-Kelley’s 1-on-1 was next up, and honestly, there wasn’t a hell of a lot here other than Kelley is pretty different than your average “Bachelor” contestant. She has an established career, she’s “older,” and you can tell she views this show, and Peter, a lot differently than every other woman this season. She’s not crying constantly over whatever someone said. She’s not fawning over Peter calling him the love of her life after one date. Basically, she doesn’t give all the cliché phrases we hear every person say every season. Basically, she calls Peter out on his BS. She tells him over dinner that he’s inviting the drama, which she was dead on about. Like, everything Kelley was telling Peter at dinner couldn’t have been more spot on. It’s just not something we rarely ever hear on 1-on-1 dates. Usually it’s just both of them filling the other with compliments about how that day was the best first date ever, everything is perfect, they both agree with everything the other says, and then someone shares some sob story about their past. Kelley was basically the opposite: no sob story and called Peter out for his behavior this season. He still gives her a rose, hopes she’s all in on him, and well, that was that. A very refreshing date though and 180 degrees different than what we’re used to.
-The cocktail party at the rose ceremony was a complete and utter shit show. That’s where Tammy got exposed and Peter really had the women at each other’s throats again. Backing up real quick, during the day of the rose ceremony, Kelsey went over to Peter’s place to clear the air about what Tammy said and Peter ended up giving her a rose before the rose ceremony, which you knew would set some people off. Which it did. And not only did it set them off, it made Peter cancel the cocktail party, and now women (namely Mykenna and Lexi) were pissed they weren’t gonna get the time they needed with Peter they thought they would have. Ladies, I hate to tell you this, but if you’re ever in the position of feeling like you need one last conversation with the lead, just assume you’re not getting picked anyway. You’re feeling that way for a reason: he’s not that into you.
-Tammy then kept digging her grave even deeper by saying she was concerned? for Kelsey’s alcoholic abuse? I was totally confused by that. She basically turned her talk with Kelsey into a mini-intervention and she feared Kelsey was showing signs of alcoholism and that’s why she brought it up to Peter. Again, not her place. As Hannah Brown would say, “Stay in your lane.” I feel like Tammy was just grasping at straws at this point. Then Sydney out of nowhere, trying to come at Tammy, says she never talks about other people when she’s with Peter. Wait, WHAT? Huh? Whaaaa? Seriously, were these women told they were on the “Bachelor?” Like, did producers trick them into giving up their life for a couple months with and then thrown in, “But don’t worry. None of this will ever air. This is just a pilot we’re pitching to the networks.” Where does Sydney get off saying she never talked about another woman to Peter. Yes, Peter asked her to name names and put her on the spot, but during the pillow fight date, she specifically said she was going to warn Peter about her saying “she was in for a rude awakening.” The lack of awareness on this show is mind boggling.
-Rose ceremony time. Again. Sydney, Hannah Ann, Kelley, and Kelsey all safe with roses. Peter: “Sorry I cancelled the cocktail party…confident now in decisions I wanna make…got clarity I needed…it’s tough for me but I know it’s getting me closer to what I want at the end of this…it’s love…feeling real good about that…and all the perks that come with it. I basically just go along with whatever they throw at me and put on a happy face. I’m Puppet Boy!”
Tammy and Mykenna both interrupted him at this point to make sure they were cool, and basically, that was done to set it up next week’s 2-on-1.
Victoria F.: Hey, so about that Cosmo cover…
Madison: I get not getting yourself involved in drama, but Madison is literally pulling a disappearing act for 3 episodes in a row now.
Natasha: Pretty sure she hates Peter.
Victoria P.: Miss Louisiana USA is one Line 1…
OurKenna: In case you didn’t know, she’s really upset guys.
“Ladies, Peter, it’s the final rose tonight. When you’re ready. If you thought the golf courses in Costa Rica were good, just wait til we get to Chile and I tear it up down there.”
Tammy: Has anyone’s star fallen as much as hers from episode 1 til now?
So Wednesday will be Chile’s episodes, but it looks like it’ll end right around the time of the 2-on-1. Don’t think we’re getting to the rose ceremony by the end of the episode based on the press release. However, by the end of the Chile rose ceremony (which will be next Monday), we’ll be down to 6 women. We’re flying through this now. Sweet. Lets just skip to the end anyway since that’s all anyone cares about at this point. I doubt I’ll have a full recap up on Thursday for Wednesday’s episode, but I will give some thoughts for sure, both on my podcast and in the column. Talk to you then.
Send all links and emails to: steve@realitysteve.com. To follow me on Twitter, it’s: www.twitter.com/RealitySteve. Instagram name is “RealitySteve,” or join my Reality Steve Facebook Fan Page. Talk to you tomorrow.
tracywh
February 4, 2020 at 9:16 AM
How about ask Hannah B about Sydney, since they graduated together in 2013 from TCHS.
crushonspivey
February 4, 2020 at 9:38 AM
I think it is now painfully obvious that Peter has zero backbone, and is the producers gimp. Literally. They owned him so hard this season. And made him look awful as a result because they have zero scruples, and care more about drama than getting a believable result, and he just wasn’t smart enough to figure it out that his repeated gaffes made him look awful as a lead.
Proof again being Peter acting surprised by the visit by crazy Kelsey, then conveniently having a rose in his room ready to give to her after the chat. Really? I mean really? So spontaneous. NOT.
And then so many liars this season. The thing with Tammy was that she absolutely stepped in it, but she was also being truthful and got ganged up as a result of it. The girls didn’t want her telling Peter the truth because it made then all look bad. Pretty funny actually. Let’s do a recap.
Kelsey looks bad because she is just a hot mess. Ironically, a hot pink mess last night. Sydney lied herself and likes to play the victim. Victoria P got caught in another lie last night then acted like some innocent for being dragged into it. She started the pill popper thing, admitted it, then got mad at Tammy for bringing her into it. Uh, you brought yourself into it. 2nd time caught in a lie, 2nd time not owning it. And not sure why Natasha and Lexi needed to go in on Tammy. She was being truthful. I agree she didn’t need to be the one to do it, but she wasn’t lying either was she.
This is truly train wreck TV. And it is now The Office level painful and cringeworthy to watch. Except on that show, it was scripted. Here, the women are bringing the cringe themselves, helped along by Peter’s awful choices and TPTB pushing their gimp along.
I hope Peter ends up with no one. He honestly needs to. Ther just isn;t any real connection being shown at all. Too much drama, not any good stuff this season. It’s a dumpster fire.
nycgal9
February 4, 2020 at 9:54 AM
I’ve been a long time watcher of the Bachelor/Bachelorette franchise, and I generally enjoy the show, the speculation, talking with co-workers etc., but this season is just painful. What happened to having adults on the show? Where are the mature men and women who have careers and lives, but just don’t have the time or luck in finding someone special? There is no shortage of beautiful girls and handsome guys, and ABC sure knows how to find them, but where are the single, successful, attractive 30-somethings that used to grace this show? Was there not enough drama? This whole season has been one big crying jag – I really can’t imagine what the Kleenex bill must be! If I was Peter I’d walk away now – none of these girls are ready for marriage.
If any of the powers that be at ABC are paying attention, please don’t pick your next Bachelorette from the leftovers this season. Please conduct a new search for accomplished, attractive, mature women who are seriously looking to find a partner. Please find men who are mature and established – someone you’d be proud to take home to your mother. Please establish an age limit – 28 and above – because anything else is just a bunch of crying, whining babies who can’t handle anything.
dbla31
February 4, 2020 at 10:04 AM
A couple comments:
Most of the people who watch this show (particularly the ones who don’t read your column) are so in their own fantasy worlds, it doesn’t matter that you spell out the sports seasons and that they won’t work with Bachelor filming. These are people who STILL think Hanna B is showing up.
Why shouldn’t SNL put their skit on repeat with different performers? That’s what the show does?
Even I (and I have a lot of tolerance for this mind-numbing tv) almost turned off my set when he sent Alayah home within the first five minutes. I mean, he just asked her to stay 10 minutes ago (in terms of when one show ended and the other began.)
Thanks for the scoop on Sydney’s HS years. I was super curious about that last night but too tired/bored to bother looking into it. Knowing she and Hannah were in HS together makes me wish I’d paid more attention to her reactions when Hannah was on. I DO think they may bring Hannah back for AFTR or Women Tell All, given that she was part of the season. AND it would give them the opportunity to include her in promos and continue to fool the masses. It would be great if they were asked how much they knew each other in HS. Regardless, the people saying horrible things to Sydney online is unacceptable and they should go to online purgatory forever.
thecuriousgeorgette
February 4, 2020 at 10:37 AM
I wouldn’t put it past Sydney to be creating accounts sending herself those “hate” messages to feel validated and bullied, they look super fake and too on the nose. Sorry, I just don’t believe her. Especially since her HS account is total BS.
justsaying
February 4, 2020 at 11:39 AM
I’m the only one on this but I am on Tammy’s side. She saw someone who’s drinking away and sooo distraught and emotional since day 1. This sounds like a pattern Tammy picked up on Kelsey that’s repeating over and over and Tammy found this not normal. Therefore, Tammy’s gut told her something’s not right. She didn’t want to turn a blind eye and be complicit and by episode 5, she thought she couldn’t keep this quiet anymore. She should say something.
What the hell is wrong with that?? Maybe Tammy had a friend or family who’s abused alcohol and knows the signs?? Even if she didn’t have any experience, her gut told her it’s should be brought up and not just let it slide.
I see Tammy coming forward as brave and courageous. She’s not calling out some gossip of someone’s voice goes up when the camera comes on, Tammy’s seeing alcoholic tendencies. She didn’t call Kelsey an alcoholic but Tammy saw something alarming enough to bring it up. GOOD for Tammy!!
kabuki
February 4, 2020 at 12:18 PM
Tammy always struck me as someone who was so completely different than the others that she just didn’t fit in (like Sharleen Joynt in Juan Pablo’s season). She seems like a straight shooter and seems rational and pretty darn normal, but she made the terrible mistake of getting involved in someone else’s crazy. Yes, it is pretty obvious that Kelsey is 100% emotionally damaged goods, but it really wasn’t Tammy’s place to report her train wreck behavior to Peter. I was surprised that Peter gave her a rose, but she’s probably a plant by the producers to keep the drama going. Now that the other women have ganged up against her, her days are numbered. The lesson to be learned from all of this is to keep your mouth shut and just worry about yourself.
joanne
February 4, 2020 at 12:33 PM
It only took me about 45 minutes to watch the show as I fadt forwarded through most of it. The only women I like are Madison, Hannah Ann and Kelly, and as Steve said Madi and Hannah Ann have barely been seen the last couple of episodes.
None of the women seem ready for marriage, and the same goes for Peter. No matter who he eventually picks I can’t see it lasting long at all.
justsaying
February 4, 2020 at 12:40 PM
Surely an issue like alcoholism or even suspected alcoholism is bigger than scoring with Peter. Why not poor Tammy? Everyone else couldn’t be bothered.
Not everyone wants to live in a complicit culture. It’s hard being the whistleblower.
ganny2jax
February 4, 2020 at 2:02 PM
Sydney…I’ll start with her. I don’t for a minute feel sorry for her. She comes off as extremely arrogant and selfish. I’m kind of with another commenter that I think Sydney made those comments up herself. Honestly I can’t stand listening to her talk. Peter deems her “best kisser.” Awww would you say that again? Can’t wait to tell the girls that!
Kelsey. There’s someone like her every season. Don’t like her at all.
Victoria P. How does Peter keep her knowing she lied about being close friends with Aaliyah? She’s a shady character for sure. Does anyone think she’s looks like the redhead sent home last night?
Victoria F. I’m not mad Cosmo isn’t airing her “cover shot.” She’s another one who is arrogant and full of herself. One would think after watching the Chris Rice debacle that VF was almost engaged to the dude. Thanks for clearing that up, RS!
These women (and I use the term loosely) have figured out they can lead Peter around like a puppy dog. And while he’s the cutest puppy dog I’ve ever seen, it’s not a good look for him. He’s trying to please too many people
Anybody, like, got a count, like, on how many times, like, the word “like” has been used, like, this season???
jillmarie
February 4, 2020 at 4:15 PM
My takeaway from this episode is that Peter kisses way too many girls in front of the other girls. My favorite contestant by far is Kelley- I would love for her to become our next Bachelorette. She handles herself with grace and class. I also think Peter and Sydney’s makeout was very much like him and Hannah B. They were laying on rocks, that did not look comfortable! Victoria F. just annoys me- I hate that she embellished her relationship with Chase Rice. I fully hope Chase does Steve’s podcast- I did a shoutout on Twitter! 🙂
irisvioletgrey4
February 4, 2020 at 5:18 PM
I’m surprised that no one has mentioned MyKenna and her weird tongue action. WTH? Seriously, girl, develop some self-awareness. In an episode that managed to make about two-thirds of the women all look like unstable freaks, her ongoing tongue acrobatics were one of the more disgusting examples of unflattering behavior. I have found myself increasingly relieved when Kelly, Hannah Ann, Madison and Lexi have been on the screen because they aren’t acting like bratty 12-year-olds. There were a few others who seemed to have their heads on straight, but of course they got almost no screen time and are all gone now. Even Victoria F. (during the last couple episodes) has actually seemed normal and likeable. Unfortunately, Tammy got taken down in this one and she was my favorite, although I knew there was no way she was ever going to be a contender. She just seemed like someone I’d like to be friends with. I’m glad a few people stuck up for her here in these comments. I agree she may have some experienced radar about Kelsey’s addictive tendencies, and may have had good intentions, but probably went about it wrong. ANYHOO, as much as I understand what actually goes on behind the scenes at this chronic crap trap that gets worse every season — and yet remains mysteriously addictive — this season is trying my patience even more than Hannah B’s. I was going to stop watching after that season, and only lasted as long as I did because I wanted to see Luke P. finally get his comeuppance — except I really liked Peter, so I had to watch. But then when I realized early on that Peter has no idea how to read women and was given very little to choose from as well, I was too curious about how things would develop, hoping that somehow the season would improve. You’d think I’d have learned by now … And speaking of, producers please don’t bring back The Beast for Round 2. Essentially, I think she’s likeable, but enough is enough. She has already saturated the market. It reminds me of having to suffer through an entire year of Colton. Again, he seemed nice enough, too, but if I never have to see him on my screen again, I’d be okay with that. You can’t convince me the producers have so little imagination that they can’t come up with better alternatives than repeating a has-been plot from before (yet again).
shellylite
February 5, 2020 at 1:51 AM
It’s so hard for me to believe Peter is a pilot. Why would a smart guy with such a great job do something like meet women on this show? This show makes him actually seem kinda dumb.
Anyway, it’s hard to believe anything Sydney said about her high school days . . . she was beautiful and involved in so many things. She won awards! Come on, people in the South aren’t calling “mixed race” people “Oreos”. That’s just dumb. I live in Georgia and about 40% of the people here #1 are “mixed race” and #2 we all live and work and get along with each other. It’s totally common in the South to be “mixed race”. NO one gets bullied for it. I’m guessing Sydney was an overly sensitive girl and too defensive and that’s why she was bullied if she was. The racism towards “mixed race” people is in the northern states. I have lived there too.
rob22
February 5, 2020 at 7:02 AM
OK, look. It could be true that Sydney was a homecoming queen & was popular with a lot of students. It could also be true that others bullied her and used racial slurs. If we all look back at High School, we probably all had really great moments AND moments where we were being picked on. That’s kind of what HS is. Do we remember the negatives even more strongly than the positives? Yeah. That’s kind of what we do. I give Sydney a pass on this.
As for Victoria P, her lies about her friendship with Alayah color everything. She’s a blatant liar and really not a nice person.
Then we have the house train wreck and the house tattletale. They never win.
So, I often feel early on that none of the girls is into the lead and that the show is really going nowhere. I think that’s how everyone feels this season. After tonight, we’ll be down to the last 6. So, maybe the show will work overtime to try and make a couple of them look better. But, to me, this is headed for a Juan Pablo type ending where you really have to struggle to find women that are really into the lead. Granted, Juan Pablo was a jack-a**, and Peter is not. But Peter is wholly unattractive for a completely different reason. He’s a complete wimp who has no ability to handle his own business. If he wanted to keep Alayah around the first time, he could have done so. And he could have told the women to back off about it. We’ve seen many leads, in the past, do something similar with unpopular contestants. But when he let her go and then had her back, he created drama that didn’t need to be there. Then honestly, he sent Alayah home, who despite her flaws, was the most interesting woman in the house. And that’s not a compliment either. The bar is very low this year for the women. We’ll see if one of them manages to stretch themselves over that low bar and win. But I’m starting to think this is headed for a Brad Womack ending, of sorts. How in the hell is Peter going to propose to one of these women?