Re: Ryan Bowers - Bachelorette 8 Contestant - Thread #1

[Bloomers]

Well, I can see already that we have our perfect F2 dichotomy set up between Ryan and Arie, even if Emily hasn't quite reached that conclusion yet! I'm sure they're both great guys, but just based on their very different backgrounds, I can already picture the (highly exaggerated) conflict for Em; on the one hand, the simple (but gorgeous) football coach, living a humble, faith-based life in the south inspiring young people vs on the other, an exciting, cosmopolitan racecar driver who, I can almost gurarantee the editing will show to be maybe not ready to settle down and be a daddy. Who will Emily choose? Can't wait.

LOL I am going to keep this post of yours and refer back to it when we get down to the F2! It would be so funny if you were right! :Smiley:

I see this as well, only which way does it go? This reminds me already in ways of Meredith's F2. Both guys were handsome, but one was more cosmopolitan, adventuresome, and offered her a defiinite thrill with a risk while the other was calmer, steadier, less riskier, and was much more of a good, sure thing if marriage and a family was what she really wanted out of being the Bachelorette.

From what I can see Arie is more like Ian in that his occupation is all of those things, and yes it is a risk. Arie's group just recently lost a driver, and Ricky Henderson was injured driving shortly before dying in the plane crash. He was flying with the crew which was where he was working at the time in some way.

On the other hand, Ryan's life is more like Matt's was in that it is less exciting, calmer, and less risky. I have a feeling that Ryan's friends ( like Beck Beck's husband are beginning to marry, and he is ready to start on that chapter of his life as well).

Which way does Emily go when she follows her heart?

[veg_out]

I will be DIS-appointed if it's THAT lame, lady friends. I do think that they'll play Arie as the smooth, laid-back guy while Ryan will be the honest sweetheart. Ryan is ready to be a dad, dammit! He's ready!

Excuse me for laying attributes on his personality that might not even exist. ;)

[ironcat]

Well, I can see already that we have our perfect F2 dichotomy set up between Ryan and Arie, even if Emily hasn't quite reached that conclusion yet! I'm sure they're both great guys, but just based on their very different backgrounds, I can already picture the (highly exaggerated) conflict for Em; on the one hand, the simple (but gorgeous) football coach, living a humble, faith-based life in the south inspiring young people vs on the other, an exciting, cosmopolitan racecar driver who, I can almost gurarantee the editing will show to be maybe not ready to settle down and be a daddy. Who will Emily choose? Can't wait.

LOL I am going to keep this post of yours and refer back to it when we get down to the F2! It would be so funny if you were right! :Smiley:

I see this as well, only which way does it go? This reminds me already in ways of Meredith's F2. Both guys were handsome, but one was more cosmopolitan, adventuresome, and offered her a defiinite thrill with a risk while the other was calmer, steadier, less riskier, and was much more of a good, sure thing if marriage and a family was what she really wanted out of being the Bachelorette.

From what I can see Arie is more like Ian in that his occupation is all of those things, and yes it is a risk. Arie's group just recently lost a driver, and Ricky Henderson was injured driving shortly before dying in the plane crash. He was flying with the crew which was where he was working at the time in some way.

On the other hand, Ryan's life is more like Matt's was in that it is less exciting, calmer, and less risky. I have a feeling that Ryan's friends ( like Beck Beck's husband are beginning to marry, and he is ready to start on that chapter of his life as well).

Which way does Emily go when she follows her heart?

You know Bloomers, when I wrote my post, I was thinking of Ian vs Matt as well, and there are definite parallels between the guys. However, I don't see Emily as much like Meredith at all, so I'm not convinced we'll get the same outcome this time (although we might). And since Meredith still isn't married and has no children, I think it's pretty clear that settling down wasn't first and foremost on her mind, so she would NOT have been happy with Matt, great guy though he was. And I also don't think Meredith was very religious, so I never saw her as a good fit with Matt, even on paper. Matt was a great fit for a different type of woman than Meredith, and he apparently found her. If Emily ends up going for the excitement, I hope we at least get to see what was wrong with the Ryan connection, because on paper, I can't see a darn thing.

[Ladybug82]

I grew up with a Dad who coached high school sports: football, basketball, baseball and soccer. He's just retired, but hasn't been able to give it up completely, has volunteered with football and basketball because the coaches and boys have asked him to come out, give input/advise and just be there.

While coaching is far less risky and slightly less exciting than driving a race car (well that depends on who you ask I would think)...if she's at all competitive either guy would work. Hometown rivalries, region playoffs, and then the road to state playoffs...no matter the sport in high school coaching is a lot of work, but can be a blast and very rewarding to watch kids grow into mature young adults and help lead and guide them in that process. JMO from growing up in it and watching and listening to my Dad and people he's coached all these years.

I can definitely see what yall are saying playing out! It will be interesting to see which direction Emily goes when making her final decision!

[Bloomers]

Well, I can see already that we have our perfect F2 dichotomy set up between Ryan and Arie, even if Emily hasn't quite reached that conclusion yet! I'm sure they're both great guys, but just based on their very different backgrounds, I can already picture the (highly exaggerated) conflict for Em; on the one hand, the simple (but gorgeous) football coach, living a humble, faith-based life in the south inspiring young people vs on the other, an exciting, cosmopolitan racecar driver who, I can almost gurarantee the editing will show to be maybe not ready to settle down and be a daddy. Who will Emily choose? Can't wait.

LOL I am going to keep this post of yours and refer back to it when we get down to the F2! It would be so funny if you were right! :Smiley:

I see this as well, only which way does it go? This reminds me already in ways of Meredith's F2. Both guys were handsome, but one was more cosmopolitan, adventuresome, and offered her a defiinite thrill with a risk while the other was calmer, steadier, less riskier, and was much more of a good, sure thing if marriage and a family was what she really wanted out of being the Bachelorette.

From what I can see Arie is more like Ian in that his occupation is all of those things, and yes it is a risk. Arie's group just recently lost a driver, and Ricky Henderson was injured driving shortly before dying in the plane crash. He was flying with the crew which was where he was working at the time in some way.

On the other hand, Ryan's life is more like Matt's was in that it is less exciting, calmer, and less risky. I have a feeling that Ryan's friends ( like Beck Beck's husband are beginning to marry, and he is ready to start on that chapter of his life as well).

Which way does Emily go when she follows her heart?

You know Bloomers, when I wrote my post, I was thinking of Ian vs Matt as well, and there are definite parallels between the guys. However, I don't see Emily as much like Meredith at all, so I'm not convinced we'll get the same outcome this time (although we might). And since Meredith still isn't married and has no children, I think it's pretty clear that settling down wasn't first and foremost on her mind, so she would NOT have been happy with Matt, great guy though he was. And I also don't think Meredith was very religious, so I never saw her as a good fit with Matt, even on paper. Matt was a great fit for a different type of woman than Meredith, and he apparently found her. If Emily ends up going for the excitement, I hope we at least get to see what was wrong with the Ryan connection, because on paper, I can't see a darn thing.

Oh, Meredith definitely went with her heart, and they even showed her mother telling her that she wished she (her mother) wished that she had gone the route of adventure before marrying. It was obvious to me how that one was going to play out from the edit, but it was a bit of a surprise because they were still giving us that old song and dance about Meredith wanted a husband and family when what Meredith wanted was Ian and whatever she could get!!

Now, does Emily want first and foremost a husband and a father for her child, or does Emily want ( even though she may have gone in not knowing it consciously) someone for herself whatever that may or may not be -like Ian and/or Ed?
On the surface, this sounds a little harsh, but truly it is nothing if not realistic when we look at it - really, really look it. :Smiley:

[Guest]

I think there seems to be an assumption that this guy is not husband/father material. Why? Because of his profession? Completely unfair imo. He is over 30 years old and could very well be ready to be a family man just as much as any of the rest of them. If she ends up picking him it will probably be after asking him some serious questions.

[ironcat]

Oh, Meredith definitely went with her heart, and they even showed her mother telling her that she wished she (her mother) wished that she had gone the route of adventure before marrying. It was obvious to me how that one was going to play out from the edit, but it was a bit of a surprise because they were still giving us that old song and dance about Meredith wanted a husband and family when what Meredith wanted was Ian and whatever she could get!!

Now, does Emily want first and foremost a husband and a father for her child, or does Emily want ( even though she may have gone in not knowing it consciously) someone for herself whatever that may or may not be -like Ian and/or Ed?
On the surface, this sounds a little harsh, but truly it is nothing if not realistic when we look at it - really, really look it. :Smiley:

Yeah, Meredith's edit was definitely misleading, and it fooled two thirds of viewers into thinking she'd be happy moving to Texas, going to church on Sundays, and driving around in a pickup truck.

You're right, none of us knows what Emily really wants, but I fear that because of her child, she may be more harshly judged than Meredith was if she ends up going for the more "exciting", or perhaps I should say, "fast track" lifestyle over what will appear to be a life of stability and security with a hot guy. I also fear that the debate between the Ryan supporters and the Arie supporters is going to be beyond intense this season.

[Jeepers]

I think there seems to be an assumption that this guy is not husband/father material. Why? Because of his profession? Completely unfair imo. He is over 30 years old and could very well be ready to be a family man just as much as any of the rest of them. If she ends up picking him it will probably be after asking him some serious questions.

The tragic loss of a good friend may have something to do with what he himself is looking for and may have been a life changer for him .. They both have a very clear understanding of the racing world and all that that involves .. The joys .. The agony of defeat .. And personal loss .. Possibly could be the glue that binds

[ironcat]

I think there seems to be an assumption that this guy is not husband/father material. Why? Because of his profession? Completely unfair imo. He is over 30 years old and could very well be ready to be a family man just as much as any of the rest of them. If she ends up picking him it will probably be after asking him some serious questions.

I think we need to make a distinction between what those of us here actually THINK about these guys versus what the edit (we predict) will likely portray them to be. The producers have long since proven that they will try to set up a rivalry and a clear battle of opposites between the F2 if they can, and this one (if the F2 are indeed Ryan and Arie) just lends itself to that easily, with Ryan being the religious guy who works with kids who just revere him, and wants some of his own, and Arie being the daring racecar driver with a jetsetting lifestyle who is not ready to settle down. Doesn't mean those perceptions are at all accurate though, or that we all believe they are either. But I predict the producers are going to run with them regardless.

[noobsleuth]

Well, I can see already that we have our perfect F2 dichotomy set up between Ryan and Arie, even if Emily hasn't quite reached that conclusion yet! I'm sure they're both great guys, but just based on their very different backgrounds, I can already picture the (highly exaggerated) conflict for Em; on the one hand, the simple (but gorgeous) football coach, living a humble, faith-based life in the south inspiring young people vs on the other, an exciting, cosmopolitan racecar driver who, I can almost gurarantee the editing will show to be maybe not ready to settle down and be a daddy. Who will Emily choose? Can't wait.

LOL I am going to keep this post of yours and refer back to it when we get down to the F2! It would be so funny if you were right! :Smiley:

I see this as well, only which way does it go? This reminds me already in ways of Meredith's F2. Both guys were handsome, but one was more cosmopolitan, adventuresome, and offered her a defiinite thrill with a risk while the other was calmer, steadier, less riskier, and was much more of a good, sure thing if marriage and a family was what she really wanted out of being the Bachelorette.

From what I can see Arie is more like Ian in that his occupation is all of those things, and yes it is a risk. Arie's group just recently lost a driver, and Ricky Henderson was injured driving shortly before dying in the plane crash. He was flying with the crew which was where he was working at the time in some way.

On the other hand, Ryan's life is more like Matt's was in that it is less exciting, calmer, and less risky. I have a feeling that Ryan's friends ( like Beck Beck's husband are beginning to marry, and he is ready to start on that chapter of his life as well).

Which way does Emily go when she follows her heart?

You know Bloomers, when I wrote my post, I was thinking of Ian vs Matt as well, and there are definite parallels between the guys. However, I don't see Emily as much like Meredith at all, so I'm not convinced we'll get the same outcome this time (although we might). And since Meredith still isn't married and has no children, I think it's pretty clear that settling down wasn't first and foremost on her mind, so she would NOT have been happy with Matt, great guy though he was. And I also don't think Meredith was very religious, so I never saw her as a good fit with Matt, even on paper. Matt was a great fit for a different type of woman than Meredith, and he apparently found her. If Emily ends up going for the excitement, I hope we at least get to see what was wrong with the Ryan connection, because on paper, I can't see a darn thing.

Oh, Meredith definitely went with her heart, and they even showed her mother telling her that she wished she (her mother) wished that she had gone the route of adventure before marrying. It was obvious to me how that one was going to play out from the edit, but it was a bit of a surprise because they were still giving us that old song and dance about Meredith wanted a husband and family when what Meredith wanted was Ian and whatever she could get!!

Now, does Emily want first and foremost a husband and a father for her child, or does Emily want ( even though she may have gone in not knowing it consciously) someone for herself whatever that may or may not be -like Ian and/or Ed?
On the surface, this sounds a little harsh, but truly it is nothing if not realistic when we look at it - really, really look it. :Smiley:

I agree with what both of you are saying. If these guys are F2 this is how it's going to play out.

However, if Ryan is going to get a pristine edit and she chooses Arie ( or a similar type) how is that going to affect the public's opinion of the couple? Especially with a child involved. Will the audience think Emily made a bad choice (like Deanna or Jillian) because the other guy was the better fit by general consensus? If Arie is F1 and his edit shows him to not be ready for a father type role (which he might be I have no idea) they are going to have to muddle up Ryan's edit or I feel that Emily is going to get some backlash for her choice. Regardless of whether BOTH men might be ready for whatever role Emily might want them to play in her life and Ricki's. One of these guys is going to appeal to the side of Emily that was young and madly in love with Ricky and the other guy is going to appeal the older side with the little girl. JMO

The other part of me thinks that MF might edit them to both be good choices just because Emily is the lead and he already "promised" this season would be different.

ETA: sorry it took me so long to write my post ... I see ironcat made all of my points for me already! LOL

[mprssdbyu]

I think there seems to be an assumption that this guy is not husband/father material. Why? Because of his profession? Completely unfair imo. He is over 30 years old and could very well be ready to be a family man just as much as any of the rest of them. If she ends up picking him it will probably be after asking him some serious questions.

I think we need to make a distinction between what those of us here actually THINK about these guys versus what the edit (we predict) will likely portray them to be. The producers have long since proven that they will try to set up a rivalry and a clear battle of opposites between the F2 if they can, and this one (if the F2 are indeed Ryan and Arie) just lends itself to that easily, with Ryan being the religious guy who works with kids who just revere him, and wants some of his own, and Arie being the daring racecar driver with a jetsetting lifestyle who is not ready to settle down. Doesn't mean those perceptions are at all accurate though, or that we all believe they are either. But I predict the producers are going to run with them regardless.

I couldn't agree more. I really couldn't! For me, where does Arie fit into lil Ricky's day to day lifestyle? This was about a single mom wanting to find love. The commercials show Emily's focus on being about lil Ricky because she's the most important thing in her life. I'm NOT saying he wouldn't be great with lil Ricky just as Brad was but how does his personality fit? I dunno, I'm just disappointed he's a race car driver. Been there, done that. He's not Ricky Hendrick. The funny thing is as in looks, he's my type! Ha I'm wondering if this season will mirror Charlie/Ryan as far as personalities go.

[Mirzam]

I couldn't agree more. I really couldn't! For me, where does Arie fit into lil Ricky's day to day lifestyle? This was about a single mom wanting to find love. The commercials show Emily's focus on being about lil Ricky because she's the most important thing in her life. I'm NOT saying he wouldn't be great with lil Ricky just as Brad was but how does his personality fit? I dunno, I'm just disappointed he's a race car driver. Been there, done that. He's not Ricky Hendricks. The funny thing is as in looks, he's my type! Ha I'm wondering if this season will mirror Charlie/Ryan as far as personalities go.

FWIW my father was a race car driver, now long retired, and it never really effected our home life as kids. We sometimes went to race meetings, but usually we stayed at home with mum.

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