Hometowning Queens: Bachelor Ep 8
I can’t believe we’re already here. This season has been complicated with petty targeted drama, unprecedented social media up-ticks, unpredictable romantic choices, spoiler changes, and more. And even though it feels like Joey has just graced our screens, it’s crazy to think his time as a single bachelor is almost over (or is it?)
KELSEY A
Kelsey is the first date this week, the surprise front runner who Joey can’t keep his eyes off of. He’s been super vocal about being excited about the progression of their relationship. During the date, they go to a botanical garden, venture into the city, and have a deep conversation about what marriage and weddings look like for them, potentially. It’s a great logical step for their relationship as the season finale approaches.
They eat in New Orleans and she takes him around town off-screen. I can only assume they have more deep conversations while away from the cameras. I don’t know why their date is so abbreviated.
When meeting her family, her dad takes out a scrapbook to look through pictures of her mom. She gets pretty emotional, but ultimately her family sees a connection between them and honors that. It goes well, nothing crazy.
RACHEL
In California, Rachel brings Joey to a family barbecue and he brings her flowers. Her entire extended family is there. It’s all very sweet. They share a bunch of family traditions and games.
In the deeper conversations about her relationship with her mom, I really liked how her mom reiterated “It’s not just his decision,” Rachel has to decide if Joey is right for her and her life too. Is it love? She shared that she’s falling in love with him. But is it enough, and is it mutual?
DAISY
Daisy takes Joey to the old Christmas tree farm her parents used to own. She later admits to her mom that she’s confused about her relationship. She doesn’t know how she feels or how he does. That’s not a great sign. She’s been uncharacteristically holding back, according to her mom and family. That’s not something you do with your forever partner, hide and feel secure about parts of yourself.
MARIA
Already exploring, Montreal, her real hometown, they head to Niagara Falls for a romantic maple shot in front of the famous waterfall. One can see cracks in the relationship immediately, and Maria admits to attempting to lighten the mood to distract from her self-sabotage behavior last week. It doesn’t work.
I think Joey says it perfectly, “is that spark enough to make up for the problems we have?”
While Maria says “doesn’t do this with anyone,” (take men some to meet her family) that doesn’t mean it’s enough. She wants to continue her relationship with him, but it’s not as strong as her final competitors. We’re at hometowns. It is the final countdown. She doesn’t have the relationship required at this point and time. She pulls Joey away before the rose ceremony, making one last plea, but it’s no use.
ROSES: Daisy, Kelsey A., and Rachel.
