For Love or Money 3, Episode 5: Pres’d For An Answer!

And then there were two.

Preston Mercer must choose between self-centered Rachel or suddenly-savvy PJ. The women have the chance to choose between Preston or a Mystery Check (not to be confused with the earlier checks they drew) written for an amount they are not aware of! But, they do know their respective Mystery Checks are for either a million dollars, or one measly shekel. We know that one million- dollar check and one dollar check are already gone, as they were drawn last episode by the recently dismissed Rebekah (who Preston seemed to genuinely like) and Andrea (who he rightfully didn’t trust).

If Preston can get one of the two remaining lovelies to choose him over the money, he can choose them or their Mystery Check – whatever it’s worth! The lady who Preston chooses will have to decide between Preston or the value of their Mystery Check.

That’s why it’s called For Love Or Money!

Over a delicious-looking breakfast, PJ comments the house is so quiet. To us, she says it blows her mind she’s still in the running. Rachel is still stung that Preston told her he’s heard plenty of negative stuff about her, wondering aloud if it was that Andrea who ratted her out, I mean, slandered her. (Does it really matter now?)

Rachel tells us she would be “just heartbroken” if Preston didn’t choose her because he didn’t trust her. Bat-bat-bat. I’m amazed she can do this with a straight face. Clearly, she’s going for the Emmy. PJ says to us that she’s talked badly about Rachel to Preston, and she feels bad that Rachel seems to completely trust her. But, not that bad.

In the Event Room, the ladies notice there is an ornate box sitting on a table. In comes Jordan (who some e-mailers have said looks like Will of Will and Grace. I would agree, if Eric McCormack was dead!) walking disturbingly fast and plops himself in a chair. He recognizes the ladies are under a lot of stress, but says that will end in 24 hours. He hands them their checks and asks, incredibly, “how much does it feel like it’s worth?”

Rachel deftly slips off her Nine West mules and proceeds to beat Jordan about the head and neck with it shrieking, “Idiot! Idiot!” while PJ brandishes her cross! No, not really.

Jordan tells the ladies that between them, there is one million dollar check and a one dollar check. This brings a nervous smile out of both ladies. PJ hopes her check is a dollar, because it makes her decision easier (it doesn’t work that way!), but her gut says it’s a million. Rachel admits this makes the decision very difficult – she may never again be this close to a million dollars. PJ says she could “really use a million dollars.” You think?

Jordan then lowers a boom that shouldn’t be a boom. As we discussed, the ladies, if picked, will get to choose between Preston and the money. If they choose the money, they will never “get to see Preston… again.” (This part always seemed silly to me. What, if they date after the show, will be they be shot on sight?) However, they seem somewhat surprised to hear that Preston will have the same choice if the ladies pick him. (Don’t you guys watch the show?) Rachel tells us she doesn’t like this particular power shift.

PJ says she wants Preston more than she’s ever wanted anything. Ever. But, she won’t tell Rachel that. Rachel says being confronted with that kind of money makes you realize what’s really important to you. She doesn’t elucidate what is important to her, but we can probably guess!

Preston arrives at the mansion for his meeting with Jordan. He dreads it because whenever he has to see Jordan, there is some sort of twist. Not this time, because Jordan tells him what he surely already knew. If the lady he chooses selects him over the money, he gets to choose between her and the money. Being the optimist that he is, Jordan spins it as, “you could leave here with nothing!” which makes Preston wince.

To us, Preston says Rachel is unerringly honest (heh!). He could see a passionate relationship with her. PJ is very caring and he sees the possibility of a long-term relationship with her.

Preston joins the ladies for lunch. Rachel tells us she is well aware that this is competition and she intends to compete! PJ mentions that she has played the game with no regrets, she has been herself the whole time. Rachel chirps, “so have I!” Preston adds that Rachel has been very honest with him, and she says, “and I’ve been hated for it!“ with a self-pitying little laugh. Pity party for one! Preston says opaquely it could “be the beginning.” PJ says she hopes so. Rachel rolls her eyes.