The Bachelorette Season 17, Episode 9: Most cringeworthy moments

Rose lovers–we have a lot to talk about today.

This week, we finally had a chance to see The Bachelorette Season 17 aka hometown dates (well technically, pretend hometown dates) with third-time contestant Blake Moynes, meme king Justin Glaze and Katie’s temporary #1 for all intents and purposes, Greg Grippo.

There were a lot of unexpected things that happened when the Bachelorette visited her future homes and families, but one frontrunner’s shocking self-elimination took the cake. Remember when we said Michael’s departure from The Bachelorette season 17 was the most shocking one yet? Well, scratch that. We’ll do you one better.

And with that, let’s revisit the most cringeworthy moments fromThe Bachelorette Season17, Episode 9!

The Bachelorette Season 17, Episode 9: Moment #1 – Third time’s a charm for Blake?

Blake brought his hometown of Ontario, Canada to New Mexico to give Katie a taste of his authentic Canadian self. Maple syrup. We’re talking about maple syrup.

Blake got the Bachelorette to experience his hometown through a pub decked with paraphernalia that is as Canadian as it can get, or so Blake thinks.

Later, when Katie meets Blake’s family; his mom Emily, his sister Taylor, and his brother Cody, they are all welcoming and seem like pretty cool people. But while Katie and Emily have a conversation, Blake sits down with his sister Taylor- who is a mood.

She is confused by how easily her brother falls in love with Bachelorettes and calls him out on it. “So, this is the one now?” quips Taylor, moving on to recount his failed relationships with Clare and Tayshia, who he also instantly fell for.

Blake conveniently dodges her question and continues to profess his feelings for Katie (we get it, Blake, calm down) expressing no one “aligned” with him as she does. That’s cool, but we just really relate to Taylor right now.

The Bachelorette Season 17, Episode 9: Moment #2 – Justin’s parents disappoint (or do they?)

Major props to Justin’s parents who couldn’t care less about their son’s journey to find love on reality TV. To be as dramatic as former Bachelor Peter Weber’s mom was on her son’s season is one thing, but to choose not to turn up entirely is even more amazing.

“Your dad and I will support you,” Justin’s mom says during a phone call, adding “but I just find it difficult to understand how anyone could get to know someone in this short period of time to propose.”

Can we get an amen, rose lovers? Not all parents have to be excited about a show that doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. The way Justin casually dropped the parents “couldn’t make it” news to Katie however was pretty interesting.

The Bachelorette Season 17, Episode 9: Moment #3 – Katie likes looking at Greg

How did this heart-warming, endearing, melt-into-the-ground-kinda-date turn into a chaotic hot mess? Greg wasn’t just a frontrunner on The Bachelorette – he was Katie’s endgame! Her lobster! Now he’s just somebody that she used to know.

During their hometown date, Greg’s family appeared to be incredibly kind, his sisters (who couldn’t make it) even recorded messages to send their compliments to the happy couple. Greg’s mom welcomed Katie with open arms.

Greg was vulnerable and poured his heart out into a confessional brimming with tears and promises of love – while Katie smiled in silence. He wanted some reassurance before he went down on one knee, so when he confessed again, Katie’s response was all the more underwhelming.

Wondering what’s worse than smiles and silence? She said: “I just love looking at you”. Greg was clearly devastated and got more frustrated when Katie questioned what was wrong with him. She attempted to persuade him to hang in there…but he wasn’t having it.

The Bachelorette Season 17, Episode 9: Moment #4: Katie and Greg’s break-up

Greg was still upset the morning after his hometown date and decided to go talk to Katie. He expressed being unhappy about Katie’s dismissal when he was being completely vulnerable about his feelings. Katie endeavors at an apology, explains she was doing “more listening than talking” but Greg doesn’t seem very interested. He thinks there’s a disconnect and confesses being at a breaking point.

This is the moment where Katie chooses to detail her hesitance behind her dropping the L-bomb, which doesn’t exactly help him (again). Greg says he just wanted to know where they were at and how she was feeling, he never expected Katie to confess her love.

Katie then calls him her #1, which makes him mad. Like really mad. He doesn’t care about roses and fantasy suites if it’s not real and prepares for a dramatic exit. It’s hard to watch without cringing. It also feels like a major misunderstanding, with Greg’s unnecessary (and as per fans, gaslighting) monologue, and Katie’s utter helplessness.

Greg leaves, Katie leaves (temporarily, to visit her mom), and we’ll all be back for a three-hour finale next week.

What did you think of The Bachelorette Season 17, Episode 9? Let us know in the comments!

The Bachelorette Katie Thurston’s season finale airs Monday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.