You know a wise man once told me "love…don't come eeasssyy." Seriously, truer words have never been spoken. Every now and then I have those really odd "I'm the host of The Bachelor/Bachelorette" weeks. This week has been one of them. It started off trading texts and tweets with Trista (we're way too cool to just talk on the phone, that's so '08). Got a nice call from Jason Mesnick and caught up with him and Molly. They're doing great, by the way. Then I get a call from my old friend Byron. He and Mary are alive and well, still engaged, and doing great as well. I had my weekly talk with Jillian about life, love, and this week's episode. Then my wife and I were out to dinner and ran into Juan. He told me he's ready to dish at the Men Tell All special. Then we stopped by a party only to run into DeAnna and Holly. Oh…and to top it all off, the family and I were having dinner with the Firestones this week. Like I said, just one of those weeks, but it's also one of the things I truly love about hosting this show. I've formed some wonderful friendships that will endure long after the cameras are turned off. Hey, Guiney, give me a call, man! Before I jump into hometown visits and this week's episode, I want to clear up the schedule from here on out because more than a few of you seem to be confused. As you know we are now down to our final four. They are taking off for a week in Spain, but this is not the typical "exotic date" location. That will come the week after. The finale for this season will be Monday, July 27, followed by an After the Final Rose special on Tuesday night July 28. Hope that helps your party planning.
Now, let's get down to business because we have much to discuss. I would just skip to the dessert and Wes' hometown date but then I'd get grief for skipping over the other guys, so we'll give them their due…kind of. One thing you didn't see on Jill's date with Reid was at the condo when she dropped a full bottle of champagne and it smashed on the floor. She said she was a bit nervous. Before Jillian met Reid's grandmother he warned Jillian that she could be a little cranky and that she isn't that easy to talk to. They hit it off immediately and you couldn't separate the two of them. Reid's hometown was great. Jillian loved every minute of it and I think it's clear to see why he got a rose this week. Their relationship gets better and better each date.
Moving on to Valencia, Calif., and Michael. I'm guessing as you're reading this blog there is no shortage of women who are madly in love with Michael…or his twin brother. By the way, Jillian was impressed with herself that she didn't fall for the ol' identical twin swap one bit. Jilli told me Michael had everything she was looking for in a man but they just didn't have that romantic connection. She also said if there's one guy on the show she would like to help find love it's Michael. I think we could all tell there was just something missing between them. That's too bad because he's a great guy and handled himself with extreme class. One last note on Michael's hometown: When Jill was leaving she was holding a plate. That was a plate of cookies not leftovers.
Kiptyn's parents started their visit by teasing Jillian about her hot tub scenes. For the record, Jill is not ashamed whatsoever about her hot tub time and thought it was really funny that Kiptyn's parents gave her a hard time about it. One thing I continually notice about Jillian when she's around Kip is that she's always wondering if she's good enough for him instead of vice versa — an interesting dynamic between them that we'll have to keep an eye on. Jesse's hometown date in Carmel was good and for the most part uneventful. The only hitch was that somewhere along the way Jillian had all her personal jewelry stolen. So if you're wondering what to get her for her birthday or Christmas, I suggest jewelry. The best part of Jesse's hometown was his brother. When he asked Jill if she and Jesse had been naked together her reaction was priceless. Jesse ends up going home and I doubt many of you were shocked by this. Their relationship was always a little strange. It's hard to put your finger on it but watching them together I just never saw "it."
Okay, I paid my dues. I talked about the other guys; now let's eat dessert together…let's talk Wes! So Wes decides the first people he wants to introduce Jillian to are his band members. We learn about the new CD and that his ultimate goal in life is for this CD to do well. Wes also shares with us that no drug, no woman can make him feel like he does when he's on stage. Ladies, the line forms to the right. I can't wait to read your comments this week about Wes. As if things weren't awkward enough with the band once again proclaiming "love…don't come eeeasy" everybody's favorite airline pilot, Jake, decides to drop in on Jillian and give her a little news. Not only does Jake tell Jillian about Wes' girlfriend but he tells Jill her name is Laurel…that's it. He's finally going down now…game, set, match, right? Wrong. Wes turns on the Texas charm and two-steps right out of this mess. I'm saying right here and now that I'm not responsible for anything that was thrown at your TV. Was it just me or did anybody else think Wes sounded just like Bill Clinton telling us "I did not have sexual relations with that woman!" Wes never even flinches when Jake strolls in and even gives him a little shot when he opens the door and says "well, Jake…man of character." When Jillian decides she's seen and heard enough, she says goodbye to Jake and he proceeds to start crying on the railing or what we like to call in the biz, gives us his best Jason. On a scale of 0-Jason, I give this railing cry about a 5.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on Jake's decision to show up and tell Jillian the truth. I have mixed emotions about it. Jillian decides ultimately that Wes is telling the truth and this is confirmed in her mind when she meets his family. According to Wes' sister, this happens to Wes quite a lot. Apparently there are many who are just jealous of all that Wes possesses. Jillian finally recovers from her hometown dates and is preparing for the rose ceremony when there's a knock at the door. Ed is back. Jillian was obviously happy about his return but she was also very hesitant to give him a rose. She had feelings for Ed but they hadn't had that much time together. She wasn't sure if their relationship was as strong as it was with some of the other guys. As you saw, much to the chagrin of Michael, Ed strolled into the rose ceremony and back into Jillian's heart.
As you saw in the previews for next week the drama with Wes is far from over. Jillian is now down to her final four guys and things really kick up a notch from here on out. I leave you with this thought to ponder til I talk to you again next week: "Some say love it don't"…I can't do it to you again. I will tell you this though, no drug, no woman makes me feel as good as this blog does.
More Bachelorette coverage from EW:
The Bachelorette recap: Not just a river in Egypt
Vote! Which guy is right for Jillian?
The Doll Bachelorette: One on one in the hot tub!
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I’m not exactly sure what Wes possesses that other men don’t. Maybe it’s the greasy slimeball look that they find intimidating. I really can’t see anything appealing about him at all, even if he was sincere. I hope that Jill gets rid of him ASAP.
I think it was commendable the way Jake told her the truth, he had nothing to gain from the situation. He even told her what lie Wes would use to cover himself up (which Wes did) so I don’t understand how Jillian couldn’t see it. They do say love is blind, though….I’ve got 2 questions for Chris. 1) What are the odds that Jake could become the next bachelor (because he is ADORABLE! my mom wants to know why can’t I bring home a guy like that, I told her, because he’s an airline pilot, when would we get a chance to meet? lol) and my second question, 2) What do you really think of Wes, hearing him say the publicity stuff and the “I came here for my career, not the girl”?
I think it was commendable the way Jake told her the truth, he had nothing to gain from the situation. He even told her what lie Wes would use to cover himself up (which Wes did) so I don’t understand how Jillian couldn’t see it. They do say love is blind, though….I’ve got 2 questions for Chris. 1) What are the odds that Jake could become the next bachelor (because he is ADORABLE! my mom wants to know why can’t I bring home a guy like that, I told her, because he’s an airline pilot, when would we get a chance to meet? lol) and my second question, 2) What do you really think of Wes, hearing him say the publicity stuff and the “I came here for my career, not the girl”?
Chris, I rarely comment on your blog, but seriously Wes is a D-BAG and always has been. Yes, I wanted to throw many things at my tv the last couple weeks. Jake is awesome and he deserves to be the next Bachelor. I truly LOVE this show. I was never mad, upset or hated Jason- hey, he changed his mind, it happens. I still like Jason. But Wes, I want him off my tv and I was hoping this was the night he would disappear forever. Something’s been wrong with the front of your hair Chris for a couple of episodes. Can you please fix it? Love you & your blog.
Chris,
I must say. You’re job must be really tough. I’m sure you get to meet some great people. But every once in a while a few trolls. Wes is obviously the worst I’ve ever seen on the bachelor(ette) and I don’t know how you can stomach it all and remain civil. Mad props to you!
I’m afraid for Jilli. I really hope that she doesn’t get hurt. But it seems like she’s setting herself up for it.
Anyways, thanks for the blog as always!
To me, Wes still has that creepy Billy Bob Thornton thing going on. I can’t understand why Jill’s so taken with him, but no matter because Ed’s back and that made my night! I have to agree with him that he could very well be the best guy for her. I predict if he makes the final two that his parents/family will somehow be magically flown to whatever exotic locale they’re at and she’ll have her chance for a meet-and-greet w/ them then. As for Kiptyn, she’s always seemed just a bit in awe of him and I don’t sense the same level of comfort that she has with Reid or Ed. Hopefully she’ll wise up to Wes by next week and put us all out of our misery.
What is Jillian thinking? Is she really that blind? Wes is a sleaze (on this show to promote himself and that’s it) and if she’d just call him on all of his “slip-ups”, well, maybe the light would finally go on. As for Jake, it takes a lot of guts to come back (no doubt wishing he’d never been let go but not to ask to be reinstated like Ed did – too little too late but still given another chance?) but rather to offer some insight to protect Jillian. Regardless of whether Jake’s right or wrong, he seems genuinely “protective” and one might just conclude “it’s the thought that really counts.”
Chris–your wife must be one fun gal. Does she want to go to lunch with me sometime?
Michael is too sweet for Jillian, anyway. I found it so irritating the way she kept bothering him about his age and whether or not he was “ready to settle down.” Believe the man, Jillian. You can’t suddenly get him to be all “You’re right. I’m not ready to settle down, even though I’ve been telling you that I am every five minutes for the past month.”
Joking, of course, Jillian’s a good girl. Except, apparently, blind. Cannot believe her about Wes. Tragic! Gah!
Chris – I love your blog and can’t wait to read it each week. But on to Jake and Wes. I think it was very sweet of Jake to try and warn Jillian. That is really all that anyone can do. Jillian obviously is charmed by the sweet words, the songs, and gosh if I know what else… but somehow she is. I know that I speak for many of the viewers out there that I was shocked when he got a rose and all I can hope is that Jillian wakes up and smells the roses before it is to late.
My name is Jillian, my dad’s name is also Glen, and I live in Vancouver…because of this, I feel like I need to defend my girl. Jillian is representing Canadians spectacularly — she has a good head on her shoulders and will make the choice that is right for her. This show is my weekly vice!
I was disappointed that Jake returned, after all, no one showed up to tell Jillian that Ed had a girlfriend back home when he went on the show. Not fair!
Chris, thanks for the weekly witty commentary. As for jumping on the Wes-hating-bandwagon, I’m all-aboard, as is my boyfriend, who, just tonight asked me “is that one d-bag Wes off the show yet”. Funny thing is, he’s only seen the 3rd episode. Hmmmm… But in all sincerity, it’s great to have a show like this is on TV on Monday nights – it makes me relax, laugh and realize that all-in-all, my life is pretty good.
I can’t believe that Jillian didn’t give Wes the boot. Jake cares deeply for Jillian and I believe without a doubt that he was there to warn her, as well as, to protect her. I also think Jake would be an awesome next bachelor. I feel badly for the two that left tonight. I just hope Jillian doesn’t end up like DeAnna. Until next week.
Chris!! You have to set me up with Jesse! I briefly met him last weekend in San Francisco and I SWEAR we had a connection!
Please let him be the next bachelor! OR send him my email!!
Wes is an absolute slimdawg! He gives me the total creeps.. I just hope that Jilliam will finally see the green slime that he is. I agree with the other comments that Jake would make a great Bachelor – he’s adorable and his heart is definitely in the right place.
Michael is adorable too! He’s make a great son-in-law – hmmmmm now I need to figure out how to get him to meet my daughter!
And I’m thrilled that Jillian gave Ed a second chance! I love that he’s big and bulky and he’s got great eyes too – very soulful. I hope that not meeting his family won’t stop Jillian from getting closer to him.
I haven’t been as hooked on the show in a long time, as this one!
i think it’s sad that jillian will be remembered as the bachelorette who fell for “that guy” on national tv. i mean, we’ve all done it. but none of us have had to relive it quite like this. poor thing. she seems so smart and with-it otherwise. love the season. and the blog just gets better every week.
Chris, I always look forward to reading your blog and learning about your perspective in the midst of all the drama. I think Jake was trying to do the right thing by informing Jillian of Wes’ slimeball status, but I could see how people might view Jake as a tad self-righteous in the process. I’m so glad Ed is back!
Okay, so every week since the first episode, I have thought that Wes was a total and complete jerk and I’ve been upset that he is going to hurt Jillian, but after Jake (who isn’t there to get a rose, and she herself says is one of the most trustworthy people she knows) tells her the TRUTH she chooses to flat-out ignore it. Now, I am upset with Jillian. I mean, come on!!!! I love Jillian, I have since last season, but she is now just hurting herself. I can’t even blame Wes anymore. Aaaarggh!!! So frustrating! I sure hope she gets it together soon. Wes is the worst excuse for a man there is! Please somebody junk-punch him for me!!! And I’m still all for Jake being the next bachelor; it takes a lot of balls to do what he did (and he got zero in return). Let’s pay him back next season!!!
Mr. Harrison, thank you for the updates on our other favourite couples. You must be very proud of these successes.
Wes is the evil black sheep character that every reality show dreams about; just so long as Jill doesn’t lose her mind COMPLETELY and take him too far!Bad boys make for good television, right Mr. Harrison?
Chris Harrison Cool Points Rating – June 29, 2008
-Mocks the ridiculousness of Wes’ endless song (+3)
-Name drops the Firestones (-6)
-Proves that all we care about is drama with a 3 paragraph expose of Wes (nil)
-Still refuses to admit to producer intervention (+2 – but ONLY because I admire the integrity of your production solidarity pact!)
-Coins the term “give us his best Jason” (+4)
-Fails to mention how amazingly upbeat Michael’s mom is “Well isn’t that just grrrreaaaaaaat!” (-1)
-Foregoes any hilarious Anchoman quotes with incessant chatter about texting, twittering, and twattering (-2)
Ok Chris…after two weeks you’re at a negative cool points balance. I expect great things from you next week. Mango-Mango OUT!
I need a new TV. Maybe ABC can have a drawing for those women who hurled objects at their TV when Weazel-Wes appeared.
I like Jake. His intentions were sincere. He will make some stewardess a nice husband. But, he is not the next bachelor. Michael is. C’mon Chris – help a guy out. Michael needs to find love with someone in their early to mid 20s. He’s such a great FUNNY guy. I’m glad Ed is back. My final two prediction is Ed and Reid. I’m wondering if Kiptyn is the guy with intimacy problems. ??? Can’t you drop us a hint on that one?
Heh Chris – I’ve been a fan since Michel dumped Trista… love the show – but that whole Ed thing rang totally false – scripted as we cynical fans like to say. What’s up? Why not just say “the producers allowed Ed to come back and asked Jillian if it was ok…” or something instead of thinking the audience is dumb enough to think it was spontaneous. He walked right in and put his hand on her leg – NOT something you do when you don’t know if the GIRL YOU JUST LEFT might possibly be angry with you!! It felt staged. All the best Bachelor moments are the real ones (that’s why nothing has ever come close to Trista/Ryan season) – I wish the show would stop manufacturing what seems like phony situations. I watch anyway …
What happened to the teaser about “every man’s worst nightmare”?? Does that happen next week?
Your blog is very entertaining. Next time you tweet Trista tell her we still love her and her season was the best!
See you in Spain…
Love Ed. Hate Wes. Love Michael–fun but incredibly sweet and ready for love. Would love to see him as the next bachelor! Thank you.
Wes is an absolute sleaze and I feel bad that Jillian is falling for him … She has poor judgment in body language too as he is giving off every negative/lying body language vibe there is and she still kept him around! On a more pleasant note, I am happy Ed is back
Dear Chris,
Please tell Jilli the truth about wes, althogh I know the show is done it was painful. Let Jake know that he is too serious and needs to have fun… it would be more attractive.
Tell Michael that he was the perfect gentleman but just wrong for her.
The rest of the guys… well, they just seem like cool dudes.
What can I say about Wes that hasn’t been said? He’s so not worth my time. I’m ambiguous about Ed being back, they had chemistry before, but I saw absolutely zero of it tonight. I don’t have the warm and fuzzies about any of them. I would pick Reid, but he needs a self confidence boost. But then again, I think she needs to be the Nightingale more than she will ever admit!
Chris.. you rock, you roll, you twang!!
You asked: WES needs to head back under his rock- STOP promoting him! He ruined Jilly’s sincere efforts to find love. That part of the story is now in the can; but you can STOP the madness! Remove him from the equation.
JAKE is The Man! He is the Real Deal, the whole enchilada. JAKE FOR BACHELOR! How many millions of women have to say it?
KIPTYN is the ultimate wet noodle. No personality, blah. He knew going in that he was going to play it vanilla, and give nothing they could do a negative edit on. So we get boring. He kept sending texts throughout the show taping to his friends to let them (us) know that he was still in. He did profess to liking Jilly, though! But from him we knew as a play-by-play what was going on where they were geographically.
ED needs Jillian! Beautiful to see. Long live J & E!
Reed needs to remain single until I can have him be my realtor in Philly. Reeeeed, HONEY, I am saving every day so we can buy a condo together
This Show has finally gone over the top. Why not invite Dr Phil in for a session on how Jillian has a need for a bad boy to break her heart. Better yet What career skills does Wes have to support The baby plan She has in mind. Wes’s band is less than impressive. Nothing better than a backyard BBQ noise.
You have two great men. Jake or Jesse, would be a reason we would even bother to continue to watch this Show. At this point Should Jillian choose Reid or Ed it would be a good life plan. But my husband and I both could careless to even watch next week to see the outcome. Bring back a Trish and Ryan
Thanks Chris for your wonderfully snarky take on our favorite “reality” show. It is too bad that you can’t inject more of your sly humor into the episodes…I see that snide smile on your face during those little pr-rose ceremony chats and I KNOW you want to say something, I just know it…In any case, we’re so glad we can read your innermost thoughts here. Can’t wait for the upcoming performance conversation between you and Jillian..that should be a fun one. You rule!