The Bachelor – Season 16, Episdode 11 – March 12, 2012 – Season Finale – SPOILERS

It’s “the most controversial finale in Bachelor history”.  That is, at least, according to our fearless host, Chris Harrison.  More so than Jake and Vienna?  Wow.  That IS controversial then.

Ben, Lindzi, and Courtney are still slumming it in Switzerland for the finale.  His mom and sister join him to interrogate the ladies.  Ben’s sister, Julia, tells him that a girl not getting along with all the other girls is a “Red Flag”.   Those words are falling on deaf ears, my dear.  Ben must be like the little kid who has to touch the stove himself to find out that it is indeed hot.  He wants to learn his lessons the hard way, I guess!

Lindzi is so nervous that she can’t keep her utensils in her hands during lunch with mom and sis.  Her visit is uneventful, and they both seem to love her.  One down.

It’s quite fun to watch Courtney squirm as she tries to defend herself to Ben’s mom and sister.  She has an obvious uphill battle in convincing them that she is in fact not a %#tch.  Ben’s mom, Barbara, agrees with Courtney that Ben is “the best”, and we all know that she is not in the least bit biased.  When Ben talks to Julia about Courtney, she calls Courtney “very, very sweet”, which leads me to believe she is just as crazy as her brother.   It appears that they are all drinking the Courtney Kool-Aid, because they seem to prefer her to Lindzi.  The more that I think about it, maybe Courtney WILL fit right into the Flajnik family after all!  Never mind that “uphill battle” I thought she had.  These people are push overs!

And, now for one more date with each of the finalists.  Lindzi and Ben have a chat while hanging over the Swiss Alps in a gondola.  Uh, no thanks!  The Bachelor really likes heights, I guess.  Then they spend some romantic time back in the suite.  It’s always difficult to watch at this point, when it’s down to two, and the women are saying, “I love you”.  Awkward!!!

Courtney and Ben take another helicopter ride on their final date.  I feel like the helicopter was an over-used mode of transportation this season.  When Courtney and Ben make snow angels, she says that she “only has one wing”.  Hmmm…Be a little nicer, and maybe you’ll get your other wing!  Let me know if you happen to hear a bell ring.  Back in Courtney’s hotel room, I get the feeling that every word that comes out of her mouth is said in an effort to win an Oscar.  Oh wait; this is television, so it would be an Emmy.  In other words, this girl is putting on quite the act.  And, most of it is said in her award worthy little girl voice.

All of these weeks of dating and crying finally lead us to this moment…The Final Rose.  Both women choose long black gowns with a cape for the occasion.  But, Courtney ups the ante with long black LEATHER (or possibly, pleather?) cocktail gloves.  Some may say that the gloves are a little much, but I’m sure it’s quite chilly there in Switzerland.   I’m not sure about this, but I think it may be the first time that both ladies chose the same color dress for the grand finale.  Maybe Lindzi and Courtney have more in common than we thought!

Lindzi is in the first helicopter to arrive, which usually isn’t a good sign.  She then waits patiently to hear the dreaded “But…” come out of Ben’s mouth.   And, the even worse, “I’m in love with someone else.”  So, that does not end well.

Courtney is up next, and Ben tries to fake us out with another “But”.  For just a moment, we think he may choose nobody.  However, he winds up down on one knee with a sparkly diamond ring.  Courtney gets the final rose, much to the dismay of most of America, I’m sure.  And they both exchange, “I will love you forever’s”.  Or, at least until the “After the Final Rose” special…

And, in one final note, unfortunately, at the very beginning of this season, I inadvertently read online that Ben was going to choose Courtney.  It turns out that this was the correct outcome, but I wish people wouldn’t spoil the entire season like that.  Oh well, bring on The  Bachelorette!  And, no spoilers, please!!!

What’s Your Take?  Did you read a Spoiler, and know who Ben was going to pick?  Are you surprised that he picked Courtney?  What did you think of the After The Final Rose Special?

The Bachelor – Season 16, Episdode 9 – February 27, 2012 – Switzerland – SPOILERS

The three remaining ladies, oh… and also Ben, go to Switzerland for more crazy adventures. Switzerland will also be the land of the overnight dates. This should be interesting…
Nicki is the lucky recipient of the first Swiss date. The first thing on the agenda is a helicopter ride… How original!!! Nicki spills her heart out to Ben on a mountain top, and Ben’s enthusiasm seems underwhelming to say the least. I love how the ladies always feign surprise when they are handed the Fantasy Suite Card, like they have no idea what it could possibly say.

On their date, Lindzi and Ben rappel down a cliff. Okay, is this The Bachelor or Amazing Race? Personally, I’d be like, “I signed up for free dinners, trips, and cat-fighting, not for this crap!” Every good rappel should end with a dip in the hot tub, and this one is no exception. I was beginning to get a little worried, because you simply can’t have an entire Bachelor season without at least one hot tub scene, now can you? Then on to dinner and then the Fantasy Suite, which Lindzi cleverly describes as, “a fantasy of a suite” just to mix it up a little. You don’t say, Lindzi? Very well said! Ben sees himself with her for the rest of his life, or at least a few more days.

And last, but not… first, is Courtney. The model we all love to loathe. As they are in the Swiss bakery, Courtney says that this is how their life would be. You do realize you’re in Switzerland right now, right Courtney? Just another day in the life of a jet setting model, I guess! And, Courtney cries while pouring out her heart to the camera, which proves that she is not only a model… She is a model “slash” actress. Courtney finally shows a sliver of remorse for how she has acted towards the other women, but I think it’s only because she fears it may cost her a rose. Not feeling like it’s true regret here. So much for blaming ‘editing’ on how she is portrayed, since she pretty much just admitted she’s been a real, uh, witch this whole time. And, in the making up for lost time category, Courtney and Ben partake in some hot tub ‘activity’ as well.

And, in the “She’s Baaaaack” category, we have Kacie B. Don’t these people realize that coming back never, ever works, ever?!? For a couple examples of this, let us remember: Reid from Jillian’s Season and Ryan from Ashley’s Season. Kacie figures that if Ben won’t have her, she may as well try and throw Courtney under the bus one last time. As a side note, I found out that the “B.” in Kacie B. stands for “Boguskie. Just thought that was an interesting last name…

At the Rose Ceremony, Ben chooses Lindzi first. He then takes a long pause before uttering the word we all were hoping we wouldn’t hear, “Courtney”. So, Nicki was sent away in the usually fashion, with tears streaming down her face. I cannot wait for next week’s episode of “The Women Tell All”! Should be a good one!

What’s your take? Should Ben have given Kacie another chance? Is Ben “crazy in love” for keeping Courtney, or just “crazy”? Which trip destination was your favorite this Season?

The Bachelor – Season 16, Episdode 8 – February 20, 2012 – Hometown Dates – SPOILERS

I’m sure everybody’s biggest question going into the Hometowns is if Courtney actually has parents, or if she was hatched on another planet.  I must admit, the suspense is killing me!

The first victim, errr…lady, is Lindzi.  She calls Ben her “boyfriend”.   Well, her boyfriend has three other girlfriends on the side.  Ben visits Lindzi’s family in Ocala, Florida.  Her parents seem very open to having Ben as a son-in-law.  Summary:  They appear to be pretty laid back and let Ben off the hook pretty easily. Whew…one down.

Up next is Kacie in Tennessee.  She welcomes him with a marching band while twirling a baton.  This girl is obviously very proud of her baton twirling skills.  I wonder if she can make a living at it?  She tells Ben that her dad is a federal probation officer and doesn’t drink, which doesn’t bode well for the grape stomping Ben.  Ben tells Kacie’s dad that “her ability to communicate” is one reason he’s kept her around.  That sounds about right for what you tell a girl’s father.  I think her mom looks very young to have two grown daughters.  Summary:  They are very old-fashioned and skeptical.  That went well…not really…

And, now it’s Nicki’s turn down in Texas.  I do believe I am seeing a Southern trend in these hometowns here, ya’ll.  So, is it any surprise that they dress up in cowboy boots and hats?  Cliché alert!!!  Nicki’s divorced, so there are a few hurdles to overcome with getting dad to give his blessings to this relationship.  Nicki and her dad’s conversation is the sweetest and most heartfelt of the show.  Nicki tells Ben she’s in love with him.  Has she seen his hair?  I guess love IS blind.  Summary:  Divorced girl, ready for love again with her parents’ cautious support.

In an effort to get us to stick around until the end of the show, the producers of course save the best (meaning the craziest) for last…Courtney.  Oh boy, hold onto your spurs, ladies and gentlemen!  We move to the west to visit Courtney’s family in Scottsdale, Arizona.  Although Courtney expects us to believe that she has had her heart broken over and over, I have a feeling she’s the one who’s done the heart crushing more often than not.  We find out where Courtney gets her penchant for catch phrases (remember…Winning…).  Her entire family has their annoying little sayings.  Her sister prefers, “Lock it up”, while her dad likes nuggets such as, “Marriage is life’s greatest gamble”.  Her mom talks in the same annoyingly grating voice as her daughter.  I see an SNL skit featuring the Robertson family in their near future.

Courtney has a wedding planned, complete with vow writing and an officiant.   If any of the other girls pulled this stunt, I have a feeling Ben would’ve high tailed it out of there.  Courtney has some sort of a spell over him.  A witch’s spell, most likely. All that’s left is for her to turn Ben into a frog.  Summary:  There are no words.

For the first time since Week 1, the Rose Ceremony is back at home base in L.A.  Chris and Ben reminisce about all the dates, and then it’s the moment of truth.  Not surprisingly, Courtney gets the first rose.  Kacie gets sent home, because her dad was scary.  She doesn’t take it well at all, and she says what is probably the first bad word of her life.  She’s probably just upset that she doesn’t get to go to Switzerland.

What’s Your Take?  Which house would you want to visit for dinner?  Was the ‘faux wedding’ too much?  Can you believe this Season is almost over?

The Bachelor – Season 16, Episdode 7 – February 13, 2012 – Belize – SPOILERS

Only six ladies remain, and it’s hard to believe that we are already this close to Ben choosing his soul mate.  Or, at least his temporary one.  This is the last elimination week before the four hometown dates, so the pressure is on.   There are no roses handed out on the one-on-one dates this week.

Lindzi gets a one-on-one date.  I think she is super cute.  A frustrated Emily compares Ben to a piece of cheesecake in swim trunks that was stolen away from her.  I was thinking more along the lines of chocolate mousse; at least that’s what his hair sorta reminds me of.

Ben really likes to torture his dates.  A helicopter ride isn’t exciting enough; let’s jump into a “Blue Hole” that is 500 feet deep.  Sure, why not?!?  I like how Ben is always saying how HE has this great adventure planned.  Sure, Ben, you did all the planning.  There were no producers or other ABC employees involved whatsoever.  I have a feeling that, if Ben was the one “planning” these dates, they’d be at the local Cineplex with a box of popcorn.  Later, at the forced romantic dinner, Ben makes Lindzi tell him how much she likes him.

Emily gets the second one-on-one, and Courtney cries about it.  Does this girl actually have emotions?  Nah…I’m sure she’s just acting…getting ready for that wonderful career she is hoping this show leads to for her.  She’ll want to be taken seriously as a model turned actress, I’m sure.  Is this the way that Meryl Streep got her start, I wonder?

Emily and Ben ride bikes and catch lobsters on their date.  This guy really makes you work for your dinner.  I’d probably give up quickly and just stop at McDonald’s.  They have those in Belize, don’t they?

Another date card arrives, and Courtney gets the last one-on-one date.  Thank goodness, she can shut her trap now.  You can now add “snap” to her favorite sayings along with “winning”.  How endearing!  Ben and Courtney spending the rest of their lives together is about as likely as…ummm…Oh, never mind, it’s just not going to happen!  My fave moment of this episode is when Ben tells Courtney, “I want someone that’s a little bit weird.  Seriously.  I think I’m kind of strange.  I’m kind of a weird guy.”  Okay, if those are his criteria for a woman, then forget what I just said.  I think this relationship actually may work after all!

At dinner, Courtney says that she has tried to be so nice to the other women, and they just weren’t having it.  She then proceeds to call them vanilla and say she would never be friends with them in real life.  No wonder she has a lot of ‘guy friends’.  She’s a piece of work, this one!  Don’t they say that when you have a problem with everybody, you may actually be the problem?  Ben!!!  Listen up, here!!!  RED FLAG ALERT!  Uhhh…Yeah… he doesn’t care…

Rachel, Nicki, and Kacie get a group date.  And, it’s a calm, relaxing date of shark diving.  Yeah, you heard that right, folks.  I guess whoever survives this adventure gets a hometown date next week.  That’s one way to narrow the field, Ben!  Kacie survives and gets the rose.  I love how Ben still calls her Kacie “B.” even though the other Casey is long gone.  I can envision their wedding officiant now… “Introducing, for the first time ever, Ben and Kacie B. Flajnik”! Ha!  If I were her, I would just keep my maiden name “B.”.

Chris informs the ladies that Ben doesn’t need a cocktail party, because he knows what he wants to do.  But, when the Rose Ceremony begins, he asks Courtney if he can talk to her alone.  Well, maybe he should have had the cocktail party after all.  Courtney stays and Rachel and Emily are sent home.  Rachel swam with sharks for you, Ben!  Dorky AND dumb…this Bachelor has it all, I tell you!

If she doesn’t win, I really hope that Courtney is the next Bachelorette!  You know that I’m kidding, right?  Not sure how sarcasm translates here.  And, on that note, Happy Valentine’s Day, everybody!!!

What’s your take?  Are Courtney and Ben made for each other (because nobody else would want them)?   Is Ben the worst Bachelor ever, or do you like him?