The Bachelor – Finale

Hey, look at that, and you thought I was through blogging on The Bachelor! Well, I’m back at it – and what a finale, huh? Tenley, Vienna and Jake got to enjoy St. Lucia for a little longer. Jake’s family was involved in the process and got to meet both women. When it came down to the final rose (surprisingly, Chris didn’t come out and announce it) Jake chose Vienna over Tenley. It was a tough choice and turned out to be pretty emotional for him.
Jake’s family met Tenley first and fell in love with her instantly. Everyone thought she was a sweetheart and that she and Jake made the perfect couple. Tenley got along with the sisters-in-law and seemed to fit right in immediately
Vienna met Jake’s family the following day. It took them some time to warm up to her; her personality came off as abrasive at first. Eventually, they came around and were able to accept her for who she is.
At one point in the episode Jake said that he felt like he was always defending Vienna or standing up for her. I think that said a lot, I think she was always foremost in his mind and that he wanted others to accept her because he already had. It really showed on his date with Tenley. As soon as he said that the physical chemistry was missing, I knew it was over for her. I think she knew it as well. Jake knew he was wrong to say it; he tipped his hand too soon. It was funny to see him that evening try to talk his way back into her heart. ‘I love your smile, I love your eyes, and I love your laugh.’ That didn’t really explain anything about what he was getting at earlier, but it seemed to smooth things over with her.
Jake kept saying that there was something missing when he was with Tenley, that something felt forced. I know what it was. With Vienna he ‘could be himself’ and act silly or playful. The part that was forced with Tenley was maturity. Tenley is so much more mature than I think Jake was ready to be. Vienna’s immaturity is probably more in line with what he would be comfortable with. The biggest thing that influenced his decision I think goes back to their bungee cord leap of faith. Vienna was there as Jake overcame a big fear of his. No other girl got the chance to do something with Jake that he wasn’t comfortable doing. He was able to lean on her and she got him through it. That can be very powerful.
It must have been tough for Tenley to come back and see Jake after having him break her heart. Jake told her that she has a life friend in him. I had to laugh at that – Tenley said that she hadn’t talked to Jake since that day. What a friend huh?
I think that Jake made a good choice in picking Vienna. Both women would have been good choices though. Now, I don’t know much about Jake other than what he’s shared with us or what I’ve seen on the show. But personally, I think Tenley would have been the better choice, she’s so sweet, upbeat and mature. Jake must not have seen how quickly his family accepted her. It was a little tougher for them to warm up to Vienna.

Now, what would a finale be without another rendition of On the Wings of Love? C’mon man!

I have just one final question; does Chris’ sundial work indoors?