Much has changed since we last saw TV One's take-off on "The Bachelorette."
First of all, "Donald J. Trump Presents" has been removed from the title making it just "The Ultimate Merger" (TV One, 9 tonight). Whether that's because the Donald tarnished his brand with African-Americans because of his questionable attacks on President Obama's birthplace or because having "Donald J. Trump Presents" in the title is ridiculous, we'll never know. There's mention that the hotel is Trump-owned, but this time there's no offensive warning to the men not to damage any property. Yep, that actually happened.
Despite the fact that she didn't find love, Omarosa isn't back (she found it off camera with actor Michael Clarke Duncan); instead another one-namer, "America's Top Model" contender Toccara sorts through 14 men to find Mr. Right.
There's no element of surprise this time, if there ever was one -- the men know who they are there for. And this time there isn't one token white guy. The mostly black group includes three Caucasians and an Asian man.
Unlike the no-nonsense Omarosa who not only seemed smarter than the men, but likely to eat the ones who didn't make the cut, Toccara seems all Marilyn Monroe-ish: curvy, sweet voiced, bordering on ditsy and willing to employ her sexualityto make her point. The first episode finds her not only in a bathing suit, but in lingerie and garters doing a burlesque dance.
Rather than leaning on a pastor for advice, Toccara brings along Harvey Walden, the former Marine and Celebrity Fit Club drill instructor. As usual he takes down a few egos right away. He also gets the guys to sign the pre-nups. (No credit checks this time.)
If you like this kind of show, the entertainment value is there, with challenges (like the first episode's dance contest) that prove nothing except that these guys are good sports. Or fame whores. But from the Compton cowboy to the can't-hold-his-liquor student, the mix of men are well cast.
Here's to love.
Assistant Features Editor Adrienne Johnson Martin would like to have her life turned into an animated cartoon. 
