Austin360 blogs > TV Blog > Archives > 2007 > November > 20 > Entry
‘Bachelor’ ripoff
It’s the journey, not the destination.
If you believe that, maybe you aren’t feeling ripped off by last night’s “Bachelor” finale. But if you think the destination has some merit, you must be royally ticked off that Austin bar owner Brad Womack bailed on his assignment.
He was supposed to pick from two finalists — Jenni and DeAnna. And he led us on with his pained decision-making, fretting and oodling over both as “almost perfect.” Turns out almost wasn’t nearly enough, and when it came time to bestow the engagement ring, Brad wept and faded to black.
Cluck cluck.
Boy, if that doesn’t sound the death knell for “The Bachelor,” I don’t know what will. For weeks we’ve been led on by the winnowing process. We’ve watch the oh-so-sincere Brad bloke babble on about how special each and every contestant was.
Turns out Brad, like a gazillion other woeful bachelor types, suffers from fear of commitment.
In the early going of the finale, Brad shopped for a ring, agonized over his breaking heart, ditched Jenni and decided that DeAnna would be the perfect wife. Then he stiffed DeAnna.
Tonight all the ladies will return and, we hope, bash Brad to smithereens for leading them all on. What a waste of time.
Katie Couric speechless?
CBS News writers haven’t had a pay raise in three years and are likely to go on strike Monday.
Does that mean Katie Couric, anchor of the once-hallowed “CBS Evening News,” will open her mouth but nothing will come out? Probably not, but she won’t sound as (a) smart or (b) clear. Writers are important to joke-spouting sitcom stars, but, really, news writers are essential.
Let’s hope talks will resume soon. The two sides haven’t sat down to negotiate since January (‘07).
The entertainment folks are finally sitting down to talk Monday, so maybe the newsies will join the goodwill.
Permalink | Comments (5) | Post your comment Categories: Reality TV
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By Rae
December 1, 2007 9:02 AM | Link to this
Cudos to Brad for not being "bullied" by reality TV into choosing a partner on national TV. Who would expect someone to date several women simultaneously, narrow that down to two who he spends special time with, and then expect that he should be able to choose one. The man did what he felt in his heart was the right thing and tried to convey his sincere feelings. My heart goes out to the 2 lovely ladies who ended up with broken hearts. Put in the same situation has he was....dating 2 men at the same time and developing feelings for both...what would they have done? I wish for Brad that he someday finds the special one. At least now he knows it won't be on national TV in front of millions of people.
By Chesney
November 21, 2007 8:31 PM | Link to this
I went to school with Brad and his brothers in Livingston, and he was always a very polite and respectful gentleman. I feel that his sincerity toward the girls is genuine, and that he is truly agonizing over making this decision regarding a life-long commitment. Whatever he chooses to do, you can be certain that it is unselfish. My best to him and his future.
By donna
November 20, 2007 8:59 PM | Link to this
I guess I looked at the choice Brad made as a respectful one. Yes he made a decision to come onto the show to select one of 25 women to propose to. Yes that is the premise...but is it at the expense of what is in someone's heart? I think sometimes this show pressures decisions normally would not be made. To me, Brad respected his feelings and those of the girls by not pretending he was in love. Can you have feelings for someone but not want to make a commitment without it being the fear of commitment? YES. Be True to yourself...not selfish but true to your feelings. It would have been deceptive for Brad to ask for a proposal.
By Stacy
November 20, 2007 7:33 PM | Link to this
I am glad that we finally had someone with enough guts not to get caught up in the fake "reality" world of falling in love with someone in a false environment. Cheers to you Brad! And being a single woman in Austin, I'm glad you are still available and didn't settle for either of those 2 in the end!!!
By austinights
November 20, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this
In the end, writers are going to get their new contract, because contrary to what others think - writers have a strong influence on television, because not only do they create the content, but they also are typically the showrunners. The big networks can put out a lot of press, but in the end - the only thing they have to bargain with are re-runs. I don't think Americans are going to want to watch reality television on every channel every night. If this continues into December, then the shows that still have some scripts left will run out and all heckfire will break loose. Most reality TV just bites - The Bachelor included!