BLOGS
The Bachelorette has steadily become more and more excruciatingly painful to watch each and every season. There's so much filler now, and the show is totally irrelevant as the majority of couples usually break up as quickly as they get together. Plus, every episode is "very special" or "shocking" when it really isn't at all. They spoiled Reid's surprise return in the previews the week before. And did anyone actually really think that Jillian would pick Kiptyn when she couldn't shut the hell up about Ed after he came back? It's not just Jillian's fault that this particular season was so terrible -- the entire show needs a major overhaul (and so does The Bachelor, but one thing at a time), and here are some ideas for improving it.
1. Background Checks
This whole issue of Wes having a girlfriend or not, or Dave having anger management issues, really got in the way of the actual point of the show this season. The producers need to do a better job of weeding out people who are just there to stir up trouble. It isn't fun for anyone to watch and it can't be fun for the Bachelorette to have to deal with.
2. Make the Proposals Mean Something
So many times on this show, in the time between the proposal at the finale and the "after the final rose" special, the couples have realized they aren't right for each other. Being separated all that time doesn't help a relationship (and since we saw no pics of Ed and Jillian in the tabloids, it's hard to believe they've actually "been together all summer" like they claim). So film the majority of the season, then let the Bachelorette in question actually spend time with the final two or three guys to see how they actually live their lives -- when there aren't Fantasy Suites and lavish dates planned. And then have the final rose ceremony right before the finale airs so that the Bachelorette can make a better choice... one that might lead to an actual lasting marriage instead of a TV proposal.
3. Let the Gal Do the Proposing
While we're on the subject of the proposals, why does the girl have to have the guy propose on this show? She's the one picking who she wants to be with. She should be the one suggesting marriage. That would cut down on all the "will you propose if I keep you until the end" conversations that run rampant on this show.
4. Add Spies
Viewers always harp all over the Bachelorette for making poor decisions, or not realizing what an ass the guy she was crushing on is, but it's not always entirely her fault (though in Jillian's case... she's pretty damned oblivious). What this show really needs is a friend to the Bachelorette who is hiding out among the group of potential suitors. Be it a brother/best buddy/total stranger, the Bachelorette should be privy to some info on how these guys act when she's not around. If that's too much trouble, just let her see some of the interview footage that they tape of the gents, or even some of them hanging out. It would actually let her make more of an informed decision... for a change.
5. Once They Are Gone, They Stay Gone
What the hell is the point of handing out roses and doing the elimination ceremonies if people can just come back whenever they want? It was bad enough that Ed left midseason of his own volition and then begged to come back, but then to have Jake come back just to stir up Wes gossip, and Reid come back to get ditched yet again, was just way too much to handle. These are "adults" -- if they leave and don't say what is on their mind and feel they had unfinished business, that's their problem. Not ours. Save it for the reunion.
6. Only One Reunion
Let's get rid of this "Men Tell All" uselessness that just fills up a week without amounting to much of anything. Let's combine that with the "After the Final Rose" malarkey and just get it over all at once. All the guys, and Jillian, rehashing everything in front of a studio audience, and air it live after the final episode, so we can get some actual reactions to what aired, and not pre-taped phoniness.
7. Make It Shorter
For the love of god, this show needs to only be an hour a week. It is understandable the first week or two, when there are 20-30 guys floating around that it may merit super-sized episodes, but after that, cut it back. Everything gets stretched out and we end up seeing footage that we've already seen a million times. There is no need for every episode of the season to be two hours.
8. Get a New Host
Chris Harrison does have the worst job, having to deal with wishy-washy bachelorettes and give them advice that they don't listen to, and then he doesn't even get to go on their fabulous trips abroad. But he's clearly miserable, and it shows. This show needs to be infused with a fresh new host, not someone who is jaded after a million lame seasons. Put Chris, and everyone else, out of their misery.
9. Better Casting
These shows are filmed so early that it annoys us when the suitors say they love the current Bachelorette and watched her in her season and applied because they were crazy about her. They'd likely have already been in the process of auditioning before The Bachelor aired many episodes, or before the Bachelorette was announced. It's irritating. And we know that this show loves to take a broken-hearted girl who America has an attachment to and give her a shot, but it might be nice once in a while to find some fresh-faced girl to break the cycle.
10. Less Sex Talk
The idea of the Bachelorette making out and sleeping with a bunch of guys on her fantasy dates is gross enough, but we really don't need to hear about it. Having to see Ed's issues with erectile dysfunction this season was too much information. Especially when followed up with his successful sleepover, accompanied by cheesy footage of an exploding volcano. Classy. Then the duo talked during the reunion about how they can't get enough bedroom time -- ick. We were at least glad Reid refrained from asking his question about the fantasy suite. Some things are best left to the imagination. We don't need to see it all.
What are your thoughts on fixing this show, or is it a hopeless case?
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Just a comment on #1, and it is kind of touched on in #9, but I'd imagine that most of these people apply to be on the show when they are in fact single, but by the time the show begins taping, they have a gf/bf. The right thing for them to do would be to drop out of contention, but most are fame-whores anyway or they don't see the current relationship lasting.
I totally agree with all your suggestions, if they did everything you said, the show would be ten times better and I might actually start watching again. I think it's ridiculous that they get to come back. Also a spy would be a great idea, either a brother or a best friend (and not a best friend that is secretly in love with him or her and is out to sabotage everyone else) I agree with #2 the most, that would make so much more sense, whats the point of going through all of this if they don't really have a chance to last, it's so silly why they haven't thought of this earlier, it makes so much sense.
I agree with everything except letting Chris Harrison go. I love him!!
I disagree with a couple of comments...Chris Harrison is doing a good job, perhaps his role as host could be expanded and he could be the voice of reason for the Bachelor or Bachelorette. I liked it when he was the sounding board for Jillian when Reid returned. Also, I don't think you can blame Jillian for the format of the show, as a matter of fact, I think she is perhaps the best bachelorette they have had on The Bachelorette. She is articulate and spontaneous and for the most part carried herself very well. With regards to the "recycled" bachelors and bachelorettes...I think the audience becomes emotionally involved with them...case and point..the message boards and blogs are buzzing with Reid's supporters. People like to see a happy ending for their favorites. Nobody knows what is going to happen to Jillian and Ed, we should cheer the on and hope that their relationship works instead of wishing them the worst.
Also, how about giving them more freedom on how many roses to give out? Eliminating one at a time is just too slow and too painful... get to the good guys quicker - and spend some quality time/editing/filming of 4-5 guys vs. 10 and all those stupid group dates.
Chris Harrison is the best thing about this show! I wish they would show his more snarky side. His blog at EW shows that he's definitely more opinionated about things than he seems on the show. Maybe they need to not portray him as the objective host, but someone more "in the know." I do like the idea of her watching some of the tapes of the guys hanging out or some of the interview tapes. When they've done spies on the Bachelor before, it's always been kind of stupid.
Yeah, if anything I'd like more of Chris Harrison. Being as honest as the producers can possibly tolerate. Once, on one of the "Tell All" or "After the Final Rose" episodes he cringed and said something about wishing he weren't on the stage at that moment. I have loved him ever since.
And the "Tell All" or "After the Final Rose" episodes are my favorite parts of the show. Love them. I'd rather cut rose ceremonies or dating episodes or going home episodes, anything but those. They are delicious. They make any pain from previous episodes worthwhile.
And for the love of God, have any of these people ever had a conversation of substance during their "journies" EVER? About current events, art, anything?? I'd love to see one decent, intelligent conversation. Just one.
Didn't they do a thing a few seasons back where they had the Bachelor's best friend (a girl) as one of the women so she could report back to him what they were really like? Or was that some other show? They all start to run together in my head.
Number 11 - Cancellation - nuff said.
I don't think they should get engaged at all at the end. Why can't they just pick the person they want to get to know better and spend more time with? All this supposed falling in love within a few weeks just insults the thought of love and marriage and how it takes quality time with each other before you know you want to spend the rest of your life with them. And that's why the majority of these relationships don't work out.
Love the idea of spies or getting to view the video footage. I don't know a single woman who would marry a man without observing him with his friends. The group dates don't do the trick because everyone is on their best behavior, but there've been some interesting times with Deanna dropping by the pool etc.
Also, the idea of while the show is airing the Bachelor(ette) goes to visit the suitors in their hometown and spends a week would at least give them an idea of how the other person lives and if they are compatible. Someone who's up for fabulous dates may never have otherwise left their hometown and sit on the couch all night.
#4 would be so awesome I might even start watching. Bachelorette: Mole Edition. Bring it on.
Good suggestions. There was an insider one season. I can't remember which season it was but it was a friend of the batch who hung with the girls for a few episodes before he "eliminated" her. For some reason I think it was during the season of trashy Trish but I'm not absolutely sure. The Jesse Palmer season, maybe?
The only thing I don't agree with is the replacing Chris. I don't think he's bored, just increasingly amused. I wish the producers would allow Chris to let fly with the snarky comments during the run of the show. When he does, he's hilarious.
Couldn't agree more with #10. Ick. It was awful this time. Way over the top and skeevy.
I agree with Laura about the visits and maybe let them plan some of their own dates. Yes, fancy dates are pretty awesome but when they're on their own after everything is over and she wants to go dancing and he wants to go to the rodeo...not gonna work. Maybe the show could hook up with one of the love connection websites and have them all fill out a form and a special prize for the suitor who most closely matches...
I watched the show until I saw where Jillian was so willing to give herself to guys and have sex before marriage. If two people love each other, why can't they restrain theirselves from sex until after marriage. And, I think, who want a girl who has slept with several guys. That is just gross. As the old saying is, True love waits. It says to me that to wait for sex is an adult thing to do. Acting on your impulses is very high schoolish and immature.
I agree with Stacy above re: intelligent conversation. My bet is the editors cut anything of substance so it looks like all they talk about is how they might be able to fall in love with the other person. How can they get engaged without knowing each others' perspectives on religion, politics, etc. I think a few normal, human conversations would vastly improve the show.
1. Ban all helicopters!
2. The Bachelor(ette) or host provides a topic or conversational theme(s) for the get-togethers. The dates or parties then have the basis for real discussions (1 on 1, group, etc.) and may actually teach/reintroduce the lost art of conversation to eligible singles and bored audiences. More like real cocktail or dinner party
talk should be (and used to be)...someone introducing
a subject or telling a story and others chiming in! (As opposed to obsessive, other-contestant comparing/bashing/abusing.)
These ideas are awesome--both Angel's and the commenters. The spy idea is great, and the spy should stay for a significant amount of time, not just an episode or two. Or they could just use "highlight reels". Another thing that would help would be having the contestants and the B'ette living in the same house--that way, she can just hang out with them and also maybe catch some of their shenanigans.
No helicopters. No hot tubs. Limited alcohol (they should get unlimited alcohol occasionally just to see who has of time for the top two or three contestants and the B'ette to really get to know each other. If "The Biggest Loser" can do it, why not "The Bachelorette"?
Oops. The last paragraph should read: No helicopters. No hot tubs. Limited alcohol (they should get unlimited alcohol occasionally to see who might have a problem with it, and for viewer amusement). They should definitely give the top two or three contestants and the B'ette some time to really get to know each other. If "The Biggest Loser" can do it, why not The Bachelorette?
I agree with everything except the spies. They did it once; it sort of blew up in their faces. And, really, as much as viewers enjoy picking their favourites, only the Bachelor/ette knows for sure who they like. You can't pick a true soulmate based only on logic. So they should have times when the Bach gets to spy on the guys (a fancy two-way mirror) or view footage. That way, they're still making up their own mind but it's a better informed decision.
And Joy took the words right out of my mouth: can it with the proposals. America wants to see couples that LAST, not just a proposal and subsequent breakup. The proposal feels so staged anyway. Let the Bach pick the person they want to continue to DATE and then let the proposal get announced in the tabloids, rather than the breakup.
LOVE Chris Harrison. I wish ABC would take the leash off and let him have more off the cuff interviews.
Angel, I agree with you on every single thing except Chris. He's the one reason to watch either The Bachelor or The Bachelorette, as they now stand.
I agree about #10. Scuzzy.
What was Reid's question about the fantasy suite? Although I'm not sure if I want to know the answer either. I guess he must have really liked her if he "pulled strings" (i.e. "was paid") to come back to propose to the woman who had spent the last few days screwing the two guys she rejected him for after sleeping with him too. Most guys have more self-respect than that.
Hey ann,
You're kidding right? What year do you think this is? Go hop in your Edsel and go back when you came from. Prude.
According to news that no one should care about, Playboy made an offer to Kate Gosselin to pose for the magazine. Kate Gosselin turned them down, but some people are holding out that she'll appear in Thrown off a Cliff to Rabid Hungry Wolverines and Grizzly Bears Monthly. (Or that she'll be thrown off a cliff to rabid hungry wolverines and grizzly bears.) She turned Hefner down flat, and instead of posing nude will be further exploiting her children and failed marriage (which failed due to her henpecking – let's be honest) for money. Since Kate Gosselin gets $75,000 per episode of the inane and utterly rotten show she's on, she won't
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