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

I finally sat down and watched the whole episode alone so I could pay attention-- here are my thoughts on the dates

Constantine's date-- was average. His family was very welcoming but I got the feeling that they weren't letting him get out of GA anytime soon, or ever for that matter. His dad was awesome and you can tell that they have a very close relationship but I'm curious as to what he honestly thought of their relationship and not what the producers prompted him to say about them. Overall, I learned Ashley can dance again and mehh.
Ames's date-- was uncomfortable for me to finish but I don't understand why it was. His sister seemed like she saw the writing on the wall before Ames did. I think Ashley did a very nice job explaining to them why Ames was still around but I think that they were skeptical about the process and even the best answers wouldn't sway their opinions. The picnic was totally before the MTP portion, haha. I think Ashley likes to hear Ames talk and can learn a lot about life from him and that is why he was still around at this point and their awkward kiss sealed the deal on that one for me. Overall, awkward kiss and awkward date all around.
Ben's date-- awww he's so cuteeeee. He is very sweet and I love that they did focus on his emotional side rather than his goofy one. I think them focusing on his emotional side was a better way to show why he makes it to F2. His winery is beautiful and i really want to try some of his wine (Ben hit me up) I actually got teary eyed when he was talking to his mom about dealing with grief and hand ling it the wrong way. He seemed to use this process to truely understand himself and his actions and seemed very mature with his family. His sister really looks like Shawntel and I love their relationship they have with each other because it's hard to find these days with a lot of siblings. Ash seemed to enjoy herself with his family but she did seem a little nervous around them for whatever reason. His mom seemed so kind and welcoming to Ashley. Overall, Ben really grew on me this episode (not that he's F1 but that I like him so much more now as a person) and I am definitely happy that he opened up and used this experience to grow emotionally.
Jordan Paul's date-- smitten with them probably more than they are with each other. Loved that they walked into a kiss but the producers edited it out. NOT. I honestly don't even have words to describe how adorable these two are while they are at the rink. They don't ever stop touching, and the second they do they are staring at each other. I did not expect Ash to skate on over to JP and start kissing all over him when he fell..OK yeah I did and I enjoyed it thoroughly. Also enjoyed the look Ash always gets on her face when she asks him a question (she tilts her head and squints her eyes and it's so adorable) I didn't think a date could top HK but this one took the *cup*cake for me. His family was so sweet and his mom needs to adopt me immediately. Ashley couldn't even keep her hands off of his mom for goodness sake! Sad we didn't get to see Peter though. Overall, I LOVE THEM. :27:

CarrieAlexander wrote:I finally sat down and watched the whole episode alone so I could pay attention-- here are my thoughts on the dates

Constantine's date-- was average. His family was very welcoming but I got the feeling that they weren't letting him get out of GA anytime soon, or ever for that matter. His dad was awesome and you can tell that they have a very close relationship but I'm curious as to what he honestly thought of their relationship and not what the producers prompted him to say about them. Overall, I learned Ashley can dance again and mehh.
Ames's date-- was uncomfortable for me to finish but I don't understand why it was. His sister seemed like she saw the writing on the wall before Ames did. I think Ashley did a very nice job explaining to them why Ames was still around but I think that they were skeptical about the process and even the best answers wouldn't sway their opinions. The picnic was totally before the MTP portion, haha. I think Ashley likes to hear Ames talk and can learn a lot about life from him and that is why he was still around at this point and their awkward kiss sealed the deal on that one for me. Overall, awkward kiss and awkward date all around.
Ben's date-- awww he's so cuteeeee. He is very sweet and I love that they did focus on his emotional side rather than his goofy one. I think them focusing on his emotional side was a better way to show why he makes it to F2. His winery is beautiful and i really want to try some of his wine (Ben hit me up) I actually got teary eyed when he was talking to his mom about dealing with grief and hand ling it the wrong way. He seemed to use this process to truely understand himself and his actions and seemed very mature with his family. His sister really looks like Shawntel and I love their relationship they have with each other because it's hard to find these days with a lot of siblings. Ash seemed to enjoy herself with his family but she did seem a little nervous around them for whatever reason. His mom seemed so kind and welcoming to Ashley. Overall, Ben really grew on me this episode (not that he's F1 but that I like him so much more now as a person) and I am definitely happy that he opened up and used this experience to grow emotionally.
Jordan Paul's date-- smitten with them probably more than they are with each other. Loved that they walked into a kiss but the producers edited it out. NOT. I honestly don't even have words to describe how adorable these two are while they are at the rink. They don't ever stop touching, and the second they do they are staring at each other. I did not expect Ash to skate on over to JP and start kissing all over him when he fell..OK yeah I did and I enjoyed it thoroughly. Also enjoyed the look Ash always gets on her face when she asks him a question (she tilts her head and squints her eyes and it's so adorable) I didn't think a date could top HK but this one took the *cup*cake for me. His family was so sweet and his mom needs to adopt me immediately. Ashley couldn't even keep her hands off of his mom for goodness sake! Sad we didn't get to see Peter though. Overall, I LOVE THEM. :27:

Carrie... Great post. Episode 8 was also my favorite so far. Ashley and JP are undeniably so in love and their actions speak louder than a thousand words.They may not have said ILY (at least not shown on camera) but they were oozing with LOVE. Too bad we did not get to see Peter's interaction with Ashley except for the hug. JP got his smile and fun loving personality from his dad. His mom is so protective ,loving and accepting of Ashley. I was worried at first that the religious differences with be an issue and happy to see that JP's family approves of Ashley.

bing2262 wrote:

CarrieAlexander wrote:I finally sat down and watched the whole episode alone so I could pay attention-- here are my thoughts on the dates

Constantine's date-- was average. His family was very welcoming but I got the feeling that they weren't letting him get out of GA anytime soon, or ever for that matter. His dad was awesome and you can tell that they have a very close relationship but I'm curious as to what he honestly thought of their relationship and not what the producers prompted him to say about them. Overall, I learned Ashley can dance again and mehh.
Ames's date-- was uncomfortable for me to finish but I don't understand why it was. His sister seemed like she saw the writing on the wall before Ames did. I think Ashley did a very nice job explaining to them why Ames was still around but I think that they were skeptical about the process and even the best answers wouldn't sway their opinions. The picnic was totally before the MTP portion, haha. I think Ashley likes to hear Ames talk and can learn a lot about life from him and that is why he was still around at this point and their awkward kiss sealed the deal on that one for me. Overall, awkward kiss and awkward date all around.
Ben's date-- awww he's so cuteeeee. He is very sweet and I love that they did focus on his emotional side rather than his goofy one. I think them focusing on his emotional side was a better way to show why he makes it to F2. His winery is beautiful and i really want to try some of his wine (Ben hit me up) I actually got teary eyed when he was talking to his mom about dealing with grief and hand ling it the wrong way. He seemed to use this process to truely understand himself and his actions and seemed very mature with his family. His sister really looks like Shawntel and I love their relationship they have with each other because it's hard to find these days with a lot of siblings. Ash seemed to enjoy herself with his family but she did seem a little nervous around them for whatever reason. His mom seemed so kind and welcoming to Ashley. Overall, Ben really grew on me this episode (not that he's F1 but that I like him so much more now as a person) and I am definitely happy that he opened up and used this experience to grow emotionally.
Jordan Paul's date-- smitten with them probably more than they are with each other. Loved that they walked into a kiss but the producers edited it out. NOT. I honestly don't even have words to describe how adorable these two are while they are at the rink. They don't ever stop touching, and the second they do they are staring at each other. I did not expect Ash to skate on over to JP and start kissing all over him when he fell..OK yeah I did and I enjoyed it thoroughly. Also enjoyed the look Ash always gets on her face when she asks him a question (she tilts her head and squints her eyes and it's so adorable) I didn't think a date could top HK but this one took the *cup*cake for me. His family was so sweet and his mom needs to adopt me immediately. Ashley couldn't even keep her hands off of his mom for goodness sake! Sad we didn't get to see Peter though. Overall, I LOVE THEM. :27:

Carrie... Great post. Episode 8 was also my favorite so far. Ashley and JP are undeniably so in love and their actions speak louder than a thousand words.They may not have said ILY (at least not shown on camera) but they were oozing with LOVE. Too bad we did not get to see Peter's interaction with Ashley except for the hug. JP got his smile and fun loving personality from his dad. His mom is so protective ,loving and accepting of Ashley. I was worried at first that the religious differences with be an issue and happy to see that JP's family approves of Ashley.

Ashley got a kiss on the cheek as well as a hug from JP's dad while Mom looked on, smiling, then turned to JP and nodded her head approvingly.

mnmhughes wrote:

bing2262 wrote:

CarrieAlexander wrote:I finally sat down and watched the whole episode alone so I could pay attention-- here are my thoughts on the dates

Constantine's date-- was average. His family was very welcoming but I got the feeling that they weren't letting him get out of GA anytime soon, or ever for that matter. His dad was awesome and you can tell that they have a very close relationship but I'm curious as to what he honestly thought of their relationship and not what the producers prompted him to say about them. Overall, I learned Ashley can dance again and mehh.
Ames's date-- was uncomfortable for me to finish but I don't understand why it was. His sister seemed like she saw the writing on the wall before Ames did. I think Ashley did a very nice job explaining to them why Ames was still around but I think that they were skeptical about the process and even the best answers wouldn't sway their opinions. The picnic was totally before the MTP portion, haha. I think Ashley likes to hear Ames talk and can learn a lot about life from him and that is why he was still around at this point and their awkward kiss sealed the deal on that one for me. Overall, awkward kiss and awkward date all around.
Ben's date-- awww he's so cuteeeee. He is very sweet and I love that they did focus on his emotional side rather than his goofy one. I think them focusing on his emotional side was a better way to show why he makes it to F2. His winery is beautiful and i really want to try some of his wine (Ben hit me up) I actually got teary eyed when he was talking to his mom about dealing with grief and hand ling it the wrong way. He seemed to use this process to truely understand himself and his actions and seemed very mature with his family. His sister really looks like Shawntel and I love their relationship they have with each other because it's hard to find these days with a lot of siblings. Ash seemed to enjoy herself with his family but she did seem a little nervous around them for whatever reason. His mom seemed so kind and welcoming to Ashley. Overall, Ben really grew on me this episode (not that he's F1 but that I like him so much more now as a person) and I am definitely happy that he opened up and used this experience to grow emotionally.
Jordan Paul's date-- smitten with them probably more than they are with each other. Loved that they walked into a kiss but the producers edited it out. NOT. I honestly don't even have words to describe how adorable these two are while they are at the rink. They don't ever stop touching, and the second they do they are staring at each other. I did not expect Ash to skate on over to JP and start kissing all over him when he fell..OK yeah I did and I enjoyed it thoroughly. Also enjoyed the look Ash always gets on her face when she asks him a question (she tilts her head and squints her eyes and it's so adorable) I didn't think a date could top HK but this one took the *cup*cake for me. His family was so sweet and his mom needs to adopt me immediately. Ashley couldn't even keep her hands off of his mom for goodness sake! Sad we didn't get to see Peter though. Overall, I LOVE THEM. :27:

Carrie... Great post. Episode 8 was also my favorite so far. Ashley and JP are undeniably so in love and their actions speak louder than a thousand words.They may not have said ILY (at least not shown on camera) but they were oozing with LOVE. Too bad we did not get to see Peter's interaction with Ashley except for the hug. JP got his smile and fun loving personality from his dad. His mom is so protective ,loving and accepting of Ashley. I was worried at first that the religious differences with be an issue and happy to see that JP's family approves of Ashley.

Ashley got a kiss on the cheek as well as a hug from JP's dad while Mom looked on, smiling, then turned to JP and nodded her head approvingly.

It was so sweet. I'm loving that Ashley is going to get a non-psycho, evil, abusive stand-in dad/FIL in Peter. He seems awesome!

Great post, Carrie!! ITA with everything. All the guys are awesome and JPash is just awesomely, adorably in love. So fun to watch!

CarrieAlexander wrote:I finally sat down and watched the whole episode alone so I could pay attention-- here are my thoughts on the dates

Constantine's date-- was average. His family was very welcoming but I got the feeling that they weren't letting him get out of GA anytime soon, or ever for that matter. His dad was awesome and you can tell that they have a very close relationship but I'm curious as to what he honestly thought of their relationship and not what the producers prompted him to say about them. Overall, I learned Ashley can dance again and mehh.
Ames's date-- was uncomfortable for me to finish but I don't understand why it was. His sister seemed like she saw the writing on the wall before Ames did. I think Ashley did a very nice job explaining to them why Ames was still around but I think that they were skeptical about the process and even the best answers wouldn't sway their opinions. The picnic was totally before the MTP portion, haha. I think Ashley likes to hear Ames talk and can learn a lot about life from him and that is why he was still around at this point and their awkward kiss sealed the deal on that one for me. Overall, awkward kiss and awkward date all around.
Ben's date-- awww he's so cuteeeee. He is very sweet and I love that they did focus on his emotional side rather than his goofy one. I think them focusing on his emotional side was a better way to show why he makes it to F2. His winery is beautiful and i really want to try some of his wine (Ben hit me up) I actually got teary eyed when he was talking to his mom about dealing with grief and hand ling it the wrong way. He seemed to use this process to truely understand himself and his actions and seemed very mature with his family. His sister really looks like Shawntel and I love their relationship they have with each other because it's hard to find these days with a lot of siblings. Ash seemed to enjoy herself with his family but she did seem a little nervous around them for whatever reason. His mom seemed so kind and welcoming to Ashley. Overall, Ben really grew on me this episode (not that he's F1 but that I like him so much more now as a person) and I am definitely happy that he opened up and used this experience to grow emotionally.
Jordan Paul's date-- smitten with them probably more than they are with each other. Loved that they walked into a kiss but the producers edited it out. NOT. I honestly don't even have words to describe how adorable these two are while they are at the rink. They don't ever stop touching, and the second they do they are staring at each other. I did not expect Ash to skate on over to JP and start kissing all over him when he fell..OK yeah I did and I enjoyed it thoroughly. Also enjoyed the look Ash always gets on her face when she asks him a question (she tilts her head and squints her eyes and it's so adorable) I didn't think a date could top HK but this one took the *cup*cake for me. His family was so sweet and his mom needs to adopt me immediately. Ashley couldn't even keep her hands off of his mom for goodness sake! Sad we didn't get to see Peter though. Overall, I LOVE THEM. :27:

Awesome post Carrie. I agree with every word. Hope your vacay is going great too!

jelle wrote:

anders wrote:As always - i'll be the wet blanket. I don't think a couple not surviving this show has anything to do with being able problem solve. It has far more to do with the environment they are in. They're basically sequestered like rats and let out to play every few days and have nothing to do but think, eat and sleep the lead. Even leads are almost always bound and determined to fall in love and choose someone.

Once everyone is back into the real world where real situations arise (not the manufactured ones they dream up on this show) like where to live, how to even go on a date when you don't live in the same town, etc. become obstacles that may or may not be able to be overcome.

will Ash and JP try and make a go of it - absolutely, but could real life come between them?? Almost certainly. I would be estatic to be wrong, but I give them a year, if that.

I think the real life commitments of these two will either make them stronger or beak them apart. The most important issue for them (if they are a team) is Ashley finishing school. This one issue, and the fact that JP has real job responsibilities, will require that they maintain two households and a long distance (2 hour - not so very long) relationship for awhile. Either they will use the time to solidify their relationship and do some real planning for the future, or their coupledom will disolve in a puddle of insecurities and trust issues.

Should Ashley chose Ben for her partner, the distance issue gets dicier because of the long distance and time issues vs Ashley finishing her commitments by deadline. Ben = phone/skype partnership for awhile. I remember something about Molly being given a free airline pass from USAir when she and Jason were trying to make a go of the aftershow ....

I see things a little different if she chooses Ben. Ashley has stated that she only has a month to go to complete her degreee (paraphasing). After that, she could very easy move to CA to be with Ben.

sweptaway wrote:

anders wrote:

sweptaway wrote:Hometown destinations sure have come a long way since Greg's pull down bed in his closet apartment during Jen's season. They had a commerical for new show called Pan Am. I kept waiting to see Jakes Cheesey face.

Greg?? Jen's F4 were JP, Jerry, Ryan and Wendell

whoops maybe it was Meridiths season. There was a guy who had the smallest NY apartment. Some news place did a make over of his place for him it was so bad. He was very cute and drove a motorcycle. Guess the name ecapes me.

Someone may have already addressed this but Greg was on Trista's Show and he made F4.

northernviewer wrote:

gurlbrit wrote:One thing I did notice when Ashley was talking with CH about the HTD's she said she fell in love with JP's family. Her favorite HTD was Constantine's. To me the falling in love with the family and not the guy is a red flag.

I didn't take it as a red flag, I took it more like Constantine was probably supposed to be her F2 and not Ben. Constantine is the one that she goes on about him being her type, way more than she does about Ben. Ben she just seems to mention his hair but with Constantine it's more detailed. Her saying she loved JP's family is a good thing as it means that she could feel herself being part of JP's life, which would include his family. And as for Constantine's date being her favorite... she got to eat all she wanted and dance...of course that was going to be her favorite!

I saw it as Constantine was supposed to be her F2 and not JP. I think that JP was originally suppose to be F3, and Ames F4. I say this because I noticed that the viewers saw that Ashley brought gifts to the families of her top 2 guys, and they were Constantine and Ben. Ashley brought wine to Constantine's family and she brought flowers to Ben's. However, the viewers did not see Ashley bring gifts to Ames and JP. We know that Ames was out at F4. However, we also know that Constantine will leave on his own at F3, instead of Ashley letting JP go at F3. Now, JP is F2 and Ben (who was always F1) is F1. jmo

2observe wrote:

northernviewer wrote:

gurlbrit wrote:One thing I did notice when Ashley was talking with CH about the HTD's she said she fell in love with JP's family. Her favorite HTD was Constantine's. To me the falling in love with the family and not the guy is a red flag.

I didn't take it as a red flag, I took it more like Constantine was probably supposed to be her F2 and not Ben. Constantine is the one that she goes on about him being her type, way more than she does about Ben. Ben she just seems to mention his hair but with Constantine it's more detailed. Her saying she loved JP's family is a good thing as it means that she could feel herself being part of JP's life, which would include his family. And as for Constantine's date being her favorite... she got to eat all she wanted and dance...of course that was going to be her favorite!

I saw it as Constantine was supposed to be her F2 and not JP. I think that JP was originally suppose to be F3, and Ames F4. I say this because I noticed that the viewers saw that Ashley brought gifts to the families of her top 2 guys, and they were Constantine and Ben. Ashley brought wine to Constantine's family and she brought flowers to Ben's. However, the viewers did not see Ashley bring gifts to Ames and JP. We know that Ames was out at F4. However, we also know that Constantine will leave on his own at F3, instead of Ashley letting JP go at F3. Now, JP is F2 and Ben (who was always F1) is F1. jmo

I did find it very curious why Ash didn't bring gifts for Ames or JP's families.

Samantharose wrote:

2observe wrote:

northernviewer wrote:

gurlbrit wrote:One thing I did notice when Ashley was talking with CH about the HTD's she said she fell in love with JP's family. Her favorite HTD was Constantine's. To me the falling in love with the family and not the guy is a red flag.

I didn't take it as a red flag, I took it more like Constantine was probably supposed to be her F2 and not Ben. Constantine is the one that she goes on about him being her type, way more than she does about Ben. Ben she just seems to mention his hair but with Constantine it's more detailed. Her saying she loved JP's family is a good thing as it means that she could feel herself being part of JP's life, which would include his family. And as for Constantine's date being her favorite... she got to eat all she wanted and dance...of course that was going to be her favorite!

I saw it as Constantine was supposed to be her F2 and not JP. I think that JP was originally suppose to be F3, and Ames F4. I say this because I noticed that the viewers saw that Ashley brought gifts to the families of her top 2 guys, and they were Constantine and Ben. Ashley brought wine to Constantine's family and she brought flowers to Ben's. However, the viewers did not see Ashley bring gifts to Ames and JP. We know that Ames was out at F4. However, we also know that Constantine will leave on his own at F3, instead of Ashley letting JP go at F3. Now, JP is F2 and Ben (who was always F1) is F1. jmo

I did find it very curious why Ash didn't bring gifts for Ames or JP's families.

Maybe she sent flowers or a special Maine gift?

cupcakes wrote:

If you look at the Lead Bachlorettes (Jill & Ali) who are facing their three guys, you'll notice that the F3 guy is standing on her right and her F1 guy is standing to her left. In Ashley's F3 Toast, you see JP is standing to her right, which also supports my theory that JP was Ashley original F3. Ben is standing on Ashley's left mean he is her F1 (same as where Roberto is standing to Ali). Both Kypton, Chris, and Constantine are standing in the middle as F2.

The key is the fact that it was not shown to the viewers.