When Emily started off her first one on one date without a helicopter, climbing a national landmark or somehow ending up in the Bellagio fountain in Vegas, it was confirmed that this is going to be a different kind of season. I have been waiting to see a season where dates are based more on how the relationship will work AFTER the camera crews and hot tubs go away. I think we got the perfect mix of that tonight with Ryan’s date. Ryan was one of my top five guys from last week. Gorgeous, Southern and seemingly religious (he ended his love letter with “Christ and Love, Ryan”), I loved that Emily had him bring groceries into her house and bake cookies with an apron on. His whole speech about wanting to pursue a girl was a bit off – but Emily’s radar went straight off at this remark and she challenged it right away – “What will you do once you’ve got the girl and the chase is over?” EXACTLY, Emily. This is why I like her. She’s smart and is not fooled by a cute smile and a toned chest.
How awesome that Emily gets to chat about her dates with her actual friends. Not forced friends like when the current Bachelor / Bachelorette gets advice from a previous Bachelor / Bachelorette. Given the track record of the show, one should never take advice from a previous contestant. It’s great that she can speak to her real friends about her experience and get their support.
Have we ever met Emily’s mom before? I don’t think so – think we only met Ricki during Brad’s season. When are we going to hear from her mom? Three generations of cute blonde women!
I LOVED the Muppet show fundraiser group date – what a neat experience for Emily to be able to share with Ricki and it was also quite eye opening to see how Caucasian the audience is there in Charlotte. It took on a different tone, though, with Miss Piggy and Kermit giving cameos throughout the show. As if they were on the Real World and going into the confessional booth.
Joe seemed like a nice enough guy but when he couldn’t answer the “where do you see yourself in 5 years” question with a remotely suitable answer, I knew he was a gonner.
Kalon and Ames (from Ashley’s season) definitely went to an expensive prep school together. Or at the very least, they shop at the same country club golf store. If we don’t see Kalon with a v-neck sweater tied around his neck and salmon colored khaki pants on an upcoming episode, I’ll be shocked. I like that Stevie was referring to him as “Chopper.”
Was everyone really sweaty in Charlotte or was it just me? Seems like you needed to carry a towel around. Charlie is still super cute and we barely saw Doug the dad tonight. Arie is definitely moving up on the cute scale, especially after his talk with Emily. Jef is kind of growing on me, but his hair is just growing. If he can get the poof under control, I might be able to take him more seriously. He does seem to have a nice personality.
Can we please get rid of Stevie?? What was that open sweater vest / taxi cab hat worn sideways look? Gross.
Favorites are still 1. Arie 2. Ryan 3. Charlie 4. Jef and 5. Sean
Looks like an ostrich egg is going down next week. On a side note, Emily is absolutely stunning. Her pink dress that she wore on the Joe date was breathtaking. The purple dress for the rose ceremony was pretty incredible as well.
Off to sleep. The Husband actually has to get up at a normal (pre 9 AM) hour tomorrow, so he’s making me sign off. Good thing he knows that I’m still really the boss around here, just like Emily will be 🙂
Fleurette says
I actually thought this episode was kind of dull.
I am quite sure that ANY of the guys would have been happy to bring in the groceries, bake cookies, scrub the floor and do the dishes, if only they could have a date with Emily.
Who knows if any of them would be interested doing this a few months down the road?
That said, Emily seems to be as caring, as she is pretty.
Emily seems like a really nice person.
One of the things I like about your blog Stacey, is that you can interpret what we are viewing, and enhance the entire experience.
After reading your blog, maybe it was better than I thought.
Anonymous says
It is obvious that Emily has always had money…The Greenbrier, as a child? Must be nice to have this place to remember as where she “got her first makeover.” I thought that remark was scary. She is lovely, but I am a little put off by her remarks about how handsome each guy is. I am not sure if she is all that “real” or if she just likes nice clothes and “Make overs.”
I think she is probably a good mom and a nice person. I am just not sure if she's all that smart.
Joy says
My first impression was surprise at how the guys were being childish; sneaking peeks at each other during “alone time” with Emily! And…Oh! Poor guy standing by the whole time Emily had to read the “8-page letter”! Yikes! Yes! Emily is showing an empathetic & humane side while also being certain about her developing feelings…I hated to see Love Clock Joe not get a rose – PLEASE let Emily's radar be so accurate about EVERYONE else!
backchat says
Oh my! I wasn't ready to comment about tonight's show, but I just saw the deal on the sidebar about finding the ostrich eggs! Hahahaha! That is so funny. You are my kind of gal, Stacey!
I also LOVED how the Muppets were on throughout the show. Emily didn't have a lot of stage presence (she looked nervous and a little stiff) but that made her “real” as well as how she interacted with Ricki onstage.
I thought the Oregon dad was a winner for standing through that letter reading. And cripes- do you really want her to read the letter there with you, dude? You already have the rose- it would have been more effective if she read the letter at home curled up in bed. That he was hogging time from others when he was safe was irritating and gave me a bad feeling about him.
I kind of like Chopper in his own little preppy way. He at least will be able to likely fund vay-cays at the Greenbrier for the whole family!
Emily's fashion choices for gowns has been exquisite. The purple FRC gown was so pretty and her shoes have been pretty kick ass, too!
Anonymous says
No trouble finding the ostrich eggs tonight, eh? Those puppies were in all their glory in nearly every scene. I loved the dress she wore on the plane to WV, very simple but extremely flattering. The California guys were dropping like flies tonight, huh? Still don't get the Stevie attraction. Want to see more of Doug. I think Emily seems just a tad too eager where Jef is concerned. Dial it back, girl! Great quick recap, as always, Stacey B!
Anonymous says
I loved this episode! So much more realistic and interesting to watch. I hope ABc learns from this and starts filming in the bachelor/bachelorette's hometown. Ryan was super hot. I like him, Arie, and Jef. They're all so confident and cool (so far). I am so glad you loved the Muppets. I loved that part. It wasn't cheesy at all an I was actually laughing out loud at Ms. Piggy. I have always loved them. I think Emily is very sweet and empathetic towards the other guys. I like her more than I thought I would. It's going to be a great season. Love your recaps!
Anonymous says
Yeah, the letter. Did Emily really have to read it aloud right there on the spot? Is nothing allowed to be private? I mean, really, I'm asking…
Anonymous says
Yes, ITA! Love the more down-to-earth (literally) dates. I'm so over all the craziness. Making cookies together, super cute.
Anonymous says
I sort of knew that Emily was not the poor girl down the street–I heard her family has some serious money as well. She seems very caring. But now for the mean part–I do judge her for the plastic surgery–we have not seen much of her mom but she seems to be the same surgery-type. And I so wish her hair was a little darker and shorter.
Stacey, NYC is 44% white and Charlotte is 50% white, so please understand that the south is extremely diverse, as in people of every skin color. It is just the audience attending a benefit of the Hendrick foundation, with Muppets, and Bachelors, that looks as it does.
Catbyrd says
Love the tone for this season, and I love the hard questions Emily is asking right out of the box. I love how she wanted the guys to see her with Ricki at the theatre. I love how her bathing suit was very modest, not super-duper sexy, as she knows Ricki will be watching this at some point. Same with her gowns, you don't see the boobs hanging out everywhere, which proves a woman can still be sexy and gorgeous without being over the top. Stacey, when you were doing your comparisons in an earlier blog, you left out Sean. He reminds me so much of Steve Stricker (PGA)! My favs: #1 Ryan, #2 Jef, #3 Arie, #4 Doug, #5 Tony. Stevie can leave any time now.
Dawn says
Definitely liked the date with Ryan. Although I agree with another poster that this doesn't necessarily mean Ryan will be OK with doing these tasks in the future. Is it just me, or was there not much chemistry between these 2? I saw chemistry between her and Arie the most.
Thought the Muppets were very cute but that it went on for a little too long. Was starting to wonder if it was a promotion for something.
Poor Joe. He sounded like a politician trying to tell Emily what he wants in 5 years, but not really saying anything at all.
And yes, please oh please send Stevie home! Every time he opens his mouth my eyes simultaneously roll.
Anonymous says
They actually did, if briefly, show Emily's mom. She was in the audience at the Muppet show with Rickie.
Anonymous says
Stacey – Have you taken a look at the Bachelor blog yet this season?
http://thebachelor.warnerbros.com/
They have all the deleted contestant bios up there and it's interesting to see the ones they didn't show on Episode 1. Some people, who we've barely seen much of on the show so far…namely, Alejandro, is actually much more interesting than I would have thought! He started the “Back to Your Roots” mushroom garden kit company, which is pretty awesome. Much more than what ABC labels a “mushroom farmer”. Plus, in his video he seems more attractive than he does in the show. Just sayin'!
About last night's episode – I loved that they are keeping things more real this season. I completely agree with you and think that ABC should continue with this theme going forward. It may result in some relationships that actually stick, that are based on more than fantasy dates!
I love your blog! It's the best part of watching the Bachelor/Bachelorette!
– Kate
Anonymous says
I too am loving the more down to earth version of the show, I hope ABC keeps it up in the future! It seems to me that Emily doesn't always express herself very well, something I first noticed in Brad's season, but is otherwise very likeable. So far I really like Doug (he's the father of the 12 yo boy, right?), Charlie, and Ryan. I thought Ryan was going to be more of a favorite of mine but I wasn't overly impressed with him on their date.
During last night's episode I was struck by a couple more comparisions of who the guys resemble, and strangely they are both Brat Pack references. First, when Emily and Jef were talking on the couch during the group date, his babyish looks and “who me?” expressions reminded me soooo much of Anthony Michael Hall in Sixteen Candles. And then in the cringe-worthy scene in the mansion pool between Kalon and Doug, when Kalon was saying that Doug put being a father on hold, with his arrogant ways, slicked back hair and aviator glasses, I was totally reminded of snobby James Spader in Pretty in Pink. I admire Kalon for being true to himself, it's just unfortunate that who he is is a total ass!
Pensguys says
Okay, so did everyone notice the black wrist band that Ryan had on? Looks like he was plugging his business since it said “ATHElite”…the name of his business! 😉
Since my friends know him, I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt with the business plug. Since he works with kids (as well as adults), I think he would be a good fit to have a kid around.
Anonymous says
And, I believe, in the park with Emily & her friends, right?
Anonymous says
I agree, I think Kalon is an @$$, but I actually felt a little bit sorry for him in the pool b/c IMO Doug kind of over-reacted to what he said. Granted, it did sound kind of obnoxious, but whenever Kalon tried to clarify, Doug just shut him down. I think Doug is exploiting the single dad angle.
Anonymous says
At least her hair isn't as bleachy-platinum as it was in Brad's season. I thought she looked like a bimbo. She def. looks better now.
Anonymous says
Hmm, I don't remember there, but somewhere else…maybe at her house when she was getting ready for a date?
Anonymous says
I love love love your blog and I am so enjoying this season!!!
danielle says
While Kalan and Ames may shop in the same stores, Kalan definitely lacks that certain je ne said pas that Ames had in spade.
Ames' dopey, awkward, odd sense of self was charming in the weirdest way possible while Kalan just comes across like a big tool.
p.s. – i also LOVED the muppet bit. Anything where Fozzie makes an appearance is good in my book.
http://www.secondaryembarrassment.com
Anonymous says
I think that the show probably says that every letter has to be read out loud so that the viewers get to hear it too.
Anonymous says
I definitely agree that Doug seems to be exploiting the single dad angle!
Anonymous says
the expression on Ryan's face when she said he had to carry in groceries was priceless! i know my mouth dropped open and then i laughed! SO VERY COOL! i too, thought i would not like emily but have found a new respect for her. She is much more outgoing than she was shown to be with brad and IMO, very intelligent!
Joy says
I so did NOT notice…and already have a “judgement” about it! (Even with the input from your friends…) I mean, it seems a teeny promotion version of the country singer from last Bachorette season, right? Thumbs down, Ryan.
Anonymous says
I agree with your Jeff comment. I honestly think Jeff is playing a game with her. He is acting like he's not interested so she went chasing after him and gave him the rose on the group date…that rose definitely should have gone to Charlie. I am so over little boys playing their games..don't fall for it again Emily!