The Bachelor (American season 13)

The Bachelor (season 13)
Country of origin	United States
No. of episodes	10 (including 2 specials)
Release
Original network	ABC
Original release	January 5, 2009 (2009-01-05) – March 2, 2009 (2009-03-02)

The thirteenth season of ABC reality television series The Bachelor. The season premiere aired on January 5, 2009. The show features a previous contestant from the ABC show The Bachelorette and the series' first single parent from Kirkland, Washington, Jason Mesnick, counting 25 women. Mesnick became the second former The Bachelorette suitor ever competed on The Bachelor since Bob Guiney of season 1 of The Bachelorette and season 4 of The Bachelor.

Contestants

Biographical information according to ABC official series site, plus footnoted additions

Name	Age	Hometown	Occupation	Status
Melissa Rycroft	25	Dallas, Texas	Sales Representative	Winner
Molly Malaney	24	Grand Rapids, Michigan	Department Store Buyer	Runner-up
Jillian Harris	29	Peace River, Alberta	Interior Designer	Eliminated in week 7
Naomi Rose Crespo	24	Carlsbad, California	Flight Attendant	Eliminated in week 6
Stephanie Hogan	34	Huntsville, Alabama	Single Mother & Medical Marketing Rep.	Eliminated in week 5
Lauren Wanger	27	Marlboro, New Jersey	Teacher	Eliminated in week 4
Megan Parris	25	Sewickley, Pennsylvania	Single Mother and Lacrosse Coach	Eliminated in week 4
Shannon Bair	29	Marshall, Missouri	Dental Hygienist	Eliminated in week 4
Nicole "Nikki" Kaapke	29	Blue Island, Illinois	Administrative Assistant	Eliminated in week 4
Erica	25	Monroe, Connecticut	Account Executive	Eliminated in week 3
Kari Fajen	27	Lee's Summit, Missouri	Account Executive	Eliminated in week 3
Natalie Getz	27	Morton, Illinois	Human Resources Recruiter	Eliminated in week 3
Raquel Medeiros	27	Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil	Medical Student	Eliminated in week 2
Sharon Staebell	32	Batavia, New York	Teacher	Eliminated in week 2
Lisa Gonzalez	28	Boise, Idaho	Public Relations Associate	Quit in week 2
Ann Lueders	24	Phoenix, Arizona	Flight Attendant	Eliminated in week 1
Dominique	26	Mt. Carmel, Pennsylvania	Medical Sales Rep.	Eliminated in week 1
Emily	23	Seattle, Washington	Casino Marketing Rep.	Eliminated in week 1
Jackie	26	Springfield, Massachusetts	Wedding Coordinator	Eliminated in week 1
Julie	26	Columbus, Ohio	Teacher	Eliminated in week 1
Nicole	25	Calgary, Alberta	Menswear Buyer	Eliminated in week 1
Renee	36	Southfield, Michigan	Jewelry Designer	Eliminated in week 1
Shelby	23	Stockton, California	Account Executive	Eliminated in week 1
Stacia	24	Orem, Utah	Single Mother & Charity Accountant	Eliminated in week 1
Treasure	28	Salt Lake City, Utah	Single Mother and Nurse Practitioner	Eliminated in week 1

On the 'After The Final Rose" special, Jason and Melissa broke up after Jason admitted he was still in love with runner-up Molly. Jason then asked Molly for another chance, and they started a relationship. They became engaged in New Zealand that October (2009). They were married in February 2010 and began living in Washington state with Jason's son, Ty. They had a daughter, Riley. Melissa went on to married to Tye Strickland, with whom she had daughter Ava and son Beckett.

Future appearances

Jillian Harris was chosen as the bachelorette in the fifth season of The Bachelorette. Melissa Rycroft participated in the eighth season of Dancing with the Stars replacing an injured Nancy O'Dell and partnering with Tony Dovolani, finished in 3rd place. Natalie Getz and Nikki Kaapke competed for the first season of Bachelor Pad. Kaapke finished in 9th/11th, while Getz won the season alongside Bachelor Nation alumnus David Good. Rycroft would participate again for the all-star season of Dancing with the Stars and won that season.

Call-out order

Jason's call-out order

#	Bachelorettes	Week
		1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
1	Lauren	Nikki	Jillian	Stephanie	Molly	Jillian	Molly	Melissa	Melissa
2	Kari	Megan	Melissa	Jillian	Naomi	Melissa	Jillian	Molly	Molly
3	Melissa	Lauren	Molly	Molly	Stephanie	Molly	Melissa	Jillian
4	Sharon	Kari	Megan	Lauren	Melissa	Naomi	Naomi
5	Natalie	Naomi	Nikki	Melissa	Jillian	Stephanie
6	Naomi	Natalie	Lauren	Naomi	Lauren
7	Megan	Molly	Naomi	Shannon	Megan
8	Stacia	Raquel	Stephanie	Nikki	Shannon
9	Jackie	Stephanie	Kari	Megan	Nikki
10	Lisa	Melissa	Natalie	Erica
11	Stephanie	Jillian	Shannon	Kari
12	Treasure	Shannon	Erica	Natalie
13	Raquel	Lisa	Raquel
14	Shelby	Sharon	Sharon
15	Nikki	Erica	Lisa
16	Molly	Ann
17	Erica	Dominique
18	Nicole	Emily
19	Renee	Jackie
20	Jillian	Julie
21	Dominique	Nicole
22	Emily	Renee
23	Julie	Shelby
24	Ann	Stacia
25	Shannon	Treasure

     The contestant received a first impression rose.

     The contestant was originally voted off by the other women, but received a rose instead.

     The contestant received a rose during the date.

     The contestant was eliminated.

     The contestant was eliminated outside the rose ceremony.

     The contestant was eliminated during the date.

     The contestant quit the competition.

     The contestant won the competition.

Episodes (dates)

Week 1

Original air date: January 5, 2009

There were no dates during the first week. Jason begins a new chapter for love in Los Angeles spending time with his brother Larry and son Ty before meeting 25 new contestants. Memorable moments of the ladies arriving at the mansion include: Lauren was the first contestant who got out of limo and tells Jason her birthday and age. Sharon shows Jason some salsa dance moves, Nikki asks Jason where his son is. Molly was the first lady got out of the fourth limo group and gives tips on playing golf, telling that she has excelled in golf. Shannon wears a funny fake dentures on her teeth in a hope that Jason will see her funny side.

Nikki receives a first impression rose, while in a twist Megan received the most votes from the other ladies as the "woman there for the wrong reasons and should leave" during a vote-off, but received instead a rose. Ann, Dominique, Emily, Jackie, Julie, Nicole, Renee, Shelby, Stacia, and Treasure were all eliminated in the first rose ceremony.

Week 2

Original airdate: January 12, 2009

Prologue/at the mansion: Lisa decided to voluntarily leave the show in order to be with her family due to her grandmother's ill health.

One-on-one date: Jillian. Jason meets her at the mansion and heads toward Downtown Los Angeles, they sought out a hot dog stand for Jillian's "hot dog topping test" laughed that Jason is a ketchup lover, but he chooses mustard. That evening, Jason surprises other ladies by hanging out with them the pool at the mansion. Jason get the group date rose but puts it out of sights so that everyone can remain focused on fun. And in the end, Jillian received the rose.

One-on-one date: Melissa. Melissa is chosen for the next One-on-one date. She travels to a park and they discuss her experience in cheerleading, being a former member of Dallas Cowboys cheerleader. Her future goal is to be a school teacher and is passionate about having kids one day. They share a kiss. Later, they ride a Goodyear Blimp airship, a first for both of them, Melissa receives a rose.

Group: Natalie, Erica, Naomi, Nikki, Lauren, Kari, Sharon and Molly. They meet with Jason for shopping and buying clothes on a mall in Hollywood. Jason gives an impromptu talent show for the ladies on top of the hotel in Hollywood for the evening and Kari, Molly and Sharon give some synchronized swimming routines. Molly receives a rose.

Cocktail party: The ladies have one-on-one time with Jason. Megan and Stephanie had spent their time with him and developed a big bond because of loving their mothers. Megan got mad when Molly comes in to spend more time after Megan stole her heart with Jason.

Rose ceremony: Since Lisa had already eliminated herself earlier in that episode, Raquel, who never had a date, and Sharon were the only ones eliminated in the rose ceremony.

Week 3

Original airdate: January 19, 2009

One-on-one date: Stephanie. A limo takes her to meet Jason at the beach. She is single mother having lost her husband at a plane crash. That day was her daughter Sophia's Birthday, she had tried to call her earlier in the day but was unable to get a hold of her. She had said to the other ladies, "well, maybe I can talk to her later tonight" being upbeat about it. Jason meets Stephanie on the beach and distracts her as her daughter Sophia runs up behind her - Jason points her out at the last minute and Stephanie's face lights up with joy at seeing her daughter. She looks in disbelief at Jason, then runs to her daughter, catching her up in her arms and they hug and cuddle, with Jason looking on with tears in his eyes. Later Jason, Stephanie and Sophia go to Legoland California for the second part of the date, to celebrate Sophia's birthday. Jason gives two roses to Stephanie one a Lego-made rose and one a grown red rose.

Group: Erica, Jillian, Kari, Megan, Melissa, Naomi, Nikki, Shannon. They participate in an event for a breast cancer awareness group, which some ladies have cast their breasts and paint designs onto a mache cast for an auction. Jason casts himself also, having covered himself with a baby oil. Melissa told Jason that she had breast reduction surgery when she was younger, Jason asked Jillian talk seriously concerning marriage being one simple step and give the rose for the date to her.

One-on-one date: Natalie. She meets Jason and is given a necklace and bracelet with diamonds for a private jet ride to Las Vegas. They take a helicopter ride throughout the city. Natalie told Jason that she had a rough childhood depression, bears and belief, that she had been falsely stereotyped as being a party girl. They watched a private performance by Kate Voegele and an upset Natalie denied a kiss from Jason, she was sent home.

Cocktail party: Many of the girls are discussing Natalie and were glad that she was gone from the mansion. Jason asked Naomi and Nikki about the other girls in the house but they would not say anything bad about anyone. Jason asked Lauren and she gave information that Erica and Megan are "two drama queens of the house", Megan discovers that Lauren had stabbed her in the back was angry, and confronted Lauren about it. Jason over heard the conversation.

Rose ceremony: Erica and Kari were sent home in the rose ceremony.

Week 4

Original airdate: January 26, 2009

One-on-one date: Molly. Prior at the start of the date, Chris asked to the remaining ladies to write a love song for Jason and perform for him and the rest of the ladies. Molly impresses on her song pick for Jason and was chosen at one-on-one date in his place. They spent their time at a tent for a campfire. Molly receives a rose.

Group: Jillian, Lauren, Shannon, Megan, Melissa, Naomi. They were surprised with Jason and sending them to Studio City for a set of General Hospital and meet soap actors Bradford Anderson and Kirsten Storms, that they would be acting on a fantasy scene with Jason. Naomi got a kissing scene, irking Melissa's affection. They later take a post-scene party in Hollywood for a night of excitement. Naomi receives a rose.

Two-on-one date: Nikki and Stephanie. The two received their deliveries from Alberto Makali (a dress) and would go with them to a restaurant for a night out. Just as before eating, they received ballroom dance lessons. Stephanie, having had worked previously as dance instructor, and knew that she is good in dance. And for Nikki, dance is too rough and going to dwindle. Then, Nikki tells Jason about her previous relationship on her ex-boyfriend for 11 years and was too hard, she was sent home. Jason gave the rose to Stephanie.

Cocktail party: The remaining bachelorettes have many issues and some are emotional. Jason confronts Megan and felt that she had not received time with him, and Lauren also confronted as well on really want to give a rose during the group date.

Rose ceremony: Just as the roses were given to Melissa and Jillian, Jason has no idea that the two roses are to be given with the remaining ladies, he couldn't start out and telling to them, "I'm sorry, I can't do this. I can't give out this final rose." Lauren, Megan and Shannon were eliminated in the rose ceremony and left shocked.

Week 5

Original airdate: February 2, 2009

• Located in: Seattle, Washington

Prologue: Jason arrives home to his hometown in Kirkland and is greeted by his sister-in-law Leslie. Upon seeing his son Ty, he hugs him around.

Melissa and Naomi each had a one-on-one date, and Stephanie, Jillian and Molly had the only group date for this episode, but all of these dates with receiving no roses at the end. When Melissa is preparing a date with Jason and is to be scheduled for a helicopter ride at the above of Space Needle, Jason didn't want Ty around to leave him alone. Then, Jason changed his mind and takes a date to his house instead. Melissa is feeling privileged on saw Ty already sleeping, and she is wanting to bring him for a hometown date. Stephanie, Jillian and Molly have met with Jason for a "Best of Seattle" tour, including a boat tour which Stephanie steer up away, Jason brings the ladies to a radio station for an interview. Jason brings Naomi for a seaplane tour of Seattle and she is so happy on her first one-on-one, including a rock wall climb, plus a night with drinks by a fire. Naomi told Jason that her parents got divorced when she was 19, and was feeling devastated on her parents' lives. Stephanie was eliminated in the Rose Ceremony.

Week 6

Original airdate: February 9, 2009

• Located in: Hometowns (dates) and Seattle (Rose Ceremony)

#	Bachelorette	Hometown
1	Jillian	Kelowna, British Columbia
2	Molly	Grand Rapids, Michigan
3	Naomi	Lake Elsinore, California
4	Melissa	Dallas, Texas

Jillian took Jason on her childhood home in Kelowna to visit her grandparents' home, then she accompanies him for a local winery after being sheltered for many years earlier because of her mother had diagnosed of sick depression. Later, Jason meets Jillian's immediate family including her father holding a Canadian flag that is going to wear on his back.

Next is Molly on her hometown in Grand Rapids, Michigan on a golf course in a local country club for a quick game. And they traveled to her parents' home to meet with her family and Jason surprised on seeing a "hat box" from Molly's mom, and she was given for to draw a picture of Molly. Then, Molly's dad give Jason a reaction that he called him "a good kid", meaning he is anxiously proud of her and she is giving an approval from her parents, Molly wants to purse on her romance with Jason.

Third is Naomi's hometown in Lake Elsinore for what is going to be an unconventional meeting. First, Naomi brings Jason to her mother's home for to meet her divorced parents, sister, half-sister and nieces and nephews. Telling that Naomi's worst fears are confirmed after her mother gave a eulogy with a dove struck on a wrecked car and plans to be bury it.

Last is Melissa's hometown in Dallas and she surprises him with a tooth fairy box that is to be given to Ty and he is very impressed. Even though Melissa is excited to introduce Jason to her parents, she revealed that they wouldn't be comfortable in the public eye and brings her friends instead, including their families to one of her friend's house. Jason is so disappointed on not meeting her family and wants to understand why. Then, Jason played a pool game with Melissa's friends, and this made the decision for him. Telling her that he was surprised on being given the information about Melissa's parents and them wanting nothing to do with the show.

Rose Ceremony: At the Rose Ceremony in Seattle, Jason had a wonderful time with the meetings of the hometowns of the perspective finalists, and has made a harder decision to eliminate one lady at the end of ceremony. He handed the roses to Molly, Jillian and Melissa, which means Naomi was eliminated and had an emotional breakdown. Afterwards, Jason announces the final three ladies to the land of the long white cloud, New Zealand.

After the Final Rose

During the "After the Final Rose" special, aired immediately after the season finale, Jason Mesnick told Chris Harrison that he felt the chemistry with Melissa changed and that he would break up with her and then ask Molly to give him another chance. Jason explained to Melissa how he was feeling. After some arguing, she then gave him his ring back, asked him to leave her alone, and left. During Chris' interview with Molly, she admitted she still loved Jason. Jason told Molly that he broke up with Melissa and that he hadn't been able to stop thinking about her. He asked her if they could have another shot and he admitted that he still loved her. She agreed to "see where things go."

On the "After the Final Rose: Part Two" episode, which was taped six weeks after the "After the Final Rose: Part One" episode, Jason and Molly stated that "things were going really well" and that this had been "the happiest they had been."

On the other hand, host Chris Harrison announced that Jillian became the next bachelorette for the fifth season of The Bachelorette and has insisted that the outcome was not manipulated by show producers to increase ratings.

Ratings

U.S. Nielsen Ratings

Episode	First Air Date	Rating (18–49)	Share (18–49)	Viewers (millions)	Rank (timeslot)	Rank (night)
1	January 5, 2009	3.1	8	8.74	N/A	N/A
2	January 12, 2009	3.2	8	9.06	N/A	N/A
3	January 19, 2009	3.6	9	9.95	N/A	N/A
4	January 26, 2009	4.0	10	10.57	N/A	N/A
5	February 2, 2009	4.1	10	11.02	N/A	N/A
6	February 9, 2009	4.2	10	11.59	N/A	N/A
7	February 16, 2009	4.4	10	12.52	N/A	N/A
8	February 23, 2009	3.7	10	10.93	N/A	N/A
9	March 2, 2009	5.4	13	15.48	N/A	N/A
10	March 2, 2009	6.7	16	17.47	N/A	N/A
11	March 3, 2009	4.1	10	10.90	N/A	N/A

• Episode 8 is The Women Tell All Special.
• Episode 10, the After the Final Rose Special had the highest rated number ever in this special episode in The Bachelor history.
• Episode 11, the 2nd part of the After the Final Rose Special

External links

• ABC: The Bachelor official site