‘Soulmates’ Recap: ‘The Lovers’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the second episode of 'Soulmates'. 
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For the most part, human beings subscribe to the notion that there are consequences for our actions in life. Simply because as we grow and learn, we see causality in full effect and its impact upon us, teaches us valuable lessons, the kind we take us with everywhere we go and hopefully impart upon our children when the time is right. But you’ll likely take note of the fact that the phrase, ‘for the most part’, was used in combination with this observation and there is good reason for that. Because sometimes, people throw this particular rule out of the window depending upon the situation. For there are times, where the logical part of our brain is silenced by matters of the heart and when that happens… we simply do what we do, and consequences be damned. Especially when it comes to love.

After all, there is something quite powerful about meeting someone that sends our spirits soaring. Because we know that when we meet someone that we connect with on a fundamental level, that it is truly something special. Something that we should fight tooth and nail to hold onto and that’s where ugly consequences can quickly come into play. Because sometimes, the particular person we’ve fallen for…. is downright bad for us. But the feelings they engender in our souls motivates us to press on and well, we know how that story ends. But what we don’t discuss enough when it comes to this unfortunate scenario, in either everyday talk or popular media, is the person on the other side of this equation. For they care little about the consequences of leading someone on or abusing their love and it is likely a taboo topic since it is so toxic and uncomfortable. But some people, and stories, are willing to explore the consequences that come with choosing to toy with people in matters in love, such as the AMC series Soulmates. Since last night’s episode of this show, dug into everything we’ve discussed thus far, in a sneaky and dynamic manner.

Because initially, it seemed as though ‘The Lovers’ was going to be a grand exploration on whether or not we can stay true to someone we love when we find our soulmate. For we come to learn that our main character in this tale, an art professor named David Maddox; took the Soul Connex test ages ago and opted to have his results hidden in order to marry his wife and enjoy a wonderful life. Because despite their slight mismatch as a pair, they are genuinely happy with one another since they share all the same interests. So why bother with the test results? Which is why David is initially appalled when a woman named Alison Jones approaches him with the news that she has taken the test and hacked into the system to find her match, and it just so happens to be David. Which is a revelation that quite frankly haunts him to no end. For he truly wants to be the master of his own destiny and his own future, and that’s why he opted to steer clear of the test results. But eventually, the curiosity and the draw of Alison gets the better of him and that’s when this story takes quite the unexpected turn. 

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For shortly after a night of passion between these two soulmates, David’s life becomes quite stressful. Because suddenly, Alison is exhibiting odd behavior and an old secret about David’s time at another university has suddenly returned to the forefront of his life, one that could cause him great trouble. For it turns out that, a student of David's once fell in love with him and suffered greatly when she realized she couldn't have him. Which is something that he could have prevented, but didn't. Because David makes it clear over the course of the hour, that being admired is something that means a lot to him and having that from her and not having to commit on his end, was a satisfying experience for him and that was quite the problematic decision on his part. For this 'love affair' motivated the student in question to take her own life and rather than speak to his mistakes in this matter,  David opted to place blame and deflect and that will cost him everything in the end, since Alison is that young student's sister and is out for revenge. 
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But while that makes for juicy drama and a wild ending, this story's commentary on ignorance when it comes to matters of the heart and the consequences that come out that, is what truly sticks with you. Because this particular tale really does examine the nature of toxic relationships and what motivates people to get into them or explore them and what we learn here is downright fascinating and unsettling. For in essence, this is a tale that shows us how some men, aren’t really ever interested in love. Instead they are outright obsessed with the high that being adored gives them and they’ll do whatever it takes to retain that, as evidenced by David’s actions in this tale. But what’s truly disturbing is how well this story explores how little some people care about the consequences that can come about from toying with someone’s heart. Because David worries more about what this skeleton in his closet is going to do for his career instead of the harm he caused. In fact, he cares so little about the impact of his actions that he is constantly eager to deflect and shape the narrative to make him appear to be the victim. When in fact, he is at fault.

Because clearly, he set no boundaries with the woman in question. Nor did he offer any honesty about the actual nature and intent of their relationship. Instead he fed this, in order to feed his ego and satiate his need to be desired and that makes the ending of this tale a satisfying one indeed. In the end however, this really was quite the incredible episode for certain. In part because it demonstrates that this particular series is going to explore every aspect of love out there, either good or bad, and it will hold nothing back in regard to that exploration as well. Which means that we simply won’t know what to expect when we tune into future episodes, since this one did such a fine job of surprising us and that’s a wonderful thing. Because in this day and age, it is tough to be shocked by a T.V. show when so many similar stories are out there, but this one has figured out how to make that happen, and that means we are going to be in for one incredible and stunning ride as this journey continues along. Until next time.

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