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It is that time of year again! The Bachelor is back every Monday night with episodes filled with drama, new connections, heartbreak, and most importantly, love.
The first hometown was Kelsey A.’s. She is from New Orleans, Louisiana, so she and Joey spent the day wandering the historic streets, riding a tandem bike, and trying the famous New Orleans beignets. After their day together, it was time for Joey to meet Kelsey’s sister, brother, and father. The weight of Kelsey’s mother’s passing still impacts the family, and it is evident to the viewers that this hometown meant a lot to her and her family. Joey connected with her dad, and the conversation flowed naturally. Overall, Kelsey and Joey’s hometown experience was a significant success.
Next, Joey traveled to Rachel’s hometown in Rancho Cucamonga, California. Rachel comes from a Filipino and Hawaii resident background, so her family has a traditional outlook on how relationships should occur. Going on a reality dating show differs from what they see as usual. Rachel’s loved ones threw a backyard barbecue for the couple, where they participated in fun games and ate culturally significant food. Rachel’s parents initially hesitated toward Joey and did not know if his intentions were right. They eventually realize that Joey is a respectful man, and their daughter is falling in love with him.
Joey’s next hometown was in Becker, Minnesota, to meet Daisy’s family. Daisy grew up on her parents’ Christmas tree farm, where she and Joey spent most of their day. Throughout the season, Daisy struggles to express her feelings to Joey and still hasn’t told him she is falling in love with him. However, all that changes when she gets the clarity she needs from her family and realizes that she is falling for Joey. Joey fits in perfectly with her family, and when she informs Joey that she is falling in love with him, it concludes the perfect hometown.
The final hometown was in Niagara Falls, New York, to meet Maria’s family. Before Joey met the family, he and Maria rode on The Maid of the Mist through the waterfalls. After the boat ride, Maria sits Joey down and explains that she regrets almost going home, and now she is 100% in the relationship. The family dinner went well, and even though Maria’s dad might seem a little intimidating, he gave Joey his blessing for dating his daughter. However, the night ends on a rocky note when Maria plans on telling Joey she is falling in love with him, but she says, “I appreciate you being here.”
During the rose ceremony, Maria asked to speak to Joey before he started handing out the roses. When she pulled him aside, she told him that she regretted not telling him she was falling in love with him after their hometown date. However, this did not change Joey’s ultimate decision not to give Maria a rose. The final three women are Daisy, Kelsey A., and Rachel.