Re: Bachelor 19 - Chris Soules - Discussion - #2

[JBF]

Continuing where I left off here: https://www.bachandbachettefans.net/t2789p48-bachelor-19-chris-soules-general-discussion-spoilers-thread-2#739737

Episode 6: The Chris and Britt Show

The day Fleiss & Company gives us a straight-forward love story between a Bachelor/ette and his/her chosen will be the day hell freezes over. Well... not quite. We did get that lovely Jake & Vienna Love Story that ended with an equally lovely "Don't interrupt me!" Yet we had to get through a lot of Bentley before a JP/Ash wedding... and a ton of Brooks before the Siegfried one, not to mention Melissa over Molly and too much Glittery Tierra before Catherine's consummation station.

I dunno. Maybe Britt is F1... and boomerangs back after FRC. So far we have had two boomerang gals this season, so there is no telling what will happen. Again, I am ignoring all social media "signs" this season. D-O-N-E with that stuff. For me, this is the Anything Goes season that is "pregnant with possibilities".

What is rather comical of the Chris and Britt story is that it started strong but then deflated a bit for a while. During episodes 2-4, we mostly got a brief "really?" followed by some tonsil hockey, but no real advancement in their relationship. All of that changed, of course, after Britt cornered him about his camping group date and asked why he kept giving Kaitlyn roses. Chris' response was... "I guess... uh... I see two sides, like, uh, Kaitlyn has a lot of different facets that are... not... and I don't... those aren't. I see the Kaitlyn that's just... uh... y'know what I mean? I mean obviously. I mean if you like her or dislike her... I, I don't see. I don't look at Kaitlyn like being some really... I mean I'm not rewarding inappropriate behavior, y'know, by giving roses to people or... and I view is that a maybe... um."

After her "I'm sorry to put you on the spot like that. I mean... sorry.", he abruptly stormed out of the room, complained a "how dare she!" in PI session, regained his composure (and probably had a "what will I do now?" session with Mister Harrison), then returned to the den of lionesses to announce: "I'm here to find a wife and, if any of you question that, you are more than welcome to go home."

Note how he is fast asleep on the plane THIS episode when we hear his voice-over "I'm here looking for a wife".

Britt got what might have started as some sort of a "hush up" date but evolved into a date that "started in bed and ended in bed" and she was flying...



By the way, she wants 100 kids. This episode, Chris tells Becca that 4 to 6 are enough.

I did chuckle watching the two racing to the Big & Rich concert and running up on stage as if both were high on LSD. Amusingly, his run through the streets with Britt was not a "first". We saw a band member do the exact same thing with... Jade... when she was struggling with her "comfort zone" writing a song.

Although pushed to the back burner for now (i.e. "taken some steps back"), Kaitlyn did get two unusual scenes on the group date, sandwiched between others.

1.) Jade talks about "feelings" and her willingness to move to Iowa. His response: "Jade actually caught me off guard a little bit today when she told me how much she felt and that things were growing for me..."
2.) He sits holding Kaitlyn's hand at the bar, looking directly at her: "Nothing's changed. Nothing is changing between you and I. We will have our time and have our opportunities and you know there's something between us... and I will not stop thinking about what we have, the chemistry we have, [because] I'm here looking for my soul mate. That's all there is to it." As Kaitlyn voice-overs that "this can't be happening with anyone else", the camera stays focused on her and nobody else. Whatever THAT means. Then... in the next scene...
3.) Britt is armed with him in full force and he explains on screen  that she "is someone I have this weird connection with and this chemistry I don't understand yet."
Will you understand it in a future show? Whitney is shown next asking "What just happened?"

1.) Carly sobs about Britt's rose and all of her phobias addressed on her previous solo date in New Mexico come full circle. She had stated back then that a woman must feel desired regardless if... and especially when... she is unhappy about her physical appearance. Here, she says "he made me feel invisible again"... after she "laid it all on the line".
2.) Kaitlyn says "it is humiliating to put yourself out there when you are not a person who fights for that attention. That's not something that I do. His connection with her is so obvious and everybody sees it." Curiously, the camera cuts to Britt over the line "everybody sees it". This is interesting because Britt "saw" Chris' connection to Kaitlyn back in episode 4.
3.) Whitney echoes Carly slightly (shown seated by Britt with both maintaining poker faces): "I think it is difficult because I know that... my heart is pure... um... and that I'm here for the right reasons.. and that I'd be an amazing wife and mother and I just think we're compatible... and it is hard because you compare yourself to someone who is so beautiful. She's gorgeous. That makes you feel really insecure about yourself. It's hard."

Whitney is crying a lot on this date and you want to too, but this very sobby line (spoken earlier than the one above) has me stumped.
"She was gone for over an hour while we all sat there and, like, the fact that they went to a Big & Rich show when Britt hates country music, doesn't appreciate it... I'm, like, oh my god. I love this. The fact that she got to go and witness something she doesn't care about or understand... I don't know what that means."

Britt at the Big & Rich concert:  "So when Chris asked me if I'll accept the rose in front of hundreds of people, I just felt so special and honored in that moment. I mean... everyone in that crowd wanted it to be ME. I just felt like the luckiest... the luckiest woman alive."

Britt's repeating line episode after episode: "I'm sorry, but I feel so awkward right now."

So how are Becca's chances as F1... or next Bachelorette?

-The card's "let's give love a shot" was a slight let-down, since the gun practice was spared for the end credits as an outtake. It is obvious that she is developing at a slower pace than the others, but Chris may be slow too (despite all we are seeing with Britt, Kaitlyn and Whitney).
-"I think this relationship we have is solid." That's a good sign... also comparing with another frontrunner Kaitlyn. (See the talk above in the group date.)
-"She's cool and rolls with the punches." = rolling with the cob
-It is the "most real date I've been on."
-"Becca looks smoking hot on that horse." Drew got dumped after horseback riding with Des, but Nikki did NOT with Juan. Chris himself got dumped shortly after his, during his fantasy date with Andi. I guess this MIGHT mean that the pendulum of luck could swing her way this time. Your guess is as good as mine. (However, I did NOT like the syruppy music during their date that resembles the tackiest porno-promos they give us each season.)
-Her commentary on his genuine laughing reminds me a little of Catherine's talk of Sean's laughing and "looking old" in the snow... at least in tone and feel.
-In her case, the whole "virgin" and not kissing right away meant nothing against her in the long run.
-*chuckle chuckle* He tells her his 5 year plan was 10 years ago.
-Her VOCAL need for reciprocation in a relationship is important. She notes on screen all of the hand holding and eye contact. However... I got burned by these statements when Clare's sister talked that talk when Juan visited her hometown.
-He makes her feel safe and she feels butterflies. Uh oh. No, Becca. No! Don't go there! You are dangerously venturing into Cody, Zak and Drew territories here.
-On the whole, his "expectations were blown out of the water"... despite being on dry land.
-His blog highlights:

I also couldn't wait to finally go on a one on one date with Becca. Even though we hadn't spent much time together up until that point, I knew we had a strong connection. Spending the day on horseback with Becca was fun and easy. What you didn't get to see was that, during our date, Becca's horse went rogue and galloped down a hill past mine. Her horse ran into my leg and nearly knocked me off! After getting my horse under control and double-checking my drawers to make sure I hadn't soiled them (thankfully all was good), I raced up to Becca to help her and make sure she was okay. When I finally caught up, I couldn't believe how calm she was. That, my friends, is one strong woman.

Later that night, I was happy to get more time with Becca. I know I've been called out for kissing a lot of women, but, I swear to you, if we hadn't kissed that night, it would have been fine. Although, I'm not going to complain that we did. That kiss solidified everything I already knew. Our connection was real, and it was strong. Now, at this point watching, Becca has told you all that she's a virgin. But keep in mind that's not something she had told me. You'll have to keep watching for a while to see how that unfolds!

Per Mister Harrison on yahoo:

...you can tell intimacy is an issue with Becca. This is not good or bad and it's not something to be judged, but as far as her relationship with Chris goes, so far, it's an issue. She's not comfortable with her sexuality and she is nervous and slightly uncomfortable in intimate situations with Chris. She did relax towards the end of the date and gave him a very sweet kiss. Becca is a good girl and Chris seems to really like her.

Going by her reactions to Carly's date, Becca is not alone. After Carly got almost naked for the Love Guru, she embarrassed Becca later discussing having to "explore his body" and "take off all his clothes", but caused Whitney to cover her face in shock over "you must please him any way he asks you to". Not to be outdone, Britt seemed rather delighted by the banana part.

Silly tidbits of interest...

About Deadwood ("the perfect place to fall in love or get shot in the back"): "This is where Wild Bill Hickcock was killed. This is where Calamity Jane... did her business. This town is pretty bad-ass."

He also walks right below the sign "where Wild Bill was shot" as he voice-overs "I feel like a tough guy walking down the street."

Lots of killing in Deadwood . Every lady "kills it" this episode, according to Chris.

Kaitlyn's "we can't help but feel humiliated" comment to Britt is shown with a Chris reaction shot in all of the promos. Hmmm...

Loved the cute white kitty walking over a sign reading "not responsible for accidents". This is just before Britt and Kelsey gabbing by the window. Funny how they toss such stuff at us that make no sense but keep us... curious.

New percentage of the season: 110%... Chris couldn't give it last week to all of the ladies (as the camera pans on Kaitlyn for some reason at the rose ceremony). Kelsey wasn't getting 110% of his love in the Badlands either. By the way, Kaitlyn says 110% on the episode 1 seasonal promo.

Sully the donkey's panic attack on Becca's date should not have been a hulu extra, because it makes for a nice "comparison piece" to Kelsey's earlier.

The 2 on 1 date becomes none...

I am not bothering with this. Yes, I have enjoyed every minute Ashley and Kelsey have been on screen and they continue to provide memorable lines worth of the Fun/Snark thread, but this whole episode went on way too long and seemed pointless. Unless they "represent" other contestants on this show that make it further and don't "win" Chris? Got me.

[notarose]

 JBF, I always enjoy your thorough analysis! 


  I wonder if the plethora of "to be continued/next EPI beginning with the rose ceremony" is a clue that the FRC will be delayed.
In support of this possibility is the official season preview (on ABC website)  which ends with "no matter how much clarity I think I've got (gotten), I don't think its possible to make a choice"

The Bachelor Chris Soules - 2015 Season Preview - YouTube

Of course this type of cliffhanger statement has been made before however there haven't been so many " ...to be continued" Epis In other seasons.

[JBF]

By jove! I didn't realize that!

There have been way too many rose ceremonies at the start of episodes and "to be continued" closings. It is all getting ridiculous.

This thread has become a ghost town. Figured everybody simply threw in the towel with me as the local Nut-Job who can't accept The Spoilers like most normal humans.

I mean... it isn't that I have an issue with either Becca or Whitney as his "top two". Both are OK for me as post-show People Magazine cover spreads. Even if they DO seem a little too much like Little Miss Muffet 1 and Little Miss Muffet 2 at times... and Chris looks increasingly impatient having to stay a "gentleman" throughout his "journey".

I just happen to find Kaitlyn a LOT more interesting. Let's face it. She has clocked in at least a third more time on screen than Britt... and everybody knows Britt is The Star. Just ask Harrison. He was foaming in the mouth discussing her first impression rose in front of Bachelor Nation's "live audience".

Yet there are moments when I wonder if Chris even remembers his "top two" Becca and Whitney are even contestants on his show. Guess we will get a motherload of footage with each shortly.

[GuardianAngel]

There's plenty of sleuthing going on in other threads.

[notarose]

JBF 
I didn't start actively sleuthing until recently and didn't happen upon this thread until today.  I read all your posts from last to first.  Thought-provoking.

I concur that there is evidence to support Kaitlyn being the dark horse.  She herself said she was "the entertainment" in the house(paintball GD convo with Chris) which aptly serves to make her appear to other contestants as a "friend zone" housemate in contrast to the "image" each has in mind of who Chris is and what he is looking for. 
 When Britt questioned Chris about roses to Kaitlyn after the camping GD rose, the possibility that this alerted Chris to the fact that he may have put a target on Kaitlyn's back ("rose after rose after rose"/ plus Brit saying she and other girls were talking) needs to be considered and factored in as a possible reason for his rather emotional reaction. Interestingly, he repasted the target on Britt's back.

...and there is a lot more.  Your transcriptions of Kaitlyn and Chris' convos illustrate consistency in substance and also show that Chris can coherently communicate his thought. And that he has done this every week. 

Not sure how it will all end but IMO, to date, the Kaitlyn/Chris story has momentum.

I'm rather fond of nut-jobs .  It's a long term weakness of mine along with black licorice and nougat.

[JBF]

These days I just use Jimmy as my guide.

http://abc.go.com/shows/the-bachelor/video/VDKA0_tf6iahg2

I'll transcribe this for those who can't see this online. 

Jimmy Kimmel: Well... um. Kaitlyn, I don't want to be rude, but do you have to go to the bathroom or something... (she laughs) so that Chris and I can talk for a minute? Powder your nose ring and I will let you know when it is safe to come back in.
Kaitlyn (leaving): OK. I'll be waiting.
Jimmy leans over to Chris (whispering): Listen. Let's end this show right now. (Chris giggles) You are not going to do better than that.
Chris: I know... I mean...
Jimmy: She gave you the best! What more do you want?
Chris: She's awesome.
Jimmy: You do believe that she won't be upset if you wind up in the fantasy suite with multiple other women?
Chris: I kinda trust her... I do. Yeah. (This line matches the Chris/Kaitlyn screenshot in the main promo... "Do you trust me?")
Jimmy: I do. I do too. Well... from what ever my opinion is worth, and I haven't met anyone else... really, but Kaitlyn seems pretty good.
Chris: We get along well.
Jimmy: Yes.
Chris (contemplating with a grin): She made Costco easy.
Jimmy: You know. That is all you can ask for...
Chris: Right
Jimmy: Because you can fly around the world up in a helicopter looking over beautiful vistas, but a real relationship is going to Costco's.
Chris: Yes, going to Costco's.
Jimmy: And buying napkins.

For me, this one conversation gives us THE Classic Final One Edit.

Everything we need is here:

We can "see" a life between Chris and Kaitlyn after the helicopter rides end... and Chris doesn't want all of that dress-up and "high flying" lifestyle anyway. In contrast, Whitney crashed a wedding. Britt flew a balloon and crashed a concert. Becca did more "real" things like horseback riding and barbecuing, which puts her well ahead of Whit and Britt but she is still a couple laps behind Kaitlyn.

Also... The whole "what went wrong" with the Andi-Josh-Nick Triangle is being CORRECTED here. Jimmy and Chris have put Kaitlyn to the test. She must handle "jealousy" like all past SUCCESSFUL F1s...
1.) Ryan Sutter, who had to listen to Trista say on screen repeatedly "the moment Charlie stepped out of the limo, I said... yes... he got the look" and "the one I am most sexually attracted to is Charlie". Not to mention the "do not disturb" sign put on the door Charlie and Trista entered (and Charlie said post-show that he didn't "sleep with her")... and the close-up open mouth kissing with F3 Russ in Las Vegas.
2.) Molly, who had to see Melissa become a temporary F1
3.) JP, who had to hear Ashley say "my heart is with Bentley"
4.) Catherine had plenty of competition... including Sean's involvement with DWTS
5.) Chris Siegfried, who was accused... falsely in my opinion... for being Desiree's "default" choice after Brooks. Remember Nate Hartsock asking him if he was the "jealous type" and Desiree answering FOR him? Well.. he got The Test on screen and with the "spoiled" avatars of her and Brooks together online. If Kaitlyn IS the F1, she already has to deal with the RS spoiler just as Chris Siegfried had to.

I found it interesting that we got to see Chris and Britt take "a nap"... fully clothed.
We also see him kissing multiple women close-up.
Regarding those getting the fantasy overnight later, we have already been "teased" with Carly describing her Guru Date and Whitney and Becca... and Britt... all acting shocked and embarrassed over the thoughts of chocolates, cashews and bananas... and "taking off his pants".
However, we are still debating "what happened" in the tent. Ashley The Virgin was the one we SAW on screen.




Another CLASSIC Final One Edit.

Episode 7 (tomorrow night), we have a preview at abc.com.

Carly, Kaitlyn and Britt get extra time with him at a hockey rink/gymnasium. Carly uses her alone time to discuss Britt not here "for the right reasons" and having no desire to live in Arlington. Needless-to-say, Chris does NOT give a convincing performance of "concern" about Britt, just nodding his head with limited emotion on his face. He tells us in PI session that Carly "dropped kind of a bomb".

However, these couple words are strategically heard over BOTH Britt AND Kaitlyn seated together: "If she's lying, I would be absolutely crushed."

"She" apparently is not Britt.

[notarose]

Add to your "what has happened in previous seasons" paired with epi 7 sneak peek clips is goalie Chris sprawled (face down/fallen) on the ice after Kaitlyn takes a shot which resembles JP (on his back) on ice while skating with Ashley H.  Hmm, didn't Cinderella's slipper in the foreground during Jade & Chris' Cinderella dance scene resemble an ice sculpture? 

 Of course, this line of speculation could all be for not.  But then again, the new Arlington Community Centre Chris was fundraising for this past week surely could have space for dance lessons.  "Build it and they will come".

[JBF]

Episode 7... three hours lost and never to be recovered in my life. (Well... not really. I enjoyed it.)

One highlight for ME during the opening promos (showing Monday's hometown visits) is Chris' attempts at "rap" with Kaitlyn.
He sings "family means everything and so does an engagement ring".

OK. So he sucks at rap just like he "sucks at speeches"... as he recalls with Mister Harrison how Jimmy Kimmel critiqued him when giving Kaitlyn her rose. He does... blushingly... fumble an awful lot around Kaitlyn. This is why I enjoy his scenes with HER more than anybody else this season, regardless of her final status this season. Particularly amusing to me was how her sequence with him and Jimmy was bracketed by the scene of Jimmy waking Chris up "naked" in his bed and Carly's Sex Guru Date. It was as if this is a "hint" to Kaitlyn watching as to what a future with him would be like if she did happen to become... *gasp!*... our surprise F1 this season.

Now... if... and ONLY if... Kaitlyn miraculously makes it to the end, this next scene is a "must-include" for future viewings after ATFR time:

Chris: "It is really hard to see Kaitlyn so distressed and somewhat insecure about our position even though I know in my heart and my gut that we're in a good place..."

When giving her the rose, which he considers a big deal... a huge one, in fact... "I'm so excited to give this to you, because I feel like the luckiest man alive when I'm with you... and getting this opportunity to meet your family means the world to me."

You can see the tears well up in Kaitlyn's eyes as she says she feels she's back "on top of the world".
Kaitlyn: I can't wait for you to meet my parents.
Chris: I can't wait either.

I think Jimmy Kimmel would be OK with this speech. Second time's the charm.

I'm reminded of another scene... Taiwan, April 2011... with the similar music in the background...

Ashley Hebert: So... I was just thinking. I know you, of all the people here, is a really strong man with a good head on your shoulders and to hear that you were having a really hard week, it really broke my heart. But I also feel your pain because I was there... and I want you to get through these hard times because I think that there's a good possibility that good things could come from it.  So I want to meet your family so bad.
Jordan Paul Rosenbaum: I can't wait for you to meet them.
Ashley Hebert: So, JP, will you accept this rose?
Jordan's voice-over: I feel back on cloud nine. Got the rose on the group date. Not gonna lie. It's a great feeling. I can't wait for her to meet the family.

Now... where to begin with the rest of this silly episode?

Three interviews...
1.) Kelsey's is summed up by a question: "Am I really that controversial?" Good question. Are there other ladies who will steal your thunder later this season?
2.) Chris says in his interview: "I clearly know less about women than I ever knew". This show certainly taught him a lot. So does this mean he will dump Miss X, whomever she may be, and marry Jimmy instead?
3.) Andi is repeatedly apologizing for her breakup with Josh as if she let Bachelor Nation down and Mister Harrison must keep correcting her.

The highlight is Chris, of course, recapping his journey with the other Chris. A few highlights...
-He praises Kaitlyn for handling her double date with Jimmy Kimmel, Carly for handling the Love Guru (and Harrison softly sells Carly as a potential Bachelorette) and... surprisingly... Britt. It is as if ALL that Bewildering Britt has done this season has been forgiven. Heck, maybe he still wants her back as his wife.
-In regards to the dumpees, he is most sad about Juelia. The rest simply amuse him.
-Ashley S. really spooked him... and the caterers with the production crew apparently.
-Jillian's "Black Bottom" got considerable focus. Chris didn't object because... "I'm a man, after all." (BTW, no Jade in these recaps apart from cameo shots. He must have forgotten her post-show... or only remembers the Playboy spreads.)
-In discussing Becca's date, all of the talk was on the donkey "making a jack-ass move" (a.k.a. what Chris said of Nick twice last season). Hope nothing is suggested of her too here. She could be F1 too, you know.
-Whitney got some amusing face-shots in group scenes. When discussing Tarra, Chris says over a close-up shot of Whitney looking over: "she made me question why she was here". Sympathetically, during his Bad Britt Behavior sequence, he also says "I did not want to hurt anyone"... over Whit again. Although all of the ladies looked upset on the group date, Harrison says "Britt has the rose and they have been waiting for hours" just as the edit cuts to... Whitney again! She is glaring this time. Later she is singled out for the "death stare", while Carly is shown "with tears". Oh Whitty Whit, I don't know what the editors are up to with yoooooou.
-Harrison closes out by saying he feels Chris is One Of The Most Sincere Bachelors We've Ever Had. Uh oh. He said the same about Ben Flajnik.

To the main show in progress...

Before eliminating Megan, Chris says he has to "make some hard decisions" as the camera pans on Whitney. As he hugs Megan goodbye outside, Whit is the one most upset that she can't say goodbye to her. Back inside, he says (over Whit again nodding) that Megan is "one of the nicest people I have ever met".

Kaitlyn predicts there will not be a rose ceremony after her departure. This prediction is correct. However, Mister Harrison gives them the suspense of thinking there will be. The camera stops on Whit when he says "one more" (will be going home...). Whit, in turn, repeats what Harrison says... over Becca and Kaitlyn seated together. Does this mean that Whit thinks these two will both be eliminated before her? Certainly she is not alone thinking this. Then, Whit asks Carly if she thinks Chris already knows "who that person is by now" (i.e. his F1) or if he is still undecided among all of them. The camera again stops at Becca and Kaitlyn seated together at... just... that... right... moment. Carly answers with a sigh: "I think he knows".

Another curio: Before leaving with Harrison, Chris says this is so painful. Then he says "see you at the next rose ceremony" over... Kaitlyn and Becca seated together.

Jade, as Whitney reminds all of the girls, is the second person to get a one on one. Her date card "join me in my hometown" doesn't sound too affectionate though. Jade, who is growing on me, is quite humble by saying she is the last person she expected getting that date. In fact, so much of Jade's charm is that she is quite honest with the cameras. Arlington is still smaller than her own "small town" and she is overwhelmed. She also doesn't exactly fib to Chris like Britt does... he can read some of her facial expressions easier. (Later he gets to see some of her centerfold "expressions" as well.) Meeting his parents first,,, before anybody else... is a big deal, but she is hardly the chirpy chipmunk Whitney is with Chris' friends here. She does understand where Chris' heart is: "Don't feel bad about where you love to be."

Other highlights on her date: two takes of "so much corn"... Chris practicing "French" by the lockers... and saying if he saw himself with Jade at an earlier time in his life, he'd be jealous.

I guess the two parts that baffled me the most this episode were Kelsey's interview and Whitney's date. In the former, we saw Mister Harrison interview the sweet "Jekyll" side of Kelsey, while the editors inserted scenes from the main episode showing her tart "Hyde" side. In Whit's date, she said and did everything on screen perfectly... with hardly a slip-up. Yet each time she stopped talking, the editors inserted dramatic scenes with Britt... !? Go figure.

Regardless what the silly editors are up to, Whitney seems very genuine and sweet though-out her date. She considers "at home" and "at peace" in the busy metropolis of Des Moines. However, she has yet to see Arlington like Jade and the mini-van of her comrades.

During the mini-van visit interrupting Whit's date and directly following her lines of hoping to share all of their photos with their future children because "that's a great story to tell", the ladies drive by pastures of cows and the scent of sweet manure that, per Kaitlyn, "stings the nostrils". A bit later, towards the end of their visit, Kaitlyn says she likes this little town and "virgin" Becca comments that the place makes her "want to pop out babies ASAP". Kaitlyn laughs that a sign needs erected here saying you must in order to live here. (Actually the sign says "where the hills and prairie meet".)

As we all know... Chris is getting "old". Therefore, Carly just HAD to compare the Jesus picture in the church with her grandparents'. I mean... that is, like, whoah. Just like Carly telling his sisters weeks ago that she wants a man's love like her grandfather.

Oh Whitney, Whitney, Whitney. I wuv you so much. I have watched this next sitdown three times already and it never gets old.
She tells Bachelor Nation watching this show from their couches: "You got to meet The Friends. Like, that is... HUGE!"
She also says she passed The Interview with The Friends (called "fans" by accident at first, but that is an easy boo-boo since there are plenty of those on her date as well, cheering them on)... just as she did with his sisters. Also they asked the "tough" questions... after being asked about moving to Iowa (at least the Des Moines metropolis) and responding that "if I wasn't ready for that, I wouldn't be here... I'm up for it, I really am", The Friends can't stop laughing... "she's killing it!!!" Chris chuckles too... and the very moment The Friends say "you have our blessing", Chris looks like he will turn blue trying not to bust out laughing.

On the more serious side (and a plus for Whit's pecking order as a possible F1), he says he can see a future with Whitney and is on cloud nine introducing her to The Friends. (Back in episode 3, he also could "imagine" marrying her too... even if he can see himself now marrying Britt.) He also praises Whitney for her strength, overcoming the hardships of life. "No question, she makes me want to be a Better Man. *wink* No question."

By the way, did everybody take a good look at the picture on Chris and Whitney's wall? Y'know... the one that will be up "for ever and ever"? "She" is wearing a plaid sweater around her waist. Kait wore one on Jimmy Kimmel's date and Whit in the day portion of this one... and Britt wears it again on the skating rink. This opens the F1 field for THREE ladies! Imagine that! Now we just need Becca to sport one as well.

This banter between Whitty Whit and Becca was just too precious to ignore:
Whit: We had a camera and we went all around Des Moines and took pictures of ourselves and, like, our love story.
Becca: Wow!
Whit: And so, last night, we went to dinner. We walked outside and, on the side of the building, was an entire mural of one of our pictures.
Becca: OMG! I'm sooo jealous.
Whit: I've never felt so special in my entire life. (echoes of Lindsay in Sean's season)
Becca: Oh wow. That is amazing! (Glad Kimmel isn't here or it would cost Becca.)
This leads to Jade discussing her Playboy pictures. It tickles me that a discussion about a mural that has been viewed by many online would lead to some "body art" that is viewed by many online... and Chris will get his chance soon enough.

Oh Britt. You MUST be The Star of the show. It all about me. I am not bothering with all of her scenes on this date.

Group date card: "ICY our future together" can be read as "I see", spelled differently, "our future together" or "I see Why our future together" or "I see YOUR future together". Either way, this is too oddball for me. Speaking of oddball, what in the world was Carly thinking when she said this? "Britt thinks this is the Bachelorette, not The Bachelor, and she's number one."

Britt, for her part,  is confusing me even more in her talk than Whitty Whit this episode:
Britt to Chris, discussing Arlington: "It was definitely a shock factor though, but you are not choosing a town, like you are choosing the lifestyle and the lifestyle is attractive to me.  It's a part of you, but *we* are choosing you and that's just part of the package." ("We"? Britt and her ex-boyfriend? Britt and another contestant?)
Chris: "What do you kinda picture yourself with me in Iowa?"
Britt: "I want to be, no matter where I live, a mom."

Oh... was that Carly becoming the Moon Lady? It was comical that Whitney said she was "over the moon" on her date.

After Kaitlyn got the rose, The Star had her royal fit, saying she does not wish her future husband to consider her "second or third or fourth place". As she talks, a sign on the table reads "20th".

[notarose]

 I saw Carly's face superimposed "over the moon" too!  Great FX. 

Wonderful recap     

A lot of Whit's date had "celebrity" references.  You mentioned her initially mistaking his friends for fans.  Fans on the street outside the cafe and by the mural had a "red carpet" feel.  The edit could have put less emphasis on bystanders but chose this route.  Maybe it was just to contrast how differently Chris and Jade were approached at the game.  

Wow, great analysis of the GD card.  Very clever. 

I noticed we weren't shown the stand up kissing scene of Kaitlyn & Chris that was in the preview.  That would have been the first kiss where their bodies meshed.  Up to this point she has only been sitting beside him. Too bad as in the preview he appeared quite "assertive". 

Carly looked like Minnie Mouse in her bow.  Clare took a pic at Disneyland wearing a similiar bow.

Spliced & diced: Whit's date this week and Becca's before.  So much "back & forth".  Indecision? 

Britt - she asks Chris some really good questions (contrary to Jimmy's " God made you the bavhelor") and also gives some clear information about her "feelings".  My issue with her is she does this as if the other girls aren't there which essentially does imply that they are invisible. Insensitive.

Pic-taking date: Andi took lots of pics of her and Nick during their Venice date. JPG kept taking pics on dates - "corn pablo"?  Should we be preparing for "no proposal"?  I'm not sure but I do think there will be something out of the norm at or near the end. That would fit with the frequency of delayed RCs.

[kikora]

 JBF, I always enjoy your thorough analysis! 


  I wonder if the plethora of "to be continued/next EPI beginning with the rose ceremony" is a clue that the FRC will be delayed.
In support of this possibility is the official season preview (on ABC website)  which ends with "no matter how much clarity I think I've got (gotten), I don't think its possible to make a choice"

The Bachelor Chris Soules - 2015 Season Preview - YouTube

Of course this type of cliffhanger statement has been made before however there haven't been so many " ...to be continued" Epis In other seasons.

I have to admit, I've been thinking the same thing about the FRC and some sort of cliffhanger given that's almost become the theme of the season!

Heck, that's become more of a "theme" of the season than the gag worthy "Prince Farming" nonsense they started with.

We've had the lead make it more of a trial than proposal, and in Charlie's season the trial with Krisily and Sarah Brice and the decision happening "live" on the ATFR show, but we've not had an ending where the F1 asked for more time or for a 'trial' IRL.

Since MF loves "new" endings I could see that being encouraged.

However, I don't see it even being in the cards unless the F1 ended up actually really being Becca.

I can't see any reason Chris wouldn't immediately propose to Whitney (even if it really all only ended up being for show) nor can I see her turning down a proposal - or rather "delaying" it it. She's seemed ready to say not only "yes" but "I do" to Chris from the M&G, never mind since on their first date.

The only way I could see a cliffhanger if it's it Whitney is if it had to do with her sister not giving her blessing (related to Chris H's tease of that being who Whitney said for him to ask, and then the preview of that conversation between Chris and W's sister) and her sister maybe saying she doesn't want to see Whitney suffer another loss and she thinks they need to just date a little longer and that a proposal shouldn't happen yet, and so they put it off until the ATFR episode. That's really the only possible way I can see a cliffhanger with Whitney.

With Becca it seems like it could be a really easy sell for a cliffhanger in a lot of scenarios.

We know she hadn't even told him she's a virgin yet - Chris said that in his blog after their 1-1, and specifically teases waiting to see what happens when she does tell him. Chris H has not only mentioned her being a virgin, but also that he thinks she's a little young / immature in that she's not been in love before (not sure I think that's a fair assessment, I think she's chose to 'guard her heart' and has been intentional in her choices b/c of her faith, but...whatever!) And we see her family asking if she's told him yet and teasing the issue of the fantasy suite on her next date with Chris since that's after HtDs.

It's either the classic is this 'hurdle/obstacle' to big to overcome issue for creating doubt for the F1 or the classic 'too much of an obstacle/hurdle' and so she's the inevitable F2.

But it'd be a great 'natural' reason for a cliffhanger if she were F1 because they're practically laying out the groundwork for several scenarios that could have it ending in suspense if Chris were planning on choosing her. And it really seems that they're laying out the possibility that she could be hesitant in accepting a proposal if he's really the first person she's loved, etc.

It'll be interesting to see Becca's 1-1 tonight before the RC to compare it to Whitney's, and I think that'll be the true telling thing on if Becca's really basically out of the running and it's all a moot point and she was just the easy one to take along to the F2 if she ends up more "good friend" if he feels unable to get over what Chris H has presented as the obstacles, and if Chris figures she's less attached than Kaitlyn is and would be easier to let go, or if he really is torn between Whitney and Becca.

[JBF]

Episode 8... The Britt-ish Defeat and the Hometown Invasions

First, we have all of this leftover footage to get through..

Becca's date (which should have been shown on Sunday's show) was short and sweet. Basically the editors just needed to start up her Fantasy Date story "arc" of being cautious and guarded. She resembles Kaitlyn in this respect, except Kait's issues relate to past heartbreak. Becca, on the other hand, just hasn't had much experience with men apart from casual dating. This clearly does not work against her, because he is One Patient Man with both of these ladies... and... they are the polar opposites of Let's Get The License Whitney..

Britt's departure was emphasized a lot more than it needed to be. What was significant was that her fuss over Kaitlyn's rose and not wanting to be "second, third or fourth" was strikingly similar to Whitney's situation on her hometown: her sister won't give her consent for a proposal until she knows her sister is not "one in four".
Carly on Britt: It is fun to watch her squirm. How does it feel?
Whitney on Britt: From night one, Britt got anything she wanted. / You are beautiful, but looks aren't everything.

Despite Carly's elimination, she was praised for being honest with him in a way that Britt was not. After Britt, he tells the ladies at the rose ceremony: "Be honest with me and I'll be honest with you."

Chris' motto at the start of hometowns: "You can learn a lot about a person once you meet their family." What this means from an editing standpoint is that what he says about The Family reflects his opinions of the lady this episode.

Becca's hometown statistics:
Who introduces her family on screen: Becca
Number of times "love" is discussed: Two by her family. Becca says her feelings for Chris "are progressing 100%" (butterflies included). She doesn't say she's in love yet, but if she does fall in love, she will look back at this "moment in time" as the start of it.
Humorous moments: None apart from the alligator joke, but the Ferris wheel ride at the end lightened the mood.
Red Flags: He says on screen that he "should be concerned" about her "never had the urge to be close to a man before". However, he doesn't know the "virgin" secret. (Just as he doesn't know the Playboy secret with Jade at this stage.)
Any "We don't want to see her get hurt" talk?: Yes. Becca's mother voices that concern with Chris.
Key lines by Chris: Opening lines are about their relationship being "easy" and having "amazing chemistry". By date's end: "At this point, I really care about Becca. I have serious feelings for her. It would be really great to be the guy that Becca's been waiting for."

Whitney's hometown statistics:
Who introduces her family on screen: Whitney.
Number of times "love" is discussed: Not many vocalizations, but you can tell how much her family does (minus deceased mom). Whitney, however, says she is falling in love with Chris "100%". Chris is happy that she says this "tonight" since she's somebody he can see spending his life with.
Humorous moments: Although Chris looks very uncomfortable at the prospect of having his sperm analyzed ("I feel like a giant ****"), the visit to her fertility clinic was still freakin' hilarious
Red Flags: A bit too much career talk... and he later tells Jade that he is not "falling in love with somebody's career". Much more serious may be Whitney's uber-confidence, although that is good if she is, in fact, F1. She does seem... "intense" (as she claims her sister is) when she declares: "I want a proposal at the end of this". For his part, Chris did ask for her sister's blessing "if it comes to that" (his exact words). While Clare Bear was smart not to play her Daddy DVD for Juan Pablo, Whitney has no issue pouring the wine saved for "the man I will marry". There is one possible (not definite) editing "red flag": the music played while she croons about him was the same "sad" guitar rift used when Nick stated similar lines in Andi's season.
Possible foreshadow lines?: She did tell her family that if she ever has doubt that she would "excuse" herself. This makes her a potential Brooks/Frank/Bryden/Ali/Constantine/Sharleen. Yet... NOW... she also confidently says her love is "real"
Any "We don't want to see her get hurt" talk?: Yes, but not to Chris. Sister says it to Whitney, but is she listening? She thinks sister is sabotaging her chances.
Key lines by Chris: "She knows what she's talking about. She knows what she's doing. She's a professional." / (over the fertility lab joke) "Whitney got me. She definitely got me. That's what I like about Whitney" / "It is crazy to think that Whitney and I could potentially be making our own babies together." / "I have the feeling that I'm gonna really like her family, but I want them to like me. I want them to trust me and know how genuinely excited I am about our relationship" 

Special Note: Chris is kahnfident his little soldiers are marching forward. Oh really? Is somebody pregnant when he delivers this PI session?

Kaitlyn's hometown statistics:
Who introduces her family on screen: Chris... and he names every one.
Number of times "love" is discussed: Plenty. Chris says "even in an unconventional family, there is a lot of love and support".
Humorous moments: Just as Arlington seemed out of the way, her "welcome to Canada" in Arizona began in a vacant lot. Then she got him to practice recording a rap song, which he enjoyed a lot.
Red Flags: She has serious obstacles with him "falling for multiple women", namely Whitney. Let's face it, Whit hit a home-run this week in "importance". He still wants 100% from Kaitlyn, but she is not quite there yet..
Any "We don't want to see her get hurt" talk?: Some. Leslie says she is both excited and "a little scared" since Kaitlyn was broken-hearted before. She questions her daughter about it and Kaitlyn seems like she will handle any possible heartbreak. Yet Leslie is pleased with the "light" she sees in her eyes.
Key lines by Chris: "I am over the moon excited to see Kaitlyn" (Whitney said she was "over the moon" with him last episode.) / "When Kaitlyn showed me the billboard, I definitely felt this was a way of Kaitlyn letting her guard down. I think she's trying to open up to me as much as she possibly can and that means a lot. I know what she feels for me and things are moving forward... and that's what I need now."

The Wild Mustang Jade's hometown was important despite her elimination, because she bravely was honest about her Playboy photos. He always thought she was shy, but now is he's definitely seen her "out of her shell... literally". However, he said he would never judge her by those. (This makes me suspect one... or all... of the other three are secretive about something for fear of his judgment.) Her elimination was simply a matter of his feelings being stronger for others, but... yeah... it WAS the Playboy pictures. ("I work with many conservatives".)

Concluding thoughts:

I always find The Hometown Episode absolutely maddening. One rare time that we got a very blatant "this is the final one" edit was when Desiree told Chris Siegfried's mother that she saw him as her husband and "father of my children". This was probably allowed because only 20% of us here (and TV viewers as well) thought he was a possible winner. Most were focused on her continuous talk of seeking "approval" from Brook's mother. Last season, Andi's hometown with Josh was extremely uncomfortable to watch, with so much complaining about whether her life with him would be all about football and Aaron. In contrast, Andi only discussed being a wife and mother on Chris' hometown... and he was the F3 dumpee. Sean's hometown with Catherine was interesting in that he complained the whole time about not being confident of their standing, but when you turned OFF the volume, you could see he was quite happy and affectionate with her. Then again, he needed to talk to Mister Harrison at the rose ceremony because he was indecisive between her and Desiree.

I guess the best way to view this episode is to reference Aesop. Whitney is the hare practically at the finish line and Becca is the tortoise. Kaitlyn is somewhere in between... pick the critter. This may mean that Whitney may stay ahead of her and Becca could potentially pass her. Or Whit will "burn out" and Becca remains too slow. Even though I am trying to stay kahnfident in Kait's standing, this episode still felt like a draw.

A couple silly tidbits that amused me...

Becca blinded me with her bright yellow on the first-shown date (still in Iowa) even more than the sunset sun... and Whitney equally so in the end-of-show preview footage.

In true Scorpio fashion, Chris sported plenty of dark gray and black on his visits with Becca, Whitney and Jade. Jade's was the "lightest" and Whit's the "darkest".. and his PI sessions discussing Whit were so dark that he resembled a floating head. However Whitney was smart. She wore solid black during the day portion (even without the scrubs) and a white top in the evening part. Oddly, only Kaitlyn actually commented on Chris' wardrobe... saying he looks good in pink. I think that shirt was recycled from Ryan Park, Brad Womack and both JPs' (Jordan & Juan), being part of The Harrison Collection.

Lots of cute critters on Becca and Kaitlyn's dates... the former gets egrets and gators, the latter gets birds twitterpating (grackles), bees pollinating and a trio of fuzzy bunnies. No critters on Whitney's hometown apart from the microscopic kind sporting tails. All of the fuzzy critters looked dead and stuffed on Wild Mustang's hometown in Nebraska.

I was sadly missing Kelsey since Sunday, but Whitney delivered right on cue to make me WUV her all the more: "Today is the day that is going to go down in history..."

On the other hand, I completely fell to the floor when Chris himself stated with an ominous grin: "Based on the fact that we're starting this date in a dirty alley, I can only imagine how crazy this date will be. Whatever. Bring it on, Kaitlyn!"

Rap lyrics: "Flying down the rapids / my heart was beating fast / I hope I don't fall out / So I can make this love last." (The date card in episode 5 was "I am rapidly falling in love".)

Kaitlyn said she might have something up her sleeve... only her sleeves were too short to hide anything. Amusingly, Chris says on his blog about Whitney's fertility clinic surprise:

that girl always has something up her sleeve for me.

Speaking of blogs, I was disappointed I didn't see this scene:

I did speak to both her dad and her stepdad; I asked both for their blessing should I propose to Kaitlyn, and they both lovingly obliged. That meant a lot to me, as it was very scary having to ask two dads.

[notarose]

 Your superb info organization reminds me why I love stats! Reading your thoughts is always a highlight. So great to be able to read a comparative analysis.  I definitely missed some things when I watched .
 Your title 


Adding to the discussion.

"be honest with me and I'll be honest with you".  
I found this a tad foreboding.  It suggests to me that Chris the scorpion can be stealth.  We have already had the examples of Ashley I and Carly sacrificing themselves - pawns in the game of love.  Maybe he enjoys a "checkmate"or two on the path to a "soulmate".  Or is that "Soules mate"? Back to the quote - when he was talking with Kelsey on the bed, he told her about Ashley leaving in a way that led her to believe that she, brilliant Kelsey, would be continuing.  Then he dropped the axe.  She wasn't honest with him so game on in his mind. I think there are other examples of him metting justice. An interesting personality trait. Very subtle. 

Some references to previous seasons:
Becca - theme park like Ashley H on Brad's season.  Ashley's date was intended to show trust - follow Brad in the dark to the past then move forward.  Perhaps Chris shares Becca's "intimacy" issue.  He was awkward with Carly (yes, it was an awkward activity for a first date) however he called the guru a sex guru whereby I disagree.  He, himself, may not grasp the distinction between physicality and intimacy. So many examples of kissing whoever whenever wherever but hard pressed to find examples of tenderness. 
Amusingly, the sterile environment of insemination and the "materials" (plus Jade reveal) add to the hypothesis.

Whit- yes, the bottle of wine like Claire's dvd.  Plus Whitney's first date card including "...no wining".
 Of note: when they were about to enter the house, he did say he needed to know who to ask for permission because he wouldn't see her family again until afterward.  + for Whitney.  Agree, there were parallels between Britt and Whitney on the HTD.  You previously pointed out similiar in you past epi summaries with regard to camera pans.

Kaitlyn - record a song like Brad with Ashley S.  The scene even began with Kate appearing from behind a recycling bin. (Interestingly it is Whit who lost a parent like Ashley S).  Ashley was also on a 2-1 like Kaitlyn was with Chris and Jimmy. This was the 2nd time a love song was written (Deadwood GD card but we find out Chris wrote and rapped for Kaitlyn at the Deadwood cocktail party however we weren't shown that at the time - hidden) and the 2nd time the "rapidly falling in love" card was referenced.  Could mean another "2nd chance" reference or Kaitlyn may be the one who most resembles his ex fiancé. (Note: Kaitlyn didn't look too eager every time engagement ring was mentioned which makes sense as she clarified to her mom that she felt she was on the verge of starting to fall in love and reasonably she has spent the least amount of time with Chris of all the final 4). There was that deleted scene of Chris and Kaitlyn on a wakeboard; Chris' ex operates a wakeboard co. The studio segment ended with an extended time shot of the mic. ?no love song for Kaitlyn?  ? For Chris?  ?a hint at a "to be continued" scenerio for someone?
Wow, so much hide and seek camera play on this date - in the studio, leaving the house. Ghosts in the graveyard?  Does this mean Kaitlyn fits into his family or is it a clue to her being the next Bachelorette?  By the way, I highly doubt the adult Soules play this game on a regular basis.  With the grandkids perhaps but just the adults after dinner? Not!  

Jade - he enjoyed her "presentation" far too much .  In a fairly recent local interview (it was mostly about farming) he was asked about Jade to which he responded "Jade who?" Kaitlyn's deleted scene with Jimmy about "size" ended with "Chris who?"
Does Jade represent some of the ongoing themes this season: second chances, stereotypes, and first impressions aren't always reliable?  Again, in an interview, someone said to Chris that he doesn't look like a farmer to which he responded "what does a farmer look like?" 
Things are not always as they appear. What does a "playmate" look like when not posing?  How does a "virgin" behave?  If you rap are you not "wife material"? I'm not seeing Whitney in this category other than she fits the typical F1 edit. 

Aesop . And that was the order of the handing out of the roses.
We even had a "coming out of her shell".  Hmm, Claire used that a lot.

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