Katie confronts more Right ReasonsTM drama, as the men team up against Thomas.
to learn that Thomas kinda-sorta thought it might be fun to be the next Bachelor.
Sorry John, Justin, Tre, and every other dude who didn’t get time with Katie tonight.
Michael and Katie on ‘The Bachelorette’.Credit: ABC
Though the Bachelorette does have time for a pre-rose ceremony pitstop with Greg, who already has a rose.
He seeks her out to offer a shoulder to cry on, and she LOVES it.
“It still hurts that I can’t be confident in everyone else in that room.”
Katie Thurston on ‘The Bachelorette’.ABC
Someone yo grab Karl from the other room, where he’s inexplicably shadowboxing.
You’d like to address the group?
Okay, go ahead.
Michael A. on ‘The Bachelorette’.ABC
The Bachelorette is so irked by the entire situation that she decides to take yet another break.
Out in the hall, Tayshia and Kaitlyn appear to offer counsel.
So… rose ceremony roll call, take 2!
Mike P. on ‘The Bachelorette’.ABC
(He goes quietly in part because no one wants to talk to him.)
Sadly, we also have to say goodbye to John, Kyle, and Garrett.
With the farewells over, the men give Katie a round of applause.
ABC
At least for now.
one of the men asks nervously.
The men and Katie sit down in a circle, group therapy style.
Nick Viall on ‘The Bachelorette’.ABC
“I’m here to hold you guys accountable,” Nick announces.
“Today’s about being truthful.”
Okay, but can the first topic be what in the actual f— is Connor B. wearing?
Connor B. on ‘The Bachelorette’.ABC
“I never imagined divorce for myself,” he says through his tears.
Dayum, way to kick things off with some heartrending honesty, Hunter!
Then it’s Thomas' turn.
Thomas on ‘The Bachelorette’.ABC
“There’s people who I’ve led on,” he says.
“I went on a date a week before I left.”
“The speech he gave was like a sales pitch.”
Michael A. on ‘The Bachelorette’.ABC
Speaking of things that don’t sit right, it’s Connor B.
’s turn to bare his soul.
One night, he drank to excess and cheated on his girlfriend at a party.
Connor B. on ‘The Bachelorette’.ABC
It was like “blowing up my entire life in one day,” says Connor.
“I used that [incident] to become a better man,” he tells Katie.
Good for you, champ.
Thomas on ‘The Bachelorette’.ABC
But your shirt still looks ridiculous.
“I know you see me today as this very sex-positive woman who’s very confident.
She hasn’t always been here.”
Katie Thurston on ‘The Bachelorette’.ABC
“It’s taken me a long time to get to where I am now,” she says.
“I just want you guys to know that I’ve come a long way.”
Man, if Bachelor Nation didn’t love Katie before… Keep those Kleenex handy, rose lovers because we’re about to hear another heart-wrenching story.
Michael and Katie on ‘The Bachelorette’.ABC
Back at the Casa Bachelorette, Michael is chatting with Mike P. and Andrew M. in the backyard gym.
Jesus God, what are you trying to do to us, Team Bachelorette?
We’re all very fragile right now, and these sad backstories are NOT HELPING!
Brendan on ‘The Bachelorette’.ABC
Dang it, someone give poor Michael a hug.
Stop making me cry, show!)
Dude, are you kidding?
“You have this way of seeing people,” he says.
“And I haven’t felt that seen in a really long time, maybe ever.”
“You mentioned you have a whole list of red flags,” she says.
“I want to hear them.”
how much they don’t trust Thomas.
Because he absolutely does not answer Katie’s questions instead he just keeps backing up the sweet-talk truck.
“I want you to know that my intention is we’re leaving getting married.”
“To be determined,” she says with a strained smile.
With that, she stands up and lets Thomas know that he is dismissed.
To his credit, Thomas knows that he completely tanked his time with Katie.
“I let that moment get the best of me.”
So, what was so important that Thomas needed to say?
Ugh, and now they’re kissing.
Justin, kindly demonstrate for the group the appropriate reaction to this pop in of foolishness.
At least Thomas doesn’t get the date rose, which goes to Connor B.
(And his breastbone.)
Once Katie leaves, the other men continue to roast Thomas for being a d-bag.
“You gettin' extra time today, it took away from some guys,” says Quartney.
“It’s blatantly disrespectful,” snaps Aaron.
“I find it disgusting.”
Thomas, what do you have to say for yourself, man?
“I didn’t say that I loved her,” he counters.
“I said that you’re free to’t have fear without love.”
Hunter, kindly demonstrate for the group the appropriate reaction to this throw in of foolishness.
“That’s bulls—,” says Hunter.
You are correct, sir.
On to the one-on-one date!
Today’s lucky suitor is Michael, the single dad who we all cried over earlier in the episode.
And for today’s date, Katie is ready to turn Michael’s world upside-down.
But don’t worry, folks she’s ok!
The drive goes a bit smoother once Michael climbs aboard.
They tear down the desert road, and she doesn’t flip the car at all.
Once they stop for a romantic picnic, Michael begins the process of Opening UpTM.
“I always hear that this ends in an engagement, but… itbeginswith an engagement.”
Oh, she LOVES it.
“That’s so beautiful!”
Yes, Michael, you could abso-f—ing-lutely kiss her!
I dunno, you guys these two are pretty adorable.
“Your integrity right now is starting to be questioned,” he says.
Thomas' response is, essentially,I don’t give a s—.
And that’s exactly what happens.
“Sixteen years ago, I saw my wife on campus.
Her name is Laura, and when I saw her, I said, ‘That’s it.
That’s everything.'”
(DAMMIT, YOU GUYS, I’M ALREADY CRYING.)
Michael continues his story married in 2012, had a baby in 2016 and then, cancer.
“We traveled the country aimlessly trying to find a cure,” explains Michael, wiping away tears.
Still, “in January 2019, she passed away.”
Ooof, it’s brutal to watch.
Michael’s weeping, Katie’s fighting back tears, I’m on my couch crying like a baby.
But… January 2019?
That’s not very long ago, and Michael’s obviously still reeling from this tremendous loss.
Maybe thisisn’tthe best time to sign up for a reality TV dating show?
You didn’t think she was gonna send him home, did you?
“And it’s so unexpected.”
The fact that this episode is almost over and Katie’s talking about going on the second group date.
Girl, we don’t have time for that it’s almost 10 p.m.!
I guess we’ll have to spend the rest of the episode listening to the guys rank on Thomas.
“I’m done being kind,” he says.
Is that something you’ve thought about?
Have you ever considered that?"
Let’s try this again.Thomas, do you want to be the Bachelor?
They’veallthought about being the Bachelor!
That thought alone doesn’t make someone a bad person lying and manipulating does.
So, one point to Thomas for telling the truth, and negative 50 points for being an asshat.
So what will the Bachelorette do when this shocking (shocking!)
news about Thomas comes to light?
Tune in next week, rose lovers!
Is Thomas a sociopath, as Aaron says, or just a fame-o-sexual?
And why is Hunter constantly sniffling?
Post your thoughts below!
