Catfish: The TV Show - Season 2 Episode 4 - Lauren and Derek
That is what many people think.This week's Catfish was more than a happy ending, it was a powerful experience.It feels like almost every week there is a catch with the catfishee in the form of some major baggage driving them to the delusion of internet love.It was clear that even they were taken aback by Lauren's giant smile and outgoing personality when they got on the webcam with her.They commented on her sparkle five times.There was an underlying tone that Lauren was above the treatment she was receiving from her online beau.
It seemed like it had something to do with the fact that she appeared to have not a single thing wrong with her, unless you were going to hold it against her because she has a young son.If Catfish's first-ever happy ending didn't steal the show, so be it.It probably didn't help that MTV hammed it up with a live after-show, in which we learned nothing except that the happy couples supposedly did not bang the first time they met.
There was no way this guy was going to be who he said he was, but he showed up on his front porch with the same dumb facial hair and the sort of dude-bro necklaces that are almost mandatory at DMB concerts.It was a nice reminder that not everyone on the Internet is a bad person, and that sometimes, it all works out.The method of communication should not invalidate the feelings.
There were reasons for online love apologists to be skeptical.They had been in communication via social networking sites for eight years.This time period included the birth of Lauren's son, Mason, and her engagement to another man, which she broke off because of her feelings for him.After Lauren left her fiancée, the two started talking again.He wouldn't buy one even after Lauren offered to pay for it.
She was certain that someday they would be married.Just minutes before they pulled up to her home, Nev and Max left the smallest crack in her.Even Lauren's weeping, Texan, ex-Navy father could not convince her that this is not a show for her, as though it had popped into his head for the first time.It could be that she wrote her parents off because they did this for a living.After all, her stepmom did note, "It blows my mind that you think someone can be there for you over the phone." Welcome to Catfish, ma, take a look around; you'll be tsking in no time.
While parental skepticism is one thing, Max and Nev are downright hell-bent on getting to the root of the problem.Max was on a mission this week from the beginning, almost as if a producer had given him notes to kick it up.When he found R. LeVourne, he pleaded again and again, whereas Nev dialed it up.Oh, R. Le Vourne!The poor guy.The cell number was listed as belonging to a middle-aged black man who was married with kids.They panicked.By the end of the show, R. LeVourne had become the butt of a joke.Lauren, you can't be sure of someone's race based on his voice.At least MTV told him that his family's photos would be broadcast on national TV, but no one really found out.Can you imagine how awkward it would be to explain to this older gentleman why he was going to be vilified by some kids on the Internet?Have fun with that job, production assistant.
As far as we know, Lauren wasn't being lied to.He later admitted that he was scared to meet her.He was so weak on the phone that you could tell he was a baby about commitment.On the second day of filming, he would meet Lauren's baby, and he was nervous about him.They looked like a Christian Mingle ad when they went on their first date.It was awkward at first, but it looks as though that trike ride into the sunset is in the couple's future.I wonder if they will invite LeVourne.