Was there really any doubt who Brad would choose?  Mother Teresa Barbie aka Emily has had Brad’s heart from their first date.  I was worried that he wasn’t good enough for her, and still think that might be the case, but he seems to genuinely love her.

It seemed quite obvious to me throughout this episode that he just wasn’t feeling it with Chantal. He rarely kissed her on the lips, didn’t touch her often, and picked a date where they weren’t really able to talk or interact.  His behavior toward Emily was completely opposite.  Even his mom commented on the fact that he couldn’t keep his hands off of her.  And almost all of their dates have been romantic, with plenty of time to talk and get personal.

I did feel kind of bad for Chantal.  She jumped in, heart and soul, quite early on.  I think she’s in love with the idea of being in love — she’s already met another guy and thinks he might be the one.  But I felt some of her pain during the “After the Final Rose.” Brad was quite honest about being in love with Emily for a long time, and that left Chantal feeling like a fool.  Especially after she pleaded with him -more than once- to send her home if he knew it was going to work with her.  It just so happened that it obviously DIDN’T work with other girls more than her.  Michelle was too controlling, Shawntel’s job creeped Brad out, and his relationship with Ashley H. stagnated.  So he was left with Chantal, who had no chance of competing with Emily.

So where are they now?  Apparently there was talk of making the “After the Final Rose” show their wedding.  But Emily is wise enough to know that their relationship needs real world experience before making that commitment.  They spoke of Brad’s temper being an issue.  I saw a small bit on Entertainment Tonight where they interviewed an old girlfriend of Brad’s.  She mentioned his temper as well.  But Brad said that Emily was worth making every effort to change.

I have to say, I was surprised with how in depth Chris Harrison went into their relationship.  I felt like he was playing ‘couples therapist’ in front of millions of viewers.  And by the way, I can’t STAND Chris Harrison.  He is so cheesy and scripted — it takes great willpower for me not to skip through anything he says.

So in the end, Brad chose Emily.  Only time will tell if they actually make it to the altar, but I believe Brad loves Emily enough to make it happen and fight for their relationship.

Ashley H. was named the next Bachelorette on Jimmy Kimmel Live last night.  The new season airs May 23 at 7 pm CST on ABC.

Wow. This episode did not disappoint! Laura and I were chatting before the show aired what the scandal could possibly be, and I have to give her credit for hitting it right on the nose. If you didn’t watch, Rozlyn apparently had a relationship, during the show, with a staff member on the show. That staff member got fired, and Rozlyn was sent home. That’s pretty much the gist of it, but if you want to read about it in more detail, go to Chris Harrison’s blog.

As far as the rest of the episode played out, I just LOVED Ali’s date. Of all the seasons of Bachelor, I think that date wins the “Elaine’s Favorite Date” award. I have been on a small airplane for a date once, and it IS romantic. But, to be flown by your date, looking hot, wearing the “Top Gun” sunglasses, pretty much beats mine. And, (the main reason why it’s my favorite) to end the night with a personal concert by Chicago would be the icing on the cake. They have been my favorite group since I was about 14 years old. So, maybe my husband will read this post, and when we’re rich, he can take me on the date of my dreams. Lucky Ali! (Oh- I can’t forget to mention the absolute cheesiness when they played “On the Wings of Love” and showed them in slo-mo.)

The only 2 bachelorettes I want to comment on are 1) Elizabeth and 2) Michelle. I was a little surprised that someone on The Bachelor would go as far as to tell a guy she doesn’t want to be kissed until she’s the last one. Sleeping together is one thing, but kissing… really? And then, of course, what does she do? She gets alone time, talks to Jake about 6 inches from his face, asks if he wants to kiss her, and (I think) totally rats herself out as being a flirt, tease, and a game player. Anyone who actually has certain standards that they want to keep will do anything but put themselves in the situation to break those standards. Anyway, I really hope Jake can see through the game playing…

And Michelle, Michelle, Michelle… that girl needs to go home. She is way too emotional! I know that she may think Jake’s the one, but a lot of girls, myself included, would not, and should not try and find love this way. I’m not the type who likes competition when it comes to guys. I want to be pursued. And I think a lot of girls feel that way. How can you go against your nature, and try to fight for attention just to possibly be one of the last ones standing? Anyway, clearly, Michelle is not cut out for it. And I’m going to say it again- She needs to go home next week!

If I had to bet, it looks like it’s Vienna who gets sent home… even before the rose ceremony. So, we’ll find out! Oh, and as sad I was for the 2 who went home this week. I’m pretty sure it was Christina’s drunkenness that sealed her fate. Have these girls not learned how completely ridiculous they look and sound when they’re drunk?

So, this season… let’s face it… is going to be cheesy!! From the first moment they started Jake’s intro, I was laughing out loud! All of the shirtless moments of running, weightlifting, walking on the beach, and pondering in the sunset, coupled with the longest list of overdone “pilot” puns, had me wondering if there was any way I could make it through even the first episode. I know the intros are always cheesy, but have they always been this bad? Maybe I need another episode or two to become numb to it.

So I convinced myself that I may only be watching this season for “entertainment” purposes. Watching some of those girls get out of the limo got ridiculous; half of them brought something along to help them stand out, the other half flaunting their “assets,” including one model who totally posed for the camera as she got out. Hmmm, she’s not here for publicity, is she?

Anyway, while I thought much of it was ridiculous, I was, of course, hooked by the end. The drama that will potentially happen this season has me intrigued. I know they have to come up with new things… but what is it going to be this time? And I’m sure as we see more, I will be rooting for a specific girl or two. I don’t have too much to say at this point. Like many of the reality shows, it takes me a while to find out who my favorites are. I don’t think Vienna will stay long, and Michelle… really? That girl is an emotional roller coaster! One of the girls said it best- it’s good to come here to fall in love, but not if you’re desperate. And clearly Michelle is desperate. I give her one more week.