Before I get into the recap of the Women Tell All, we need to address a couple of things. Bachelor nation has undergone some changes over the last several weeks. It seems like Chris Harrison is out, Emmanuel Acho is in. Rachael Kirkconnell was canceled and Rachel Lindsay is off instagram. It’s clear that that the show is in need of some changes and there are some big issues to address.
The Women Tell All
The evening started off with most of Matt’s women, except for our Final Three (Rachael, Michele and Bri). Chris Harrison began the evening highlighting Katie’s appearance on the show. Now, if you remember from my previous recaps, this is Katie. I liked her, and I had her going pretty far. I think she exhibited far more emotional intelligence than many of the other women on the show this season. And it showed last night. I don’t know if it was the younger cast – or perhaps it’s the divisive state of our nation, but the woman continued to attack Katie. For pointing out a toxic environment. And it was a toxic environment. And if the other women on the stage didn’t see that, I fear for our future. We need to be supportive of one another and humbled when our faults get called out and be willing to change when we know we are wrong. And they didn’t. They proceeded to attack Katie for pointing out some cracks in the foundation.
The Anna/Brittany debacle
Oh boy. Next up, we had the whole Anna and Brittany issue. If you remember, Anna brought up a rumor she had heard prior to going to film the show. The rumor was that Brittany was an escort. Anna falsely repeated this information to several women in the house, until it got to Matt, who then eliminated Anna. I feel for Brittany. This is the age we live in. Anyone can make up and spread a rumor. But few have it happen to them on national television. Anna gave a long overdue apology to Brittany last night, but I can’t help but think that it came off as disingenuous and something that should have happened long before the women made their way to the stage.
Abigail
Then, they brought Abigail to the hot seat. As The Bachelor’s first deaf contestant, I continue to be impressed by Abigail’s class and grace. She wins in my book, and I’d like to see her back on my screen at some point in the near future.
Victoria
Oh, we couldn’t have a Women Tell All without featuring our Queen Victoria. I don’t know if she’s playing some sort of role here, but it doesn’t sit well with me. She played a huge role in contributing to the toxic relationships among the women this season, and she needs to hold herself accountable. Something tells me that might never happen.
Matt
Before they bring Matt out, Chris Harrison invites both Pieper and and Serena P. up to the hot seat. If you remember, Serena P. self-eliminated last week because she just wasn’t feeling all the right vibes with Matt. Respect. Matt eliminated Pieper the week before, which I thought was strange because it looked like he actually had some good chemistry with her.
Serena P. is still confident in her decision to self-eliminate and Pieper seeks closure when Matt comes onto the stage. Matt didn’t have a ton to say, and you could tell he was a tad out of his element still. They *did* ask him about the whole kissing with his eyes open thing. And one thing that the women could all agree upon, was that the whole open-eyes is a big NO.
Closing Thoughts
I’m not sure I like where this is headed, and this could be the end of the franchise for me. It seems that at some point in the next two episodes, they bring Matt’s dad on camera. And, based off the preview they showed, it looks like a conversation that probably should have occurred *off* camera. I sure hope he knew his long-lost father was going to show up. If he didn’t, it’s a huge miss on ABC’s part – and pretty exploitative if you ask me. Good tv? perhaps. But, it blurs the lines between things that should remain personal and doing something for the shock value of a tv audience. It doesn’t sit well with me, and with everything that’s been going on, this might be the last season of The Bachelor I watch.
