I am still reeling from last night’s finale of The Bachelor. The final rose ceremony (which never involved a final rose), was everything that makes this show one of the most entertaining and unpredictable out there. The best part of last night’s show: I hadn’t read any spoilers (heard they were wrong anyhow). Even yesterday, as I was headed to the printer and a lady in my office said, "I heard from a reality site that Brad chooses..." I immdediately screamed at her, "Don't tell me! Please don't say anything. I don't want to know." Having a clear mind during the finale completely enhanced my state of frenzy watching Brad introduce the two final ladies to his families, have his final dates with the women and then wait for who that first woman out of the limo would be. My pulse was going a mile a minute. The Husband was equally entertained watching me wait for the big reveal – I just couldn’t sit still. When I saw Chantal step out of the limo first, knowing that she was heading off to get her heart crushed, I was absolutely shocked.
Then a few minutes later (and what seemed like 100 commercials – yes, I watched it all LIVE), Princess Emily arrives – and it seemed like millions of viewers everywhere all held our breaths as we watched Brad stumble his way through his “You’re the One, Em” speech. Sighhh. Cry. Gasp. And who was hoping that little Ricki would come out of the bushes accompanied by Emily’s family and riding an elephant? Ahhh, perhaps they’ll be a sequel. Oh wait, this entire season was a sequel.
So then we get taken to The Women Tell All where we find out numerous shocking pieces of news: (1) Chantal has a boyfriend but she’s still smitten enough with Brad to burst into tears in front of him. She should really be crying because she gave up her chance at being the next Bachelorette, not because of Brad. Chantal will be just fine. I have to say that it wasn’t until the end of her sobbing limo ride home that I started to genuinely like her. It was the point that she realized, “I can’t believe I thought he was ‘the One.’ He didn’t even love me.” BING. The lightbulb moment of the season. While she may not have gotten any validation of her relationship with Brad from Brad, she certainly had to feel that their chemistry was crystal clear based on Emily’s reaction to watching the season.
Second burst of shocking news: (2) Emily and Brad actually broke up at one point since the finale and the After the Final Rose. And it’s been a month since they have seen each other. Yikes. This does not bode well. I hate to say it, but there has never been a Bachelor couple who actually broke up, got back together and then stayed together. On the other hand – this usually happens after the finale airs once the couple realizes that there’s more to life than helicopter rides and swimming with sharks. I thought there was contract that the couples had to stay together (or appear to stay together) for some amount of time after the finale aired. How else can they go on all the talk shows together and promote the show? But last night was the first time that a kink in the relationship was publicly aired / challenged at the ATFR. As noted in my previous posts, I stand behind Emily. She is 100% right to be horrified on Monday nights watching Brad’s interactions with the other ladies. Yes, she signed up for it. But Brad had total control over how much/little he did with each of these women. He could have sent Chantal home before the final rose ceremony and he could have made it clear that they just "talked" in the African tree house. Emily more than hinted that Brad slept with Chantal, and possibly other women. If that’s the case, Emily is 100000% in the right to make him explain himself, put things on hold, refuse to move to Austin. Stupid Brad. He had the perfect woman who was actually willing to accept a marriage proposal from him – if he could just keep his pants on! And stop kissing everything in sight.
(3) Third shocking moment from last night: the choice of Ashley Hebert as the next Bachelorette. I mean, it’s not like there were very many good options once Chantal was out of the running. Michelle was too controversial. Madison’s fangs caused more confusion and ridicule than curiosity. Ashley S was an emotional mess and needs a serious ego boost and hourly hugs. Shawntel would have been great, but perhaps she was a bit too normal and not bubbly enough for the cameras. Plus convincing 30 men that they should give up everything to move to Chico, CA for their funeral director wife may not seem all roses and fantasy suites. They weren’t going to pick someone new because they want to keep the current audience base’s attention. This is still the number one show on Monday nights. Ashley H was likeable. And perhaps not blessed with Michelle, Chantal and Emily’s looks, she is cute and bubbly. What I like about Ashley is that she’s smart and has her own profession. She’s not looking for a Hollywood career (at least not yet). When I spoke to her on the phone, she was actually quite funny in a quirky charming way. The edit we saw of Ashley H on the show was this over thinking, kind of Debbie Downer type. The Ashley we will be re-introduced to come May 23rd will be an entirely different, polished version of the dentist.
(4) It was nice to see the former Bach successful couples return for group therapy on ATFR. Roberto seems to have a gained a few – and Ali, who I usually think is adorable, was over styled. I like her best when she has a normal hair style and clothing. When they start dressing her up like a fashionista, she loses her down to earth appeal. It was kind of reality check to see how much Trista and Ryan have aged. Not that they didn’t look great, because they did. I just forgot that they are real people who age.
(5) One of my favorite moments of the night was seeing Brad cry when his family arrived in South Africa. This actually made me choke up. His twin brother Chad is HOT! And Chad is married to his version of Emily – how cute! Both twins chose Barbies! Brad’s mom seemed very genuine. After her talk with Chantal, it seemed obvious that Chantal was a shoe-in. But then you see Brad’s mom break into tears when Emily calls Brad her angel. Another emotional moment. I think the whole family was spellbound when Emily revealed her tragic past. It’s hard to believe that someone so seemingly perfect like Emily has gone through something like that. I remember how shocking it was to hear as a TV viewer for the first time. It’s like an instant tear jerker response. I loved how Brad’s family embraced Emily. And yes, it was totally wrong for the sisters-in-law to declare Emily the victor simply because she was a mom, but it was kind of funny too. It was also great that they recognized Emily’s poise versus being too shy. I think Brad knew which lady he wanted – he just needed his family’s stamp of approval. We have NEVER in Bachelor history whose family had so strong of a preference on this show. And if there was a clear preference, it is almost never shown. Brad stated quite clearly about 7 or 8 times that his family believed Emily was the one he should marry.
(6) I loved that Wes (and later Emily) both tried to warn Brad of what he was getting into by agreeing to becoming an insta-dad. I didn’t quite get Brad’s frustration with Emily on their final date. She is absolutely right to ask these questions and challenge Brad. I didn’t like his reaction and if this is indicative of how their conversations go when discussing serious topics – I can see why they broke up. That said, I loved every word of Brad’s speech to Emily regarding how he wanted to be there for Ricki and be a father to her. That takes a lot of guts and maturity. At one point, I was really proud of Brad. He has certainly come a long way since not being able to commit to anyone. Not only is he ready to be a husband – he’s ready to be a dad. This is major progress! Now he just needs that talking about being a dad and actually being a dad, are two separate things.
(7) Emily was wearing a bracelet that had the initials “JRH” on it. Does anyone know what that represents? Let’s talk about outfits this episode. Emily looked absolutely stunning (as always). I wouldn’t be surprised if The Bachelor started making dolls based on this season’s ladies. They would certainly feature Chantal’s wet suit with bikini breasts bursting out the top. I wasn’t a fan of the one shouldered dress with a feathered bird on the side. It was too much for her, particularly with her hair back. She looks best with her hair down and straightened. But she’s a pretty girl – and I thought she looked great on ATFR in that red dress.
(8) Final dates. Chantal always gets the adventure dates. Zip lining, swimming with sharks, etc. I’d be so pissed if I agreed to put myself in a cage next to a shark, only to get dumped 48 hours later. Perhaps he was hoping the shark would eat Chantal, making his choice much easier. As Brad kisses Chantal on the back of the boat while the sun goes down, a part of me was wondering what Emily was thinking watching this intimate moment if Brad really did pick Emily. I guess we know the answer now.
(9) Chantal’s love letter to Brad. Woah – way to lay it on thick. More than just what Chantal wrote, it was Brad’s reaction, or lack thereof, to such an emotional outpouring that was the moment I realized he really was picking Emily. She couldn’t have said more and at least has to know that she put it all out there.
(10) Neil Lane is my hero. That guy has the best gig ever. The ring was amazing. I was very impressed not only in Brad’s choice, but that he seemed to get emotional when picking out the ring. Too bad the therapist wasn't flown out just for some last minute guidance to Brad.
(11) Did anyone see the commercial for South Africa right before Chantal got dumped? There was an African American man discussing all of his travels through South Africa – and they showed him doing all of the dates that Brad did. I was wondering whether it was a commercial for the first African American Bachelor. But no, it was just an advertisement.
(12) The glory of not knowing the ending. I have to say, for those of you who were able to avoid any spoilers out there – we were most certainly rewarded. I was so completely excited to see who Brad was going to pick. For one, the main spoiler reality site out there was WRONG. For another, it was amazing to actually be surprised by the choice. ABC provides enough suspense – and watching it all unfold without knowing what happened made this one of the best finales I have ever seen. So next season – avoid the spoilers and stick with this blog. I never understood why some people feel the need to ruin perfectly good surprises.
(13) The Dumping of Chantal. I really think Chantal thought she was the one until Brad gave her the dreaded “I don’t know how to say it except that I have stronger feelings for someone else.” Gut kicked. Poor Chantal – you can almost see the waterworks being turned on. I never like seeing these girls devastated – although if I was their coach, I’d be in that limo on the way to the final rose ceremony saying, “Hold it together, Chantal. If you get rejected, look at this as your audition for being the next Bachelorette. Make everyone love you and feel your pain. Don’t let your nose run too badly and make sure you don’t rub your mascara.” Clearly Chantal needed a coach. Because now she’s stuck with a rebound boyfriend she doesn’t love more than Brad and a wasted Bachelorette opportunity.
(14) Emily is the hottest “winner” ever on this show. Had to be said. DeAnna Pappas has got to be annoyed that he picked someone younger and blonder than her.
(15) Emily getting down with Brad when he was on his knee proposing. To see her happy after all of the heartbreak she’s had to endure, gave me an endorphin high. I love this girl and am so happy that she got what she wanted. Now I just hope they can make a fresh start and give the relationship every chance possible to make it work.
(16) Wedding Day. How awesome if ATFR was Brad and Emily’s actual wedding! That would certainly have been a first. But I’m just as happy that Emily is mature enough to call Brad out on his Bachelor antics.
And with that, it’s time to call it a season. I’m very interested in hearing what you all thought of the finale and what’s happened since. Are you happy Brad picked Emily? Do you think they have a chance at making it work? Are you satisfied with Ashley as the next Bachelorette?
Please continue to check back here for further updates on Brad and Emily and all your Bachelor/Bachelorette/Bachelor Pad 2 news and commentary. Thank you to all who take the time to read this blog and share your comments. Your support is the reason why I do this blog. A special thanks to The Husband for spending Monday nights watching a ridiculous reality tv dating show with his wife, being kind enough to humor me with the video reviews and lending the male opinion and for understanding my need to spend so much free time devoted to this series.
Til Bachelorette…
Stacey B
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