Hi Steve. Questions:
1) Do you think ABC regrets going so far back by casting Arie, given that ratings are somewhat lower than usual? But if they couldn’t get Peter, I honestly don’t think Eric or Dean would’ve really been that much better.
2) For the edit that Krystal is getting, to what extent would you say her portrayal is the editing and manipulation by producers versus what is actually her personality? Some of it must be her actual personality, no? Absolutely some of it is her personality. But without knowing her, I have no idea how to break down the percentage. Some women are able to handle this show’s manipulations better than others. Krystal is not one of those people.
3) Do you think there is any chance whatsoever — even like 1%– that Arie and Lauren B will end up getting married? No.
4) Do you see any physical resemblance between Emily Maynard and Lauren B? I think if Lauren B’s nose were different, she would look a lot like Emily. I don’t see it really.
5) Have asked this one before but you didn’t respond — Why do producers hate Jef? I’m guessing because he’s immature and hard to control, a bit of a trouble maker? Maybe you don’t know or don’t want to say, but thought I’d ask again anyway. This has been discussed numerous times. I guess you’ve just missed the answer numerous times.
6) Will Arie be on DWTS? No. The Spring Season this year is only a 4 week show and it’s an all-athlete season.
7) Lastly, more of a comment than a question, but I wonder why Arie didn’t just stick it out with Becca and break up with her in a few months (like Nick and other leads have done). It makes me think he really does believe (at least in his own mind) that he has strong feelings for Lauren B or just that he’s all over the place.
Thanks for what you do! It’s fun to read.
Comment: Who knows his reasoning for anything. I’m sure he will say all the right things at the finale, apologize profusely to Becca, and make all of America believe Lauren is the one for him. And I won’t buy it for a second. There are years of behavior to prove otherwise. Why Lauren?
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Hey RS,
Thanks for your spoilers!! As always, I watch the season so differently knowing how things are going to end. I definitely wouldn’t be watching this season if I didn’t know what I know now about what happens with Arie/Becca/Lauren B. I had no interest in watching him as the bachelor to begin with. Even now, watching it, I just truly feel bad for Becca. You can tell it was edited knowing she was going to win (ie. Comments from other girls when they go on their one on one about “they’re definitely going to get married.”)
My first question is: how much do you know about how they plan on showing everything that’s happened? Are they going to full on show the break up and him asking for Lauren back? I am honestly shocked (and also not shocked) that she would even agree to give him another chance knowing his history. But I guess nothing really should shock me anymore. I made the mistake of getting in an argument with Arie crazies on Instagram and it’s safe to say you’re 10000% accurate that no matter what this guy does, they will defend him. I mean, they filmed it, so I’m assuming that they filmed it so they could air it. If they didn’t, how would that look? The ATFR starts, Arie says “Yeah, I broke off the engagement with her” and we don’t see it? That wouldn’t make sense.
There’s honestly no point to ever get in any type of conversation ever with an Arie crazy. Save your breath. They are repulsive pathetic individuals.
My second question is about winter games. Do you have an update on who’s “dating” post show? I think you mentioned that spoilers are coming soon, but I wasn’t sure if we could just get a rundown.
Anyway, thanks for all that you do!
Comment: I don’t think most people will be as invested in anything post show as they will of what the main story line will be this season.
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2 questions for tomorrow:
Did you see Rachel Lindsays interview where she talked about how she was watching BBC the night before her fantasy suite date with Nick and was drinking, etc etc etc so she fell asleep in the fantasy suite. Is it nareew that they allowed to watch tv? Obviously BBC isn’t going to spill any Bachelor gossip to them but was surprised considering you had mentioned no tv before. That might’ve been the only channel they had. They were in Finland after all.
Are there frequently cameras during the lead and winners weekends away? Or whatever you call it. I know you said Arie and Becca breaking up was on camera so wasn’t sure if he told them to bring cameras or if that happens every time and we just never see it.
Thanks!
Comment: No, cameras aren’t present. That’s why there had to be some sort of lie/manipulation on Arie’s part to get that filmed. Either one of two things happened: 1) Arie/the show told Becca they wanted to film their next Happy Couple visit so the audience can see an update of how their relationship is going, then Arie dropped the break up bomb on her or 2) They’d already broken up and were told they needed it to be filmed. I don’t think it was the latter.
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Hey, Steve,
Thanks for giving me a reason to watch this season… ABC/production owes you one (or should at least leave you alone). Worst. Season. Ever.
Anyway, I’m wondering what your thoughts are on Andi Dorfman trying to be a full-time writer/ “the new Carrie Bradshaw.” I think it’s a bit absurd/ would people really care about Andi long-term? She’s not a particularly talented writer/ her topic has very much been overdone.
Comment: I haven’t read either book but it’s tough for me to say. But to be a 2 time NY Times Best Seller, obviously there’s a fan base out there that likes what she’s doing, so it’s working for her.
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Hi Steve,
Was just reading the recap..there are 2 kinds of people in this world. The ones that LOVE Grease 2 (like me and you) and the rest of the world. I just watched Grease 2 this past weekend, it is a CLASSIC. Loved the videos, keep up the good work and hang in there a few more weeks for vindication from all the nay-sayers.
Comment: And people that don’t love “Grease 2” are living a lonely life. Lets pray for them.
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Hi Steve!
After hearing what happens with Becca and Arie postseason, I was sure she was a shoe-in for Bachelorette if she wanted it. After watching Tia’s date though, I think she could also be a great front runner! She has a good job that allows her freedom, she’s pretty and a little spicy. I think I would be happy with either girl honestly. What are your thoughts?
Comment: I mean, sure she’s a good candidate. Before this switch up happened, I felt it’d either be her or Lauren. But I think after everything plays out, and Becca is fine with the role, it’ll ultimately be her. And while there will be a few, I don’t think they’ll be this major outcry of, “Ugh. Becca? Really? Why her” like we’ve gotten from so many other past announcement. Like why WOULDN’T you want to see someone who just went through that get the lead role?
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Hi Steve,
I was reading your e-mails from last week, and a lot of people seem to be asking about the joint wedding, but I think Kaitlyn summed it up perfectly in her podcast. Her exact words were she “would rather sh*t in her own hands and clap”. So to go along with what you’ve been saying, pretty sure it’s not gonna happen. As she should. It’s a horrible idea, really.
Also given the twist you gave us recently, I totally get where you’re coming from that Becca is the most obvious choice for Bachelorette, but I’m pulling for Tia! It would be like the Raven as bachelorette that we never got since she found Adam on paradise.
Anyway, no questions, just comments, keep doing what you do!
Comment: Tia would be fine in that role. I would’ve been all for her if this didn’t happen to Becca. But Becca makes the most sense now.
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First, love your site- been reading for years. I’ve never written, but everything that is happening is just TOO good and I have to get out my thoughts….
To start, I have been suchhhh a unenthused viewer this season. Ughhhhh Arie sucks so so soooo bad. My jaw hit the floor when he was picked. REALLLY ABC?!?! You seriously don’t value the credibility of this show anymore I guess huh?? I mean if no one really knows what he’s been doing the past 5 years then his story is believable, but anyone who follows social media or your site, it’s just insane that they even picked him. And even still, there’s so much baggage for media outlets to run on for people who have had their head in the sand for 5 years (or I suppose doing important things like solving world peace, not following the life and times of washed up Bachelor stars.) So for the first time in years, I didn’t watch the first few episodes and even forgot it premiered! I wasn’t even Team Peter- literally anyone would’ve been better. This show lost credibility loooooooonnnnng before they ever cast Arie.
I was totally going to boycott completely- since you say the only reason they don’t change their picks is because ratings never seem to dip, no matter how bad the lead is. But alas, I ran of out Crowne episodes to watch in the January lull of tv, so I lost my gumption and just painfully caught up.
But now I’m SO glad I did- even if it helps ratings! Because while this season is currently SO BORING AND PREDICTABLE with the “villains” and “clingers” and “crazies,” not even attempting original story lines- BOY OH BOY you bet I will still be watching because of the massive twist coming now that I know it thanks to you! In that sense, ABC really should be paying you because holy hell Arie is SUCH A WEIRDO FREAK AND PAINFUL TO WATCH. I can’t even begin to understand why all these women date him!!!!! He’s such a girly man from his voice to his mannerisms, I find him as sexually arousing as a wet blanket. I know this show likes it’s metro sexual men, but this is a whole new level. Didn’t think it could get worse than Nick. If it wasn’t for what’s to come, I would’ve potentially lost interest once I saw the Becca spoiler, so again, get ABC to pay you, not sue you! Hey, that’s an insult to wet blankets.
Case in point- WHYYYYYY IS HE LICKING A BOWLING BALL???? Is that a thing??? You seem to be a bowling fan- please explain if this is normal!!!! And ok, if it’s some bowling technique or tradition I’m not aware of, did he have to lick it like THAT???? WTF!!!! If I was Becca, I’d be getting STD tested immediately not just because of his track record, but ewwwwwww- a bowling ball?!?! Freak show. It was from “The Big Lebowski.” I hadn’t seen the movie in years and forgot that’s where it came from.
He is also just sooo awkward in his mannerisms and speech patterns. I almost feel bad for the girls that are definitely just there to further careers and couldn’t care less about this weirdo. I don’t think I could stomach that tongue anywhere near me. I know that making out is his thing, but it seems like there is even less conversation this season than usual. I have to think that’s because he’s just so damn awkward it was terrible conversation so the girls just resorted to making out, or ABC just chose to show the making out since that’s all he seems good at.
Ok whew- had to get that out.
Finally, I actually have a couple questions…
Do you have more details on Becca’s ex showing up??? I missed that in the spoilers unless you just anecdotally mentioned it the couple places I’ve seen. Clearly this is now not even the best story of the season, but as far as I know that’s never happened- at least so late in the season, so I’d be curious if you know more details! Nothing other than he shows up in Peru and asks her to marry him and she says no.
Also, do you know if editing is done on the show? I’d be curious if they’d change Becca/Lauren B’s edit based on the post-show swap. Guessing it’s too late, but like you said, there are a lot of episodes left.
Sorry for such a long rant!!! I feel better now. 🙂
Keep up the good work!
Comment: I think they’ll do everything in their power to play up Arie and Becca as much as they can. Because that’ll make her heartbreak 1000x worse, which is what they want the audience to feel if they’re making her the “Bachelorette.”
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Steve-
Sidenote, I love that Ben and Ashley decided to talk about Arie’s current situation because it’s not “public knowledge” and that “their secret source has told them….” *eyeroll* All their details are as if their producer Amy knows everything, and as if it’s not all from your page. I’m done with them. Don’t respect how they journalistically handle things.
I have really enjoyed the insight that you’ve given on how the show is edited and people are shown a certain way. Do you think there is a way for the public audience to know “created villains” versus real bachelor/ette villains ? The only way is to actually listen and/or read every interview that a “villain” does post-show, and then form your opinion based on that. But there are so many more people who don’t follow online than do, which is why you get the morons like the ones who blasted Krystal on her IG.
I’ve seen times where cast members from the show come in defense of the season’s “villain” IE: Olivia, Courtney, Michelle Money, Britt, even Corinne seemed to bond with a lot of the girls before BIP.
Then there are the people like, Lee, Tierra (SP?), Chad (who seems to have a couple people who’ve defended him), Kelsey, Bentley, who seem to be real villains.
Also, note to your podcast last week. LOVE both of your podcasts with Dana, I hope you’ll have her on more. Anyhow, when you were talking about the filming of the ATFR for Jason and Molly, you mentioned that it was all planned, and that Molly knew about it ahead of time. (At least that’s what I think you said, I may have to register.) On the showing, she seemed shocked, and it was as if he was telling her for this first time on camera. Was it staged and they were just acting then? That’s not what I said. If anything, maybe I said that people didn’t believe Molly and they thought she was acting and knew ahead of time. She didn’t. She’s said it in every interview post show. She told me personally she had no idea, and I have no reason not to believe her. Melissa was the one that put on the acting job.
Love your site, love your podcasts, would LOVE more survivor podcasts. May I also suggest interviews from shows like Hell’s Kitchen or America’s next top model? Those would definitely be interesting insights.
Comment: I’ve never seen 5 minutes of Hell’s Kitchen or America’s Next Top Model so I don’t think you’ll be hearing me interview those people anytime soon.
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RS
Long time reader – I read that producers made Jason break up with Melissa and get back together with Molly all live obviously for the ratings. Then after all this time Jason has admitted that he wished he would have done things his own way and not let producers coerce him into all that. Melissa said she wished Jason would have given her a heads up and not humiliated her on live television. I think you already said that the Becca breakup and getting back together with Lauren was taped and most likely will be shown on ATFR. Do you think Becca was told she was getting broken up with beforehand and why would she agree to get it taped by production, only to get humiliated on live television similar to Melissa. I would think she could have refused the cameras if she really wanted to. What do you think she was told – seemed like she would have figured most of it out before the breakup was taped. And then to even agree to it is really sh***y too.
Comment: I don’t think she was told. I’m trying to find the confirmation on this, but I think she was just told production wanted to film one of their Happy Couple meet ups to show to people at the ATFR, and during it, Arie broke off the engagement.
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Hey Steve
How do they know which dates to plan the concerts? Like the other Lauren for example- what if there was a concert planned after hers or did he already know he was sending her home before they even went on their 1on1? How would they know it was going to go bad?
Comment: They already know who’s getting a rose or who’s staying before every 1-on-1 happens.
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Hey Steve,
I wanted to submit a humble thankful for your due diligence on obtaining your spoilers and updating them. In your podcast you mentioned some people were unhappy with the length of your post. That’s pretty ridiculous since you are the first one delivering this info every single time. People will always find something to complain about.
I do have some questions. Even if you don’t have Intel can you give me your opinion? Thanks so much!
1) Do you think they’ll do a traditional WTA where they burn Krystal at the stake? Or do you think production might turn on Arie (a la Juan Pablo). Wondering how these girls will fake not knowing about the switcheroo and how that might make for crappy tv. Well, the ending will not be addressed other than teases of “the most dramatic” or “you won’t believe what happens.” But it’s not like any of the girls will be allowed to talk about it. If I were Krystal, I’d be ready to be slaughtered at the WTA since I’m sure that’s what most of it will center around.
2) Do you know if Lauren B. got along with production? It seems odd she has had so little airtime. If this hadn’t happened I would think they’d put her (along with Tia) in a position to be the Bachelorette…As I mentioned in the podcast last week, starting next week, she’s essentially going to have 5 episodes in a row where she gets a 1-on-1 date (Paris 1-on-1, Italy 1-on-1, hometown, overnight, last chance date). So she’ll be getting plenty of camera time the remainder of the season.
3) What are you hearing about Winter Games in terms of quality to watch? If it is any dumber than BIP4 I might skip it- I don’t think I can watch another minute of Ashley I. Overall I don’t think it’ll be great. But they will definitely be focusing on one storyline for sure.
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What did Krystal say/do on the bus. The girls all reference it and are pretty upset. It had to have been more than just calling Arie a liar.
Also I actually liked how Arie handled the situation. You can tell by his body language that’s he’s moved on I’m assuming producers told him to keep her around for the 2:1.
Comment: Well, one thing we know was uttered in Ft. Lauderdale was the the Not Peter reference, because Robert Mills said it happened back on his radio show the day after it was said in October. So I’m guessing that’s one thing she said on the bus. There had to be more, because the girls seemed way too offended for it just to be “Not Peter.”
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(This first question/ statement I wrote last Tuesday January 23 for last weeks readers emails and I just realized it didn’t send so the podcast I’m referring to was last weeks) 😉
-I believe you’ve said you don’t listen to Ben and Ashley I. Podcast but did you listen or hear the podcast they posted a yesterday with Arie being on it? (I doubt you’ll care to listen but in case you do it’s around the 13:35 mark.) Before Ben and Ashley start asking questions about this episode this week and this season Ben asks Arie if he is happy and Arie says “Yes, I am so happy. So happy. I’m really happy”. Can he have ANY respect for Becca at all? I may be wrong, but in the interviews I have seen/ heard him do from right before the bachelor started to air up to when he broke off the engagement with Becca I have never heard him say anything like that in reference of him being so happy with Becca. All I ever heard was how hard he was stressing the fact he fell in love with 2 people. I feel awful for Becca. I mean yes, it’s best she isn’t with Arie but the fact Arie called off the engagement with her to go back to Lauren and now she has to hear Arie tell people how happy he is is just awful for her. It just goes to show you the lack of respect and selfishness Arie has for Becca or women in general. Yet his defenders will say how loyal he’s being to Lauren with that statement.
-Do you know if ABC will continue to do “Safe House” visits with Arie and have Lauren meet him there? Yes. They already have.
-I love reading Sharleen’s blogs and one thing she always stresses is the “Bachelor Bubble” and it got me thinking how true that must be. For example, if Kaitlyn was the bachelorette and Chris Soules was a contestant on her season (and it was the first time they were meeting) I couldn’t see Him being anywhere near her final 4. Or even Andi, there’s no way she would have took Juan P. Far. However, in both seasons they both felt like they were either in love or falling in love, it just amazes me how this show works. That’s a pretty accurate description. And it’s not just the bubble itself, but remember it’s also a competition and ego getting involved. If you’re continuing to be offered roses every week, of course you’re gonna take them even if you don’t really feel it with the guy.
-I know we are only 4-5 episodes in but as of now what 4 people could you see going pretty far or to the final on the challenge?
Comment: Well, unfortunately I have heard of a couple people who go far this season. I don’t know who wins, thank God, but I did hear of a few who make it far. And a couple who don’t. So I’d rather not say anything.
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Hey Steve,
I doubt this will make it in time for today’s column, so hopefully it’ll still be relevant next week.
I’m wondering if you have any insight as to how the final rose ceremony breakup went between Arie and Lauren? Was she shocked and heartbroken, or were there doubts or setbacks that made it probable?
I know this is very unlikely and that she probably was shocked and upset like it usually goes, but after reading your post about Lauren’s previous engagement, I thought this theory/prediction would make a little bit more sense and make Aries’s decision (err, his decision-redo) less f***boy-ish.
I am 24 and currently engaged- but the actual kind of engaged where we’re actually getting married in September. This isn’t the case, but if we WERE to call off the engagement after announcing it to everyone, sending save the dates, booking venues and florists and all that jazz, I would not only be devastated, but also just embarrassed about how public it would be and having to tell everyone it’s off after they were invested. Granted that’s the case with this show 90% of the time, I feel like the shame would be more real for Lauren when her family and friends are actually EXPECTING and knee deep in planning a wedding and it is such a public let down.
With that being said, my theory is that maybe Lauren is still embarrassed and struggles with the failed engagement concept, so she pumps the breaks and proposes doubts about getting engaged and just wants to date. Granted, she signed up for a show where “winning” means getting engaged.
I don’t know many people who have a failed engagement while still super young (I feel like people aren’t actually getting married in real life till 28+ typically nowadays) and are like “hey let’s go get engaged again now that it’s been a year, but this time it’ll be to someone I’ve gone on 3 dates with!”
Like, don’t you want people to take you seriously when you say “this is it, I’m getting married?”
So anyway, Arie, who has been hell bent on saying he wants a WIFE, not girlfriend, then hears that Becca’s ex is coming to propose and that’s what he wants- to have the happy tv engagement so he goes for the more dramatic love story ending.
He then realizes he would rather just date Lauren and not get the engaged image than be engaged to someone while still thinking about someone else.
Now I do realize this is unlikely, you probably already have an idea of how the breakup went, and this is not it. But hey, it’s a good theory in theory!! Or at least I thought.
If I am right, I’d like a weekly column and half the site’s profits please.
No? Taking it too far?
Jk. Love you and your columns and your humor and your demeanor. KEEP IT UP.
Ps… Lauren looks and comes across like she’s 23 and I have yet to sense any sort of personality. I’m Sure she’s a lovely human, but can’t say I’m not disappointed that he literally fell for the girl we all were saying he wasn’t looking for anymore. Boo.
Thanks for everything,
Comment: It’s interesting, but from what I’ve heard Lauren was definitely affected by being dumped at the end.
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Send all links and emails to: steve@realitysteve.com. To follow me on Twitter, it’s: www.twitter.com/RealitySteve. Instagram name is “RealitySteve,” join my Reality Steve Facebook Fan Page, or listen to all my podcasts at Apple Podcasts. Talk to you tomorrow.
