""I dunno, man. Just put a bunch of old people in a house. It'll figure itself out." But it won't! It won't just figure itself out! For all his flaws (and we know now, he's certainly got flaws), the benefit of Gerry was he was so empathetic, vulnerable, and emotionally open that every interaction felt like it was full of hope. Even if he was faking it, Gerry seemed so grateful and engaged in each woman."
"Mel is fine. He couldn't be more of a guy and a dude. Do you have to fill out your guest list for your Super Bowl party suite? Mel is your guy! He might even make a call and get you that extra party sub on the house. But when it comes to being vulnerable and dynamic onscreen, you might want to go with someone else."
The season of The Bachelor lacks chemistry and romance as it progresses through manufactured rituals. Mel appears likable and helpful but remains emotionally reserved and less vulnerable than predecessor Gerry. Gerry's empathy and openness created hopeful, engaged interactions, while Mel often responds with neutral replies like "likewise" to confessions. Production choices seem aimed at replicating earlier attention rather than fostering authentic connections, condensing hometown visits and limiting emotional stakes. The result is a show that feels contrived and low on romantic momentum, with the upcoming hometown segment creating suspense only because eliminations feel unpredictable.
Read at Vulture
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