The latest preview from ABC makes it seem both Roberto and Chris aren’t ready to propose to Ali. But if that were the case, it wouldn’t be her decision, it would be their decision. And she repeatedly has said she’s happy with her decisions. In the clip, Chris tells her he’ll miss her. And the clip ends with a shot of Frank.

So what’s the shocker in store for us at the finale, the thing that’s never happened before? Is it just that both reject her…or does she find out the one she wants most isn’t going to propose and so she takes a risk and proposes to him instead? And if so, does he accept? That’s one of the few alternative scenarios that accommodates either ” will she find love or leave paradise with a broken heart.”

But something else may be in store for us, as ABC says she makes a “last minute, heart-wrenching decision which changed all of their lives forever.” That suggests she picks no one. In fact, today’s press release from ABC: Something happens on the Last Chance Dates. Chris’ sounds particularly ominous.

IT’S ONE OF THE MOST ROMANTIC AND DRAMATIC NIGHTS EVER ON ABC, ON THE SEASON FINALE OF “THE BACHELORETTE,” MONDAY, AUGUST 2…And Immediately Following the Season Finale, Both Chris L. and Roberto Join Ali to Look Back at the Dramatic Ending to Her Journey to Find Love, on “The Bachelorette: After the Final Rose”

“Episode 610″ – In this gripping special conclusion, Ali, who began her search for love with 25 bachelors, has survived a dramatic, rocky road and found herself falling in love with two wonderful men, Chris L. and Roberto. As she prepares to make one of the most difficult decisions of her life, she invites the two remaining bachelors to Bora Bora, Tahiti to meet her family. Then the men have one last chance to lay their hearts on the line, each trying to guarantee that he will be the one to get Ali’s final rose. But Ali, who has risked everything for a second chance at love, has always feared that she might fall in love but not be loved back. When she finally lays it all on the line, will she find love or leave paradise with a broken heart, on the Season Finale of “The Bachelorette,” MONDAY, AUGUST 2 (8:00-10:02 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.

With Ali’s search for her soul mate over, she talks to Chris Harrison about her final three bachelors this season in “After the Final Rose” special. She’ll take viewers back to exotic Tahiti when Frank dropped his bombshell announcement: He was in love with his ex-girlfriend and was breaking off his relationship with Ali. She will share how Frank’s decision not only left her completely heartbroken, but questioning herself and what she was looking for in a man. Ali will discuss her different relationships with the final two men and the last minute, heart-wrenching decision which changed all of their lives forever. Both Chris L. and Roberto come back to sit with Ali and talk about the shocking outcome of the series. It’s an emotional conclusion to Ali’s heartfelt journey to find true love, on “The Bachelorette: After the Final Rose,” MONDAY, AUGUST 2 (10:02-11:00 p.m., ET).

Ali’s relationships with final two men evolved differently – with Roberto, it was hot and steamy from the start, and with Chris, it grew out of friendship. When Ali arrives In Bora Bora, she’s in love with both men and ready to introduce them to her family.

A life-changing decision is quickly approaching, and Ali looks to her family for input on which incredible man they think would make the best match for her. When Roberto arrives bearing gifts, he makes a great impression. He has a heart-to-heart with Ali’s mom, who says she’s never seen her daughter so happy. After having a serious talk with Ali’s dad to ask for her hand, Roberto is ready to get the entire group up to dance and have a good time.

When Ali’s family find out that Chris L. is from their home state, he is an immediate hit. They’re especially impressed with his devotion to his family, especially during difficult times. He, too, asks Ali’s dad for her hand, and then the group has a great time laughing and splashing in the clear blue water. In the end, Ali’s family offers glowing reviews about both men, and they encourage her to trust her heart and do whatever she feels is best for her in the end. Ali has to hope her last chance dates with these final to men will bring clarity to an impossible decision.

Ali’s date with Roberto starts a fun day in the sun – jet skiing, swimming with stingrays and picnicking. However, with the sunset, their date turns more serious and Roberto takes this last chance to tell Ali exactly how he feels.

On another beautiful day in Bora Bora, the mood becomes emotional and Ali goes to her date with Chris L. with a new perspective. She meets the excited bachelor to start their fantastic day together, and their relationship takes a surprising turn.

From the very beginning of her journey, Ali has been open about her feelings, emotions and even her insecurities. For the first time ever, an unexpected turn of events leaves her risking it all for love. Ali has laid it all on the line and the end is here. But will she find the man of her dreams and get her happily ever after?

The two remaining men are:

Chris L., 33, landscaper from Cape Cod, MA
Roberto, 26, insurance agent from Charleston, SC

Ali Fedotowsky says the ending to her journey for love on the Bachelorette is a surprise, something that’s never happened before on the show. What could that be? As far as I can tell, only two things. Either her final choice rejects the final rose she offers (no proposal, she ends up alone) or she proposes to him rather than the other way around.

I’ve been leaning towards believing she ends up alone and is happy about something else in her life, like some exciting new show business or fashion job she’s been offered and anxious to start.

A few things point the other way. The finale was filmed on May 9. So far, we haven’t seen previews with an engagement ring in them. So, did the guys pick out rings? Here’s jeweler Neil Lane in an interview in the Boston Globe on Thursday May 6th. Lane was going to be in Boston on Thursday, May 13 to talk about his art and clients at the Museum of Fine Arts Fashion Council. (Here’s their Facebook post about it.) The event was not open to the public.

Q. “The Bachelor” pops up when you search your name online.

A. I’m going [this week] to film my fourth season with “The Bachelor” on an exotic island. This one is “The Bachelorette.” I’ve become part of that. I will present the rings for “The Bachelorette,” for the two bachelors she chooses, for them to decide on the ring. Doing these things are like – OK, why not?

Even if the interview was a few days earlier than May 6, the inclusion of [this week] means he was going the first week in May –the week of the final rose ceremony. The paper notes the interview was condensed and edited. Considering how far away Bora Bora is, if Ali wasn’t intending to pick someone that last week,would they have flown Neil Lane out?

Also, Roberto Martinez has not surfaced. While Chris Lampton has been out and about this summer on Cape Cod, there are no sightings of Roberto, only a change of address for his insurance license to Southern California. The no sightings suggest he’s the F1.

What’s never happened before on the Bachelorette? No bachelorette has proposed to her F1. Since Ali and Chris think viewers will be surprised but like the ending, and viewers want to see a love story and a happy ending, I now think there’s a fair possibility Ali proposed to Roberto and he accepted. Question: Was Chris Lampton still around, or had she already rejected him? That too would be a first for the Bachelorette: A final rose ceremony with only one guy. The suspense might be in “Will Roberto Accept?” rather than “Who did Ali Choose?”

Update: Put another way: Re-reading Chris. H.’s and Ali’s various interviews, there will be something different about the finale that hasn’t happened before. According to the TV Guide episode description, Ali takes a big risk on Bora Bora after the Meet the Parents part. Chris H. , in an interview with TV Guide, says it will be interesting to see if America agrees with what she does — as if she takes some action (rather than just makes a decision.)

At this point, America’s going to say, “Ali, you better not screw this up. You have two of the most amazing guys maybe in the history of this show, you better come through.” And that’s why it’ll be interesting with the finale of how America reacts to what Ali does when every woman in America is like “If she doesn’t pick Roberto have him call me,” or “If she doesn’t pick Chris, have him be the bachelor.”

The caption to the finale pictures from ABC Media Net ask whether Ali finds love with the man of her dreams or leaves paradise broken hearted (not just alone, but broken hearted.)

THE BACHELORETTE – “Episode 610″ – Ali Fedotowsky, who risked everything for a second chance at love and began the search for her soul mate with 25 bachelors, has survived a dramatic, rocky road and has narrowed her search to two wonderful men, Chris L. and Roberto. As she prepares to make one of the most difficult decisions of her life, she invites the two remaining bachelors to Bora Bora, Tahiti to meet her family. Will she find love with the man of her dreams or leave paradise with a broken heart? It’s a dramatic and emotional conclusion on the season finale of “The Bachelorette,” MONDAY, AUGUST 2 (8:00-10:02 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/MATT KLITSCHER)

Combine the above with Roberto being MIA since taping ended in May, which I think suggests he’s the F1 over Chris, and I think you have ….Ali rejecting Chris before the FRC and at the FRC, proposing to Roberto (rather than waiting to see if he proposes.) Since she’s so happy, he must have said yes.

I don’t have a favorite between the final two, but there are only so many possibilities that are consistent with Ali and Chris H.’s statements. Since they are the only two talking who know what happened, I’d say this is as likely as Ali rejecting both or getting rejected by her F1, which is what I thought happened a few days ago.

ET! The Bachelorette “Men Tell All” preview.

Poor Kirk. Or should we say lucky Kirk? Monday night is the “Men Tell All”, which typically isn’t much more than a placeholder until the Finale the following week.

Rumors are running the gambit between her picking Roberto, Chris and no one. Some are speculating she’s back with Frank. I think she’s single, and on the “After the Final Rose” episode which airs right after the finale, she’ll finally tell us why. Is she engaged, does she have a new love, go back to an old love, or does she have an incredible new job or career move? As of now, I’ll say it’s a new job or career venture.

Here’s Ali on the red carpet after the Men Tell All. At the very end, she says it’s definitely possible to find love on the Bachelorette, and we’ll have to wait to find out if she did, but, she insists, there are real emotions involved. She then seques into the media, saying, “I just hope I have the strength to deal with it in the right way.”

If she made a traditional pick, Chris or Roberto, why would she need strength to deal with the media?. She’s shown herself to be quite the media darling the last few weeks as they follow her every move in L.A. from jogging to shopping to getting manicures and hair extensions. Only if the media turned on her, would she need strength to deal with it. Yet, that’s seems to be what she’s expecting.

So, why would the media turn on her?

Only if, having these two seemingly great guys to choose from, she picked no one. Or, if she rejected one and the other rejected her, and she’s portrayed as the heartbroken loser.

What foreshadows the second? The theme all season, from her comments about Roberto to Frank, to Chris Harrison’s comments about her, has been “What if he doesn’t love me back?”

And, ABC’s description of the finale, asks whether she will find her love and be happy, or leave heartbroken?
The caption to the six photos of the Final Rose Ceremony on ABC Media Net say:

THE BACHELORETTE – “Episode 610″ – Ali Fedotowsky, who risked everything for a second chance at love and began the search for her soul mate with 25 bachelors, has survived a dramatic, rocky road and has narrowed her search to two wonderful men, Chris L. and Roberto. As she prepares to make one of the most difficult decisions of her life, she invites the two remaining bachelors to Bora Bora, Tahiti to meet her family. Will she find love with the man of her dreams or leave paradise with a broken heart? It’s a dramatic and emotional conclusion on the season finale of “The Bachelorette,” MONDAY, AUGUST 2 (8:00-10:02 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network. (my emphasis)

If she wasn’t into either guy, and rejected them both, she wouldn’t be leaving heartbroken. She might be a little sad she didn’t find love, but she’d also be relieved it was over. The only thing that could make her heartbroken is if the one she chooses doesn’t choose her back.

That’s a virtual impossibility with Chris, who has told her he loved her, he’d move across the country for her, and he’s so ready for a life forever with her.

Roberto, on the other hand, just might reject her. According to Kasey, Roberto came off to some of the guys as a little too slick. He’s after the prize, winning the show. Sure, he likes Ali, but he might not be ready to take that leap of faith. I think that’s why we have begun to see him sweat profusely at inopportune times. like during a romantic dinner with just the two of them, or at the Tahiti rose ceremony, even one where he’s guaranteed a rose.

Maybe it’s just the editing and what they have chosen to show us, but as I’ve said before, I haven’t seen a single, substantive conversation between Ali and Roberto all season.

Then there’s the big risk Ali takes at the end. TV Guide for the finale:

Ali arrives in Bora Bora with two guys (Chris L. and Roberto) and one rose. Her family are also there—and they do her no favor by liking both bachelors equally. Later, Ali takes a huge risk.

What risk? Maybe Ali decided on Roberto after the Meet the Parent dates and told Chris she wasn’t choosing him on their Last Chance Date, putting all her eggs in the Roberto basket. That’s quite a risk because he might not love her back and propose. The question is, did her risk backfire? Did Roberto decide he’s not ready? If she rejects Chris and Roberto doesn’t propose, she’s all alone. No more Chris, he’s already gone.

Another indicator this might happen: Chris Harrison’s latest interview with TV Guide:

At this point, America’s going to say, “Ali, you better not screw this up. You have two of the most amazing guys maybe in the history of this show, you better come through.” And that’s why it’ll be interesting with the finale of how America reacts to what Ali does when every woman in America is like “If she doesn’t pick Roberto have him call me,” or “If she doesn’t pick Chris, have him be the bachelor.”

ABC says there are two choices: she finds love with the man of her dreams or she leaves broken hearted. It sounds like she is going to tell one guy goodbye and then spend a few days with the other (who in all likelihood Ali has told he’s the last one standing) and after a few days to see how it goes, either they get engaged, or he says no. All signs point to Chris being her F2 and Roberto her F1. But whichever one it is, if her F1 rejects her after she’s rejected her F2, she is definitely in for a media storm of criticism, and she’s right: she’ll need a boatload of strength to deal with it in the right way.

Here’s the preview of next week in Bora Bora. I have to say, “The Bachelorette” redeemed itself last night with the Tahiti episode. The final outcome now seems up in the air. Ali could pick Chris, Roberto or no one.

The biggest winner of last night’s episode is Le Taha’a. The beauty of the island really stood out.

As for Frank, I’m just glad he’s gone. He’s so painful to watch. While I don’t have a favorite between Roberto and Chris (both are great choices) I think she has more in common with Chris and I don’t see any depth to her relationship with Roberto. With the promos promising (once again) the most dramatic finale ever, there has to be more than the usual final rose ceremony where F2 comes, gets rejected, then F1 shows up for a blissful ending.

So another season saved by The Bachelor, despite the massive spoilers. And one of these two guys undoubtedly will be the next Bachelor.

Bachelorette Host Chris Harrison, in an interview about the upcoming Tahiti episode, tells Reality TV Magazine:

“Like with Justin, if you think you know everything, and you think you’ve seen everything, you haven’t,” Chris Harrison hints. “That’s why we weren’t too worried about showing that something is coming because it’s something you have to see, something you’re going to want to hear and you have to experience to know what’s happened. It’s almost less about Frank and Ali and more about how it shapes the rest of our show.” (my emphasis)

So it’s not about Frank, it’s about the effect his leaving has on the outcome between Ali and the two guys still standing: Roberto and Chris. How many options are there? I see one. She ends up alone, either because she rejects the final two or one or both reject her. I think it’s a split decision: She rejects Chris, after which Roberto bows out. The only feasible alternative: Both bow out.

What we know: Ali has her Tahiti dates with Roberto and Chris. Then she goes for her date with Frank and before they get out the door, she gets dumped.

She’ll spend a day or two licking her wounds before heading on to Bora Bora to meet Chris and Roberto for the last chance dates and maybe introduce them to her parents (assuming either or both made the trip.) She’s probably going to tell both guys what happened with Frank. If they sense she’s upset, why on earth would they propose to her? If she’s not over Frank, isn’t it obvious she’s not ready to marry either one of them? One would think so, but as to Chris, he’s been portrayed as so lonely and ready for love, he might overlook this slight problem. Roberto? I think he’ll take more convincing, if he’s willing at all, which I doubt. (One caveat: the show could do something really underhanded like promise to promote him for a spot on DWTS if he proposes and Ali either declines, or if she accepts, they break up a few weeks later.)

I suspect Ali will tell Chris she’s not ready to choose him after what happened with Frank and let him go. We’re back to Roberto. Despite the unsupported and misleading tabloid headlines saying she’s engaged (and barring the sneaky possibility I mentioned above) don’t count on it. The only real surprise left is why she and Roberto don’t end up together: Did she decide to make Roberto her F1, but he rejected her and refused to propose, feeling like he was just Frank’s sloppy seconds? I think there’s really a decent likelihood that will happen.

If Roberto is moving to California (another unsubstantiated rumor, but unlike the engagement rumor, this one has a modicum of a factual basis) I still think it’s because he wants a shot at Dancing With the Stars, not to be with Ali. (Nor do I think he’ll be the next Bachelor, though Chris might be.)

Ali has been working the celebrity circuit hard. No lockdown in a safe house for her, with or without her number one, as has been the standard in past seasons. My guess: She’s not looking for a husband, she’s looking for fame, fortune and fun, and her P.R. rep will brand her as the new prototype of the modern, independent, self-reliant, young American woman. Since despite its ratings, most people don’t watch the show, the insecurities and self-doubt that plagued Ali all season as Bachelorette (“Will he think I’m pretty enough?”, “What if he doesn’t love me back?”, “Is he hotter than I am?”) will be swept under the rug. It might even work. But not for long. Ali really only has one thing going for her: She’s very telegenic. She lacks the charm, the spunk, the moxie and the confidence to take it further. I doubt she’ll make it to DWTS, or even to the red carpet as an interviewer. Sure, she can do paid charity events for a while, but without something witty to say, those too will dry up.

That said, I don’t think it was Ali’s insecurities or two-dimensional personality (giggling or whining/crying) that torpedoed this season. It was the guys. The casting was way sub-par. It was far too homogenous a group, for starters. Of the two cads, Justin’s episode seemed to be manufactured by the show while Frank is just physically unappealing to watch and a bad actor. Three or four of the other guys were odd to the point of teetering on looniness. While Roberto and Chris were her two best choices, Roberto and Ali didn’t have a single substantive conversation all season, at least none we were shown, and the only thing we heard Chris talk about was his mother’s illness and how much he loves his family and Cape Cod.

Ratings are up for The Bachelorette, but let’s face it, it had no competition this summer except re-runs and amateur talent shows. The franchise will continue to do fine in the short run, especially with the Bachelor Pad about to arrive to keep the brand in the limelight, but some re-tooling is in order. Maybe it’s time to clean house and bring in some new casting and production talent. The show lost its edge this season, falling short on both sparkle and drama. And while it all can’t be blamed on Ali, there’s nothing more likely to sink a reality show than becoming ho-hum.

Where does all this take place? Le Taha’a Island Resort & Spa, Relais & Châteaux. Here’s the Tahiti Tourisme press release:

Nestled in the shadows of Bora Bora, Ali will explore the hidden paradise of Le Taha’a Island Resort & Spa by diving further into the depths of romance with her remaining bachelors. From cruising the crystal clear lagoon to flying high above Tupai Island (heart-shaped island) and Bora Bora in a private helicopter, America will witness how Le Taha’a Island Resort Spa was able to play matchmaker in creating such sacred and pivotal moments for Ali. Plus, viewers will not want to miss an unforgettable Rose Ceremony.

How poorly does Ali take Frank’s news?

But not to worry, the next day she’ll be ready for love again, first with Chris and then Roberto.

She either picks no one or is engaged to Roberto. The show wants us to think she’s engaged to Roberto. Reality Steve , who’s been right all season, says she’s alone. Cash, who is a much-trusted sleuther at FORT, has a source saying she’s engaged to Roberto, and the source’s scenario fits pretty well.

What about Chris? He’s being offered the next Bachelor spot. Will he accept? I think so. If he was adverse to being on national tv, he wouldn’t have done the Bachelorette. With his story and his family’s “phenomenal” edit, it will be a gold mine for ABC and they’ll make it worth his while. There may be others the camera loves more, but with the Bachelor, it’s the women whose personalities and drama are showcased. The men are there for their hotness and Chris will do fine in that department. Especially after the stylists get done with him and he’s pumped iron for three months.

I’m not completely sold on the Roberto engagement rumors. I think she’s been bitten by the show business bug and she’d rather take a shot on Dancing With the Stars than move to Charleston, S.C. and open a dress shop or help run a State Farm agency.

Here’s the ABC episode guide for Monday:

ALI SWEEPS THE FINAL THREE MEN AWAY TO THE ROMANTIC PARADISE OF TAHITI
FOR STEAMY FANTASY OVERNIGHT DATES, BUT FRANK HAS UNFINISHED BUSINESS
TO ATTEND TO BEFORE HE CAN COMMIT TO ALI, ON ABC’S “THE BACHELORETTE”

“Episode 609″ – Romantic adventures await Ali and the final three bachelors – Chris L., Frank and Roberto – as they travel to the tropical heaven of Tahiti and the possibility of intimate overnight dates. There’s electricity and passion in the air during these wonderful sand and surf excursions, as Ali continues to explore what her future would be like with each of these potential partners and is faced with extending an invitation to each bachelor to spend the night in a “fantasy suite.” However, while Chris and Roberto head to the South Pacific, Frank needs to stay behind in Chicago to make some major life decisions that will have serious repercussions for Ali’s journey to find love, on “The Bachelorette,” MONDAY, JULY 19 (8:00-10:02 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.

Ali kicks off her Tahitian escape with a spectacular helicopter tour over Le Taha’a with Roberto. They land in the middle of a heart-shaped island where they spend an intimate day swimming in the crystal blue water. Sparks fly as the couple share a romantic dinner, but will Ali learn that there’s something more behind this bachelor’s passionate kisses than just plain chemistry?

The next day Ali surprises Chris L. with a boat ride on a luxurious 75-foot catamaran. Although this relationship grew out of friendship, their steamy connection on the yacht proves there is romance in the air. After the boat docks offshore of a private island, the couple dive, hunt for pearls and swim ashore, and are treated to a gorgeous Tahitian sunset. That evening during a private dinner on the island, Chris continues to open up to Ali, but will she offer him the fantasy suite card, giving him an opportunity to share precious private time that could take their relationship to the next level?

The following day, Ali eagerly awaits her final exotic date – a day of sailing in paradise – with Frank. But he has other things on his mind. Shortly after Ali arrives at his hut, Frank delivers some shocking news that leaves Ali reeling and instantly changes the course of her search to find love.

Ali has experienced a different path to love with each of these men, but now she’s more confused than she ever expected to be. After an emotional deliberation, she moves forward. She and the final two men toast to their final destination – Bora Bora – where the bachelors will meet her family. Is there a fairytale ending in Ali’s future? The three remaining men are:

Chris L., 33, landscaper from Cape Cod, MA
Frank, 31, retail manager, from Geneva, IL
Roberto, 26, insurance agent from Charleston, SC

Former Bachelorette winner and professional snowboarder, Jesse Csincsak, who invented the idea of post-Bachelor/ette cruises, mixing together contestants from a variety of past seasons, in an unstructured, fun and lively environment, has announced the next one.

The dates are January 30 to February 5, 2010, taking off from Miami. You’ll be cruising on Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas. The ports of call:Miami, Belize, Costa Maya and Cozumel. Belize and Cozumel are great for scuba diving and all water sports.

It may be summer now, but come January, you know you’ll be itching for some warm water, blue skies, hot sun and and bikini weather. So plan ahead, I hear Jesse puts on one of the best cruises ever. Why? First, he gets the most fun guys and girls to go with him and it’s a group that knows how to party. Second, and perhaps unique to Jesse’s cruises, when you book through Jesse’s friends, you are automatically a VIP who can go to all the dinners and parties the Bach/ettes go to. No waiting on lines, no wondering if you can get in to the hot events. It’s a done deal.

I don’t think the final list of cruisers is set yet, but Jesse expects some from the Bachelor Pad and some from an array of past seasons. Should be a great time.