Chris Harrison Blogs 'The Bachelor' Episode 4
What happens in Vegas definitely did not stay in Vegas this week. Hello, Bachelor Nation! As we continue our journey around the world with Ben and his potential brides, our first stop in Las Vegas got our trip started with quite a bit of drama, and also quite a bit of romance.
There’s something really surreal about dating The Bachelor, and walking down the strip in Las Vegas and seeing a note from your boyfriend on a marquee high in the sky is just one small example of how different things can get. The women were staying at the Aria Sky Suites, which is actually one of the most unbelievable suites we’ve ever had on the show. It’s a great place to be, but obviously every woman wants to get out of the hotel and get onto a date with Ben. As we move through these weeks, time with the Bachelor becomes more and more precious, and every woman is hoping to get that exclusive one-on-one time with Ben.
Related: ‘The Bachelor’ Recap: ‘I Got a Pity Hug’
Joelle — or as we all call her, JoJo — got the first date card and she was thrilled and excited at the same time. While you see how excited Jojo got, try to put yourself in the shoes of all the other women who know that they’ll have to go another day without progressing their relationship with Ben, the guy they are here for. This is probably why emotions run so high, and why seeing Ben and JoJo kiss from a high window is so difficult emotionally.
JoJo and Ben have an obvious connection and incredible chemistry. They seemed so comfortable with each other right away and since she got the rose, I hope they continue to delve further into each other’s pasts, as right now their physical connection seems to be leading the way. Between a helicopter, a beautiful sunset, and amazing fireworks, what could have been more Bachelor than this date?
Well, the answer to that question is: 1200 people, a chicken suit, two river-dancing twins, and a gaggle of puppets. Having Terry Fator host us for a little Bachelor talent show was incredible fun. Sure, the women were nervous, but more than anything, there was just great fun and electricity that ran through the day. Let’s be honest, everyone is talking about Olivia. I think she had the best intentions when she got into the cake, but by the time she came out, things really took a turn. And later that night when Olivia took her second chance to talk to Ben, well, that was the final icing on the cake (so to speak).
Olivia is hard to figure out. On the one hand, she seems totally self aware in knowing that her dance went badly, but then she seems to not know, or not care, that the other women are ready to take her out. We appear to be at a point of no return for Olivia. More about that in a minute.
The last one-on-one date went to Becca, who is on her second go-round. It’s really nice to see that rather than just looking at last season as a failure, she has taken what she has learned and applied it to her new relationship with Ben. She is more open and honest than she ever was with Chris, and that is going a long way this season. That day was tremendously fun. I have officiated quite a few weddings myself now, and I’ve taken it very seriously and spent time preparing. Ben definitely took it seriously, but he did not have a great deal of time to practice. He married several couples that day and became, very weirdly, a part of their love story forever. The night ended in the Neon Museum, which they call the boneyard for old Las Vegas neon signs. It was a beautiful night from top to bottom, and I have a feeling Becca will be around for a very long time.
How long can a man date identical twin sisters for before he has to make a decision? This question hasn’t come up a lot, but I think at this point we know the answer is “about four weeks.” I applaud Ben for how he handled this. Rather than dismissing Haley and Emily outright, he treated them as individuals and got to know them. Once he spent some time with them, he decided that in order to take things to the next level, he would have to follow his heart and try to have a relationship with the woman he has more of a connection with. We were all sad for Haley, but glad she was home with her Mom and dogs. And thanks to Mom for hosting Ben and our crew. I look forward now to seeing if Emily can come out of her shell and define herself as an individual.
It was a beautiful cocktail party at the Aria and once again, it was all of the ladies against Olivia. Now, though, everyone will be asking, “What’s going to happen next week in Mexico City?” As you saw, something big is going to happen between Olivia and the other women, and Ben is finally going to hear about it. What will go down? Well, you’re going to have to tune in next Monday to see. Until then, keep joining us for our after show on Bachelor Live and let me know your thoughts all week long @chrisbharrison. See you next week, Bachelor Nation!
The Bachelor airs Mondays at 8 p.m. on ABC. Bachelor Live airs Mondays at 10 p.m. on ABC.
