THE RECAPS
STORMSEEKER.COM RECAPS! Reality editor Gordon Pepper provides
recaps of each show.
September 24, 2003 October 1, 2003 October 8, 2003 October 15, 2003 October 22, 2003 October 29, 2003 November 6, 2003 November 12, 2003 November 19, 2003 November 20, 2003
This time around, I wanted to cover this show, believe it or not. I had my first foray into love shows with 'Love Cruise', which of course, stunk. I tried it again with 'Cupid' but that was pretty lousy too - especially since there was more based on money than on love and it was 'American Idol does the love thing' that anything else. Don't get me started on Married by America, which I was forced to cover after Chico's area decided not to air any more shows (and for good reason). I wanted to see a true love show experience - and try not to get too mushy over it.
We start with a 2 hour special - which means that there is more than enough fluff and filler to pour into 2 hours. I am not disappointed - since we see flashbacks of Bob Guiney getting spurned by Trista Rehn in the Bachelorette. According to the promos, the response to date Bob was more than any other contestant - even more than Trista, the subject of The Bachelorette.
There will be many twists on the show - the first one is that the Bachelorettes know that Bob is the person that they will be going after. While the girls are ogling Bob, he says that Trista is still on his mind. Even though he was on 3 episodes, Bob was looked at as a Superstar. Maybe it's because he's the Anti-Bachelor - according to Executive Producer Mike Fleiss. He wasn't rich, or athletic, but he was more real than the other guys on the show. 'There was a groundswell of support that we couldn't deny.'
The women wanted to see Bob - and it showed. Weird pictures and video cassettes were sent in. Girls were hugging cardboard statues or Bob. They have psychological exams, blood tests (and urine tests), 'and most importantly, they have to look good in a hot tub.' Hey, that was Jason Carbone who said it, not me (though I do echo his sentiments).
Enough about the women - let's find out more about Bob. He was born and raised in Detroit, son to Nora and Bob Sr., who's involved in law enforcement. Bob was captain of the football team and the president of his class. He went to Michigan State and was the college QB, until suffering a career ending knee injury. He married his college sweetheart and started a mortgage business. He divorced his wife as his job was too much for his ex-wife. 'I became a lot stronger person because of it.'
Because of injuries, Bob gained some weight, which gave him the name of 'Fat Bob' 'I knew (I got on the show) because of my character...sadly, I did not find love...but it's like a metamorphosis.'
Since then, Bob lost 30 pounds, and he's ready to settle down. When he was asked to be on the Bachelor, he was concerned - then realized that he just has to be himself. The women need to be themselves, too, as ABC decides to get to know them up close and personal. They go announce to the winners, Publisher Clearing House-style, that they have been selected for the show. Let's meet them -
#1 - Lindsay, 25, Pharmaceutical Sales, Manakin, SC. She's a very excitable brunette.
#2 - Mary, 35, Sales Manager, Tampa, Fl. 'I'm here for the chance of meeting someone who could be my husband.'
#3 - Misty - a 24 year old blonde radio promotions assistant from Dallas, TX.
#4 - Darla - a 2g year old blonde lawyer from Gainesville, FL who is very successful at work - but zero in the love department. They seem th be on the same wavelength...
#5 - Karin, a 32 year old Afruacn American Mortgage Consultant from Brooklyn Park, MS. She is very nervous - but very assertive - certainly qualities that Bob is looking for...
#6 - Stacey, 27, hair stylist, Massilon, OH. She's dated around but hasn't found the right one.
#7 - Jenny, 30, Director of Marketing, Austin, TX - She's been in 4 or 5 long term relationships, but she hasn't been happy in them. That spells trouble.
#8 - Shea, a 26 year old Firefighter from Shreveport. She's working in a man's world, and her southern charm could make her a favorite.
#9 - Lanah - a 27 year old event coordinator in Poolesville, MD. Her family wants her out of the house, so she's on the show - and she'd like to be married to Bob.
#10 - Heather - a 24 year old Administrative assistant from Cincinnati whose' ready to settle down.
#11 - Antoinette - a 31 year old Senior Account Manager from Philadelphia who thinks she would be a good wife because she likes to mother, cook and love them to death.
#12 - Jenn - the blonde/brunette gets a bouquet of balloons. The 26 year old Elementary School Teacher from La Jolla, CA has obviously seen the show before, and she's already talking about what the competition will do. I'm liking her.
#13 - Lauren has already dreamed of her perfect wedding. I don't think the 24 year old retail buyer from Seattle is long on this show.
#14 - Christine, a 24 year old administrative assistant from Corona CA, wants to be his servant. I don't think Bob's looking for that.
#15 - Meredith, a 29 year old make-up artist from Portland, wants to be perfect in both the physical and the friendship state. She could also be going far.
#16 - Kristi, who's 24 and a Loan processor from Chicago, says that Bob can be her prince charming. She has to get past 24 frogs though.
#17 - Brooke is a 24 year old 6th grade teacher from Bartlet, TN. She says that she's been around other girls before, and with that attitude, she may be able to make the grade.
#18 - Lindsay #2 (23) is an L.A. Clippers dancer who does not like drama. So why did she sign up for this? if she gets past the drama part, she will be part of Showtime
#19/#20 - Samantha and Leona, who are 23 - and they look like twins. Oooookay -
this ought to be interesting. Sam's a kitchen designer and Leona is a Realtor's assistant. Both of them are from Chicago. 'I am the perfect wife because I'm not a nag' says Sam, while Leona thinks that the is a nag - and that's why she would be the best.
#21 - Julie, the second African American who's a 29 year old Account Executive from Louisville, plays a silent game = but could be a worthy competitor.
#22 - Shelly thinks that sense of humor is big - but the 26 year old from Wauwatoas, WI who's into pharmaceutical sales wants to know what makes Bob tick. She looks like one of the smarter competitors on the show - and she may be there for a while too.
#23 - Estella, a 28 year old marketing broker from Beverly Hills, gets on the show thanks to her girlfriend, who thinks that she is a perfect match. The producers obviously don't argue, so why should I?
#24 - Lee-Ann, 25, 2nd grade school teacher, and a 'catch' according to her. Will Bob agree?
#25 - Kelly Jo thinks that Bob is the perfect guy. The 23 year old from Kalamazoo, MI, would get engaged with him if she is the last one left. She could be...
So away they go to the mansion where Bob will be staying - and so will the women. The women get prepared - and almost every shot is with them in their undergarments. Yes, they all look good in a hot tub. All of the women are intimidated by each other. Kristi - 'They are beautiful, gorgeous, and skinny...everything that you don't want to compete against are the people who were in that room.'
Meanwhile, Bob meets his clothes designer for the season. He's already looking forward to the first night - until he realizes that he has to send ten of them home. Those women all pile up in the limo and get ready to go meet Bob. Meanwhile, Bob is meeting with our host of the show. He says he is nervous - and he is doing this because it's an opportunity for him to meet 25 people. He wants to see if he can be happy at the end of the show. He says that he talked to Trista, and she warns him about what he has to do. 'I've never been good at hurting people's feelings, and I'm not going to be good at it now.'
Bob is coming through this at a different angle - for example, he is divorced. He wants to be married for all of the right reasons. He thinks the future Mrs. Guiney doesn't have a look - but has a great sense of humor and is willing to have fun. Bob goes out to meet the Bachelorettes...
...and unlike the past shows, they come out in a group limo. Jenn tells Bob to just leave and make it easy on him. Heh. Darla says 'I finally get to meet Bob!' which causes him to double up, laughing. He seemed happy to meet Julie. The first 5 girls tell Bob to send the other cars home, and if this is the way the girls act now, this should be a very fun season to recap.
Samentha and Leona come out - and they are dressing alike. Their shows are different, in case Bob wants to tell the difference. Sure, that makes sense...not. Kelly Jo tells Bob to give him a hug. 'I will make out with you, Bob.' Shelly, on the other hand, os confident and demure. Lauren comes out - and Bob's eyes sparkle. I have a feeling I may have made a mistake on Lauren - she may be around for awhile.
Best line of the night - 'Yeah, I'll take one of you with nothing on' says Kristi. Worst move of the night - Lanah says hi, then after meeting Bob, falls down on the way into the mansion.
When Bob is done meeting the ladies, he walks into the mansion, as he is greeted with chants of 'BOB!' Bob - 'I didn't expect the excitement to be what it was.' He's also impressed with the girl's personalities. Lindsay was impressed. 'Hopefully, he'll want to make me home and soak me up on a biscuit.' All of the women are fighting over Bob - and Kristi definitely says that she feels like a
stalker. Bob calls it attitude - but he likes it. Lindsay - 'Will you marry me?' Bob - 'Thats episode #2.'
Bob realizes that he has to get rid of ten of them - and he doesn't want to. Mary is speaking Spanish to Bob - but he doesn't know it and that's not a good sign. What is for Kelly Jo is that she takes him out and sneaks a kiss out of him. Misty is miffed that Estella takes him from her - and that will be the theme for the night. Bob is still feeling that - and he knows that he needs to many more women before the night is over.
After chatting some more, our host comes in and says that there will be some surprises some evening. One of the guests will be a woman who will have some say on who her DAUGHTER IN LAW will be. That only means one thing - the new guest is NORA, Bob's MOMMY!!!!! Bob is happy to see her there - although the women are not as thrilled.
Nora thinks that the woman who will capture Bob's heart will be someone who holds their own. All of the women talk to Nora as well - and she is impressed with Kelly Jo. Antoinette wants to know about Bob's divorce. 'If it didn't work, I want to know why.' Bob says that the scars from the divorce made him stronger and Antoinette seems impressed by it - and by Nora, who enjoyed her company. That could be a good sign form someone who's doing her homework...
Lee-Ann wants a rose - but she's not aggressive with Bob and she pleads her case with Nora. Nora meets with Bob - and tells him that her choices are Kristi, Lee Ann and Karin. Most importantly, she wants him to pick the women that he thought personality-wise meshes with him. Bob is very concerned that he will accidentally send Mrs. Right home.
Samantha and Leona think that they will both get a rose - or both be spurned. Heather and Christine both think that they are getting roses, while Lee-Ann thinks that she's going home. Bob gets comfortable - but Chris breaks it up and tells Bob that it's time to start making his eliminations.
Bob talks to Chris and says that it's going to be more challenging than expected. Bob was the most impressed early on with Lee-Ann (who doesn't think that she's staying), Estella, Julie, Karin and Shea. Bob thinks that there were some women that he had some great connections with - so he may be able to find love yet.
But first, he has to get rid of 10 women - and he makes his decisions. Chris reminds the women that they do not have to accept his invitations if they do not want to, but there wouldn't be a woman who would do that - would there?
Bob thanks everyone for being there - and he goes over his divorce record. 'This whole process isn't about guaranteeing anything - its about hoping for everything.' With that said, he calls on the women that he wants to stay. The first woman is Kelly Jo - and she accepts. Lee-Ann is next - and she accepts. Misty, Lindsey the dancing Clipper and Kristi round out the top 5.
Senorita Mary is #6, followed by Jenn, Karin, Brooke (Brooke? where has she been in this episode?). and Estella. The last five are Antoinette, Meredith (another where the heck has she been?), Jenny, Laura and....the other Lindsay.
Those are the people who are in. That means that Heather (who thought she was in), Shea the firefighter, the twins, Christine, Darla, Stacey, Lanah, Julie and Shelly are among the departed. Heather takes it especially hard, and weeps that this is the first time that she has had her heart broken. AwwwwwwwwwBoohoohooooooooooo...
But with the women gone, we still have 15 potential brides left. Bob toasts the remaining women. 'Here's to great beginnings.' And so far, he's self-prophetic. This is a fun ride so far - so let's see what happens in the episodes to come.
We are down to 15 lovely women - some of them getting to this point by beauty, others by personality and sense of humor, and others by...well...convincing Bob's mommy to make sure that they get in. In this episode, we move from 15 to 10.
However, we start the episode out with 14, rather than 15 girls. Antoinette, who is feeling like Rush Limbaugh in an NFL locker room, is rushed to the hospital. She seems to have a kidney infection, but she will be ok. Of course, she is more concerned about trying to win Bob's heart, and she doesn't want to be 15 steps behind when she comes back into the competition.
Our host Chris tells the women that they will be in sets of 5 to go out on dates. IN at least one situation, Chris may appear on the date. If that's the case, then it is not a good sign, because that means that Bob has to eliminate one of them on the spot. I am really hoping that they did not watch Cupid for these tips - and if the audience chooses the right woman for Bob, I will NEVER recap another love reality show ever. EVER. DO YOU HEAR ME?????? EVEERRRRRRRR!!!!!!!
The women are given 'First Date' boxes - and as Chris leaves (and says that he will see most of them at the rose ceremony), Kelly Jo opens her box and sees that her, Antoinette, Brooke, Karin and Meredith will be going to San Francisco. Since Antoinette is still in the hospital, the other four will be going - and as Meredith says, it's one less person for competition.
After chatting outside, Bob decides to take Brooke out on a one-on-one. He says that he didn't really have a chance to speak to her, since she's so quiet. He comes back and all of the women huddle with Bob. '(Antoinette) is missing out on something big.' Well, not anymore, as she returns to the house and sees the other women there. She is told that her date was today - but maybe she'll be able to go to the second or third one. A bummed out Antoinette isn't too happy, but the women who are there are - and they are thrilled to see San Francisco mayor Willie Brown, who tells them to enjoy the city.
Meanwhile, back in the mansion headquarters, we get some Spanish lessons in the hot tub, Lee-Ann and Jenny asks Mary for some Spanish. She says 'Tu eres muy caliente', which means you are very hot. If Laura was smart, she would teach them something that would be humiliating, like 'Tu eres un naranja grande.' (You are a big orange).
Bob talks to Meredith - and he is caught in the moment with her. She seems like a keeper as they cuddle and smooch. The other women, who have no clue what's going on in there, are just nervous that Chris is going to pop up. He doesn't 'I was really glad that Chris Harrison didn't show up' says Bob, adding that he thought he made connections with all of them.
All of the women survive date #1. Date #2 has Estella, Misty, Jenn, Kristi and Lindsey the dancer. They take a helicopter ride to Hermosa Beach, and stay by a pool for an afternoon of swimming and frolicking in the water, so to speak. The women wold like to see Misty go, since she's a size 1 in a bikini and she's a threat. Indeed she is, as Bob tells her that she is safe if Chris shows up. Misty, who kisses Bob, feels pretty happy - at least for this date. Bob has the one-on-one with Estella, and they share a massage. She talks about her family, and they seem to be having a connection.
The women for Date #3 finally get their date box, and Antoinette, the other Lindsey, Lee-Ann, Mary, Lanah, and Jenny all get to go to Hollywood! The girls are excited - except Jenny, who is miffed that Antoinette gets to go on a date. It will make it even more competitive for the women, and I can guarantee that Chris will show up to that one.
Will Chris show up to Date #2? That night, they have a cocktail party and Kristi talks about having a great conversation - which shows, because she's monopolizing it, which offends the other women, including Jenn, who's very frustrated that she can't get a word in edge-wise. The phone rings - and there is Chris. He has 4 white roses, and Bob has to deliver them right now. 'This sucks' says Bob, and all of the women are slack-jawed, staring at Chris.
This is the first time that there is a rose ceremony in the middle of a date, and this does not give Bob a lot of time to think. 'I'm flying by the seat of my pants, and I hope you guys can bear with me for a bit.' He invites Estella, Kristi, Misty and.....Jenn. So the women who was complaining about air time gets just enough to stick around. This means that Lindsay, who Bob didn't get to know as well, has to go, and she has danced her last dance. 'I feel awful about it.' Lindsay is in tears and she thinks that Misty should be the one to leave.
Date #3 may be going to Hollywood, but thanks to the date box, they look more like Las Vegas showgirls. Lee-Ann is concerned about being eliminated. They put their handprints in the sidewalk, but the women want to make a bigger impression on him. And how - they first see some female burlesque dancers, then they decide to do some dancing - and let Bob be the audience. Apparently, the showgirls outfits have been put to good use...
'I dont care if these girls like me or not'. says Lee-Ann, and she apparently doesn't, as she grabs Bob and retreats with him to the back. They seem to have a connection, and Lee-Ann seems to be taking the role of Jezebelle quite nicely. While they are in the back kissing each other ('The ground was shaking', says Lee-Ann), the rest of the women are looking for them. Bob finally pops out - and as they leave, it's not Lindsay who's concerned that she will be left out. Fortunately, for her, it's no one, as it is not an elimination date...
...but that is short-lived as it is now time for Bob to eliminate 4 more women from the game. Bob says that he came in guarded, but he says that he was open to it and that he wants to fall in love with someone. It could happen here - but he now only has a choice of 10 women to fall in love with.
We get a montage of the women who are saying how badly the need the rose. Based on the episode, it feels like the favorites are Kristi, Misty, Kelly Jo, Meredith and Lee-Ann. Chris reminds the women that they can turn down his offer to stay on if they don't want to date him.
Bob pops out, says the traditional, 'This has been really hard for me' spiel, and selects Meredith first, who accepts. He continues with Jenny, Kelly Jo, Antoinette (the hospital stay has done her well, much to the chagrin of the remaining women), Mary, Brooke, Karin, Misty and Estella. There is one more left, and I will be surprised, since someone who I thought was a lock to go on (Lee-Ann or Kristi) will be going home. The last person to go on is....Lee-Ann.
The other Lindsay (who is crushed, but she was being herself, so she's not too unhappy), Lanah (who didn't think she connected as much as the other women), Kristi (which surprised me) and Jennifer are all toast. So much for what I know.
Next week - we have the most compatible, the least compatible, more drama, and more teary women. You know you want to watch.
According to the promos, there are only 10 women left to fight over Bob, but all I've seen is the women fighting amongst themselves - now granted, that makes entertaining television, but Im missing the 'L' word.
Bob is missing the women who are gone, but he is excited about the task at hand - to find the women for him. As for those said women, they come into the living room, where Chris tells them that there will be 2 group dates - and 2 one-on-one dates. Chris has the ladies vote on who they think is the most - and least compatible for Bob. The women can not vote for themselves. Welcome to Paradise Bachelor.
'When Chris said that we had to vote on ourselves, the mood sort of dropped,' says Meredith, who also votes against Lee-Ann because she is too immature. After the voting all of the women are crying and getting emotional. Huh? This is for a date, for crying out loud - this isn't even an elimination. "It was like a sorority house gone bad." The women are divided into 2 groups - the ones crying and hugging, and the ones who are blankly staring at them, wondering how much money they paid for the Stanislavskian methodology drama classes. The actresses cry and hug each other - AwwwwwBarf. I can't wait to see how they react when the women actually get eliminated.
After the voting, Chris comes over and tells the ladies 'One of the individual date will go to the vest for Bob - the other will go to the one least compatible - so she has a chance to prove you wrong.' Well, it seems like Lee-Ann will have that date after all...
Date Box #1 comes along, which will have the contents of who the women believe is the most compatible. That woman is...Meredith. Not surprisingly, Jenny is complaining - 'I don't think it's fair that Meredith got an individual date. I want an individual date, because I need to have time with him because I want to get a rose really, really bad.' She doesn't need a date - she needs a pacifier.
Meredith gets another message - and this one, which is coming from her cell phone, is far from good news. She gets a call from her mom - her grandmother had a heart attack and passed away. MOm tells Meredith that the funeral is tomorrow - the same time that her first date is. 'I don't know how she's dealing with it.' says Kelly Jo. Mom tells her not to spoil what she's doing. of the women need any more excuses for hugging and crying, this is it and sure enough, right on cue, here come the ladies. It's great that there is this togetherness, as we get another AwwwwwBarf moment. Kleenex should have been sponsoring this show...
The women try to support her to go to the date. Huh? If I was and of the women, I'd try to get 'Ms Voted Most Compatible' out of that house and as far away from Bob as humanly possible. Meredith thinks that it will be a good test. Bob shows up - and he is sensing that something is going on, but he has no clue what it is.
Bob escorts Meredth into the limo, and she tells him about her nana. He is shocked, and Meredith says that she needs the date - and she needs him to make her feel happy so it doesn't turn into a crying date. Sure, no pressure on Bob...
Meredith goes through her day with Bob, and he tells her to let her know when she needs a moment. She says, 'well, I have one with you', and they talk...until Bob asks if she likes horses. He thought she would say yes - but she says no, and I have a feeling that he may be in trouble here. They then talk about animals and Meredith feels much better. She's worried that she's going to be going horseback riding - but Bob tells her she's going to go to a petting zoo. Sure enough, they get out, and there are the horses. Meredith isn't nuts about it, but she's with Bob, so that's all it matters. Maybe - until she sees that they are on separate horses - and Bob's horse is around 5 feet back from Meredith.
Bob gets off of his high horse and they stroll on the beach. The come up to a big sandcastle, with a dining room table inside! They avoid that, but they do sit outside the castle and share some oysters with some tequila. Bob tells her that you're supposed to gobble it down like tequila. Meredith - 'It doesn't do much for me.' Bob - 'Keep drinking'. They seem to have a good time, and Bob is really enjoying her company, but I can't hep but wonder what will happen if she dislikes the things that he likes.
Bob doesn't mind that she didn't like everything that went on - he was very touched that Meredith would be going through all of this for him. He's feeling touched...'Tonight caught me off-guard' and they share a mouth-to-mouth kiss. I was not expecting feelings like this at all.' says Meredith. It seems like the feelings are indeed there and Meredith is a keeper - at least for now. 'Bob made everything ok - he made the horses ok, he made the oysters ok, he made the tragedy ok - and he is the person who I want to be with.' Meredith says that she will not be overly confident that she will continue, but Bob thinks that she should be. That's good enough for me.
It's definitely not good enough for the women back at the mansion. Date Box #2 shows up, and Mary, Kelly Jo and Misty get to be invited for 'Jamming with Jammies'. Inside the box is a microphone - and lingerie. 'At least I wasn't voted least compatible with Bob' says Jenny, as a consolation. She should be glad that she's not seeing Bob and Meredith cuddle, as Bob says that he's in trouble that he has to go with 9 other women.
Bob is over that - for now 'Somebody better be in pajamas by now.' He has only 6 roses - which means that 4 more women are going bye-bye. Bob wants to make sure that he has the right 6 people - so he wants to choose wisely. They go to a nightclub with a faux bed, and a Karaoke set. He decides to sing 'Open Arms' as the first number with Mary. 'I couldn't stop looking into his eyes - I can see myself falling in love with him.' says Mary, who Bob says is unbelievable. They feel that they are in the top of the voting in terms of most compatible...
and everyone else is being catty at home. Lee-Ann is feeling a vibe that the women are being jealous of her. 'I think that certain people think that I was closer to them - until I had a date with Bob and I have a connection with him.' Jenny starts to talk, but Lee-Ann says that she doesn't care what she thinks and out come the claws. 'I'm not going to let an immature girl who closes the door on me bother me anymore. I'm done.' There's the pot calling the kettle black, eh?We have our first major cat fight and it would be nice to see them both make it to the next round, if not just for entertainment value.
Estella wants to try to be the peacemaker, but Lee-Ann isn't buying what Estella is selling and we have our official witch of the house. Much happier times are happening in Kareoke land - well, not for my ears, but for Kelly Jo and Misty, who sing 'Girls Just Wanna Have Fun'. Bob wants to have more fun - with Misty, who he spends some one-on-one time. He loves the fact that the women are being open and fun, and he thinks that Misty is getting a rose as well. Bob asks for permission to kiss - and they do, and cuddle and French kiss some more.
The physical connection is definitely there is it there mentally? We'll see soon but Bob sings 'Jesse's Girl' Bob - 'Where can I find a woman like that?' The girls - 'Right here!' Viva Le France...
Bob spends some time with Kelly Jo, too 'I used to think that having someone like me around would suck, but Kelly Jo is a lot like me and it doesn't suck at all.' They swap saliva and it seems like Bob is 3 for 3 on Karaoke night. She thinks that it's something, and she thinks that she will get a rose. The other 2 women go after them, and they all decide to spoon with Bob, who looks like he's in a happy place right now. Even the girls exchange kisses and Bob is wondering whether or not he can bring a harem with him at the end, 'I'm feeling like I'm falling for several women - and three of them are here tonight.'
'The contents of this box is worth a million dollars.' Or, a million laughs, as we see who is the least compatible. The award goes to...Lee-Ann. 'I want to say thank you girls. I have waited a long time to spend some alone tome. This just backfired in your face.'
And with that, we're out of show. We'll see the repercussions of this development next week - as well as the four women who have to back out of the show.
Last episode - all of the women love Meredith, who gets a one on one with Bob. Everyone hates Lee-Ann...who also gets a date with Bob. 'Maybe they know something that I don't know - and I would like to know what that would be.' says Bob.
Meanwhile, Lee-Ann, the person who has the date, only has an hour to get ready - and only Karin helps out. She was nice, but all of the other women are not that fond of Lee-Ann. 'She was being such a brat that I didn't want to help her out.' says Meredith. As for Lee-Ann? 'I am not here to be the bridesmaid at their wedding. I am here to be with Bob.' The women do admit jealousy - but they also don't want her to get to know any better...
...which is too bad, because Lee-Ann and Bob travel, via classic limo, to the Queen Mary in Long Beach. Lee-Ann feels like Cinderella, as she describes what she is wearing as 'Million Dollar jewelry.' She is a bit immature, and Bob is wondering why she was voted least. Bob thinks that he has a real strong connection with her. Lee-Ann, very sure of herself, says that she wants Bob to know that she doesn't go home and 'turn into Megabitch.' The women may say differently...
The women get swimsuits, and the rest of the women - Karin, Estella, Brooke, Jenny and Antoinette - are supposed to make a big 'splash' 5 Girls in Swim suits? 'The message that's being sent is that you're going home after the rose ceremony.' says Karin, and I have to agree with her. I wonder if the sentiment leads up to some nastiness at the end...
Lee-Ann cuddles with Bob at night and sees the fireworks - and she describes the experience as 'Orgasmic'. Far from Orgasmic is Meredith, and she, who is still getting over the loss of her grandmother, is being consoled by Kelly Jo. Back to Bob - he and Lee-Ann share some kisses. Lee-Ann didn't want the date to end - and she wants to go back to Detroit with Bob. 'I would absolutely be shocked if I don't get a rose from him at the next rose ceremony.'
ABC closes down Hurricane Harbor for a day so that Bob can frolic with the women. Karin looks like she would rather be eating live leeches than going down a water slide - and that's not a good sign. Jenny thinks that Karin is too high-maintenance for Bob - and she may be right.
Bob thinks that it's important to know these people better - so she talks to each of them for 5 minutes. Jenny is not opening up with Bob - and she says she's in limbo when it comes to moving on in a relationship. That's not too good either. Antoinette - 'How do you feel about dating multiple women?' Bob - 'Are you high?' Ok, scratch her off the list. Antoinette thinks that she connected. I don't know about that...
Bob does seem to be having a connection with Estella - and says that she is in the Top Ten. Uhhh...yeah. 'Bob is definitely worth a broken heart.', but I don't see her heart getting broken yet - She seems like she has the best connection with Bob, who tells the women that he is a very kissy person - and apologize for being too kissy. Yeah, like they will have a problem with that - and none of them do - or at least say that they do.
Bob has determined that there are 5 women that he wants to give roses to. He still needs to find a 6th...and he settles it by spending individual time with each of them. Bob reverses the roles - he lets the women ask him questions. Brooke goes up first - and she finally opens up - but I think it's too little, too late. Misty gets nervous and she says that she doesn't open up as well, but it looks like she should be safe for th next round.
Here comes Lee-Ann. They exchange a smooch, and she tells Bob how she's feeling. She tells Bob that her heart is open - and she invites him to embrace it. They exchange some more smooches. Meredith, on the other hand, is more somber, but Bob is really touched and I think that Meredith is a lock to go on too.
While this is going on, Karin is talking to a visibly-distressed Lee-Ann. Kee-Ann says that she doesn't have to share 9 other women. 'I'm too good for this sh#t, and if you don't want to believe that, then open your eyes.' Hmmmm....anyone for some drama souffle?
Mary says that she has to warn him that she watches football on Sundays. That should seal the deal and get her a rose. 'If I don't get a rose tonight, then I will be crushed.'
Meanwhile, Lee-Ann has some time to spend with Bob - and she is as warm as a glacier. Bob knows that there's something going on - and he is quick to point it out. She says that she's not used to waiting for a rose and she rants and raves about how miserable she is being on the show. Maybe it's the wine. The women are eavesdropping as Lee-Ann demands to know where she stands. Bob listens - and they go to talk some more. The Power play by Lee-Ann (half of her wants her to stay, half of her wants to go - she says that if she's not going to be one of the last women standing, to get rid of her) makes Bob have to make a decision - does he keep her around, knowing that there will be fireworks later, or does he get rid of her and let the fireworks start now?
Bob had the 5 women in his mind - but thanks to Lee-Ann, and maybe a last second connection, he has some thinking to do. I will go by my gut reaction and say that Lee-Ann stays - and she is joined by Meredith, Mary, Misty, Kelly Jo and Estella - which means that Bob's mind wouldn't have changed that much from the order of the women that he was talking about before.
It's time for a talk between Chris and Bob, who was overwhelmed by the emotions of the women. 'There's been a lot more going on behind the scenes than I'm aware of.' He cites Lee-Ann's ramblings, and he'll have to deliberate. He has access to private videos that the girls made (not THOSE kinds of videos, you dirty animals!) that we all get to see snippets of. 'This is more than I have bargained for - no doubt.'
It's time to make 4 women's hearts go Kablooey, as we get to the rose ceremony. Chris tells the women that the mood and the tone has changed. Chris reminds them that they can reject his invitation - and I have to wonder if Lee-Ann would do something like that - if not now, then if she sees that she's not the favorite, later on down the line. Bob says that tonight did change his mind in terms of picking people. His first choice is...Mary. Next is Kelly Jo, followed by Brooke (Brooke? She continuously gets no camera time - how in the world is she still here?), Estella and Meredith. The final rose goes to.......Lee-Ann. She does accept the rose, and those are our final 6. Going out the door this episode is Karin, Jenny, Antoinette and Misty.
Lee-Ann is still miffed -but she's glad that there are only 6 people left - and she's equally glad that Jenny is gone. Jenny knows that she only has herself to blame, since she didn't spend enough time with Bob. Karin is glad that she would leave now than later - when she really gets her heart broken. Misty did get her heart broken, and she's bawling all over the place. She is escorted out by Jenny and they cry on each other. AwwwwBarf.
We're down to 6 - and we get to meet some Bachelor Alumni soon. We end the credits with Lee-Ann trying to prevent the food from being burnt - but next week, some women will be.
Here's the scenario for the day - Bob gets to have three one-on-one dates, and 1 group date with the other 3 women (read - elimination BAIT). 6 women, 4 roses, 2 scorned women, 1 Bob.
Greg, Katina, and Jamie for the Bachelorette - and they get to move in. 'Jamie, you are here as bob's FRIEND.' Reminds Chris, and the girls laugh. We get a montage of all of the women's answers, the threesome decide that the first person to have a one-on-one is....Mary. Bob seems happy, as they go to the bay area and yet again close another theme park. I'm sure all of the tourists must be cursing out The Bachelor right about now...
They toast to being 12 years old again - and Bob says that he's 14, because he's 2 year's older - but Mary is actually 3 years older. However, back at the women's house, one of the women is re-experiencing 16 all over again...
"No one will talk to me. They can't stand me.' That comes from a miserable Lee-Ann, who is having a self-pity moment. She calls all of them over because she...needs to talk. UGH. Lee-Ann bawls in front of them and she says that she feels alone. We all know what's coming next...AwwwwwwBARF. 'You know I never cry...I hate being the one that doesn't fit in.' bawls Lee-Ann, who must have smuggled in a crocodile and extracted some of it's tears.
The women's reaction? 'She creates drama - for no reason.' moans Meredith. The women tell her they feel better - but inside they still want her gone. 'She reminds me of Cybil' says Kelly Jo, talking about her multiple personalities.
Meanwhile, the only personality Bob cares about is Mary, and they are having a wonderful time. They go on flying rides, and Mary feels like she is flying and floating. They go have a candle lit dinner. 'Here's to the fact that we seem to have no chemistry whatsoever.' says Bob sarcastically, as they kiss. They talk about moving. Mary says she'd do it, as long as she would see her family. Bob says that he has a second place in Florida, so that wouldn't be problematic. 'The scary part about it is that I fell that I don't have too much control,' says Mary, who admits that she is falling in love with Bob.
Date #2 goes to...Estella. They go to Vegas, and Estella just wants them to get drunk, be married in Vegas and to forget about the rest of the show. Heh. He feels like he has a great connection with her, as he holds her hand. They stay at Caesar's Palace and dine outsideby the fountain outside. She talks about her dad, who passes away. She is feeling with her heart, and she is opening it to Bob, who embraces it.
Kelly Jo - desperately wants that last individual date, and she get it as Lee-Ann, Meredith and Brooke will be spending the group date on a hot air balloon ride. After we find out that Kelly Jo gets the final date, we get more drama - and this time it's from Mary, who is crying that the women will be having the same chance as she did. Yes, she's a jealous woman, and yes, we have way to much female estrogen here. 'I think that Mary is extremely in love with Bob right now.' says Kelly Jo, who feels the tension going on.
Meanwhile, Bob and Estella are having fun - until Bob asks her how she felt if she asked her to go into a group session. That kills the mood rather quickly as Bob sees that she is hurt. Bob understands that he is dating all of the girls friends, and Estella admits that it is going to be really hard to continue this, because 'there are 5 other girls who are feeling the same way.' She excuses herself into the bathroom and says that she wants to be left alone. That is not a good sign. 'Everything had been perfect with me and Estella...Tonight was the first night that there was a bump in the road - this gives me something to think about.' Uh oh....
The 3 ladies arrive to the balloon, and he spends the day with them - and the night with Kelly Jo. Lee-Ann would prefer if it was just her in the balloon (sigh), but they have the date - and play some croquet afterwards. As Meredith is in the lead, Bob asks Meredith to talk - and he is confused. 'I just think its ridiculous that Bob likes everyone the same.' says a grumpy Meredith, and Bob asks Meredith what to do. This is like the wolf asking the little pig which one of them he should eat.
Brooke is next, and she plays the mediator and takes the high road. He then talks to Lee-Ann about it, and she is the most honest - 'Someone's going to get hurt here...it shouldn't be so hard - why is this so hard?' Bob also is accurate in saying that these are the sort of women who do not like to share anything - especially their men.
The time has come for Bob's friends to leave - and they do. Fortunately for Kelly Jo, Bob shows up, and they mercilessly boil a lobster to death. After a seafood dinner, they talk about the death of her father and how his personality was passed down to her. They finish the night with a dip in the jacuzzi. 'Bob is everything that I want in a man...I know he can make me happy for the rest of my life.' says a thrilled Kelly Jo, as they spend the night smooching in the spa.
Once Kelly Jo is dropped off, the decision for the final 4 roses starts - and so do the women's attempts to steal Bob away from each other. Mary begins it by reminding him about their date. 'More than a rose, I want you.' Meredith does NOT want Lee-Ann to get a rose. 'I just don't think she's right for Bob - and none of the other women want her to get a rose.' Meow, meow, meow.
And speaking of the immature one, Lee-Ann gets time to spend alone with Bob - first she says that she doesn't think that her friends said anything nice about her, then when Bob says otherwise, she back-peddles and says that his friends are awesome. Unbeknownst to her, the other women are listening and laughing at the conversation. 'I don't care what the other women think - I am getting a rose' says Lee-Ann, reminding all of us of the ultimatum she gave to Bob last week.
After all of the wheeling and dealing, Chris takes Bob back with him and stares at the videos, ranging from the women thanking him for changing their life to the women pleading (and in Lee-Anne's case, demanding) that they get a rose. This ought to be fun...
Bob will be getting to visit 4 hometowns on the next episode - which means 2 of them will be gone this episode. My guess on the 4 who are staying will be Mary, Estella, Meredith and Kelly Jo. Here's Bob - 'I know that none of you would have to wait for a flower from any guy...It's all about your relationship to me, and that's it. By accepting this rose, and opening up your heart and your home to me, I greatly appreciate it.'
The first women who will be greatly appreciated will be...Kelly Jo. Second one up is Mary. Woman #3 is...Estella. The final woman to be selected is...Meredith. I am 4-4, which means that Brooke and Lee-Ann are gone. Bob liked both of the women, but he thought that he had a stronger connection with the 4 that she picked. Brooke is upset, but she knew that she should have pushed harder. Lee-Ann didn't know what happened (but we do, as the immaturity blatantly shown through). She hopes that a girl didn't trash talk behind her back - but they didn't need to - she did all of her damage by herself.
We are down to the final four, as Bob takes a look at their past. We will be taking a look into our writer's past - and one of them will be returning into the present for the next recap. Tune in to find out who that is...
We have 4 people left - and three roses to go by. The women have moved out of the villa - and into the houses. Illinois, Oregon, Beverly Hills will be the future destinatyions...
Tampa, Florida, however, is the first stop, as Bob visits Mary. The one thing that he is concerned about is that Mary wants to have a family right away - and he has cold feet about that. Uh oh. It doesn't get better when Mary tells him about her wanting 2 boys and a girl to come over and hang out in the park together. 'I want to have children with him. Many Children.'
After that, Mary goes with Bob to her sister Carmen's house. They have dinner with mom, dad and her brothers and sisters. 'They are going to have to work the hardest with my parnet,s with their language barrier.' They speak Spanish - and no English, which could be another problem. The brothers and sisters, however, have no problem talking, and they chat up a storm.
The sisters have no problem asking the hard questions - such as where his heart is. Dad says in Spanish that the family is very close and that they love each other. 'I'm starting to realize that the family thing is very real.' says Bob, who is finally seeing that this is hitting him.
Mary's sister, Carmen, who is scared for her, is concerned that she could get hurt. 'I want her to have this so bad.' The family seems to like him, and it looks pretty painless. After food, Mary and Bobrelax on the couch and have a few smooches. 'She's certainly at a different stage thana lot of these women would be. This is something I definitely have to think about and see if it's right for me.' Mary loves Bob, but that last quote from him is not exactly a ringing endorsement.
Next up - a trip to Kelly Jo's. He meets the very eager mom - maybe a little too eager, as she picks his brain about his every thought about her. Kelly Jo says that is sucks that her dad, who passed away, is not around to see how happy she is. Her mom says that it fels like Kelly Joe's heart opened up ans said 'Mom, this man is for me, and I want to spend the rest of my waking moments with him.'
During dinner, Kelly Jo has a toast and cheers, but mom isn't 100% happy. 'I think we're having too good of an experience - I want to get into his heart.' She brings Bob alone and tells her about how Kelly Jo got her through the time that her husband passed away. 'I want you to know that if you pick her, she will give you 150%.' says mom. As for Bob - he says that they seem like his famile, and they seem like he's known them forever. Kelly Jo and Bob talk on the couch, and they share a passionate kiss. 'I want to take the next step with him. If I don't, I'm going to be completely heartbroken'. As for Bob, 'I definitely think that me and Kelly Jo can be really happy together'.
Next up - his date with Meredith. 'I want to make sure that the connection is based on a true connection - and not that we;ve been grieving together.' This date, of course, is tinged with the still-fresh death of her grandmother - and Meredith thinks that there is a connection. It seems like it when they step in the pool. They tal abot nothing and they have fun in the pool - until Meredith asks Bob to come see her grandmother's gravesite. Yikes. I'm not sure ow smart that move is...
It is the first time that Meredith has seen her grandmother's gravesite. As they are walking there, Meredith breaks down and cries in Bob's arms. She thinks that they have connected in a waythat the other girls haven't - and I guess it's true, just simply because the other women haven't been in a crisis. But is it a real connction?
Bob continues to search for it while they are having dinner with the family. The dinner is very somber, but they do have a few yucks. 'If things get bad, I'll make them good., If I get lemons, I'll make lemonade.' Meredith is asked why she's into Bob - and she says that he is attracted to her and likes his personality. That sort of gives me a warning flag - she doesn't really go into him - just broad strikes of what she likes - and it seemed like she wasn't as intimate as the other women. Bob does say that he loves her family - 'but it's been kind of heavy all of the time.' That is not a good sign, as we don't hear that about the other women.
Will we hear that about Estella? We will find out as he goes to Beverly Hills. He will spend the day with Estella - and the evening with the parents making food. He is concerned about Estella, since she was very emotional (on the verge of tears) on the last date. She says that she needs to make that up.
They meet at her own place - as she has been on her own since she was 15. Mommy comes in - and she tears up - just as Estalla says that she would. Mo msays that she has given Estella a nickname since she was young - Pooterbuns. Wha? I can understand why she would sort of not inform Bob about that.
Bob is asked what he's looking for in a woman - and he's looking for someone with a big heart and someone who has the same family values and a sense of humor. That's all she wanted to hear - and she's happy. Bob, in turn, asks Estella in front of mom about dating her with her friends. She says that it's weird listening to her friends saying how they are falling in love with the man that she's dating. 'I can only have faith and hope that at the end of the day, he's with me.'
Bob leaves while Estella and mom talk about him. Her dad, when he was living, was deaf, so mom talks and signs at the same timeMom tells her that he's worth getting - but if he's not the right person, then she can find sooeone who is. That being said, she thinks that Bob is the rigt person. Mom leaves, and Estella is happy that mom approves.
So what is Bob going to do? 'Tonight, I only have 3 roses to give out. No one's family is less than brilliant. No one woman is any les then brilliant. I'm screwed.' Well, not you, but one of the women clearly will be. According to what I've seen, it looks like the women who should be packing is Meredith. Chris and Bob talk, and as usual, Bob doesn't say anything that isnt't a massive cliche.
He sees the videos - Mary is glad that he met her family, Kelly Jo wants to take the next step, Estelle says that her feelings are more than the rose, and Meredith is looking forward for the next time - and to succeed with him. I think Meredith has the inside track - and I think Mary will be going home.
'I've known Bob very well, and I've never seen him struggle as I have seen him tonight.' says Chris, who keeps reminding us that one of the women will be going home. It's clearly no more fun and games as all of the women look like they are about to be shot. 'If I have 4 roses, I promise you that would give you all roses - but I only have 3.'
Bob starts with....Estella. Then he invites Kelly Jo, and finally....Mary. Meredith tries to be happy, but she's visibly hurt and when Bob looks to talk to her, she won't look at him when she talks. 'There are three great ladies out there, and if it doesn't work out...', starts Meredith, but she is not getting anywhere. Bob says that all of the moments were shrouded with the grieving of her grandmother - and he thought that she was not the right woman for him.
'I am pissed right now. I should be in that house, but I'm not...I know for a fact that what Bob is looking for is not in that house. He put that in the limo and it drove away.' Well, that pretty much sums it up from Meredith.
So we are down to 3 - and it seems to me like Kelly Jo is the forerunner. I think though that any of the three women would be good women for Bob to fall in love with - and it's amazing that you actually have 3 good finalists, unlike other shows (cough, Cupid, cough) that may not have any.
Next episode - things get hotter - and steamier - and, well, nasty.
'I am about to go on 3 overnight dates with 3 very fine, very wonderful women.' says Bob, as the itinerary includes Alaska (with Kelly Joe), Jackson Hole, Wyoming (with Mary), and Belize (with Estella). Let's see - 2 exotic locations. One BLAH location. Any idea on who's leaving this episode?
If Bob knows, he's not telling, as he meets Kelly Joe on a glacier. Bob wants to know how compatible they are in a relationship sense. 'I don't want to hide any emotions for him, because I want him to be my husband' says Kelly Jo, who gets to experience a sled dog ride first hand. They then forget the dogs and go rolling down the hill.
After some cuddling in the snow, a helicopter picks them up and they go in a jacuzzi in the hotel. They talk about the future - and kids - and family. Bob and Kelly says that they have no master plan, 'I have time to do that - I don't have to rush into making a family right away.' Lets' remember this - it will be important later.
Afterwards, they get dressed and ride a tram to dinner - at 11L30 at night - with the sun completely out. At dinner, Kelly Jo becomes serious. 'Right now I'm feeling, that I'm in love with you - it feels real and I don't want to run from it.' Bob doesn't say anything and they embrace in a long sweet kiss. AwwwwBarf. 'You are fearless, aren't you?' says Bob, who admits that he wasn't expecting it - but it was nice to hear. Bob tells her that he stills has to go on 2 more dates - but it seems like Kelly Jo has laid it all on the line and I think that she will be in the finals.
After Kelly's speech, they get a key from management, which tells them that they can stay in the same room, if they choose. They both choose immediately and they wind up kissing and sipping champagne. 'I hope he's thinking about me on every other date - and I hope he can't get me out of his mind.' They spend the rest of the night in the room - and get the camera out of the room. Ohhhh la laaaaaa...
Next up is a date with Mary - the itinerary is to go Kayaking and have a picnic. Bob is blunt - she wants a family NOW. He does NOT want a family NOW. That spells trouble - and something that he needs to work out on this date. Mary is scared, but hopeful - and offers to take off her clothes. Well, that usually comes at the overnight stay in the hotel...
After the kayaking, they share a massage with honey, apricots and tropical oils. After the massage Bob jumps off of his table and works on Mary's feet. Afterwards, feeling stick, they shower together - and we change from sticky to steamy. 'It was a very tempting moment' says Mary, 'but I held back'.
'I think Mary and I have some important topics that I need to discuss,' says Bob, and they go right to the nitty-gritty - kids. Mary says that she has no timetable - which is a curious backpeddle from earlier on this episode. 'I don't want to wait 4 years, 5 years.' but she is pushing to a year. 'My biological clock is ticking because children are very important in my life.'
Bob asks Mary if she has any questions for him. She did bring up some issues - like him being intimate with the other girls during the visit. Uh-oh - that's a HUGE no-no to bring up, in terms of jealousy. She asks him about it, and he says that any moments that he shares with anyone are private. 'He didn't verbally say it, but when I looked into his eyes, his eyes said it, and it made me feel better.' I don't know, when hearing Bob say 'I don't want someone to compromise everything she wants to be with me' I think the eyes are telling her, 'See Ya.'
Nevertheless, Bob does present the 'you can stay in the same room' card with her - but he says that they would take their time before looking at the fantasy suite - and that, for me, spells trouble. 'I didn't expect Mary to have such feeling towards me - It's wonderful, but it's also kind of freaking me out.' The wind up hugging and being happy with what they talked about - and them sharing some kissing - but it wasn't nearly as passionate as it was with Kelly Jo, and I still don't think she makes it past this episode.
The final date is with Estella, but Bob is nervous. 'II have already given out 2 roses in my mind, but 2 roses is all I have to give.'Estella thinks that they have had an amazing time - and connection - together, and they start it off with breakfast in Belize. It would be alight breakfast, because she was nervous - until she ran into Bob. AwwwwBarf.
They swim with some sharks (I don't think there were any TV executives in the water though), and they share a cordial on a mini canopy on the edge of a pier. They talk about seeing other women. Bob 'I want to figure it out.' Estella - 'Do you want me to help figure it out?' Bob - 'Yes. Please.'
They spend more time at the table on the pier, where Estella says that she is letting what happens, happens. Bob is just sitting there silent, while she says that the thought of not seeing him again is what worries her. He tells her that he was thinking about her - and that it should say a lot. She really didn't express her feelings, but today, according to Bob, 'she brought it pretty hardcore...I care about Estella.'
Here comes the card to couple in to the room. The letter is labelled Bob, and Estella says who? She playfully calls him Eugene, and reads the letter as Estella and Eugene. Cute. She also lets Bob choose on whether or not to forgo the individual rooms, and Bob says yes. That was a very smart move by Estella, as she makes Bob reaffirm his relationship with her.
The suite was very nice, as the main attraction was a pool with candles floating all over the pool. Bob thought that he had his mind made up with Kelly Jo and Mary - but now he wants Estella in too. I'm sort of surprised that Mary was that strong of a contender - but will that change tonight?
Bob tells Mr Host that he will be breaking up with one of them tonight - and it terrifies him that he will be breaking one of their hearts. He watches the videos - Kelly Jo feels like the luckiest girl in the world in a 'perfect' date, Mary says that she had a spectacular time and she wants to fall in love with his family (there's that 'F' word again), and Estella had 'the most amazing' date and wants to come back to Belize - on their 35th wedding anniversary.
Bob says that it's going to be an extremely difficult decision to make - especially since they are all in love with him. After Chris the host comes out and says the obvious, he brings Bob out, and he makes his decision. The first rose goes to...Kelly Jo. The second and final rose goes to....Estella.
Mary is eliminated, and it seemed like she never got through with the family issue. In fact, as Bob says, she didn't, as a wounded Mary goes outside with Bob, who says that she'd be compromising her values if he went with her - and that he'd never forgive himself if he did. 'There's 2 very beautiful girls in there, and if they love you half as much as I do, it's love.' That was very classy by Mary, who tells him to follow his heart. Bob apologizes, but Mary says 'All I did was fall in love with you - and there's nothing wrong with that.'
They hug and Bob says good-bye as she is whisked away in the limo. 'I thought that he was feeling the same thing - but I guess not. It hurts - it hurts a lot...I told him to follow his heart - ad that's what he's doing. I can't be mad at him for that.'
So what do I think? It seems like he has more fun with Estella, but the deeper connection is indeed with Kelly Jo. I would be very surprised, based on how much history they have shone with Kelly Jo (vs. almost none for Estella) if Estella was picked. Next week, we will see about the connections with the other 23 women that Bob turned down as they get their final shots at him - and at each other.
Once upon a time, there was a man named Bob - and he had 25 women to choose from. In doing so, he dumped 23 of them. The next hour is the tale of the 23 of them, what they went through, and what they are thinking now. Welcome to 'The Women Tell All'
Two things that I'm thinking about as I am typing up the intro - 1. There should be a lot more drama on this show than there was on the Bachelor, and 2. I know more about these women than I know about Estella, one of the finalists.
After having to sit through Chris Harrison's fluffy recap - and the introduction of the 23 women, we get down to the meaty stuff. We welcome to the Hot Seat first - the recent woman voted off - Mary. We get a quick recap of her moments on the Bachelor, we hear from her. She says that there was a chemistry, and then it progressed. She also says that she is mending from her broken heart - but she's going through with it. 'you don't stop from loving a person - it's the level of love that changes.'
Questions from the ladies - Lanah was wondering why she was going into detail with the kids - and she said that she had to be truthful about it. That's it for questions, and Mary leaves the Hot Seat.
The next person to be in is Meredith - and we get the clip of her. She blames herself for not getting a rose because she didn't open up enough. 'The only person who didn't know my feelings was Bob' and she says that the passing of her grandmother was a factor. She says that the experience has changed her - and she has to open up. 'I'm never going to find anyone if I act the way I did on The Bachelor.' she says, to the laughter of others. The question to her pretty much reiterated what she said, and so she leaves the seat.
Next up is the women that everyone loved to hate - Lee-Ann and her journey. Her feelings were hurt because she felt that people were being stand-offish. She said that her first priority was to get Bob - and she thinks that there's jealousy all over the place. Meredith breaks in right there - and says that they saw 2 different Lee-Ann's - the sweet one and the aggressive one. Lee-Ann says that she wasn't being aggressive - which led to the women groaning at her.
In defense, Kristi says that if every person voted her as least compatible, she wouldn't take it easily, either. Lindsay noted that all of the nice girls get sent home - which leads the women laugh at her - but the meaning was that the non-aggressive women didn't have a chance. The women agree, and the women seem to be in a 50/50 about Lee-Ann, which surprises me. Lee-Ann finishes it by saying that her only regret was to pick out different dresses. Overall, she was not too harshly treated by the women.
Next up - some footage that didn't make the show - like a split of the women between age - the older crowd vs. the younger crowd. We have women shaking like Britney Spears - and the older women grimacing at the younger women's antics. We get silly cheerleading antics (which tick off more of the women) and cheering in the pool - which leads the cheerleaders to teach Meredith how to cheer. 'Seeing Meredith trying to be a cheerleader - it's pretty comical' says Kelly Jo. After the cheer, Meredith gets the 'Spirit Stick' from Chris.
Questions from the audience - Lindsey D, who was the only women to get eliminated in the middle of the date, said that she knew it was coming. Mary was asked if she was Bob, who she would have picked. Mary says that - 'I thought he wanted me!' Heh, heh, heh.
Bob was known for his kissing of the women - but Chris unloads a video of all of the women kissing Bob. Bob gets the 'Kissing Bandit' nickname. We can find out what he thinks about it as we welcome Bob himself to the show. He says that it is a difficult situation - and Mary tells him that he just needs to follow his heart. Meredith has that 'look' on her face, which Chris asks her on. She says it was nothing, but Bob thanks her for having him open. Meredith thanks him back.
Chris asks Bob if he would do it again. He says yes - because he's happy with the outcome - but no, because it was really difficult to make choices. He also says that he has gotten heat for sending all of the blondes home early and for kissing all of the women. Bob was asked about the intimacy - and he says that anything beyond kissing - he will not tell anyone about.
That ends with Bob - and he leaves the stage. Meanwhile, we end with a coming attraction of the 2 hour finale of the show. That's where we end with the show - and the recap. Be here next week for the 2 hour finale.
After 25 women, it has all come down to 2 - Kelly Jo and Estella. 'It's a tough job, but somebody's got to do it - thank God it's me.' says Bob, who gets to make one final set of choices - which woman will she pick, and will he propose?
We first see the montage on how we got to this point, and we have a recap of all of the drama - the hospital trip, the death of Meredith's grandmother, and, of course, Lee-Ann. We also seethe romantic moves of Estella and Kelly Jo, which results in the expulsion of Mary.
We start with Bob being a week away from making a final decision. He will be spending a day with each woman - with his family. Bob says that it's so close, that he wants some significant input from his family to make the final decision.
For each date, bob is set up in a park, complete with blanket and picnic basket. The first woman to share a picnic with him is Estella, who asks if the family will like her. Bob is convinced that he will love her. Bob is confused - and Estella tells him to follow his heart and to be true to himself, 'Whatever happens is meant to be.' Bob admits that he overly complicates things, and Estella seems to calm him down. 'We are going to have so much fun together and be an insane couple...my humor, my brinas and your good looks.' Bob - 'I wouldn't count on that last part.'
Estella agrees drive to drive to Bob's family, noting that what's a few run down people between friends. Estella says that she can only be herself, and it seems to be enough as she is warmly greeted by the family - Nora the mom, Bob the dad, Didi the sister, Jamie the brother-in-law and Jack the nephew. Estella thinks that they are loving - and dad says 'when Estella walked in, it was just like someone who we haven't seen in a long time came in.'
They talk about her deaf father, her job (mortgage broker), and the similarities that they have. Estella wants to leave a good impression - and they recall the stpries of her first impression - when she grabbes his hand and put it to her chest, and then, when leaving, tripping on the step. They laugj - and they seemed enthralled when Estella talks about her life. Mom - 'When I saw Estella, I saw a woman who would complete him.' Estella thinks the same thing, calling her beautiful, sweet and kind. Estella and Nora walk across the field and have a private talk about the family - and about how closely they have bonded. 'We can stop now, as far as I'm concerned.'
Bob asks his sister, who says , 'Wow..(Estella) is quite an amazing lady.' She thinks that Bob is a little guarded because he has been hurt in the past - but he needs to let go. Bob agrees that it's been hard - and he says that he needs to not be guarded and to make sure that the feelings are not manufactured. It does sort of seem like that through the show, as he's just been reacting the same to every woman. Bob is now worried about having the right girl slip through her fingers - 'now I have something else to worry about.' He's also concerned because he has a second woman that the family will be meeting...
...and we see her going to a ring set to have an engagement ring cut. That's a little premature, isn't it? Kelly Jo is aware of that - and she is aware that Bob may be proposing to someone else not named her at the end of the episode.
We'll get to Kelly Jo later - right no, Estella is joining the family for dinner as they enjoy a toast. After the toast, there are some questions that are asked. The first one is if they are willing to move to be with each other. Bob is stalling, but Estalla says that she doesn't want to leave - and she wants to keep hearing stories about Bob. The family feels like she's been around forever, and the family is impressed that she has gotten to know Bob, as dad admits that he is not an easy person to know. Mom wants her Estella to love Bob with her heart and sou, which she says that sh has already done. Estela - 'I fell in love with BOb's family - and I think that they fell in love with me too.', and she adds that her family would love Kelly Jo too - though she still affirms that she is the better woman for Bob, wh o wants to leave in the car with Estella. Bob is also wondering about his own feelings - and we truly see that he may not be as prepared for marriage as he is letting on.
The family thought that there was no falseness in the relationship, and they tell Bob that they have indeed fallen in love with Estella. Kelly Jo has a VERY tall order to deal with, as she now has to deal with a family that may have already have made up their mind.
'Estella basically owned this place...and I think that if Kelly Jo does the same thing, which I anticipate, then I will be leaving here even more confused than when I was coming in.' says Bob, who arrives via skiboat to meet Kelly Jo. Kelly Jo wants to know about her family - and Bob says that it's crazy, just like Kelly Jo's family. That puts her at ease, and she is ready to knock their socks off. Bob's ready to knock her socks - and the rest of her body - off right about now, as they hang on for a choppy Jet Ski ride.
Will the waters be choppy for Kelly Jo when she meets the family? She talks to her family about her, and she says how much that she is in love - and the family is listening attentively, but they seem more interested in a friend sort of way. They seemed much more into Estella.
While this is going on, it's Estella's time to choose the engagement ring. She is concerned about her 'boyfriend' and whether or not he will propose to her - or another woman. She's sad thinking about her, but she rationalizes that if he's in love with Kelly Jo, she's not in love with her.
Kelly Jo gets the walk around the hous alone - but with the father, not the mom. Bob's dad is impressed that she is this open about him. Jamie tells Bob that either choice would be a good one. Bob says that the family realizes that he wasn't kidding after they met Kelly Jo in terms of a difficult decision to make.
Bob's family toasts for Kelly Jo - and she is asked the tough questions. Jamie asks if they think that both fmailies would get along, and Bob says that he is impressed with the parallels in their families. Bob is asked what draws him to her - and he says that she can light up a room. He does admit that the age difference is there, but her love for life transcends that. Dee Dee says that he is attracted to that - and James adds that 'If you didn't like her, then you would be an idiot.'
Kelly Jo says that Bob is the man that she wants to spend the rest of her life with. Bob says that he's not walking away from the house with the clarity that he wants - but I don't hear anything from his parents agreeing with that and that makes me think that they like Estella more. Mom thinks that she was 'fun' - but Estella wanted to get to know here - whereas Kelly Jo diddn't. Dad admits that he liked Kelly Jo better than mom did - but it seems that he also likes Estella better.
Dee Dee thinks that Bob is a changed person from 2 montsh ago - and that he sees that there are women that can make him happy. She asks him if he can commit to someone to move in that direction - and he says that he doesn't know. 'I don't know if I'm capable of anything - I think I need more time.' Well, it seems like marriage is out...
As for what the family thinks? They say that he needs to look inside himself to see who his heart wants more. They all remind him about it, and he thinks that he's on Dr. Phil. Mom tells him not to miss out on the best thing of his life just because he is afraid - and Bob says that it turns into more of a self-analysis of him than on who he should pick. The family, however, is right, as they remind him to not be alone. The ABC execs cetainly wouldn't want that.
What they would like is for the women to have one last crack at Bob - and that's what they get. Estella starts it off as they decide to make pizza. Estella tells Bob that she was blown away by his family - and he says that she was a source of continuous source of conversation - in a good way.
They make a pizza with almost everything on it - but it's outside, where they are, things are heating up. Bob notices that Estella is using the word 'if' for the first time - which Bob picks up on and asks her about it. Estella asks him if he's ready to move forward with anyone - since she's worried that he won't give either of them a chance and use the third option - C. None of the Above.
He says that he is - and he has to figure out what to do about it and he is willing to talk about what she wants to talk about. Estella says that she wants someone who will love her with all of his soul. Bob asks if she will think that she will get it - and she says that she knows that she will. She asks Bob what he's thinking - and he says that he can't tell her. Uh-oh. She does feel that Bob was meant for her - and that she will be crushed i he does not pick her.
Kelly Jo brings a pie with her - but not a pizza pie. She brings dessert, which will be waiting for them after he gets done with the grill. She professes that she has given her heart and soul into the relationship - and she believes that they are starting a fire. They are - but with the grill, which has smoke coming out of it. Bob goes to fix it, but he overturns the lid, spills his drink and makes the food unedible. 'It has been proven once and for all that Kelly Jo and I together is a disaster in the kitchen...and fortunately, we weren't too hungry.'
But is the lack of eating also reciprocal in the romance department? Kelly Jo admits that Bob hasn't been outspoken in the romance department - but that he could do that tomoorrow, when he makes his final decision. She says that she is ready for whatever happens, and she says that even though that Bob can't express himself, she is just happy to be with him. She tells Bob that she is excited about tomorrow - especially because she thinks that he will pick her. They wind up smooching on the sofa and that ends the date.
Bob wakes up - and it's the last day of his decision-making. He weighs everything - Kelly Jo and her fun-to-be-around ness, and Estella, the woman who knows what he's thinking. He's also thinkging about the fact that he will be hurting someone. Estella is happy that the day has arrived, so that she will know either way what's going to happen. Kelly Jo is also nervous, because from the bottom of her heart, she wants him to pick her.
Bob, who finally thinks that he's comfortable, goes to pick out his engagement rings. He can either get an Emerald cut, for the soophisticated woman, or a softer cut for a 'royal princess' type. He selects his ring - for the person that he has in mind.
After both women preen and talk about how much they are madly in love for him, they enter their limos and drive to Malibu to meet Bob. The first women who gets out of the limo to see Bob is...
Chris Harrison??? Well, no, it's not him, but he and Bob talk about the woman who he is going to select. He says that the women caught his eye from the begiinning, and that he wanted to get to know her betere. It also pains him that he will be sending home someone who has told him that she loves him. It certainly sounds like that the woman who is is selecting will be Estella, and it may have taken the family trip to seal the deal. After seeing the 2 videos, he is ready to meet the 2 women, and the first women that he sees is...
Kelly Jo. 'I think there's a chance that he won't pick me, but I think he's going to say that he loves me and wants to spend the rest of his life with me.' Well, here's Bob. 'Knowing you the way that I do, and loving for you in my heart and caring for you the way that I do, I know that you deserve to have the same exact thing in return, and as much as I care for you at this point, I don't know if we're meant to be together - and it kills me to say that to you.' Bob asks Kelly Jo if she's alright. 'No. Not at all...This Sucks.' says Kelly, who immediately pulls her hands away from Bob.
Bob tries to console her, but she's not buying what he is selling and she wants this to end now. She interrupts him, and when Bob offers to walk her out, she turns and walks without facing him. He attemps to give her a kiss, which she accepts weakly, then turns and gets into the limo very quickly. She is crying even before the limo pulls away. 'I think that one minute I am walking to the man that I am spending th rest of my life with, then the next minute I'm walking away with nothing.'
Next up is Estella, who doesn't know yet that Bob has rejected Kelly Jo. The questions is, has he selected her? Here's Bob again - 'If someone wears the ring on the right hand, it could mean a sense of promise...it's not that i'm not there yet, it's that I want to make sure of everything...I want to see where we can go - and I hope it's enough.' Estella says that it's more than she wanted, as she cries and hugs Bob.
Bob gives her the ring and wants her to remember the jurney, and he says that once they can get to s real setting, that things will get much better. Estella agrees, accepts the ring and we get her babbling like a school girl as she embraces Bob. AwwwwBarf. The giggle and hug, and we fade to black.
But wait! It's not over! We'll get the final rose, and my final thoughts - after the last episode.
We all know what happened - now it's time to see the aftermath of it. We are up to the Bachelor Reunion Show - 'After the Final Rose' - and we see what happens whev everyone is reunited - and the re-emergence of a previous couple.
We start the recap show with Estella, who nver thought that she would be sitting there with Chris. She said that she fell in love with him on their hometown date - and she said that it was difficult that they couldn't see each other for 4 months. She said that it was also tough to see him with Kelly Jo - but she said that she had faith.
After amontage of Estella's journey (and yes, get used to the montages, there are plenty of them), we finally see Bob show up - and he and Estella have the expected embrace. He gives her back the promise ring and just reminds everyone that they are starting over - the relationship really starts when the cameras stop.
Estella is glad that he didn't propose, so they can start the relationship like normal people. She brings her mom to the show, and mommy is beaming as well. They also talk about how Bob sent Estella a present - and how they had to hide it from mom (since no one was supposed to know that she won). After we get another round of applause for Bob and Estella, we get montage #2 - outtakes from the show.
Of course, not everyone is a happy camper about this show. Chris now meets with Kelly Jo - the woman who came in second place. Her montage didn't evern come in second - it's the third one to be shown. 'I keep thinking on what I did wrong.' says Kelly Jo, who doesn't trust her imstincts and isn't sure if she would want to do something like that again. She will try to get over it, but it's hard.
She says that it was a mistake to forget that there was another person that was vying for her. As Bob and Estella watch on, Kelly Jo says that she thought that Bob loved here - but not at a level that he loved Estella. She tells Bob that he better tell Estella to make her happy - because she wanted to be that women. She has no regrets, and she was being very classy. Chris gives Kelly Jo the option to join Bob and Estella on stage, and she accepts it.
She comes out on stage and hugs both Estella and Bob. Bob says that it's a little uncomfortable - but Kelly Jo, reminds him that she's the one who got dumped - so it's even more uncomfortable for her. Estella says that Kelly Jo has a piece of both her and Bob's heart as well and calls her an amazing woman. Bob reminds Chris that they all have real emotions. She is saying the right things, but you can tell that she is still sore inside as she tells them to follow their hearts and be happy. 'Hopefully, I'll make a man happy one day.' says Kelly Jo as she leaves the stage.
We then see Trista Rehn and Ryan Sutter from the Bachelorette, and they are ready to get their own wedding going. Oh by the way, have we not mentioned that it will be on ABC in December? It will be, as Chris says that it may one of the biggest shows ever watched! I don't know about that, but after Montage #4, we are getting that hype machine in full bloom. Bob, one of the people rejected by Trista in the Bachelorette, gets an invite - and he says that he knows who he's bringing as his date.
And that, as they say, is a wrap, Chris ends the show with the promo for the new Trista and Ryan miniseries - see you there!
My thoughts? I have never been a big fan on the 'Love Relationship' sort of show. I did watch the Bachelorette and I liked it, but I didn't get that same sort of vibe on this show. I think part of it was that Bob didn't let his guard down, and his reactions to the women were pretty much the same - there was no real showing on who Bob liked from episode to episode, and although it makes some good surprise TV, it makes some very bad story-telling. Part of the reason why Survivor worked in the first series is that even though you knew who was going to be booted, the story telling was excellent. You don't get that here. It also seemed like until the last 3 episodes, the people with personalities were the ones who got booted from the show. That's not exactly a good way to market people to stick around.
Love shows don't usually get my goat, and this one didn't either. I give it a middle of the road C+ - with the hope that Bob and Estella have happiness - and we are coupled with a better storyline the next time around.
