The Big Leap season 1, episode 9 recap: Four exes and a wedding

Here comes the bride — and the exes! This week on The Big Leap, Paula and Mike took a big step in their relationship, while Reggie and Gabby backslid in theirs. While the crew rallies around Paula to give her the wedding of her dreams, Justin gets an incredible opportunity from Monica. Read on to find out what happened in The Big Leap season 1, episode 9: “What Prevents Us?”

The Big Leap season 1, episode 9 recap: A peppered proposal

Last week saw Paula vowing to live her life to the fullest, and in this week’s episode, she keeps true to her word, crossing off items on her bucket list. One such item? Getting married to a man she loves. After proposing to Mike with a pepper in the supermarket, the crew prepares to throw together a wedding for the two of them.

Though everyone is devastated by Paula’s diagnosis, she is adamant that they all treat her normally. They oblige, getting her a stripper for her bachelorette party and even agreeing to wear ugly bridesmaids’ dresses at the ceremony.

Mike, however, has a bit of a tougher time pretending everything is okay. Though he begins to fall into the same patterns of avoidance when his dad died, he realizes he can’t do that this time and breaks down, wondering if he can actually go through with this wedding. His friends rally around them, promising that they’ll be there for him while he’s there for Paula.

Nick is also struggling with avoidance when it comes to officiating the wedding. Though Nick is terrified of writing a speech and appearing on TV, he agrees to do it to make Paula happy, even bribing a city clerk to expedite the certification stamp on his officiant license. He also uses his producing skills to get Mike’s ex-wife Paige to agree to sign the divorce papers.

Despite his nerves, Nick ends up giving a beautiful speech at the wedding about how fear prevents the best thing in life: love. Mike and Paula exchange gorgeous vows, and they wed. It wouldn’t be a true Big Leap celebration without some dancing, and the crew performs a great number to “I Wanna Dance With Somebody.” Paula and Mike end the night by getting to know each other better, learning basic things like their favorite movies and early childhood memories. It’s the perfect conclusion to a perfect day.

The Big Leap season 1, episode 9 recap: Old flames reigniting

Paula and Mike aren’t the only ones trying to start a new life together. Julia and Linus go on their first date to a yogurt shop. Unfortunately, it’s quickly derailed when Julia sees her husband working there — the one who ran out on them a few months ago. Furious he hasn’t contacted her or the kids, Julia throws sprinkles at him, refusing to take him back even after he shows up to the studio and says he’s going to try and win her over.

There’s trouble in paradise for a few more of our favorite couples, too. Monica’s Tony-winning ex Annie is back in her life, casting for a new show. The two get a little cozy, which makes Wayne worried she might be sabotaging her relationship with Nick. Fortunately, Monica and Nick dance together at the wedding, and she congratulates him on pulling off the ceremony.

The fact Annie casts Justin in her show also causes a bit of tension with Simon. Simon is clearly jealous of the opportunity, and although he apologizes, we suspect some more conflict is on the horizon — especially since this new job means Justin will be in Europe for six months.

As expected, the video footage of Reggie dodging a kiss from his ex while helping her into the car has repercussions. Gabby is already nervous after she suspects he’s hiding injury concerns from her, and her mom advises her to take their relationship more slowly. She feels that her worry was warranted when she sees the tape and is humiliated.

What did you think of The Big Leap season 1, episode 9? Comment below!