Just in case “The Bachelor” had not thought of enough ways to make things messy for Ben Higgins’ remaining four contestants, we now have the case of JoJo Fletcher’s ex Chad turning up and causing a ruckus … even if it is only in the form of a latter. But Lauren’s family welcomes Ben with open arms. Her brothers described themselves as protective, and that’s good and appropriate, but they seemed to be harboring some deeper frustrations that they were not expressing to Ben. After informing Ben that her oldest, Kinsley, has a bit of an attitude and her youngest, Charlie, is shy, Amanda is finally reunited with her girls, who are naturally in matching outfits with matching pigtails. In the limo, Amanda wonders if she’ll ever find a guy like Ben to be a father to her children. Still, Lauren’s dad is hesitant to give them their blessing. Later, they head to Laguna Beach to try and spot Kristin Cavallari or Lauren Conrad.
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Apparently, they went to dinner and watched fireworks.
Meeting Amanda’s family, Ben is introduced to Amanda’s mom, dad, and sister. Amanda added that the girls would love it if Ben chased them.
During the Bushnel’s hometown date, the 25-year-old flight attendant will take Higgins on a trip of all the best places in Portland, Oregon. But he nails the answer when she asks what makes Lauren so special. He tells her he’s wants her back in a tone and with a conviction that sound more “the producers made me do it” than “let’s get married and have babies”. I’m trying to go about it the best way”. After getting appropriately sauced on pricey artisanal hooch, Ben is ready to face the firing squad that is Lauren’s family. The pressure of the week was obviously weighing heavy on Ben as he got emotional talking to Lauren’s sister.
JoJo’s brothers might think they’re just watching out for her, but they seem to be the ones perpetrating the most harm. The stakes are high with only three fantasy suite dates next week on the line. No, not in real life but with his feelings for Caila.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I love hometowns.
Higgins will then travel to Hudson, Ohio to meet Quinn and her family.
At Caila’s home, dad put on the full-court press. Thinking they’re from Ben, JoJo brings the flowers inside and sits down to read the note.
Poor Ben was visibly awkward when confronted with the realities of fatherhood, and didn’t look too thrilled when one of Amanda’s kids had a breakdown in the auto. He’s anxious she’s going to get hurt, but her mom tells her to “go downstairs and jump on him and tell him!”
It’s off to Caila’s parents house where Ben admits he’s never met any Filipinos. Ben’s cool with that because he has practice after dating 28 women. That’s a very loving thing for any family to do and I know Ben appreciated it. It’s all just “really real” for her.
But the biggest surprise comes in Dallas, when Ben and Jo Jo are a paid a visit by one of her exes. Do you think Ben will break JoJo’s heart? Jo Jo realizes her mistake and bursts into tears. But she reassures him that although she was skeptical at first, he has made her feel comfortable about the process. Ben gets even further shaken up when George and Jeb accuse him of brainwashing JoJo with the psychological manipulation of the show, an astute observation that almost shatters Ben’s shining sense of himself. He sees her crying and slowly realizes that something is wrong. She was clearly reaching out to them for help and they crushed her with an arrogant and paternalistic power play.
Amanda Stanton has made it pretty clear that she can’t fall for Ben unless he falls for her daughters – and the good news? Jo Jo’s brothers Hans and Franz are putting the “bro” in “brothers” and determined to give Desiree’s brother a run for the title of Most Nettlesome Relative. “She is looking for somebody to be that father”.
JoJo tried to explain how she also gets time alone on group dates, but her brother cut her off, saying, “You just said you’ve only been on two dates with him”. Inside her brothers maintain any stereotype you have about University of Texas frat bros, and act like lovable douchebags towards the outsider Ben.
“Today has been the most unpredictable hometown yet”, Ben says at the end of the date.
After giving Jojo his final rose of the evening, Ben lets Amanda go.
Lauren B gets the first rose. I hope Amanda was able to see exactly how hard it was for Ben to say goodbye. At the end of the night, Amanda confidently said in her private interview, “I feel like I am in love with him”.
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Next Week: Ben tells two women that he love them, because he’s gone rogue.
