Sometimes when Chris Harrison or ABC teases a dramatic episode of The Bachelor, fans think they are blowing smoke. After Monday night's episode (airing on channel 15 in Scottsdale), people seem to be buzzing that this was one episode that lived up to the hype and then some. Everybody's heads are still spinning, and they are anxious to see what Chris has to say in his Tuesday blog. Luckily, it is up and available already at EW.com, and he had plenty to tackle.
Though some viewers may have wondered if Emily and Ben's date was really that frightening, Chris says, “I can easily say this was the scariest date we have ever had on this show.” He adds that the crew always has someone go through an event first to ensure it will work, and this time Chris says that the crew member “told us climbing the Bay Bridge was beyond the craziest scariest thing he had ever attempted.” That's coming from a guy who apparently bungee jumps and skydives, so it's certainly understandable now why Emily O'Brien was having a bit of a panic attack. Harrison also says that there's no turning back once you start, which they didn't tell Emily or Ben before they started. Once you start, you have to finish.
Chris says the group date was truly awesome, and fans seem to think this was far better than the Thai boxing date on Ashley's season or the wrestling date on Ali's season. As for Brittney quitting the show, Chris says it's the first time someone left the show before going on a date. Many on Twitter are applauding Brittney's choice to leave when she wasn't feeling it, and it certainly worked out well for Lindzi Cox, who got the date instead. Of course what everybody is really talking about after Monday's episode is Shawntel Newton, and Chris had plenty to share.
Harrison says that he knew the bachelorettes already vying for Ben wouldn't be happy to see Shawntel show up, but he shares, “I had no idea it would go this bad.” He says, “I didn't foresee the complete nuclear meltdown that took place once Shawntel strolled into the cocktail party that night.” This did seem to be one event that truly had a large impact on the show, and Chris says it has an affect throughout the rest of the season. Chris says that the strong reactions the ladies had let Ben see just how serious they all are about the show, but fans were certainly left with a sour taste in their mouth as they watched many of the women turn into jealous junior high school girls.
Chris also adds that by sending Shawntel home, Ben “sent a definite message to the women that he's equally serious and sincere about this.” Chris adds, “This gesture and the good vibe definitely carried over” and will impact the dates next week in Park City, Utah. What did you think of Monday's episode? Were you hoping Shawntel would get to stay, or did Ben make the right choice? Were the ladies' reactions understandable or a bit much? Tune in next Monday to see the aftershocks on ABC's The Bachelor 2012, airing on channel 15 in Scottsdale at 7 p.m.
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