In a pivotal episode of The Bachelorette Season 21, Jenn Tran faced the crucial task of selecting her final four men as Hometown Week looms large. With only seven contestants remaining, Jenn's decisions were under intense scrutiny – drawing on her past experiences from Joey Graziadei's season of The Bachelor to guide her through this challenging stage.

Wicked-Themed One-on-One Date with Marcus 

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The episode kicked off with Jenn and Marcus heading to Seattle, Washington, leaving behind the picturesque landscapes of New Zealand.

The couple’s one-on-one date was steeped in whimsy, thanks to a Wicked-themed adventure that included a series of playful and revealing activities. Jenn and Marcus were guided by Kelsey Anderson and Daisy Kent, alumni from Joey’s season, adding an extra layer of nostalgia to their outing.

Their date featured a lighthearted game of “This or That,” which led to an unexpected spicy pepper challenge and a fun, impromptu pillow fight. The activities took a more sentimental turn as they engaged in tasks such as popping balloons that revealed personal prompts, including a heartfelt video message from Marcus’s sister and a touching letter from Jenn’s mom. The date reached its peak with a romantic hot air balloon ride, where Trista Sutter, the original Bachelorette, offered a poetic encouragement to “let your love defy gravity.” 

During their date, Marcus opened up about his painful past in foster care, sharing how it has deeply influenced him. 

“My sister, when we were young when, we were kids, were kind of born into a pretty rough situation,” shared Marcus about his upbringing. “We had parents who couldn’t like really take care of us. They were a bit like, just like, unstable. They weren’t fit to be parents. They brought us to daycare one day and just like never came back for us. And uh, that was the start of a very rough chapter in my childhood. I had to take on the role of looking after my sister. We lived in a foster home together.”

Jenn responded with heartfelt reassurances, underscoring Marcus’s worth and importance to her. This intimate exchange set the stage for a significant moment at the Seattle Mariners’ stadium, where Jenn chose to present Marcus with a rose, signaling his place in her journey to Hometown Week.

 “I want you to know that you are truly worthy to me,” she said, while handing him the rose. 

Group Date with Radio Drama:

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The group date featured Spencer, Jonathan, Sam, Devin, and Grant, who joined Jenn at the Love On Air Seattle radio show. This lively segment included appearances by franchise favorites Jason and Molly Mesnick – who added an extra touch of star power. 

During the radio show, the men participated in various on-air activities, testing their chemistry with Jenn and showcasing their personalities in a different light. The date provided a mix of fun and tension, as each participant had to navigate their interactions with Jenn amidst the lively and often unpredictable environment of live radio.

Final One-on-One Date with Jeremy:

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Jenn’s final one-on-one date of the episode took place at Seattle’s iconic Pike Place Market. The day was filled with unique activities, including a palm reading and a hands-on fish catching experience. Throughout the date, Jenn and Jeremy engaged in a deep and meaningful conversation about their differing religious backgrounds—Jeremy’s Jewish heritage and Jenn’s Buddhist beliefs.

Jeremy expressed his openness to raising children with a blend of Jewish and Buddhist traditions, an idea that resonated with Jenn. She shared her own experiences with Shabbat dinners, highlighting the ways their backgrounds could enrich their future together. Their conversation revealed a strong mutual respect and understanding, and Jeremy’s positive outlook on their mixed-faith future led Jenn to present him with a rose, affirming their connection and potential.

Rose Ceremony:

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As the rose ceremony approached, Jenn took time to address her concerns with Sam, following some confusing comments he made during the group date. Despite Sam’s apology, Jenn felt that his feelings were unclear and primarily physical. This lack of clarity led Jenn to make the difficult decision to send Sam home.

Ultimately, roses were awarded to Jonathan and Devin, who secured their spots for Hometown Week. Unfortunately, Spencer and Grant were eliminated, ending their journey on the show just before the next critical phase.

As the episode concluded, viewers were left eagerly anticipating the upcoming Hometown Week, with Jenn’s decisions setting the stage for the final stretch of her journey to find love.

The Bachelorette will air next on Monday, Aug. 19 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. 

Photo Credit: @bacheloretteabc on Instagram.