'The Bachelorette' Desiree Hartsock: Episode 8

It’s hometown week! This Monday we got to meet the final contestant’s families!
Zak W started off the episode with a date, riding a snow cone truck in his hometown of Dallas, Texas. He drove to a middle school were they served kids tons of snow cones. Zak also dressed up in a penguin suit to excite the children. Desiree told him that she loved his spontaneity. He later took her to meet his family. She sat down and had a chat with his mother who said, “What you see is what you get” and his sister, who loved her but was somewhat concerned because she doesn’t want to see her brother get his heart broken. To conclude their evening, his family sat around and sang a song to Desiree that Zak wrote, which got Desiree very emotional. Afterwards, he stole her away and told her something he’d been waiting for weeks to express. He pulled out a ring he bought for her when they went to Atlantic City and told her he loved her.

Zak is an easy favorite. Fans seem to love his kindness, loyalty, and his ability to be goofy and adventurous. If Desiree doesn’t want to marry him, I’ll volunteer.

On the second leg of hometown’s we went to Scottdale, Arizona, to see Drew’s family. He picked up his severely handicapped sister, Melissa. It was such a sweet meet and greet. Once they drove her to Drew’s mother’s house to meet the rest of his family, you could see where he got his caring nature from. His family was so down-to-earth, sweet, and loving. Sitting down with Drew’s father, Desiree got emotional. He asked her what could be an awkward question: “Do you believe in angels?” Desiree replied, “Yes.” Then he asked, “have you met one?” and Desiree said no. She was later corrected when Drew’s father replied, “Yes, you have. Melissa.” He shared how much she changed people’s lives and what a special person she is. They both got very emotional and it was quite touching. Both Drew’s mother and father were highly supportive of him marrying Desiree and gave them their blessing.

Chris took us to Mineville, Oregon, and showed Des were he used to play professional baseball. They played a game and had a little picnic in the middle of the field. You could really see the chemistry between them. Instead of sharing poetry this time, which they seem to do almost every date, she shared sketches she drew of their journey. When it came to meeting his parents, things got awkward. Chris’ dad, George, who’s a chiropractor, massaged Desiree’s back because of a fall that had injured her on previous occasion. The talks she had with both the parents went well, though, and both parents gave the two their blessing as well. But his mother was a little overprotective and worried, like any mother would be, because she didn’t want to see him hurt.

Brooks and Desiree went to Salt Lake City, Utah, to meet his huge family. Before taking her, he mentioned to viewers that he’s not sure how he feels and really needs his family’s assurance. His energetic family immediately loved Desiree, and they said that they would be happy if their son chose to get engaged in the future. Desiree has mentioned she’s in love with Brooks. However, I don’t see their connection as strong as the others. Mostly because Brooks really hasn’t expressed how he feels about Desiree.

The episode concluded with a one-on-one talk with Desiree and her brother. She hadn’t seen her brother since she was on Sean Lowe’s season. If you forget, after Sean met her brother, he totally scared him away and was way too overprotective. You can tell that Desiree is hesitant for him to meet the guys this season for the same reasons. Although she did say he’s definitely more open this time around.

After sitting down before the rose ceremony with Chris Harrison, she reminded us she loved Brooks and she was speechless at Zak’s move to give her a ring. She shared, “I don’t think any one of them is expecting a goodbye. And that’s what makes it harder.”

During the rose ceremony, Zak was shockingly the one sent home. Desiree gave the ring back and expressed how hard it was to let him go but she had to. In the limo Zak expressed his feelings about going home saying, “I spend too many years alone and I just wanna spend my life with somebody.” I’m sure that touched a lot of viewers, and had them hating Desiree for sending him home.

Tune in next week for the reunion show. The men tell all!