Caught in a whirlwind of betrayal, rage, and chaos, Michael De Santa’s life takes a dramatic turn in GTA 5’s “Marriage Counseling” mission. What starts as an explosive confrontation with his wife’s tennis coach spirals into a high-speed chase, a shocking act of destruction, and an unexpected clash with a dangerous crime boss. Dive into this pivotal storyline where revenge comes at a steep price—and sets the stage for Michael’s reluctant return to a life of crime.
Mission 8 – Marriage Counseling general information
Way to unlock: You need to complete Main mission 6 (Father/Son). You can now go to Michael’s house (letter M on the world map).
Playable characters: Franklin, Michael
Additional information: Completing this mission should not be too much of a problem to you although, towards the end, the main characters will switch their specialties (i.e. Michael will have to drive the car and Franklin will have to conduct effective fire. Before you start this mission, it would be a good idea to buy a good automatic weapon for Franklin (or replenish the ammo supplies to his currently owned weapon), although this is not necessary.
Mission 8 – Marriage Counseling full walkthrough
The gardener’s Pick-up truck
Just like in the case of mission 6, the game will allow you to choose whether you want to go to villa as Michael or Franklin. Personally, I recommend picking Michael because the game will play an additional cutscene, featuring Amanda being caught in bed with the tennis instructor. Run out of the estate, get into the truck parked on the driveway (Bravado Bison), wait for Franklin to join you and follow the tennis instructor.
You need to watch out along your way through the narrow streets of Vinewood
The chase will take you to the Vinewood Hills and, because there are a lot of narrow streets there, would be a good idea to watch out, especially that Michael cannot use the time-slowing special skill. Ignore the fact that you will lose the chased car for a moment, because this is a part of the chase. After several moments you will have to get off the asphalt road. Reach the estate with the instructor hidden inside and watch another cutscene.
Press and keep holding down the acceleration button until one of the supports breaks loose,
After Franklin attaches the rope to one of the supports, return to your car and press, and hold down, the acceleration button/trigger. Do not release it until the estate’s balcony crashes down. You can now go ahead and start your drive along the canyon to return to Michael’s villa.
On your way back, you will receive a phone call and learn that you have accidentally destroyed the villa of a big shot Martin Madrazo. Soon, his people will appear in the region and they will start chasing Franklin and Michael. Follow the game’s suggestion and cut to Franklin to deal with the incoming vehicles. As you conduct fire, you should try targeting the drivers (the above screenshot) and remember that the pistol is not the only possible weapon to use here (everything depends on Franklin’s current arsenal).
The location of finishing this mission
Elimination of all the cars with Madrazo’s people will not necessarily put an end to your problems, because you could have drawn the attention of the police. Cut backto Michael and lose the police pursuit if it really turned out to be necessary. Finally, return to Michael’s estate, where an unpleasant meeting with Martin Madrazo will take place.
Rewards and challenges in mission 8 – Marriage Counseling
Rewards for the completion of the mission:
- A new contact to Franklin’s contact list added: Lester
Requirements for the completion of the mission in 100%:
- Not a Scratch – You cannot severely damage the gardener’s truck,. You should, especially, pay attention towards the end of this mission, and effectively conduct fire against Madrazo’s vehicles that participate in the chase.
- Time – You need to complete the mission within 5 minutes and 30 seconds. Do not lose too much time towards the end.
- Drive-by Killer – you need to shoot, at least, three opponents during the chase. Try to eliminate, at least, 1-2 passengers, instead of focusing on the drivers only.
What are the key challenges in the Marriage Counseling mission
The Marriage Counseling mission in GTA 5 presents several key challenges:
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Chase and Pursuit: Players must chase Kyle Chavis, Amanda’s tennis coach, through the hills of Los Santos. This involves navigating narrow streets and dealing with obstacles like a hippy van that blocks the way.
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House Demolition: The mission requires using a truck to pull down a house by attaching a cable to its supports. This task demands precision and timing to ensure the house collapses without causing unnecessary damage to the truck.
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Drive-by Shooting: After demolishing the house, players must fend off Madrazo’s hitmen in a drive-by shooting. This involves stopping the truck and killing at least three enemies while stationary to achieve the “Drive-by Killer” Gold Medal objective.
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Escaping Pursuit: The final challenge involves evading Madrazo’s men and potentially the police. Players must switch between Michael and Franklin to effectively handle the chase and ensure their escape.
What are the Gold Medal objectives for the Marriage Counseling mission
To achieve a Gold Medal in the Marriage Counseling mission in GTA 5, you need to fulfill the following objectives:
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Not a Scratch: Complete the mission with minimal damage to the Bison (the truck you use).
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Time: Finish the mission within 5 minutes and 30 seconds. To achieve this, skip all cutscenes.
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Drive-by Killer: Kill at least three enemies while in a vehicle. This involves stopping the truck and shooting the enemies while stationary24.
These objectives can be completed in multiple playthroughs; you don’t need to achieve them all in one attempt2.
