User blog comment:Thomasfan502/Season 8 Discussion Blog/@comment-38108119-20190516122652/@comment-38108119-20190517005127

Rainbow wants Riven to be the rebellious troublemaker because it makes for interesting conflicts. But they also want him to grow out of it. The problem is he can’t do both.

It’s also dragging Musa’s character down because she has to keep putting up with more than any girl should, so they can keep him around. That means she can’t grow, either. If the writers have her learn from her mistakes and refuse to take him back, they have to get rid of him forever. The Musa X Riven fans will throw a fit, and he can’t be milked for conflict and drama anymore.

Honestly, I’m not buying his transformation. He’s just doing the same thing he did after Musa broke up with him in season four: generic romantic gestures that just irritate her. None of it proves he can be trusting, supportive, and emotionally available. Those were the real issues in their relationship.