“All I have right now is hope.” February 8, 2010

What a night in Bachelor history.   All four hometown dates went swimmingly, then ABC played the “I have to leave and go back to my job” card. More on that later.

The first trip was to the Big Apple for Gia’s hometown date. It was sweet. I’m still unsure as to what J and Gia’s connection is, other than the physical. I think Gia is a very nice woman, but they have nothing in common. J was sweet with Gia’s mother, and kind of funny with her brother, who was half Jake’s size and yet threatened to “break some legs” if his sister was hurt.

The second date was to Oregon to meet Tenley’s family. This was such a lovely, emotional visit. They all cried, including Jake and Tenley’s dad – twice. Clearly a loving family who is uber-protective of their daughter/sister. Tenley took J to the dance studio she grew up in – and performed a lyrical dance that she choreographed just for him. Awkward (like, if that happened to me I would want to crawl under the nearest table), but oddly sweet.  J seemed to love it and gave Tenley the affirmation she needed. Really dear.

The third date was off to Mass where J met Ali’s family. Her grandmother died recently so Ali took J on a tour through her dead grandmother’s house. That was just odd – and not sweetly odd. Just odd.  J had fun with Ali’s mom and siblings (where are the dads on this show??), and her mom was gracious and welcoming to Jake. Her mother’s intuition told her that Jake would be proposing to her daughter. Obviously mom hadn’t seen the end of the ep. More on that later.

The last hometown date was to sunny Florida and crazy Vienna’s family. First thing they did was take a pontoon boat ride through some swamp. Jake was driving that thing like some kind of p-i-m-p. Not sure what that was about. And, Vienna was a disaster, as usual. At her house they met her dad, step-mother and sister.  Her dad is a character, and truthfully, kind of scared me a little. Jake handled himself well, and is surprisingly still into Vienna after this random visit. I just don’t get it.  Anyone?

So, here comes the drama. Back in L.A. Ali shows up at Jake’s hotel to say she has been beckoned back to her Advertising Account Executive job. She has to make a choice – stay for potential love with Jake or lose her Advertising Account Executive job. What an excrutiating decision. Here’s some advice, Ali…you’re 23. You have a chance at “love” – yes, it’s TV love, but you seem to really like the guy – and he liked you. He told you to stay. And here’s the real kicker – you missed a free trip to St. Lucia with a hottie guy who is really into you.  Leave your job. You will find another – guaranteed. You’re only 23. But, after much ugly crying – she leaves. Jake is devastated – for about 5 minutes –  and exclaims, “all I have right now is hope.” (and three women and a trip to St. Lucia where you will allegedly sleep with all of them). In the limo Ali is immediately regretting her decision. Please, ABC. Save us from the “return of Ali” a la the “return of Ed” last season. That worked out (so far) for Jillian  and Ed, but don’t fool us twice.

So, Jake and the remaining ladies (and Vienna) are off to sunny St. Lucia for their overnight date-card dates. Wonder how those will go. Think anyone will turn down the date card?

Tenley is my fave of the girls remaining. There is lots of speculation out there about who J chose. I will not spoil it here, but I am highly disappointed and very surprised – you will be too, I promise.

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