‘For Love or Money’ Comparisons from One Who Was There

Being a cast member on the original For Love or Money was a once-in-lifetime experience and ended with a modern "fairytale" ending. No, Erin did not choose the guy... she thought realistically, practically, and self-sufficiently and went with the million dollars instead. Although Paige was heartbroken, she deserves someone who can give as much to her as she gives to others. Needless to say, I couldn’t have asked for a better closure to our show. Some people get what they deserve, and justice was definitely served to our criminal defense lawyer, Rob.

NBC then upped the stakes with Erin and told her that she had a chance to win TWO million dollars if she agreed to be the bachelorette for For Love or Money 2. If she could get the guy that she chose at the end to choose her over the money, her winnings would double. Personally, I’m not much of a gambler... I would’ve taken my million dollars and RAN! But Erin definitely has what it takes and I truly believe any guy would fall in love with her, whether there is monetary motivation or not.

The premiere of For Love or Money 2 was intriguing to watch – not only because it was a continuation of OUR show, but I wanted to see how different the atmosphere would be at the same house we lived at only a few weeks prior. I spent the first 15 minutes or so of watching the show comparing notes. I came up with a few complaints. First of all, the 15 guys all pulled up in these amazing Hummers... we got the stretch limos that everyone has been in if they ever went to high school prom and happened to snag a date who rented one for the evening. The second thing I noticed was that there was a lot of recreational equipment for the boys to play with – a pool table and a card table. What did we have to keep ourselves busy!? More Cosmo magazines than I’ve EVER seen in one place, a swimming pool to lay out by, and an electronic "Catch Phrase" game that I brought (that the sound people did NOT approve of). I definitely had to get in touch with my inner "feminine" side – one I did not know existed in me until this show. I spent so much time looking at fashion magazines, painting my nails, and laying out... not exactly my idea of relaxing. I tend to be very active and would’ve loved to have a football handy or a pool table or SOMETHING!!

This may sound funny, but another thing I noticed in the house was that their first meal was lasagna. We had a diet of chicken and salad for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Carbohydrates of any nature were never included in any meal. I felt a tinge of jealousy when I saw that beautiful display of carbs on their dinner table!!

I liked how the "rings" were included into their show as well. It was an interesting concept and one that held symbolism. The rings all seemed to fit everyone perfectly – I didn't actually know that the "one size fits all" was ever a true statement, though it appeared to be with these silver rings. I kept looking to see if anyone slipped the ring on their wedding finger as a joke or to be "symbolic" in their own way, but surprisingly no one did.

For Love or Money 2 had a completely different tone set. I think the house was a lot more laid back and playful (seeing as they had GAMES to enhance that environment) than ours was. I was a bit surprised to see how "catty" some of the guys appeared to be in the first episode, stating that they would help Richard pack if he was booted off. The two guys that really stuck out to me were Chad V. and Wade. I was immediately attracted to them both, but before I go off and mentally marry myself to them, I need to watch the show further to make a more accurate evaluation. But, based on first impressions, they are two that I personally would want to get to know better.

I’m looking forward to watching the upcoming episodes. From the previews, it looks like the dates were a lot more romantic than ours! Erin is an amazing woman and it will be interesting to see her on the other side of the "game." Not only that, but I am curious to see how the eliminations play out. Remember, she’s not necessarily choosing guys to stay because she likes them – her motivation is to find a guy to fall in love with her so that she can win the two million dollars. From my viewpoint, she won’t have to try very hard.

Alima Ravenscroft appeared on the first For Love or Money. You can read more about her and her time on the show in her earlier interview with RNO.

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