Happy President’s Day! I was counting down the minutes until tonight’s episode, mostly because this weekend has seen literally the coldest temperatures in New York City on record and keeping a toddler occupied while indoors in an apartment is no easy task. I equate it to Ben trying to give equal attention to Becca, Caila and Amanda when he’s got to make a decision right there and then on whose family he’s ready to meet. The days were very long this past weekend, especially with today’s snow, but I’m not sure how it’s already time to go back to work tomorrow. I’ll comfort myself by digging into the last TWO nights of Bachelor madness. A bit on last night, but then we’ll get to the main event because there’s so much to say.
LAST NIGHT – Jade & Tanner’s wedding. Was this supposed to be a secret about who we were watching get married? They sort of teased it the previous week and didn’t reveal who it was, though it was all over social media leading up to last night. Either way, very happy for this picture perfect couple. The two hours seemed like a big advertisement for the success of the show, which was fine with me – I’m happy to see some familiar faces and get some insight on how certain people were doing. Some favorite parts for me:
- Chris Harrison said there have been TEN marriages. Really? 10? Let’s count them: (1) Trista & Ryan (2) Jason & Molly (love that they count them even though he picked Melissa to propose to in the end and then dumped her on the reunion show to pursue Molly) (3) Ashley & JP (4) Desiree & Chris (5) Sean Lowe & Catherine (6) DeAnna Pappas & Stephen Stagliano (can this really count? DeAnna didn’t end up with her choice, Jesse C, but met Stephen through his twin brother Michael) (7) Lacy & Marcus (strange that we didn’t hear any update on them – I know Marcus is serving in the Coast Guard, but they don’t even mention being married to the other in their social media accounts. Hmmm), (8) Jade & Tanner – That’s all I got – what am I missing? We can’t count Kaitlyn and Shawn because they’re just engaged.
- Lots of pregnant alumni. Ali F’s fiancé reminds me of one of the contestants (Frank) on her show that she had a ton of mixed feelings about.
- Andi Dorfman’s bangs annoyed me. I felt like she was campaigning for Bachelorette 2016 at which point, I may have to skip the season.
- I’m not sure what was more amazing – Erica Rose pregnant or Erica Rose engaged. Both were shocking. Ashley Salter’s pregnancy is pretty surprising too.
- Jillian the former Bachelorette looks like she’s got herself a nice man who adores her. Good for her!
- The Jared and Virgin Ashley thing just needs to stop. He’s just not that into her and she must get over it without tears.
- Jade is stunning and I’m very happy for her and Tanner. He seems like a genuinely nice guy. I hope they are very happy together.
- One last point – Carly’s song. Wasn’t that the song she sang for Kirk? Am I mistaken? I definitely recognized a couple of lines or maybe all her songs sound the same? I felt that was a very awkward moment – like Carly’s moment to shine because she’s besties with Jade, so she asked for some free publicity to get her singing career some exposure. Kirk’s got a new, cute lady friend BTW in case you were worried about him. He wouldn’t dare show up for this wedding though and risk Carly’s on-going wrath.
- I wonder if Claire and Chris The Farmer hooked up that night. I could definitely see that happening.
‘Buff said. Let’s move on to the important stuff. Ben and his hotness go back to Warsaw, Indiana with his 6 remaining ladies.
We’re in the quaint, lovable and storybook town of Warsaw, Indiana. It’s the place where movies could be filmed. Simple hometown values. Lauren B get the first date and her chemistry factor with Ben immediately shot back up to first place. She’s absolutely glowing throughout the date. I was glad to see that the kids liked her – they just kept holding her hand and she was going with it. That says a bunch about her. I was also glad to hear that she’s played basketball before. Ben must LOVE that. I really enjoyed watching their date and seeing all of those kids interact with Ben. He’s a natural with kids, so I can see why he’s considering Amanda and her kids (though it looks like from the previews of next week that being good with kids, and having to deal with kids 24/7 is a whole separate ball game).
Only problem is the seed that Leah planted. Ben says he trusts Lauren B. The seed is gone. Lauren B confesses that she’s fallen in love with the Ben from Warsaw, Indiana. He’s definitely into her too.
JoJo is running a close second. I loved hearing that Ben feels the most like himself with her. If that’s the case, he’s just got to get JoJo to let her guard down and she could be the best match for him. JoJo and Lauren B will likely be the final 2, right? I mean how could it be any other way? JoJo just seems very down to earth – like someone you could talk to about anything. I liked her convo with Ben.
Now here’s where it gets tricky. Ben must really be into Amanda. I say this because to turn away Becca, who I thought he was feeling it for a LOT before the last week, he’s got to be somewhat certain about her enough to get her kids involved. I felt of all the girls besides Emily, he knew the least about Amanda. So watching them tonight, felt like their first one on one date. Love that he took her to McDonalds. I bet Amanda was like – WTF, I came on the Bachelor for helicopters and hot tubs and if I’m going to leave my girls, I’d like something more than McDs. Good thing they had a town carnival set up for them to attend with the entire town wishing them well.
Other thoughts:
- Was Becca right to be mad at Ben when he promised not to “blindside” her? Did he really make his final decision right before the rose ceremony? Have we seen the last of Becca? Is she really done? I feel like she might come back and try to state her case. She was definitely a front runner a couple weeks’ earlier so I wonder what went wrong?
- I’m not feeling strong about Caila anymore. Her whole, “I’m like moss and a tree and I’ll blend with another tree” speech kind of rubbed me the wrong way. It felt like she was willing to say whatever Ben wanted to hear. She’s moved 17 times?? That must be a very difficult way to grow up. On the other hand, she’s probably willing to move to wherever he is and be grateful to establish a permanent home base. I can’t really get a read on whether she’s head over heels in love with Ben, or whether she’s just into the competition for Ben. I’m leaning towards the latter and it worries me for Ben.
- Emily the twin’s conversation with Ben’s mom was cringeworthy. Her dream in life is to be an NFL cheerleader and she’s hoping to do that in Denver? How’s that going to work? She wants to be a young mom too? Poor Ben’s mom knew instantly that this girl wasn’t for him and she was worried enough to cry that her son might actually be considering her. Must have been extra tough on Emily to come off this great encounter of meeting his parents and then too bad, she’s dumped instantly upon getting off the boat. Then she’s got to face her housemates who have to pretend to be sad for her.
- The Wrigley Field date was pretty awesome – at least for Ben. If JoJo is not a baseball fan, she’d probably not have much of an appreciation for having the entire stadium to themselves, though she definitely made the best of it. I just hope these guys find some common ground other than being extremely good looking people.
- Lauren B definitely got the most complete picture of his home life. She was the only one who got to see Ben’s actual home there (wait, doesn’t he live in Denver? Does he have a separate apartment in Warsaw or was that his parents’ house?) and got to meet his friends (that’s HUGE). I thought for a second that he was going to take Amanda to meet his friends too. I just don’t see how his chemistry or relationship with Amanda is anywhere near the sparks that are flying between Ben and Lauren B or Ben and JoJo. I think Amanda knows this too, sadly.
Ok, must go to sleep. I’d love to hear your thoughts – what did you think of tonight’s episode? Are we mad at Ben for getting rid of Becca so hastily and keeping Caila (who may not be able to fall in love?) and Amanda (when we know he has better chemistry with others?). I’m confused. I’m tired. It’s bed time.
Good night, Bachelor fans!
Xoxo,
Stacey
Mal says
Love your blog! I can think of 2 other marriages. Peyton and Chris Lambert. Met through the bachelor “family” but didn’t necessarily meet on the show. And Blake and Holly Durst met on Bachelor Pad. Can’t think of who else Chris H could have been referring to.
Mal says
I doubt Chris H would count Emily and Renee in the marriage total. There have been countless past participants who have gotten married to people outside the show.
Denice Girdner says
I believe with Peyton and Chris and then Blake and Holly that now makes 10. Mystery solved.
Stacey B says
Ahhhh, Mal! Thank you! You’ve solved the mystery – how could I forget about Peyton and Chris Lambert? They didn’t actually meet on a show – but after Peyton did Bachelor Pad, she met Chris at a charity event and the rest was history. Blake and Holly totally count because they met on Bachelor Pad and Holly broke up with Michael Stagliano (who has gone on to marry a beautiful, non-Bach related woman named Emily) to pursue Blake. They got married pretty soon after. I can now sleep at night 🙂
Leanne says
I couldn’t believe the McDonald’s part of Amanda’s date… she looked embarrassed to be there. I have seen the McDonald’s Bach couples commericials but this was just too much of a shameless plug! I’m sorry but I doubt any of them really eat there. I’m glad Becca is gone, I thought she was annoying. I think it’s awesome that they showed Amanda’s daughter’s crying in the preview of next week. It seemed more real-lifeish than the dates this show usually orchestrates. I’m sure she’ll get the ax.
ATL says
I dont recall any major kissing action going on with Becca, so it didnt surprise me that he sent her home. I like the Final Four and look forward to the hometown dates. JoJo is my pick for Ben!
ATL says
Oh, one more observation about the ladies on this season: not a single natural blond except maybe the twins. I’d be embarrassed but maybe this is the new look? JoJo and Caila have beautiful hair!
Stacey B says
ATL, too funny! Natural adult blondes are very rare 🙂 Except me of course. LOL.
katbyrd says
The spark/chemistry between Ben and Lauren is undeniable. He just lights up around her. I can totally see him proposing to her at the end. (I think his “2nd love” that they keep referring to is JoJo. It will be interesting.) For Lauren to get to meet Ben’s friends…. that’s huge. And did anyone else notice that when he took her to “his home” (not his parents) the door had a realtor’s door lock on it? So, since he lives in Denver, not so sure that this was REALLY “his home” in Warsaw. Probably just staged for the show. Not that it matters. Why WOULD he still have a “home” (i.e. apartment, whatever) in Warsaw when he resides in Denver?
As for Becca asking him not to “blind side” her — why is she more special than anyone else to be asking him this? This wasn’t her first rodeo. She knew what she was signing up for. Sorry, but no sympathy here, much as I like her. I would sort of like to see her as the next Bachelorette, but not sure if she could pull it off. I could, however, see JoJo as the next Bachelorette!
As for Emily…..poor, sweet, young Emily. He did the right thing there. Great girl, but totally not ready to be a wife.
I like Amanda, too, but not sure if their relationship will survive the hometown. Reality is that she has two very young children. Babies. And babies require Mom’s attention, 24/7, as it should be. What man in his right mind that is falling for a woman would be willing to give up “his” time with her? Sorry, much as I think Ben is a great guy, I doubt he’s going to go for that.
Caila…. like her a lot, but…. not sure she’s the right fit for Ben. She would probably make a great Bachelorette, too!
Really enjoyed the special Sunday night. Really DIDN’T enjoy the Ashley I / Jared show. Enough already. Can’t milk that one much more. Not sure what the continuing fascination with Andi Dorfman is, either. I, too, thought it strange that they didn’t mention Lacy and Marcus…..hmmmm……
Stacey B says
Katbyrd, I agree with so many of your comments but the Amanda one stands out above all. I picture my daily life with my almost 2 year old Ellie and all that goes into keeping her alive on a daily basis and wonder how Ben could experience a piece of crazy little kids and choose that. Unless he’s head over heels with Amanda over the others girls, which I don’t think is the case, she’s got to be the next to go. I love JoJo, but it doesn’t look like they’ll have the smoothest hometown visit given her family’s objections.
Mal says
I wonder if the leads can indicate during casting whether or not they want contestants who have children. Personally when I was dating back in the day, I had zero interest in dating a guy with kids (I met my now husband when I was 25 so this situation never came up because I was young). I love my 2 year old son more than anything, but at 26 (Ben’s age) the last thing I would have wanted was to be an immediate step-parent.
Additionally, if I was Amanda, I would be so hesitant to introduce my 2 kids to Ben all while being filmed. I would imagine for most single parents that introducing a new love interest to the kids is a huge deal. How do you do that all while Ben is still dating 3 other people?
Jenny says
Well, the best thing about Sunday’s show was fast-forward. As soon as Ashley I/Jared came on, hit the (8x) button! I still love Ashley S – she was one of the most interesting women ever to be on the show.
Last night…again that ff button was my friend. I could barely watch the Emily date. She does seem sweet, but even younger than her 23 years. And Becca. Ooh. That was also hard to watch. I didn’t ever get a vibe with Ben and her. Lauren is as close to genuine as you get on this show. I can see her and Ben in the end, though i did love the Wrigley field date with JoJo. How cool.
Susan Mannes says
I agree with your assessment of the last 2 being JoJo and Lauren. I cannot agree about Becca. I thought he never looked into her at all. It always seemed forced on his part like he really did not want a returnee to be there.
Caila is a bit strange but may be acting that way so she can be interesting for the Bachelorette.
Stacey B says
Hi Susan! There’s always someone who gets dumped and tries to come back. I can only wonder who it will be this season. Agree his relationships with Lauren B and JoJo were a bit further along than Becca.
Anon 4 says
Stacey,
Another great post.
Congrats to Jade and Tanner. Didn’t Jade’s Mom look really young?!
Ben : He’s cleaning house…Becca got dumped and she actually cried. I take her side on this one. Why not let her go before ? Even-keeled and beautiful, Becca has difficulty exteriorizing her emotion.
Emily … that was painful to watch. Ouch. She really took it well.
Glad to see Caila be more real and less smiley. Don’t see her with Ben at all.
All these women are outstanding. Just hope he lets Amanda down slowly. That’s gonna be so painful for her. But her parents are so right.
Whoever’s heart he breaks at the end, it will be devastating. How can this have a happy ending ? WOW, almost too cruel to watch.
Bachelorette ?
Not Caila, Amanda. Becca ? Don’t think she’d do it.
Either the heart-broken runner up : Jojo or Lauren, or Jubilee.
A4
Denice Girdner says
Becca: I don’t take her side. Like the gal but just because she was on the show before doesn’t mean she should get special treatment. Ben explained it very well (and as you could see on the steps with Chris!) that he was uncertain up until the end. Come on, this show is in it’s 20th year. We already know how hard the process is. Ben would never have done it on purpose and she was wrong to be so angry with him.
JoJo would be make a fabulous Bachelorette and although I think her connection with Ben is solid, there is something about Ben and Lauren B that I prefer more.
Caila: great gal but not for Ben.
Amanda: nice but a bit boring.
Stacey B says
Beyond excited for tonight’s hometowns, Anon 4!
Emily says
I totally forgot to watch Jade and Tanner’s wedding. I think they were trying to make it a surprise but they already announced on After Bachelor a few weeks ago that Jade and Tanner were getting married on air in a few weeks so who else could it be?
I had similar thoughts about Becca. It’s weird that she’s gone. It feels off. I thought he might bring her back after he realized there really isn’t a whole lot of wife material left with his 4 remaining women. That would certainly spice things up.
You can read my recap for episode 7 here: http://cafeemily.com/bachelor-2016-episode-7-recap/