Despite his recent high-profile misstep—now overshadowed by other national news—Juan Pablo continues to attempt damage control over his anti-gay remarks from a few weeks ago. At first he and his team leaned on the familiar “remarks were taken out of context” defense, but JP has since shifted to a different line: “it was a misunderstanding,” paired with the disclosure that “I have a cousin who is gay” and an excuse about limited English. Whether this will finally put the controversy to rest remains uncertain, and in the meantime he still faces ongoing criticism for other aspects of his behavior.
Meanwhile, Clare insists she and JP did not have sex during their early-morning encounter in the ocean, a claim that aligns with her version of events. She also weighed in on the awkward question of whether intimate moments in the sea differ from those in a suite pool, offering her own perspective on the matter.
On lighter notes, fans are keeping track of JP’s frequent mentions of daughters: the “Official Juan Pablo Daughter Word Count” is climbing, and viewers noted several references in the most recent episode alone.
Tonight the eight remaining women travel to New Zealand, where anxiety, mixed signals about acceptable public displays of affection, and some inconsistent judging of kissing etiquette await. JP, ever concise in his own way, mutters “ai yi yi” as he contemplates making a life-altering choice through a process that often feels more like a commercial than a courtship.
The women marvel at their luxurious New Zealand accommodations, but who receives the first date matters most to them. Andi gets that honor. With no overtly traditional New Zealand soundtrack on hand, a generic guitar tune accompanies scenes of Cassandra and Renee discussing their desire to find a partner who will commit to their children as well as to them. They hope JP will start using the word “stepson” as readily as he references other aspects of family life.
Andi’s one-on-one with JP begins on an overcast day with a speedboat ride that undoes her hair. He has arranged an adventurous outing that requires trust: they swim, then navigate a narrow rock passage called The Squeeze, which becomes progressively harder to traverse. As daylight fades, JP helps her through the crevices and leads her to a warm waterfall where they kiss and enjoy the moment. The sequence offers the kind of close-up shots that reality television reliably delivers.
On these adrenaline-fueled dates there’s little time for deep conversation; the focus is mostly on staying safe. Later that evening they curl up over wine, watching steam rise in the distance while the mist from the surroundings adds a romantic—if hair-frizzing—quality to their dinner. He notes that she likes being soaked; she finds the scene romantic.
Back with the group, a programmed group date excludes Clare, leaving her pleased to have more one-on-one time later. Andi returns from her date glowing, declares she wants a family, and receives a rose from JP—an outcome that makes both of them optimistic about the future.
The group date unfolds in sweeping countryside, complete with sheep in the background. The women picnic in the wind, poke around with some cows, then climb into giant transparent inflatable balls to roll down a hill. The activity thrills some and leaves others wondering if they’ve had enough one-on-one time with JP—ironically disregarding the close proximity some of them just shared in the rolling balls.
That evening the cast visits Hobbiton, the Lord of the Rings set, for dinner. Laughter about the day’s absurd activities gives way to quieter moments: JP takes Renee away and she calls the day one of the best of her life, earnestly noting how meaningful the experience felt for her and her son. Their kiss is cautious, and a selfie afterward captures a slightly unhinged expression from JP. Renee comes across as steady and sincere—qualities that seem at odds with JP’s mercurial behavior.
JP then spends time with Nikki, who admits fear about her growing emotions, and with Sharleen, whose encounter quickly turns to an immediate, physical display of affection. When Sharleen expresses confusion about the authenticity of the process, JP responds by urging intimacy rather than engaging with her concerns—an approach that reveals more about his priorities than about hers.
Cassandra tells JP he has opened her up to love, and while he basks in the praise, their interaction stops short of a kiss, leaving viewers to wonder what that signals about their connection.
At the rose ceremony JP faces difficult choices. He gives the rose to Sharleen, and different contestants display anger or disappointment. He then pulls Cassandra aside, telling her she’s “one of the special ones” but that they are not “in the same chapter.” He urges her to return home to her son and not to wait for a late decision—then watches her leave in the rain, a melodramatic exit that underscores the show’s staged emotions.
When JP returns to the group, he offers his usual pithy summary: “At the end of the day, it’s the future.”
The next day JP and Clare have a rocky picnic, during which they revisit the controversy surrounding his comments and the resulting fallout. Clare says she did not want to make him uncomfortable, and JP denies suggesting to Camila that he had a sexual relationship with her—an odd claim given the premise of the show. Their reconciliation culminates in a dinner by a fire, extended conversation, and an apology from JP about past remarks, which Clare appreciates. The exchange continues with familiar romantic gestures and the eventual presentation of a rose.
As the week progresses JP mentions the logistical reality of narrowing down his choices. At a pre-rose gathering, Renee appears serene while Sharleen is tense. JP speaks privately with Nikki (or possibly Chelsie—some names blur together) and later with Kat, who reveals she wrote in a journal about her feelings. The contestants routinely discuss their emotions and chances with JP like hopeful candidates in an unpaid audition.
At the rose ceremony Chris frames the evening as an important step in the search for love. Roses are handed out—first to Nikki, then Renee, and finally Chelsie—while Kat leaves resentful that JP didn’t appreciate her. Sharleen, torn and emotional, promises to give the process another week but admits she’ll walk away if she can’t be herself with JP.
Next week promises more drama: hurt feelings, confrontations, and JP brooding dramatically in dim rooms, leaving viewers to wonder whether sincerity or spectacle will ultimately determine the outcome.