The Bachelorette Recap: Wicked Ways

As a seasoned observer of human relationships, let me tell you, this episode was a rollercoaster of emotions. Jenn and Jeremy, those two lovebirds with their shared sense of humor, seemed to click like peanut butter and jelly. Their connection was palpable, and I must admit, the bouquet-making moment was quite charming.

It’s quite fitting that, as we approach the release of “Wicked: The Musical: The Motion Picture – Part 1,” we see a long-anticipated elimination. Goodbye, Samm! At last! All it took was a straightforward question that required him to remember and connect past events to throw him off balance. It’s almost shocking that it wasn’t until the week before hometown visits that Jenn or anyone else questioned, “Wait, what is he actually saying?” And isn’t clear communication the essence of “Wicked: The Musical: The Motion Picture – Part 1”?

As I delve into this week’s episode (and the intriguing Willy Wonka-esque encounter with every Bachelorette ever), let me set something straight. While scrolling through Twitter, there was a lot of speculation that Samm is Luke P. However, allow me to clarify – Samm is NOT Luke P. Luke P. was a man of conviction; he had a clear-cut philosophy and ideology. Luke P.’s beliefs were deeply rooted in his conservative, misogynistic, and hypocritical values, which led him to jeopardize his relationship with Hannah Brown. Luke P. represented something. Merely uttering phrases from a collection of aphorisms and catchphrases does not make one Luke P. All of Luke P.’s phrases were derived from the Bible. Samm’s quotes, on the other hand, come straight from the captions of fitness influencers and pick-up artists.

In the realm of the Bachelorette film universe, it’s noteworthy that Samm draws some inspiration from Jed. Picture this: a man who charms with words but often comes off as arrogant and focused on his own popularity, relying heavily on a single strategy. Unfortunately, Samm’s approach didn’t resonate as deeply or impressively as Jed’s famous line “Mr. Riiiiiight Guuuyyyy.” It’s commendable that Jennifer finally prompted Samm to share one admirable trait about her, effectively ending his tactics.

Let’s get into it.

We’ve returned to America, specifically Seattle – fondly known as the Emerald City – for the week preceding the Hometowns Date. This is the same week when Jenn went back home, so she understands the intensity of the contestants’ emotions at this juncture and could use some assistance to navigate through it. It seems like many former Bachelorettes reside in Seattle because we are about to witness a procession of them. Charity is the first to arrive! She meets Jenn in a quaint coffee shop to aid Jenn in dealing with her feelings. Charity mentions that she maintained a list of all the suitors and wrote notes about each after their dates, which leaves Jenn wishing she had done the same. This encounter also marks the first time Jenn admits that she only shares a physical bond with Samm and wants to explore if there’s more to it.

As a passionate film enthusiast, I found myself among my fellow hotel dwellers, with Jeremy being the lone gentleman yet to experience a private rendezvous. Despite my admiration for Jeremy’s laid-back vibe, I couldn’t help but question, “Isn’t he supposed to have his one-on-one by now?”

To put it simply, “Wicked: The Musical: The Motion Picture – Part 1” is a prequel that delves into the backstory of the witches, Glinda, Elphaba (who later becomes the Wicked Witch of the West), Madame Morrible, and the Wizard. It’s about their personal journeys, challenging choices, and ultimately, the exploration of deep, complex characters – particularly emphasizing empathy, self-discovery, and love. While the original novel “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” can be interpreted as a commentary on the gold standard, “Wicked” is often seen as an allegory for standing up for those who cannot speak for themselves, which could be related to animal rights. However, these are interpretations, and the film’s themes may extend beyond these ideas.

As a marketing professional with over a decade of experience under my belt, I find this scenario both intriguing and a bit challenging. On one hand, the yellow-brick road metaphor is a clever nod to the classic “Wizard of Oz” tale, making it relatable and engaging for many. On the other hand, the idea of using a lawn dart to pop balloons filled with messages from the past could potentially be overwhelming or even distressing for some individuals, especially those who have experienced trauma.

As a longtime fan of musical theater and someone who has always cherished the bonds between family members, I can’t help but feel a deep connection to this scene. The way Marcus receives a video message from his sister, hinting at her importance in his life, resonates with me on a personal level. I too have experienced the profound impact of a sibling’s love and support throughout my own journey.

As they move to the latter part of their date, Marcus shares that he finds a connection with Jenn’s mother, admitting that his family wasn’t conventional. He recalls an incident where his parents left him and his sister at daycare and never returned. This revelation caught everyone off guard, as it seems hardly comparable to any other family situation. Jenn refers to their families as “unconventional,” which feels like an understatement given the circumstances. Jenn expresses that this is the romance she’s always dreamt of and felt unworthy of receiving. Marcus receives the rose at the end of the date.

The Space Needle is lit up green. Coming to theaters this Thanksgiving.

It’s now time for the group date, and Jonathan, Samm, Devin, Grant, and Spencer are participating. They visit a radio station with Bender & Jubal! I find great pleasure in the names of local morning show hosts. My favorites from my childhood were “Eddie & JoeBo.” Isn’t that fitting? Jason and Molly Mesnick are present as well, since this date is a recreation of one of their group dates from the past.

Jenn expresses her concerns about Samm to the group, suggesting they might want to challenge him. They engage in a word association game with the guys. Spencer links “Rose” and says “Me,” while Samm associates “Fantasy Suite” with “Aggressive.” This doesn’t look good. Oh dear, oh no. Everyone is visibly concerned and Molly is clearly shocked. When asked to describe Jenn in three words, he responds with more than three: “I would say, fire, strong passion. Ever since our first conversation, I’ve been falling in love with you. I didn’t know you could show love the way I do. It took your toast about a fierce love for me to be so unconventional and daring.”

The hosts provide him another opportunity for an exclusive conversation, but Samm expresses his initial disinterest in Jenn, stating “I stepped out of the limo and I felt, This girl isn’t my type. I expected Daisy or Maria to be the Bachelorette.” IMMEDIATELY ELIMINATE HIM. Furthermore, Samm questions Jenn’s selflessness without offering any examples, while Spencer, observing from another room with the other men, quickly counters with “I can think of multiple instances!” The other contestants grow frustrated. In a desperate attempt to turn things around, Samm confesses, “To be honest, my love language is physical touch,” before he proceeds to kiss Jenn forcefully. Oh dear. Yuck. Yuck. Yuck. Yuck.

As they move onto the evening segment of their date, Grant confesses his growing affection for her, Devin does the same, and she returns the feelings. However, all eyes are on Samm. Jenn initiates the cocktail party by expressing her discomfort over a particular conversation and seeking clarification. Devin queries Samm if he suspects she’s talking about him, to which Samm responds, “It could have been anyone.” He exudes confidence, I must admit. In an act of utter desperation, Samm reveals his feelings for Jenn. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Jenn is left bewildered and perplexed, repeatedly urging him to provide a coherent explanation about HER. In a moment of mental breakdown, Samm begins repeating “Passionate love. Daring love.” There will be no group date rose for him. Jenn has some serious thoughts to ponder over.

To delve into Samm’s predicament later, it’s time for Jeremy’s individual date with Jenn. Their bantering relationship is filled with laughter and shared humor, often remarking how they feel most like themselves in each other’s company. On this outing through Pike Place Market, Jeremy frequently quips, “Is this where you kill me?”, a running joke that Jenn seems to find amusing, despite its ominous undertones.

As a therapist with over two decades of experience working with couples and individuals, I’ve seen my fair share of romantic entanglements that range from heartwarming to downright bizarre. In this particular scenario, Samm’s words struck me as a classic case of emotional manipulation, dressed up in flowery language and pseudo-poetic phrases.

In simpler terms, Jenn inquired about Samm’s summary of their one-on-one date and his observations about her. After a prolonged pause, he replied, “She was intense.” He made it clear that he was finished with the conversation, indicating goodbye. As he left, he commented that her energy was rather subdued. Additionally, he reiterated, “The essence of the matter is what it is. Focus on the main issue.” This statement seemed vague to Jenn.

It’s time for the rose ceremony. Devin gets the first rose and whispers, “You’re the best. I trust you.” And the final hometown rose is … Jonathan. GRANT AND SPENCER NOO!!!! Grant says he’s ready to give everything to someone and Spencer calls his mom and cries a li’l bit. I want both to be co-Bachelors. I love them.

Next week — Hometowns!!

2024-08-13 17:55

The Bachelorette Recap: Wicked Ways

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