The Final Rose on The Bachelor

Another season of The Bachelor, another season where I am rooting for the wrong girl. Someone out there could make money betting against me, I’m sure.

Last night’s finale of The Bachelor was better than most, even though it hasn’t been one of the best seasons ever. Turns out that being a princess doesn’t mean you’re not crazy. Yes, I know that a lot of the show has to do with editing, and I’m sure that Lorenzo’s mom was coached to bring out the crazier side of her personality. But palm reading? Really? And having both sets of parents and both girls to brunch at the same time? Even if this was really the producers’ idea, his mom was certainly on board. And the look on Lorenzo’s face as the brunch progressed was fabulous. No one likes brunch with the in-laws (both sets of parents in a room is always a recipe for disaster), and two sets of potential in-laws is really rough.

Speaking of editing, how much footage do you think they had of Jen’s parents that didn’t make them seem crazy? They were clearly trying to make it seem like there was no way he could pick her because of her parents. (either that, or they really are that crazy, and he likes it) And ABC did a really poor job of editing the rose ceremony scenes before the actual rose ceremony. They showed Lorenzo slipping the ring on a girl’s finger about a million times; then in the show we can see that Jen’s manicure matches that shot. Come on I know I’m a freak about these things, but I can’t be the only one who noticed. How hard would it have been to shoot him putting the ring on a staffer’s finger (with a drastically different manicure) just to throw us all off? As soon as I saw the shot of Jen’s fingers, I knew she was the one he picked.

And while I liked Jen, I was surprised that he didn’t choose Sadie. It seemed like they had more of a connection, though I know that the producers only show us what they want us to see. Watching how he kissed each of the girls, I was convinced that he would choose Sadie. Then again, if he honestly hadn’t made up his mind until the day before, maybe he really did have a connection with Sadie as well.

And Sadie. What a trooper. I really liked how she handled herself after Lorenzo told her that he would rather be with Jen (and what was up with that? There are much nicer ways he could have let her down. It was almost as if he looked at her and all of a sudden wasn’t so sure of his decision) She would be a great candidate to do a season of The Bachelorette. And I hope that she doesn’t have much personal backlash from being portrayed on television as “the virgin.”

So another season over, and another couple together (though with a promise ring, not engaged). I may have guessed wrong as to who Lorenzo would pick, but smart money would have them broken up by the premiere of the next season in the spring. (by the way, how do the previous bachelors feel when they announce that the next season features "the hottest bachelor yet"? Somewhere, Andrew Firestone just swore at the tv) I hope not – another “Trista & Ryan”-type wedding would be fun. Can’t wait to find out.

We're down to 2 on The Bachelor!

Well, it's that time again - fantasy dates! And true to Bachelor form, there was enough drama to go around.

Now, last week when he kept Lisa, I was wondering if he did it so he could get rid of her the next time somewhat easily. I think that sometimes that's the strategy for the bachelors when they find that they really have a connection with one or two girls - they keep a girl who he doesn't feel much for so it's easier to not get caught up with her and makes the rose ceremony elimination easier. I think that's what Lorenzo did with Lisa. It seemed pretty clear that he was freaked out by her "plan" and all the wedding magazines and the dress. He did a good job of grilling her last night about her love of the show. The other girls had mentioned that before - that she has seen every episode of the show, and knows what to say to get further along. It finally caught up to her last night. I'm not sure if she was on the show to be on tv or for a quick way to find a husband, but it wasn't to fall in love with Lorenzo. Good riddance.

I really like both Jen and Sadie. They seem like down-to-earth girls who are really there for Lorenzo. And both of their dates seemed more like "real" dates than some of the typical fantasy dates from other seasons. Spending a day at an amusement park, or teaching Sadie how to scuba dive are things Lorenzo might do outside of the show. Usually when a girl goes on a more "real" fantasy date, it's a good sign for her future on the show. Remember Jenn and Andrew's fantasy date? Didn't they go bowling? Anyways, you just got the impression that Lorenzo just wanted to spend time with the two of them. I was also really impressed with his reaction to Sadie's moral dilemma. (of course, we did joke last night that he didn't need to pressure Sadie to have sex since he had already gotten some that week from Jen and Lisa!)

The rose ceremony was good - I was so glad to see Lisa finally go. This might be the first season where my two favorite girls are left in the end. I don't know who to root for! I think I'm hoping he chooses Sadie, but Jen would be a good choice too. And it looks like after next week's "women tell all" episode, the final episode involves both sets of parents instead of just Lorenzo's. I feel for Lorenzo - it looks like from the previews that he truly is concerned about hurting both one girl and her parents. Should be good!

where the heck did the blog go?

Ok, so I know that there have been almost no new posts in the past month. I am such a slacker. I have written a bunch, but was having internet problems, so I didn't get them uploaded. Then, in what can only be described as a most brilliant move, I deleted them. Ugh. So I am just going to start fresh. Sorry for all the lost time. And I really do appreciate the emails I've gotten asking where the blog went and what I thought about various episodes. I do have a lot of thoughts about my favorite shows...Survivor, Amazing Race, The Bachelor, and The Biggest Loser. But I am also fully aware that there is no way I can recreate all the posts I lost. Sigh... So a few thoughts to get us caught up (sort of)...

Survivor:Cook Islands: This has been and will always be my favorite show (reality or otherwise). And I've heard people talk about how they don't like this season as much. I was worried at first that the whole race thing was the sign that the show had jumped the shark. But I really like this season. The nay-sayers talk about the lack of villains, and that many of the characters are sort of just there. I agree that there aren't many people on this season to hate, especially now that Cao Boi is gone (thank goodness!). But there are enough people making stupid mistakes that there's always someone to root against at Tribal Council. And the lack of villains makes Tribal more interesting...they seem genuinely upset to vote off their friends. And other than that one early challenge that was a repeat from Palau, the challenges have been amazing. They are doing a great job of making each one a mix of physical and mental, and they are tough. Knowing the challenges are going to be that tough can totally change your strategy and outlook back at camp. I love Yul. He is such a nice guy, and with the hidden idol, he has to be a favorite to win. (who could beat him in the final two?) I also love Ozzy. I hated his early move to throw a challenge, but he may be the first castaway who can actually survive out there. He is amazing. I think his tribe may actually be gaining weight (ok, not really, but look at the difference between the weight loss of the two tribes). My ideal final four? Ozzy, Becky, Yul, & Candice. (yes, that Candice).

The Amazing Race: Watching this season, there is little question of why The Amazing Race continues to win the Emmy year after year. The locations have been amazing. I always feel like I'm smarter for watching the show (I don't travel, so I'm actually getting to see the world through the show), and they're going to some really unique places. This may also be the first time where an alliance has held up like this. The "six pack" is playing a different game - one where alliances can help you through. But this isn't a game where people get voted off. So sticking with a 3 team alliance makes you only as fast as your slowest team. It has really showed the character of the Cho brothers - they are one of the finest examples of people with good character I've ever seen on tv. At first I thought that they were sticking with the alliance because they know they can beat the other two teams in the end. But now I think that they are just truly nice guys. And that's way better than a million dollars, right? The only team I've been sad to see go were Dave & Mary - I was just rooting for them to win. Now I'm rooting for the Cho brothers and the beauty queens. I'd be happy with either couple winning. One other note - do Rob & Kimberly remind anyone else of the "two assholes" skit from SNL? (we have to find the clue babe...)

The Bachelor: Ok, I am fully aware that The Bachelor is rather demeaning to women. And it's really not a very good show. But I can't miss it. I love watching the dates. I love the rose ceremonies. And I love the teary rides home in the limo. This season's bachelor, while technically an Italian prince, seems like a down to earth guy. And there have been some real characters among the women. Yes, I'm talking about Erica, the first contestant who lists her occupation as "socialite," and was practically in tears over sharing a bedroom and not having a maid. I really like Sadie. She seems to be most compatible with Lorenzo, and is there for the right reasons. (did you see his face when Lisa came out in a wedding dress, and her friend explained her plan?)

The Biggest Loser: I admit that I was first drawn to the show because there is nothing quite as captivating as fat people getting on a scale. But over the past few seasons I've gotten hooked on the show itself. There is something really inspiring about watching people take charge of their lives and change for the better. But this season isn't as good as the past few. I'm not totally sure why. I think that part of it is the new trainer. She's just not as good as Jillian. The show needs a "tough" trainer to balance out Bob. And I can't connect with a skinny girl like her tearing up about how she has body image issues. I'm also not really connected to the contestants this season as I was before. They all seem like really nice people, and there's almost no conflict between them. Great for them, not so great for tv. I do like the twist this season of "at home" contestants who have been working to get "back to the ranch." What I don't understand is why it seems like the "at home" folks have been working for longer than those at the ranch. Even if it's not the case, it really seems that way since the at home contestants have lost similar amounts to those at the ranch. I don't know how that's possible with the same amount of time, simply because those at the ranch are only dieting and exercising; the ones at home have to go to work, take care of family, etc. And while I understand that the contestants at the ranch are miffed that there are new contestants, I would be impressed that they have lost all that weight on their own (if they can lose that much on their own, imagine what they can lose with a trainer...I sure would want them on my team!).

One final show...did anyone catch the "Reality TV Awards" on the Fox Reality network. If you like to see drunk reality stars, be sure to catch this show (it's repeated every couple of days). The whole thing is cheesy and low rent (it took place at Mike Boogie's bar), but it gets sloppier and sloppier as the night goes on and the "stars" get drunker and drunker.

Ok, so I think we're caught up. I'll be watching election returns tonight (I'm a political junkie too!), then it's back to reality tv. Thank goodness!