Episode 7 recap: Michael Allio confused after massive 'Bachelor in Paradise' twist

Last week:Will stars ever align for Copley's Michael Allio on 'Bachelor in Paradise?'

Copley’s Michael Allio seems to be one step closer to finding love on "Bachelor in Paradise" after last week's episodes.

So far, his journey on the show is keeping the Akron area on its toes. Will he get a rose during the next ceremony? What's in store for him and his new boo? Only time (and most likely many tears) will tell.

But before we get into that, let's recap what's happened since Allio first set foot on the beach.

What happened on the first episode of 'Bachelor in Paradise'?

The first half of the season premiere was used to introduce the main cast of the season, which included Allio. The widower and father was the second person on the beach, following schoolteacher Serene Russell.

Before entering paradise, Allio mentioned that he took some time off from dating since his self-elimination on “The Bachelorette.” He also said his son still wants a mother figure, and that the plan is to find that on "Bachelor in Paradise" so they can take the next steps in their lives as a family.

“I’m coming to paradise with a full, open heart,” he said. “It’s time to take a chance."

A sudden twist:"My son needs his dad": Michael Allio self-eliminates from "The Bachelorette"

What were the ladies' first impression of Michael Allio?

His first impression on the ladies was quite evident in the first episode. The women described Allio as nice, cute and the most welcoming of all the men. One even said that he “went from wholesome dad to zaddy in 2.0 seconds.” Two female contestants also admitted that Allio was their favorite man on the beach as of yet.

'Zaddy':Michael Allio of Copley makes good impression on 'Bachelor in Paradise'

Recapping what's happened so far on 'Bachelor in Paradise.' Who's gone home?

During the season premiere, Allio said he could see a future with Sierra Jackson, who appeared as a contestant from Clayton Echard’s season of “The Bachelor.” The two talked privately at one point during the episode, where Jackson asked Allio about the hardest part of being a single dad. His response was creating memories, but not having anyone to share them with.

Will Allio find love?Watch out Bachelor Nation: Copley single dad Michael Allio to be on 'Bachelor in Paradise'

A similar, though more teary, conversation happened in episode two between Allio and Jackson, who found themselves talking about the fears of entering a new relationship. The pair lounged on a bed and Allio went more in depth about his hesitation to date after the death of his wife, Laura.

“It’s like I get excited in the beginning and then, when the feelings start to shift, it gets scary, it gets more intense,” he said.

Who is Michael Allio?:Copley single dad and widower who will be on 'The Bachelorette'

The single dad also revealed his fear that he is not ready for love and may unintentionally hurt someone while readying himself for it. Finally, after describing how his sleeping habits changed following Laura’s death (he slept diagonally), the two shared some tears and a first kiss.

After their talk in episode two, Allio told the audience there’s something “really good” between himself and Jackson – a statement that was solidified with the receival of his rose in the following episode.

Their relationship was one of the few that wasn’t on the rocks by the time the rose ceremony kicked off, so his choice didn’t seem to surprise the other contestants. After the ceremony, one contestant even said that Allio and Jackson are one of the island’s most solid couples.

In contrast, three women did not receive roses in Episode three: Kira Mengistu, Hailey Malles and Hunter Haag. All three were on the most recent season of “The Bachelor,” where they vied for the attention of Clayton Echard. The next rose ceremony happened in episode six, with James Bonsall and Justin Glaze leaving without roses. Both were on season 17 of "The Bachelorette" that featured Katie Thurston.

What happened between Michael Allio and Sierra Jackson last week?

In episode four, Jackson said she feels safe with Allio and is excited to continue pursuing their relationship. She seemed to be eager for not only Allio, but motherhood too. When other contestants stated that she’ll be leaving the island engaged to Allio, Jackson said that she wouldn’t want an engagement until she’d had the chance to meet James, Allio’s son.

While Allio believed that Jackson would make a great mother figure, his feelings about their bond were not synonymous with hers.

Allio confided in island bartender Wells that he was conflicted about Jackson, who earlier in the episode imagined what it would be like to be James’s stepmom. The single dad said the fast pace at which they are moving coupled with his uncertainty about loving someone again scared him.

“Every time I take a step forward, I take a few steps back...because of my traumatic past,” Allio said. “I feel really bad about that.”

Toward the end of the episode Jackson and Allio went stargazing, were she gifted him a star constellation for himself, James and his late wife Laura. After receiving the gift, Allio explained his hesitation about their relationship and broke it off.

Jackson then left "Bachelor in Paradise" following their conversation, stating that she didn’t want to date others on the show or see Allio dating other contestants.

Who gave Michael Allio a rose in Episode 6 of 'Bachelor in Paradise?'

Things seem to be moving along swiftly in the romance department for Allio. At the beginning of episode six, he was one of four men not in a relationship, which caused him to worry about getting a rose.

“The well has run dry,” Allio said. “I’m going into tonight’s rose ceremony thinking I’m going to go home.”

Luckily, Danielle Maltby (“Bachelor in Paradise” season four) arrived in paradise at the last minute to hand him one. They seemed to recognize each other, much to the confusion of viewers.

Following Allio’s time on “The Bachellorette,” Maltby saw one of his social media posts and reached out to him. The two have been online friends ever since. They also share a similar past, according to beach bartender Wells.

Later Maltby revealed that her fiancé Nick died of a drug overdose 11 years ago. The pair connected about their parallel pasts while on their date.

Allio discussed what he’s looking for in a partner (someone that makes him a better person) while the the two lounged on a boat and Maltby talked about the trauma she faced from the death of her fiancé over their shared meal. When he asked why she returned to the show, she also revealed that it was primarily to connect with him. At the end of the conversation, they shared a kiss.

“Maybe it’s the last first date of my life,” Allio said.

What happened on Episode 7 of 'Bachelor in Paradise?'

Now that most of the island’s original women have been whisked out of paradise and replaced with five new candidates for love, it is unclear if Allio will feel the same about Maltby after the week is up. Looks like fans must keep watching to find out. We saw in episode seven that the two returned from their date post-swap and quite confused, so it looks like both Allio and his new boo will be mingling with these new ladies.

Coming up on the next episode of 'Bachelor in Paradise'

The sneak peek for Tuesday's episode contained a fair amount of arguing, yelling, tears and overall drama. With new men and women flooding the island, there's only three certainties: bonds will be tested, tears will be shed and relationships will surely end. Local celebrity Allio put it best when he said, "Sh*t is about to hit the fan."

When is 'Bachelor in Paradise' on next?

The eighth episode of "Bachelor in Paradise" airs on ABC at 8 p.m. Monday.

Contact Beacon Journal reporter Tawney Beans at tbeans@gannett.com and on Twitter @TawneyBeans.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: 'Bachelor in Paradise': What does Michael Allio think of the big swap?