Bachelorette Recap: The Pain in Spain

Bachelorette Recap: Rachel’s dudes meet the family!

Yes, this episode was crammed full of family tension, and yes the ending was annoying, but what I really want to talk about is…

What was up with Rachel’s skirt?

My girl bounces around downtown Dallas, talking about how she’s super pumped that not one, not two, but three suitors get to meet her fam, and all I could do was try and deconstruct the many layers of her mullet skirt.

Not only was it a sexy mini in the front and respectable Wilderness Girl in the back, but the materials fought with each other. I’m not sure Scottish plaid from the Fraser clan necessarily works with Army green polyester, but I give Rachel major props for working it down Lamar Street.

Rachel’s sister Constance is 57-weeks pregnant and is unable to fly to Spain to meet the final three. Something tells me Cousin Andrea is a little miffed that she didn’t get her free trip to Spanish wine country, but it is what it is and there’s nothing she can do about it. The boys have arrived. In fact, all three are staying together at the Anatole Hotel.

Did anyone else find this odd? Why are they all together like it’s week 4? I half expected Jack Stone to blue steel his way into the room. Is that Adam Jr. lurking in the corner?

Rachel takes the aco taco to another level and makes the boys debrief TOGETHER. What in the world? I’m sure Bryan and Eric love hearing what she has in store for Peter. And both are secretly relieved they they didn’t have to go striped onesie shopping at a fancy children’s boutique for the pending arrival of Rachel’s soon-to-be-born nephew.

Peter handles himself beautifully, of course. Because he’s a mature adult who knows that “onesie” does not mean “one-size-fits-all.”

Side note: Thankfully Peter decides to leave the old man sweaters back in Wisconsin in exchange for a proper chambray button down. I’m slowly getting through to him.

Before Rachel and Peter head inside with all their treasures, Peter makes sure Rachel knows that he has confidence in their relationship. While they discuss what that means, I notice Peter’s salt and pepper hair has a little bit more salt than when he first started the show. Much like the presidency, being a bachelor is a stressful job. I would have continued down this random train of thought had six words not brought be back to the present:

Peter: “I’m falling in love with you.”

Rachel smiles, knowing that her strategy of giving him the final rose the ceremony before worked. Let’s meet the family!

A very pregnant Constance, her husband Alex, Uncle Jeff and Aunt Connie, along with little Alister, and Mrs. Lindsay all fall into Peter’s trance when he begins to tell them the story of how his parents met. Guess what? They got engaged after four weeks.

Rachel eyes her family as if to non-verbally say, “See? THIS CAN WORK.”

Peter goes on to calmly explain why he thinks Rachel is a good fit and how their relationship has grown throughout the process. But then he admits that he is not falling in love.

Rachel’s facial expression changes just a bit…

After that reality sits in, Peter admits that after the previous night’s rose ceremony (the one where Rachel made him sweat), he realized that he missed her when she was gone. He’s not ready to lose Rachel. Therefore, he fell in love with her on his hometown date. He’s lucky to be in this situation.

And just like that, an entire family relaxes.

As Rachel pets her Rupunzel-inspired weave, she confesses that she knew none of this information. She chats with her sister, claiming that Peter has been the most reserved of the remaining three. Constance wisely points out that her sister was the exact same way during Rachel’s failed first attempt to find love on national television. She also wants to know if anyone has dropped the “L” bomb.

No, Constance. Neither Peter nor Rachel have dropped the mother of all “L” bombs. They have dropped the “falling in love” phrase, which is more like a dainty parachute versus an explosive blast.

When Constance asks if Peter is ready for marriage, Rachel winches. They technically haven’t had that conversation yet.

Which makes it all the more awesome that Peter is having that exact conversation with Mrs. Lindsay at that exact same moment! He tells Rachel’s mother that he does not want to propose at the end of this journey. He cares for Rachel. His feelings are strong and he wants to pursue her daughter. But he’s not going to get down on one knee after a handful of weeks in which he didn’t even get to court her without a bunch of other jack wagons around.

In short: Peter will not be asking for the Lindsays blessing because he’s not sure that an engagement is in his future.

And Mrs. Lindsay is ELATED. Of course she makes sure that Peter is on an exclusive dating path, which he most certainly is, but a ring is not his end goal. I’m sure Mrs. Lindsay asked someone to Tweet Neil Lane to tell him to SUCK IT, but no one on the Bachelor payroll is allowed to mess with Uncle Neil or Our Host Chris Harrison.

The next morning, Rachel and her boobs arrive at the Anatole for a quick powwow with the boys (aco) before grabbing Eric for his one-on-one time. After they leave, Peter and Bryan share an awkward conversation about engagements. Bryan inquires of Peter if he asked for Rachel’s hand in marriage. He quickly answers, “Uh, no.” Then he tells Bryan that he really doesn’t want to be around him. He also calls him “ballsy” and “arrogant.”

This entire exchange makes me forgive the fact that Peter is wearing Dean’s elastic ankle jogger pants that he borrowed from his sister.

Across town, Eric and Rachel enjoy brunch at Reunion Tower, complete with mimosas and the biggest plate of pineapple I’ve ever seen. Eric discusses his two girlfriends (the one in high school and the one in college). He promises Rachel that it isn’t weird that he hasn’t technically ever been in love. She’s not so sure.

They arrive at the house and Eric is visibly anxious. I’m anxious, too, because of all the exposed zippers. I wish this wasn’t a thing, but it is, and I need to get on board or keep Xanax in my purse.

Eric gathers everyone around to tell them the story about a dysfunctional kid who grew up in Baltimore. Even though he didn’t have an ideal family, he certainly wants one. Everyone seems okay with Eric. Again, Rachel’s time with him is often uneventful. But it’s Constance who says that they don’t seem to be on the same plane.

I agree. And I’ll trust anyone bold enough to wear a maternity version of Jerry Seinfeld’s puffy shirt until the day I die.

In the meantime, Rachel visits with Cousin Andrea and is annoyed to learn that she thinks Eric is both “sweet and sincere.”

Rachel: “YOU SAID THAT ABOUT PETER, TOO. You have to compare.”
Lincee: Easy, Rachel. Cousin Andrea didn’t sign her life away to Mike Fleiss.

What we do learn is that Eric isn’t into the “fairytale” of it all. I would agree with that. I would also agree that he is sweet and sincere. But I don’t think he’s necessarily ready for marriage. Perhaps a long-term girlfriend first?

Mrs. Lindsay, I know, thinks the same thing when this stranger asks for her daughter’s hand in marriage. She takes the safe road and says, “If Rachel decides she wants to take that journey with you, I trust her.”

Nice.

Last on the roster is Bryan, who flashes his Brietling watch in front of Eric and Peter during their ABC mandated screen time together. Eric flashes his black bead bracelet made from the healing mud of the Dead Sea. It’s not the same.

Bryan gets to meet a couple of Rachel’s girlfriends. There are two trains of thought on this decision:

  1. Bryan is the front-runner and gets to be introduced to the inner circle.
  2. Bryan is sketchy and Rachel needs her girlfriends to weigh in on his charm.

I like to think that it’s #2 since Rachel admits she initially thought Bryan was a d-bag. Clearly all bets were off when he sucked her face, but the statement was made and it’s out there.

There seems to be a “chach” theme when it comes to Bryan.

Bryan charms the girls on the, what I’m assuming was a rooftop bar since everyone’s hair extensions were flying out of control. Bryan is confident and says all the right things.

I’m sensing another theme.

Bryan meets the fam and is the only one who shakes hands instead of giving hugs. When they first sit down, Rachel throws him a softball icebreaker that turns into Bryan’s downfall.

Rachel: “Bryan’s parents have been together for 40 years!”
Mrs. L: “That’s good.”
Bryan: “Yeah. I’m my mom’s only child.”
Lincee: “But not your dad’s?”

Rachel: “He loves his mom.”
Mrs. L: “That’s good.”
Bryan: “She will always be the number one woman in my life unconditionally.”

The ABC Intern passes out red flags to the Lindsays so they can wave them in Rachel’s face. Mrs. Lindsay does a good job calling Bryan out. If he’s married, won’t his wife be the number one woman in his life? Bryan answers “of course” but Constance isn’t buying it.

Bachelorette Recap Rachel

She feels Bryan is direct and answers all the questions as they should be answered, but he’s not sincere. When Uncle Jeff asks, “What qualities does Rachel accentuate in you?” Bryan has a hard time answering. BIL Alex jumps in to pile on and Bryan excuses himself from the table.

This makes Rachel low key annoyed.

Say hello to my new catchphrase!

Mrs. Lindsay reminds Rachel that she is in this weird ABC bubble that Mike Fleiss has created with all his roses and fantasy suites and sleep deprivation. The family needs a comfort level and clarity. BIL Alex piles on that as well, claiming Rachel is too emotional to make any decisions. Later, because I suspect he is straight up afraid of Low Key Annoyed Rachel, Alex praises her for getting emotional because that means she really feels something for this guy.

Constance is 62-weeks pregnant and doesn’t have time to mess around. She tells Bryan that she doesn’t believe that he is sincere. Especially since he said he loves the family and they’ve only known each other for ninety minutes. She’s hesitant and isn’t afraid to say it.

Watch out, Constance. Bryan’s mom is watching you.

Speaking of moms, Mrs. Lindsay hashes her differences out with her daughter. Rachel defends herself by saying there’s no way her mom can tell her when she’s in love. In fact, she can’t put a time stamp on it either.

Her face gives her away when she listens as Bryan drones on about love and how he WILL be proposing to her daughter at the end of this.

Mrs. L: “Have you told her you love her?”
Bryan: “In my heart.”

Mrs. Lindsay gives Bryan the same speech she gave Eric. She trusts Rachel completely.

No word on what Federal Judge Daddy has to say about all of this!

THE RAIN IN SPAIN

With a fresh weave, cold shoulder silky top, and a suitcase full of statement rings, Rachel makes her way through Spain spouting off Wikipedia facts about the region left and right. She also leaves a half-empty glass of wine to roam around the cobblestone streets as she reflects on the key qualities she loves in Peter, Eric, and Bryan.

Eric gets the first one-on-one. Rachel hopes he will tell her his true feelings during this date because she’s pretty confused.

Really? I feel like Eric tells her all the time that she is his boo. He certainly hugs/leans on her a lot. Does non-verbal communication not count?

They fly in a helicopter over some vineyards, yet do not partake in the fruits of said vineyards. Instead, they enjoy the scenery as Eric tells her all the many things he loves about her. Then Rachel makes him trek up up the Great Wall of Spain to an old monastery. Rumor has it, if you make a wish and ring the bell three times, it will come true.

Sweet baby Eric wishes for the ability to tell Rachel he loves her. Can you believe that? He wasted his one wish on that instead of going for broke and asking the bell to leave him as the last man standing at the proposal pedestal sponsored by Home Depot.

Rookie mistake.

That night, both Rachel and Eric look dapper in their snazzy coats at dinner. I’m going to ignore Rachel’s blue eyeshadow and focus instead on her amazing sequin top.

She fishes for compliments from Eric. They discuss their “hot tub chemistry” before Rachel sort of asks him in a roundabout way if he has feelings for her. He takes the bait and without articulating his emotions for a very long time, slowly rounds third base by admitting that he is not only falling in love, but he is smack dab in the middle of love. Bomb exploding! Love everywhere!

Rachel presents him with the forgo card to the fantasy suite where they can “go deeper” and “open up more.”

That had to be scripted, right?

We don’t see any of Eric’s suite, but we are treated to rumpled sheets and Rachel in adult footed pajamas the next morning. Eric is excited that he’s allowing himself to feel things he’s never felt before. I can only assume he means Rachel’s butt.

Rachel says good-bye to Eric and hello to Peter.

They head to a vineyard and meet an old man in a cave who, in rapid Spanish, tells the love birds that he’s been married for 57 years. Rachel picks up bits and pieces of his story as I wonder why ABC didn’t spring for a translator? Things become extremely confusing when he begins his energetic serenade.

Rach and Peter smile pleasantly, knowing that they have to suffer through the first act in order to get to the good stuff. Abuelo hands them a key and points Rachel in the direction of a cellar. There, they find a ton of wine behind a gate with the words “Raquel y Pedro” carefully inscribed with a dry erase marker. Rachel uses her statement ring that doubles as a wine opener so they can dive into the first bottle.

Outside, Peter gives a toast and then they discuss his time with her family, which she thought went very well thankyouverymuch. She tells Peter that her family thought he was a good balance for her. He agrees and even goes as far as to say that he didn’t ask permission to marry her because he believes engagement is a direct reflection of marriage. He needs time before he proposes an he wants to know how a very shocked Rachel feels?

That’s when the ABC Intern shoves the adorable little Spanish girl in the general direction of Rachel. The doll baby extends a fistful of wild flowers and then takes Rachel’s hand to lead her and Peter to a barrel full of grapes. It’s crushing time!

I wanted their experience to be this fun, but it wasn’t. However, there was some serious making out and an impressive backbend kiss. Rachel tells the camera that she is in the zone and falling in love with Peter.

Who isn’t?

Peter wears a suit to dinner because he is a man. Peter tells Rachel about a tradition his parents started. When there’s a special event and wine is served, they save the cork. Then he pulls out the cork from Raquel y Pedro’s date and asks her to sign it.

Rachel gushes and if Peter wasn’t in first place before, he certainly is now.

Instead of eating, Rachel decides that she needs to revisit the earlier conversation they had before they were so adorably interrupted by a Spanish toddler. She tells Peter that she didn’t put her life on hold and sacrifice everything to just get a boyfriend at the end. If that’s what she wanted, should could have done without “all of this.”

Wow, Rach. That’s a little presumptuous.

Then she launches into a monologue that she’s sure will ease Peter’s mind. A proposal doesn’t mean they will marry tomorrow. It can happen months or years from the time of engagement. She smiles and Peter and he drops a bomb. And not an “L” one.

Peter: “I have to respect you for that, but unfortunately my opinions are different. Engagement is marriage.”

Rachel figures that telling him she only wants to be engaged once will flip his switch. It does not. Instead, Peter wisely states that if they really want to be with each other, someone is going to have to bend. And he doesn’t want her to give up what she needs in her life, but he’d love to find a common ground. However, that might be hard since they are on polar opposite ends.

Uh oh. By the look of Rachel’s face, there’s about to be a misunderstanding.

I get Peter’s side. It’s been five seconds. He doesn’t want to propose if he’s not 100-percent sure he’s going to marry this woman. THAT’S SMART.

I get Rachel’s side. He’s on the Bachelor! Isn’t a permanent statement ring from Uncle Neil kind of the deal you expect when you sign up for this show?

Instead of figuring out a resolution, Rachel cries and tells the camera that she is devastated. Something has changed and she doesn’t like it. Then the “TO BE CONTINUED” slate flashes across the scene without a word from Peter, a fantasy suite date with Bryan, or a rose ceremony.

This is me low key annoyed.

What did you think? Are Rachel and Peter on the same page, but not really? Does Eric stand out in any way? Is Bryan a Grade A chach? Sound off in the comments section, and make sure to listen to the podcast later this week!

Photo By: ABC.com
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Crystal
Crystal
July 25, 2017 12:17 pm

“The ABC Intern passes out red flags to the Lindsays so they can wave them in Rachel’s face.”—my favorite line!!

Crystal
Crystal
July 25, 2017 12:19 pm
Reply to  Crystal

I wish an ABC intern had been around when I brought former boyfriends home to meet the fam!

Kelli
Kelli
July 25, 2017 12:18 pm

I’m on the low key annoyed boat too. I am traveling, so I didn’t get to watch with Kevin and get his opinion on it (LOL), but I just get the feeling Peter is playing for 3rd place and a stint on his own Bachelor season.

Constance’s shirt was horrible! It was the first thing I commented on and she had several in different colors!!

I’m sure Bryan is one of the last two standing, but I don’t know about who the other will be.

Great recap as always, Lincee!

Jess
Jess
July 25, 2017 12:30 pm
Reply to  Kelli

I thought the same thing about Peter trying to say things that will get her to not pick him so he can fulfill his high school yearbook dream of being on The Bachelor, but I’m not sure the things he’s saying about not proposing after 9 weeks make him Bachelor material. They’re going to want someone that gives the party line about being ready to find the one and get engaged, right?

anita
anita
July 26, 2017 2:00 pm
Reply to  Jess

Nope.. Peter will be like Brad Womack.. a big wasted season!

CO Kathleen
CO Kathleen
July 25, 2017 12:31 pm

I think at 37 and 32 you’ve dated enough to know what you want pretty quickly. I don’t find it hard to believe Bryan is in love with Rachel and vice versa. I do think they will have problems initially with Bryan’s mom being the “number one lady in his life” but I bet he works that out. Especially after seeing how it has played out on TV – I think this will make Bryan be more self-aware and set some boundaries with his mom. I think Bryan has responded very gracefully to everyone insinuating he’s a charmer and he’ll find a graceful way to deal with his mom.

LOVE watching Eric grow emotionally over the season but I don’t think their relationship will lead to marriage.

Peter is hot but he’s annoying me…did he not understand the premise of the show with all his resistance to proposing and saying I Love You? I felt like last week he was pandering to be the next Bachelor but how can ABC choose him with all the logical reasoning he’s been giving about wanting to take his time, not jump into saying ILY or proposing on schedule? If he’s the next Bachelor – he has to do those things for there to be a show! But I do enjoy his handsomeness, mmm mm.

KarenS
KarenS
July 25, 2017 3:02 pm
Reply to  CO Kathleen

YES. To all of this. YES.

abby
abby
July 25, 2017 6:37 pm
Reply to  CO Kathleen

i’m not the biggest brian fan (nor am i a total brian hater), but you make a great point i hadn’t thought about: brian has handled any accusations of him being a charmer gracefully. he has yet to be defensive, evasive, rude, aggravated, etc. he takes it in, says he knows why they might think that, and explains why he is sincere. that doesn’t make me necessarily BELIEVE he is totally sincere or wanting to marry her, but he at least hasn’t been a chach about that issue (like josh murray sometimes was).

Eh?
Eh?
July 25, 2017 7:47 pm
Reply to  abby

I thought it was evasive when he left the table during questioning, or at least a sign of low-key aggravation.

Maya
Maya
July 25, 2017 9:19 pm
Reply to  Eh?

It was reported that Bryan left the table to go meet Rachel’s dad off camera. Those bachelor editing elves were at it again, making it look like something it wasn’t.

DeeDee
DeeDee
July 26, 2017 4:06 pm
Reply to  Maya

Interesting! I WAS wondering if Bryan excusing himself from the table like that might’ve been some creative editing liberties! It just seemed like SUCH an extreme reaction to a pretty standard line of questioning from Rachel’s uncle and bro-in-law.

Tasha
Tasha
July 27, 2017 5:14 pm
Reply to  DeeDee

I really though he made an abrupt exit because he had to potty. LOL

DeeDee
DeeDee
July 27, 2017 10:53 pm
Reply to  Tasha

Hahaha, Tasha! The way Bryan excused himself DID sound a lot like how someone would step away to use the bathroom. Too funny.

tracee
tracee
July 26, 2017 5:34 pm
Reply to  Maya

Thanks Maya….it was weird. Bryan can handle the heat and that was only lukewarm

Cassie
Cassie
July 28, 2017 9:11 am
Reply to  Eh?

I think him leaving the table was totally staged. I think the producers saw that Rachel was getting annoyed with her Mom and they wanted to exploit that so they had Bryan excuse himself so they could talk it out for the cameras.

Elizabeth
Elizabeth
July 26, 2017 12:53 am
Reply to  abby

I also just noticed this about Bryan, so he gets points for that

tracee
tracee
July 27, 2017 5:44 pm
Reply to  Lincee

yes…true love will be next season

Anita
Anita
July 25, 2017 12:55 pm

I can’t help it, I’ve got to say it.

Rachel girl? Peter’s just. Not. That. Into you. Sure he’s attracted, extremely attracted. Have you SEEN You???? But other than physical attraction, you two have zero in common. Face it girl. He’s just not that into you.

Not that I’ve seen anyway. He’s attracted to her beauty and sexuality, but not her heart, soul & character. I get the feeling that if he’d just promise to go see Neil Lane? She’d send the other two home TODAY.

Sara P
Sara P
July 25, 2017 12:59 pm

I’ve been watching this show since Season 2 of The Bachelor. Never have I seen them go so far out of their way with the editing to convince me of something. I’m still on Team Peter – why would Rachel be devastated, unless he was her first choice? If I’m Rachel and I’m in love with Bryan, I would take Peter’s hesitancy gracefully and say, well, wasn’t meant to be. She’s in love with Peter. He’s the one who gets her. He’s the one she has difficult conversations with, like two adults. He’s the one who truly grasps what it really means to say “will you marry me?” In the end, Rachel will figure this out.

Andrea_in_SA
Andrea_in_SA
July 25, 2017 1:03 pm

Thoughts:
“I agree. And I’ll trust anyone bold enough to wear a maternity version of Jerry Seinfeld’s puffy shirt until the day I die.” – YES!

Do you think that the fantasy suite card is really handwritten by Chris Harrison? He has very pretty handwriting if so.

I get that Rachel wants to get married/engaged, but it seems kind of like it doesn’t matter to who as long as she gets the ring, if she is going to dump the person she is most interested in (assuming that is Peter), just because he’s honest and says it is going to take some time for him to be ready to propose. I feel like she should appreciate the fact that he takes proposing to someone so seriously.

Yes, I think Bryan is a major chach!

Mollie A
Mollie A
July 25, 2017 1:38 pm

“Go deeper” and “open up more”. THANK YOU for catching that. Please pardon my juvenile mind but really?!

abby
abby
July 25, 2017 6:40 pm
Reply to  Mollie A

what’s funny is that wasn’t even written on the card–eric SAID those things!! having read sharleen joynt’s analytical blog posts about may BTS bachelor stuff, i totally believe the producers coaxed him into saying that and wouldn’t let him leave the interview room until he made a few statements like that. made me laugh yet also roll my eyes!

Norma
Norma
July 25, 2017 1:42 pm

The ABC intern passes out red flags to the Lindsays had me ROTF!!!!!

Bryan is a grade A cach from the word go!! Do. Not. Like. Him. At. All. Never have. I really like Eric, but I cannot deal with his grammar/diction issues. He sounds so unintelligent next to Rachel. Rachel’s father has no time for reality T.V and I don’t blame him. He is a Federal Judge, for cryin’ out loud!!!! He has a rep to protect.

I’m a bit irritated that Peter has taken the stance he has because he signed a contract for this show and everybody knows there is supposed to be an engagement at the end!!!!!

Extremely irritated that we got the “To Be Continued”…again!!!! Next week is Men Tell All, then we have to wait yet another week for this train wreck to resume.

Kathy
Kathy
July 25, 2017 3:03 pm
Reply to  Norma

Yes .. the diction/grammar to me is like nails on a chalkboard. In fact I believe he “axed” Rachel’s Mom for her daughter’s hand in marriage. EEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKK………….

KarenS
KarenS
July 25, 2017 3:04 pm
Reply to  Kathy

Yes. His diction/grammar kills me. HE did AXE a question. I was just sitting there like, “Awww, Eric. Please speak correctly. Please. You’re so cute and fun.”

Shoshana
Shoshana
July 25, 2017 3:50 pm
Reply to  Norma

Eric’s diction/grammar are not reflective of level of intelligence. He is using AAVE, African American Vernacular English. It has its own system of grammar rules and pronunciation. Saying that it sounds unintelligent or incorrect implies that the huge groups of African-Americans who use it are unintelligent and incorrect – I’m guessing that wasn’t the intent of your comments, but it is the effect, unfortunately. The AAVE dialect has a rich and interesting history. Check out more at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_American_Vernacular_English

tracee
tracee
July 25, 2017 4:15 pm
Reply to  Shoshana

Mrs. Lindsay was a tough cookie until she met Eric…She melted listening to him speak from his heart.

Norma
Norma
July 25, 2017 4:28 pm
Reply to  Shoshana

I am not even going to get started with that discussion.

HJCW
HJCW
July 25, 2017 4:48 pm
Reply to  Shoshana

Exactly, this. !!! Thank you so much for pointing this out about AAVE, Shoshana! This has been bothering me in the episodes and comments.

On the topic of Eric, his comments about love and relationships this episode were much more thoughtful, articulate, real, and intelligent than the pretty-sounding nothings we get from Bryan.

I can’t believe so much of the show is about questioning Eric’s readiness for a relationship, simply because he hasn’t been in love before, or the way he talks. Really, people? All of us fell in love for the first time at some point. Just not all of us were so fortunate as to have that be with the right person for us, or at a point when we were mature enough to understand what love was. And since when is how you say something more important than what you say? How on earth is Eric’s newness to a serious relationship a bigger red flag than someone having a serial dating past (cough, Bryan) or acting like a commitmentphobe when it counts (cough, Peter)?

Eh?
Eh?
July 25, 2017 7:55 pm
Reply to  HJCW

Eric sure looks like he is in love, so does Rachel but not with him, unfortunately.

janie
janie
July 25, 2017 8:53 pm
Reply to  Shoshana

Thank you, Shoshana! And, I happen to love how Eric sounds .

Sheree
Sheree
July 25, 2017 9:27 pm
Reply to  Shoshana

Thank you, Shoshana. Eric is very intelligent and I have grown to love him as I’ve watched him through this show~~I really, really hope Rachel chooses him. I think he would be a great dad and husband and I think everything he has done in his life has given him such maturity and he deserves such respect. I also love that Rachel felt comfortable enough with him the morning after to not wear makeup (eyelashes)! That says a lot to me! I want to see them together, but I’m usually disappointed on this show so I won’t hold my breath!

Elizabeth
Elizabeth
July 26, 2017 1:01 am
Reply to  Sheree

Sheree, out of these 3 guys, she should pick Eric!

PaulaNancy
PaulaNancy
July 25, 2017 11:35 pm
Reply to  Shoshana

Any English-speaking child who can not make the “th” sound by the age of 7 needs speech therapy. Eric says “breaftaking” and “witchoo” among other things. Maybe he is “keeping it 100” but it does sound ignorant. Maybe AAVE has its own system of grammar rules and pronunciation, but it makes him sound like a punk and a phony. I have worked hard to overcome my thick Boston accent, which still creeps out when I am stressed, but I did it to be taken seriously in my profession. The way Eric speaks IS like nails down a chalkboard to me. It is linguistics, not racism.

Elizabeth
Elizabeth
July 26, 2017 1:03 am
Reply to  PaulaNancy

Yikes PaulaNancy, I don’t think you realize what racially charged territory you’re treading into. It’s more complicated than you’re giving it credit for

Shoshana
Shoshana
July 31, 2017 1:50 pm
Reply to  PaulaNancy

I believe linguists have respect for AAVE and do not qualify it as sounding ‘punk’y or ‘phony.’ See more below …

Elizabeth
Elizabeth
July 26, 2017 12:56 am
Reply to  Shoshana

My thought exactly, Shoshana.

Chelsea Herman
Chelsea Herman
July 26, 2017 11:41 pm
Reply to  Shoshana

Thank you! I was cringing at the suggestion that he sounds unintelligent.

Shoshana
Shoshana
July 31, 2017 1:46 pm
Reply to  Chelsea Herman

It’s me again. Something else I remembered after posting this … and I may be wrong cause I have a terrible memory. But didn’t someone (his friend?) make a comment about Eric getting excellent grades? They may have even said ‘straight A’s.’ To me, the ‘unintelligent’ reactions to his dialect even in the face of that remark show how strong our socialized racism and stereotypes are. It’s understandable, I think, for people to initially have this reaction given the way this dialect is often portrayed. It just helps to take a moment and check our initial, potentially biased, reactions.

btw – love this blog so much, Lincee! You are the best and have me constantly laughing!!!! :o)

Debbie
Debbie
July 25, 2017 1:44 pm

Hasn’t pretty much every Bachelorette lead had a weave and/or hair extensions? JoJo admitted that she did. Ashley did. Emily Maynard admitted it. The list goes on. I feel like it’s overkill mentioned in recaps for Rachel this season.

abby
abby
July 25, 2017 6:43 pm
Reply to  Debbie

yes! and lincee has talked about them, too! eyelashes, weaves, etc…those things have always been playfully picked-on in these recaps!

MelissaC
MelissaC
July 26, 2017 10:13 am
Reply to  abby

Exactly Abby! Witty observations and comments about their appearances has always been part of the greatness that are Lincee’s recaps. That includes hair (extensions/weaves), make up choices, “statement” jewelry, clothes (both the fortunate and unfortunate), shoes, etc. And these observations are often made about every person that appears on the show – from contestants, family, friends and bartenders. She is not, imo, calling out Rachel’s hair any more than she has any one else.

Kristin
Kristin
July 25, 2017 1:48 pm

It reminds me of Farmer Chris and how he really liked the one girl that kind of reacted the same way as Peter is acting now. Farmer ended up with his second choice and now they are not together.

Bryan is a chach for sure. So her only other option is Eric, who is great, but I don’t think she likes him that much. What will happen!? To be low key continued…

Crystal
Crystal
July 25, 2017 4:05 pm
Reply to  Kristin

To be low key continued…..hehehe

Debra
Debra
July 25, 2017 1:48 pm

I thought of the puffy shirt too! But I thought Constance was really good at reading these guys. When she told Bryan straight up that she thought he might be too smooth, I legitimately started yelling to my TV, “GIRL, TRUST THAT INSTINCT!” Mama had a decent amount of skepticism, but I wanted her to go even further with questioning Bryan than she did. Disappointed we didn’t get to meet the judge–guess he wasn’t “out of town for work” last time, huh? He just sees this all for the circus it is.

Eric has really grown on me, but I’m still Team Pedro. I appreciate that he views getting engaged like a damn grownup.

abby
abby
July 25, 2017 6:47 pm
Reply to  Debra

i don’t her dad necessarily thinks this is a circus…it’s just the nature of his position. i’m an attorney, so maybe i have a different perspective, but i TOTALLY get why a federal judge would avoid going on any reality tv show at all costs. i think there is just a line drawn with that kind of stuff…i don’t think it has to do with whether he thinks it is silly.

abby
abby
July 25, 2017 6:47 pm
Reply to  abby

i don’t think*

Sunset80
Sunset80
July 26, 2017 12:02 pm
Reply to  Debra

Rachel said on twitter that when Bryan excused himself from the table, it was to talk to her dad off camera. Apparently all the guys met her Dad off camera because he can’t appear for security purposes. Same thing happened to Nick last season. He shared on social media or blog he met her Dad off camera.

anita
anita
July 26, 2017 2:59 pm
Reply to  Sunset80

SO we are led to think Bryan stopped mid sentence to meet the pops???? that doesn’t make sense.

DeeDee
DeeDee
July 26, 2017 4:36 pm
Reply to  anita

“Creative” video editing in this situation, is what it sounds like.

Rose
Rose
July 26, 2017 12:23 pm
Reply to  Debra

It’s great that Peter views getting engaged like a damn grownup. However, something tells me everything’s he’s saying will go out the window once they offer him the role of the Bachelor. I guarantee that he’ll be getting engaged at the end of his season. I get the feeling that if he were truly crazy about Rachel, he would take the leap of faith.

Ebro
Ebro
July 25, 2017 2:23 pm

Love Constance, but confused by the bell sleeves on her shirts. Are her forearms also pregnant?

I have to say that I’m with Peter on the engagement issue. Just because you’re not ready to be engaged after a month doesn’t mean you’re not a good match. It started to seem like Rachel was taking engagement far more lightly than most people. I think too often the bachelor/ette confuses willingness to pop the question with actual suitability and commitment. Wanting to date someone in real life for a few months is hardly weird, no matter the premise of the show.

Unfortunately, I don’t see any of these three as the next bachelor…

Eza
Eza
July 27, 2017 6:03 pm
Reply to  Ebro

My take is not that she’s less serious about engagement, but that she doesn’t want to miss out on an opportunity for a $$$ ring… And who can blame her!

Does anyone remember the look on Nikki’s face in Juan Pablo’s season finale when he said “I really really like you… a lot” and she realized he wasn’t going to propose? Ouch. At least Rachel will know what’s (not) coming if she does choose Peter.

A in Spain
July 25, 2017 2:30 pm

So excited to see them in La Rioja! That’s not far from where I live (Barcelona. I am American, by the way, and haven’t been able to shake my Bachelor addiction even after I moved abroad!)!

Sad about Peter and was not monitoring the time when I was watching so I was SHOCKED when they cut off the episode after that with a cliffhanger! I should have known that would be coming.

No more Bryan. He is the worst. Schmoozer and phony.

I feel like Eric used a few words incorrectly. I had to rewind and double check. I think he needs Rachel to teach him English.

I’ve said it on here before, but Rachel has been my favorite bachelorette by far, and I’ve been watching since DeAnna’s season! I wish her the best but I am not too confident in her final three. :-/

tracee
tracee
July 25, 2017 4:16 pm
Reply to  A in Spain

Rachel and Eric can work…..He’s the real deal and she actually took off her False eyelashes for him.

abby
abby
July 25, 2017 6:51 pm
Reply to  tracee

i noticed she took off her makeup and eyelashes for him, too! and i loved it! i miss natural-looking rach a little bit, so it was nice to see her natural beauty again. the eyelashes are just too much this season!! and i agree eric is the real deal…what a great guy. attentive, humble, interested in rachel, insightful, self-aware, fun, etc. i just don’t see them as a forever match. i think his heart will be broken next week (or in two weeks–whenever the finale is), but i hope he finds a nice girlfriend soon!

Mollie A
Mollie A
July 26, 2017 10:29 pm
Reply to  abby

My contacts get irritated just watching her with those eyelashes. I thought it looked like she had them off at least once in the episode.

Elizabeth
Elizabeth
July 26, 2017 1:08 am
Reply to  A in Spain

YES to Rachel being fav and to not being too confident in her final 3

Jill
Jill
July 25, 2017 3:12 pm

Do you think Peter is just wanting to be the next Bachelor? It seems he is leading her on but holding back too. I do admire him not caving on his standards.

abby
abby
July 25, 2017 6:52 pm
Reply to  Jill

totally. he is casting enough doubt on this whole thing right at the end so she will choose someone else and he can be the bach.

Lisa
Lisa
July 25, 2017 4:03 pm

Excellent recap, as always! Time to register for the TM on “low-key annoyed” (unless Rachel already has it) I am reevaluating my opinion of Rachel, as it seems she wants a proposal (does it matter who brings the bling?) more than finding the right lifelong partner. SMH…

Bri
Bri
July 25, 2017 6:31 pm
Reply to  Lisa

I agree regarding Rachel! I was loving her as the bachelorette until now! I was hoping for once someone would make a sane final decision on this show and not be so focused on simply “getting engaged”!

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