Good Guys Finish Last (or in 6th place)

This has been the longest day ever. After back to back meetings and calls all day at work, I had a conference call at 6:30 PM tonight which didn't end until 8. Doesn't anybody else need prep time for The Bachelorette? Well, I do. As of 10:35 PM, I haven't even had dinner yet and The Boyfriend went to see a sneak preview of the movie, Transformers, so I'm sure he's all popcorned up. If it's a choice of dinner or The Bachelorette, I'm going with The Bachelorette. At least until the apple on my Mac starts looking appetizing. Yes, I need a life.

I'm dedicating this blog post to my mother (do people dedicate blog posts?). She has been working so hard tying up loose ends and been so strong since her mother, my Grandma Evelyn, passed away last week. I know she has been watching the show and finds it a great escape from all the craziness in her life these past few weeks. Hang in there, Ma. You are amazing. We love you.

On tonight's bachelor - Chris gathers the 8 remaining guys together in their Whistler hotel room. There are 3 dates this week: 1 group date, 2 one on one dates. The 5 remaining guys who get roses, will go to their hometowns with Jillian. This is a HUGE upgrade from last season where Jason only went on 4 hometown dates (Molly, Melissa, Jillian and Naomi - remember the dead bird funeral?)

This week, the group goes into the Canadian wilderness by train - on the Rocky Mountaineer.
Tanner P announces that he has never been on a train. How does that happen? I took 2 trains to work this morning, and two home. From Vancouver, Jillian wears yet another pair of dangling earrings. She looks cute in a navy blue pea coat looking thing and a cute red plaid shirt, belted over blue leggings. They are leaving Vancouver to see some of the most beautiful places in North America. The train goes by beautiful lakes and snow covered mountains. Jillian talks about how much she misses Ed. She wants to be cheered up. I think the idea of being on a train all week may sound good in theory and even though the scenery is beautiful, it didn't make for wonderful drama this week. There was a bit of foot fetish and Wes self publicity that came out, but other than that, it was a bit of a yawn fest.

Robby gets the first one on one date on the rail car. He's wearing a ridiculous top hat. He says he's really nervous for it. The guys are sipping champagne and speculating about the date.

Is anybody else on this train? Can't you just picture them crashing the dates? I bet Wes says he's going to the bathroom, but secretly has an affair with at least 3 women on the train. One of the cars is completely decorated like a carnival with colorful netting, etc. Jillian shows up to come get Robby. His mentality is "I think I can. I think I can." How perfect in a Little Engine That Could Kinda way. He performs some of his bartending techniques for her, which she does not pick up. They show her attempts to flip a cup about 30 times, unsuccessfully. They get liquored up and Jillian and him stare at the scenery. Eventually they hit up the caboose where a meal is waiting for them. Is anybody else yawning at their date?

Robby tells Jillian that he's the youngest of 4, that there's some sort of curse on his family as none of them are married, and that they all think he's going to get married first. Jillian is ready to pop out some kids soon, so she wants to know from Robby whether he's ready for "more than settling down." That must be a lot of pressure to put on someone. He's young, he's in between jobs, and not really sure what he wants to do. Sounds like a PERFECT candidate to start a family. Jillian's a practical girl and this must raise red flags in her mind. Robby seems like a nice guy - just not necessarily someone who is ready to get married and start carpooling anytime soon.

They next enter the pretty, colorful train car, "Jillian's room," that is set up with pillows everywhere and netting around them. Robby confesses to being nervous, but he can't quite articulate why. "He wishes he had a bigger vocabulary so he could express how he feels." Jillian discusses that she thinks Robby is great, but not ready for the things that she is ready for. The train comes to a halt in the middle of nowhere. There's even a sign that says "danger." He asks why they are slowing down. Jillian starts giving him the "best friend" speech - that if they had met earlier, they might be able to get married. She says she is really afraid to take the risk with him. She gives him the boot in the middle of the train tracks. She says it's really hard on her (though, no tears). I wonder if Jillian is allowed to just say, "I'm just not that into you."

The guys watch with anticipation as he leaves. She gives him a big bear hug and a pout, but I think she's completely ok with this departure. I think I'm ok with it too. He thinks it's the family curse - No, Robby - it's your age and lack of direction that terrifies Jillian. The conversation "never got as deep," with Robby, according to Jillian. So we're down to 7. Let's point out for the record that Tanner P and Michael the Breakdancer made it to the Top 7. That's so ridiculously strange and awesome.

Wes's claws come out this episode. Jillian takes a nap in her train car. Wes comes to comfort her. He's probably back from his visit to 10 other trains cars handing out CDs and headshots. "There's no doubt that this is going to help me...I've got records to sell...I'll always have Jillian wrapped around my little finger..." Come on, is ABC paying him to say this horrible stuff? He knows this will be shown on TV, why on earth would he say he's on the show for press? He's either dumb or getting paid.

The train continues on over rivers, beautiful trees, etc. It's the next morning and Jillian has breakfast with the boys in her cute, red zip-up sweatshirt. Looks like champagne is on the breakfast menu. She hands them the date card and leaves them. Tanner, Wes, Michael, Jesse, Jake and Kiptyn are on the group date. This leaves Reid with the one on one date. "Prepare for romance in the Rocky Mountains." Mike says, he doesn't know what that means, but he doesn't care because he's going after her." Go Mike! You gotta love his ambition.

Reid gets left behind on the train while the rest go off for a day of snowshoeing. Tanner immediately grabs the red snowshoes and offers them to Jillian. She thinks it's because these are smaller, but in reality, he is psyched to be near her feet. Of course they are in the mountains and it's freezing, so she has boots on, and won't be taking them off. Holy cow, please do something about Foot Fetish guy, Jillian! The guys are all awkward learning how to walk in the snowshoes. They are also all enthralled with Jillian in her snow gear. They play hide and seek in the woods. Jake appreciates that in every direction they look, it's a postcard. He finds her hiding beneath a tree and just cuddles with her. "Rolling around in the snow. The whole thing is kind of surreal," says Jake. Especially with 5 other guys watching you. Jake's hot.

Reid starts wandering around the train and runs into the train staff. He meets with a cute blonde staff member and asks whether he should wear his glasses on his upcoming date with Jillian. Meanwhile, he's walking around with a glass of wine. He moves on to a male employee member of the train who tells him he should vocalize his feelings about her. Were these guys trained by ABC to say such ridiculous cliches? Reid must have been bored out of his mind. What do you do by yourself on a train for a full day with no company? I am sure Wes made out with the blonde staff member, btw.

Back to the date, they keep walking around on their snowshoes. Jake really wants a hometown date so he can show Jillian what he's like in his element - flying planes. Wow, I'd like to see him in his element too. So would millions of other ladies.

The group date continues in a cabin where they seem to be having a great time. Jillian takes Jake out alone with her. He says he's falling for her. He never thought he would meet a girl like Jillian. They are holding hands and I am not sure how she is able to have a conversation with him as he looks gorgeous in his blue snow jacket.

"You're a lot like my mom," says Jake. "She's nurturing..." Jillian doesn't know whether to be flattered or insulted. Is Jake attracted to his mother? Hmmm. She asks him about what his hometown would be like it. Jake pleads with her to come. They are smiling by the fireside and he says that the "conversation is electric." The guys come in and invade their talk. Jakes is pissed he didn't kiss her and tell her how he felt.

Kipytn takes her away and she drapes her high red boots on his legs. They hold hands and he says that he's not a guy who wants what he can't have. He's more attracted to someone that's into him. His analysis is very girly - totally over analytical, but adorable too.

"When Kiptyn and I are together, our bodies just get close together in such a natural way...." They really do have such an easy chemistry between them.

Michael starts asking Jillian questions like "What do you wear to sleep?" Tanner starts saying that he's a little bit shy. Yeah right, that's EXACTLY why he strips down to his tighty whiteys and says "It's kind of like a thong..." He says he does this because he wants a hometown date. Way to seal the deal!

"I'm definitely developing feelings...but I don't need to see the package...it was definitely big, but I don't need to see it," says Jillian. Tanner then takes her for some alone time and immediately asks if he can rub her feet. He lotions her up while he starts talking to her about the other guys. "Her feet are ridiculous. They are the closest thing I've seen to perfect and I've critiqued a lot of feet." He then interrupts himself to start telling her how awesome her feet are. He loves her high arches, the nail polish, etc. "Now that I've felt how soft her feet are, I want her to meet my family." If there's ever been a great reason to take someone to meet your parents, I can't think of a better one than the fact that he or she has great feet. Where did they find this guy? Is he a paid actor? Do you think he'd introduce Jillian's feet to his family first? Doe she have framed pictures of toes around his home? These are the things I'd like to have seen in a hometown visit. The rest of the guys, besides Wes, seem so straight arrow and normal, maybe they needed someone with a little pazzazz to spice things up.

Jesse is worried that he didn't get to sit down with her. He gets some alone time with her in front of a fire, on a fur rug of some sort. Jesse says he's not comfortable in the group environment. Their faces are very close together as they talk about this - her legs are entwined with his. Jesse says his family would fall in love with her - "there's not a doubt in (his) mind." They start kissing with the Bachelorette guitar romance music picking up full steam in the background. Jillian loves that Jesse has opened up a bit more. Looks like he's secured his rose.

Michael gets his turn and him and Jillian roast marshmallows together. They start feeding each other and he is anxious to start talking to her about more serious stuff. Michael says, "I light up like a light bulb when I'm around you." Jillian is worried about Michael's age - he makes her laugh and she likes being around him, but there's just not a physical connection at this point. He's funny, though. At one point he says, that his dog would be pissed if he doesn't marry her.

Tanner confesses to letting Jillian know about one of the guys having a girlfriend. Wes says, "I can't stand a tattle tale...I keep other people's name out of my mouth. I don't bring it up, it's not my business why anybody else is here..." Jakes notices that Wes got defensive.

Quote of the night from evil Wes:
"I've already made it 6 shows now...That's going to be a huge thing for me. I already sang my song that I wrote for Jillian. Freaken serenaded her. It's a no brainer. If i can get a little publicity on TV, I can haul ass or I can stay and try to get the girl." Grrrrr, the cat is out of the bag. Wes is evil. How is Jillian going to find out this information??

"He is an awful human," says Tanner. All the guys are pissed. Jesse says he still won't tell Jillian - he'd rather her figure it out. The guys march shirtless to an outdoor hottub. It's an AMAZING chance to see Kiptyn and his ripped chest. In the hot tub, Jillian gives the rose to Kiptyn - and she's excited to meet his family.

Back on the train, Jake is kicking himself for not saying the things he wanted to say to Jillian. Jake goes into Jillian's train car and confesses his feelings for her. At some points they are holdings hands and in other scenes they are not. He says to her, "I'm not going to tell you that I'm in love with you...but all the things are lining up." They have a very cute kiss and Jillian thanks him for telling her this." But basically she says she already knows what his feelings are already. Bad sign. She's not that into him. Meanwhile, on the complete opposite end of the spectrum, Jake says that Jillian is exactly who he wants to marry and he means this with everything that he is. Ohhhh boy. I feel some heartbreak coming on. Jillian just doesn't seem that into him. He really may be too perfect - and a bit dorky. But damn cute.

Next, Jillian is taking Reid on a date to Lake Louise. It's his first time off the train in like 48 hours. They will do some snowboarding, which Reid has never done before. Jillian teaches him how to do it. Reid is terrible. He must have fallen dozens of times. This is not a very romantic date. But they are enjoying each other's company. Jesse doesn't think that Reid is right for Jillian - calls him annoying. Hmmm. Is Reid annoying? His hair is a little crazy, but I don't think this is annoying.

They walk along the mountain during sunset and there are ice sculptures everywhere. It's an ice sculpture lounge. Cue in Bachelorette romantic music. They gaze into each other's eyes and Reid talks about what he wants with his life " to be in love... kids...love...happiness." They are actually sitting on ice sculptures. It looks absolutely freezing! The Boyfriend would love it. They kiss in their ski jackets. She said she feels the need to take him back to the hotel and "chat" with him about this chemistry. Ahh, is that what they're calling it these days?

They arrive at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (Fairmont is getting amazing publicity!). Jillian takes Reid into a hotel room and there's a rose on the table. Reid tells Jillian that fondue kind of freaks him out. Jillian finds his neuroticness endearing. At this point he could say anything and she'd find it cute. She's attracted to him. I like what she says about having a list of things they think they're attracted to and then throwing it all away when there's chemistry. Very true. But then, he makes the mistake of saying he typically goes for blondes. He probably came on the show to date Molly. Oops.

Jillian untwines herself from Reid's body long enough to tell Reid that she's wondering about if they have enough in common but decides she'll give him the rose and figure it out. Reid is cute, he thinks that their relationship is moving in the right direction and she could be his wife. Jillian is into him. Seems like Kiptyn and Reid are way above the competition.

It's Banff Springs on the train and the romantic music is back. Who's at the end of the line? It's Chris Harrison. Chris announces that the guys should get ready for the rose ceremony. He takes Jillian away to talk with her. Chris asks her what she thinks of Wes - she seems to know that coming on the show won't hurt his music career, but she still thinks he's there for her too. Can't Chris just tell her that he's a fraud??!!

It's the rose ceremony. Jillian comes out in hot black outfit. I almost think that Wes is rolling his eyes as Jillian gives her speech about how hard it has been on her. Jillian says she still has a few questions she wants to ask. Jillian pulls Michael aside and he basically says that he loves her and he wants to be a young dad.

Roses go to: Jesse, Wes and Michael! Holy cow, Jake is OUT! How did that happen??? It really just seems that she did not feel that spark with Jake. He was too perfect for her. Ugh, and the big kick in the face is that Wes gets picked over Jake. A breakdancer over a gorgeous pilot? What is she thinking?? Tanner just gives her a hug and walks away. He still thinks of himself as reserved. You stripped down to your underwear!

Jake asks what was wrong - and she can't really answer except to say it didn't feel right. "Nice guys finish last," he says. Ouch. Poor guy - his eyes well up with tears. So sad.

Holy cow the coming attractions look ridiculous. Wes takes her to meet his band (more self promotion - at least he's fully honest about it - well, to everyone except Jillian), Jakes comes back to tell Jillian about Wes's girlfriend, someone is having troubles in the bedroom, it also looks like at the very end Jillian gets a marriage proposal from someone other than her final two. This is getting good. Hopefully it will make up for tonight's somewhat boring episode.

Who do you think comes back? Is it Ed? Would Ed actually propose marriage at his point? Is it Jake? Who is having bedroom difficulties? Do you care? Were you bored tonight? Will Kiptyn, Jesse and Reid be the final 3? Should be interesting.