A couple of additional comments to what I posted previously about The Women Tell All:
- Did you know that Chris Harrison had a horrible cold while filming the WTA? He was hocked up on severe cold meds and had a bad fever, etc. We never would have known, right? From his blog today: “I had to hold up production for about forty-five minutes while I ‘regrouped,’ …meaning lying down backstage on a couch with ice on my head trying to remain conscious…” I have to say, Chris H did a really nice job of mediating the insanity last night, even if half alive. It was a verbal wrestling match taken to the extreme. I especially liked that he couldn’t contain himself when Brittany called Samantha a Chihuahua.
- For all of those concerned, Ali F has clarified on twitter that she is NOT going to be on Bachelor Pad 3. She also tweeted to Frank that it was good to see him, but purposely put the word “friend” in there. Perhaps this was to fend off Roberto from getting angry. Of course, I get the feeling that Roberto is not into Bachelor reunions in large groups (though on Twitter, I learned that he was hanging out in LA with Chris Lambton – perhaps he was involved in some sort of Bach reunion).
- It does still make me squeamish to see Ed flirting with other ladies at these Bach reunions. Is it me, or does it just seem wrong to want to cheer for him to meet anyone other than Jillian? Even when it all came out that Ed was having extra-Bachelor relations with multiple women when he left the show half way through, only to realize he was in fact in love with Jillian and returned, I was still invested in them making it. Call me crazy, a hopeless romantic, but I still think they can figure it out. That said, throwing him into a pit of boobs, hormones and drama is not going to make me root for him.
- Why is Michelle Money so willing to go back to Bachelor Pad 3? Does she really want to leave her daughter for a third time?? And does this mean that she’s not happily together with Graham Bunn? Because that was another couple that I liked and they seemed to really care about each other.
- The Blakeley confrontation seemed kind of mild compared to what Courtney had to go through. When Samantha started barking in her ear out of nowhere, it was like having a gnat buzzing around your head. She was so opinionated on so many things and yet I had to remember for a second who she was. She kept cursing and making horrible statements throughout the night. I just wanted someone to vote her off the stage.
- BTW, I thought the girls, with the exception of Emily, Kacie B and Nicki – came off quite hostile and mean – a little with Shawntel and a lot with Courtney. Let’s start with Shawntel. Yes, they back peddled slightly on the physical comments. But then Rachel and Jaclyn try to explain why they called her a bitch and other nasty comments. There’s no rationale for calling a complete stranger a bitch. Have we all done it? Probably. But on The Bachelor, it’s considered justifiable. At least we can take comfort that Shawntel has written a short book called “The Final Rose,” about life in the funeral director business. That and that “things are really good back in Chico.” Hmmmmmmm??? Is there something more she wants to tell us? Why couldn’t Chris H ask a follow up question on this?
- I think Emily is absolutely adorable. I loved her purple, boobs hanging out everywhere dress. The Husband said that 70% of her boobs were out. I don’t notice these things, but I will say that I thought the girls all looked great, even if there was a lot of skin. Emily has a cute smile and the things that come out of her mouth are so well put, so thoughtful – it seems ridiculous that she’d even put herself in an environment like this show. She can really get to the heart of the situation and I like what she had to say during her interview with Chris about the two things that happened in Puerto Rico: the skinny dipping incident clouding Ben’s mind (and making him only think about sex), and Ben telling her to “tread lightly” and how condescending / hypocritical that was. I think she is intelligent enough to realize that Ben was not the guy for her. My opinion of Ben has significantly deteriorated throughout the season and his quick appearance on the show did not really help much to ameliorate the situation. He barely answered anyone’s questions and when he tried, it was a generic response. I don’t think anybody felt any sort of closure or had a better understanding of why he sent one person home over another. Nobody challenged him about Courtney. Nobody asked him about the skinny dipping. Nobody challenged him on how he feels watching Courtney behind the scenes and how this has affected his view of the season. Would we have changed his mind about some of his choices? Perhaps these will be answered on the After the Final Rose. I think they must have run out of time considering how much Courtney bashing was going on.
- Isn’t it crazy how Nicki, Kacie B and Emily were all completely shocked that they didn’t receive a rose? Perhaps Ben is a better actor than we give him credit for. I can’t imagine what it must be like to tell someone that you’re in love with them, introduce them to your parents, have them make out with you constantly and ask you soul bearing questions and then send you home without any explanation. Incredibly frustrating, probably, but they each handled it with class, and I agree with some of the comments posted here that the three of them were very sweet in supporting each other during the show. It seems like they are very good friends.
- Kacie B admits that “the South is a little different.” I hope this is her way of saying that Ben is a loose cannon who likes to run naked through wine vineyards and this probably wouldn’t fly at her parents’ house.
- As for the Courtney bashing, perhaps she did deserve it. But there’s something to the old saying, “two wrongs don’t make a right,” or “three lefts make a right” or whatever it is that didn’t sit right with me. First off, you could hear a pin drop when Courtney entered the studio. Chris mentioned in his blog that she was visibly shaking and you could hear in her voice that she was beyond nervous. Blakeley was mad that Courtney was not looking at her when she’s asking her to apologize for calling her a stripper. But at that point, I think Courtney was breaking down. Adjectives used to describe Courtney last night included: vindictive, manipulative, black widow, bitch, cold callous, liar, vapid (why do they all keep using this word? Emily said it first, and it’s like the rest of the girls liked the sound of it, but they probably don’t know what it means), not nice, in it to win it, not real. Was this the way of ABC plotting for a bullying session? Any time you put 20 girls complaining about one, it just doesn’t seem fair. Yes, she certainly said some horribly cruel things, but them just shouting back equally horrible things and telling her how mean she is, doesn’t make it right. It became a bashing session, which of course just led Courtney to apologize over and over. I’m not sure we got any further clarity about whether she truly was interested in Ben. Or is interested in Ben. Even Emily, who showed grace and class throughout the entire show, kind of lost it a little when she went at it with Courtney. Emily’s better than that. She didn’t need to ask Courtney why everyone there should forgive her when Courtney wasn’t willing to forgive and forget. We understood what was going on. So in short: did Courtney deserve the backlash? Yes. Was it a bit overkill to have everyone attack her at once? Maybe. My summary of Courtney last night: She genuinely feels bad that she acted the way she did, because she’s suffering the consequences now (in the press, with the aftermath of the show, etc.). But I do think that we saw her true personality on the show and I’m not sure that it’s something that can be changed overnight or without electric shock therapy. Perhaps Ben ended things with her once he saw how cruel she was during the season and that one of the conditions of them working things out was her to come on the show and apologize. Or perhaps she got chosen, and then Ben pulled a Jason Mesnick and decided he’d be better of with Lindzi. But if she got rejected, there’s probably no way she would have come on the show last night. I don’t know. It’s all so insane, my brain hurts thinking about it.
- The girls were greatly offended that Ben, who said he didn’t want to be with someone who doesn’t get along with other people, would have the nerve to fall for Courtney. He must have freaked out when watching the show.
- I liked Nicki’s question of what made Courtney apologize to Ben in Switzerland. Jen thinks it was to repair her image. Nicki said it was an apology to Ben, not to the girls. Either way, Courtney can only apologize, say how uncomfortable she was, how hard the process was, how it brought out the worst in her. How it’s affected her family and friends. Blah blah blah.
- Jamie throwing herself at Ben verbally last night was even more uncomfortable than her lap dance / kissing lesson with Ben on the show. She has a knack for creating cringe worthy moments.
- Last comment: how randomly rude was Jen questioning how on earth Ben could possibly have chosen her to leave over Blakeley. She’s like, “no offense Blakeley.” How is Blakelely not supposed to be offended by that??
As The Husband and I were falling asleep last night (ok, really it was me getting into bed for an early day at the office – he was just humoring me until I fell asleep), we were discussing this season and how The Husband thinks that The Bachelor is the modern day soap opera (he went so far as to say that all day time soap operas were off the air, but I corrected him that there were still plenty going on) and that it’s become less credible with each passing season. That may be a valid point. Still, the beauty of the show is that without fail, you still get a handful of people that fall in love. Each of these people will swear up and down that it is the real thing. True love. They are willing to give an engagement a shot. I don’t think anyone can say that Nicki was “faking it” when she said she was in love with Ben. Same with Kacie B. Emily may have been well on her way to getting there and she’s the brains of the house! Not to mention you have Lindzi who is in love and questionably Courtney. No matter how you slice it, the show has a unique recipe for stirring up intense romantic feelings, some of which develop into the real deal. It’s fascinating, and that is what keeps me going back season after season.
Anonymous says
I think, like everyone else, that Courtney is a shrew, but I give her serious props for showing up last night. As one of the final two, she didn't have to do it. She didn't pull a Bentley (the great, gutless wonder) and not face up to what she did. Whatever her flaws, and it seems there are many, she showed a lot of courage and that's worth something. I hope she is really changed by this experience.
Anonymous says
Isn't it odd that the bachelor who CONSTANTLY talks about wanting a girl with a “chill” personality, a laid-back girl, a go-with-the-flow woman is likely going to choose the one person who created the most drama of the season, perhaps of all time??!!??
Anonymous says
Why did they keep recycling the same crowd shots over and over? We must have seen the lady who shook her head 3 times.
5 Boys And Me says
I personally think the only reason Courtney showed up was ABC's attempt to get people to like her more. I have watched every season of The Bachelor and even when I didn't love the final choice, I cannot ever remember a season where I was not excited to watch the finale, pulling for the lead to find love. My opinion of Ben has spiraled downhill every episode and I think Courtney is just as shallow, manipulative and heartless as she was portrayed. I do not think her apology was genuine at all. I agree with you that it was a bit of a bashing session and I probably wouldn't have wanted to sit through it, but I think her emotions were all fake. I actually hope Ben picks Courtney because Lindzi deserves better. Ugh! I can't wait for this season to be over and the next to start and I just hope it's better!! I do love Emily, so I have high hopes.
Anonymous says
Ok we get it. You like Emily, Kacie and Nikki. Sheesh.
Jonah says
Stacey, my words can not describe how much I enjoy your writing, of The Bachelor, or anything else you write about.
I love this crazy show, and your commentary gives it added life and drama.
Why not write about your everyday life during the hiatus?
PLEASE, and THANKS.
Anonymous says
I agree, your blog is great! During hiatus I would love to see a recap of the final pick from all seasons and a where are they now post. I have only watched sporadically and don't know all the previous season players like many of you.
Anonymous says
I am glad that you mention the “two wrongs don't make a right” comment. After the show last night I actually felt a little, tiny bit bad for Courtney. It was like a verbal beating! I get it, they are all upset with her but calling her names and not being receptive of her apology was a little mean. They don't have to like her but what is happening to her and her family is really messed up. She is a mean person, lots of people are mean, doesn't mean she needs to be trashed all the time. There are worst people out there doing more horrible things!
Meagan A, WA
Anonymous says
Rude!
Nittany Ken VB says
I also think that was rude. I too like Emily, Kacie, Nikki and Jen as well. Even Brittney who just wasn't into Ben and left in San Fran. She wasn't drinking the Ben kool-aid. I DID like Ben the first epidose and thought he would be great until Puerto Rico. Then is was all down hill after that.
Nittany Ken VB says
Stacey this season was a disappointment, but your blog is always fun. It is always enjoyable to read your take on this zany show. I discovered your blog while trying to figure out what happened to Melissa Rycroft during Jason's season (I am a BIG DWTS fan). My wife didn't get hooked on Bachelor until the next season with Jake. I didn't want to but I got snared in the Bach trap. Just want to thank you for all your wit and unspoiled narration!
Ken Y
Virginia Beach, VA
Anonymous says
Love that you realized that “vapid” comments. I agree, I bet half of them have no idea what that word actually means. Kind of like Ben using “premonitions” when he was trying to describe that he saw a life with Lindzi. I wonder if he realizes that premonitions in a lot of cases means an ominous, threatening feeling.
The Husband says
I was hoping that at the very end of all the bashing, Courtney would have slowly gotten up, wiped the last tear from her cheek, and then raise her middle fingers to all the other girls and say, “Winning!”
THAT would have been amazing and brought the house down.
missed opportunity!
Anonymous says
yep, ditto on the rudeness
Anonymous says
LOL so true TH
Anonymous says
So true! I loved how Chris Harrison was always talking in his blog about how Ben 'hates drama.' Why in heaven's name did he then decide to be the bachelor?! I can't think of a more drama-filled way to find a woman…
Erin D. says
Finally caught up with all the Bach episodes! Not thinking, I accidentally scheduled a series of classes every Monday night — at least it's bonding time because my husband and I go together — so we're always scrambling to catch up with Bach episodes. In any case, thanks, as always, Stacey B., for your blog. I suspect you're going to put this up soon, but until you do, here's a very funny clip of Ellen inserting herself into Monday's “Women Tell All” episode:
http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20576644,00.html
Erin D. says
That's exactly what my husband said! 🙂
Anonymous says
If this is truly the Husband – you rock, dude!! I almost always agree with your perspective, including the above comment. That would have been FANTASTIC television and would have taken the Jerry Springer factor up 100 notches!
Anonymous says
I LOVE your recaps Stacey! I actually read them as I watch which makes the show soooo much more interesting to me.
Anyways this little bit is from the LA Times, makes it sound like Courtney's apology was as manipulated and calculated as she is.
2. A private conversation between Courtney and a show producer went public. During Chris’ temporary hiatus, one of the show’s producers went over to comfort Courtney, who was clearly very distraught after being attacked by numerous ladies. I was sitting backstage with a group of other journalists, watching the taping on a remote monitor. While Chris was gone, the camera and microphones were left on on-stage, and so the press was accidentally privvy to the intimate conversation. Courtney complained she felt like a deer in the headlights, and said she’d expected at least one of the women to come to her defense.
“But I didn’t play with my hair once. Aren’t you proud?” she added.
“Yes,” the producer replied. “That was good.”
The staffer tried to distract Courtney by talking to her about the kind of cigarettes she smokes — American Spirits, apparently — and the model soon began to feel better.
“I’m not feeling very emotional anymore,” she said, her tears dispersing. “You made me feel better. I appreciate it.”
Then, she began to worry about coming off as too cold: “I don’t know if I can show that emotion again,” she fretted.
“You have to,” the producer said. “This is for you. [Possible spoiler alert!] This is for you and Ben.”
Interesting.
Gail says
I'm so glad I found your blog this season Stacy. I've been watching The Bach since Deanna's season and I have to say your blog has increased my enjoyment of it tenfold.
I have no doubt that everything Courtney said or did on the show was engineered to increase viewer interest and get higher ratings while at the same time helping Courtney's career.
Anonymous says
I give Courtney a lot of props for going on the show because she had to have known that the girls were not going to be so forgiving of her. I don't know if she was really sorry about everything she apologized for but I think she was genuinely emotional on the show. I mean, she has gotten kind of emotional on other segments in the show but never actually cried.
However, I did notice one thing that she is very good at doing, even when she was apologizing- and Chris Harrison noted this in his blog last week: she is very good at flipping statements. For instance, when all of the women were questioning why she said that they never tried to be friends with her, her response was something along the lines of “I'm sorry that you guys didn't get to know me better.” She flipped that statement so that, even though it sounded like a regret, it still implied that the fault was on the other girls. Obviously I don't know how much effort was given to getting to know people on any front but I thought it was interesting how she still managed to flip that statement. While I think it was very brave for her to go on the show, I still cannot say that I am a fan. I still dislike her because even if you really don't like someone or you are having a rough day, you should not be that consistently disrespectful to other people. Everyone has their moments; Courtney seems to have more than others.
Anonymous says
I totally agree. I still think she is a manipulative shrew, but I do give her credit for at least showing up and taking it. She still has a lot of growing up to do.
Anonymous says
After giving it some thought for a couple of days, the ATFR was quite a spectacle. When has a final 2 girl ever been on ATFR? I think it's pretty clear that Ben chooses Courtney, and after watching the show play back, was pretty shocked by what he saw. Courtney was trying to do damage control, as was Ben. Never has a Bachelor or his chosen one ever been this disliked by the fans. Guess what, Ben? I think it's too late. And Fleiss — let's just hope this season didn't do too much damage to the show. I guess that's why I like “Sweet Home Alabama” on CMT. It just seems a little more real to me. Sorta wish that Emily Maynard had done that show instead.
Anonymous says
From what was said in earlier episodes, Courtney seems to have put forth zero effort in getting to know most of the girls. Didn't several people mention that she was a slug who slept most of the time? Hmm…Sleeping too much, inability to mix socially, mood swings, personality shifts, lack of emotion…. I think this girl is more than nasty, I think she has serious mental issues. Well, Ben likes “quirky” – he may get more than he bargained for!
Anonymous says
I have an interesting thought. Did anyone notice the only girl Ben apoligized too was Casey S.? I thought it strange the only girl he felt needed an apology was Courtney's best and only friend in the house! He never addressed the other girls in any meaningful way and looked pained to be there at all. He said it was his worst nightmare. Even when Nicki was gushing about him he didn't even have any kind words for her and continued to chastize Emily for not acting the way he wanted…oh please.
Courtney went on the show to help repair her and Ben's image. They will be able to share their disdain for everyone involved and mayb live happily ever after…..hmmmmmmm
Anonymous says
I actually think she really did nothing wrong the whole season?! Did I miss something? Sure….she was a litte rude about “winning” comment ect, but really didn't deserve all of this negative press and attention! And watching the women tell all episode, I think she has more poise and grace than any of those Jerry Springer trash on the stage. She behaved the same all season as any other girl on the show…..except she is gorgeous! People love to hate people that are beautiful and engaging. Lets be honest….if she looked like any of those other girls we wouldn't be talking much about her! jk
Susan Yvonne Wood says
As far as beauty Shawntel was the epitome of gorgeous. Inside and out! Did not deserve being mistreated by the others.
Anonymous says
He told Emily to tread lightly when she voiced her concern about Courtney. A real man would of felt her feelings. Not warned her off. He made his own bed. It's time for him to lay beside the snake he chose.
Anonymous says
More like Pirahna.