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Two bachelors go home -- one stirred, one shaken -- in Croatia
By Diane Vadino
Special to MSN TV
This week, the bachelor pack travels to Croatia. Shooting any iteration of the “Bachelor” franchise in a tourist spot can impact that destination’s bottom line by huge amounts of (American) dollars (er, we imagine that if “Bachelor Pad” traveled somewhere, it would actually make people less likely to go there, but they’re the exception), so it's easy to imagine the Croatia tourism crew alternately going wild with delight and despair as Emily et al tour the historic walled city of Dubrovnik, drive along its scenic coasts, and shoot a massive advertisement for a film set in another country: Scotland. (It all has to do with this year's movie tie-in, "Brave.") Was Scotland unavailable? Weren't we in London last weekend -- just a short train ride away from kilts and highland games? "Croatia is the perfect place to fall in love," Jef says. Maybe just not quite as perfect as Scotland.
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Emily tells us she' using this week's dates to weed out the weaklings. (Not in so many words.) "I couldn't ask for a better date," Travis says blandly, as he says pretty much everything he says to Emily. "He just has a good heart," Emily says, equally blandly. The entire date -- a tour of Dubrovnik -- is like watching two bland people walking around the blandest town imaginable. They head to dinner, and Travis says he's hoping to "bust out of the friend zone." He's like the anti-Ryan. "Tonight, I'm really looking for that romance," Emily confirms. "If it's there, I'm going to find out tonight." As dinner progresses, it becomes clear, if it hadn't been for the last several hours, that it's just not going to be, even if Travis is a cutie with a sad story about an ex-fiancée and no other girlfriend for the past two years. "I don't want you to think you did anything wrong," Emily says, trying to let him down easy.
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Next comes this year's egregious movie tie-in, "Brave," which is all the more egregious because it is actually in total conflict with, for example, being in Croatia. But: cue the bagpipes! And the kilts! ("The difference between a skirt and a kilt in nothing," Jef says. Then, so egregiously: "But then, love takes bravery." The producers seriously must pay them to say this stuff.) What happens next is not quite as good/mortifying as the open-mic comedy night of "Bachelor" seasons past, but it's still pretty funny. Well, Chris is pretty funny, as he holds the bow and arrow like -- I mean, maybe you'd say, "like a girl," but obviously Katniss would shoot an arrow right through his wobbly heart. ("Chris puts out an interesting vibe when he shoots a bow and arrow," Doug says.) "Hopefully I stand out enough to Emily," he says, and this is pretty much a case of getting what he asked for but not what he wanted. Then he can't exactly hoist a tree trunk (Sean manages to break his in two), and makes the foolhardy decision to challenge the super-built Doug in a Scottish variation of a tug-of-war. He is roundly humiliated in every contest, but Emily (pityingly?) gives him the "bravery" award. They reconnect at the cocktail party. Isn't there something just slightly off about all their interactions? "If I do get that chance, I'm going to take it ... it's just going to get better, I promise," Chris says. Emily interrupts him to go grab something red and flowery. "I'm not giving out a rose based on who threw a tree the furthest," Emily says. That's obvious, since she's giving it to Chris. Also, Jef and Sean kiss her again, while Arie goes for a more full-on make-out session in front of a shop window.
Back at the house, "everybody at the house is up in arms against Ryan -- everyone has caught on to his game," Jef says. This is because he has the night's one-on-one -- and the first second one-on-one of the season. "He shaves his legs and plucks his finger hairs -- it's weird!" What follows is the evening's best exchange (of course, it's Ryan with himself): "The world is our pearl," Ryan says to Emily, when she arrives to pick him up. "No, it's not, it's our oyster. See, I'm always seeing the good in things." The best thing about this is Arie's visible and urgent discomfort. "He's a *%!%," Arie says. (I think it was "douche.")
Back to their date. "I don't really know what to think about Ryan," Emily says as they drive around the coast, ultimately ending up on an oyster boat. "This ain't exactly putting me in the mood," she says as they swallow some oysters. "It's as good as it can get -- this may be the woman that God has chosen for me," Ryan says. Then, idiotically, he tells her again that -- if she's really, really lucky -- she can be his trophy wife. "Trophies dont' talk back," Emily says, unhappily. "She is going to be somebody's trophy wife," Ryan says, "and I'm pretty sure I have a good chance of making her mine."
What happens next is the evening's second best exchange: "I wrote down 12 things that are qualities I would like to find in my wife," Ryan says, which are basically 12 ways a woman can make Ryan's life better. They include: faithful, loyal ("stands by my side good or bad"), logical ("somebody that thinks before they react"), “an encourager” ("always lifting me up and never ridiculing"), confident, a few more that are vaguely repetitive of what’s come before, and magnetic ("somebody people are drawn to -- and I think you have that!") Lucky, lucky Emily. The way it's edited, it seems like Emily's immediate response is this: "Can I be honest with you? Sometimes I feel like when I'm around you, I need to be perfect all the time. I don’t want to be married because I fit into their mold." Ryan does see this as the game-changer it is. "Your list of things you look for in your future wife -- to be honest, at the top of my list would be a loving family and not a perfect one. That would be at the top of my list, and it wasn't on yours. While I do have so much fun with you...I don't know if what we want out of a relationship is the same." No rose for Ryan! He's in absolute disbelief. "That is very shocking," he manages. "I think the potential to have something is there. I can't help but maybe think you're making choice." Emily wobbles, but stays firm: Ryan's going home, and he’s hoping that the show won't portray him as an "arrogant ass." Win some, lose some.
Inspired by last week's discussion with Emily -- in which she told him to watch out for her better -- Arie stops by Emily's room to make out with her some more and reinforce her decision to kick out Ryan. She gives him a secret rose. It's a little bit like Mel Gibson and his first wife in "Braveheart," speaking of Scotland. "I'm definitely in love with Emily," Arie says. "I could ask that girl to marry me tomorrow.
The rose ceremony is more interesting than it should be because Emily can't totally choose between Doug and John. Doug is a funny one: It seems like we're getting to know him better than Emily is, as a totally stand-up guy with a gentle but sharp sense of humor and the confidence to bring the whole debacle with Kalon to the fore. John also seems like a nice guy, even if he brings out the grandparents-funeral-card thing to sway her. What can we do, other than cut them both in half and stitch them into one? Emily dashes out of the rose ceremony to find Chris (he's not there the whole time? What?) to share her concerns: She can't choose! Chris reminds us that "there are no rules" (except for the one about her not running off immediately with Arie), and though she starts to fake us out with the whole "I can't give out one final rose tonight" (emphasis: "one"), Chris soon arrives with two. We're keeping everybody!
"The Bachelor" airs Mondays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.
Amy's Baking Company adds immigration proceeding to public relations quagmire
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Amy's Baking Company restaurateur Samy Bouzaglo, made infamous for his stint on Gordon Ramsay's show "Kitchen Nightmares," is facing deportation for withholding information about his criminal past. The Moroccan-born Israeli citizen was apparently less than forthcoming with immigration officials about drug distribution and extortion charges that landed him in prison before he came to the United States 13 years ago.
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Bouzaglo is now mired in ongoing immigration court proceedings that could result in his expulsion from the country, AZ Central reports. His attorney, David Asser, says the matter began two years ago and is unrelated to his unflattering portrayal on FOX's "Kitchen Nightmares." His residency was the subject of a removal hearing on Monday in Arizona. Samy tells the Arizona Republic, "The FBI knows all about me ... The IRS knows. I want people to know about me. But not today, not tomorrow. I have nothing to hide."
Plus: 'Bachelorette': Where are they now? | Celebrities playing celebrities | Summer shows we're excited about
'Starting Strong' to chronicle what it means to live, eat and breathe Army life
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Actor Ricky Schroder and his production company have joined forces with the U.S. Army to produce an unscripted series that will shed light on the different aspects of Army life. "Starting Strong," which is directed, narrated and produced by Schroder, aims to educate Americans about daily life in the Army and potential careers within the organization. Viewers will be introduced to more than 150 military occupational specialties by Army prospects who will share their personal on-the-job experiences. Schroder tells the Hollywood Reporter, "This is sort of new for the Army to give this behind-the-scenes, open-door look at what it means to live, eat and breathe Army life. Viewers are going to see real young men and women getting real experience in living, eating and breathing Army culture and jobs."
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One focus for the series will center around the expectations of military candidates and how they match up with reality. The series will follow trainees through the challenges of their chosen profession until they ultimately decide to join the Army or return to civilian life. Schroder explains, "Sometimes what the families want the young man or woman to do is different than what they end up doing. And the Army's standards are higher than ever. So, in some cases, the Army may not want you because you are just not up to standards. You will see some of that, but it will be handled in a very delicate and gentle way." The 10-week chronicle is set to debut on FOX stations on June 2, with four additional episodes available online.
Plus: 'Bachelorette': Where are they now? | Celebrities playing celebrities | Summer shows we're excited about
'Who Do You Think You Are?' to return in July on TLC
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Lisa Kudrow's family tree-themed "Who Do You Think You Are?" has taken root at a new network after bosses at NBC axed it last year. Sarah Jessica Parker, Susan Sarandon and Lionel Richie were among the celebrities who investigated their ancestral history on the series, which ran for three seasons and was executive produced by former "Friends" star Kudrow. NBC executives decided to cancel "Who Do You Think You Are?" last May, but it has now been picked up by TLC.
A statement from Kudrow reads, "I've never stopped hearing about how much people love 'Who Do You Think You Are?,' and I've always known that we've had more great stories to share. TLC is a great home for the series, and we join our excited celebrity participants as we unearth some amazing background and surprising histories." The new eight-part reality series will kick off on July 23.
Plus: 'Bachelorette': Where are they now? | Celebrities playing celebrities | Summer shows we're excited about
Former 'America's Got Talent' star headed to Britain's 'X Factor'
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Former "America's Got Talent" star Sharon Osbourne is back in the judge's seat after signing up to return to Britain's "The X Factor." "The Talk" co-host, who is one of the original judges on the TV talent show, will take a seat on the panel alongside singers Nicole Scherzinger and Gary Barlow, as well as Irish music manager Louis Walsh. Announcing her comeback, executive producer Simon Cowell says, "Three words I never thought I'd say ... Welcome back, Sharon!" Osbourne, who starred on "The X Factor" from 2004 to 2007, adds, "I couldn't be happier about coming back for the 10th anniversary of 'X Factor.' I can't wait to give Gary Barlow a big hug, sit next to the gorgeous Nicole and of course throw water on dear Louis. Yay!"
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She later tweeted: "How lucky am I to have 2 jobs @TheTalk_CBS & @TheXFactor? I will be going back & forth all yr (year), best of both worlds!" The news was confirmed on Wednesday following months of speculation about who would replace British pop star Tulisa Contostavlos in the upcoming 10th series. Meanwhile, the judges for the new season of "The X Factor" in the U.S. have now been set: Kelly Rowland and Latin pop star Paulina Rubio will be replacing the departed Britney Spears and L.A. Reid on the show.
Plus: 'Bachelorette': Where are they now? | Celebrities playing celebrities | Summer shows we're excited about
Report says FOX has approached Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson and others
"American Idol" is in need of a makeover, and that could mean turning past winners and contestants into judges.
FOX and the producers behind "Idol" have approached first-season champion Kelly Clarkson and former contestant Jennifer Hudson to become judges, reports Vulture. While FOX has yet to comment about the show's 13th season and who will be judging, sources tell the website the network has shortlisted Adam Lambert and Clay Aiken as well.
"I'd like to see a past 'American Idol' contestant," Angie Miller, who finished third this season, told TVGuide.com, when talking about future judges. "They really understand what this process is like and what you do during the week. (It should be) someone who gets it."
Plus: Summer shows we're excited about | 'Felicity': Where are they now? | 'The Bachelorette' Season 9
Miller's wish could come true. According to The Wrap, all four judges from Season 12 -- Randy Jackson, Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban -- and even producer Nigel Lythgoe are getting the boot. But so far, Jackson has been the only one to officially wave goodbye.
But a change in personnel is inevitable. "American Idol" suffered a considerable ratings slump this season. The network and producers are also reportedly fed up with paying out huge sums to big-named stars who don't stick around. Although Clarkson and Hudson wouldn't be cheap, they should be more relatable because they've competed on the show.
They might also presumably attract a broader, younger audience. "Everything is on the table," Kevin Reilly, FOX's entertainment chairman, told reporters last week. And if the Vulture story holds true, that means fans of "Idol" could see a judges' table full of familiar and friendlier faces.
"American Idol" Season 13 returns to FOX in 2014.
| Tags: | American Idol |
Amy's Baking Company cancels press conference, part ways with PR firm
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Lawyers representing Gordon Ramsay's "Kitchen Nightmares" have warned Amy's Baking Company owners to stop discussing their "unflattering portrayal" or face paying $100,000 each. Amy and Samy Bouzaglo were sent a legal notice from the show's attorneys last Friday after "Kitchen Nightmare" bosses learned of the couple's plans to hold a press conference in advance of the restaurant's "grand reopening" to tell their side of the story, according to Radar Online. The couple ended up canceling their press conference. Shortly after receiving the cease and desist from FOX, Amy's Baking Company was dropped by their new PR firm, Rose+Moser+Allyn Public & Online Relations on account of what publicist Jason Rose describes as "differences on public relations strategies."
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According to reports, the letter claims that any media session, especially one derogatory against the show, would constitute a breach of contract and make the couple liable for $100,000 in damages each. It reads, "We understand that you are planning a public event on May 21, 2013, at which you will discuss your experiences and your 'unflattering portrayals' on the show. If you speak about the show without Upper Ground's and FOX's prior approval, and if you disparage the show, its host, or its producers, you will breach your obligations under Paragraph 10 of your Personal Release and Paragraph 14 of your Participant Agreement." The letter goes on to state, "These agreements prohibit you from speaking publicly about Kitchen Nightmares, other than to acknowledge 'the mere fact of your participation in the Series in personal publicity relating to yourself.' Your conduct exposes each of you to liability for liquidated damages of $100,000." In their episode of "Kitchen Nightmares", the Bouzaglos were unwilling to accept chef Gordon Ramsey's attempts to rehabilitate their struggling restaurant.
Plus: Summer shows we're excited about | 'Felicity': Where are they now? | 'The Bachelorette' Season 9
'Voice' coach recounts experience at Denny's with fellow bandmate
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"Voice" judge Adam Levine swore off drugs early on in his career after a strange experience on prescription medication Ambien. The Maroon 5 frontman and his bandmate James Valentine mistook the sedatives for stimulants and took them while on tour. But instead of giving a much-needed boost, the drug knocked them out cold -- while they were waiting for dinner.
Levine explains, "We had a brief experience one time with what I guess was Ambien. James Valentine and I, we didn't really know what it was ... It was the first and last time we took this drug. But we were at Denny's at some shady part of the city of whatever part of the country we were in, and we took it and we ordered the food ... and we woke up at the table, what must have been an hour (later) ... I was like, 'Oh, no.' And James had his head down, so I was like, 'Hey, man. Hey, we should get out of here.' We didn't eat our food. We sheepishly paid our bills and walked out, and everyone's looking (at us) like, 'What's wrong with these guys?' And then since then I've never done drugs."
Plus: Summer shows we're excited about | 'Felicity': Where are they now? | 'The Bachelorette' Season 9
Soap veteran and pop star join Jon Lovitz, Sebastian Bach, Darrell Hammond, more
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Actress Lisa Rinna and pop singer Debbie Gibson have joined the cast of the upcoming reality show "Sing Your Face Off." ABC recently snapped up the rights to the hit Spanish talent show "Your Face Sounds Familiar," where celebrities take on the identity of a legendary singer each week. Veteran soap star Rinna, comedian Jon Lovitz and former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach have signed on as contestants.
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Toronto Raptors basketball ace Landry Fields and teenage Disney Channel singer/actress China Anne McClain are also gearing up for the challenge. The show will be hosted by "Scandal" star John Barrowman. Their performances will be judged by Gibson and comedian Darrell Hammond. An air date for the show has not yet been set.
Plus: Summer shows we're excited about | 'Felicity': Where are they now? | 'The Bachelorette' Season 9
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Deanna Barnert | Los Angeles, Calif.
Entertainment journalist Deanna "TVDeeva" Barnert visits sets, interviews industry players and critiques the final product. Buzz's daytime TV queen covers it all for MSN TV, but loves her sitcoms, soaps and any juicy drama that doesn't call itself Reality TV.
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