Episode 8 - 7/18 Hometown dates - Discussion - Spoilers

noobsleuth wrote:Wow she must have really missed herself some Ben!!!

cfck2222 wrote:This is just a thought I had and one I'm sure will be addressed in the actual episode.

To me one of the bigger red flags of the season came in the previews for this week when we saw a teary Ben F in a PI talking about knowing this was the right thing and falling in love with Ashley (I think?). It was presented as a PI with him addressing the camera instead of a moment he had with Ashley. To me, that screamed a moment that was supposed to make the audience fall in love with Ben F, not a moment that was communicating how Ashley fell for Ben F. In other words, it screamed set up to be the next Bachelor.

BUT I think we will certainly see Ashley reacting emotionally to meeting and finding out more about Ben F's family during their HTD so this red flag will probably be retracted. They probably included this moment in this week's previews to really shore up Ben F's status with the audience and really get us rooting for him. Not that he needed much help in my book, I think he's great

July 12, 2011


ASHLEY RETURNS TO THE U.S. TO JOIN THE FOUR REMAINING BACHELORS
IN THEIR HOMETOWNS AND FINDS HERSELF ON THE HOT SEAT WITH SOME
OF THE FAMILIES, ON ABC’S “THE BACHELORETTE”


“Episode 708” – The stakes are high as Ashley returns from her exciting tour of the Far East for an emotionally charged journey across the country to visit Constantine, Ames, Ben F. and J.P. in their hometowns. Her bonds are growing stronger with these men, but she is severely tested by some of the families. How ready are these bachelors for marriage? Ashley is about to find out from the people who know them best, as she moves closer to making her own fairytale come true. However, in a heartbreaking turn, she must send one man home, on “The Bachelorette,” MONDAY, JULY 18 (8:00-10:01 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.

Ashley heads to the suburbs of Atlanta to visit Constantine, the handsome restaurateur, who has been slow to develop his romance with the Bachelorette. Will the couple take a step forward or come to a grinding halt in his hometown? Ashley sees a whole new side to Constantine as he takes her to his workplace for a fun, flirtatious pizza-making lesson. He admits to her that, although the pace of their relationship has been slow, it feels real and genuine to him. He couldn’t be happier about how things are progressing, but does Ashley concur? That night she is introduced to Constantine’s big, Greek family. Everyone dances the night away and Ashley is quite taken with this bachelor’s affectionate family. But Constantine’s protective mother worries that Ashley will want to take her beloved son away from his close-knit family. Will this be a sticking point in the relationship?

The tranquil countryside of Pennsylvania is the backdrop for Ashley to meet Ames, the sophisticated, accomplished bachelor who has intrigued her from the start. Ames’ fun-loving family shares valuable insights about this reserved suitor who has suffered the loss of both his father and stepfather. Worried that her brother may fall behind the other men in developing a relationship with Ashley, his sister offers Ames some advice on kicking the romance into high gear before it’s too late. Heeding her, Ames whisks Ashley away for a romantic picnic and a spectacular horse and carriage ride through the picturesque Pennsylvania landscape. Will this be enough for Ashley to offer him a rose?

Ashley travels to the lush countryside of Sonoma, California, where she joins Ben F., the dashing winemaker, who has been making a late charge for her heart. The charismatic vintner invites Ashley for an intimate picnic, on which he tells her that this journey has helped him tear down the emotional wall he put up after the death of his father. For the first time he is ready for a serious relationship. Later Ben F. escorts Ashley to his family home to meet his sister and mother. Although this sensitive bachelor may have convinced Ashley he is a changed man, will his family agree with him?

Finally, Ashley travels to Long Island, New York, where J.P. surprises her with a retro trip back to a roller skating rink. A few pratfalls and lots of laughs later, things turn serious as J.P. confesses that he is afraid to have his heart broken again after his last failed relationship. When Ashley visits his family, she realizes he isn’t the only one who is worried about J.P. getting his heart broken again.

Ashley’s feelings for all four men have deepened, especially after sharing so much with their families. So when she returns to Los Angeles for the rose ceremony, she regretfully says goodbye to one heartbroken bachelor and chooses the three final men who will accompany her to their final exotic destination – Fiji.

The four remaining men are:

Ames, 31, portfolio manager from New York, NY
Ben F., 28, winemaker from Sonoma, CA
Constantine, 30, restaurant owner from Atlanta, GA
J.P., 34, construction manager from New York, NY

Hosted by Chris Harrison, “The Bachelorette” is a production of Next Entertainment in association with Warner Horizon Television. Mike Fleiss and Martin Hilton are the executive producers.

“The Bachelorette” is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with stereo sound. This program carries a TV-14 parental guideline.

This episode of “The Bachelorette” will be available on ABC.com the day after airing on the network for users to watch online. For more information on “The Bachelorette” please visit ABC.com.

anders wrote:wow - first we're hearing that Ames lost his dad as well......

mnmhughes wrote:Sounds like JP's date will be shown last. How does that relate to other seasons?