S22.E12: After the Final Rose

[backformore]

Good LORD!  was this the most boring 2 hours of television ever?   

And the worst part is that Chris H keeps telling us how amazing, dramatic and unpredictable it is.  

Edited March 7, 2018 by backformore

[Hpmec]

Lauren has clearly been wearing that ring for awhile. She didn't even glance at it when he slipped it on her finger. No close up of it either. Would not put it past Arie to have given her the same ring he gave Becca. Pretty obvious he had already popped the question in private, just as the dumping of Becca should have taken place privately. When the inevitable break up occurs, the ring will most likely be returned to Neil Lane and recycled for a future episode. Neil's no doubt running out of room to display his ever growing collection of gently used Bachelor engagement rings by now. Hope Becca enjoys her stint as the B-ette and that the producers resist all temptation to bring Ross into the mix -- that is, if he's managed to find his way back from the remote corners of Peru. 

[Wandering Snark]

2 minutes ago, Hpmec said:

Neil's no doubt running out of room to display his ever growing collection of gently used Bachelor engagement rings by now.

No doubt, and add another to that collection. Lauren's was a different ring.

[antfitz]

IDK why anyone is surprised, his name sounds like "lying dij."  Lol

34 minutes ago, Hpmec said:

Lauren has clearly been wearing that ring for awhile. She didn't even glance at it when he slipped it on her finger. No close up of it either. Would not put it past Arie to have given her the same ring he gave Becca. Pretty obvious he had already popped the question in private, just as the dumping of Becca should have taken place privately. When the inevitable break up occurs, the ring will most likely be returned to Neil Lane and recycled for a future episode. Neil's no doubt running out of room to display his ever growing collection of gently used Bachelor engagement rings by now. Hope Becca enjoys her stint as the B-ette and that the producers resist all temptation to bring Ross into the mix -- that is, if he's managed to find his way back from the remote corners of Peru. 

 I agree about the ring. It didn't dawn on me, but I did notice that they didn't do a close up. SMH   Becca is well rid of him.

Edited March 7, 2018 by antfitz

[EllenB]

I wonder if Arie was allowed to do a ring swap.

[Jassie99]

4 hours ago, JenE4 said:

I think all this outrage and rending of garments is a bit much. Kendall and Bekah were SOBBING while Becca was talking to Arie. But Becca, herself, was TOTALLY fine and ready to move on...as Bachelorette.

Arie went into the proposal 50/50 and chose the woman who looked better on paper than the one who had his heart but would have been a riskier choice. He even admitted to Becca while they were still in Peru that he loved Lauren and told her all along that his feelings weren’t waning. Should he have gone through with MARRYING Becca because, oh well, even though EVERY single F1 engagement in 22 seasons ended EXCEPT Sean and Catherine somehow this one needed to continue for some entirely undefined reason? 

You know, he didn’t actually dump Becca “last night.” At this point, he’s been back with Lauren for as long as he had been with Becca. And, goddamn if he’s not beaming with Lauren. He always has. We know this. That’s what we’ve been dumbfounded about for weeks: how can he be so enthralled with this mannequin? But we’ve seen more personality out of Lauren these past two episodes than the rest of the season combined. That doesn’t mean that I personally think Lauren is a better choice than Becca, but my opinion doesn’t matter—only Arie’s does. Whether they make it or not, he came there to find a wife and once he got out of the pressure of the show, if he thinks Lauren is the one, then good for them. We’re talking about potentially the rest of his life here. Why should a last-minute decision on FRC day take that from him? It’s not like he left his wife of 30 years and 4 children. Godspeed, Grandpa and Grandma Possum. Go live your lives. The fact that Becca is also moving on hopefully Bachelor Nation can chill the F out and let them.

Speaking of Becca moving on:

• Lincoln adorable. Gets my first impression rose!
• Christian, like, you know, keep it moving.
• Mr Bojangles is There for the Wrong Reasons as the new Wes. (“They say love, it don’t come eeeeeeeasyyyyyyy.”)
• Darius is laying on the smolder and the swagger WAY too thick! He’s eyeing her up and down drooling over her like she’s a pork chop!
• Horse guy—my 21-year-old daughter is crushing.

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!!

I was beginning to think I was the only one.  I was like well maybe because I'm Arie's age and have watched this show since the beginning.  I really don't get the outrage. I guess when less crap was thrown in our faces on social media I would get it a bit but these days its like... "Crap theres another threat to North Korea".  I also don't get what people wanted Arie to do? Seriously, I wasn't even watching the show until Hometowns when I binged the season on Hulu and I was struck by his fascination with Lauren. Like why the hell did he like her? I didn't get it but you could always tell he was just so in awe of her. When you watch the last chance dates he just looks at her different. He speaks to her different. When he's telling her he loves her it just different and more intimate.  I think he felt he was supposed to choose Becca.  His family really liked Lauren but thought she was too similar to his type and maybe needed someone with a stronger personality which was Becca(If you watched Jason season it was very similar. Melissa got along so much with Jason son. and teh family loved her while Molly was struggling and Jason was so defensive of her) . You could tell even then he was a bit disappointed by that. I do think that swayed him, Here was a women who he really "loved" in this atmosphere who was different then his usual type, who was confident, outgoing, forward etc... and was 100% in with him. His family said her and the show pressures you to make the decision.

Also people dragging him for his answers...What should he say?  He said and Becca agreed that they talked about his feelings for Lauren. They were still strong and he was having a hard time.  He told her he was having a conversation with her.  Bottom line is he chose wrong,  It sucks but what else can he say? Should he have done it in private? Probably but I wonder if he could. Then some say he shouldn't propose...Well look at Juan Pablo and Brad Womack. They were shredded for that. People were in an outrage because of it. So I get the producers pressure the Bachelor to not only do so but probably use those examples as to why.

It was not the same ring. I wonder if it was even a  Neil Lane ring cause it wasn't advertised so I wonder if he bought it himself. I don't know his finical s but I do know when he was on Emily season it was often stated all of Emily suitors were well off. Or at least came from wealthy families. Anyone remember Jef Holmes family was loaded. Their ranch was like the size of Rhode Island.  So its possible  he bought himself or they would advertise. And I thought Beka M was adorable before but the last two shows annoyed the hell out of me and showed her to be quite immature. Like WTH? I was just not here for her bs.  She's pouting and rude and saying things on social media that she dodge a bullet. Honey he was never going to choose you. Seriously get over yourself. All those girls need to. I give Kendall props for being mature about it all.

I just wish them well and really don't get the outrage. My goodness Chris Harrison has gotten death threats? Are you crazy? That's  insane. What did he do? At the end its a guy who has to do whats best for him. And as stated its not like he broke up with Becca last night and has spend as much time with Lauren now that he did with Becca at this point. Also she's not so heartbroken that she didn't go into last night not knowing she signed up for the Bachelorette so honestly I don't feel too bad for her. Melissa exploited her opportunities with other shows and said NO to the being apart of the franchise.

 

Lastly I get getting upset and invested into shows I do. Hell I was on the hell has no fury like a woman when Brad dumped both girls or with Juan Pablo and honestly wasn't so into any of the finale women that I can remember. Heck I was so upset with Kaitlyn when I found out she slept with Nick when there were 6 or guys left. I thought it was so tasteless and tacky. I shouldn't have judge so harshly in hindsight so I get it. However at the end of the day with how this show goes  if the goal is to have a fairytale happy ending then maybe we got one with him and Lauren so I really do wish them the best and being the Leo I am I root for the underdogs and the attacked I guess and hope they prove their haters wrong. Though with some haters the can get married have 10 kids break up in 20 yrs and people would still be like "I knew they would never make it" lol. I like seeing people be happy, they seem happy and hopefully Becca finds her one on her season. All good endings.

[kazza]

6 hours ago, thesupremediva1 said:

I have been saying all along that she was culpable. Talk about a self-involved twit. She has no respect for Becca, nor any class. The girls called Lauren out about the phone call with Arie. That gap was bridged before Becca knew a thing. And she thinks everyone is still going to fawn all over her. I hope she finds some self-awareness in life. For now, she deserves Arie.

 

8 hours ago, Stan39 said:

I guess their idea was, if they don't watch what happens then Lauren can remain ignorant and blameless in the whole ordeal. Pretty cowardly when you think about it. You'd think two grown adults could be mature enough to face the repercussions for their actions. Goes to show how self-absorbed they both are and I still don't think Lauren is as innocent as she professes.

 

Exactly. The women - including Becca - were being very generous when saying this wasn't Lauren's fault. She is completely complicit. It's fine if she likes Arie, but the mature thing to do when he reached out would have been to tell him to cool it and come back after the show privately if he still had feelings. If he wants to break up with Becca, that's his right, but do it independently. 

I really wish someone came out and said all this. It's great to be supportive of other women, but in my opinion Lauren broke that code when she engaged in a conversation with Arie about feelings while he and Becca were still together.   

[phlebas]

Is it weird that I'm happy Becca, Kendall, Sienne, Tia, etc, are all friends?

[Jassie99]

8 hours ago, SallyAlbright said:

LOL People Magazine went with the exact same "BACHELOR BETRAYAL" headline. Arie continues his sensitivity tour with this gem:

The days leading up to the proposal “were extremely difficult,” says the race car driver. “Becca was very confident. She was a safer choice. Because Lauren had trouble opening up, I felt terrified that she would eventually leave me.”

But where is the lie? lol Seriously that's what it was. I'm really interested in what people think he should say other then what it was for him. As much as things are edited to create a story there was no denying he was in love with Lauren but unsure if she was all in cause he had to keep reassuring her while Lauren was making a scrapbook which ended with a spot for their future child,lol.  He's said I was wrong. Its all on me. I chose wrong. I made a mistake. Becca is an amazing person. She would make a great wife.  Seriously what is he supposed to say? As he also said there is not good answer to give. He can only give his truth.

[adhoc]

Quote

My goodness Chris Harrison has gotten death threats? Are you crazy? That's  insane.  

Strangely, this news did not bother me a bit.

You know, the Bachelor franchise has no problem slicing and dicing the edits, and egging on and manipulating vulnerable participants (who later get slammed on social media), and yes, setting up Becca to be blindsided in front of the cameras. It's satisfying to think that Chris (and hopefully other key Bachelor players, like Elan and the other producers) might be experiencing some of the same social media fall-out as the contestants often do. 

[nlkm9]

8 hours ago, truthaboutluv said:

 Bachelor Nation is always melodramatic in my opinion, so that's nothing new. I mean let's never forget that Brad was considered the most hated man in America for being honest in admitting he wasn't in love with either woman and not faking an engagement with them. And well let's not mention the hate Rachel got last season, simply for not picking Bachelor Nation's special snowflake, despite his being a tool. So I won't disagree that some people are being over the top and Arie is hardly the most evil man in the world. 

I just think there were specific factors in this situation that added to the negative impression for many. One, Arie's reputation that preceded him, didn't help. Before the season even started filming, we had the ex-girlfriend exclusive to Reality Steve where she basically put it out there that he dumped her seemingly out of the blue, as soon as he got the call from the show. And then her saying how he's never satisfied and always looking for the next best thing and then we have this decision at the end of the season by him. 

Two, the lack of empathy and seeming callousness in his behavior. Arie's behavior in the breakup with Becca yesterday was bad enough, particularly his creepy non-leaving but tonight's "reunion" with Lauren was worse. Arie kept saying the words that he felt bad, that he felt guilty but it never truly showed. He just came across as someone who proposed to someone for the show because he had to, got bored and found out the hot blonde would take him back and so he said, "peace out". It's why I hated that Becca went easy on him because I wanted her to challenge him on whether he actually truly tried in the relationship because I don't buy that he did. Or the fact that she said he was still talking about their getting a house, her moving, etc. all about a week before he broke the engagement. 

Then there's the engagement to Lauren, so soon after everything. Molly and Jason were smart enough to realize that with all the messiness, the confusion, etc. that taking things slow was probably for the best. Arie swore to the end that he was in love with both Becca and Lauren. It's part of his reasoning for the "mistake" he made in choosing Becca. And he and Lauren, despite their so-called daily three-hour long conversations still haven't spent that much time together since they had to be apart as well while the season was still airing. Arie went through the whole process of getting on one knee, giving some forever speech to Becca - all to say it was a big mistake. And dumb and dumber believe that in this short time they can confidently say this relationship - this relationship that started under all this crazy madness, is absolutely forever and getting engaged makes sense. Okay, sure. 

But the biggest thing that makes me have very little confidence in this lasting and the other reason I was disappointed he got off so easy is that we got the dirt on how shady Arie is. Every woman on the stage from that season, save for the weird chick who was crying during Becca and Arie's confrontation, was basically confidently adamant that Arie is an unfeeling asshole who only "chose" Lauren when he was sure she would take him back. We know he was DM'ing Bekah, that he met with Bekah in a hotel room after she was eliminated. I just think there's a lot that is so suspect about Arie that it is hard to have the "okay, he made a mistake and chose the wrong woman but this is the woman he's truly in love with and hopefully they'll be happy together". When all signs point to Arie loving nothing but himself and Lauren is like a beautiful dimwitted doll to parade on his side for however long something better comes along. 

what?? he met bekah in a hotel room?? details??

[TGinKY]

No surprise that Lauren's weak ass fell head first back into his arms. At the very least make him work for it Lauren!

[Mu Shu]

9 hours ago, EllenB said:

I thought Molly looked great, and even mentioned to Hubby that neither she nor Jason look much older than during their season.  But I admit I was Team Molly then and now.  Melissa always seemed like a chirpy half-wit.

I thought Molly and Jason looked so much better than on their season.  Jadon packed on some muscle or chub, and looks better for it.

[Jassie99]

Gosh I feel like an Arie apologist here but I guess what I saw wasn't so bad. But I have to comment on him not leaving. Has any been in a real break up? Just me. I mean I have had break ups last HOURS,lol. Seriously like crying, running away, just leave me alone said 1000 times and the guy stays around.  So I didn't find it odd. I've been the one to break off things and honestly you feel such guilt and you want to fix it. It a weird feeling and you feel bad for hurting that person and somehow its natural to want to make sure they're okay. Its not logical its emotional. So I totally got that and was shocked people were hard on him about it. I mean its a "reality show" and people want to see it all and then complain when they do. I'm confused.

I do agree with those who said Lauren took to it as a normal ATFR. I think that's just her being a little young and naive or maybe just in love. Sometimes I know I've been in love and have completely not been able to see the forest from the trees.  I also don't know how else was she supposed to respond about Becca? Becca said during the last chance dates she wasn't close to Lauren as they are just so different. So I got Lauren hesitation on  when asked if they were friends.

Sorry for the multiple post just keep readings others and then wanting to respond.

Edited March 7, 2018 by Jassie99

[Armchair Critic]

I wonder if Arie and Lauren did actually watch the final show but didn't admit it so they could avoid answering questions about it. 

[Bobcatkitten]

Anyone blaming the show needs to stop. These people are on this voluntarily. And Becca reupped!

 

Arie is a douche but I did think he answered all the questions right last night. He took responsibility, admitted mistakes. I still saw no emotion. None. He is like a robot.

 

I think Lauren's ring is square cut so different. 

[Armchair Critic]

This article sums it up well:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/soloish/wp/2018/03/07/the-bachelor-tries-to-do-damage-control-after-disastrous-finale-but-only-makes-things-worse/?utm_term=.b8c4e595bac9&wpisrc=nl_az_most&wpmk=1

[SallyAlbright]

1 hour ago, Jassie99 said:

But where is the lie? lol Seriously that's what it was. I'm really interested in what people think he should say other then what it was for him. As much as things are edited to create a story there was no denying he was in love with Lauren but unsure if she was all in cause he had to keep reassuring her while Lauren was making a scrapbook which ended with a spot for their future child,lol.  He's said I was wrong. Its all on me. I chose wrong. I made a mistake. Becca is an amazing person. She would make a great wife.  Seriously what is he supposed to say? As he also said there is not good answer to give. He can only give his truth.

Not sure if your question is directed to me, but I never said there was a lie in his response. What struck me is that it seemed weak and immature and insensitive to Becca (I only picked her because she would stick around), which is very Arie. Choosing someone because he's afraid the other will leave him is exactly what he did, and he really hurt someone because of that. Not a lie there, just again showing a lack of sensitivity. 

Edited March 7, 2018 by SallyAlbright

[dleighg]

15 minutes ago, Armchair Critic said:

This article sums it up well:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/soloish/wp/2018/03/07/the-bachelor-tries-to-do-damage-control-after-disastrous-finale-but-only-makes-things-worse/?utm_term=.b8c4e595bac9&wpisrc=nl_az_most&wpmk=1

Thanks! I've read all the comments here, which was more than enough to tell me I don't need to watch last night's show (I did watch Monday's, sort-of). But this is helpful to put things together in a straightforward way.

[JudyObscure]

How lucky is Becca?  She   enters herself in a televised contest where 29 beautiful young women vie for the same guy,  She smiles happily while 28 of them get rejected and --Woo! Woo!-- she wins!  Then (cue sad flute music) after spending a total of about 6 actual days with the man, he breaks up with her, (On Camera!  Woo woo!) Oops, excuse me,  (cue sad music) ... on camera... snif.)

 Due to the fact that she barely knew Arie ( and this is the same woman who could hardly work up any emotion over the man she spent seven years with)  Becca takes the break-up in a fairly unemotional manner.  Suddenly, just because of that rejection, she is the most dignified, beloved and praised woman in all the land.   Sally Field   didn't get this much love. Meanwhile Lauren is hated, she was complicitjust  like a silent witness to sexual abuse.  After all, she accepted a phone call.

Now  Becca is going to be the next Bachelorette, and even though her break-up was viewed as utter, vile humiliation in front of cameras, she can't wait to spend a few more months in front of them.

Becca is America's Princess Diana and Lauren is Camilla. 

[Stan39]

1 hour ago, Jassie99 said:

But where is the lie? lol Seriously that's what it was. I'm really interested in what people think he should say other then what it was for him. As much as things are edited to create a story there was no denying he was in love with Lauren but unsure if she was all in cause he had to keep reassuring her while Lauren was making a scrapbook which ended with a spot for their future child,lol.  He's said I was wrong. Its all on me. I chose wrong. I made a mistake. Becca is an amazing person. She would make a great wife.  Seriously what is he supposed to say? As he also said there is not good answer to give. He can only give his truth.

I think people wanted him to not allow production to film the break up (which he could have done) and to show some remorse for his actions (which he still hasn't done, IMO). It's like Beckah said, he's very manipulative and will tell people whatever they want to hear to get what he wants. He's also not a fighter, so if you call him on his bs he won't defend himself, but do you think he's sincere? It's sad that in today's society, just being honest is good enough. What about actually doing the right thing? Even before the breakup there have been multiple instances of Arie showing how little he respects women. This whole season he's shown himself to be pretty immature and self-centered, even if he picked Lauren from the beginning.  I think people wanted to see that he gave a damn about these women he was hurting, but that's just not his MO. Seriously, look up Arie's past. He's not a good guy. This is a pattern of behavior of treating women poorly and only telling half truths. And as much as I wanted to feel sorry for Lauren, at this point I don't care. Last night she showed herself to be just as vapid and self absorbed as he is, they really do deserve each other. 

[LennieBriscoe]

1 hour ago, nlkm9 said:

We know he was DM'ing Bekah, that he met with Bekah in a hotel room after she was eliminated.

NOT IN THIS EPISODE.

Didn't we used to get a retrospective look at the couple's "journey," from first meeting to the dates to whenever the proposal was, to "prove" the relationship was "real"?

Edited March 7, 2018 by LennieBriscoe

[Mu Shu]

5 minutes ago, JudyObscure said:

How lucky is Becca?  She   enters herself in a televised contest where 29 beautiful young women vie for the same guy,  She smiles happily while 28 of them get rejected and --Woo! Woo!-- she wins!  Then (cue sad flute music) after spending a total of about 6 actual days with the man, he breaks up with her, (On Camera!  Woo woo!) Oops, excuse me,  (cue sad music) ... on camera... snif.)

 Due to the fact that she barely knew Arie ( and this is the same woman who could hardly work up any emotion over the man she spent seven years with)  Becca takes the break-up in a fairly unemotional manner.  Suddenly, just because of that rejection, she is the most dignified, beloved and praised woman in all the land.   Sally Field   didn't get this much love. Meanwhile Lauren is hated, she was complicitjust  like a silent witness to sexual abuse.  After all, she accepted a phone call.

Now  Becca is going to be the next Bachelorette, and even though her break-up was viewed as utter, vile humiliation in front of cameras, she can't wait to spend a few more months in front of them.

Becca is America's Princess Diana and Lauren is Camilla. 

I don’t think Lauren is hated so much as held in contempt.  She’s sloppy seconds.

[fib]

11 hours ago, Witchz said:

And he makes his living selling real estate ?

Not anymore.  (Who is going to trust him with their home?) Good luck with that, arie. 

[LennieBriscoe]

1 minute ago, Mu Shu said:

I don’t think Lauren is hated so much as held in contempt.  She’s sloppy seconds.

As to the first, I'd say pity moreso than contempt. 

As to the second, um, from what I know of the term, that would be Becca as the Bachelorette.

[Wings]

30 minutes ago, Armchair Critic said:

This article sums it up well:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/soloish/wp/2018/03/07/the-bachelor-tries-to-do-damage-control-after-disastrous-finale-but-only-makes-things-worse/?utm_term=.b8c4e595bac9&wpisrc=nl_az_most&wpmk=1

Excellent article!  It capsulized the finale perfectly. 

I was surprised to learn that it was Arie's request to film the break up, I had assumed it was TPTB. 

It covered every point of outrage felt by viewers and cast. 

[Rainsong]

After The Final Rose

In which the Victimology Parade becomes a conga line with all getting in on the act and concludes with the perfect metaphor of a horse’s ass.

This episode (?) almost defies comment. It was chaos and not in a good or interesting way. Even CH admitted the control-freak producers and directors were going to hate him for going off-script.

The audience had been assembled along with a half dozen Bachelorettes, all with faces as grim as if they were about to pronounce a death sentence. Off with Arie’s head!

As the camera panned the observers, it’s clear that the drowned-rat center-parted hairstyle is resisting any attempts to kick it off-trend. These women will look as silly in 5 years as beehives from the 60s or big hair from the 80s do now but groupthink is a strange, powerful force.

Tonight’s broadcast might have been subtitled I Want Answers. Lauren wanted answers. Becca wanted answers. Both grilled Arie on what he was thinking at every split second of the finale and after filming had (mostly) concluded. They wanted to know just when and how much he was ‘unfaithful’ – despite both of them being consenting participants in a reality show involving dozens of dates and romantic encounters for TB. It has been said (and I don’t necessarily endorse this view) that women are upset more by the emotional betrayal of infidelity than by the physical. But is it infidelity if both have a 50/50 chance of being picked? The post-ring activity is fair game for anger and accusations but the narcissism of ‘when did he love me and when did he stop?’ has absolutely consumed both women who are clearly more interested in saving face than in latching on to Arie.

CH wants answers too. Actually, he just wants one answer to one question. As critics have pointed out repeatedly, the chronic disease afflicting American media – news, sports, entertainment – is their insistence on asking the question ‘How does it feel?’ Astronauts, Olympic gold medalists, mountaineers, deep sea explorers, Super Bowl MVPs, Nobel Prize winners, etc – the details and difficulties of their achievements are routinely ignored in favor of this silly query. CH doesn’t even bother to reword the question and bludgeons every guest onstage with ‘How does it feel?’

Becca forgives Arie for 30 seconds, then spends 90 minutes not forgiving Arie as she’s encouraged by the baying hounds to join the Victims Club into which all of the also-rans have already initiated themselves.

Even CH is claiming to be the target of threats.  The obvious question is:  who is making these threats?  Someone emotionally unstable enough to be upset over an on-camera breakup of two people they don't know?  Upset enough to threaten the host?

Bekah M has stolen more curtain pulls to wear as earrings and is wearing a repurposed shower curtain. Caroline just wants to bitch some more. She’s left her calm, cool, collected real estate business maven persona somewhere in the ditch and has appointed herself Emoter By Proxy for Becca. The penny has finally dropped for Tia, Seinne and Kendall who realize they’ve had a lucky escape. To her credit, Kendall is correct about the displays of emotion shown in the previous episode and is being a good sport about it (for now). Tia is wearing another pillow sham as a dress. Bekah M, to her discredit, is wrong in principle about showing the breakup on camera and wrong in practice about showing the breakup since all involved, including her, were contractually obligated to appear onscreen whatever the outcome. She simply can’t or won’t get to the point. Some reports had CH claiming that some filming took place at his house in order to avoid publicity before the controlled news release. Let’s hope it wasn’t the cold, spartan accommodation we saw.

The giggles about Becca getting another chance are a clear and very premature tipoff that she will become The Bachelorette. Becca’s red-carpet-caliber gown and the tasteful, obviously professionally done, makeup (good riddance to the spider lashes) are additional hints for anyone paying attention. ‘It’s hard to watch all of that again’ – yes, love, you’ve said that about a dozen times now. Suddenly Kendall has lost the plot in the front row of the audience and is being comforted by Bekah M, who hypocritically claims to be floating above it all but exhibits the most anger of anyone in the room.

As Lauren did earlier, Becca gets to cross-examine Arie as we hear strange scratching sounds on the mics and even the whirr of ventilation fans in the hushed studio. There are few answers, even fewer good answers from Arie who has agreed to submit himself to this ritual defenestration in exchange for near-future considerations.

The meager number of Unspoiled Viewers see Arie & Lauren reunited onstage and a proposal ensues. A romantic might say they are brave in the face of opprobrium but nevertheless devoted to each other. A cynic might say that Arie saw the countdown clock nearing 00:00 on the chance to get a fancy and, most importantly, free Neil Lane ring and he’s going to take advantage before all the contracts expire.

And now Becca’s back and she’s The Bachelorette which comes as a shock to approximately zero viewers. As a demonstrably emotionally needy and still naïve lead AND a recently, very visibly jilted fiancée she is a producer’s dream. Unfortunately for her and us, the initial selection of Bachelor suitors are an absolute nightmare. The first one has a British accent unlike any this Anglophile has ever heard. Somehow he’s been convinced that he is the new star of this show, her show, any show really and simply won’t shut his trap. Even Becca has to fake-laugh at his lame jokes and nudge him off to the wings. Another arrival is also steeped in victimology and has the brass neck and the free-range ego to apologize for the male race. It’s an old, boring, pathetic gambit identified as far back as 1989 when the band Lush did ‘Ladykillers’ with its lyrics:

Telling me that women are superior to men / Most guys just don’t appreciate this / You just try convincing me you’re better than them / So he talks for hours about his sensitive soul

I can’t be bothered to check but I think the male hater of men was the same one with the over-the-top Daffy Duck lisp. Becca is running on fumes at this point after a night of emotional upheaval but her disappointment at the slim pickings offered up so far is quite evident. If she has any veto power prior to the start of her season she might consider redirecting these beta milquetoasts to Paradise.

The final ignominy comes in the form of a live horse led into the studio with about 500 nervous souls hoping the horse didn’t eat a big lunch. Becca is surreally hoisted in her finery atop the horse (sidesaddle, natch) and pretends to be elated.

And so, it ends. And with apologies to Thayer:

Oh, somewhere in this favoured land the sun is shining bright,
The band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light;
And somewhere men are laughing, and somewhere children
   shout,
The Bachelor is mercifully over - Sneaky Arie has lucked out.

Edited March 7, 2018 by Rainsong

[truthaboutluv]

1 hour ago, nlkm9 said:

what?? he met bekah in a hotel room?? details??

Here you go. 

http://people.com/tv/bekah-martinez-met-arie-luyendyk-jr-after-elimination/

Apparently it was filmed but just not aired.

 

4 minutes ago, Wings said:

I was surprised to learn that it was Arie's request to film the break up, I had assumed it was TPTB. 

The funniest part about that whole thing is when he said to Becca he did it so there could be no confusion to the audience that it was all him and she had no fault. Like how delusional is this guy? Did Arie really think anyone was going to come out of watching this mess and think it was Becca's fault? The hell?

[Stan39]

1 hour ago, Jassie99 said:

Gosh I feel like an Arie apologist here but I guess what I saw wasn't so bad. But I have to comment on him not leaving. Has any been in a real break up? Just me. I mean I have had break ups last HOURS,lol. Seriously like crying, running away, just leave me alone said 1000 times and the guy stays around.  So I didn't find it odd. I've been the one to break off things and honestly you feel such guilt and you want to fix it. It a weird feeling and you feel bad for hurting that person and somehow its natural to want to make sure they're okay. Its not logical its emotional. So I totally got that and was shocked people were hard on him about it. I mean its a "reality show" and people want to see it all and then complain when they do. I'm confused.

I do agree with those who said Lauren took to it as a normal ATFR. I think that's just her being a little young and naive or maybe just in love. Sometimes I know I've been in love and have completely not been able to see the forest from the trees.  I also don't know how else was she supposed to respond about Becca? Becca said during the last chance dates she wasn't close to Lauren as they are just so different. So I got Lauren hesitation on  when asked if they were friends.

Sorry for the multiple post just keep readings others and then wanting to respond.

I think the problem people had, in the moment, was why did Arie allow filming and allow this ambush to take place? Sadly, this will probably become the new norm and the show will keep devolving and devolving. I shudder to think what we'll be outraged by in five years. 

That, and I and others were upset that Arie didn't look like he particularly cared about Becca. At all. He didn't even look that upset that he just destroyed someone's life. He just kept walking around the house thinking, "Am I done yet? Can I leave? No? You want me to go back and ask if she's ok? Ok. But then we're going out for pizza, right?" I think you have to take the last two nights with everything we've seen from Arie this season and what is reported about him outside the show. If you want to look at each thing he does I'm sure you can justify/vilify him if you want. But on the whole, I don't think Arie is a good person and Monday and Tuesday just kind of highlighted everything. 

[LennieBriscoe]

2 minutes ago, truthaboutluv said:

Apparently it was filmed but just not aired.

"Not aired" being the operative words.

fib, Are you simply predicting that Arie's RE career is over? Because: https://www.remax.com/realestateagentoffice/scottsdale-az-85260-arieluyendyk-id29901908.html

[Wings]

59 minutes ago, Armchair Critic said:

This article sums it up well:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/soloish/wp/2018/03/07/the-bachelor-tries-to-do-damage-control-after-disastrous-finale-but-only-makes-things-worse/?utm_term=.b8c4e595bac9&wpisrc=nl_az_most&wpmk=1

Arie didn’t allow the breakup to be filmed, he REQUESTED it. 

[Stan39]

1 hour ago, Armchair Critic said:

This article sums it up well:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/soloish/wp/2018/03/07/the-bachelor-tries-to-do-damage-control-after-disastrous-finale-but-only-makes-things-worse/?utm_term=.b8c4e595bac9&wpisrc=nl_az_most&wpmk=1

Thank you! I can't understand the people defending Arie and Lauren right now. Read this! Arie wasn't honest. He's still lying. His stories don't add up. And Lauren is complicit. 

[Wings]

4 minutes ago, LennieBriscoe said:

"Not aired" being the operative words.

fib, Are you simply predicting that Arie's RE career is over? Because: https://www.remax.com/realestateagentoffice/scottsdale-az-85260-arieluyendyk-id29901908.html

Oh I bet the “other” phone number has been cancelled.  Lol

[gluttonforpain]

I simply cannot understand all the hate on Arie/Lauren.  I think they are just about the most perfect couple this show has produced.  (Doesn't mean I like either of them, just that they are perfect for each other).  Nominally the show is about finding a match for Arie.  By that standard the show was a smashing success.

Becca got dumped 2 months ago, if I have the timeline correct - she got over it quick, and inexplicably, she's back for more.  *shrug*  I hope the show gives her everything it has.  I'm done with Becca.

All the dumping on Arie/Lauren for not being able to "read a room".  Umm, okay - they have the rest of their lives to live.  Marriage, children, trips.  Nobody is going to care about this one night, down the road.  It's not Lauren's job to "read a room".  And Arie couldn't care less about that either.  More power to them both.

[Armchair Critic]

The ironic thing is that the girlfriend Arie dumped to be The Bachelor looks just like Lauren.

[dleighg]

5 minutes ago, Wings said:

Oh I bet the “other” phone number has been cancelled.  Lol

as of right now it's the same as the office number. LOL.

[alexa]

10 minutes ago, gluttonforpain said:

I simply cannot understand all the hate on Arie/Lauren.  I think they are just about the most perfect couple this show has produced.  (Doesn't mean I like either of them, just that they are perfect for each other).  Nominally the show is about finding a match for Arie.  By that standard the show was a smashing success.

Becca got dumped 2 months ago, if I have the timeline correct - she got over it quick, and inexplicably, she's back for more.  *shrug*  I hope the show gives her everything it has.  I'm done with Becca.

All the dumping on Arie/Lauren for not being able to "read a room".  Umm, okay - they have the rest of their lives to live.  Marriage, children, trips.  Nobody is going to care about this one night, down the road.  It's not Lauren's job to "read a room".  And Arie couldn't care less about that either.  More power to them both.

Marriage, children?  lol-- I would be very surprised if it gets that far.  Arie doesn't exactly have the best track record on how he treats his girlfriends.  I especially love how it turns out he lied about how his last relationship ended, and even outed the girl's miscarriage on TV so she then had to go tell all of her family and friends.  That is so sweet of Arie.

Anyway, as for the read the room comment--I think many people just feel like they would have been better off if they minimized their relationship for the time being in the public and leave/do their own thing.  It is of no benefit to Lauren to be proposed to in front of a group of unsupportive people.  If they truly want to get married, he should have chosen a more romantic and meaningful venue for it...

[Mabinogia]

41 minutes ago, Mu Shu said:

I don’t think Lauren is hated so much as held in contempt.  She’s sloppy seconds.

I pity her. She is the loser in all this. Becca gets to be Bachelorette, Arie gets his pretty trophy wife he will most likely either leave or cheat on and Lauren gets to pretend she's happy with a guy who didn't want her enough to pick her in the first place but then realized he wanted her enough to dump his fiancé, which is what he will probably end up doing to Lauren once he has "broken through her walls" and she is no longer unattainable.

[Wings]

If Arie were to watch bachette he would realize he is really in love with Becca! 

Lauren will forbid it.  

[truthaboutluv]

24 minutes ago, LennieBriscoe said:

"Not aired" being the operative words.

I am confused. This is the second time you're quoting me seemingly suggesting that because something wasn't on the episode last night, that what, I'm not allowed to reference it? There are media links posted in the thread to the media stories. I have an opinion about everything that happened based on a number of factors, including things like it being reported in the media and confirmed that he slid into Bekah's DM and met up with her. Someone asked for clarification about that and I provided it. 

[Cornhusker12]

With regards to Becca not throwing a fit, then being cordial to Arie, then agreeing to become the Bachelorette, I don't think it's because she is weak-willed or "they're all actors" (come on), I think it's honestly that she made peace a long time ago with the type of machinations that go on behind the scenes and that the show itself will always, by nature, be pushing for the most dramatic moments to happen.

But to her credit, rather than think of that cynically and just blame the show for being the show, she knows that the buck stops with the lead. Arie is the one who was basically pretending all along, Arie is the one who decided the breakup should be filmed, Arie is the one who was lame as hell and handled everything the wrong way. So I don't find it hard to believe at all that she would get over him quickly, and I think going on the Bachelorette makes sense for her too. Because even though Arie turned out to be a shithead, she knows "the process can work," machinations and all. And when she's the one in charge she feels confident that she'll handle things better than Arie and end up in a successful relationship. And beyond that, I think she would rather try this out than go through her life being pitied by strangers who remember her from the end of Arie's season.

I had pretty much no opinion at all about Becca almost the entire season haha but luckily in her confrontations with Ross and Arie, and how she came across in the live portions, I really think she seems like she has a cool/confident/fun personality. Not sure why it didn't shine through until the end of the season, but I think she'll be a good lead.

Edited March 7, 2018 by huskerj12

[JudyObscure]

51 minutes ago, Mu Shu said:

I don’t think Lauren is hated so much as held in contempt.  She’s sloppy seconds.

I think Lauren  sincerely loves Arie and is, therefore,  more interested in being with him than in playing some sort of punishment game that would reap a lot of, "You go girl!" tweets from people she doesn't know.

[sadie]

So let me get this straight. We watch Arie all season mislead, manipulate, shove his tongue down multiple girls throats only minutes apart, tell TWO women he is IN LOVE with them only so he can ultimately blind side one of them (because what woman would assume he is saying the exact same things to the other woman) when he chooses one he tells he he will “choose her every day and let’s have some babies!” And yet this douchebag poor excuse for a man REQUESTS they film him breaking the heart of a woman up to that moment he wanted a life with her and he expects us to believe he did it to make sure we knew the relationship falling apart wasn’t HER fault! WHAT THE HOLY FUCK! Is this guy for real? 

If he isn’t a psychopath then I don’t know what one is. Why Lauren’s parents didn’t have a hood and white van waiting to kidnap her for deprogramming after this is an utter mystery. Did they also not watch the show? 

[Jax7917]

Give it a year and Arie will be on the bachelor winter games

[Janc]

nvm

Edited March 7, 2018 by Janc

[Cajungirl64]

While I think Arie is such a douchebag for so many reasons, most of all for REQUESTING the break-up be filmed (wonder what the REAL incentive was because it sure as hell wasn't for the reason he spouted on ATFR) and for his utter lack of empathy, it's shocking that CH, Arie or Lauren are getting death threats! WTF is WRONG with people? I think the billboards are in poor taste, as well. Arie has been tarred and feathered and is now loathed by many (He must REALLY be in love with Lauren to have allowed himself to be so vilified). 

Speaking of Lauren... She's 25 going on 19 and it's obvious that's what Arie needs and wants. I'm sure Becca knows she dodged a bullet and whether or not she winds up engaged on her season as The Bachelorette, she will never lack for male attention. She deserves so much better than old-man Arie and I have no doubt she'll get it. 

[Armchair Critic]

Nick and Dean's video of the breakup

[mcmrdh]

Becca's pool isn't looking good so far other than the first guy with the accent... I hope they get better or she could be dealing with a bunch of douchebags, as if Arie wasn't enough.

[peachmangosteen]

17 minutes ago, JudyObscure said:

I think Lauren  sincerely loves Arie ...

I think she sincerely thinks she's in love with him, which is sad.

11 minutes ago, Janc said:

Re. banjo guy that met Becca:

Considering it's Wells, I'm not sure I believe this is anything other than a joke. But maybe.

Edited March 7, 2018 by peachmangosteen

[Wings]

9 minutes ago, Janc said:

Re. banjo guy that met Becca:

I love this.  I liked Wells immensely and I have a hunch his brother is a nifty guy, too.  

Mark Twain- "“A gentleman is someone who knows how to play the banjo and doesn't.”