Lt. Andy Baldwin, The Bachelor's new "Officer and a Gentleman," apparently is genuinely smitten so far, even though we don't know yet with whom. "I came out with an amazing woman and I'm totally in love," he told reporters this week.

But hasn't every Bachelor said that? And most of them only lasted a few months, if that, with their chosen bachelorettes.

Baldwin knows that, and says "I think I'm very much a different type of bachelor then what's been on in the past… I'd say look more towards me as an individual then comparing me to the way relationships have worked out it the past."

Well, let's hope so. The past nine seasons of The Bachelor have not exactly proven themselves to be a path towards long-lasting relationships.

Prince Lorenzo Borghese, of last season's The Bachelor: Rome, admitted he made his choice hastily and badly, and after dating Jennifer Wilson for a while, took up with Sadie Murray, the runner-up. But that too only lasted a short time.

And what about the other Bachelors that have gone before? Only two of the first nine are still together – bass fisherman Byron Velvick and Mary Delgado from season six, and actor Charlie O'Connell and nurse Sarah Brice, season seven. As well, Trista Rehn, runner-up on the first season of the Bachelor, is still with Ryan Sutter, who she chose on "The Bachelorette."

So what's different about Andy Baldwin?

"Andy came into this with real sincerity," says Mike Fleiss. "This guy's like one of the most committed guys I've ever met, and he brought the same level of commitment to the show."

So what I want to know is this: will his apparent sincerity and commitment make The Bachelor fun to watch? After all, while it's nice that he's found happiness, it doesn't necessarily make for riveting entertainment. I'll be tuning in next week to watch find out, anyway.


-Mel, BuddyTV Staff Columnist

Sources: New York Daily News
Photo courtesy of ABC