When it takes me a minute to figure out how I’m going to write a review of The Bachelor without it turning into a nasty, immature rant, I know it was great episode. Monday’s installment was heavy on the drama and a bit short on the girls who are actually sane — but overall, reality TV at its best.
Ben and the girls said goodbye to Sonoma and traveled to San Francisco for the week to explore Ben’s other home. Although none of the dates included the Full House tour (lame!), Ben had a few other unique outings planned to make up for it.
One-on-one: Emily
Finally, a date with The Sanitizer! I’ve been waiting for Emily to get some quality time with Ben — she might be just enough “nerd” to compliment his quirky (although often hidden) personality.
Emily’s afraid of heights, so naturally the date included hiking to the top of the Bay Bridge. Ben later shared that conquering the bridge meant the two of them could conquer anything. (Although Jake and Vienna said the same thing when they bungee jumped together, and we all know where that ended up.) Ben also revealed that he likes Emily because she’s smarter than him. (Ben: If “smart” is what you’re into, we can probably cut this season back about six episodes.) He offered Emily a rose, and she happily accepted.
Group date
Ben decided it would be fun for the girls to ski down the sloped streets of San Fran — in their bikinis. Kacie’s “backwards butt skiing,” was a date highlight, but Ben saved the date’s rose for Rachel. She gives off a hippy vibe that I like, but I don’t see her and Ben meshing well together in the long run.
One-on-one: Lindzi
Lindzi earned this date by default, after Brittney turned down the date card and decided to leave the show. Ben’s first thought: “Maybe I should have kept her granny around instead…”
Ben took Lindzi for a private trolley tour around the city, stopping only to engage in cute date-y things like getting ice cream and attending a private concert inside City Hall with a performance by Matt Nathanson. The two danced and kissed and Ben offered Lindzi a rose to keep her around another week.
Most. Shocking. Rose ceremony. EVER.
For once, the ceremony actually lived up to the frequently uttered words of Chris Harrison. Shawntel Newton, one of the final three girls from Brad’s season, made a surprise return and crashed the party. Once a fan favorite, the funeral director made it clear that she had existing feelings for Ben (which made me almost CERTAIN they’d hooked up at a Bachelor reunion party prior to filming this season) — and man was it awkward to watch.
Even more surprising was how disturbing the other girls’ reactions were to Shawntel. Rude is an understatement. Courtney, Elyse and Jaclyn were especially repulsive in their comments — even to Shawntel’s face. Although I would have loved to see her stick around, I think Ben made the right move by not giving out the final rose and sending Shawntel and Jaclyn both home. Sometimes keeping the peace is more important than finding love. If you’re a guy.
Along with Lindzi, Rachel and Emily, the remaining roses went to Courtney, Kacie, Elyse, Jamie, Jennifer, Casey, Blakeley, Monica, Nicki and Samantha. Poor Erika actually fainted before the last rose was handed out, but Ben “No Mercy” Flajnik still sent her home.
Next week, the group travels to Utah and my rage towards Courtney deepens. (Can’t wait!) What did you think of Monday’s episode? Sound off below.
The Bachelor airs Mondays at 8 p.m. ET on Omni2/ABC.
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A self-proclaimed TV fanatic, Lindsay will always sacrifice sleep in order to catch up on her shows. From reality goodness like The Bachelor and America’s Next Top Model to the epic fantasy series, Game of Thrones, her favourites are nothing short of random.
Currently a graphic designer and freelancer in Mississauga, Ont., Lindsay’s love and passion for writing and TV have made her a closet TV blogger — but she is always excited to share her thoughts among the likes of TV Guide Canada’s finest when the opportunity presents itself. Lindsay’s previous roles include writing and editing for various newspapers and magazines. She is a graduate from the Journalism and Media Studies program at the University of Guelph-Humber. |
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