They certainly are. I'm pleased for Jeff as his date with Nadjah went well, and they certainly appear to have chemistry. I found it funny how on all of the dates, the food remained untouched! Not sure about Katherine's intentions, as she mentioned "Mukbang" videos being her profession. Is she here for love, or a profile boost? I could see Isaiah's head turning for her, as she's totally stunning and pleasant enough. Sydney watching from the balcony was too much. Her eyes say it all, she's terrified of losing Isaiah, to the point where she was almost in tears watching it unfold.
Jared seems nice, for 23 he sounded mature although his "I've never had a relationship because I needed to learn to love myself first" chat was throwing up red flags for me. We'll have to see.
The biggest surprise of the episode came with the dumpings! I knew Timmy would be safe, but when the girls were saying "I don't think she's had a fair chance at finding love" I was almost certain they'd save Bria, who appeared to be getting on well with Jeff after the messy Zeta/Timmy drama.
Mady seemed crushed initially that Andy was leaving, and I thought they would have picked her to leave with him, but the girls obviously liked Mady's presence in the villa more so than Bria.
I was surprised the public saved Courtney and Bryce. I almost can't listen to Courtney at this point and don't know what the appeal is.
The Jesse/Deb date. Cute, but I still feel Jesse isn't giving Deb enough. I think she needs someone a little bit quirky like herself.
Sereniti/Chazz - When Sereniti was with Tyler, her main complaint was that he wasn't initiating the cuddles, attention and affection. Now the situation is reversed, with Chazz feeling the relationship is a little one sided, with him putting in the effort and wanting more from Sereniti. I'm not sure it'll last as they don't seem "wild" about each other.
The thing I do like about the US version is the lack of cliffhangers and the dumpings being unpredictable. A couple of Original Islanders have been dumped thus far (Felipe and Andy) and I like the pace at which they're bringing in newcomers.
The lack of overly dramatic music also helps give the show a more lightweight feel. I'm a fan. I've learned to tune out Iain Sterling, who is a horrible fit for this version. This show is perfect "comfort TV", an escape for 45 minutes in a sea of awful news headlines