Hey Steve,
Love what you do, love all the tea you have on Bachelor stuff!
My question is pretty simple. Do you think Bachelor people persuaded Peter to have an unconventional ending that “wasn’t over yet” as a way to keep you from spoiling the ending? I know the chances are slim that they put that much effort into preventing what you do, but I didn’t know if this was their way to keep it from you as long as they could.
Thanks so much
Comment: Do I think they purposefully did it? No. But it could’ve just happened that way and they ran with it.
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Hiya Steve!
I have some thoughts about Victoria F.’s behavior that I would love your perspective on. I’ve been impressed with many of your break-downs and how you deconstruct certain characters and situations (in a way that makes me see things in a new light) so I was curious what you thought about this.
VF is said to have slept with no less than four of her friends’ husbands (and she was a guest at their weddings) which is a really hostile thing to do to your “friends”- it’s pretty much the worst thing you can do, to destroy their marriages for a string of one-nighters. Those marriages all ended, and she isn’t with any of those guys. She was also heard calling her fling with Chase Rice a relationship, even though he clarified it was a one night stand. She was originally quoted by the producers in her Bachelorette bio as getting implants for “revenge” (she referred to her figure and augmentation as her revenge body) but after that was published they edited it and removed those quotes. She is also being shown as having a great deal of friction with Peter, but she is kept around until after the Fantasy Suites, and then dumpled.
I don’t like her behavior, if all those things are true they don’t reflect well on her character, etc. That said, she seems angry and hostile (we see this weekly and her past reflects it too) and I wonder if it’s because she is used a lot by men so lashes out and causes damage in the way she best can. Those four married men CHOSE to cheat, but they all cheated with HER (and are from the same community, so it’s possible her name was being passed around among those men) and none of them are with her now. It wasn’t based on a relationship, none of them wanted to date her, it was literally just flings. Chase Rice didn’t want to have a relationship with her, even though he HAS had long term relationships, and I think she was upset he was on the show because she was embarrassed a one night stand was there (especially after she told people they dated). And finally Peter (who doesn’t seem to actually like her, but is attracted to her) strings her along long enough to possibly sleep with her, and then dumps her too.
Do you think she is hostile because she is jealous of other women who actually have relationships and the ability to sustain them? I’m sure she can get a boyfriend, but her personality is so off-putting, and now her reputation precedes her both in her hometown and now on national TV, that is seems like she isn’t able to actually find someone who is willing to put in the work to do anything more than have sex with her and move on. I’m wondering if her need for revenge isn’t on men, but on women she is jealous of who are married or in actual relationships and happy. Sleeping with your friend’s husband is incredibly hostile, she had to have wanted to hurt those women for her to do something that didn’t mean anything to her or the husbands, so she has a level of anger that is kind of scary.
Thanks (sorry that was so long- I’ve just been trying to figure out WHY someone would do that to friends, or pretend one night stands are relationships, and all I can think is she is very angry and a bit delusional)
Comment: Certainly an interesting dissection of her behavior. I can’t possibly know what goes on inside her head and why she acted that way in the past, outside of being super insecure. But let me make one thing clear. You basically stated it as fact that she broke up four marriages. What I said was that was the number I’d heard. But I only spoke with two women in particular who confirmed to me she had inappropriate relationships with their then husband. I just don’t want it out there as some sort of fact it was 4 when I never said that. Heard 4, but only confirmed 2. Not that it makes it a ton better, but just wanted to clarify.
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Dear RS,
<3 to you for all that you do for us impatient people. I am getting frustrated by all the people asking why Peter brought back Alayah or why he keeps Victoria F after hearing about her dating married men. And this thought applies to all leads (Bachelors moreso than Bachelorettes) as to why they keep a contestant around: The answer is “she makes my peepee all tingly/he makes my hoohaw feel special).
So umm yeah not a question I guess. Probably won’t make your column then. Ah well.
Comment: That’s a perfectly acceptable reason. It’s clear as day when you watched Peter on stage with Victoria F at the Chase Rice concert, then this past Monday with the Hunter Hayes concert, Victoria F. makes Peter’s pants tight. Not hard to see the physical attraction to her. Yet, every conversation they have is a disaster, she’s crying, he’s confused, etc. So yeah, pretty easy to see it’s all about the physical with her because just compare his 1-on-1 dates with Victoria F. to his ones with Madison. Night and day.
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Hey Steve!
Long time reader- first time emailing you.
So of course Monday Night (February 17) we get the Victoria mess but I want to go back to the Chase Rice drama… Have you really listened to the song Lonely if you are? I think it’s a terrific (and addicting) song but if you pay attention to Verse 2 , there is no way these 2 were a 1 night stand-
[Verse 2]
If it’s Monday and it’s over
You know the show your girls all come over for
And the red wine’s getting lower
And your last friend’s out the door
When there’s no more roses to go around
Hit me up girl, you know I’m down
Monday night show all the girls watch is The Bachelor- When there is no more Roses to go around?
No way these 2 were not in a serious relationship in my opinion
Your thoughts? Chase already addressed this. This has nothing to do with Victoria F. It’s about his ex-girlfriend.
Next
I of course don’t know what you do about Victoria and her history with married men but I really want to like this girl and I don’t know why! Last Monday’s episode just reminded me of someone super insecure, freaking out over the least little thing or even freaking out when nothing is there? Thoughts?
Thanks Steve! As always I enjoy ready everything on your site and listening to the podcasts!
Comment: You’re cutting her way too much slack. Hell, even take away the pre-show behavior. You think she handles herself well on this show? She’s a total mean girl and her behavior since Ohio has shown it.
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Hi Steve!!! I love reading your spoilers!!! I only enjoy watching the bachelor/bachelorette because of your spoilers, plus no one else I know watches these shows lol.
Anyways…. would you ever have the following people on your podcast in the future?
Kelley Flanagan
Claire Crawley
Jordan Wiseley (from the challenge)
TJ Lavin (from the challenge)
Also, how’s Luka doing?
Thank you for your hard work with your spoilers!!
Comment: Would love to have all of them on at some point. Clare has been on a few times but it’s been a while.
Luka is great. She sleeps and goes nuts when I pour her bowl of food. The end. That’s her life.
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Hi! I have a few questions for you!
1) how many episodes are in this season?
2) when is the finale?
3) who wins the season?
Comment: 1) 94! 2) coming up! 3) you do!
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Hi Steve,
Loving your recaps and spoilers and the weirdness of this season.
I have probably the dumbest question, and please forgive me if it’s been asked/answered. Do the contestants on this show have access to a Target or other stores to buy essentials if they need it? I can’t imagine packing toiletries, makeup, etc. for possibly 3 months. I consider myself fairly high maintenance and this would honestly be another small suitcase full of stuff for me! Yet at the same time, I can’t imagine the producers would like for them to be shopping. Any insight?!
Thanks for all you do!!
Comment: No, you can’t shop while you’re there. Once you reach the final 4, your handler will take you out shopping at that point to get nails, hair, mani, pedi, whatever done. But until then, you’re on your own in the house.
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Hiya Steve,
I was just listening to your chat with the chatty broads., and wanted to just add another viewpoint regarding Madison as the bachelorette. I think it would work, because Emily Maynard spoke about being careful about her image because she has a daughter, wants to be a good example, etc, so would not publicly take anyone to the fantasy suite (no one seemed to have issue with this, and her taking them to the FS after cameras were off is not widely known). Madison could easily focus on being a good example, an athlete with a history of championships (so not a timid female) who wants to be a strong example for women making their OWN empowered choices about what to do (and not do) with their bodies, so that could just be touched on and the drama of the season mainly come from the men. Yeah, I’m starting to see that even being a possibility. Before my mind was so set on this being a sexually fueled show, it didn’t make sense for someone with her morals and beliefs to be in the lead role. But what if ABC wants to turn away from that for a season? I guess it’s possible. But I do not know if that’s what’s happening.
And my additional 2 cents- I would love a Hannah 2.0! Her season was surprisingly great, and I’m hoping she learned and won’t make another unemployed, not-really-that-into-her, supported-by-his-parents Jed mistake. I wouldn’t mind Hannah, Madison, Kelsey, Amanda S, or Kendall. The only ones I wouldn’t really love are Hannah Ann (and only because she acts so young and I don’t believe she has ANY interest in marriage), or Tia (because of her “if you don’t want to be with ME, you don’t deserve to be here AT ALL” attitude toward Colton on Paradise). I also don’t think they would get many men who legitimately were interested in marrying Tia or that she would make good choices. But I’ll watch, whomever it is 😉
By the way, I think Bekah Martinez would have made a GREAT bachelorette back in the day. I always felt she was very mature, and clearly she was ready for a family, but I’m glad her life worked out so beautifully anyway.
Comment: Put it this way, if Hannah Brown is the “Bachelorette” again, you can bet your ass she’s getting engaged at the end and it will last longer than Jed. That’s a given. I think people could rally around Tia actually.
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What’s up, Steve?
Do you think production is forcing Peter to keep Victoria on? I don’t think he’s even into her, if he is I’m slightly concerned for his mental health, they haven’t had a normal encounter since like day 1. I think they just want to keep things spicy so their keeping her around. What’s your take on this?
Muchos Gracias
Comment: De nada.
I absolutely think Peter is into Victoria. Physically. That’s clear as day. Who knows if she intellectually stimulates him. You’d have to ask him on that one. My guess? Not in the least bit. What about how she’s acted on this show during any date all season makes you think Peter and Victoria are connected on any level other than physical? I can’t point to one instance.
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Hi Steve,
Thanks for continuing to stay true to your satirical ways and for working so hard to bring real info to everyone. I’ve been around for too long and I don’t think these questions are repeats, but many apologies if they are.
1. What does the Bachelor/ette lead get paid nowadays? It varies. Usually a years salary.
2. Since you have your finger on the pulse of several reality shows, did you watch Netflix’s the Circle? Probably the stupidest show I’ve ever seen, but I was fascinated and binged it hard. I will give it credit for being an interesting experiment about social media. No, but I’ve heard about it. Never got into it.
3. If you get married, would you ever tell your spouse the secrets of your job? I don’t plan on it, no. Would they know things before I post or talk about it? Yeah. But they wouldn’t need to know HOW.
4. Do you think the Bachelor in its original format would be successful in today’s culture? It’s so popular that it seems fairly immune to changes within the show, but also those changes have lined up with social media and mainstream culture. No.
5. What’s the earliest episode/rose ceremony that a lead and a contestant have slept together? Does Bob hold that record too? I don’t think there’s a definitive answer to that one.
6. Do you think the two main shows would ever do an All Stars season, where the lead only has contestants who have already been on previous seasons? Or is that only a viable option for the spinoff shows? What about the possibility of a Paradise with all villains? I think they’d be breaking too far from the norm to do that. That’s not the “Bachelor” or “Bachelorette” if you do that.
7. Do you think we will see footage of Hannah and Victoria actually saying “I slept with Peter in the fantasy suite” to Madison, or do you think ABC will edit things to be not so straightforward and bold?
Comment: It will be clear what happened, but do I think those are the words they’ll use? No.
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Please tell the producers to start fresh with a new girl. Did not like any of these women on Peters season . Definitely not Hannah Brown or Kelcy . I’m really going to turn it off if the same men or women are on it. Bring a breath of fresh air in to the show.
I was looking to see where I could send an email but I could only find yours.
Comment: *^^%$#%$^&*%$#@!#%^^&&%$#!
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I’ve heard Kaitlyn mention several time’s that Jason Tartick is still under contract with ABC? Beccas season finished airing Aug 6 2018 , how could he still be under contract ? I thought leads were under contract for a year or so but he wasn’t in top two or BIP ? How is this possible ?
Thanks Steve !
Comment: I have no idea. That’s news to me.
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Hi Steve,
What a ridiculous season! Couple of questions:
1. Is Victoria F adopted? Couldn’t help but notice she looks nothing like her family. Not that I’m aware of.
2. During hometowns, does the girl get any extra time with her family after the lead leaves or are they confined to the hotel? No. The family doesn’t see their child until they walk in the door with the lead, and when the date is over, the contestant goes back to a hotel and is on a plane back to LA the next morning or wherever the final 4 rose ceremony is. I’d say 80-90% of the time it’s in LA.
3. Have you seen the new Love is Blind show on Netflix? Addicted. No.
4. Anything you know about Tyler C being on that random ABC sitcom as well as apparently having his own show building houses for pets?
Thanks!
Comment: Nope.
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Hey Steve!
Love the blog. Just curious…where are final 4 Rose ceremonies usually held? I feel like in past seasons I’ve seen them at the mansion but I also remember seasons where they were not at the mansion (specially Nick’s season). Are they always in LA or does it depend on who has the last hometown? Just wondering. Thanks!
Comment: When they’re in LA they’re either at the mansion, at a hotel in LA, or that airport hangar they were at Monday. I believe JoJo’s final 4 rose ceremony when she eliminated Luke Pell was at that hangar. Looked really similar. But there’s was held outside if I’m not mistaken, whereas Peter’s was inside.

crushonspivey
February 19, 2020 at 10:51 AM
Seeing how this is all going down, I think it is safe to say that Pete wanted to end up with none of these girls, so he was game for putting them all through the ringer. That is, until Pete’s mom got in his ear about Madison to go get her, then he thought better of it. I hope Madison had the self respect to tell him to shove it. Because Pete just doesn’t seem to be acting like a guy who loves Madison at all. Just like a guy who wants to get some. They just aren’t a good match at all.
dogmomma
February 19, 2020 at 12:39 PM
I wanted Madison to be the girl he picked because she wasn’t in all the drama, and seems like a cool girl. But after all the crap that has happened with Victoria… Peter not letting her go sooner and then sleeping with the other girls on overnights… I hope Madison doesn’t go back to him because she deserves better than that.
ctrealitygirl
February 19, 2020 at 1:06 PM
I’m with you dogmomma! I just read an interesting article online about Tyler Cameron tweeting about Madison – apparently smitten with her basketball skills…so now fans are screaming for Madi to ditch Peter and go after Tyler. I vote for that!
dogmomma
February 19, 2020 at 1:41 PM
That’s hilarious! And it would definitely give people something to talk about and the two of them would gets lots of attention (which isn’t always good). I just don’t think Peter made good choices and he needs to learn from them the hard way.
joanne
February 19, 2020 at 1:46 PM
I definitely agree Madison should not ever be with Peter as she’s way too good for him.
And I think it’s disgusting producers put her in a suite with the other two, just so Madison will find out Peter had sex with both of them. This is all going to play out in front of millions of people. Sure, Madison chose to go on this show, but it’s a great example of how producers don’t view the contestants as real people with feelings, but just a way to make money and get higher ratings.
chocolatetherapy
February 19, 2020 at 3:47 PM
Can Anyone tell me why Victoria P has not gotten a lot of talk as a Bachelorette candidate? She seems nice, grounded, and genuine? I know there was some drama with Alayah but can you imagine any of the other girls as Bachelorette? Ugh
aussiefan24
February 19, 2020 at 6:54 PM
Most of the girls on this season are duds, except for Hannah Ann and Madi… Wouldn’t mind seeing Madi as Bachelorette although she is probably still a bit too young/ready, and doubtful the producers would cast too many religious guys like what she’s looking for anyway. It doesn’t seem like the right environment for her.
I would love to see Clare Crawley (Juan Pablo’s runner up) as Bachelorette. She has the sad back story with her dad passing away, crowd favourite at the time for pushing Juan Pablo away after he rejected her at Finale and giving him a spray for being a pig, and she’s of a mature age and probably would take it quite seriously. I know it’s been a while but they brought Arie back after a big gap of years after Emily’s season. Can’t think of anyone else suitable right now.
I think Hannah B will do it again, but not for another year or two. I saw Steve’s spoiler she’s doing more DWTS Roadshows, and I’m sad shes out of the running now. But at least she will avoid over-exposure in Bachelor Nation.
Thanks for the great updates Steve, loving every minute of this.
ctrealitygirl
February 20, 2020 at 6:48 AM
I agree that the producers this year are really stooping to new lows. Do we fans like some occasional drama? Sure. But the way it’s being so obviously manufactured is such a turn-off and very insulting to our intelligence. And we don’t want so much drama that it takes away from showing any romances/relationships developing. If they continue down this road they’ll start losing viewers. Setting up Madison by placing the 3 final women in one hotel suite for the sole reason of having her find out that one or both of the other women had sex with Peter, is beyond cruel. And I’d love it if she took them to task for that …left the show and refused to have anything more to do with the franchise. But the fact that Steve discovered they are filming something with her in her hometown suggests she’s very much still in it. Either they’re filming her making up with Peter or shooting an intro for her as Bachelorette…she’s def in the mix. I’ve posted before about my new obsession with Married at First Sight. RS thinks the premise is hogwash. But several of the couples are having successfully marriages, and rather than sabotage relationships ala the Bachelor producers…MAFS has on staff counselors (one a clergyman) who meet with the “contestants” when they’re struggling with something their partner did, and they encourage them to do things to mend the relationship. It’s actually a breath of fresh air compared to witnessing mean/cruel behavior. Watching the Bachelor/ette has always been my guilty pleasure…but not so pleasurable any more 🙁
dogmomma
February 20, 2020 at 7:25 AM
It seems that most people are feeling the same about the level of manipulation this season. I agree how mean and cruel it was to put all 3 girls in the same room during overnights, especially since it’s never happened before and we all know why they did it. I started watching this show from the first season and I remember how much fun it was to try and figure out who “wins”. Then when Reality Steve came along, I enjoyed knowing the final person and watching that person’s love story unfold. The show is changing so much and it’s becoming too fake and produced, and now that everyone wants to be a social media influencer, there are fewer and fewer people who go on it that are actually trying to “find Love”. A little drama is okay, but the whole season has been nothing but drama and it got old quickly. I guess I will have to check out some of those other shows to see if I can find a substitute because this one is going downhill fast. I almost hope that they pick Madi to be the bachelorette and clean up her season and go back to finding romance, but I also think she can do so much better than what she finds on this show. I hope she hasn’t taken Peter back if he goes after her.
debb0
February 20, 2020 at 8:53 AM
So many are questioning why Madison, with her values and religious life signed up to do the show with “Windmill 4x Pete”. I’ve thought that maybe she signed up thinking Tyler C was the bachelor and being that he was so respectful of Hannah B’s wishes of not having sex in the fantasy suite……just a thought.
ctrealitygirl
February 20, 2020 at 9:07 AM
good observation debb0! Have you read the recent press citing Tyler C’s social media posts about Madison? I think it would be awesome if the two of them hooked up! MUCH better match than her and “Windmill 4x Pete”!!
debb0
February 20, 2020 at 10:29 AM
No I didn’t, ctrealitygirl. Hmmm, interesting. Wonder if candidates are allowed to “back out” once they learn who the lead is. I mean, can’t think the show would force someone to stay if they were dead set against it.
debb0
February 20, 2020 at 10:30 AM
That may be a question for Steve ?
dogmomma
February 20, 2020 at 11:26 AM
I went back to Tyler’s twitter feed and saw the comments he made. Then I read the comments that people made and EVERYONE wanted Tyler to contact/date/marry Madi!!! I love it! my fear is that Peter’s mom got hold of him after the final rose fiasco and pressured him into going after Madi. I don’t want to see her with him. I’m now on the Tyler/Madi team!!!
ctrealitygirl
February 20, 2020 at 11:27 AM
WEll, if you recall, the year they started with two Bachelorettes – Kaitlyn & Britt – and they had the men vote for who they wanted to assume the role, one guy eliminated himself after they named Kaitlyn as he said he was only there for Britt. And other people have opted out in mid-season saying that weren’t feeling a connection with the lead. So, she could have gotten out soem way or other
dbla31
February 20, 2020 at 12:36 PM
Anyone who thinks Tyler would “date” Madi has been reading too many harlequin romances! The guy has been catting around the world with models and actresses. He just bought an apartment in NYC. He’s not about to settle down with some virgin from the Bachelor franchise. If he didn’t go back to Hannah B then he’s not going there with Madi.
crushonspivey
February 20, 2020 at 1:15 PM
Amen dbla31. Tyler has entered peak franchise delta bravo status, and is all about promoting himself and hooking up. He’s Petey 2.0 right now. Not a good match for Madi at all, and not ready for one.
dogmomma
February 20, 2020 at 5:56 PM
I probably need to read more Harlequin Romances because I’m not getting the romance on this crazy show. If I wanted drama, I’d watch the Kardashians.
jlal
February 21, 2020 at 3:41 AM
I am so happy other feel as I do about the producer manipulation this season going to a new low. They have always had the person afraid of heights have to zip line or something, but this show they sunk to new lows. Setting up Chase, Victoria, and Peter the way the did, having Victoria’s ex show up right before hometowns, and putting all the final three in the same room is beyond manipulation it is down right mean. It is such a big turn off.
This show has moved so far from the original premise that it is not really the same show. I realize social media is a huge factor, but the show had little control over that. However, the obvious and malicious producer set-ups have gone too far. Makes me sad, as I have watched since the very first show.
dogmomma
February 21, 2020 at 6:19 AM
jlal I agree 1000%.
feck
February 21, 2020 at 12:15 PM
crushonspivey – Not the type to usually comment on these sites, but since my wife makes me watch this show. I will just say this, being a guy and knowing guys like peter. Its obvious from the very first episode of this season, by the way he talks to the girls with the same BS and how quick he is too make moves, its very obvious that Peter is just a Male Ho. I doubt he would be faithful to any of them. He tells every girl what they want to hear and when the tell him what he doesnt want to hear or the truth he ships them out. Its just another failed season.
rob22
February 22, 2020 at 7:45 AM
Yeah, I don’t see any real romance coming on this season. Victoria P is gonzo after this week, and I don’t even know what you call the relationship between Pilot Pete & her. Very dysfunctional. How does that happen in such a short time? The other two girls are too young to know anything. There is obviously no way that Windmill Man and Madison the virgin can really be a thing. They can fake it obviously, but why? That leaves Hannah Ann, who’s young and pretty, and just kinda there. At 23, she doesn’t have a clue about life. So, she’s really going to sign up with Pilot Pete. Well, I guess. There are cash and prizes involved. Not that there was ever really love involved in this show. You capture people in a bubble for 6-8 weeks and focus it on one guy, and I guess that’s what you get. But usually the show is able to pull together a love story for the end. I guess we know why Peter hasn’t picked anyone… at least not yet. It’s kind of a disaster.
tinyred500
February 24, 2020 at 4:12 AM
If Hannah Ann and Madison are the final two….does Madison decide not turn up at the end (so Peter can’t propose)…and that’s what different with this ending?
Agree with so many of the above comments. The producers have reached a new all time low with the moral standing of this programme, with the overnight dates all being in the same suite is just gross. Notwithstanding, Peter went along with it and that says a lot about him IMHO. No respect for himself or the girls involved.