'Bachelor' recap: Raven's fantasy suite confession
Editor's note: Waukesha native Nick Viall is searching for love during his fourth appearance on a "Bachelor"-franchise show. Will he find it? Our reporters will keep you in the loop with weekly updates.
What happened: Knock. Knock. Who's there? Another producer-manufactured moment on "The Bachelor." Nick's first reality TV lover Andi Dorfman showed up at his hotel room to talk about his journey so far. Sipping on whiskey (Nick's drink of choice), he dished on the experience this time around and revealed that he understands Andi's position much better these days. Nick said he might even dump all 30 women.
"I’m not going to get engaged just because I’m 'The Bachelor,'" Nick said. "I’m not going to pick one just because she’s the last one standing.”
But, ever hopeful, Nick told Andi, "I do think it's going to work."
At the outdoor rose ceremony (filmed in New York in late fall), Raven, Corinne, Rachel and Vanessa shiver in evening gowns and coats as Nick gave roses to Raven, Rachel and Vanessa. That sent Corinne back home to Miami, her nanny and most importantly Raquel's cheese pasta. Corinne sobbed into Nick's chest before getting into the limo. His fatherly embrace further proved their 12-year age gap was more than just a number.
With just three ladies left, Nick flew to this season's final destination — Lapland, Finland. Nick, speaking in typical "Bachelor" cliches, declared Finland was the most "magical place to fall in love."
Raven gets the first one-on-one date of fantasy suite week (the only one in this episode). After a helicopter ride over Finland's snowy landscape, Raven and Nick head into Local Pub (supposedly its real name) where they play darts and take shots. I think it's safe to say Nick played at Wolski's Tavern a time or two.
Raven's anxieties about her feelings for Nick (and more importantly the fantasy suite) are exposed at dinner. Nervously swirling her wine, Raven told Nick that she feels much stronger about him than her ex. Raven's previous beau would only say "I love you" when he had been drinking. She never reciprocated.
After a tear-filled speech about how easily Raven sees Nick as a partner and dad, she told him "I do love you." Thrilled, but nervous, about the prospect of intimate alone time in the fantasy suite, Raven had more she wanted to tell Nick. Or she just wanted Nick to take off his aggressive turtle neck sweater.
Raven revealed she never felt completely safe, or physically satisfied, with her ex. Fantasy suite key in hand, she's hoping Nick can change that. While Raven was eager to see what lies ahead in the suite with a domed glass ceiling for viewing the northern lights, Nick considered not sleeping with any of the women to help him reach clarity.
Number of mentions of Wisconsin: 0
What we learned about Nick: He knows how to keep his clothes crisp.
"I'm a fantastic ironer," he told Raven during their date. He also said he isn't looking for a woman who will clean up after him but someone who will stimulate him intellectually.
Best quote of the night: Before announcing she needed to sleep, Corinne declared, "I'm done trying to impress these men. I'm ready to be me."
Women remaining: 3
Coming up next: We'll finish up fantasy suite week with another hourlong episode next Monday. Nick will try to coax Rachel into verbally affirming her feelings. Vanessa will tell Nick she's "very traditional." ABC has a special treat next week with a two-hour "Women Tell All" special.