Due to personal medical reasons, Samuel withdrew from the competition . In a rare move for the series, host Kamie Crawford revealed his perfect match to help the remaining singles: Mijntje (Minty) .

" Striking Out ," the eighth episode of Are You the One? Season 9, is a pivotal installment marked by an unprecedented medical withdrawal and a major breakthrough in the house's quest for matches.

Reviewers noted a mix of frustration and intrigue regarding "toxic" behaviors being a primary driver for the season's entertainment value. While some contestants like MJ were praised for being "drama-free," others like Dew were criticized by fans for a perceived negative attitude throughout the episode.

The reveal of Sam and Mijntje as a "free" perfect match provided a significant advantage, as Mijntje was sent to the honeymoon suite alone, bringing the house one step closer to the total 11 matches.

Reviews and fan discussions highlight this episode as a turning point for a season that some found slower than previous iterations.

Some viewers on Reddit speculated that Sam's lack of screen time in previous weeks might have been due to editors knowing he would eventually leave, making his departure feel somewhat abrupt.

Fans praised the analytical approach taken by certain contestants, particularly the "data-driven" strategy that helped the house maximize their beams during the ceremony.