Looking for clarity? - The Bachelorette - Ep. 7 (Hometowns)

We have made it to hometowns! Feels like yesterday we were just meeting these guys. Now we are down to four and meeting their families/friends. How time flies! While the hometown dates can get repetitive or similar in some ways… boy do they never get old. There’s just something about seeing where these guys come from and how the family responds to everything. This episode was no different!

I have to start by saying…what a weird intro for this week’s episode. I was tripped up at first and had to ask myself if the show had actually started. It was just a cold cut straight into a random conversation with Jonathan’s sister-in-law during the hometown date. It wasn’t foreshadowing anything either and the conversation wasn’t very grand in significance. She was basically saying when you know, you know. In regards to finding your person. Considering this is a show about finding the person you spend your life with… you could have done that introduction in countless other ways. It was strange and felt like there was little effort into it.

Let’s begin with Devin’s date :) What a long way they have come this season. I saw a clip where Jenn was talking about how some of the gentlemen who made it close to the end weren’t necessarily the ones who she had an amazing first impression of at first. I am assuming by saying this, but I feel like she was saying that about Devin. Over the season, It kind of sounds like she has been surprised at how well they have meshed together. While he might have rubbed some people the wrong way earlier in the season, I have thoroughly enjoyed Jenn and him together.

This date didn’t waste any time and got off to a running start… literally. I saw a lot of people bashing the idea of jumping into a group run to start the hometown date. I get some people aren’t for that. Yet, I think with Jenn being a former college athlete, this is something that she might enjoy. It’s a good glimpse into something that they might be able to do together in the future. It’s also a fun way to introduce your friends and do something all together. Which Jenn showed her comfortability! Conversating, running along, joking around, showing her lovey-dovey feelings with him. It felt very natural. 

One thing I do have to say… I hate talking while running. You can ask my wife, Lauren. It’s a pet peeve of mine. I always feel like I struggle to breathe haha. I am curious as to how much they ran because Devin was seriously soaked in sweat. 

Shoutout to the real star of the date/episode… Charlie (Devin’s dog). Dogs will never fail! I would argue for Lauren and I that our love of dogs has brought us closer together. Being able to share that companion is special and paints a picture of family. Even if it isn’t a human being.

One thing that is rinse and repeat, repetitive is the idea of receiving clarity from family members/friends during the hometown date. It’s mentioned in some way or another with every single contestant. In fact, I think it’s fair to say that it was the main goal for every single gentleman in this episode. 

At Devin’s house, it was nice to see him let down his guard and somewhat boastful attitude. I am not saying that personality is bad. He has just shown a much more respectful side as of late. With his family he was receptive to advice, he didn’t feel a need to butt in with comments, and he responded with authenticity. A mother will do that to you.

They were very open when talking about the thunder down under date. That could very well be a sign of uncomfortability for some people. However, there was lots of laughter and no judgment. That’s a good sign in my books. 

I loved it when Devin’s Mom said, “You won’t be the one if you don’t tell her.” This is obviously in regards to him risking sharing his feelings. It’s a simple quote but I think it was one of the driving factors for him to let go of his fears and share what he is feeling. The feelings are definitely mutual! It’s my first real moment of thinking Devin could win this competition.

Jeremy’s hometown was cute and all…but it smacked the couple right back into reality. At the beginning of the date, Jenn mentioned that she gave him the last one-on-one because she was so sure about her feelings with him. Really?! I get maybe you feel some sort of attraction towards him, but do you both truly feel a relationship with each other? That question foreshadows all of the conversations with Jeremy’s family too.

That was one wild grocery store. Animatronics, ice creams, juggling avocados, mascots, lots of laughing, and even running into his extended family members. It’s unique and it’s a really fun way to show off your hometown. You won’t find an experience like that just anywhere. 

Jeremy’s family is clearly excited for the couple, but they weren’t shy from sharing their reservations too. There was another very open conversation talking about Jeremy’s entrance where she showed off his car which didn’t compensate for his… you know what. Some people would find this conversation uncomfortable and his family definitely did lol. Jeremy’s family, particularly his mother, said pretty much exactly what was on her mind. For example:

1. Saying that Jeremy isn’t what Jenn is looking for

2. Questioning Jeremy if he even knew her enough

3. That there doesn’t need to be an engagement at the end of this

4. She mentioned that she is worried if Jeremy is ready for an engagement

By the end of the date, it almost seemed like his mother was like “This is cool… good luck. Maybe we will see you around”. She didn’t give any seal of approval at all. Almost as if his whole family was surprised that they had gotten this far too. Not just the viewers of this show. However, Jeremy reassured Jenn that he would be ready with the right person and that he was confident. Probably too confident.

As we move towards Jonathan’s hometown I can’t help but think…they made Jenn work out this episode. Luckily this time it was something that she was comfortable in with Lacrosse. It’s a unique mutual connection that they share playing college lacrosse, which is why I am happy Jonathan capitalized on it. Matching jerseys too! It feels natural and there is an unspoken fun energy. 

I loved that he checked up on her beforehand too. Making sure and asking if everything feels good heading into tonight. Even despite there still being some walls up and nervousness about the relationship. It was super interesting to me when he said that he is worried about being able to fully dive into the love/falling feelings with Jenn. I wouldn’t necessarily think that with how their relationship has been shown so far. Lucky for them, being with family is a great way to not only receive clarity but also let those guards down. 

Something that is always funny to me is how the family members/contestants always emphasize not wanting to get their hearts broken. Especially in regards to not being the one picked by the Bachelorette in the end. It’s as if they almost forget that they signed up for this. It’s a staple every single hometown episode. That’s sort of how Jonathan’s brother approached the situation. Which I get him protecting his family, it was just funny to see.

Eventually, Jonathan got the clarity from his mom that he was looking for. She gave him the confidence and reassurance that he should go for it with Jenn! It was similar to Devin’s conversation with his mom. 

He eventually shared his feelings on the conveniently placed bench outside of his house. It made me laugh how each home had a bench to debrief on. Good for them though! 

Last but not least, Marcus' hometown date. This hometown is unique due to his childhood and how he grew up. For example, having no parents in the mix is something you rarely see on these dates. Yet, I think the people who were involved, showed that they cared deeply for Marcus and that they were there to support him no matter what. They did an excellent job of being his support group throughout this date. One interesting thing was that they didn’t do any sort of activity prior to the house party. Whatever, I don’t make the rules. 

I hope that Marcus’ anxiety won’t lead to some brash decisions that he might regret in the future. Personally, when I have dealt with anxiety in the past it usually leads to me overthinking/panicking at the situation. Therefore, leading to brash decisions. Hopefully, his family/friends rally around him and he finds the confidence in himself.

One thing Marcus mentioned was that he struggles with an internal battle between the heart and the mind. His mind is telling him to make sure he protects himself and does the right thing. His heart is saying to not worry about the possible outcome and to go all in for this relationship. What makes it difficult is that neither of those ways of thinking is wrong. Yet, he is letting it eat away at him the further he goes in this competition. It seems like he wants so badly to follow his heart but just doesn’t know how. 

Luckily, his sister was a huge proponent in helping him find confidence and allowing him to follow his heart. So with all that I have written so far, seeing him confess more of his feelings was nice to see. 

Moving on, it’s fun that the guys are hanging out at a bar before the rose ceremony! I don’t recall a time when they have hung out like this after the hometown dates. Someone will have to let me know. The results of this hangout were super interesting too. Jeremy seemed super confident still and Marcus let that time only further his anxieties. From a viewer's standpoint, he didn’t need to because he was at a good point with Jenn.

I think we all saw it coming that Jeremy was going to get sent home. Not only due to them being further behind than the others. Also because their hometown date probably had the most conflicts with it. Though, Jeremy took it like an absolute champ. He was super appreciative and had nothing but well wishes for Jenn. It’s a testament to his character and personality. Which, I hope it’s not the last that we see of him. I saw a bunch of people saying he’s a great Bachelor in Paradise candidate… I couldn’t agree more!

That wraps it up for this week. We’ve got two episodes next week and I am sure we will have plenty to cover. The promotion video made it very clear that it would be an emotional one haha. I look forward to discussing the fantasy suite and Men Tell All episodes with you!