Chris Harrison Blogs ‘The Bachelorette’ Episode 4

We’ve just finished our unbelievably dramatic two night Bachelorette event and all I can say is “Wow!” This season really had been astonishing so far, and what we are only getting started. As you’ve seen there is so much more drama coming your way, but as you saw this week, the romance is really ramping up as well.

On Monday we saw romantic dates with Chase and James T., and tonight we saw a truly breathtaking date with Luke at the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Pennsylvania. Before we get into that, let’s go back to Los Angeles…

Related: ‘The Bachelorette’ Recap: Blood, Threats and Tears

When we left off on Monday, I had spoken to Chad about some of the concerns voiced by the guys in the house. I don’t mind guys acting like knuckleheads or playing games, that’s up to them. What the show can’t stand for is violence. It was important to me that the men had their say, and all of them agreed after my talk with Chad and our group chat that we could all move forward together.

Immediately, Chad pulled Derek aside to try to clear the air. As usual with Chad, it didn’t go well for anyone, but they men decided to go their separate ways. We said goodbye to some great men that night and we will miss Ali, Christian and Jolly Old Saint Nick. And as our numbers dwindle, our travels begin.

I had never been to Nemacolin, but was totally blown away by how beautiful and vast it was. It was only a two hour ride from Pittsburgh so there was a great blend of city and beautiful and peaceful country life. (Oh, and great golfing!)

I didn’t know you could dog sled when it wasn’t snowing, but JoJo and Luke proved that anything is possible. I know how much JoJo appreciated Luke being so open and honest about his past. He has been through a lot while defending our country and I, too, am grateful for his service.

The concert with Dan + Shay was one of the biggest public events we’ve ever had. There were so many screaming fans and I can tell you that everyone there seemed to be having an awesome time. Luke really became a front runner on that date and I’m sure we will be seeing much more of him in the coming weeks.

Back at home, the news that there was going to be a 2-on-1 hit the guys like a ton of bricks (or like Chad hits a door). Alex was determined to take Chad out and Chad was immediately back to full protein-fueled anger. He wanted nothing more than to prove everyone wrong and show them that his connection with JoJo was more meaningful that theirs.

Meanwhile, the group date was one for the ages. Some of the best football players in the world were kind enough to share Heinz Field with our lovable bachelors. James T. was the first to take a serious blow to the face and we all expected him to leave in tears, but instead he really stuck it out and showed how determined he was to play and to win JoJo’s heart. Credit where credit is due, he played his heart out.

This was actually an unusually athletic bunch. Even Evan came through in the clutch and made some game changing catches. And of course Jordan had a chance to display his golden arm. He may not be quite as well known as his brother, but he was certainly the MVP that day, and he led his team to victory (although in fairness he would’ve won either way).

Robby and Jordan really took big strides with JoJo that night. Neither of them have had a one-on-one date but it’s easy to see those connections forming in a big way already. I think this was the week where JoJo really realized she had her work cut out for her and these decisions were going to just keep getting harder all the way through to the end.

Ah, the two-on-one date. I can’t remember a two-on-one date that felt like this one. Alex vs Chad. Chad vs Alex. If there’s one thing we knew for sure, it’s that both guys were going to speak their minds and be honest, and we got exactly what we expected. Believe it or not, both of these men truly had feelings for JoJo that trumped any animosity they had towards each other, but the two-on-one really highlights how people get along in group settings, and it’s pretty clear that Chad…well, Chad does not get along in group settings.

Alex vanquished the giant, but as you saw, Chad was not about to just pack his protein and head home. Chad had more to say to the guys. And in two weeks, he will do exactly that.

Thanks for watching our two-night extravaganza. We will miss you next week, but hopefully you’ll be ready for even more drama and romance two weeks from now. Until then, Bachelor Nation, adios!

The Bachelorette returns Monday, June 20 at 8 p.m. on ABC.