Bachelorette Tayshia Recap: It’s Like A Lot

Bachelorette Tayshia Recap | Week 7

I find it quaint how everyone on this show insists on labeling what we witnessed in this episode as a “hometown date.” Not a single person left the Bachelor bubble, yet Tayshia was enchanted by “seeing” how her potential future husbands filled their days back in Any Town, USA. 

It’s like the summer I really got into Broadway. Since East Texas isn’t the hotbed of musical theater, I created and performed one-act plays in the den. My mom and her friend Marilyn were saints and watched me bring Alice in Wonderland alive on multiple occasions. The show was about an hour-long, plus intermission. I imagine my mom felt the same way about me as I felt about suffering through four hometown dates. 

Except my production was way less sweaty. 

BRENDAN

The only thing that could detract me from the profuse sweat was Tayshia’s boobs. There was so much running and bouncing on Brendan’s date. I worried for her chest, her eyes, the poor niece’s innocence. We did observe our first Jump & Straddle™ of the season. Luckily, Brendan was ready for Tayshia to come barreling into his open arms. 

Brendan has carnivals in his small town. Therefore, the ABC Intern was tasked with scoring a ring toss, a pair of miniature basketball goals, a bounce house, and a dozen stuffed animals posing as grand prizes. Brendan was beside himself, knowing that his niece would be joining them, and when she ran down the path in ecstatic joy, Tayshia hilariously thought the excitement was for her! She intercepted Brendan’s hug, gushing with pride. 

Aliyah takes it all in stride. She is such a great sport. So are her parents. Brendan’s brother and sister-in-law are a delight. They ask all the right questions and say all the right things. Everyone cries at one point during the night. And it ends with Tayshia claiming that Brendan could be her future husband. Huzzah! 

ZAC

I get it. These jokers are in the desert in the middle of summer with temperatures blazing around 120-degrees. I didn’t even know you could be out in that heat without melting!

Apparently, you can’t. Poor Zac is dripping within seconds of Tayshia running to Jump & Straddle™ into his arms, and there isn’t a darn thing he can do about it. Should he have worn jeans on this particular “hometown date?” Absolutely not. But like the sweat dripping from his chin and ear lobe, he rolls with it. 

Undoubtedly, the ABC Intern was once on the tech team of his high school theater class. The props and backgrounds he builds for Zac are mighty impressive. I assume they are all constructed from palm tree wood and leftover paints from the facelift the La Quinta Resort and Spa received upon hearing that Mike Fleiss was going to take over for the month of July. 

Tayshia and Zac ride in a taxi. They visit a bagel shop and eat pizza in Central Park. Zac is playful and flirty. I would also like to point out that he and Tayshia step into a fountain to make out, and, unlike Ben, Zac does not remove all his clothing to do so. 

He did decide to straight-up lay down in the fountain whilst dragging Tayshia down with him. I do not blame him one bit. His skin is on fire, and although that water is probably the temperature of my mother’s bathwater, he is at least wet. 

You’d think air conditioning would help. Alas, it seems the inside of the resort is just as toasty. Zac’s parents and brother turn into liquified versions of themselves yet are coherent enough to realize that Zac is smiling in a way he hasn’t for a very long time. Zac’s brother asks where Zac compares in line with the other three, and he calls Tayshia out for dodging the question.

He’s number one, bro. Numero uno. 

The brother does not get the show. Neither does the dad, but Mama Beatrice is all into the details. In fact, she wants a private audience with Our Host Chris Harrison. AND HE SHOWS UP. 

Beatrice is the smartest person on the resort. 

She’s also one of the sappiest. She and Zac cry on the couch, giddy that he is ready for a wife and children. Zac lays it all out for his mother and thanks her for her strength and believing in him. We all cry again. 

Zac walks Tayshia out the door so they can sit on the traveling “hometown” bench. They agree that their relationship is easy and natural. Then he goes in for the sweatiest, wettest, drippiest kiss known to man. 

Tayshia doesn’t seem to mind the taste of salt. 

IVAN

Ivan doesn’t receive a Jump & Straddle™ because Tayshia is in Brendan’s niece’s denim miniskirt, which prohibits her from acquiring optimal mounting positions. Even though Ivan wisely chooses to cook lumpia inside where the air conditioning lives, he’s still sweating like an ABC Intern frantically trying to figure out what “lumpia” is and if the resort kitchen has any of the ingredients to make it. 

Ivan’s parents are nothing less than adorable. His dad may be old, but he’s money. And his tiny little mother has no issue showing just as much thigh as Tayshia during their one-on-one time. Tayshia tells his mother that Ivan is open, honest, true, and vulnerable. His mother beams. 

Ivan’s dad asks questions about Tayshia’s previous marriage, and they bond over how each of them married too soon. Then he halfway warns her that she should take her time with the next one, but Tayshia nods, knowing that her age starts with the number three, therefore, she’s in the spinster category. She has waited long enough! That’s a green light from Papa Ivan!

Three different times, Ivan notes that he wishes his brother was around. Lo and behold, the brother walks in the door, and Tayshia has to turn Ivan’s chin in Gabriel’s direction for him to notice that HE IS THERE. We are all a puddle of tears at this point. And when Gabriel thanks Ivan for never giving up on him, and his mother whispers with a shaky voice, “We are a family,” I let the waterworks go. 

Is Gabriel scary looking? You bet. The man has tattoos on his eyelids. But there is a respect there for Ivan. And Ivan doesn’t see anything but his baby brother. It was beautiful. And Tayshia was so very gracious when Gabriel asked, “So he told you the bad stuff?” 

Gabe thinks that Ivan and Tayshia are so organic, they “glow” together. It’s obviously the sweat, but I see what he means. They are a handsome couple for sure who will look amazing on the cover of People Magazine one day. 

BEN

Ben takes Tayshia on a trip around Venice Beach so they can rollerblade, experience a juice bar, purchase hats and sunglasses, and sweat on a bench in front of a caricature for which they did not sit. 

Ben is excited for Tayshia to meet his sister Madeline and their family friend Antonia. His neckline is terrible, but his intentions are real. While Tayshia visits with his sister about how Ben is perfect but is also guarded, Antonia straight up tells Ben that he’s in love with Tayshia. 

He hesitates, then shares that every time he’s around Tayshia, he’s impressed by her incredible spirit, decisiveness, intelligence, and how he’s genuinely happy (he thinks). He’s never experienced that feeling before.

Antonia again calls this love and encourages Ben to lean into it. She asks if he’s ever felt this way about another woman? The answer is no, but to label it as love feels scary to Ben. Because once you say it, it can’t be unsaid. 

Antonia: “You love her.”

Ben: “I don’t know.”

Antonia: “You love her. It’s not even a question.” 

Ben: “I’m…in…love. That’s wild.”

A startled Ben walks Tayshia to the “hometown” bench so they can debrief. He sits in silence as Tayshia tries to figure out his weird vibe. Everyone at home yells at their screens for Ben to SAY IT. TELL HER YOU LOVE HER. TELL HER RIGHT NOW. 

He doesn’t. He can’t. The words won’t come. This proves, dear reader, that Ben is not ready for a relationship. Or should I say, he’s not ready for a relationship on fast forward through the lens and rules of a reality show. 

Tayshia is done. You can see it in her eyes, her facial expression, and the way she walks away from the bench, barely giving Ben a kiss good-bye. And the sad part is, Ben knows he blew it. 

ROSE CEREMONY

Now I thought that ABC was tricking us into thinking Ben was gone, yet Tayshia was really going to give him a second chance to profess his love and devotion. What do I know? 

Tayshia, in a gorgeous hot pink silky cocktail dress, hands her first rose to Ivan — AND THE CROWD GOES WILD! I am so glad he’s still in the running! Zac gets the second one and Brendan lands the third.

Ben does go home. Tayshia throws him a bone, explaining that she really cares about him and appreciates him so much. Ben nods and parrots back what she just said. Let the compartmentalizing begin. 

Tayshia begs Ben not to shut down, but it’s too late. He utters “I don’t know” several times before Tayshia is too exhausted to try anymore. He gets in the rejection SUV and drives away with a dazed Tayshia standing there wondering why Ben can’t summon even a fraction of an emotion. Any emotion. Angry, sad, frustrated, confused. Especially when the other three are crying at the drop of a hat.

Poor Ben quickly puzzles through what just happened. He wonders out loud if Tayshia was falling for him, yet she didn’t want to pursue the relationship further if he didn’t tell her how he felt. 

It’s a lot. It’s like, a lot. 

Photo By: abc.com
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Mallory
Mallory
December 16, 2020 5:00 pm

I’m happy with Tayshia’s top three. But I think it was rather unfair of her to keep trying to get Ben to declare his love AFTER she didn’t give him a rose. That’s clearly what she was doing.
I’m rooting for Ivan, but I’m pretty sure he will get his sweet heart broken. Zac is going to win.

Karen needs the manager
Karen needs the manager
December 16, 2020 7:50 pm
Reply to  Mallory

I thought the same thing. It was pretty unfair for her to get upset with him after she dumped him.

Crystal
Crystal
December 18, 2020 4:55 pm
Reply to  Mallory

I was yelling at the TV, “you’re so selfish, Tayshia!”

Kate
Kate
December 16, 2020 5:51 pm

Ben’s friend Antonia is a celebrity chef who has been on shows like Top Chef, Chopped, etc. When my husband and I saw her in the previews (yes, he will watch it sometimes) we both yelled: “Wait, who is that? We know her!!”

Lulu
Lulu
December 16, 2020 6:04 pm
Reply to  Kate

I yelled the same thing to my living room! 🙂

Aimee Manders
Aimee Manders
December 17, 2020 10:31 pm
Reply to  Lulu

When I saw her on previews, I was like wait, is that his sister??!! She’s so critical as a chef judge haha

Sincethebeginning
Sincethebeginning
December 17, 2020 7:29 am
Reply to  Kate

OMG! When I saw her in the previews I almost died! I LOVED her in Top Chef…both times. I had to know why they’ve known each other so long. Apparently, he’s her trainer? She did not disappoint. Best unexpected crossover ever (I watch a lot of TV and they are all my “friends.” So, when my friends know each other…magic)

Mimi of 2
Mimi of 2
December 17, 2020 9:23 am
Reply to  Kate

That was driving me nuts. I kept thinking I know this face. Who is it? I didn’t care enough to rewatch to figure it out but I’m glad to know.

Kelli
Kelli
December 17, 2020 9:37 am
Reply to  Kate

That drove me crazy trying to figure out who she was. I, too, yelled, “I know her!” But couldn’t figure out where I knew her from–I finally had to Google her the next day.

Kerry
Kerry
December 17, 2020 1:59 pm
Reply to  Kate

OMG, I was trying to figure out why I recognized her the whole time! I thought maybe she was a therapist of some sort on another reality show. Thank you for pointing that out.

Jeet
Jeet
December 16, 2020 11:05 pm

Great recap Lincee! I agree, on the hometown dates Zac looked like someone was dumping a watering can over his head. I have never seen a human actually melt before, but Zac looked like he was in an SNL skit! And Tayshia exposing her legs whenever she sat down, she wasn’t trying to be sexy, she was trying to prevent back-of-the-knee sweat from leaving a puddle around her feet.

Diane
Diane
December 17, 2020 7:34 am

Great recap as always. Made me laugh out loud. The best part of watching the show. I couldn’t believe they had to spend so much time outside in that desert sun. Ugh. I like Ivan but he seems younger and more innocent than our bachelorette so I don’t think she’s going to pick him.

Sincethebeginning
Sincethebeginning
December 17, 2020 7:40 am

Great recap. I am liking this season so much! Maybe it’s the juxtapose between Claire and Tayshia, maybe it’s the COVID bubble, but I feel like it’s the men she picked. I feel like they are all “lay it all out there” kind of guys! On top of that, sensitive and thoughtful. Ben is so buttoned up from years of being perfect that he can’t undo it in one “hometown” visit. I could feel his hurt, unfortunately, it couldn’t be shown. I know I said Zac wasn’t for me, but I can totally see why T likes him. He’s pure compassion. But my fave is still Ivan. I know she won’t choose him, but, man!!!! He’s a keeper! Thank you Lincee for all of laughs. You’re my weekly pick me up! Our house burned to the ground in July, and we lost everything, but I never fail to watch the Bach, bc I HAVE to read your blog and listen to your podcast. HUGS!

Dee
Dee
December 19, 2020 9:16 pm

Oh my gosh, I’m really sorry to hear about your house. That is awful! Praying for peace and many blessings for you in the year ahead!

KJM
KJM
December 17, 2020 9:43 am

Isn’t the “It’s a lot. It’s like, a lot” clip from when she and Ivan talked about black lives matter? Am I too invested in this show that now I’m noticing when they re-use clips?

Ross
Ross
December 17, 2020 10:08 am

The only one who works for me is Ben. Unfortunately, at least for the moment he was dumped for not professing his love after spending what, 6-7 hours with her? I really like Ivan, he’s the best in a number of ways, but they will need a spare room in their house for Gabe. Brenda? No chemistry that I can see, great guy, though. Zac, Too much baggage and a rough past waiting to catch up.

Libby
Libby
December 21, 2020 11:24 am
Reply to  Ross

Lol @ Brenda

FaninAZ
FaninAZ
December 17, 2020 2:03 pm

I love the final three! They all seem like really sweet, sincere people. Ivan is definitely best on paper, but she seems way more into Zac. I am not sure if this has been covered on an episode, because I skip a lot of footage when I watch… how long has he been clean? A year? 10 years? I know he’s in his mid-thirties, and most of the rough drug years were early 20s… but has he relapsed recently? I hope T has asked him those questions.

As for Ben, he’s a very nice guy but he needs to work on himself for a bit. I understand feeling rushed on a show like this, but he does not seem in touch with his emotions/wants/needs whatsoever. Plus, no disrespect meant to anyone who has battled depression, but his two attempts on his life were in ’18 and ’19… that’s very recent. He certainly deserves to find love, but I think he needs to make sure he’s in a good spot emotionally before he invests in a serious relationship with anyone.

Great job, Tayshia! Some great men in the final 3!

Libby
Libby
December 21, 2020 11:26 am
Reply to  FaninAZ

I don’t think we know how long it’s been that Zac’s been clean, but I think it’s safe to assume that it’s been a number of years considering that his profession is now as an addiction counselor. I assume they don’t let you be one of those unless you’ve pretty solidly wrangled your own addiction.

FaninAZ
FaninAZ
December 21, 2020 1:16 pm
Reply to  Libby

Yes, I hope you’re right. He seems like he really has it together now, and I hope he does. A member of my family married a man with an Rx drug addiction he developed following an injury. We all had compassion for him, but unfortunately he wasn’t fully honest with her about the depth of his struggle, and it destroyed their marriage. He later died as a result of the addiction. I just hope Tayshia digs in deep and that he’s honest with her. It’s something that follows a person for their whole life.

Libby
Libby
December 23, 2020 11:43 am
Reply to  FaninAZ

It is. After last night’s episode we’ve learned that Zac’s been clean for 9 years. That’s no small feat. I found it refreshing that the show treated his sobriety as something to be proud of rather than something to be ashamed of.

FaninAZ
FaninAZ
December 23, 2020 8:46 pm
Reply to  Libby

Awesome! I haven’t watched yet, but I’m so glad it has been that long. I’m very impressed by Zac. An addiction following a serious injury could happen to anybody. Sobriety is definitely something to be proud of.

Brian
Brian
December 17, 2020 2:12 pm

My favorite part of the show?

Mike Fleiss forgot to insert the line item for firewood in the budget for the next season of the Bachelor, so poor Matt James had to take off his shirt and chop his own…

Dee
Dee
December 17, 2020 5:29 pm

I think she will choose Brendan. The only thing that bothers me about him is his poker face. He shows no emotion. I love Ivan but I get more of a friend vibe from him. I think some lucky girl will end up with a great husband with him. I’m not sure I see Tayshia lasting with any of these guys. I think she is the best bachelorette so far. I’ve usually sensed insecurity and/or diva like behavior and from previous bachelorettes. Tayshia seems like she is really kind and cares about the men and doesn’t make it all about her.
Love your recaps.

Shawn
Shawn
December 17, 2020 9:17 pm

Ben really touched my heart. And Tayshia should have had more compassion for someone who clearly (bulimia, perfectionism, suicide) struggles to deal with and express emotions. Yet you are right, Lincee: he wasn’t ready. Not in this timeline, this environment or -perhaps – for this woman.

Susan
Susan
December 18, 2020 10:20 am

Some thoughts…..
New drinking game – every time Tayshia says “not gonna lie”.

Waiting for the blooper when one of these bachelorettes bowls a guy right over with her Jump and Straddle (sorry Lincee I don’t know how to make the trademark symbol).

I don’t like that I am judgmental, but I can’t help it. Ivan’s brother is scary, he just looks like a criminal. We need a Go Fund Me to help him remove his face tattoos.

Let’s get those men some socks! I am probably showing my age, but I just can’t get behind that look of suits or dress pants with no socks.

When you are meeting a boyfriend’s parents for the first time don’t wear such a short dress with a really high slit. Although I really like Tayshia’s clothes in general and she looks amazing in them. She is gorgeous. One of my favorite bachelorettes ever. She is fun and real and strong, but kind.

She definitely seems to have the strongest connection with Zac.

Poor Ben is so not ready. He is sweet but has some work to do on himself.

And Since the Beginning, so sorry to hear about your house burning down. We need a Go Fund Me for you too.

Teri
Teri
December 18, 2020 2:14 pm
Reply to  Susan

Go Fund Me for socks?

Libby
Libby
December 21, 2020 11:33 am
Reply to  Susan

I’m sure if he wanted his face tattoos removed he could start his own GoFundMe. Maybe you should have listened to him speak instead of judging his face and instead of demanding that he change his appearance to make you more comfortable, you work on changing your own prejudices.

Robin Alonso
Robin Alonso
January 3, 2021 7:56 pm

I’ve listened and read the recap and can’t believe I’m the only one who thought Zac’s mom looked like Hannah G in 20-30 years!

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