Obviously we have a lot to talk about this week with Ali leaving. I will get to that below but in cases like this I often end up glossing over or completely skipping the rest of the episode and I don’t want that to happen this time. The hometown dates have always been one of my favorite parts of this show. Just like in life, on this show you can be fake or manipulate your way through many situations, but not when family is involved. When you bring your family into a relationship, no matter how hard you try, you just can’t hide who you really are. For better or for worse that’s who we are. That’s where we all came from. For some this is a source of pride and for others a source of embarrassment but bottom line, good or bad it’s family and that’s something you can’t fake or change.
I have been asked several times what I think about Jake’s final four. My initial response to that is, who the hell am I to judge who someone has or hasn’t fallen in love with? With that said, I understand that part of my job is often judging situations like this. I know Jake pretty well and I’ve gotten to know these women as well. I understand what Jake sees in each of them and I completely understand where he’s coming from when he says he’s falling in love with all four of them. They each represent something different he’s looking for, but in many ways they are all very much the same (not that Vienna and Ali would admit that). As I watched Jake with these families I was struck by how sincere and articulate he was. He is incredibly good at expressing his feelings to people and that is not an easy thing to do in any situation much less in this one. We saw this first with Gia’s family in New York. I have noticed Gia really open up over the last few weeks. She seems extremely vulnerable right now and there’s only one reason for that, she’s in love. Jake and I both admitted that we were guilty of judging this book (Gia) by its cover when we first saw her. We talked openly that first night that we weren’t sure she was a woman of substance but we couldn’t have been more wrong. Gia is a very interesting, complex woman and it’s easy to see why she and Jake have become so close.
Tenley has definitely moved up in Jake’s mind in the last couple weeks. Tenley is a great example of what I was talking about above with family. Jake had an idea about what Tenley had been through with her divorce but seeing and hearing her family talk about how much she was hurt, I think he got a whole new perspective for just what she suffered through and just how strong of a woman Tenley is. Tenley gives little hints of how betrayed she felt by using words like partner or team when referring to a husband. The talk with Tenley’s dad on the porch was especially touching. Maybe it’s because I have a daughter and can imagine some scared kid asking my permission to marry my daughter but I found it to be a very sincere touching moment. By the way, to any kids out there who might ever think that they want to ask for my daughter’s hand in marriage the answer is NO.
It’s too bad I can’t just talk about how amazing Ali’s hometown date was. That trip to her grandmother’s house was amazing. That was as an emotional moment as we’ve ever had on this show. There is no doubt in my mind that these two were falling in love with each other. Which makes what happened that much tougher and unfortunate. What would you do in the same situation? Would you choose a great career you know you have, or a chance at love you might have? That’s what Ali faced. I won’t go into great detail about Ali’s work situation. That’s not really for me to talk about. What I will tell you is what happened from my perspective. By the time I arrived at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills for the rose ceremony, Ali had already talked to Jake but hadn’t come to a final decision. When I sat down in deliberation with him I could tell he was confused and hurting. There are times on this show when you forget about the cameras and you truly feel like you’re just talking to and trying to help a friend and this was one of those moments. When Ali arrived that night I knew she hadn’t made up her mind, and I assumed she was going to want to talk with Jake again. When she asked, there was no question we were going to make that happen. This was a decision that couldn’t be left up to a rose ceremony. They needed to talk this out and come to a final decision, although in the end I’m not sure she really ever did. Jake and Ali sat in that room and talked for quite some time. I was sitting just outside and honestly, I lost track of time but it had to be at least two hours if not more.
I will say this for Jake, he really laid it out there for her. No, he didn’t profess his love and promise that she was the one but he did flat out say more than once “I don’t want you to go.” On more than one occasion during the conversation I was positive Ali was going to stay. At one point I almost walked in because they had pretty much come to that conclusion. But in the end she chose her career over Jake and chose to leave. She said it herself best, “I don’t know if I made the right decision.” Again I ask what would you have done? Choose a great career in a terrible economy or a shot at love you might have? That moment between the two of them at the limo was all anyone needed to see if there was any question as to how they felt about each other. As you saw, this led to another Bachelor first: no rose ceremony. It looked and felt awkward, didn’t it? The other women had been sitting around all night waiting and wondering what in the world was going on. Remember, they had no idea what Jake and Ali were doing. Nobody really knew how to act or what to do in that moment but I like it when it’s raw and awkward like that. Life isn’t always a pretty, polished Hollywood scene is it?
If you didn’t pass out watching Ali drive away, you heard we’re off to the beautiful island of St. Lucia. You also got to see more of the finale than we’ve shown you all season. A good tease of just how serious things will get with the final three and just how good the finale is going to be! I know there will be questions and comments about this week’s episode, so feel free to leave them below and I’ll try to answer as many as I can for you next week.
More Bachelor coverage from EW:
Bachelor TV recap: Premature evacuation
Comments (1-15) of 1208 Add your comment
Unbelieveable. I love Ali, I think she is perfect for Jake. I think her work should have never done that to her and I think she should come back and Jake should give her a second chance, if they love each other as much as it looks then they should try again… and look it happened to Ed and Gillian and she picked Gillian.
I cried througout pretty much the entire 2nd hour. But I have to say from an employer perspective, the bottom line is the bottom line. Especially in a field like advertising. It’s all about being hot, new, fresh, and the clients don’t care about anything other than their marketing campaigns. If I were in Ali’s position, I’m sure I would have made the same decision. Losing a great job in a horrible economy v. a 25% chance that the man you are falling in love with will choose to love you back. Though, I secretly hope that Jake picks none of the final 3 and seeks out Ali only to bring her back after the final rose. It was just heart-wrenching to watch what they went through together. But I don’t blame her in least.
Come on! You don’t buy that crap about her having to go back to work, do you? They knew she was doing the show and they wouldn’t let her stay one more week? It’s obviously some stupid script cooked up by the producers or by Ali herself who realized that Jake is not worth sticking around?
I totally agree. Jake should continue his role as the white knight, turn away from the others and pursue his lady love. They are great together!
I totally think Ali was tring to push Jake into declaring for her and it bit her in the a**. And this way, she gets to leave without the possibility of “losing” to someone like Vienna.
Gee, choose a REAL career over a fake romance? Wow, what a tough decision.
@SLB:
Its so refreshing to read how some people have come to realize how fake and scripted this P.O.S. show is.
I agree. This must be set up by the producers. If Ali comes back then we KNOW it’s all a set up. I hope it’s not.
I would think the publicity for making it to the final 3, 2 or even chosen woman on the Bachelor would be motivation enough for the company to want her around. I imagine many clients would hear what she and her company has to say just for the chance of meeting her.
he straight up told her she wasn’t on the line that night… which actually gives her a 1 in 3 rather than 1 in 4 chance at love. but i still think she did the right thing. I just wish she hadn’t been such a whiner about it tho. Man up. Make a decision. Stick to it. I’m dying to know who would have gotten the boot if she had stayed tho.
Do none of you read Reality Steve? Sheesh. Ali doesn’t come back, he picks Vienna and truthfully, who sees that lasting?
Okay – am I the only one who sees that this is EXACTLY what Ed did to Jillian? Maybe she thinks she can get back with him and what is this about her calling him on the next show?????
Please let Ali come back if she askes. I honestly think she is the best suited for Jake and he deserves the best.
i cant believe her work didnt understand the time frame for her to be gone at the beginning and do this to her now? terirrible
I totally agree…Jake should let all three beauty queen run home and find a job…run after Ali and beg for her to come back and marry him. That would be the true love story I’ve been waiting for…
I fully agree. Jake is man of substance. What is he going to do with any of those shallow girls? I feel so sorry for him. He should not marry any of them and go find Ali, the only real person there. I fully agree that she had to leave, when work say they need you back you can not take chances. If Jake doesn’t go for Ali, I am sure she will find somebody even better. I heard one day about someone being pregnant is that true? How could that happen in a show like this. There should be a cluse that does not allow women to get pregnant while they are in the show. If Jake marries somebody just because they are pregnant it better have a positive test in front of him. If it is Vienna she would have planned, she is devious. Let her go at once, when Jake she is honest I have to LOL. Please Jake, weak up the only good woman left the show last night.
I thought of that too, she could say to him “if you are not 100% sure about any of the other women come and find me.” It’s a possibility. I really liked her, but I really like Tenley, but I am starting to think it might be too soon for her. If he picks Vienna he is in for a world of hurt and disappointment as she is sooo immature!
He doesn’t pick Vienna! Stop trying to ruin it for other people you jacka**!
I agree with you Devon 110% !!!!
I agree with you Angel! If Ali, with just one week to go, couldn’t wait for the man she supposedly loves to choose her, and instead chose a “career”…then what’s that say about what she would choose to do when the baby comes along? I love Ali too…in fact, I think she’d be the best one for Jake and I do believe he would have picked her, but obviously she chose a career over love (if that was the truth…although it’s hard for me to believe she didn’t get clearance from her employer for the full time needed to be away from work prior to making the commitment to the TV show, I mean, really…who believes her employer really gave her this ultimatum? Um, could it be that she just doesn’t want to move from awesome San Francisco to Texas? I live out west, and I used to live back east, and there is no way I’d ever want to move back…except, of course, for love. Ali blew it…and if Jake takes her back, I’m afraid it will be a mistake. If he’s smart, he will realize by her action, that she didn’t love him enough to stay and that he should never trust her in future choices they will need to make. It’s too bad he let other girls go earlier on in the season who would have moved in a heartbeat if they found love with a man like him. He truly is amazing. Let the drama unfold next week though…I’ll bet she reappears!
This is so fake, terrible to watch.
That would be a great ending! He doesn’t give anyone a rose and shows up at her work with a rose and ring! Wow, a much better ending than the purported he chooses Vienna to give the final rose to. Like how stupid is that? If he chooses Vienna I hope he has a pre-nup on the table first – no way she would sign it – that should be a big clue for him.
AMEN…
I agree, regarding Ali’s employer…did they not know how long she might be away from her job? Or did they think she was going to be “dumped” long ago? In any event, it was sad, but Jake did not seem too distraught when he went back in w/ the 3 remaining women. BUT…if he picks Vienna, never will we watch the show again. Gut instinct says she is a controlling conniving personality…as she has said in many episodes, “he’s MY boyfriend!” and that was at season beginning!!! Rooting for Tenley!
I am so sad that Ali left, because I was hoping that Jake woke up and sent Vienna packing. I am rooting for either Tenley or Gia for his final pick.
Vienna is all you say she is in my opinion. Saw it from the start. My favorite is GIA
I think Ali or a family member realizes Jake is not right for her and wanted to get OUT!
Vienna isn’t the quality that Jake is accustomed to.(She’s what we call,trail-trash)Plus,She & her father have a “very dysfunctional relationship” & any man who would come between her & her father-is looking for big trouble & at a failed relationship/marriage.It would never work!
I understand he has connections with all of them but to say he loves them all??? REALLY??? I believe Ali made the right decision by leaving especailly because the economy is so bad, Vienna is about as fake as they come, shes a daddys girl and to have her father tell Jake he EXPECTS her to be treated like a princess, yeah hello walk away now!!! I don’t believe any of the other woman are right for Jake, Ali was about the most down to earth of all of them and its a shame she left but I think I would have done the same thing in that situation.. He should have just given her the ring and got it over with right then and there and made it a really good reason for making Bachelor first history of no Rose Ceremony!!!!!!
Debbie, don’t invest yourself in them, he picks Vienna.
Sooooo true! We thought Jake was a pretty smart guy, but not now. If he can’t figure out Vienna by now, then he deserves what he gets if he picks her. It appears he wants a bad girl rather than a nice girl and if he picks her we aren’t watching the show anymore! Way to go Ali, you deserve better if Vienna is what he likes in a woman. Gia,is sweet and no X spouse baggage, not to mention good looks, if he doesn’t pick her we can see who will be the next Bachlorette. Gee, maybe he won’t figure out his true feelings until after the one night sleep over…hmmm, imagine that. Hate to say it Jake, but your starting to look a bit fickle, you ought to know your feelings for those gals by now…..Wonder what Jake’s parents think of Vienna? hmmm.
I think it was Ali’s fault for having to leave. She obviously lied to her employer about how long she might be gone…she should have had all her ducks in a row. If I were Jake, I’d be so mad at her for not having her job under control and stringing him along knowing her work was probably going to call her and ask “where the hell are you, you said you’d only need 3 weeks off?” How does one get their job to let them leave work for a reality show? She must have tons of vaca saved up or something…man she wasted all that time…I don’t care, I was laughing at her crying cuz she deserves it all after how mean and bitchy she was to Vienna
I think they are doing it on purpose so that thet do the old “officer and gentleman” thing in the end, where he goes and resues andc arries Ali out of work, and flies away with her. I am betting, they seemed to be going with that top gun theme at the beginning!! I am taking BETS!
Vickie, why would Jake picking Vienna have anything to do with whether you watch anymore. The next show(s) will have nothing to do with Jakes choice and please, you know you will in fact watch again…geez
I agree about Vienna. She lacks polish and maturity and he will soon tire of her lack of depth. Tenley is definitely the best match for him on a spiritual level. The previous season let on much more about Jake’s Christian lifestyle and I think the show has played it down in a big way this season. The problem is that when two people like Tenley and Jake are so equally matched, sometimes there just isn’t the same spark. Gia is sweet but her family creeps me out with the gypsy tarot card reading stuff.
Gia is a swimsuit model and also had some almost nude photo shoots, she is not for Jake. She will be traveling if she continues with her ‘career’… not a good match. Tenley is to emotional ..every time he gets into a plane fly somewhere she will be sick with worry that he won’t come back. Unfortunately out of the 3 left, Vienna is the only one that he can choose based on her feelings about him. I truly wish that Ali hadn”t left, I could see Jake with her, she is very mature and a good fit for him. Oh well….. another Bachelor show biting the dust.
Gia all the way! If Jake’s a smart guy, he’s choose Gia. She’s seems so down to earth, and kind at heart. The other women seems too fake, and lack substance. Chris, if Jake does not choose Gia, I hope she’s the next bachelorette. I don’t watch this show, only watched ’cause of Jake, but will watch the show again for Gia.
Not really sure who I’m rooting for – and I, also hope it’s not ’set up’ this way ~ but I REALLY liked Ali in from the beginning, UNTIL she started acting the way she did towards Vienna – not that I ’specifically like’ Vienna, but Ali showed a WHOLE DIFFERENT personality at that time…. Guess we’ll see…… (I do think some of it IS scripted for RATINGS!!!)
How about they called Jake sudenly back to work
) Just an idea for a script, that was not here yet and woud bring something new to the bachelor show 
) Since there has been already everything possible to think of and create, I’m sure, we are really close to this 
)) Producers, feel free to grab my idea, no payment expected 
)
I heard that Ali just started this job, that it was new. She told them she would be gone, she just wasn’t sure how long and gave them a certain time frame. I guess she didn’t realize she would fall in love and be there longer. But am I said she left? NO! I like the three who are left, and it doesn’t matter what we think anyways, it is Jake who has to choose. It is not up to us. Although many dislike Vienna I like her. She is honest to a fault and you know where you stand with her.
“Sad” not “Said”………ooooppss!
Jake is the All American great guy and Vienna is just trash. Sorry. But, it’s true. Have you seen her half nude pics on the internet. What will Jake think when he sees those? She is NOT wife material. He may choose her in the end but it won’t last!
Mmm…yeah, I’ve seen the pics – she’s probably pretty hot in the sack. Looks like wife material to me.
Ali was just trying to put Jake on the spot and she wanted him to commit to her. It blew up in her face when he said adios. Guys do NOT like to feel pushed or trapped.
Yeah, Vienna has pics on the internet. And beloved Gia has a Maxim photo shoot on the internet that shows at least as much as Vienna’s pics. And Ali has auditioned for quite a few reality shows, particularly Real World, just trying for a shot to be on tv. Do Bachelor fans really think ANY of these women are sincere, nice women looking for love? Not to mention Jake’s acting ambitions, having been on a couple of episodic shows. And he makes his primary living from part-ownership in a limo company, which he drives for. Head in the game, people, it’s FAKE!!!!!
I don’t like Ali anymore. She is a bit whinie and seemed to be pushing him for an answer, which he gave alot and she left anyway. And why does she always dress so frumpy? The others look elegant and Gia is stunning! Wasn’t sure about her in the beginning, being Too? pretty, but she is down to earth and a doll. Would make him a great wife.
I’m concerned about Vienna being a mother when she needs so much attention herself. She found it very hard to be away from ‘daddy’ for this amount of time, what happens if she marries Jake and moves to Texas? Has Jake asked her this?
I personally think that Ali has been the ringleader of deciding who was / was not for Jake and ganging up all the other girls against her. I think that was really immature and kind of disgusting. And having a swearing tantrum that one episode because Vienna was still there was completely immature. She should focus more on her relationship with Jake than being catty.
Did anyone SEE the change in Ali’s face when the other girls came into the rose ceremony?? She looked at the rest of them and got the dirtiest look on her face. Then she tried to corner Jake into saying he wanted HER, and when he didn’t commit (he CANT its the rules of the show), she whined and fake cried and then left him. If she comes back now I would be mad – it totally seemed like she was playing him.
Derek was being sarcastic, damn quit taking everything so serious people.
Vienna is spoiled and used to getting her own way. Her Daddy will keep Jake under his thumb to treat her right. Not for Jake. I think he is genuine. I truly believe Ali was the perfect fit from the git go. I hated to see her go but I am confident that she will win in the end however that comes about.
“Honest to a fault” is a rude person’s rationalization (excuse) for not editing their comments. It’s a sign of immaturity, not trust-worthiness. Stirring jealously by divulging date details is unkind, even if true…take off the goggles, Jake.
Wow, I didn’t know Ed was a “she”! JK
@ Derek — you have got to be kidding me that Vienna is wife material. Guys don’t marry girls like her. Vienna is more like a hooker or booty call when a guy is so drunk that he doesn’t want to remember what she looked like. Lets be serious… She looks like the donkey off of shrek! Her buck teeth and all. I bet he chose her bc the other girls didn’t put out on the over night dates.. just my thought
Ali has gotten more time with Jake than any of the girls left on the show… does anyone think it’s unfair that 1. she went to his room and got more time with him, 2. she got an extra 3 hours with him alone while the others waited in the ceremony, not knowing what was going on? While she was holed up in a room with him, crying for attention and draping herself all over him?
I’m sorry, but that was a decision she should have made by herself, the rules of the show are clear – she was playing him. Not fair to the other girls to just stand there and wait all that time.
I can’t believe after last night, some people still think Ali was going to be Jake’s F1. A man truly in love would’ve done anything to prevent his woman from leaving. He didn’t care enough because she wasn’t his final pick.
Ali was fishing for him to tell her she was his pick and he didn’t fall for it. Good riddance Ali.
Jake is so obviously head over heels for Vienna, like her or not, if some would take their blinders off they would be able to see it.
Ah, finally someone without blinders on.
And how fake was that whole “talk” between Jake and Ali??? I thought I was watching a very badly acted soap. There may have been some moments of truth, but when Jake opened the door to let Ali in you could SEE the prompt lines in the air “I have to talk to you” etc. Sure, they went on unscripted from there, but the beginning was terribly fake. I bet they told him to be ready so that he would not be in the washroom or showering when Ali knocked on the door
I’m actually shocked that he wasn’t coming out of the shower in a towel when she arrived. Gratuitious shirtlessness is always a plus…
Her hair was such a mess by the end of that conversation, it’s no wonder he wouldn’t commit to her. He was probably like, “Good grief. Brush your hair!”
Is it just me or did Vienna and her father have a sick relationship? I couldn’t even watch those two together because I felt like I was going to see her make out with her dad at any point.
I also think she looks like the donkey from Shrek. -GROSS-
I would like to think that reality steve was right, and that Ali wanted to leave the show because of Vienna. I wish the CW would fire Chris from writing this blog and hire reality steve. He adds sooo much more spark to the blog, besides it’s not like we are getting anything more than we now see on the show. I just like the comments “remember the girls had no idea what was going on” I love it how he has to keep reminding people because we do not believe his acting or Jakes. Plus do you see Chris make the funny smirk when he is supposed to act surprised? Watch previous shows and you will see when Jake didn’t want to hand out all the roses Chris had the same smirk on his face..
I’m personally not buying this one! Really disappointed in the bachelor producers. What are they thinking. This appears really be a desperate move on their part. Ahhh, just like last season. Didn’t Ed have to choose between his job as well. Can’t imagine any employer would give an ultimatum with only days to go on the show. (employer know the time frame for Ali’s absence) It’s pretty flimsy on all counts. Ali’s tears looked like they were for her grandmother’s passing rather than leaving Jake. He recovered way to quickly from the news as well. Makes me wonder!
Days to go? Try 2 weeks minimum. How are they doing to all spend time with Jake in the Virgin Islands and have a final Rese Ceremony in a few days?
There is no way that they would have been done in a couple of days. They still have the exotic dates, Jakes home town, and the final rose ceremony. That would be a minimum of 2-3 more weeks.
Also to your comment about how Jake recovered too quickly, we don’t know how long he was standing outside trying to compose himself. It could have been hours for all we knew. Just because the edit makes it look like he let her go and then went straight back inside to the other girls does not mean that that was what actually happened.
The thing that bothers me is that her employers must have known how long she was going to be gone. if she couldn’t be away for the maximum amount of time she should not have gone on the show at all.
I agree with you in that if Ali would have stayed there was a pretty good chance of being there at the very end. From the looks of it though I think she is going to come back in the very end and there is going to be a big surprise, but I don’t think it’s fair to the other girls either to keep them in the dark so I guess we will have to wait and watch.
what???
I think that Jake loves Ali and they should be together. He should of took off with her and left the other girls standing. He won’t be happy with any of the others.
I think Jake and Ali would be a really good couple.. I cant believe she left the show for her job but then again in this economy if it was truley your job and not knowing for sure he was going to pick you I would have to choose my job but then again you can always look for another job you cant always find another true love and thats what they had together true love. I think it would be great for the show if they bought Ali back and gave her a second chance on love with Jake and see if she is the one for him..
I feel so disappointed with the hometown dates. Tenley went on and on about her ex and so did her family. She is not focused on her future with Jake but her past with this cheating ex. Also Gia and her family were preoccupied with her past exes and all the hurt she has lived through. Even Vienna kept on with this theme of past marriage troubles. When her dad went on about being a princess I got angry. Where are the strong women, who can be independent and can take care of themselves. It was gross. Children are special to their parents but then there is going over board to spoit someone rotten. The only date I was more impressed with was with Ali, but then she left. I think she did not trust Jake to choose her, I mean she could end up without Jake or a job, so who could blame her for choosing a sure thing. Ali has not been my favorite because of her seemingly mean spirited attack of Vienna, and domineering demeanor, but she did seem the most mature and endearing. The loving care she had for her grandmother was touching, showing a real appreciation for family and being the one to give support not just take, take and take. I really wanted the best for Jake, and I don’t see it yet as a possibility.
Sorry meant *spoil
Kissing is not loving someone or even falling in love. It might be falling in lust, but not love. If Jake is ridiculous enough to marry a “princess” he deserves to remain a prince and never grow up. Vienna is the most self centered immature, insecure contestant, male or female I have seen on the show. But that’s the Cinderella story…the prince always goes off with the ugly sister until he realizes his mistake and goes back for the real deal. Each of the 4 present challenges and Jake seems to be fooled by needing a challenge, a little trouble, a little conflict to keep him interested. For my money…Ali was the best match followed by Gia who does seem to have genuine depth. Vienna….do an instant replay of her first marriage, Jake and RUN….you will be divorce #2 because nobody will ever come between Vienna and her father. Trust me.
I agree totally Maia. Except I would reverse, Gia is the best match, then maybe Ali.
That whole princess thing is rediculous. She is a spoiled brat who is used to getting her way. She drained her ex’s bank account and got a boob job, who does that!>?!?
I feel sorry for him if he picks her…..he says he’s looking for heart but he doesn’t seem to be picking a girl with his! Even Gia would be a better pick , though it doesn’t seem like they have much in common, she is sweet and they have chemistry.
I don’t think in all the Bachelor shows the guy has ever picked the bad girl…..remember andrew firestone and that Kirsten girl?
Jake picks GIA not ali or vienna
Vienna is held up in Florida telling the world she was Jakes pick. Gross
GREAT BLOG CHRIS!
There’s no need to swell the guy’s ego any larger than it already is. The man is nothing more than an ABC pawn. It must be painful to have to write this crap every week. But then most people will do almost anything for a buck.
Whether CH actually believes the crap he writes is debateable, but he certainly likes how ABC and EW line his pockets for doing it.
One time I heard that you don’t have to read this blog or watch the show. Maybe it was just a rumor though…
I find it hard to believe that CH actually believes the crap in his blog. Or that he’s great friends with the people on the show. I usually crack up at what he writes because this show is so phony.
I am 100% sure Chris doesn’t write this, it’s written by staff and he edits and puts his finally touches on it.
If Nobdoy and SLB hate this show so much and bash it every single week why are you wasting your time watching and blogging about it. I love reading what Chris has to say and the comments because i love the show and i want to know what other people think not what people like you have to say about it. If you don’t like the show and you think it is all a joke don’t watch it nobody is forcing you to.
Wow Nobody, I’d love to see someone come to your job and tell you how much you SUCK at it. Do what your parents taught you, “If you don’t have anything nice, don’t say anything at all”. And next time have the guts to type your REAL name
AJM-
Not everyone has drank the ABC Kool Aid like you. I suggest if you dont like reading opinions contrary to yours then stay away from the Comments section. “Nobody” hit the nail on the head, the show is scripted crap, the script writers for the show should be fired.
If you think it is crap, then don’t read it!!
Can we set the record straight? This is a “message board” NOT a “fan club”. Unless you are 12 years old (and perhaps many of you are), you should be able to understand that DEBATE is part of what makes this whole exercise enjoyable! Some seasons I like better than others, but I watch ‘em all, even when they’re crap. For the record, anybody who knows anything about TV knows that the show is FAKE, at least to a certain extent. Doesn’t mean we don’t find it entertaining! Note to libby et al, who I think are probably tween girls, as you get older, you will be able to critically enjoy things and consider others’ opinions as valid, even when they differ from yours. You will also come to understand that sometimes people like to read things they don’t like and comment on them. I hope you grow up soon, and don’t believe everything you see (or anything, really) on reality tv.
John
Why are you on this blog? If you don’t like ABC or the bachelor why are you blogging about it. What you are saying isn’t what this blog is about. If you don’t like the show don’t watch and don’t blog about it. For everyone on this blog your comments are unnecessary. Find something better to do with your time.
I think Chris is a sweetheart. He appeaars to be sincere & does what he can to meet the needs of the bachelor/bachelorette. He has real heart and is an asset to this show. I will probably get a lot of critisism for this comment.
No criticism here — I LOVE CHRIS! The show is fake in that they try to hook up a couple in a few short weeks (not like real life), but I do not believe they are manipulating the Bachelor or telling anyone what to say or do. Look around you, people, and see what drama you see with your friends and family every day. You don’t need someone to make this stuff up. Desperate girls + desperate guy “looking for love”…. I can’t stop watching.
I think Ali made the right choice. If Reality Steve is right and her job is at Facebook, who could give that up for a 25% shot at love (or, more accurately, judging from past Bachelor track record, a 0% shot at love)? I’m sure it was hard at the time, but she probably feels she made the right choice now. Plus, if this show has taught us anything, it’s that if they’re really meant to be together, they’ll be together eventually anyway (see: Jason and Molly).
She had the job at facebook before she went on the show. It just sets the wrong precedent that people only partially commit to the process.
Oh please…in this economy you don’t gamble a good job away for a 25% chance at a relationship that has about a 2% chance of lasting. There are college graduates working menial jobs just to make ends meet because there are no good jobs out there. Ali made the right decision.
Maybe they should require everyone to quite their job before going on their show, so they can show their true commitment. Better yet, maybe only stay at home moms and the unemployed should be able to apply.
Lose an entry level position at Facebook? You figure Ali couldn’t get a job somewhere else? No, the whole thing was bogus. For whatever reason, she puts on this big transparent acting job because no way you go the show without realizing the time commitment involved. Who bought it?
Who bought it? Not me.
Not Jake. He said he wanted her to stay but didn’t say the one thing that would make her stay, “I will choose you in the end.”
I sure didn’t buy it…i thought the same thing…didn’t her employers know how long she’d be gone? and all of a sudden the week before the finale she HAS to go back or get fired? please! and those alligator tears and plopping down in the hallway crying, what an act! i totally agree with earlier comments that this was all in attempts to get Jake to tell her not to go because he already knew he’d pick her in the end…and that sure didn’t work out…even though i think he said it more or less and to viewers it sure seemed like from the beginning that they had the strongest connection. if it was real, i definitely think that she will regret this decision later on down the road. she will always wonder if she would have stayed if he would have picked her and if they could have lived happily ever after. oh well…she screwed that up! unless of course the producers bring her back for another “shocking” turn of events. it’s sad though for Jake if he really did have the strongest feelings for Ali, because ya, he does still have 3 beautiful women that he feels connections with to choose from, but if Ali was the one, what’s the point??
Ha ha, what are “alligator” tears? Maybe Vienna is the one who has those, living in the swamps?
This whole thing is kinda gross, with girls in their early 20s so crazed and emotional over wanting to marry a guy they just met. Let’s all calm down and just see how it plays out. IT’S A TV SHOW, PEOPLE!
Ali dominated this last episode and that was tough to watch. Please do not let her back on the show, it is not fair to the other girls. It was painful to watch her whine and wallow in self pity. She wanted to stay but you saw it in her eyes at the rose ceremony that she couldn’t deal with the competition of the other women. Always has to be the center of attention which is why she freaked out about Vienna. Don’t let her back, you mess with the integrity of the show.
You are aware this was all filmed some time ago?
I COMPLETELY AGREE!!!!! Ali is whiny, self-centered, and has created a situation that purposely puts Jake in a position to overly focus on her. It seems like a staged tactic. I HOPE SHE DOESN’T COME BACK. She accused Vienna of being insensitive to the others girls–but I believe that is exactly how she is acting right now!!!
I agree. As much as I dislike Vienna, I dislike Ali more. Good riddance. Why did he go for the one girl who doesn’t like to fly? Gia is my favorite. I wish he’d pick her. I love Jake and was really glad they picked him to be the bachelor this time. But Ali is good riddance. Too bad it probably won’t be Gia from reports. I can’t see Jake and Vienna lasting, oh well.
Vienna’s has got to learn how to put extentions in her hair without it looking like a squirl nesting on her manly head.
Totally agreed.
“Integrity” of the show? This show? HAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH.
Psst, these people believe in the tooth fairy as well.
I agree. Scripted nonsense and poor acting, if you can call it that. Jake absolutely hopes to be the next Brad Pitt or whatever, but he is dull and lifeless. I choked when I Chris wrote (aboe, “There are times on this show when you forget about the cameras.” HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.
And people, why do you need to believe this game Show is real? What is missing in your lives?
You are right. Ali is all about Ali, she is mean spirited and jealous. I thought I like her in the beginning, but she made me sick as her true self was revealed.
I’m not convinced that Ali would “lose” her job if she stayed on for another week. She knew the schedule before going in, and had to have cleared it with her bosses first. To me this smells like a tactic on her end to force play Jake into admitting that she’s the one. I can’t shake the feeling that she’s controlling, and when she couldn’t control the situation like she wanted – she left.
Good lord you people are just bizarre. How do you know that Ali’s company didn’t force her back? Who’s to say that one of her teammates didn’t get fired or quit and they were unable to let her stay away? Also, this show is so bogus (I mean REALLY – 2 successful relationships over all these years???) who really cares. You don’t “fall in love” with 4 different people equally – it just doesn’t happen. In reality if Jake really thought Ali was the one he would have sent those other 3 stand-by’s home and he would have proposed. If indeed there was any truth in what went down on last night’s show then I think Ali made the right decision – if Jake was “the one” it would have been obvious to both of them.
Jado, you’re right. It was so obvious a tactic by Ali to find out if she was F1. I’m glad Jake didn’t budge.
Aggreed. Ali wanted to save face!
leave ali alone, she is a sweetie. i want her to come back, i cant stand the other girls,jake what is wrong with u,get ali back….
I agree, I liked her
You’re just a whiny as Ali was on the show. She chose to leave, so she’s responsible for the choice she made. Why should she be allowed back? Good grief, quit whyning!
I totally agree. This was Ali’s easy way out. She wanted jake to say she was the one. I think she could be a very jealous person. She has to be the center of attention.
You have got to be kidding me – Wake up Ali was the only real one there
We have no idea what has transpired since the show has ended. Ali had the most chemistry with Jake. No one can deny that. She really loved him. Now that the show is over i hope that Jake goes and gets her.
i agree…it would be unfair to let her come back…then what would they do? kick one of the other 3 off?? i say she gave up her chance…and i’m not bashing Ali because from the beginning she was one of my favorites, but after last night i’m over her…it just seemed too staged.
Why wouldn’t they let her come back, they let Ed come back. Ali is the only one that is ready for a commitment.
I am totally in agreement with you. She couldn’t stand the competition especially with Vienna. She had to lambast her to the other girls and eventually had them convinced that Vienna was a terrible person. Ali reminds me of some cruel girls I knew in high school. She was relentless in her vicious attacks. I couldn’t stand her. If Jake did pick Ali and then watched the show back..he’d probably regret his choice.
I loved Ali too! I was hoping she was going to be the one that Jake will finally pick. I am so bummed. She is so down to earth, smart, pretty, and honest. I really truely hope she comes back!
She can do MUCH better than Jake! Good for her… head for the hills, Ali!!
Keep running Ali! Find another victim. Too whinie and the dead grandma smiling??? Please!!!
I AGREE I LOVED ALI! SHE IS DEFINITELY THE ONE FOR JAKE !!!!! TO THOSE PEOPLE WHO ATTACK HER FOR JUST WANTING TO KNOW IF REALLY LOVES HER WHO COULD BLAME HER SHE IS ONLY HUMAN!!!!! SO, LAY OFF SHE IS THE ONE THAT IS REAL AND TRUE TO HERSELF AND EVERYONE MAKES MISTAKES AS TO HER LEAVING HER FOR HER JOB SO STOP JUDGING HER ( YOU’RE NOT GOD).
I can’t believe Ali left. You’d think that if you came on the show, you’d make arrangements to be away for the entire length of the show.
Why didn’t Gia’s hometown date dinner take place at her parents’ home, as is always the case?
Where did it take place?
85st street and 2nd avenue in Manhattan – new-ish Italian restaurant called Ciao Bella.
Very few people in NYC have a large enough apartment to have 6 people over for dinner, that’s why!
Not to mention a film crew!
I don’t buy that. We’ve seen scenes filmed in closets.
Gia is not from NYC, Gia is from Queens. Not the same kind of dwellings, so not enough room is not an excuse.
Who bloody hell cares where the dinner took place, they met, had dinner, got to know each other a bit, so who freakin cares where it all took place.
Remember, of the final 4, Ali is the only one with a real job. (Which says so much about the quality of women that choose to go on The Bachelor, but I digress.)
Great point and maybe something the ever-loving Bachelor should consider. “Swimsuit model,” my ass.
Ali needs to be the next bachelorette!
God no! That would be the worse show ever! I’m so glad she left, just wish is was sooner.
If Ali is the next bachelorette I will NOT watch. Her whining and voice drove me nuts.
No, Jen’s season of The Bachelorette was the WORST season ever…followed closely by Lorenzo, the “prince”. If anything, Ali would run a very distant 3rd.
Jen’s season had some good train wreck appeal. She was obviously there for more TV exposure, not there to find a husband.
she was acting like a petulant child the whole time…flopping on the couch like a kid before she told jake, sprawling on the floor crying, pouting her bottom lip out..it was so childish and embarassing. if she is the next bachelorette i will never watch again
I don’t think I could watch her again either. I liked her at first but she is a self centered woman!
One question for ya: if Ali really had to leave for work, as this stupid show wants everyone to believe, how then how would it be possible for her to leave (again) a new job she just couldn’t pass on for a minimum of 6 weeks?
All I have to say is that if Ali ends up as the next ‘ette its just more evidence of how fake and scripted this stupid show is. Chris Harrison can play this up any way he wants. He has to because its his job. But things didn’t happen the way they did. It was all scripted.
This show is turning into nothing but a “Soap Opera”…not that it wasn’t always. However – this takes the cake. Give me a break!! The crying…the leaving the obviously coming back of Ali or her being the next Batchelorette….you guys are running out of material on this show and going to lose what audience you did have. Very phony and scripted from beginning to end. The show actually makes me laugh now…it’s like a comedy!!
I’m guessing she tried to delay her starting date for her new job as long as possible. And why do we assume that the contestants on this show are ever given an exact timetable of how long they’ll be gone? Wouldn’t production want to keep them all in the dark as much as possible to prevent leaks and spoilers?
Phony, Fake, horrible acting, what a joke, the show lost me as a viewer, in fact the folks I was watching it with just laughed as well. Ali’s acting was so horrible that Jake could hardly even play along. Worse than a “B” rated soap opera, anyone watching could tell Ali’s words, and actions were not genuine, at first I just thought it was more of her conjured upmanipulation, but then when I saw Jake trying to fake it along, realized this was a plot by the producers. Sure it wasn’t scripted, but clearly planned and promoted (it should have been scripted because there was nothing about palatable. Even to where the wench said as she’s riding away “I hope I haven’t I made a mistake” was so impossible to beleive. Chris, get to the producers and go back to reality, it is far superior to you phony drama. You aren’t fooling anyone when you say it isn’t scripted, we get it, it’s just a fake plot without scriputng- duh. Go watch it, no one could buy that fake scnene. Integrity lost, viewer(s) lost.
I totally agree !!!!!
NOT AT ALL!
I definitley agree people would like to see that Ali would make the perfect Bachelorette!
I would think Ali would be humiliated over how she looked last night – that stupid pony tail/messed up hair, frowny face, whiney voice. Drama BABY in my opinion. I don’t see Jake with any of these gals.
If she can’t get off work to finish out this season, how can she possibly get off work for 2 months to be the next Bachelorette?
How could Ali be the next Bachelorette? She just left the Bachelor for her job. I doubt her job will let her be away again that long!
Please do NOT bring Ali back as the next Bachelorette. She chose what she chose, that should be the end of it. Not sure I could take an entire season of her whining. Besides if her employer would not let her stay on the Bachelor why would they let her do the Bachelorette?
Whining??
Please NO!! She is mean, spoilt, petty and just awful…NO for Ali as Bachelorette!!
I would NOT watch if Ali becomes the next Bachelorette-that was her plan all along:)
And you know this how??? So you actually know her since you know her plan..
I know this is useless because my opinion is not going to count but, I DO NOT want to see ALI or GIA as the next bachelorette.
Wouldn’t that interfere with her ‘job’? Or will she quit halfway through when she’s not getting her way?
No! She left the show.
They’d have to shoot the entire season in 4 weeks – in San Francisco – if she’s the Bachelorette. Remember, her job comes first!!
Nah – Ella should be the next one.
Good thought, but I think Ella seems too good/mature for the games that a Bachelorette has to play and deal with.
Yah right, like work would allow her to be the next bachelorette. She’d probably walk out in the middle of the rose ceremony ’cause work called.
I hated to see Ali leave tonight. I must say though something did not feel right with her and Jake. She seems too immature for Jake. If it ends up Jake proposing to Vienna..I will be soooo dissapointed. I truly believe that Tenley and Gia are the better choices for Jake.
Prepare to be soooo “dissapointed”(sic).
I find it so odd that in past weeks comments everyone weighed in on how much they hate Ali and thought she was a mean girl, and yet, all of a sudden, everyone is so sad she’s gone. What gives?
I always liked her, she was one of the most real sincere women on the show, not all about hair and the fancy things..
I’m not sad she’s gone. She was too controlling.
Oh yeah everyone needs a whinny girl that harps on her ex husband…NOT…Tinley is so fake it is sickening
Tenely is far from over her “ex” and brings him up much tooooo often. Time for her to go!!
I mean, did Tenley REALLY dance for him last night? Talk about going way overboard. And Ali looked like she hadn’t showered in three days- a total wreck. This show has taken a complete 180 and I don’t think any of us can predict what will happen in the coming weeks with as many twists and turns have happened recently!
I agree with Kristin in the other blog about Tenley’s dance being hugely cringe-worthy and embarassing. Oy vey. Nice sweet girl but yeesh.
AGREED!!!
I agree 1000%!!!
P
Craig, your Man Card has been revoked.
As a healthy normal hetero guy..i shouldnt be admitting I watch this show. I enjoyed watching the super bowl yesterday and it must be a combo of how my mother raised me, that I have enough of a romantic side that i can appreciate a corny show like the bachelor..that i have watched over the years.
Something has gone wrong though this season. Every season has a good mixture of serious drama and flat out fun and entertainment. This season has gradually become more serious by the week,lacking in energy and humor and fun. When i have gone about finding a girlfriend..ok..i am single right now..so no expert here
..but when i look for a girl..one of the most important things is just plain having fun and humor in life..
this season is just dreary. The guy seems nice..jake has a great job..the kind that attracts alot of women..seems genuine and nice..at times a bit dull..but then again..hard to judge? when all i see each week is a forlorn set of serious frowns on his face.
Where is the fun..? even episodes with entertaining dates ended with drama.
The girl i thought i was most attracted to as far as looks and personality was Ali..by far..from the very beginning.
Where have i gone with her? downhill…her nastiness and the icy edge she displayed towards Vienna when behind the scenes..was disgusting. Does Ali not trust that the guy she likes is intelligent enough to figure out on his own..who is fake? Who is real? Who is his cup of tea? If you give up the fact you agree he is smart..then whey the constant bitter display of having to constantly explain how bad you think this vienna is?
The more she did that, the more i actually grew to appreciate vienna. As far as i am concerned i hope its her..or the great girl with heart…gia..who for such a beauty ..must have had alot of rejection in her life..but she is sweet.
But bottom line..to leave girls standing waiting for him to figure it out with ali is horrible to them..to have ali put on him that its his choice re her job..she cannot arrange that before the season starts? She cannot find another job? IF she truly loved this guy, would she not take a leap of faith and if he chooses her..she can find another job..in dallas..in MA..wherever.
I hope that the other girls are not left now thinking even if he picks them..that they are second rate..only around due to ali leaving…just another way ali leaves a bad taste..in this area.
The little phone call preview of her calling him in the carribean was just too obvious and her coy way of playing with him i hope ran its course. Even if he were to have picked her, i hope he leaves her behind..that mopey mess would be yours for life jake? it would be you and her in dallas shopping for groceries..and sitting there holding two bottles of salad dressing ..crying…wailing..i dont know which one to pick..what should i do!
What a mess.
I just miss the old fun days of this show..where you really root for people and have alot more laughs and excitement, not dreariness..with talks about lost jobs, bad ex boyfriends, cheating ex husbands, etc etc etc.
Come on guys…lets have some fun. If i can make it thru another cold winter here in toronto, then this show should be able to make it thru another episode..in the sunny south of all places..by looking forward to a fun finish. Its not how you start..its how you finish.
Craig, I vote you for next Bachelor. Me likey your style.
Agreed… You are voted the next Bachelor! It’s refreshing to have a perspective from a guy… you made a lot of good points.
Me hatey your stupid post.
How pleasant you must be.
I agree with some of what you say. You do sound like a great guy. But I do like Ali, I agree with some other posts on other sites. It is HARD to get a good job these days. And I have been the same way over the years, trying to get a feel for a guy, if I should put it out there or not. She was in a hard spot. Again I like her and think she could do better. This show is just so unreal.
Appreciated!
You sound like someone who thinks the show is real…. so sad.
By the way, “alot” is not a word. You should be saying “a lot” instead. Capice?
Nobody,
I’m not being sarcastic so let me try and word this the right way… I read a lot of comments from people who don’t like the show and think it’s fake, which is fine. What interests you enough to keep watching it? I’m curious. Or to go the next step of reading a blog about a show you don’t like..?? Or the next step of commenting on people’s grammar on a blog about a show you don’t like?
I really am interested in what keeps people going here if they’re so turned off…??
You’ve got me turned on, Jenn. Do you have any photos of yourself you can share?
Really! Critizing someone’s special? Now that is childish. People are in a hurry and voicing their opinions and that was tacky! Jake will be doing the right thing to forget Ali and move on with his heart!
Jenn – I appreciate the sincere nature of your query. I sometimes make negative posts when I don’t like something. I have a “love/hate” relationship with The Bachelor. I like to comment on the parts I hate as much as love, and I hate to miss an episode because the show/recaps/comments have brought me HOURS of entertainment. I LOVE the debate on these boards, and I like to hear everybody’s positive and negative opinions (and share mine). I guess the reason could be summed up as: hate some things/love the experience in general. Also, personally, I do not believe that what Chris writes is honest and sincere (at least not 100%), but I still find it entertaining. I also think the show is likely cast/loosely plotted, not REAL reality, but I still find it enjoyable to watch. Having said that, people who share my point of view need to indicate our perspective before commenting. FWIW, I watch a lot of reality TV, think Survivor and Amazing Race are closest to “real”, Bachelor is less real than Big Brother, but more real than Jersey Shore.
Yeah!!! You are so on the money!! It’s one of the reasons I think Jake likes Vienna; she’s more light-hearted and fun than the others. Gia has been pretty good, too, just a tiny bit insecure. But Tenley, always bitching about her ex and Ali, always bitching about Vienna, what downers.
A “healthy, normal, hetero guy?” Sorry, Craig, but after reading your post, I just don’t buy it.
LOL, me neither
You’re spot on. When did looking for love ever become this dreary? There seems to be no fun in this show at all or what appears to be fun (frolicking through the leaves) so manufactured. Remember how much fun Jillian seemed to be having (OK, most of the time)?
I think some of you guys have amnesia.
Don’t you remember how intense Jason was and his season? All the crying? There has been lots of drama in the past on this show. I personally like Jake best of all the Bachelors. He seems the most prepared for true, lasting love (and love is both serious and fun). And he laughs with the girls plenty… it is usually the girls who get serious and emotional (and they do every season… they struggle with competing with each other and worrying about who will be picked).
I don’t know which girl is “best.” I have been rooting for Tenley (and Gia) the entire time as they seem like the best long-term matches. But even with Ali’s jealous streak, I was sad to see her go as they did have something forming there, and Ali did try to let go of her jealousy. Vienna… I don’t think she’s as bad as the other girls made her out to be, but she doesn’t leave me with warm fuzzies either. All in all, I think it’s been a good season so far.
Jillian was drunk the whole time! Did you miss the “eyes glazed over” look she exhibited every episode. Yikes, no wonder she picked Ed over Reid. She was hammered.
i agree with your post – it has been depressing – and too many tears – what is with all these cry babies – though none was worse than Jason Messick – who would want a man that cried that much?
Jake is a little too mister perfect – noone is really like that. You have Ali pegged right; as the show evolved she became less and less attractive – too nasty – dont forget that nastiness is a character trait that can/will eventually be turned on those she ‘loves’ – Jake is lucky she left – bye bye Ali & all drama!
vote for Craig as the next bachelor!
Yo momma raised you right…
Thanks to anyone who replied to my post, whether they agreed, complimented or slammed me. Any fb is good regardless. I had come here a few times to read never posting as I wanted to see how others felt and having watched the host in interviews Chris, he is a very funny guy off the show and his perspective is entertaining. Honestly though, i expected 1 or 2 people to read it and move on.
To anyone who joked about me being the next bachelor..well..i keep in shape..but sadly no six pack..and i hear thats in the contract..so not happening..but thanks to Jillian there is potential for us canadians
To someone who commented about my mother must have raised me right. Dead on. My parents split when i was very young and due to my mother being fed up with some not so nice things on my fathers end. Lets just say violence and cheating are not the foundation of a happy marriage.
So i grew up very close to her as she struggled financially and emotionally but succeeded in providing very well for my sis and I.
Now does all that drama as a kid and emotional stuff..along with being raised by your mother bring out your sensitive side to the point you can enjoy a show like this? maybe. or maybe its always there. Either way I have it.
To the couple jokes in which ‘direction’ I go? Sorry, but I like the ladies. I dont generally date, but after two 3 yr relationships and one 8 yr…i have alot of time invested in finding the right one. Finally at that age where slowly you start hearing the comments on when you getting hitched? Well lets just find the right girl first ok?
Other than my best bud..who knows i watch this show…as his wife when i see her will talk about it, i dont exactly advertise it. Lets face it, the target demographic must be 99% women. But it must be that romantic side i enjoy the show. The initial part is all circus entertainment but when it gets narrowed down, its serious. You may..or may not..but may have met someone special.
Me i have always gotten a kick out of suprising girl friends with a well thought out suprise outing..or a simple little gesture. I dont care on here how someone would comment, because we are all anonymous, so we can be or say what we want. I like the show. I like women. I will find a great match for me eventually and this show will continue to fall into the ‘chick flick’. I think overall the show is great, otherwise most would not take time to vent when a season like this has gone on to be a bit of a serious downer.
oh..and to the girl who said alot is not in the dictionary…look again..just like us canucks can be out and about
And why exactly is Craig single? He seems like a great catch….I hope you, Craig, find your soul mate as you seem to have so much to offer.
Good post Craig, despite the nutbars who question your opening statement. Like you, I watch regularly (thanks to my wife), as much for the laughs as for the ‘reality’ aspect of this. I mean really, finding love on a TV set? Anything’s possible – lightning does strike twice, right? – but it’s no wonder any of these relationships last more than the time it takes to put them on air.
So this season has been eye-opening, and fun but also kind of depressing. I was initially drawn to Ali. Attractive, sensible, articulate. She seemed to have it all but then the whole Vienna-thing began and quite frankly I tired of her inability to focus on Jake.
I started to think that maybe she was cluing in a little bit when she seemed to move away from Vienna and more onto Jake, but this whole job thing, well if you go into the show knowing how long it’s going to take you either say “I’m in for the whole thing” or “I’m doing this for fun”. Sadly I think Ali looks like she’s in the latter camp.
My feeling is that Jake was almost telling her that she was the one (obviously there’s only so much he could say). Her decision to leave seems almost to suggest that she’d decided he wasn’t really what she wanted and the job thing was a convenient excuse.
Guess time will tell.
The first night, out of the limos, I picked Ali right away. My favorite through their first one on one date. When Vienna and Jake kissed on the bungee jump, I got a clear signal of real chemistry (or initial lust) and thought ‘uh oh’. After that Ali’s bitchy side was shown almost exclusive of any other conversation she was in. After last night (and I agree she decided to leave for reasons other than a job) it seems that that is the reason the show edited Ali to be cast as “the b—-” as her punishment for quitting. I’m not buying the job thing either and I’m very much agreeing with OAKVILLIAN above. So we were shown Ali whenever she made a mean girl comment, but not shown any drama that Vienna may have caused. Ali’s comments knocked her out of the game for me, but it was very clear last night how fake this leaving setup was.
Maybe you’re single because you use too many ellipses?
CRAIG…YOU are awesome! Who really gives a dang about a “six pack?” Give this girl an intelligent, compassionate, honest man who can engage in real conversation and display true integrity over a facade of six packs any day! Granted, eye candy is nice to gaze upon, but alas, it simply CAN’T sustain a healthy and loving relationship.
NOTE TO PRODUCERS: CONTACT CRAIG IN CANADA. BRING IN SOME F-U-N WITH THIS BACHELOR!!!! Or, I’m (yawn) going to have to stop watching this show.
Thanks for the kind words, same thanks to those below your post saying similar things. Appreciated. Once again..to anyone slamming me as well..thats ok..i am big guy..I can take it.
People often say things on the net that they would never say to someone face to face, so i always remember to be respectful and take any pot shots with a grain of salt.
I have dated very atractive girls and some that were great people but not outwardly someone that would stand out looks wise, but once people i know and trust got to know..they were blown away by. Sure you cannot tell personality from across a room..so we may be a bit shallow from a distance..but for the same reason some of us might question the girls this guy jake chooses to stick around..as looks wise we might not be into them..he..spends more time and may have a connection that goes beyond that. I am not a huge fan of vienna looks wise, but i will say she withstood alot of abuse ..Ali alone towards her..and took it. She seems sincere. Ali? not so sure. the rest are there but my guess is its gia or vienna in the running and what he felt for Ali? I know he would have kept her for a bit..but was she his pick? Well..i guess we will need the after show for that
I have not seen every single season, but most as just a couple people i didnt connect with watching. Anyone who does watch this show is different than typical reality show fans. There is no cash prize, no big brother watching and no island to be stranded on. All shows have their place as entertainment. The bachelor and bachelorette connect with anyone who is in a relationship or wants to be. I think they like to find a few people they connect with and root for even though we all know this show may not result in long lasting success. These people are placed together and spend such short time together that its hard vs real life.
Lets face it, if i could afford and arrange non stop balloon rides and renting out complete concert venues..nite after nite..i myself could keep any girl happy. But its when you face that first disagreement…or tough real life situation you find out what someone is about. Do they retreat and avoid conflict or do they shout it out. Or…hopefully..do they work it out..because the older you get…the more you realize..it just..isn’t..worth it. That is what the bachelor show is..a great show..does it continue as a real love after the show..well..thats real life..and i still enjoy watching to see if they make it.
I don’t know if there really is just one person for everyone, i think there could be many..but you have to meet them..and you have to give it a chance…who is to say that because its on a tv show..its not real..i..just think its better to wait and see how they handle the real world when done. This season has not brought the laughs and fun..in same manner as other seasons..but we all say we will not watch…if some things like this Ali stuff pushes it too far..but lets face it..you will come back. Lets hope this one cheers up and ends on a high note.
I’m sorry. One of the main reasons I watch this gd show is for the six-packs. Love when it’s a Bachelorette even more (becuase there are more six-packs). I do not want to see a balding fat man who likes to post on reality message boards. Enough of that in real life, thanks!
Craig is awesome
What if he is in his 50s, chunky and bald?
Remember that Regular Joe (or whatever) dating show where the girl thought all these hunks are coming and the bus shows up with a collection of “Joes”? 
thank you!
People who claim they are ‘normal’ are suspect to me. Hetero-ness is common, not ‘normal’.
Craig, Love the post. I actually like Ali and Tenley the most. I think Jake and Ali have something special. What I hate about this show is why does ABC pressure people to propose, i think they should pick one person, date and if they ever propose have that as a special at a later date. Marriage is forever people and not many people fall in love after 6-8 weeks. That is the only thing that bothers me season after season. Still a fan though!
I agree. The women in my life that have most impressed me were ones that took life’s road blocks and wrong turns in stride…its not just fun to watch dates like the show has..its real life that has both good fun..and issues to deal with. How does a person handle those things in combination with all the good..that is what matters. On this show they spend such little ‘real’ time and lets face..it..what problems really come up? How do they know how they will communicate with each other..when all they have done..is go walking in san fran…gone for a plane ride..i wish them well but have no long term expectations when its such a short period..before an offer to spend a life together. But i still wish them well regardless.
Thanks for your nice comments as well. Craig.
Craig, love your post. I’m sick of the drama too and most of it is coming from Ali.
Very nice of you. Thanks!
First of all Ali wasn’t the only one to say something to Jake about Vienna. There were several. Which should make you think that it had to be Vienna. I didn’t think Ali was nasty at all. She is just very different from Vienna. I am sure there was a lot more going on behind the scenes – why else would everyone move out of Vienna’s room and leave her alone?
Craig you make excellent points! You live in reality!
Thank you V.E. Appreciated.
Only a bored moron is going to read a post that long.
Not such a nice thing to say..as essentially quite a few people replied to my posts..which means you are insulting a large number.
LOL
That is not very cool.
But that said, yeah, maybe i was a bit long winded, so I will ensure i either don’t post in future, or keep my comments brief.
PS…I recommend fibre…you will feel like a new man
It is the first time I have ever been called a ‘moron’, but I guess I am, according to John, as I enjoy reading Craig’s posts.
Craig good observations….out of the four which would you pick?
Initially it was Ali. She had a confidence about her, anyone who appears that way, in herself, loves her job. Who cares what that job is, as long as you love it. But the downward spiral of backfighting took her out. Tenley, sweet girl, but just not in the right place emotionally. She needs to date and find out who she is first.
Have a good one beth. Craig
Vienna, away from girls and drama…she can be very sweet and her energy for life comes thru..she appears to want to try new things..new experiences..that on its own is very attractive..but I question a bit..her emotional maturity.
I would not say in real life she is perfect for me, but I would choose Gia. Why? Well i wrote her off right away in show…pretty..a model..probably self absorbed…too quiet.
But then she opened up, she is a very sweet girl, contradicting the model image and photos circulating around of her doing her work. They say many actors and models are shy and insecure. We find that ironic..but lets face it..they try for work and face constant rejection getting only a small % of jobs. THis girl comes across a tiny bit fractured from other bad relationships..but has it together enough..that she is much sweeter than i thought initially. Her big city youth is a nice thing, and she comes across as one who would be up for travel and new experiences and for me..that is a very attractive combo.
Well…looks like i might get another comment about my long winded messages…oh well..at least i am aware of my own short comings
Oh, you are so right…it’s kinda down this season. Even after those kisses, it always left bitter tastes in the mouth this season. No fun to watch those dates after all. Ali must has some problems with trusting men due to her relationship with her dad and her parents’ relationship. She is too insecure and wants to be in control. If Jake took her back, Jake just puts himself into another heartbreak and I would believe with some people that Jake surely is not perfect at all. However, on another hand, the rest of 3 ladies have some trusting problems as well, just in different levels/fields.
Ali–thank you for leaving the show. I feel from what I saw, Jake was not totally into her. Jake has some pretty interesting facial expressions. And..if they are really meant to be it’ll happen. I think Vienna is the best choice. She’s sweet, honest and you can see that Jake is able to be relaxed & himself.
Great blog!
Sure, Vienna is a great catch. If you don’t mind bailing her drunk butt out of jail every weekend, or having to supply her with a constant flow of drugs.
You also have to tolerate her occasional nude modeling. Yeah, shes a great woman that any man would love to have.
nice…here’s one of the Ali posse, Vienna haters…crazed, just like their leader
Sorry, you don’t have to be “crazed” to realize the piece of trash that Vienna is. Au contraire, sounds like pure sanity to me.
Where did the “drugs” and “nude modeling” comment come from? And, we have no idea how many car accidents Vienna had – it could be the producers exaggerating and leading us to believe that it is a lot but we have never heard how many. I like Vienna.
@Karen You don’t have to look very hard to find the topless photos of Vienna on the internet – so that part is true (I read a lot of the spoilers and they’ve all posted them). Drugged, I don’t know.
And don’t forget her overbearing father (actually their relationship concerns me a bit – seems unnaturally close for a father/daughter)
Let’s see, Vienna has: fake tan (too orange, dark, and even to be real), fake hair (bleached + extensions), fake implants, and fake emotoions and tears as she attempts to “win” the man.
Amen, Kim. Vienna concerns me with the photos and stories about her ex-husband…but I do like her nevertheless. I am drawn to people who speak their mind. However, Jake is gonna have to make sure his pants are on straight and buckled. His father-in-law may be a bit intrusive and Vienna won’t be afraid of having a shouting match.
They have been and will continue to be several girls with nude photos who end up on this show. That’s what happens when Bachelors like Jake continue to choose girls whose profession is “modeling.” If they wanted more classy ladies on the show, the producers would choose them. Duh.
Chris I’m extremely curious. Had Jake known then and there that Ali was the one for him, would he have been allowed to halt production and choose his F1 then and there? Was he given an option of telling her she was the F1 if he did indeed know at that moment that she was the girl for him? What consequences would Jake have been facing had he said “I’m not doing anymore episodes because I want to pick Ali now”? Seems like maybe Jake lost a girl he was really crazy about because of a contract commitment to you guys at the show.
Ooh yeah, good question! I want to know that too Chris!
I wondered about that too…
I thought about that but surely they were alone for at least 30 seconds when he could have whispered, “You are the one but we can’t tell the other. Play along for now but I love you and want you for my wife” … end of story.
I’m sure that Jake could have told her anything he wanted to with no one from the show knowing anything about it.
He did tell her that he couldn’t guarantee she would be the F1, so I don’t think he was thinking at the time she was it – maybe one of the top 2 though.
I think he said that b/c he’s not allowed to tell them that
Great question Cassie. Chris please answer!!!
Cassie I felt the same way. PLEASE ANSWER THAT QUESTION CHRIS!!!
I was so torn up watching these two, they are either fabulous actors or two people who fell hard for one another. How bad would it have been to tell the other girls, that Ali is the one? I would not stop watching this show if he found his true love, duh, we watch because we hope this show helps the lovelorn….who cares if it was 3 episodes early…that wouldn’t have bothered me at all!!!
I asked a similar question last week, but got no response, so please let us know Chris. What happens if the Bachelor/Bachelorette decides they want someone they let go (ie: Jason and Molly)? Can they contact them after ATFR? Or do they sign a “cannot contact clause” if they do not receive a rose? Is that why Jason had to pick Molly before the end of ATFR?
There’re plenty of ways Jake could have hinted to Ali that she was the one. He didn’t even try because at the end of the day, he really wasn’t that much into her to carry her all the way to F1.
Yes Chris, I was wondering the same thing last night as I was watching. I felt like maybe in that moment he was unsure who he wanted to boot, but I KNOW it would have been Vienna and Ali to stay. And then he realized that he was losing one of them. COULD Jake have made that decision right then and there???
There is no way he would have haulted everything right there. I am pretty sure they cannot tell anyone they are the one until the end. No way…they want it all to play out for the ratings.
Boy, 3 whole comments before someone has to bring up Reality Steve. Soooo sick of hearing about him. Chris, I love your blog but it sucks to read the comments now because of all the spoilers. (go ahead, bring on the smart a$$ ‘then don’t read them’ comments.)
Couldn’t agree more. Producers need to seal the leaks. It’s supremely irritating. If I wanted to read Reality Steve, I’d go to his site. Don’t need him all over here too.
Reality Steve rules!
Realllly curious about the circumstances with Ali’s job. Did she fail to tell them how long she might be gone? Or – and this is what I expect – they let her know they might call her back, and she chose to keep that to herself? If so, she has not one leg to stand on. She lied, she created this situation, and sucks to be her. Ha!
I had the feeling Ali wasn’t comfortable with the upcoming bikini scenes. The women you put on the show have to be exhibitionists at heart, (bikini on national tv) and maybe Ali wasn’t up for that. I feel like there’s way more to this story……
I think there is more to the story too but I just can’t figure out what…I know the ending but I can’t picture it happening b/c I can only see Ali and Jake together lol Kinda curious as to why she’s phoning him tho..prolly something stupid like “just making sure your ok” but I secretly hope she wants to come back=)
Ali not an exhibitionist ??!! What about that scene in a public park with her straddling Jake. While wearing a short dress. Yuck.
Oh no, another Annie! I guess I’m OriginalAnnie now. Anyhow, I guess I was trying to allude, rather than be direct, so here goes. Ali does not appear to be bikini ready in the boot-ay area, and the show has carefully avoided its regular ‘girls around the pool’ scenes thus far. We’ve never seen Ali in any hot tub scenes. However, the upcoming show is all bikini all the time, and given Ali’s apparent belief that she’s ‘better’, I’m just saying she might have gotten psyched out by the swimsuit models and the dancer if her endless array of bubble dresses and a-line dresses had to come off.
Vienna’s held up in Orlando telling everyone that Jake Picked her. Yuk! She looks more like a man than he does.
I am very happy to see the phoney, back biting Ali leave. If she is allowed back on, I will stop watching this show. This same thing happened last season. I think it’s all manipulative on her part and bs on the shows.
I totally agree! Watching her cry and whine was sooooo pathetic, and she continually gave glimpses of how calculating and manipulative she really is (hence: ‘is it okay if I put my legs in your lap and press my cleavage into your groin?’). While standing with the other women, there was a great shot of her staring at Tenley with undisguised envy…she needed to dump Jake so that she could still be Queen of the Mean B******. If she comes back I will gag!
I am soooo….sad to see Ali gone. For all of you that are happy she’s gone because of the Vienna attacks fail to realize that she is far from being the only woman on the show that made comments about disliking Vienna. Obviously, Vienna is a very spoiled brat. Needless to say, I hope you realize that each of these episodes are edited and Ali appears to have the biggest problem with Vienna. Of course they edit episodes to keep the competition interesting for the viewers to look forward to the following weeks episode. By all means I respect her more for being open about her problem with Vienna. Unlike the other girls that hid it and left it up to Ali to handle each situation.
As for Vienna……out of all the seasons how many times have you seen any of the women bring the bachelor to their bedroom during the family visits. Isn’t suppose to be time to get to know the family, and what is she doing still living with mom & dad anyways.
As for Tenley…..I get the impression with a divorce less than a year that she is just looking for a rebound. She is not over her exhusband because if she was she wouldn’t bring up anything about him for every little thing. I think she is just trying to get over the hurt by proving to herself that she can still be loved.
And Gia…..it’s understandable now why she took so long to really open up. She had her heartbroken so she has been observing the connection with Jake very closely and that would be expected.
I really hope Ali comes back!!!!!
I think Ali is the best choice and if she doesn’t return I think Gia is the next best choice.
agree about Tenley; she isnt ready for a new relationship never mind a new husband. Does anyone else find her voice annoying? Though must say she has great legs.
I also agree about Tenley. I know divorce proceedings can sometimes take awhile so I don’t know how long she’s been separated from her ex. It just seems, to me, that she isn’t over her ex and needed more time for herself before jumping into a possible serious relationship and/or engagement.
Vienna is only 23. That could be why she still lives at home.
I was annoyed by Gia in the beginning but she has grown on me. I don’t think she’s the right choice though. Actually, none of these seem like a good choice for Jake.
Thank you! I thought I was theonly one thinking that about Vienna’s bedroom! Are we back in high school here? Let’s go in my bedroom and make out while my parents are watching TV. Then her father comes in and tells them to keep a foot between them? Seriously Jake, she is way too immature for you!
You can be over someone but still be a little hurt….she seems like a very happoy person overall. He has said that numerous times. I think the show is focusing on her comments about the husband. I am sure they talk about other things besides him…..though it was a recent thing. I like her.
OOOOOOOOOOOH–you’re stop watching the show? BURNNNNNNNNN.
you’ll
You Know Vienna’s held up in Florida telling everyone that Jake Picked her. Yuk!
I totally agree. Good riddance!! I was sick and tired of listening to her nag about Vienna. Not that i’m crazy about Vienna by any means. I can’t wait until after the final rose so Ali can see what a total beatch se looked like the entire time!!
Vienna is a nag. And now the Nag is out of the bag. Jake is ging to regret having picked her. Thats right, thats your ending.