The Bachelor: Episode 5 — Tenley or Gia?

Tenley and Jake, episode 4

"Tenley, of all the women, is the girl that I picture most as my wife." — Jake

Tenley and Jake have at last had their first one-on-one date, and the whole ordeal was so overstuffed with perfect moments, sugary sentiments and goo goo eyes that I simultaneously wanted to weep tears of joy for them and gag. But if what was happening on camera between them is what truly exists in real life for the two, and if he chooses her in the end, then Congratulations, Lovebirds. 

I am increasingly conflicted as this season progresses, because with each episode I am becoming a bigger fan of Gia. Her connection with Jake seems unlikely, and yet also very natural. Jake has an evident attraction to her, but is she as prepared to hop into a wedding dress as Tenley? Probably not. Gia seems more grounded in reality, a trait we should applaud her for, though her rationality isn't conducive to Jake slipping a big diamond ring on her finger come the finale (unless we are to assume women will sell their souls for diamonds ... and I'd like to think most won't).

Jake and Gia, episode 2

"I just think you're amazing. You're different from the other four women." 

— Jake, to Gia

So if Jake's top priority is finding a bride ASAP, it could be Gia's downfall. Tenley has "Bride" written all over her (and, you know, has already been married once, which "kind of makes (her) who she is, and the woman I'm falling for today," according to Jake). But here's some food for thought: Jake did tell Gia in this episode, "I have dates with the other women, but I don't have those amazing moments that we did." Could Gia actually be his favorite? Or was this just a line to ease her worries?

And then there's Ali. Ali had the pleasure of showing Jake all over San Francisco, which is where she lives and where they were filming this episode, coincidentally. Ali also had the pleasure of straddling Jake in the middle of a park on a sunny day, which must have turned some heads. But the more we see of Ali, the less I perceive her as being a warm and loving person. She seems very competitive and, for all the bright pops of color in her fashion choices, actually quite stern and serious. To me, she seems in it to win it more so than in it because she's crazy for Jake. "I'm taking this very seriously," she said to Jake, a grave expression on her face. He smiled one of those aw-shucks smiles and said, "That's really sweet." But is it, Jake? IS IT?

Regarding Vienna: When, oh when, will he send this girl home? I refuse to wrap my mind around the possibility that she is a frontrunner. She must go home in the next rose ceremony. Must!

Episode Awards:

Most Hilarious: Vienna, for lurking in the dungeon of the castle.

Most Honest: Gia, for admitting, "I may not act insecure or seem insecure, but I probably am the most insecure here."

TMI: Corrie, for saying, "Just because I'm a virgin doesn't mean I'm not in touch with my sensual side."

Revised Final Two: Tenley and Gia!

Lastly, I have a question for you: Am I too hard on Ali? Could I be misreading her?

— Linsey

Comments

[Nikki Lein]

Between Tenley and Gia, I would so choose Gia because she is the more down to earth one out of the two. Plus, she is not optimistic that she is going to get the diamond ring. But the thing is I think Jake will choose her at the end.

[Linsey Maughan]

At this point I will be happy if he chooses either Tenley or Gia in the end. But I could also see Gia being a good fit to be the next bachelorette.

Then again, Kiptyn was a perfect fit to be this season's bachelor, but we got Jake instead, so who knows?

[Sara]

So far all season I have been rooting for Ali, but the last few episodes have changed my mind. The more I see of Gia and the more time she spends with Jake, I feel she is the one. She seems very real, not catty, and very down-to-earth, not to mention very beautiful. I think Jake and Gia would make a great couple. The more I see of Ali she seems less like the sweet girl from the beginning of the season, she seems to be there for other reasons than just finding love.

[Sharon Susbilla]

You know what? I am really liking Vienna.
I know that she is truly head over heels for him and Jake and her could definitely be best friends as well as lovers. I understand that the girls have this dislike for her for talking about her date, but when someone is in love you can't help but think about him and talk about him. The only mistake was that she was not among friends and talking about a man that other women want will cause hatred.. and women can be horrible to one another. in one of the earlier shows Vienna had interrupted Ashleigh's ( i think that was her name) one on one time with Jake while she was talking about something important..but how was she to know? Vienna was upset about how she was being treated and who better to reassure her and make things better but the love of her life? This show isnt a competition, its a compatibility try out in which there may or may not be a perfect match in the end. Marriage is serious and if Jake doesn't feel sure about any of the girls, then he shoudn't be expected to propose. Its his and his and his future wife's ever after, not what the viewers want to see.

[Linsey Maughan]

I think the thing I most have trouble with about Vienna is that she seems to be to be more attention-seeking than the other girls, not so much in terms of Jake but in terms of camera time.

When she wandered the dungeon of the castle, whining and calling out Jake's name, it just seemed so staged for attention. And I guess I have trouble sympathizing with girls who act childish, or play dumb, to get attention.

I'm not saying she doesn't have real feelings for Jake. I just like the other girls more.

And I agree; the show shouldn't be so much of a competition, but instead a compatibility test.

[Preston Smith]

Ali has been the girl I have been pulling for the whole time, but I do think that Gia or Vienna would be my next pick.