The Bachelorette: Week 7 Recap

Week 7

This week, Des and her suitors traveled to the island of Madeira, well off the coast of Portugal. We are down to just five men, which means that next week is hometowns! My favorite week, personally. But, before we get there, one man needs to go and a few more dates need to be had. No sight of Chris Harrison at the beginning of the episode, and no personal delivery of the date card. (Turns out, Chris was supporting a friend at a charity golf tournament which is why he was late for filming. Fun fact.)

The episode began with a mini-reunion of a few of the girls from last season: Catherine (Sean's fiance), Leslie, and Jackie. Getting the girls' opinion on the guys seemed to really put Des' mind at ease after having it shaken last week with James. It was so good to see that the girls remained friends even after the show ended! I approve.

Brook's Second 1-on-1: The man who got the first one on one date of the season has gotten his second. Go Brooks. The two drive off in a super sexy...Smart Car and head for the mountains. They spent most of the day driving, not exactly my ideal date. When Brooks and Des finally made it to the top, they settled down on a rock in the clouds and shared a few kisses and good conversation. *Cue unnecessary amounts of metaphors to how "love is like being in the clouds."* I swear those lines are scripted. While atop the mountain and amongst the clouds, Des and Brooks create a few "adjectives" to describe the stages between like and love. They came up with "stepping", "skipping", "jogging", "running", and "finish line." Pardon me, but those are four verbs and a noun. Don't mind me, just the grammar police over here. As cheesy as these terms are, keep them in mind as they play into the show later on. Brooks and Des finish off the night with a private fireworks show, courtesy of ABC. First week without a private concert! I think ABC has been reading my blog...

Chris' Second 1-on-1: Chris, another front runner, and Des spend their day on a private yacht in the royal blue waters of Madeira. With an awkward send off from the guys atop the balcony, the date is underway. Chris and Des seems to have some really good chemistry and she is giddy when she's around him. He really is the dark horse of the season in my opinion. Des and Chris beach it on a private island (typical) and hike through beautiful trails and flowers. At dinner, Chris tells Des that he loves her...through yet another poem. I'm sorry, but I am over the poetry at this point and wish this guy could just talk to her not in Iambic pentameter. Des is still clearly touched by his expression of love and it's pretty clear that this guy will be getting a hometown date.

Michael's 1-on-1: Michael finally gets his first one on one date, seven weeks into the show. He was behind the eight ball from the very beginning of this episode and it was clear to the audience that he would be the one going home. Although, if I was Des, I would have sent him home a few weeks ago after his 2-on-1 date with Ben. But, alas. Desiree and Michael spend the day exploring Madeira, trying weird tropical fruits, and riding on a manpowered go-kart type thing. It was just strange, and boring. Michael does open up to Des, but it was just too little too late. It was clear that her relationships with other four guys had progressed much further than her's and Michael's and there was no time to catch up. Time to throw in the towel, bud.

Drew and Zak's 2-on-1: I know what you're thinking. Another two one one date?! With two of my favorite people?! Don't worry. Although there is a rose on this date, no one will be going home until the rose ceremony. So, there's not as much pressure and Des admits that it feels more like hanging out with two of her guys friends...both of which she's romantically involved with. Interesting. Drew and Zak race real go-karts around an amazing track as Des waves the checkered flag in her high heels just like in the arcade racing games. Zak wins by a mile, not even looking back to see Drew, let alone letting up on the gas. His first place in the race earns him the first one on one session with Desiree. He shares a bunch of drawings depicting the progression of their relationship and Des clearly enjoys that he is artistic and creative. Zak really has a way of making Desiree laugh, and it's fun to watch. Drew's time with Desiree is once again, impecable. She spends most of the day trying to get Drew to "let go" and he talks of how he makes sure the people he lets in are trusting. Drew also shares with Desiree his excitement for her potentially meeting his entire family, and Desiree can't help from smiling. Drew's kindness and caring personality is almost contagious it seems. Drew gets the rose, which really indicates him as the front runner, in my opinion. Overall, it was probably the coolest two on one date in Bachelor history.

Also, I would like to point out that both of these men wore Converses to this date. Major bonus points in my book.

Rose Ceremony: Prior to the rose ceremony, Des and Chris (thanks for finally showing up) have a really bizarre interview. Chris gets Des to admit that she is at the "finish line" with Brooks, which means that she loves him. Hold your horses. I could've sworn the Bachelor/ette were in a contract to where they couldn't say they were in love with a specific person until the final episode! I am so confused. At that point, it seemed as if she was ready to just end the rest of the show and choose Brooks. But then she tells Chris she's also falling for Chris (the other one) and he's confused as well. Basically, this entire interview was a waste of my time and hurt my brain. Des sends Michael home at the rose ceremony. His exit is very graceful and he makes it clear that he has nothing but good things to say about Des and respects her decision. He also wishes her luck and comments that she has four great guys. True, but a weird comment from the guy that was just eliminated.

So, Brooks, Chris, Zak, and Drew will each take Desiree to their hometown next week to meet their family. This coming week is really the make it or break it week. Things can change so quickly and front runners can go home in the blink of an eye depending on how their family reacts to Desiree. Because of this, I don't feel completely confident in my prediction for who will be going home next week, but I'll give it a shot anyways.

Elimination Prediction:

 Zak W.