Well, we made it. The Bachelor is officially over. All we have left is to follow Jason and Molly through their tour of talk shows where Jason will tell us for the 400th time that he “followed his heart” and “has no regrets.” I am very torn on this one. ABC highlighted Jason for ¾ of the season (before the rumors started flying about the finale) as the perfect man. Well, the perfect single father Jewish man. At the beginning of the season, my fellow Jewish single friends were calling me up, complaining that they had not applied to be on The Bachelor. That the man of their dreams was going to marry someone else. Now these same people are disgusted with him. They think the entire show is fixed. They claim they will never watch another episode. I understand their anger.
At the same time, if Jason was just someone we knew from college or work and he came to us with a problem (he is engaged but realizes he made a mistake and is in love with someone else), I don’t think there would be very many of us that would tell him to go through with the marriage. Some people are angry that he did it on TV. Well, we found out from Jason’s appearance on Jimmy Kimmel last night that Jason had already ended things with Melissa. They were both contractually obligated to come back on the show. Really – it made Melissa look better – she got some time to gather her thoughts and let him have it. Jason got to look like the putz that he is for picking Melissa in the first place.
All in all, I don’t hate the guy. In one of my all time favorite movies, The Sound of Music, Captain von Trapp (played by Christopher Plumber), ends his engagement to the Baroness only to be proposing and kissing Frauline Maria (Julie Andrews) within minutes of his breakup. This is one of the most romantic scenes of all time. Surely nobody could blame the Captain for “following his heart.”
Tonight we had a bunch of recaps and filler. Tonight’s “After the Final Rose, Part 2” was filmed 6 weeks from where we left off (Jason dumping Melissa on national TV and declaring his love for Molly). Some of the previous bachelorettes pursuing Jason came back. Some were more understanding of his decision than others. Some still were wearing horrible pink eye shadow (Miley Cyrus/Kari). Stephanie actually looked great from the neck up – she wasn’t wearing so much make-up and looked a lot younger, I thought. Her off the shoulder sequined/leopard patterned top, however, was out of control. But I think we’d be disappointed if she wore something normal. It’s too bad Shannon wasn’t there. Maybe she would have cried. She’s hated Molly since waiting up for her pointlessly to return from her overnight tent date.
Naomi was subtle. “I wanted to throw fists through the screen and punch him.” Then she admits that in the last couple of weeks she has seen his “thing” for Molly. Nikki has been covering those sideburns (both on tonight’s show and the Women Tell All).
Chris then takes a couple of questions from the audience – all of the commenters he chose were definitely Jewish. I wonder if this was a coincidence. Maybe it was a local synagogue trip of female fans that went on tour to follow the first Jewish Bachelor. Who knows? These women all seemed pretty understanding. Then the token male in the audience gets up and says, “I would never propose to somebody if I had that strong of a reaction to somebody else.” And the crowd goes wild! It almost felt Jerry Springerish in the studio for a moment.
Finally, Chris brings Jason out – there are hundreds of candles lit and I am wondering whether Chris is going to propose to Jason. (Side note: on Jimmy Kimmel last night, Evangeline Lilly (who I absolutely adore – she’s from the ABC show, Lost), was being interviewed by Kimmel. At the end of her interview, Jimmy gives Evangeline the option of hanging around to meet Jason, as his interview was next. Evangeline replies, “No thanks. I’m worried he might propose to me.” Too funny.)
Jason gives his 10 minute speech which included the following scripted lines: (1) Dumping Melissa and getting back with Molly was nothing he ever planned on; (2) He knows it was not the classiest thing in the world; (3) He had to follow his heart; (4) Him and Melissa were not right for each other and the chemistry was different; (5) He is not proud of what he did to Melissa; (6) He hates that he had to breakup with her, but he made the right choice for everyone.
I’m not quite sure what could have caused Jason to realize in 6 weeks that Melissa was not the one for him. It was the holidays – Thanksgiving through Christmas, etc. Maybe he met her family and just didn’t click with them. He said that one of the reasons he chose Melissa was because “she needed him.” Molly was much more independent. He says that since he gave Melissa the ax and got with Molly, that him and Molly “have become best friends.” He was quick to follow this with “and we have passion and fun too.” We know he says this because he dumped Jillian after saying they were best friends, but that wasn’t enough for him.
Chris asks Jason how he responds to those people across America that are very upset with him and the outcome. Jason says, “I’ve hurt people along the way, but have done it with integrity.” WHAT? How can hurting people ever be done with integrity? I’m hoping that someone just screwed up his cue cards, because that line makes no sense. He is starting to sound like Jack Bauer in 24. It’s ok to torture people as long as you get results. The ends justify the means. Who knew that Jason was Machiavellian?
Melissa did not show up tonight (classy move). It shows she’s a person – did not want to have to face Jason again and why should she? She wrote in a note to say she is doing very well and she doesn’t regret anything. Well, except maybe that they didn’t choose her to be the next Bachelorette.
Chris then brings out Molly – who is wearing yet another jewel colored kelly green satin strapless dress and a little poof in the front (she is clearly imitating my hair style from the video chat last night). Molly says she had no idea before coming on the show 6 weeks ago that Jason was interested in her. She came on that show for closure. She said she had been secretly hoping that Jason would show up and confess his love for her and that he had made a mistake, but never really expected it to happen. According to her, she had not seen Jason since New Zealand and was going through all of this heartbreak on her own.
Chris asks her if she ever thought of not taking him back? Molly says her feelings never went away. It was never a question of whether she still loved him or not. She said since he dumped Melissa and confessed his love to her, they have had plenty of serious conversations where she has grilled him (probably made a list of questions knowing her and made him answer all of them). Most of her questions revolve around why Jason didn’t know that she was “the one” that last day in New Zealand (that’s a horribly long flight back to Michigan to be heartbroken for)
Molly also discusses how incredibly difficult the last couple of weeks have been for them. She is referring to all of the rumors and bashing of her and Jason that has gone on. But she’s happy that she has Jason to lean on, and they are “happier than ever now.” I really hope Melissa is not watching this.
Chris says, “you must really really care about this woman to go through this publicly and make it happen.” Then Chris asks if Molly has forgiven Jason. She has forgiven him (is that the shocking ending that ABC said was still to come tonight?). The two admit that things are going really well between them. They are in love. They are so happy and it couldn’t be any better. They talk to each other all night long (how fun for Ty). Chris presents them with a gift – the tent that they made out in on their first overnight date. How appropriate.
At the end of the show, they bring Jillian out to announce that she is the next Bachelorette!! Yay Jillian! The fact that they have announced it this early, means that her show will probably start relatively soon. I will definitely blog about her next time – so don’t forget to bookmark this site. I know some of you have given up on the show – even more reason to check my blog. I’ll tell you what’s happening so you don’t have to waste your time. Until then, I will give you updates on Jason and Molly, Melissa, Jillian, etc.. I will also blog about other shows I am watching (I watch EVERYTHING) and give you some updates on my life with The Boyfriend.
Tune in later this week for our next podcast, the winner of the GetMarried.com eco friendly bag and more!
It’s been a fun ride. Thanks so much for all of your support. Best of luck to all of you out there!!
Anonymous says
I would like to know if we will ever learn if there was pressure from ABC to extend this “season.” Rumors persist.
Anonymous says
Will we ever learn whether ABC scripted this thing? I’d like to believe that the network did NOT. Yet, rumors persist.
Michelle says
Stacey,
You are a fantastic writer. I really hope you continue. I’ll be reading your Bachlorette blog but I doubt I’ll watch the show. I couldn’t watch the show tonight after last nights mess and your blog was perfect for me.
I love The Sound of Music and remember that scene, BUT that was a scripted show and this was not??? Or was it? 🙂 I blame ABC more than Jason. He seems like he was easily manipulated.
Melissa and Jasons emails leaked:
http://omg.yahoo.com/news/bachelor-finale-fallout-melissa-jasons-e-mail-conversation-revealed/19568
Michelle says
The actual emails, very interesting.
http://www.accesshollywood.com/content/pdfs/BachelorEmails.pdf
Anonymous says
At the very end of the episode tonight, they said the Bachelorette would be premiering May 18th.
Pretty sure he said the 18th..
Anonymous says
I love all of your observations- probably because they are exactly what I would say! One exception- I have to disagree with your comment about Stephanie’s outfit- I thought she rocked it! Her personality is older than her years, so I think she needs to wear young, hip, sparkly things.
I thought it sucked that Melissa had to be dumped on TV, but it appears that she knew what was coming if only by her interactions with Jason leading up to the “give me back the ring” moment. I think he told her the real reason- his mind (both of them if you know what I mean) was on another woman.
I wonder how much money Melissa got for those emails that Access Hollywood “leaked.” She deserved every penny. Bet it was more than the ring was worth!
I only wish the best for Jason and Molly. I hope he can afford to kick his brother out of the house and buy Molly an equally stunning ring.
I WILL be watching the next season of the Bachelorette Jillian is a great choice- so real, funny, smart, pretty…let’s not forget what a hoot her Grandma was! Maybe there will even be a Mountie or a Russian from Northern Alberta in the batch of 25…one can only hope.
I look forward to your blog beginning May 18- enjoy life!
Babette says
Thanks for the recap. I still haven’t seen it, but will look it up later today (ABC player still doesn’t have it on).
The Bachelorette with Jillian is going to air May 18th, that’s true 😉
I will still be watching I don’t care about all this, people are upset this easily. It may sound harsh but it still is real life and real feelings
Anonymous says
You are wrong about Melissa not being picked to be the next bachelorette. In an interview by Fleiss yesterday he said, they offered it to her but she was too brokenhearted.
Anonymous says
From Chris H’s blog,
Leslie Wed, Mar 4, 2009 at 12:04 AM EST
WOW, so disappointing, Chris. I really liked you, but I absolutely can’t believe you were a part of this and agreed to sit in on that debacle last night. Both you and Jason need to MAN UP & stand up to those a-hole producers that wave that contract BS in your face. Yes, it’s TV, but these are PEOPLE and that trumps money, ratings or contracts. I am so DONE watching this show. God help Jillian. I feel so bad that she has now been roped into this crap. And by the way…just one more tidbit to show just how manipulative this all is…Melissa’s brother WAS at the dinner with her friends in Dallas. ABC edited him out of all the scenes b/c 1. They wanted to play up the “none of her family would meet Jason” bit and 2. They wanted Melissa to be the next Bachelorette & they wanted her brother to be a mole/spy on the show and pose as one of the bachleors, so they couldn’t show his face on TV. Thank God both Melissa and her brother said hell no! I dare you to deny that one, Chris Harrison.
Anonymous says
If the conspiracy theories are true than yes, people have the right to be upset. But until I hear confirmations I will stick to ” Jason did the right thing”.
I wish him and Molly the best and I hope they make it.
I was kind of surprised when he used the words ” best friend” yesterday when he left JIllian for that one but he quickly added more. He finally understood what Jillian meant, a bit too late. Which shows Jillian was the right choice for the next series. I just hope we all accept her ending and not hate her in the end.
I will be watching The Bachelorette and I look forward to this AMAZING blog Stacey!
Debby/Toronto
Anonymous says
OOOH…I was so pissed that he kept saying “Best Friend.” I wanted to punch him like Naomi did. Yeah, yeah, he did the right thing. I still say that he should have proposed to NO ONE! Stick up for him all you like, but if you have that strong of feelings for two people, then you don’t commit to one. He even said last night that just before Molly left in the limo, she opened up and really made him think. Well, even more reason to hold off on Melissa. ABC sucks for making him do all of this, but Jason sucks for proposing in the first place.
They should totally do a reality show where it shows Molly becoming a mom to Ty. Now that would be funny!!!
Thanks for a great blog, Stacey B. Can’t wait to hear your comments on the Bachelorette!
Anonymous says
Thanks for starting this blog!! I’ve loved reading it and will continue to keep up with it!! You are a fantastic writer.
Michele Renee says
The whole thing makes me sick to my stomach. When Jason said that he did what was best for everyone I can see that he meant best for the producers. No matter what Chris H. has said on his blog, the show wants more than a typical love connection. It is all about having a different scenario which is why I believe it when I hear that Jason wanted Molly the whole time and he knew that for awhile. There is no way he was torn on the last day and thought Mel was best choice. The show did not want another Brad outcome nor another Deanna where the break up happens months down the road. The show wanted this to happen. When Jillian was let go by Jason she had a lot more questions than Molly. Molly made a point of saying, “You’re making a mistake”. Too rationally. Last night when they recapped the ATRC and Jason told her he broke up with Mel and then she asked, “What about Mel”—omg that was so rehearsed. But what had me LOL is hearing that she still lives in her state and she plans on moving to Seattle and that they talk on the phone for hours. Wow, that’s mature and developed, sheesh! I have no faith in a real relationship here. But they will hide their demise from us for a long long time.
Shelley says
I don’t believe for a second that the entire ending was planned in advance. Fleiss himself said everyone thought Melissa and Jason would live happily ever after. He even had Molly just about ready to agree to be the next Bachelorette. It wasn’t until he heard Jason was having second thoughts that they pressured him into breaking up with her on camera. Obviously Melissa knew exactly what was going on (except that he was still in love with Molly). So, really it was all Jason’s doing as far as I’m concerned…the producers just took advantage of the situation.
As far as Jillian being the next Bachelorette, I’m not really as excited as everyone else. I’d much rather they waited for Melissa. Jillian tends to talk too much and I get bored listening to her ramble on sometimes.
But, of course I’ll still be watching!! And you know all those people who swear they won’t watch will be back again too. I look forward to your blog Stacey!
Anonymous says
Even Trista thinks Jason is a dirtbag!
http://tv.msn.com/tv/article.aspx?news=355191>1=28103
Hillary says
stacey – thank you for the blog – it was wonderful – I’m looking forward to your next installment.
I never thought it was fixed, but now I don’t know. I think Jason got himself into a crazy situation with this show, that he was not prepared to handle. He took it very seriously and felt he had to find a wife (nuts!) I haven’t seen all the shows and don’t know what other bachelors did, but I know he didn’t have to propose. I think anyone in Jason’s situation with any sensitivity would crack in the middle of taping. So, I think he had started a situation he had to finish contractually and he was confused at the end. When he took a step back…
In the 60’s, the first reality show was a family called the Louds (yes that was their name) Everyone thought the camera would follow them with boring stuff, but many things happened on camera that weren’t predicted. I don’t remember all, but I know the husband and wife broke up and got divorced. The kids – a large family – at least 4 if I recall – were all screwed up before, during and after the experience. I think today, people are more used to it. I think this was something that Jason didn’t realize he was signing on for…especially being the bachelor choosing the girls. It didn’t sink in until it was too late. So, Jason, I don’t hate you – you really grew on me and you have a great build (:
and you are basically good, but mixed up guy and who could blame you after that crazy experience. I liked Melissa a lot, so i didn’t want to see her hurt on nat’l. TV. I didn’t think molly was sincere but who knows – maybe I had an enemy in HS that looked like Molly – a real preppy b@#$! Anyway, good luck to Jason and Molly – I haven’t seen the last show, but DVRd it – and may they have many more massages together (:
Anonymous says
Thanks Stacey for a wonderful blog. I have watched all the bachelor/bachelorettes and each time say I’ll never watch again. This season however pushed me over the edge. I can’t make myself watch a show that thrives off of drama and heartbreak. Contract or not, Jason should have had more respect for Melissa than to treat her like that on camera. And as for Molly, I get that she loves him, but if I were in her shoes I would wonder how I could ever be with a man that would put me through that. And how could you be with someone that would treat Melissa like that? I won’t be watching Jillian but I will be reading your blog. Thanks and best of luck!
Anonymous says
SHELLY
No chance in hell would they have made Molly the next bachlorette. She had NO fan base. They hardly showed her and no one really liked her at all.
They were gearing up Melissa to be the next bachlorette. Always the dumpee, sweet, cute with a huge heart. No they wanted her to be just like Jason. Humiliated on tv only to become their next ratings star.
Too bad she had the final laugh and said oh hell no!!!
Joanne says
HI Stacey — excellent recap!!! I kept arguing with my husband last night that it was all wrong. He defended Jason by saying it was better to end it now. Neither of us had watched a Bachelor before (we watched the previous Bachelorette) and I told him that many of the Bachelors never proposed – but asked to persue relationships — and then the famous Brad – I pick neither. Anyways I agreed with the people that said if he felt that strongly after letting Molly go he had no right to propose to Melissa — no contract that you have to propose!!
I wish them well – don’t have much hope for a future but weirder things have happened and I would like to see them happy – everyone deserves happiness.
I was not going to watch any further shows unless they choose my girl Jillian for Bachelorette. I was hoping she had refused but was inwardly happy to watch her season – hope for the best – be prepared for the worst and will stay away from any Jillian bashing (not a two way street for me LOL). I guess there is no sense wandering over to her latest design job – I am betting she is no longer hanging out there and will be in LA for the next while. Wonder what exotic location she gets to enjoy for the final dates. Ohh please ABC let our Jillian be true to herself.
Anonymous says
This is from People online:
In fact, no one saw this coming, says Fleiss, who upon returning to the States “was in the process of trying to talk Molly into being the Bachelorette.” “She was finally starting to come around and saying she wanted to do it, and she had spoken to her family,” he says. “I thought she would be a fantastic Bachelorette, so likeable and beautiful and telegenic.”
These people are all nuts. Hardly anyone liked Molly. Jason told them he liked Molly. I truly believe that and then the rest was planned.
Anonymous says
Hey, I’m enjoying reading your comments about the show. I actually let this stuff bother me more than I should have – pretty silly, I know, but I guess it’s because there are real feelings involved, I think, and because I could tell how much Melissa was hurt. I just wanted everything to be “happily ever after” with Melissa and Jason – the way it looked like it was going to be at the end of the finale.. Anyway, I look forward to reading your comments about The Bachelorette!! 🙂 I’m pretty excited for it to start!!
I have a question: You may have mentioned this in some of your blog posts (I have not read them all.) – but I was wondering about the dates of all of the filmings for the shows… Like, each episode as well as the “Women Tell All” and “After the Final Rose”, etc. I just think it would be very interesting to be able to put it into perspective as far as the time frames that are involved…
Thanks!! 🙂
Anonymous says
Loved your blog Stacey and I can’t wait to read your next post. Go Jillian…May 18th!!!! Lisa7
Anonymous says
To Anonymous at 4:08– The website Reality Steve goes over the timeline of things in January.
I almost spewed my water when Jason summed it up ast night by saying Molly was his partner in crime.
Question: in the past seasons, isn’t the couple supposed to not see each other till the ATRC?
Anonymous says
Look at the clip on this site of Jasons ex-wife in a music video.
She looks like Molly’s twin. Nothing like Melissa.
Anonymous says
Hi Stacey, Great job on your blog. I find your creative writing entertaining and putting a smile on my face…I’m really tired of reading about the “recession” stuff…you are really good in what you do…you are a great asset to any company. all the best.
Melissa is the real winner here…believe it! She is the real deal and won a guys heart over 24 women. I’m sure she learned a ton thru this process and made her stronger today. Many guys would be dying to treat her right.
Molly, I have no good words for you. You are on your own. You had no compassion for your teammate at the house you spent with for 6 weeks. Your day will be coming…you can enjoy being number 2…a second choice.
Jason, you are an emotional wreck…a 32 yr old father who is clueless about what you want out of life…you love being in love and cannot commit to a decision. you have issues.
Anonymous says
Well the show did not end as we planned, but lets face it Melissa did not really look like her party days were over. She is really better off. I just have one question – since she did not break up with him why did she give the ring back. I would have kept it, sold it and banked the money.
Anonymous says
I have thoroughly enjoyed your blog this season. I am so glad I found it. Looks like your job loss was our gain!! Hope the new job works out and that you like it.
I have watched every season of The Bachelor and even as mad as I was this season, I’m sure I will continue to watch.
Thanks for making it a more interesting season. We talked about your blog at our “Bachelor Finale” party on Monday night!! You’re a great writer!
The Mom! says
I love your reference to Sound of Music. The guy made a mistake. He blew it. At least he was willing to admit he messed up and apologize. Let’s all move on. Melissa apparently has moved on with a new guy so let’s just wish Molly and Jason the best of luck and move on to Jillian – I’m really looking forward to her!! Can’t wait until May 18th!!!