Why Eric Deserves A Hometown Date On 'The Bachelorette'

Long before Lee and Kenny were arch rivals this season, Lee and Eric were getting into it over Lee’s doubts about Eric having the right kind of relationship experience to be with Rachel. Eric urged pretty much all of the guys to focus their attention on Rachel instead, because that’s the whole point of the show, and from there his feud with Lee died down. But now that the season is winding down: does Eric get a hometown date on The Bachelorette?

Since that whole issue at the beginning of the season, Eric has managed to redeem himself as a real contender for Rachel, even if his romantic history might not be as well-rounded or full as that of some of the other men. And after Eric’s one-on-one date with Rachel — which was all kinds of adorable, by the way — it would seem that if she had any doubts about him before, those are pretty much squashed now that they had what was probably one of the sweetest dates this season.

After all of the insecurities among the men and worries over what Rachel’s thinking, it was clear that on their one-on-one, Eric felt totally different and as a couple, they seemed completely at ease with each other.

Naturally, Eric is unable to divulge how the rest of this season plays out. (Otherwise, what fun would that be?) However, he did recently speak with TMZ and made it clear that he knows that the most important thing is Rachel being true to herself and choosing someone who is right for her. "I think, at the end of the day, [Rachel] has to pick the person who she’s fallen for, who she’s in love with." As for whether or not that person turns out to be Eric. Well, that's a question fans will just have to wait and see about. But he definitely is a strong possibility. After all, Rachel is making a point of only keeping those around who she could really see a future with.

Eric has been here for Rachel since the moment he stepped out of that limo. There’s never been legitimate doubt about him where his feelings for Rachel are concerned and that’s what’s most important here. And I think that Rachel is able to see and appreciate that about him.

So getting a hometown date is the only thing left to help Rachel conclude that Eric’s been there for the right reasons all along.