For the first time ever, I made the decision to go out on a Bachelor episode night. This is the equivalent of partying way too hard on a school night (at least for me). A close work friend of mine (who happens to be Scottish and one of my loyal blog followers) invited The Husband and me out to dinner last night. Since I’m trying to make sure that more than just my parents and mother-in-law read this blog, it’s important to keep any potential “fans” happy. Plus she’s fun, despite being 7 months pregnant. Scottish Work Friend (SWF) promised to have me home by 9 PM, only an hour into my beloved show. Along with her husband, SWF invited her brother and sister-in-law who were visiting from Scotland. Despite warning me that I would not be able to understand a word her brother said, after two glasses of wine, the conversation quickly turned to The Bachelor and I found that we all definitely spoke the same language. RealityTV men are known for their blossoming muscles and ability to woo ladies with a twinkle in their eye. Reailty TV women are known for their tears and boobs. It’s just the universal (global) recipe for reality TV romance ratings success.
The Husband and I had a blast with our new Scottish friends. I was particularly impressed with The Husband’s willpower in refraining from saying his favorite line from the movie “Braveheart.” (“The problem with Scotland…is that it’s full of Scots”). Thank you, Husband!
I also discovered (in case you have not picked this up for yourself), that The Bachelor is far more enjoyable with some alcohol in you. I screamed more. Laughed more. Pointed at the TV more and even found myself getting emotional when Brad confessed having feelings for so many different women (this would also make me ask The Husband whatever the ladies were asking Brad). Poor Husband! If I could have stayed awake to write my blog post last night, I would have, but the wine was too much to overcome. So now it’s almost 24 hours later and I’m sober and exhausted from the emotional roller coaster of last night’s show combined with an unexpected snow storm this morning, a trip to the DMV early this morning to renew my license, meetings all day, the announcement of the Oscar nominations, an upcoming bachelorette party for a close friend of mine this weekend and another round of snow tonight.
That said, let’s stick to the top 10 highlights from last night and keep it to the point. I have some questions about last night, but most of all I have concerns. Here they are in no particular order:
1. Michelle Cartwright Money. She’s this season’s Rozlyn, but with less reason to be hated. I agree with she’s over the top. Dramatic. Consistently auditioning for her next role by being on this show. It’s hard to decide whether her feelings for Brad are remotely sincere or whether this is one big game for her. I don’t even know if she knows. I agree with some of your comments that she is not presenting herself as a mature type and she seems way to into appearing cute in front of Brad and getting Brad’s affection than like someone who is a mom searching for a true life partner. The truth of the matter is, however, that Brad seems completely into her. He’s smitten. Yes, he’s into the other ladies, but he likes being taunted and challenged by Michelle. Let’s also not forget that Michelle got the “HOLY COW WE ARE REPELLING OFF A HIGH RISE STRUCTURE DATE SO WE WILL INSTANTLY BOND AND THIS WILL GET ME TO THE TOP FOUR REMAINING LADIES.” Can anyone name a contestant who a) bungee jumped on their date b) climbed / repelled down a high rise structure and did NOT end up in the final 4 of The Bachelor or Bachelorette? That’s because it’s never happened. You’ll remember Vienna and Jake had a similar date bungee jumping. Jillian and Ed. Jason and Molly. Ali and Roberto. Couples who endure great height challenges together end up together on this show. The Husband was hoping that Michelle really would throw up while repelling off the building, as she swore she would do. That would probably be an all time favorite Bachelor moment. Not surprisingly, she pulled it together.
But back to Michelle. She’s easy to hate because she says things like, “He’s MINE.” And she sits with a scowl when seeing Brad with any other girl. I had to laugh when Brad came to the house to pick up Michelle, then rudely had to set Ashley H straight before he could focus on Michelle. I think I saw smoke coming out of her ears. Yes, she’s used to being the center of attention. This experience may actually be good for her.
I also cracked up when Michelle got paranoid that the word “love” wasn’t included in her date card. She’s such a girl. Surprisingly though, not every girl hates Michelle (Chantal and a couple of others excluded). My guess is that she’s sweet to everyone up front, but she’s a real competitor behind the scenes. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that. Yes, I wouldn’t trust her as far as I could throw her, but she’s definitely marked her territory. Speaking of Chantal, I love that she called Michelle out on causing a scene by walking out of the charity shoot on her birthday. I like a girl that can speak her mind.
But here’s where it gets confusing. The Black Eye. I mean, how does one get a black eye? I looked this up on Google.com and couldn’t find much. http://www.emedicinehealth.com/black_eye/page2_em.htm Basically, she would have needed to get a nose job (but then she’d have it under both eyes), or someone or something punched her. I don’t think you can get it from stress or from being a bitch. The Husband thought it would be awesome if the cameras caught little innocent Emily punching Michelle in the face in her sleep. Agreed, that would be awesome.
2. Brad’s Connections With Too Many Ladies. Usually during a typical Bachelor season, we see several standouts that could possibly be winners early on. But never have I seen this many ladies be possibilities. Seriously, after last night’s episode, I am totally confused about who will end up being Brad’s fiancé. If I had to choose, I’d say any one of the following women still stand a chance: Michelle, Chantal, Shawntel, Emily, Britt, Ashley S, Ashley H, and Jackie. That is way too many women that Brad is connecting with. Every time he is with each of these ladies, I’m thinking, “Wait, he totally likes her.” And he’s pressing them to fall in love with him. The most individuals we ever saw who were willing to get engaged in one season was 3 (Jillian’s season – Reid, Kiptyn, and Ed). I think this season may surpass the amount of individuals willing to get engaged at the end of this process. Michelle and Chantal would accept a marriage proposal at this point in the process. The Ashleys and Jackie seem equally smitten, but are more realistic about the process. Emily and Brad seem to speak the same language in terms of having strong Southern accents and having a natural attraction for each other – but they have yet to really get super deep other than Emily revealing her sad past. From the previews of next week – Brad taking her on a drag racing group date – seriously Brad? Could you be any more insensitive?? I hope she takes the high road and gets the hell out of there! Shawntel and Britt seem like the most intelligent of this group. I hope they get a fair chance. I also wish Britt would eat something – because I’ve never seen anyone so skinny who is in the food industry.
3. The Others. I have no idea why he is keeping Lisa, Marissa or Alli around. Lisa is sweet, but her hair is a bit monkey rainforestish and we haven’t heard two words come out of her mouth. Marissa seems sweet despite the lack of any interactions with Brad. Alli looks like she’s going to lose it next week which I am looking forward to.
4. Dr. Drew’s Radio Show Group Date. Britt was the clear “winner” of this date. She came off as smart, sincere and open. I’m glad Brad gave her the rose. Ashley H’s whole “I’m retreating” speech is getting old. I find it annoying that she’s upset that he’s going out with other girls. That’s what she signed up for, right??
5. Make-up and Bikinis. We got to see some of the ladies without any make-up and I am sad to say, it wasn’t a pretty sight. Ashley S, particularly, who was an early favorite of mine looks like a totally different person without make-up. Yes, I know that I would also look like a totally different person WITH make-up, but who has time for this sort of thing. I was amazed by how skilled Michelle was in covering up her eye make-up. It looks like she was using some good Bobbi Brown cover up. Of course The Husband thinks she made herself a black eye to begin with. Emily seems to wear a lot of make-up as well, but she looks equally nice (and a lot younger) without it.
The bikinis were in full force last night during the hot tub scenes (though Big Red Lindsay was NOT wearing a bikini and therefore got eliminated). Alli, in particular, was almost too happy to flaunt her enormous watermelons in a watermelon colored bikini. That’s chutzpah!
6. Brad’s Request for Kisses. I don’t think we’ve heard a Bachelor so openly demand kisses from his ladies. He was repeatedly asking the women to kiss him in his one on one time with them. Kissing Bandit! I lost count of how many ladies he kissed. I think it’s safe to assume it was all of them.
7. Favorite Moment of the Episode. Ashley H finally builds up the strength to go get some one on one time with Brad. She wants to be comforted. Know that she’s still loved by Brad. That she has a chance in comparison with the other ladies. She approaches him only to find him jamming his tongue down Britt’s throat. Classic Bachelor moment. This may be the highlight of the season.
8. Chantal’s Really Cool Date. I know I’m going out of order here, but Chantal’s actual date is definitely worth mentioning. I didn’t know there was a way to go under water and walk around without learning how to SCUBA. They seemed to be in these enclosed space suits and could breathe regularly. How cool was that? Chantal confuses me. Here’s what I like about her: She’s drop dead gorgeous. She speaks her mind and tells it like it is. She’s not a wall flower. What I can’t stand about her: She says things like, “Shut up!” when Brad does something surprising. She has too many cats. She cries at the drop of a hat over someone she’s gone on one date with. She’s already giving him the ga-ga eyes and thinks she’s in love even if she hasn’t used those words yet. So basically, I’m a little more into not liking Chantal than I am into falling in love with her at this point. I’m open to being convinced more in either direction.
9. Brad’s Ready to Meet the Girls. He straight up tells Michelle he wants to meet her daughter, Brielle. As they make out and he says he can very much see taking care of Michelle and Brielle (who he has never met), I am wondering one thing. How on earth did Michelle end up in Salt Lake City? Is she Mormon? I only ask that because I’ve noticed from the site meter link on my blog which shows stats about how people find my blog, there have been hundreds of people searching Google asking this same question. My guess is that this is not the case. Yes, I know that not every person from Utah is Mormon. My sister-in-law and her family actually live out there. Hello, Stef and kids! Michelle just looks like she’d be from LA. How much does someone want to bet that she either currently lives there or will be living there by the time the finale of the show airs? Brad also seems ready to meet Emily’s little girl, but no mention that he’s ready to take care of her. Sounds like Michelle’s got a leg up on Emily at this point. He’s very tentative with Emily, unlike how he is around Michelle. I do think it would show a much different side of Michelle to see her with her daughter.
10. Emily’s Makeshift Rose Ceremony Date. I liked that Brad planned a little re-creation of the winery date he had with Emily. That was very sweet (and creative on the writers’ part, because there’s no way Brad thought of that). I do think there’s a certain danger in trying to convince people like Ashley H and Chantal that Brad still likes them best when he’s pulling little thoughtful stunts like this for perfect Barbie doll Emily. Particularly when Shawntel’s comment that Brad’s “date in a basket” with Emily means that nobody else should feel special puts Chantal over the edge. Shawntel is awesome. Of course it only takes a couple of sentences and some smooches from Brad and Chantal has her Crazy in check for another 14 hours.
So we’re off to Vegas next week and finally it looks like Shawntel will get her one on one time. Will we ever get to see Brad have an awkward date with someone? Is that possible? I’m starting to think Brad’s monotone voice is sounding more and more like the dad in Family Guy. I’m recoiled in disgust by the race car date already.
As for the girls voted off, I (harshly) don’t really care much about them. Stacey the Bartender seemed sweet, but I spent too much time wondering if she got a nose job. She will have no problem meeting another dude. I wanted to hug Big Red Lindsey just because she seemed really concerned about making her dad proud for how she conducted herself on reailty TV. I never thought for a second that Meghan would stay, so nothing to say there.
Til Next Week – let’s hear your thoughts! And stay tuned for our upcoming video podcast which we hope to post on You Tube!
Anonymous says
Haahah oh man that show last night had me cracking up! What idiots. But still, super fun to watch, I admit. Also, I think on of the Ashleys also hates Michelle.
Anonymous says
You said that the other girls (besides Chantal) don’t seem to hate Michelle. Did you not hear Ashley S. say she wished she had given her the black eye and would like to rip her head off?! I was shocked that came from Ashley! Anyway, I totally think Michelle is playing it up for the cameras, but she is ANNOYING! Regardless of whether her behavior is all for show or not….i don’t find it entertaining, just makes me want to change the channel.
ElleBelle says
You should follow the Sports Gal on twitter…hilarious bachelor tweets..
@sportsgal33
🙂
michelle says
Great post! A few additional thoughts and comments…
1. Brad seems way too over-therapied (is that a word). I'm all for a guy showing his feelings and being deep (I'm actually a counselor)…but he seems to always be in deep mode…like he's always overthinking what he's about to say.
2. I think he is really giving too many girls false hopes. It's ridiculous and kind of selfish!!
3. Michelle's comments to the camera are awful…but she actually did not bother me that much when she was actually with Brad. He doesn't hear the things she says to the camera, so I can kind of see why he likes her. (although the black eye is the strangest thing ever!!
4. Love the use of Chutspah!!
Anonymous says
I feel sorry for Michelle's daughter. The black eye disappeared as quick as it was painted on. The producer needs a therapist as much as Brad. The therapist is very appealing himself; make him the Bachelor!
Freedom says
I noticed the 'dangerous dates' too!! I was talking to my mom about this last season with Ali. I don't think Michelle will be there til the end though… if it was real fear from her and not an act she put on id say she has a chance to make it til the end. but isn't it all an act for her? Hmmmm. I like her. She cracks me up. I like Emily think she is sincere but- she came on the bachelor….so how sincere can one really be? Interested in next episode with the race track. If this show wasn't so scripted it would be a lot more fun to watch- i think. Real moments.
Suzi says
Seriously, the race track? Either it's totally planned with Emily in mind, or ??? I can't believe that anyone would think it's a good idea for that date considering the situation. Yes, they probably had all dates planned before the season, but can they not change one? Although, many of us ARE curious to see what happens, even if we are cringing inside. Brit, yes, very thin. Was sad to see Big Red go, simply b/c she seemed real and nice. Love the blog – half the reason I watch the show is to read your comments after! 🙂
Anna M says
Whoever at abc decided to make this show two hours is my favorite.
Yes, Brad is kissing and digging on almost half of the girls. This will get interesting. I have a feeling that Marissa, Lisa, Alli and Ashley H will all be gone SOON! And then the fun will really begin.
I was disappointed/puzzled when Michelle Money got the dangerous, life-altering date. For all of the reasons you listed (aka everyone that went on this date being the ONE at the finale). Unlike Michelle, I do NOT see her being the one at the end. This was a twist I did not see coming.
Tracy says
I was liking new, post-therapy Brad at the beginning of this "journey," but now I agree with Michelle–he's in deep mode too much. Only he hasn't gotten any deeper. After a few early good conversations everything has reverted to the usual babble about walls, opening up, connections, and how "real" everything is. Real would be when you're home with the kids and Brad is out late closing up his bar and too tired to help out in the morning.
He seems like a good guy, and he looks good shirtless, but minus the helicopters and fantasy dates, he doesn't seem interesting enough to merit all this angst and tears. I'm sure that's why Madison went home. I can't figure out what Jackie would see in him.
Brad pronounces Michelle "an amazing mom" and is ready to raise her daughter, sight unseen (not to mention seeing the ex)–what's up with that?
I wish they'd show us more outtakes, like the dancing. If they're not going to talk about anything substantive, at least give us a glimpse of their personalities. I like seeing the women just hanging out with glasses and without makeup–Brad sure got a gorgeous bunch of women to choose from.
Anonymous says
Emily reminds me a whole lot of the woman on an earlier season who was from the south, was beautiful (a bit older) and had a daughter. She, too wore too much make-up, but was a classy individual. Seems that the producers have a bit of a formula going here.
I agree that Brad is being selfish by encouraging all of the women to let their guards down. He is just going to disappoint them more when he lets them go.
Christina says
I'm bugged by the fact that Brad described Michelle as "mature" in this week's People.com blog. I'm sure she planted that word and notion in his mind; you know how manipulative she can be. And right from the opening night, she talked about how she's a woman, not a girl.
The thing is, being 30 may put her on the older side, age-wise (sadly — ABC needs to move pass the 22-year-old babies!), but her actions clearly put her on the immature side.
C.C. says
I'm sure the race track trip was just part of the show's original plan. It's in Vegas – I've been there on trips to Vegas with my hubby. I think Emily's demise will come with Brad worrying about how he can live up to the life she was supposed to have with this "perfect" guy he could never compete with. It will be interesting to see how it goes. She is a sweetheart and an obvious pick for the next bachelorette. I'd be irritated though if they didn't get her a really good set of men to choose from.
I think he will end up with Chantel – the one he went to Catalina Island with. Sorry – don't have their names together yet. Their chemistry is the only thing that rivals what Ali and Roberto had. He'd be crazy to not choose her at this point. I do like Brit – classy individual so far. But I don't think she has enough "real" spunk to go the distance. I hope she goes far though and gets noticed enough to find some real love after this.
oh and i LOVE dr. drew and was so excited to see him on the show. I think they should bring him back with the final three or four and do another interview. That would be a hoot for sure!
Anonymous says
Faithful Bach Fan and new to your Blog – I agree with all the kissing and encouraging every girl to have faith in his feelings for them was a little overdone. Obviously there is only going to be one in the end. Also the therapy can stop any time now – do we need to hear the doc tell him it is okay to kiss every girl?? Brad was on before, he didn't pick anyone, he needs to get over that – we all seem to be ?!?! Being picky for a minute but one thing that really bothered me this episode was all the weird edits during Brad and Chantel's date. They were in 2 different helicopters, she had curly hair during one interview, when she and Brad were talking marriage she was snuggled up to him one minute and the next she was sitting up with her jacket on. Also when he was giving her the rose he looked like he was going to give her a hard time then they cut to the "romantic rain" line. I loved how he asked her to stop talking and just kiss him; that seemed to be one of Brad's more genuine moments of the show. I REALLY like the chemistry between these two and think she will go far if she can just focus on Brad, but that date was the worst edit I have ever seen. I know they put things out of order but I felt like it took place on two different days. I actually had to go back and re-watch.
Michelle, I am sure is not near as bad as she is being portrayed but I still can't help think she wants to be an actress more than she wants to be Brad's wife.
Emily is sweet; Brad seems smitten but I don't see her as the F1. She seems like the princess waiting for her prince and I don't know if Brad has that in him.
As for other favs, I can't tell. Usually by now I can spot the top 2 or 3, but I have to admit this season has me a little puzzled.
I do have to say, I was considering DeAnna and Jenny and both were pretty, smart, independent, dark haired women. If he goes for the same type then I see it being Chantel or Michelle in the end.
Anonymous says
It's clearly Emily's 'race' to lose.. one might say that she's in the, 'driver's seat' 😉
On a different note, I wandered upon another blog that might be worth checking out.. this one with a hint more sarcasm:
http://lisadoesntknow.blogspot.com/
Thanks for keeping this going each week!
Karm says
Stacey,
Since I live in the Salt Lake City area, I thought I'd pass this link on for a little background on Michelle. Gave me a definite different perspective on her, although I'm still not sure at this point I want her to be the final one. http://www.abc4.com/news/local/story/Utahs-Bachelorette-opens-up/PhRyywR7FEmfYUaE-HurKA.cspx
Katie says
Did you all see this: http://deadspin.com/5743912/some-chick-from-the-bachelor-says-carlos-boozer-cheated-on-his-wife-with-her
Stacey B says
Thanks for all of your great posts!!
fantastica777 says
I'm watching the "Women Tell All" and I'm wondering did Ashley H get a Nose Job????
http://williamcott.bravesites.com/ says
Stunning story there. What occurred after? Thanks!