We’re back tonight with the IG live and Ashley and I will be having, yet again, a lot to talk about. I’m actually gonna be at a friends house tonight for a “Temptation Island” watch party, so you’ll know why it’s gonna look different. You know, since basically every live I’ve done has been in my office sitting in my chair. But big things tonight since Tuesday has become my most looked forward to night of the week now with TI in full swing. Episode #2 tonight at 10/9c on USA Network and, I’m not gonna give you any spoilers, but things start getting going. First dates are chosen, first dates are shown, the bonfires begin, and lets just say the tears start flowing. Probably the #1 to know about tonight’s episode: tears. A lot of them. And we’re only in the second episode. It’ll be interesting to look back at the end of the season and see if those that are having a hard time handling this are later getting their freak on. I don’t know what happens this season and I don’t want to know. I know I’m going to have at least one person from one of the couples on the podcast this week. Waiting to hear back if I’m getting the other half, or have one of the singles on. But looking forward to start talking to these contestants.
I think at this point, there’s so much going on, as I mentioned, what’s happening on the screen is playing second fiddle to social media. Hell, they ran the promos for next week’s “Women Tell All,” then said “In 2 weeks, the dramatic conclusion…,” does that mean the finale is in 2 weeks? Usually a season is 11 weeks long, which would put the finale on Monday, the 15th. But that promo at the end of last nights episode made things a bit confusing. I guess as we get towards the end of this week, or beginning of next week, we’ll have a full idea of when the finale actually is. Usually overnight are its own episode, followed by the finale and ATFR the following week. They’re gonna cram that all into one episode on the 8th? I kinda find that hard to believe, but considering what a shit show this season has turned into, maybe that’s exactly what they want to do and just wanna get it over with.
We know that Chris Harrison isn’t going to be a part of the ATFR, but as of right now, we don’t know what his job status is moving forward. You heard me on the podcast with Taylor last week, and she thinks he should be done for good. At least with this franchise. Same with Ashley Spivey. Same with the @BachDiversity on IG. And I feel the same. And it’s not, “Geez, canceling people after one mistake” as I’m hearing so often. Chris has had a long line of questionable comments over the years. Not to mention, this shows own contestants are saying he needs to be removed if this show is going to progress into the future and change the culture. After everything that’s happened, and the litany of stories we’re hearing behind the scenes now of BIPOC contestants being excluded in screen time, and not feeling at all included in this show, what sense does it make to just keep running this show back season after season with the same host and same production crew? Because they say they’ll change? They told us that last summer, and all they did was cast a more diverse cast then not show them. Unfortunately for change to happen, Chris needs to go.
The ironic thing about Chris being replaced is, for years, the running joke has always been that Chris does nothing on screen. And he doesn’t. He basically averages about 2 min of airtime per episode. Now all the sudden he’s the most important figure that this franchise can’t do without? Huh? Yes, I get that he’s the face of the franchise and has been since it started back in 2002. So will it be weird not seeing him host a season, assuming that happens on the next “Bachelorette?” Sure it will. But I think that weirdness will wear off by the end of the first episode. I understand that people don’t like change. But in this case, change is necessary. I think if people had the choice of Chris Harrison staying on and this show ending rather soon, or, replace Chris Harrison, the show reinvents itself, and stays on for many more years, they’d choose the latter. He is replaceable and should be at this point. Will they lose fans if that happens? I’m sure. But not nearly as many as you think.
Unfortunately the show has reached a point where the story has become about Chris, and not the show. And as long as Chris has a visible role on this show, it’s going to distract from what they ultimately want people to pay the most attention to. No show wants that. Ever. You can sit here until you’re blue in the face and scream that what he said wasn’t a big deal, or who cares, or it was just a mistake we all make them, etc. All I can tell you is you’re wrong. And if you’re a white person who is saying that, do you realize how ignorant that sounds? Have you seen how many POC and BIPOC contestants of this franchise have spoken out against Chris? It clearly is something that bothers them, yet you the white person, are screaming “What’s the big deal?” Then again, if I’m not even allowed to tell you how wrong you are for saying that without you getting all in a huff about it, then that’s even more reason you should understand how ignorant you’re being. Have some understanding of what’s at play here and maybe, just maybe, try not to make everything about how it makes YOU feel and think of others at this time. Novel concept, I know.
