REVIEW: ‘Singles Inferno’ Season 4 Episodes 11–12

Ultimately, we got the predictable conclusion in Singles Inferno Season 4 Episodes 11–12. Through no fault of her own, Sian remained the unquestioned protagonist of the season as she went on her final date of Season 4. And while her choice lost its intrigue due to how much screentime she and her potential suitors were given, other moments added charm to the finale. It’s hardly the worst season of Singles Inferno, but it definitely is weighed down by unnecessary bloat and additional episodes.

Singles Inferno Season 4 Episodes 11–12 start with Paradise first, with Sian making a somewhat surprising choice by picking Jeongsu to accompany her. She reasons that he was her first night date in Paradise and wants to bring it full circle as her last as well. Her heart is torn between Jeongsu and Junseo, allowing her to see who she feels more comfortable with.

And, in a hilarious bout of errors, Jeongsu immediately makes sure it’s not him. A bit of armchair therapy always comes into play while watching reality TV as we try to work out why someone would behave a certain way. But the edit Jeongsu is given isn’t favorable. He immediately begins asking (berating) Sian about how much she drank before. In a picturesque moment in their hotel, he tells her how much it hurt him to see that she put her head on Junseo’s shoulder on the helicopter ride back to the island earlier that morning.

At the very least, Sian calls him out when he tells her she’s been his number one since the first day. He, too, went on other dates and excursions to Paradise with other girls. And yet she’s the one who’s being called out for hurting his feelings on her separate date. It wasn’t a good look and soured the entirety of their date as a viewer. As is, they already had way too much screen time, with the other two couples getting mere check-ins.

The rest of the couples get little screen time in Paradise.

Dongho, despite his best efforts to avoid it, is asked by Haelin to go to Paradise with her. He’d already told both Youjin and Haelin that his affections lay elsewhere, but that didn’t deter the latter, wanting one more night to try and shake his resolve. We only see them at dinner, though, and it’s clear that there’s been no change. In a bit of a random choice, Youjin chooses Jonghoon. They get even less screen time, just a check-in on the morning after as they’re getting ready to return to Inferno.

Singles Inferno Season 4 Episodes 11-12 are saved by Youjin’s excessive charm and humor. While she was never treated fairly enough by the panelists, who laughed a little too much anytime she appeared, she made for a lively screen presence. In Episode 11, we watch her face begin to contort in the flashback as Jonghoon continually breaks up any serious conversation they’re having to move on to a new activity. But the hilarious moment comes when she realizes that he’d already fallen asleep while she was getting ready for bed, snoring loudly.

It’s an unexpectedly human moment for Singles Inferno that prioritizes a level of visual and personal appeal over silly, human flaws. Youjin also shines later, in Episode 12, when she races to Sian’s aid when the latter drifts off a little too deep in the ocean while they’re all swimming. Yes, Sian likely did it to gain Junseo’s attention, but seeing Youjin simply move when she needs to is nice. And while we understand her distaste at all the female contestants constantly assuming she’s older than them and resorting to honorifics before they’ve even shared their ages, her reactions are gold—a natural-born comedian.

Singles Inferno Season 4 Episodes 11–12 dedicate a full 30 minutes to the final selections, which are, as always, the least interesting part of the series. The fun comes in seeing them all get to know one another and what bonds naturally develop versus which ones need to be worked at. And not just the romantic ones. Some of the sweetest scenes in any of the series come when unlikely friendships blossom over ten days as they spend uninterrupted time together.

Singles Inferno Season 4 Episodes 11–12 end on a predictable note. 

Many selections are expected, though not all seem likely to survive past the island. While we might’ve hoped for Jiyeon to choose herself, she leaves with Taehwan despite her doubts. She’s not sure their beliefs align but likes that he’s been unwavering in his choice of her since the beginning. Similarly, it’s uncertain if Jonghoon and Hyejin stand much of a chance, though they were given so little screen time it’s hard to get a good read.

The star couple of the season, however, remains Dongho and Arin. Ever since their date, when they realize that they’ve lived near one another for years, they’ve both felt fate tied them together. Their choice to leave together is sweet and well-earned, demonstrative of how a relationship can be born naturally rather than through fabricated conflict and unnecessary bloat.

Which leaves us with Sian. Theo never stood a chance, and, ultimately, neither did Jeongsu. Of course, she chooses Junseo. In her words, he gave her the whirlwind romance she was looking for. It’s just a shame that the season didn’t capture that whirlwind experience for viewers as well.

Singles Inferno Season 4 Episodes 11–12 perfectly encapsulates the entire season’s highs and lows. With way too much forced emphasis on one couple, the series lost a chance to explore a strong, personality-driven ensemble. But it remains a fun, suitable escapism. The series just needs to learn that not every sequence needs to be drawn out and what can ultimately be cut.

Singles Inferno Season 4 Episodes 11–12 are out now on Netflix.