From Chiles High to 'The Bachelorette': John Mitchell steals the show in New Zealand

As their time in Australia concluded, Jenn Tran and the remaining 12 gentlemen, including Tallahassee's very own John Mitchell, took on a new location in the stunning city of Auckland, New Zealand during week 4 of ABC's "The Bachelorette."

The scenic city view and authentic culture set the tone for romance, excitement and drama, as Jenn continued her quest for love.

When Jenn told the guys this week will start with a one-on-one date, John hoped to be the lucky pick . However, it was Sam M. who was chosen for the first extravaganza.

Back at the new hotel, as the men settle in, Devin expressed how he hoped that Jenn's date with Sam M. will force him to open up to her and reveal his true colors.

While in a 360 window view lounge, Jenn and Sam M. see someone skydiving off of a building, and Sam enthusiastically signed them up for the adventure. But Jenn is hesitant.

"I don't think you understand," Jenn said. "I'm actually unhappy and I don't want to do this."

Even after being convinced onto the top of the building, Jenn clearly seemed terrified of the idea. But, Sam was not reading her emotions, and asked her for a kiss right before the big jump.

Jenn went on to say that in that moment it felt like they weren't on a date, but Sam was an adrenaline junkie who was only in it for himself. It wasn't until she broke down crying that Sam began to comfort her. Ultimately, they decided to take the big jump anyway and Jenn overcame her fear.

As the guys back at the hotel awaited a date card, they began to discuss the possibility of whether or not Sam would return with a rose.

"From the jump he made a really great impression on her," John said. "So, now is the time he gets to show his true self. So, he would have to mess some stuff up honestly."

When Spencer read the card listing the names of those selected for the group date, John and everyone else were chosen. All but Devin, and he couldn't have been more excited knowing that he would have Jenn all to himself later.

On the group date, Jenn took the guys to play rugby in "The Bachelorette's Rugby Royale," paying homage to New Zealand's rich cultural heritage. She was excited to see which of her dates would make the effort to create little moments with her, despite the intensity of the game.

"I don't want any broken bones today," Jenn said. "I just want friendly tackling. Someone can friendly tackle me too."

When the game began, all the guys took the opportunity to show off their athleticism.

"I feel like today is my time to shine," said John, a former Chiles High School football star. "This is the perfect date for me. I almost feel like Jenn drew it up for me."

Sam N., however, had a different idea. After their team won, he swept Jenn off her feet and carried her to celebrate, adding a romance to their victory. But, it was John who scored all of their winning points.

During the date, Sam N. was the first to sneak off and disassociate from the group to have some one-on-one time with Jenn.

When the guys gathered with Jenn for their evening reception after the group date, it was again Sam N. who stole her away first, continuing to make his mark. His relentless boldness and persistent attempts to capture Jenn’s attention irritated many of the other contestants, further escalating tensions.

Back at the hotel, Sam M. and Devin hashed out their differences while alone. The ongoing conflict between them added to the growing drama of the week.

During their one-on-one date, Devin and Jenn explored New Zealand's rich culture, delving into its mountainous history while the native people sing to them and engage in traditional activities. After opening up to each other about their childhoods and strained relationships with their fathers, Jenn presented Devin with a rose. This week, he was safe from elimination once again.

In an unexpected turn, a blast from Jenn's past greeted her in Auckland only a few hours before the week's rose ceremony. One of her ex-boyfriends was determined to win her back.

"We were in love," Matt, her 27-year-old ex from Atlanta, said. "I think a part of us will always be in love."

The episode ended in a cliff-hanger, and fans will have to tune in to next week's episode of "The Bachelorette" to find out if she lets him compete for her love among the 11 remaining Jenn-tlemen.

Viewers can watch “The Bachelorette” at 8 p.m. on Mondays on ABC.

Democrat Writer Mycah Brown can be reached at MJBrown@gannett.com .

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: From Chiles High to 'The Bachelorette': John Mitchell steals the show in New Zealand