It’s that time of the year again. As ABC’s “The Bachelor” airs its final episodes of the season, viewers need not worry about having to go without their fix of Monday-night drama. In just a few short weeks in Spring 2012, the battle of the roses shall start all over once again – only this time, in the form of “The Bachelorette.”
However, while it’s doubtful viewers will ever sincerely complain about drama brought on by recycled contestants, some may in fact be questioning the selection of Emily Maynard for the upcoming season. Viewers may wonder, is Maynard ready to let go of her past love with NASCAR driver Ricky Hendrick who tragically died in a plane wreck in 2004 and with whom she shares a daughter? And, is she really ready to find a new man and embark on a journey toward happily ever after?
Maynard won the heart of Bachelor Brad Womack during the 2011 season of “The Bachelor.” Immediately smitten by Maynard, Womack defied went out of his way to further his relationship with her. During one episode’s cocktail party, the other women watched with pea-green envy as he took her on a special, one-on-one mini-date, complete with picnic and all. Then, during a deserted-island date, he broke the rules and revealed to her ahead of time that she would be safe during the next rose ceremony.
Where the other women would have swooned at such gestures, Maynard played it cool – or hesitant. While seemingly appreciative, she did not openly reciprocate his advances. Compared to the other women who week after week poured their hearts out and professed typical mid-season statements such as, “I think I’m falling in love with you,” Maynard remained reserved, quiet, slow to show affection, and perhaps most important – actively in grief over her love story with Hendrick. Without doubt, the tragedy of Hendrick’s death mixed with the blessing of their daughter’s birth have surely been a significant part of Maynard’s life, but one must also keep in mind that the whole point of the show is to find love.
Despite Maynard’s acceptance of The Final Rose and an engagement ring at the end of the season with Womack, the so-called fairy tale ended all too soon, reportedly from everyday relationship stressors like anger, jealousy, long-distance, and an unwillingness on either’s part to relocate. Nonetheless, while gorgeous Maynard has qualities that would surely top the wish list of any single-and-looking gentleman, the real question may in fact be whether she is ready to move on from her past with Hendrick and his devastating death, and build a future with a new man.