I’m sure there were people that were truly geeked out about the solar eclipse yesterday. And maybe for people in cities that saw full totality, it was cool. For me? Not so much. We got about 70% coverage here in Dallas and basically, it was nothing. Sure it got about 10 degrees cooler and the shade of lighting was different, but honestly, it was a whole giant bag of nothing. Oh well. Wake me up in April of 2024 when Dallas is supposed to get 100% coverage, then maybe I’ll be the slightest bit interested. Seeing all the news stories of people camping out, traveling miles and miles and miles to sit in a chair to watch something for 2 minutes – I don’t know. I almost feel like these are the same people who would comment on social media about how Rachel and Peter deserve to be together and she made a terrible choice. I just don’t get it, and maybe I’m not supposed to. But yesterday was a whole lot a build up for not much of a payoff. Then again, I don’t care about space or anything involved with it, so again, I might not be the right audience. It certainly didn’t affect my day one way or another. But I’ll be damn if some people weren’t brought to tears by it. WTF?
The big “Bachelor” news to break towards the end of last week was in regards to Peter. Mike Fleiss tweeted out a rather cryptic tweet I’m sure you’ve seen by now. If not, here’s what he wrote:
Do we really want a Bachelor who isn't ready to settle down with a woman he loves? Hmmm. Not what #thebachelor is all about…
— Mike Fleiss (@fleissmeister) August 17, 2017
Within two hours, this story went up on People.com which was basically throwing shade at Peter. Let me explain how this works. All those “sources” who were rushing to People with those quotes are directly linked to the show. They wanted it out there that basically if Peter isn’t the “Bachelor,” it’s because they never wanted him in the first place. That couldn’t be more of a lie if they tried. Total BS and don’t buy any of it. What I’ve been hearing is they absolutely want Peter, he isn’t interested (as of now), so they spun the narrative to People to make it seem like they would never want someone like him to begin with. Which couldn’t be further from the truth. Of COURSE they want Peter. He’s the most talked about contestant from this past season, is good looking, age appropriate and has a rabid fan base bordering on maniacal. He checks off every box of the “Bachelor” for them. Well, except one. He’s not interested in getting married at the end of this thing, and that’s where the problem lies.
I told you all throughout last season where Peter’s head was at. He didn’t come on this show to meet a wife or propose to anyone. Was never going to happen. That’s not why he was there. He was there to build a brand, just like most of these people are. But apparently this guy is dead set on not getting engaged at the end and won’t play ball with them, hence the reason he’s told them no. However, just because he says no, don’t think production is just like, “Oh, ok. Thanks for thinking about us. We’ll move on.” Please. They will try anything they can to get him to change his mind. Whether or not they’ll succeed, I don’t know. Can’t predict the future. Peter needs to weigh what’s more important. Continue to build his brand off Rachel’s season, or become the lead on a show watched by roughly 8 million people a week on network television. He needs to figure out if that is worth it to him to at least open himself up to the chance that he might fall hard for one of these women hand picked for him. I mean, if I were him I don’t know why he’d turn it down. It’s still not over yet, but, don’t think they aren’t done pursuing him.
So IF it isn’t Peter, and that’s a big if, everyone is weighing in on who it could be. Hell, Chris Harrison came back the next day after the People story ran and even HE said it’s not over with Peter. So if he’s saying it, you know they’re still after him. Because Chris has no problem throwing shade at people they don’t want anymore. He certainly could’ve in that situation and chose not to. So now everyone seems to be turning their attention towards others. Is it gonna be Ben Higgins? Eric? Wells? Dean? The names are endless. Basically right now, no one has any idea. I sure don’t. I still think there’s a chance with Peter, but how much of a chance? Not sure. That’s who they want. If it’s not him, you’re gonna have a hell of a time convincing the audience whoever they choose was their first choice. Just to set the record straight, Ben Higgins basically eliminated himself and it certainly doesn’t sound like Wells is all that fired up for it. I just don’t see Wells in that role. He comes across much more like a buddy than a leading man. But stranger things have happened I guess. We’re still a few weeks away from the announcement, so there’s time.
We might have our first update on the Bachelor “Winter Games” this February, unless Fleiss is just spewing garbage again. Last night he tweeted this:
After careful consideration of several countries around the globe, the 2018 Winter Games have been awarded to the great state of Vermont!!!
— Mike Fleiss (@fleissmeister) August 22, 2017
So if he’s being serious, looks like filming will take place at some resort in Vermont. I’ve never been to Vermont but I’ve seen it on a map. About as big as my pinky fingernail. Can’t imagine it’s loaded with a ton of different resorts where we wouldn’t be able to figure out where they are. Still plenty early on that, but that’s our first clue as to the location. They’ve always said it’s gonna be in the states and not overseas, so I guess this is technically our second clue.
Get your “Reader Emails” and “Dr. Reality Steve” emails in for the next two days. I’m really excited to tell you about this week’s podcast guest because frankly, it’s one of the better interviews you’ll hear.
And finally our poll question this week is which couple are you feeling the most right now?

rob22
August 22, 2017 at 11:14 AM
BIP is normally pretty weak. But, I mean, could they have a MORE self absorbed crowd this season? Not that they aren’t always that way, but this crew is narcissistic X 100. Is there even one down to earth person on this season? I know. That’s not what the show is about, but they usually have a couple of normal people. I guess when you’re building a brand, it’s all about the exposure and controversy. Gotta get eyes on you. Oh, and a few hookups certainly are a nice side benefit. Before and after the show.
And, why on earth is Amanda Stanton on this show AGAIN? She’s really got the fame w**** bug, doesn’t she?
ctrealitygirl
August 22, 2017 at 11:49 AM
I couldn’t agree with you more rob22! I think in general that “Bachelor Nation” is getting pretty insufferable. Who do these people think they are?? And all the girls oohing and ahhing over boring Adam…yikes! And his partner Matt, who got booted the same episode in Rachel’s season. And don’t get me started about Iggy, Diggy and Alex!! And, as far as Amanda Stanton goes, I do not understand what guys see in her…she’s not even what I would call pretty. I have not gotten through one episode in its entirety…what a lame cast!
thedoctor
August 22, 2017 at 1:18 PM
Yes, very lame season. BIP should be drunkenness, slutiness, just all out bad behavior. Due to the Pres speech, my recording ended early. I have no plans to watch on demand, what is the point. I know I don’t fully pay attention, but during he rose ceremony, there were people I never saw all episode. jack stone comes to mind, I can’t even remember the others. can we at least get some nudity!
madeline24
August 22, 2017 at 1:23 PM
I think it’s hilarious that Robby really wanted Raven, but she was repulsed by him, so Amanda was his 2nd choice. This has a 25% chance of working in the real world. Also, Amanda & Robby saying his has not met her kids, when they snapped her kids walking Robby’s dog and he was at their apt. She is one dumb bunny & so disgusting, fake & plastic looking.
tamara
August 22, 2017 at 3:16 PM
What a snoozefest. Except Taylor and Derek, none of these couples are even half way believable.
raywest
August 22, 2017 at 5:45 PM
No one is getting the ‘pre bachelor lead’ edit on paradise. What are your thoughts on canning Bachelor all together skip straight to Bachelorette and Raven our lead?
qtontv
August 22, 2017 at 6:46 PM
Geez the Kristina or DLo thing is the choice between classy or trashy. Why does DLo look like she just brought the clearance rack from Charlotte Russe?? I’ve seen her in pictures and thought she was gorgeous, but didn’t realize she acted like a ditz since I didn’t watch Nick’s season. I do love how she and others acknowledged how terrible Nick V was. An “A” for honesty!!
yoyotono
August 22, 2017 at 8:16 PM
Can’t agree more with rob22. Raven should be Bachelorette. As far as being the Bachelor, won’t doubt they will keep trying with Peter, as RS stated. I would prefer Ben Zorn or Eric Bigger as Bachelor though, Peter talks in that monotone voice. Not to mention, Peter won’t propose to the final pick.
yoyotono
August 22, 2017 at 8:21 PM
Oh, or the Russian Alex from Rachel’s season (not the whiny one from Jojo’s).
ctrealitygirl
August 23, 2017 at 7:28 AM
After Rachel let Dean go, I thought I’d love to see him become the next Bachelor…but watching him on BIP is cringe-worthy. Yikes! So immature. Tis’ a pity. I’d vote for the Russian Alex too!
allaboutme
August 23, 2017 at 7:55 AM
I emailed this to RS awhile ago, but I’m putting it out there again since I’d bet money at least a few Producers read this site. Marcus of Marcus and Lacy. He’s hot and he’s an easy sell to the audience. He’s already found love and “married” through the show – the narrative of their break-up puts Lacy as the one who left him, so he gets to be the wounded victim who knows this process works, but this time he can vet the woman more. It would be perfect.
adelina
August 23, 2017 at 10:01 AM
Marcus as Bach is a terrible idea which would never happen in a million years. He’s not that hot and he has no personality.
Steve
August 23, 2017 at 11:59 AM
I think the whole Demario and Corinne thing was a huge big scam put up by ABC because both Corinne and Demario were disliked by the other contestants on The Show. Demario was disliked because he had gone on another show with an existing girlfriend and Corinne was disliked because she was too full of herself, promiscuous and appearing to promote herself on TV. The producers decide that they are going to encourage the couple to be together and feed them plenty of alcohol and this in turn results in both of them resorting to type. Whether anything happened that was consented to or not is debatable but the producers watching the rushes a day later decided that the thing to do would be shut down production and make a big thing about what did or didn’t happen. The couple are interviewed by ABC and the producers decide nothing happened and there is no further cause for action. What has happened is that now it is all over the (breaking) news and all over the Internet and this has helped promote the program which was what ABC wanted from the start this. This is very peculiar behavior from ABC and producers who are quick to cover up a tiny bit of butt crack or cleavage with a black box just just so they don’t upset the audience and get accused of showing too much flesh WTF!
The whole episode is a scam to get more viewers and sell more advertising space!
I for one am glad we can skip through the ads especially the ones for viagra cialis and other prescription meds!
mariet
August 23, 2017 at 12:14 PM
Marcus Grodd is engaged.
bonkers
August 29, 2017 at 1:40 AM
Why in the world would the ABC scam their ONLY two interesting characters off the show because the other cast didn’t like them? Drama is the whole point…
I agree with allaboutme, Marcus would be a far better Bachelor to watch than Peter, Eric or Dean.
sukisuki13
August 29, 2017 at 8:20 PM
What’s all the hoopla about Peter. He comes across as a bore and somewhat depressed. Anybody would be better than Peter. Hope he gets therapy.