‘Soulmates’ Recap: ‘Little Adventures’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘Soulmates’.
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What’s truly fascinating about the concept of love, is the simplistic structure that it resides within. Because our outright goal in life, is to find a special someone that we connect with on a supremely fundamental level and hold onto them for the rest of our natural lives by way of marriage or commitment to them and no one else, and that’s it. That really all there is to love, in theory, and it is a concept that we have embraced for generations on end, and that is likely the structure that our children’s children will use down the line. But while this indeed a concept that works for so many, as is often the case, there are exceptions to the rule.
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Because for some people, the thought of loving only one person for the rest of their life, is a horrifying one for certain. For these are the folks that see love as something that needs to be shared with as many people as possible, which in turn motivates them to seek out more than one love, in order to explore and experience everything that romance and life have to offer. Which is a concept that seems foreign to so many since they are used to the norm, but polyamory exists and is practiced often in our modern world and it just so happens that this unique outlook upon love serves as the focal point for the next episode of Soulmates.

Something that ‘Little Adventures’ explores, by introducing us to a married couple named Adam and Libby, who believe they have figured out the true secret to a happy and sustainable relationship. In that, having an open relationship, keeps things interesting while allowing for Adam and Libby to focus upon what truly binds them, and it seems as though this is working like a charm for them. Because they are happy and content and without a care in the world. That is until quite the surprise drops into their laps. For Libby took the Test a few years back and forgot about it. But the time has come for it to rear its powerful head. For her match has arrived and despite her best efforts to keep Miranda at her side as a friend, the draw of her is quite powerful. Prompting Libby to ask a question that many have pondered upon over the years, in that, is it possible to only love one person?

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Which is a plot that quite frankly, makes this the most dynamic and fascinating episode of this series to date and that is saying a lot, since the prior two tales dive into some powerful notions for certain. But this one, presents to the audience a romantic concept that is still taboo and uncomfortable in modern America, since so many view polyamory as an aberration. For tradition says we can only love one person and one person alone. But the people that practice this style of love, find something special within its framework and that’s really what makes this episode so incredibly fascinating. Because this is perhaps the first real mainstream breakdown of polyamory and this story leaves no stone unturned in its examination of this lifestyle. 
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For we come to learn that for Libby, and those who practice this particular lifestyle, don’t indulge in it to simply see some weekend action before returning home to their spouse for some sense of stability. It’s about a supremely unique type of fulfillment. One where multiple partners offer up something special to the person in question, as evidenced by Libby’s two lovers in this tale. For Adam indulges the free spirit within her, which allows for her to feel unshackled and unrestricted in life, as though she can achieve anything. Whereas Miranda grounds Libby and gives her focus and direction and being able to find what she needs from the two of them, does wonders for her mental health and her journey really does educate the audience on a lifestyle that few of us understand.

But what’s truly impressive about this particular tale, is that it doesn’t insult polyamory in the slightest. It simply presents it as it is and answers the question that Libby asks in a unique and refined manner. In that, for some people, no, one person is not enough. But for most, it is, and there is nothing wrong with choosing either route, as long as you are happy with the path you’re walking upon. Which is a wonderful message to send across to the audience. Because there’s simply no need for judgment when it comes to one's romantic lifestyle in this day and age, for love is love and that’s really all there is to it. And now that this particular exploration has come to a close, it should be interesting to see what other unique topics in regard to love, this series is going to tackle as this fascinating season rolls along. Until next time.   

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