In the exec's defense, the 1/3 drop in ratings for Episode 1 demonstrated the flaws with it's 2/3 seasonal anthology, 1/3 continuing drama model, which is what they're hedging against with a Mr. Big. I would argue that the idea that the audience (and the show's tone) would support a "straight arrow" character as…

Agreed. But part of me hopes we get flashbacks (but I hate flashbacks) to how R/Q deal with a Suitor who isn't in repair image mode and they lack leverage.

Actually, I like the retcon that the S1 finale was a disaster.

And nonsensical. The NFL has a salary cap. No way they can be outspending Darius's team.

It's weird that they're trying that character motivation again after not handling it particularly well last season. Season finale at Tiffany's father's house?

A few years ago, The Bachelor/ette transitioned from celebs to "Bachelor Nation" so Chris Harrison's role changed to being closer with the contestants

There's a lot of rule breaking in drama, but the idea that your adversary is as strong as your protagonist shouldn't be broken. It doesn't bother me that Chet's a cartoon, it bothers me that he's a weak, ineffective cartoon.

I agree more and more with Alston's central criticism that Rachel/Quinn are overdeveloped. There's no interest when they're not on screen together. And there's no way the network brings in someone with no reality TV experience midseason.

Yeah, I have absolutely no idea what Kevan and/or Pycelle's game plan is here.

I agree with you but given what Jay said (and I'm admittedly using showrunner interviews to flesh this out) Quinn sabotaging Rachel/Adam is part of their deal over who controls this season of Everlasting, and the "official" interpretation of the finale has become Quinn ruined Rachel's chance at happiness. Which isn't…

Say what you will about The Boy Next Door (it included a scene with a first edition Iliad) JLo and Ryan Guzman had chemistry.

This show has recovered nicely from a very poor Season 2. Mr. Powell in the wheel chair is even better than him walking.
And now we have Captain Awesome!

If Jay has a specific problem with the show using race, I will understand this character change. But early returns make it seem not just that.

I think it might have been better if they tied it to Chet more. A QB struggling on the field, getting his "mojo" back by being the Suitor to 25 women.

Likelihood of a character coming back - Referencing someone by title < Referencing someone by name < showing a photo of them.

But we know the types of scandals that NFL players get into. Ray Lewis got away with murder and basically no one talked about it. People beat their gfs/spouses and it a kerfuffle unless there's video. This wouldn't be one day's news.
And as far as I know Adam's scandal was hookers, which again, wouldn't even be one…

Rachel and Quinn have a remarkable relationship. Now complicated because Rachel's chafing at Quinn's control, and resentful of blowing her thing with Adam. I can't wait to see how Quinn exploits the race issue for TV ratings. The scenes manipulating the contestants are always gold, and loved Rachel firing the focus…

Two great scenes (Rachel in the confessional and the Quinn/Rachel conversation) sorta hid the fact that Adam and Anna's characterizations fall apart in the finale.

Right, a wedding in London live in primetime in the US. Also, in one episode the contestants are reacting to tabloids reporting that Adam's texting an ex and they are always talking about last night's ratings impacting what they do next.

From interviews last season we're supposed to suspend disbelief that the women are there for true love so that the focus remains on the producers' manipulations. Maybe they should have set the show in 2005.