Scott Baio Is 45 and Single–Finale
TV’s Chachi Comes to Grips With His Past and Future
Scott Baio decides whether to marry his girlfriend in the final episode of his reality show.
The concluding episode of VH-1’s reality show, Scott Baio is 45 and Single, first aired Sunday, August 26, 2007, and was entitled, “Decision Time.” Baio begins by saying he’s made some good and bad decisions in his life. He cites his role on Charles in Charge as a good decision, while his singing career was not.
When Doc Ali asks Baio if he understands now after eight weeks of introspection and analysis why he’s 45 and single, he says that he’s looking for the next best thing. This revelation, which viewers have waited for during the eight weeks of the show, comes without fanfare or excitement. Like much of the series, it is over-scripted and flat.
Doc Ali seems pleased by Baio’s “progress,” and even laughs when Baio’s pal Johnny V. texts Scott in the middle of his session to ask, “Why won’t you text me back? I left my boxers in your guest room.”
Doc Ali heads off to finally meet with Baio’s finance Renee, and the next shot we see is of Baio and his buds (all except Johnny V., since Baio was instructed by Doc Ali to “break up” with him) smoking cigars and playing golf. Baio talks about his “decision” with his friends, as if there is some sort of heightened question that hasn’t yet been answered. The viewers understand at this point that Baio will marry his girlfriend Renee, so these contemplative moments, combined with Baio’s apparent indifference, are tedious at best.
After lamenting about the idea of planning a wedding, Baio then heads to a lawyer to talk about a “possible” prenup. Later he follows his friend along to a jewelry store, where banned pal Johnny V. continues to harass him via text. Pretending to be annoyed with the continual text messaging, Baio finally decides on a “simple” $21,000 engagement ring.
When Doc Ali later meets with Renee, she starts by assuring her she’s going to see definite changes in Scott. Renee smartly replies with, “Well if I don’t, I’m gone.” Renee tells Doc Ali how sweet and “protective” Baio is toward her, and illustrates this by relaying a story of how Baio slices a pizza for her so she won’t cut or burn herself.
Yet another odd scene is the “graduation party,” which Baio plans to congratulate himself on surviving eight weeks with a life coach. This is no doubt supposed to be a tension filled moment, as we watch him mingle with several of the ex-girlfriends who have appeared on the show before Renee finally makes an appearance.
Baio and Renee go off to have a private conversation, where in perhaps the most un-suspenseful moment in reality TV history, Baio tells Renee he’s ready to get married. She smiles and tells him she is too.
The show cuts once to Johnny V., who is hanging around the parameter of Baio’s gated house. Apparently this is to create some tension on whether he will try to break up Baio’s newfound happiness. But like the rest of the show, it is done halfheartedly, with an obvious script and lackluster “acting.”
In the final moment, Renee finally whispers in Baio’s ear that she’s pregnant. For his part, Baio manages to look shocked.
