Defending Love is Blind Season 7's Nick Dorka

One of the perks of being a reality TV content creator is interacting with the show's cast. I have learned a lot in my four years of watching Love is Blind, My opinions on everything, from the production process to hate for the show's villains, have changed. While I can't make excuses for everyone, I'll play devil's advocate for some of Love is Blind's biggest "villains," starting with season 7's Nick Dorka.

I think it's fair to say Nick isn't a traditional show villain, but his comments and behavior on the show didn't make him a fan favorite. I've heard rumblings that there was some behind-the-scenes drama involving Nick and why Hannah treated him the way he did, but nothing concrete has come out so far. My opinion may change, but here's why I think Nick deserves some credit.

In the pods

I know, I know. Travis Kelce, Nick Dorka is not. And he certainly couldn't pass for Superman's Henry Cavill, either. The whole purpose of the Love is Blind experiment is to fall in love without seeing what someone looks like. While they probably shouldn't discuss their looks if they genuinely want to find out if they can fall in love through a wall, the audience's biggest problem with Nick was stretching the truth about who he looks like.

If you're a fan of the show, you know the discussion about celebrity doppelgangers never ends well. Jimmy Presnell from Love is Blind season 6 seemed shocked to find out that ex-fiance Chelsea Blackwell did not, in fact, resemble Megan Fox. Hannah also misrepresented her looks quite a bit. From mentioning her cheerleading days almost a decade ago to talking about weight loss, the two really canceled each other out when it came to discussing appearance.

The living situation

I know times are tough, but it doesn't seem like Nick needs to live with his parents, he prefers it. Hey, if it works for you, that's cool. I personally don't think you can be marriage ready if your mom is still doing all the cooking and your laundry, though. At least feed your own cat, Nicholas!

Hannah and Nick had ten days to discuss everything from their financial habits to their living situations and everything in between. While we as the audience were surprised his bachelor pad was the Dorka basement, Hannah should not have been. For someone who so carefully analyzes whether or not someone fits her high standards, she chose a partner who could never measure up. Even if Nick's pool table wasn't doubling as a laundry basket, the man was doing his best to try to change for Hannah. The learning curve was just a bit too steep.

Personality conflicts

Nick Dorka reminds me a lot of Cole Bennett from Love is Blind season 3. Both constantly stepped into it, even with the best of intentions. Nick may have a lot of growing up to do, but he was willing. He even told Hannah he was trying to change for her.

You can see the difference between when Hannah talked down to Nick and when Katie built him up during the cast party. He was more open, confident and happier overall when complimented instead of insulted. He claims to like being bossed around, and if that's the case, Hannah is his dream girl. The feelings were not mutual, though.

I'm still not quite sure how Nick got the name Slick Nick, as he seems more awkward and inexperienced than Rico Suave.

Life experience

Is it great that the man can't figure out how to boil water? Absolutely not. I don't know why he's getting so much hate for not knowing about stocks and investments, though. Hannah's explanation had me questioning if she truly knows how to invest or just knows some relevant buzzwords like 401k and portfolio.

It's never too late to learn. If Nick were genuinely willing to step up to the plate as he claimed, it would be easy to look up some cooking YouTube videos or pick up a finance book. It's equally easy for Hannah to google jobs near me, but it doesn't seem like that was as much of a priority as getting Nick to walk her dog. So, who's the real villain here?

Are you team Nick or team Hannah?