(b) I-III is the clear connection as the contrast mentioned in III refers to the critics (I) and reviewers (II). So (a), (c) and (e) are wrong. 'II' mentions "this marriage" and 'III' mentions "allies".' III' mentions 'close to being' and 'II' mentions 'but not close enough'. Hence,' II' should follow 'III'. So (b) is the correct arrangement as I,III,II is available only in it.