Has a Kirkland resident ever experienced such national/local attention or had to make such a big decision? Melissa or Molly? Molly or Melissa? That was the water-cooler question of the week. And then millions tuned in to the dramatic conclusion of ABC’s Season 13 of “The Bachelor.”
Game over.
Millions were undoubtedly shocked by Jason Mesnick’s change of heart. How can we not feel for Melissa? The despair, the broken heart, the absolute worst break-up one could experience. Then, after the initial shock, Molly must have felt pure joy as she got her man back. Her dreams had come true! Please! What Molly should have done was to tell Jason that he had his chance, but she has moved on. That would have been the perfect ending. Then, Jason could have gone to choice No. 3 (DeAnna) and ABC could have added another hour-long special.
Regardless, the blogs are going crazy. The vicious comments, criticisms about Jason’s lack of couth and the show keep on coming. Was this staged? Finally, ABC’s executive producer publicly proclaimed that absolutely not, this was not staged. Guess they could have fooled us as it seemed like a twist just perfect for boosting ratings. Plus, what a better way to create an extra hour of must-see TV.
I can honestly say that I did not tune regularly to this weekly reality show that sadly turns courtship into a contest. However, I did watch the big finale including the shocking “After the final rose.” Yes, on one hand, this sucks you in as a viewer. We all have a soft spot, some bigger than others, for a love story. How many husbands or boyfriends were urged, convinced by their loved one to watch this spectacle? Many more single women tuned in just to get a glimpse of the handsome single father from Kirkland. In fact, one in particular is such a fan that she wants to be a possible back-up, just in case things don’t work out with Molly (see our Web site, KirklandReporter.com for that full story).
Regardless, of what you think, the reality of this “reality” dating show is that as much as it makes for good drama (this should have been a cable special on TNT as “They know Drama”) what it really does is turn love into a game. The intitial group of players is picked, then the game begins. The last one standing is the winner. In reality, this game makes women or men a commodity to be chosen. It’s like going on a mall shopping spree for a spouse.
Will Jason’s marriage to Molly last? Many doubt it. The odds are stacked against them. I would guess that the vast majority of viewers hope that they’ll beat those odds. Although, after Jason’s big switch-eroo, many probably would rather see Jason remain a bachelor indefinitely. I haven’t even touched upon the fact that there is a four-year-old kid in the mix. It is probably a blessing that Ty is a toddler versus a young teen. The goal all along for Jason has been not only to find his own life partner, but also someone special to be in Ty’s life. Let’s just hope Molly is that one!
Did Jason find his true love? Did Molly truly find her perfect man? Molly was the last girl standing, yet the question remains, did she truly win Jason’s heart? Only time will tell. What’s known is that ABC is the major winner in this game of love.
