Andy Baldwin is a Bachelor Again Filed under ( ABC, Andy and Tessa, Andy Baldwin, Tessa Horst, The Bachelor: Officer and a Gentleman )

Totally bummed about this one. While I'd like to think there was still hope, methinks the writing is on the wall and this is the beginning of the end. Just as the newest season of The Bachelor is set to premiere, comes news that Andy Baldwin and Tessa Horst have called off their engagement.

"We are very much in love and committed to our relationship," the couple say in a statement to People magazine. "With the possibility of reassignment to a new location, we decided it was not the ideal time for Tessa to uproot herself and move out [to Hawaii] right now. Our relationship continues to deepen, and we're very hopeful about our future together." Andy went on to say, "I know that I have a year left and I may have the option of a three-year tour. There is also the option of a position in California. There is also a chance of me going back to finish my residency training. I am a firm believer that everything happened for a reason, and I am a firm believer that this happened in my life for a reason. Tessa came onto the show for a reason, and it is like a dream come true."

Something's fishy in Denmark.

Photo from ABC.

Andy and Tessa - Still Going Strong Filed under ( Andy Baldwin, Tessa Horst, The Bachelor: Officer and a Gentleman )

Recent Bachelor Andy Baldwin took his betrothed, Tessa Horst, to Hawaii for Memorial Day weekend. Judging by the beach pictures floating around the net, the two are still very happily together. Right before their holiday weekend in Hawaii, the couple sat down with Us magazine to catch up.

Usmagazine.com: Congratulations! You both must be so thrilled after having to keep your relationship a secret since the show wrapped in March. What do you have planned now that America knows that you are in love and engaged?
Andy Baldwin: We’ve been walking around New York and I’ve been screaming it at the top of my lungs! It’s not a secret any longer! We finished the show two months ago and to have to watch it all over again and it’s been really hard– especially on Tessa – to have all that drudged up.
Tessa Horst: It’s a huge relief to have it over. It’s been great moving forward with Andy since the show’s been wrapping, but it was hard that everyone around us was watching it as if it was present. We’re really excited to move forward from here.

Usmagagazine.com: You no doubt learned quite a bit about each other during the course of the show, but what have you learned about each other since?
AB: We’ve learned a lot! [Laughs] We’ve seen each other four times and talked to each other over the phone [while the show was airing]. We’ve definitely commented how much better we know each other now than we did at the end of the show. The risk we took in getting engaged is getting better and better. There are some things that Tessa has found out about me…
TH: Andy snores! [Laughs] He wakes up at 5 a.m. every morning – as if that’s a normal time to get up and start your day!
AB: Tessa’s a good cook! [Pause] And she sweats a lot from her armpits! [Laughs]

Usmagazine.com: Andy, last time we spoke, you told me you were anxious to find a new workout buddy to jog and watch Hawaiian sunsets with. Have you been home to Hawaii yet?
AB: I was back at home in Hawaii the day we finished filming and back to work the next day in my uniform taking care of my guys. I’ve done a few media trips back and forth, but I’m really excited to welcome Tessa back. We’re going home this Friday for Memorial Day weekend and plan to give her a big aloha welcome!

Usmagazine.com: Lastly, what will make your reality TV romance work when previous reality couples’ romances fizzled?
AB: We’ve found true love. We’re real people and that’s what it comes down to. We’re very optimistic and more in love now than ever – that’s such a great feeling!
TH: We were realistic going through the process and there were few surprises. I felt by the time the show wrapped that I knew who Andy was and he knew who I was. That wasn’t going to change.

Photo from Pacific Coast News.

Rewind: The Bachelor, Officer and a Gentleman, After the Final Rose Filed under ( Andy Baldwin, Tessa Horst, The Bachelor, The Bachelor: Officer and a Gentleman )

I had a tough choice on Tuesday night. I mean, a really really tough choice. The Veronica Mars finale, the American Idol sort of finale, and The Bachelor: After the Final Rose were all on at the same time. What's a girl to do? Well, I have not been as emotionally invested in AI this year, so it got the ATFR commercial time while Veronica Mars was being recorded on the other tuner. Thank God for TiVo.

I'm glad After the Final Rose got priority because it was a treat. Waaay more interesting than in the past and I think it was because Andy told both women he loved them, so he had some 'splaining to do.

The show began with some great news about previous Bachelor couples. Byron and Mary currently own a lakeside resort in Texas and are planning a Fall wedding. Charlie and Sarah, despite all rumors to the contrary, are living together in LA. And the sweethearts of The Bachelor/Bachelorette franchise, Trista and Ryan are still married and Trista is6 months pregnant.

Amber spoke first. She said she felt mislead by Andy (not compared to Bevin!) and was convinced she'd be part of the final 3. But, she was brave and said she had no regrets. I have to say that her repetitive remarks about being mature made her seem immature.

I also learned that Bevin and I are so on the same page. I remember thinking that they were going to be into each other during the pool scene on the first group date. Bevin says that was first time she knew there was a connection between them. She said there "a sparkle in his eye and undeniable chemistry." It's really hard being right all the time.

Oddly enough, Bevin says she knew Andy didn't pick her when she got in the limo and was on her way to go see him. She had an intuition that Andy picked Tessa and when she said "I can't believe this is happening" on the way there that was what she was talking about.

Andy came out and a succession of awkward moments followed. He said there's a reason Bevin made it to the final two, that she's a fantastic woman, and that who ever ends up with her is a lucky man.

Bevin was very classy, thanking Andy for a wonderful experience, and telling him that she will never forget the time they spent together. Bevin didn't regret the experience because Andy taught her how to take a risk. so all the hurt was worth it in the end. I almost got choked up! Well, until Andy told her she would always have a piece of her heart and they stared awkwardly at each other for a couple seconds too long. He put his hand on her knee. I thought they might start making out.

Andy told Bevin that his decision was made when Tessa really opened up on their last date. That simply made him feel stronger towards her. Then he finally opened up and started cracking some jokes. This show was turning into a major downer, so I was proud of Andy!

Tessa joined Andy (and Bevin was shuffled off to a dark corner somewhere) and they both got all teary eyed when watching their proposal again. Tessa says (I'm still skeptical) that she'll be moving to Hawaii in a few months. They don't have a wedding date yet, but they are optimistic. Tessa said the beginning of their relationship was so fast, so they thought they'd slow down for a bit. Good thinking, girl!

It was nice to hear a couple say that their time together since the show ended has been getting better and better. You don't hear that as often as you hear that it was really tough for them. I'm hoping that's a good sign?

We also finally got the answer to the dog tag mystery. Andy and Tessa made the dog tags at the Air and Space Museum during their hometown visit to Washington DC. Made them during hometown visit to dc to the air and space museum. He made hers and it says T-Bone, Don't Mess with Tess. She meekly admitted that his said Bach-man, Sizzling Hot.

My overall impression from the After the Final Rose show? Andy and Tessa are just adorable dorks. And for that reason, they seem just perfect for each other. We wish them all the best and will keep an eye out for any Andy and Tessa updates!

So It Is Andy and Tessa 4Ever! Filed under ( Andy and Tessa, Andy Baldwin, Tessa, The Bachelor, The Bachelor: Officer and a Gentleman )

Well, I hate to admit when Annie is right, but she did call it. On the season finale of the Bachelor, Andy dumped Bevin and proposed to Tessa. So, when did you figure out who he would pick? For me, it was when Bevin came home with Andy. Between the libido research, the Baha'i faith and the discussion about how he was really attracted to her and wondered if it was long-term, poor Bevin's fate was sealed.

Now, with Tessa on the other hand, things were light-hearted and fun. Her parents live 20 minutes away from Andy's, she was Catholic, and she was brutally honest when questioned about her behavior throughout the show. After that visit to PA, I thought all Tessa had to do was seal the deal with a big honest discussion with Andy on their last date and she'd be marching down the aisle. And when she did do exactly that in Hawaii, all the suspense was gone for me.

Here's the video of the proposal and my thoughts about the episode are below.

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• I think we had another first in Bachelor history on this show. The Bachelor told both women that he loved them. Now, the Bachelor is usually all coy with the women, saying things like "I wish I could open up to you, but I just can't." I always thought the producers wanted to keep it mysterious. Seems like they just let Andy say whatever he wanted this season, with a great payoff - a real love story.
• You could also tell Tessa was the one when you compared the two "I love you" scenes. Now, maybe it was just editing, I'll grant that. But it sure seemed like Bevin tells Andy she loves him. Then Andy hugs her and hugs her. She says it again. He finally whispers it in response. With Tessa, she said it, then he responded right back and said it like 3 more times. Game over, Tessa wins.
• I also don't think I've ever seen a Bachelorette castoff be completely silent. Bevin just looked stunned and had little or nothing to say to Andy during her dumping. And the poor girl's hair kept blowing in her face. Sigh. I felt bad for her, but really, Andy seems to have more in common with Tessa. With Bevin, it seemed like a fire that could easily fizzle. For once, the Bachelor was smart enough to figure that out and picked the right girl!
• Why, why, why are they wearing those dog tags! Good Lord, ABC. Help us out here!
• The proposal with Tessa seemed very sincere, didn't you think? And they seemed so cute and giddy right afterwards. We'll have to see what kind of vibe we get during tonight's After the Final Rose show.

So here's my theory. ABC has ditched the After the Final Rose show in the past when it was so obvious the couple wasn't going to make it, either because of the way the show went or the time apart was too tough on them and they broke up. Does this last minute announcement of an After the Final Rose show mean that Andy and Tessa are really going to make it? After 10 seasons, you'd think I would have given up hope!

Make sure you watch the After the Final Rose special tonight. I'll be back tomorrow to share my thoughts on it. And now, for your viewing pleasure, more Andy and Tessa videos created by a true Bachelor video artist, Valen:

For the pop fans, Andy and Tessa's love story to I Wanna Be With You:



And for the Country fans, Andy and Tessa's love story set to Amazed:



And for the Pop Rock music fans, Tessa and Andy's love story set to Crazy for this Girl:



Sigh. I'm sad this season's over. At least we know there's going to be another one!

Q&A with The Bahelor Filed under ( Andy and Tessa, Andy Baldwin, The Bachelor, The Bachelor: Officer and a Gentleman )

Madison will be along here soon with her wrap-up on last night's finale episode of The Bachelor: Officer and a Gentleman. Although I haven't seen the episode yet, I heard who won, and all I gotta say is, "I called it." So there.

In the recent issue of TV Guide, Andy Baldwin sat down for a few quick questions before he gave out the final rose ... and the ring.

Were you skeptical of how some other Bachelor relationships ended?
I'm not a prince and I'm not a Firestone heir. You know, [the show] has been successful [too]. Trista and Ryan are having a baby and Byron and Mary are getting married. I thought if you went in with the right attitude, anything is possible.

Can you confirm if you're engaged? I am.

Have you set a date? No, not yet.

Were you pressured at all to propose?
As things got deeper emotionally, I felt the potential for bigger and better things. To make a commitment and to propose was the right thing to do.

You've been separated from the woman you love since the end of filming...
We do talk a lot. It's been important for us to be able to lean on each other during this time [since the taping ended]. Especially her, because she hasn't been able to voice her joy and affection. We [don't] talk too much about the show. We talk about our future.

And have you talked about her becoming a military spouse?
The strength and the courage and the understanding that it takes to be a military spouse is something that shouldn't be taken lightly. She very much understands the sacrifice that goes into being a military spouse and that was a question I asked [of almost] all the women, especially coming down to the end: Were they prepared to move to Hawaii and be married to a military officers [who] could be deployed at any time?

Photo from TV Guide.

Rewind: The Bachelor, Officer and a Gentleman, Episode 7 Filed under ( Andy Baldwin, Bevin, Tessa, The Bachelor, The Bachelor: Officer and a Gentleman )

A pretty low drama episode this week, with Andy taking Danielle, Bevin and Tessa to his adopted state of Hawaii. He and Tessa went zip-lining, then spent a romantic evening together. Then it was a catamaran with Danielle and, not surprisingly, a romantic evening together. With Bevin, Andy went on a kayak/waterfall adventure, then, shocker, they spent a romantic evening together.

Here are my thoughts as I watched the episode:

• Andy looks like a Ken doll in this opening scene, carrying his surfboard. Why wasn't this entire show set in Hawaii so we'd get more shots like this?
• I have never noticed it before, but Andy is a toe-walker. Basically, if you are unfamiliar with the term, it's how dorky guys walk, toe first, then heel, which gives them a girly, bouncy step. It's very disconcerting to see Andy tow-walking in his Navy Whites.
• Maybe I'm cheeezy, but I'm loving the patriotic stuff on the Arizona. It's nice to see the pride he has in his service. Okay, enough serious stuff - how long till they're in a hot tub?
• Danielle - waaaay to much makeup, sweetheart. She has blush lines like Miss Piggy.
• Did Andy get choked up when he said good bye to Tessa after touring the Arizona? I am pretty sure he did! Could that have given his choice away?
• Is it just me or is Tessa pulling back when she kisses Andy?
• Oh, Lord. Are we going to play surprised at the fantasy suite card? Really? After all these years? And in the promos they made it seem like Tessa really had to think about it. Bullshit. She accepted it right away!
• Not sure how I feel about the soft core porn underwater snorkeling scenes with Danielle. Is Andy just trying to cross something off his list?
• This time Danielle get the "Love Lift Us Up" in the background. It's a bit more appropriate out on the catamaran than it was in the Nicole Miller store, yet still so cheesy I could puke.
• Danielle looks hotter in Hawaii with less makeup). I don't know why, but she just does.
• So the room he went to with Danielle looks exactly the same as the room he went to with Tessa. That's awkward.
• I'm thinking the producers hate Bevin. The girl sprained her ankle, so they send her on a hike in the rainforest? Then they make her go in an brown algae filled lake? I know they cheered at the end in the production room when Andy proposed, so now I'm thinking he doesn't propose to Bevin. Is she the kind of girl that elicits cheers? No, that would be Tessa.
• When he's talking to Bevin about her divorce, Andy reminds me of the Chris Farley skit where he interviews stars: "Um, remember when you were like, in that movie? With that stuff where the thing blew up? That was really cool."
• Bevin pulled out the L word first and seemed to be giggling with the dude interviewing her. Do I have to second guess my Tessa prediction now?
• I am so pathetic. I am just loving this conversation between Andy and his best friend. Andy certainly knows the women well, which you can't say for most Bachelors. It helps that none of them are uber-bitches.

So we get to the rose ceremony. Is there any doubt that Danielle is going home at this point? Was anyone surprised? She should have to go home just for wearing a black lace dress in Hawaii. Chris Harrison was even appropriately dressed, for God's sake! Even when they said goodbye, I wasn't feeling it. You could tell he made the right decision and he knew it, even with the tears. Andy and the girls head off to Lancaster, PA next week.

Rewind: The Bachelor, Officer and a Gentleman, Episode 6 Filed under ( Andy Baldwin, Bevin, Tessa, The Bachelor, The Bachelor: Officer and a Gentleman )

This week, Andy went on hometown dates with Bevin, Tessa, Danielle, and Amber. He met their families without too much drama. The hometown date episode is one of my favorites because good lord I love it when they skip the stupid cocktail party and go straight to the rose ceremony.

So, based on these hometown dates alone, I would send have sent home Amber and Danielle. Andy gave the first two roses to Bevin and Tessa. But since Andy only gets to send one person home, he gave Amber the boot. I am pretty sure (as discussed below) that her age and dysfunctional family were the main reasons.

There was no dramatic "sorry, my parents are crazy" moments or any drunken Uncle Ted in this episode. Pretty drama free, if you ask me. Well, until the end when Amber called Andy out. He tried to be nice and say it was her age, but then had to come clean and say he liked the other women more than he liked her.

Here are my thoughts as I watched this week's episode:

• Wait just one second. Did he just say he wants to "woo" Tessa? What year is it? 1834? Do men still "woo" women?
• I love that Andy tells like he sees it. For example, he said he has the most chemistry and electricity with Bevin. This seems different than other seasons, where everything The Bachelor said was as vague as vague can be.
• "I'm in heaven when I'm with Bevin." Leave lines like that for seedy bars, Andy.
• I liked the "it's something I don't regret because I learned so much from it" spin by Bevin on her divorce. Girl should work in politics!
• Andy told Bevin that she is the most mature of all the women. Again, telling one woman how she compares to the other women is not something The Bachelor usually does.
• Bevin's Dad is a crier. And not a cute crier. Now we know where Bevin gets it from!
• As Bevin herself said, the visit with her family could not have gone smoother. I mean, her mom must have been picking out wedding invitations after that visit.
• Andy said: "I want to trust that in the end, true love will prevail." I can't believe I am going to say this, but I actually believed him. It sounded sincere. He may be winning me over.
• Whoa! Stop the presses! Danielle still lives at home. Andy - that's waaaaay more of a red flag than Bevin's silly divorce. She's 25, for God's sake!
• I'm not feeling the heat with Danielle. Maybe it was the drums and the belly dancing, but it was just so booorrrring. Well, I do have to admit that the kiss at the end was pretty steamy.
• Best question and answer moment of the show: Tessa's mom to Andy: "Do you like to cook?" Andy: "I love to do dishes."
• Andy even said he can tell the other three women are in it to win it, but he was unsure about Tessa. Her response: "Um, I mean, I have this natural instinct to question . . . but I just question how genuine it is." Buh-bye Tessa. It's only a matter of time.
• Why are Andy and Tessa wearing dog tags? Clue me in here, ABC. Let's work on some editing skills.
• Why hasn't Andy been wearing more short-sleeved shirts? Hello, arms!
• In Amber's classroom, Andy replaced the word "amazing" with the word "really."
• Amber's maturity (or lack thereof) came out in her reaction to Andy not meeting her family. Dude, set up a party with your friends if your family sucks. Be positive! Don't cry on network television about it.

We haven't seen a limo freak out like Amber's in a long time. Only confirmation that Andy made the right choice. She pretty much had their lives all planned out in a stalkerish way: "We even go to work at the same time!" As if that is a good foundation for a marriage. Sigh. Good job, Andy.

Next week, the show heads to Hawaii, where we get to see the stupid fantasy suite game played out like it has every other season. Andy has thrown a couple curve balls so far, maybe there are more to come?

Andy and Tessa 4ever? Filed under ( Andy Baldwin, The Bachelor, The Bachelor: Officer and a Gentleman )

Okay, I know I said I think Bevin is it for Andy, but a YouTube video has me second guessing myself. I found this over at Joker's Updates and it is a work of art. Certainly has me thinking maybe Tessa won Andy's heart. So, to get you all revved up for tonight's episode, check out the Tessa and Andy love story:



Is it sad that I made fun of them playing "Love Lift Us Up" during the last episode, but now I love it?

Rewind: The Bachelor, Officer and a Gentleman, Episode 5 Filed under ( Andy Baldwin, The Bachelor, The Bachelor: Officer and a Gentleman )

This week's Bachelor included some community service, some kayak stealing, and the required number of both stupid and cheesy comments. Although, Andy did say "amazing" less, which I have to give him credit for. I know it's unscripted TV, but a script for Andy might be a good idea.

Andy gave roses to Bevin, Amber, Tessa, and Danielle. This means he will be going on hometown dates to Seattle, Sugarland, Texas, San Francisco, and Connecticut. The departures of Tina and Stephanie were not too surprising in light of Andy's reactions to them. Stephanie didn't open up and Tina was not affectionate. You can't blame the guy.

Andy does seem to have an uncanny ability to actually pick the right girls, so far. From here, either Bevin will go postal, or she'll be the one, if you ask me. Here are my thoughts as I watched the episode:

• As I watched the intro to the show, I realized they are pushing the whole engagement thing really hard. You'd think they would have learned their lesson on that one.
• I wish I could say that I didn't like the "Andy working out on the yacht" scenes, but if I did, I'd be lying.
• Do you think ABC gave him those Aviators? I'm gonna say yes.
• Amber, no need to hate on Tina for cleaning Andy's teeth. You're just pissed you didn't think of it first.
• The girls broke themselves up into blondes and brunettes on the yacht. Is this Beauty and the Geek or The Bachelor?
• Bevin violated the no-medical-humor rule first. "If I drown, you'll have to give me mouth to mouth." Barf-o-rama.
• On his date with Stephanie, Andy probably said one of the stupidest things I have ever heard a Bachelor say. They tasted their wine blend and he said: "Ah, it tastes beautiful, like you." Did you taste her in the car on the way over?
• Why is he so f'ig cheesy? With paint on their hands, Andy says: "Take your hand in mine, touch it to your heart." I think Stephanie kissed him just to shut him up.
• So Bevin was divorced. I don't think it's a deal breaker for Andy.
• Andy pulled out the whole "she didn't open up" and "she's young" thing when Stephanie couldn't answer even the most basic questions about herself. Or, she's shallow. The simplest answer is usually the correct one.
• Is Bevin like 40? The way she was talking about "being her age" and dating someone who is dating other, younger, girls you'd think menopause was just around the corner.
• Danielle seems too normal to be on this show. I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop. She's probably going to bust out the Star Spangled Banner or something. Wait, Tina already did that.
• When Tina said living in the house was like trying to hang out with the cool kids in high school and not fitting in, Andy said, "Cool is all about perspective." Whatever helps you make it through the day, Andy.
• Was the "Love Lift Us Up Where We Belong" necessary when Tessa picked a dress on their date? Really? In the Nicole Miller store? Soooo inappropriate.
• During Andy's date with Tessa, I kept thinking "this girl is sharp." Then Bevin came on and I thought "It's time to call the waaaambulance."
• That conversation about Tina between Stephanie and Danielle during the cocktail party seemed very producer manufactured to me.
• Andy said of all the girls, Danielle is the most invested. Andy, have you met a girl named Bevin? Or maybe one named Amber?
• Tessa's "Oh, you're drinking the wine that you made! How precious!" comment made me love her even more. She might be too normal for Andy.

Bachelor Castoff Interview: Peyton Filed under ( Andy Baldwin, Peyton Wright, The Bachelor, The Bachelor: Officer and a Gentleman )

Just in time for tonight's episode, Reality TV World hooked us up with another interview of a rejected Bachelorette from ABC's The Bachelor. Peyton Wright was left behind last week, as Andy helicoptered off the USS Midway with Tessa. It was pretty darn sad, with Andy even getting a little weepy in a very unmanly way.

Here are some excerpts from Peyton's interview:

"It wasn't the most ideal situation for me to be left standing there... but it was part of the date and that's unfortunately how it ended for me," Wright told reporters during a Thursday conference call.

"That whole day and whole evening was so emotional because all that was going through my head was, 'I don't know if I'm going to be here or not.' And so when [Baldwin] chose Tessa -- I was happy for her, I was happy for them -- but at the same time you know, I put myself out there and I told him exactly how I felt and I took that risk and it didn't turn out the way I wanted to, so that was very emotional for me," explained Wright.

Wright described herself as a "huge Bachelor fan" and added she's "watched every season that's been on."

"We thought that Andy was a hot man who looked like he had a lot going for him and I had a lot in common with, so I decided to go and audition and see what happens," said Wright. "I really look for someone that puts himself out there and he's done so much as far as going to Duke, swimming there, and then moving across the country to go to med school, joining the Navy, moving to Hawaii... he's just taken a lot of steps in his life to make himself happy and that's something that's very appealing to me. I want someone that's been able to make themselves happy before they're going to settle down with someone else."

"I've watched the show, I knew what it was all about, I knew it was a competition, but I don't think it really sinks in until you're actually there," she said. "You actually have feelings for this person, and then seeing him talk to other women, the jealousy just builds from that. You tend to forget that the other women are there. I almost had tunnel vision that when I was with Andy I was the only one there, and then you finish your conversation with him, and he's all of a sudden engulfed in a conversation with another woman. That was really hard to grasp, that you weren't the only one that he was thinking about."

"[Tessa]'s probably the one I'm going to be rooting for to win in the end," said Wright of Horst. "I think Andy is an amazing person. He has worked so hard to get where he is in life, and I just really hope that he found someone through the show. I heard he's engaged, and I heard that they're truly happy, and I really hope to see a wedding come out of this one."

Photo from ABC.

The Bachelor: Before the First Rose Filed under ( Andy Baldwin, The Bachelor, The Bachelor: Officer and a Gentleman )

I was trying to create a little play on words in the title with After the Final Rose, but they don't even do that show anymore for the Bachelor, so I guess I'm not as funny as I think I am. Since it's Friday and I'm pretending to work, I thought I would share some videos of our dear Bachelor, Andy Baldwin, before he started spending his time in hot tubs and mediating catfights.

Here's Andy accepting an award from Competitor Magazine's Endurance Sports Awards.



Andy also did a humanitarian trip to Laos and treated over 600 patients there:



There are a few clips of Andy participating in the Ironman Triathalon in this video:

Rewind: The Bachelor: Officer and a Gentleman, Episode 3 Filed under ( Andy Baldwin, The Bachelor, The Bachelor: Officer and a Gentleman )

Thanks to TiVo, I watched this week's Bachelor without commercials. It makes the 90 minute shows fly by (especially when you can fast forward through the really long pauses during the rose ceremony). The other benefit is that I can pause it and write down my reactions to the show as I watch it.

Overall, I am still a Bevin and Tessa fan. If you are looking for an update, I'll give you the 411. Bevin sprained her ankle while competing in a boot camp challenge, then won a rose for her trouble. There was a spa/mud bath date, a car racing date and a tour of the Midway. On the Midway date, Andy had to choose between Tessa and Peyton and Tessa (rightfully) got the rose. So, the girls who went home were Peyton, Erin, and Amanda.

Here's what I thought as I watched the show. Let me know if you agree in the comments:

• Stephanie T. is the girl who gives it up quickly and loses the guy to the good girl once the guy finds out that a girl who gives it up that quickly has issues. Calling it now.
• Is it just me or was the watch gift odd? So they go to the hospital, then he gives her a watch? Wha'?
• Danielle and Andy seemed more like brother and sister or just buddies. Not seeing the sparkage there.
• Peyton - "I think you're wonderful" is not a good pick up line. Especially when you are competing against other women who sprain their ankles and sing the National Anthem to get his attention.
• Whoa, whoa whoa. Barbie Doll Erin is a "Financial Analyst?" What the hell? They might as well have said that Andy was confident and smooth.
• The moments in the car with Erin seemed like some of the most real moments I have ever seen on The Bachelor in all its iterations. Maybe because there wasn't a cameraman there, just a camera in the dash. Either way, I loved it. Can we have more car scenes?
• The stethoscope moment on the ship with Peyton. A-W-K-W-A-R-D. No heat, no chemistry. Nuthin'. She seems so nice, so it's sad, but true.
• Peyton and Tessa hugging on the ship with Andy getting all whiny and crying could have been a nice moment if he weren't crying ON A FREAKING AIRCRAFT CARRIER! Be a man! Cry later!
• Andy has twice said "laid down the line" when he meant "laid it on the line." Good try, buddy. And for God's sake, someone tell him to stop saying "amazing." It's amazing how many times he said amazing in this episode.
• Was Stephanie T.'s polka dot dress from her prom in 1987?
• Kate - "I'm a really cool person" is not a good pick up line. If you have to say that then you probably are striking out.
• The fact that Andy picked up on the fact that Stephanie T. might not be sincere means that he is a good guy. No doubt. Now I feel bad about picking on him.

In store for next week, a trip to Tahoe and the cat fighting among the girls gets so bad that Andy finds out about it.

Photo from ABC.

Bachelor Castoff Interview: Blakeney Filed under ( Andy Baldwin, Blakeney, The Bachelor, The Bachelor: Officer and a Gentleman )

It's that time of year again - Bachelor time. I wish I could tell you that after all these years, the bloom has fallen off the Bachelor rose, but it sure has not. I am still addicted.

I'm trying really hard not to read the spoilers dug up by the clever screencap sleuths at message boards like Joker's Updates, but it really is tough to avoid them. My gut reaction is that Amber and Bevin are the front runners. The pool scene with Bevin especially made me feel that they had an instant connection. And she's just catty enough to make her seem real. With Amber, it feels a bit more one-way (coming from Andy to Amber and not Amber to Andy).

One thing I always indulge in are the castoff interviews, when magazines pick the brains of the women who act like idiots then wonder why they were not offered a rose. However, this interview by In Touch Weekly of Blakeney, who was eliminated the first week, actually shows some self-awareness.

WATCHING YOURSELF ON TV, WOULD YOU HAVE DONE ANYTHING DIFFERENTLY?
Blakeney: I would have eaten more food and drank less champagne! My foot got caught in my dress and I fell off my bar stool, but it was tons of fun the whole way down. My friends and family were laughing so hard. Anyone that knows me and loves me knows I'm the clumsiest person in the world. I'd do that sober. I'm not ashamed at all.

WHY DID LINDSAY PICK ON YOU?
Blakeney: She had been picking on everyone all night long and she was looking for someone to snap on. Everyone was looking for their 15 seconds of fame. She zeroed in on me when I got caught up with my dress and hit the floor. We hung out and talked after we had our words. We made up - there's no hard feelings.

WE LOVED YOUR RAP, EVEN IF ANDY DIDN'T.
Blakeney: We had been asked to do something to differentiate from the other girls. Music plays a big part in my world. I wanted to show him I had a little more spunk in me than the other girls.

DID YOU HAVE CHEMISTRY WITH ANDY?
Blakeney: He was great. He had a wonderful heart. He just wasn't a match to me. There just wasn't a connection. I'm more of an edgy person. He was such a sweet guy - maybe a little too sweet.

WHICH GIRL HAD MAJOR CHEMISTRY WITH HIM?
Blakeney: I believe Amber made a really strong connection with him. They seemed to have a lot in common, like working out. Every time he'd walk into the room, her eyes would light up. She really had a crush on him.

ARE YOU DATING ANYONE NOW?
Blakeney: God works in mysterious ways. I was sent home for a good reason because the love of my life came back into my life just a week after I got home. I believe that everything happens for a reason. I live by that motto.

Get Your Bachelor Pics Filed under ( Andy Baldwin, The Bachelor, The Bachelor: Officer and a Gentleman )

Us Weekly knows us so well. With a new season of The Bachelor kicking off last week, all we want is all Andy, all the time. In response, Us provides this short little slideshow to help whet your appetite for tonight's show.

So, who's everyone calling as the winner? Early contenders over at some of the more popular boards, like Joker's Updates and the ABC board seem to be Bevin and Tessa. Guess we just have to keep watching.

Tivo Alert: The Bachelor Premieres Tonight Filed under ( Andy Baldwin, The Bachelor, The Bachelor: Officer and a Gentleman )

Everyone here at the Glitter & Gossip offices have been waiting with bated breath for tonight ... the premiere of ABC's The Bachelor: Officer and a Gentleman. He recently sat down with US magazine for a quick Q&A and it looks like there's going to be a happy ending.

How did you get picked?
They came to me. One of my friends gave my digits to the casting people. I was skeptical, but they were very persistent!

Why did you decide to do it?
I'm at the point in my life where I want to settle down. I want a family. I took a leap of faith that I would be able to find love through this show. And I did. So I'm the happiest man alive right now!

What are you looking for in a woman?
I look a lot to someone's character. I want a woman who's going to be a wonderful wife and a great mother. Someone who can challenge me, and I can challenge her back.

Does the woman you end up with have those qualities?
She has a lot of them. That's why I'm in love with her!

Photo from ABC.

The New Bachelor Declares His Love Already Filed under ( Andy Baldwin, The Bachelor )

Yeah, we diehard Bachelor fans have heard this story before - the newest star of ABC's The Bachelor, Andy Baldwin, is telling us that he found love on the show. You and everybody else, buddy. But, hopeless romantic that I am, I'm hoping this time (the show's 10th season) it actually does work out.

Baldwin told the New York Daily News that he "has really truly found the love of his life on the ABC reality show," which premieres in the choice spot after "Dancing With the Stars" on April 2.

"I came out with an amazing woman and I'm totally in love," Baldwin declared during a conference call with reporters yesterday.

And he really seemed to mean it.

The show's producer knocked the previous Bachelors while complimenting Baldwin: "Andy came into this with real sincerity and that's something that we haven't had from all of our bachelors, unfortunately," said Mike Fleiss.

Fleiss also confirmed that of the 10 seasons, only three of the couples from the Bachelor or Bachelorette are still together: "Trista Rehn and Ryan Sutter (who actually made their love connection on "The Bachelorette"), Charlie O'Connell and Sarah Brice, and Byron Velvick and Mary Delgado."

The Bachelor is still doing the stupid "keep two people in a new relationship separated from eachother to kill their relationship" tactic. The show wrapped last week and Fleiss said: "We fly them to undisclosed locations and at undisclosed times to get them together." . . . They can also talk on the phone, said Fleiss, adding that the same option has been available to previous bachelors, although many declined to take advantage of it." What? Why wouldn't they want to take advantage of that? Makes no sense.

ABC also unveiled a Navy/Officer and a Gentlemen themed website for the show. Barf.

Photo from New York Daily News.