Where were we? The weird mask/dancing date. And Bentley.
Ew.
So after their performance, Ashley covers up her midriff (finally!) and immediately takes West aside for a little one-on-one time, only to find out that his first wife died tragically several years ago. I thought Ashley's response was great - she was supportive, empathetic, and respectful. As bubbly as she is, she is starting to grow on me, I'll admit. She's not quite as sarcastic and witty as Jillian, but she's definitely more interesting than Ali. So props, Ashley. Keep up the good work.
Having disclosed his tale of woe, West seemed to feel that he was obligated to receive the rose. Instead however, Ashley gave it to scummy Bentley. Why? Because he was playing games with her. I just love how a girlfriend warned her about this guy, she decided to ignore that warning, and now that he's messing with her, she's all into him. Honey, I said some nice things about you in the previous paragraph. However, pull it together! Ash, my dear, listen to your friends. Don't think you're going to "change" him. If he's acting like this now, RUN! I mean, seriously. It's like the oldest trick in the book.
::sigh::
I'm surprised Bentley didn't mash up the rose or something after Ashley gave it to him (when she wasn't looking, natch.) He just looks like he couldn't care less. I hope he goes home next week. Cad. He's like the Utah version of Tucker Max. Blech.
Okay, now to the coin flip - perhaps the producers were watching The Dark Knight, but it was an inspired date idea. Poor, sweet JP had to stay home while Mickey was free to pick his teeth in Vegas. Anyone else catch that? As they sat there debating the rose after dinner, Mickey was just going to town with his tongue in his gums. Ick. If I were Ashley, I would have probably withheld the rose for that very reason. So maybe I do have a list for guys - never wear light socks with dark trousers and please keep the teeth picking to a minimum. I'm very happy to say Brian does neither of those things. Thank you, pumpkin.
Despite this gross display of manners (did Ashley not have floss in her purse? She's a dentist, for crying out loud), Mickey still got the rose. Once they returned back to the mansion, however, JP got a very nice little smooch from Ashley, which brightened his whole day.
Okay, let's talk about Jeff, the masked guy.
It wasn't until this episode did I notice the material of the mask...what is that thing made of, exactly? It looks like foam. Cheap foam. Which made me think...where does one buy a mask, especially when one is going to be on national television? You'd think you'd probably splurge a little and get an nice mask - costume store variety, perhaps - that is made from good quality products. Or even upgrade a bit and make it fancy - silk, sequins (maybe not if you are a guy), some kind of metal (ooh, that's manly). But Jeff? Cheap foam? Did you grab the mask from some old Halloween costume? Really?
And then, does he shave in that thing? Does he shower? They showed him lying by the pool which made me wonder...mask tan lines? This could be a gimmick that never lets go, especially if you are going to have tan lines on your face. Jeff came thisclose to taking the stupid thing off, but he and Ashley were interrupted by another dude. Thanks, producers. You can string us along for another week. Hopefully he'll keep vacuuming in his mask. (loved the end credits!)
Anyways, the boys that made the cut are: West, Brian P, Ben Z, Constantine, Bentley (vomit), Nick, William, Mickey, Ames, Lucas, Jeff the Masked Guy, JP, Chris, Ben F (the winemaker) and Blake.
I couldn't tell you who my favorite is, since those names now mean nothing to me. It's been 48 hours since viewing the show, and I've already forgotten them. Whoops.
Getting cut? Matt the Mama's boy (good job, Ashley!), Stephen the hairstylist, and someone named Ryan M.
Hopefully next week the pack will continue to distinguish itself. In the meantime, share your thoughts and comments here!