The most shocking twist in Love Island USA Season 7 Episode 21 gave two islanders another chance at love.

Love Island Usa season 7 has had a lot of unexpected turns, but episode 21 was one of the most surprising ones I've ever seen on the show. Nic Vansteenberghe and Olandria Carthen were offered a once-in-a-lifetime chance to come back after being kicked out of the villa and Casa Amor, respectively. This surprise second chance not only brought back two Islanders that fans loved, but it also changed the dynamics of the villa altogether, setting the stage for a lot of emotional fallout. It was a move that seemed both smart and really thrilling, showing that this season isn't hesitant to take major risks.

The Casa Amor part of Love Island USA is often tense since it tests existing relationships and makes new ones. The rules were already changing this season. All Islanders had to be single and pair up with fresh bombshells. At the end of the recoupling, when Nic and Olandria didn't have any matches, it felt like they were leaving for good, even if it was sad. But the performance has a trick up its sleeve. The producers took a big risk by bringing them back, but it paid off right away in terms of drama and possible new combinations.

A secret date between Nic and Olandria set the stage for a shocking return.

A cliffhanger ending that changed everything for the dumped islanders

The last episode ended with a cliffhanger: Olandria picked up Nic in a strange automobile after they both been dumped. The first scene of Episode 21 showed them on a beautiful date with fairy lights, which is generally a setting for new partnerships, not for someone who just got dumped. They got the text that would change everything here: they could either leave the show for good or pair up and go back to the villa together. I was on the edge of my seat because I knew this was a big deal for them and for the whole season.

Nic and Olandria talked about what happened at Casa Amor on their date. Olandria talked about how Cierra Ortega was trying to get to know Elan Bibas better. Nic then told Olandria that Taylor Williams, her first partner, had gotten quite close to Clarke Carraway. Olandria, who had been on "Team Taylor" from the start, certainly didn't like this news. Nic's confession really shocked me and Olandria. He said he had been interested in Olandria since the beginning and compared his feelings to those of a "secret admirer." He had wanted to get to know her romantically for weeks. This new information, along with Olandria's own admission that she thought Nic was attractive, made their decision to be together feel less like a survival tactic and more like a real, if unexpected, chance.

The Villa's response to Nic and Olandria's return was priceless.

Both the main villa and Casa Amor were shaken by surprises and changing dynamics.

The next morning, Nic and Olandria crept back into the villa, waking up the other Islanders with their sudden arrival. People were shocked and excited, but I could see there was a lot of tension in the air. Taylor's first hug for Nic before Olandria was telling, and the chat he had with Olandria after that was strange. He said he was delighted to see her, but it was evident that he was more interested in his new relationship with Clarke. Olandria handled the issue with amazing grace, even though she was clearly heartbroken. She told Taylor that the "ball was in his court" but that she still appreciated their bond.

Meanwhile, the women at Casa Amor were still sad about Olandria's supposed departure. Amaya Espinal cried to Zak Srakaew because she felt bad about Olandria's leaving, and Chelley Bissainthe cried to Cierra and Huda Mustafa. The villa's shock and Casa Amor's lingering melancholy were very different, which showed how different the emotional realities were. Later, during a "spicy" game of Casa vs. Villa, Nic and Olandria played together more than once, which showed that they were getting more comfortable with each other. It was evident that their return had not only upset the couples that were already together, but it had also opened up new opportunities for romance.

Nic and Olandria's growing relationship sparked new sparks.

A kiss that made me want more from this unexpected couple.

As the episode went on, Nic and Olandria kept looking into their new, surprising relationship. Nic seemed to care more about Olandria since she was worried about Cierra becoming closer to Elan. Their talk in Soul Ties was really revealing. Nic said that he always felt a strong physical connection and chemistry with Olandria when things were hard. He even informed Taylor early on that Olandria was one of the most gorgeous women he had ever seen. This wasn't just a planned relationship; there were real feelings between us, and I was all in.

Olandria was apprehensive at first because she was friends with Cierra and still had feelings for Taylor, but Nic's directness and flattery appeared to make her melt. The episode ended with a "spicy kiss" between them in Soul Ties, which felt like it was meant to happen and had a lot of potential. A lot of fans, including me, had been hoping for a "Nicolandria" couple, and it was so fulfilling to see them finally act on their feelings. A reality show rarely gives fans what they want so explicitly, but this surprise seemed to be a direct answer to what they desired.

Love Island USA is very interesting because of how complicated the emotions are in this episode. Olandria's sadness at Taylor's quick transfer to Clarke, along with Nic's surprise attention, made for a strong story. Nic's eagerness to go for Olandria, even though their friends had been together before, makes things even more interesting. Not only did this episode bring back two Islanders, it also brought back a lot of new, unexpected drama that will definitely change the rest of the season.

Every night at 9 PM ET/6 PM PT on Peacock, except Wednesdays, new episodes of Love Island USA season 7 premiere.