March, in Double Time: Reality TV Grows by the Hour

Molly came in second on "The Bachelor." But then Jason took her back in a two-hour coda. (By Matt Klitscher -- Abc Via Associated Press)

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By Lisa de Moraes

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Molly approaches Jason on the densely wooded path that leads her to a ledge overlooking New Zealand's Bay of Islands.

"Before you say anything, I want you to know this has been the most incredible journey I've ever been on," she says breathlessly.

"Every time you look at me with those eyes, you have me," Jason says huskily. "You've got me locked in, and it's a place I don't ever want to leave. . . . I don't know how I could ever let you go.

"But I have to."

Molly gasps.

"I never, ever wanted to say goodbye to you," Jason continues hurriedly, in hopes of ending her pain more quickly. (Besides, they need to cut to a commercial break.)

"I wish I had some good reason, other than that I'm in love with someone else."

-- From "The Bachelor 13"

Still buying into that whole story that the broadcast-TV movie is dead? Think again. It's thriving -- and it's called reality TV.

Good-looking characters, button-pushing/tear-jerking story lines, heaving bosoms, unholy alliances, betrayal, intrigue -- broadcast reality-TV shows play like best-selling pulp fiction turned into the good old Sunday TV movie of the week.

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