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REVIEW/RECAP: The Bachelor, Season 15, Ep 8 – Hometown Dates

Brad Womack goes on hometown dates – Emily in Charlotte, NC; Shawntel N. in Chico, CA; Chantal O. in Seattle, WA; Ashley H. in Madawaska, ME.

Brad goes to Chantal O’s hometown of Seattle, WA first.

Seattle, WA Photo Credit - http://www.tripadvisor.com

Of course she’s not as emotional as she usually is on the show because here, she has Brad all to herself. In the narration at the beginning of the show, Brad says he can see a future with Chantal, but with the recent waves of her emotional instability, he’s hesitant. I understand why but I also understand Chantal’s reasons too. She just told this man she is in love with him – flat out tells him, “I love you!” and he is not able to reciprocate his feelings through words. However, Chantal needs to have more faith in Brad and his feelings for her. Granted, this is a sort of competition, but she knew that going in. Whether she planned on falling this hard was always a game of chance she willingly took when she signed up.  So stop crying Chantal! Enjoy the moments you have with Brad while you can! And I’m in no position to judge because I’m a chubby gal, but Chantal looks like she’s really packed on some weight? The red dress she wears at the rose ceremony looked snug! (Just saying)

Next up is Ashley H, who also has had her fair share of emotional ups and downs this season. But we see the bubbly personality burst through when Brad visits her in her hometown of Madawaska, ME.

Madawaska, ME Photo credit - http://people.maine.com

(Madawaska – Say that five times fast!) Ashley was full of life and just really let her guard down. It is very easy to see why Brad initially fell for her. The whole date seemed to be very comfortable and her family seems to be very laid back. I loved her sister’s tattoos, by the way!

Ah Brad, putting on a brave face for Shawntel N. from Chico, CA but his statement about not handling death well…well who does really?

This is the actual Newton-Bracewell funeral home in Chico, CA (Photo credit: http://www.nbcfh.com/meet.php)

I’m sure some of this was done to play up for the camera, but why would any LIVE person want to lay on the morgue slab in a funeral home? Although things were on the macabre side, there is no denying these two have a connection but I think things take a turn when Brad meets the family. Talk of Shawntel taking over the business when she is thinking of leaving Chico to possibly be with Brad in Austin stirs up a bit of a hornet’s nest in the Newton household.

Finally, Brad goes to Charlotte, NC to see sweet Emily and meet her five year old daughter Ricki.

Charlotte, NC Photo Credit - (http://charmeck.org/Pages/default.aspx)

Any parent will tell you that it’s difficult to introduce your kids to someone you’re dating, especially if you’re a single parent. Kids are tricky and if they don’t like who you’ve brought home, they will make it known pretty quickly. Brad, being the gentleman he is, comes bearing a gift for young Ricki – a kite! It’s a sweet gesture and a good ice breaker for them to interact with each other. There is no doubt of the affections Brad has for Emily however, Emily is still on guard. Understandable, but if she really wants to get out there and meet someone, she has to break down the walls she’s putting up.

In the end, it is Shawntel N. from Chico, CA that is sent home. She left like a true lady…no fuss, no hysterics, and genuinely wishes all the best for Brad.

Next week is going to be very interesting, especially from all the previews. Brad and the women are going to South Africa!  Can Chantal and Ashley keep their emotions in check?  Is Brad really ready to become an instant step-father? Who do you think will be the final two women?

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Judy Manning

Dream chaser extraordinaire! Judy tends to be a tad sarcastic and kind of goofy! She is an avid admirer of all things supernatural, paranormal, celestial and mystical. She loves to read, write, and watches way too much TV. She enjoys many genres of film and music (and let's be honest, most music from the 80s). She also has a wicked sweet tooth. Cupcakes beware.

Judy Manning

Dream chaser extraordinaire! Judy tends to be a tad sarcastic and kind of goofy! She is an avid admirer of all things supernatural, paranormal, celestial and mystical. She loves to read, write, and watches way too much TV. She enjoys many genres of film and music (and let's be honest, most music from the 80s). She also has a wicked sweet tooth. Cupcakes beware.