You have spoken and ABC has listened (Sorry, Probst, I borrowed your line). Thanks to your overwhelming response to this year’s show (and, I think, this blog) the entire season will be 2-hour episodes. Thank you! As has become the norm around here, I’m going to deal with some comments before we dive into this week’s episode. First of all, Heather, thank you for "drinking the Chris Harrison Kool-Aid." I hope it tastes like a really nice Cabernet. We have a producer and camera crew around the house most of the time. Not 24/7 but pretty close, just in case something "Dramatic" happens. Some of you are trying to find the best place to nominate somebody for the next Bachelor. Go to Bachelor.ABC.com, and I hope to see all of you at the next rose ceremony. By the way someone asked why I say that. It’s because it’s my hope that I will see them again, but I know that some will not be back. The time between rose ceremonies is different from week to week depending on the dates and travel time involved. Sometimes we don’t need a week if the dates are local and easy to set up, but if we’re traveling to hometowns or exotics we obviously need more time. I told you the first rose ceremony goes all night. The ceremonies that follow usually get shorter and shorter, but they still go pretty late into the night or, more correctly, early morning. Again, thank you for all of your comments and keep them coming as I know you will have plenty to say after this week’s shocking episode.
This episode started with something that I always love: making the men or women sing in public. Most of the girls, like the guys last season, just went for it and had fun, but let’s talk about a few of them. Nikki has control issues and it was really hard for her to do this. We made that apparent but still didn’t have time to show you just how freaked out she was by this task. I honestly thought there was no way she’d get up there, and it took everybody in the house to convince her to do so. I was actually proud of her for facing her fear. Stephanie and the opera, what can I say other than, did you really expect anything else from her? This whole thing was perfect for Lauren. She’s a songwriter and whipped out that amazing song in half an hour. But the ironic thing is she hates to sing in front of people, so even though the song came easy, she had a tough time performing. I have to admit though, when I heard her song I thought she was going into "True Colors" by Cyndi Lauper.
Molly got the rose for "best performance" and went to Jason’s house for the one-on-one date. A side note about Molly and her love of fast food, which she alluded to in her song. She was so desperate to get McDonald’s, she would beg the producers to bring her some everyday. We did give in and bring her some McD’s. That really was the house Jason stayed in and as I’ve said before, it’s about a half mile up the road from the girls’ house. It’s this really cool house that sits on a bluff and overlooks the valley and the mountains. The grass they were sitting on is actually Astro Turf put in by the owner. I loved this date since it gave us another Bachelor first. The first ever Bachelor walk of shame home in the morning in his clothes. The looks and reactions from the other women were priceless. Melissa summed it up best when she said sadly she "smells like him and is wearing his pants."
This led to the group date from hell (at least it was for Jason). The date to the set of General Hospital was fun, and the ladies were very excited about it. They didn’t get the script until moments before they walked on set and Jason didn’t even get to see who was doing what. The stage manager on the set at General Hospital was a great guy named Paul Danner. Paul actually works for us as our stage manager. He’s a former Army Ranger, and I hang with him a lot when we’re on the road. This sets up a story I’ll tell all of you in an upcoming episode (that’s what we call a teaser in the biz). So the women were having a good time until everybody started making out with Jason. Then all hell broke loose. Pretty much everybody was crying later that night at the club. We didn’t have time to show you just how upset Naomi was. At one point, she ran to the bathroom and bawled her eyes out; she was a real mess. All the girls were very emotional. I talked to Jason after the date and he was exhausted. He said every time he turned around somebody else was crying and upset. A couple thoughts on specific women on this date: Megan actually played it cool trying to stay above the emotional mess. Lauren was way too forward (more on this later). Ladies, I’m sure all of you know this, but don’t tell a man "you can’t let me go." One more personal hygiene/dating note, and this goes for guys and girls. Don’t blow your nose, pick it, and then go in for a kiss. And if you do, don’t be so shocked when the other person rejects you.
The two-on-one date with Nikki and Stephanie was the toughest we have ever had. This was just a brutal date for producers and Jason. Both women were well liked, and we knew it was going to be very difficult for Jason to decide which one to send home. This was the first time the women back home didn’t have a good idea of who wouldn’t be returning home. They usually know each other even better than the bachelor does but this time they were truly split down the middle as to what was going to happen. Jason had such a tough time with this decision that we had to stop production for almost an hour while he tried to figure out what he was going to do. In the end, he sent Nikki home and kept Stephanie. Nikki handled it so well, I was very impressed. Did you all notice the grace with which Steph handled the situation? You can tell she’s a very graceful, poised, and classy woman.
The cocktail party was short but was interesting. Lauren finished hanging herself by challenging Jason even more than she already had. I understand her strategy, many men liked to be challenged (I’m one of them). But there’s a difference between challenging someone and just being a little cocky or pushy. Lauren crossed that line, and it really turned Jason off. I still don’t understand how that conversation between them ended up in a kiss. As usual we shot deliberation room with Jason and me. It was good but it also revealed what was to come in the rose ceremony and we wanted to save that surprise for the end. This is when Jason made it clear he didn’t want to give out that final rose just to be giving it out. He’s been through this and giving a rose just to lead a woman on for another week isn’t fair to him, the women getting the rose, or the other women he really does want to spend more time with. In the end Lauren, Shannon, and Megan went home. I know it’s still early in the season, but the award for best exit interview goes to Shannon. "I’m going to get my electric toothbrush and give my puppy French kisses."
Next week we are off to Jason’s hometown of Seattle. In fact, we spend the next two weeks in Seattle. Trust me when I tell you this is just getting started. One final note on an amazing and historical week: I was among the two million people in the mall in D.C. last Tuesday braving the freezing temperatures to witness history. I don’t care what your political views are or who you voted for, it was one of those times to set it all aside and take in a moment that will be remembered for a lifetime. I’ll see you next week and very soon I will be commenting on how and why I say "This is your final rose tonight." Until then, go French kiss your pet!
Check out our exclusive deleted scene below and read Kristen Baldwin’s ‘Bachelor’ TV Watch.
Comments (1-30) of 427 Add your comment
Amazing blog post as usual, Chris. I look forward to them. Please check out my blog – which I am about to post. http://bachelorlove.blogspot.com Now close to 15,000 hits. Please tell ABC and bring me to blog at The Women Tell All!
Chris, Great minds think a like. I sang “true colors” while Lauren sang her song. I’m so glad I wasn’t the only one who heard that melody. This is why you’re way better than Jeff Probst! Who do we need to email to nominate you for best reality tv host?
I thought Jason handled it well what I would have called “the week from hell.” The waltz during the 2-on-1 date was truly the “dance from hell.” But somehow, the show’s format sets up the women for attacks of jealousy. I’ve been impressed (or rather UN-impressed) by the shallowness of all the women. Nothing inside. Sure hope the “winner” has something going for her. I’m tired of all the crying!
Naomi “BALLED her eyes out”? Someone might want to go back in and correct the spelling on that one. Just saying.
I have a feeling that Deanna will be popping up in Seattle soon and that’s what Chris meant when he said “this is just getting started”. Very good tease as you in the biz like to call it.
Chris, I was wondering who determines which girls goes on those dates? Did Jason pick Nikki and Stephanie for the 2 on 1 date knowing that he would have to send one of them home?
The women are losing their minds……but it makes for great TV. As you say Chris, tonight was definitely the most dramatic rose ceremony EVER. I’m having my younger sister take notes on how NOT to behave around a man. Jason gets props for handling these women so well. Seriously,Chris, are you secretly laughing behind the scenes as you watch the ladies have mad breakdowns over Jason? They were loony tonight. I am still picking my jaw up off the floor……
Chris
I love your blog, Keep it up and I am glad that the show will continue for 2 hours
What about Jillian? How was she during it? Jason mentioned how she always seemed like the backbone for the group.
Oh my goodness. Chris, while your blogs are the little guilty pleasure in my week, I do have to say the “Doll Bachelor” Series following the extra clips at the end are really stiff competition. Whatever genius decided to create those deserves a bonus– they are HILARIOUS.
I am surprised Jason kept Stephanie. I really like her, but I still don’t see the chemistry. When he kissed her it looked like he was kissing his mother. I felt bad for Nikki but at least you could tell Jason was trying to be sweet. Have you watched the Bonnie Hunt Show? Bonnie has talked about Nikki and tried to give her a little self-esteem pep talk. I want more info on Jason dumping Megan. I mean, Jason seemed to be getting on well with her and he asked her to dance, then no rose. Weeks ago we all knew she wouldn’t go far, but it seemed like she left for no reason tonight. Unless he already knew a few rose ceremonies ago that he didn’t want to be with her…
Thanks, Chris!
2 hour episodes here on out–my husband will love that!
Chris, I love this blog and you!!! Honestly, this is the best season of the Bachelor yet! The women this season are far superior to the bimbettes often presented. Absolutely love the longer format, too!
Love the blog but please keep your politicking to yourself. I personally don’t care you got to go to DC and see the presidential inauguration. And no, I will not set aside my political views. I’m waiting for some action behind all the pretty words. Now back to our regular Bachelor programming…please!
Chris, what do you do during the dates? Are you watching previously recorded footage, editing, or just hanging out at the nearest bar??
Chris, did Jason mention why he sent Nikki home? Considering his lack of chemistry with Stephanie and Nikki’s graciousness, it didn’t make sense.
Also, why can’t the girls have a treadmill, elliptical, or exercise videos to work out? I can’t imagine having only walks or water aerobics.
Chris, great behind the scenes moments as usual, keep them coming! Seriously, I know I joke on my Bach/ette Blog about the champagne glass knife-banging maneuver all the time, but why not a spoon or a fork!? Or a spork?
I mean I don’t know about you, but is it a good idea to keep knives around some of those ladies…;) Tee hee.
Jenn:)
http://bachgirlfan.blogspot.com
No kidding, I was singing True Colors from the first chorus on. Looove the BTS insight Chris. Somehow you manage to give us all this juicy scoop without being catty. I’ll have to try that some time. Nawwww, who am I kidding?? P.S. Yayyyy for the longer shows.
I hated the three that got eliminated. I couldn’t decide which two I would have sent home. Surprisingly, but delightfully, he sent all three of them home. Pushy, Needy, and Bitchy hit the road….Yay! And Nikki was not my favorite from the very beginning because of the whole “dress my niece up as a pageant queen” scene in her tape. She was fake and a high maintenance mess. The five that are left really are all great women. Finally, the end of the road has ALL quality. I can’t figure out yet which one should be his wife. But Stephanie is my favorite, and Jillian is my dark horse. But all five are awesome.
Oh no! Chris, you’re kidding me…He got rid of Nikki? Whose giant ta-tas are the camera guys going to focus on next? (haha) Seriously, I know I wasn’t the only one who noted the camera guys having fun with Nikki’s gigantic boobs. I can’t remember which episode it was, but there was one where they were talking right before the final rose ceremony and the camera man is panning upwards from her waist to her chest as they cut to Jason saying, “You’ve got great…qualities…and they’re really…obvious…” I can’t tell you how hard that made me laugh. Ah well, Stephanie has nice ones too. In fact, I LOVE Stephanie. She is the classiest, sweetest woman I think has ever been on the show. Everyone can’t stop talking about her eyebrows. I honestly think she just doesn’t see how they came across on camera. I definitely think she would make a GREAT Bachelorette. I think we need a show to prove you can find love at ANY age and any life situation. Go Steph!
Awwwww, Chris… I’m disappointed that you failed to mention how well Jillian handled the group date. (A quality that was not lost on Jason, thank goodness).
Very glad to hear that the rest of the shows will be 2 hours!
Chris,
I hope after the final rose ceremony, there will be a very, very long segment (s) showing the love story footage that is not shown during the episodes. What a great way to bring closure to the season and to pay tribute to just the two of them. I know I’d love to see it as it is obvious that much of their love story that we all had hoped to see is not making the air! It would be a special gift to the couple, as well. Please think about it.
Don’t let anyone give you a hard time. These blogs are my favorite thing of the season. And let me tell you that is hard to beat how much I love that Jason is the bachelor. Oh the hours I spent writing abc and nominating him online. You are doing an excellent job. Spelling errors are no big deal. I love what you say during the show. You are always such a gentlemen. And you are 100% right no matter who you voted for (I didn’t vote for President Obama) it was a great day for America. And I wish I could have been there. Thank You for sharing your story with us. And thanks for all the bachelor info you give us. Keep you head up high and forget about the rude comments! Your blog is an amazing idea and I thank you for taking the time! Your doing a great job! Btw- I would love shots of you working out without your shirt one! ABC doesn’t know what they are missing out on!!! I hope you see you after the next rose ceremony! Love, Robin
Hey Chris. I just found this blog and updated myself on your past entries about The Bachelor. I’ve enjoyed reading them, and I will continue to.
I just had to point out one thing though… in your episode 3 blog, you made the mistake of saying “Megan WAS the bartender”.. but she wasn’t eliminated until tonight (episode 4)! =)
Thanks for the awesome Bachelor blog, Chris! I have a behind-the scenes question for you: does Jason pick who goes on which date (ie. last night’s group date vs. the dreaded 2-on-1) or do the producers? What I’m getting at is did he “pit” Stephanie against Nikki or did the producers? That was a hard decision, I felt badly for him to make it and badly for the women to be on that date.
Chris, I love reading your blog! BTW, who do the girls talk to when they are in that limo? Is it you? Lastly, I’ve been to three inaugurations and quite honestly, all of them were patriotic and historical.
Jason sent the right three women home, yay!! That General Hospital date was vile, so unclassy to have Jason kissing everyone. No wonder all the *omen were upset afterwards. It was a cute idea to do the acting, but next time leave out all the kissing. New low, Bachelor!
Finally, Jason came to his senses and followed his heart!!! I was happy to see that he let people go that he knew were not right for him. Steph did handle the situation with Nikki was class. I’m sure that was a hard situation to be put in. It will be great to see Jason in his own surroundings next week.
I’m sure that attending the swearing in of our new President was an awesome day!
Keep up the great work. These blogs are the best at giving us an inside look at the Bachelor! Until next week, have a great week!
That dental hygentist girl was crazy! I thought it was smart of Jason to send those 3 home who clearly had no chance. I think Jillian is the front-runner at this point. Chris – Who decides who gets what date? The producers, Jason or a combination? I am also curious, how far do these bachelors, um, get, with the ladies? I’m sure many of us will be asking that with the overnight dates. I haven’t watched a full season of the Bachelor in a few seasons (except the Bachelorette with DeAnna who I didn’t like, I wish you had your blog then), but I am really enjoying this season! Great job on the blog!
I haven’t watched this show since season 1 and came back b/c my mondays were lacking. I am so hooked now and thrilled we have the insider info from you, Chris. It’s so cool to have u here to provide the fun deets plus to know you actually read our comments!
As for the finale, I think it’ll be Jillian and Melissa. Molly and her Mickey D’s in 3rd.
I just love that the crazy has seriously amped up now. I tell ya, if Jason had a bunny, it so would have been boiled at some point during or after this episode! Of course, Shannon would have brushed her teeth and mad out with it before she drop it in the pot.
Final thoughts, I can’t understand how a pageant queen like Nikki can neither sing or dance and has such a tremendous case of stage fright. According to her, she’s just so beautiful AND smart, what more does she need to do?! I say trim the sideburns and work on your people skills, sister! Okay that was mean, but try to be a little less perfect and a little more human
Chris, thoroughly enjoy your blog — am surprised it took 13 rounds to get one. I’ve always been under the impression the dates have a “time limit?” However, Molly staying all night seems to make that not so. I must say that this early on, her staying all night was completely classless. Very tacky. If I were one of the other women, I would have left immediately as that sent a very strong message (perhaps he’s not so ‘undecided’) Speaking of blogs, am also very suprised ABC does not have one for The Bachelor on their own home page. Y’all need to check out Stacey B. and her blog. Her’s is witty, informative, insightful, and fun! Have a good week…. http://bachelorlove.blogspot.com
My question is: Why isn’t the Bachelor season longer? We all obviously enjoy the show, and more time would mean A). more time for the Bachelor to spend with the ladies and (hopefully) make a better choice and B). more time for us to watch!
Jillian is my pick. Neither your blog or EW’s popwatch commented on how well she handled the group date, or her strategy of calling Jason “dude” to herself on group dates so she can keep some emotional and mental distance. Smart girl. I am all for her!