Congratulations Roberto! Or should I say Row-bear-toe?
I think most of us would be willing to agree that this was a pretty good season. I am indifferent when it comes to Ali, but I thoroughly enjoyed the gaggle of men who paraded before us during the opening ceremonies. Sure her journey to find true love was besmirched by the sneaky motives of Rated-R, crazy antics of Kasey and bold professions of love, albeit not to our Bachelorette, but to Frank’s Polly Pocket girlfriend Nicole. That fun drama helped us not notice so much that Ali was totally smitten with Roberto and endeared to Cape Cod Chris. The best finales are always the ones in which America would be happy with our Bachelorette choosing either suitor. Half of us our excited for the couple but take greater pride in updating our Facebook status to read, “Ali chooses Roberto! I told you so!” The other half are ecstatic that our crush is still available and if we could only score the opportunity to see him at one of the many meet-n-greets ABC will inevitably set up in Massachusetts, he would fall truly, madly, deeply in love with me at first sight.
This is all hypothetical of course.
And if you have no romantic bone in your body, at least you will never have to see the footage of Frank opening up his cabana doors, Ali in her Flashdance outfit flinging herself upon his torso and the tired, sad, “I’m about to throw up” voice of Nicole’s lover uttering after a pause about three seconds too long… “We have to talk.”
Can I get an AMEN?
We begin the final leg of our love story meeting the parents in Bora Bora. There’s a canned shot of rolling waves, lush green landscape and Ali on a sailboat, her hot pink pashmina whipping in the wind, as she reflects on her journey thus far.
Ali: “It’s been super difficult like traveling the world, and like choosing which tropical flower to put in my hair. I mean stuff like that is super impor-ant. These are like the challenges that I like deal with every day. For example, Frank told me that he wears skinny jeans because the 80s are back. I told him that tuck and roll was more of an 80s jeans thing, but he didn’t care. However, I know he knows what’s hot in fashion. I’m like having a hard time finding neon accessories for my wardrobe. I want Roberto to know that he’s going to marry a girl that is super chic. Plus, florescent orange tank tops and day glow hats will help him spot me in the VIP section of the stands when he’s playing baseball.”
ABC psychotherapist: “Ali. Roberto sells insurance for a living. He doesn’t play baseball anymore.”
Ali: “Nonsense. I have his jersey. Can you have the ABC intern run down to Michael’s and get me some slick paint in neon colors? And a few black lights? Do they make Le Zinc anymore? I have a fantasy date planned he’ll never forget!”
ABC psychotherapist: “What about Chris?”
Ali: “I love Chris Harrison. He’s the bomb dot com.”
ABC psychotherapist: “I meant Cape Cod Chris.”
Ali: “Oh right. He’s soooooooo sweet.”
The camera cuts to Ali leaning against a tree in her hot pink bikini with neon yellow sarong around her waist. Her boobs are lifted up in perfect cleavage, Tahitian flower in her tasseled hair extensions and a nice set of abs I’m convinced have been painted on her mid-section. She tells the camera that Roberto makes her feel safe but not in a weird guarding or protection sort of way. She continues to wonder if he is too good to be true, admitting that would suck because she’s falling in love with him.
She compares Chris to a teddy bear and reminds us that their relationship is progressing slowly.
This is when I begin to feel the tendency to guard and protect Cape Cod’s heart.
Roberto Meets the Parents
Theme: Salsa Will Almost Always Win the Affection of Any Woman
Roberto is first to meet the family. He greets Ali with a genuine “hey beautiful” and passionately kisses her for 10 minutes before pretending to admit that he is nervous. He’s carrying a gift bag for the family. We assume it’s full of nothing but his essence. Ali introduces him to her parents, brother Mike and sister Raya and Raya’s boobs. Ali giggles incessantly while sharing that Roberto speaks Spanish and won her over by teaching her to salsa dance on the very first night they met.
Raya, whom I’m assuming studied abroad one summer in Guatemala, phonetically pronounces Roberto—“RRRRow-bear-toe.” She even rolled the “r” sound. I got a kick out of this for some reason. It reminded me of the broadcast anchors who use non-regional diction during their newscasts and then speak all Latin words with a Spanish accent.
Raya invites RRRRow-bear-toe to join her and her mute brother Mike on the verrrrranda. Meanwhile, Ali gets some alone time with Mom and Dad.
Ali: “He just makes me feel calm, you know? He brings me to a peaceful place.”
Mom: “He knows you need that calming wave over you.”
Dad: “Like a Chihuahua.”
Ali’s Mom pulls Roberto away and asks if he has any questions for her. Roberto, without a moment of pause, asks what he can do to keep Ali happy.
Mom: “Do what you are doing.”
Roberto smiles to himself, knowing that he hasn’t event scratched the surface when it comes to doing what he does best.
The Mom begins to cry because she is enamored by Roberto’s awesomeness. I imagine this was much like my Mom’s reaction when she saw Elvis in concert for the first time. Roberto is used to this response from women. Typically, he would not fuel the fire with physical touch, but he needs to make an impact on this woman. Instead of sending her over the edge with a perfectly sculpted arm around her shaking shoulders, he decides to place a gentle hand on hers. Mom begins blushing and fanning herself. The heat is palpable.
He just can’t help it.
Roberto: “I’m going to care for her and take great care of her.”
Mom: “Yo creo que tu corazon es puro.”
Roberto: “You need to borrow a cup of sugar?”
Mom: “Is that what I said?”
Roberto: “I’m just kidding. You think my heart is pure. Thank you.”
Roberto left rocking the Mom vote. Mom left thinking Roberto is smart, loving and funny to boot. Isn’t he the dreamiest?
But enough with the Roberto charm. It’s time to get the Dad’s blessing. It’s time to face the tough questions and have this impor-ant conversation.
Dad: “How do you feel about Ali?”
Roberto: “I care for your daughter a lot. I want to make her happy. It’s impor-ant to me that I have your blessing.”
Dad: “Do you love Ali?”
Roberto: “I do. She has so much to offer. I want to keep her smiling…not just for the next few months but long-term.”
Dad: “You seem great. I don’t see a problem with that. Can you get me tickets to any baseball games?”
Roberto: “Claro.”
Dad: “You’re in America son. Speak American.”
Roberto: “Of course. But know that I’ve promised my personal suite to Harrison when he’s in town. I’m sure you understand.”
Roberto continues to charm his way into the Fedotowsky clan by offering impromptu salsa lessons to the Mom. I thought she was going to either melt in a puddle right then and there or get in a fight with Raya for not sharing. Either way, Roberto endeared himself to Ali’s family and everyone agrees he could fit right in. Mute Mike sketches out a quick rendering of where everyone should stand in the 2010 family Christmas photo, placing himself on Roberto’s immediate left. In the end, all agree that it would be best if Roberto was the only one featured in the shot. Ali is convinced she can talk him into wearing his baseball uniform.
Cape Cod Chris Meets the Parents
Theme: Having Everything in Common Doesn’t Really Matter
Once again, Ali opts out of dressing cute for Cape Cod Chris. Instead of a flirty little strapless number like she wore for Roberto, Ali wears her favorite pair of comfortable shorts and a tank top with her hair extensions pulled back in a braid. Ali asks Chris if he is nervous. He answers, “Should I be?”
This, ladies and gentlemen, is another reason we love Chris.
The Cape brings a basket of fruit for the Fedotowskys and greets everyone in the circle. Ali announces that Chris is from Massachusetts and the crowd goes WILD! He shares that his Dad used to be a teacher. Ali’s Dad offers that he used to be a Physics teacher. Chris offers that he was a math teacher. Raya said that she always wanted to be a teacher. Mike bets that Roberto could be a teacher and day dreams about being spanked. Yay teachers!
Ali’s Mom asks about his mother and Chris shares a respectful Cliffs Notes version of the tale. Ali’s Dad mentions he grew up in Montreal. Chris shares that his own Dad is Canadian. Ali scowls remembering that all Canadians have multiple girlfriends and Raya wonders if Roberto can speak French like they do in some parts of Canada, eh? Mike’s French maid day dream is interrupted by the Mom requesting, again, more details about the passing of Chris’ mother. Can someone call a party foul on this woman? Geez! Of course he obliges with reverence and grace.
Kaya, wearing a boob-enhancing Mexican sundress in honor of Roberto’s absence, invites Chris out to the verrrrranda to dip his feet in the Jacuzzi hot tub in the middle of 90-degree Tahitian sweltering heat to see how he’s progressing through this process. Mute Mike releases the two top buttons on his shirt, just like Chris, and rolls up his pants so he can soak his feet.
Chris: “I wanted to make this as natural and real as I could. It’s a weird situation. You wouldn’t go up to a girl at a bar and say you loved her. I wanted this to be as slow and steady as I could make it. Your sister is an incredible girl. I would have left if I didn’t feel it. I want to find my soul mate…my one. The fact that I have is amazing.”
Let’s hear it for the first NORMAL reality show contestant in the history of reality shows. You’re killing me with your astute thinking Chris!
It’s now time for Chris to ask the Dad’s permission to marry Ali. The conversation goes similar to Roberto’s talk. Apparently, in order to win Ali’s hand in marriage, you have to say you love her and will take care of her.
Translation: Her lack of income will be the fiancé’s problem..not his.
Poor Chris goes on and on about soul mates and blessings and being happy wherever Ali is happy. He’s convinced he will be proposing in a few days and is determined to enjoy Red Sox games with the man before him, as well as be a manly figure to the girl inside. And by girl I mean Mute Mike.
The Fedotowskys and Cape Cod Chris all put on swimsuits, or in case of the Mom, a 1930s bathing dresses, and jump in the water. Everyone holds their nose. It must be a Massachusetts thing. Ali backs into Chris’ treading water arms and wraps her legs around him. Mute Mike takes notes and Raya wonders if Roberto has any cute brothers.
The brother is sadly taken Raya. I feel your pain.
Later, with her extensions looking mighty orange and frazzled, Ali assures Chris that he did a great job with her family. Even if he doesn’t have any dimples or dance skills, he does have a house at the Cape.
Ali thanks him for coming. He says, “My pleasure.”
I love that response. It’s so gentlemanly. And I love a good, strong gentleman.
She fondled his nipples. Just as I began to think that was weird, the FCC censor kicked it and he got up to walk back down the bridge toward his cabana. He mentions that walking away from her is the hardest thing he has ever done (swoon) and that he wishes they could just be together already.
Ali looks like she is miserable and tells the camera that it’s not about the guy…it’s about the guy who is right for her. Luckily, she has a group of highly sensitive family members to help her figure out her dilemma, including her divorced parents, a sister who has the hots for Roberto and an ambiguously gay brother.
One-On-One with Roberto
Ali waits for Roberto in her florescent yellow and white tie-dye off-the-shoulder swimsuit cover-up. Roberto trots up to her, flashes his dimples and says, “hey beautiful” for the second time in an hour.
I don’t care who you are. Any girl would love that. Take notes gentlemen. Take notes.
The dynamic duo ride around with reckless abandon on a jet ski. Ali thinks Roberto is like so hot for being fearless on this death machine. Be can’t help but flashback to poor Cape Cod Chris driving two miles-per-hour on his scooter in Istanbul not Constantinople. Bless his heart.
When making their way to the private island, Ali and Roberto come across a school of sting rays. Roberto hops into the water and suggests they bond with these amazing creatures. Where’s the harm in that, right?
Two words for you Roberto: Crocodile Hunter.
Proving that he can captivate animals as well as most humans, the sting rays appear to be mesmerized by Roberto’s presence. Ali shrieks like a girl and holds on to Roberto for dear life. He whispers sweet nothings in her ear, strokes the backs of both Ali and the sting rays and promises to be “that guy” who will always protect his lady.
Just as Ali and Roberto begin to make out on the private beach, it starts to rain. Instead of heading for shelter, they walk hand-and-hand into the water. He picks her up and twirls her around.
I have to hand it to ABC for the romantic moment. Making it rain? Props to you young intern. You are really earning your paycheck this year.
Back at his cabana, Roberto lights several candles and makes sure the champagne is chilling. He knows that there is so much more to be said. I agree. Such as, why is Ali wearing a black jumpsuit from the 70s? But this isn’t about me. This is about Roberto and his feelings.
And the best way to share feelings is to liquor her up, get horizontal in the bed and present her with a present of the two of you in the kidney-shaped lagoon. According to the fact-finding I conducted with my pause button on the old DVR…the picture was of Roberto’s back to us holding Ali in an embrace.
A photo of Roberto’s backside? He’s in it to win it people!
He wrote her a short novel on the back claiming that she inspires her to be a better man. Then he reads some in Spanish. Ali giggles.
Ali tells Roberto this was “the most fun date of her whole time” she’s been in Tahiti. Then she asks if Roberto has a type. Of course, Roberto answers that he doesn’t have a type.
That’s like asking Chris Harrison if he has a favorite suit. Please. They all look good. Choosing a favorite seems a frivolous activity.
Roberto tells Ali that he told her Dad he loved her. Ali giggles, makes a pouty face with her lips and then transitions into her baby talk voice shouting to Roberto that her heart is literally, LITERALLY about to explode out of her chest.
Roberto asks her to stay. She kicks the crew out of the cabana, except for the ABC intern who has to wave a palm fronds so Roberto won’t sweat to death, and we hear her whine about how she doesn’t want to go on the date with Chris tomorrow.
One-On-One with Cape Cod Chris
We witness about 15 minutes of Chris giving us every detail into his heart and love for Ali. He’s ready to propose and begin his life with her and wants to take the next step.
We hear a knock and Chris opens the door to a frazzled Ali who looks as if she has just run a few dozen miles on the beach. Her hair is in serious disarray, her yoga pants are baggy and there is not a stitch of anything neon or remotely related to the 80s on her entire body.
Something is up.
Ali pulls Chris to the couch and eloquently tells him she doesn’t know what to do, except that she does and that he is the coolest guy ever, but “someone else” is hotter and that he’s the best man she’s ever met, but not really because she knows if two people enjoy spending time with each other, that doesn’t necessarily mean anything.
Ali: “Do you understand what I’m saying?
Chris: “I’ve been Franked.”
Ali: “I just didn’t want to put you through tomorrow because it would be too hard.”
Chris: “I learned to put myself out there. Thanks for being honest.”
With the saddest puppy dog eyes ever, Ali hugs him goodbye.
Chris: “Good luck tomorrow. And go found out if he loves you.”
What a great guy. Not only was he dignified, he didn’t even laugh in her face when she told him to “hang in there.” The last thing he needed was a camera stuck in his face and you know the ABC Psychotherapist did her best to make him cave. But he continued down the “Ali is a great girl” train and declared he wanted to see her happy at the end of this journey.
Ten minutes after she leaves, a rainbow appears. In all his hurt and confusion, Chris knew his Mom was saluting him for putting himself out there for love. He knew his Mom was telling him he would be okay.
That’s when we all cried. Thank you ABC for not cheesing us out by playing Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s version of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”
As Chris schleps his bags to his water taxi, we shed yet another tear.
Chris: “If I had to do it again, I wouldn’t change a damn thing. Life is all about sharing experience with someone. I want that person who is everything to me. That’s what I want. So I’m not there yet. I have to keep looking. Just gotta keep looking.”
I’m right here Chris. I’m right here.
The Proposal
The morning of the proposal, Ali eats breakfast with her feet on the table and tells us that her heart is not capable of loving more than one man. Roberto sits by the pool with stationary and a pen. We assume he’s answering one of his many fan mail letters. He’s interrupted by Neil Lane and his briefcase full of bling. Roberto sweats profusely and makes his choice within minutes. He plays with his chin dimple and I swoon.
Then Roberto takes a shower.
Did you get that? Let me rewind and say it again.
For the love of all things chiseled…Roberto takes a shower.
Because he has just waltzed around a bathroom only in a white towel, I will forgive him for wearing a suit that appeared to be a size too small with a neck too big. And let the record show that I’m convinced Our Host Chris Harrison helped Ali into her gold billowy gown. Check out the hands. They were those of a man.
Moving on.
Roberto arrives via boat. He’s been in the sun for two minutes and has already sweat through his dress shirt.
C’mon guys. You’ve been with him for three days in Tahiti. You know he has “issues” with sweat glands. Sure he probably smells like a mixture of dew drops, freshly mown grass and smoldering fire, but it’s embarrassing to have a collection of moisture on your forehead and upper lip when professing your love. Can’t we get a canopy or something?
Not only that, but you make him climb 100 stairs to get there? If he’s going to put forth that much effort, there should at least be an employee party where promiscuous crew members are dirty dancing to tunes from the 60s.
You know Harrison could totally rock biting his bottom lip and giving the “come hither” finger wag. I’d drop my watermelon to go dance with him for sure!
Speaking of Harrison, he FINALLY arrives looking rather relaxed in his sharp slate suit. No telling what shenanigans he got himself into since he didn’t have to bother with a fake mentor session with Ali. He doesn’t even climb the stairs. He has two minutes of providing Roberto with an oxygen tank and handkerchief to wipe his sweaty brow before heading back to paradise.
How cool is Chris Harrison?
Roberto finally makes it to Ali looking like he’s wandered the desert for 40 days and 40 nights. Barely able to speak, Ali doesn’t help the situation by sticking her tongue down his throat. He tells her he wants to be the man in her life. She tells him he is the only guy for her. They share I love yous. Roberto gets down on one knee and asks her to share his life. She says yes.
Then Roberto passes out of heat exhaustion. ABC rolls the pre-packaged “Ali & Robert = Heart” montage to the tune of “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.”
Worst song in the history of Disney movies. I would have fast forwarded had it not been for the reminiscing moment of Roberto in his baseball uniform. I paused and gawked for a few minutes and then moved on.
Ali: “I have one more question to ask. Roberto will-o you accept-o this rosa?”
Roberto: “Si.”
After the Final Rose
In the most boring After the Final Rose ever known to man in the history of this show, I decided to bring back a fan favorite and beta cap the hour-long misery in one short paragraph. Enjoy:
Our Host macking, Lincee adoring, Ali beaming, Pocahontas dress wearing, ring blinging, Frank regurgitating, “Ali…we have to talk” again-ing, Frank bashing, Frank not showing, Ali seething, Ali admitting to Frank liking, Lincee blessing Cape Cod’s aching, Ali forgiving, Cape exuding true emoting, Our Host rehashing, Chris firmly standing, wishful thinking, wedding proposing, love falling, heart breaking, Cape understanding, Ali smiling, Cape smiling, everyone looks good agreeing, Ali respecting, Cape thanking, rainbow crying, miracles happening, impor-ant messaging, Cape congratulating, Lincee swooning, Roberto appearing, Ali woo hoo-ing, Roberto heating, Lincee agreeing, Ali swooning, Roberto dimpling, public display of affectioning, apartment finding, apartment sharing, Roberto working, Dancing with the Stars finger crossing, Our Host gifting, Catalina islanding and of course, helicopter riding.
Here’s hoping Roberto and Ali have found true love. I’m rooting for these crazy kids to make it. Lord knows we don’t want to see them on season two of The Bachelor Pad next year.
Thanks to everyone for a great season. And a special shout-out goes to four gals in Alabama who went above and beyond during their special Bachelorette finale watching party last night.
SaraLynn, Adrienne, Aubrey and Rachael…you blew me away with these photos. Quoting me on a cupcake? Adorable!!!
Thanks for the love! I’ll see you guys next week when my head will more than likely occupy the deep cracks of my couch cushions for the majority of The Bachelor Pad.
Can’t. Hardly. Wait.
Until then, I’m all about the shame, not the fame,
Lincee
Those stingrays certainly were friendly and I noticed that Roberto was feeding them. I think it would have freaked me out to have them actually coming right up onto me like that! Tame or not. Ali was probably thinking “crododile hunter” and that was why she was scared. I didn’t know that you could feed stingrays like that…
Great season, great blog! Thank you!
I have never commented before, but since I did not notice anyone else pointing this out I wanted to see if I am perhaps crazy, or what I saw was more of a non-issue than I think?
I noticed that a few times, maybe 2 or 3, at the end, Ali said, [sic] “He loves me!”, and *then* said, “and I love him” almost as if she were validating that fact (that he loves her) for herself. I thought it odd that more than once she had pointed out his love for her before reiterating her love for him.
And for some odd reason I had a sinking feeling about the ending. I don’t see them together, though I respect Ali and wish her well, and wonder what will happen when the free trips to exotic locales and the cameras and hubbub ends.
And YES! To whoever mentioned it, I heard that too, when Ali angrily snapped, “That’s NOT true!” and I was waiting for that moment. Such a tease, that ABC.
Lincee, I KNEW you’d love the part where Roberto was in the shower! I giggled when I saw it (while drooling of course- total double take!). Awesome recap, you had me in stitches!
BurkaBarbie – In the interview that someone was kind enough to post Ali and Roberto talk about how they kept reminding themselves that it was not going to be exotic locations after the show and how all that mattered is little things like walking along the street holding hands…
Time will tell!
Did anyone watch Plain Jane? I know it cannot compare to our Bach/Bach’ette but it was pretty darn cute and romantic!
So funny about Ali’s brother. Maybe they should have brought weatherboy back for him
I loved both guys. I really hope it works for Ali and Roberto!
Lincee, you are the highlight of my Tuesdays! **HUGS**
I also paused the DVR to see the photo Robert-o gave Ali…it’s totally his backside with her head peeping over his shoulder.
Did anyone else noticed when CCC was trying to kiss Ali after the meet-the-parents date she kept pulling away. And he’s going to need to work on those kissing skills if he’s going to be the next Bachelor! (fingers crossed)
Lincee (and others), although I can’t agree with stereotyping Ali’s brother, I’m totally on board with this golden moment:
“Ali pulls Chris to the couch and eloquently tells him she doesn’t know what to do, except that she does and that he is the coolest guy ever, but ‘someone else’ is hotter and that he’s the best man she’s ever met, but not really because she knows if two people enjoy spending time with each other, that doesn’t necessarily mean anything.”
That is a perfect description of the bouncy way Ali rained chaos down on CCC. It was a disjointed, illogical, self-absorbed mess! Could she not memorize a few kind break-up phrases and string them together coherently?
I have a 26 year old blonde daughter who speaks well, has a job and a Master’s degree. I told her yesterday she needs to write to CCC and become CC daughter
She wouldn’t take much convincing, who would?
In the end, despite some very silly episodes along the way (and around the world) this season has redeemed the franchise for me. Now that the Bachelor/ette is a mature show we are stuck with the various formulas that have developed along the way, but it cheers my heart to see a contestant as unspoiled as CCC and a happy ending that, to my very great surprise, felt genuine.
By contrast, I think Bachelor Pad will be pure bitchy, filthy fun and I cannot wait.
Did anyone else wonder if Ali was adopted? Where did she get her looks from?
Also, if you want to hear someone only pronounce foreign words with an accent, check out Giada de Laurentis (sp?) on the Food Network. How annoying!
Loved the finale…so happy for them. I hope it lasts and we get another wedding!
No way adopted – there is that family nose! From what I can tell of ATFR, Ali does not have the Fedotowsky Nose any longer. I miss it from her face, it balanced her eyes and now they look a tiny bit off. To spot the Work, look closely at the area under her nose.
Don’t know if it was mentioned but…after Ali broke it off with CCC , he leaned over a balcony rail and did NOT pull a Mesnick. He didnt bawl like Jason and Jake but gazed in thoughtful, dignified, MANly contemplation. *sigh*
#64 -s2c – no it was not mentioned b/c it wasn’t a Jake/Mesnick!!! Nice looking out! That just made me chuckle.
#63 – Born in 1957 – THANK YOU!!! I had said after the MTA that her nose looked different! I knew I wasn’t nuts…well no more than my normal amount of nuts!
63, I’ll go back and llok at the nose more carefully…
Also, I just have to stand up for the Weatherman one more time. I do not think he’s gay, and he had the funniest lines of any guy the whole season. He was HILARIOUS!
saggleo … I can just picture the ABC psychotherapist suggesting he lean against the rail to collect his thoughts in the hope that he would … And when he didnt…well that just shows how different he is from J and J.
I want to know how no one caught the motor boat that Row-bear-toe rode in on. Did the ABC intern not spend the entire Home Depot budget and it had to be used somewhere else? I really liked how they tied on a canoe but the ropes were showing. OMG – I was dying!
Also – Can you feel the Love tonight – NOT COOL in 1996, NOT COOL now!
As per usual, great recap Lincee. I printed it out to read on the bus home last night and got some pretty nervous looks as I laughed aloud……
Roberto is going to drown Ali in all that sweat, I fear. I guess there are worse ways to die.
Lincee, I strongly recommend that you contact OHCH to get an introduction to CCC — there is no question he would adore your sense of humor, and when the happy day arises that you two get hitched, WE ALL GET INVITED TO THE WEDDING!
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the beta cap. I laughed so hard reading it at work I got nasty looks from my coworkers! “and of course, helicopter riding”-classic.
#13 Maggie, I could totatlly see Ty as the next bachlor, after watching his outtakes his is adorable & hilarious!
Bring on Bachlor Pad, the smuttiness will reach a whole new level-YIPPEE
#63 – I would be super sad (almost as sad as I am about Kate Hudson) if Ali had surgery … I looked closely on her Kimmel and GMA appearances and her nose seems the same… I think maybe the MTA and ATFR makeup and lighting was different?
I agree with #71, i think it was the lighting too, made her look like she had a pig nose
#71 – Suze – it was a subtle fix I think…it makes her nose more upturned than it already was…makeup alone can’t do that! On Kimmel the bump out at the end of her nose looked flat at a certain angle I could see it. She didn’t do a huge change, but it’s enough that if you really look you can see a difference in her appearance. It almost looks like a more sharper feature than it was previously.
And since she’s now trying toget into Hollywood…there’s no way she didn’t do something to try and get a “leg up” in that department as they say (or something like that).
Lincee – Best recap ever! I was laughing out loud! Thanks for making my day a little brighter!
Lincee — as I said before, you’ve outdone yourself with this recap, and that’s saying something, given how great your others have been.
I just watched ATFR online and was struck again by how emotional CCC gets whenever the subject of his mother comes up — as someone whose parents are both deceased I have to say that it has been a bit worrisome to see CCC so close to tears — it’s occurred to me more than a couple of times throughout the series that he might not have been emotionally ready to be with Ali (or anyone, for that matter). He is definitely still in healing mode, and I’m curious whether you and your recap followers feel that he needs to be healed before he can be committed to a sweetheart.
#75 – loves waves – first…I really need to work on my addiction to this site! lol
Second…interesting point you raise. I look at this way. Everyone deals with losing a close loved one (let alone a parent) differently so I don’t look at it like..oh he should be “over it” or not get emotiional about losing his mom by now. I have a friend who’s mom passed more than 10 years ago, and any time the anniversary of that date comes around she’s a little different during that time. I have a couple other friends who also acknowledge the anniversary their parents that have passed as well (w/ time it seems to get better but doesn’t stop them from feeling however emotional they feel about it – I think that makes sense).
Everyone has to feel what they feel when they feel it…and I think it’s good not to ignore those feelings b/c it will only come back to you harder than if you just acknowledge and deal with them at that time. I think it helps with the process of dealing with various things really. It’s been what a year and half since she passed right…and he was there during the time she was in her decline…I don’t think it will matter when he’s completely “healed” from his mom’s death…he seems to be very in touch with his emotions and not afraid to show them so I think it would come out just the same or could be different and be taken as not being “over it” by outsiders b/c we/they don’t know how he really feels on the inside…because again everyone deals with death differently. Just as when he’ll have his first child…he’ll wish his mom was there to see…or when he does get married…wish his mom was there. There will always be something that will bring up that emotion about his mom for him – it probably doesn’t have to be anything major either but something special they shared. They seem to be a really close family too….so being a possible momma’s boy (which nothing wrong if its healthy) just adds to the emotion he feels about her. Some people are just more emotional than others. That’s my take on it…I hope I’m conveying my thoughts clearly.
A friend of mine and I were discussing the CCC grief issue after Monday’s show, and I totally agree with Saggleo on this point (by the way, everytime I see your name, Saggleo, I mean to comment that I am a Leosagg – does that make us soulmates? We do think the same about many things).
My father and I were very close – it’s been almost 20 years since he died, and of course I am “over it” in the sense that weeks and sometimes even months go by when I don’t think of him at all, or if I do, he is a fond but distant memory. And then there are still some times, even 20 years later, when I will see or hear something, or have a thought that just pierces my heart because of the particular intensity of the memory in the moment (my version of CCC’s seeing a rainbow in the sky during a very down time) – I’m sure that will continue from time to time for the rest of my life, and so in that sense I will never be “over it.”
People who are in touch with those feelings, in my experience, tend to “heal” (meaning, move on developing their own lives and feelings in a meaningful and productive way) far more quickly that those who are not. So I vote for CCC being even more ready to have the kind of life and love that he knows his Mom wanted for him, than someone who has not had to deal with a loved one’s passing and come to terms with the feelings of sadness and mourning that it generates.
#77 – Juno….Yes! I think it does! Just so you don’t have to worry…I am here for the right reasons! LOL
I completely agree w/ what you said…I don’t have the experience of losing a parent to convey it in that way. I’m hoping that day is far far away.
good grief Saggleo —- you need to go start your own blog somewhere else — you’re taking over … and it’s not necessarily a good thing
ooh Mean Girl goodgrief!
I like reading what Saggleo has to say, and last time I checked, this was Lincee’s site to moderate.
FYI on Ty –> http://tybrownmusic.com/
So interesting that this “Is CCC ready?” issue came up.
Seems like part of the grief he’s felt comes from being the odd man out in his family, relationship-wise. He’s been at loose ends, so it was a good time to be brave. I think the grief has been lessening with just DOING SOMETHING POSITIVE about his life and future.
Then, once he got on the show, he looked at Ali being the Bachelorette as being somewhat providential (since he said in the limo that she was the ONLY one he wanted on that show when he watched), and he just followed the path to see if she could be “the one.”
From what his exit interviews say, instead of getting stuck on the “Ali is the one since she fits so well with my family” idea, the fact that she didn’t choose him back set him free. Some have said he seemed relieved; I agree.
I know I dated someone who I thought was PERFECT for me, and literally could not imagine another. Then I met someone who changed my formula, my idea of what I needed, and it opened up my mind to the point that when Guy #1 tried to start things up again, he didn’t have the same power over me. I was relieved, too.
I think Chris is close to the point where Ali’s memory (and her “match” with his family) will have no power over him.
Also, although it would be so much fun to see his “pops” Ed and the sisters-in-law interviewing the 25 bachlorettes (!), if he took the risk to be on that show, I don’t think they would ever let him get rid of the “I miss my Mom” story line — and it might take him longer to move past it.
Saggleo, thank you for sharing. It was not my intent to judge CCC for his emotions or the depth of his feelings for his mother and her passing. It’s been 10 years since my father died and not a day goes by that I don’t see something that prompts me to think “I have to remember to tell Pop about that.” It never ceases to shock me when I realize I can’t really “tell” him anything anymore, at least not in terms that allows us both to laugh or share our impressions of something.
My concern was more in terms of how grief sometimes clouds our view of things, and how easy it would be to enter a relationship during a time of grief that might not be for the long term, however perfect it might seem at the time.
CCC did not seem to sense that Ali was just a bit more distant as time passed, that she was clearly beginning to show a preference toward someone else (first Frank and then when he left, Roberto), and I wonder if it was because he was so very eager to be in love. It’s charming and touching that he was so certain that he would ask Ali to marry him, but there was a bit of disconnect between her comments about their friendship, her oh-so-slightly different tone toward him, and I wonder if his grieving period had something to do with that disconnect.
Of course, we all have 20/20 hindsight, but he is/was such an absolute gentleman that deserves the best, and it seems to me at least possible that the heartbreak at losing his mom may have tinted his lenses just a bit too rosy.
Besides, with Ali letting him go, we can promote LINCEE for him!
Ditto to #81 bahamamama’s comment!
#84 – loves waves…I didn’t take your comment as judging at all….I was just speaking in general terms (you know that midwest news talk – lol). I do see what you mean in clouding judgment happening too …that certainly can happen with a lot of things.
I enjoy the friendliness on this site and am appreciative of Lincee giving us an open forum to discuss our thoughts.
Seriously – Lincee! I love you and your posts! I am quite sure that the number of times I refreshed this page yesterday would be deemed ‘unhealthy’
And I think I may have been smiling as big reading your summary as I was watching CCC be amazing, and watching Ali & Roberto be “so happy together” (how is the weather).
Lastly – not sure if anyone else has already said this – but is anyone else wondering if CCC might now begin to live out a real life “Sleepless in Seattle” love story?!
No one else said anything about the missing “disclaimer”… 1st thing I noticed. (Do I get a prize, Lincee…?!?!) LOL. What a great finish.
#45, thanks for that link. I liked reading Ali’s blog about their love story. She is crazy crazy in love. Hope it works for them. No worries, Saggleo, post as often as you feel the urge…. it’s like sitting on a park bench and telling a stranger your worries — you’ll never see that person again, no judging, and good to get if off your chest….we can vent on IHGB, we can admit our ridiculous infatuation with this trash tv show, and no one will judge. I like it.
Did anyone else notice this?
On the FD in Tahiti, when CCC said the (seemingly) spontaneous “God, I love you” that night by the pool, Ali laughed in response. Then CCC seemed to laugh back (nervously?) and buried his head in her neck.
Maybe I’m missing the context of why she might have been giddy at that point (other than alcohol), but it felt like a very bad sign to me at the time.
So did Chris know then that he was not F1?
Chickpea, I noticed the missing ‘disclaimer’ also and wondered if anyone was going to mention it.
I wasn’t a bit Ali fan (thought she orchestrated being the next Bach’ette with her histrionics during the Jake season), but she does seem to be really in love with Roberto and he with her. To me, they are both nice enough but seem shallow to me, so maybe they are made for eachother. It will be interesting to see if they have anything to talk about once the hot chemistry wears off —- and it will.
Speaking of Jake, did anyone see him on The View this morning? I about gagged —- puhleeeze, Jake, your 30 minutes are over, dude. He is such a tool.
I agree #61 Tulipina, it felt genuine… and that’s the first time it has felt really genuine in a lonnnnnng bachelor time. I liked the GMA interview, they seem really psyched to do some “normal” stuff.
BTW the guy who helped Ali with her FR dress, I think it must be the stylist – there is an ABC video out with an interview with him and Ali’s in it, and some of her dresses…
Make that “I wasn’t a BIG Ali fan…”
#89 old fan – you refer to a link posted to Ali’s blog, but I don’t see it (it’s not on #45), wonder if it got taken away? Can anyone re-post?!
Sagglo keep the faith girl I love reading your thoughts!! Anyhoo interview with Row–bear–toe and a decent photo of him. Also if you troll around here you will find Ali’s blog. And Lincee ah-mazing recap as always!
http://tvwatch.people.com/2010/08/03/bachelorette-roberto-martinez-finale-engaged/
ugh sorry the humidty is making my fingers swell like little sausages and the Blackberry keys and that are not a good combo. I meant Saggleo above sorry girl!!!
#89 – old fan…Amen to the addiction of Lincee, trash tv and all of you fun beaners!
#96 – TattooGal…it was hotter than crap this evening wasn’t it!? I melted walking to the train.
Keeper – you notice some very interesting things! I dig! I was confused by his change of tone in speaking of Ali to her family b/c he had told her he loved her during that date.
Not sure if most saw the Jimmy Kimmel interview with them…but Ali was looking at Roberto so ooh-lala and hard I thought she was going to burn him with her thoughts of WHATEVER was going through her mind! LOL
Well, Chris (of the Cape), Ali chose someone else, but her family loved you. As does the rest of the US. Congrats, man, you are the obvious pick for the next Bachelor. And America is waaaaaaaaaaaay excited about that.
That being said…the Chris kissing scenes look miserable. Sorry!!!
Reid. you forgot Reid ….. he was arguably very “normal” and AWESOME also. how have you already forgotten your love for Reid?! i DO love CCC though. what a solid guy.