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Monday, June 29, 2009
The Bachelorette meets the parents
In this week’s episode, Jill trekked across the U.S. to meet the families of all the fellas she’s been a courtin’. On the cusp of making a final decision, this show can be considered the climax of the season: the number of bachelors is dwindling, emotions are peaking, families are getting involved in the mix and everything is getting more complicated.
Here’s the rundown of last night’s developments:
Reid: He is the sort of guy who needs constant reassurance for every decision he makes. He needs your opinion, your thoughts and your approval. I’m not sure if it’s because he can’t think for himself or because he is conscious of how his actions affect others. Either way, I think that’d get old really fast.
It was interesting how the typical PDA resistant guy Reid’s family is used to was a lot warmer and affectionate toward Jillian and they found this to be indicative of “something special.”
Michael: He’s my favorite. I think Jillian should marry him and quit the show. There could be a follow-up special on their perfect, fairy-tale life. Before Jillian arrived, Michael told his parents, “She’s going to light this place up.” I think his feelings for Jillian are authentic, even if a little immature. I think he’s a good guy with a great heart.
The highlight of Jillian’s visit with Michael’s family was Steve, the twin brother. They tried to pull the old switcheroo so Michael could get some answers out of Jillian while posing as his brother. Jillian wasn’t fooled for a second.
Kipton: I think Jillian loves Kipton in a way that transcends the phoniness of reality television. Jillian was really worried about not fitting in with Kipton’s extremely well cultured, educated and affluent family. And at first, I thought they were awful too.
The whole “you have to try these two lasagnas, one of which I made, and then tell me which you think is better.” What a terrible position to put Jillian in the first five minutes of meeting her! But it turned out ok because she got the answer right. The caution tape around the hot tub and improvizezed jazz bit show that they do have a sense of humor and I do think Jillian would get along with them in an “in-law” kind of way.
But this is the part that makes me wonder, how important is it to get along with your spouse’s family? If you don’t, does that mean there’s no chance for you as a couple? Or is it just an unfortunate hurdle?
Would Jillian really have booted a bachelor solely because she didn’t like his family? Would that have been the right thing to do in that situation?
Jesse: While watching Jesse and Jillian together, I thought to myself that I wouldn’t mind seeing him go home. I just don’t sense the chemistry there. Plus his awkward, Fabio-haired brother calling him an “emotional ice cube” didn’t help his case any… Things just seemed forced and uncomfortable at the dinner so Jesse going home after the rose ceremony wouldn’t be surprising to me at all.
Wes: I hate Wes. Before meeting his family, there was, of course, drama. Recently jilted, but still completely sweet Jake swooped in on his white steed and shining armor to unveil that it was in fact Wes who had a girlfriend.
And her name was Laurel.
Wes and his monotone, bad boy, I’m a jerk persona have always put stars in Jillian’s eyes, but I think she’s finally had enough. When Jillian confronts Wes about Laurel, he pulls the “I’ve told you why I’m here and I shouldn’t have to say it again,” defensive crap.
When asked why Jake would say that he talked to Wes about Laurel being his girlfriend on three different occasions, Wes said, “Maybe his misheard me.” …Bull honkey.
But like in previous episodes, the “already has a girlfriend” drama doesn’t amount to much and Jillian goes on to meet Wes’s family and then all is good in the world.
As if that wasn’t enough intensity, another forgotten bachelor reappeared.
Ed makes his epic return and viewers are just thinking “WTF?!” Ed had opted to leave the show because of the threat of loosing his job and now he’s asking for a second chance.
I want Jillian to say yes, but I think that might only be because he looks like the guy from No Country for Old Men. However, she decides to give him another shot because the butterflies fluttering around her stomach told her to.
Because of this recent development, Jillian has to give two guys the boot at the rose ceremony to narrow it down to four.
And those unfortunate gentlemen are Michael and Jesse. After Ed’s return, these were my picks to go home, but Michael’s tearful goodbye just broke my heart and I hope he isn’t permanently damaged.
So who’s left? Kipton, Ed, Reid and Wes.
What are your predictions for next week?
Who do you think will make it all the way? Which bachelor do you think should be in the top four that isn’t?
