I'm not embarrassed to admit I still watch The Bachelor and The Bachelorette. Okay, maybe slightly embarrassed, but still I watch. And so do many of my very bright and funny lady friends. In my opinion, there are many reasons we tune in every week, and not one of them is thinking that these folks are actually going to find their true life partners. We certainly poke fun at some of the contestants and the general absurdity of the whole set-up. But each Monday, we're back for more.
However, there's something going on this season that doesn't seem to be sitting well with a number of viewers — a quick glance at my personal Twitter feed proved that this Bentley situation may be turning people off. If you're watching, you'll know what I'm talking about. If you're not, here's a quick rundown: One of Ashley's suitors (who she had been warned about prior to coming on the show) is definitely not as they say in Bachelor-speak "in it for the right reasons." It would seem that he may have thought a different girl was going to be this season's Bachelorette or that he simply is in it for the self-promotion/"fame". Either way, it's very clear that he doesn't really like Ashley. In fact, he's fairly insulting to her in many of his one-on-one interviews.
In a classic "girl ignores red flags flying everywhere" scenario, Ashley is falling hard for this guy, even though he barely seems to be paying attention to her when they're in the same room. And the ABC promo editors seem to be reveling in her eventual humiliation and heartbreak (even more so than the guy who wears a Phantom of the Opera mask...but that's a whole other story.)
Now, obviously when you sign up to go on one of these shows, you have to know that you're not going to like every shot you see and perhaps the way you are edited. But this is starting to feel out-and-out mean to the poor girl. Of course, there was no guarantee that she would fall for Bentley and as far as I know, there's no rule that would kick you off the show for being a complete and total jerk. Still this is starting to feel like a low-blow ratings ploy by the network in how it is exploiting its Bachelorette's emotional state. And to be fair, it's totally working on that front.
What say you? Is anything and everything fair game if you sign up for a TV show to try to meet your husband? Or is there such a thing as going too far with a real person's feelings?
-
'Really Good, Actually' Is Our February Book Club Pick
Read an excerpt from Monica Heisey's debut novel, here, then dive in with us throughout the month.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
Creating a Pared-Back Wardrobe Starts With the Basics—Here Are My Top 30 Picks
I’ve got the essentials covered.
By Humaa Hussain
-
The 10 Best Plus-Size Sweaters, According to Fashion Experts
The best size-inclusive knitwear the internet has to offer.
By Emma Childs
-
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Turn Archie's Iconic Beanie Into a Force for Good
Remember Archie's adorable bobble hat?
By Emily Dixon
-
40 Photos of Princess Diana You've Probably Never Seen Before
It's all about the lesser-known moments.
By The Editors
-
Beyoncé's Breathtaking 'Spirit' Video Features a Cameo From Blue Ivy and a Potential Subtle Meaning
The red hair might have a deeper significance.
By Emily Dixon
-
Princess Charlotte Gets Cuter By The Day
A look back at the young royal's sweetest moments.
By Sally Holmes
-
Miley Cyrus Channels Her Fiercest, Strongest Self in New 'Charlie's Angels' Music Video
As of midnight, Miley Cyrus, Ariana Grande, and Lana Del Rey released their new song for the Charlie's Angels reboot, "Don't Call Me Angel," a catchy new song.
By Katherine J Igoe
-
15 Photos of Celebs Being Naked in Really Weird Places
BRB, posing naked in a tree.
By Rachel Epstein
-
Jenny Slate Is Trying Not to Overshare
Back in the spotlight with new indie film Landline, the self-proclaimed "chatterbox" finds herself mid-evolution: How does she stay real in the public eye without getting herself into trouble?
By Nojan Aminosharei
-
Jennifer Lawrence's Plane Made an Emergency Landing
The 'Hunger Games' star is safe following the incident.
By Amy Mackelden