#batchelor challenge

[kscriba]

Chase: And what about kids, Cris?

Cris: Ah, children aren’t really for me. Is that important to you?

Chase: I would be happy either way.

Cris: That’s a relief. We could get a little puppy, however...

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Chase: Is your dad okay?

Kolton: Mhm. But I hear that this pier and the nearby lighthouse hold special memories for him...

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Micheal: Growing up, I was always babysitting my younger siblings, carrying the burden of my dad’s secrets, looking out for my single mom... These past weeks, I’ve been able to focus on me, and what I want, even if that means going up against my brothers. 

Chase: And what is it that you want, Micheal?

Micheal: I want you, Chase.

[kscriba]

While these two enjoy a moment under the waterfall together, let’s review the decision that went down...

This was genuinely a very difficult decision to make, and I’m still not sure if I made the right one! Here’s a breakdown of my thought process:

Argus & Chase had the Smitten sentiment, whereas Cris only had the Growing Closer from Quality Time.

But Argus was also in progress towards a ‘Single and Lovin’ It’ lifestyle!! If it had been active, I would have picked Cris.

Argus wanted a Successful Lineage whereas Cris hated kids. I had always planned that Chase never had kids, but there was no reason that Chase himself wouldn’t want any.

Cris & Chase had that ‘first kiss’ which didn’t count in-game, but that was due to the club set to initiate romantic actions. Argus & Chase had their ACTUAL first kiss together. They also rolled to Woohoo together at the end of their second date, whereas Cris just wanted a massage.

Cris and Chase had a big romantic spark on that short date together, but Argus hit 100 friendship around episode SIX, and I thought this was more significant. 

In terms of traits, Argus is domestic, childish, and self-assured. I felt like he would fit in really well with the large Templeton family. Cris is active, which would be great for dog ownership, and his calm personality would suit Chase well. Since Chase is jealous, I felt like Argus might be a challenging partner since he’s so social, but I also think the brooding, depressive Chase needed someone upbeat and brimming with life.

As a test, I put Chase in a locked room with Argus and Cris, and he kept autonomously choosing romantic actions with Argus.

Finally, I considered all of the challenges. Argus was the first to go to sleep. He was the first to put out the fire in the cooking competition, and the first to plate. He sat next to Chase in the hot tub. He beat Cris by about 200 friendship points with his siblings. He stuck close to Chase on the dance floor. He had 13 more friendship points with the puppies than Cris, and 13 more for Ty as well. He just stood out so much more. And you know what? Being the type of person he was, it felt right to have him propose to Chase. From episode 4, I had been rooting for Cris. But at the end, Argus felt like the right pick.

[kscriba]

Meet the Contestants! Text below.

Micheal Behr 

Traits: Geek, Active, Cheerful. Aspiration: Grilled Cheese (?!) Career: Hungry Artist About: Micheal is Tyrone Haddad's firstborn, the son of Candy Behr. He's a novice artist with a warm heart who tends to get along well with everyone.

Dax Odom

Traits: Neat, Bro, Erratic. Aspiration: Successful Lineage Career: Chief Detective About: Dax is Rebecca's son. His methods are unorthodox, but he gets the job done, allowing Dax to climb to the ranks of Chief. Dax is earnest, but struggles socially.

Argus Fyres

Traits: Neat, Domestic, Childish, Self-Assured. Aspiration: Successful Lineage Career: Front Page Writer About: Argus is Moira's only son. Ty is his hero, but Argus has struggled accepting his dad's past. Argus is a natural charmer who loves domestic life.

Donte Landgraab

Traits: Music Lover, Gloomy, Romantic. Aspiration: Freelance Botanist Career: RN About: Donte's winks hide his melancholic musical side, revealed only to his twin, Irving. Donte hopes that true love will give him the push he needs to leave his steady job as an RN and compose music instead.

Irving Landgraab

Traits: Perfectionist, Goofball, Self-Assured. Aspirations: Public Enemy Career: Rising Comedian About: Donte and Irving are Nancy's twins, but they couldn't be more different. Irving lives life confidently, flying by the seat of his pants. He's not sure if he's looking for love, but he definitely plans on winning.

[kscriba]

Donte: I’m sorry for what I said earlier, Irv. But I’ve realized that Chase might end up being the one for me, and I want a chance!

Irving: You’re not the only one, Donte. I think he and I have more in common than I first thought. But at least we both get dates with him, so let’s do our best.

Donte: That’s right. Good luck!

[kscriba]

Spencer: If you were meant to be, Argus, Chase would have picked you out from the start, don’t you understand that? You’re nothing but a leftover, an unwanted child—oh no, are you crying?

Argus: These aren’t tears, they’re... eyelid lubricant.

Spencer: Zaiden! Chase told me about you. He said you’re his favourite twin.

Kolton: Actually... I’m Zaiden...

Katania: Don’t worry about Spencer. She was a superstar actor, a master prankster, and a total troll. But they’re just protective of Chase. They wouldn’t bother if they didn’t think you had a shot.

Kolton: Thank you, Katania.

[kscriba]

How are you feeling about this elimination, Chase?

Chase: Terrible. Moses’ ability to stay up all night would have paired perfectly with my nocturnal nature. Also, I’m incredibly thirsty and need some plasma juice.