by Gina Scarpa

 

Last night, The Bachelor headed to the great city of San Francisco, where Ben first met up with his sister Julia to fill her in on his experiences so far. He seems convinced that there's a girl in this group for him, and especially highlights Courtney, saying she and Julia would get along well. He clearly hasn't seen her behavior around the other girls... yet.

 

The first one on one date of the episode goes to Emily, the soon to be doctor. She faces her fear of heights by doing the seemingly impossible. I'm sorry, did I say impossible. I meant, insane. They climbed to the top of Bay Bridge, harnessed in while walking the beams. This is some kind of metaphor for their relationship, like, "If we can do this, we can do anything." A life together is a lot harder than climbing a bridge but we'll save that After The Final Rose.

 

Side note: Was anyone else creeped out by Jennifer staring at them through a TELESCOPE in their hotel room?

 

Over dinner, Emily and Ben share stories about their past, failed relationships and realize that they have a lot in common when it comes to their families. The night ends with a rose, a kiss, and a private fireworks show... well, as private as a fireworks show can get.

 

Blakeley, Jaclyn, Kacie B, Erika, Samantha, Jamie, Monica, Rachel, Nicki, Elyse, and Casey S are invited out for a group date to go skiing. How can you see in San Francisco, you ask? Well, the magicians at ABC closed down a street and filled it with (fake) snow. Alright, I'll give it to them - that is pretty cool.

 

The next one on one invite goes to Brittney, who immediately starts to panic over the idea of being alone with Ben. It's clear that this situation isn't for her and she decides to head home. Well, at least somebody can stand up for what is and what is not okay with them and make a decision based on that.

 

She heads to the party downstairs and interrupts Ben's makeout sessions to deliver the bad news to him. Despite it being a bit of a disappointment, he recovers nicely and hands out a rose to Rachel.

 

The consolation one on one date goes to Lindzi, the Julie Bowen lookalike, who received the first impression rose on the first night. I'll give to Ben... er, the producers... who pulled together a backup date quickly with a private concert from Matt Nathanson at San Francisco City Hall. Seeing the potential for something long-term, he offers her a rose.

 

No sooner does Courtney toast to a drama free evening at the cocktail party, that drama ensues. Was there any doubt? Apparently, Ben has a (very minor) history with Shawntel from Brad's season of The Bachelor and she's shown up to try and win him back. She brazenly tells him that she'll be at the rose ceremony and if he wants her to stay, he should hand her a rose and obviously, send someone else home. Oh, that's not going to go over well...

 

After the other girls rake her over the coals, it's time to find out where Ben's heart really lies.  Roses are handed to Courtney, Kacie B, Elyse, Jamie, Jennifer, Casey S, Blakeley, Monica, Nicki, Samantha, and... wait, Ben wants to make a speech first.  No sooner does he get a few words out that Erika faints and Jaclyn bursts into hysterics.  Once everybody gets it together, Ben sends them both packing, along with Shawntel.  No final rose for anyone!  

 

Jaclyn heads off to breakdown somewhere else while Erika hits the ground again.  Ben walks Shawntel out and says that the whole situation isn't really fair.  What do you think of Shawntel's decision to show up out of the blue?

 

The Bachelor airs Mondays at 8/7c on ABC.

 

(Image courtesy of ABC)

 

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