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‘The Bachelor’ recap: Season Finale
What began as a cattle call for 25 women looking for true love and 15 minutes of fame has finally dwindled down to this — Bachelor Brad and his two ladies-in-waiting. DeAnna or Jenni? Jenni or DeAnna? Frankly, I haven’t seen much from either of the relationships that would make me feel confident betting one way or the other. Jenni makes him laugh, but her youth and lack of intelligence seem troubling, while DeAnna seems to be quietly one of those mean, crazy, vengeful people who has been burnt one too many times and overplays the whole “tough girl” card. Can he choose neither? Call me a pessimist, but whomever he chooses, I don’t see it lasting long.
Brad calls in his family (mom and two brothers) to meet the women and give their opinions. He tells his family that both women are “perfect;” again, I hate to sound like a therapist, Brad, but these notions of perfection will only set you up for an eventual crash come reality-check time. DeAnna comes to Brad’s Malibu residence and answers the family’s questions and holds up pretty well. No new information is revealed about Brad or DeAnna or his family. Shocker.
When Jenni comes over, the same thing happens, only with a little less cordiality and a little more awkwardness. Brad’s mom, Pam, asks Jenni if she loves Brad, to which Jenni giggles. And giggles. Pam doesn’t like this flighty girl, it seems, so she pulls her aside and basically tells her that when you marry Brad you’re marrying his family, damn it! And Jenni furtively checks her pocket-sized Phoenix Suns calendar to find out when opening day is. Jenni extricates herself from the mess eventually by telling Brad’s mom that she’d get married immediately to Brad if he asked, despite the fact that she says she is just now falling in love with him. Meanwhile, Brad tells his family that every time he is with one of the women he is thinking of the other. This whole show is a mess.
With his family having provided absolutely zero in the way of advice, Brad heads to the girls’ homes for one final evening. DeAnna, just like the girls in the previous season I watched, lives in a very generic Gables-style apartment complex. Do all of these women live in the same type of housing? Do they all have a Pottery Barn couch, kitchenware from Restoration Hardware, votive candles and an IKEA rug that they get when they graduate from college? Is there a reason why so many of these women, right down to their holiday wine glasses, just seem like a homogenous bore-fest and stereotypical consumers searching for the idealized romance that probably does not exist in the manner in which it has been packaged to them by shows on the same network that is now using them for ratings? Have I lost my mind?
During their dinner, DeAnna expresses to Brad that she has been thinking about marriage, and they get into a nuts-and-bolts conversation about married life, one that includes leaving the toilet seat up and on what days laundry is to be done. How cute forced. They admit to the camera that they have talked about so much over the time they’ve known each other; I guess it wouldn’t have hurt to have actually aired that footage instead of the bland, predictable tripe we have seen between these two.
After the romantic dinner, Brad flies off on a magical unicorn into clouds made out of cotton candy to the mystical place where Jenni lives. Needless to say, her enthusiasm has beaten me to within an inch of my life. Jenni decides to try to shelve the effervescence for 10 seconds and present Brad with her true feelings. She has been spending time with this guy for weeks and only now is she able to truly express herself, and even now she has to do so with a diary entry. Just the way Hannah Montana would. I have no idea who Hannah Montana actually is, but the point I am trying to make is that Jenni has the emotional maturity and elocution of a 9-year-old girl. I am not even sure she has feelings, but she has summoned them strictly for this scene. And in order to make it clear that she is not being silly, she speaks in this mousy childlike voice. Sold! Jenni tells Brad she’d do “anything for him,” except quit dancing, I imagine, and she tells him she’s one million percent invested in this “thing.” Please go away, Jenni.
The two dates behind him, Brad goes “shopping” for an engagement ring, while he continues to struggle with his decision. He says that he could imagine being with DeAnna until the day he dies, a day which DeAnna may guarantee comes sooner if he picks Jenni over her. Brad admits that this is one of the biggest decisions he’s ever made. (Somebody needs to have a talk with the voiceover dude, because he has been promoting this as Brad’s toughest choice ever.) What it comes down to as far as I can tell is Jenni’s bubbly personality (which brings out a side of Brad that he likes but may not want out all the time) versus the confidence, self-reliance (and potential craziness) of DeAnna.
Jenni is the first of the finalists to approach Brad for the final ceremony. He gives a brief recap of their time together, tells her how amazing she is and then tells her he has to say goodbye. Jenni gets in the limo and cries. So, it looks like mean ol’ DeAnna finally won herself a man and is gonna get out of AlaGeorgia. She comes out, Brad goes into a speech about how he thinks marriage should be a once-in-a-lifetime deal, and he just showed Jenni the door. DeAnna gulps. Her eyes glisten. She can almost feel the ring being slipped on her finger and then Brad steps back, adjusts his collar like a comic imitating a wise guy and walks in semi-circles around the podium trying to psyche himself up for the big reveal. And that reveal: You’re going home, too, DeAnna. Ah snap!
What a show. I spend eight weeks talking about how ridiculous it is that people should be expected to compete for, fall in love with and get engaged to a person in such contrived circumstances and in such a short period of time, yet I still feel let down by the anti-climactic ending even though Brad made the right choice. Oh, reality television, you’re a harsh mistress, and I will give you no rose. We are through.
Read all of this season’s recaps here.
Permalink | Comments (23) | Categories: 'The Bachelor' Austin
Comments
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By RAYMOND
November 20, 2007 12:20 AM | Link to this
Yup, just as I expected Brad sends all the girls home and announces that he is riding off in the sunset with former American Idol William Hung? Brad confesses he has no interest in the ladies and his secret admiritaion for William Hung and his performance of living La Vida Loca has always been the center of Brads romantic fantasies and that concludes another lame Bachelor series…..Good Luck to Brad and William in their life living La Vida Loca ! ! !
By Jeremy
November 20, 2007 1:22 AM | Link to this
this is perfect.
By Natalie
November 20, 2007 2:18 AM | Link to this
Noooooo! I’ve been watching all season… had a candle party I had to go to tonight and missed it…. wow, I am surprised. But, I think that’s good, I mean, my heart was with neither girl this time. I didn’t think either of them had an interesting personality and Brad did not appear to be in love. Why the hell rush into marriage anyway? Especially if you are not in love. Thanks for writing your recap so soon.
By Elsie
November 20, 2007 5:50 AM | Link to this
The best recap I’ve read yet; you summed it up perfectly. Thanks for making me laugh at the show and myself for getting so wrapped up in nothing.
By Nancy Belke
November 20, 2007 6:18 AM | Link to this
DeAnna is not a mean person. I could feel her strength and her true genuineness. Her family spirit showed what a caring family she was raised in and how fun she is.
Brad is not hot, he’s the dud. Can’t believe the producers let him end the show this way. I understand if he doesn’t want to marry one, but it WAS BRAD that wanted to come to the show to “find a wife.” Maybe a better ending would have been to continue to date one and not even give the ring as a friendship ring. Maybe it’s because his Mom (seemed like a great lady, but can’t tell in 10 minutes), didn’t tell him who to pick.
I knew from the show and listening to Brad talk, he was too good to be true. He proved me right. Women of America Unite - boycott tonight’s and all The Bachelor episodes in the future.
By Marissa
November 20, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this
I thought the finale was hilarious!! I met Brad when I was newly 21 yrs old and he was always a womanizer and will probably always be. He’s a successful business owner and he knows he can have any girl in the bar scene, which everyone knows is his life.
By Marty
November 20, 2007 9:37 AM | Link to this
I think he got the publicity he wanted for his business. I do not think he ever intended to choose a woman. I my opinion he got a free trip, a lot of female companionship and the network got ratings.
It will be interesting to see if any woman or person for that matter ever takes him seriously again.
Most of those relationships do not work out but at least the woman has some fun and a diamond ring.
By Matt
November 20, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this
Brad did the right thing by not proposing to either woman, but did he actually think he was being genuine and honest by building up each woman, telling them about how wonderful they were, how much he cared for them, and so forth, only to tell them both in the end that he wanted more? Couldn’t he find even one woman of the 25 that he wanted to continue seeing? That strikes me as a warning sign regarding big bad Brad’s ability to be in a relationship. So successful, so charming, so genuinely pleasant, so good looking, and yet he’s single at 34 and looking for love on a gameshow. Another warning sign I would think. Perhaps he thought he was gaming the gameshow, revealing how shallow and meaningless a process the whole setup is, but in the end all he did was compromise himself, his own reputation and morals, by stringing two women along when he apparently had no intention of even dating either of them. The women were silly to be sure, claiming to be in love with someone they don’t even know, and maybe they paid an appropriate price for that silliness. But as silly as they were, at least they didn’t reveal themselves to be mean spirited and manipulative as Brad most certainly did by going along with the whole emotional process when apparently he was feeling none of the emotion. P.S. Matthew, I believe the girls’ apts. were a set. They both had the same couch and wall decoratations.
By Tammy
November 20, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this
I am someone who does not watch a lot of TV and I am very disappointed in the out come of all this.The viewers all got roped in to watch TV for the length of your series only to be let down in your series..I have two daughters and if some guy did this to one of them I don’t think he would wanna show his face anywhere..I think Brad gave these women hopes that there is some truth to a fairy tale romance and look what they get in the end Broken Hearts!
By Patti Hyland
November 20, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this
What a load of crap! I was totally sucked in to this program only to be let down in the end. Where did you find this loser! I will never watch your program again and I hope other viewers feel the same. This Brad dude needs to grow up but if his intention was to flog his business, I guess he was successful!
By Linda
November 20, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this
That JERK!! I think his intention all along was to promote his business, himself and in the process have his fun with the ladies. He didn’t have to propose marriage —he could have left it open to dating and getting to know each other like real people! I feel so sorry for those girls.
By Tex Rider
November 20, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this
Surprise, surprise. The charming prince has a cold, ruthless side to him. Did you see the how the color of his eyes changed to steely blue-gray when he axed the final girl? Man, that was a scary moment when he flashed those killer eyes.
Brad was exposed to be a fraud all along. I think the one poster hit it on the nail. He manipulated the women, the show and the fans of the show to promote his bar business. The emperor has no clothes.
By kathyc13583
November 20, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this
I thought that in the begining we were going to see a true Gentleman…hahahahahahahah——— What a Jerk!!!!!!!!!! I due remember the part where Brad tells mommy that he is so in love with Deanna, Ya right! Well, all I have to say is that I will never watch another show unless it is with the Bacheloretts, they seem to have a better judgement on what to look for and be sincere. My only words to Brad is “CARMA IS A ***** AND IT WILL COME BACK TO U”
By Lindsey
November 20, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this
If Brad wanted to promote his business then fine. But just beware buddy that most people now only want to come to your bar to find you and rack you. The ladies are better off without him as he is a classic muffin.
That, or he’s gay.
By Jenn
November 20, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this
I think that it took a lot of guts for Brad to make a decision like he did. He followed his heart and did was he felt was right. He can’t help it if he didn’t fall in love, you can’t fake feelings you don’t have, no better how bad you want to find love. Maybe tonight at teh After Rose Show we will find out the reason behind his decision. I have a feeling he explained his reasoning and ABC edited it out, just like they do with everything (i.e: Jenni & his twin, Chad meeting)
My hope is that he will propose to one of them tonight after getting to know them both a little better in real lofe. I personally think they should be able to date for at LEAST a couple weeks off camera and then he should come back and make a decision.
By austinights
November 20, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this
The hype comes not so much in the fact that the there was no winner - but rather in the aftermath. The viewers are really ticked off at the outcome and swear they will never watch again. But, like a highly promoted Oscar De la Hoya fight that turns out boring - EVERYONE will watch the re-match on Pay per view. Just watch - the producers will script (yeah they write in things to make the show more interesting) together another show that will make up for the ‘dud’ and people will tune in hoping for the magical conclusion. Watch Beauty and The Geeks on The CW Channel - at least you’ll find some hilarity in the show that doesn’t boast too much about “forever.”
By Susan
November 20, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this
I’m stunned and speechless. If one of those girls was my daughter, I would find him and beat him to a pulp. What a fraud Brad turned out to be. As for his bars, I won’t be frequenting them, even though I do live in Austin.
By SUE
November 20, 2007 6:08 PM | Link to this
Well I too was fooled into thinking he was truly a gentlemen. How sad that all those woman put there lives on hold for this experience for Brad not to have taken this thing seriously. He at least could have chosen one to ‘date’ a bit longer and given the viewers some hope.
By RUDDER
November 20, 2007 7:14 PM | Link to this
Brad loves Jennie with all of his heart. I have known Brad for a long time and I know he is really in love with Jennie.
By MAL
November 20, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this
I kind of wanted to give Brad the benefit of the doubt, for being honest rather than leading someone on. On the After the Rose Show tonight, he seemed like he wants sympathy from everyone (telling Deanna that he is just as heartbroken as she is, etc.) and he didn’t really offer a decent explanation for why he would carry two women to the end of the show, appear to be interested in both of them the whole time, and then not even want to date either of them after the fact. It does make it seem like he was either promoting his business or has serious hang-ups about relationships. Why wasn’t he at least honest about having lukewarm feelings BEFORE the last five minutes of the show? I’m too old to hang out on 6th Street, so it would be meaningless to say that I will boycott his bars, but if this was a publicity stunt, I think there are now more people in Austin who know who Brad is and think he is kind of a jerk than anything else.
By Aleigha
November 21, 2007 3:05 AM | Link to this
I started watching this show right before Hilary got axed and somehow couldn’t stop. I was looking forward to Brad’s “big decision” and found myself so let down to see that neither woman was chosen. It’s fine that he didn’t fall in love with either of them - to each his own - but then maybe he shouldn’t have signed up to star in a reality series where he was expected to choose 1 woman and propose to her. What bothers me the most is that he got to fool around with a bunch of women, string them along and pretend to care about them and sweet talk them, all while convincing the viewers that he was Prince Charming. And sure, he will benefit from all the publicity and what not, but I for one would have liked to know that he was going to turn out to be an ugly, slimy toad.
By Al
November 21, 2007 3:07 AM | Link to this
mmm
By illmatic
November 21, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this
i can’t believe i’m about to go all sociological on ya -ss, but here goes. this is just one woman’s opinion, obvs.
television is a vehicle that generates and reflects cultural values, so it was completely fascinating to watch last night’s program with an uninvested eye. if you did, you probably noticed that the show was about social conformity.
the women were encouraged to vent heated sadness and anger in response to brad’s failure to elect them as “the one.” the belief that they must have been flawed since they were not chosen was verbally dismissed by the host, but encouraged by the shape and action of the show itself.
meanwhile, brad was faulted for not falling in love. poor guy. he was not permitted to act as an individual and simply be NOT READY. he was also shamed into explaining “exactly why” he didn’t chose those gals, when the meaning of his failure to choose had nothing to do with those gals, but everything to do with his unmet personal needs and/or failure to get straight with his own feelings from the get-go. a soul in conflict, clearly.
american culture dictates that love and sexuality have to do with good looks, immediate chemistry, and eventually settling on monogamy. because the concluding events of the show had more to do with real life sh-t than the television version of how things are “supposed” to be, it seems to have really caused an uproar. it is a sick kind of awesomeness, and goes to show how the images and ideas that are spoon fed to us since youth set us up for failure, and self-measurement against unachievable ideals of mind, body, and spirit.
and i actually tend to believe rudder. right girl, wrong show, eh?