Married at First Sight: Brennan's 'Red Flag' Comment and Its Impact on His Marriage with Emily

Brennan and Emily's Honeymoon Chemistry

Married at First Sight season 17 participant Brennan Shoykhet called his new wife, Emily Balch, a 'red flag' in the latest episode, and there are reasons behind it. Brennan and Emily were the first pair to tie the knot this season, and they had instant chemistry at the altar. Emily had never been in a relationship before, but that notion did not seem to deter Brennan.

Emily Married at First Sight season 17 in green dress

Emily was originally open to having sex on their honeymoon night or shortly thereafter, but she ended up opting to take things at Brennan's pace. Brennan does not believe in divorce, and he and Emily both come from homes with two parents. Brennan and Emily seemed very into each other during their honeymoon in Mexico with the other couples. They talked about their similar professional ambition and aligned goals for the future regarding kids and mutual desires.

Emily and Brennan Married At first Sight season 17 sitting next to eachother laughing

The pair had one spat after Brennan became annoyed with Emily after she joked that he didn't know how to have fun. After that, they returned to Denver to start the living together part of the experience, and it's been down hill from there because of Brennan's feelings. Brennan's 'red flag' comment really hurt Emily, and his harsh words may have had particular intentions behind them and seem to have set them back.

Brennan and Emily from Married at First Sight Season 17 montage

Brennan's Loss of Romantic Spark

Upon their return to Denver, Brennan did not move in with Emily and, instead, spent several days at his place. He cited that he was 'drained' from spending 24/7 with Emily for a week. Emily did not understand why Brennan was suddenly checked out and turned off. The Married at First Sight season 17 couple sat down with expert Pastor Cal, who tried to get Brennan to open up about why he wasn't feeling Emily anymore. Brennan refused to elaborate and deflected by saying he was not trying to hurt Emily's feelings.

Emily from Married At first Sight season 17 wearing a orange and pink bikinki top for interview

Meanwhile, all Emily has wanted has been for Brennan to tell her why he no longer has romantic feelings for her. Emily has been resilient in the face of Brennan's waning feelings, but she has clearly been hurt by Brennan's lack of honest communication. Another expert, Dr. Pia, also tried to draw out of Brennan what he was feeling and why, and she got nothing either. Brennan seems to not want to dish out the real truth at all costs.

Emily and Brennan Married At first Sight season 17 sitting next to eachother with arms crossed

Given their uncomfortable and awkward circumstances because of Brennan's checked-out feelings, Brennan and Emily have decided to take things 'day by day.' Emily has been putting her own sadness and anxiety aside and has been respecting Brennan's closed-off approach to the situation with his attraction. However, Emily is clearly hitting a limit with the small amount that Brennan is giving her. The pair are living together, sleeping in the same together, and trying to mix into one another's lives while continuing in the experiment, so those are the good signs they have going for them with their delicate situation as they endeavor to connect.

Emily from Married At first Sight season 17 wearing a blue bikini top looking upset

Emily Deserves Better Treatment

While Brennan and Emily were at their one-month anniversary dinner, Emily strived to be positive as she said, 'I feel like this week couldn't have gone better.' Brennan remarked that they 'got into a rhythm' and that Emily made their apartment 'a comfortable place to live.' Brennan further stated, 'It's allowed me to really trust the process and stay moved in. But you know I don't want to sugarcoat it and say this has been tough, at least for me and in the past I would have just ran from like a red flag.'

Brennan from Married at First Sight season 17 looking upset at dinner table

Emily responded, 'So, I'm a red flag?.' Brennan answered, 'I mean, um, yeah. Like it's very uncomfortable to have something and then have it gone, and you don't know why.' But he stated he didn't want to run despite his romantic connection fizzling. Brennan allegedly can't pinpoint how he lost his attraction for Emily, and that seems to be the major hangup for him. However, given Brennan's unwillingness to be open and expressive, there is likely more to it. Emily seemed beaten down by Brennan's assessment that she was a red flag, especially since he couldn't tell her exactly how he came to that conclusion.

Married at First Sight season 17 cast montage in wedding outfits

Brennan has been grilled by Emily's friends as well as the experts who have wanted him to dig deeper and give Emily the answers she deserves. Married at First Sight season 17 viewers watched Emily become defeated in the last episode by Brennan's constant refusal to say anything meaningful or past surface level. The other couples sensed Emily's frustration and also encouraged Brennan to identify his issues. Emily left the group dinner and went into her own van before Brennan joined her. Emily told Brennan he needed to give her more and Brennan said he was already giving all he could.

Embargo until 12_6 at 10_15 EST - Married At First Sight Season 17_ Brennan Blindsided Emily (Was He Being Mean_)