“For Love or Money” – Episode 5 Recap – “Fear and Suspicion Enter the Picture”

[CaliGirl]

When we last saw Rob, he seemed aghast at the “money twist” that was revealed to him by Jordan. I was reminded of the Garden of Eden with Host Jordan playing the part of the snake. That’s how dramatic the revelation seemed to be to Rob. He started mumbling about “motivations” and “con artists” thus showing us his expanded vocabulary. And now the stage is set for the unfolding drama where Rob must decide which of the three remaining money grubbers is the most expendable and loves him the least. Come and join me as we enter the wonderland that we know as “For Love or Money.”

The show begins with the usual intro and a reminder that on last week’s episode Lauren was sent packing. But even more startling was letting Rob in on what everyone else had already known about the prize money. Now I am beginning to wonder how aboveboard this whole thing is, because the girls don’t really know about the choice they have to make.

The Color of Money
There is a flashback to the week before where Jordan tells Rob that all the women initially came to the show looking only for love and that just wasn’t good enough, so the producers decided to give them an added incentive by generously throwing in the million dollars. Rob tells Jordan that of course he is very surprised. In fairness to Rob, Jordan now offers the same opportunity to him. He tells him, “If you can convince the final woman [that you have selected] to pick you over the cash, you get both.” Gasp. Rob feels much like I do because he says, “It doesn’t seem real.” I mean who the hell would pick Rob over the money? She would have to be good and drunk. However, oh bitter irony, if “she walks out with the money, you get NOTHING.”

Rob claims that he is not money motivated as is evidenced by the fact that he was a public defender at one point during his noteworthy legal career but perhaps it would be wiser to try for the girl that likes him the best. Jordan sees what a pickle Rob’s brain seems to be in and tells him that he will leave him to his thoughts. We hear Rob ruminate about the girls’ “motivations” and how “sinister” things suddenly appear to be. He now sees the girls in a whole new light and he has to battle his suspicions constantly. Come on Rob, if you ever had a reason to pickle your brain even more, this is it. Have a few drinks, but lock yourself inside first so you don’t do anything you might end up being sorry for. Now let’s work this out together.

What a Difference a Day Makes -- 24 Little Hours
In order for the girls to get to know Rob even better than they already do, 3 different one on one 24 hour dates have been arranged. Paige and Kelly have a pow wow about etiquette on these dates. They also discuss what a blow it will be to Rob’s ego once he finds out about the money offer. They are all nervous as cats and worry that Rob will get “pissed off.” Kelly is sure that Rob doesn’t know anything so no cover-up is necessary. You are assuming a lot here, Kel, but back to our story.

Erin gets selected as the first date and as she and Rob sit side by side on the private jet, she distinctly feels that he’s nervous. He, in turn, is thinking that he must figure out what to do. I have no clue what he has to figure out, but I’m guessing it’s to find out who’s (say it with me now) “in it for money” and “who’s in it for love.”

The happy couple lands in rainy Santa Barbara which is a shame because there is a lot to do there but most of it requires the usually present sunshine. They end up spending the day in their hotel suite playing Scrabble. Up until now, I had assumed Erin to be fairly intelligent, but when she argued with Rob that “sea otter” is one word and he tells her that it’s two just like “blue whale” I lost all respect for both of them. Perhaps this was just an attempt at humor so subtle that it didn’t even show up on the radar. In any case, Erin ends up winning. Shades of last week’s bowling date with Kelly!

Despite all of this we hear Erin say that she realizes that Rob is a great guy, while Rob is saying in his voiceover that he hasn’t even tried to kiss her (he is a bit more shy with Erin than he is with the others) because it just didn’t seem right. They go to dinner and Erin begins with a generic “Cheers” toast. Rob hopes she will open up to him more, and she’s afraid because of the “other girls.” Right. A few glasses of wine later, Erin’s tongue is loosened and she says that “Whoever wins will take the rest of the girls to Las Vegas.” Oooooops, they both look stricken and there is a long silence. Rob is thinking that he is now a “prize” while Erin is trying to do damage control, but not very well. The cat is out of the bag and their comfort level is non-existent right now.

Back at the hotel, on the bed Rob has a bad case of hiccups and Erin has just the remedy. She tells him to stare into her eyes for a full minute and that will cure him. I have never heard this one, but it might have worked because we hear no further hiccupping. Rob wants to ask her questions to get the truth out of her, and starts to do so. She assures him that if she is picked she would come to visit him in Dallas, and not shine him on. He seems surprised by this, but then concludes, “Finally, I think that this girl likes me a little bit.” Attaboy! Finally, they kiss for a while and Rob believes this was great for relieving the tension. Erin is trying to grasp what she is feeling for Rob when there is either a power failure in the Hotel or the conversation just suddenly stops because everything goes dark.

It is now the next morning and we see Rob and Erin return home while Rob believes they had a “breakthrough” (another of his favorite repeated words). He’s trying to come to terms with the million dollar issue by saying for the second time, “A million dollars is only one dollar with a whole lot of zeros behind it.” Did you pick that up in Law School when you were studying Client Billing Schedules 101?

Wine Country Fantasy Date
The limo comes to pick them up at the airport and we see that Paige is already in the back seat which gives Erin quite a shock and does not allow her to even give Rob a farewell hug. Meanwhile, Paige is feeling reassured by Erin and Rob’s demeanor that things are not the same as they are with her and Rob, whatever that means. While Paige makes one of her dramatic sweeping statements that she has never felt this insecure, she is ready to embark on their fantasy date.
Paige asks where they are headed and Rob tells her that it’s a surprise, but their destination is the beautiful Napa Valley. Rob is plagued with the ever present question of who is the most sincere and when he asks her, “Are you the most sincere, huh?” she replies, “I hope so” and he counters with “I hope so too.” I’m ready for my nap now, but Paige is relentless as she speculates about it being down to three girls and that Rob will get hurt if he makes the wrong decision. This undoubtedly translates to “He’ll be damn sorry if he doesn’t pick me.”

Rob points out the gorgeous scenery and the little town of Calistoga in the distance as they go on a horse drawn carriage ride to a winery and Paige exclaims, “This is like a fairy tale!” What isn’t, Princess? Rob feels that Paige is indeed the most sincere (he should have read our posts before jumping to that conclusion) and he likes her “high on life” quality while he sincerely hopes that she’s not in it for the money. Our conniving Paige now springs on Rob that she is considering removing her promise ring. I am just as shocked as Rob appears to be. Rob asks her “When?” and she says when the time is right. She is waiting for “When she falls in love.” Wait just a darn minute here, doesn’t this ring represent chastity until marriage? What were you just saying about Paige’s sincerity, Rob? You might be surprised, but I’m not. Wait, there’s more to come on that silly old Promise Ring.

The arrive at the Château Montelena Winery where they will have a cozy dinner in the basement (?) Paige zooms in for the kill now, every calculated word ready to spring from her lips. She says she needs to tell Rob something. “Wow, what’s going to happen?” says Rob’s puzzled voiceover. Paige tells us that this is so hard, it’s ”like jumping off a cliff, you have to run and do it.” What kind of pretzel logic is this? She blurts out that he might have noticed that she’s been more quiet and distant than usual and it’s because she’s scared of getting her feelings hurt because of the other (duh) girls. Rob tells her wonderful things and she desperately wants to believe them but she’s worried. This girl knows how to fish without a rod and reel. Rob says that he doesn’t know what’s going to happen but that you have to risk something in order to gain something. However, he is thinking if he picks Paige, and she picks the money then she is the greatest con artist in the world. There it is, ladies and gentlemen, the speculation is over! Rob was referring to Paige.

The next morning they are standing on the balcony when we see a hot air balloon ready to whisk Paige and Rob up in the air and take them on a ride. Rob excitedly points and exclaims, “Look, there’s a lake over there” as if he’d never seen one before. No sooner had those words come out of his mouth when he looks down and notices that Paige’s Promise Ring is OFF. When he asks her where it is, she says they will talk about it later. His curiosity is piqued. He wants to know if it fell off in the shower. Paige suddenly gets more courage than the Lion in “The Wizard of Oz” because this might be the last time she’ll ever be able to talk to him alone “Ever!” and comes out with the following: She is more nervous around Rob than she’s ever been in her life and this is the scariest thing she’s ever done, but…she feels like…she’s…falling…in…love. So THAT’S IT – the strategy has now been revealed to us in all its glory. Paige, you are a genius! The date ends with a hug and Paige’s admonition to “Have fun, but not too much fun.”

Girl Talk
Kelly and Erin are having a fun talk about what Kelly is going to do with the money if she wins. She is mapping out her shopping spree which will include stops at Dior for those fabulous shades, Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent for that cute little blouse, Louis Vuitton to get her nephew some shoes (the girl has a big heart!) and Hermes for the yummy latest perfume. She now cackles and recalls how Paige said she would go to Hermes for a scarf trying to get on their level (her and Erin’s, it is to be assumed). What a witch!

Paige tiptoes into the house and sits at the table wearing her sunglasses. Erin comes downstairs to question her and Paige admits that she’s a total mess and that something is wrong. Erin agrees that something big is wrong. Paige asks Erin if she kissed Rob during their date in Santa Barbara, and when Erin answers “Yes,” Paige continues to badger her with “A lot?” and ultimately “Why?” Oh yawn.

Fun and Games in the Snow
The jet lands in Telluride, Colorado and Rob and Kelly find themselves in beautiful snow country complete with a luxurious cabin for their own private use. Rob asks Kelly as they are snuggling together, “Who shall I get rid of first?” Wow, Rob, that’s the most direct you have been throughout this ordeal, I mean show. Kelly, never at a loss for words, counters with “Get rid of both of them at once, and that way we’ll have extra days together here.” They go out and play in the snow for a bit and Rob sees how pretty the snowflakes are on her hair. The guy is a poet, no question. Kelly says that the money has not been on her mind throughout this entire magical date. She reminds us of this frequently. Hmmm.

It’s time for dinner and Kelly is wearing a mini-skirt and boots. Can you guess that Rob says she looks “Amazing?” I knew you could. They have a strained dinner conversation about “winning” this and Rob thinks it should be about him and not the competition. Kelly assures him that all the girls that didn’t feel a connection with him have gone. He does not seem reassured and it’s harder than ever for him to be himself.

It’s time to move on to the hot tub scenario and Kelly appears in a bikini and fur boots (indoors?) and Rob likes her “Sass” (yes!) and describes her as the “Sexiest” of the group with that “Devilish grin” of hers. Now comes time for the heaviest of the Q & A’s to date. Rob is asking Kelly, “What if we were together, if we were dating?” Without missing a beat Kelly answers that they would work on a long distance relationship until they decide how it will all pan out. Major smooching now ensues in the hot tub. Kelly in a voiceover states that Rob seems much more quiet and resigned than in former times but she understands because he has some big decisions to make.

Rob and Kelly return from their date and Kelly says she likes being the last and tells the girls how “amazing” the view was from their cabin. Paige is feeling crazy and is freaking out by her own admission. She did tell him that she loves him (not exactly, Paige dear) and is now going to write him a letter to hand to him tonight.

The Aftermath
Rob now assesses the three ladies. Kelly is the sexiest. Erin is the most beautiful. Paige is just “the best.” Yeah, Rob, but who are you going to pick?

Jordan appears before the girls with a suave “Good evening, girls. This is going to be the last official elimination ceremony.” He goes on to tell them more obvious stuff like there will only be two of them left in the house and that gives them each a 50% chance of winning the loot. Jordan, the girls have already figured this out many many times. He advises them to choose their words wisely because they could be the key to Rob’s heart and says “Good luck.” My anti-emetic NOW please. Too late.

Paige is terribly worried how she will handle it if he doesn’t pick her but she bravely faces Rob as we hear her loudly unzipping her purse while she pulls out the letter and hands it to him. She zips it back up and off she goes while Rob is reading the letter aloud in her voice. How does that work? Here’s the drift: Each time she looks into Rob’s eyes she forgets about the rest of the world. She has been sincere (she knows his weak spot alright).

Kelly enters in a red dress and I believe we all know about what happens when you wear red, but Kelly laughs in the face of superstition. She tells Rob how much she enjoyed their “little escapade” in Winter Wonderland and she hopes that his decision will not be too strenuous for him. He eloquently says, “Thanks for coming down.” Uh oh.

Erin breezes in looking stunning in a white strapless dress and confidently asks, “How are you, sweetheart? Long time no see.” They have a mutual chuckle over that and she asks Rob how he’s doing and he says he’s okay. She now makes her declaration to him, “Out of the blue you grabbed my heart, but if things don’t progress beyond tonight I feel honored to get to know you.” This is the winner. With all the mundane stuff uttered, this is better than the rest. I am willing to forgive her for saying that “sea otter” should be one word.

Elimination Night is Here
The forlorn remaining three are on the staircase while Rob believes that they are all his friends and they want what is best for him. He feels the same way – he wants what’s best for him too (I just had to say that last part).

Erin – “Gimme a hug. I told you at the last Elimination that there was a possibility of something great.” He feels that they had (prepare yourselves!) a breakthrough. Erin beams and accepts. STAY.


Paige - Hug. Paige asks, “Are you okay?” (This seems to be a primary worry). He wants her to know that he had a great time in Napa Valley sharing the experience with her. He wants to see where this takes them. Paige is shocked. She can’t believe she’s still here. She cannot ask for more than “To be in love and have a million dollars. What a crazy thought.” Just you wait, Missy. STAY.

Need I go on here?

Kelly – “Hi Rob.” Rob tells her what a good time he had on their outing. (Is that all it was, Rob despite the bikini and fur boots, huh?) and that he likes her confidence and strength. However, he has a stronger connection with the two others. Kelly is amazingly gracious and comports herself beautifully as she tells him that he has made a good choice and that it’s been fun. Goodnight.

Kelly displays remarkable insight when she says that she didn’t want to be the “Last man standing” and her dream has come true. Whether or not she was covering up doesn’t matter to me, what she said sounded great.

She tosses her check into the flames and makes a stunning exit to the waiting taxi (still wearing her red dress) with the following line, “I could probably be a billionaire!” You go, girl! (I try never to use that phrase, but dammit, it just seems so right.) We see a graceful hand waving out of the taxi window as Kelly departs.

Next Week: Paige needs to decide if she’s “Really in love with him.” WHAT? Rob states that this could be the most important moment of his life and as if that weren’t enough, we are promised a “Heart-pounding finale.”

If you would like to comment on this recap, write to caligirl@fansofrealitytv.com

[Google]

 

[gidget]

Great recap..why is this show ending after the hour!! Fell for it three times now thought my recorder was off time and I thought I resolved. Thanks for your time w/ the recaps-- pretty cool...you go GIRL!

[CaliGirl]

lol, thanks gidget. Boy, am I tired!

It has run ten minutes over the hour every week for the last three episodes and I don't know why.

Next week, prepare yourself - 2 FULL HOURS! EEEEEEEK

[mrdobolina]

Damn CG!! Got this one up like quick like!

Nice job. Now goto bed!!

How the hell is Paige still there. Its that damn ring...Is that the One Ring from "Lord of the Rings" that Sauron is seeking??

[drkim]

Originally posted by dobolina
Damn CG!! Got this one up like quick like!

Nice job. Now goto bed!!

How the hell is Paige still there. Its that damn ring...Is that the One Ring from "Lord of the Rings" that Sauron is seeking??

Dang CaliGirl, that was quick and yet it was a great recap!!!

Wow - I actually guessed right for a change - that Kelly would go. Last week I thought Paige would go and Laura would stay for sure until she said that dumb "you dig me" crap right at the end. Then I knew Laura was gone. This week I thought Paige would go until I saw Kelly's date and I just thought she was so fake. I thought even Rob would pick up on it and I guess he did.

So now we've had "sources" tell us Kelly wins - which I didn't believe, and it was wrong, so I don't trust any of these so-called "sources" with the ending of the show. I actually hope Paige wins because for whatever reason she truly likes Rob.

I actually liked tonight's show - well I mean it didn't put me to sleep for a change!

[Candybar]

Originally posted by CaliGirl
lol, thanks gidget. Boy, am I tired!

It has run ten minutes over the hour every week for the last three episodes and I don't know why.

I wrote answer once bfore you must have missed it. I asked relative who works in place to know the answer and was told. "Because they want to retain live audience." I told relative they were creating pissed off audience.

[Leo]

Another great recap - and that was pretty quick too!

[Punkin]

Thanks for another great recap. I don't usually stay up late enough to see the ending and so I tape it. Watched it this morning only to have the tape cut off just as he calls Paige down the stairs. Aaaaarrrrrrrggg!!!! Why do they do that??

Fortunately, I knew right where to come to find out who's left standing before heading down the 101 to work!

[Bumpkin]

Caligirl. A great recap! You had me rolling!

Amazing that you can write such a hilarious recap for such a disappointing show so quickly. Then again Rob does give you plenty to work with.

I'm looking forward to the 2hr finale next week ...

[CaliGirl]

Originally posted by Candybar
I wrote answer once bfore you must have missed it. I asked relative who works in place to know the answer and was told. "Because they want to retain live audience." I told relative they were creating pissed off audience.

I did see your post, and I understand your point. However, my question was rhetorical. In a show this lame why oh why do they drag it out even longer? They should start "Meet My Folks" ten minutes earlier -- it's more entertaining.