The Bachelor, Season 18, Episode 7 "Reality Bites, Miami Nights, and Cat Fights"

There are six contestants left. Juan Pablo and the girls return to the States. They take up residence in a swanky suite in downtown Miami.

Juan reunites with his family. He tells his cousin that he thinks Sharleen is the one.

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Meanwhile, Sharleen tells the camera that she feels the enormity of how serious things are getting and she's still not sure.

Juan arrives at the suite and invites Sharleen for the first one on one date.

Claire is confused. “Why her?”

Dear Claire,

Juan Pablo thinks Sharleen is elegant. He said you were hot, though.

Juan Pablo takes her on a yacht.

Sharleen says he's not her usual type, but she's definitely attracted to him. “The chemistry is magnetic.”

They have drinks on a beach and they talk about her career as an Opera singer. She says, “I've put my singing before everything for so long, but now I'm ready to let other things take priority.”

Juan Pablo tells us, “From the very first day, I like her.”

They go back on the yacht for an evening cruise. She tells us her heart's all a flutter. HOWEVER, even though being with him feels right, there's a little voice in her head that says it's not right.

Dear Sharleen,

Sorry, that's me. You're too normal to be on this show.

When Sharleen returns to the suite, she seeks out Renee, the resident psychologist. Renee tells her that you can't determine how much you love someone by how much time you spend together, and that she should stick around and see what happens.

Dear Renee,

You're awesome.

Juan Pablo chooses Nikki for the next date. And he takes her to his daughter's dance recital.

Sure, that shouldn't give the kid mixed signals at all.

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Nikki is so happy she's about to throw up. “It's not every day you meet your boyfriend's parents, or his daughter, or his daughter's mother.”

Nope.

We get to see Carmella dance and sing, and we also see Carmella's very hot mother. Every one is all smiles and hugs.

I can't wait for Claire to hear about this!!!

For the evening portion of their date, he takes Nikki to the Marlin's stadium. She's wearing a halter top that looks two sizes too big. They play catch and I'm sure a boobie might pop out by mistake.

They do some kissing and talk about family.

Back at the suite Sharleen tells the other girls she can't take the guilt of staying if she's not sure.

They give her hugs, except for Claire who's busy calling the travel agent to book a flight for her.

Sharleen says, “It's taking all of my willpower to do this thing. I'm aware that I may be making a huge mistake.”

She goes to Juan Pablo's room. “I don't want to take the spot of someone else who is already at that place where they know for sure they want to marry you.”

He holds her while she cries and tells her not to feel sorry for her feelings. She leaves for the airport and Juan Pablo cries to the camera—she was going to get a home town rose.

Dear Juan,

Reality bites, doesn't it?

Sharleen leaves in a cab, weepy but somewhat relieved.

Let be a lesson, girls. If you're normal, do not sign up for the show.

The sun comes up the next morning. Claire is super bouncy on the group date. He's taking the girls to a private beach. Whoever gets the date rose, gets to ...um I don't know, I wasn't listening to the rules that closely.

Chelsea reads him notes that her family sent with her so she wouldn't get so homesick.

Andi gets weepy because she's tapping into emotions that she usually keeps under lock and key. Juan tells her not to worry.

 

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Dear Juan,

It was more fun when the girls were more interested in kissing rather than crying, right?

Claire tells him she's the youngest of six girls. And that her family is the most important thing to her. She talks about how her father made a video for her future husband—a video she's never seen. Juan Pablo nods his head and asks if they can kiss.

It starts to rain. Juan gives the rose to Andi.

This means Juan Pablo has chosen to meet her family and that the group date is over and he'll have the rest of the evening date with Andi.

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Claire says to the camera, “What the f*#k am I doing here?”

Dear Claire,

Why did it take you this long?

He takes Andi downtown where they go to a Latin dance club. Juan Pablo can dance. Andi can't. He says, “She smart and sexy.”

Yeah, but not Sharleen.

Back at the suite, Claire and Nikki have the most awkward fight. Neither of them finish a sentence. They say 'like' and 'sh*t' a hundred times. It's stupid.

*Hits fast forward*

Now it's the rose ceremony.

Nikki says, “I just want to be done with this.”

Girl, you took the words right out of my mouth.

ABC wasted the next eight minutes showing Nikki and Claire NOT talking to each other.

The Host gives a speech I fast forward through, then Juan Pablo comes to address the contestants. I fast forward through that as well.

The first rose goes to Nikki, followed by Claire, and the last rose goes to...Renee.

Chelsea is going home.

Juan Pablo gets teary eyed.

I know. You wished Sharleen hadn't left.

Don't cry Chelsea. Don't cry. Don't cry.

Damn it.

She wipes her tears in the back of the limo and says, “It was great to see him so upset.”

And that my friends, is true love.

 
Juant more episode recaps?

The Bachelor, Season 18, Episode 1 "Girls Just Juanna Have Fun"
The Bachelor, Season 18, Episode 2 "Boobs, Blindfolds, and Bathroom Breakdowns"
The Bachelor, Season 18, Episode 3 "Splashing, Soccer, and Poolside Sobbing"
The Bachelor, Season 18, Episode 4 "K-pop, Karaoke, and Kissing"
The Bachelor, Season 18, Episode 5 "Making Out, Freaking Out, and Backing Out"
The Bachelor, Season 18, Episode 6 "Geysers, Good-byes, and Gagging"

The Bachelor, Season 18, Episode 6, "Geysers, Good-byes, and Gagging"

hollywoodhiccups.com

The eight remaining contestants go to New Zealand!

*Cue the sheep on the hills*

Juan Pablo says those words that are somehow part of the script of this show, “I'm ready to take this to the next level.”

Chelsie tells us, "To be in New Zealand and dating this one amazing man...?”

Yeah, who is dating seven other girls.

Kat says she wants to kick it up a notch.

I think she means the next level.

Cassandra says she feels guilty because she misses her son, but she's anxious to....yup you guessed it, take it to the next level.
 

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Claire voices her concerns about her escapades from last week. “I thought we were good, then everything blew up in my face.”

I'm sure that wasn't a Freudian slip. *Rolls eyes*

Andi gets chosen for her first one on one date. And she's soooooo excited.

Dear Andi,

Most dates are only two people. That's how warped this show has turned your brain.

Claire says, "My emotions are bubbling. Things are building and might just erupt in New Zealand."

She likes the volcano metaphors.

Juan Pablo takes Andi power boating.

I hope she didn't spend any time on her hair.

They get into their bathing suits and jump out of the boat. Juan Pablo leads her through this narrow rock maze while treading freezing cold water.

Andi tells us, “It feel good to be taken care of.”

Dear Andi,

If you wanted to feel taken care of, he would have taken you to the spa.

They stumble and trip and eventually find the hot springs—where they make out like crazy under a waterfall.

Andi says, “The bond between us grows stronger the farther we go.”

Hmm...Freudian slip?

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They have diner in front of a geyser. Juan says, “I think diner will blow her mind.”

Then the geyser goes off, soaking them both. They move to a spot that's dry. Andi asks Juan what he wants. He says he wants love and to have more children.

She says she can't wait to start a family. Juan zips open his jacket and gives her the date rose.

He tells us, “Andi is opening up her heart to me and it will be worth it in the end.”

*snort* Yeah, right, when he picks Claire.

GROUP DATE!

They have a picnic on a hillside. It's also Cassandra's 22 birthday. But no one thought to bring a cake.

Then they don their bathing suits and get inside huge plastic hamster balls that roll downhill. There's lots of screaming and gratuitous bikini shots.

The cocktail party takes place in Hobbitville. Cassandra is determined to get some time with Juan. She's using her birthday wish for the date rose.

Juan tells Renee she's his special one. Renee says he sees her and her son as a package and not a burden. And that gives her hope.

Nikki uses her time with Juan to 'step outside her comfort zone'. She tells him she's scared because she's totally falling for him and she might get hurt.

Dear Nikki,

You signed up for this stupid show.

Juan runs his fingers through her hair, then eases her anxiety with his mouth.

Sharleen wants to feel more confident about their relationship so she's ready to ask Juan all kinds of questions. Juan tells her not to question things, but to make the most of out 'this'.

And by 'this' he means making out.

Cassandra tells Juan she's so excited to meet a single dad who is also a nice guy.

And by nice guy, she means, “good kisser.”

Sharleen gets the date rose.

 

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Juan takes Cassandra aside. It's raining. He tells her its hard for him because she's one of his special ones. And she's beautiful, and she's funny, and they always have good times...but he wishes they were on the same page.

Dear Juan Pablo,

That's because she's ten years younger than you.

Anyway, he tells Cassandra he was pleased to meet her, but he doesn't see anything else happening with them. And he wants her to go back home to her son.

Happy Birthday, Cassanda!!!

Don't do it, Cassandra. Don't cry. Don't cry. Don't cry.

Damn it.

“I just feel sick,” she weeps.

Juan walks back to Hobbitville under an umbrella while a sad piano song plays.

It's time for Claire's one on one date.

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She lets us know she's ready for him to apologize to her for hurting her feelings last week. Juan starts the conversation by running his fingers through her hair. He says, “I'm sorry. It was my mistake.”

Claire replies with, “I just wanted to go in the ocean and swim. We just let things go." Then she adds, "Right now, what are our boundaries?”

Blah, blah, blah...they start making out three sentences later.

Juan takes her back to his suite. He asks if her heart is melting at all. She smiles and flips her hair and tells him about her fear of getting hurt. Then she tells him he owned it like a man and apologized. And those are the qualities she wants in the father of her children.

He tells us Claire is hot. He's even getting hot just thinking about her.

Gag.

He gives her the date rose and they make out.

It's time for the rose ceremony. Which is exciting because that means this episode is almost over.

Nikki doesn't have a rose, but she's certain she has a connection with Juan that none of the other girls have.

Oh man! Seriously?

 

He runs his fingers through her hair, and they kiss. They do some flirty, silly talk and she lets him know she's looking for a happy ending.

Juan says, “She told me she really likes me and I'm like, wow.”

And I'm like, yawn.

Chelsie sits with Juan Pablo and lets him know she wants real, genuine love that will last forever. Juan tells her it will be okay. However, he doesn't run his fingers through her hair.

 

Kat tells Juan she was writing in her journal the other night about how she's reluctant to trust guys because her dad was a complete disaster in her life. Then she talks about reward and risk.

*Hits fast forward*

The first rose goes to Nikki, followed by Renee. Now it's just Kat and Chelsie that are left.

Oh my nerves, after a full minute of building music he gives the last rose to Chelsie.

Go science!

Don't cry, Kat. Don't cry. Don't cry.

Damn it.

Kat says, “I totally saw myself at the end with him.”

Dear Kat,

Don't worry. Have a good cry. The sun will come out again.

Sharleen blinks back the tears and says she feels guilty. She says the other girls would be better suited to Juan Pablo. But she'll give it another week and see if there's anything between them.

Dear Sharleen,

I feel the same way about this show. See you next week.

Juant more Bachelor recaps?

The Bachelor, Season 18, Episode 1 "Girls Just Juanna Have Fun"
The Bachelor, Season 18, Episode 2 "Boobs, Blindfolds, and Bathroom Breakdowns"
The Bachelor, Season 18, Episode 3 "Splashing, Soccer, and Poolside Sobbing"
The Bachelor, Season 18, Episode 4 "K-pop, Karaoke, and Kissing"
The Bachelor, Season 18, Episode 5 "Making Out, Freaking Out, and Backing Out"

The Bachelor, Season 18, Episode 4, "Karaoke, K-pop, and Kissing"

sidereel.com

There are thirteen girls left. And their prize for making it this far is a free trip to Seoul, South Korea! The girls squeal because they're so excited to finally visit Seoul.

I'm pretty sure twelve of them couldn't find it on a map.

They land in Seoul and run down the streets full of giddy adventure. They lay about the posh hotel, but soon tears are falling when the group date card is read out loud.

Nikki is bummed to be going on another group date.

But, but...you're in Seoul!

Juan takes the girls dancing at a K-Pop studio with 2NE1. Yes, the 2NE1. He says the girl who can dance is the girl who can steal his heart.

The girls show off their 'skills.' Kat works it like a pole dancer.

2NE1 tries to give them some choreography. Kat is practically bouncing out of her leotard. Nikki has less moves than a white dude on crutches. And Kat's over the top jazz hands make her want to stick needles in her eye.

When they learn they'll be joining 2NE1 on stage that night, Nikki looks like she's ready to curl into the fetal position.

The girls get dolled up in make-up and wardrobe. They enter the foyer of the mega mall with five floors packed with screaming fans. 2NE1 comes on stage and invite the girls to join them as their backup dancers.

Nikki doesn't fall. Kat tells us, “I'm a K-Pop star!”

The evening portion of the date begins.

I'm guessing they're going to a have a restaurant to themselves that only serves booze.

Kat gets alone time with Juan first. Nikki suggests to the other girls how much they should dislike Kat because she has awesome dance moves and they don't. Danielle, the psychiatric nurse, listens patiently, secretly gathering material for her next case study.

When Nikki gets Juan alone she talks about how she's much better at changing diapers than dancing.

Nikki gets the date rose. And they finally kiss.

Elise says, “Yuck, I would never let her around my child.”

But she changes diapers really fast.

Sharleen gets chosen for the solo date. She tells us she's still not sure if Juan is the man she wants to marry.

She sounds so normal every time she speaks. Why is she even on this show?

They go through the marketplace and sample food and do some shopping. She tells us she is pleasantly surprised that he's so interesting and worldly. He asks her to sing for him. She says she never sings for a guy this early in a relationship.

She asks him to close his eyes, then lets it rip.

My eye glasses shatter.

It works. He's enamoured. They make out.

She tells us, “I like Juan Pablo. We could make a go of it.”

They discuss their experiences about moving to different countries when they were young. She tells him she once dated someone who had a daughter and she was conflicted because she knew she'd never have that first with him. He says, “Exactly! I appreciate your honesty.”

She gets the date rose.

For the next group date, Juan takes the girls to a karaoke bar. Then they peruse the marketplace, go on paddle boats, and get pedicures with little fish nibbling on their dead skin. Claire chomps on her gum, doing whatever she can to get Juan's attention.

We move onto the evening portion which I'm guessing will include bitching, back stabbing and boozing.

Juan is determined not to kiss any of the girls tonight, even after Renee asks him.

Awkward.

Claire interrogates each of the girls when they return from their one on one time.

Lauren, the music composer chick, who I can't believe is still on the show, asks for a kiss and when he turns her down, she cries.

Claire uses her one on one time with Juan Pablo to tell him how when she ate the octopus, she threw up in her mouth and then swallowed it back down.

And what does he do with this information?

He kisses her.

Liar, liar, pants on fire.

Andi gets the date rose.

The girls gather for the pre-rose ceremony cocktail party.

FYI, stilettos and ancient temples don't mix.

Claire tells Juan Pablo, “Just being here...?” Then she shakes her head, “has been like more than I would have ever expected. Yeah.”

Hmm. She should work for Hallmark.

Nikki interrupts their alone time, even though she already has a rose.

How selfish!

Claire is so upset she almost eats octopus by mistake.

It's time for the rose ceremony.

Renee gets the first rose, followed by Chelsea, Kelly 'the dog lover', Danielle, Cassandra...yada, yada, yada...

Going home are Lauren, the music composer, and Elise.

Elise says, “This sucks. Who knows what's in store now?”

A twelve hour flight back home, that's what.

Lauren reflects she probably shouldn't have cried when he didn't kiss her. And then she starts to cry.

Dear girls,

Dry your tears. The sun will come out again. And don't sign up for any more reality shows. 

Juant more?

The Bachelor, Season 18, Episode 1 "Girls Just Juanna Have Fun"
The Bachelor, Season 18, Episode 2 "Boobs, Blindfolds, and Bathroom Breakdowns"
The Bachelor, Season 18, Episode 3 "Splashing, Soccer, and Poolside Sobbing"

 

Congratulations! You made it to the end of the post. As your reward, enjoy this Duran Duran hit from the 80's.

The Bachelor, Season 18, Episode 3 "Splashing, Soccer, and Poolside Sobbing"

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It's a new week and there are only fifteen girls left!

Cassandra, the cry baby from last episode, is going on the next solo date. She keeps telling us she hasn't been on a date since she was eighteen and she's really nervous. Juan Pablo tells us he realizes she has a child waiting for her at home and won't waste her time.

They spin around in an amphibious vehicle. That's a car that can drive on land and be a power boat on the water. We have several in Halifax for tourists, they're called the Harbour Hoppers.

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Cassandra has never heard of these. She says, “This is like something out of a movie.”

Or Halifax.

They 'park' beside a yacht and Cassandra is no longer worried or nervous. She peels off her cover-up, showing off her bikini. She says, “I'm going to trust Juan.”

'Trusting' Juan looks a lot like making out with Juan.

After frolicking in the water, they go back to his mansion and he cooks for her. She reminds us again that she hasn't dated in three years. He gives her an impromptu dance lesson to make her more comfortable.

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She says, “I'm so surprised I'm so relaxed.”

It's the wine, sweetheart.

They move onto dessert. She tells us again she hasn't had a date in three years. They look at pictures of each others kids. Cassandra tells Juan she's having a great time with him today. Guess how long it's been since she's felt like this for a guy?

Yes, that's right. Three years! Which coincidentally is how long this episode already feels.

The next day Juan takes the group date to a soccer field.

Side note, girls play waaaaay dirtier than any FIFA match. This should be interesting.

The girls show up and watch Juan play with the Galaxy team. The dudes show off their moves for the screaming ladies.

Oh Gawd! Horrible high school flash back.


Allie, the Nanny, is also a soccer player so she's totally stoked to show off. The girls have a quick practice with Juan and then they split into teams.

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Sharlene uses all of her body parts to block the ball, including her face. Juan thinks her grit is attractive.

One team won, one team lost. Whatever.

The evening portion of the group date consists of wine, candles and couches throughout the empty stadium.

Juan takes Nikki for the first one on one. She talks about how scared she is to 'open up and put herself out there.'

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I wish I had a nickel for every frickin' time those girls said that phrase.

He takes Andi, the lawyer, into the concession stand. They slip on slushies and talk about love. She tells us, “He makes me giddy.”

It's the sugar, babycakes.

Then they make out by the stainless steel fridge.

Allie tells Juan she wants to have five or six kids so they can have their own soccer team.

Nice strategy, Allie.

Juan takes Sharleen to the middle of the field and lays down a blanket. I'm waiting for her to break out into an aria. They have a steamy kiss and the other girls watch from the upper bowl.

But it's Nikki who gets the date rose.

Andi quickly questions her kissing technique, while Sharleen tells us. “I'm surprised by how much that bothers me.”

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Chelsea, "the science educator", is going on the last solo date. Juan says he wants to make her fears go away and starts singing to the Spanish song on the car radio. She rocks it out like any white girl who is desperate to look cool.

They eat burritos and stuff, then he takes her bungee jumping off a bridge.

Yup. That should help get rid of her fears. What the heck is it with these bachelors making the girls do these ridiculous stunts?

They get strapped together and Chelsea tells him she's terrified.

Juan tells us he's going to try and make her feel comfortable.

God, I hope he doesn't start singing again. If he really wanted her to be comfortable he'd let her back off.

They he says, “We'll do whatever you want to do.”

She steps on the ledge, then they back up...again. He tells her it's okay.


I'll spare you the next ten minutes of the back and forthing that keeps happening. She doesn't want to do it, but she's worried she's not going to get a rose.

Then they jump. Once the bouncing stops, they kiss, upside down, Spiderman style.

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She says, “If we can jump off a bridge together we can do anything.”

They have a private dinner—or at least there are candles and wine glasses.

Juan tells her his biggest fear is not being a role model for his daughter. Chelsea says she's most afraid of not being happy.

Really? I thought it was heights.

Then she tells him she's the black sheep of the family because she's a teacher and the rest of her family are dentists and doctors.

Hmm...brag much?

She gets the date rose.

Then they're treated to a private concert.

*Hits fast forward*

Listen, until they get Duran Duran up there, I'm not watching.

The next morning Juan surprises the girls with an early morning visit to make them breakfast. He looks hot, they're in panamas and no makeup. Afterwards, there's a pool party.

*Cue the bikini's and cat claws*

They all preen themselves pool side staring at Juan's abs.

Sharleen gets a little weepy and tells Juan all the cameras are freaking her out a bit. The cuddle turns into a kiss. Some of the girls aren't impressed. Claire escapes to the house to cry. Renee goes into therapy mode with her.

Oh-uh. Juan forgot Sean's golden rule; Don't make out when the other girls are watching.

Renee must be getting tired of listening to all these crying girls.

Claire goes to see Juan on the cuddle couch and lets him know she's NOT jealous but it was hard listening to hear all the girls talk about their awesome solo dates. Plus, she's been 'putting herself out there' and it's scary.

Juan charms her and soon she's smiling.

Renee and Juan should open up their own counselling clinic.

The rose ceremony is next.

The girls get their make-up and stilettos on.

Andi, the lawyer, gets the first rose. Followed by Renee, Kelli and her dog, Sharleen, Elise, and a few others. I can't name them all because I don't want to get too attached.

The last rose goes to...Danielle.

Lucy the free spirit and some blond chick I don't even recognize, are going back home to real life.

Too bad, they didn't even get a chance to leave the continent.

The blond cries and says this is her worst nightmare. Lucy is also weepy but she leaves us with some hopeful words. “I hope everyone in there finds love one way or the other because everyone deserves to be loved.”

Well, Lucy, at least two people will be happy.

Thirsty for more?

The Bachelor, Season 18, Episode 1 "Girls Just Juanna Have Fun"

The Bachelor, Season 18, Episode 2 "Boobs, Blindfolds, and Bathroom Breakdowns"

Five Books That Made Me Cry

Oh my, nothing better than a good cry over fictional characters, especially if you're on an airplane or waiting in the doctor's office....*ahem*

Anyway, if you're in need of a good emotional heart wrenching sob, check these titles out.

owltellyouaboutit.com

#1. The Fault In Our Stars

It's not the fact that the kids have cancer, it's that they fall in love so beautifully. I knew it wouldn't end well, yet I kept reading...I HAD to! And even though I can go back and read it all over again, in my heart, that character is gone. *sobs*

#2. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

In particular Chapter 13 

Every frickin' time I read this I cry...tears of JOY! Harry saves the day and manages to look cook in front of Cho Chang when he catches the snitch during a particularly troublesome Quidditch match. Plus, he produces a patronus so strong Malfoy and his cronies end up in the infirmary. *fist pump*

#3. The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

The ending...just stop. I can't. My kids and I cried together at bedtime reading this one.

#4. Anne of Green Gables

One word. Matthew. *sniff*

#5. A Fine Balance

So many heartbreaking moments. It's not necessarily a crying book, but more like the author reaches through your chest and twists your heart, squeezing it tightly. The ending scene with the chess set and the speeding train lingered with me for a long time after I closed the book.



Which books made you cry?