Episode 7 - 7/11 - Discussion - Spoilers

Shoesies wrote:

ironcat wrote:

northernviewer wrote:Why? Ben isn't the one getting attacked on the board, JP is. or is it cause JP is considered the F1 by the majority? don't let that stop you from saying what you have to say, but if you're expecting to convert some of us or that we're going to agree with everything you say, I'm not seeing that happening unless somebody has some concrete proof that Ben is F1.... like if anybody sees a bottle of Ben's wine in her fridge or a lock of his hair on her pillow ... and we have a "winegate" or a "hairgate" going on But character assination (not directed at you) isn't going to get any good dialogue going ....just sayin'....

I also don't quite understand the sentiment of why it's so difficult to be a Ben fan here. Some people post their opinions of why they think it's Ben, or why they like him better than JP, or now increasingly, why JP is the devil. :hidingchair People who disagree with any of those sentiments are going to respond as to why they disagree. That's the purpose of this board, is it not? Disagreeing isn't attacking. And being of the minority opinion is just the way it works out sometimes. Ben is just not as popular as JP, both here and among the general viewing public, but nobody on the board is responsible for that situation. And attacking JP more vociferously is probably not going to change anyone's mind, but only make them more defensive of him and their position.

Ay yi yi...I agree with your post and don't really give a rip which of these men are F1...I believe it is JP but my life will not end if Ben comes out last. Live and let live.

you said a mouthful there, toots I'm so used to being wrong, don't know what I'd do if I was on the winning "team" for once. I'm seeing the love story with JP, and if it's Ben who's F1, don't really care but I won't at the end of it all say that I totally enjoyed the season..... and nobody should give a rats ass who I like or why I like them!

I've been away for a couple of days, therefore there is no way I'll be able to catch up. Just wondering if it's been discussed as to why Ben's overnight was all but dismissed in this episode. TPTB barely touched on the subject. Was it planned? Was there a train or bus missed? Or were they having so much fun they wanted to extend the date? It's odd, that if it was planned nobody, including Ben, was privy to it; yet he walked back in with suitcase in hand. In past seasons the overnight dates were definitely highlighted, right?? Hmmm.... color me confused!

I think I need more than koolaid or alcohol to understand this season! :margarita:

Babycakee wrote:I've been away for a couple of day, therefore there is no way I'll be able to catch up. Just wondering if it's been discussed as to why Ben's overnight was all but dismissed in this episode. TPTB barely touched on the subject. Was it planned? Was there a train or bus missed? Or were they having so much fun they wanted to extend the date? It's odd, that if it was planned nobody, including Ben, was privy to it; yet he walked back in with suitcase in hand. In past seasons the overnight dates were definitely highlighted, right?? Hmmm.... color me confused!

I think I need more than koolaid or alcohol to understand this season! :margarita:

The details of the date were definitely planned in advance by the producers. I imagine they wanted to use the locations in question, and when they realized the distances involved (someone said a 4 hour drive from the guys' hotel), realized that it would make more sense for the couple to just stay overnight (in separate rooms they booked in advance) at a local hotel, and then they would be able to use this whole scenario as added "drama". The only thing left was deciding which guy to give the date to in order to further the storyline and produce the most drama. Ben was the obvious choice, as they needed to push him more to the forefront anyway, knowing by then he was most probably going to be one of Ashley's finalists, and he was due a second date anyway. The fact that JP was wrestling with the whole process and having feelings of jealousy at the time was an added bonus.

All in all, it was much ado about nothing, and unlike with other early "overnights" on past seasons (Molly, Chantal), they didn't even show the couple getting "cozy" for the night, just the drama of the morning after.

Whether either Ashley or Ben knew the full details in advance, we don't really know. My guess is Ashley did and Ben didn't, although he did pack a suitcase, so he may have had an inkling.

northernviewer wrote:

you said a mouthful there, toots I'm so used to being wrong, don't know what I'd do if I was on the winning "team" for once. I'm seeing the love story with JP, and if it's Ben who's F1, don't really care but I won't at the end of it all say that I totally enjoyed the season..... and nobody should give a rats ass who I like or why I like them!

I hear you NV!! I never like the F1 as much as MY pick, but I seem to get over it pretty quickly. (well, Reid not THAT quick)
I'm really trying to keep an open mind this season. Both Ben and JP are great guys, but I give an edge to JP. :cc4:

ironcat wrote:

Babycakee wrote:I've been away for a couple of day, therefore there is no way I'll be able to catch up. Just wondering if it's been discussed as to why Ben's overnight was all but dismissed in this episode. TPTB barely touched on the subject. Was it planned? Was there a train or bus missed? Or were they having so much fun they wanted to extend the date? It's odd, that if it was planned nobody, including Ben, was privy to it; yet he walked back in with suitcase in hand. In past seasons the overnight dates were definitely highlighted, right?? Hmmm.... color me confused!

I think I need more than koolaid or alcohol to understand this season! :margarita:

The details of the date were definitely planned in advance by the producers. I imagine they wanted to use the locations in question, and when they realized the distances involved (someone said a 4 hour drive from the guys' hotel), realized that it would make more sense for the couple to just stay overnight (in separate rooms they booked in advance) at a local hotel, and then they would be able to use this whole scenario as added "drama". The only thing left was deciding which guy to give the date to in order to further the storyline and produce the most drama. Ben was the obvious choice, as they needed to push him more to the forefront anyway, knowing by then he was most probably going to be one of Ashley's finalists, and he was due a second date anyway. The fact that JP was wrestling with the whole process and having feelings of jealousy at the time was an added bonus.

All in all, it was much ado about nothing, and unlike with other early "overnights" on past seasons (Molly, Chantal), they didn't even show the couple getting "cozy" for the night, just the drama of the morning after.

Whether either Ashley or Ben knew the full details in advance, we don't really know. My guess is Ashley did and Ben didn't, although he did pack a suitcase, so he may have had an inkling.

Thanks ironcat What you say makes obvious sense, as always! 8) But, imho, not highlighting Ben and Ashley's overnight (I mean no discussion of spending the night together was aired), does not bode well for Ben being the F1; even if he is F1, which at this point I don't believe he is.

Babycakee wrote:I've been away for a couple of days, therefore there is no way I'll be able to catch up. Just wondering if it's been discussed as to why Ben's overnight was all but dismissed in this episode. TPTB barely touched on the subject. Was it planned? Was there a train or bus missed? Or were they having so much fun they wanted to extend the date? It's odd, that if it was planned nobody, including Ben, was privy to it; yet he walked back in with suitcase in hand. In past seasons the overnight dates were definitely highlighted, right?? Hmmm.... color me confused!

I think I need more than koolaid or alcohol to understand this season! :margarita:

How they handled the overnight is of great interest to me. This would have been the perfect way to bring Ben "level" with JP in the viewers eyes. Yet it was really downplayed (other than JPs and the other guys reactions). By downplaying it I really think it fits with Ben's storyline of the dark horse making a late charge. If they had played it up more...his charge would have come too early--cough, cough--so as to speak. What I find even more interesting is Ben addressing it in his blog, scratching his throat and rubbing his chin. It really does makes me wonder if Ash asked him to clear the air and protect her virtue.

Reidiscool wrote:

Babycakee wrote:I've been away for a couple of days, therefore there is no way I'll be able to catch up. Just wondering if it's been discussed as to why Ben's overnight was all but dismissed in this episode. TPTB barely touched on the subject. Was it planned? Was there a train or bus missed? Or were they having so much fun they wanted to extend the date? It's odd, that if it was planned nobody, including Ben, was privy to it; yet he walked back in with suitcase in hand. In past seasons the overnight dates were definitely highlighted, right?? Hmmm.... color me confused!

I think I need more than koolaid or alcohol to understand this season! :margarita:

How they handled the overnight is of great interest to me. This would have been the perfect way to bring Ben "level" with JP in the viewers eyes. Yet it was really downplayed (other than JPs and the other guys reactions). By downplaying it I really think it fits with Ben's storyline of the dark horse making a late charge. If they had played it up more...his charge would have come too early--cough, cough--so as to speak. What I find even more interesting is Ben addressing it in his blog, scratching his throat and rubbing his chin. It really does makes me wonder if Ash asked him to clear the air and protect her virtue.

Sorry, are you saying you think they actually slept together but the show is keeping any evidence of a deeper connection hidden because it's still too early for Ben to "charge"? When exactly will he be starting this charge, on the way to the FRC?

ironcat wrote:

Reidiscool wrote:

Babycakee wrote:I've been away for a couple of days, therefore there is no way I'll be able to catch up. Just wondering if it's been discussed as to why Ben's overnight was all but dismissed in this episode. TPTB barely touched on the subject. Was it planned? Was there a train or bus missed? Or were they having so much fun they wanted to extend the date? It's odd, that if it was planned nobody, including Ben, was privy to it; yet he walked back in with suitcase in hand. In past seasons the overnight dates were definitely highlighted, right?? Hmmm.... color me confused!

I think I need more than koolaid or alcohol to understand this season! :margarita:

How they handled the overnight is of great interest to me. This would have been the perfect way to bring Ben "level" with JP in the viewers eyes. Yet it was really downplayed (other than JPs and the other guys reactions). By downplaying it I really think it fits with Ben's storyline of the dark horse making a late charge. If they had played it up more...his charge would have come too early--cough, cough--so as to speak. What I find even more interesting is Ben addressing it in his blog, scratching his throat and rubbing his chin. It really does makes me wonder if Ash asked him to clear the air and protect her virtue.

Sorry, are you saying you think they actually slept together but the show is keeping any evidence of a deeper connection hidden because it's still too early for Ben to "charge"? When exactly will he be starting this charge, on the way to the FRC?

I certainly don't think they slept together...I was attempting humor. Obviously fell flat.

Reidiscool wrote:

ironcat wrote:

Reidiscool wrote:

Babycakee wrote:I've been away for a couple of days, therefore there is no way I'll be able to catch up. Just wondering if it's been discussed as to why Ben's overnight was all but dismissed in this episode. TPTB barely touched on the subject. Was it planned? Was there a train or bus missed? Or were they having so much fun they wanted to extend the date? It's odd, that if it was planned nobody, including Ben, was privy to it; yet he walked back in with suitcase in hand. In past seasons the overnight dates were definitely highlighted, right?? Hmmm.... color me confused!

I think I need more than koolaid or alcohol to understand this season! :margarita:

How they handled the overnight is of great interest to me. This would have been the perfect way to bring Ben "level" with JP in the viewers eyes. Yet it was really downplayed (other than JPs and the other guys reactions). By downplaying it I really think it fits with Ben's storyline of the dark horse making a late charge. If they had played it up more...his charge would have come too early--cough, cough--so as to speak. What I find even more interesting is Ben addressing it in his blog, scratching his throat and rubbing his chin. It really does makes me wonder if Ash asked him to clear the air and protect her virtue.

Sorry, are you saying you think they actually slept together but the show is keeping any evidence of a deeper connection hidden because it's still too early for Ben to "charge"? When exactly will he be starting this charge, on the way to the FRC?

I certainly don't think they slept together...I was attempting humor. Obviously fell flat.

Sorry, I got it on the second reading!! Still wonder if it wasn't a question of downplaying, but there just wasn't any late night "cuddling" to show. They may have finished with dinner, and then just both retired to their respective rooms for the night. We're not even 100% sure they ate breakfast together the next morning at this point.

sjcaligurl wrote:Ashley has probably topped the women as far as most guys kissed. Even Trista said something about it. LOL! She obviously has physical connection at the top of her list. At present, the only person who seems to satisfy this need is JP. She just looks starved around Ben and she is doing all of the work. She and JP cannot keep up with each other. She might think that she has an emotional connection with Ben but she's doing all of her sharing about important things with JP. Once JP opened up about how hard it was for him to handle her being with other guys, she goes into full compassion mode and gives him the rose to assure him. Next thing we know, she's chopping two of JP's chief rivals off at the knees with decisiveness. Even JP picked up on that.

Hometowns should be interesting to say the least. We'll know more after that episode airs - hopefully. LOL!

The kisses she is giving are platonic, mouth closed and no passion. She may prolong them "for effect" or for producer direction but they are NOT meaningful kisses!

Reidiscool wrote:

Babycakee wrote:I've been away for a couple of days, therefore there is no way I'll be able to catch up. Just wondering if it's been discussed as to why Ben's overnight was all but dismissed in this episode. TPTB barely touched on the subject. Was it planned? Was there a train or bus missed? Or were they having so much fun they wanted to extend the date? It's odd, that if it was planned nobody, including Ben, was privy to it; yet he walked back in with suitcase in hand. In past seasons the overnight dates were definitely highlighted, right?? Hmmm.... color me confused!

I think I need more than koolaid or alcohol to understand this season! :margarita:

How they handled the overnight is of great interest to me. This would have been the perfect way to bring Ben "level" with JP in the viewers eyes. Yet it was really downplayed (other than JPs and the other guys reactions). By downplaying it I really think it fits with Ben's storyline of the dark horse making a late charge. If they had played it up more...his charge would have come too early--cough, cough--so as to speak. What I find even more interesting is Ben addressing it in his blog, scratching his throat and rubbing his chin. It really does makes me wonder if Ash asked him to clear the air and protect her virtue.

But how late of a charge can he have and still satisfy us as viewers? There's really only 2 shows left, HTD and FD! If he's to end up as Ash's man, my very own t.v. better be fogged up for days becuz the romance is just that steamy!! But... seeing as next week is HTD I don't expect a whole lot of that happening.

I seriously like both guys and while I prefer J.P. (for myself) :Flirty: I'm not discounting Ben yet. As of right now tho, I just don't see it.

Well, for one thing if she does pick Ben I hope to heck that JP is the next Bachelor. I can handle watching him for an entire season. Yum.