The Bachelor Recap: Hometown Dates and Unexpected Decisions

This Week on “The Bachelor”: Hometown Dates, Departures, and Finalists

Date No. 1: Kelsey

New Orleans, La.

Relatives present: Kelsey’s dad, Mark, her younger brother, Matthew, and her older sister, Taylor.

Kelsey greets Joey with a “huju” as required by Bachelor law. They ride a tandem bike around City Park, which Kelsey last did with her late mother. Kelsey opens up about her mom and her emotions during the hometown date with Joey, feeling her mother’s presence as a butterfly flies by. Joey meets her family and looks at pictures of Kelsey’s mom. They share a moment of emotional connection, and Joey receives Mark’s blessing to continue seeing Kelsey.

Date No. 2: Rachel

Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.

Relatives present: Rachel’s mom, Noela, her dad, Hakim, her sister, Amanda, her nephew, Liam, and her uncle, Al.

Rachel’s family flew to California for the hometown visit. Rachel explains the “mano po” gesture to Joey, a Filipino custom, and they discuss her last relationship and the impact on her family. Rachel’s mom and dad express their concern for her well-being. Joey talks to her dad and expresses his feelings for Rachel as well as his hope for their relationship. Joey does not receive a definitive answer on meeting Rachel’s dad’s standards.

Date No. 3: Daisy

Becker, Minn.

Relatives present: Daisy’s mom, Julie, her dad, Brandon, her sister, Josephine, her brother, Harrison, her grandpa, Ted, and her grandma, Gloria.

Joey takes Daisy to her family’s Christmas tree farm, and they make ornaments and drink hot cocoa. Daisy is surprised by her friends who visit and they inform her how much she has changed since being with Joey. Joey realizes Daisy is slowly opening up to love and feeling deserving of it. Joey meets her dad, her friend, and her family, receiving dad’s blessing. They share an emotional goodbye and Joey is confident in their connection.

Date No. 4: Maria

Niagara Falls, N.Y.

Relatives present: Maria’s dad, Nick, her mom, Lori, her brothers, Steven and Soto, and her friend, Brittany.

Joey and Maria’s hometown date starts at the Maid of the Mist. Maria expresses her love for Joey to her family and friends. She receives her dad’s advice and blessing for their potential future together. Joey ponders his doubts but still considers the connection with Maria.

Rose Ceremony

Finalists: Daisy, Kelsey, and Rachel

Eliminated: Maria