How Zack Became Season 13's Villain

Zack Freeman started off his Married At First Sight experience as a fan favorite, but since the latest season of the experimental dating show has come to an end, Zack has become the series' antagonist. Initially, Zack had a sympathetic storyline, but after he was exposed for allegedly taking part in a cheating scandal, the former groom's perception has flipped on its head. From his controversial relationship with Bao to the claims that he was involved with several women at once, here's how Zack went from a popular Married At First Sight star to season 13's villain.

Throughout season 13, Zack was an easy husband to root for. Typically, the men cast in Married At First Sight are controlling and macho, like Zack's co-star, Jose. Zack's cool, calm, and collected demeanor instantly made him a more approachable cast member to support. Additionally, Zack appeared to be a victim for most of his marriage with his paired partner, Michaela. Only a few days into their honeymoon, Zack contracted COVID-19. As the first star to be affected by the pandemic in the dating series, Zack garnered sympathy from viewers while he was quarantining from his new wife. Finally, Zack was backed by fans as most audience members found the ex-husband to be the rational partner when it came to his fights with Michaela.

Because Michaela got emotional during her arguments with Zack in season 13, many viewers were quick to dismiss her feelings and side with Zack, who remained calm. As their relationship in Married At First Sight progressed, however, fans began to see Michaela's point of view. Although Michaela wasn't always the best at expressing her qualms, the cast member's gripes with Zack were ultimately justified. Fans agree that Zack made several confusing steps in their marriage that portrayed him as a player. In an especially tense episode, Zack admitted that he wouldn't want to be married to Michaela outside of the show. And on Decision Day, Zack continued his trend of messing with his ex's mind when he asked for a divorce before requesting to see if they could try dating after the show. This only made Michaela more confused and exposed Zack's struggles to be straightforward in a relationship.

Although fans were growing tired of Zack's antics on Decision Day, the Married At First Sight husband only continued to anger fans in the weeks following season 13's conclusion. Shortly after breaking up with Michaela, Zack embarked on a relationship with their co-star, Bao. Fans found this to be a shady move that disrespected the marriage he had with Michaela. Viewers believe both Zack and Bao were bad friends to Michaela and Johnny for disregarding the emotional pain their respective partners endured on Decision Day. Zack's likability completely diminished when he was accused of cheating on Bao with several women. After the allegations of Zack's infidelity surfaced, Bao broke up with her co-star and fans saw Zack for the player Michaela claimed he was. Viewers think Zack was calculated throughout his Married At First Sight experience to manipulate not only Michaela and Bao but fans as well.

Zack started off Married At First Sight season 13 on the right foot, but the more time fans spent with the former husband, the more apparent Zack's duplicitous traits became. From consistently misleading Michaela to potentially cheating on Bao, it's difficult for any fan to see Zack in a sympathetic light. Zack might not be the typical Married At First Sight villain, but his actions on and off the show certainly fit the bill.

Next: Married At First Sight: What Happened To Myrla After Season 13