Its like becoming a vampire: All of a sudden, everything is heightened.
The dates are more romantic.
The drama is more dramatic.
Credit: Eniac Martinez/ABC
You get the point.
And yes, I stand by my vampire comparison.
And this week, that experiment took place in Mexico City.
Now at the halfway point in his journey, Ben feels that hes progressing with multiple women.
And if Emilys not already on his list of frontrunners, shes ready to be.
Apparently, now that her twins gone, nothing is holding her back.
As the women explore their new hotel, Olivia discovers that she has a bidet.
(So my moneys on the fact that she doesnt actually have a bidet.)
With 11 women left, Olivias gut says shell get the first one-on-one date.
But the date card says it goes to Amanda!
For a full second there, I thought they were going to a fertility clinic on their first date.
Im surprised but also worried about their reflexes.
Its a good thing Olivia has her dragon breath to scare any intruders away.
Of course, Amanda wakes up looking perfect, much like Britt during Chris season.
Also, has something happened to Bens hair?
It looked a lot better than this before, right?
Also, has she mentioned just how nervous she was before this date?
But it doesnt really matter for her because shes not on it!
And no, Olivias not threatened, even though shes moved from wanting Ben to needing him.
And you know what they say about co-dependent relationships… Dont have them.
Amanda reveals that she was married to the father of her children but it didnt work out.
But Ben just cant get over how some idiot let Amanda walk out of his life.
He also cant get over why shes interested in him.
Earlier, Olivia said shed run from Amanda if she were Ben.
Well played, producers.
(But why are they making them look as if theyre standing on water?
Are they equating this love with Jesus?)
Whatever happened to like, Wheres the bathroom?
or May I have a glass of water?
Those would be much more useful, if you ask me.
The women then practice saying the phrases to Ben in the front of the classroom while others watch.
And not surprisingly, its Olivia who feels the electricitay.
As she says, it was like, Youre speaking to me right now.
You mean, when Ben was literally speaking to you?
But Jubilee is having none of it.
Ben cant tell her he loves her when he just said it to four other women.
Is this the part where someone tells her its not real?
That he wasnt actually saying I love you to those women?
Also, should we tell her that it was definitely more than four women?
The women meet Chef Nico and Chef Lula, the brother-sister duo that will be judging the competition.
Emily is immediately nervous because shes not good at cooking or speaking Spanish.
(If only she had a twin to help, amirite?)
Becausethatshouldnt make Ben feel like cattle at all.
So off he goes with Olivia as Jubilee pairs off with Lauren B.
Just as Olivia and Ben eat crickets why does this feel like its not her first time?
I mean, I love mint everything, but I cant say Ive ever just downed some mint.
And back to the action!
As the women get cooking, Ben is pumped.
Apparently, cooking is his thing.
Then he says, Im no longer the Bachelor.
(Pronounced spatchelor.)
And when it comes time for the chefs to taste the dishes, it pays off.
I know my tacos delicious.
It seems Jubilee and Lauren B. have won…absolutely nothing!
But hey, good job!
She thanks him for the best day ever before the other women start to steal him.
Im now convinced shes a witch and need to know more.
But instead, we cut away to Bens time with Lauren B. she once again tells Ben how difficult group dates are for her.
Spoiler: He already has.
Yeah, he hasnt quite gotten the hang of dumping someone yet.
People really have got to get over the unlovable thing.
She could tell he was upset and wanted to reassure him that hes handling himself with grace.
In an adorable and optimistic moment, he says, Im done breaking up with people after this.
10 more to go!
You couldnt have just laughed, JoJo?
He really didnt need a reminder that he has to go through this at least 10 more times.
Rejoining the women, Ben gives the rose to a woman he feels he reconnected with tonight: Olivia.
And as she tells the women, they really dont have to congratulate her.
Ummm, no s.
The next day is all about Lauren H. and Ben.
and also the best date ever.
judges them harshly that she offers to let them walk in the show.
(But what if shed seen them and decided they werent hot enough?)
And after a quick pep talk, Ben and Lauren H. take the runway.
Surprisingly, they do well, with Ben even managing to wink as he passes Lauren on the runway.
Whatever, Lauren H. loves it so much she wants to know his trick to giving great toasts.
How does your heart know to say that, she asks.
(Maybe her heart should shut up.)
She tells him all about her last serious relationship.
Now, shes ready to let someone in.
So she not only gets a kiss, but she also gets a rose.
Regardless, she gets to makeout while a random harpist plays on the sidewalk, so life is good.
Finally, its cocktail party time!
A good reporter never talks about themselves.
He promises she wont be.
He says the words: Theres nothing to worry about.
As she explains, she was 22 and 24 when she had her children.
She has her s together.
Amanda admits shes felt targeted by Olivia, and Jennifer confirms that Olivia doesnt click with the others.
And even without seeing Olivia creepily sniff that rose, Ben notices the red flags.
As he says, My minds in circles right now.
(That sounds like something that needs to get checked out.)
Could Ben be the first Bachelor to ever just listen to the women that easily?
Or is he just going to ask for the pinky ring in a bigger size?
We will find out…next week!
