On GMA this morning, Diane and Charlie trotted out the couple as well as Brooke, the 22-year-old Bama gal with the kneecapping brother. We learn that the final show was taped 2 1/2 months ago, and everyone involved had to stay mum and out of sight all that time as to not tip off the final outcome. We learn that Helene continues to live near Philly, Aaron is still in Springfield MO, the two ARE engaged but are intent on a "lengthy engagement," and Brooke is just as immature as we all thought she was.
We also learned that Aaron was pretty much prohibited from sharing his true feelings with the female contestants during the production - Helene only learns how he REALLY feels about her at the very end.
In the final episode last night, we also learned that Aaron's dad is a pilot, too, and is one level-headed cookie. In fact, his entire family was classy, down-to-earth, gracious - while still asking some really excellent questions of the girls.
The various ABC affiliates have also been fed a piece about the FIRST Bachelor - in which it's revealed that THAT "romance" is definitely over. She's in KC working at a radio station, HE's in L.A. hoping to become an actor. They are "friends."
The question remaining - during this "long engagement," will Aaron and Gwen, the gal eliminated in the penultimate episode, get together and revisit "what could have been." She was a very classy and cute, professional blonde who also would have been a good fit.
I don't think ANY of the viewers gave the first Bachelor couple a snowball's chance. THIS couple, we think, might have a real shot at it. They're both really well-grounded with solid backgrounds. Que sera'.
Michael