Wanna have a sleepover? - The Bachelorette - Ep. 8

I still can’t get over Sam M a few episodes ago saying that the first word he thought of when Fantasy Suites was brought up was… aggressive. Thank goodness he was not in that episode to make us all thoroughly uncomfortable. Instead, we have three solid candidates for Miss Jenn! It’s all down to Devin, Jonathan, and Marcus. What a wild ride it’s been and where else to round it out other than Hawaii! We were in for a good one, let’s talk about it.

Let’s start with Jenn’s conversation with Molly (previous Bachelorette). At first, I was like… why do I recognize this woman?! Then it hit me that she was the radio host in Seattle. She’s been grabbing some good screen time this season. While this conversation might not have been something us viewers expected, it did an incredible job at setting up and explaining where each relationship was at. 

With Jonathan, she’s looking for him to get out of his head and just let the relationship continue to develop. With Marcus, Jenn wants him to give more and start picturing life together. With Devin, it’s more about Jenn on this one. She needs to make sure not to self-sabotage and figure out if what she’s witnessing is legit. I would conclude that she was able to find clarity and answers with all three of them throughout this episode.

Based on that, It made me feel like she really wants it to be Marcus. She lit up talking about him and there was just an energy about her when she talked about him. Molly was a great listener too and encouraged her well. She also mentioned that it’s the most important week of the entire experience because you truly get intentional time together. That couldn’t be more true! Overnights aren’t just for physical intimacy… it’s an opportunity to truly let your walls down because you won’t have the eyes of an entire nation on you! I always find it funny to see how different the contestant/Bachelorette’s reactions are the morning after too.

Devin’s overnight date

Another helicopter… fine. You know how Jenn describes these dates as once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. Well, they aren’t anymore considering you have done it like 5 times this season! Whatever, who am I to complain? Hey, the waterfall was pretty cool! 

There is an obvious excitement to be with each other that doesn’t seem fake for cameras. The playfulness in the helicopter was cute too. Reminding me kind of like a honeymoon phase of a relationship. For example, the harmless shoulder bites/kisses and the many jokes they crack with one another. You wouldn’t want to pick someone you don’t like hanging out with, right? Well, they have made it clear they would provide good company to each other. 

Despite saying that, Jenn is feeling something with Devin but isn’t sure if it’s legit. I kind of concluded that she simply isn’t as attracted to Devin as much as the other gentlemen. She loves the feeling of being loved and cherished that Devin gives but isn’t ready to fully commit to him due to stronger feelings with the other men. If you subtract the others out of the equation in the real world, they would probably work. 

During her date with Devin, she said a lot of right things without saying the one thing he was looking for. She gave so much him a lot of comforting words and reassurance… without saying I love you.  In Devin’s case, that’s cool but come on he’s clearly on the edge of his seat yearning for those words. She’s just being very cautious and understandably so. She’s trying hard not to lean on these guys and protect herself too. 

If I were to talk with Devin, I would say to put yourself in her shoes. I would also mention that you signed up for this. It’s a competition to the end and it wasn’t ever meant to be easy. This past episode was the first time we saw that confidence and swagger dwindle a good bit. 

Now we cut back to the beginning/end of the episode where we saw Devin talking with Jesse and going to speak with Jenn. He’s really distraught and feeling the emotions of it all. Almost as if he wants to force I love you out of Jenn’s mouth. He wants to be the one, not one of… that’s deep. The dude was legit panicking! Luckily, he was urged to talk to her and he got the answer he was looking for. He must have done something right in the overnight suite, cause she felt ready to say I love you after it. 

All I am going to say is…It’s going to really hurt him if he doesn’t get picked in the end.

Jonathan’s overnight date

On a real note… How come Jonathan didn’t get any golf time with Jesse?! If I found out about that, I would be so jealous. 

Moving on, I loved how casual the date felt! Didn’t need to be anything spectacular or too unique. Like they even mentioned, it felt like something they could do in everyday life. Which would be a special adventure in itself! Riding around in the red Jeep (shoutout to my Dad who had a red Jeep just like that as one of his first cars), getting food, shopping around, etc. Those are things you can do wherever you end up. Props to Jenn for taking charge of the date too. For example, she was behind the wheel and didn’t have to be the passenger princess lol.

However, they did get a lot of food. Donuts, smoothies, ice cream, and then a picnic. So much for a strict diet Jonathan! I am proud of him for not letting that inconvenience waste the day. The only non-casual thing about this date was the private waterfall and swimming pond.

One thing I did pick up on is that there seems to be more of a physical attraction from Jenn towards Jonathan in comparison to Devin. She initiated kisses more so and invited physical touch. Maybe I am crazy, and it’s nothing greater than any of the other guys. 

During the date, we heard Jonathan say that he tries to live in the moment and not put pressure on Jenn. He wants to bring a calming presence to Jenn because he cares about her a lot. Which has translated to him moving slower or not rushing into certain parts of their relationship. Especially when it comes to building their emotional connection. It’s not a wrong tactic by any means necessary. However, in this competition where you are fighting for love against others… you might not want to hold back as much! The timeline is rushed a little further in this scenario. Outside of the Bachelorette, it might even be applauded to take your time. 

On that same topic, Jenn is looking for him to open up. She even mentioned that she knows the fun part will be there with them, but what about a deeper connection? By doing so, it would probably give her more reassurance that they can get to that next level. Eventually, they talked about identity, culture, and living life with different ethnicities. They opened up, but it wasn’t really about his thoughts regarding the relationship or any fears there. Maybe that is what the overnight stay is for.

Which he did come out the next morning mentioning that he felt more confident than ever and saw a future where he could propose to her. Clearly, things moved in the right direction. 

Crazy how this is the same guy who showed up dressed like a mummy on night one.

Marcus’ overnight date

Well, it goes without saying that Marcus has been one of, if not the strongest relationship since the beginning. My wife and I were convinced going into this episode that she wants it to be Marcus at the end. That if he gave her any kind of clarity, it would be a done deal. Yet, that hasn’t happened. His inner conflict between his heart and head has been too much. Granted, I think he was able to lay it all out on the line a little better during his overnight date and not let the conflict get in the way as much.

It’s funny because their relationships are pretty spot on to Devin and Jenn’s. However, it’s the opposite where Jenn is all in for Marcus and the guy (Marcus) is the one self-sabotaging. It’s an interesting parallel and I think it reveals a lot of where Jenn is at. 

Now the boat trip and swimming with the manna rays… That is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Those animals were wild-looking with the way they flowed and how you could see their skeletons. Doing that next to someone you care deeply for, that’s a memory you won’t let go of. The fact that they were even caught the shooting star on camera was a testament to how special that time was for them.

Again similar to how Devin acted, Jenn felt it would be a disservice to herself and Marcus if she didn’t share how she was feeling. So she dropped the L word to Marcus during dinner! After that, you could kind of feel a weight lifted off his shoulders. Despite not being able to say it back… All the pressure of getting it right, saying the right things, and not letting people down diminished a little bit. He even started shedding a tear and immediately followed with that he would try to get there. Marcus cares deeply for Jenn, but is it love?

I’m glad she still offered the invite to the overnight suite. My immediate reaction was that she sort of shut down after Marcus’ response. Though, even if she didn’t get the response she was looking for, she didn’t give up on him. Jenn seemed to use that time to be very intentional with Marcus. Then similarly to the other gentlemen, Marcus woke up with even more clarity and hopefulness than the night before. 

Jenn could have been given some more clothes rather than leaving the suite in a robe LOL.

Rose Ceremony

When it came time for the Rose Ceremony, I was pretty confident I knew Jonathan was going home. Also because I might have had it spoiled for me. Curse you X… just kidding don’t hurt me Elon.

I have to give it to these contestants, they have all taken their eliminations like absolute champs. It could be really easy to get frustrated or bitter. Yet, most of them all left with their heads held high. Jonathan’s exit fit that bill too. Aaron’s exit might have been the only noticeable one where someone departed the show on the wrong foot. 

I don’t think it’s fair for him to blame himself! The process of this show is a wild one and your feelings are genuine. He shouldn’t discredit himself and say that he could have done better. Jonathan was 100% himself the entire time. He didn’t fake feelings or force them. There is no rule book on how you’re supposed to compete in the Bachelorette or how to love! 

Of course, they brought him to another conveniently placed bench to process his elimination. Either way, Jonathan was fun to watch and he should most definitely be a crowd favorite. He was one of my favorites and seems like the person you want to hang around. I bet that’s not the last of him. 

We are nearly at the finish line! Remember, next week’s episode is on Tuesday. Can’t wait to talk about the grand finale with you soon :)