Final Thoughts and Where Do We Go From Here
I’d say that the ATFR 2 was a complete waste of time last night. I told you Friday what was going to happen. Nothing surprising. All they’re doing is trying to make you hate Jason and Molly less and less than most people already do. Which is fine. I mean, that’s their couple after all now, so they got to make them look good however they can. Even if it meant embarrassing Melissa on national television. Like they care about that. Oh by the way, did you see the ratings from Monday night? Through the roof, as I thought they would be. 15 million watched the finale and 17 million watched the ATFR. Highest rated ATFR in the shows history, and highest rated finale since Guiney’s season. Thank you, thank you very much. I’ll take full credit for that. That’s why I never believed anyone who screamed after I ruined the ending on the You Tube videos, “That’s horrible! I’ll never watch this show again!” Please. You were all front and center on Monday night, and then some. How? Because the show was getting on average 11 million people weekly. Yet 15 million tuned in to the finale and 17 million watched the ATFR. So another 5 -7 million people, who didn’t give a crap about this show during the season, tuned in just for the end to see what all this hype was about. The hype that I created over a month ago. So ABC, feel free to scratch me a check at any point. Just don’t spell my name wrong.
ABC, Fleiss and Co. all got what they wanted out of this. They can BS us about “Well, we would’ve liked for Jason and Melissa to be our story if it meant sacrificing the ratings in the end”, when we all know that’s not true. This is Hollywood. This is TV. There is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING these people care more about than money and ratings. That’s it. That’s all their job requires them to do. Produce something that will get people to watch their show. I can’t make that any simpler. That’s why the contracts people sign to come on this show excuse ABC of any liability for how they portray any person whatsoever. You really, really, really think Mike Fleiss and Co. care about how Melissa ended up in all this? Please. There’s no better proof than him saying a couple weeks ago, “This is the best ending we’ve ever had.” You’re damn right it was. Take all human emotion out of Monday nights finale. Just pretend those were robots that were told to act that way (which some of you still believe was the case). Take all feelings and emotions out of Monday nights broadcast and just look at it from a pure drama/shocker/crazy ass plot perspective. That was damn entertaining. Finale not so much, but that hour of the ATFR show you can’t say wasn’t riveting television. You don’t think so? It was the lead story on most news and entertainment sites yesterday. I had over 700 emails for the day, did 5 radio interviews, and basically spent all day on the phone talking to people about it. And that’s exactly what they were going for. All the more reason I believe they had a plan, they executed it, and they got their results to the tune of 17 million freakin’ people.
Host Chris really had nothing good to say in his blog today either. I guess he’s had enough of going after me. Although, he really stuck his neck out there when gave us this beauty. “Five years down the road, when Jason and Molly are married, I wonder if many of you will feel different about this.” Holy crap! This couple is “a month” into their relationship and you’re predicting they’ll be married five years from now? For a show that’s never produced a marriage ever? Good luck with that. Please tell me somewhere in Vegas they’re posting odds on Host Chris’ beyond ridiculous prediction. I’d be a rich man if they did. If none of the previous 12 Bachelor couples have lasted, and they didn’t have even CLOSE to the pressure that Jason and Molly are starting their relationship under, why would I think those two will make it? Molly’s gotta have doubts about the guy whether she wants to admit it or not. He’s proposed to two different women in a year, and is now working on his 3rd “girlfriend” in that time. I’d say he’s a little fickle. And it’s almost like because everyone is hating on them already, and because people are expecting them to fail, they are going to try THAT much harder to please everyone by staying together and proving people wrong. In the end, I doubt it’ll work. I’ll stand by this shows track record, and that’s 0-for-12 in producing a marriage. I like playing the odds. Can’t get any better than a 0% success rate, can you?
As for the emails between Melissa and Jason, someone released them yesterday anonymously (shocker) and now the entertainment sites are running with them. And yes, those are the ones I’ve had in my possession for a couple weeks now. I’m glad someone else decided to do it, because I was not going to release them. I didn’t want that on my conscience anymore so I’m glad my name isn’t attached to them. I’m not going to post the link to them anywhere on this site because I don’t want to be associated with them. But they’re out there everywhere now, so they shouldn’t be hard to find. Remember, those just randomly landed in my email box from someone who had never emailed me before. So I’m guessing they were the ones who released it or anyone else they could’ve forwarded it on to. I had nothing to do with those getting released, and I’m sure if you check the IP address or domain name of whoever released it onto that blog yesterday, that’ll prove my innocence as well. I just couldn’t bring myself to do that to Melissa. I figured she’d had enough.
Everyone has their opinions of what went down this season. These will be debated forever, yet another thing ABC wants. As long as people are talking about their show, they’re happy. I came to you in January and told you about the shocking ending of what was going to happen on the ATFR show. It happened. I told you I had sources at the ATFR 2 taping this past Friday and what went down, and it happened. The only thing some of you are still having a hard time believing is what my sources told me about Jason being told to do this and him accepting. Well, considering my sources have been right pretty much every step of the way, is it really that far fetched to think they were wrong about this? Of course ABC/Fleiss/Harrison/Jason/Molly will deny it til the end of time. They have to. They’d be guilty as charged if they didn’t. But I think I’ve given you a map of how this season played out starting on Jan. 27th and ending last night. And I’d say that map was pretty clear. All I want you people to do is use common sense, think outside the box a little bit, and realize that this is completely possible on the way the season went down. Hey, I’m always going to believe it because I have no reason to doubt my sources. One thing to remember: I was never guessing on how I THOUGHT this “Bachelor” season would play out. I was TOLD how it was going to play out by people in the know. Big difference. They never lied to me once and gained nothing from lying to me, which is why I believed them. So all I can do is tell everyone to remember this is TV. This is Hollywood. Its fantasy land. All they care about is the bottom line which is making money. They will spare no expense to do so. Unfortunately, Melissa was that expense this season. And oh yeah, for the record, the “Bachelor” does get paid to do this show. You might want to figure all that in to this equation as well.
So Jillian is going to be our next Bachelorette. Yippee. Nice girl. Cute girl. But seems like this will remind me a lot of Meredith’s season. I mean, does Jillian really reach into the hearts of all Americans (despite being Canadian) enough to get them to watch her journey of love for eight weeks? I guess we’ll see. Obviously, people are going to watch. But unless there’s a huge scandal like this season, I don’t expect them to come anywhere close to those ratings numbers. But of course, I’ll be back writing about the show. In fact, I was thinking everything was gonna be back to normal next season. Just me watching on Monday nights, then making fun of it in the column on Tuesday mornings like I’ve done for the last 7 years. But I sh** you not, as I sit here writing this at 11:15 CST on Wednesday morning March 4th, I’ve already gotten news regarding Jillians season. Is it as big as what went down this season? No. Not close. But its damn interesting to hear. Jillians season begins shooting in two weeks and will air starting in May. That’s not the news. However, I’m going to go do a little more research on this thing and let me find out a little more. All I can tell you right now is that this is definitely stuff the audience wants to know. I will get back to you on this in the near future. And don’t worry, no clues this time. Ha ha.
As for those asking about any possible interview with Melissa, I think that’ll be tough. She’s going to be on “Ellen” tomorrow to tell her story, and I’m sure she’s talking to the magazines, but after that, I have a feeling she just wants to get back to her life. For all those who think she was a plant, and in this for the money, and just wants to be on TV, well, that’s not the case. If it was, she would’ve been the next “Bachelorette”. In fact, she was asked to (Which also goes along with the theory this plan was put in place a while back), but turned it down. How do I know this? Mike Fleiss said it himself in an interview posted yesterday. Here is the brief snippet from the interview:
THR: So is Melissa the next Bachelorette?
Fleiss: Nope. She didn’t want to do it. She’s heartbroken.
You can read the full interview here.
And now even Mike Fleiss is throwing Jason under the bus saying he wasn’t contractually obligated to break up with her on the show. Gee, so now all the major players involved are on different pages. Fleiss says he didn’t have to do it, but Chris Harrison and Jason are saying it had to be filmed because that’s what the contestants agree to. So which is it? Here’s the link:
Fleiss Throws Jason Under the Bus
I would think that someone who wanted money, fame, and fortune out of all this would’ve certainly agreed to be the focus of a show for 8 weeks. But can you blame her? After getting thrown under the bus the way she did? I certainly don’t. Look, if she was a plant and was acting in all this, then she wouldn’t be phased and hurt by all this, and she definitely would’ve just moved right in to being our next “Bachelorette” since she wouldn’t have had any hatred towards ABC and what happened to her. But apparently Melissa’s dignity doesn’t have a price, which is something I can’t say for certain people we know. Good for her. I believe after this week, she is pretty much going to disappear and will get back to living a normal life. I really don’t think there’s much more you could say about her character after hearing that she turned down their offer to be the next “Bachelorette”. And I hear it was a damn good offer, as well.
A lot of you have been asking what happens now that the show is over? In the past, I’ve gone into hibernation and barely produced any columns til the “Bachelor/ette” starts up again. Not this season. I’m going to start dedicating a little more time to the site. Looks like we’re finally going to have some advertising on the site and I’m working on a few other things as well. One thing that I’d really like your feedback on is possible merchandise. I know that I have a very loyal fan base that has followed me for a while and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that. And I’ve always done my best to repay you by responding to your emails and answering all questions that you have. Although, the last couple days have been impossible, so don’t take it personally. Anyway, I was thinking of possibly coming up with something tangible. Like tshirts, hats, mugs, bumper stickers, etc. Of course, my brilliant mind wants to make boy shorts with “Realitysteve.com” across the ass, but, well, I don’t think that’ll play. Especially if you’re married or have a boyfriend. Anyway, merchandise is always something I’ve thought of doing, but never too seriously until now. I think it might happen though, so stay tuned. It would not be ridiculously priced and I wouldn’t be making a whole hell of a lot of it, but it’s something.
So I will still dabble here and there on “Bachelor” stuff during this “offseason”, but beginning next week, back to “Reality Roundup”. I think each one will feature an episode recap of “American Idol”, and then focus on the other stuff I’m watching like “Survivor”, “Celebrity Apprentice”, “The City”, “The Hills” (when it starts back up again), “Sober House”, and whatever else floats my boat in the TV world. But definitely it will focus on “Idol” since, well, that’s my favorite show going right now. I’ll just say this: I’d be shocked if Danny Gokey doesn’t win. The guy can sing his ass off and he’s got a story to boot. I mean, his wife dies 4 weeks before his audition? Who isn’t going to get behind that guy? Consider me the lead cheerleader on “Team Gokey”. Anyway, more on that next week. So thanks for sticking with the site during these last crazy ass six weeks. And to all of you new readers who had never heard of me until all this news broke, welcome aboard. Glad you’re a fan now. Any questions, comments, praises, criticisms, orders for your first “RealitySteve.com” t-shirt (ha ha), email me at steve@realitysteve.com. Talk to you soon.



March 4th, 2009 at 1:01 PM
The ratings “success” begs the question if this was the plan all along, meaning not only the set up and break up with Melissa, but “revealing” who Jason chose (pinky ring) and the “leak”. I hate to say this, but I don’t think it was just Melissa who was set up, but you too RS.
March 4th, 2009 at 1:02 PM
You were correct—pat yourself on the back. But seriously, I think you could lose the condescending attitude. Otherwise, good job. ABC owes you a bonus.
March 4th, 2009 at 1:06 PM
I am new to your site and can’t stop reading it!! I am amazed by how much you knew!!! Honestly, I didn’t believe much of it until last night. I read what you said would happen and was totally shocked that you predicted everything correctly! I will be a dedicated follower of yours!!! My only question is: What about the e-mails that you received between Jason and Molly?! What did they say!!!!!
March 4th, 2009 at 1:07 PM
I just wanted to say great job to Steve and I look forward to next season…I have been a loyal reader since prince whats his name lol….i accidently found your page at that time and have been reading your blog ever since….Keep up the good work and I cant wait to have a coffee mug or something with RS on it
March 4th, 2009 at 1:09 PM
But I sh** you not, as I sit here writing this at 11:15 CST on Wednesday morning March 4th, I’ve already gotten news regarding Jillians season. Is it as big as what went down this season? No. Not close. But its damn interesting to
hear.
You had me LMAO. You are becoming ABC’s worst nightmare. O am extremely happy you may be getting ADS, That is AWESOME and AMAZING.
Are you ever going to post the rest of Megan’s interview?
March 4th, 2009 at 1:10 PM
RS, you are smart articulate and fun 2 read. Mdse on your site would be good- tshirts, visor, coffee mug.
You should be the bach only I will provide you the bachlorettes- my friends are “AMAZING”.
Do u think Jason is a closet gay? How long do u give Molly and Jason? What does Jason’s ex think of all this?
xoxo
March 4th, 2009 at 1:11 PM
You rock Reality Steve – you were the only good thing that came out of this season of the Bachelor!
I will for sure be back to read your commentary next season! Is it sad to say I can’t wait? 
I found the home Jason lived in during this season – you can check it out here: http://www.iamnotastalker.com/2009/03/04/jason-mesnicks-bachelor-pad/
March 4th, 2009 at 1:12 PM
OMG…please make those boy shorts!!! I would definitely wear them!!! Especially since I’ve have become a true fan!!!! I’ve told so many people about this site and they love you too! I’m sure they would get something with your name on it as well!! Can’t wait for next season!
March 4th, 2009 at 1:12 PM
Steve, you said it. The almighty buck…..that’s what it’s all about, has always been about, and will always be about. Period. Melissa was the sacrificial lamb. I’m thrilled that she turned down the chance to be the next Bachelorette. Smart girl. C-gal, I respectfully disagree…..after some of the bashing and b.s. Steve has gotten here over the past weeks, I’d say he’s entitled to any attitude.
And….GO DANNY!!! He’s awesome.
March 4th, 2009 at 1:12 PM
asteve- RS has not confirmed that the emails are one in the same- bu they seem to be the real deal ; they have been released a few places. Here is one place you can find them:
http://bachelor13.wordpress.com/
March 4th, 2009 at 1:16 PM
Steve, would you be interested in a proofreader/editor for your blog? Let me know!
The buzz you created certainly added to the excitement this season, but the whole thing has left me feeling a little sick to my stomach. I am looking forward to Jillian’s show and hope they approach it with a little more class. This is their chance since most viewers will be watching with a pretty critical eye. Don’t blow it, ABC! It will be a joy to add reading your blog to the experience of B’ette5, Steve. Just don’t let all the attention go to your head! Take the time to think things through. Remember what happened to Jason. I’ll leave it at that.
OH, and about “Idol” …. absolutely … Danny Gokey all the way! I cannot wait to buy his album!!!
March 4th, 2009 at 1:16 PM
Also asteve- you probably just mispoke (easy to do since they are both M names) the emails are btwn Mel and Jason, not Molly and Jason.
And welcome to the wonderfu world of Reality Steve!!!
March 4th, 2009 at 1:17 PM
I am up for the boy shorts:)
March 4th, 2009 at 1:18 PM
RS- merchandise idea…sell “Team Melissa” and “Team Molly” t-shirts.
March 4th, 2009 at 1:19 PM
First all of I think Molly was acting. She knew the whole time she would of had too. Rewatch where he broke up with her then when he put her in the car. She smiled at him? Who smiles at someone when they just “broke” up with you? Then watch her after he broke up with Mel. there is no way she could of had that reaction toward him sorry… Who would want sloppy seconds? And within minutes of calling it off with Mel. she accepted.. no way… sorry.. Thanks for cluing us in on everything Steve! i think I would of been 100 times madder if I didn’t know what was coming! You was right about everything! Oh and the tent corny!!!
March 4th, 2009 at 1:20 PM
I am still looking for all those anonymous posters who KNEW that J was still with Mel. They KNEW that RS was full of BS. They KNEW this was just to sidetrack us from the real love story of J and Mel. Where are all those people NOW?!
March 4th, 2009 at 1:21 PM
RS, you are one of my favorite writers. I did watch every episode and even Monday and Tuesday nights shows. Yea, I feel sorry for Melissa, but not that sorry. She knew something and getting paid heavily to keep the “pity me” attitude working. Jason and Molly I hope do work out, but probably wouldn’t bet on it. I just feel sorry for the families involved. Getting the spotlight shined on them when they do not want it. And what about their family credibility?
March 4th, 2009 at 1:21 PM
Mike Fleiss throws Jason under the bus hahaha!!!!
http://www.film.com/tv/the-bachelor/story/bachelor-creator-mike-fleiss-throws/26471957
I don’t know what to believe about what was planned and how far in advance, but this train wreck has been a blast to watch.
Can’t wait to hear Steve’s scoop on Jillian’s up and coming season!!
March 4th, 2009 at 1:22 PM
Everyone, please please please go to the Bonnie Hunt website and encourage her to really stick it to Jason. I am so sick of everyone giving him a free pass. She talked about how disappointed she and her whole staff were in his actions….I’d really love to see someone make him SQUIRM!!!
March 4th, 2009 at 1:23 PM
RS, thanks for all the scoop. I had a Bachelor Party Monday night and all of my friends thought I was clairvoyant, because I told them what was going to happen right before it happened–almost word for word! I’m keepin’ you to myself, buddy, so I can look like a freakin’ genius! Keep up the good sleuthing!
March 4th, 2009 at 1:24 PM
Is one of Jillian’s old boyfriends a bachlor in the mix?
Does she have a guy friend that’s there as a plant?
Heck, with all the CRAZY WILD theories that were thrown around for Jason’s season, I am sure Fleiss and Gang will have some great material to work with.
March 4th, 2009 at 1:24 PM
Maybe RS is going to be one of the bachelors!
Now that would be fun to watch.
Maybe RS gets to be one who counts down to “Gentlemen, this is the final rose tonight.”
March 4th, 2009 at 1:27 PM
I’m all about the boy shorts!! I think you understimate the power of them, Steve. I know my BF loves when I wear the ones I have now and I don’t think he cares what’s written across the bottom of ‘em!!
Oh, and I totally think you should have Team Melissa shirts!
March 4th, 2009 at 1:30 PM
Hey Reality Steve. first time reader of your blog. Really enjoyed reading your posts about the Bachelor finale. I didn’t know that the bachelor gets paid to do the show. Do you know the figure off hand? About your comment about 0-12 for marriages where you talking about just the Bachelor or the Bachelorette as well. Because i think Trista and Ryan were the only couple to work out. I could be wrong but i just wanted your take. Thanks
Great Blog. New fan here for sure man
March 4th, 2009 at 1:30 PM
Thanks once again for a great blog on the show. I still remember the first year of Bachelor [I was involved with a similar show elsewhere] and knowing he had no intention of marrying the girl, and that if his real personality was out there on Network TV, she wouldn’t have wanted anything to do with him either. But the show goes on and the Millions of extra dollars in ad revenue that you will add to NEXT years show from your informative blog, shouldn’t be overlooked by ABC. Yea right…
The scary part about all of this is that your “leaks” could have been in the plans from the beginning and calculated by the Spin guys to help generate even more ratings at the end. Think about it, these guys are very good at what they do and if they thought your blog could generate a bigger share for the finale… Well, you see where I’m going here. What’s next for these guys? Well, they definitely are going to have to do something wild and dirty for next year, or by mid-season they will be back to where they were before the “scandal” aka plan hit the fan. Again, wonderful job!
March 4th, 2009 at 1:32 PM
#18 Thanks for the Fleiss interview link. Fleiss totally threw Jason under the bus. I love it especially because Jason has been a puppet with Fleiss’s hand up his butt making his mouth move. Jason was too stupid to realize that’s how it would end up. The top dog never gets doodoo on his face…it’s always an underling!
March 4th, 2009 at 1:32 PM
I love it – already a leak and they haven’t even started filming!! YES – can’t wait to hear what it is.
I think it’s funny that people think you are full of yourself because you repeat that you were right….my hubby will tell you that I have a little song I sing when I’m right and I have a dance that goes along with it…and then I make him say it “You’re right”…so Steve please do the dance cos you certainly deserve to. YOU’RE RIGHT!!! LOL
Love Danny and he’s my pick to go all the way too- but if he doesn’t he will still be a major recording star.
March 4th, 2009 at 1:32 PM
Go Gokey!! Love, love, love him! Dare I say, he’s AMAZING!!!
March 4th, 2009 at 1:34 PM
So… Wonder if JaScum will use his DIRTY money to start the single parent support group he was talking about on Jimmy Kimmel? Maybe he thinks it will make him feel better to give back…clear his guilty conscientious!
March 4th, 2009 at 1:35 PM
I don’t know…Lil Rounds was pretty damn good last night. It’s going to be between the two of them…and maybe that Vampire guy.
March 4th, 2009 at 1:37 PM
Oh, and RS…if you do merchandise, don’t do it through Cafe Press. Their T-shirts and clothes aren’t the best quality. But I’d bring a RealitySteve.com coffee mug to work for sure.
March 4th, 2009 at 1:37 PM
Yay for you getting ads and finally making at least some money for entertaining us all this time! Merchandising is a cool idea too!
Thanks for all the hilarity on this crazy season!
March 4th, 2009 at 1:39 PM
#29…Sorry…dang spell check! I meant conscience…not conscientious! LOL!
March 4th, 2009 at 1:41 PM
Great job on everything. You’re highly entertaining
Add me to Team Gokey! Maybe some of your merchandise could be directed toward Danny Gokey… just a thought. Vote Gokey.
March 4th, 2009 at 1:41 PM
One more thing. Poor Jillian she is a sweetheart, the typical Canadian Girl. When I watched Jason manipulate her for sex on her last episode [don't kid yourself that was the plan] it was like watching a trainwreck happening right in front of me. In fact that must have been one heck of a trip, he was 3 for 3 with extremely beautiful women, 2 of which would have done ANYTHING to make him happy [and probably did]. Jillian’s adventure will be worth watching just to see how corrupt ABC can make her before the show starts taping [all night benders with male strippers?] and then see how she handles “love” from a bunch of regular guys [aka: out of work, wanna be actors] craving her attention with no absolutely NO bounderies and probably lots of STDs… And so the next Adventure begins…
March 4th, 2009 at 1:42 PM
I give Jason and Molly six months. I think she will get bored with him. To me, she doesn’t seem the motherly type, either, so I could see her getting bored with Ty too.
March 4th, 2009 at 1:43 PM
#16: I think most of them were believing people like Potstickers over on Fort. PS acted like she knew everything but after the finale aired she admitted that Jason hadn’t actually told her anything and she never asked him if the break-up rumors were true. She was hinting she KNEW Jason and Mel were still together, but it turns out she was basing that on what she saw in NZ and thinking Jason would never dump Melissa on TV.
Several people believed her because she knew a lot of what happened in NZ, they believed she was close to Jason, and they assumed Jason was telling her the truth. But he wasn’t actually telling her anything.
For the record, Postickers feels terrible that she led people on, and I don’t think her motives were evil. From reading her posts I got the impression she is a sweet and naive older lady who thought Jason was a good boy who wouldn’t hurt a fly. Her only error was pretending like she knew when she didn’t know for fact — she should have admitted from the beginning that she only knew for sure what happened in NZ. (PS is not the same person as Jason’s Fake Mom posting on the MisFits board.)
March 4th, 2009 at 1:43 PM
I think we should start a campain to use the word “mesnick” to mean: cad, schmuck, jerk, scumbag, etc,. It could be either a verb or a noun. Noun: “Did you hear that John dumped Jane for a younger woman? What a mesnick!”
Verb: “Did you hear that John dumped Jane for a younger woman? He really mesnicked her!”
Perhaps your t-shirts cound promote this campaign–shirts that say, “My ex is a real mesnick” or “I was mesnicked in 2009″.
March 4th, 2009 at 1:44 PM
I am so addicted to your site…i checked it like 8 times this morning waiting for your post.
I really hope Mel does an interveiw with you. I listened to Chris this morning talking about how close he and Mel are and I am going to take her out for a drink in Dallas…blah blah blah crap. If he is such good friends with her, why is he chuming it up with Jason and Mol?? Craziness.
I hoped you were wrong, just because its so sad to know that he is such a creepster raising that little boy. Hopefully Jason’s family IS as normal as they seem, and they can instill some good values in Ty.
I love you. I would wear your realitysteve.com booty shorts…and i think my fiance wouldnt mind:)
March 4th, 2009 at 1:46 PM
18. Sarah | March 4th, 2009 at 1:21 pm
Mike Fleiss throws Jason under the bus hahaha!!!!
http://www.film.com/tv/the-bachelor/story/bachelor-creator-mike-fleiss-throws/26471957
What a complete load of BS.
March 4th, 2009 at 1:46 PM
Well, I was a partial disbeliever in RS and never joined, just read. But yes, he nailed it, esp. the ATFE2 show. The tent was presented to the ‘happy’ couple.lol
I joined mainly becuase I want to be part of Team Gokey..I’ve wanted Danny to win since he first auditioned for AI. Nice guy, not a punk, much heartbreak and he can really sing.
Go Team Gokey!!!!!!!!
March 4th, 2009 at 1:47 PM
how much do they pay the bachelor or bachelorette? & what about their prospective choices, are they paid as well? just curious. how long does it take in real time to tape a season?
March 4th, 2009 at 1:47 PM
I’d definitely sport a RS coffee mug or T-shirt! Bring it on.
To add to some of the comments above, about the info “leaking” to you on purpose – well, if that was the case – then I’m glad it went to you b/c you definitely deserve the attention. I’ve loved your blog for many, many, many seasons and it is basically the only reason I haven’t quit watching the show. I am ready for your normal column though, and some more Dr. Reality Steve too!!
March 4th, 2009 at 1:48 PM
Not sure if this has been mentioned but the Access Hollywood web site have the emails between Jason and Melissa posted on their web site.
Also, I thought I heard that Jason’s ex-wife is going to be on Access Hollywood today. At least I think that’s what they said on last night’s show.
By the way … love your blog Steve!
March 4th, 2009 at 1:50 PM
Steve,
I stayed tuned because of you. The show was so boring until all the rumors started up. It made me take a second look. When I watching Monday it played out just the way you said it would, I could not believe it! What an ass Jason turned out to be and that Molly (yuck). I feel so bad for Melissa….but one thing is for sure…she has very nice legs….perhaps you can give her a pair of your new short!
March 4th, 2009 at 1:51 PM
hahah I think Bubdog’s comments about being “mesnicked” is a hoot!!!!
Also: put me down for a realitysteve.com COFFEE MUG and please make them big enough. I hate small coffee mugs.
P.S. I will continue to watch this farce of show because of:
Y-O-U no other reason. I’ve been reading you for years!! Can I get a discount on the mug??? hahahahaha
March 4th, 2009 at 1:52 PM
Good God, did you see the clip of Jason’s ex! She’s Molly’s twin! lol… They could be sisters, it’s scary. I’ll bet they have the same personality too, this guy is a real winner. Be happy Melissa you walked away clean, 6 months from now when Jason is looking for his next future ex-girlfriend [aka ex-wife] you can joke about it with your friends on the team who spend more money on their landscaping in 6 months than Jason will make his entire life.
Here’s the YouTube clip of the ex:
http://www.film.com/tv/the-bachelor/story/bachelorette-finalist-jason-mesnicks-ex/21678361
March 4th, 2009 at 1:55 PM
Great job Reality Steve! I’ve enjoyed reading your blog this Bachelor season and good for you for breaking the news!
March 4th, 2009 at 1:56 PM
RS- Make the boy shorts, its fun!
I will def. be back on your site. Im a huge fan now. I went back and read a little bit of your past blogs as well, and they were great! I wish I would have seen them sooner. But now I am here to stay. I think a lot of people will be!
March 4th, 2009 at 1:57 PM
I have been an avid Bachelor watcher since Aaron’s season (think it was season 2), but something just felt off about this WHOLE season… And then I stumble across RS and discover that I’m NOT loosing my mind! I feel bad for Melissa, but know that in the long run she’ll be better off. And last night… seriously? when Jason was talking by himself to CH he said “Melissa is the best”. Seriously? And if you weren’t paying close attention.. You could never figure out if he was talking about Molly or Melissa… I don’t think HE even knew the entire time which one he was talking about..
I am all for Reality Steve boy shorts… My boyfriend doesn’t care whose name is on the back… Make sure there are plenty of color options!
March 4th, 2009 at 1:58 PM
#47 webguy – you are right I saw the video and she and Molly look so much alike. Thanks everybody for all of the links.
March 4th, 2009 at 1:59 PM
Just wanna say way to go Steve. Amazing I have to say.
Standing ovation right now from me…….. You rock dude
March 4th, 2009 at 2:00 PM
Molly seems to have the type of personality that if she was married and caught hubby cheating, she;’d forgive and forget. Not me, I divorced my 1st husband for cheating and he begged, cried and threaten to kill himself, if I did! That was 1971 and the bastard is still alive at 67! I’m just that type of women, I could never share or be with my man if he cheated. end of story..I’m not Hilary Clinton. rotflmao
March 4th, 2009 at 2:00 PM
Great Job Steve – An idea for Fleiss – bring back Melissa and Naomi for the first show on Jillian’s season and let them demonstrate what getting Mesnicked is like to a couple of the new Bach’s
March 4th, 2009 at 2:02 PM
OH 38 I LOVE YOUR IDEA!!!
I have been mesnicked in the past.
T-Shirt idea:
Front “Team Melissa”
Back “Got Mesnicked?”
March 4th, 2009 at 2:02 PM
Thanks for a great blog RS … very funny.
In a season of conspiracy theories here is one that I have not seen elsewhere.
Now I am not known for my imagination or “thinking outside the box” as you put it…much more literal and logical…so when I come up with stuff like this…well…
The difficulty I had working out on this season was that I had read…somewhere…that the CH and the crew CHEERED when the proposal happened. Now, I was assuming because of reading you that that was Molly…but based on the edit, that did not made sense. However, as soon as you cleared up that CH did not know the “plot” until after the FRC, my creative light bulb went off.
So here goes and please bear with me…
The whole thing played out like the movie Witness for the Prosecution…For those unfamiliar with old movies this one revolves around a husband accused of murdering a woman for her money and his wife who is called as the witness for the prosecution. She is discredited on the stand and made to seem as if she is conspiring to get her husband convicted. He is subsequently found innocent and double jeopardy kicks in because…turns out he was guilty all along…but the kicker is that the wife was working with him all the time and sacrificed her reputation in order to save her husband.
Here is my conspiracy theory…your super secret source…that you trusted so much was…CH! How much better could it be? He is ticked off at what happened but has to tow the company line but wants the info out there and so what to do? Pull a little reverse psychology (Jason take notes!) and go to RS. They trash each other repeatedly on their respective blogs…seem like mortal enemies but they are really secretly working together and no one is the wiser!!!
Not bad for someone who isn’t all that creative…But we’ll have to ignore the part of the movie where the wife kills the husband in the end because she finds out he was using her and was about to run off with another woman.
March 4th, 2009 at 2:03 PM
Steve, I’m new here but wanted to say, awesome column! I’m so glad you exposed this show for what it is and convinced me not to watch this garbage anymore. It’s much more fun “watching” your “blog” than watching on ABC. Because of you, I will never again have to hear “Ladies, this is our final rose tonight…” and “Our most dramatic rose ceremony ever!”
Thanks for keeping us informed of the garbage behind the garbage. I am so happy for you and your success!
March 4th, 2009 at 2:06 PM
Although I like Jillian, I doubt I will watch as the bachelor franchise has lost any semblance of “reality” or Jason’s laughable “integrity” to me. They sure are racing to get the Bachelorette on aren’t they? It just goes to show you that the outrage has them scrambling to redeem themselves somehow. As many have allready stated, I can watch Jerry Sprigner for this kind of scripting. Fleiss throwing Jason under the bus is hysterical and whether true or not the spineless puppet Jason Mesnick deserves it. I am glad you will be covering American Idol and other shows as I just don’t think I can stomach anymore of the Bachelor franchise- period. Chris Harrison’s blog is a joke, as usual. His sarcasm about Jillian having octuplets is so condescending- he’s an idiot too- never liked him.
March 4th, 2009 at 2:06 PM
I’m really glad this whole thing is over! (So is my boss and he doesn’t even know it!)
RS I’m glad you are getting the credit you deserve even though your uproar was deliberately ignored. There wasn’t one comment about the internet rumors, message boards and leaks.
March 4th, 2009 at 2:09 PM
I enjoyed reading your blog posts and it made the season much more interesting.
However, you portray yourself as a crusader, pointing out how terrible it was to do this to Melissa, how she was thrown under the bus, and how money is all that matters to the producers and ABC.
You are correct – ratings, and thus advertising dollars is all that matters, it is a business. Yet, you are now talking about having advertising on your site and selling merchandise. You are looking to profit off of the same misfortune that you are so eager to criticize. I am not saying you shouldn’t do it – if you can make money doing this, all the power to you.
Just realize that you are not as different from them as you think you are.
March 4th, 2009 at 2:10 PM
Harrison’s a paid PUNK
Mesnick is an emotional PUNK
ABC is a greedy PUNK
The viewers all got PUNK’d
March 4th, 2009 at 2:10 PM
Molly as the bach’ette–doubt they were ever seriously thinking about that. There is no way she wasn’t communicating with Jason based on quickly she took him back on the couch, or she’s a fool, one or the other. As someone noted, they kept saying that hadn’t “seen” eachother, but not that they had not had contact.
On a weirder note, ummm… Jason and his ex both have brown eyes but his son’s eyes look blue to me. How likely is that?
The ex is on both Access Hollywood and The Insider tonight. They usually only pay for “dirt” so I wonder what they’ll drum up,
March 4th, 2009 at 2:10 PM
My post #53..I meant to add, I had two little kids when I caught him cheating…5 & 3 yr old girls.
And I met a wonderful man in 1982 and we dated and married in 1988..took a long time, becuase I needed to be sure he was for real. We just celebrated 20 years of marriage and 27 years of being together. I had to kiss a frog first to then find my Prince Charming.
Jason has no idea what true love for a woman is all about. I’m sure he has parently true love for Ty, but that’s it, and I believe he’s narcisstic.
March 4th, 2009 at 2:13 PM
thanks for the overviews of the shows. i was impatiently waiting for your news and was so glad that you released the information early.
put me down for realitysteve mdse. don’t forget fridge magnets.
i like whoever had the mesnicked idea too.
yeah, one of my sayings is, “let me check with reality steve.”
March 4th, 2009 at 2:14 PM
lol..tommyboy, we all got punked for sure.
I don’t care about Jillian or this show. Yes, I’ll watch it, but probably tape it and FF. I’ve been taping 24 with heartthrob, Keifer, and watched the TB, but won’t do that anymore. TB has lost all credibility and any small integrity it had at one time.
March 4th, 2009 at 2:16 PM
Thanks for the post Steve! And now I’m hooked, I love Idol so I am going to love hearing what you have to say. Keep up the great work and look forward to the next season of the Bachelorette. I like Jill too much not too watch it, even after this horrible season.
March 4th, 2009 at 2:17 PM
He is not a single dad………he shares custody. I wish he would stop promoting that single dad business!
March 4th, 2009 at 2:21 PM
Aren’t Trista and Ryan married?? Also, Stephanie would be a much better Bachelorette than Jillian. Everyone wants her to find a man.
March 4th, 2009 at 2:22 PM
I’m with #43 on the big coffee mug thing – I need lots of coffee
And #56 sprite – your conspiracy theory cracked me up!! I’ve never seen that movie, but it’s a fun idea that you came up!!
March 4th, 2009 at 2:27 PM
Hey! Steve!! Thank you so much for everything! Your awesome and you know I think a cute tank top and boy shorts would be awesome… My husband would not mind I am just about to get a whole new body and I would love to show off YOU at the beach! HEHEHEHEHE!
I cannot wait I will be the first ONE to buy from you!!
March 4th, 2009 at 2:30 PM
Wow, I posted the link to Mike Fleiss’ interview stating that Jason wasn’t under contract to dump Melissa in any way and that he never objected to it on Jason’s actual Myspace blog and now I am not allowed to even post on his myspace any longer…
He works fast!…Afraid of the truth Jason?
Just wow.
March 4th, 2009 at 2:33 PM
Just think of it this way guys. In Hollywood shows like this come and go. Producers and people like “C” the host come and go. The positive spin on this is that none of the people behind the scenes here that develop and present this crap [this does NOT include the technical people involved in actual production] will probably have a job in 3 years. This show has been on it’s downward arc for 5 years. The odds of any of these weasels getting another show like this again are less than 4% and 2 days after they cancel this show, these guys won’t even have a pass to the studio lot. That means when C is bagging your groceries at Ralphs in a couple of years, 50lbs heavier in need of a facelift, you can laugh in his face 1on1! It’s a brutal town and I love it! As for Jason, he has probably already spent the money he made [this is not a MIT Graduate here] and his chances of success as an actor [his real dream] or as a husband, are slim.
March 4th, 2009 at 2:34 PM
#67. Didn’t you like how he said that he and Molly have talks on the phone with Ty playing in the background. I wonder if he’s screaming STFU! I’m trying to talk on the phone….that kid has brat potential. I hope Molly is ready to take control of him too!
March 4th, 2009 at 2:34 PM
Any and all Maddie merchandise would be great! Maddie for Bachelorette mugs, t-shirts, mousepads, magnets, you name it. Maddie sitting in a pile of roses. Maddie with a rose in her mouth. The opportunities are endless!
March 4th, 2009 at 2:35 PM
OK – registered with my “real” name (the name I always use) but did post here before under another name (Why do I do this?)
I want to know something from all of you women who are “SO OFFENDED” by Jason saying he is a Single Dad and are calling him a liar, etc.
Aren’t women who are divorced and have children called SINGLE MOMS?? Even when Dad has custody at least part of the time?? Even half the time, they are STILL called Single Moms!
So why in the heck is Jason not a SINGLE DAD????
Really, the hypocrisy through this has really bothered me.
The Fantasy Suite Dates had everyone “up in arms” because he is a scumbag and everyone was furious he “slept with all 3 girls”.
Yet – this is how the show works! EVERY SINGLE BACHELOR AND BACHELORETTE HAS FANTASY SUITES and that stupid “letter from CH” offering to “forgo your individual suites”. I mean, we ALL know that phrase so well…LOL!!
They ALL do it – figuratively and otherwise…LOL!!
SO why all of the outrage over Jason doing it? Again, pun intended
Jason IS a Single Dad…period! He is a Dad who is single. Just like those women who are divorced from their husbands and raising their children are Single Moms…even when Dad is also raising the child through custody agreements.
Just some things I think should be taken into consideration when bashing the guy. HE DESERVES ALL OF THE BASHING…for the PROPER reasons! These two specific reasons are NOT proper…
March 4th, 2009 at 2:35 PM
#68..Trista and Ryan ARE married, but their relationship was from The Bachelorette not The Bachelor.
March 4th, 2009 at 2:35 PM
you say that the show is 0-12. What about Trish & Ryan or whatever their names are. They are married and have 2 kids….
March 4th, 2009 at 2:38 PM
Great work Steve. Its been a wonderful season & great time.
As to the merchandise….I think you should do a standard product line: T-shirts, Cups, etc. Have the blog space vote on the top x products they’d like to buy. As for the captioning, that’s easy:
Have just one word/.com address on them Either:
*Amazing*
realitysteve.com
or
*Awesome*
realitysteve.com
Nothing offensive, but something we’ll all laugh about.
Good/Bad–Opinions?
Go ahead, shoot the owl.
March 4th, 2009 at 2:39 PM
Yeah, Gokey’s my boy too. I hope he does win.
I definitely want to know the Jillian scoop and I’d love to read the rest of the Megan interview when you have a chance to post it.
March 4th, 2009 at 2:40 PM
#77 jaynaj
Trista & Ryan were on the Bachelorette, not the Bachelor.
March 4th, 2009 at 2:45 PM
And while I know this won’t go over very well and may well get me “banned” from the site when I just finally registered…
I really think you have gone way over the top with this “I was right” thing, Steve!
You have brought it up in most – if not all – of your blogs for the past two weeks or so. And it’s not just a simple “I told you so”…which I would have had no problem with, even a couple of times.
That being said…it is so far beyond that. It’s almost like you are auditioning for something! It’s really a turn off…and I won’t be surprised if you actually lose lots of people because of it. Or at least earn their disdain – they may come back because of the information you have but I think you want to be “liked”, too.
If I am wrong – on any of those things (it’s a turn off, lose people, or want to be liked) – then so be it. But I had to mention it or it would have been festering in me…
March 4th, 2009 at 2:46 PM
If someone posted this already, sorry for the duplicate. A guy calling himself The_RealJasonMesnick is posting on the ABC boards. People were skeptical and he assured them it’s really him. Said he can’t say the real reason for breaking up with Melissa, it would only do “more harm than good” and he wouldn’t do that to her (in public).
Ok…I’m one of the few that has always felt Melissa could have some emotional ‘issues”. To me she was totally rejected by her own parents who refused to be seen with her on TV! I wouldn’t do that to my two grown married daughters, if they asked me and were trying to find a mate. I’d swallow my pride and do it for my daughter. Also, when Melissa said she was the dumpee 4 times (and she’s only 24)..huge red flags went up for me before he proposed. I was saying to the TV…’don’t do it, she’s phoney with that ‘little girl voice and mannerisms and she will change when the cameras stop rolling”. I think Jason is not totally to blame for the breakup. He found out or Melissa did something not right over the holdays..hence, when he said “we are not made to be together:, he’s right. Don’t hit me, just my opinion. We know nothing that went on and as much as so many love “America’s Sweetheart”, do any of you really know her? She could be bi-polar and I wouldn’t be shocked, as that explains her “loving” as she put it, parents not wanting to be on the show with her or even interviewed. Think about it..if it stinks, it’s rotten and that stinks.
March 4th, 2009 at 2:46 PM
Hi Steve, I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed finding your site this season and you have won me over as a fan…bring on those boy shorts!!
As a Canadian, I will be watching the Bach/ette with Jillian and am looking forward to your news…let me guess, they are looking to bring in some really HOT Ukranian guys for Gramma? Hehe!
Melissa seems like a really great girl who has a lot going for her and I know her Prince Charming IS out there. I, too, had someone dump me for someone else in a very hurtful mannor but I did get over it and I met a really special guy who I am very happy with now.
March 4th, 2009 at 2:48 PM
RS! Yay! Let’s get merchandise! I personally would like you to put out a t-shirt emblazoned with the phrase “I lost my job because of K Moon/Rebecca.”
March 4th, 2009 at 2:48 PM
As others have said, Trista and Ryan are from the Bachelorette.
There have been 15 total seasons of this franchise.
12 have been called The Bachelor
3 have been called The Bachelorette
Many people break them down into individual franchises – rightly or wrongly.
But it does give them the opportunity to say “it’s never worked” because The B’ette is not considered part of the franchise in their views.
I happen not to think that way, but RS is NOT the only one to think this way!!
March 4th, 2009 at 2:55 PM
Steve, I’m buyin’ anything your sellin’. Will look forward to checking in here daily to see what is up. Thanks!!!
March 4th, 2009 at 2:55 PM
There were 4 seasons of the bachorette: Trista, Meredith, Jen, and Deanna.
March 4th, 2009 at 2:55 PM
lol..I cannot believe folks are that dumb to believe that’s the real Jason posting on those ABC boards..I read thru them..it’s someone playing a bad joke and it’s ABC fault for not monitering their site and deleting it. People are so naive.
March 4th, 2009 at 2:57 PM
Don’t bother with the “team molly” t-shirts – no one will buy them…she is a complete embarrassment to women! Jason and her deserve to be tossed to the side and all I have to say is karma is a bit$h…what comes around goes around and they deserve all the backlash they are getting. ESPECIALLY after Mike Fleiss’ interview stated that Jason wasn’t under contract to dump Melissa in any way and that he never objected to it. Just goes to show what a jackass he really is. Screw him and his “girlfriendâ€Â
March 4th, 2009 at 3:00 PM
RS, you said …
“And now even Mike Fleiss is throwing Jason under the bus saying he wasn’t contractually obligated to break up with her on the show. Gee, so now all the major players involved are on different pages. Fleiss says he didn’t have to do it, but Chris Harrison and Jason are saying it had to be filmed because that’s what the contestants agree to. So which is it?”
I think it is rather clear that Jason, by the sudden early filming of the ATFR and seemingly obsessed with Molly, wasn’t willing to risk Molly moving on before he got his shot. Could be Jason got wind of Molly, reportedly, warming up to the idea of being the next Bachelorette and, that too, might have weighed in to Jason’s decision.
Anyway, I believe part of the contractual agreement limits Jason (and Melissa) from dating others until after the season finale. In order for Jason to be free to see Molly, he agreed to a settlement – a televise breakup during the ATFR in order to be contractually released.
Thus, Jason’s statement correct would be correct in that he felt forced to comply in order to get what he wanted. Fleiss would be equally correct in his statement that Jason had free will to decide the direction he would take.
Of course, for this scenario to be plausible, you would have to scrap speculation that the series scripted after Episode 5 as that would no longer hold water. Given you recently admitted Megan Parris’ collaboration influenced your decision to go with that particular speculation … well, RS, it would appear you got punk’d.
March 4th, 2009 at 3:00 PM
RS Let the Speculation Begin.
I know what the twist is for next season. Read MF interview and you can figure it out.
Q: Why Jillian as the next Bachelorette?
A: Well, Melissa didn’t want to do it, Molly became the girl he chose, and Jillian was the next fan favorite. She’s very relatable, I think she has a Jennifer Aniston quality … and she’s the right age to do it.
And here is the big twist.
They already picked the cast for Jillian’s season. There is a guy named Brad. He will become Jillians final pick and they will get married, however he dumps her for the OCTOMOM and adopts all of her 14 children.
You wait and see!
March 4th, 2009 at 3:02 PM
I think the 3 things that has everyone outraged the most is that Jason:
1) Dumped his fiancee on National TV. Why couldn’t it have been done in private? It looks mean and heartless Was the contract, if it states this requirement, a good enough reason to merit this or should Jason have gone against it? I think he should have.
2) Why did Jason get engaged if he really still loved 2 women?
Pick one and give her a promise ring. Much better, right?
3) Why was Jason playing tonsil hockey with the other women just after he officially broke of his engagement to his fiancee? This looks classless.
This has nothing to do with conspiracies….
March 4th, 2009 at 3:04 PM
Omg I can’t believe she APOLOGIZED for being angry with him! (yeah, I looked at the emails . . . but I’m glad Steve had nothing to do with releasing them nonetheless!) Lord!!!
March 4th, 2009 at 3:05 PM
Ditto on your ATR part 2. I’ll check back for your Jillian scoop.. Sent you my t-shirt suggestion..hope it flies off the shelves. Thanks again for all the hard work blogging and for taking the time to read our many emails!
March 4th, 2009 at 3:06 PM
Hello “reality steve”. I’m “ontoyou”. You already had advertising on your You Tube stint- the Dasani water you drank. You are a plant from ABC. How else would Chris know on the ATFR 2 that people were outraged? The info had to be leaked in order for the special to have a premise. With your underwear idea I’m even wondering if you’re ellen. It fits right?- she’s the one with all the exclusives…she’s been getting special previews of the episodes…she called Deanna’s return a long time ago. I don’t have a clue what really went down but I am sure it has ALL been orchastrated by ABC- including you!
March 4th, 2009 at 3:06 PM
HAHAHA no clues this time!! Haha yeah, I hate to say it, but, Steve, you should stay away from clues! Lolol!
March 4th, 2009 at 3:10 PM
who IS # 95? What a loser!
March 4th, 2009 at 3:10 PM
….and ellen is a huge idol fan too……..(BTW- i love ellen)
March 4th, 2009 at 3:11 PM
Steve, I’d love a coffee mug to sip out of while reading every morning. I’m hooked now, never been one to follow blogs, but you’re good lol. Keep on keepin on!
March 4th, 2009 at 3:12 PM
#74 Celina,
OMG YES!!! Maddie stuff!!!!! I would SO get that! You could also do an actual stuffed animal version of her or little statuettes even
. Stickers, too (I like to put them on my computer and cell phone) Haha we loooove Maddie!!
And actually I would also get the boyshorts LOL! Steve, that idea needs to be kept alive!
March 4th, 2009 at 3:14 PM
Carly – I stand corrected. Thanks!
March 4th, 2009 at 3:14 PM
I have to admit, I’m a little sad that the old timers have to share RS with all the newbies (jk, welcome aboard)! Before this season, I felt like I was in on a secret already just knowing about the RS website. Congrats, RS!
March 4th, 2009 at 3:15 PM
who IS#95? What a name-caller!
March 4th, 2009 at 3:16 PM
I think it’s hysterical that even Fleiss is throwing Jason under the bus. Toot! Toot! lol
They sure did great ratings just like they wanted. How they all sleep at night I really don’t know. I couldn’t if I did what they did but then again I’m not evil spawn.
March 4th, 2009 at 3:16 PM
#102 Haha I kinda know what you mean
P. It used to be this quiet little site! Like a happy secret lol
March 4th, 2009 at 3:16 PM
oops I mean
Who is #97? what a name-caller!
March 4th, 2009 at 3:16 PM
#95. Yeah. Ellen needs to make money by selling underwear under an assumed name. I’m sure that’s it.
March 4th, 2009 at 3:18 PM
Hey, Steve: So, could you tell us how much those idiots at ABC offered Melissa to be the next Bachelorette? BTW, I think you meant to say that her dignity “doesn’t” have a price – it can’t be bought because it is priceless. You actually said “her dignity has a price”, which suggests it could be bought at a price acceptable to her. Sorry, just felt that should be cleared up.
March 4th, 2009 at 3:19 PM
#106 – if you are going to come in here and start making false accusations against Steve, then yes, you will be called names. We don’t appreciate your type in here..best go play your games somewhere else.
March 4th, 2009 at 3:22 PM
74 -Celina – Loved your idea of Maddie merchandise. Let’s add to the list Maddie watching TV or Maddie with her paws over her eyes NOT watching TV.
March 4th, 2009 at 3:23 PM
I love how we’re all so protective of RS. You go, Dianne!
March 4th, 2009 at 3:24 PM
#75 – a SINGLE parent is someone who is divorced or widowed. The word ’single’ implies that there is no other parent in the picture.
If you are a Mom or Dad who is divorced and shares custody, then the correct term to use is DIVORCED Mom/Dad.
So Jason is a Divorced Dad…Stephanie from the show is a widow, so she is a Single Mom.
Most people use the term single mom/dad incorrectly.
March 4th, 2009 at 3:27 PM
Bonnie Hunt talked about the whole single mom/dad thing on her show today. I think it’s fairly touchy for those single and/or divorced parents out there. I don’t have any kids, so I don’t necessarily want to chime in, but, no matter how you define it, Jason sure does milk his status for sympathy.
March 4th, 2009 at 3:32 PM
Hey Steve – You did good! Glad you did not release the emails. I of course am weak and did follow the trail to read them since someone else posted them. They vindicate her really well and I suspect the fact that people had the ability to pull them out and use them kept Fleiss from frying her in the press with a lot of bogus claims in an effort to clean up Jason’s public persona. The Fleiss interview where he denies Jason was required to terminate the relationship on camera and essentially throws him under the bus was interesting. I think the bloom isoff the rose for Jason and he is going to have troubles over how he conducted himself for a long time to come. Like many, I don’t think Molly is going to want the fallout from being associated with him for very long.
March 4th, 2009 at 3:34 PM
38. bubdog – “What a mesnick!” I love that!! Going to be using it for sure.
RS – Definitely get some merchandise going. Love the boyshorts idea also the team Melissa and most definitely the coffee mug since im always sitting with my coffee while reading this. If you need a graphic designer i’m in!
March 4th, 2009 at 3:34 PM
Remmie,
Haha I know, we’re so cute! But he needs it, though! People who have not followed him all this time come in and start bashing and we get mad! They have no clue who he is or how long he’s been around.
Plus, he wouldn’t even release the J/M emails! Nice guys will get nice treatment in my book.
March 4th, 2009 at 3:34 PM
78. owl — Another good word would be *Believe*
March 4th, 2009 at 3:35 PM
With regards to Jillian as being the next Bachelorette….
How many men do you know that are going to pack up and move to Canada?
March 4th, 2009 at 3:36 PM
Fleiss is totally backpedalling so he doesn’t look like the bad guy. He’s basically washing his hands of Jasass and the entire ordeal. He got what he wanted..a huge audience, and now he’ll move on to the next victim. He’s probablly the biggest scum, but hey, he loves the attention..the ratings..and the money. Sicko.
March 4th, 2009 at 3:38 PM
#118 – why not pack up and move to Canada? Have you yourself ever been here? Vancouver is a beautiful province, and right on the US border.
March 4th, 2009 at 3:38 PM
As always, nice column RS. I’m already looking forward to the Bachelorette so I can read your thoughts on the season. Looks like lots of insider information will be thrown your way from now on…do you like that or would you prefer for it to be the way it used to be? Anyway, thanks for a great read.
March 4th, 2009 at 3:44 PM
#81–I think Steve is allowed to say he was right as many times as he wants. People dogged him for weeks on his OWN site about how wrong he was… and he has proven that he knew exactly what he was talking about the entire time. And…
#95– CH knew that people were outraged, because he’d have to be an idiot not to… All it required was logging on to ABC’s message board.. FORT.. or even this one (which I firmly believe they are reading!) and see that people are p*ssed and will probably be for a while. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that out.
March 4th, 2009 at 3:45 PM
Congrats on the succes of your plan RS.
You “leaked” the ending, gave silly clues to keep people guessing, and helped TB get its biggest ratings in years.
Now you have TV appearnces, magazine interviews, advertisers for your website, merchandise to sell, etc.
Hmmmm.
What’s wrong with this picture?
I think we have the makings of another scandal.
Real smooth, RS…real smooth.
Sound like RS
March 4th, 2009 at 3:47 PM
#118 – Canada is a beautiful place to live and Vancouver, BC is really not that far from Seattle, WA. Also, its possible that Jillian would be willing to move to the US just like Trista moved to Colorado for Ryan.
Steve, Maddie merchandise would be an awesome idea…she is a real little cutie just like you.
March 4th, 2009 at 3:48 PM
123. notbuynit: If you don’t like it, go somewhere else.
March 4th, 2009 at 3:48 PM
I think you might be wrong, RS. Now, I am not sure, and maybe I am the one that isn’t correct here, but I believe your statement that says “For a show that’s never produced a marriage ever?”, is totally WRONG. Are you forgetting Trista & Ryan? And how they were even married on TV, and how they just updated us all on their life? How baby #2 is on the way . . . . . .
March 4th, 2009 at 3:51 PM
People: Read the posts above about the whole Trista/Ryan marriage. That was on the Bachelorette franchise, not the Bachelor. That was what RS was talking about. If you read closer, you would see that based on the number of Bachelor seasons, he was speaking only as to the male franchise. Do you really thing RS has never heard of Trista and Ryan. Hell, they parade them around every single Men/Women tell all episode.
March 4th, 2009 at 3:51 PM
126 – RS was talking about the Bachelor, not the Bachleorette. 12 season for the Bachelor, and 4 seasons ( soon to be 5) for the bachelorette.
March 4th, 2009 at 3:52 PM
Questions for RS:
1. During the AFTR2 filming, how much time really elapsed between Mel’s exit and Molly intro? Based on the taped episode, it looked like Mel exits stage right and then minutes later Jason and Molly are playing tonsil hockey. What was the real time frame?
2. Do you have any idea about the FRC timeline? For instance, in NZ, how long was it between the time that Molly slipped into the limo and Mel began her stroll to the podium?
3. According to the Smoking Gun website, Trista received a $15k cash honorarium (plus, room, board, travel expenses). Do you have any 411 on what Jason received? How about any idea what was offered to Mel?
4. Do you think that there’s any truth to the rumor that Jesse and Jason each fought to be F2, so that they could be the next Bachelor?
5. After reading about the ex Mrs. Jason Mesnick, it’s suddenly pretty clear to me that all along Jason’s real motivation has been to pursue a career as an actor/spokesperson. Do you think I’m wrong?
6. I thought we were promised bloopers, out-takes, and never before seen footage – for the WTA. What happened? And, if I remember correctly from season’s past, isn’t there usually footage of the Bachelor’s monologue/interview bloopers. I’m not remembering any this season. Weird, huh?
**** can someone post RS’s E-Mail addy so I can E-Mail these to him too? Thank you.
March 4th, 2009 at 3:52 PM
I have to stay I am still not a melissa fan and never will be. she had too many inconsistentsies in the stories she told about her parents. These are from her own words:
1. she is the blacksheep of the fam
2. her own friends have never met her parents
3. she hadn’t talk to them since they wouldn’t go on the show (she says in the hot tub scene in in NZ)
4. They are a very close knit but private family
5. They are very close and do everything together
6. She talks to them about 4 times per week
7. They have never gone to any of her games to watch her perform
IMO, something happened over the holidays to make Jason change his mind. I think she misled him about being close to her family and it all came out during the Holidays. She just had a different story about them every time she spoke about them
March 4th, 2009 at 3:55 PM
129 – steve@realitysteve.com
It was at the end of this blog.
March 4th, 2009 at 3:55 PM
This is in response to Marianna. I was a single mom for four years after my divorce. Yes, I was divorced, but the girls dad lived in Japan. Are you telling me that since I was divorced, I wasn’t a single parent? Sure, we shared custody, but he hasn’t even had them for a visit in over 9 years, let alone sharing custody. I agree with Remmie, about how it is a touchy situation for many. As for you, cut the poor guy some slack.
March 4th, 2009 at 3:56 PM
Also, she has one too many reality shows under her belt.
March 4th, 2009 at 3:58 PM
plholscher: it sounds like Jason’s situation is much much different than yours. that’s why labels, in general, are imperfect. apparently, his wife does have 50/50 custody and does see/care for Ty just as much as Jason. I think that’s why people are so angry with him. It might be that they’re just a bit protective of his ex-wife who’s been made out to be an absent parent…and she’s apparently not.
March 4th, 2009 at 3:59 PM
Congrats RS! I am new to your blog this season, but its been fun reading your comments, and it was fun watching the RS haters backpeddling! I’m very glad you were vindicated. I first thought that I wasn’t going to watch the next season, but I can’t seem to to turn away from these trainwreck shows. I’ll will be looking forward to your blog for next season! Oh and count me on on a realitysteve.com mug!
March 4th, 2009 at 4:01 PM
After this mess, you must have Bachelor Burnout, Steve. Last night’s show was completely lame. Understatement of Year: “…not the classiest thing in the world.” -Jason
I still can’t believe Jillian would agree to do this show now. She must be hypnotized by the producers. I can’t wait to hear that Molly and Jason break up.
Thank God there is a new episode of Lost on tonight. Last night’s AI was really good too. I like Danny, but there are many other great singers this season. Makes for a great competition, but I’m still not on board with the 4th judge. Kara being there makes the commentary drag on so much longer. Bring on Dancing with the Stars!
March 4th, 2009 at 4:03 PM
Shelley. I agree about Kara..she talks way too long and Paula looks pissed sometimes and cuts her eyes to Jason, like duh????? It was better with Randy, Paula and Simon…Kara adds nothing and makes dumber comments than Paula..At least Paula is sweet!
March 4th, 2009 at 4:03 PM
owl wrote “The wheels are coming off folks–its only a matter of time before someone breaks contract and tells allâ€â€I feel it.”
Enter, Barbara Walters.
~~~~~~~~~~
Fleiss interview: “Melissa didn’t want to do it, Molly became the girl he chose, and Jillian was the next fan favorite” More sloppy “seconds”?
~~~~~~~~~~
MESNICKABLES:: memorable quotes that contradict each other.
“I was able to spend a lot of time with Melissa. We had secret rendezvous, we spent the whole Christmas time together, and what really happened is the chemistry was completely different, the relationship was completely different,” Mesnick told Kimmel.
“We could not see each other, so we had to have conversations over the phone …So I had to do it in front of everybody, and I hated that.”
CH:
…As for the claims that the show had been flying women girls out to Seattle, Harrison said they were “completely false” and “another lie that they concocted and went with as fact.”
———
“I, on that last day, was falling in love with two girls,”
…he had chosen Rycroft …because she had been exactly what he thought he was looking for in a wife…..”on that very last day that’s exactly what I wanted.”
———
“…everybody knows in the real world that engagements do end, as hard as it has to be.”
(All quotes above taken from the VERY SAME interview from realitytvworld.)
March 4th, 2009 at 4:03 PM
I think you rock Steve.
Imagine that the 4th estate being kept alive by a blogger – a blogger breaks the news when abc is supposedly the press.
Any of you attacking steve – go jump in a lake steve is the only one telling us the truth.
March 4th, 2009 at 4:04 PM
ooops..freudian slip..lol..Paula cuts her eyes to Simon. See, I’ve been brainwashed by TB and JM..rotflmao
March 4th, 2009 at 4:06 PM
oh and no merchandise for me thanks I am not going to watch any more of this show. jillian was ok I don’t like her enough to watch any more of this crap ever again!
March 4th, 2009 at 4:07 PM
but it wouldn’t be bachelor merchandise, cp…it would be RS merchandise…you’re not going to abandon him, are you?
March 4th, 2009 at 4:08 PM
woot woot shelly Lost is awesome abc is lucky they have that show or I’d never watch abc again.
March 4th, 2009 at 4:10 PM
depends on the shirt. after the debacle of this show i would be loathe to put on any shirt with “reality” in the title
March 4th, 2009 at 4:10 PM
#130. excellent post. I had posted earlier much the same thing, that Melissa’s own parents ‘rejected’ her by refusing to be seen with her on TV and I believe she has some emotional issues, too.
Also, I read where Hiliary Mesnick was seen in family holiday, birthday pictures. So, maybe Melissa was just jealous and insecure..I don’t know, but something BIG happned over the holidays to derail Melissa and Jason’s romance. In the end, Melissa was not what she seemed to be on TB and the day Jason proposed. Let’s not kill Jason over all of this. Maybe she wouldn’t take NO, IT’S OVER, and Jason HAD to do it on TV to make her see. “YES, IT”S OVER! Just another thought..we don’t know what really happened.
March 4th, 2009 at 4:16 PM
cp
I’m with you all the way. I didn’t watch last night. I removed the show from my DVR. I think JaScum and Moley are both a-holes and Mel dodged a bullet by not becoming the next Mrs. MeDick.
I know the show is edited but I’m just sick of all the lying. K Moon cares Rebeca the show turns out next time? I don’t.
March 4th, 2009 at 4:18 PM
All of you pissed at Jason cause you posted Melissa was blindsided and the poor girl didn’t know he was breaking the engagement, please read:
———————————————————-
Melissa Sounds Off On ‘Bachelor’ Split
By Access Hollywood1 hour, 5 minutes ago
celebs:
Jason Mesnick
Melissa Rycroft of ABC’s ‘The Bachelor’
ABCAccess Hollywood
Fans may be in an uproar over “Bachelor” Jason Mesnick ’s dumping of Melissa Rycroft on national TV – but Melissa said she doesn’t want anyone to feel sorry for her.
“It was a life lesson, and I wouldn’t be where I am now,” Melissa told People. “I’m going to be fine.”
Heading into the taping of the “After the Final Rose” special, where Jason broke off the engagement, Melissa admitted things had changed between the couple.
“The few times we did see each other, we were trying to find what it was on the show that attracted us to each other,” she continued. “I had to step back and ask myself: ‘Why do you feel you have to fight to save a relationship that maybe isn’t as great as you thought it was?’”
And while Jason had previously told reporters he was contractually obligated to keep Melissa in the dark about his break-up plans until the two were on TV, in a new interview with the Los Angeles Times, the “Bachelor” said he ended the relationship a week before the taping.
“If you watched carefully, she wasn’t wearing her ring,” Jason told the LA Times.
So if Melissa knew about the split ahead of time, had the two gone over how they were going to act for the dramatic TV reveal?
“No. Her response had been, ‘How do you want me to react to that?’” Jason added. “I wasn’t going to coach her. I just told her that we were going to talk about things again [on the show] and however she felt is how she was going to react. I’m never going to tell anyone what to say.”
But regardless of what she did or didn’t know prior to the taping, Melissa said she has moved on and is just fine with how it all played out.
“I don’t want people to feel sorry for me or that I was a victim in all of this,” Melissa told People. “I am okay.”
———————————————————
March 4th, 2009 at 4:21 PM
#102, #105, #97: yes I agree…those were the good old days when we were a cozy little bunch.
The rest of you: “Reality Steve” didn’t “leak” anything ABC did not want him to. If you are so outraged RS why do you keep plugging the show? What was that 30 minute advertisement for Dasani REALLY about? I agree that the whole finale rose ATFR I & II don’t add up…but neither does RS
March 4th, 2009 at 4:21 PM
How is this for a scenario – Jason picks Melissa, but in his hearts of hearts he really does think that Melissa is “too good for him”. After all Molly told him that “Melissa will change her mind and leave him”. They are back in the real world and everything is going really well – too well. It scares the s*** out of Jason. Molly who had no problem seeing a married man for three years and trying to get him to dump his wife is emailing him telling him that his “window” to get her back (if he dumps Melissa) is closing down because they want her to be the next bachelorette. This is the what “happened”. Molly gave him an ultimatum for when his window of opportunity would close. She played chicken and won this time (unlike last time when the married guy stayed with his wife). Melissa is that really beautiful young woman that every guy thinks is beyond his reach – thus she gets stuck with these ass****s that think they are god’s gift….
just a few thoughts….
March 4th, 2009 at 4:24 PM
Hey, notbuynit…..funny…..first you didn’t believe any of what RS had to say, and now that he’s been proven right, you don’t even have the guts to admit you were WRONG. Instead, you come here bitching about the aftermath. Deal with it…..you were ‘not buyin’ it’, but it was ALL TRUE.. HAAAA!!!!
March 4th, 2009 at 4:26 PM
#149..that’s very mean and borderline evil to say. You have no idea what happened between the 3 of them, and that scenario sounds immature..are you Melissa..lol?
March 4th, 2009 at 4:29 PM
i’m not gonna lie…..if steve actually puts a t-shirt together…i’m getting one.
March 4th, 2009 at 4:37 PM
The worst part about the “Jason” season being over is that I won’t be able to see Nikki on TV any longer….Boooooooo…..
March 4th, 2009 at 4:40 PM
Actually, I thought Melissa was the leak – Hell hath no greater fury than a woman scorned – but she wouldn’t have known what happened last night as she wasn’t there. Again, I don’t feel sorry for her but she handled herself with grace and dignity on tv. They didn’t have to bleep out every other word. And, she absolutely DID have the ring on her finger when she first walked out, then she took it off and held it in her hand. So, I don’t know why Jason said that in the interview posted a little ealier. But come on people, you could tell she wasn’t happy when she walked out, she didn’t smile and she was short with her greetings. They both said they had conversations in the past weeks that something was wrong. She wasn’t blind sided – - she admitted it.
March 4th, 2009 at 4:40 PM
Damage and Spin control seem to be in full swing.
We are all being Mesnicked! Jason in particular has changed his story so many times he’s now trying to convince everyone that he’s really Brad Womack and that he’s come back in karmatic form to finally find that perfect woman.
Anthing I hear from anyone involved in the Bachleor is suspect right now because it seems like everyone is changing their stories as they make the talkshow circuit. This may be because ABC is bringing down the hammer, threatening lawsuits or more like nonpayment if everyone doesn’t circle the wagons and help cool off the media scruitiny.
It seems like the only one who can tell the truth is REALITY STEVE.
He’s the only one I’m going to believe.
Thank you for that, Steve!
And once again, as to the engagement ring, we are being mesnicked yet again. Melissa is not contractually allowed to wear the engagement ring until after the AFTRs are over if there is one, unless she is given permission by the producers. And if the engagement is called off for any reason, the ring must be returned.
Nice try. Not wearing the ring and giving it back means zip. Gee, when do you think Jason will EVER take personal responsibility for his actions? New word…
Mesnicker. 1. constant & chronic mesnicking, even when people are watching. 2, really bad gas, probably from ingesting oysters.
Jason let lose a mesnicker during the interview.
March 4th, 2009 at 4:43 PM
Interesting interveiw with Molly & Jason in Seattle times dated 3/4:
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/television/2008812129_webbachelor.html
March 4th, 2009 at 4:45 PM
Mellissas question in AFTR to Jason about what had changed.
This is what she is talking about.
Jason knew the he had Molly as a backup and they had e-mailed back and forth with her during his engagement to Melissa
“What changed” is Molly told Jason that she was in talks with ABC to be the next Bachelorette. (MF just confirmed this in one of his interviews. ) Molly dangled this in front of Jasons face because she knew that he was still not comforable in his decision to be with Melissa but he was trying to make it work.
He went into panic mode because his backup plan was slipping away and he did not know if it was going to stick with Mel. He went to ABC and proposed the solution so that the safe bet didnt have a chance of getting away.
ABC agreed because they thought that they would get Melissa (a much better canadite for The Bachelorette than Molly) and a controversial ending to the show = ratings
Mel foiled the plan by telling MF to take a flying leap.
March 4th, 2009 at 4:46 PM
Long time listener, first time caller. Hope that #97, #102, #105 and #148 don’t exclude me from the “club” becuase I haven’t had anything I felt compelled to say for the last 3 years.
Now I do…cuz this thing is just too crazazy to pass up commenting on. I had to wait til it was all over, though.
First… “K Moon cares Rebecca the show turns out next time?” LOL. That’s much too funny. And in the RS t-shirt shop, I vote for a “I’ve Been Mesnicked” tee. Get on it soon, you really have a money-maker there!
Second…do people even READ anymore? All of these questions about things that have been answered in the post….really. JUST RTFA!!!
Third… Dianne. CHILL. No need to send the goons after #95. Read that post with a little sarcasm, and you’ll see the true intent of the poster. It’s actually quite funny.
Fourth….Oh Steve. While I admire your “sticktoitiveness” while everyone was doubting you and calling you every name in the book (and many not fit to print), please stop with the “I told you so” already. I am beginning to feel like you are writing your posts only for those who doubted you, just so you can shove it in their face, not for those of us who regularly read you and look forward to your snark and wisdom. Time to show some humility and knock off the condescension.
I think I am done with this show, so I am SO glad to see that you’re not going into hibernation til the next B’ette. I’m looking forward to your AI posts. If you’re ever looking for a good editor (and #11 doesn’t pan out!), drop me a line. Til then, I’ll be lurking….
March 4th, 2009 at 4:47 PM
RS, are you sure you don’t work for ABC?
how can you prove it? we really need to see that.
March 4th, 2009 at 4:47 PM
112 – Marianna
EXACTLY!!
But that was my point – you get that, right?
People (for the most part, don’t want to paint with too broad of a brush, but I think it’s safe to say it is still a plenty wide!) don’t call Mothers out there who are raising their children with shared custody from their ex-husband a DIVORCED MOM – she is a SINGLE MOM!!
And that is the same thing with Jason…yet peope are so outraged that he is “using this Single Dad thing because he isn’t”.
Well then, they better never call any Mom out there with an ex – that is alive of course – a Single Mom. Otherwise, they are hypocrites. Period!
Because all of those women out there who are called “Single Moms” aren’t all women who aren’t sharing custody with the dads. There are MILLIONS AND MILLIONS of Dad’s out there with some sort of custody…even if it’s not split equally, they are still involved.
Therefore, if you (the collective “you” not you Marianna) call those women Single Moms – then you don’t get to have this outrage that Jason calls himself a Single Dad.
But really…how many people use the term “She is a Divorced Mom” or “He is a Divorced Dad”??? When used in casual conversation on this topic???
March 4th, 2009 at 4:48 PM
Hi, Steve…. you’ve done an awesome job this season. I agree with you that a set-up happened somewhere along the way and here’s one reason why.
It’s the famous Jason-crying-on-the-balcony scene. He’d just told Molly he was letting her go. I remember his voice wavering as he spoke to her and he looked totally miserable. Then we see him distraught on the balcony breaking down in tears. Was the camera conveniently placed under the balcony hoping something like this would occur? No doubt he was told to go there but I think his emotions were real.
It’s been said by many others that Jason is not a good actor, that you can read whatever he’s feeling on his face. I absolutely agree with this. As I watched events play out on tv, I remember thinking wow, this guy is really in love with Molly. He just seemed so devastated at the time.
So why on god’s green earth would he then proceed to propose to Melissa? And finally it dawned on me that this was the “scripted” part of the whole thing. Pick Melissa first, then dump her and end up with your F2 as the final one. What a shocker that would be, right?
As I watch Jason and Molly together now, he certainly seems to be head-over-heels for her. Whether it’s infatuation or real true love will only become apparent in the future.
So now we hear that Jason wasn’t obligated to break up on camera as he has said. It was probably suggested to him and he didn’t have the balls to take the high road and refuse.
March 4th, 2009 at 4:48 PM
1 — melissa knew something was happening there.. i think she thought he was going to talk more about what he wants to do to help work on the relationship or soemthing.. she obviously didnt see THAT coming.. i mean.. why wasn’t she wearing her ring???
2 — molly def knew.. she was trying to act!!! kinda laughable!!!
3 — seeing that they showed like 2 minutes of the girls content.. how badly was that edited!!! ahahaha! my guess was, that was the only 2 nice things naomi and steph said to him! and i agree. ’shes a great girl’ he was prob talking about molly and they just edited with melissa!!!
4 — based on the emails i do not think mel was with her ex at the time.. or wanted to leave j-scum for the ex.. however, i wonder how long it took her to get back with the EX and isn’t that a breach of contract if shes with her ex before all this airs??? not that is really matters and i am sure she didnt care…
5 — reality steve you rockkk!! dont forget ‘amazing race’
from now on, every ’shitty’ man i come across in my life will be referred to as mesnick…
‘hes soo mesnick’ ‘ he mesnicked me’
molly i think got a bad edit.. rep.. although.. for a confident girl she is very insecure for taking back a guy like jascon.. i mean, its been said before, he like proposed to all these girls.. i just want to reiterate how surprised i am!!! i really just thought she was moer of a ball buster than that!!!!
ohh and even if mel wanted to do the show.. im sure abc stipulates that the family MUST be involved.. obviously hers wouldnt!!! i cant wait to hear why jasons wife divored him!!!
March 4th, 2009 at 4:49 PM
118- What is wrong with Canada??.. We are ur neighbours, have deep respect for USA and would like to think u have the same for us. Jillian is a cute, smart and tru to herself woman, go Jillian go !
March 4th, 2009 at 4:51 PM
Babs…I think you make a GREAT point. Molly potentially being cast as the Bachelorette could definitely have put this all into high gear. Really…it’s an interesting thing to consider.
March 4th, 2009 at 4:51 PM
130- I agree Melissa definately has issues, obviously after the fantasy dates were all over they both didn’t fit in as a couple in the ‘ real ‘ world.
March 4th, 2009 at 4:51 PM
#118, Cute, smart and tru doesn’t make for “good TV”. We Americans want drama. Borrrrrrring
March 4th, 2009 at 4:52 PM
118 – RickyLou
Do we know Jillian isn’t willing to move to wherever her new found love lives?
I mean, I assume she was willing to move to Seattle for Jason, right?
Why would the man have to be the one to move to Canada?
I have never really understood that about this part of the show…it’s always asked “Are you willing to move to ‘insert hometown here’?” Why couldn’t the Bachelor/ette move to where the new found love lives? What if they have the better job, closer ties to their family, etc??
Anyone know why this is the way it seems to have been? Is it just “part of the story being told” and it could in actuality be the other way around? I get with Jason, he has a child and shared custody with his ex.
March 4th, 2009 at 4:52 PM
I want to start out by saying I love watching the Bachelor & Brochette and I have watch and looked forward to every single episode. And I am recently new to this blog and so although I found it interesting to read most all the entries since I have been visiting this site, I find it really hard to swallow the actual blog that Steve writes about this show, Jason, Molly, Chris, etc. I honestly believe that Steve his entitled to his opinion. But I still find it hard to believe that he is so heartless about people, real life feelings and emotions of people he is “trashing” and how he is effecting them as well as possibility influencing readers that visit this blog. Not to even mention how selfish and conceded he sounds as he constantly pats his self on his own back. Yes my heart goes out to Melissa for many reasons, but she knew when she signed up for this show what the reality of it could be for her, as well as all the other women did. This is real life people, and with love we all full well know there is never any guarantees.
So with all this said, Steve or whom ever else that has nothing else to do in their life but say or spread negative hurtful things, I say this to you: You seriously need to take a look at your own life and remember how “imperfect” you and your life is. No one is perfect and we all make mistakes. The mature thing to do is to learn from them and grow. I hope all involved take the positive road instead of dwelling on the negative because they will be a lot happier in their life if they do. Peace out…
March 4th, 2009 at 4:52 PM
Jill is cute. But I think Nikki would have brought more drama. She even said, she likes to be in control and can’t open up. Now that would have been a hoot with her and the 25 guys, as most are only on the show for their 15 minutes of fame and don’t really want marriage in any form. Only one guy out of hundreds was for real, Ryan Sutter. Trista knew it..she knew Charlier was just another player and picked right!
March 4th, 2009 at 4:54 PM
#168…when I was reading here before I joined, some of Steve’s oldest and loyal fans/posters said they he always writes rather snarky reviews. Look that word up and you’ll have the answer.
March 4th, 2009 at 4:55 PM
#169….You are 100% right. These guys are looking for two things: 15 minutes of fame and 15 minutes alone with The Bachelorette. I would love to see an entire season of Nikki parading around in a bikini. LOL…. But then again, I’m one of those guys….
March 4th, 2009 at 4:55 PM
#167..Trista moved to CO when she was the Bachlorette to live with Ryan, so he could keep his job and be with his family and she loves it there still.
March 4th, 2009 at 4:56 PM
Chris, Jason and Fleiss need to get their stories straight. Jason has said repeatedly Melisa knew it was over, she wasn’t even wearing her ring on the AFTR part one. But on joker’s message board: http://forums.jokersupdates.com/ubbthreads/showthreaded.php?Cat=&Board=TheBachelor&Number=10959410&page=0&view=expanded&sb=5&o=31&rc=&fpart=1.
March 4th, 2009 at 5:00 PM
The LA Times interview and the comments really hit the issue on its head–and Jason still doesn’t seem to get it.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2009/03/the-bachelors-j.html
Maybe his mom should explain it to him.
March 4th, 2009 at 5:00 PM
I posted the interview with Melissa and Access Hollywood earlier. She said she knew..they had already broken up..no blindside.
Here it is again..in Melissa’s own words:
————————————————————
Melissa Sounds Off On ‘Bachelor’ Split
By Access Hollywood1 hour, 5 minutes ago
celebs:
Jason Mesnick
Melissa Rycroft of ABC’s ‘The Bachelor’
ABCAccess Hollywood
Fans may be in an uproar over “Bachelor†Jason Mesnick ’s dumping of Melissa Rycroft on national TV – but Melissa said she doesn’t want anyone to feel sorry for her.
“It was a life lesson, and I wouldn’t be where I am now,†Melissa told People. “I’m going to be fine.â€Â
Heading into the taping of the “After the Final Rose†special, where Jason broke off the engagement, Melissa admitted things had changed between the couple.
“The few times we did see each other, we were trying to find what it was on the show that attracted us to each other,†she continued. “I had to step back and ask myself: ‘Why do you feel you have to fight to save a relationship that maybe isn’t as great as you thought it was?’â€Â
And while Jason had previously told reporters he was contractually obligated to keep Melissa in the dark about his break-up plans until the two were on TV, in a new interview with the Los Angeles Times, the “Bachelor†said he ended the relationship a week before the taping.
“If you watched carefully, she wasn’t wearing her ring,†Jason told the LA Times.
So if Melissa knew about the split ahead of time, had the two gone over how they were going to act for the dramatic TV reveal?
“No. Her response had been, ‘How do you want me to react to that?’†Jason added. “I wasn’t going to coach her. I just told her that we were going to talk about things again [on the show] and however she felt is how she was going to react. I’m never going to tell anyone what to say.â€Â
But regardless of what she did or didn’t know prior to the taping, Melissa said she has moved on and is just fine with how it all played out.
“I don’t want people to feel sorry for me or that I was a victim in all of this,†Melissa told People. “I am okay.â€Â
â€â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€
March 4th, 2009 at 5:05 PM
The emails do indicate that she was at least blindsided by the Molly part of the equation. Melissa specifically says that the ATFR 1 did NOT go as she had expected.
March 4th, 2009 at 5:06 PM
I’m going to have post-partum depression tomorrow when I can’t jump on here and see what’s new.
My message to Molly is be careful what you wish for…getting the guy is only the first step…you can be sure we’ll be seeing the Mesnicks smiling for the cameras for the next several months. Then, we’ll hear of their breakup….I certainly hope we won’t have to endure THE WEDDING with Jason’s weasily smile and Molly’s freaky eyes and teeth.
Oh well, stay tuned I guess!
March 4th, 2009 at 5:09 PM
Question: I’m confused that Mellissa said she had four sad breakups? I thought she had one boyfriend for many years and hasn’t dated anyone else for awhile…sometimes the bachelorettes stories don’t make sense timeline wise.
Please advise…thanks!
March 4th, 2009 at 5:09 PM
175 – great post, why wouldn’t Melissa be ok? Her and Jason spent very little exclusive time alone together. It puzzles me how any woman would be so heartbroken after such little time with a man. And how could a man truly offer engagement to a woman he rarely knows. How do couples really get to know each other on TB?. There was 25 women competing over 1 man, all caught up in a fantasy world which consists of rich & wealthy dates, mansions and trips. It’s Reality TV !
March 4th, 2009 at 5:16 PM
I, for one, would order a Reality Steve bobble head for my desk
I think I’m done worrying about what was set up and what wasn’t… and I’m done worrying about which person has good character and who’s the schmuck. There’s so much contradictory info out there, we’ll never know for certain all that went down, and I definitely don’t care enough to keep theorizing about it, BUT, now I’m looking forward to AI (my hubby and I go to the concert tour every year), and the Bachelorette in May (and any inside scoop RS can get us about the season before it even starts LOL!!!)
Ya know what, even if he is an ABC insider (don’t think he is,b ut don’t care..), I still love the spoilers
March 4th, 2009 at 5:20 PM
Bonnie Hunt did a nice job talking about the single parent issue and how Jason was misleading. He splits custody 50/50 so he’s a divorced father raising his son with his ex. That’s how he should present it.
Jason lies so much now he can’t even keep track at this point. He says she didn’t have the ring on when there are SCs clearly showing her wearing it out.
March 4th, 2009 at 5:23 PM
Yankee: I really want Bonnie to confront him with today’s Fleiss quote about how Jason’s contract did NOT require that he break up w/ Melissa on camera. Jason’s going to be on Bonnie’s show on Monday and there’s a link on her website for viewers to write in with their questions/suggestions. I hope she makes him squirm!
March 4th, 2009 at 5:27 PM
I want a realitysteve SNUGGIE!
March 4th, 2009 at 5:29 PM
I realize most of you are Melissa ‘fans’, so I’m not trying to be argumentative or anything like that at all. Just wanted to share my feelings on her reaction when Jascon proposed. She turned her back to hiim and did a screech noise and acted like a Cheerleader when the team scored a touchdown..very, immature and another red flag..it totally destroyed that this was real love and romance and she was in love. jmo
March 4th, 2009 at 5:33 PM
Cindys – 149 – I 100% think you have it correct. A lot of people won’t believe it – but it is one of the things I’ve thought about that makes the most sense. Jason is a huge liar – his story has changed more than Casey Anthony’s on what happened to her daughter. I’ll never believe that Molly and Jason weren’t seeing each other behind Mel’s back – but that really isn’t important in the end. My biggest beef is that he dumped her on tv, then acted like she knew it was going to happen – and they acted like Molly had no idea of what was going on. Molly, the instigator, knew exactly what was going on because she was working on wimpy Jason behind the scenes. Mel was just too trusting – she knew something was wrong – it’s not hard to tell when your sig other has turned his focus from you to another. Jason can try to make it look like Mel’s fault all he wants, but Mel is the one who was trying to fix what was wrong. She is the one who said “What did I do wrong?”. She was willing to take the blame and move forward. Jason wouldn’t answer her question – he knew what was wrong and it was him – and his affair with Molly. You guys can attack me if you want – I’m just saying what I believe. And, like RS and his beliefs, I will go to my grave believing this. I don’t blame ABC and a contract (like wimpyboy) – I blame wimpy himself. It was his choice – his decision – his lack of backbone – lack of morals – lack of decency…………..the blame lies with him.
As for the merchandise -
I want a t-shirt that says “Realty Steve saved me from being Mesnicked” – and I want a BIG coffee mug, too. Oh – and it’s cold here – I also want a sweatshirt!
March 4th, 2009 at 5:34 PM
you’re dumb
March 4th, 2009 at 5:44 PM
# 184 – I actually thought that was cute. She was happy… Whether is seemed a little to “cheerleader” for some…that’s who she is and she didn’t hide that.that’s one of the things I liked about her she wasn’t afraid to show who she was all cute and bubbly. JMO.
March 4th, 2009 at 5:47 PM
Georgia Peach – I don’t think Mel was being immature when she “screeched” at the proposal. I think she is just a very open person who is not afraid to show her feelings (something Jason originally said he wanted). She appeared vary happy to me – jmo.
March 4th, 2009 at 5:49 PM
Another merchandising idea: A Chia-pet type of thing with Jason’s head and a rat’s body. You could call it a Chia-ter Rat. Then, be sure to put very few seeds on the hairline and leave some off of the crown area, so it will look like Jason’s rapidly-receding hairline. Be sure to leave small holes in the corners of the eyes, so that when you water it, it will appear to cry–just like Jason.
It would be a great gift for anyone who’s ever been mesnicked!
March 4th, 2009 at 5:49 PM
roflmao 189
March 4th, 2009 at 5:49 PM
I would take a realitysteve.com tshirt and would also like boxers with Jason is an a**! on the butt. HeeHee
March 4th, 2009 at 5:53 PM
Oh yeah and a pooper scooper for my dog with Jason or Fleiss picture.
March 4th, 2009 at 5:53 PM
150- If you ever read my posts I always believed that RS was correct about the ending. If he had an inside source how could I argue with that?
My objection has always bee,n and will continue to be, the RS assertion that everbody was in on this BUT Melissa, and the she was an innocent victim who was sacrificed for ratings.
He also claimed that Jason always wanted Molly but was forced by TPTB to choose Melissa and then dump her.
I think that is total rubbish.
If you have any proof otherwise please reveal it or admit that RS was wrong aboiut that stuff.
March 4th, 2009 at 5:59 PM
Fleiss Interview:
Mike defends the decision to air the emotional moment, saying that Melissa was not blindsided by Jason’s action.
“They had been talking and seeing each other. I think it was clear to both of them that there were problems with the relationship at that point,” Mike says. “As I understand it, they were all but broken up prior to the show. I don’t think she knew that she was going to give him back the ring, but I think she knew they weren’t going to be together.”
As for why he aired it, he says, “First of all, it is a TV show and that was the defining movement of the series. To not put it on TV on would be strange when you consider we are doing a TV show and these people signed up to do a TV show. The real difference here was [that] his decision to break up with Melissa involved the other party in this situation, Molly. So it was all part of our ‘Bachelor’ universe. [To us] it seemed weird to turn the cameras off. We try to tell a complete story. To have that go on and not let the viewers be a part of it, I think, would have been a mistake.”
That said, Mike reveals that Molly had no idea what was going to happen on “The Bachelor — After the Final Rose.” What she was told was that it was the regular update that the series does at the end of each season, and for which she had already been contracted.
What he wants to make clear is that the on-air breakup was not scripted by the show.
“We don’t do that and we never will do that,” he says. “The great thing about unscripted television is it is unpredictable. It caught us off guard and the viewers off guard. That is why unscripted television works. It doesn’t feel pat. It doesn’t feel contrived.”
Jason, of course, is taking a lot of flack for his decision … or, rather, his indecision.
“He was so immensely popular, he had the furthest to fall,” Mike points out. “When he did something that the audience didn’t want him to do, the audience was disappointed.”
As for Molly’s future with Jason, Mike says he was with the couple last night and they were as happy as can be.
“He told me, ‘What was I going to do? I was in love with this girl. What was my choice? Not to pursue this woman I adore?’”
At this point in time, the “M” word hasn’t been mentioned by the couple, but keep checking back for more “The Bachelor” news. If wedding bells are in Jason and Molly’s future, we will report it.
http://www.etonline.com/news/2009/03/71406/index.html
March 4th, 2009 at 6:00 PM
Thank you, Steve, I have thoroughly enjoyed every moment spent on this site since finding it in the middle of January, just before all the craziness started. I never doubted you for a minute, everything you presented was logical and I could tell you have thought everything out, it makes clear, perfect sense. I am a die-hard fan of yours now, and I have sent several of my friends to your site. Love your humour, and very readible blogs. I’m glad that you ended up not posting the e-mails – I agree, Melissa has been through too much already. I know the two of you live in the Dallas area, do you have any connections to her? Also, what is Jeremy’s take on this situation? Can’t wait to hear all the good gossip about Jillian’s season! Oh ya, I’m totally down for RS merchandise…the boy shorts would be a hit and I’d definitely take a coffee mug too
March 4th, 2009 at 6:01 PM
Melissa speaks out!
Less than 48 hours after having her engagement — and her heart — broken on national TV by Jason Mesnick, “The Bachelor”’s Melissa Rycroft speaks out about the experience.
She writes: “I want to thank everyone who has been so supportive throughout this process. This has been such an overwhelming experience, and I really do appreciate the support system behind me. This was definitely one of those experiences that changes your life, and makes you so much more aware of who you are and what you want out of life. Strange as it may sound, I am doing really well.
“I’m back in Dallas, pursuing the teaching thing, and attempting to get my life back to normal (if it was ever really normal to begin with). I still have my same life mottoes: Live life with no regrets, and keep smiling no matter what happens.
“I’m in such a good place in my life right now, and I really couldn’t be happier. I don’t regret anything that happened over the past few months; because I know I wouldn’t be where I am today had none of it happened. I have, however, decided to move on from my reality television days, and get some sense of normalcy back to my life. As wonderful of an experience as ‘The Bachelorette’ would be, I think it’s time for me to move on from my television days, and see what my future holds back in Dallas. I have no doubt it will be an amazing experience for whoever assumes the role, and I wish them the best of luck!”
http://www.etonline.com/news/2009/03/71411/index.html
March 4th, 2009 at 6:04 PM
We need ‘I believe Reality Steve’ shirts like the “I believe Anita Hill” shirts that came out when the Clarence Thomas scandal was going on. I know I would wear one loud and proud. WE LOVE YOU STEVE!
March 4th, 2009 at 6:06 PM
178 Jan: I asked the same question some time back because Melissa’s relationhip history does not make sense and the only response I got back was that perhaps Melissa’s other relationships may have lasted only a few dates.
Regarding the emails between Melissa and Jason, when she apologized for being so angry on the show, yet we did not see anything like that. If she did have an outburst, why would TP edit it out? It would have made for good drama. Also MF had referenced the ending would be like the Network, so what is that connection about?
March 4th, 2009 at 6:13 PM
oh ya, Team Gokey all the way….He was my favorite ever since his audition!
March 4th, 2009 at 6:15 PM
175 -in the article that you quoted, Melissa never said that she knew the relationship was over – Jason said it, but he has also said the opposite in several other interviews. He says whatever he needs to say to get the heat off of himself in any given interview.
Melissa said that she knew the relationship had changed, and that they were trying to figure out the things that attracted them to each other – that indicates to me that she believed they were trying to work it out – at least she was trying to figure it out.
What she appears not to have known was that Jason was now keeping secrets from her. In New Zealand the fact that he was also seeing and having feelings for Molly was out in the open – since they returned he kept those feelings about Molly a secret from her. Secrets create barriers and distance in a relationship No matter how much effort Melissa put into the relationship, she couldn’t get through those barriers or bridge that distance when she couldn’t identify why they are there. It must have felt to her like she was continually banging her head against a wall – which, of course, would make her wonder why she was fighting so hard to save the relationship.
The ironic thing is that now that the secret is out in the open, the pressure is off Jason. He will probably feel much more free in his relationship with Molly which will make their relationship easier – and he will then believe that he must have made the right move. But had he been honest with Melissa from the beginning there is a real chance that they could have worked through all the feelings he had and ended up in a better place themselves, with no secrets between them.
It’s only natural that he developed feelings for both of them. The problem is that he chose not to be honest with Melissa about that – creating an obstacle too big for such a new relationship to be able to get through.
March 4th, 2009 at 6:16 PM
184- GeorgiaPeach43 – you must be a Molly fan as everything you have referenced “knocks” Melissa. Melissa is older, but Molly must be more mature having dated married men and all.
Also, I want to verify your comment about the “cheerleader noise” she made. Are you suggesting the noise was immature or cheerleaders are immature? If you are saying that cheerleaders are immature, I take offense to that, having been a former cheerleader myself.
March 4th, 2009 at 6:26 PM
T-Shirt:
Front: jason mesnick proposed to me
Back: realitysteve.com
March 4th, 2009 at 6:31 PM
I am very surprised of this entire conspiracy. Though I have always thought there was a conspiracy to Idol. Have you looked into the truth of the value to calling in and actually voting for people who truely get put through. Just a question, somthing to occupy your time between Bachelor shows.
March 4th, 2009 at 6:33 PM
210.
Yes, been a Molly fan from the song part of the shwo
My granddaughter is a cheerleader and it’s great. However, a grown woman being proposed to should not squeel like a stuffed pig when being proposed to..it was comical to say the least. Did you do a cheer when you proposed to..lol
I think most folks are so naive or young as to beleive what they want about Melissa and her being perfect. Jason even said during the show..she’s perfect. No one is perfect, so that must be her ‘act’ and I’ve felt that way from the beginning. I’m a senior citizen and I’ve seen it all and usually can spot someone putting on an act. BTW I have two happily married daughters with 5 little grandkids and my daughters feel the same way about Melissa.
You asked, I answered..I’m not arguing and going to address this again. Thank you..free country and first amendment still rules in USA
March 4th, 2009 at 6:34 PM
Typo..my post was to answer #201, not 210, sorry.
March 4th, 2009 at 6:36 PM
I LOVE #202 idea!
March 4th, 2009 at 6:38 PM
Mike Fleiss got what he wanted – plain and simple Nothing else needs to be said.
He sees Melissa as collateral damage but she will be fine. Jason and Molly will live, but she will leave him when she realizes that being a step-mom at 24 sucks!!!
Can’t wait to hear the interview after she cleans up puke all night long, carpools all day long and then by 7:30, just wants to go to bed and doesn’t have enough time to apply all that make-up every day, do her hair, her nails and golf. Not to mention the parenting issues she and Jason’s ex will encounter. If I was Hillary, I would be pissed off that my son went through this and is going to have to relive this for years to come. Nice role model you are Jason!
March 4th, 2009 at 6:39 PM
I’m pulling for Lil Rounds and Danny as the final two on IDOL.
>>> Steve…Just wondering if maybe ABC might have been dribbling Bachelor “info” to you through the “insider”, deliberately? You’re right that your rumors are what drove the ratings. M-m-m-m. Interesting thought don’t ya think?
March 4th, 2009 at 6:39 PM
Naomi posted a blog on myspace that I think eloquently and accurately sums it up for me.
Here’s a small part of it.
“As far as my thoughts on Jason and what they did not air..I believe he made an incredibly horrible mistake..that mistake was not picking Molly in the first place. What I said to Chris, the girls, and the audience was that it was evident to me that on that day his decision was more a result of the advice from Deanna and his mom encouraging him to pick the ’safer’ one-so to speak, the one who won’t break his heart again, hence the reason he chose Melissa. Mel–the girl who wears her heart on her sleave, the girl who is honest and does not play games or give him a chase, the girl who is obviously the whole package and then some-The girl he was looking to find coming into the whole experience…The same girl he then publicly humiliated and crushed. I believe that if he really took the time to think about this decision and TRULY follow his heart he would’ve chosen Molly in the first place. I don’t care what he says, he should not have been THAT devasted after sending her home and then turn right around and within minutes propose to Mel saying she had ALL of his heart and love..It’s a contradiction however you look at it.”
March 4th, 2009 at 6:45 PM
I like that Melissa shows real emotion. I prefer that to someone cold and stoic. The sweetest part was getting down on a knee with him. That was so romantic and loving.
March 4th, 2009 at 6:46 PM
#209 I agree with the part about Jason should never have proposed to Melissa if he had any doubt about his final choice.
However, neither Naomi or any of us know what happened after the proposal and real life over the hoidays. Holidays are stressful enough, especially with divorced parents (i.ei Hilary & Jason) involved and we don’t know what happened, plain and simple. Cameras stopped and things changed between Jason & Melissa.
It happens sometimes when ordinary folks meet while on vacation and just having fun, no stress, then go back to the real life and it doesn’t work out. No one is the baddie, it’s life.
March 4th, 2009 at 6:46 PM
Yay! Reality Roundup will be back. That guy Coach on Survivor is fantastic. I know you used to talk about Rock of Love… go and check out Rock of Love Bus, eh? AKA Who Wants An STD Fron Bret Michaels? Good, classy stuff right there….
March 4th, 2009 at 6:49 PM
Oooh cool i watch celeb apprentice, the city, and ai too!! Danny Gokey and Anoop are my faves (noop dawg BETTER get wildcard)
Steve, did you ever wonder if Fleiss himself had people working for him leak info to you?! Just enough to build up hype–and viewership–for the finale, but not enough to get him into any trouble?? The thought just popped into my head and it seems very plausible
March 4th, 2009 at 6:54 PM
My friend saw Melissa at DFW Airport last night, waiting on a flight to Burbank. Therefore, she didn’t see ATFR2. He said she was talking like crazy on her cell, and looked very young without any makeup on. He said she didn’t seem upset and was smiling. He said he told her she looked good on TV last night (ATFR1) and she mouthed “Thanks” and kept on talking on her phone. Sounds like she isn’t that upset – we’ll see what she tells Ellen.
March 4th, 2009 at 6:57 PM
#211
Yes I totally agree with you that people do change their minds but really, nobody proposes and breaks up with someone in less than a month unless they are brain dead or constantly drunk. You don’t fall out of love that quickly. Even if this wasn’t scripted (which is was) I could understand a change of heart over many months of discovering each other.
Did you not see how plastic everyone was on the ATFR? They were told were to sit, what to look at, how to shit – everything. Molly knew what was coming – end of story. She didn’t know when she got dumped that final rose day but within a week or so, she knew she would be brought back. How do you explain her taking him back and making herself look totally desperate? Oh, thank you for picking me as your second choice. I would be thrilled to be your sloppy seconds! Thanks so much!
March 4th, 2009 at 7:02 PM
47, webguy.
???? She looks NOTHING like Molly. Molly, snub nose, dark blond, streaked hair, freckles, green eyes.
Ex wife dark, streaked hair, straight, long nose, brown eyes. Actually, from a distance she looked like Melissa to me. Body type and hair style. Actually, she looked nothing like either, except she’s model skinny and has long hair.
March 4th, 2009 at 7:03 PM
AmericanIdol – I think Lil Rounds will most likely get chosen tonight, as well as Scott I think his name was; but I’m hoping that Felicia, the gal from Virginia beach, will get on too; if not tonight, then in the extra pick next week. Thought she was good, but definitely can’t compete long haul with Lil and Danny.
Doesn’t it seem like they’re going to starting the next Bachelor show earlier this year? It just ended, and they’re starting up again in May?? Maybe this year just seemed endless.
March 4th, 2009 at 7:04 PM
Okay did anybody else notice that when Jason proposed to Melissa on the finale Monday night, “NEIL LANE” was clearly visible inside the open engagement ring box, but when they showed the clip of his proposal on the ATFR2, the box said nothing on it?! Or I’m going a little crazy maybe haha…
March 4th, 2009 at 7:09 PM
#218 – that is advertising at its best. That was not an accident. The network doesn’t get the money unless someone flashes the ring!
March 4th, 2009 at 7:16 PM
“This time the change of heart was in the world of “The Bachelor.” It’s why it’s different and why the viewers are reacting so strongly — because it’s not part of the normal format.”
Does Fleiss honestly believe this is WHY people were infuriated? Or is it because we were sickened by the exploitation? What a clueless (or lying) ass. Or both!
March 4th, 2009 at 7:16 PM
204- GeorgiaPeach43 – that is fine if you are a Molly fan, everyone is entitled to their own opinion and I respect yours.
To answer your question, no, I did not squeal when my husband proposed to me and I was 20 years old at the time, so a lot younger than Melissa.
March 4th, 2009 at 7:18 PM
Another T-shirt idea…
Front
I feel a connection!
Back
with RealitySteve!
March 4th, 2009 at 7:21 PM
132. plholscher | March 4th, 2009 at 3:55 pm
This is in response to Marianna. I was a single mom for four years after my divorce. Yes, I was divorced,
I was divorced and a single parent. No father figure around. If I’m divorced, I’m single..where are we getting the definition of single..it means NOT MARRIED, right?
Also, not to stick up for Jason (not because I might get drummed out of here!!!) but I saw his ex-wifes face book several weeks ago. Her profile pic is a picture of her and Ty and her new baby. So, I would imagine that Ty does spend a lot of time with his dad and dad’s family. Not because mom’s a bad mom, but because she has a new baby..and if you’ve never had a toddler AND a baby, you’ve got NO clue.
Just some background.
Also, Steve changed the message board requirements because of foul language and trickster posters..he has always said he doesn’t care if anyone agrees with him or not. Give NOTBUYINGIT a break. Besides, it would have been a great idea for ABC to feed Steve and other bloggers info for ratings..maybe next time!!
March 4th, 2009 at 7:27 PM
Hello all =)
Oh blah blah , who cares what Molly and Jason have to say anymore. I can’t stand to see or read another interview from them. But I can’t wait to see Melissa on Ellen tomorrow. Ha, Bonnie Hunt was mad. I’m glad she addressed the “single dad” issue too. it is 50/50 with his ex as he claims.
I hope that merchandise thing happens for you, steve. That would be awesome. I would love to wear some of your boy shorts.. im not sure if my s/o would like that though. He is already extremely happy that TB is over. haha, the other day he was like “when is this realitysteve going to be out of our life”? LOL. I was giggling at him.. and said “oh babe! if you only knew, he is AMAZING in his blog” . He had this strange look on his face. lmao. Hmm, I will sport a tee or a mug though. Maybe make a maddie-doggie merchandise line too.. I have cute pups.
xoxox
March 4th, 2009 at 7:31 PM
Oh AND yes, Danny is awesome on Idol. I hope he goes far in the show. Lil Rounds is also very good.. but hmm, I don’t know if she would do well after the show. She reminds me of Fantashia or whatever her name is.
March 4th, 2009 at 7:32 PM
175 Georgia –where do get that Melissa knew what was going to happen from that interview?? Jason, on the other hand, knew which is why Chris Harrison made a point of saying that Melissa could not hear their conversation. If they had already broken up they wouldn’t have had to hide that conversation from her. The intent was to ambush her to the extent they could, just like those trashy shows do, where the audience knows ahead of the victim.
Also, CH says “What are you GOING to do?” NOT “What has already happened in your relationship?”
THAT is what viewers are objecting to, in case you didn’t get it. They dressed it up really pretty, but it was definitely a Springer moment.
March 4th, 2009 at 7:38 PM
Oh Chrissy – I’m SOOOOO with you on not wanting to hear any more from J and Mol – can’t believe anything they say anyway. I have no respect for them – they sicken me. And, quite frankly, IMO neither of them are anything to look at.
Mel is adorable – no, not perfect – but so sweet. The one thing about the finale is it was the most romantic proposal ever – mel getting down on her knees with J was so sweet. They looked like a very much in-love couple with a wonderful future. Then – J and Mol’s true colors came out.
I’m looking forward to Mel on Ellen – don’t think I can stomach another Jason (or Jason/Molly) interview. Although – he changes his story every time he’s interviewed. Maybe he’s just a habitual liar.
March 4th, 2009 at 7:39 PM
Good point, Sunshine!
March 4th, 2009 at 7:39 PM
they just announced on access hollywood that they had been told by someone associated with the bachelor show that while melissa was with jason at christmas, molly called jascum.
March 4th, 2009 at 7:42 PM
229 -That would explain how Mel knew J was talking to Mol.
March 4th, 2009 at 7:45 PM
I have thoroughly enjoyed that last 3 weeks here. I may even check in for the other recaps. I, however, have watched my last Bachelor/Bachelorette. I realized last nite that it wasn’t about him dumping Melissa for Molly that turned me off. I agree, you have to follow your heart and do what’s right for you. I came to the conclusion, it’s not the what but the how. Why couldn’t that have been handled off-camera and then at the ATR, Jason could talk about the status and what happened? To have taped and aired that is just not right whether it was Jason or ABC making the decision. That’s the part I just can’t get past.
March 4th, 2009 at 7:45 PM
Laura Saltman of Access Hollywoood took on CH. Also, after showing the emails where Mel said she knew that Jason was communicating with Mollly during their engagement. Laura said that she had info from a third party that Molly had called Jason during the holidays, including while Mel was there.
March 4th, 2009 at 7:48 PM
-We should all start spreading the word mesnick into popular vocabulary. How about starting a wikipedia entry?
-On Bunnie Hunt’s website you can submit questions for her to ask Jason on Monday. I would love her to actually read some. He disgusts me, but I might watch to see him squirm.
-I agree with #157 about Molly pressuring Jason. She is a manipulator. When she said “you are making a mistake”, I think that wore on him. Also as Jimmy Kimmel said Jason is a “fickle pickle”. I am not 100% on board with the scripting of the show since there isn’t any proof yet. I think Jason is fickle and easily manipulated. If he had picked Molly it probably would have worn on him, and he would have wondered WHAT IF about Melissa. Had he picked Molly we may have seen the reverse at the ATFR, except I think Melissa has enough dignity and class that she would have told him to go to hell, not stuck her tongue down his throat.
March 4th, 2009 at 7:50 PM
Did anyone watch CH on Ellen? It was very interesting. He wanted to be clear on the scripted issue. mhmm..sure, go ahead and get upset about that. I wonder why that would bother the people on the in of TB. uh huhhhhhhhh sure CH I believe you.
March 4th, 2009 at 7:55 PM
I am so excited for Reality Roundup! It will be nice for a little break from the Bachelor drama, while still getting my RS fix.
March 4th, 2009 at 7:56 PM
Chrissy, I saw CH Ellen. I think he is only half-heartedly claiming that TB is not scripted, On Access Hollywood, he admitted the show was not a documentary, and that it was heavily edited.
March 4th, 2009 at 7:58 PM
From the Huffington Post–I think an AP story
“It just wasn’t working out for them,” Fleiss said. “She knew it. She didn’t know that it was about Molly _ I think that was the thing that caught her off guard.”
Mesnick said he had to break up with Rycroft on camera because of his contract with the show.
“There was no contractual obligation,” Fleiss countered. “You can check the contract. … How would you put that in a contact anyway? Like, everything you do in your life must be shown on ABC. It’s impossible.”
The Associated Press was unable to immediately obtain a copy of the “Bachelor” contract that contestants must sign when they agree to appear on the show. ABC representative Cathy Rehl directed a request to Warner Horizon Television, an arm of Warner Bros. Television, which produces the show. Warner representative Natalia Desrosiers said she was not authorized to provide a contract to the AP.
Let this be a lesson to anyone thinking about going on a reality show–if you have any kind of career or reputation you’re worried about steer clear.
March 4th, 2009 at 8:05 PM
#202—we’ve got a winner! I’ll take about 4 of those in several different colors. I also think Steve should sell ‘pc Pampers’ so the next time I spew Coke Zero during one of his summaries, my laptop will be protected.
March 4th, 2009 at 8:07 PM
Mmmmmm, I’m wondering if what you are doing is right or wrong. Is what ABC doing right or wrong? Maybe more right than what you are doing or planning to do. In a reality show, we can choose to believe EVERYTHING, or we can believe that there is a lot of ‘staging’ and ‘suggesting’ but what happens, happens, or we can choose to believe that it’s all fake. Whatever, in whatever combination. Now, those who choose and sign contracts have not been living in an obscure village in Brazil and been told that they will be taken to Europe as exotic dancers only to find out that they must prostitute themselves. Candidates who sign up for the Bachelor/Bachelorette agree to play a dangerous emotional game and this in front of ‘America’ (and Canada and whoever has access to Youtube). However, I am not saying that what ABC does is right. Maybe just ‘more right’ than what you are doing.
Someone who works for ABC (and I am assuming is on their payroll) for doing a job, is dishonestly/illegally forwarding you inside information. You are passing this information on to whoever wants to read it. (me, etc). Now you are very dedicated to what you do and have a lot of followers. What you do takes time. If you start to get paid for making available illegally/dishonestly obtained material …. Mmmmmm ? and even if you don’t make money, mmmmmmm? And is it right that I read you? Mmmmmm?
Anyway, with so much talk of right and wrong and fair and unfair …. I just thought I would throw this in the ring.
And ….. did you ever think that you are just ABC’s pawn? That they are feeding you this information so you start this hype???? And their ratings go up?????
And ….. maybe YOU WORK for ABC and have gotten paid to make the hype????
And maybe Molly knew before the final rose?
And probably Melissa didn’t?
And surely Jason did? ?????
Lots of questions when you start trying to draw the line between good and bad, right and wrong ….
March 4th, 2009 at 8:11 PM
GeorgiaPeach43–I was actually a Molly fan too. The problem with this scenario is that Reality Steve’s sources claim that Jason wanted to pick Molly before the final 5, but was told to pick Melissa and later dump Mel (and get back with Molly) in order to have a shock ending. Basically, the finale with Jason picking Mel was inauthentic and manufactured. Jason didn’t “change his mind over the holidays”. He never wanted Mel in the first place and felt OK deceiving her for two months until ATFR.
This scenario is like Marion Jones running the 100 yard dash in the Olympics, winning medals, and later finding out she was on steroids.
It would be like finding out the NFL was rigged (God forbid, I would die….).
We all understood in past seasons that the producers likely picked certain contestants for dates, coached participants on interviews, edited people a certain way, had to put things in to make it all suspensful…..but we at least thought that when the guy made his selection, it was really the girl he liked best out of the 25!
I won’t watch the Bachelorette or BAchelor anymore, but I will read Steve’s recaps. That will be good enough.
March 4th, 2009 at 8:14 PM
I justed posted a couple of questions on Bonnie Hunt’s site.
speaking of questions.. 239 has alot of them huh? Mmmmmmmm
whats all the mmmmmm’s about?
March 4th, 2009 at 8:23 PM
What’s bothering me now is the fact that CH is saying that everyone knew that Jason liked MELISSA from the beginning and they “encouraged him to explore the other women” so that it wouldn’t be so obvious that he was going to pick Melissa in the end. Now we know for a fact that this is complete and utter BULL. In Megan’s interview with RS, she specifically made it a point to say that Melissa hardly even got to speak with Jason in the first couple of weeks…and she always thought she was going home for that reason. CH is such a liar.
March 4th, 2009 at 8:31 PM
One more thing….I just read Fleiss’ interview. What an arrogant prick.
March 4th, 2009 at 8:34 PM
I’ve been reading so much for the past day or two, so I’m not sure where I read this but I wanted to share.
“Why was Jason called “The Bachelor”?
……because “The Biggest Loser” was already taken!!
March 4th, 2009 at 8:34 PM
The bottom line is that it is Jason’s life and he’s made a mess of it – mostly by being a divorced guy with a small child who has spent the past year on television chasing tail.
Ryan Sutter from the first The Bachelorette expresses the scenario quite well:
http://ryansutter.com/blog/?p=436
March 4th, 2009 at 8:40 PM
Steve..you go for the whole merchandising thing..which leads me to wonder..(is it just me) or does Jason already look like a bobblehead? Bobblehead Bachelor Jason $14.99..wee…..
How can ABC top this tho..whatever your theories are about who knew..when..conspiracy…scripted..whatever..we can’t stop TALKING about it..lol..its golden..for ABC…
As adorable as Jillian is..how the heck is her season even gonna come close tho this??? It can’t..she is too nice..too clued in..not a change his mind more than his socks wimp like Jason..
Anyway..thanks Steve..for making this season..fun again..I can’t wait to watch the next one and try and pick the fake stuff out..
Speaking of which..Molly..sure made glances at the cameras when she was dumped on the last episode..sure didn’t cry alot..unlake blubbering Jason..so..is she just cool..or?..did she know something..anyway..we shall never know..but thanks Steve..for taking what was a prestty sappy season (never was a Jason fan)..anyway…
March 4th, 2009 at 8:44 PM
oops..taking the sappy season and making it FUN…
Must type complete thoughts..yes.
March 4th, 2009 at 8:44 PM
I’d like to hear from CH why if they were trying so hard not to show that it was obvious that Jason was going to pick Melissa did they show the clip of Jason proposing to Melissa when advertising the show.
March 4th, 2009 at 9:03 PM
Good comment 248
March 4th, 2009 at 9:06 PM
Hmmmm, just thought of something today and I may be wayyyyyyyyyyy off base here. Knowing that Jason “didn’t have to” dump Melissa on tv, I wonder if Molly made him do it. I mean, she didn’t get her day in the sunshine, missed out getting proposed to on national tv, not getting to wear the bling bling honkin’ ring, and saying, “I won!!!!!!” Maybe she wanted some kind of sick vindication and it came at Melissa’s expense. Not trying to be pessimistic here, but that thought came into my realm confused thoughts
March 4th, 2009 at 9:06 PM
Steve
There are a few ways that the plan might be brought to light. For instance, if Melissa sued Jason for inducing her into an intimate relationship under false pretenses, or some other activity not covered by the contract, and the individuals are under subpeona. Confidentiality clauses do not prevent disclosure pursuant to certain legal actions. Someone at work even suggested what he did might constitute a crime–that investigation would bring it out as well.
Kind of funny to think about. Everyone would probably throw so m;uch $$ at Melissa it would never get that far, but you never know.
wow–#245 ryan sutter still has that gift for writing!
March 4th, 2009 at 9:10 PM
As for the comment about men moving to Canada for Jillian – they shouldn’t agree to be one of the 25 if they are against moving to Canada. She will be the bachelorette and that is where she lives, is from, works, etc. I think it should only be expected that he move to where she is if that’s what she wants. Or else don’t bother signing up (though that process has already been done and the show is about to film, so hopefully that’s what these men are prepared to do). Though I personally think if they want to have a Canadian as the bachelorette, (yay!) they should find a bunch of Canadian men not just one or two.
March 4th, 2009 at 9:13 PM
Steve, i hate to say it but I think all of this has gone to your head just a little bit. You sound very conceited and full of yourself here. YES we get it, YOU broke the news. How many times do you have to say it already? I am so glad this dumb jason season is over I can’t tell you.
March 4th, 2009 at 9:14 PM
http://www.accesshollywood.com/was-the-bachelor-finale-staged-by-producers_video_1051341
This is a great link from Access Hollywood where they grill CH and talk about Molly calling Jason over the holidays. BUSTED!
March 4th, 2009 at 9:16 PM
http://www.accesshollywood.com/melissa-sounds-off-on-bachelor-split_article_15174
“Melissa Sounds Off” and it appears they were, in fact, already broken up at the ATFR1.
In a statement released to Access Hollywood on Wednesday, Melissa said she has no regrets over her “Bachelor†experience.
“This was definitely one of those experiences that changes your life, and makes you so much more aware of who you are and what you want out of life. Strange as it may sound, I am doing really well,†she said. “I’m back in Dallas, pursuing the teaching thing, and attempting to get my life back to normal (if it was every really normal to begin with). I still have my same life mottos: Live life with no regrets, and keep smiling no matter what happens… I don’t regret anything that happened over the past few months; because I know I wouldn’t be where I am today had none of it happened.â€Â
In a separate interview with People, Melissa admitted that heading into the taping of the “After the Final Rose†special, where Jason broke off the engagement, she knew things had changed between the couple.
“The few times we did see each other, we were trying to find what it was on the show that attracted us to each other,†she told People. “I had to step back and ask myself: ‘Why do you feel you have to fight to save a relationship that maybe isn’t as great as you thought it was?’â€Â
And while Jason had previously told reporters he was contractually obligated to keep Melissa in the dark about his break-up plans until the two were on TV, in a new interview with the Los Angeles Times, >b> the “Bachelor†said he ended the relationship a week before the taping.
“If you watched carefully, she wasn’t wearing her ring,†Jason told the LA Times.
So if Melissa knew about the split ahead of time, had the two gone over how they were going to act for the dramatic TV reveal?
“No. Her response had been, ‘How do you want me to react to that?’†Jason added. “I wasn’t going to coach her. I just told her that we were going to talk about things again [on the show] and however she felt is how she was going to react. I’m never going to tell anyone what to say.â€Â
But regardless of what she did or didn’t know prior to the taping, Melissa said she has moved on and is just fine with how it all played out.
“I don’t want people to feel sorry for me or that I was a victim in all of this,†Melissa told People. “I am okay.â€Â
Yet, she added, her reality TV days have to an end.
“I have, however, decided to move on from my reality television days, and get some sense of normalcy back to my life…. I think it’s time for me to move on from my television days, and see what my future holds back in Dallas,†Melissa added in her statement to Access.
March 4th, 2009 at 9:25 PM
How desperate on Molly’s part! To call Jason after the show! That is pathetic.
March 4th, 2009 at 9:30 PM
I can’t even imagine what could possibly be going down with The Bachelorette – can’t wait to find out what it could be, especially since it hasn’t even started taping yet. Hmm.
March 4th, 2009 at 9:49 PM
Ok–someone needs to tell Jason to just shut up and go away. Everytime he opens his mouth he digs a bigger hole for himself, it is hysterical. And he is looking more and more frantic and desperate and deer-in-the-headlights with each interview.
I bet he thought he had this all under control–created great drama, cried on cue, used his son to make him look sympathetic, found some young girl with entertainment aspirations to go along with it, manipulating everything behind the scenes, everthing going according to plan….oops…forgot Melissa is from Texas and actually has a spine…and self-confidence…and a conscience…and pride…and all of a sudden it’s spinning out of control and the show throws him under the bus with one press conference. Great lesson for the PR courses.
March 4th, 2009 at 9:59 PM
Let’s talk about money and manipulation. First, why wouldn’t some entity be interested in blowing the roof off TB franchise–possibly all of reality tv–and and pay the financial penalty (is it $5 million) for at least one of the contestants to spill? I’ve seen this idea floated and it seems within the realm of possibility. Second, it wouldn’t surprise me if TB producers actually make it worth Jason/Molly’s while to actually go thru with a marriage. Say they agree to stay married at least 24 months and earn x$ for it. Could it happen?
March 4th, 2009 at 10:06 PM
Check out this post by Ryan Sutter (Trista’s husband). It’s basically a slap on Jason’s face with a white glove (ouch!!!):
http://ryansutter.com/blog/?p=436
March 4th, 2009 at 10:06 PM
254- thanks for posting that. Good stuff! I love seeing CH squirming for a change. He didn’t know what to say! Now I’m going to go watch CH on Ellen from today- I DVR’d it.
March 4th, 2009 at 10:09 PM
260- interesting about Ryan.
I heard on the radio this morning that Trista was pissed about Jason and said something like, “yes they have contacts (to be on the bachelor/bachelorette) but that he didn’t need to break up w/ her on the air.” AND if anyone has the link to Andy Baldwin’s (former Bachelor) facebook page I guess he was quite upset with Jason too calling him out saying that wasn’t right what he did to Melissa.
March 4th, 2009 at 10:15 PM
#260 Thanks so much for Ryan’s link. I didn’t know he had one. He’s the only good thing to come out of TB show! His comment that Jason is “of weak mind and spirit”..and a few other digs..loved it. Touche. Ryan knows all about the workings of this show, so I do respect what he has to say and it has changed my mind about Jason being all innocent. Thanks.
March 4th, 2009 at 10:16 PM
Hey RealitySteve…I think you are pretty smart with all of your predictions since what you said really did happen (and I am so sorry Melissa had to go through that from Jason…she is better off…who would want to marry someone like that)…but you said that the show has yet to produce a marraige. What about Trista and Ryan??? They are married, have a child and one is on the way.
March 4th, 2009 at 10:19 PM
My problem with this whole fiasco begins with the false premises that Jason expects us to buy in order to transition from the finale to the After the Final Rose special.
Now I know many people believe that a bad relationship should not be sustained and a good one should be pursued. I am one of those people, and I’ll quickly say that if Jason and Molly are happy, than everyone (including Melissa) is better off. But here is what stinks about all of this. If this is what Jason wants, he chose the most disastrous path toward all of it, and didn’t care who was affected or how as long as he ended up happy.
How did this happen? He fell in love with 2 women at the same time, so it’s not his fault. Why did he propose if he was in love with 2 women? Because Melissa was everything that he wanted at that time so that is not his fault. Why did he change his mind? Because he couldn’t stop thinking about Molly and can’t control his head (his words) so it is not his fault. Why flog someone’s dignity in public? Not his fault, that was the producers’ doing.
Jason is that rare specimen who believes that he deserves happiness without having to own any responsibility for how he gets there. I have no doubt that he sincerely hates what he has done to Mellissa, but that is not the point. The questions that I raised above are legitimate, and instead of answering them, he is sandbagging his way to freedom from responsibility for answering them. He doesn’t have to answer to me, but Melissa does deserve answers. If he is ok with the fact that she has to face the reality in public while he gets to be evasive and condescending to her, than he has not learned what it means to be the good man that he is being sold as.
But he still has his supporters. His rejected bachelorettes back him up because we don’t know what it is like to be in his position. He doesn’t know what it’s like to be in my position either; but Jason outnumbers me in proposals 3 -1, ties me in marriages at 1, and outnumbers me in divorces 1-0, so even if I don’t know what it is like to be him, I am qualified to comment that his behavior is very much tied to his success (or lack thereof) in love. His best chance for avoiding the personal growth that he lacks comes from Molly. The best thing about Molly for him is she will own him, and with him, she will own his responsibility for his actions. He is now with the woman who can keep him off the hook for the rest of his life if the relationship should last so long. Through all of this, Melissa has ended up alone in the outcome of the bachelor, but she is also alone in that she is the only one wrapped up in its outcome that has demonstrated that she sees the whole situation for what it really is.
March 4th, 2009 at 10:22 PM
Here’s what Ryan said and several slaps to Jason..lol:
Ryan Sutter on The Bachelor:
Because I actually watched the last hour of the Bachelor last night I thought I would jump into the popular conversation and offer my two cents. Prior to last night I had not watched a Bachelor series since the Bachelorette that I was on seven years ago. Why? I don’t believe the show holds a very high moral standard and quite frankly I don’t enjoy reliving a very stressful and exhausting time in my life. That said, I would not change my experience and find my personal hardships a very small price to pay for the resulting life they afforded me. You see love is not easy to come by. Sometimes it embarrasses you. Sometimes it humbles you. And sometimes, as in Jason’s case, it makes you look like a complete jackass. Jason took part in a show that preys on those of weak spine and spirit. He fell victim to a program of intense emotional overload intended to create a narrow tunnel of vision from which only rash and irresponsible decisions could possibly be made. I have no doubt he made the decision he felt was right when he chose Melissa. I’ll buy his explanation that when the real world with all of its real world influences and realities came back into play he had second thoughts. At some point, however, Jason needed to realize that the re-entry of the real world meant that he needed to resume his role as a real man. If his feeling for Melissa had changed he should have told her. There is absolutely no excuse for the savage treatment Jason laid on Mellisa’s heart. If he truly cared he would have disregarded the request of the show to hold a public break-up. Jason crumbled under the pressure of the production and in the process walked down a path cast with shadows of shame for which he will always be remembered. Jason had to know the consequences of his choices. His cliche laden explanations, though weak and uninspiring, are his attempt to justify a decision he is convinced he made for love. If that is truly the case, can we really blame him? I get emails all the time from people desperate to find love. It seems some people are willing to do most anything for a chance at the queasy stomached emotion. Still, I would like to believe that when it came right down to it, the majority of the broken-hearted would stop short of blatantly and quite publicly torching the feelings of someone they laid claim to caring for simply to further their own desperate quest for love. Love is a powerful force, capable of providing us with both the cause for stupid decisions and the strength to overcome them. For Jason’s sake I hope he found it.
March 4th, 2009 at 10:24 PM
Ryan Sutter comments about Jason:
Because I actually watched the last hour of the Bachelor last night I thought I would jump into the popular conversation and offer my two cents. Prior to last night I had not watched a Bachelor series since the Bachelorette that I was on seven years ago. Why? I don’t believe the show holds a very high moral standard and quite frankly I don’t enjoy reliving a very stressful and exhausting time in my life. That said, I would not change my experience and find my personal hardships a very small price to pay for the resulting life they afforded me. You see love is not easy to come by. Sometimes it embarrasses you. Sometimes it humbles you. And sometimes, as in Jason’s case, it makes you look like a complete jackass. Jason took part in a show that preys on those of weak spine and spirit. He fell victim to a program of intense emotional overload intended to create a narrow tunnel of vision from which only rash and irresponsible decisions could possibly be made. I have no doubt he made the decision he felt was right when he chose Melissa. I’ll buy his explanation that when the real world with all of its real world influences and realities came back into play he had second thoughts. At some point, however, Jason needed to realize that the re-entry of the real world meant that he needed to resume his role as a real man. If his feeling for Melissa had changed he should have told her. There is absolutely no excuse for the savage treatment Jason laid on Mellisa’s heart. If he truly cared he would have disregarded the request of the show to hold a public break-up. Jason crumbled under the pressure of the production and in the process walked down a path cast with shadows of shame for which he will always be remembered. Jason had to know the consequences of his choices. His cliche laden explanations, though weak and uninspiring, are his attempt to justify a decision he is convinced he made for love. If that is truly the case, can we really blame him? I get emails all the time from people desperate to find love. It seems some people are willing to do most anything for a chance at the queasy stomached emotion. Still, I would like to believe that when it came right down to it, the majority of the broken-hearted would stop short of blatantly and quite publicly torching the feelings of someone they laid claim to caring for simply to further their own desperate quest for love. Love is a powerful force, capable of providing us with both the cause for stupid decisions and the strength to overcome them. For Jason’s sake I hope he found it.
March 4th, 2009 at 10:24 PM
oops.so sorry for the double post..it took forever to go thru..the first one and hit submit again.
March 4th, 2009 at 10:36 PM
Here’s Trista’s reaction to Jason’s decision:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29494451/
March 4th, 2009 at 10:37 PM
I’m married & I’d get the boyshorts.
March 4th, 2009 at 10:39 PM
# 265 tatersalad
You accuaretely wrote that Jason “believes that he deserves happiness without having to own any responsibility for how he gets there. I think the key here is “how”. I’ve often read that true happiness is not built on the unhappiness of others.
March 4th, 2009 at 10:39 PM
I just wanted to thank Steve for posting the “Fleiss throws Jason under the bus” article because I really enjoyed it! I actually like what Fleiss had to say because he is unapologetically honest. He is a money and ratings guy. He went after Molly to be the next Bachelorette and she wouldn’t, she ends up being with Jason, so he moves on to the next most popular, Jillian. All in a day’s work! I thought the interview was hilarious and Fleiss is very realistic about what he wants and the fact that there will be leaks. Also, I think he’s right when he asks how you could possibly put the public breakup into a contract. I think that was all Jason and my opinion of him has, unfortunately, tanked like everyone else’s!
March 4th, 2009 at 10:41 PM
#260 thanks for the link to Ryan Sutter’s blog. Now I remember why I loved him so much. Ryan says he doesn’t watch the show, because “I dont believe the show holds a very high moral standard.” Wow, RS, you might want to re-think your opinion of Ryan, since it looks like he agrees with your views on the show. Ryan is no pawn of ABC.
March 4th, 2009 at 10:42 PM
I like Ryan. He makes a lot of good points. I don’t excuse Jason’s action because we all have to be accountable for what we do, but I also think show would prey and manipulate Jason because he’s insecure and they will use that to their advantage.
Jason could do himself a big favor but not justifying it or calling himself a man of integrity. Say you are so sorry to have caused someone pain and would handle it differently if you had to do it all over again.
March 4th, 2009 at 10:46 PM
265- that was AWESOME!
March 4th, 2009 at 10:46 PM
Extra and Access Hollywood report that his ex-wife, an “aspiring model/actress/fashion student in Seattle” had to pay HIM child support when they share custody 50-50?? Hope there is more to that story…
March 4th, 2009 at 10:47 PM
269 Thanks for Trista comment link. It’s obvious rading what Ryan and Trista had to say and them being married 5 years and expecting their second child, a baby girl, in a few months, that they were rare indeed and did find each other on that show. Now that we all see how this show is manipulated, it had to be true love to weather the storms of that show, as Ryan hinted he didn’t want to watch it an relive those days, even though he found what he wanted in Trista. Ok..long sentence, I guess I needed to breath again…lol I really like Ryan and Trista.
March 4th, 2009 at 10:49 PM
I missed Hilary Mesnick on Access tonight. What did she say, and what questions di d they ask? Thanks in advance for answering me.
March 4th, 2009 at 11:03 PM
I agree with whoever said Jason looks worse in each interview, more defensive, more deer in the headlights, etc. He is not happy that he has gotten a bad rap and been found out and that will probably follow him for a very long time. It may not affect his daily life but he will always be remembered with ridicule and this cloud of deceit hanging over his head. Everyone has their own opinions about if this was set up or when it went into motion. Jason never appears sympathetic to Melissa at all during the after the rose. Sure he’s saying that he is but it doesn’t show on his face or mannerisms in the least that he’s feeling bad or sorry about anything. He tried to fake it- but it was so hollow, didn’t convey any empathy. How can you fake what was never there unless you are a very good actor? He couldn’t. I believe this was a set up contrived thing from shortly after tent night between the producers and Jason. I believe that Molly was let in on it but with her I am not sure when. I am leaning towards she was told when there were two girls left standing. Jason was convinced by Fleiss that they could play this off. I also don’t believe Fleiss for one minute that they asked Molly to be the next Bachelorette. They only pick fan favorites and she was liked by a VERY small portion of the audience. Fleiss would just rather place all the blame on Jason to save face. That tells me they do care that all this was leaked and everyone’s question of the month- is this show routinely, at some point, fixed? I think the answer is yes. I read Ryan Sutter’s blog and he is a class act and I liked hearing his insight.
March 4th, 2009 at 11:05 PM
278. She wasn’t actually on tonight; they mentioned her but there was no interview. They teased her for tomorrow again.
March 4th, 2009 at 11:06 PM
#271
“…true happiness is not built on the unhappiness of others.”
Excellent point
March 4th, 2009 at 11:16 PM
Thanks, Remmie. So will she be on tomorrow?
March 4th, 2009 at 11:19 PM
282. Unclear. They said she would…but then again, they said she was going to be on today.
March 4th, 2009 at 11:20 PM
264
RS said there has never been a marriage on “The Bachelor”, you are talking about “The Bachelorette”. There’s the difference. RS is correct. There never has been a relationship last on “The Bachelor”.
March 4th, 2009 at 11:27 PM
#264
Unless you count Mary and her battered boyfriend Byron, which ABC won’t be putting on a pedastal, or the newly reunited Charley and Sara.
I actually found the Charley and Sara relationship to be one of the most grounded and touching ones that I’ve seen, but I realize that many do not consider it to be a Bachelor success story.
March 4th, 2009 at 11:27 PM
Oops, meant to say #284, sorry
March 4th, 2009 at 11:31 PM
Oh my gosh this is hysterical…a not for the faint of heart opinion of this thing being staged….lol
http://barbarossasblast.blogspot.com
March 4th, 2009 at 11:38 PM
“true happiness is not built on the unhappiness of others.”
The only true and pure (absolute) sentiments are those of a child. There is no such thing in adults. One can never be 100% happy nor 100% sad.
I am rich because you are poor, etc.
However it relates or doesn’t relate to Jason and Molly, I think that statement is naive.
March 4th, 2009 at 11:47 PM
Someone needs to send Barbarossa’s Blast — “The Lord of the Douche Bags” to Ellen. I think she needs to see it before she interviews Jason and Molly. It supports the scripted scenario almost exactly as RS laid it out. Does it anyone here know how to do that?
http://barbarossasblast.blogspot.com
March 4th, 2009 at 11:47 PM
LOL. did you see Leno make fun of The Bachelor. he said After The Final Rose sounds like a bathroom scale. Then he substituted shots of Melissa for Jesse Jackson crying at Jason dumping him.
March 4th, 2009 at 11:52 PM
#288
Naive? perhaps……but there was a larger point wrapped around that statement that is compatible with your 2nd paragraph.
March 5th, 2009 at 12:01 AM
I love the new word “mesnicked” ROTFL
I came up with another new word: when somebody takes your boyfriend/fiance away, you have been “malaneyed”
March 5th, 2009 at 12:02 AM
290 I meant bathroom spray
March 5th, 2009 at 12:07 AM
291
I agree.
Jason and Molly’s (and whoever else was involved/responsible) behavior was wrong (selfish, very weak, etc)
I was just stating that someone’s happiness is usually at the cost of another’s unhappiness is unfortuantely a fact of life. Most 2nd marriages are built on the destruction of another’s feelings – xs, kids, etc.
Jason and Molly can never be truely happy because they have hurt along the way – The greater the hurting the less the true? I think, yes.
March 5th, 2009 at 12:10 AM
Check this out
II love how well she imitates Molly
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kXJ6QQfH6U&eurl
March 5th, 2009 at 12:12 AM
#292
Mesnick becomes the modern Machiavelli-
the end justifies the means and it’s all good as long as the Mesnicker is “happy”
March 5th, 2009 at 12:26 AM
Antonella — Since I made the remark I feel I should respond, although I appreciate and agree with tatersalad’s sentiments. The real point I was attempting to make was why I believe so many are angry at Jason. I think most would not begrudge Jason and Molly their happiness (?) if Jason had no so completely trampled on Melissa.
March 5th, 2009 at 12:35 AM
292 – becky2 – I liked your definition so much I sent it into Urban Dictionary. I hope you don’t mind. We’ll see if they publish it.
March 5th, 2009 at 12:38 AM
the barbarossa link, very funny (but not as funny as you Steve!). I don’t know if Levenson is still with the show but her legacy lives on in Chris Harrison. I knew this show had a Springer like quality to it:
‘We wanted to shoot the show like a soap opera,” explained Lisa Levenson, the co-executive producer of ”The Bachelor” series and a former producer of ”General Hospital,” an ABC daytime soap opera. ”The principal ingredient is developing characters that viewers can relate to, or watch and think, ‘At least I am not as screwed up as that person.’ ” (Ms. Levenson also worked on the ”Jerry Springer Show.”)
If that last bit doesn’t warn you about the nature of what we’re all watching, I’ll be damned if I know what will. That’s right, Lisa Levenson, Bachelor co-producer, used to spend her time arranging onstage fist fights between incestuous families, trailer-trash lesbians, and perverted dwarfs. Jerry! Jerry! Quite a resume builder that is. Especially when you’re also producing a dating show that requires everyone to swallow what they’re seeing wholesale. Soap Operas and Springer–god, what a combo! This folks, is the same person who is trying to get you to buy that Jason Mesnick, average joe from Kirkland, Washington, has found love on her TV show and it’s the real deal!
March 5th, 2009 at 12:40 AM
297
I agree with you. I judge the behavior as wrong. I believe that they can’t really be even close to happy unless they are evil. I can’t believe he could KISS Molly after sending Melissa away like that … I mean WHAT???? where’s any sense of … of…. of… anything – taste, respect …. and that goes for Molly, too. If it was staged, then I think the writer should be fired and sent to ‘good manners school’!
However, just the statement – starring at me like that – true happiness can’t be build on the unhappiness of others – made me want to say – that’s NOT why this is bad wrong … What they did was completely without regard, taste, manners, etc. Not a fact of life, but unacceptable behaviour.
March 5th, 2009 at 12:42 AM
269 – very nice article to read, thank you
March 5th, 2009 at 12:43 AM
292- becky2: I loved your definition so much I submitted it to urban dictionary. I hope you don’t mind. We’ll have to see if they publish it.
March 5th, 2009 at 12:45 AM
okay we DEFINETLY need the
“Your AMAZING” shirts!!!
March 5th, 2009 at 12:49 AM
Ryan Sutter is very honourable to come forth with his opinions. Trist is a very lucky women to have been blessed with such a wonderful husband.
March 5th, 2009 at 1:01 AM
#38: AWESOME idea for merch!! I would TOTALLY buy something that said “Be smart ladies, don’t get Mesnicked”..anything like that. Wonderful idea!!!
I’d also be up for any Team Melissa merch!!
I’m new to your site Steve but believed you from the word go and truly appreciated you bringing all this to light. It’s just TV, but real people are involved and when Melissa was humiliated on national television, I think we all felt for her. This mess might have brought me here, but my trust in you and your humor will keep me here. Bravo Steve!!!
March 5th, 2009 at 1:17 AM
Antonella–
I’ll buy that — bottom line people are sooooo angry because Jason’s behavior is just so heinous. Got go to bed — I’m on the east coast.
March 5th, 2009 at 1:41 AM
Reality Steve – thanks for all the wild and crazy info!
So, I’m still finding it hard to believe that this was all a set up from the start.
Yes, I know your sources were right about everything and there’s no reason to think they’re wrong about that.
And yes, I wouldn’t put it past the producers.
But – don’t you think that is giving Jason way too much credit? He’s just not that smart to be able to pull it off!
I noticed during the show that he wasn’t hard to read. His face often gave away what he was thinking…so I’m finding it pretty hard to imagine him being able to pull off this whole switcheroo ending, and going thru the entire show with this plan. Remember, it would take a clever person to actually do a good job lying, deceiving and manipulating.
Any thoughts?
March 5th, 2009 at 2:19 AM
Why on Earth would Melissa go on this show? Her likeiablity and support she has right now would get tossed out the window. And if she does one thing WRONG, (because heaven forbid, we’re human), people will turn on her in a heartbeat. Better to go out as the “victim” than be hated by all
March 5th, 2009 at 2:21 AM
Steve,
Just a quick note here. There has been one couple out of 13 seasons that did stay together and get married from this show. Trista & Ryan. You stated there had not been any.
March 5th, 2009 at 2:30 AM
# 307 Marianna
Remember, it would take a clever person to actually do a good job lying, deceiving and manipulating.
Or, it would take a clever Mike Fleiss to do a good job lying, deceiving, and manipulation of Jason to pull it off.
March 5th, 2009 at 2:38 AM
Wow, all these posts are very interesting. Definitely a lot of opinions out there!
Just wondering why nobody asked why RS’ source said Melissa has a meltdown on the AFR#1 show. Because she clearly didn’t. She was very calm, for the most part. More so than I would have been! So the source was wrong about that.
My take on it all is that Jason was like a kid in a candy store. It was kind of sickening to see him go from girl to girl so easily…I don’t know how anybody could actually get to know someone well enough to propose marriage while being on the show. It’s so not real life!!! Jason was stupid to propose to Mel – he didn’t have to and that was his biggest mistake, in my opinion.
Life goes on….
I am glad Melissa is doing well and decided not to be The Bachlorette.
March 5th, 2009 at 2:51 AM
#309 ComputerGal16, he’s referring to “The Bachelor” couples. Trista and Ryan are from The Bach’ette.
March 5th, 2009 at 2:53 AM
311, kmk804, she very well could have had a meltdown and just didn’t show all of it. The editing felt very choppy….it was more than obvious to me that we were missing a lot of their conversation. IMO.
March 5th, 2009 at 2:53 AM
Melissa’s interview with Ellen is up on her website. Melissa answers questions about the emails and the breakup!
March 5th, 2009 at 3:50 AM
#314 So whoever said she was dating her ex Ty was correct. I loved when she said she’d never be friends with Jason or Molly. Jimmy Kimmel had it right, Jason! I’m glad she’s telling people that he did contact Molly. I think most people thought he was lying but it was good to get it confirmed.
March 5th, 2009 at 4:33 AM
MELISSA tells all on ELLEN
http://ellen.warnerbros.com/videos/
this video is a solid proof that Jason had been seeing Molly before the taping of ATFR1!!! both Jason & Molly were putting on an act and lied on national tv as if that was their first contact since the FR event.
March 5th, 2009 at 4:37 AM
Bachelor’s Jason Mesnick Surprised by Backlash
usmagazine
“It sucks that everyone thinks I’m dragging Melissa over the coals right in front of everybody because it’s not true,” he went on. “What’s funny is that everybody loves the fact that I break up with somebody every week in the regular part of the show … and now I’m being judged.”
hey jascum – you didn’t propose to them you moron!
He says he ultimately didn’t ask Molly to marry him the first time because he was scared.
“We had this young, fun, friendship relationship with a lot of passion,” he says. “People who have been together for a long time all say, ‘The passion is the first thing to go.’ In my regular everyday life I wouldn’t have stopped dating any one of [the final three]. I would have gone and tried to experience more with each of them.”
so he sees himself as a player – he’d rather be porking three at one time on a continuing basis.
slumdog jascum mesdick
March 5th, 2009 at 4:39 AM
#311 – About the “meltdown”: my guess is that it actually happened, but was edited out by ABC, which was too bad because I really wanted to see her go off on CH and Jason. I’m sure the whole scene between Melissa and Jason was much longer, but ABC excluded all the juicy stuff and purposely put all the attention on Jason. I’m not surprised that ABC is trying to wash their hands of the whole mess. CYA, so to speak.
March 5th, 2009 at 5:03 AM
# 318 Nobody
I’m sure the whole scene between Melissa and Jason was much longer, but ABC excluded all the juicy stuff and purposely put all the attention on Jason. I’m not surprised that ABC is trying to wash their hands of the whole mess. CYA, so to speak.
===================================================
editing especially after the word got out through RS and there was a lot of backlash and negative responses from the views.
chris harrison said jason would come out smelling like a rose – a rose in hell perhaps! so they probably figured they had to tone down the ATFR.
March 5th, 2009 at 7:32 AM
The Ellen video makes it unequivocal that Jason was communicating with Molly during the breakup. So Jason has barefaced lied about that. Obviously ABC and its flunky Chris Harrison knew what would go down at the ATFR taping. So Chris was feigning surprise about the Molly situation. The fact that ABC and Jason have been so clearly proven to be liars about the ATFR taping and the communication with Molly leads me to believe that they ARE liars about everything. For the first time, I really believe that, even if without actual proof, RS was right about the switcheroo setup. Good going Steve, because I would have never believed that ABC and TPTB would do anything that heinous. Gullible me!
March 5th, 2009 at 7:35 AM
#316…thanks for posting the Ellen interview with Melissa…
You can tell that the weasel Jason had been in contact with Molly. It just justifies the “acting” on AFR1.
Did anyone else find CH very defensive on the Ellen show? He was quick to defend himself and the show. Ellen wasn’t buying it at all.
Gokey for American Idol too…
March 5th, 2009 at 7:37 AM
Wow…Melissa on Ellen…I saw the video clip on Ellen’s website and I can’t WAIT to see the entire interview later today.
So they WERE broken up before the taping…and he HAD talked to Molly. Jeez….I’m SO EMBARRASSED for them right now. I’ve been trying to completely stay neutral…I’ve been saying I won’t believe anything til there’s proof…encouraging people not to attack their complete character…but now I’m SO EMBARRASSED for them. They put on a complete SHAM at the ATFR1! Molly with her “shocked” face. I don’t think she was surprised. I think she knew it was coming. Maybe she didn’t know that he was going to break up with Melissa on national tv…who knows. He’s either COMPLETELY full of lies….or the producers have him wound SO FRIGGIN TIGHT around their corporate finger that he has to follow every instruction and play “Puppet Boy.” I’m leaning toward the first option.
March 5th, 2009 at 7:41 AM
OH!!! I can’t WAIT to see if Ellen confronts Jason and Molly about Melissa saying that they HAD in fact been talking before the taping. GO ELLEN! GO ELLEN! SICK’EM! lol
March 5th, 2009 at 7:56 AM
I’m not a Keith Olbermann fan, but he provides his own hilarious input on this season’s ending! lol
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0p1ewnhKgRc
I about fell off my chair when he said (referring to Molly) “Obviously she said “Uhm” when somebody moved the cue card” LOL
“Two dingbats getting married is not in my Bible” lol
March 5th, 2009 at 8:24 AM
#318 – I totally agree with you that Melissa’s anger was completely editted out of the AFTR1. I also believe that MF was originally planning to show it all (remember his comments about the Network like ending), but thanks to RS and all of the negative feedback, decided to delete it. So I guess Melissa has RS to thank for saving her the embarrassment of watching it. (although most of us would probably have cheered for every bad thing she said to him!!)
Another possibility is that ABC would not allow the meltdown to be shown. I think I heard somewhere that MF wanted to end Brad’s show with a clip of him sitting on the couch eating chips and watching TV after he had broken two girl’s hearts by not choosing either of them and ABC would not allow the ending.
Just also wanted to comment that the clip of Melissa on Ellen’s show was great. She was honest and showed a lot of dignity. I’m glad she’s happy.
March 5th, 2009 at 8:33 AM
Seeing Melissa’s interview on Ellen make my heart break for her more. She genuinely tried to get Jason to admit to contact with Molly and he blatantly lied. While I blame Jason for his lack of respect and decency toward Melissa, Molly is not without blame either. As a woman, she should have known better, done better and had respect for another woman. She could have said…break up first and then we will see what happens. But she chose to “win” over being respectful. Her lack of decency was extremely apparent also…all that making out just a short while after Melissa left the stage was disgusting. For Molly….her walk of shame continues.
March 5th, 2009 at 8:43 AM
I don’t have time to read all the above comments, but as I was getting ready this morning Good Morning America is claiming they have “deleted” scenes from AFTR 1… And CH is suppose to be on as well… Hmmm…
March 5th, 2009 at 8:44 AM
Sorry, having a brain freeze this morning… I meant “I don’t have ime to read all the above comments, but if someone already said this, sorry!”
March 5th, 2009 at 9:00 AM
I don’t think anyone has mentioned this but during the AFTR1, Melissa’s face and eyes looked puffy. That is a sure sign that she had been crying (a lot). They edited this show to pieces.
March 5th, 2009 at 9:00 AM
This whole season of the Bachelor feels like a sci-fi mystery or something-so much intrigue and suspense!!
March 5th, 2009 at 9:11 AM
Has anyone addressed that if Molly had any integrity at all she would have steered clear of Jason until he was really free from Melissa? I think what Melissa said in the Ellen clip is right – they both betrayed her. Guess Molly doesn’t know the “Girlfriend Code”.
Did you see where Jascum’s wife pays HIM child support. What a guy.
March 5th, 2009 at 9:18 AM
Does anyone know if Melissa will be on any other shows?? I watched the clips of Ellen and am glad to hear that she is happy!
March 5th, 2009 at 9:23 AM
I would so love to see the outtakes from the AFTR 1. My guess is if they ever come out they will confirm exactly what RS has been telling us or something very close to that.
March 5th, 2009 at 9:24 AM
Did anyone see the deleted ATFR scenes on GMA this morning? Let us know please….
March 5th, 2009 at 9:33 AM
Just watched Ellen – yes, Melissa knew in advance of the ATFR b/c they had broken up already, but she kept asking earlier about Molly, and he denied all. Mel is happy and dating someone now – a guy named Ty – and the emails ARE true according to her. Wow – she is also only going to do Ellen, no others will be done according to Ellen.
March 5th, 2009 at 9:35 AM
chris on ellen…..fully chnages the story, again.
http://television.aol.com/tvtop5/ethics-under-fire-ellen-degeneres/2450133
lets see what melissa says today!
March 5th, 2009 at 9:37 AM
Oh, and Jason did tell Mel early on he had spoken with Molly to ‘check on’ her, so there was contact, and she felt hiim pulling away – and she admits she felt it was different too and maybe the spark really wasn’t there – but she asked him numerous times, and he denied speaking with Molly. She even asked him prior to the ATFR when it was scheduled early if there were going to be any blindsides, and he told her no.
March 5th, 2009 at 9:48 AM
Jason and Molly were definitely in communication after the FRC. When it started, for how long, and to what extent I am still trying to figure that out. I knew RS was dead on when he first broke the news…i am still trying to figure out what happened to the molly i used to know.
March 5th, 2009 at 10:11 AM
You know, after watching all the talking head shows and listening to Melissa on Ellen, I’m really starting to revise my opinion and wonder if this whole thing wasn’t a just sham scripted at some point during the season for ratings with everyone complicitly involved. If so, it worked; ABC got their ratings. Melissa sure rebounded fast, a little too fast for me to be comfortable with it all. We’ve all been played, I feel.
All the stories are mixed up and there are so many contradictions that separating truth from fact becomes impossible. Who knew what and when did they know it? Did they do what they had to do or were they forced to do it? What is real and what isn’t? In the end, my head is spinning and I realize I don’t care any more, do you?
The bottom line for me is that I don’t want to watch a show that think’s its great drama to play around with getting engaged & married like its some kind of game. That’s not the kind of message I want for my children, nor something I agree with.
I take my vows seriously and believe most married people do.
In the end, there’s an off switch on the TV, a fact that I’m very grateful for when it comes to the Bach/B’lette.
I guess the adult way to handle this is to realize that its just a cheap soap opera that happens to come on at night that allows me a guilty pleasure, a chance to escape the hum drum for a few minutes and that I was foolish for thinking it was something more and that I should enjoy it for what it is, not for what it isn’t. I allowed myself to get carried away, because I
suppose deep down, despite the fact that I’m a man, that the little boy in me still believes in fairy tales and especially the one of the handsome prince and the beautiful princess riding off into the sunset happily ever after. I guess not. That’s reality.
*sniff* *sniff* *sniff*
Anyone got a shoulder to cry on??
March 5th, 2009 at 10:28 AM
Kate- thank you for being honest. I can imagine this is hard for you, as a friend to Molly. Do you think you will remain friends with her after this?
Has anyone seen any deleted ATFR 1 scenes from Good Morning America? I NEED to see them!
Also, I’m finding it hard to keep up with all the media- are they going to be on Bonnie Hunt show? Also, when does Access Hollywood come on?
March 5th, 2009 at 10:33 AM
Those e-mails are very telling. MIKE FLEISS IS SUCH A JERK! When I read in the last blog from your inside source, the # 6 fact, “Only three people,(Mike Fleiss, another top-level showrunner, (Martin), and Jason knew about the plan until AFTER THE FRC,” there was the proof that Fleiss was in on this all along, and it was PLANNED for Jason to propose to Melissa, then dump her. Then for Fleiss to lie about it not being planned–of course he doesn’t want to catch the fall out–easier to throw Jason under the bus and blame it on him. The fact that they told Jason it wouldn’t hurt Melissa that much, is even more telling about the kind of person Mike Fleiss is–obviously one without a heart or feelings for other people.
I loved it when Melissa said to Jason, “you are such a bastard,” and I wonder if she said anything about the producers on that show that was edited out.
I also thought it was kind of funny that Jason and Molly got a tent for their gift at the ATFR 2, while Jesse and Deanna got a trip to Greece for their honeymoon trip that never happened, since they broke up. TENT/HONEYMOON TO GREECE –hmmm. big difference in the cost of those 2 gifts, in light of the bad publicity Jason and Molly are dealing with right now.
Steve, I think it would be great if you made Reality Steve tee shirts, mugs and other things. Since Mike Fleiss, creator of the Bachelor seems to be the biggest jerk in this whole trainwreck of a show, I would also like to see you make tee shirts and mugs in “honor” (lol) of Mike Fleiss. On the front, I think they should say, BACHELOR CREATOR, MIKE FLEISS, IS AN ARROGANT, SELFISH JACKASS! Then underneath that, put a picture of a jackass with Mike Fleiss face on it. On the back of the tee shirts and mugs, you could say something like one of the previous posters said, about being fleissed,– WARNING, AMERICA, IF YOU WATCH THE BACHELOR, YOU WILL GET FLEISSED! If you think I’m kidding, I’m not,–I think the Fleiss stuff will be some of your best sellers, and I , for one, would buy several of them. If you sell enough of them, and word gets around, he will be the laughingstock of all of America. It’s karma, Mikey, what goes around comes around.
March 5th, 2009 at 10:35 AM
canusaybrainwash:
Your posts are like a breath of fresh air.
Thanks.
March 5th, 2009 at 10:46 AM
The clip from this morning’s GMA is on their website. Here is the link to the homepage and it is right on there: http://abcnews.go.com/gma
not too sure it gives any more info though
March 5th, 2009 at 10:52 AM
Here’s what happened. Melissa and Jason had talked, and she knew what was coming, so she did decide to go on the show to make him look like the ASS he is!!!!! I’m sure husband stealing, controlling Molly was telling Jason “You better break up with her, end it NOW”!!!!! And because she has NO respect for anyone else’s relationships, was calling him continuously throughout the time they got back from NZ. She’s a sleazy whore! Plain and simple. Jason’s an idiot. Melissa is truly the winner in all this.
Steve, please make some t-shirts that say “Reality Steve is AMAZING”!!!! I definitely want one!
244-LMAO
March 5th, 2009 at 11:00 AM
Awesome, Team Gokey. I am ready. Love Adam Lambert too.
March 5th, 2009 at 11:04 AM
Molly says nothing is scripted. It’s all about “following their hearts.” Gag me now.
http://www.jsonline.com/entertainment/tvradio/40755622.html
March 5th, 2009 at 11:13 AM
340. I honestly don’t know what will come of our friendship. I feel like I need a lot of questions answered from her and unfortunately I don’t think she will be able to give them to me. But I do know her very well I can read her reactions so even if she can’t specifically tell me i’ll know if she’s lying or telling the truth
March 5th, 2009 at 11:15 AM
Kate is it your opinion she was only in it to win? I think alot of people got that impression.
March 5th, 2009 at 11:16 AM
From watching Jason do all of these interviews and listening to what he is saying; he has major issues and needs help. I honestly hope that his family will get him the help he so desperately needs.
I know they offer a counselor for the girls, but I think he needs it more than they do.
March 5th, 2009 at 11:18 AM
348. I honestly think she was in it for several reasons…of course winning was part of it but I also know she really wanted to find love. She is a very competitive person so she loves a challenge bu I also know that she does want to find true love and happiness
March 5th, 2009 at 11:19 AM
Reality Steve: I’m just so happy this site was posted on blog replies in “He Said/She Said” over at ABC Bachelor Page! From the older set (that’d be me) you are THE BOMB! While I’m not a fan, many of my friends are Dancing With The Stars BIG FANS. They asked me if there was a site like this or if your site would have an DWTS ‘juice’? I didn’t see any DWTS mentioned in your blog.
For myself, I’m also an AI steady viewer and am pretty thrilled you will be covering said show!
Thanks RS, I’m a ‘newbie’ – glad you are here!
March 5th, 2009 at 11:20 AM
Kate Well I hope she has found it. I am not so sure I see them being together forever but who knows. Are you able to say if she was dating a married man and that is why her parents did not like the guy?
March 5th, 2009 at 11:20 AM
So Chris Harrison just threw Jason under again saying: “he never had to do anything he didn’t want to do”….Chris is loving this, he hasn’t had this much screen time in ages.
What’s funny is that they arent’ letting Jason do much press except the softball stuff like Ellen and Bonnie since the show aired and the backlash started.
March 5th, 2009 at 11:21 AM
Who’s going to buy Jason’s nearly completed book?
“I MESNICKED ABC”
He’s still searching for an appropriate subtitle. …owl, are you still here?
March 5th, 2009 at 11:22 AM
Hey RS- I stumbled onto your site at the beginning of this season and I will be a dedicated fan for life. i am looking forward to more of your posts on TB and other shows. I think it’s great that you are getting some advertising, you deserve it!
As for the merchandise…..can’t wait! Comfy t-shirts……
March 5th, 2009 at 11:23 AM
352. I doubt they’ll be together forever also. I really don’t feel like it is my place to comment on her past relationship, but I will confirm that her parents REALLY did not like him and he was not even allowed in their home and there are reasons for that.
March 5th, 2009 at 11:23 AM
I just love this quote from Barbarossa’s blog:
“The Producers
These guys are soul-less monsters, we all know that. But they have violated the covenant they have with viewers with this stunt. We expect staging, hell, we look forward to parts of it. Women singing, eating beer cans and performing all sorts of stunts to entertain us. Bachelors like Brad Womack having heart to heart advice talks with professional football players they’ve just met or the required use of the words “amazing’ and ‘journey”. But the understanding has always been: “you don’t mess with the love.” Well they finally had a lovestory…maybe. Ok, ok, I admit, Jason and Molly? Bland meets bland. If I saw those two lying on a beach and walked past with my kids I’d slap my boy’s hand away, “Don’t touch them son! The dullness rubs off!” But that’s hardly our fault. They cast these two bags of fertilizer. We’ve been violated almost as badly as Melissa. I always knew these guys would pimp their grandmothers for ratings…now I think they’d shoot them.
Jason Mesnick
Ah, at last. Even if every leak is wrong and it wasn’t scripted and designed to destroy an innocent woman, Mesnick would be revealed as an emotional retard. What 32 year-old, divorced father would find himself torn between two women and then suddenly propose to one of them? Even if he’s innocent (and he’s not) what the hell could you have been thinking? But that’s beside the point, because he did this on purpose, with malice and aforethought. Before I unload both barrels into this guy I’m going to anticipate some of the whiners who are already posting around the net.
But Barbarossa, he was under contract! He had to do what he was told!
Bullshit! I guess I need to get me one of them contracts. I’m going to have everyone I know sign it and soon I’ll have my own slave army! Jesus, will you people listen to this? Let me point out a few things to the slower among the flock. Bachelors have power! Before you roll your eyes, think about this: If Eva Longoria Parker had a problem with a script on Desperate Housewives and was throwing a diva-tantrum over it do you think the director would phone the legal department and call for the lawyers? “Listen, Mrs. Parker. You’ve got a contract and if you don’t get back on that set, we’re gonna’ sue your ass off!” Hahahahahah! They wouldn”t dare! Eva would haul ass off that set like a rocket…and when she did, the entire production would come to a screeching halt. No, the director would call the producer, the writer and anyone else he needed and they would schmooze Eva’s shapely bottom and make whatever changes to the script was required to get her back to work. What makes you think the Bachelor is any different? From the first second the Bachelor is publicly announced, he has power. He’s the STAR for shits sake! Just like Lovely Eva and any of her Desperate Sisters!
And three months into a shoot? OMG! Production is in motion: houses rented, product promos set up, a crew and team is on the payroll, and they have three weeks of footage in the can. They are, to say the least, invested in the STAR to the hilt! ABC is waiting for the product they ordered and the producers had damn well better deliver. Now, replay the scenario that almost certainly happened, but instead of a spineless pustule like Jason, insert a real man into the scenario:
Producers: “So, you’ve settled on Molly, eh? Cool, Great to hear it. We need a different ending–something new and different for ratings, babe. Here’s what we want you to do: you seem to like Melissa ok too, so take her to the end and propose to her–then we’ll film the break up after filming wraps and then you and Molly can be together. What do you say?”
Bach: That’s the most horrible thing I’ve ever heard! You want me to get engaged to a girl and then dump her just so you can film it?! I won’t do anything that shameful!”
P: “Listen, bub, you’ve got a contract and you’re gonna’ open yourself up to some tough legal action unless you do what we say!”
B: “Blood from a turnip…and the next one of you sons-a-bitches even breaths the word ‘lawsuit’ I’m walking off this fucking set, finding the nearest reporter and telling ‘em what you asked me to do!”
A chill would fill the room cold enough to freeze an Eskimo’s balls. Millions of dollars into production you think they’re going try and run their STAR off?! But of course, that’s not how the conversation went, is it? Here is probably what it sounded like with Jason:
Producers: “So, you’ve settled on Molly, eh? Cool, Great to hear it. We need a different ending–something new and different for ratings, babe. Here’s what we want you to do: you seem to like Melissa ok too, so take her to the end and propose to her. Then we’ll film the break up after filming wraps and then you and Molly can be together. What do you say?”
Tranny-man: (Whines and rubs his two-inch dick) “Oh, ok, Mike. Whatever you want.” Disgusting!”
March 5th, 2009 at 11:25 AM
I love 292s definition of melaneyed. It isn’t on urban dictionary yet. But mesnick and mesnicked are. lol
March 5th, 2009 at 11:26 AM
Kate.I understand and respect that. Does it have anything to do with why she moved?
March 5th, 2009 at 11:27 AM
Does anyone have a report on Jaded’s ex-wife interview or a link?
Thanks in advance.
March 5th, 2009 at 11:32 AM
I would love to see a “bachelorette” on the Bachelor who wins his heart and when he proposes, she says no. If I were younger and not married, I would sign up for the job.
March 5th, 2009 at 11:33 AM
OMG I’m so excited about Melissa’s interview on Ellen.
- Admits the emails are real.
- Admits she KNOWS J and Molly had contact at least once (When he was “checking on her”).. duh.. like that was the ONLY time.
- Even though Jason said he thinks they’ll be friends again (on Jimmy Kimmel) Melissa said no way!
- She admits she’s back with Ty and very happy!!!!
I love Melissa today.
March 5th, 2009 at 11:35 AM
It’s becoming more apparent each day that Jason was never in love with Melissa the way he was with Molly. In the Ellen interview Melissa says Jason started backing away from her almost immediately after they returned from New Zealand. He wouldn’t tell her why and lied about being in contact with Molly. ATFR1 was taped early because Jason couldn’t go on with the pretense any longer and really wanted to be with Molly.
These were not the actions of a man who was in love with the woman he proposed to, the one he said he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. He should never have proposed to Melissa because he wasn’t in love with Melissa to the degree he should have been. There’s no doubt in my mind that the proposal (and ensuing breakup) was part of the story line set out by Fleiss and company in order to create drama and increase ratings, and it worked.
None of this would have been exposed had it not been for our man RS. How can anyone doubt him now?
March 5th, 2009 at 11:50 AM
I want a comfy night shirt that says “Steve Rocks My Reality!”
Don’t know how my husband will feel about it…but hey…I bet it would be a top seller!
March 5th, 2009 at 11:53 AM
I agree with all of what Barbaroosa’s blog said in addition to RS initial break. As far as what we saw on the ATFR they either edited Melissa’s reactions down when they saw the gowing backlash on the boards after the leak or they filmed two versions of it- one with Melissa really going off on him and then after she calmed down they ask for another milder take of it. I see no other reason why she would apologize to Jason for getting that mad at him. Rememember Fleiss’s Network suggestion- there was no wild meltdown by any of the three parties shown. I believe footage on the cutting room floor shows a more raw reaction with more screaming and cursing. The version they decided to show made it easier to later say Melissa allready had an inkling what was coming. In my mind that is the only reason a person who was humiliated would have to email Jason the following day to apologize for how angry she got at him. There was more than was shown.
March 5th, 2009 at 12:01 PM
It’s been years since I watched “Network” and curious to figure out why Fleiss would compare this season’s TB to that particular movie. I found some telling(?) results in this review of the movie.
I’ve taken some liberties identifying the characters, but Fleiss’ comparison is making more sense to me now. After reading this review, I see that it’s NOT merely about “I’m mad as hell and not going to take it anymore”. Although we might all agree there is much we will never know, I think Fleiss might have been pointing us in the right direction.
“…Max [Fleiss?] has his own reasons for supporting Beale [Jason?]: the network is threatening to cut the budget… in order to decrease the debt load, a decision they failed to notify Max [MF] about beforehand [Jason's ATFR actions might be analogous to committing suicide]. When Howard [JM] goes off…. Max refuses to cut the live feed [stop filming] as a protest against the network’s unfair treatment.
…”What if the network encouraged [JM's] irrational behavior?….That’s exactly what [is accomplished] when “The Howard Beale Show” [The Batchelor 13] debuts.
…”Max leaves his wife and moves into Diana’s apartment [Jason's antics and unfaithfulness]…. and as Howard’s [Jason's] ratings slip….Max and Diana’s [J and Mel] union also falters.
…”the mindlessness and callousness of television…reduces every aspect of human sentiment and interaction to one-dimensional superficialities, [and] ultimately destroys every character in this film.
Darkly prophetic, no?
March 5th, 2009 at 12:28 PM
Here’s the full text of Melissa’s statement from ATFR2 (they only read a small part of it)
http://www.realitytvworld.com/news/abc-releases-full-text-of-melissa-rycroft-the-bachelor-statement-8554.php
March 5th, 2009 at 12:30 PM
#354 GrewmeAname  *Smiley*  Sure! Let me give it a shot!
I Mesnicked ABC!My Walk of Shame
or
I Mesnicked ABC!The Fleis Files
or
I Mesnicked ABC!How to Make Money with Integrity
March 5th, 2009 at 12:34 PM
reallife
your posts are like a breath of fresh sphincter
March 5th, 2009 at 12:37 PM
Another article from the same site about choosing the new Bachelorette:
http://www.realitytvworld.com/news/jillian-harris-actually-third-choice-be-next-the-bachelorette-star-8553.php
March 5th, 2009 at 12:50 PM
Looks like “Malaneyed” is now in the urban dictionary (thanks jpchick).
March 5th, 2009 at 12:57 PM
Jason doesn’t it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!women are not mad because he changed his mind, feelings change….It’s HOW he did it.
I mean has he not seen the show? If he ever cared for Melissa he would have played nice until the taping was over and then broke up, a few days later. And I don’t agree with Fliss, it’s not the same as dumping Molly, Jason never asked Molly to marry him, that’s the difference.
Maybe if he stopped thinking of himself, and have at the very least some compassion for Melissa maybe the women of America wouldn’t think he’s such a dick!
March 5th, 2009 at 1:24 PM
For what it is worth, I really don’t think this was all scripted. I think Jason was into Melissa, and with his mind thought she was the logical choice. But as he watched the show air he was able to relive the fantasy of life with Molly and just couldn’t let go. That would be why his feelings with Mel seemed to change so quickly.
It was obvious that Jason has no ‘poker face’: unlike previous Bachelors, he pretty much dumped Molly as soon as he saw her; there was no drawn out “you are so wonderful blah blah but…”.
I think Jason was ready to dump Melissa, but wanted to do so in person, not over the phone or in email. But my guess would be that the producers wouldn’t let Jason have a private face to face with her before the taping of the show. So Jason is left with the option of either dumping her on the show or trying to fake it and dump her later. As I said before, Jason cannot keep a straight face, and thus couldn’t wait to dump Mel. till after the taping. This way Jason was right: the producers made him have to break up with Mel on the show, but at the same time the producers are right in that Jason could have said something to Mel before tha taping via phone or he could have waited and pretended things were okay… Obviously the producers knew what Jason’s plans were, but I really think it was because J was trying to get them to relax the contract to let him see her befre the taping of the show. No great conspiracy, but great luck for the show’s ratings.
March 5th, 2009 at 1:29 PM
Everyone needs to watch Melissa on Ellen today. She said she knew it was coming, she knew it was over, she’s not made he broke up on TV. What she is mad about is he told her about Molly on TV and not ahead of time.
She already has a new boyfriend, someone she’s know for a while. She’s moved on. I think it’s time for the rest of us to stop beating this dead horse.
March 5th, 2009 at 1:47 PM
Ok, So here is my idea…
It’s kinda more of a business proposition…
What i’ll need is 5 million dollars…
I will go on The Bachelor… make it to the final 2 then during the AFRC i will walk up to Mike Fleiss, hand him the 5 mil, and say “Here’s your money asshole, go ahead and sue me, i’m writing a Tell All Book!!!”
Whoever lent me the money, i will split the proceeds 50/50!!!
Who’s IN!?!?
March 5th, 2009 at 1:51 PM
Thing is…if ABC did indeed pull all of this off for ‘ratings’ then by golly they are getting exactly what they had hoped for. Not only are people on every board that mentions jason/molly/mel and still talking/debating about it 3 days later, but the entire country practically is watching every single talk show that one or all of them are on. Ratings Hype? If so, they win. In a few months there will be a new show that everyone will be buzzing about. Jason/molly/mel will be but a memory. I don’t even remember who half of the bach’s were. The 3 of them will go on with their lives, and everyone will forget who they are. Unless they are Ryan and Trista and keep reappearing. So, in the grand scheme of things, the network got a heck of a lot of publicity for this show. Something like 3 million more viewers than previous weeks? You don’t think that was anticipated? The next Bachelorette will probably be the most watched in history as it comes on the heels of the most contriversial bachelor. Give them a little credit here…….
March 5th, 2009 at 2:17 PM
Steve – i think you’re great, but I also think you might be suffering from delusions of grandeur about this whole thing. You said yourself the Us Weekly article had even more insider info than you were privy to, but came to the same conclusions. I suspect this information was “leaked†on purpose to draw hype to the finale and ATFR, and was successful at that goal. My suspicion is yes, some of your readers tuned in to watch, but the hype was generated by more mainstream news sources like Us Weekly. Taking responsibility for 5-7 million additional people is kind of a stretch, no?
March 5th, 2009 at 2:24 PM
#375– That is TOO funny… If I had the 5 million I would SO do that with you!
March 5th, 2009 at 2:39 PM
I just added the word “Mesnicked” to Urban Dictionary and they accepted it LOL. I saw someone mentioned the word “Malaneyed”, so I thought our Mesnicked would be a good one hehe. Check it out and let me know what you guys think of the definition and examples
March 5th, 2009 at 3:03 PM
SeaDub makes a good point, makes you wonder if this whole thing was a setup
March 5th, 2009 at 3:10 PM
I have listened to interviews given by Chris Harrison, Mike Fleis, Jason and Melissa that have been released since After the Final Rose 2. My question is, have you noticed that both Mike Fleis and Chris Harrison have subtly changed the subject when asked specifically w”as Jason forced to the break up and reconciliation on TV?” Neither one answered the question. They simply alluded to the past bachelor endings. I think both would qualify for politics the way they changed the subject. Mind you I feel horrible for Melissa but I have to believe there was something in Jason’s contrat the we are not privy to. ABC & Fleis had past expierences and knowledge of how to tweek Jason’s contract in their favor. I get the feeling that the powers that be at ABC/Bachelor are doing damage control at the expense of the participants from this season.
March 5th, 2009 at 3:27 PM
Mesnicked – To be proposed to by a pussy masquerading as a man.
Malaneyed – To be domineered by skanky whore who only wants you if you’re already taken.
March 5th, 2009 at 3:32 PM
Melissa was such a doll on Ellen – I am so impressed with her. I’m glad she’s staying out of reality tv – she’ll make a great teacher – she’s a natural with kids. Also glad to see she’s back with her ex – hope he’ll be good for her.
I forwarded the info on Mesnicked and Malaneyed to Ellen Degeneres – it may be too late for the interview. It’s probably already taped – but was hoping she’d get it in time to ask if they were aware that new words had been created because of them.
March 5th, 2009 at 3:43 PM
Pretty in Pink – LOL just looked it up in the urban dictionary! Great! Love it!
March 5th, 2009 at 3:52 PM
OMG have you seen http://tvwatch.people.com/2009/03/05/bachelor-jason-mesnicks-change-of-heart/
Jason and molly are so dam smug – how do they sleep at night. Melissa full on tells the word that Jason lied and HAD been in touch with Molly. Jason needs to be called out on this – on TV – soemone needs to interview him and say it straight out – YOU LIED – fudge what a freakn’ loser. How can they live with themselves – like I said before they need a good rattle – or a few slaps.
March 5th, 2009 at 3:55 PM
Please NO advertising or stupid product sales. I love reading your blog and especially enjoy it as a commerce free zone!
March 5th, 2009 at 4:05 PM
You guys are ballsy. I think putting Jason and Molly in the Urban Dictionary in such an insulting manner is the ultimate punishment. Way to go!
March 5th, 2009 at 4:10 PM
It’s great to see all of the bits and pieces fit together in favor of RS and fall apart for Jason & ABC. Wow, now that’s entertainment!
And why did AI have to bring back Tatiana??? Noooooo!
March 5th, 2009 at 4:14 PM
#388 – I sooooo agree with you. Is she a headcase or what?
No way she’ll make it through.
March 5th, 2009 at 4:41 PM
I told my husband if I see Jason or Molly walking around the streets of Seattle I will punch them in the face! Since I don’t want to go to jail I will probably just have to tell them off…but they better hope they don’t run into me.
I haven’t watched TB in years and only watched this season because he was local guy…boy did he disappoint! I hope all of America doesn’t think all Seattle guys are like him.
March 5th, 2009 at 5:08 PM
Fleiss said, “There was no contractual obligation,” Fleiss countered. “You can check the contract. … How would you put that in a contact anyway? Like, everything you do in your life must be shown on ABC. It’s impossible.” I want to see the contract, don’t you? Does someone know if this is available somewhere? RS, help me! LOL
March 5th, 2009 at 5:19 PM
389. TerriAnn — She is such a drama queen, and I don’t even think she can sing that well. There were others I would have brought back before her, but that’s just my opinion.
March 5th, 2009 at 5:20 PM
Submitted for Review (UD)
Melisecond
The measure of time one’s marriage engagement lasts. (Suggesting, that it ended abruptly by one of the parties)
That is odd, it seems as though Jason and Melissa’s engagement only lasted for a melisecond.
by TommyboynTX on Mar 5, 2009
tags: engagement, heartache, embarassment, marriage, time
March 5th, 2009 at 5:30 PM
Some of you really make me laugh.
So you are pissed at Jason for breaking up with Melissa on TV which Melissa on Ellen said didn’t happen because they both new it was over before that.
Melissa is dating a guy 6 weeks after Jason and her broke up and she had been dating off and on for 2 years??? Where’s the outrage over that?
Is Jason a dirtbag for lying to Melissa about talking to Molly? sure, but I hate to break it to some of you that stuff goes on everyday in real life.
Melissa’s with a guy, Molly and Jason are together, all seem to be happy, seems like everything worked out well for everyone.
March 5th, 2009 at 5:44 PM
394 – well then there would be nothing to talk about! LOL I don’t get it either. I hardly think Melissa is the victim here. You could tell when when she walked on set she was pissed. She was not smiling at all! She knew what was about to happen. She wasn’t upset because they broke up, only that he didn’t tell her about Molly until she got there on camera. It hurt her pride. She admitted herself that she knew! Where is the bashing coming from? Melissa has too many inconstistenies in her life story. No of us were with them when the camera stopped rolling. She could have been a total bitch for all we know. Please
March 5th, 2009 at 6:08 PM
394- there is a world of difference between dating someone 6 weeks after an engagement is over and cheating on your fiancé.
After the engagement was over, Melissa was free to do whatever she wishes. Nothing she did at that point affected Jason or their relationship in any way.
Jason carried on with Molly while he was engaged to Melissa and repeatedly lied to her about it. What he did not only affected his relationship with Melissa, it destroyed it.
If anything, Jason and Molly look WORSE today than they did yesterday. At least yesterday Jason could have been perceived by some as an honest guy who made a boneheaded move on TV…. Now, after the Ellen interview we know that his is a liar and a cheat.
March 5th, 2009 at 6:18 PM
here’s another new one for the urban dictionary:
mesdick – noun – a guy who promises you the world then promptly withdraws and dumps you.
March 5th, 2009 at 6:22 PM
Hi Kate, I was wondering what your impressions were of Molly’s reaction/behavior at the ATFR 1 and 2. You mentioned you could tell if she was being truthful. Do you think her responses and actions were genuine? Thanks!
March 5th, 2009 at 6:24 PM
Where is 6 weeks coming from?
Melissa and Ty were seen together since 12 Feb. Maybe even dating before that. In fact it is likely that Mel was cheating on Jason with Ty. Since she has been dating Ty on and off for two years.
If you think Jason lied about the call to Molly what about Melissa’s lies about her dating history?
March 5th, 2009 at 6:24 PM
#397 LMFAO!
March 5th, 2009 at 6:31 PM
I’d be interested in RS shirts!
March 5th, 2009 at 6:38 PM
#399. denise2802 | March 5th, 2009 at 6:24 pm
Where is 6 weeks coming from?
Melissa and Ty were seen together since 12 Feb. Maybe even dating before that. In fact it is likely that Mel was cheating on Jason with Ty. Since she has been dating Ty on and off for two years.
If you think Jason lied about the call to Molly what about Melissa’s lies about her dating history?
=================================================
if you’ve been following RS from the beginning, you would know the ATFR was filmed on january 18. jascum says he broke up with melissa on the phone the week before that. jascum was already sucking tongue with molly for at least 3 weeks by feb 12.
March 5th, 2009 at 6:42 PM
And Melissa with Ty. And Feb 12th is not when they got together rather it was when the reports that they were together started.
Don’t you think it odd she took up with her on-off bf who she badmouthed during the show so fast? Hardly seems heartbroken
March 5th, 2009 at 6:46 PM
#403. denise2802 | March 5th, 2009 at 6:42 pm
And Melissa with Ty. And Feb 12th is not when they got together rather it was when the reports that they were together started.
Don’t you think it odd she took up with her on-off bf who she badmouthed during the show so fast? Hardly seems heartbroken
========================================================
he was not her ex that her friends were talking about. she and he had only dated on and off, they weren’t ‘boyfriend’ and ‘girlfriend’.
jascum dated at least a dozen women, they weren’t all his ‘girlfriends’. dating does not mean ‘boyfriend’ or ‘girlfriend’, i means dating.
March 5th, 2009 at 6:50 PM
But she said on the show she hadn’t dated in 3 years.
March 5th, 2009 at 6:52 PM
Urban Dictionary entry?
New word: Domesnicated
To destroy a future happy home by a mesnick experiencing relationship whiplash.
Did you hear that John dumped Jane for a younger woman? Jane’s dream was domesnicated in less than a melisecond.
March 5th, 2009 at 6:53 PM
I don’t really want to argue I just do not believe that Mel is a little angel victim everyone is making her out to be.
I never really took to Mel. I really liked Jillian and am looking forward to her season which I hope TPTB will not manipulate because they will want a genuine love story.
March 5th, 2009 at 7:07 PM
‘Little angel victim’? I don’t recall anyone saying anything like that. Let’s face it, what Jason did was shitty. Feel free to nit pick her and try to find fault with Melissa but the bottom line is Jason is weak and tries to portray HIMSELF as the victim at all times. As far as I’m concerned Melissa is very lucky to be rid of that ass and Jason and Molly are a perfect loser couple.
March 5th, 2009 at 7:16 PM
Watching Ellen now….can’t wait for Mel to come out!
March 5th, 2009 at 7:23 PM
I think the thing that has most people outraged still, even those that don’t know or care or believe the conspiracy theories and are only going by what they saw on the show is the fact that Jason got engaged to women, then on the same night that he dumped that women on National TV, a) wanted the other women to start a relationship with him (coffee my ass) and b) starting pawing her and making out on the sofa with her and c) wanting people to forgive him and understand that he was only following his heart.
It looked bad and was bad. You don’t disrepect anyone in that manner. This would all go away if Jason a) assumed responsibility instead of mesnicking and b) apologized.
But he won’t so here we are.
To take a phrase from a country song: “Forgive: That’s a mighty big word for such a small man….”
March 5th, 2009 at 7:24 PM
denise2802… being spotted with Ty on Feb. 12 means absolutely nothing. That was after the break up. Anything she did at that time was fine – the relationship was Jason was over at that point, and she already knew the depth of his deception.
Everything else you discussed is baseless rumors, and flat out speculation on your part. You’re looking to condemn her based on the semantics of what she said on the show – which we also know was heavily edited. IF she said that she hadn’t dated in three years, she may have clarified the statement by saying she hadn’t dated anyone seriously – and they edited that part out…. who knows?!?!… you and I certainly don’t.
You’re using your speculation and baseless rumors to justify Jason’s actions and it’s just not going to fly here.
March 5th, 2009 at 7:26 PM
Jason still has his head up his mesnick.
March 5th, 2009 at 7:38 PM
#412 Jill Wait a minute…I’m confused.
I thought Jason’s mesnick was where he had his brains.
On second thought maybe we can agree that one lobe (the superego) is located where you said and maybe the other lobe (id) is located where I said. Hmmm?
That would certainly explain why one is so large and the other is so tiny, so that probably is more scientifically accurate.
What do you think?
Perhaps there is a doctor in the house who could assist us?
March 5th, 2009 at 7:45 PM
*SNORT* he’s both a mesnickhole and a mesnickhead.
March 5th, 2009 at 7:45 PM
Just watched Access Hollywood and they said Jason was supose to be on tomorrow but he cancel his interview. Maybe he is starting to figure out that everyone hates him now.
March 5th, 2009 at 7:48 PM
mesnickbag
March 5th, 2009 at 7:51 PM
mesnickawussy 1) the act of evasion when caught red-handed mesnicking 2) lacking in manly fortitude
Jason was such a mesnickawussy about going on Access Hollywood Friday.
March 5th, 2009 at 7:58 PM
Has Hillary (Jason’s ex) shown up in-person (live) on any show? It doesn’t seems so.
March 5th, 2009 at 8:02 PM
#414 Jill (Owl lifts wing in salute)
We agee then. It’s official-he’s both.
Order 34342343
Subject: Reclassification
Date: 5 March 2009
Specialist Jason Mesnick, by order of the realitysteve.com bulletin board, has sometime during the months of Sept 08-Jan 09 proved himself by hitting repeatedly below the belt, without class and decency, while continously mesnicking on the show the Bachelor, to deserve promotion to the next lowest rank.
ATTENTION: Specicalist Messnick, serial number 00000, you are now promoted to the rank of “Mesnicawussy” and are hereby entitled to all rights, privledges and associated responsibiites said rank grants you and are hereby ordered to go xxxx yourself.
DISMISSED.
March 5th, 2009 at 8:19 PM
Denise 2802 – the ATFR1 was taped mid January – she had already been dumped on tv by Feb 12 – It just didn’t air until Mar.
Owl -#410 – You are 100% correct in your assessment. Most people are pissed off because he was so cruel – he was cold to Jill at the WTA; he was absolutely cruel to Melissa; and I doubt many people believe that J and Mol were not seeing each other. He is a cheater – anyone who has been on the recipient end of that kind of behavior themselves will have a knee-jerk reaction to that kind of situation. Unfortunately, there are a lot of us out here.
Additionally, it’s all about Jason – what’s best for him, what he needs, what he wants, not his fault, it’s everyone else’s fault………..he needs to grow up and start acting like a man instead of a mama’s boy.
As for Molly – we already know she prefers men who are already spoken for. We know she was with a married man for 3 years – some people don’t want to believe it, but it is a fact. I don’t know that she went on TB just to force her married bf to leave his wife – that is the rumor. But I don’t know that it’s true. But she didn’t win – so she set out to get first place – Jason – even though he was engaged. But it’s not Mol’s fault, either – it is Jason’s fault – totally. He knew he was not available, he was engaged – it was about what he wanted. In all honesty, Mel and Jay would never have made it together. They are 2 different people – Mel is so sweet, loving, outgoing, trusting and caring of others. Jason cares about himself and Ty. Mel would have been nored to death with Jason.
Molly and Jason are more alike than Mel and Jason – but they won’t make it either. Molly just wanted to win – she knew she could get him the same way she kept the married bf – sex. Let’s face it – affairs are mostly sex – rarely is it about true love. So she used the sex card on the last chance date. Jay just couldn’t get it out of his head – so he and Molly continued seeing each other. An affair is the ultimate in non-commitment – Mol will never committ to J for the long term. And quite frankly, I can’t blame her.
I’d love to hear what Hillary Mesnick has to say – hope if anyone hears anything they will post the link here.
Owl and Jill – love your definitions. I wish you could call Ellen before they are taped on her show and ask J & M if they know what any of those words mean. On second thought, J would probably think it was a compliment.
March 5th, 2009 at 8:22 PM
419 – lol
March 5th, 2009 at 8:23 PM
You all are so funny–love reading the comments. I did see the Melissa interview on Ellen today, and I was very proud of her. She confirmed that the e-mails are true. Did you all notice, though, that in the e-mails there are blank spots? I think there was a word left out of them, perhaps the name Fleiss.
Mel did say that Jason lied to her about Molly. It’s very obvious that Jason has been lying about a lot of things. Anyone who can’t see that, needs to look again. As I mentioned in a previous comment, watch his body language. I saw a show about body language, and the guy said that if a person is lying, they will blink their eyes a lot while talking. I really noticed a lot of blinking while Chris Harrison was being interviewed by Ellen and I noticed Molly blinking a lot the night of the ATFR 2, when she was being asked questions by Chris, and blinked her eyes a lot during her answers.
It will be interesting to see Ellen’s interview tomorrow. I’m sure Ellen is aware of RS blogs. She probably has been for a long time, but I did e-mail her and Oprah both about them several days ago. I also e-mailed the Bonnie Hunt Show about them. Bonnie is to have Jason on her show next Monday.
Ellen asked Mel if she and Jason and Molly would ever be friends, and Mel said , “No, they do not have the character of the kind of people she wants to be friends with, because Jason lied to her.” In my opinion, she is showing just what a class act she is, by refusing to be the next Bachelorette. Why would anyone want to be associated with with such a load of crap show, knowing what she knows about it now? Smart girl, Melissa!
March 5th, 2009 at 8:29 PM
#420 posted…..
“As for Molly – we already know she prefers men who are already spoken for. We know she was with a married man for 3 years – some people don’t want to believe it, but it is a fact. I don’t know that she went on TB just to force her married bf to leave his wife – that is the rumor. But I don’t know that it’s true. But she didn’t win – so she set out to get first place – Jason – even though he was engaged. But it’s not Mol’s fault, either – it is Jason’s fault – totally. He knew he was not available, he was engaged – it was about what he wanted. In all honesty, Mel and Jay would never have made it together. They are 2 different people – Mel is so sweet, loving, outgoing, trusting and caring of others. Jason cares about himself and Ty. Mel would have been nored to death with Jason. ”
I 100% agree with that. great post.
OMG @ Idol giving Tatiana another chance. WHY??!?!?! ugh.
March 5th, 2009 at 8:31 PM
420 – sorry – it’s supposed to be “bored to death” , not “nored to death” – maybe that’s jest a Messickism.
March 5th, 2009 at 8:32 PM
OWL is cracking me up. If I’m not careful, I may mesnick my pants!
March 5th, 2009 at 8:32 PM
424 – another sorry – maybe that’s “JUST a Messickism”. I either need sleep or a proofreader.
March 5th, 2009 at 8:33 PM
LMAO @ all of you with the new vocabulary. Ah, I love it.
March 5th, 2009 at 8:53 PM
New word: Emesnicate
The act of teaching the mesnick a lesson by handing him his “family jewels” in a sandwich bag.
After John cheated on Jane and then dumped her, he seriously underestimated her resolve to publicly emesnicate him.
March 5th, 2009 at 8:59 PM
Don’t you think the background check done on the bach and his ex-wife would have resulted in some sort of payment and agreement with the ex to prevent her from tainting their star? My bet is that she has her own confidentiality agreement and made a few bucks.
March 5th, 2009 at 9:01 PM
#425 Jill
Oh no, not THAT.
That would be grossly mesnicalicious.
#426 whoknew
You are very mesnichistic.
March 5th, 2009 at 9:21 PM
Thanks for the info. This season wouldn’t have been the same without you.
I will forever remember Jason as someone who lacks moral fiber. Molly’s role in this isn’t surprising, especiallly after reading her back story. I guess they were truly made for each other.
Jillian’s should be better. I read and reread your Meredith comments and wondered exactly what you mean.
March 5th, 2009 at 9:23 PM
#422- disillusioned grandma-
I couldn’t agree with you more… Melissa was a true class act on Ellen today and I loved her saying she wouldn’t want to be friends w/ jason or molly as they aren’t the class of people she would want to be friends with. The name left out of the emails was “Martin” apparently he’s another producer. Here’s a link to the emails (not from accesshollywood.com’s article and they didn’t delete out the name in this one. Here’s the link:
http://bachelor13.wordpress.com/2009/03/03/after-the-after-the-final-rose-taping/#comments
March 5th, 2009 at 9:24 PM
I just watched Molly’s video on the ABC website (the diary of the departed after the FRC) and it made me chuckle. She criticizes Melissa for having no life experience and for having always lived in Texas. This from someone who grew up in Grand Rapids, went to school in Indiana and then hopped that big pond all the way over to metropolitan Milwaukee. Nothing against those places, but there isn’t much difference between any of them and the people are pretty similar. This girl is so naive it’s really kind of sad.
March 5th, 2009 at 9:48 PM
Steve
What about “Reality Steve” -”What a Ride”
March 5th, 2009 at 9:49 PM
Whopps I meant to say, on a Tee-Shirt. Sorry
March 5th, 2009 at 9:56 PM
I have really enjoyed you girls and your Mesnickisms – Laughter truly is the best medicine, isn’t it?
Steve’s blogs are the best – and talking to you guys has been so much fun. I doubt any of us will look at TB the same way again – we’ll be looking for all the twists and turns before they happen – and probably will overthink every word that is said.
I wasn’t going to watch TB anymore, but I enjoy reading these blogs so much – both RS blog, and everyone’s comments, that I may have to break down and watch. However, I’ll watch with new eyes (nothing like Mol’s AMAZING eyes or Deanna’s BLINKING eyes) and will try not to get so emotionally invested!!!
March 5th, 2009 at 9:57 PM
test
March 5th, 2009 at 10:13 PM
Saw this on ABC’s board and loved it!
Quote of the Week
“Jason might be contractually obligated to have a final rose ceremony and he’s no doubt obligated to appear on the After the Final Rose special. He is not, however, contractually obligated to act like an a–hole  I believe he managed to do that all by himself.”
-Brad Womack, Former Bachelor
March 5th, 2009 at 10:14 PM
#402..right on! So many refuse to take off the “Melissa Rose Colored, poor Gir” blinders. For some reason they all think she is what she projects on tv and she’s not. But, let them go on. No one every thought “hmmm, maybe the big problem was that over the holidays, Melissa was seeing her ex and someone found out and told Jason”. Jason said the reasons for the breakup would do nothing but harm Melissa and it was not for him to say anything publicy about her. But everyone just ignores that and blames Jason totally.; I took off my “Melissa Rose Colored Glasses” a long time ago..see her for what she really is~
March 5th, 2009 at 10:17 PM
I think I just fell in love with Brad!
March 5th, 2009 at 10:18 PM
Me too, Jill!
March 5th, 2009 at 10:21 PM
I meant