Will the umbilical cords be cut? Will the boys pick love over their moms? Will a woman's past ruin her future? So many questions...

Final Dates

Since Mrs. B wouldn't pick a woman for JoJo, he gets to spend his last romantic date in the U.S. Virgin Islands with her... uh, awkward. THEN... Mrs. B's dinner with JoJo was set up with the beach picnic and steel drums, just like his date with Mindy... double awkward.

Rob takes Lauren on his final date in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Open-minded, Rob is willing to see if he can find in Lauren what his mom sees in her.

Michael takes Erica on a luxury yacht for his last date in paradise. With the big reveal looming over Erica's head, she tries to be in the moment and enjoy her date with Michael. They are so great together, I'm rooting for them... but I have no idea how her secret will rock the boat, literally and figuratively.

Elimination Day...

The moms meet with the Momma's Boys to discuss the final elimination. No surprise, Esther makes it clear that Rob should pick Lauren. In fact she tells him that he can spend time with Camilla, but not in a romantic way. She has really become more of a Mrs. B than I'd like to admit. In a surprise moment, Lorraine tells Michael that despite Erica's past, she still approves of her. Looks like Erica made the right decision waiting to tell her "secret" until Lorraine and Michael got to know her. But, will Michael feel the same way? Mrs. B says she wants JoJo to fall in love, but honestly, I don't believe her. Do you? I'm not sure she will ever be ready for JoJo to love another woman.

The final elimination...

Rob is up first. Practical vs. passion. In a shocking moment, Rob asks Lauren to go away with him. I didn't see this coming. I actually thought he would be the one to stand up to his mom and follow his heart. Lauren is an amazing woman, don't get me wrong, but she wasn't the woman Rob wanted.

Michael is up next. Another big shocker... Michael chose Amanda. Hmmm. Despite his mother wanting Michael to pick the Penthouse Pet of the Year over the doctor... Michael chose Amanda. All I can say is hmmm... I just didn't see anything between them. I didn't get this choice at all.

JoJo has the most ridiculous elimination of all. He has to choose between his mother and Mindy. This is an unfair situation, but a far too realistic one. This elimination sums up this series in my opinion. Mindy, in a bold moment, says everything that a lot of women have probably wanted to say. Love HER! Then... in probably the biggest moment of the series, JoJo stands up and decides to pick her over Mrs. B.

I encourage all of you to comment and discuss what you have taken from this series. And I'm sure there is much discussion to be had.

Thanks for reading.

And the drama continues for these Momma's Boys!

While still in Santa Barbara, Lorraine gives Meghan a hard time about her work with Playboy. Erica is sitting back and listening but struggles internally with how/when to let Lorraine in on her past. But, before she can do anything about it...

Time to leave Santa Barbara and head to St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands.

But, is it paradise in St. Thomas with mom in tow?

Esther is not happy that Robb has brought Camilla to St. Thomas, not because she isn't a lovely woman, but because she isn't Jewish. Robb's grandparents are holocaust survivors and Esther feels that it's important to continue the religious lineage. She 'says' it would be easier for someone of the same religious upbringing to be integrated into their family and understand their background.

Frankly, Esther and Mrs. B seem to have a lot in common. Mrs. B doesn't want a racial mix and Esther doesn't want a religious mix. I wonder though if Camilla was Jewish, if it would bother her that Camilla is black? Hmmm... These moms may be much more similar than I thought. 

Mrs. B is...well Mrs. B. During JoJo's group date, Mrs. B announced to everyone that Mindy's boobs were too big. Can we all say...AWKWARD! And inappropriate. But alas not a surprise coming from this woman. Even the nice southern teacher can't catch a break from the wrath that is Mrs. B.

During Michael's group date, he can't keep his eyes off Meghan...despite Lorraine's disapproval. Then, to top it off, the next day Michael takes her for his one-on-one date. While Lorraine sat back waiting for Meghan's return from the date, night began to fall. Michael and Meghan were having a little too much fun in the water...on the beach...in the sand...lets just say, there was a little too much kissing for Lorraine's taste, at least with a Playboy model.

JoJo chose Mindy for his one-on-one date. During a walk on the beach, they learned to play the steel drums and then it was time to enjoy a romantic beach picnic. Mindy stepped up and put JoJo on the spot about Mrs. B, wanting to know if he was ready to let her go and be able to stand up for a woman he was dating if she were to continue to make comments like she had made about her boobs. JoJo, realizing he has true feelings for her, knows that he has to confront his mom about it, but knows it is easier said than done. Stay tuned to see how this plays out.

Next up - Date time with Camilla. Robb chose Camilla for his one-on-one date. After a little shopping and walking, Robb made his move and kissed her. Esther has tried to play off Robb's interest in Camilla has much more of a friendship...but she may think differently if she had seen that kiss. Then over a meal, Robb and Camilla discuss their families and how each would accept someone coming into their lives. Especially someone from a different background.

Michael chose Amanda to go on a one-on-one date. He can't find any negatives about her, but on the other hand, he doesn't seem to be that into her. But their date showed him differently. From scuba diving to a romantic view of the whole island, Michael got closer to Amanda.

After the one-on-one dates, it was elimination time. But, this time, things were a little different. Each of the moms could keep the one girl they wanted for their son and the Momma's Boys could keep one. So, someone was going home...and probably someone that one of the Momma's Boys was into.

With the though decisions ahead, the moms had a chance to talk to their sons before elimination. With emotions running high, no one held back on their opinions.

Before I discuss the actual elimination, I must say that I am really losing faith in the moms. With the exception of Mrs. B who has been terrible from the get go, I had high hopes for Esther and Lorraine, but as the season draws to a close, I'm getting frustrated with the lack of support and trust they put in their sons. Look, I'm not saying that Lorraine may not have a point with the Playboy thing, or that Meghan was the ideal, but they aren't listening to their sons at all.

I mean, does anyone really think that one of these guys is going to end up marrying one these ladies? JoJo is barely in his 20's...Michael and Robb both still live at home. And with the lack of success another reality love show...on another network...has seen, I think its safe to say, they will all probably be single in a year.

Ok, back to the elimination heading into the finale.

Michael throws everyone a curve ball and sides with his mom. He keeps Amanda and lets Meghan go. Lorraine of course chose Erica.

Robb kept Camilla, and Esther kept Lauren.

JoJo...only having 2 girls to pick from since Mrs. B didn't bring one to St. Thomas made a bold statement saying he has fallen for Mindy!

I can't wait to see how this turns out! Mrs. B pits herself against Mindy in the season finale...who will JoJo pick...his mom or Mindy? Is he ready to let his mom go?

What happens when Erica reveals her secret?

Will Lauren win Robb over in the end???

Tune in for the Season Finale on Monday, 1/19 at 10/9c!

Sneaky time...Looks like Michael has a thing for Meghan. He pulls her aside to chat because he's a little worried that his mother won't be able to see past her work with Playboy to get to know her. But, he shows her he's willing to take the risk and caps the night off with a kiss.

A Rabi and a Priest walk into a house...

To the surprise of the moms and sons, family members join them to 'celebrate' the holidays at the Santa Barbara mansion to involve the women in their cultural and religious celebrations. Provided with all the trimmings and delicious holiday foods, the women get busy proving to the moms they can join in on the family holiday traditions.

Camilla makes an honest effort to learn about the Jewish traditions which Esther takes notes of. To Lorraine's delight, Erica and Michael seem to really be connecting while decorating the Christmas Tree with her little cousin. But...Erica is still living with her Penthouse Pet of the Month secret. When, if ever, will the time be right to come clean with mother and son? Then, Misty tries to upset Mrs. B by trying to get JoJo under the mistletoe!

Meghan stepped up her game with Michael asking him to join her downstairs. There he found her in a little...very little...Santa costume. While he was enjoying Meghan's gift downstairs, Lorraine and the other women were waiting for Michael upstairs to start the official holiday celebration.

After the holiday parties, the boys got to pick one woman to go on a date with.

To Lorraine's delight, Michael chose Erica. On their date, a wrestling match turned to cuddle time in the sand! But, Erica is worried what she has done in the past could ruin her chances with him in the future.

Next up, JoJo and Misty...and Mrs. B is NOT happy! Mrs. B and Misty have a confrontation in the hallway prior to her date with JoJo. I still question whether Misty is really into JoJo, or if it's more about getting under Mrs. B's skin...hmmm. Anyone else get that vibe?

Regardless, Misty and JoJo have an action packed date. After rock climbing, they hit the hot tub for some R&R. But, Mrs. B had something else in mind...spying on her son.

When Mrs. B returns to the mansion, she has a heart to heart with Maisha and Camilla about what she says and how she says it. They are extremely patient and kind to her about the best way to move forward in the competition giving her tips on how to phrase her feelings and to be more cautious of others feelings and backgrounds. When Misty got home, Mrs. B actually apologized to Misty and admitted she needs to open her mind...now, it looks like we're getting some where!

The elimination is a little different this time around. Each of the guys picks 2 women to go on a trip and their mom gets to pick one additional woman. The destination - the US Virgin Islands.

Esther and Robb have a conversation about the importance of culture, religion and background. Esther is continuing to push Lauren on Robb because she is Jewish. Robb doesn't want to choose a girl based only on that criterion. Esther doesn't agree.

Is Esther all that different from Mrs. B in her views? Just some food for thought.

Elimination Results

Robb Picks: Camilla and Nikki

Esther Picks: Lauren

Michael Picks: Erica and Meghan

Lorraine Picks: Amanda

JoJo Picks: Mindy and Julie

Mrs. B Picks: no one...she didn't invite anyone as none of the women in the house are good enough for her JoJo.

Those women sent packing - Misty, Maisha, Michelle, Liz

Amanda was the shocker...she turned down Robb, but ended up getting a ticket from Lorraine to give it a shot with Michael.

A women's worst nightmare...a mom's best friend. A chest arrives at the mansion and to the women's dismay it contains files on each and every one of them.

Who has the biggest secret? Is it Erica the Penthouse Pet of the Month? Amanda the medical student? Brittany, JoJo's top pick so far? Michelle, Misty...Lauren? With the chest's arrival, Mrs. B is the happiest woman in the world. Let the snooping begin!

Just with the arrival of the chest, 2 of the women decided to confess secrets from their past fearing what was in their file. Personally, I would even be shaking in my boots as to what that file says even though I don't have anything to hide. It's just nerve wracking.

But, before the chest can be opened, they must participate in the days challenge: Cooking!

Chef Tyler Florence leads the women through a cooking challenge. The 3 moms have provided their sons favorite recipes for the women to cook.

What's at stake? The winners of the challenge are assured their files stay closed and the moms can't choose to read them! So, needless to say, every one of the women wants to win the challenge!

To see some of these women in the kitchen is hilarious! It's as though some on them have never stepped foot in one. Frankly, it's a bit embarrassing. I'm not saying all women should know how to cook 7 course meals, but some of these women act so ditzy, it's terrible. Michelle even tried to pass off a dirty apple as acceptable, watch it here:

Then, Mrs. B showed her true colors once again. But, for the first time, JoJo didn't back down and actually showed some frustration with her! It's about time JoJo!

If the women didn't want to make one of the provided recipes, they could go out on a limb and cook something of their own. Erica, Amanda and Meghan were the only 3 that ventured out with their own dishes...and it paid off! They won the challenge.

Now...Let the file pulling begin!!!!

Lorraine pulls Michelle's file...and found exactly what she wanted. The amount of debt this woman has at 25 years old could buy a house in several parts of this country! And, the list of 'enhancements' goes on and on. Lorraine is now certain Michelle is not for Michael and lets her know it! Watch it here:

Mrs. B pulls Brittany's file and finds out she did some nude modeling. Esther pulls Lauren's file to prove she is as worthy of Robb's affection as she suspected, and she was right! Lauren's file is filled with wonderful and kind words from friends and family! But, can Esther get Robb to notice her?

Later that day, the guys invited some of the women out on dates to get to know them better. JoJo seems smitten with Mindy, the quintessential southern bell. Robb is giving Lauren a chance at love after his mother's constant pushing. Michael seems to be sticking to his blond rule. But, who will stick around after the next elimination?

The moms prep the boys for elimination and report back to the boys on the files they pulled and the information they gathered! Watch it here:

Here are the highlights from the cocktail hour before the elimination: Michelle tries to win Michael over. Michael is torn between what he wants and what his mother wants. Esther pulls Robb away from Camille. Lorraine gives Cara the chance she needs with Michael. JoJo lets Brittany know that her posing nude goes against what wants in a woman.

Cara's exit from the show is quite possibly my favorite of any reality show. Watch it here:

In the 'Meet at the Pool' elimination, Mrs. B got her wish again and JoJo sent Brittany packing. This woman seems to be knocking people off one by one.

But, next week Mrs. B's views are put to the ultimate test. Will she ever learn the meaning of acceptance? Will she look at people for who they are instead of the color of their skin? This experiment puts her and her views to the ultimate test! Don't miss it!

Welcome back! After watching the series premiere, I'm sure all of you had a lot to say...particularly about Mrs. B. I certainly did! In fact, I'm still shocked!

The second episode started exactly where it left off...in the middle of the Face-Off between Vita and Mrs. B. Check out the second half here:

I give Vita props for apologizing because I'm not sure I could have done that. I imagine that was the most difficult thing she's ever had to do, and then to not receive an apology in return from Mrs. B, although not shocking, was inexcusable.

After a rough first night of 'getting to know each other,' everyone settled into the mansion and headed for bed. And to add to an already awkward situation, the moms are sharing rooms with the women...WHAT? Is there no privacy?

Then the next day, The Cara Factor strikes again. You gotta love her because she is SO clueless! What woman shows off her lingerie collection to the mother of a man you're trying to date? Check out Cara's attempt to bond with Esther here:

That afternoon the moms set out to prepare each of their sons for the first elimination night. Mrs. B has it out for Vita and lets JoJo know exactly how she feels. However, Vita's not her only target: Misty better watch out! But, JoJo was quick to remind his mother that you can't judge someone based on their ethnicity...I'm predicting a mother/son face-off in the future over this one!

Lorraine and Esther are both quick to shoot down Cara when Michael and Robb both show an interest. Frankly, I'd add Cara to the 'Not Mother Approved' list too!

The "Cell Phone" elimination process was a modern day touch! It reminds me of the break-up scene when Carrie was broken up with on a post-it note in Sex in the City! The cell phone is the new 'post-it note.' Guys can break up via text message these days!

Here's a breakdown of the Cell Phone Elimination Text lingo for you to follow:

Yes = One or more of the guys is interested in you and would like to keep you around to get to know you better.

No = None of the guys have an interest in pursing you further. You've been eliminated and must pack your bags and leave the mansion that night.

Meet at the Pool = The guys are on the fence, and will make a final decision later that night after you've answered a few questions.

The Vita/Mrs. B issues continued, even after she gets a text asking her to meet the boys at the pool. Mrs. B, in reference to Vita, made 'devil' ears with her hands. Will this woman ever stop? Honestly, I would not want anything to do with JoJo after meeting this woman.

At the pool, 5 of the women meet with the guys and 2 of them have to go home. I think eliminations are always awkward in reality shows. Luckily, the guys made a few smart decisions. Megan stayed! I love that! But, they also kept Cara. At the very least, she provides comic relief. THEN...JoJo made the boldest move of all...asking Vita to stay. Mrs. B's blood must have been boiling. After the elimination she got into it with JoJo, making it clear that no woman will be put above her. Let the games begin!

Here's my problem. Between Misty and Vita, I'm not sure either of them is actually interested in JoJo. I think at this point in the show, it's simply about making Mrs. B uncomfortable and playing to win. That's really no better.

After the first elimination, some of the women decided to show off their some of their 'not so lady like traits'...frankly, they should have kept their mouths closed. Watch it here:

The next day, Dana White from the Ultimate Fighting Championship arrives with his team to put the women through an endurance test. All of the woman kicked ass. Then, the boys show up! The boys have to go through the same challenge the women just went through...and the women showed them up big time! JoJo and Robb barely made it through. Watch here to see how they faired in the workout:

After Robb was hauled off to the emergency room, 4 of the women were chosen to avoid elimination later that night by Dana for performing so well in the day's challenge: Camilla, Stacey, Cara and Brittany.

Later, all the boys took the women on group dates. At the end of the group date the boys had to choose one woman to spend a one on one date with. To Mrs. B's dismay, JoJo chose Brittany. Watch how Mrs. B handles JoJo's date time with Brittany:

To Lorraine's dismay, Michael chose Michelle. Lorraine questions Michael's choice in women and whether she's able to have a positive influence over him:

Esther was the only happy mother when Robb chose Amanda, the medical student, who took care of him after the workout mishap.

Next up: Elimination Night #2

All three of the moms let their opinions be heard loud and clear before the boys arrived at the mansion for elimination. Lorraine gets emotional with Michael trying to understand her role in the process. Esther is a little frustrated that Robb won't give Lauren, her pick, a little more effort.

During the cocktail hour, Amanda makes her move for Michael despite her one on one date with Robb. Esther and Lorraine seem to have a little competition over Amanda. Wonder who will win that fight?

Before the elimination can begin, some of the women take it upon themselves to give sweet little Megan a make-over. And BAM...a whole new Megan appeared by the pool to face the boys.

During the elimination, Mrs. B's dream came true, Vita was sent home. What always surprises me in reality shows is when the women leave the show and have their 'exit interviews' and cry...cry...and cry some more. Are they really broken hearted? Could they possibly have strong feelings for one of the men at that point? Or are they just embarrassed to go home? Just wondering.

Anyways, in a shocking elimination moment, Megan shows her true self and gives an opportunity to another woman.

Next week a mothers dream comes true when she gets to put her instincts about a woman to a test.

Welcome to "The Third Wheel." I'm a viewer, a TV enthusiast, a lover of reality TV...
and most importantly a sucker for love.

We've all had good relationships, bad relationships, complicated relationships... and more than anything, we all want to find that perfect match, true love, our best friend. I'm the first to admit that the relationship between anyone and their mother is sacred, I get that. I'm incredibly close to my mom and always take her opinion to heart! But, let's be honest, meeting a mother of your boyfriend/potential in-law, hoping they approve of you is tough enough when you've had time for your relationship to mature, work out the kinks. I can't imagine trying to feel out a relationship with a guy, decide if you're even compatible, while living with his mother. Awkward!

So, whether you're a mother, a son, a daughter, in a relationship, just got out of a relationship, married... you get the picture... I thought this would be a great way to get the community talking. I will give a run down of the episodes, but for fun, toss in my opinion and throw out some probing questions for discussion. Sound good? Let's start!

32 Women. 3 Mothers. 3 Sons.

Meet Michael, 25, a firefighter... and in my opinion the stud of the group. Meet Lorraine, Michael's mom. He lives at home; she makes his bed, does his banking, cooks for him and sometimes calls him 100 times a day.
**No wonder he hasn't found a woman... he doesn't have time to talk to anyone else but his mother.

Meet Rob, 24, a commercial real estate agent.
Meet Esther, Rob's mom. She calls herself the typical Jewish mother. She buys Rob's underwear
**(RED FLAG), does his laundry and constantly sings his praises.

Meet JoJo, 21, a hockey player, a college student and a total momma's boy.
Meet Mrs. B, JoJo's mom. She can't stand a Jewish girl, can't have a black girl, doesn't want someone from a divorced family, doesn't want someone who wears a lot of makeup, can't have a big butt girl, can't have a tall one, can't have a Muslim, can't have an Asian girl... only a nice Catholic, petite, pretty white girl who cooks and cleans. And beware if she doesn't like your boobs, your hair or anything else, she'll tell you.
Don't believe me? Watch Mrs. B explain it all here:

**It's truly hard to believe that a woman like this exists. Personally, I would be mortified if this was my mother and the last thing I would want to do is put her on national television and share her feelings with the world. Frankly this makes me question JoJo's intelligence. I mean, I can't be the only woman to think this... am I? But, the larger question is can you have a successful relationship with a Momma's Boy if you don't fit into the perfect mold his mother will accept? Or would you even want to date someone with a mother like this? More on this later.

Out of the 32 women who moved into the Santa Barbara, CA mansion there are few standouts worth mentioning. But first, I mean really, how many nude models/playmates/penthouse pets/porn stars can you fit into one house? Ok, on second thought, don't answer that.

There's Megan, the "I don't want to be the 40-year-old virgin" with nerd goggles who is more comfortable cleaning dishes than introducing herself to the guys. Then there's Cara.

There's Amanda, a medical student; Mindy the kindergarten teacher; Michelle, a spokesmodel (for what we have no idea) who paid for her second boob job with her student loan money; Erica the 2008 Penthouse Pet of the Year; Vita the critical care nurse in the military; and Misty, the woman JoJo's mom is going to hate from the start.

Like any good sorority house there are the catty girls, the chatty girls, the quiet girls, the smart girls, the crude girls and well, the slutty girls. Oh, and in this house you can't forget the nude model/Playmate girls and those who have seen the inside of a jail cell. Have I mentioned how much I love reality TV?

I'd like to point out that even though Erica is the 2008 Penthouse Pet of the Year, beautiful, a great body, etc.... she's one of my favorites! Oh, and Amanda! I'm rooting for both of these ladies.

The big question this series seems to ask is: Who really is the most important woman in a man's life?

I would love to say that a man should never have to choose. That his woman and his mother are both important and that neither would ever put him in a position to choose one over the other. But, my experience has shown me differently. Whether in my own personal relationships or watching my friends in theirs, men are constantly torn between the two. And sometimes they are torn between the two when no one is asking them to choose. Sometimes they use one or the other as an excuse. Sometimes... oh, I could go on and on, but I'll stop for now.

Here are a few more questions that I'm going to be thinking about as we watch this series:

1) If a mother has raised her son to be open, honest and loving, why would a son need her help to choose the right woman? If they are perfect, why can't they be trusted to find the right person for themselves?
2) In a relationship, when has your spouse's mother crossed the line? When is too much, too much?
3) Where should the boundaries begin?
4) Women: If a man's mother is still buying his underwear, is he really ready for love?
5) Should your mother be the matchmaker?
6) When is it time for a man to let his mother's expectations go, and follow his heart?
7) Shouldn't a mom be able to just be happy for her son, if he finds someone that makes him happy?

Ok, now, back to the series premiere. The moms move in. Now the real drama can begin.

Lorraine joins the women in the house first. So far, she's made a smooth transition. She appears to be a young, cool, hip mom that the woman can easily relate to and get to know. Esther's next. She's a hit from start. With a glass of wine in hand, she mingles throughout the house. And then... Mrs. B arrives. Cue the drum roll please...

Everyone has been stewing on Mrs. B's strong opinions of the perfect woman for her JoJo since they watched her DVD earlier in the day. The introductions between Mrs. B and the women start as friendly as one can expect... and then take a turn for the worse... quickly.

Mrs. B decided to single out a few "lady picks" to get to know within five minutes of arriving at the house and Brittany was top on her list. Well, she was on the top of her list until she found out Brittany was half Jewish, then it was time to move on to the next.

When a few of the black women in the house pulled Mrs. B aside to get to know her a little better, giving her the benefit of the doubt, it was obvious Mrs. B was not going to extend the same courtesy. She started in with the stereotypes right away... asking if the women played basketball. Vita, biting her tongue, kept it together even through Mrs. B's questioning on how her parents feel about white/black relationships.

Then, Vita decided to confront Mrs. B about her video. Next thing... words like "ass" and "racist" are getting tossed around while the crowd around them grows one at a time. Then all hell breaks loose when Mrs. B calls Vita a bitch. Watch it all unfold here:

Let's just say, I'm sure these first impressions will be lasting ones.

Next week, a mother's wishes are put to the test when a son's desires conflict with hers. What will happen? Who will stay? Who will go home? Will love conquer in the end?

And check back here at The Third Wheel during the week, where we'll continue to discuss the ongoing themes of this experiment.