By Jennifer Harrington
Last night’s episode of The Bachelorette left us with the final six men! Ashley Hebert’s game face was on as she committed to finding the total package in a guy — an emotional and physical connection — before she would grant a rose for hometown dates. The episode featured J.P. Rosenbaum whining about the fact that Ben Flajnik had an overnight date and Ryan Park looking like he was on the brink of a nervous breakdown if he didn’t get a solo date with the bachelorette. However, the highlight of the evening was when Emily Maynard came back on the show to chat with Chris Harrison about her relationship and love with Brad Womack — or lack thereof. If you missed last night’s episode of the reality TV show, here’s how it all went down:
Recap of The Bachelorette Season 7, Episode 7
There were four dates this week: three one-on-one dates and one group date. The first solo date went to Georgia-based restaurateur, Constantine Tzortzis. He and Herbert’s relationship and love had been moving slower than the others, so this was her opportunity to see if there was a connection. The date began with a train ride to a nearby village and concluded with both of them releasing a big balloon-like, paper lantern into the sky, which had included their “love” wishes on it. Hebert said it was “the most romantic date ever.” Cliché as it is, love was in the air!
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The next alone date was given to Sonoma winemaker, Ben Flajnik. It’s tough to ignore the obvious chemistry between this duo, as they explored Taiwan on mopeds. Flajnik revealed to the cameras that he was falling in love with the bachelorette but wasn’t ready to tell her yet. Hebert revealed to the cameras (not to him) that it felt like he was her boyfriend. The next development was truly shocking: We learned that Flajnik didn’t come home from this date until the next morning! Is that a Bachelor/Bachelorette first? It really pissed off some of the other guys in the house.
While the activities of the overnight date remained mysterious, there was no secret about the fact that Rosenbaum was annoyed by the sleepover. His crankiness carried over into the group date, where he was accompanied by Ames Brown and Lucas Daniels to try on traditional Taiwanese wedding attire and take wedding photographs. Rosenbaum now sulked about the fact that the other guys were taking kissing photos with his lady. It all paid off for him though: When he shared his feelings with Hebert, she rewarded the construction manager from Long Island with the only guaranteed hometown rose.
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Last but not least, we have Park: the last man standing for a one-on-one date. After a day of checking out local Taiwanese culture, the conversation turned to water heaters, energy preservation, and the environment — certainly not a way to get “in the mood” or build romantic chemistry. At this point, Hebert knew that her first-impression-guy was not going to be her husband, and she tearfully told him goodbye. Park, the eternal optimist (and the “top contender,” according to Brown), left in tears too.
Aside from Rosenbaum, the final three roses went to Tzortzis, Flajnik, and Brown. Daniels was out and graciously said goodbye. With the hometown dates decided, it was time to shift focus to Chris Harrison’s interview with Emily Maynard.
Past Winner of The Bachelor Speaks Out About Relationship and Love
Maynard returned to The Bachelor mansion to speak about her celebrity break-up with Brad Womack, who declined to appear on the segment. The devastated blonde confessed that she had been hunted by the paparazzi, that she didn’t know who to trust, and that she ultimately didn’t have the reassurance that her fiancé would stand by her side forever. She came on the show to try and end the rumors. Always the devoted mother to little Ricki, Maynard declared she would always love Womack but revealed that the engagement is over. Her focus is now to be the best mom she can be. Are we being set-up for her return?
Check back later today to read Bachelorette expert Jesse Csincsak’s thoughts on the episode (and Emily’s interview). Until then, let us know: after seeing Emily detail her break-up with Brad, do you think there is any truth to the rumors that she will be the next Bachelorette?
