**Spoiler** 1/17 Episode 3: The Bachelor 15

[Max64]

(1) Ashley/Seal Song. I will wager $100 that that story about her dad and that song cropped up in her application, pre-show interviews. That is classic reality TV planning -- they would ask everyone, then try to match girl and artist/label. The cast would not be in on the set-up of course, because the point is to film their raw reactions to something real that is happening (Ashley being flooded with memories, Brad listening to a compelling story on camera, etc.) That's how they "plan" for what they hope is watchable TV. The key reality ingredient being to keep the cast in the dark, because none of them can act, so the reactions they seek to film have to be spontaneous. Casting involves matching Beach Body with Backstory. Production/story creation involves matching Backstory with Life Experience to create joy, sorrow, anger, etc. in guinea pigs who aren't used to being in front of cameras.

(2) Emily / Brad interactions before she told him as aired were very contrived and a re-tread from every one of the last 5 seasons of Bach/ette ("is it too early to tell my "secret"? will s/he still like me?), especially before the commercial break. I couldn't tell whether Brad had an inkling of what was coming or no, but it is such a powerful story (let's face it), it "works" as TV in the telling every single time (that was the third time the story was told in only three episodes. The gift that keeps on giving). She is a bit too sweet (borders on saccharine) for Brad, I think. I think he likes the "fire"/tough -- that seems real.

(3) Chantal interactions seem so intermittent and chopped at this point. They certainly cut away to her all the time. You can tell Brad is into it, so her "intensity" doesn't come across as psycho reaction, but it's odd because none of the character development groundwork has been laid. The supposition (based upon how far along their relationship obviously is at this point in filming, and from his post show public comments) is that a very strong early connection was made, and that if aired early on, it would distract from the other Filler Dates (the Ashley's, Michelle, Madison, etc.).

(4) Michelle's airtime made me wonder whether she was paid to act a role. Probably just manipulated on the spot, but it was ridiculous. She was trying to create a memorable character for TV, that much is for sure. He doesn't care if she stays or goes, because he genuinely does seem psyched at this point that the show is going to "work out" for him.

(5) The therapist scene was stupid addition to the show.

This is what I find odd as well. Chantal's reactions last night were way over the top for the amount of interaction we have seen with Brad. I know they have had time together but why not establish some foundation of their relationship in the first 2 episodes, they don't have to show much but at least introduce it. The other thing that is starting to annoy me is the amount of PI's that Chantal is doing, it would be nice to see and hear someone else beside Chantal and the drama queen, Michelle

[barbell]

(4) Michelle's airtime made me wonder whether she was paid to act a role. Probably just manipulated on the spot, but it was ridiculous. She was trying to create a memorable character for TV, that much is for sure. He doesn't care if she stays or goes, because he genuinely does seem psyched at this point that the show is going to "work out" for him.

She is an actress/model with screen credits. I'd wager that this is a paid "role"

[HotMomma]

(1) Ashley/Seal Song. I will wager $100 that that story about her dad and that song cropped up in her application, pre-show interviews. That is classic reality TV planning -- they would ask everyone, then try to match girl and artist/label. The cast would not be in on the set-up of course, because the point is to film their raw reactions to something real that is happening (Ashley being flooded with memories, Brad listening to a compelling story on camera, etc.) That's how they "plan" for what they hope is watchable TV. The key reality ingredient being to keep the cast in the dark, because none of them can act, so the reactions they seek to film have to be spontaneous. Casting involves matching Beach Body with Backstory. Production/story creation involves matching Backstory with Life Experience to create joy, sorrow, anger, etc. in guinea pigs who aren't used to being in front of cameras.

(2) Emily / Brad interactions before she told him as aired were very contrived and a re-tread from every one of the last 5 seasons of Bach/ette ("is it too early to tell my "secret"? will s/he still like me?), especially before the commercial break. I couldn't tell whether Brad had an inkling of what was coming or no, but it is such a powerful story (let's face it), it "works" as TV in the telling every single time (that was the third time the story was told in only three episodes. The gift that keeps on giving). She is a bit too sweet (borders on saccharine) for Brad, I think. I think he likes the "fire"/tough -- that seems real.

(3) Chantal interactions seem so intermittent and chopped at this point. They certainly cut away to her all the time. You can tell Brad is into it, so her "intensity" doesn't come across as psycho reaction, but it's odd because none of the character development groundwork has been laid. The supposition (based upon how far along their relationship obviously is at this point in filming, and from his post show public comments) is that a very strong early connection was made, and that if aired early on, it would distract from the other Filler Dates (the Ashley's, Michelle, Madison, etc.).

(4) Michelle's airtime made me wonder whether she was paid to act a role. Probably just manipulated on the spot, but it was ridiculous. She was trying to create a memorable character for TV, that much is for sure. He doesn't care if she stays or goes, because he genuinely does seem psyched at this point that the show is going to "work out" for him.

(5) The therapist scene was stupid addition to the show.

I agree with everything you said..would like to add about Emily/Brad...I had the feeling that they somehow talked about it BEFORE we saw it..because Emily said lets talk about the white elephant in the room..I thought that was kinda odd for her to start her story with that...

[anders332]

She is an actress/model with screen credits. I'd wager that this is a paid "role"

I'm shocked she's out before F4 - she would've made an excellent Wes counterpart.

[bevorules]

I agree with everything you said..would like to add about Emily/Brad...I had the feeling that they somehow talked about it BEFORE we saw it..because Emily said lets talk about the white elephant in the room..I thought that was kinda odd for her to start her story with that...

True, it was finally a Fleiss and Dice action, however the White Elephant in the room could be in reference to Brad not taking her evasiveness at face value earlier in the date. I think Emily could sense that she had to tell him or risk going home. Brad knew she had something major going on. I do think Fleiss Dice did go on because when Brad took a step back and tried again it was middle of the afternoon and then they skipped to dinner.

[Cerese]

There's something about these shows - the producers seem to "help" the people involved - or at least it can appear that way. The plane for Emily (she did seem fine with it) - and her fear that Brad would leave her if she opened up about her past and her child. If he takes her to the almost end (F2) that will supposedly show Emily that he did not shy away from her with her past (we will never know - the real reason is he may just not have fallen for her). We've seen it in other shows - the person finds that they can love again - after a divorce or whatever.
It all comes down to who Brad is. I can see the cuddling with Chantal - and obviously Chantal is very photogenic so the screencaps of the two of them glow. TPTB provide a special tented bed next week in Catalina - we'll have to see how comfortable Brad is with that. I can understand both sides of the arguments here - but it continues to concern me that Chantal's name has been just out there in neon letters the whole time. Yes she was hidden in the first 2 episodes but in the media and of course RS. Doesn't sound like Fleiss to me. But maybe Fleiss' trick will be to have some thinking Emily is the F1 - then switch to Chantal (it can't be easy sailing for her from episode 4 on), and then throw Emily back in there - will she be able to love him back? Is Emily's story going to be that he doubts that she can love him because she can't open up? Because she doesn't show emotions the way the others are(ie she will open up when the person is right). Is Chantal's story going to be that she doubts his feelings because he is kissing all the girls - but then he proposes and she realizes it's her -- awwwww

[Alanna]

There's something about these shows - the producers seem to "help" the people involved - or at least it can appear that way. The plane for Emily (she did seem fine with it) - and her fear that Brad would leave her if she opened up about her past and her child. If he takes her to the almost end (F2) that will supposedly show Emily that he did not shy away from her with her past (we will never know - the real reason is he may just not have fallen for her). We've seen it in other shows - the person finds that they can love again - after a divorce or whatever.
It all comes down to who Brad is. I can see the cuddling with Chantal - and obviously Chantal is very photogenic so the screencaps of the two of them glow. TPTB provide a special tented bed next week in Catalina - we'll have to see how comfortable Brad is with that. I can understand both sides of the arguments here - but it continues to concern me that Chantal's name has been just out there in neon letters the whole time. Yes she was hidden in the first 2 episodes but in the media and of course RS. Doesn't sound like Fleiss to me. But maybe Fleiss' trick will be to have some thinking Emily is the F1 - then switch to Chantal (it can't be easy sailing for her from episode 4 on), and then throw Emily back in there - will she be able to love him back? Is Emily's story going to be that he doubts that she can love him because she can't open up? Because she doesn't show emotions the way the others are(ie she will open up when the person is right). Is Chantal's story going to be that she doubts his feelings because he is kissing all the girls - but then he proposes and she realizes it's her -- awwwww

I think it's going to be old school.

Emily is F2 because it's too little, too late. She can't open up enough in time, but hold your horses! She learns her lesson and is now ready for love. Tune in this May!

Chantal is F1. She is afraid to trust him and is a flight risk at any and all moments, whines a lot, but no worries! Our hero will convince her to stay, she'll realize he's worth the risk, and together, they'll take that leap of faith.

As far as their SCs together glowing? I don't think it's because she's photogenic, although she is and she's a beautiful girl. It's because she's happy with him! Otherwise her behavior would be bordering on Melissa last week, but it's not. Brad is riding to the rescue to a crying/upset Chantal and it's because whatever they have is mutual and he feels it too.

[ironcat]

I'm shocked she's out before F4 - she would've made an excellent Wes counterpart.

I'm wondering if Brad insisted on getting rid of her before HTD's because Chantal can't stand her and he didn't want to upset her further by keeping Michelle around that long?

I expect the Chantal vs. Michelle war (ie, good vs. evil), which is just ramping up, is going to carry us through the next several episodes until Michelle is sent home.

[jlccaz]

I know for a fact that the diving date/Catalina was scouted and planned for Jake's season. Makes sense to save it for Chantal-Brad scenario-- a strong self reliant woman, front runner, catalyst sort of date for the actual couple, to develop her vulnerability, realizing (on camera! how exciting for the folks back home!) that she needs to depend on a man to be the strong one sometimes. (Like Jillian and Kip on the zip line, except of course there was never much of a romantic connection there. Jillian likes Bad Boys, not Nice Guys).

Chantal is Deanna version 2.0. It's plain as the nose on Brad's face. He sampled other wares along the way, but he likes tough girls. Deanna was close, but just not the right version of one.

[Alanna]

I'm wondering if Brad insisted on getting rid of her before HTD's because Chantal can't stand her and he didn't want to upset her further by keeping Michelle around that long?

I expect the Chantal vs. Michelle war (ie, good vs. evil), which is just ramping up, is going to carry us through the next several episodes until Michelle is sent home.

Chris Harrison, is that you, man?!

He promised that the Michelle vs. Chantal war is just starting!

I can only imagine the hissy fit Chantal threw on their date in Anguilla when she had to sit there and watch Michelle attack Brad on the beach.