The Bachelor: Episode 6 — Tears, Tears, Tears

Ali and Jake, episode 1

"If you were mine, the choice would be easy." — Ali

Between staying for Jake and going home so she wouldn't lose her job, Ali chose the latter. I can't say I blame her — how could someone give up a job they love for a person they've only known a short time, who's involved with three other people? Judging by the tears, I do think Jake liked her. But how could he ask her to give up her job for him?

Predictably, we see in the preview for next week that Ali calls Jake while he's vacationing in the Caribbean with the remaining three ladies. Obviously she will pop back up. ABC loves to bring people back on the show after they've gone home for one reason or another (last season both Ed and Reid returned after leaving, and Ed even turned out to be Jillian's chosen one).

If Ali is gone for good, though, we are down to an odd mix of three finalists. Jake and Gia are such an unlikely pairing; the combination of their accents alone is strange. But I maintain that Gia could turn out to be the one in the end. I find them fascinating to watch.

As for Tenley's family: there are so many criers! And on national TV! I couldn't believe it when Tenley's father broke down discussing the pain Tenley went through in her previous marriage and divorce. Not that he shouldn't feel upset for her, of course, but it is amazing that a grown man who's probably never been on TV in his life could manage to be so unguarded in front of a camera crew. I thought Tenley's dance for Jake was sweet, though. She is clearly the safest bet for Jake if what he's looking for is a serious commitment.

I'm beginning to visualize Vienna somehow making it into the final two, and it freaks me out. I just don't see what Jake is drawn to about her. Maybe there is more to her that we can't see — a whole other, highly likable side. I just don't see the kind of chemistry between them that I see between Jake and the other girls, yet he maintains that "there's just such a natural spark" with Vienna.

Episode Awards:

Best Quote: " Is he going to break my Gia's heart?" — Gia's mom, spoken in a thick New York accent.

Worst Clothing: Jake's tight, vibrant purple long-sleeved polo, worn on his hometown date with Tenley.

Huh?: "My ex-husband never saw me dance the dance that’s in my heart." — Tenley

On my mind: Is Tenley as what-you-see-is-what-you-get as she appears to be? How can a person be so hopeful and chipper after recently being cheated on by a spouse? Her mother warned Jake, "Tenley is going to have emotional spillovers for a while."

 

— Linsey

Comments

[Grace]

Ali was very smart by leaving if her job depended on it especially with the economy, because like you said she doesn't even know if she will be the lucky one who wins Jake over. On the other hand I think its truly unfair when one contestant leaves and is able to come back if thehy so wish. From what I'm picking up on I think Tenley is the best decision, because her fmaily is sweet and she sounds like such a down to earth girl.

[Linsey Maughan]

Yeah, I'm sure Ali did the right thing by leaving. I really didn't see her being the girl he chose in the end, and even if she was, giving up a career she loved would have been so much to sacrifice for a new, iffy relationship.

And I hope that if Jake does pick Tenley, it is because he feels genuinely strong feelings for her, and not just because they both want the same things.

[Preston Smith]

I agreed with Linsey and Grace, it was smart for her to leave. There is no sense in giving up a job especially in this economy.