When promoting The Bachelor season 24, ABC warned viewers to "expect turbulence." Well, Peter Weber's season is underway, and there has been far more drama than romance when it comes to pilot Pete's search for love. There are a few frontrunners, but Peter's connections haven't had much chance to take flight with the endless arguments. This journey hasn't even begun its approach to Victoria F.'s super shady past and allegations of racism.
While a handful of the remaining ladies are pot stirrers, the success of the season rests on Peter's shoulders, and it's not looking good. Peter needs to do some massive damage control, and it's unclear if he's up to the task. Here are five reasons Peter makes a good Bachelor and five reasons he doesn't.
Good: He Has A Good Job
Peter has a legit good job. He's a commercial pilot for Delta Airlines. Peter is a passionate aviator. The flying bug runs in the family: both Peter's father and brother are pilots as well. This means Peter isn't likely using his stint on The Bachelor as a jumping-off point to become a full-time reality TV star.
Yes, he parlayed his pain after being dumped by Hannah Brown into personal gain -- a decision he may end up regretting -- but he's not going to give up his passion to host yet another podcast about the franchise or write a tell-all. Eventually, Peter's going back to work, so if he fails to find his co-pilot, single gals with an interest in Peter will have to buy a ticket and fly the friendly skies to find him.
Not Good: He's Indecisive
Peter is having trouble letting go. It doesn't help producers brought Hannah B. back who waffles about her feelings for Peter. He even invites Hannah to move into the mansion. Even fans who root for a Hannah B.-Peter pairing know this would have effectively ended the season.
Peter's conflicted emotions about Hannah B. are understandable, but his weird Sophie's Choice inner turmoil about Alayah makes no sense. Most of their time together has been fraught with drama. He interrogates her, trying to determine if she's a liar (she is), and she responds by changing her story faster than a pageant girl does outfits between rounds. He brings her back and then questions if doing so is a good idea. Peter's like a kid who is done playing with a toy until his parents threaten to throw it away.
Good: He's Bringing Sexy Back
After Colton Underwood's paradoxical season: one where the Bachelor was a virgin and all anyone could talk or think about was sex, Peter promises to be a refreshing change. Hannah Brown dumped Peter, but she did him a solid by boasting about his sexual prowess. There is no doubt Peter will explore sexual relationships with some of the women.
ABC loves to give it all away up front to keep viewers hooked, so fans already know sex becomes a "bone" of contention between Peter and at least one of the bachelorettes.
Not Good: He's A People Pleaser
Peter is a nice guy, but there comes a point where he's got to be cutthroat. Women are inevitably going to walk away disappointed and hurt, but they knew the risks going in. When he screws up, he's quick to apologize and move on, but the ladies are having a harder time letting him off the hook.
He's been so focused on pacifying a handful of girls (Kelsey, Victoria P., Alayah, Hannah Ann, Sydney) and the other women are paying the price. Peter's decision to bring back Alayna is rubbing the remaining women the wrong way, and Peter's fears that he's screwing up are justified.
Good: He Believes In The Process
Peter keeps saying that he's confident his wife is among this batch of women. During his one-on-ones, he does a superb job of convincing the woman across from him at the table that he can see a future with them. The fact that he's expressing these sentiments to multiple women isn't because he's a player: he genuinely believes it.
All of the drama both manufactured and legitimate is preventing Peter from strengthening current connections and developing new ones. The only upside to his indecisiveness is that it's proof he's genuinely afraid of cutting loose his potential spouse. He requires a lot of time outs to process events that shake him up, but a few emotional meltdowns are preferable to being filled with regrets and pulling an Arie Luyendyk Jr., dumping his final choice in favor of someone else.
Not Good: He's Insecure
Peter's preoccupied with the women's intentions. He wants everyone to be genuine and real, but The Bachelor isn't just a dating show, it's a launching pad for bigger and better things.
These girls know only one of them is going to make it to the end, so it's naive of Peter to think they aren't there for the perks like free travel and gaining followers on social media. There's the potential for lucrative product endorsements and paid public appearances. There's also a coveted position as the next Bachelor/Bachelorette or a cast member on Bachelor in Paradise. Peter is so paranoid about people hanging around for the wrong reasons that he's become easy to manipulate.
Good: He's Charismatic
Peter has that "It" factor. He's attractive and comfortable on camera. He's crazy tight with his family who are also incredibly appealing and supportive. Female fans of The Bachelor are falling for Peter's younger brother, Jack (could they be the first siblings to appear on the show as stars?).
Peter can't dance, but he gets points for trying. He looks good dressed up or down, he's got serious street cred as a good lover and he can fly a plane!! Peter's caught the eye of fangirl Charlize Theron, so he's doing something right.
Not Good: His Public Displays Of Affection
When Victoria P. announces she's got a bad back and can't participate in the group date football game, she gets to cozy up next to Peter. With the other girls sustaining and inflicting serious bodily harm on the field, it's in bad taste for Peter to be nuzzling and massaging Victoria.
Peter is a demonstrative guy, and if the teaser trailers are any indication, he'll be pumping up the PDA. This isn't going to sit well with those stuck in the awkward position of watching.
Good: He's Good At Talking Women Off The Ledge
Victoria F. is weepy and needy, walking off and hovering in corners, and Peter's been very reassuring and respectful. Victoria P. overcomes her childhood fear of teacups during the first group date and ends up barfing after taking a spin in the gyroscope, and Peter is at her side in a shot.
Some fans may think Peter throws Sydney under the bus after he puts her on the spot, forcing her to call out Alayah for being fake to her face. But it's better to make the women accountable for what they say instead of going back and forth. Ultimately, he should just squash it, but that's where the whole nice guy problem comes into play.
Not Good: His Taste Is Questionable
With the exception of Kelley, the frontrunners aren't a likable bunch. Alayah didn't want to reveal her friendship with Victoria P., fearing they'd get disqualified. Everyone knows it's the cover-up and not the crime that gets a contestant in trouble. Victoria F. is a beautiful girl, but looks are all she brings to the table. Her toast about hot moms and successful dads during her one-on-one date left feminists everywhere scratching their heads. Victoria P. is a stage 5 clinger and a master manipulator. Kelsey is a mean girl who freaks out over champagne.
The cool girls (Tammy, Natasha, Deandra) steer clear of tantrums and drama are being punished for it. While many of the women complain about Peter's behavior, Natasha tells Peter like it is to his face. The others are content to sit around like bobbleheads. Peter needs to drop the zeros and get with the heroines.