I was elated this week when Eureka native Clayton Echard’s season of “The Bachelor” took an unexpected turn.
Shanae, who caused quite a stir in the house when she ate too much shrimp one evening and continually lied and picked on the other woman, was sent packing after Clayton did not give her a rose following a two-on-one date. He instead gave the rose to Genevieve.
I almost fell off my couch and spilled my wine because I did not see it coming. I was sure Clayton would keep making the stupid decision to keep Shanae around.
Sadly, Shanae’s removal has not calmed down the house. Mara emerged as the new “villain” after taking a shot at Sarah, the youngest contestant at 23.
Mara, who at 32 is the oldest woman still on the show, told Clayton that Sarah is too young to be ready for marriage. Clayton has said he hopes to marry the woman he chooses to be with at the end of the season.
While I was happy to see Shanae go, I am disappointed that Marlena also didn’t receive a rose during the Rose Ceremony. Marlena is spunky, and one of the women I thought Clayton would end up with. Hunter also was eliminated during this week’s Rose Ceremony.
After the eliminations, Clayton and the remaining nine women, who had been spending time in Toronto, were swept away to Hvar, Croatia.
In Croatia, Clayton and Teddi went on a one-on-one date, which ended up being the most traditional date of the series. The two strolled around the Croatian Island port city, walking in the rain, visiting shops and enjoying ice cream.
There were no odd challenges, and everyone kept their clothes on in public, unlike Clayton’s LA adventure with the 23-year-old Sarah in Episode 3.
Even better, Clayton dressed like an adult. He wore a button-down shirt under a sweater, ditching the hooded-sweatshirt or sweater-under-a-jacket look that was turning me off. It was nice to know he has the ability to use buttons.
During dinner, Teddi revealed she is waiting to have sex for the first time until she finds love. Clayton seemed a little shocked by the revelation but recovered and gave her a rose, keeping her safe during the next elimination round.
Following the intimate date, Clayton had a group date with Eliza, Gabby, Genevieve, Mara, Rachel, Serene, and Susie, which restored the show’s ridiculous “date” themes. Unfortunately, Clayton’s fashion sense regressed after the challenge as he wore a zipper sweater under a suit jacket during the after-date party. Seriously, man, you can wear a normal shirt.
The women competed in medieval challenges while dressed in suits of armor, and they had to eat disgusting food. Serene emerged as the “victor” after eating pig brains and fish eyes, but that didn’t net her a rose.
Rachel got the rose, which saves her from elimination for a week, after telling Clayton she was falling for him and wants him to meet her parents. Bachelors typically meet contestants’ parents during hometown week late in the season.
Susie also professed her love to Clayton when she stole a few moments with the star by inviting him to a nearby clocktower following the group date.
The episode closed with Clayton and Sarah on a one-on-one date. Clayton told Sarah that someone had said she was too young for marriage but he didn’t tell her that Mara was the one who made the comment.
Sarah broke down and sobbed, insisting that she is ready for marriage. Clayton must have been moved by her display because he gave her an immunity rose after the date.
My favorites so far are Rachel, Susie and Teddi. Who are your top three picks? Go vote in our poll and tell us who you want to see as Clayton’s final three.
