I'm not a fan of the ABC series The Bachelor. The show always seemed a bit contrived to me, and I'm turned off by the whole premise. Can one man really find his true love through a reality television program? The show comes across as an excuse for a whole lot of high drama, sexual shenanigans, and tacky displays as each contestant tries to outdo the last to win the affections of the bachelor.
So when I heard there was a new season of The Bachelor, called The Bachelor: London Calling, I didn't think I could sit through the series.
A few participants on reality dating shows have found true love (like Trista and Ryan); however, I've always felt that these types of series are more about getting your fifteen minutes of fame than finding a soul mate.
An English Gentleman on The Bachelor: London Calling
I was intrigued by the prospect of a British bachelor, so I decided to give The Bachelor: London Calling a chance and watch the show. It was a pleasant surprise and I'm really enjoying this new entry in The Bachelor series. What makes The Bachelor: London Calling so appealing? The choice of Matthew Grant as the new bachelor was truly inspired. Not only is 27-year-old Matt a classy English gentleman, the clash of cultures as he tries to find an American wife is quite interesting.
I've doubted the sincerity of some other bachelors that ABC has recruited for the show. Matt, on the other hand, is quite clear in his intention to find a bride, and in The Bachelor: London Calling, he appears very passionate about his desire to marry, settle down and start a family.
It's fun to watch cultures collide as Matt uses British expressions with the American ladies, and experiences all the different personalities of the contestants, who come from a variety of backgrounds. Matt is proper, and has a touch of the aristocratic about him, but he's never stuffy. He knows how to loosen up and have a good time, and it's fun to see him enjoying himself with all of the ladies.
Vulnerability can be attractive, and in The Bachelor: London Calling, both Matt and his ladies seem to wear their hearts on their sleeves a lot. I think Matt's intentions and hopes of finding love ring true, and feel very much from the heart. I never get the idea he is playing with the ladies who are vying for his affections.
However, some contestants on The Bachelor: London Calling appear more authentic than others in their pursuit of love. Are some of the women more interested in Matt's money and the idea of moving abroad and playing the role of an English lady, or are they truly interested in the bachelor, just for himself?
This early on in the game, it's a bit hard to tell. Interesting early contenders include the aggressive Robin, who is one of Matt's favorites. She receives a rose from him, but has managed to offend nearly everyone else in the house with her actions. I find myself questioning Robin's motives a lot. She is clearly very competitive and out to win at all costs, but is her desire to win a reflection of her feelings for Matt?
One of Matt's favorites, actress Shayne, shows more sincerity in her pursuit of Matt's affections. On the surface, Shayne seems like a self obsessed actress and sex kitten type; she has even admitted to being materialistic at times and quite high maintenance.
Yet Shayne is quirky, and funny, honest and open, displaying some touching moments of vulnerability. I think she might be the dark horse and pull out in front of the other ladies, as the major contender to win The Bachelor: London Calling.
Criticisms of The Bachelor: London Calling
The Bachelor: London Calling is a delight to watch because of Matt Grant; however, there are problems with the show. It is part of the format, but I find it a bit demeaning how the ladies pull each other away from the bachelor and scheme for his time. It makes you wonder why any self respecting woman would put herself through this to find a mate, no matter how attractive or appealing the bachelor in question.
The petty infighting and cattiness of the ladies quickly wears on the nerves. I also find it distasteful how the bachelor makes out with most of the women in house, enjoying a lot of physical contact and going on “dates” with the ladies, often as other contestants look on. Maybe it's just me that gets offended by this behavior, as this type of format for The Bachelor franchise seems to be quite popular, and this kind of activity seems to be a staple of reality television.
In defense of The Bachelor: London Calling, while the ladies have indulged in some abusive behavior among themselves, the physical intimacy between Matt and his dates has been somewhat discreet (so far.)
The Bachelor: London Calling and the Final Rose
In The Bachelor: London Calling, Matt faces some hurdles in his quest for true love. Not only does he need to follow his passionate heart, he must really use his head when making the final choice.
Some of the ladies he is drawn to on The Bachelor: London Calling, simply would not make a match in his real life in England. For example, he is drawn to wild free-spirited Kelly, but recognizes that she wouldn't fit into his life at home. The same could be said for Ashlee, someone he feels a connection with, but could she play the role of proper English lady, wife and mother?
This leads me to believe that he will choose Amanda to be his bride. Amanda, who often provides comic relief on the show with her recurring case of hiccups (called “the meeps”), has been a quiet force. Matt was instantly drawn to her, though she never forces herself on him or tries too hard. It is important that Matt's bride be classy, and able to blend seamlessly into his world, yet she has to be fun and have that spark of attraction. I feel that Amanda and Matt are probably destined to be a couple by the end of The Bachelor: London Calling.
But don't rule out Shayne to win The Bachelor: London Calling. Despite his misgivings about her, Matt seems drawn to her like the moth to the flame. Even if she is not the ideal fit for his more sedate world, Matt may very well go with his heart and fall for Shayne.
This much is for sure, despite the problems with The Bachelor: London Calling and my feeling about this type of reality show in general, I'll be watching. English gentleman Matthew Grant has truly won me over with his warmth and sincerity, and I'll be there when he hands out his final rose.
Watch The Bachelor: London Calling Monday nights at 10 pm on ABC.
