We are one week away from this train wreck of a season. For the past 10 weeks, it’s just been steamrolling down the tracks, wobbling side-to-side, sometimes firing up sparks on the track due to all the cringe worthy moments, etc. But now finally next week, we are one week away from this thing coming to a full stop. Although, there’s no way this pulls up to the station nicely, everybody gets off, then others jump on, and we head off on a new journey. This one is seriously just a disaster waiting to happen. Think of any of your favorite action shows or action movies that had a bad ass train scene in it with explosions, shootings, hijackings, etc. That’s this season. Or hey, maybe like in “Speed” when Dennis Hopper got decapitated on top of the train barreling down the tracks because Keanu pushed his head up. All that to say I’m glad this thing is over, it’s still going to get worse before it gets better, and yet again last night, this show proved how absolutely tone deaf they are with that father/son chat they allowed us to listen in to. The ONLY good thing was that Matt knew it was coming. And that’s bare bones minimum good. Other than that, yeah, no. Totally inappropriate.
Before we get to all that, lets recap the latest in Bachelor Nation. As you know, the ATFR filmed this past Friday in LA. Emmanuel Acho hosted, Matt and his final 3 women were there – as was Katie. I reported early last week that Katie was going to be announced as the next “Bachelorette” in the coming days, and it happened at the taping this past Friday. HOWEVER, there is some sort of twist to it. Bad new though. I don’t know what it is. I know a lot of people have emailed & DM’ed me about their thoughts based on Katie’s tweets, etc. A lot of people are thinking we’re gonna have double Bachelorettes again. I don’t think that’s it. Or that somehow Katie sat in a hotel all last week quarantining, gave up her phone, only to get on stage and turn down the Bachelorette gig so a BIPOC contestant could have it. That’s not it either. I don’t know what the twist is to the season, but I don’t believe based on things I’ve heard that it’s either of those. Katie is the “Bachelorette.” But there’s something added on to it that I don’t know what it is yet. Hopefully I’ll find out before next Monday. If not, we’ll all find out together on the ATFR.
The other thing is, we still don’t know who the host will be next season. So many reports coming out and, yet again, Michael Strahan’s name keeps getting thrown out there, as does Emmanuel’s. Michael Strahan has to be in NY five days a week for a daily show. I highly doubt he’s giving up that gig to go sit in New Mexico for 6 weeks and get 2 minutes of airtime on this show. Emmanuel has a daily sports show on FS1. Same thing with him. I just don’t see him leaving that so he can get a barely speaking role on a show that isn’t in his wheelhouse. I know there’s reports that, “Oh ABC wants to see how Emmanuel is received by the audience before they decide next season’s host,” but that seems way to premature. The guy hasn’t even been at FS1 a year I don’t believe. Why would he take the Bachelor/ette hosting gig over having a daily talk show every day debating sports? Especially when we know FS1 throws around stupid money like 4 years and $32 million to that turd Skip Bayless. Emmanuel, your future is in sports and you’re someone people listen. For all that is good, stay as far away from this franchise as you can. Hosting the ATFR? I’m all for that. But permanent host? No. You don’t need that headache.
With Chris’ apology on GMA last Thursday, I still don’t think he’s done with the franchise forever. You got Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, someone that has been helping Chris behind the scenes, basically vouching for him saying Chris is putting in the time and he’s learning, I think we can all see where this is going. I don’t think Chris hosts “Bachelorette” since it’s too soon, but I really don’t think he’s gone forever. You can practically already write ABC’s statement yourself if/when they finally determine Chris can come back. Not that hard to realize how they’re going to spin it. And I’ll repeat this til I’m blue in the face: He were are exactly now 4 weeks removed from Chris’ interview with Rachel Lindsay, and not one person from the network, the production team, or the franchise has spoken out about what Chris did, what the plan is moving forward, how they’re going to change, etc. You name anything, they’ve said nothing. Embarrassing.
I’m sure we’ll be talking more about this on my live tonight at 8ET/5PT with Ashley Spivey. Plenty to talk about again tonight from Chris’ interview, to more harassment this weekend, to last night’s abomination of the father/son chat, along with the Katie news. As always, be kind, and if you’re just gonna come in and troll and leave nasty comments, while Ashley and I may not see them during the live, other people inform us right after the live who was leaving nasty shit and I just go and block. So while you may not get blocked during, just know, we’re being told after the fact. Amazing that I have to tell people not to act like complete assholes online, but yeah, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.
Episode #4 of “Temptation Island” tonight on USA network at 10/9c. I’d say tonight is where things start heating up. One of the singles is called out by numerous people, second dates happen, and the Kendal/Alexcys relationship continues to grow. You heard Kendal on the podcast last week. This week, you’ll hear from Erica. Can’t wait to talk to her as I’m sure she’ll have a bit to say about what goes down in tonight’s episode. That’ll be posted Thursday.
A little light on “Reader Emails” so far this week, so get those in today for tomorrow’s column. Only this week and next week are left for “Reader Emails” this season, and then we take a couple months off until the show starts back up again.
Your recap begins on Page 2…
stacylee
March 9, 2021 at 8:37 AM
Long time viewer and RS follower. Enjoy watching franchise as a light, silly, non-reality reality show. While, of course, as a viewer, I hope for the rare occasion when true love is found, I accept that many participants go on the show to develop a “brand” and to increase their following.
Here’s my issue: I totally believe racism exists everywhere in our society. But, is it shocking to know that POC are treated poorly in this franchise? Absolutely not! A lot of people are treated poorly …manipulated and used for network ratings/money. Isn’t this common knowledge?
I would like to see the discussion of racism extend beyond this silly franchise. It’s really hard for the general public to take seriously all the participants who have benefited greatly (including you) to trash it for doing what they’ve always done – use people.
I’m hoping for the conversation to move beyond Rachael and Rachel, Chris and the franchise to how similar words and actions affect and possibly contribute to REAL issues of racism in society. Issues such as poverty, healthcare, education, voter suppression, and representation throughout society.
As disappointed as I have been with Matt, I do believe he is concerned about the impact of racism on children. His work in NYC reflects that. Hopefully, the conversation can shift….soon.
mgb970
March 9, 2021 at 8:39 AM
> But I never thought for a second that tweet
> was offensive in any way or taking some shot
> […] But maybe I’m in the wrong here. I’d
> like to know if I was
1. Not offensive.
2. But maybe this is an opportunity for some self-reflection regarding how quickly you (and Ashley) can judge people. Doesn’t feel so good does it?
mgb970
March 9, 2021 at 8:43 AM
@stacylee
> I would like to see the discussion of racism
> extend beyond this silly franchise.
Totally agree.
That’s a hard discussion. How can we do that in this country when the moment someone says something even perceived is wrong, they are automatically labeled and slandered.
People are afraid to have that conversation right now because there’s no upside. Status quo and one can only screw themselves are the only 2 outcomes. Especially considering these days that is someone has a misstep, people try to dox that person and get them fired from their jobs; it affects their ability to do anything in life.
jlal
March 9, 2021 at 10:58 AM
A few things:
1. I too felt the convo with his Dad should not have been on TV. I actually cringed and just felt so sorry for both of them.
2. I don’t think RS’s teacher post was bad, but I thought the exact same thing so…
3. Just because Matt didn’t propose, I don’t assume he has a commitment phobia. I wish more would agree to just date and get to know one another, versus break-up a hot second after the After the Final Rose show.
4. This franchise and this site are not the places to have more meaningful conversations on racism. There are plenty of sites, blogs, shows, etc. where you can get deep about the issue, but a dating reality show and it’s spoiler blog are not the places.
5. Not sure how I feel about Katie. At first I really liked her, but after watching everything I wonder if she was some of the cause of the toxic environment in the house. Guess we will see next show.
rob22
March 9, 2021 at 10:58 AM
I know that it’s hard to take this franchise seriously. I mean OF COURSE they will take advantage of racial stereotypes to build drama and ratings. They’ll do literally anything if it ticks up their ratings. The question really, is should blatantly using racial stereotypes be out of bounds completely. I think we did make a decision back many years ago that black face in minstrel shows was out of bounds. I think we did make a decision that putting black actors mainly in the roles of pimps and drug dealers was bad. But I think there was pushback every time a decision was made to improve the picture being painted of people of color. And so here we are again. The show that was built on drama with pretty white people, with POC mainly playing minor roles is getting called out. Yes, they’ve had two black leads (three counting Rachael). But it’s still the same people producing, so this is what you get. I think the criticism is fair. I don’t put any of it on Matt. Sure, he wasn’t ready to commit, but that’s pretty standard for Bachelors. He just decided not to fake it for a few months. But the show needs to grow up. I’m not sure they can do that. They were built this way from the beginning.
iampunka
March 9, 2021 at 11:35 AM
I think it is time to just take the shotgun to this blog, and kill it. It’s best days are far behind it. It is on its last legs and the way it is headed, it needs a mercy killing. Temptation Island just aint gonna happen. Doesn’t have the same cultural zeitgeist. And this franchise is going down, with RS help.
kathyr
March 9, 2021 at 11:45 AM
I totally agree, this blog and these trolls have totally ruined this fun show. Used to be silly and fun, now it’s all about putting people down and “correctness” whatever. Way to ruin things people
justsaying
March 9, 2021 at 1:12 PM
I do feel they didn’t need to show Matt and his dad’s conversation. Feels so invasive and painful for them to air it all out in public, on top of perpetuating racial stereotypes.
I really LOVE Bri. She’s so elegant and beautiful. My heart is breaking for her.
idontcare
March 9, 2021 at 1:38 PM
You are brave but will probably be blocked. Although Steve says he doesn’t read the comments, you know he does. I realize you probably don’t care if you get blocked. Just saying I know he reads these comments bc I am aware of 2 people who he blocked bc of their comments here. He used to say he doesn’t feel any way towards this franchise but he very much is attached to it. That can be seen clearly. He is invested with money and feelies and addicted. He gets triggered. Best to you.
fishbelt
March 9, 2021 at 3:16 PM
@iampunka and kathyr – I feel the same. I remember coming to this website and there would be 25, 30 comments every week, tons of reader emails and Steve’s recaps would be so funny. That’s what I came here for. Steve now has to beg for reader emails, and he’s now a racial studies expert. I don’t think it’s journalistically responsible to voice your opinion in your columns, but it’s his column and he’s no journalist.
The franchise/show has been ruined, but it had a good run. Time to shut the mansion door. It’ll never be fun again.
therightreasons
March 9, 2021 at 6:38 PM
You’ll have to explain this one to me because I’m kind of confused. When you (and Steve) say “perpetuating racial stereotypes (I’m guessing when it comes to Matt and his dad because that appears to be the context),” what does that mean?
A situation that mirrors (depending on your statistics you get because they vary from source to source and year to year) anywhere from 64-72 percent of that population group that is not simply a “racial stereotype.” It’s an unfortunate truth, is it not?
fishbelt
March 9, 2021 at 6:57 PM
@theright – those were my thoughts exactly, too. At the very least, extremely erroneous phrasing.
caffeinequeen
March 9, 2021 at 7:14 PM
@therightreasons and @fishbelt, the racial stereotype RS is referring to is that of the philandering, absent Black father. Maybe Matt’s father was those things. And maybe it’s more complicated than that. I’m not making excuses for him. I do agree that it was a conversation that should have been conducted in private. If anything, that exchange was like ripping the band-aid off the wound. Cringe-worthy.
GoingBlonde
March 9, 2021 at 8:06 PM
When ya have to continue to beg for reader emails, you have officially become an asshole. Anyone who dares challenge Steve’s woke-ism gets tossed out like yesterday’s trash.
shellylite
March 9, 2021 at 11:53 PM
Matt’s discussion with his Dad was awful and painful. It didn’t belong on TV.
Actually, neither do all these racism accusations against Rachel K with Rachel L’s blessings. Unless there is motive to be hateful or racist, I don’t believe anything RK did was racist, but wow did she get judged fast. Like a lot of others I don’t feel this show is the right vehicle for any kind of racism discussions or accusations. I mean, even sitcoms have diversity probems, like “Modern Family” for example – how long was that a hit show, and how many non-PC things did that show do (A lot) and did they ever have a giant racism discussion/controversy? I don’t know, because I stopped watching it, but I bet accusations about lack of diversity never ruined that show or any show like it. Because some shows are just majority white and some shows are majority non-white, that’s how all TV shows are. Few of them bend over backwards to be truly representative, racially, of our country. Why suddenly make The Bachelor franchise the show that’s supposed to live up to that representation? It’s just a dumb reality show. No one expects anything fantastic to come out of it. And think of all the people who have become famous from that stupid reality show, and one of them is Rachel Lindsay.
The Bachelor franchise is a really dumb thing to get upset about. Racism is just one of its many, many problems.
This judgmental blog isn’t helping the show. And I will never watch Temptation Island. It’s even more worthless than the Bachelor.
shellylite
March 9, 2021 at 11:59 PM
@jlal I think the point was, Matt really went out of his way to make the point to the women that he wasn’t his Dad, wasn’t afraid of commitment and marriage, and then in the end, he clearly is/was.
That’s all. It’s simplistic and it makes no sense that he had to talk to his Dad on TV to figure that out. “I’m not my Dad” is what everyone says at some point. But Matt needed that TV conversation to reach that conclusion, and then in the end, he kind of was his Dad after all.
therightreasons
March 10, 2021 at 7:55 AM
I’m with everyone that those things are cringy and shouldn’t be on TV. However, these people sign contracts and for the most part probably know what they are getting into. It sounds kind of cold but sometimes people have too much sympathy and admiration for people when most of this stuff is signed and fabricated to a certain degree (I don’t know how much of it is in this situation but you hear all the time about how fake all of this stuff is kind of like the girl earlier this year that left because her parent was dying but she went back to her boyfriend and they were jet setting). When people are truly innocent and get manipulated it is a terrible thing but that doesn’t happen very often and it is usually willingly for fame and ratings.
Like I said before, something that is a reality for 64-72% of that population group is not a “racial stereotype” and should stop being called as such. That is diminishing a real issue (which has multiplied for pretty much every group but the percentage happens to be astronomically high for this certain population group) that is part of the solution to a complex problem.
justsaying
March 10, 2021 at 12:18 PM
@therightreasons Perpetuating stereotypes can create a lot of hate-crimes and divide. We need more love in this world