For Love or Money: Is Rob Worth It?

This week’s episode of For Love or Money begins with Jordan telling Rob about a new twist in the game. Whichever woman Rob chooses will have to decide if she wants Rob or a million dollars – we knew that part. But what we didn’t know is that if Rob can convince that woman to pick him instead of the money, Rob will win a million dollars. Somewhere in there, there’s got to be a scenario in which I win a million dollars for watching every episode of this show, but so far that twist hasn’t come up. Jordan asks Rob, “Can you convince them that you’re worth that kind of money?” Mulling this over, Rob comes up with the most intelligent thought we’ve seen from him so far: why would a woman who has only been on four dates with him choose him over a million dollars? He also wonders how he can figure out what each woman’s motives are – love or money. While we watch Rob try to figure that out, let’s also look at the other question – is Rob’s affection worth more than a million dollars to these women?

Rob’s first date is with Erin. The two of them hang out and play Scrabble, and judging by their scores, they’re both good players (although “sea otter” is indeed two words, and would never be accepted at my Scrabble table). In an interview, Erin admits that she was initially in it for the money, but is starting to really like Rob. The trouble is that, as Rob says, “We’re kind of held back by the lack of kissing.” To make matters worse, Erin says that she is “scared of opening up too much.” So, Erin’s lacking both physical and emotional intimacy with this guy. Worth a million dollars? So far, no.

Throughout the entire date, Rob is preoccupied with Jordan’s revelation that that winning woman will get a million dollars. Erin notices that he seems nervous. Wily Rob is hunting for clues that Erin (or any of the others, for that matter) might be focused on the money rather than on his dubious charms. Erin accidentally lets slip that the “winner” of the show has promised to take the other women on a trip to Las Vegas. Bad move, Erin – Rob is now worried that she might be more interested in the cash. He asks her if they’d still see each other after the show is over, and she gives a breezy, “Of course.” Just when Rob is starting to worry that Erin will get blisters from her gold digging, she finally kisses him. She also admits to being afraid of rejection, which has made her hold back. Rob seems reassured that Erin truly likes him and doesn’t have dollar signs in her eyes. And what has Erin learned? Well, Rob’s an above average Scrabble player, likes kissing her, and thinks she’s beautiful. Other than the Scrabble thing, I am willing to bet that if you look like Erin, it’s not hard to find someone with those traits. Plus, is it worth a million bucks to be with someone who makes you feel afraid of rejection? I don’t think so.

Rob’s next date is with Paige. Paige is a nervous wreck and is clearly insecure at seeing Rob with Erin. In the limo, Rob asks Paige which of the remaining women is the “most genuine.” Being no fool, Paige tells Rob that she is. What did he think she’d say – “I’m a big phony, but those other two girls I’m competing with are good as gold?” Paige feels torn up inside because she’s hiding the secret about the money from Rob, so she doesn’t feel as genuine as she could be.

Later, Paige tells Rob that she “can’t wait” to take off her celibacy ring. She tells him that she’ll take off the ring as soon as she falls in love. Rob seems very interested in her renouncing her vow of celibacy. Paige then confides that she’s been quiet and distant towards Rob lately. She has? When? When they were kissing on the gondola? Anyway, she says that it’s because she is afraid of getting her feelings hurt. That’s pretty understandable, considering that she’s supposed to open herself up to him, while he’s getting the same openness from two other women.

That night, the two of them cuddle and smooch on the couch. Rob asks Paige, “Should I believe what you tell me?” She promises once more that she is true and genuine. Rob says in an interview that if Paige picks the money, “She’s like the greatest con artist in the world.” And if that happens, let me tell you, I’ll be cheering from my sofa!

The next day, Rob notices that Paige isn’t wearing her ring. The two of them talk about the ring so much that I’m waiting for Gollum to appear and start calling for “my precious.” Anyway, Paige tells Rob that she feels vulnerable and at a loss for words with Rob. She tells him that she took off her ring because she’s falling in love with him. After the date is over, Rob seems confident that Paige is not the greatest con artist in the world, and that she truly cares about him. Paige, on the other hand, is still a total wreck. She thinks she’s falling in love with Rob, but by her own admission, their relationship makes her feel vulnerable, insecure, and like the other shoe will drop at any minute. She is crazed with jealousy towards Erin and Kelly. He has done nothing to reassure her that she is as special to him as he is to her – quite the contrary in fact, since he continues to make out with these other women. For Paige, the choice should be clear: take the good money over the bad love.