'The Bachelorette' Meets The Parents — And The Stakes Are Higher Than Ever

Ya know, I haven’t seen it for Aaron B. for weeks so I was kind of surprised that I was a little sad when he didn’t get a rose tonight. I don’t even know why, other than seeing him so emotional about it. Aaron was getting on my nerves for the last two episodes and I couldn’t really tell if that was because it felt like he wanted to “win” Charity or what. Something about his energy around the whole process — getting so mad when he wasn’t getting 1:1s — rubbed me the wrong way. For a second, I did think this was going to be Joey’s exit after what Joey’s uncle said, but glad to see him for another week, even if I am convinced he’s gonna be the next Bachelor. And if he is, I’ll be tuning in lol. — Erin

The idea that Aaron wanted to “win” Charity really articulates what I couldn’t quite put into words about him. He seems like a good guy ― she didn’t have a dud in the final four to get rid of. But there’s something about Aaron that felt a little less genuinely-all-in to me. I think he thinks he is, and it made me sad to see him looking so crushed. But I think he’s going to get over it in Paradise. And re: Joey, he said to Jesse before the rose ceremony: “I put my heart on the line for a girl that was worth it.” Future Bachelor gold. We’re going to see that line in an intro package, I’m calling it now. ― Elise

That varsity letterman jacket gift was foreshadowing! Sorry to the man, Aaron B. He’ll find his love one day. I do not like this show enough to tune in for Mr. Tennis Pro, but best of luck to him! Totally agree that Joey’s going to be the next Bachelor. It’s absolutely between Xavier and Dotun; I could low-key see Xavier swooping in at the end despite her doubts, but Charity seems far more secure with Dotun. — Ruth

I think Elise’s earlier assessment of Aaron was so true; he was everything that Charity wanted in a partner, so she was trying to force herself to make it work, but the spark just wasn’t there. Just goes to show that sometimes you can think you know what you want, but you never really know until you’re confronted with it. The other shoe better not drop with Dotun next week or so help me!! — Alexandra

I just love Dotun and Charity together. So I don’t want any surprises next week. I loved seeing a Nigerian family on network TV, and the family just seemed so warm and inviting to Charity in the episode. Seeing Dotun’s face light up when his parents showed up was just priceless. I was crying! Also, just really loved his grandma’s spirit. She was lighting up the whole place. It was nice to hear Dotun’s family reassure Charity that Dotun is ready to be married and is a relationship kind of guy. And then! Their evening date? With the Thunderbird and the drive-in movie with their home videos? Whew, I love them and let’s wrap this show up NOW. — Erin

Was extremely, extremely skeptical of how ABC was going to depict an actual Nigerian family on TV, as opposed to a fictional, stereotypical caricature. His parents not being there wasn’t a strong start, but it’s not unheard of for immigrant parents to visit home and just take a breather! When they popped up unexpectedly, that was super adorable; those trips involve a lot of planning and saving. Secondly, I was happy to hear that Charity had some exposure to Nigerian food, because I will never forget when Raven from “Love Is Blind” asked if she could eat fufu with a fork ... which is ... insane. (When in Rome, just do as the Romans do; it is not ludicrous to eat with your hands, please.) The bluntness of a Nigerian mother simply cannot be beat. “If you pick my son, I will whisk you to Nigeria and give you a nice wedding!” I know that’s right, Auntie! Seeing Charity shed a tear over this man ... yeah, he’s taken the top spot. The home videos were the most precious touch to close out this date. — Ruth

You CANNOT tell me these two are not cosmically meant to be together. I am so obsessed with their connection, and also I fully cried when Dotun’s mom told Charity that she already considers her a daughter. I will lose my entire mind if these two do not end up engaged at the end of this. — Alexandra

I haven’t been this into a “Bachelor” franchise couple in ... maybe ever? I loved Dotun’s family ― the way he talked about his grandma! So sweet! ― and his parents cutting their trip to Nigeria short to come back to meet Charity was an amazing surprise. (I’ll be angry on their behalf over that if she doesn’t pick him.) You could tell Charity was bracing for some hint of bad news about Dotun, but his family members’ answers couldn’t have been better if they were coached. His brother specifically mentioned that Dotun is incredibly loyal and would never cheat ― did producers slip him some notes?

And then the night date! To a drive-in movie like Charity’s parents used to go to when they were dating? To watch their memories? Part of me is scared I’m being built up for some devastation here. — Elise

I’m obsessed that they went to a yarn store for their date before meeting Xavier’s parents. Xavier looks so in his element here. I’m still really anxious about Xavier and Charity after last week’s episode. Like, he’s giving the energy of someone who really, really likes her but will say he’s not ready to propose next week. Also, he keeps saying something that’s getting on my nerves: That he doesn’t know if Charity is the one for him. WHY does he keep saying this? It is irking me. — Erin

I just want to thank God that they did not take Charity to Carrboro, North Carolina, because there’s not shit to do there. (Sorry to my Carrboro folks.) Xavier is a Ph.D. student at UNC-Chapel Hill and Carrboro is the neighboring town, which is where a lot of students reside. Let me just say: I LOVE a good activity date! I’m talking pottery, painting, etc. A knitting date is so cute. I agree with Xavier’s mother, Tracey, that the chemistry between those two is wild. They got on like a house on fire. Now, I will say, Mrs. Tracey was clear in saying that Xavier wants XYZ, but is he ready? His father, Clarence, did not seem convinced that love was prominent, but more like lust and infatuation. — Ruth

Xavier and his whole family are extremely cute. The knitting was extremely cute. Xavier and Charity look extremely cute together, even when he is expressing his concerns (Erin, I see why it irks you, but I sort of appreciate that it’s realistic? Maybe I’m blinded by my love for the knitting). But she is marrying Dotun, so I do not care about any of that. — Elise

The puffy vest over a short-sleeve T-shirt is so Midwestern of Xavier, I have to laugh. I thought the knitting class date was so cute and fun, and I think it’s super wholesome that this is his hobby of choice. However, I just am not sold on their relationship. I know Xavier said he’s falling for Charity, but I just don’t believe him for some reason? I don’t feel like that’s true — it seemed like he just said it to say it. I also feel like Charity meeting his family felt the least natural of the four suitors, but maybe that’s just me projecting my disbelief of this relationship. — Alexandra

Xavier bringing Charity to a yarn store is so on-brand and sooooo cute. As a knitter myself, I can’t help but swoon a little. Having a creative hobby like this is so rewarding — it’s relaxing, like Xavier says, but also a chance to connect with others and cultivate a skill. I hope he is our first “Bachelorette” knitfluencer. — Jill

The little spot just before Joey’s date featured Jesse Palmer saying, “Are you looking to ace your love life? It’s time to shoot your shot. Sign up to be on the next season of ‘The Bachelor.’” I barely know anything about tennis, but I am 100% certain now that Joey is the next Bachelor. “Ace your love life?” There’s no way that’s not a hint! — Elise

No because the emphasis they put on ace felt like a huge tell. Joey for Bachelor! — Alexandra

I’m ready for it! — Erin

Absolutely love seeing Erick, Aaron and their father, Eddie, be so vulnerable and tender with one another. Most importantly, I appreciate their mother, Ethel, for being a straight-shooter and asking Charity directly about where her head is at.

But the varsity letterman jacket gift is giving me flashbacks to when Michelle Young gave Bachelor Matt James a jersey and was subsequently eliminated in that episode. — Ruth

I also loved seeing that moment with Aaron and his dad and his brother. I teared up when Aaron started crying and was like, I just want to make you proud. I also loved that they were having a fish fry and had ALLL that food. I was salivating. I definitely loved Aaron’s mom’s question to Charity: If Aaron proposed today, what would you say? It was really logical and clear and gave his mom the best sense of where Charity actually is on her journey with her son. I wonder what she would say to all of the families if they asked such a good question. — Erin

Now I want to meet Aaron’s family! They are so sweet, and Aaron’s dad especially was so precious with his purple glasses. It seems like such a warm and loving household, and the dinner looked crazy good. Also, the whole time I was thinking that Charity is a DREAM person to bring home to meet the family — so emotionally mature and genuine, and of course his parents loved her. I’m still not sold on Aaron as end game for Charity, and the picnic on the football field was low-key giving “peaked in high school.” I definitely don’t think she’s falling for him the way she’s falling for Joey or Dotun. — Alexandra

I got such strong “Man, I really thought this guy was it — wouldn’t it be nice if he was?” vibes from this entire date. I’m convinced that’s what caused Charity’s tears as they danced on the football field; she thinks he’s a great guy with a great family, but he’s not it. Those just were not happy tears! — Elise

I was confused why Charity and Aaron didn’t do something hometown-y during the day, but it turns out the traditional high school reminiscing comes after the family dinner on this date. Maybe the varsity football team needed the field to practice or something. The matching bomber jackets were cute, but Charity’s name is kind of falling off the sides of hers. I feel bad for the “Bachelorette” intern who probably panicked when they realized the iron-on letters they bought were too big. Overall, I get the vibe from this date that Charity really likes Aaron but realizes he’s not going to be the one. — Jill