We’re in the home stretch of this journey, and we’re going to hometowns next week. Let’s get to the episode, and see how Nick’s relationships with the women are trucking along.

My Takeaways

Nick pulling the Mesnick

We pick up this episode with analysis of last week’s cliffhanger by the women and Chris Harrison. Chris and Nick have a man chat on the beach, while the women sit in their villa discussing the anxiety they are feeling about whether Nick is just going to quit the process all together. Lucky for the women (and ABC! Could you imagine the ratings if they had to air re-runs of Dr. Ken), Nick joins them at the villa to tell them that he is fully committed to the journey with these women. This has to be one of the more awkward dynamics among the women – my very good friends and I are very excited that the man we are all dating is going to continue to date all of us in the hopes that one of us will marry him?

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The first one-on-one date of the week goes to Vanessa, who kissed Nick after vomiting the last time they were alone for an extended period of time. I like Vanessa because she doesn’t seem caught up in the ‘Bachelor’ of it all. When Nick does something that is kinda lame, she calls him out on it. Many times on these shows you find women who look past all the Bachelor’s faults and see him as some type of Prince Charming. Vanessa doesn’t do that and sees him as a real person.

Despite his faults, Vanessa is falling in love with Nick and tells him as much at dinner. Nick, not wanting to tell girls that he loves them before the end of this whole thing, talks around the issue for an extended period of time. Seriously, I was watching with my roommate and she said, “what did he say to her, I literally was not listening.” Vanessa was a bit disappointed by Nick’s lack of enthusiasm over her declaration, but I think it was for the best. Just ask Ben how telling multiple women he loves them works out.

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The next date was the group date, featuring Corinne, Raven, and Kristina. Corinne is extremely disappointed because she is the only one of the women left who has not had  true one-on-one date. Plus, she really wants Nick to meet her nanny, Racquel. I think most of America wants this to happen as well.

With only three women on the date, it feels like it’s just a competition for Nick’s time. If Nick is paying attention to Kristina, Corinne needs to one up her. If Nick is paying attention to Corinne, Kristina isn’t going to let that happen. I love Raven even more than I already did for that fact that she seems to be above all of the competition. She chooses to spend her time talking to Nick about their relationship, and not worry about any of the other women. For that, she gets the group date rose, and is the only one who will be safe going into the end of the episode.

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The next one-on-one date this week was with Danielle M., who had the first one-on-one of the season. I’ve liked Danielle all this season, but I’ve always thought she was a little too timid and quiet for this experience. While I don’t doubt that there were a lot of conversations between her and Nick that weren’t shown on camera, but all we really know about her is that she’s sweet.

In this date, the conversation struggle was real. It was filled with ‘um’, Nick asking questions and receiving one word answers, and Danielle just reaffirming things Nick says.

At night, poor Danielle pours her heart out to Nick, telling him that she is ready to take on life with him. Nick, however, only feels a great friendship with her and knows it’s time to send her home. He tells her that he doesn’t think their relationship can get to where he wants the love in his life to be. He tells her that he is sorry and that she is so great, and then the great heartbreak of the episode:

Danielle, you are a kick-ass PICU nurse who deserves better than a guy who wears a hoodie on a nice date. You are great enough.

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Knowing that Nick is probably upset after sending Danielle home, Corinne decides that this is the time to go sneak over to his room and seduce him. In an impressive move, Nick turns down her advances, actually learning from his past experiences on the show. I do feel for Corinne though, this is the second time that she has attempted to throw herself at Nick, and has had him turn her away in some capacity. I think she is harder on herself than she should be though. Nick feels a connection with her, and I think Corinne thinks it is more just a physical connection, when I think that Nick actually enjoys her company.

Finally we got this masterpiece in an episode.

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Rachel’s one-on-one is easy and fun, just like their relationship. They hang out at a local bar, and just chat with the locals and each other. We get more amusing conversations about how Nick should address Rachel’s dad, and I just pray that he somehow messes it up next week. I also enjoyed that they don’t shy away from the fact that this is an interracial relationship.

Although Nick was awkward in bringing it up, Rachel is very direct. No, she hasn’t brought a white guy home before but yes, she has dated white guys before. I never think Rachel has anything to worry about after her one-on-ones, and I’m once again proven correct.

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After his date with Rachel, Nick knows what he needs to do. I like that he is forgoing the formality of rose ceremonies, in order to have the difficult “break-up” conversations with these women who he has built strong connections with. Unfortunately, this break-up is with Kristina. As we learned last week, Kristina has been through some tough situations in her life, and she isn’t going to deal with Nick’s nonsense. As he is breaking up with her, Nick is tearing up and Kristina is shooting daggers. She does deserve someone who won’t sit in front of her and tell her that he has stronger relationships with someone else. Although she doesn’t seem the type, I’d love to see Kristina in Paradise, just so we can follow her journey more. I could see her finding someone there.

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We’ve got our final 4 ladies to head into hometowns. In a shocking (not really) move by ABC, we have already found out who our Bachelorette is for next season, and she is still in the running. Although I’m a little bummed to have the season spoiled a bit, I couldn’t be more excited that my girl Rachel will be the Bachelorette next season!

Best Tweets

nick: i need my relationships to be deeper every girl: i love you nick: so unfortunately i have to send you home #thebachelor

—
elise (@eliseleary) February 14, 2017

Never let it be said that Corinne always takes the path of least resistance. #TheBachelor https://t.co/e7Al8gYLLA

—
The Bachelor (@BachelorABC) February 14, 2017

I swear to you if @BachelorABC has put us through this many weeks of torture and we don't get to meet Raquel I will lose it. #TheBachelor

—
Princess Problems (@PrincessProbz) February 14, 2017

Best Dressed

Unfortunately, I only really loved one outfit this week, and that was Raven’s dress from the group date. Luckily, I know where it’s from! You can get Raven’s STYLESTALKER dress here!

I’m seriously considering purchasing this beauty for one of the many weddings I have this summer. All I need is a little tan.

Sorry this got posted so late guys! Here’s to hoping next week is better. As always, I’d love to hear any feedback – you can always find me in the comments or on Twitter.

xo
Em

gif source.