‘The Bachelor’ Season 28, Episode 8 recap: How did Joey Graziadei’s Hometown Dates go? Who got a rose? And who went home after Hometown Week? We’ve got answers.
Grab your snacks and wine, Bachelor Nation! It’s time to cozy up and read The Bachelor‘s highly-anticipated Hometown Week recap.
During Season 28, Episode 8, our guy Joey Graziadei jetted around the country to meet the loved ones of his four remaining contestants: Kelsey Anderson, Rachel Nance, Daisy Kent, and Maria Georgas.
After a series of heartwarming heart-to-hearts, difficult conversations, and exciting meet and greets with the families and friends of his final four women, Joey had to make his toughest elimination yet and say his hardest goodbye to a fan-favorite contestant ahead of Fantasy Suite week.
Looking for a recap of The Bachelor Episode 8? Wondering who got a rose? Who went home after Hometown Dates? And who’s headed to Fantasy Suites?
Decider’s The Bachelor Season 28, Episode 8 recap breaks down Joey’s biggest Hometown Date moments.
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Kelsey’s Fam: Her dad Mark, brother Matthew, and sister Taylor
First up, Joey headed back to NOLA for another life changing one-on-one date. Last time he was here, he was spending crucial time with Charity Lawson ahead of The Bachelorette’s Hometown dates, but this time around he met Kelsey for a day of tandem bike riding, butterfly gazing, beignet tasting, and more. Kelsey’s mom died several years ago from cancer, so the day was extra emotional for her. The last time she rode a tandem bike was with her mom, and as we learned during a previous one-on-one, she saw butterflies as a sign that her mom was watching over her, so the fact that they were flapping their wings all over this pivotal date was truly touching. Another sign that she and Joey were meant to be came when they saw a woman wearing a wedding dress having her photos taken. The photoshoot helped put their journey into perspective and they toasted to a potential future together.
The two explored Bourbon Street a bit and settled at a bar to talk through the night ahead. Knowing the absence of her mom was weighing on her, Joey thoughtfully checked in on Kelsey’s emotions, and the two headed to meet her brother Matthew, her sister Taylor, and her father Mark for an incredibly moving and hopeful Hometown date. After Kelsey assured her family she wasn’t “kidnapped,” her dad gave her an album full of photos of her mom, and the Andersons took Joey on a trip down memory lane. Kelsey told her sister she was a bit uneasy at the thought of three women remaining, and Joey got gently grilled by Kelsey’s dad, who questioned him about the process, how he’ll know when he finds the one, and more. “I want everything I speak to have a lot of intention, but I am holding back because I’m trying to be aware of her heart,” Joey told Mark. He assured Kelsey’s dad his feelings for her are real, and Mark (who should 100% be our next Golden Bachelor lead) felt reassured after their chat, telling Kelsey he wants her to have the kind of love he had with her mom. After Kelsey and Joey touched in following the “great day,” Joey said he would count himself lucky to be part of the family.
Location: Rancho, Cucamonga, California
Rachel’s Fam: Her father Hakim, mom Noela, sister Amanda, nephew Liam, Uncle Al, and more loved ones
Next, stop? Rancho, Cucamonga, to meet Rachel’s family. Though she’s from Hawaii, she invited Joey to her “semi-home” in California and prepared him for a day of Filipino and Hawaiian culture. She advised Joey to call her dad Mr. Nance until he could say “uncle” and to greet her mom with a “mano po,” a Filipino sign of respect where someone grabs a person’s hand and touches it to their forehead upon meeting. She shared that the last guy she brought home got really close to her parents and they were almost engaged, so when they broke up, both her and her parents took it hard. Aside from the fact that they’re very traditional and don’t fully accept The Bachelor process (that Joey’s dating multiple girls at this late stage), Rachel warned that her parents’ biggest concern would be guarding her heart — and she was right!
The two were welcomed to a large backyard family barbecue where Rachel’s dad Hakim placed a flower crown on her head and Joey instantly impressed her mom Noela by remembering the mano po.
