The Block Island 2024 fans call out bizarre detail in first episode: 'What a waste'

The Block Island 2024 made its triumphant debut on Monday night as a host of new teams take on a reno project for the ages. The Island Cove Villas - once a sweet little haven on Phillip Island - is now more akin to an abandoned theme park and the new Blockheads have to gussy them up and sell them to the highest bidder.

We already know this season will be fraught with drama (and plenty of fun!), with one couple dropping out of the competition halfway through. We've also been promised some of the most spectacular finished results the show has ever seen so hold on to your hard hats!

Of course, it wouldn't be The Block without the fans calling it as they see it, and the first episode was certainly not exempt from the armchair critics who noticed a very odd detail in the premiere.

RELATED:

• The Block Island 2024: Here's which couple quits halfway through

• The Block Island called out over 'sad' detail about 'rundown' holiday homes in 2024 season

• The Block Island producer reveals moment that changed the show forever: 'Huge'

"Um....why is she going to Heidelberg????," one confused fan wrote in an online forum.

The reference was to Mimi taking a two-hour trip out of Phillip Island and all the way to the Melbourne suburb to go to Reece Plumbing.

This was a particularly curious choice considering there is a Reece Plumbing in Cowes - exactly 7 minutes by car from the construction site!

Fans point out strange decision

"Is that the closest Reece??? Strange," one viewer questioned.

"Literally one on the Island!," another laughed.

"I was just thinking the same. Bloody long drive from the island," said another fan.

"They'll drive past at least 5 Reece on the way to Heidelberg Reece. Cranbourne, Narrewarren, Dandenong, Knox and Ringwood. What a waste of fuel!" added someone else.

"It seems weird to drive past so many others to get to Heidelberg but maybe they have the bigger showroom," another fan suggested.

Several viewers were also a bit disappointed that the show had not chosen to support local businesses.

"Strange for block contestants to drive back to melb - 2 hrs each way - should support local businesses!," someone wrote.

"Why didn’t they use LOCAL RETAILERS ? Like Wonthaggi would have been a lot closer," said another.

"Mmmmm yes would be nice to utilise Bass Coast Shire businesses," a third agreed.

So, why did she go to Heidelberg?

Despite some grumbling, the general consensus was that there was a perfectly good reason for the long drive to Heidelberg...the fans just couldn't seem to agree what that reason was.

"I suspect they have a decent showroom and stock there," was one theory.

"Contractual agreements between Reece and The Block. Reece specify the store," another person offered.

"As far as I’m aware (unless they’ve changed it) every business that signs up to supply The Block must supply at a considerable discount, and abide by the rules they are given. Maybe the Reece stores closer to The Block weren’t prepared to discount to the amount required," was another potential reason offered to the group.

SHOP:

• The grooming brand supporting men's mental health amid 'ongoing crisis'

• Afterpay Day Sale: Save 20% on mattresses, bed frames and pillows

• The comfort food collab you didn't see coming

"There’s a reason for everything and if it was as straightforward as all the showrooms are equal it wouldn’t make sense. However, maybe not all showrooms are equal. Maybe The Block just wants to waste the contestant's time, we don’t know," someone else said.

So, what was the reason for Mimi's intrepid adventure to Melbourne and back? Well, Yahoo Lifestyle has reached out to Channel Nine for comment so we will keep you posted!

Want the latest celebrity news? Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.