Sorry, I’ve been on a bit of a hiatus. I’ve had to take care of some personal stuff, but I’ve figured that if the show can take a bit of a break, so can I! Plus, I’m not that excited about some of the stories going on lately in the nation, but there’s literally nothing else to talk about, so here’s goes nothing. Here are some of my takeaways for this week. The first few are for everyone, and the last few are for paid subscribers only.
Retire the Right Reasons but Bring on the New Season
This week the show released the official poster for Zach’s season with the following tagline: ‘Tis the season for Mr. Right Reasons. Before I proceed, to be clear, I’m starting to warm up to Zach. As before, my issue is with the franchise and not with the lead. I wish the “right reasons” phrase would disappear from the show’s lexicon. Even with the main show’s horrible track record of forming lasting relationships, he could be there for true love, but he will benefit from the opportunities he will get from being the lead. I’m not sure what the line should have been since we don’t know much about him as a person, but to me, it felt like just another generic Bachelor phrase. It almost felt lazy, and in no way, shape, or form did it make me more excited for the season.
I do think he looks handsome in the picture. I imagine someone handed him a glass of Prosecco and stole him for a second moments after the photo was taken. Entertainment Weekly said he was giving “Men’s Warehouse Model” in the image. I honestly can’t decide if that’s a compliment or not. They also mention his famous uncle, and with all of the conversation online about “nepo babies” it makes you wonder if Zach is the franchise’s first one.
Anyway, here’s a throwback video from before I joined Bachelor Nation. I love Soulja Boy, and he was definitely underutilized in this clip:
Mike Johnson is Off the Market
On a recent episode of Clickbait, Mike Johnson revealed that he is in an exclusive relationship. While our collective hearts are breaking, this news is bittersweet. On the one hand, I’m happy that he found love in a hopeless place, but on the other hand, our hopes and dreams of a Mike season might be officially shattered, which makes me sad. What could have been would have been beautiful!
Also, Mike has been putting out some great relationship advice content, so I know his lucky lady is being given the love, respect, care, and attention that she deserves. One of the things I’ve always loved about his time on the show was how open he was about his desire for love and how the women in his life shaped him into the man he is today. I’m so excited for his relationship reveal and content in the new year.
Susie and Justin
I’m not just saying this because Susie and Justin are two of my favorite people in Bachelor Nation. Still, I thoroughly enjoyed this video of them dispensing relationship advice while sipping espresso martinis by the fire. I have no desire to try an espresso martini, but Justin’s obsession with them wears me down a little more each day.
They have excellent friendship chemistry, and I wish there were more male/female besties in Bachelor Nation. While plenty of contestants (and I mean plenty) spew out tons of relationship advice, these two are people who I wouldn’t mind getting relationship advice from. They discuss bathroom etiquette, second dates, cousin sabotage, and more! It’s a cute, fun clip to check out for sure.
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