We are five episodes into the season, and with ten episodes planned, we are at the halfway point. So, rather than recap two shows that didn’t change the arc of Joey’s journey to find love (take a sip!), I will offer my thoughts on the season so far. They are listed in no particular order.
The ratings are GREAT!!! The Premiere exceeded last year’s ratings, and viewership has climbed each week. It’s the first time in seven years that weekly increases have occurred! Day-after streams and one-week streams are very strong. And per @bachelordata IG, Joey’s IG growth is extraordinary. It’s apparent that the Suits at ABC (sABCs) made the right choice in casting Joey as the lead.
That said (take a sip!), is it me, or is the cast of ladies rather dull apart from Daisy, Maria, and the various Troublemakers (who are more annoying than dull – I’m looking at you, Lea, Jess, and good riddance Sydney)?
As to Daisy, she is far and away the interweb’s most popular contestant. She’s getting the “Hero edit,” i.e., she’s had the most screen time, is always seen in favorable situations, speaking positively, and is away from drama. And Instagram? Whoa. She’s gone from 10K followers to over 200K since the season began. Except for Maria, all the other contestants are far below 10K.
As to Maria, this season is noteworthy in the sense of not having a villain but rather having her as an anti-villain, i.e., the person that the villainy of others (Sydney, Lea, Jess) is being projected onto. Maria is also popular in Bachelor Nation, having gone from 5.6K IG followers to almost 50k.
Joey has a high empathic capacity and “connect-ability.” He is making all the girls feel like they are The One and seems sincere in his feelings that each one could be The One. This means we can expect some BRUTAL breakups and likely breakdowns by Joey.
Finally, here are some @bachelordata data and predictions:
- Lexi got the Week 4 1-on-1 date. The Week 4 date has NEVER won The Bachelor.
- Combatants Maria and Sydney had a 2-on-1 date. Since 2011, NO contestant who survived that date went on to win. Not looking good for you, Maria.
- This one will be interesting to track. She’s created a formula[1] called Risk of Elimination that weighs roses received pre-Rose Ceremony, individual date time, kisses shown, screen time, and villain/drama. I think this is an interesting concept and I’m excited to see how it works out. Going into Monday’s episode, here were the Risk of Elimination assessments:
Autumn– low risk of elimination (gone this week)- Daisy – low
- Kelsey A – low
- Kelsey T – low
- Lea – low
Edwina– medium (gone this week)- Katelyn – medium
- Lexi – medium
- Rachel – medium
Allison– high (gone this week)- Jenn – high
- Jess – high
Madina– high (gone this week)- Maria – high
Sydney– high (gone this week)
It’s important to note that Lea injected herself into the Maria-drama, so her Risk of Elimination has likely increased. And with Autumn gone, will Joey’s Final Three be Daisy and the two Kelseys?
Speaking of Autumn, she should look for work on the Hallmark Channel. She looks like Emilie Ullerup.[2]
Speaking more about Maria, one of the season’s best comedic moments came on Monday night when Joey and Maria were serenaded with a performance of Ave Maria after Joey gave her the 2-on-1 Victory Rose.
That’s it, boys and girls. See you next week.
P.S. This week’s viewing wines over two nights: finished up a good Oriane Languedoc Syrah-Carignan Blend and started on an excellent Bound Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
[1] I love this woman LOL.
[2] Don’t ask me how I know this.
Ray's Musings 
Leave a comment