“Bachelorette” recap: Gabby’s hometown dates go really well — maybe too well

(If you haven’t seen the episode yet, stop reading now to prevent spoilers.)

The 19th season of “The Bachelorette” is nearing a close, which means engagements and proposals are just around the corner. Things are, no doubt, getting serious for our leading ladies Gabby Windey and Rachel Recchia – well, as serious as they can in a matter of six weeks – so it’s time to bring other people into the prime time picture.

Monday night, Gabby and Rachel traveled to their remaining contenders’ hometowns to meet their families in what’s usually one of the most eventful episodes of the series. Families offer an opportunity to pop the reality TV bubble and bring the contestants down to Earth, often with some tough love.

Gabby went home with three men instead of the traditional four, since sending home frontrunner Nate from Amsterdam because she wasn’t ready to meet his daughter and step into a motherly role. And she survived the hometown trips seemingly unscathed.

First, she joined Jason, the super quiet and unassuming investment banker many folks didn’t think would make it this far, in New Orleans, where the couple did all the must-do things in the French Quarter, from eating beignets to asking passersby to flash them for beads even though it was clearly past Mardi Gras season.

Next up was Johnny, the too-cool-for-school realtor who thrived during the Red Light District challenge in Amsterdam. He brought Gabby to Florida to meet his family and enjoy a romantic sunset boat ride. Finally, Erich the Real Estate Mullet™ took Gabby to New Jersey, where he introduced her to his family, including his father who was battling terminal cancer.

Our bachelorette’s experiences were uncharacteristically and overwhelmingly positive. But it’s what wasn’t said that may come back to bite.

In conversation with his mom, Jason let slip that he doesn’t realistically think he’ll be able to propose in a mere two weeks when the finale is slated to happen. To which all of Bachelor Nation said, “You seen this show, bro?” Johnny, too, suggested maybe he wasn’t ready for such a “big commitment,” but his dad quickly put that to bed.

“You say you’re not ready. What, emotionally? You seem ready,” dad said.

Still, neither Jason nor Johnny told Gabby to her face they might be reconsidering the premise of the show, and they may not get to before the next cut. Traditionally, the show jumps straight into a rose ceremony following hometowns. Viewers, however, won’t see who gets a rose and who gets the axe until next week.

Comparatively, Erich told Gabby that he was falling for her over martinis post-meeting the family. To which Gabby responded that the feeling is mutual.

“After today, I can feel comfortable saying I’m falling in love with you,” she said. The episode seemed even more heartfelt in retrospect. According to E News, Erich’s father passed away shortly after the filming. Monday’s night episode was dedicated to him.