I’ve never watched the Batchelor or its spin-offs on ABC, and I don’t like reality television, whatever that is. But I was intrigued with the idea of the Golden Bachelor.

Gerry Turner

Gerry Turner seemed like an ideal selection. He was handsome, a retired “restauranteur” and a widow of a few years, who said he hadn’t really been kissed since his high school sweetheart and wife died six years ago.

Beautiful senior ladies

Georgeous and accomplished senior ladies were invited to the “mansion” to try and win Gerry’s heart in a series of episodes. I saw Gerry on television a couple of times, probably on Good Morning America. And this seemed like a cute idea.

Then I watched

And then I caught one episode, likely the third. Some jealously was brewing among a couple of the women. And one was trying to tell another how to act or not act around Gerry. Another woman later comforted her. It all seemed a bit high school. And I felt it was wrong to put all of these people through the wringer. The elaborate dates seemed way too contrived to help lead a couple to permanent bliss. But I’m sure it made for good television.

Gerry’s tears

I never saw Gerry crying. But I heard frequent news accounts of that occurring. Do we need to know that? We especially didn’t need to know that when ABC wasn’t being real with us about Mr. Turner. While the network described him as a retired restauranteur, he really had sold his drive-in hamburger franchise in Iowa in the 1980s. Then, he worked as a salesman. Later he installed hot tubs and was the maintenance man at a mental health facility.

Main squeeze

It was at that facility where he met a woman who became his girlfriend about a month after his wife of 43 years died, according to Hollywood Reporter accounts. That woman, who is going by the pseudonym Caroline, said Turner first contacted her a month after his wife died for help appropriately donating her professional wardrobe. As a gesture of thanks, Turner invited her to dinner.

Texting, then dating

Then he sent her romantic texts. This led to dating. Eventually it led to Caroline giving up her job in Iowa and moving in with Gerry at his lake home in Indiana. She could find no local work but eventually found something an hour’s drive away.

Money and Neatness

Gerry told her she’d be responsible for half the household bills, $1,000 a month. She negotiated that down to $850. Gerry also was what she described to the Reporter as a “neat freak.” He asked for her half of the expected tab before they went out for dinner, so when payment time came, he could pay it all. He asked her to make the bed each morning before breakfast. He also refused to let her accompany him to his high school reunion because she had gained 10 pounds.

Led to break-up

This led to their breakup. He paid for a U-Haul to carry her things. But she fell down the stairs, requiring an emergency room visit, as she was packing up. He accused her of using this to stay, forcing her to a hotel.

My point?

This Golden Bachelor isn’t golden at all. And the tarnish is thick. ABC did a poor job of vetting Gerry Turner. I hope Theresa Nist is sure as she moves forward. Apparently, according to news today, they are getting married on live television in January. Then they are moving together to Charleston, S.C., away from his “dream” lake home in Indiana and her home in New Jersey.

GMA and plugs for ABC shows

I’ve said before I’m disappointed when GMA spends its precious time plugging ABC programs and Disney (its parent company). I would think the recent revelations about Turner would make them think twice about promoting the broadcasting of the wedding anyway.

Leslie’s the winner

I would say Gerry’s other finalist, Leslie Phima, was the winner in this television debacle. Perhaps she’ll be the first Golden Bachelorette. But whatever happens going forward, ABC needs to do a better job of vetting and presenting contestants. This was an emotional rollercoaster for some of the women contestants. Others may have regarded it as a lark. Gerry’s tears are honestly not to be believed. But Leslie’s were not. After all Gerry made all three final women feel they had his heart, Leslie, Theresa and Faith Martin. He said he felt that in the moment.

So, Gerry,

And I guess that’s how Gerry picks a mate. In the moment. Shame on you, ABC.