Jake Pavelka began his journey for love on the season premiere of "The Bachelor: On the Wings of Love" Monday. The commercial pilot from Dallas was sent home early on the last season of "The Bachelorette" but has returned for his own adventure after so many viewers felt he was the one for them.
On the premiere episode the field was narrowed down from 25 women to only 15, and while we were sad to see those 10 lovely ladies leave, it is more important to know who will be returning for the remainder of what is being called the most dramatic season in "Bachelor" history.
Congratulations to Ella, Elizabeth (from Nebraska), Ali, Vienna, Christina, Gia, Ashley, Rozlyn, Jessie, Corrie, Valisha, Ashleigh, Kathryn, Michelle and Tenley for making it to the next round in the competition to win Jake's heart. Based on the season sneak preview, it is going to be an intensely bumpy ride!
The first night
The meet and greet portion was no different for Jake than for any other bachelor bachelorette. Lots of corny pickup lines and awkward moments. There was a woman who gave him some Texas soil to show they have "common ground," and another woman brought goodbye gifts for the girls. She handed them out as soon as she got in to the house because, as she told the other women, she planned on them leaving early and her winning.
During the mixer, Jake met with several of the women privately to get to know them a little better. He was very much smitten by Ali, who was the first woman he chose to speak with. He found her refreshing and down to Earth.
I loved Jake and Ella's one-on-one time. She told Jake about her seven-year-old son who wants to be a pilot and offered Jake his lucky airplane as a gift. Jake seemed to find it adorable and really sweet.
All of the girls were surprised, shocked and obviously jealous when Ashley came downstairs in a sexy flight attendant outfit. It didn't take long for everyone to be whispering about Ashley trying to hard, and unfortunately the outfit sort of went to waste since it took only a minute or two for another woman to steal him away.
Elizabeth definitely scored bonus points in my opinion playing football in her gorgeous gown. The pair had a great time tossing the ball and chatting, and Jake seemed to enjoy her company. It wasn't long before the rest of the girls caught on, though, and everyone joined in on the game. So much for that idea.
One odd moment during the mixer was with Kathryn. Jake spotted a wedding ring on her hand and couldn't resist asking her what it was all about. She told him it was for her pretend husband, but she was ready to take it off. She then gave it to him to keep safe. Very odd.
No "Bachelor" or "Bachelorette" premiere would be complete without a little crazy and a few tears. Michelle felt she deserved the first impression rose and said she would die if she didn't get the rose. She was in tears for a while because she was upset that everyone else was getting time with Jake, but she wasn't going to steal him away like you need to on the first night. She needs to relax a lot if she is going to make it through this journey. She did end up getting time with Jake, and he thought her emotional side was sweet.
I loved that Tenley played 10 Things About Tenley with Jake. Her final point was that she was a good kisser, and she asked Jake if she could prove that to him. He seemed unsure at first, but they did have a sweet kiss. Afterward she said she wasn't sure she was ready for that, and she seemed to regret it, but Jake thought it was really sweet.
Help from some friends
During the mix Jake received a little help from some friends and pros at this type of dating game. Everyone was surprised to see Jillian and Ed arrive at the mansion, and honestly, who better to help him out during this stressful process?
The successful "Bachelorette" couple met with each girl privately to get in to their heads and throw their opinions in to the mix. They were adorable, and it was really fun to see them together again.
After speaking with everyone, Ed and Jillian told Jake they loved Sheila, Elizabeth, Ella and Kathryn. They felt that Michelle needed to go tonight because she is a little too emotional. I couldn't agree with them more! I don't think Jake really agreed with Ed and Jillian, though, because he told Chris in the deliberation room that he loved the passion in her eyes.
Once Jake had gotten the opinions of his friends, he was ready to give the first impression rose out. He asked Tenley if she would accept it, and she happily said yes.
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