S05.E16: Final Decisions

[Hockeymom]

1 hour ago, Blissfool said:

5 hours ago, Palomar said:

 

The fact that he owns a gym astonishes me. He does not look or act the type at all. Maybe its some type of Curves gym like they had in the 90's.

 

I notice that they've gone from saying he owns a gym to saying he's a partner in a gym.

[seacliffsal]

I was relieved and happy when Ashley and Anthony said yes to staying married and then said I love you to each other.  I was so afraid that somehow the "experts" would mess them up.  Also, Ashley is far more diplomatic and kind than I am in that when Rachel asked her what was hard about the process, Ashley answered "communication."  They would have edited it out, but I would totally have said "all the purposefully deceptive interference of the 'experts.'"  Ashley is a far, far better person than I am...

Totally shocked by Danielle and Cody staying together.  I NEVER saw that coming.  Although they stated that without cameras it may work, that was a non-statement.  They are not filmed continuously for eight weeks-there are many, many breaks in filming.  I think those are the times that Ashley and Anthony figured out that the experts were intentionally trying to cause damage to their relationship and they started giving more non-answers when asked questions by the experts.  Conversely, Danielle and Cody could have figured out a lot of things when production was not around.  I agree with others that they did not want to be the season's "failures."  Which, they already proved they were.

Not much to write about Nate and Sheila that has not already been effectively stated by others.  Sheila needs to grow up and consider the feelings of others, especially those of her husband.  

[Jeanne222]

Wellll it's surely been quite a season and how lucky are those 'specialists' that those chosen are going to stay together.  Really???

Danielle can hardly stand to be even touched by Cody and when he wanted to give her a little peck she looked like he was going to rape her.  Good luck Cody.  Speaking of Cody his friend was one looker!!!

Anthony wants good sex and she wants a baby.  It's heaven for sure.

Shelia is playing and I saw the gleam in Nat's eye when his dad told him he never married and never wanted to be married. 

Sigh...as the world turns. 

[Hockeymom]

7 minutes ago, Jeanne222 said:

 

Shelia is playing and I saw the gleam in Nat's eye when his dad told him he never married and never wanted to be married. 

 

All the more reason for Nate to stick it out. He needs to prove he's a better man than his dad.

[NoWhammies]

One big predictor of if a couple will stay together is how they fight. Those that personally attack one another instead of confronting issues tend to not have the tools for a healthy or sustainable marriage. So yeah - I'm expecting at least one divorce, and probably two.

While Danielle didn't necessarily personally attack what's-his-name (Cody?) in their "fights," her view of what makes a manly man and his passivity seem to be pretty at odds. If she's not attracted to that type of personality, that's never going to change. And once he sees her talking heads stating she doesn't think he's manly enough - well that's going to be a rather large self-esteem blow to the already passive (Cody?) hubby. I suspect (I'm just going to call him Cody and hope I'm right) Cody needs a woman who wants to be in control and will be happy she can have a husband she can lead around by the balls. Danielle claims that's not her.

Nate and Sheila fight dirty, which is a huge issue. It might be immaturity, and they could move beyond that with some counseling, but its hard to undo the damage they are doing to one another before they seek help, since what the "experts" did hardly appeared to be an effective form of "counseling." 

A&A are in the early stages of infatuated love. Hopefully they have enough of a foundation it is sustainable.

This entire season should've been like a one- to two-hour documentary instead of what it was drawn out to be. Honestly - as far as editing, pacing, etc., this is one of the worst series on TV. I do a lot of fast forwarding.

[Deni]

3 hours ago, qtpye said:

I do not remember where exactly I heard this, maybe on these boards during the first season...they really don't reveal on the final decision on the couch with the fake experts.  I think production first takes them to seperate rooms and they give a decision, so it does not matter who goes first.  I  not sure if this was ever true or if they still do this.

I do know that another 0 for 3 seasom would have robbed the show of any credibility and future ratings.  I do not watch The Bachelor, but those who do enjoy the trashy fun.  This show is not like that and really needed some wins under it's belt.

I hope so, otherwise they should do it like Dancing with the Stars and write it down. On DWTS, the judges write down their scores right after each dance, so that they can't change the score that they hold up on the paddle after hearing the opinions of the other judges. 

I do wish that Cody would have spoken first, just to be sure though.

[KateHearts]

1 hour ago, columbot said:

I don' think there's been a single time on this show where someone used their pronouns correctly.

"Anthony and me had a great time."

"It was hard for Nate and I to get through it."

Didn't know it was that hard.

The best is "I's".  Ashley did it in this episode:  "Tomorrow is Anthony and I's decision day."  Sets my teeth on edge.

[NoWhammies]

Quote

The best is "I's".  Ashley did it in this episode:  "Tomorrow is Anthony and I's decision day."  Sets my teeth on edge.

I have been beating this ("Anthony's and my" or "our") into college-aged son's head for years now, and his grammar is otherwise excellent. It seems endemic to people of a certain age group, because I hear it so often. 

[BrutallyHonest]

I'm just watching the show, so I don't know what's happened yet.

Sheila and her voice is so ANNOYING. We only see parts of their lives, but she acts bipolar.  Nate may have made a mistake or two, but he seems to be a really nice guy.

I think Anthony and Ashley will make it. She needs to change her last name or at least hyphenate. She also needs to lay off the baby topic....YOU ALL JUST MET. From personal experience I completely understand her wanting to have a baby ASAP, however, take a breath and enjoy being married. 

The other couple definitely won't make it. There is no physical attraction from my wife and the husband just acts weird sometimes. He should speak up a little more. He did initially say that he wanted to slow down, now she's not attracted to dude. 

[27bored]

12 hours ago, TeeVee329 said:

I have a crackpot theory based on nothing, really (full disclosure - I've never watched the show and have solely experienced it through the podcast and Tara's coverage in the past). I wonder if the couples brunch - and this was the first season the couples met each other in-show, right? - had something to do with Cody and Danielle staying together. Like, they saw the other two couples, and saw that they most likely were going to stay together on Decision Day, and didn't want to look like the "failures" of the season. Does that make sense?

That's an interesting theory and could be true. My last shred of hope for them was during that brunch -- I hoped maybe Danielle would realize how fraternal she treats Cody compared to the other relationships and try a little bit harder. Sometimes when your relationship is put out there, it can inspire a kind of good pettiness. But no, they just went right back to hanging out like they're being on their best behavior during a church retreat.

5 hours ago, NoJustNo said:

I think she's assuming they'll have kids and even if they don't end up together the kids will want to hear about it? More bad editing, IMO. 

Dear Nate and Shelia-the experts aren't telling you the #1 rule of marriage because they want you to keep being dramatic for ratings. The #1 rule-take time outs! Walk away go to a different room until everything calms down and before you say stuff you regret. My H and I went to marriage counseling-and that tip alone saved us so much drama. Half the time we laugh about how mad we got over whatever it was-after a time out. When we were first married-which is when the worst arguments happen IMO-I said "TIME THE F*** OUT" and slammed the door-but I think that still counted. 

It's too bad the 'experts' didn't tell them about taking time outs-because Shelia, and I suspect, Nate were verbally abusive. Calling a man a "b1tch" or callling a woman a "b1tch" is verbal abuse-or at least very close.

 

Lots of places. I think *some* 40-50 something men might be worried about growing old and may try to find a younger woman-but that's only going to work for men with $$$.  In general at least. Most men want women their age at 60-Im willing to bet. I think we should give them credit. I read somewhere that the population who are getting STD's the most are people in retirement homes. And they're aren't younger women in retirement homes.  Of course, my mom married my step dad at 55 and 10 years later they are still 'soul mates.'  And my grandmother got a boob job in her late 60's because she could.

I agree with you about the time-outs, but I think a big part of Nate and Sheila's problem isn't just how they fight, it's what they fight about. If I was Nate, I wouldn't necessarily be upset about her tendency to clown when she's upset if I felt like it was occasional. But Sheila doesn't know how to argue and yet they seem to argue frequently. Sheila, you have too much time on your hands if you're reenacting that Angela Basset scene from Waiting to Exhale once per pay period. You need to go to some more yoga or let your booty do the yoga more or something. Who has the energy to argue like that? See, Nate is a good dude, but he's younger than her. If that were me, she wouldn't have to worry about ending the relationship. I'd strap a rocket on its back and shoot the relationship into outer space -- just to let the whole world know it's over. Fuck that.

There are so many, uh, comments I could make about your grandma getting a boob job in her late 60s, but I can't talk about grandmas. They're immune from the snark. Well, for the most part.

4 hours ago, KateHearts said:

Synopsis...

Pastor Calvin:  Anthony, do you want to stay married, or...

(3 minute music segment; Anthony blinks nervously, closeup of hands being held/hands not being held, Ashley looks concerned)

COMMERCIAL

Pastor Calvin: Anthony, think long and hard about whether you want to stay married, or...

(2 minute music segment, along with that discordant screech sound that every TV show everywhere plays to portray conflict- while Anthony clears his throat)

Anthony: Ashley, we've had a wild ride over the past 8 weeks; we've had our ups and downs...

(closeup to hands knotted together; Ashley chewing her lip nervously and kind of frowning)

COMMERCIAL

Pastor Calvin: Anthony, think long and hard about whether you want to stay married, or get a divorce

Anthony: Ashley, we've had a lot of ups and downs, and I can't think of anyone I'd rather do this with...

Ashley: (thought bubble: FINALLY! Geez!)

"experts" reach awkwardly toward each other, missing a high-five and looking stupid.  Ashley and Anthony pretend to act like they didn't know each others' decision.  

 

Repeat x 3.

I know! I felt the same way. It was the dumbest fucking thing ever. This show has more filler than a freaking calzone.

3 hours ago, Jellybeans said:

My b/f gives me the same odd looks hahaha... and as far as I know we are getting along just fine.  I think they hate the camera and the stupid questions.

Actually I think all three couples hate the camera.  I wonder if there has been more than the usual amount of producer interference since all three couples have complained.

Well, you and your boyfriend might be getting along fine, or he's one of the dudes who keep calling me, trying to get on the hit list. I keep telling y'all I ghost-wrote "Needed Me" by Rihanna.

I'm kidding. Sort of.

I don't know. Out of all six people, the two people I think came off the best were Cody and Nate. Anthony seems like he's faking for the camera, and Ashley, Danielle, and Sheila seem a little bogged down by the process. I can understand why it would be awkward, but they didn't come off great. Sheila was worried about fighting on camera, but it seems like fighting is a way of life for her. Danielle seemed to just be going through the motions. Ashley's a little more neurotic than she lets on. I don't know. It seems like it was hard for them to relax.

[JAndy]

21 minutes ago, 27bored said:

 Anthony seems like he's faking for the camera, and Ashley, Danielle, and Sheila seem a little bogged down by the process.

On that, I was listening to a radio interview with the MAFS people and Anthony said that he never really felt comfortable with the camera. Ashley said the same. That he was more affectionate off camera and different. So maybe that's why? 

[27bored]

14 minutes ago, JAndy said:

On that, I was listening to a radio interview with the MAFS people and Anthony said that he never really felt comfortable with the camera. Ashley said the same. That he was more affectionate off camera and different. So maybe that's why? 

Yeah, that's possible. I've never been followed around by a camera, so I can't say this with any kind of authority, but I would think you'd get used to it after a week or so. The producers feeding you shit to say and do would get annoying and awkward, so that definitely factors in, but Anthony looked a little awkward up until the very end, even during the more mundane parts of the documentation.

[Mindthinkr]

55 minutes ago, 27bored said:

This show has more filler than a freaking calzone.

That is absolutely one of the funniest things I have ever read on the boards!!! 

[Evil Queen]

9 hours ago, Hockeymom said:

Did anyone notice in the apartment scenes that the closet doors were always open? Do people just leave their closets open and clothes in view all the time? Is that a thing? 

Doesn't bug me. I know my daughter has one side of her's open always and so do we. Its just how it is for us. Yet our doors in our room are heavy to slide across so it stays as it is since we have used most of it for storage until we can still sort through things from moving. Then one son doesn't have a closet and the other we took his doors off and bar out so he had more so space in a smaller sized room. The place my MIL and SIL own, they took and just hung sheer drapes across the front of them instead and the SIL's kid doesn't have a door on her's either. Yet really most people don't have cameras and people walking in their rooms all the time when you think about it. Of course it would probably drive some nuts with how we had to set things up for a few years until we could buy a place of our own and have more space. 

 

9 hours ago, Gem 10 said:

Something "fishy" here.  Just can't be.  3 for 3 ???????????????

Agree!!!! 

 

8 hours ago, Palomar said:

It's pretty basic, one of the experts mentioned that Danielle wanted a manly-man and that is why she was paired with Cody.  Cody is a decent guy but not what most of us would consider a manly-man! Just because you own a gym and are fit, that does not make you one.  But who knows, if Danielle really wants to be married, she may give it a shot with Cody now that the cameras are gone and the pressure as well. 

Yet what is a manly-man really? I think every person to answer that would give a different answer to it. As well as we have no clue what Cody or Danielle are really like since all we got was the same bs over and over again and they came off dull thanks to the show. Sadly this show gave us some crap that made no sense the whole time with these 2 and how things were flipping and flopping all over with just one issue because its what the stupid producers wanted. What if the scenes we didn't see would have led us to see them in a different light? One that would make sense on why they are giving it a go still, you know? 

 

6 hours ago, qtpye said:

I do know that another 0 for 3 seasom would have robbed the show of any credibility and future ratings.  I do not watch The Bachelor, but those who do enjoy the trashy fun.  This show is not like that and really needed some wins under it's belt.

Which is even more of a reason they might considering slipping some extra money to any couple that might not want to be together and more so since it seems the next season hasn't even been cast. Past seasons were always filmed during the time the one was airing. This is the first time that hasn't been the case. So It could be a way to hope that maybe they got some fresh viewers from being on Lifetime and some might want to apply, along with those they hope to recruit. Yet with all the bad editing and interference I can't imagine why no one would want to do this mess of a show. LOL Of course anything could happen with the reunion so it could blow the numbers out of the water right there. I know this show just thinks its a success if they finish on D-Day with couples staying married but IMO its not if the couples divorce at some point even at the 6 month mark, a year or at any point. 

5 hours ago, bichonblitz said:

How do you edit facial expressions, though?  I always got the feeling from Ant that there is just something about Ash that just doesn't sit right with him.  Hope they can work that out what ever it is. 

They splice and dice the scenes filmed then mix them up in a hat and pull them out to lay in the order they want to do them in. LOL I kid but it really feels like its what they do. Its just bad editing going on. I think some of his looks he has given was at the "experts" and producers. LOL

4 hours ago, JAndy said:

Meh. I don't really see that. My husband sometimes gives me looks like WTF but that doesn't mean something about me doesn't sit well with him. I find them the most compatible out of the three on the show. They seem happy together. 

LOL When mine gives me some odd look I mess with him or ask him what the look was for. I usually get what are you talking about? What look? So really they probably have no clue they are even doing it. Yet I do this to him as well when he has some goofy smile going too. LOL

4 hours ago, JocelynCavanaugh said:

I think they straight up insert facial reactions from totally different parts of the conversation. Sometimes the change in ambient sound or body position (or even food on a table) from one cut to the next is glaringly obvious! I've even noticed that they'll show one face/reaction on a preview, and then a completely different one in the actual show. It's so needlessly confusing and deceptive!

Exactly! All the different faces is because the edits are so bad and noticeable as well. Like you said when there are scenes with things like food or drinks its or even body positions its really where you can spot it. It drives me nuts too. 

43 minutes ago, JAndy said:

On that, I was listening to a radio interview with the MAFS people and Anthony said that he never really felt comfortable with the camera. Ashley said the same. That he was more affectionate off camera and different. So maybe that's why? 

I kind of got the feeling it wasn't just that but they were being smart in what went on in front of the cameras and such. More so after the first time rachel came by it seemed like too. Yet he seemed pretty affectionate on camera in some of what we saw. Of course I can't imagine being followed around by a camera and crew with producers butting in then wanting to do a retake of scenes. No thanks. That would make anyone uncomfortable that isn't used to that crap. 

[brilliantbreakfast]

18 hours ago, IrishPirate said:

Now I'm wondering if the Dream Team would ever dare to match up a couple of 60-somethings.

It's interesting that you mention this, because I thought that an interesting twist on this show might be to match up widows and widowers looking for someone new.  Of course they would probably choose young widows/widowers, but imagine if they chose older ones.  In my experience in the sixtyish age group, it's the widowers who are looking to marry quickly.  Yes, there are widows looking to marry too, and it would be interesting to see how they integrate the dead spouses into the relationship.  I've heard people describe such marriages as a marriage of four people.  It seems kind of grotesque, but is it any more grotesque than this?  (And no, I would not be auditioning for this show; I am quite fine on my own, thank you very much.

[princelina]

I am not the kind of person who would ever want to be on tv, but I can imagine that there are people (auditioning for this show for example :) who think they would and then find out that they don't like it and are uncomfortable with the cameras around and can never quite relax.  That's the type of person I think Anthony is.  It also makes me wonder if Danielle didn't want to have sex after a certain amount of time because she knew that the minute they did it it would have to be discussed invasively on camera.  So she couldn't relax or get into it, and she also couldn't tell us why.  I'll be curious to hear what they have to say for themselves next week.

[Mindthinkr]

I doubt anyone could ever be comfortable with those experts and all of us dissecting their every move and decision. They were actually quite brave to do this show. 

 

I hate my autocorrect. Every time I try to write brave it changes to Bravo. It happened earlier in the day to me on a completely different thing. Annoying. Thx. Needed to bring that mental puke up. I'm well again. 

[ethalfrida]

9 minutes ago, princelina said:

I am not the kind of person who would ever want to be on tv, but I can imagine that there are people (auditioning for this show for example :) who think they would and then find out that they don't like it and are uncomfortable with the cameras around and can never quite relax.  That's the type of person I think Anthony is.  It also makes me wonder if Danielle didn't want to have sex after a certain amount of time because she knew that the minute they did it it would have to be discussed invasively on camera.  So she couldn't relax or get into it, and she also couldn't tell us why.  I'll be curious to hear what they have to say for themselves next week.

I agree with your concept because I wonder why it has to be discussed at all. Seems kind of pervy voyeuristic to me. As adult iewers we want to be intrigued. I mean, I don't even think 14 year olds go "oooooh, they did it" anymore.

[princelina]

14 minutes ago, ethalfrida said:

I agree with your concept because I wonder why it has to be discussed at all. Seems kind of pervy voyeuristic to me. As adult iewers we want to be intrigued. I mean, I don't even think 14 year olds go "oooooh, they did it" anymore.

I guess because typically they do it at some point on the honeymoon, sheepishly admit it to the cameras, and then it's over.  Whereas in Danielle and Cody's case, it became A Thing.  Kind of like the gross conversations about Sheila's chocolate orgasms.

[gonecrackers]

1 hour ago, princelina said:

Kind of like the gross conversations about Sheila's chocolate orgasms.

It will be pretty awkward & cringe worthy if/when Rachel brings that one up at the reunion.

[princelina]

19 minutes ago, gonecrackers said:

It will be pretty awkward & cringe worthy if/when Rachel brings that one up at the reunion.

Oh come on - you know she will!  :)

[gonecrackers]

13 minutes ago, princelina said:

32 minutes ago, gonecrackers said:

It will be pretty awkward & cringe worthy if/when Rachel brings that one up at the reunion.

Oh come on - you know she will!  :)

Fixed that one.

[Evil Queen]

2 hours ago, ethalfrida said:

I agree with your concept because I wonder why it has to be discussed at all. Seems kind of pervy voyeuristic to me. As adult iewers we want to be intrigued. I mean, I don't even think 14 year olds go "oooooh, they did it" anymore.

I agree. What is worse is when you have at least one "expert" getting all drooling and pervy looking about it when its she mentions it. It makes it feel even ickier because of that IMO. 

1 hour ago, gonecrackers said:

It will be pretty awkward & cringe worthy if/when Rachel brings that one up at the reunion.

Yes it will be all about that Sheila and her *gag* "chocolate" and if Danielle and Cody finally ever did......Maybe she should be sent a special drool cloth or bib for those moments. 

[Gem 10]

19 hours ago, 27bored said:

That's an interesting theory and could be true. My last shred of hope for them was during that brunch -- I hoped maybe Danielle would realize how fraternal she treats Cody compared to the other relationships and try a little bit harder. Sometimes when your relationship is put out there, it can inspire a kind of good pettiness. But no, they just went right back to hanging out like they're being on their best behavior during a church retreat.

I agree with you about the time-outs, but I think a big part of Nate and Sheila's problem isn't just how they fight, it's what they fight about. If I was Nate, I wouldn't necessarily be upset about her tendency to clown when she's upset if I felt like it was occasional. But Sheila doesn't know how to argue and yet they seem to argue frequently. Sheila, you have too much time on your hands if you're reenacting that Angela Basset scene from Waiting to Exhale once per pay period. You need to go to some more yoga or let your booty do the yoga more or something. Who has the energy to argue like that? See, Nate is a good dude, but he's younger than her. If that were me, she wouldn't have to worry about ending the relationship. I'd strap a rocket on its back and shoot the relationship into outer space -- just to let the whole world know it's over. Fuck that.

There are so many, uh, comments I could make about your grandma getting a boob job in her late 60s, but I can't talk about grandmas. They're immune from the snark. Well, for the most part.

I know! I felt the same way. It was the dumbest fucking thing ever. This show has more filler than a freaking calzone.

Well, you and your boyfriend might be getting along fine, or he's one of the dudes who keep calling me, trying to get on the hit list. I keep telling y'all I ghost-wrote "Needed Me" by Rihanna.

I'm kidding. Sort of.

I don't know. Out of all six people, the two people I think came off the best were Cody and Nate. Anthony seems like he's faking for the camera, and Ashley, Danielle, and Sheila seem a little bogged down by the process. I can understand why it would be awkward, but they didn't come off great. Sheila was worried about fighting on camera, but it seems like fighting is a way of life for her. Danielle seemed to just be going through the motions. Ashley's a little more neurotic than she lets on. I don't know. It seems like it was hard for them to relax.

Hummmm..... I just have this feeling that you are somebody of importance.  Your writing and perception of things make me feel like that.  Lol.   The calzone ..I'm cracking up. 

[Jellybeans]

If I were Cody and Danielle.. I would say it is none of your business when they are asked for the millionth time if they have had sex.  And I do not care if Sheila ever has chocolate.

[nexxie]

22 hours ago, BrutallyHonest said:

I'm just watching the show, so I don't know what's happened yet.

Sheila and her voice is so ANNOYING. We only see parts of their lives, but she acts bipolar.  Nate may have made a mistake or two, but he seems to be a really nice guy.

I think Anthony and Ashley will make it. She needs to change her last name or at least hyphenate. She also needs to lay off the baby topic....YOU ALL JUST MET. From personal experience I completely understand her wanting to have a baby ASAP, however, take a breath and enjoy being married. 

The other couple definitely won't make it. There is no physical attraction from my wife and the husband just acts weird sometimes. He should speak up a little more. He did initially say that he wanted to slow down, now she's not attracted to dude. 

Why does Ashley need to change her name? I didn't, and few friends/family members did - many of us used both last names for our kids, one as a middle name. No problem.

Edited July 29, 2017 by nexxie

[LennieBriscoe]

I wish Cody would use the word "difficult." ?

So I lost a post,  but now that there's  a marital follow-up episode, the couple's initial decisions don't loom as large for me.

[Gem 10]

3 hours ago, Jellybeans said:

If I were Cody and Danielle.. I would say it is none of your business when they are asked for the millionth time if they have had sex.  And I do not care if Sheila ever has chocolate.

Yes!  I don't think any of them should have to answer that question, and especially about the chocolate.  I'm very surprised that Sheila agreed to even speak about that from the get go.  And, I don't think that those 3 "experts"had any good input concerning their decisions to stay married.  They all could have gotten better advice from a good friend or relative.  Furthermore, just because 2 people are religious and pray together doesn't mean they should try harder to stay together.   Most of us are religious in our own way also.

[Kiss my mutt]

Sheila fights dirty and if Nate flew off the handle like she does, called her a bitch, pronounced them done every time they fight, they'd be calling for his head and deeming him abusive. Sheila gets more slack because she's "wounded". I would think even the experts would get this guy off the show if he acted like Sheila.

I'm dumbfounded that all three couples decided to stay together.  Let's see where they are at the reunion. Maybe it's a tease but it looks like Ashley is pregnant. So much for the timeline. If they don't like cameras, having a baby isn't going to do them any favors though I'm rather surprised, as are Jamie and Doug, that they don't have their baby show.  

[discoprincess]

18 hours ago, Kiss my mutt said:

Sheila fights dirty and if Nate flew off the handle like she does, called her a bitch, pronounced them done every time they fight, they'd be calling for his head and deeming him abusive. Sheila gets more slack because she's "wounded". I would think even the experts would get this guy off the show if he acted like Sheila.

Last season Sonia left Nick for seemingly a good reason, yet, they encouraged Sonia to work things out. I also suspect that Sonia moving back just before Decision Day was heavily influenced by producers.

[MsPH]

Is it just me or did this episode feel about 7 hours long? This coming from someone who watches the Bachelor/ette every week. They could've shown the worthwhile bits in half an hour max. Not that they even need a decision show, since these decisions have no bearing on what happens in the future. They might as well just leave the couples alone after 8 weeks and then ask what's been happening 6 months later. There's no need to act like there's some imaginary deadline, when they can get a divorce any time. I would understand it more if they could get the marriage annulled after 6/8 weeks and not after that, but it's a divorce whether they stay together 8 weeks or 8 months. What a waste of time.

I must comment on the editing as well, it's so painful. I've watched 4 other countries' version of this show including the Danish original, and none of them are like this one. They may have the odd cliffhanger, but other than that, they're very documentary like. Why on earth do the US editors think viewers need fake suspense in every conversation and a cliffhanger before every commercial break and in every preview? Every single scene feels like a total patchwork with no rhyme or reason, odd silences and facial expressions. It's exhausting to watch. I can guarantee you, it would be no less interesting to see exactly what happened as it happened, quite the opposite in fact. Chopping up every conversation is beyond unnecessary. It doesn't help that this season had about 10 episodes too many. I can't remember anything noteworthy happening since they moved in together, except for Sheila moving out for a day or two and A&A adopting some snails. Other than that it's been same old same old week after week.

I figured Danielle would choose to stay married after some comments she made about wanting to keep growing as a couple, but I was still surprised. All I can say is, I'm so glad I don't have to keep watching them! Oh and Cody seemed disappointed. I bet he had a booty call lined up already. I wonder how long he kept banging his head against the wall once the cameras left. I guess we'll find out next week.

A&A looked genuinely happy and in love. I wish them all the best!

I think Sheila and Nate can make it as well, if she learns not to start arguments over every little thing. Fighting fair is important but so is avoiding pointless fights. There are so many real issues that can come up in life that there's really no point wasting energy on the little things.

[holly4755]

I could not make it through even with it on while on the computer, I had to turn it off,. was driving me crazy. I don't think I made it through a single show this year. 

[Evil Queen]

3 hours ago, MsPH said:

I must comment on the editing as well, it's so painful. I've watched 4 other countries' version of this show including the Danish original, and none of them are like this one. They may have the odd cliffhanger, but other than that, they're very documentary like. Why on earth do the US editors think viewers need fake suspense in every conversation and a cliffhanger before every commercial break and in every preview? Every single scene feels like a total patchwork with no rhyme or reason, odd silences and facial expressions.

While editing might be different with those shows (haven't watched them myself) from what I have read though its no different with the behind the scenes and matching bs. Yet there seems to be those in the UK/Aussie more willing to speak out on things. Which had me wondering about the contract differences. It seems the one in the US wants them to keep very hush hush on everything that goes on no shown to us or on how the producers butt in so much....as well as some other odds and ends. No matte what though this show treats the viewers like we are stupid and can't see they manipulate what is being shown to fit how the producers want things to look and the people involved...as well as the way things are so cut up that nothing makes sense.

[Guest]

12 hours ago, MsPH said:

Is it just me or did this episode feel about 7 hours long? This coming from someone who watches the Bachelor/ette every week. They could've shown the worthwhile bits in half an hour max. Not that they even need a decision show, since these decisions have no bearing on what happens in the future. 

Agree 100%. I only watch this show after it's on the dvr. There was just a tiny bit of new at the beginning, if I remember correctly,  then I ff'ed at least an hour of flashbacks. Then I just watched the decisions. It took, maybe, 20 minutes.

[cpcathy]

DVR is a MUST with this show! I fast forwarded through nearly everything except Anthony and Ashley, and since I come here often, I knew the outcome, so skipped the ending with Sheila and Nate altogether.

[discoprincess]

1 minute ago, cpcathy said:

DVR is a MUST with this show! I fast forwarded through nearly everything except Anthony and Ashley, and since I come here often, I knew the outcome, so skipped the ending with Sheila and Nate altogether.

I missed the live broadcast of the last two episodes, so I watched it on demand at my bf's house. (Too bad Unfiltered isn't on demand.) 

I don't understand why Sheila Facetimed her friend to talk about Decision Day with Tyriq in the room. She should have either excused herself or ask Tyriq to go into another room.

[Hockeymom]

8 minutes ago, discoprincess said:

 

I don't understand why Sheila Facetimed her friend to talk about Decision Day with Tyriq in the room. She should have either excused herself or ask Tyriq to go into another room.

Because she wanted to make sure Tariq told his brother every word. 

[Evil Queen]

3 hours ago, Hockeymom said:

Because she wanted to make sure Tariq told his brother every word. 

Or because he was aware of how fake and set up it all was from the get go. What would have been awesome if he was doing something behind her like making faces or goofy stuff. LOL 

[Hockeymom]

6 minutes ago, Evil Queen said:

Or because he was aware of how fake and set up it all was from the get go. What would have been awesome if he was doing something behind her like making faces or goofy stuff. LOL

I don't think he cared either way. He tuned her out long ago. No teenage boy gives a rats ass about listening to bitter grown women give each other the "You deserve so much better" empowerment speech. He's just waiting for his friend to text so they can get the hell out and go have some fun.

And did you hear her call Tariq a creep for sitting there? She said it with a smile, but still...

[JAndy]

17 hours ago, Hockeymom said:

I don't think he cared either way. He tuned her out long ago. No teenage boy gives a rats ass about listening to bitter grown women give each other the "You deserve so much better" empowerment speech. He's just waiting for his friend to text so they can get the hell out and go have some fun.

And did you hear her call Tariq a creep for sitting there? She said it with a smile, but still...

When did she say this?

[Hockeymom]

1 hour ago, JAndy said:

When did she say this?

The way I remember it, at the beginning of the scene, Tariq is sitting in the chair in front of the balcony. Sheila is standing with him and says something like what are you doing here or what are you doing? Then she says you're a creep or what a creep with a smile as she walks away from him toward the table where she was going to sit to call her friend. 

[Evil Queen]

5 hours ago, Hockeymom said:

The way I remember it, at the beginning of the scene, Tariq is sitting in the chair in front of the balcony. Sheila is standing with him and says something like what are you doing here or what are you doing? Then she says you're a creep or what a creep with a smile as she walks away from him toward the table where she was going to sit to call her friend. 

Considering she was smiling, it was probably them joking around but sadly edited to not come off that way. I have learned not to read a lot into what we ware seeing with this show anymore. The edit hacks and producers behind it all are jokes with what they do to the show and the people on it. 

[Hockeymom]

1 hour ago, Evil Queen said:

Considering she was smiling, it was probably them joking around but sadly edited to not come off that way. I have learned not to read a lot into what we ware seeing with this show anymore. The edit hacks and producers behind it all are jokes with what they do to the show and the people on it. 

Oh, agreed. It wasn't said with malice. It just seemed like an odd thing to say to a teenage boy. 

[Evil Queen]

59 minutes ago, Hockeymom said:

Oh, agreed. It wasn't said with malice. It just seemed like an odd thing to say to a teenage boy. 

Having 2 teenage boys I will say that there is probably a lot of stuff we say and joke around with them about that many would think are odd but if they knew us and everything said it wouldn't seem that way. Its just a shame they don't show things on MAFS so it doesn't come off looking odd, awkward or in a bad way when its more than likely not even close to those things. 

[Hockeymom]

3 minutes ago, Evil Queen said:

1 hour ago, Hockeymom said:

 

Having 2 teenage boys I will say that there is probably a lot of stuff we say and joke around with them about that many would think are odd but if they knew us and everything said it wouldn't seem that way. Its just a shame they don't show things on MAFS so it doesn't come off looking odd, awkward or in a bad way when its more than likely not even close to those things. 

Yup. I have one too. Our texts are not for the faint of heart! 

[Snarklepuss]

Well, I went away for a few days and missed the snark, but I wasn't feeling it anyway with this show after a while this season.  This was always one of my favorite threads but this season not so much.  After a while I felt like we were all repeating ourselves 20,000 times and by the last few weeks I wasn't feeling heard or appreciated most of the time anyway.  So my vacation came at a good time.  OK, play the world's smallest violin, but I have never felt that way before on this thread or most others on this site, and so it was significant to me.  It could be me, I don't know, because it's hard to judge those things sometimes when you're writing on a chat board, but whatever.

A lot of us have always thought that there are several reasons the couples tend to stick it out after the 8 weeks are up.  Producers giving them incentives might be one of those reasons, but also not wanting to be the "bad guy" on camera, and maybe some of them are convinced by the "experts" or the producers that they should "give it a chance" off camera to see if some of the problems they had were caused by the constant invasive nature of being filmed all the time.  I'm sure they also don't want to look like losers and admit defeat all that easily even if they know deep down it probably won't last.

I wasn't that surprised that Cody and Danielle chose to remain together - for now.  I agree with those upthread that said he would have changed his answer had she not said she wanted to stay together.  I'm sure Danielle doesn't want it to look like she didn't give it EVERY CHANCE to find "that spark".  Right now it doesn't look too hopeful that she ever will, but stranger things have happened.

Nate and Sheila are in love but both of them have growing up to do, and they still have to learn how to argue constructively or their relationship is doomed. 

Ashley and Anthony - "Nothing to see here folks".  I'm actually happy for them and ended up liking them, which I never would have predicted early in the season.  Both of them actually seem level-headed, responsible, and just about as normal as one could ever find on this show, which to me is a breath of fresh air.

Oh, and these days it seems to me that many 60 year old men favor 60+ year old women.  My best girlfriend, who is 62 and has been single for YEARS, met someone recently and he's 3 years younger than she is!  I am LOL because he is so infatuated with her!  And I've seen this happen with other friends too!  So there is still hope yet for older women!  I think once men get into that age bracket a lot of them want a soul mate and aren't just chasing a skirt, so they want someone that can relate to their sense of humor and movie one-liner references, etc.  Although I know men that chase skirts too - one of hubbie's "Mr. Big" (and recently retired) executive clients is 61 and still exclusively dates women 25 years younger than he is.  He's still a little immature, IMO.  He's one of those people that spent so much of his life chasing the almighty $$ that he never grew up in some ways.

[gonecrackers]

Glad to 'see' you Snarkle; was actually wondering where you went, but wouldn't blame anyone for bailing this one. No worries; you're always heard & appreciated here & I'm sure many others would agree. I think we've all felt disregarded at times, but doubting it's anything personal here of all places. I mean, we're all watching this show, so, who will judge LOL? 

[Jellybeans]

Oh Snarkles, I love your posts!  Don't go away.  It is better when everyone has a different opinion IMO.  We can't all be Duggars.  LOL.

I agree with you about the 60ish age bracket.  I am 62 and it is easy pickings.  The problem is more men want to marry, women less so.

[Snarklepuss]

2 hours ago, gonecrackers said:

Glad to 'see' you Snarkle; was actually wondering where you went, but wouldn't blame anyone for bailing this one. No worries; you're always heard & appreciated here & I'm sure many others would agree. I think we've all felt disregarded at times, but doubting it's anything personal here of all places. I mean, we're all watching this show, so, who will judge LOL? 

Awww, thanks so much for saying that, I appreciate you too!  And I'm sure you're right, of course.  This show is so ridiculous that we all start sounding like one big Greek Chorus chanting the same things over and over again, LOL.  And I have to admit I was even annoying myself after a while so it wasn't anything personal toward anyone!  The whole show is annoying so it's not really our fault!  LOL
 

1 hour ago, Jellybeans said:

Oh Snarkles, I love your posts!  Don't go away.  It is better when everyone has a different opinion IMO.  We can't all be Duggars.  LOL.

I agree with you about the 60ish age bracket.  I am 62 and it is easy pickings.  The problem is more men want to marry, women less so.

LOL, again, thanks, and same here about your posts!  Oh, I'm not going anywhere.  I'll actually miss this board and all the regulars here when it's quiet until the next season.  I'll even miss the disagreements as they make things more interesting!  I wouldn't miss Boston for the world since I live only about an hour and a half away.  That is so true about the older men - My girlfriend had to put the brakes on her boyfriend.  I think he wanted to get married after the first MONTH they dated, LOL.  Why weren't guys like this when we were young, right?  LOL

[Jellybeans]

3 minutes ago, Snarklepuss said:

Awww, thanks so much for saying that, I appreciate you too!  And I'm sure you're right, of course.  This show is so ridiculous that we all start sounding like one big Greek Chorus chanting the same things over and over again, LOL.  And I have to admit I was even annoying myself after a while so it wasn't anything personal toward anyone!  The whole show is annoying so it's not really our fault!  LOL
 

LOL, again, thanks, and same here about your posts!  Oh, I'm not going anywhere.  I'll actually miss this board and all the regulars here when it's quiet until the next season.  I'll even miss the disagreements as they make things more interesting!  I wouldn't miss Boston for the world since I live only about an hour and a half away.  That is so true about the older men - My girlfriend had to put the brakes on her boyfriend.  I think he wanted to get married after the first MONTH they dated, LOL.  Why weren't guys like this when we were young, right?  LOL

See...they are missing a real reality show right there.  It would be eye-opening.  Especially if they banned producers.  LOL.