I know absolutely no one is gonna believe me when I say this, but I’m somewhat enjoying the fact the season isn’t spoiled yet. Would I like to have the answer to every question this season answered? Yes. Has it been frustrating? Yeah, but moreso because of the constant emails, tweets, and DM’s, which are a product of not having the spoilers yet. Because I still have people, no joke, contacting me in some way, shape, or form asking questions like, “Hey, who wins this season?” Like, really? Has that person not read a single thing I’ve written since this show wrapped on Nov. 17th? There’s no way anyone who’s been to my site, hell, more than once in the last 3 months could fire off an email like that. I’ve said from the very beginning that I didn’t know what happened. The first spoiler I gave after filming wrapped was two things: 1) this wasn’t a normal ending where we have 2 women the final day, he dumps one, proposes to the other, and he leaves Australia engaged to someone and 2) there was no engagement. That’s what I knew to be true. Along the way I’ve filled in more details as I’ve gotten them, but, there’s a lot to dissect come the finale. Over the weekend I tweeted that there are some things I’m sure of, some holes on others, but I have a pretty good idea now of what goes down. And I’ll get to that later on in the column. But we’ve got some Bachelor Nation things to cover first, I have your “Women Tell All” spoilers on Page 2, the Madison “ultimatum” and thoughts on last night on page 3, then I’ll share with you how I think this plays out on page 4.
Former “Bachelorette” and BIP contestant Chad Johnson was back in the news yesterday – for all the wrong reasons. This was a video his girlfriend Annalise uploaded to her IG story yesterday:
Here’s Part 2 of the video… pic.twitter.com/fEUhpBo36Y
— RealitySteve (@RealitySteve) February 24, 2020
This is embarrassing, pathetic, and I’m glad she put him on blast. The audacity for some people to victim blame his gf Annalise (no, his gf is not the Annaliese from the show) for recording this and not calling police, is appalling. Really? Who’s to say she didn’t do both? In this day and age, unfortunately because some people want to have their own truths about people and refuse to believe anything negative about them, Annalise almost HAD to record him, or she wouldn’t be believed. Oh sure some might believe her, but plenty of keyboard warriors out there would say, “Where’s the proof” if she were to just tweet or post a story that Chad punched a hole in her wall, told her to die, and called her the r-word. Good for her. She’s in an abusive relationship, certainly doesn’t sound like this was the first time he’s done something like this to her, and she needs to get out of it. I sent her a message yesterday applauding her for posting that, but also telling her she needs to get out. Will she read it or even listen? I have no idea. But she needs a lot of us telling her she does before something worse happens. This is a pattern of behavior for Chad over the years and he’s not changing unless he gets help. And maybe then it won’t even sink in. She should get a restraining order, use this as proof, and never speak, text, or message with him ever again. That’s the only way to move on from him.
UPDATE: Chad was arrested last night and taken into custody according to TMZ after what Annalise posted Sunday night and allegedly he went back yesterday and chucked her phone. Yesterday afternoon before his arrest happened, Chad did speak with TooFab and admitted what he did, even though he doesn’t remember a lot of it. His rep also spoke saying Chad will be seeking help for his anger management and drinking problems. However, the part where he loses me is blaming the show for what’s happened to him. Jacqueline and I talked about this in the last podcast where the show fails miserably in trying to help people post show, but if you do go off the rails, you can’t solely blame them. Sounds a lot like jealousy to me. Then apparently Chad told TooFab he has an issue with…ME!!!
“I just feel like I’m being portrayed in a crazy light,” he continued, accusing the show’s famed leaker Reality Steve for pushing false narratives.
Wait, what? Can someone tell me the last time I even brought up Chad’s name? I certainly can’t. But I guarantee the only time I actually do talk about him is when he’s in the news for something to do with his behavior. So, this guy is seriously disturbed and I don’t think truly understands what he’s done. It sounds like, unfortunately, he’s only sorry this got caught on video and not sorry for all his past behavior. However, lets just hope he gets help he needs, he actually listens to it, and changes his whole persona. Because this “bad boy” image isn’t working.
More and more stuff coming out this weekend of people claiming they heard/saw Peter in Hannah Ann’s IG story from this past weekend while she was in Florida. People, you’ve got to understand something. No matter who Peter is with, he’s never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever gonna be walking around in public with them where others could see them out. Not to mention, Peter wasn’t even in Florida this weekend. Hannah Ann was there with her girlfriend (Angelia Layton from “Survivor” season 25) and they had a photographer with them. Even people claiming Peter was seen with Madison last week, I just don’t think understand no matter who the lead chooses, they will never be anywhere in public together. It’s just not gonna happen. That would give the whole show away. Happy Couple weekends are in a secluded house that they aren’t allowed to leave. So no, you didn’t see them together at dinner, or you didn’t see them walking around in public in Florida with her friends. Just stop.
One thing I’ve been so happy to hear about was the response to last Thursday’s podcast. So happy to hear a lot of you enjoyed FP. I’m sure he’ll be on again at some point, but quite a few of you Nats fans reached out to me to let me know how much you appreciated hearing him on, and that was great. He is as good an analyst as there is in all of baseball and I hope Nats fans appreciate what they have. Like I said in that interview, I watch a lot of out of market games. I’ve heard every team’s broadcasters numerous times, and he’s definitely in the top 3. My goal is to get out to a Nats game this summer and hopefully hang with FP post show. We’re in the early stages of planning that.
Get your “Reader Emails” in for tomorrow as I’m sure you have a few thoughts no doubt. Right now I’m a little low. Also, it’s been a couple months since Ashley and I have had a “He Said/She Said” podcast, but we’re ramping it up again. If you want to be on it, let me know what your issue is, the time zone you’re in, and the best time you can record, and hopefully we can link up and get it recorded for a future episode.
joanne
February 25, 2020 at 10:05 AM
The only thing that does make sense is Peter trying to get back with Madison and that they are seeing each other but not engaged.
If so, this wouldn’t be much different than Colton going after Cassie once she self eliminated. And it would also be more proof we should never listen to the show’s hype, since they made it appear to be an ending like no other we’ve seen.
crushonspivey
February 25, 2020 at 10:18 AM
Is it just me, or was the epi last night super dull. They tried so hard to contrive the drama by putting the girls together, but it is was just awkward, and mostly dull since they didn’t want top be around each other or talk really at all. That part was mostly just awkward and honestly a bit of meanness towards Madison. Proving once again that this franchise cares zero for any contestant. They just want to put them through a ringer emotionally for amusement.
The Madison-Peter stuff was dull as well because I just never bought into their love story anyway. They are too different, and Pete has been more about fooling around than trying to find a real relationship anyway. He was about the show more than anything real. It was obvious.
his season was not a good one. The romance of past seasons is going away for the sake of contrived drama, and it has lessened the franchise. Pete F’s season makes this one look awful in comparison, and that is saying something. This is Juan Pablo bad, where it was obvious that the lead really didn’t care much for the girls.
And Madison should have told Pete about her stances at hometowns. That was her mistake. She waited too long to share her values. At hometowns Pete could have decided to keep her for the fantasy suites or cut her loose. That was the time. Doing it when she did was just bad timing all the way around.
rosegoldea58
February 25, 2020 at 10:25 AM
Madison and Peter are both stubborn, and they’ll have to understand that about each other if the relationship is going to work. After Madison gave Peter the ultimatum, Peter could have demanded more time to work it out with her before going on the fantasy suite dates, but he didn’t. He just went and did what he wanted with the other girls. That was somewhat dismissive if he really was in love with her, and it shows he kinda didn’t care or was angry with her. It must have been a reality check moment of realizing, “this girl and i really dont know each other, are we really about to get engaged??” I think he had more real intimacy with Victoria, and I liked Hannah Ann on this episode a lot too. I dont care that much for Madison, but if that’s what he wants then it’s a free country. He does like a chase, and Madison is giving him that.
jman
February 25, 2020 at 11:39 AM
From a Man’s point of view, a girl needs to be upfront with her life choices. You don’t wait until the “Fantasy Suite” to proclaim your saving yourself for marriage and you can’t accept a man because he is intimate with other women he’s been dating. The Producers of the show should have given Peter the heads up, long before he chooses the last 3 women. Madison is not anywhere near the final 3 if she tells her secret. She’s gone early on. So, it was unfair for the other women on the show and it’s wrong for Madison morally to go on a show that is basically about eventually hooking up in a Fantasy Suite. Real bad television and poor decision making for ABC!!
michelleg
February 25, 2020 at 11:54 AM
*edit*
Page 3, para 4, sentence 6: judged Madison, not Victoria.
Great take on an interesting season of the Bachelor Cinematic Universe.
kabuki
February 25, 2020 at 1:09 PM
I had to fast forward through a lot of the “Victoria experience” because she turns my stomach with her hair stroking, valley girl vocal fry (every sentence ends with a question mark) and never ending drama. Enough already! Be gone! Madison had a very difficult time cutting to the chase on the virginity conversation. It was frustrating to watch her beat around the bush. I noticed she never once mentioned her very religious beliefs, which were on full display during the home town visit. I honestly don’t know how someone so religious (and with such a religious family) can work with someone like Pete who isn’t into religion. Didn’t Madison meet Peter’s parents at their “Vow Renewal Ceremony”? So, they already know each other. For sure, Peter’s crying, pleading mother was referring to Madison. Not one to upset mamacita, I predict that Peter will bring Madison home. They are dating, but the relationship is not going to last due to religious differences. You can’t fake your way into becoming religious for someone else when you aren’t relgious to begin with. It’s living a lie. No way is Peter ready for marriage anyway. Another Bachelor couple who won’t last. Roll on next season….
dbla31
February 25, 2020 at 1:19 PM
I find it interesting and a bit sad that Kelly wasn’t invited to WTA, but not really surprising. It confirms what I thought all season, that she is too smart for this show and producer manipulation. After about the first episode she looked so bored in any interaction with Peter. She didn’t even fake it. She was just there for the free trip. Good for her. But I still think she should’ve been invited to the wrap up.
justsaying
February 25, 2020 at 1:33 PM
Gosh this discussion board today is as frustrating as Peter and Madison situation.
Firstly, entitled-Pete is free to sleep around, if he chooses to. HOWEVER, don’t knowingly decide to sleep with the “crazy” one and the “boring” one and THEN, beg Madison to stay after that. Why?? He hurt her some more?? What was he thinking?? That Madison was just joking around and gotcha Pete lol!
Unlike you Peter, Madison waits to actually be 100% sure before throwing the ‘L’ word around. She doesn’t buy into that ‘I’m falling in love with you’ B.S. Yes actions do speak louder than words. Your actions have spoken.
I don’t buy Peter’s mopey face. He knew exactly what he was doing and how he hurt Madison. I swear he gets off on this. Sometimes, when it walks like a duck..
Chad, just be a hermit and have as little contact with humans as possible.
crushonspivey
February 25, 2020 at 2:31 PM
justsaying, Peter has been a man-child all season. Pretty typical for guys these days, unfortunately. He is still a boy pretending to be a man. He really just wanted the action and hookups. Obvious really. And I think production built the season around it because there was no love story to build on. Hope TPTB learn something here. Drama for the sake of drama can;t be what the franchise is about if you want a good season. There has to be a believable love story. So start showing it sooner.
jp22
February 25, 2020 at 3:24 PM
I dislike Madison as much as Kabuki hates Victoria F. And I like Victoria F. Speaking of Kabuki, what’s with Madison’s Tammy Faye Baker makeup? And two pounds of foundation? And never brushing her hair? And she constantly chews her lips and does weird stuff with her tongue, which is why she can’t keep lipstick on. The camera is continually cutting away from her face as she is about to do another weIrd lip move. I am looking forward to seeing her on ATFR because am sure she will have had a makeover.
Victoria was right to be upset about Madison’s expression of her feelings about Fantasy Suites/ultimatum. Madison was also busily taking away Hannah Ann’s and Victoria’s chances to have more time with Peter.
I wish Victoria F would stop apologizing for reacting to how often and how cruelly the producers were effing with her. They also effed with Colton big time which resulted in the fence jump. You don’t see Colton apologizing for it. (Never apologize for that Scorpio moon, it’s a superpower into seeing a situation/people clearly and the big feelings can be managed).
The show has become just so misogynistic and mean. No wonder Peter only looks downtrodden by the Hometowns. He is. Eff the producers.
Finally I’m thinking the show will be good for Victoria because she’ll drop the babydoll voice in the same way Krystal and Whitney Bischoff did.
I hear that voice in so many post Millennial women, even when they are talking to each other. It doesn’t serve them.
So everybody has an opinion, but the opinion I wish we all could share and write ABC about is how nasty the producers have become.
marie101?
February 25, 2020 at 5:03 PM
“And she constantly chews her lips and does weird stuff with her tongue, which is why she can’t keep lipstick on. The camera is continually cutting away from her face as she is about to do another weIrd lip move.”
jp22…I couldn’t agree more…I actually felt uncomfortable watching all the versions of her lip gyrations as I kept waiting for her to verbalize what she believed in and just say how she felt directly like an adult….instead she hemmed and hawed her way through explaining (or not explaining) anything. I was shaking my head. I guess I understand her not wanting to give him an ultimatum a la Luke P with Hannah B, but by the same token, she wasn’t exactly doing a good job of making him understand that she would be very disappointed if he didn’t act by her standards of behavior. And even then she didn’t tell him about saving herself for marriage until AFTER he had his two other “dates”. That probably might have opened up a deeper discussion about differences in mores and whether that is something he could compromise on.
I guess we will see what happens in the long run. I think she may have made herself more attractive to him by running away. Someone else mentioned something about “the chase”. And who knows, her being a virgin may be intriguing too. I would NOT want a do over on my first time, lol! But lasting in the long run, I don’t know, unless his Mom can keep him in line.
elizabeth82
February 25, 2020 at 10:20 PM
“But do you know which two women both wore necklaces with crosses on them last night and had no problem judging Madison?” Yeah, noticed that right away.
Aside from the last couple ones, these comments have been insightful. Peter and Madison are too different, and it was definitely dull to watch so much footage of her reaction and him not knowing how to deal.
jlal
February 26, 2020 at 5:15 AM
There is a theory that today’s young women went to using vocal fry (which drives me nuts BTW) as a counter to the “like” baby voiced every statement is a question upspeak that was prominent. What I have noticed is young people using both, which drives me even more nuts. Just speak with you normal voice, it will serve you much better. BTW, young men do it too.
I couldn’t agree more with comments that Peter just doesn’t seem that into any of these women. It may be the edit, but I haven’t seen a spark between him and one of them yet. Frankly, all of them are too young, if not in age then in maturity.
As for the theory Peter and Madison are dating. I just don’t see Peter being able to maintain a long enough relationship with Madison to lead to an engagement and stay celibate. It is not happening. He is not staying celibate for the year or two it would take before a marriage is likely to happen. I don’t see Madison or Peter rushing into a marriage.
I have to address RS saying Victoria denied twice she broke up marriages. Good, because nobody but the two parties in the marriage can break up the marriage. Doesn’t mean her morals may be questionable, but quit making women out to be the femme fatale. If those stories are true, the men who screwed around on their wives broke up their marriages. Victoria has questionable morals and is not a “good” friend, but she didn’t “break up a marriage”.
Kelley is way too smart for this show. I don’t think the producers could influence or control her. She basically mocked the show with her attitude and I’m sure they hated that.
I notice Madison’s lip stuff, but I think the one who had a really weird/active tongue/lip thing going on was Mykenna. For the love of God, I couldn’t even watch her it was so bad.
Did anyone notice that Peter told all three the exact same thing in the exact same tone and voice, when first seeing them? It was “You look beautiful” which has nothing wrong with it, by saying it to all of them with the exact same inflection just it me as a “line” and not a real feeling.
rob22
February 26, 2020 at 6:16 AM
While Peter and Madison don’t seem to be a fit, there certainly are people out there who “sowed their wild oats”, then opted to settle down with a virgin. I know that doesn’t really seem like a thing these days, but it’s not exactly a new concept. The problem, of course, is that people who opt in for this life approach actually have to change their ways & adapt to a new lifestyle. And that usually would happen over time as someone realizes that serial sleeping around isn’t actually all it’s cracked up to be and purposefully start looking for something and someone different. What evidence do we have that Pilot Pete, who likely has a girl in every city, went through that transformation & is going to actually change his stripes? None. That’s where the whole thing falls apart. In fact, Peter could have used the overnight dates to actually flip that switch & not sleep with anyone. Instead, he kept Victoria around only because he wanted some psycho sex with her. Why else keep her? There’s no long term play with a girl like her. Hannah Anne was certainly nice & willing. So again, he wanted to have sex with her. If he had really changed his stripes, he certainly wouldn’t have kept Victoria around so he could bang her. Anyway, this whole thing is playing out for maximum effect. But it’s really stupid. Peter, once again, is apparently trying for something and doing the exact opposite of what he needs to do to actually get it. Madison is young, but not stupid. I hope. She should run for the hills.
keddo
February 26, 2020 at 8:09 AM
As a Christian, what I find most interesting in these shows is how people who call themselves Christians conduct themselves. Most, by my observation, are either fairly new and/or shallow in their faith, such as Luke P in Hannah B’s season, or have grown up in Christian culture and understand how to put on a Christian face, but when there is a conflict between what they strongly desire and how the Bible tells them to behave, unapologetically follow their own desire, a la Hannah B.
Madison seems to be strong in some aspects of her faith, but shallow in others. It’s great that she’s firm in her sexual purity, but a mature (in the faith) Christian woman wouldn’t be okay with the idea of being “unequally yoked”; she would be looking for a man who would be strong in godly character, able to lead his family in faith. Even if she could convince him that sexual purity was the way to go for both of them, and that he should toe the Christian line and do all the external things that Christians do, he hasn’t shown that he is internally driven to follow Christ above all else, and that’s not something you can force, or convince, someone else to be. It starts from a fundamental change of the inner person, a giving up of one’s self to follow Christ. I hope she either realizes this and cuts bait, or that God does a miracle in Peter’s heart leading to his true conversion.
justsaying
February 26, 2020 at 8:18 AM
Man-child Pete indeed @crushonspivey
Who would have thunk Nick Viall’s is more honorable now. He only slept with Vanessa out of his F3s and now, contestants talk about sex all the time but Nick was vilified for asking.
jlal
February 26, 2020 at 9:17 AM
One thing I don’t understand is how RS is saying,because of her waiting until marriage for sex, Madison can’t be the bachelorette. Remember Sean Lowe was the same way. He made it clear he would not have sex before marriage. I don’t think he was a virgin, but then Madison hasn’t said she is a virgin either. People can decide at any point in their lives to start living a celibate life until marriage.
Then there was Colton who was a virgin. Why is it different for a women? Just curious.
crushonspivey
February 26, 2020 at 9:55 AM
I actually think Madison would make a good Bachette, if they found the right type of guys for her. Doubt they could as her type of guy isn’t the usual for this show. Would make for some good fantasy suite convos though, and for deeper conversaions on values, life goals and actual help with real coupling. Otherwise, sex leads, it that tends to make it more shallow with the weeks they have for this show.
nursej
February 26, 2020 at 6:36 PM
Instead of Peter and Madison having that important conversation in front of the cameras, why didn’t they have it during the private fantasy suite portion? (minus the sex of course)
He was clearly not wanting to speak about his relations with the other women on camera. Could Madison not have waited for some privacy?
nursej
February 26, 2020 at 6:49 PM
I think Madison was surprised when Peter said “I can see you and I together at the end… but coming into this week, I could see that with other people too.” Throughout the show, he made it seem like she was the front runner from early on and provided lots of validation throughout… minus the first impression rose which went to Hannah Anne – perhaps Madison underestimated how far he would go to explore those feelings, given how strongly he clearly felt for Madison. I get why she is disappointed. If he felt that strongly for Madison, why would he risk it?
ladyjane747
February 26, 2020 at 7:23 PM
Not sure why Peter or Madison would want to be a couple, anyway. It’s clear they’re not on the same page. When Madison told Peter about her faith and what she expected in a husband, instead of Peter’s bland, insincere assurances that he COULD be more religious and SHOULD be more religious, he should’ve admitted that he wasn’t looking for that kind of relationship and let her go. And you could see by Madison’s face when Peter responded that she realized he was not into it like she was. These two are not a match. But Peter doesn’t seem like he’s into any of these women, except Victoria F. He keeps giving her chances. He should’ve picked her and then could’ve had a wild, drama-filled relationship for a few months and then called it quits. Peter is so annoying.
bigdan
February 28, 2020 at 4:46 AM
I think if Madison would have told him the whole story, it would have had a different outcome. He was an idiot to have sex with those girls… didn’t need to happen. Madison is the true “catch” in this game.
justsaying
February 28, 2020 at 9:58 AM
Madison can tell him she’s a virgin whenever SHE chooses to. It would be very presumptuous of her to tell him before chosen to the fantasy suites. No girl should be walking around thinking all guys want to f*** me.
jman
February 28, 2020 at 1:30 PM
“Madison can tell him she’s a virgin whenever SHE chooses to.” So, I guess living a lie is the Christian way of dealing with the fact that you are going to stay a virgin until marriage and you won’t get engaged to a man that sleeps with other women. Can you say, “Double Standards!”
jdubtrey
February 29, 2020 at 2:22 AM
Neither one of them are wrong, but they do seem incompatible. Remember, the show is ostensibly trying to match up life partners. If simply not having sex one or two nights keeps the third girl in the game, is it worth it? The answer will vary on the person but the responses will fall in both sides (from both males and females).
If Peter can be attracted to Maddison without her throwing out sex kitten vibes, maybe that connection is deep enough to exchange for getting laid a couple of times.
Maddison holding on to this info until fantasy suites is counter-culture for the show as we know it. However, is the goal to find a wife or the freakiest chick?
If don’t think anyone here is necessarily wrong.
jdubtrey
February 29, 2020 at 2:35 AM
Ok I get it: stating that VF “breaks up marriages” could be self-serving for the show and at worst, misogynistic. These men can make their own decisions too.
However, isn’t this really a semantic discussion at that point? So she is alleged to have dated multiple men who she was fully aware were married. If that’s true, I don’t see how that new label turns her into a sympathetic figure all of a sudden. 6 of one, half dozen of the other.
jdubtrey
February 29, 2020 at 2:46 AM
This brings up the marketing that separates what the show claims to be from what it actually is.
The show hopes to produce an “engaged” couple when I think the best they can hope for is a “committed” one. The pair are likely to learn far more about each other after the show than they did during filming. As long as she gets the answers she needs before she either a) comprises her faith or b) actually marries him, she will have wasted nothing but her own time. I’m ok with that.
I don’t think they are compatible but she’s got time to figure that out, rushed engagement or not.
jdubtrey
February 29, 2020 at 2:52 AM
If RS has said that, I’d have the same question.
Now, if I remember correctly, the obvious difference is that Colton seemingly just happened to be a virgin while Maddison has the stated goal of waiting until marriage. Those are different sets of expectations for the viewer.
jdubtrey
February 29, 2020 at 3:21 AM
If someone connected with the show states that every contestant needs to be willing to have sex with the star as a prerequisite, than I’ll agree with you.
Of the actual stated customs, every contestant is expected to pursue marriage in good faith, and she checks that box, I think.
“Living a lie” is loading it up a bit. It isn’t like she just told Peter that she is actually a guy.
justsaying
February 29, 2020 at 8:16 AM
@jman You’re twisting and purposefully undermining Madison’s life decisions. She doesn’t need to tattoo ‘saving myself for marriage’ on her forehead. Nope.
Don’t whitewash the fact she admitted she respected Peter for not saving himself and she isn’t looking for a virgin man. Her logic was how can they get engaged when he just slept with a couple of other ladies a few days ago. Get it??
marie101?
March 2, 2020 at 7:26 PM
“Did anyone notice that Peter told all three the exact same thing in the exact same tone and voice, when first seeing them?”
SNL picked up on this and did a skit that basically skewered that. I tried to copy the link, but couldn’t, but just look up SNL Pilot Hunk.