is joanne really the problem, or have we made noah too perfect?
because i love noah, but i have a few questions.
Okay, can we talk about Joanne for a minute? Because after watching Season 3 of Nobody Wants This, I understand why people are getting annoyed with her. The woman has a lovely boyfriend, a beautiful home, and a relationship she's spent two seasons fighting for, yet she still manages to turn ordinary situations into problems. And poor Noah is usually standing there trying to figure out what just happened.
But while we're busy discussing everything Joanne does wrong, I feel like we're overlooking a few things about Noah. I adore the man, seriously. I would happily watch another ten episodes of him being in love. But I've started wondering whether we've become so attached to the idea of Noah being the perfect boyfriend that we've stopped questioning his decisions.
Before anyone gets upset, I'm not defending all of Joanne's behaviour. Her little performance at the housewarming party to make her ex jealous was embarrassing. She has a man who genuinely loves her, and she's still interested in proving a point to someone from her past? Joanne, please. And the airport situation, where she gives away her ticket while Noah is stressed about getting to Napa, was another moment where I wanted to reach through my screen. Her intentions weren't necessarily bad, but she really needs to think before involving other people in her impulsive decisions.
Still, Noah has his own problems, and I think his biggest one is how often he avoids saying what he actually wants.
Look at their wedding planning. Bina has opinions about practically everything, and Joanne ends up dealing with so many expectations from Noah's family. Yes, she eventually agrees to the backyard wedding because she understands how much his family home means to him. I thought her willingness to do it was lovely. But why does Joanne have to keep being the person who handles the uncomfortable conversations? Noah knows his mother better than anyone. He should be able to tell her when she's getting too involved.
And can we please discuss the father-daughter dance argument? Joanne clearly doesn't want one, yet Noah goes to her father to discuss it anyway. I understand him wanting a mother-son dance. He should absolutely have one if it means something to him. But Joanne's relationship with her father is her business, and she had already made her feelings clear.
Of course, the horrible joke Joanne makes about Noah and his mother is completely out of line. I actually stared at the screen wondering why she thought saying it was a good idea. She owes him an apology, and she gives him one. But Noah also crossed a boundary before the argument got ugly. Both things can be true.
Something else I kept thinking about is how much Joanne's life is changing. She's attending conversion classes, adjusting to Noah's religious community, and trying to understand where she belongs in his world. At the same time, she's worried about losing her audience because her happy relationship has changed the stories she tells on her podcast. She's used to being the entertaining, messy single girl, and now she's figuring out who she is without all the dating disasters.
I'm glad she chooses Judaism for herself. Her conversion deserves to be respected as her own decision. But I can understand why she's occasionally uncomfortable with how quickly her life is changing. She even turns to Bina for help presenting herself differently when Noah is trying to return to his senior rabbi position. Imagine asking your future mother-in-law for a makeover so you can fit into her world. I'd be nervous before she even opened the wardrobe.
And I know Noah has made sacrifices for their relationship as well. He hasn't had an easy time with his career or his family. I actually wish we got to see more of his frustrations, because I find it difficult to believe someone can handle so many complicated situations with almost endless patience. Sometimes I want him to get annoyed, speak his mind, and have a proper conversation about what bothers him.
Which brings me to the ending.
I loved their spontaneous beach wedding. After all the planning, arguments, guest lists, and family drama, they finally choose something for themselves. Joanne has completed her conversion, the families are busy arguing back at the house, and Noah asks to marry her right there. It's sweet, a little ridiculous considering everything going on nearby, and honestly very fitting for them.
Watching the final scene reminded me why I fell for Joanne and Noah in the first place. They genuinely enjoy being around each other. Their little jokes, the way they look at one another, and how comfortable they've become together are still my favourite parts of their relationship.
So here's where I stand. Joanne can be selfish, embarrassing, and exhausting, and I still like her. Noah can be loving, patient, and thoughtful while occasionally making decisions I completely disagree with. I don't need either of them to become a different person.
I just hope married life gives them more chances to deal with disagreements before everyone else gets involved. Their wedding was beautiful because they finally made a choice together, without trying to please their families.
Now they have to go home and tell Bina they got married without her.
And honestly, I would pay to watch her reaction.