The Bachelor February 1, 2010 Review and Recap

Last week The Bachelor, Jake Pavelka, began to focus on his feelings for the women. Two were eliminated in last week's rose ceremony leaving Ali, Gia, Tenley, Corrie and Vienna.

Once again, the other ladies couldn't believe that Jake gave a rose to Vienna at last week's bachelor rose ceremony. They can't imagine her duplicitous and vile ways are right for Jake, yet he continues to keep her in play. Is she really a viable candidate for Jakes wife? Internet rumors say that Vienna is the last woman standing, but will Jake actually propose as was his plan when he came to The Bachelor.

I think Vienna represents some aspects of the "wild boy" he wishes he were or perhaps really is. All the while, he tells us and the women he isn't that person because of his values (yeah, the ones that let him date 20 women at one time, and fall in love with five women at one time - but I digress).

Is The Bachelor, Jake Pavelka, really the same suave, debonair man we've been sold?

Jake says he wants to settle down with someone who shares his faith and values. Vienna doesn't appear to be that woman. She is a viper and as fake as my 3 karat wedding ring (sorry, honey!). Rumors also have it that she left a boyfriend at home telling him she would be back. Is Vienna using The Bachelor for exposure?

At this point, despite Jake Pavelka's tears and tenderness, I'm beginning to wonder about his sincerity and character. Yeah, yeah...everyone wanted him as The Bachelor after he was jilted on The Bachelorette, but I see a man with double standards. Couple that with the fact that Jake has had cameo acting parts in the past, and you find yourself with the makings of a deliciously romantic season of The Bachelor concocted right before Valentine's Day. I'm beginning to see The Bachelor as well choreographed and designed "reality" TV.

Jake Pavelka may not be all that he is portrayed to be. Ali is the fresh set of eyes through who also questions Jake's values and motives. She is falling for him, but can't reconcile his interest in Vienna with his espoused values.

Recap of The Bachelor, February 1, 2010

This week the women ended their trip road trip in San Francisco. During their stay at a luxurious hotel overlooking the city and San Francisco Bay, tension between Ali and Vienna was thick. Vienna spent a lot of time pouting and lamenting her jealousy over Jake spending time with other women.

Vienna is looking out for number one, and that is herself, despite her insistence that she is only there for Jake. How can she even say that when she didn't know him prior to the show? She had a glimpse of his persona and appearance on The Bachelorette. Vienna is very aggressive when she is with Jake and he seems to like the tail wagging the dog.

On the other hand, Ali is genuinely concerned that Jake is not getting what he thinks from Vienna. If Jake is who he professes to be, then Ali is perfect for him. It is easy to understand why Ali gets angry and confused every time Vienna is given a rose.

This week's date and the bachelor's decision marks a pivotal point in the show. Next week are hometown dates in which the bachelor meets the families of the women he is dating. It is an important week during which Jake's decisions will be focused and sharpened by his interaction with the women's families.

Tenley and Jake tour San Francisco

Tenley received the first date with Jake. Excited and nervous, she spent a fun day exploring China Town. Jake says he is falling for Tenley, but then he says he has fallen for each of the remaining five. Tenley is falling for Jake, but is level headed about the relationship because of the divorce in her past.

Jake asked her what she felt she learned from her previous marriage, and Tenley handled the question with honesty and composure. I was proud of her when she tossed an equally difficult question right back at him. She asked him about the stereotypical image of pilots and cheating. Jake paused and vowed that the woman he married would be the last woman he looked at, but his eyes darted left and right perhaps betraying the veracity of his words.

The Double Date Gia and Vienna

No roses are given out on this date, which takes a little pressure off of all the women, especially Gia and Vienna who end up with the double date. Neither woman is thrilled to be on a double date. Gia is in a particularly difficult spot because she is with the barracuda, Vienna, who already thinks she owns Jake.

Gia felt like a third wheel and was treated like one by Vienna. Vienna was obnoxiously possessive of Jake, who made half-hearted attempts to include Gia. Gia watched in disgust as Vienna put on a tearful production for Jake when they discussed last week's rose ceremony.

That girl is playing his emotions like harp strings.

At least Jake was gentleman enough to pull Gia aside for alone time. Of course, Vienna went on a search for Jake and Gia in the castle in which they were staying. She never fails to break up Jake's alone time with other women. Ever the drama queen, Vienna started crying and whining for Jake, pretending to be scared. That was extremely dumb, cheap, and fake. We all know she wasn't lost. The camera crew was behind her the entire time.

The trio stayed in the castle overnight. Vienna snuck away....no, blatantly plodded to Jake's room to seduce him. She was disappointed when Jake sent her back to her room, although he admitted having "dirty" thoughts. (Are you rolling your eyes, too?)

Corrie Gets a one-on-one date with The Bachelor

Corrie, the only girl that Jake has not kissed went out for the day with him. The chemistry he has with the other girls is not there with Corrie. She will not throw herself at Jake, like Vienna. Corrie admits to him that she is a virgin, which Jake finds endearing, but not endearing enough to keep her around.

Ali and Jake

Ali was excited to spend time with Jake. She set aside her thoughts about Vienna and enjoyed the day with Jake. The relationship between them is easy and comfortable. Prior to the date, however, Ali made it clear (not to Jake) that if he has feelings for her and Vienna, she is not the girl for him because she and Vienna are polar opposites.

Ali was pumped to be in San Francisco with Jake. She was vibrant, positive, and affectionate. Conversation was easy and the two had a great time.

Unfortunately, it was inevitable that the topic of Vienna would be discussed. Jake brought it up to clear the air with Ali. Instead of attacking Vienna, Ali let go and decided to trust Jake. That decision may come back to bite her.

I still think that if Jake is the man he says he is Ali is the best match for him.

The Bachelor: Before the Rose Ceremony

Vienna was nervous that Ali had a one-on-one date alone with Jake for the second time. He seemed distant when they had alone time on their double date. Much to my chagrin he took her aside and reassured her of his interest in her with a passionate kiss on his balcony.

Jake told Gia he was "really into" her, which had to give her a small measure of confidence during the rose ceremony.

Having said he could see her as his wife, it was difficult to imagine Jake sending Tenley home.

Ali and Jake had a great date giving her reason to have confidence going into the rose ceremony.

Corrie and Jake were the two that lacked chemistry. It was easy to predict who would not receive a rose.

The Bachelor Rose Ceremony

As usual the bachelor was teary eyed and torn when it was time for the rose ceremony. Jake said he has fallen for all the women. There is the sure sign of a player. He leads the women on prior to the rose ceremony, making the fall all the more devastating when he sends one home.

Who Went Home in the rose ceremony?

This rose ceremony marked a turning point in the show. Next week are hometown dates.

As predicted, Corrie did not receive a rose. Jake professed to share her values, but felt they lacked a connection. In my opinion, shared values are part of what makes love last when the thrill is gone. Perhaps the bachelor should have given that some thought.

Vienna, Ali, Gia, and Tenley remain.

***Spoiler Alert - The Bachelor

Rumor has it that Ali leaves for job related reasons. If that is true, I will never believe that is why she leaves. She is a genuine person and cannot reconcile Jake with his attraction to Vienna. I hope the rumor isn't true. Ali belongs with Jake.

Based on previews and more rumors it looks like things don't go well with Gia's family. I look for her to be the one who doesn't receive a rose next week.

That will leave Tenley and Vienna, with rumors that he chooses Vienna. If that is true, this will be the worst choice the bachelor has ever made.