The last of the shows for the night was a finale that was actually a finale…the final rose on The Bachelor: Paris. And it was a great ending to a really great season of the show.

The two girls left could not be more different. Their demeanor, attitudes, lifestyles, and personalities are on such different ends of the spectrum. Which is why, I think, that this season has been good television. Having two girls that are such opposites makes us really wonder what is going on.

We started with the girls meeting Travis’s family. Sarah connected with his family very quickly. And that’s important – anyone who thinks you can marry someone whose family you don’t get along with is in for a rude awakening. And it was in such sharp contrast to meeting Moana the next night. Even though Moana connected so well with his sister and brother-in-law, she just showed that strange side of herself to his parents. And she kept doing that annoying thing she does where instead of answering a question, she just starts to cry. Ugh. This brings me to my biggest complaint of the night – why did they have Travis’s nieces meet the girls? Yes, they are an important part of Travis’s life. But getting kids involved adds a whole other dimension to this – they just got to know someone (and maybe attached to someone) that they will never see again.

Then came shopping with the moms – a great twist this season. And not really because it was nice for their moms to be a part of the shopping. But because I always wonder where the girls stay in between dates and rose ceremonies – now I know that they put them up in apartments! (ok, I know it, I’m a nerd!)

So, the final dates seemed to have been planned by the girls this season, another great twist. You could really see the difference in their personalities from the dates they planned. This is where I really think Sarah showed that she is the right choice – her date seemed to be something that Travis would actually enjoy doing on any given Saturday. But her constant need to explain her feelings to Travis made me a bit nervous – why did she keep talking, instead of enjoying the moment? Of course, it could all be editing – maybe Moana was doing the same thing.

Finally, we get to the rose ceremony. And let me tell you, I couldn’t tear my eyes away. I have been so hoping that Sarah gets the final rose, even though I know that I shouldn’t get so wrapped up in the lives of people who I have never (and most likely will never) meet. So when Moana got out of the limo, all I could think was, “please let them not be pulling a ‘we’ll-have-the-winner-get-out-of-the-first-limo’ thing like they did a few seasons back.” So when the “sad” music started playing as Travis was pouring his heart out to her, I actually yelped with joy. Moana just wasn’t the right girl for him. And we got a great (ok, not great for Moana) meltdown in the limo on the way home. Real tears – not the kind she’s been shedding when she doesn’t know what else to say. I hope that she talks to the therapists that they have on the show; and hopefully she will find someone that is really right for her.

Then up comes Sarah – and you can see Travis body language change completely. He looks happier, and like he is actually breathing. (which, Travis, you should know is a good thing!) I’m not ashamed to admit it – I shed a few tears when they finally kissed! And I loved how he explained the ring – it just continues my belief that he is the best bachelor ever. Such a gentleman (he seemed like he was the first one who didn’t take advantage of the overnight dates, if you know what I mean) to the end. What a wonderful fairy tale ending.

Each season on The Bachelor they do this silly “Women Tell All” episode. Sometimes they are a complete waste of an hour. But with the big personalities this season, it was actually worth watching.

I try so hard not to get caught up in these shows. But my heart just broke for Susan. It’s hard enough to have all your family and friends watch you get your heart broken on national television. And to have your mom, as Chris Harrison said, “throw you under the bus” on top of that must hurt even more. So when the girls started to pile on, well, it was hard to watch. I wanted to shout at them “this is why Travis didn’t pick you!!!” It just speaks so poorly of them to feel the need to badmouth her like that. And when some of the girls tried to help her out, girls like Jenny jumped all over them as well.

Sarah B. got roughed up a bit as well. She got it from the girls, as well as the producers. Did they really need to show us all the footage of her drinking and being silly? It’s embarrassing enough to get dumped on national television – they really didn’t need to make it worse. She seems like a really nice girl – if she seemed a bit immature, well, it might just be because she is only 23. So if she’s acting younger than the other girls, well, it might be because she is a lot younger than the other girls.

Side note – it’s no surprise to me that Allie G. didn’t come to this show, knowing the reception she would get. But usually attending this show (or any reunion show) is part of the contract. So I want to know how she got out of it (or how much she paid as a penalty for skipping out). But I really liked how Travis handled the question about her – like a gentleman.

So, once Travis left, the talk turned to Moana, which just was strange. Apparently the girls now like her, and apparently, so does America. And even though I don’t like her, I’m almost glad to hear that everyone else does. If I’ve learned anything from watching way too many seasons of this show is that the person who everyone likes is never the one the Bachelor chooses! I don’t get what he sees in her, but, well, to each his own.

Until next week’s finale…

Just a word about why all my blog entries are (and are going to be) late and out of order for the next two weeks. As you all know, I am a reality tv junkie. And what is the best reality tv of all? SPORTS. And what is the best sporting event of all? THE OLYMPICS. So my tivo will be working on overtime for the next two weeks as I trade in my usual reality shows for the Olympics. Yes, I'll get to all of them -- I can't imagine missing American Idol or The Bachelor (or even Skating With Celebrities). But I'm going to watch them a little late. And trust me -- the Olympics are totally worth it.

That being said, I wasn’t sure how they were going to stretch out last night’s episode of The Bachelor: Paris into two hours (other than the excessive amounts of commercials). And of course, they really didn’t have two hours worth of show. But what they did have was really good – maybe the best overnight dates yet.

First off was the “let’s look back at other overnight dates” half hour. And while it was schmaltzy and unnecessary, I kind of liked it. I love this show, and I liked getting to look back on all the old episodes. And I didn’t realize that Charley and Sarah were still together (good for them…I really liked her!). But did anyone but me notice that there were some seasons missing? What ever happened to Meredith and Jen (who each did two seasons)? And Bob Guiney? I would have liked to have seen more of each season’s dates, not just catching up with the three “successful” relationships.

Anyways, on to tonight’s overnight dates. First, and I think I said this last week, I liked the fact that the three dates were equally exciting. There have been more than a few seasons where the one or two of the dates were way better than an another (and you always knew that the girl who got the “lame” date was the one who was going to get cut). Second, I really appreciated the editing of tonight’s episode. I really didn’t have any idea who was going to get the roses until they were actually handed out.

Now, I know that there is way more to what is going on than what we were shown. But from just what is on the show, I don’t know how he can not choose Sarah. They just seem like they match. I know, I shouldn’t get emotionally involved in this show. It’s really just a show – they’re not people I know (or will ever know). But I care, and I am so hoping for Sarah.

Anyways, I liked how the producers (I’m assuming it was the producers) had Travis address a “question” he had about each of the women, both in his moments where he was talking to the camera, and to each of the women themselves. It was a nice glimpse into what might have been going through Travis’s mind. I also liked how Sarah handled it – Travis even commented on how eloquently Sarah explained why she was different from the other girls without ever badmouthing them. (that’s the teacher in her!!)

So, the dates were all good, and I’m still not sure what Travis sees in Moana. I’m just hoping that he’s keeping her around because he can’t just fly back to Nashville with Sarah now. I saw Travis on both Ellen and Jimmy Kimmel Live last week, and even though he couldn’t say anything, I got the distinct sense that he and Sarah are sneaking off together all the time (they live walking distance away!). Of course, I’m always wrong, so he’s probably with Moana as I’m writing this, laughing at all the bloggers who are getting this so horribly wrong.

Next week is the “women tell all” episode, which means more footage of the crazy doctor from the first episode. Get your tivo set now…

Before I say anything about last night’s episode of The Bachelor: Paris, you need to know something about my track record. The girl who I think is going to get the final rose is NEVER the girl who really does. Those darn ABC editors – they get me every time.

That being said, how can Travis not choose Sarah from Tennessee? They seem so perfect together! And their date was drastically different from the other three. Yes, I know that it was different circumstances because they live walking distance from each other. But still – they had dinner at Travis’s house, not Sarah’s parents (or Sarah’s). And it seemed like Travis knew that Sarah’s kindergarten class & sisters were coming to the park (while it was a surprise to Sarah). It was just a different vibe to the whole date – like it was a “real” date, not one for a television show. I so hope that she ends up with the final rose.

The other Sarah (Sarah from Canada) was really hurt by her hometown date. Travis is an ER doctor – how could he not be shocked to find out he is dating someone that still lives at home. And not that that’s such a bad thing – it’s just that she’s just so much younger than Travis is. I liked her family, and really, I thought that she was going to get one of the roses, despite the age difference.

Why would Sarah from Canada get a rose? Because I thought that there was no way Moana would. Her family just ate him up with their questions. And while it might be editing, Travis even commented on the fact that he didn’t know if he could go through another dinner like that one. I just hope that it didn’t come down to Moana’s “heartfelt” video message. Come on. Did anyone else notice that she sounded like she was crying, yet there were no tears? It seemed very planned – a last effort to get Travis to think about her, and not about the train wreck that was time with her family.

Finally, there was Susan. Loved the foreshadowing ABC – did they actually have Travis saying that something major would have to happen for Susan to not get a rose? Then we see her mom talking about Susan’s ex-fiancée? Wow. The only thing about that whole date was whether or not Travis knew that she was previously engaged. Because when he found out that Jehan was previously married, she got kicked to the curb pretty quickly. Hmmm. Anyways, the conversation between Susan and her dad about becoming an actress seemed pretty contrived – like a producer knew that it had been discussed amongst the girls, so maybe they could continue it for another episode. It might have been real, but I just don’t think so.

Next week are the romantic “overnight” dates – I like that they are all in Europe this time. (I hated when they went three different places – one date always seemed much better than the other two) And hopefully Sarah will continue to shine.

So I went out to dinner Saturday night with an old friend. And we weren’t the only old friends catching up at the restaurant – the table behind me was clearly two women doing the same thing. But while my friend and I talked about our jobs, friends, and all sorts of things, what were the two women behind us catching up on? The Bachelor: Paris. I guess I’m not the only one…

Before I continue though, please scroll down to read my entry from last week’s show. Go ahead – I’ll wait. At the end, I talked about a great idea for who the “mystery women” could be. And what happened? They used my idea!!!! Ok, before you start writing me nasty emails (“don’t you know that the show was filmed months ago?”), yes, I know that it wasn’t my idea. But would you accept that I managed to predict the truth? Maybe? :) All in all, I liked that the dates were decided by former contestants. The girls in the house have a better idea than most who is really there for the right reasons. So it was no surprise that Jehan and Sarah from Tennessee got the individual dates – excellent choices.

Of course, Jehan’s date was overshadowed by her “big revelation.” This also brings to light that my definition of a big revelation is clearly very different than that of a tv exec. Because I was hoping for something big – you know, like that she is a former porn star, or maybe a hooker. (Remember back to the second season of Average Joe? The big revelation was that she used to date pretty boy Fabio. Whoop de do.) But the “big” revelation was that she is divorced. See, the thing is that 50% of marriages end in divorce. It’s horrifying, but true. We all have friends who have been divorced. It might be a big deal for Travis, but not for most of us. At least Jehan was a nice, honest girl.

Which leads me to the group date, or “Moana brings three girls on her date.” What does he see in her? Yes, I understand she’s pretty, but so were the girls he let go. My only thought is that when they were getting the massage, she told him something that wasn’t aired. As she started to open up, it’s entirely possible that she asked them to stop filming, or to turn the sound off. I hope that this is really just editing, and she’s not as mean as they are making her out to be. But they can only edit what actually happens.

Other than Moana, I was so happy with the rose ceremony. I love Sarah from Tennessee, and it’s great that she is from the same place as him. I think that will get her a lot further than the other girls…it will be a lot easier for them to have an actual relationship. And I like Susan as well. I know they say that she wants to be an actress, but she seems really nice. Other than the fact that in the promo for next week you see him being grilled by Sarah from Tennessee’s mom, I think that the final 3 will be the two Sarahs and Susan…hopefully only one more week of Moana!!

You know, The Bachelor is degrading to women. It's degrading to men. Heck, it might even be degrading to my two rabbits that watched it with me last night. But it is SO good. And this season may be the best in awhile.

First, ABC is clearly listening to talk shows and reading blogs and knew that everyone was talking about crazy Allie. Poor, crazy Allie, with her rotting eggs. So what did they do? They re-packaged the first episode with about two more minutes of Allie footage and showed it again. Give that exec a pat on the back. An hour of tv that cost them about $50 to re-edit. Way to go. And wouldn't you know it, I couldn't tear myself away. I just wonder what she said to the casting agent that got her on the show. They have thousands of women that apply -- what would make them choose her? And I hope that they paid the show's psychologist extra after that -- you know she made her money that night.

Anyways, on to the "real" episode -- the dates. The first dates are always interesting -- so many girls at once. And Travis seems to actually understand that each of these girls is getting emotionally involved -- way more involved than he is. That's why I was so impressed with him last night, making a conscious decision to hold off on kissing anyone yet. There have been seasons where there are kisses handed out before roses. This was a nice change, and speaks very highly of him.

This brings me to my next question -- does Travis get to choose which girls go on each date? It seemed like he knew in advance that by giving Kristin the last rose she would get the one-on-one date. And it was cute that he called her mom to find out what food she liked -- he obviously did not know what the rest of us already did -- she was not going to be getting a rose. And that in itself was great television. We've all been there -- a friend is going on a date with someone we would like to date. So we give them some bad advice, which obviously will make their date fail. Go ahead, we say, read him a poorly written poem! Make him a card! Teach him how to make fake teeth out of orange skin! And we can't believe that she would actually take the advice. Those other girls helped themselves to have a better chance at a rose, and I can't say that I blame them.

The two group dates were great, although I don't like the new trend that there is a rose on every date. I don't even know why -- I just don't like it. I guess that part of me wants to think that they're just on a date, rather than on a show. But it adds an element of "cattiness" that I'm not such a fan of.

My favorite part of the episode was definitely the birthday cake for Susan. They were having such a moment -- the kind that makes you think she will be one of the final girls. And here come Tara & Jehan to break up the party. So what does Travis do? Sends them away with a piece of cake. I loved it! :)

The rose ceremony was only kind of surprising -- I knew that both Sarahs and Susan would get a rose, and Tara and Jehan already had them. That leaves three in play. I figured that Yvonne would go (I don't know...she just didn't seem to fit in). But I was surprised about Moana and Cole. Moana is clearly there to play "the game" -- a few of the girls even said that she wants to be an actress, so this is just a stepping stone. And I thought that Cole would get a rose -- she seemed to really fit in. Of course, we only see about 40 minutes out of an entire week's worth of footage, so you never know. They edit the show to tell a story. Which is why I think that three of the final four will be Susan and both Sarahs. The fourth? Well...honestly, from watching way too many of these shows, I think it will be Moana. It's a storyline, and the editors love that. My favorites? Susan and Sarah from Tennesee. Of course, now that I said that, they'll be the next two to go. Such a guilty pleasure...

It's January, The Bachelor is back, and all is right with the world. :)

Last night's episode was one of the best premieres of the show in years. Of course, Chris Harrison started out as always with saying that this was the best looking bachelor yet (and since they always say this, I can't WAIT to see who they choose next season, because this one will be hard to top!). But the noticable difference was that they went back to the original formula for the first meeting (ball gowns, getting out of the limo, etc.), and that the episode was only an hour. That meant we didn't have the hour of meeting each girl, which was so tedious. The bottom line is that we don't need to see footage of them telling their friends or getting on the plane. Just put them in the limos already. (thank you ABC)

Travis really seemed like the perfect bachelor. Not only is he cute, but he's smart -- a serious departure from some of the other bachelors. And he, at least from the 20 minutes we saw last night, seems like a genuinely nice person. Of course, my husband thinks I only watch the show to comment on the hair and dresses of the girls (and really, what were some of them thinking???), but I like the guy too. ABC did a great job casting this season, even with the girls who you knew right away would never see a rose. Princess? Your name is Princess? And Jaime, who I think might have gotten a rose had the producers helped her to choose a different dress and hairstyle (she seemed really nice, but really out of her element). And then there was Allie.

Oh Allie. Your eggs are rotting. You're ready for the reproductive years. And you just don't know why the bachelor didn't give you a rose. How on earth are you a doctor if you can't see signs like that. Can you imagine it -- you walk into her office with a broken arm and she sends you in for a CAT scan because she can't figure out why you can't move your arm. Oh my. I only wish he had kept you around for one more week so we could have seen you on a group date. That would have been great television. Although I did like that they rolled the credits over her accosting a producer, who just didn't know what to do.

There were a couple of girls that I was surprised he let go -- Venus (who was also a doctor, although he might not have ever known that) and April, who he seemed to like. Oh well. Cutting so many women at once is bound to leave you open to make a few mistakes. At least he didn't say the wrong name. Once the dates start, we'll really know who is who. I can't wait!