This week we are down to the three bachelors we knew we would get down to all along (although Emily doesn’t get down with any of them). These are honestly the only three I thought Emily had real chemistry with. It’s kind of freaking me out that this season has gone pretty close to how I would have predicted week after week. I’m used to throwing pillows at the TV out of frustration over the horrible decisions people make on this show, but in my book Emily has done a good job (since doing a good job = agreeing with me, obviously). Also, I am a terrible recapper and missed writing about the hometown dates last week, so there will be a couple of truly brief comments about that.

Date 1 – Sean

There have not been enough helicopter rides this season.

Sean and Emily took a helicopter to a private island for their date where they did some snorkeling followed by a romantic dinner. The big thing with their date was Sean “finally” saying I love you (there’s kind of an accelerated timeline expected on this show). They had a very romantic date but Sean still seemed a bit more emotionally withdrawn than the others, maybe just a little less comfortable. This is of course the week of overnight dates. They went to the fantasy suite and did some making out in the hot tub, but ultimately Emily decided to “be a good example” or some other nonsense and kick him out. Sean left the date confident that he would be the last guy standing.

On their hometown date: Sean’s family in Dallas seemed pretty cool, by far my favorite thing about him being that he kept pranking Emily and made her think he lived at home. So funny.

Date 2 – Jef

Emily and Jef spent the day on a boat and doing some cliff diving. They talked a lot about Ricki and when Emily told Jef that when she pictures her day to day life, she pictures him in it he looked pretty happy. When offered the overnight option, Jef actually turned her down first. He said he knows that their families will be watching the show and “there’s a time and place.” I continue to be surprised by how much they appear to be on the same wavelength. They still hung out in the room for a bit before calling it a night.

On their hometown date: I just have to take this moment to give a shout out to my home state! Jef’s family is SO UTAH. It’s awesome. Every time Jef’s brother brought up the importance of having a foundation of similar values (and he repeated this sentiment a lot) I laughed. I don’t live there anymore, but the huge family and the lemonade and the red rock were pretty nostalgic for me. Anyway, Emily pretended not to know how to use a gun so that Jef could teach her and they were generally adorable and goofy. I really like how Jef brings out this relaxed, silly side of Emily.

Date 3 – Arie

Arie and Emily went swimming with dolphins for their date and also made out. A lot. Arie has been pretty sure the last couple of weeks that he and Emily will be getting married. He is definitely still in the running in my mind for that final rose. He and Emily undeniably have a connection and a lot of chemistry. Emily didn’t even offer Arie the fantasy suite because she didn’t want to be tempted. Poor Arie, you are too hot for your own good.

On their hometown date: Arie took Emily for a spin in a race-car and introduced her to his very Dutch family. Despite the awkwardness of them not speaking English for part of the date, they seemed really charmed by her and her southern accent.

The Rose Ceremony

As I expected, Sean was sent home this week, although it obviously wasn’t what he expected. He had a pretty confident little smile on his face until the moment Arie got the rose instead of him. Emily had another breakdown this week over the guilt of breaking another heart.  I’m honestly on the edge of my seat to see how this thing turns out in two weeks. NEXT WEEK: The return of Kalon, Ryan, and the rest of the guys for The Men Tell All. See you then!