Pao Calls Out the Same 90 Day: The Last Resort Complaint Fans Have Had for Three Seasons
Paola Mayfield’s comments in the latest episode of 90 Day: The Last Resort have highlighted a long-running concern about the show’s retreat setting: the combination of couples therapy and unlimited alcohol. During an “etiquette class” dinner, the cast was set to enjoy unlimited wine, and Paola openly questioned whether mixing therapy, alcohol, and sharp knives was a wise idea. Her remarks echoed a criticism that has followed the series since its start.
The episode, titled “Last Crown Standing,” showed the cast dressing up for the dinner activity, but Paola admitted in her confessional that she was uneasy about the setup. Her concern reflected a larger issue many viewers may recognize: the resort often places couples in highly emotional situations while also encouraging drinking, which can quickly escalate conflict.
The episode’s discussion also pointed to how alcohol has repeatedly fueled drama across the spinoff. Rather than helping couples focus on healing their relationships, the constant presence of drinks has often led to arguments that therapists then have to manage. The show’s attempt to create entertaining television sometimes appears to work against its stated purpose of helping struggling couples rebuild trust and communicate better.
A past example came in Season 3, when Jenny and Sumit Singh argued after Sumit drank too much during the first night at the resort. The conflict may have revealed deeper issues in their relationship, but it also showed how alcohol can intensify problems before they are addressed constructively. Similar moments have continued to shape the series, reinforcing the idea that the retreat environment can become more chaotic than therapeutic.
The criticism is not against the couples drinking at all, but rather the way alcohol is built into the experience and seemingly encouraged as part of the drama. For couples who are already on the edge of separation after marriage, that dynamic can feel especially irresponsible. Instead of creating space for genuine reflection, the resort often seems designed to push emotional buttons for the sake of viewers.
At its core, the concern is about the show’s priorities. If the goal of 90 Day: The Last Resort is to help couples work through serious relationship problems, then unlimited alcohol appears counterproductive. The recent episode made that tension even clearer, with Paola voicing what many may have already been thinking: therapy works best in an environment that supports clarity, not one that invites more conflict.
As the season continues, the couples on 90 Day: The Last Resort remain caught in escalating emotional turmoil, with personal issues and group tensions growing more intense. The series airs on TLC on Mondays at 8:00 p.m. ET.
