” is by far the most charming episode of the season with some real chemistry on view and a nice lack of smarmy that’s usually so much a part of these hookups. Sigh, leave it to the boys to get it so right.
This was a rare episode where it was easy to root for both millionaires to find a good match, and both seemed to (though as you note Madison reverts to a lion of laziness mode).
Now *next* week's promo... that's what I'm trying to say