“Reader Emails,” & Thoughts on Last Night’s FINASCO

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Hi Steve
I need to say this.
I know anyone watching Joe Millionaire probably noticed too…..
the lack of the word “like” in the conversations?
How refreshing.

So much easier to follow along with what they are saying instead of noting all the “likes” in one sentence to the point of wondering what the fuck did they just say. Makes my head explode sometimes. I can’t help but think how many beautiful, smart women I have seen on the Bachelor that blow the illusion the minute they open their mouth. Then I started to think, is this a generational thing? Is this just the vernacular style of a certain generation? Like vocal fry, valley girl, up talking has been? I don’t want to make fun of something that is just part of a generation’s lingo since each generation is guilty of some head scratching stuff. (Looking back, we all have had cringe worthy ways of speaking/dressing, etc.)

There are so many things about JM that the Bachelor needs to take into account. I seriously think the Bachelor is at a cross roads. Can’t you feel it?

I am not saying the Bachelor will be coming to end, I understand what a juggernaut it is in ratings and blah blah blah. What I am saying is (or maybe hoping?) that they need to pause and take stock of the changing environment these days. They made an attempt at having the leads be POC which was long overdue, but there is so much more they need to do and can do. Yes, I know this is a TV show first and foremost, but what is wrong with wanting to do better? The disrespect shown this season towards ADHD and the joke they made of therapy……I mean, come on! Mental health right now in this country is front and center as a result of the pandemic and the needed awareness to not stigmatize it and to not hesitate to seek help. Are they that tone deaf?

I know, I’m preaching to the choir here.

Comment: Yes, you are. It’s known they need to change these things about the show. And from what most of us can see, they’re not. Take last night for a prime example. The whole Fantasy Suite episode was put together by production to get the exact meltdown that we did. They knew Susie was struggling with it, they knew having the women come back to the same living room after each date would make her squirm even more, and they knew putting her last would have this effect. But is anyone surprised? I’m not. This is what this show does. And when they do it, part of my job is to point it out and say while you can have your opinions on Clayton v Susie, don’t forget who set all of that up. And next season they’ll do something to stir the pot, and you’ll complain. And then the season after that they’ll do it again. And again, and again, and again. Guess what? Monday’s episode got the highest ratings of the season. And I’m sure once last night’s ratings come in that’ll do well too, although Tuesday episodes usually fall of because it’s not on the regular night. But look how much discussion it’ll cause today. The show isn’t changing, so, either collectively people need to stop watching and covering it, or just accept it for what it is.
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Hi Steve,

I’m excited to hear what you uncovered about the ending!

My question is about what Clayton (aka the Bachelor PR team) has been putting out there about the ending being “so dramatic.” I’ve read quotes and headlines along the lines of it’s so dramatic the finale needed to be a 2 night event and/or they added an extra time slot for it.

I get that people have really short memories when it comes to this show, but isn’t the number of episodes/hours aired the same as always? If I remember correctly, we missed an episode earlier in the season for a TV conflict (I forget what at this point), so there had to be a make up episode somewhere down the line. This isn’t the first season with a make up episode, and it’s always either with the WTA or the AFTR. Maybe the difference is that it’s airing two nights for two weeks instead of one? Is there really an “extra” episode this season, or is it just hyperbole/spin?

Thanks for everything you do! I’m a long time reader (found you during Jake Pavelka’s season). The only reason I still watch the episodes is to follow what you’re writing.

Comment: This season has one extra episode because of the 2 night finale. Usually with the Tell All, a season is 11 episodes long – 7 episodes to get us to final 4, Hometowns is episode 8 (as it was this season), Overnights/WTA episode 9, Overnights/WTA episode 10 (depending on which order they want to show it in. In the past, the Tell All was always shown before the finale. In recent seasons, they’re showing it after the Hometown date episode), and the finale night was usually episode #11 that went 3 hrs – 2 hrs to show what happened during filming, and a 1 hr ATFR. Now they’re just taking that 11th show and extending it over two nights, so that’s what makes it 12 shows now.
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Hi Steve,

Not so much a question as much as an observation a friend pointed out. She noticed that on he-who-shall-not-be-named’s podcast, Clayton was asked to describe his final three women. When he described Rachel it was in a present tense “She is wonderful”, but when he spoke about Susie it was in a past tense “She was wonderful”. Obviously this may not mean anything, but it’s definitely curious. I wouldn’t have caught it though since I don’t listen to garbage. 🙂

Comment: Well, however he describes them and whatever tense he uses, he’s not with Rachel.
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Hi Steve,

Long time fan! It was apparent on WTA tonight that several of the women know what went down with Clayton and his final 3. How is that possible? Aren’t the eliminated women sworn to secrecy until the finale airs? Or did Ciarra and Teddy just put their foot in their mouth by saying “they knew things”?
Thanks

Comment: I don’t think they know any details. I think they have an idea that Clayton is single.

Hi mate,

Teddi’s comment at end of women tell all last night..

Something like..

We are all close, and know a lot of went down, I hope you are ok.

Do you think that’s another setup by producers to send viewers off on particular ending theories?

I’m assuming the women get told what they can and can’t say (producers would know some are very close to Susie Rachel gabby etc), and even if they run their mouths to much producers can edit it out

Just seemed to me to be they let it air to add to the mystery of the conclusion.

FYI, I also hope Clayton is mentally ok, he’s a good guy, maybe just not ready for all the scrutiny this role came with

Comment: Yes, producers absolutely planted that seed and told them to say those things. The show is taped, so they could’ve edited those comments out if they didn’t want it out there. Like the Salley conversation or the footage of Shanae calling Elizabeth the c-word.

And yeah, I think Clayton is just like any other dude his age, and he got completely fleeced by the show, had no idea what he was getting into, definitely wasn’t ready to deal with the toxic fanbase, and now he’s left holding the bag for it and was clueless to what this show can do to you. I don’t think he’s a bad guy. Just totally ignorant to the process and someone who wasn’t ready for this role. But again, is anyone really?
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Have you heard any names other than Susie for Bachelorette? With rating bombs this season, I have to imagine they may be considering someone who could pull viewers back in (Tayshia? not sure who else – Kristina Schulman? Kendall? Someone not franchise related – Chrishell Stause?). Also, is Jesse confirmed hosting or are hopefully Kaitlyn and Tayshia coming back?

Comment: I would be very surprised if it’s not one of the final 3. As for Jesse, I expect he’s the permanent host. Isn’t Kaitlyn on the DWTS Tour has been for a couple months. I highly doubt she’s gonna jump off that and immediately go back into hosting “Bachelorette” next week for another two months. And Tayshia has basically disappeared off the face of the earth, at least publicly, since the Zac breakup announcement, so I don’t see her all the sudden coming back to this. It looks like they found their new permanent host in Jesse and I expect him to do “Bachelorette” and BIP as well.
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Thank You!

That’s all….just “thank you”.

Comment: You’re welcome. Every once in a while it’s nice to feel appreciated for what you do.
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Hey Steve!

Long time fan, first time emailer!

I know someone else has mentioned this before, but I, too, get slightly irritated when Rachel is on the screen. I feel like we know nothing about her ( or really any of the contestants) because she’s only ever shown whispering in Clayton’s ear, talking about her feelings for him etc.. I haven’t really seen any conversation of substance up to this point between them. I feel it would be difficult to watch her as a bachelorette, unless you feel this is just the edit she has gotten. Thoughts? I’m confused on the whispering thing. The only time I’ve heard Rachel whisper was on her hometown date and that’s because she was clearly sick and lost her voice. I watched her overnight last night and she talked like any normal person. Are people confusing, or not realizing, she was sick on her hometown and that’s why you couldn’t hear her?

Also, any chance they would reach out to contestants from other shows to consider for bachelorette? Maybe not this season but in the future? For example, Deepti from Love is Blind. I’ve seen a lot of support for her on social media since the show aired and #Deeptiforbachelorette hashtags. Do you think that’s something the show would ever consider or stick with their normal way of proceeding with previous contestants with the exception of Matt James.

Thanks for your input! You make the show much more tolerable and fun to watch for so many of us

Comment: No. This show has a formula. They don’t cast people from CBS, NBC, Fox, or cable reality shows. It just doesn’t happen. They set the standard. Those others shows will take Bachelor/ette contestants, not the other way around.
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Steve,

Thank you for your explanation of what happened at the end of the show. I know you don’t have all the answers but the information you do have totally makes sense to me.

I actually sent you an email guessing Clayton was single about a month ago before that guess was popular so I am proud of myself. But that being said, I am really sad for Clayton. He has really been through the ringer. I can’t even imagine. What a nightmare!

Just watching Susie and seeing who she is, I can’t imagine her falling for someone like Clayton. She just has too much going for her. Not that Clayton isn’t a good person. It is just not a good match for a social media star like her who can have any guy she wants.

I also didn’t really see her connection with Clayton. It didn’t feel genuine. She has clearly been going for Bachelorette this whole time and my guess is the producers told her she could have the gig if she stayed for the proposal.

Picking Clayton for bachelor when no one knew who he is and no one was rooting for him because we were not invested in him like we were with someone like Michael A. or Andrew S or Rodney was a terrible idea. The producers were stretching because they really wanted a white guy and with Michael A. having a child the logistics were too hard. But starting out the season by putting Clayton down and having him read all those terrible tweet was just so mean. I can’t imagine what Clayton must be going through doing all this press knowing the ending. And on top of all of that having to sit through that Women Tell All while they all piled on!!! Devastating.

The whole situation is just very sad. I feel for Clayton. Ouch. This has to be so hard- a lead’s worst nightmare. Who will want to be the next bachelor now? Michael Allio’s Tik Tok today says it all.

Comment: I didn’t see Michael’s TikTok, but I can assure you, plenty of guys would take the gig in a heartbeat. Too many perks and opportunities that can come from it to turn it down.
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Shenae said it was because after the show Genevieve hung out /slept with BN people. The problem with that is that she called her an actress while still on the show before any of that even happened. That didn’t answer the actual question.

Comment: Very true.
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Hi Steve,

I have been a long time reader of your column (first time writer) and really appreciate all that you do. It makes the bachelor/bachelorette way more tolerable.

At the end of the Women Tell All last night, a few of the girls said they know what happened at the end (I don’t ever remember the girls or even the guys, ever saying they know what happened at the end before), and asked how he is doing and hope he is ok. It made me think that Clayton was single and it confirms what you just reported about he and Susie not being together. Seems strange that the girls were directed to NOT mention what, if anything, they know about the ending.

I CAN NOT wait for the Joe Millionaire finale!!! I really hope they both find love and that Kurt chose Amanda over Carolyn. Steven and Annie seem so cute together!! This show is so much better than the Bachelor/Bachelorette!!

Thank you again!

Comment: I will have on Joe Millionaire people in my next two podcasts. This weeks drops on Friday. Next week will drop on Tuesday night/early Wed morning before I leave for Vegas.
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Hi Steve

Not sure if I missed this or not but are you hearing anything about Kaitlyn or Tayshia hosting bachelorette? It still feels like they have been positioning Jesse as the host of “the bachelor” but figured I’d ask. My guess is that they are out but curious on your thoughts/what you’re hearing.

Thanks!

Comment: I’d be shocked if Jesse isn’t the permanent host of this show.
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Hi Steve!

After reading your post today, I felt like I should weigh in. After Jake Pavelka’s season, I stopped watching the franchise. I was sick of investing my time only for couples to breakup soon after. LOL

I watched Matt James’ season, because I had a bit of a crush on the guy. Living in the St. Louis area, I wanted to watch Clayton’s season and cheer on a former St. Louisan (and Columbia, MO/Mizzou connection).

I have had a feeling for awhile that Clayton ends up single. I noticed he moved to Scottsdale during the airing of his season, which to me was a sign he didn’t end the season with someone. Watching last night’s WTA (which I was so disappointed in the women for mocking Shanae’s butt and mocking her for fake crying. We can be better than that. Otherwise yes, she got everything she deserved), at the end of the episode, I could see hurt in Clayton’s face. To me that confirmed what I had a hunch about.

Assuming what happens with Susie truly happens, I have to admit, that makes me a bit mad. Yes, I would probably be upset too if I found out that a man who decided to be with me, or hell propose, had just told other women he was in love with them and also slept with them. But this is not how things normally play out in real life. Nothing about The Bachelor/Bachelorette is normal. People wanting to find a husband/wife don’t usually date multiple people at once, kissing multiple people in a short timespan, finding “the one” only to have to be separated from them for months at a time (which after some thinking, of course people don’t last on this show….you date for a short time only to be apart, people will fall out of love/lust). I feel like if you go on this show, you have to truly understand that in the end, there is a big possibility that how you are treated by someone is also how someone else is being treated on the show. Which begs the question, there HAS to have been other instances where a Bachelor/Bachelorette slept with more than one contestant on the overnight dates. Why is it a big deal now? I don’t think Clayton meant to fall in love with more than one person. I don’t think he meant to “play” anyone. My heart hurts for him, and I hope this is a teachable moment for him (if he does go on the Bachelor again!) 🙂 I also hope he truly finds love.

Comment: Clayton is playing by the show rules. Susie is playing by real life rules. By doing that, you’re going to have major conflict, which is what we saw last night.
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So I am absolutely disgusted after watching the WTA. My main concern is how they completely swept Shanae’s ableism under the rug and didn’t acknowledge Elizabeth. Was this edited out? Like Clayton didn’t apologize to Elizabeth, we all know Shanae didn’t. Why wasn’t it addressed? The way production and Clayton for that matter are manipulating and trying to excuse themselves for allowing Shanae’s harassment makes me want to boycott the franchise. Sierra said she was edited to seem like she was talking a lot more than she was and I feel like they were doing that to make the other girls look bad instead of focusing on how toxic Shanae was. They’re acting like her throwing the trophy was the worst thing she did as if she didn’t mock and harass Elizabeth for having ADHD. This season was terrible smh.

Comment: Probably because the show didn’t want to address it. It wasn’t a major topic, but, it was brought up. I guess just not enough for them to focus on it. Another missed opportunity by the show. I guess that answers any question of where there priorities lie.