The Bachelorette: Week 4 Recap

Week 4
Let the traveling begin! Sort of. The Bachelor and Bachelorette are known for having exotic dates all over the world, dates us normal people can't even imagine. This week, the group left the house in California and boarded a plane to Atlantic City, New Jersey. Con: Not exotic and a disappointment for the viewers. Pro: The majority of the guys look like Jersey boys, so they should fit right in. #passtheprotein.

Brad's 1-on-1: Brad gets the first date card, and he is thrilled to have the one-on-one with Des. Duh. However, before the date starts, Zak and Mikey both foreshadow Brad being spent home.The general consensus is that Brad is really sweet, but really quiet and not for Des. Not sure if it's the single dad factor or what, but the boys are convinced Brad is going home, and by the time the date starts, so am I. Poor editing on ABC's part. Brad and Des spend the day on the boardwalk playing carnival games, riding rides, and eating all sorts of delicious deserts. They hang out in a giant sandcastle city on the beach before heading to dinner inside a local lighthouse. During dinner, it looks like Des isn't really feeling the vibes with Brad. The conversation is definitely struggling. Between the long pauses, awkward laughs, and boring dialogue, it's clear that Des is going to send Brad home. (Despite her standard "I'm conflicted" interview). She makes a last ditch effort to keep it alive by suggesting they climb to the top of the lighthouse. During the climb, we have more voiceovers from other guys predicting Brad's demise. And they're right! Brad doesn't get the rose and packs his bags. He had nothing but positive things to say about Des in his exit interview. Brad is a sweet guy, but it was clear that he was not the one. And then there were 12.

Group Date: 

On this week's group date, the men competed in a "Mr. America" pageant. Boy, I knew I was in for a treat as soon as Chris Harrison announced it. And by "treat" I mean me shaking my head more times than I can count and being in a continual state of embarrassment for all the boys. The pageant consisted of the standard interviews, talent show, and swimsuit competition. The men performed in front of a live audience full of screaming women. I probably would've peed my pants I'd be so nervous. There were some very interesting answers during the interview process. We found out that Juan Pablo has a kid too. What. Lots of dads this season. Mikey gets really serious and sentimental with his answer and draws quite the laugh by stating that guys aren't just a piece of meat and are emotional as well. And then proceeds to take his shirt off during the talent portion and do handstand pushups, acting exactly like a "piece of meat." Brooks is rather humorous and keeps a lighthearted attitude throughout the entire competition, even smashing his ukulele on stage. It's hard for me to pick a standout from all of the "talents" because they were all incredibly entertaining. Between baton twirling, men in heels, guitars, hula hoops, tap dancing, and Shakespeare readings, I couldn't figure out where to look. (Just kidding, I was staring at Drew). The swimsuit competition was...interesting. For whatever reason, ABC felt it necessary to put a handful of these guys in speedos. Ew. No one, not even Ryan Gosling, should ever wear a speedo. At the end of it all, it is Kasey that takes the title.

During the remainder of the group date, Ben causes more house drama by stealing Des away from the group and sitting right in front of all of them to talk to her. Zak W. plays Des a song on guitar that he wrote and impressed both Des and me. He had a surprisingly good voice. His performance and sweet personality got him the group rose; I approve.

James' 1-on-1: For James and Des' date, they take a helicopter tour of New Jersey with an American Red Cross volunteer. It's the first helicopter ride of the season, though not in the usual context. They spend their ride looking at all of the damage that Hurricane Sandy did to New Jersey; it is absolutely unbelievable what nature can do. They meet a couple that has lost almost everything due to Hurricane Sandy and grow quite fond of them. The older couple shares that Hurricane Sandy came on the night of their 38th anniversary. Des is touched by their story, and after conferring with James, decides to give their date to these Hurricane Sandy survivors. Bonus points. James and Des hit up a local pizza for dinner and share deep conversation. James is (over)honest and shares that he cheated on a past girlfriend. This makes the situation rather awkward as Des was cheated on. She is disappointed in James' mistake, but she appreciates his honesty and seems to move on from that conversation with an incredible amount of ease. Des and James join the older couple for a private concert by Darius Rucker. (Count 'em, three private concerts this season). Des gives James the rose and the night ends on a positive note.

Cocktail Party and Rose Ceremony:
The main focus of the cocktail party was Bryden. Despite his wonderful first date with Des, he has been lacking some feelings for her since then, and has "fallen behind where [he thinks he should be]." Des makes it clear in her one on one time with Bryden that she wants him here and hopes that he will trust the process and stick around. This gives Bryden enough reassurance to accept the rose she offers him. But barely. The dummy stands there for what feels like an eternity after Des calls his name before walking forward to accept the rose. Zack K. is sent home tonight, and it comes as quite a shock to him. However, he manages to keep his composure in his exit interview and hold back the man tears.

Top 5:

1. Brooks
2. Zak W.
3. Bryden. If he can keep his head in the game (so to speak), I still think he will go pretty far.
4. Drew
5. James (Although, the preview for next week shows some pretty sketchy stuff with him)