I have great news for all of you who have been begging (alright, justasking nicely) for more bloopers and behind-the-scenes stuff. Thisseason’s Women Tell All special will be two hours. We have already shota couple segments for this special. I sat down with Jason and got hisperspective on the show now that he’s had a chance to see it on TV andwitness those moments that happened when he wasn’t around. We also wentthrough several bloopers and highlights that have never been seenbefore and didn’t make the show. This special will air in two weeks.
Let’s deal with some of my favorite comments of yours from this pastweek. Alana mentioned she watches the show with her husband Roger who’sa Marine. I love that couples watch the show together but wanted togive a special salute to any and all of our viewers who serve ourcountry. They do the real work so we have the right to do silly thingslike blog and tink champagne glasses. Thank you, Roger! Many of youasked about the house where Jason is staying and where we shootdeliberation. This, as many of you commented, is not Jason’s realhouse. This is a house we rented from a lovely couple that I had thepleasure of meeting and sharing a glass of vino with. This is a verycool house, but I don’t think any parent would really want to raise akid in a house completely surrounded by water. We used this housebecause it looks great and it’s only about ten minutes away from thehotel where all the girls stayed and the rose ceremonies were held.Jason does live in Kirkland (which you saw on Deanna’s season) which ismuch further away. A few of you gave me a hard time about my Green Dayreference last week. You guys were so right I should have mentioned alocal Seattle band like U2.
The hometown week is a rough one on the cast and crew, but it’s one of my favorite episodes because, as the old saying goes, you can’t pick your family. This is also the first time the women are out of the "bubble" and back around the people they love and trust the most. I always find it interesting how they explain their feelings and how the family and friends react. We started up in Canada with Jillian. This is a perfect example of how a hometown can change everything you know about somebody. Jill went from this happy-go-lucky girl to the woman explaining how her family struggled with but survived her mother suffering from depression. An incredible story and a very touching moment when she opened up to Jason about this. Bottom line: Jason and Jillian left this week closer than they’ve ever been.
We then dropped down into Grand Rapids, Michigan to visit Molly. There are a few entertaining things you didn’t get a chance to see on this date. Jason played beer pong with Molly’s family for a couple hours. Also not shown (but you will see it on the Women Tell All special) was Jason losing a bet on the golf course to Molly and having to take his pants off and give them to her. He walked off the course in his boxers! I guess my biggest question for Molly’s family is…hats? And the hat box? Apparently, in Jason’s mind Molly looks like Jack Nicholson’s version of the Joker. Jason told me later he couldn’t believe Molly’s mom asked him to sketch her. He had no idea what to do and is clearly not an artist. Overall this was also a good hometown visit and he enjoyed his time with Molly and her family.
Then came possibly the greatest hometown date in the history of hometown dates: Naomi in California. It’s like a buffet. Where do I start? Let’s begin with Naomi’s mom’s brilliant words to live by: "be one with the hula hoop." I think if we all live by that mantra this world will be a better place. Before any of you start commenting that our devious producers made this up, we didn’t…the dead dove was for real. I know. I can’t believe it either, but we had nothing to do with this. Jason told me he swore he was being punk’d. The whole time he kept waiting for everybody to start laughing and let him in on the joke, but alas, it was no joke. So he just mumbled his way through it, trying to keep a straight face. I also love the fact that Naomi’s mom said the dove killed itself on the windshield of her car and that it wasn’t her fault. If I had been there I would have eulogized Rosie (they really named the dead dove?) with these profound thoughts: Rosie, oh blessed bird of peace, I’m sorry it all had to end this way, but thank you for blessing us with maybe the best TV moment I’ve ever witnessed! As if the dead dove wasn’t enough TV gold, Naomi’s mom actually one-upped herself by asking Jason about his thoughts on reincarnation. One moment we didn’t show you was that Naomi’s mom believes she is Joan of Arc reincarnated. (On a side note: I believe I’m Keith Richards reincarnated….what’s that? He’s not dead yet?) The look on Jason’s face while talking to Naomi’s mom was priceless. Jason somehow survives Naomi’s mom only to be peppered by her dad Hector about his thoughts on Jesus. The fact that Jason is Jewish made this a terrific conversation. Naomi later admitted that maybe we should have discussed our faith before this hometown visit….You think! One last note before I wrap up Naomi’s hometown. This was her family’s house. I was a little thrown off, as I’m sure you guys were, when you saw the slot machines and the bathroom doors that had male and female signs on them. I could blog another five pages on this date but let’s just think of Rosie the blessed dove and fly on. Bottom line: Jason was a little thrown off by this hometown visit (as most humans would have been) and wasn’t sure this was the right fit for him and Ty.
While Jason was still trying to recover from his time with Naomi he flew into Dallas only to be told he won’t be allowed to meet Melissa’s family because they aren’t comfortable with the "publicness" of this. This is my official position on this whole ordeal. I fully respect Melissa’s parents for not coming on the show and even understand it. They didn’t sign up for this, their daughter did. But, while I respect their decision a whole bunch of red flags came up for me, as they did for Jason. Not meeting her parents on TV is one thing but when Jason found out none of her closest friends really knew her family either, that was a little odd. Everything he learned about Melissa on this date was puzzling for him and for the first time really made him question their connection. This is one of those very real situations we’ve all been in where your heart and gut are telling you one thing, but your head is screaming another. This is not over yet and they will continue to talk about this and deal with it next week on the exotic dates.
We all flew back to Seattle for the deliberation and rose ceremony. Before you blow up the blogosphere, let me just say my wife hated the sweater I was wearing as well. I have to admit, I did kind of look like a priest, but that was in honor of the blessed dead dove Rosie. My outfit aside, this was a very serious and long deliberation as Jason was trying to piece together what was a very long, exhausting and strange week. The decision to let Naomi go was tough for Jason, but he clearly knew she was the one to go this week. He has a very strong connection with the other three and truly feels Naomi has plans that don’t really fit with him and Ty right now. A few tidbits from the rose ceremony: The actual ceremony was held in a grand ballroom just up a flight of stairs from the lobby. The hotel hung a big curtain across the stairs to block it from view. We asked the city of Seattle to help us out and block off the street just outside the hotel for a few minutes while Jason walked Naomi out to the limo. This would allow us to have the privacy we needed. They were happy to help but not knowing we were doing this for privacy, the city sent out a press release announcing that the street would be closed for the shooting of the Bachelor television show. Obviously not the best situation, but it was late and we could clearly see there were no photogs around capturing this moment. As Jason announced, we are all off to New Zealand for the final two weeks of the show, and, if you do the math, I’m sure you realize Deanna will be back very soon! Thank you for another great week and I think it’s only fitting that we all take a moment and say our goodbyes… to Rosie!
Now watch our exclusive deleted scene and then read Kristen Baldwin’s ‘Bachelor’ recap.
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More! I need more from you, Chris! Have to say the line that had Diet Coke spewing from my nose was, “Today I learned that Hector loves Jesus.” Priceless, but coming from nice, polite Jason it was hilarious. Thanks again, Chris for giving us the scoop on this blog. Also, I know I say this each week, but thank the producers and ABC for me for the 2 hour episodes – it has made a big difference to me.
Chris,
I just wanted to let you know that when I was faced with the choice of reading your blog or watching a “slow speed chase” live on T.V., I chose your blog! Ok… I kept the T.V. on in the background, but thanks for blogging again!
now, Chris, why are you so much more honest here?? we don’t hear you nor Jason share these real, true thoughts during show. i wish he would just say to Naomi, our families will not fit right together..instead i don’t think you’re ready…everyone hates that “it’s not you, it’s me” excuse..just tell the truth…your family is crazy.. this will make for much higher ratings. trust me.
Violet, I’m doing the exact same thing…
Chris,
When you showed up at Jason’s house, I thought Jason was going to meet your parents. You were both dressed so formally, you never know. Thanks for the inside scoop. And yes, I am still hopefully that you’ll read my own recaps and listen to our podcasts. They’re so much fun to make and quite unique. Check them out http://www.bachelorlove.blogspot.com
Chris, I’m so excited the WTA will be 2 hours this season. I always look forward to hearing what they have to say.
I think all you needed during the funeral for Rosie was the right music….”When Doves Fly” or “Rosie” from “Bye Bye Birdie”.
Chris, this episode brought up something I’ve been wondering about for a few years now… We never see (or, rarely see) the Bachelor and the girls or the Bachelorette and the guys discuss things like religion. Is it something that honestly doesn’t come up that often? Or is it edited out?
Same question goes for politics, although I realize a lot of people in general don’t pay much attention to that.
I ask because I know religion or political differences can cause a lot of problems for some couples. I’m assuming at least religion comes up at some point, but we aren’t shown it usually.
Hi Chris! Thank you so much for mentioning my husband and me in your blog. You made our day. We actually live right near Naomi’s town. Time to move! Thanks again for your insight and blog. God bless.
This episode killed me! The hats, granny giving Jason boxers, Naomi’s entire family…OMG..comedy gold! I felt horrible for Naomi…her family is whacked. Poor Melissa. I can understand not going on tv, but what parent doesn’t support their child? I wouldn’t miss out on my childrens lives for anything. I hate football, but I go to every game. I go to every basketball game, every school event…..anything that is important to them is important to me. My heart goes out to her.
Chris,
Will Stephanie be the next bachelorette? I think she is very elegant, classy and mature.
Jason is gay. i am so dissapointed.
Chris~
I must say as a fan of the show, what were they thinking? Being married myself coming up on 13 years to a Marine, (who is currently deployed to Iraq), I must say the Bachelor has kept part of my nights occupied with tear filled eyes from laughing hysterically. Are these people serious? I mean truly they have divulged feeling Loch Ness Monsters, Crazy Hat Night with Artistic Expressionism, dove funeral with Hector explaining his love for Jesus with two slot machines in the background and a beer at the toast, and last but not least meeting the “best friends” who also don’t know your parents!! WOW!! Starting to think french kissing the dogs isn’t so bad anymore, as long as you have an electric tooth brush handy! Laughing Hysterically!!! Well, thank you for another entertaining week of good ole fashioned ab workouts!
Wow–did I mention WOW? Poor Naomi.
I don’t think she is ready for parenting and “settling down” and Jason’s vibes were right about that…
BUT–(in case they weren’t) meeting her family would have given it away that they are not the crispest chips in the bag! I mean– God love ‘em for their quirks–but “Mom” is out there with Shirley McClain “On a Lomb”–and “Dad” is a wannabe beer drinking, slot playing pastor…RUN JASON RUN! — Smart move sending her packing. Great teaser on Deanna! You got my attention and I won’t miss that episode for the world…(hoping Justin tells her to go sheer a sheep)—Great show–great Blog–Thanks!–K
The only thing stranger than Melissa not taking Jason home to meet her parents is that none of her friends had ever met her parents either. WHAT! How can your so-called best friends not know your family??
From this episode, I derive that Melissa has been surrounded by partying & shallow boyfriends… Her family really seemed detached from society. I’m surprised she has held up this well so far. It’s too bad, I still think there is a very sweet girl in there, somewhere…
Chris- You are losing credibility. I can’t believe you edited to make it seem like Melissa got the last rose… my reality is beginning to come into question, I’m just not sure what is real anymore… your name is Chris right
j/k well played
I hope what you learned from this (editing the order of roses)is that you just really can’t get anything past us. We look at freckles, pinkie rings, and roses left on the table. We are just that pathetic that this is all we do with our time.
hmm
My conspiracy theory is that you know we will catch it and guess more, come up with theories, and get way more into this crazy show
You’re right it’s working, we LOVE it.
What is the big deal about Melissa’s friends not knowing her family? If she’s not close with them, why would she bring them into her friend circle? If her family lived far away from her friends this wouldn’t even be an issue. Maybe they’re abusive, controlling, reclusive or just sensible. I have very close friends that I’ve had for years and I’ve not met their families. I don’t find it odd at all. And who knows with editing. Maybe he spoke to them on the phone or has met them privately since.
So, maybe I’m the oddball, but I just don’t see it as THAT weird that Melissa’s friends don’t really know her parents. I live in the same town as my parents, about 10 minutes away, see them all the time, etc, but my friends don’t really know my parents either. I’ve never even really thought about it as being odd. I guess at 32 years old, my extended family life (which is different than my immediately family life, since I have a family of my own) and my friends life is separate from each other. At 25 years old, she has left the days of bringing friends home to her parents house for playdates and such, so it doesn’t surprise me that they don’t really know them. Anyway, just another thought on the subject.
Always a good read, Chris Harrison. Naomi’s mom cracked me up. I liked the contrast with her dad. No wonder they didn’t stay together. Haha, I love that she actually thinks she’s Joan of Arc reincarnated. I definitely think that’s the best hometown date I’ve ever seen.
I felt bad for Melissa. I get her parents not wanting to be on TV, but it had to be really hard to not have them supporting her at all. I mean…they didn’t even come to the games she cheered at? That’s just weird.
And haha, I liked your outfit.
Check out our latest recap:
http://corefourreviews.blogspot.com/2009/02/bachelor-jason-mesnik-episode-6-recap.html
Now if that little vestie had an argyle pattern, you might have rocked my world.
Chris,
Entertaining as always! The dove funeral was too too funny:
Windshield Repair…$250.00
Shovel…$9.99
Brown Paper Bag… .25 cents
Rosie The Suicidal Dove’s Funeral…PRICELESS!
Jenn:)
http://bachgirlfan.blogspot.com
I give Naomi’s family credit for just being themselves on national TV. Good for them. (Bad for Naomi + Jason, but good for them.)
Molly’s family was a crack up. I wish we could see more of that joking side of Molly with Jason in the edit.
Jillian is just fabulous. She should be the next bachelorette (because besides all that fabulousness, I’d be surprised if she’s the one at the end.)
Melissa… She has some definite self-esteem issues, and I think it’s clear to see where that comes from. How are you supposed to believe you’re worth everything when your family won’t support anything you do? But a less than perfect relationship with your parents doesn’t make or break a person’s ability to be a good partner and spouse.
Families are tough.
I wish to God I had recorded this entire season. I would have a party
just to show it as the entertainment.
I have already received two phone calls from co-workers. We want Megan back so we can “Met The Parents”.
He is handsome. I I saw he is dating a BBW (big boobs woman) on biguklove.com. Girls on that site are really hot
Hi my names Michelle and I’m addicted to the Bachelor! I’m so addicted I’m watching via itunes all the way in China! What is happening to me? I’m loving the blog as well, Chris! Also enjoying the 2 hour episodes! Thanks!
First off; I am thrilled with this blog, Chris! It is almost as exciting as the actual show and I am hooked on reading it faithfully. It maked the show more real and genuine and expalins things that in past shows have kept me up wondering about for days after the shows. Ha. I am a die hard fan from the first season. So is my husband and both my 80 year old parents and my 3 married children in their last 20’s. We all pray for each season couple and believe in love and staying married (We celebrated our 26th today). I would love for you to bring Stephanie back as the next Bachelorette. I think I would have my whole town watching that season. We love the new season with single parents. Thank you Thank you Thank you for your blog and my being my favorite show on TV. Our family loves yall all! Oh and my husband is a pilot just like Steph’s was so we sure would like to see her find true love again. Go pilot’s!!!!!
None of that bothers me much. I love just about everything about the show as it gets better and better and I truley think the producers are listening more and more to what we want. In the beginning they had alot of “cat drama” and ugliness going on but it seems they are trying harder to do away with stuff to find real connectins, etc. I think that is why they asked the girls to eliminate a person that causes drama the first episode. They might should have waited to the second episode to give the girls more of a chance to get to know each other. It was wonderful having a great group of girls this season and not have to worry about the batchelor picking someone that had fooled him the whole time and was not worthy of winning his love. If they pick two faced people then there is a less likely chance of the couple really getting married in the end. I also really like Chris’ blog where he tells more of the truth of the Bachelor’s feelings of why he did what he did or why he didn’t give a ro
So Chris, assuming Stephanie isn’t going to be the next bachelorette, um… how would one go about getting in touch with her? To me she’s the total package and then some. Imagine my surprise to see a woman on television who is smart, witty, both elegant AND classy, who doesn’t say “like” three times per sentence! I’m like, smitten.
It sweet of you to cut Melissa’s family slack on the whole “publicness” issue. But, Chris, they never came to a football game to watch her cheer. There’s no “publicness” about sitting in the stands and watching your daughter doing something she loves. Not even once? Brutal.
She does seem to have found some really nice friends, and they do seem to be working hard on her self esteem, but the girl does not have any family supporting her.
She is a nice kid. I feel for her.
Thanks once again for another great blog! It was pretty obvious that Naomi and Jason are on different tracks in their lifes. I think ultimately he fit best with Jillian’s family. It was a shame that he did not get to meet Melissa’s parents and maybe if he did it off camera, that would have been fair. I agree, they did not sign up for the show, but I also find it strange that Melissa’s friends were very vague about her parents too. Looking forward to next week.