The men are more interested in lifting weights, the women are getting annoyed, and it seems like Paradise is lacking its usual sparks. Let’s discuss!

After a whirlwind premiere episode of Bachelor In Paradise, we finally experienced our first rose ceremony of the season, and Iggy, Alex, Vinny, and Saint Nick got the boot. The most notable rose choice was Kristina giving her rose to Dean, even though Dean basically broke up with her RIGHT BEFORE the ceremony. This sets in motion the main storyline of the episode. Enter Danielle L to Paradise, who asks Dean out on a date. Dean promptly accepts her offer, and Kristina is unsurprisingly disappointed. Dean and Danielle seem to hit it off, but when they return from their date, Dean immediately runs to Kristina to do damage control. Kristina forgives him, but Dean squanders their relationship once again when later in the evening he goes out of his way to celebrate Danielle’s “half-birthday” right in front of Kristina.

RELATED | Bachelor In Paradise 4×01-02 Roundtable

Adam, a Paradise newbie, goes on a date with Sarah, even though he had a prior connection with Raven. Raven seems annoyed but she begrudgingly gives them her blessing. Lacey also gets a lot of airtime this episode. She’s pretty emotional over the fact that she isn’t connecting with any of the men, but she then goes on a decent date with Diggy. Only 10 minutes after they get back from their date, Dominique arrives to Paradise with a date card and Diggy is completely smitten with her. Cue heartbroken Lacey. Meanwhile, Danielle M. leaves Paradise after not finding love but shares a really sweet moment with Wells (kiss included!) before she goes. The second half of the episode centers back on the Corinne/DeMario controversy, which was a surprising production choice because it seemed like the whole thing was put to rest last week.

There’s plenty to discuss this episode, so let’s get to it! (Spoilers ahead!)

Julie (@JusJulez) – PR/Social Media Maven, Advertising Specialist & Live tweeter

Kirsten (@kirstensaidwhat) – Reality TV enthusiast, crazy cat lady and live tweeter

Jaci (@norahsariah) – TV and Bachelorette newbie

Kathleen (@KatLikesUFOs) – Reality TV enthusiast with a high key addiction to all things Bach Nation and a penchant for snarky live tweeting

Kaitlyn (@bachbrack) – Co-founder of Bach Bracket, an online fantasy league site for The Bachelor franchise

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1. It seemed like Dean and Kristina were over, but she ended up giving him her rose. Dean proceeded to go on a date with Danielle L, leaving Kristina heartbroken once more. What’s your take on Dean and Kristina as a couple?

Julie (@JusJulez): I think that Dean is just using Kristina as a safety net. I think that Kristina fell too quickly for Dean. I also think that maybe during the 2-week break, Dean got what he wanted.

Kirsten (@kirstensaidwhat): I am so annoyed with Dean! Kristina is a sweet baby angel and she deserves someone who is going to treat her like the amazing woman that she is! Ultimately I think Dean is still too immature for a serious relationship and probably came to Paradise just for a fun vacation, where Kristina is still looking for something more serious.

Jaci (@norahsariah): I like Dean and Kristina together but I don’t think Dean is really allowing himself to be emotionally available. He’s very closed off and keeps dropping Kristina for Danielle. I understand Kristina’s frustration with him. I hope they stay together through this because they’re adorable.

Kathleen (@KatLikesUFOs): My take on Dean, in general, is that dude is a total fuck boy and that both Kristina and DLo are too good for him and his bullshit. It’s obvious to me Kristina is there to look for someone to build a relationship while Dean is there to play the field. So he can GO!

Kaitlyn (@bachbrack): I don’t think anyone could deny Dean and Kristina seemed like a match made in heaven, but something about BIP makes you love people you used to hate (except Robby) and hate people you used to love: enter Dean. I feel like he’s been straight forward with Kristina in conversations, but his actions are still messed up. Whether the half birthday cake for DLo right after snuggling with Kristina was a producer plant or not, it was heartless and Dean should have said no. At this point, Kristina needs to move on.

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2. The guys are more interested in bro-ing out than forging love connections and the girls are really frustrated by this. Is their frustration warranted? What do you think is the solution?

Julie (@JusJulez): I think that the fact that they all hung out before even going to BIP, they all have a connection and are probably all friend-zoned at this point until someone new comes along. I think the girls need to start making some moves.

Kirsten (@kirstensaidwhat): I would be frustrated too if I went on a vacation hoping to meet someone, and they were too busy hanging out with each other to hang out with me! That being said… I mean most of these people are here to be able to monetize their Instagram more, right? So this kind of airtime probably helps with that anyway.

Jaci (@norahsariah): The girls have a right to be frustrated. It seems as if none of the guys are even trying to chase after the girls until the cocktail party comes along. If they’d just pursue the girls like they say they’re here to do, there’d be no problems.

Kathleen (@KatLikesUFOs): I get the frustration but at the same time I feel like from what we’re seeing there is a lot of waiting around for someone to make the first move. I feel like I’m at a 7th-grade dance again when I was watching parts of the show and I’m just watching from home here. Solution to the problem: someone just needs to talk to someone! Be that 7th grader that gathers their courage and ask their crush to dance! Well the adult version of that, you get the metaphor.

Also some insider info from ET’s Roses and Rosé: apparently the bro-ing out had to do with some of the girls have boyfriends back home 😬

Kaitlyn (@bachbrack): Honestly, I love the friendships that have formed. Bachelor in Paradise is supposed to be about finding love, so for the people that are truly there to find “their person,” I understand why they are frustrated and I don’t disagree, but I don’t think there should be a solution. Between date cards and trying to connect to at least get a rose, there’s a chance for sparks to fly, but love connections aren’t a guarantee even if there is less bro-ing out.

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3. What did you think of Adam and Sarah’s date? That being said, in the Raven-Adam-Sarah love triangle, who do you think is the best choice for Adam?

Julie (@JusJulez): Adam and Sarah are kind of annoying. I think that Sarah is about to fall quickly for Adam. Well, I thought the best choice for Adam was Raven but she’s too good for him, so I guess him and Sarah might be a good match.

Kirsten (@kirstensaidwhat): Why is everyone fighting over Adam? His creepy doll is more recognizable than he is, and he could not be more ordinary! That being said, him and Sarah did have a pretty cute date, and it seemed like they made a real connection, whereas it didn’t seem like there was that much there with Raven. Raven can do a million times better anyway, so I hope Adam and Sarah are happy together.

Jaci (@norahsariah): I honestly don’t know. I think Sarah is nice but I like Raven with Adam just a little bit better. They’re cute. Sarah seems to want to take things too fast.

Kathleen (@KatLikesUFOs): Is it just me or do Adam and Sarah have way more chemistry than Adam and Raven? I know it’s an edited show but that’s the vibe I was getting. I really like Sarah and how forward she is, it’s super refreshing to see considering no one else seems to be willing to do that right now.

I love Raven but I don’t get the Raven/Adam pairing and just think she could find someone a little more compatible for her. It doesn’t bug me but I’m just meh on it and think Sarah is a better match for the guy.

Kaitlyn (@bachbrack): Adam and Sarah’s date was okay, but by Paradise standards are little boring, but I totally felt the chemistry between the two of them. At this point, I am leaning towards Sarah (but I love love love, Raven, let me be clear on that), but after a little more time with each lady, that might change!

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4. Lacey is pretty distraught over not connecting with any of the guys. She finally has a good date with Diggy, only for Dominique to scoop him up but 10 minutes later. What are your thoughts on Lacey?

Julie (@JusJulez): I feel so bad for Lacey. I think that she is coming off way too strong with emotions. She needs to be a little more confident in herself and know her worth. Maybe someone else will come along. I think that Dom is best for Diggy!

Kirsten (@kirstensaidwhat): I mean, there always has to be a hysterical crying girl in Paradise right? Lacey fills that niche perfectly. Dominique and Diggy are the cutest – their chemistry was real, and their connection could be the thing to keep me watching this summer.

Jaci (@norahsariah): I really feel for Lacey. Her frustration is completely understandable. I wish the guys would stop leaving their current girls every time a new one comes along. Taylor telling Dominique to go ask Diggy on the date was so uncalled for. Everyone needs to stop matchmaking for each other like Lacey said.

Kathleen (@KatLikesUFOs): Lacey is a weird one for me. I want to like her but I’m just meh on her. I kind of feel a bit bad for her but I don’t even think she was really all that into Diggy. I also can’t help but be slightly taken aback by how upset she was by the Diggy/Dominique date. Like girl went on ONE date with and she pretty meh on him pre date.

I am totally here for Diggy/Dominique. They’re both lovely and super hot to boot and seem really compatible/have a lot of chemistry.

Kaitlyn (@bachbrack): I would be lying if I said Lacey didn’t drive me a little crazy, but honestly, I felt for her last night. She has really tried to connect with other people in Paradise, which again, you can’t force a connection, so to see her start to get excited about someone only to have that dream crushed minutes later was a bummer. With that being said, Diggy was very honest about his feelings, so for Diggy, I would have to say ———-[]’Dominique.

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5. This episode, Danielle M. leaves Paradise after not finding love to fulfill a job opportunity in Kenya. Before she leaves,  & Wells share a pretty passionate kiss. Do you think Danielle should’ve left?

Julie (@JusJulez): I think she made a great choice. She’s a smart girl. If Wells was truly into her he would have done that sooner rather than later. He also would know that she needs to do what’s best for her and wouldn’t stop her from the job opportunity that is important to her.

Kirsten (@kirstensaidwhat): I mean, helping people in Kenya is definitely more fulfilling than drinking in Mexico – if Wells isn’t allowed to date, and that’s the only person she has connected with? Go to Kenya, help some people, come back an even better person, and Wells will still be in Nashville when you get home.

Jaci (@norahsariah): I don’t think Danielle should have left but I understand why she did. That kiss between her and Wells was so sweet, it kind of made up for the lack of romance in Paradise.

Kathleen (@KatLikesUFOs): I think she made the right choice. She got a real life opportunity and I’m glad she took it. Her and Wells both live in Nashville so if it’s meant to happen beyond TV they’ll be able to figure it out back home.

Kaitlyn (@bachbrack): We were literally screaming with joy when that kiss happened! I didn’t expect to like the two of them together as much as I did (TBH, wasn’t a huge Danielle M. fan before this season), but I’ve seriously enjoyed watching their side convos and hoping for them to couple up.

That said, one million times yes, she was in the right to leave. Sure, Wells is a catch, but truth be told, I think she would have considered going even if she had a fling with someone, just because that’s the kind of person she is. It was a great opportunity to help children in need, and she can see Wells anytime she wants since they both live in Nashville. Can’t wait to stalk them on social media and see how this all unfolds!

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6. It’s been stressed by producers (via Chris Harrison), other contestants, and DeMario that no such “sexual misconduct” happened in Paradise. What is your understanding of what happened? Are you satisfied with the way producers have portrayed the scandal so far?

Julie (@JusJulez): I still do not have a clear understanding as to what happened. I think that the producers should speak up themselves instead of putting DeMario, Corinne and the rest of the cast under the mic and all the media. Producers or a source of the network should speak up face to face and let us know exactly why and what happened!!! The way they are trying to get ratings out of this is ridiculous, just let it out already!

Kirsten (@kirstensaidwhat): I am SO UPSET with how this situation has been handled. To say there is no evidence of sexual misconduct is one thing, and I hope that that’s the case. But they are dragging this out as a storyline for THREE WEEKS which is honestly disgusting, and they have made some really dangerous statements about sexual assault! If someone is impaired, they cannot give consent! But last week we had Diggy saying that you could! Obviously this gets a little confusing if both are too drunk to consent, but the emphasis on sweeping it under the rug as nothing happened while simultaneously milking it for all that it’s worth has left me feeling cold – based on what Corrine says next week, I’ll have to make a decision on if I can still watch a show that perpetuates such dangerous misconceptions. If there is a question as to if consent can be given or not, that means it cannot be given!

Jaci (@norahsariah): What I understand is that DeMario and Corinne were a little tipsy but they were having a good time. People assume that he raped Corinne which I absolutely do not believe is true whatsoever. They were tipsy but completely in control. Because he’s a black man they threw things out of proportion. I feel for them both.

Kathleen (@KatLikesUFOs): My understanding of what happened is that two contestants that were in no state to clearly consent were not appropriately protected by production. Production created the situation by not cutting off Corinne and DeMario and then not intervening when things got questionable. Drunk folks are unable to consent and as the sober third party production could have and SHOULD have intervened. Also, I feel like the last hour of the show this week handled the scandal inappropriately:

A) Raven got more input in the dispute than DeMario and he was one of the people that were directly affected which felt icky
B) It was not the time or place to have a happy couple check in with Carly/Evan and Jade/Tanner. It just felt like it lessened the severity of the situation by throwing those segments in.

Kaitlyn (@bachbrack): Well, my understanding is DeMario and Corinne got drunk, started making out, moved it to the hot tub, and hooked up (but did not have intercourse) in broad daylight, and with others around. I have no reason to believe it was anything but consensual — I doubt WB would put themselves in legal danger if there was even a shred of evidence otherwise during the investigation.

I think the producers have done the best they can with that horrible situation. DeMario deserves the chance to tell his side of the story, especially since his face was plastered all over the morning news when the investigation was taking place. I don’t fault production or the cast for anything that happened, and I think everyone’s doing the best they can given the circumstances (I am kind of over hearing about it at this point, TBH).

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7. Do you see any new couples forming in the next couple episodes? If so, who?

Julie (@JusJulez): No! Maybe Diggy and Dom.

Kirsten (@kirstensaidwhat):  I mean, Raven and Dean have to date at some point, right? Isn’t that why we’re all here?

Jaci (@norahsariah): I’m unsure as to what couples will be forming because things tend to change rather quickly each episode between everyone.

Kathleen (@KatLikesUFOs): The only one I can think of is Robby and Amanda which I’m pretty meh on tbh and that’s mostly because I’m pretty low on Robby.

Kaitlyn (@bachbrack): Ahh, the million dollar question! Well, based on the previews, I think Daniel and Lacey will meet and hit it off. Robby and Amanda clearly have something starting, especially if Robby is going to disregard “anonymous” (*eye roll*) and go after her. I can see Adam and Raven, but it’s going to be tough for him to ditch Sarah since she’s adorbs.

Outside of those predictions, your guess is as good as mine! Can’t wait to watch and find out.

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Final Verdict: The Bachelor In Paradise contestants either need to put on their big boy/girl pants and start pursuing each other, or the show needs some fresh meat.

Between the lack of romance and the way production continues to milk the Corinne/DeMario scandal, we’re not really feeling the love in Paradise. The sweet moment between Danielle M. and Wells was such a welcome change of pace, that it really highlighted how much love is not in the air this season. It looks like Dean is in Paradise to see how successfully he can string Kristina along while pursuing other women on the side, and Matt is still completely unenthused about Jasmine. Ben Z’s constant puppy talk has transitioned from endearing to sad. Lacey remains a puddle of tears while Diggy pays her dust in favor of Dominique. Adam is utterly uninteresting yet somehow finds himself in a love triangle between Raven and Sarah. All in all, it’s time for some new men to enter Paradise because things are getting pretty stale. We need some Chases, Lukes, Erics, and Peters up in here STAT. As for the “controversy” talk, producers have taken many missteps this week. Our roundtable participants all have a different understanding of what happened between Corinne and DeMario, which points to a lack of transparency, and ultimately, confusion in the way they’re portraying the situation. It certainly doesn’t help that talk of sexual assault is spliced with live ultrasounds of newly-pregnant, lovey-dovey Evan & Carly, which downplays the seriousness of the topic at-hand. All in all, we get to hear Corinne’s side of the story next week which hopefully indicates that this fiasco will finally draw a conclusion. Paradise is pretty desperate for some new drama at this point.

Bachelor In Paradise returns next Monday, August 28th at 8/7C on ABC.