Atlantic City, watch out. It’s pageant time. The manliest pageant you could ask for (if that’s possible), and I’m not complaining.

Who got kicked off: The one’s with red X’s were sent home this week.

One-on-one: Brad-with-a-baby got the one-on-one this week. He’s got the good looks, but something was missing in the chemistry between the two. They didn’t have much to talk about. So, no surprise, Des sent him home on the date, saying she didn’t want to take time away from him and his son Maddox. The best part was, she took him to the top of the lighthouse and then was like psyche, I’m gonna have to send you home, but thank you for climbing all of these stairs with me.

Group date: Atlantic City is the birthplace of the Miss America pageant. So naturally, we had to have a Bachelor pageant complete with heels, ribbon, and dancing. It was magical. There were interview questions, a talent show, and my personal favorite, a swimsuit competition. 

Heart flutter moment: Zak W. Be still my beating heart. Zak claims he doesn’t sing, but I find that hard to believe. He wrote a poem and put it to music, and his voice didn’t make me want to run for the hills. It was beautiful.

What-the-what of the night: Juan Pablo can twirl a baton. Let’s talk about that for a hot second. No idea where that came from. Yes, he played soccer, but who knew he had other hidden talents. He just casually picked it off the table and did a couple tosses. No big deal.

And who was crowned Miss America? That would be Kasey. But he did not get the rose. That went to the soothing tones of our very own crooner, Zak W.

Tweet of the night:

One-on-one: Des took the very buff, very tattoed man James on her date. This one was a little different. Instead of a romantic jaunt around town, Des took him on a helicopter ride to see the devastation Hurricane Sandy brought to New Jersey. Kind of depressing. Then they “gave up” their date to a couple who were badly affected by Hurricane Sandy. Which I mean, they didn’t really give up their date. Yeah, maybe dinner, but they popped in on the couple to give them a restored photo album of the couple’s old photos and to dance to a concert with Darius Rucker. It was sweet. But what they should have said is we’ll share this date with you. Heck, I wouldn’t give up the chance to have a private concert with Darius Rucker either.

James. James, James, James. He cheated on his girlfriend from freshman year of college, which did not sit too well with Des as she’s been cheated on in the past. Whoopsie. Maybe ease up on the opening up.

Bryden is having doubts…He doesn’t think his relationship with Des is as far as it should be. He was considering going home. And I’m sure getting called last at the rose ceremony didn’t do anything to assuage his doubts.

In other news. I’m falling head-over-heels (bad pun intended) for Chris. It may have happened when he side-stepped the guitar and ukelele for the heals and hula hoops. It may have been when he botched his interview questions, or asked Des for “buckle help” on his new kicks. Whatever the root, I’m sure he’s walking, or stumbling, his way into Des’ heart too.

Next up, Des and her men are headed to Munich, Germany, where lederhosen and beer reign.