Episode 7 - 7/11 - Discussion - Spoilers

Babycakee wrote:

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.

cupcakes wrote:Ben fans, I'm sorry read that some of you feel that it's hard to post with all the Jash love. I was on the minority train last 2 seasons at FORT, so I understand how you all feel. But I never stopped posting I think the majority of JP fans here have been respectful and hope you all continue to post. I love reading all the diverse opinions. :D :hug:

I love the way Ash is with JP. Reminds me of Aliberto. So I would love a Jash twirl on finale night. But I do see something sweet between Benny and Ash as well, so I won't be disappointed if we get a Bash ending. Either way it will be a great finale imo.
I also think both guys are awesome and either one as the next bachelor would be awesome. :db: :happybear:

Babycakee 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.

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.

moonchild wrote:

Babycakee wrote:

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.

Didn't Ben say when he came in, that he didn't know it was going to be an overnight. But then, he said it walking in with a suitcase. Kinda confusing !!

albean99 wrote:IA that downplaying the overnight fits more with Ben's edit as the dark horse which CH reminds us of often. With Ben & Ashley you see the growing romance and all that entails. With JP the chemistry started early but the dating/romance aspect started much later. Maybe that's why Ashley says her feelings are growing for JP on his 2nd date but that she may be falling in love with Ben on his.

Jillian had a ton of chemistry with Kiptyn and he probably was a frontrunner at this point in the show so I wouldn't write off Ben yet. I don't know if he's the sweep you off your feet kind of guy though. I think he's more the kind of guy that slowly but surely finds a way into your heart. :Nod:

Re: the suitcase. Ben had to bring a change of clothes for dinner plus they may have gone swimming so needed one.

San wrote:

cupcakes wrote:Ben fans, I'm sorry read that some of you feel that it's hard to post with all the Jash love. I was on the minority train last 2 seasons at FORT, so I understand how you all feel. But I never stopped posting I think the majority of JP fans here have been respectful and hope you all continue to post. I love reading all the diverse opinions. :D :hug:

I love the way Ash is with JP. Reminds me of Aliberto. So I would love a Jash twirl on finale night. But I do see something sweet between Benny and Ash as well, so I won't be disappointed if we get a Bash ending. Either way it will be a great finale imo.
I also think both guys are awesome and either one as the next bachelor would be awesome. :db: :happybear:

Very well said!! I think I have been following you around these last three seasons... Rob, Em, and JP.

albean99 wrote:I really think it was two things. 1- Emily which shortened everything. 2. It didn't fit Ben's edit if they highlighted the overnight because for some reason they're choosing not to show him as a frontrunner even though he clearly was along with JP. I also think it's something to do with protecting the female leads' rep judging by how many times separate rooms was repeated.