'The Bachelorette' Recap: JoJo Goes on Hometown Dates
— -- It was time for the hometown dates on "The Bachelorette" Monday night.
JoJo Fletcher visited the hometowns of the final four men in the competition: Chase, Jordan, Robby and Luke.
JoJo's travels began in Colorado with Chase. She noted that Chase had been slower to open up to her than the rest of the bachelors. She first met with his dad, and then later with his mom. A recurring theme was Chase struggling with his parents' divorce. His mom told JoJo that he's handled it slowly, but well. In a private conversation with his mom, Chase explained that he's ready to propose to JoJo.
The next tour stop for JoJo was in Chico, California, where she met up with Jordan. The former pro quarterback brought her to his old high school, where she found photos of his more famous brother, Aaron, from whom he's estranged. She gently tried to delve deeper into his issues with Aaron, but Jordan wasn't interested in discussing the Green Bay Packers star. "It doesn't need to be a topic," he said.
While hanging out with his family, Jordan's other brother, Luke, reiterated the strain between Jordan and Aaron. "Something we don't really like to talk about a whole lot," he said. "It pains both of us not to have that relationship…We miss our brother."
JoJo visited St. Augustine, Florida, for quality time with Robby. She expressed her concerns that his last relationship was recent. He replied that it's in his past, "and it's staying there." He tried to reassure her that he loves her.
She later made a great impression on Robby's mom, Holly, who called the "Bachelorette" "adorable." JoJo brought up to her Robby's ex-girlfriend, but Holly believed that Robby is ready for a commitment. "If this is the real deal, he's going to go in with his whole heart," she said.
However, Holly subsequently told her son that his ex's roommate has made it look like he initiated the breakup so he could be on the show. A worried Robby didn't keep this to himself; instead, he went straight to JoJo to discuss it. When she asked him if there was any truth to the rumor, Robby insisted, "No. No. Not even close."
"The relationship is over, and I will never speak to her again. Period," he added of his ex.
Finally, JoJo joined Luke in Texas, where she was introduced to his parents, sibling, and 50 (!) friends. During alone time, the two went horseback riding -- just like they did in last week's episode in Argentina. As the sun set, Luke told JoJo, "I want this future…I want us."
Right as the rose ceremony -- at an airport hangar -- was about to begin, and as she was prepared to say goodbye to Luke, he pulled JoJo aside to tell her he loves her. She thanked him for his words, then walked away to gather herself, but she broke down in tears.
The episode ended with her sobbing and asking herself, "What do I do?"
ABC will air two episodes next week. On Monday night, we'll see how the rose ceremony plays out. ABC will air the "Men Tell All" special the following night.
