‘The Bachelorette’ review: Nick Viall, Jared Haibon, Clint Arlis, and Kaitlyn Bristowe debates galore

Tonight’s episode of “The Bachelorette” was mostly sponsored by one word and one word only: Wacky. How else do you describe an hour that included JJ suddenly deciding to fight with Clint, Clint leaving the show altogether, Doug E. Fresh suddenly being relevant again, and of course the return of Nick Viall. This is a guy who was bashed by most of the guys tonight, but if he genuinely wanted to be with Kaitlyn Bristowe, then some of what he said made some sense.

We’re probably a little more of a Nick apologist than most, largely because we feel like his question to Andi Dorfman at the “After the Final Rose” was somewhat fair … though he did not exactly choose the right time to bring it up. That just made him come across as bitter.

In the end, we understand why Kaitlyn decided to bring him into the fold this season, mostly because we also feel like she was probably had more of a relationship with him than the show let on beforehand. After some sort of coherent conversation with Onion Ashley a.k.a. Ashley S. in the salon, she decided to bring him back … albeit slowly.

Meanwhile, the Doug E. Fresh date was almost pointless because of Nick (though Justin did get the rose), and Jared Haibon a.k.a. Loveman got a chance to spend some time with Kaitlyn at the met, though really she wanted to be off somewhere with Nick through most of it.

Ultimately, we hate the whole format twist still of saving the Rose Ceremony until the next episode. What is the whole point of that? Ultimately, there is no point. Grade: B-.

As for the second group date of the night, at least it was fun! We saw the show tribute “Aladdin” the musical, and many guys had a good time with it in an effort to win a spot onstage. At the end of the day, though, the winner was … Chris! Too bad for Ian, who we thought was pretty good and he tried very hard. The best part about the date was watching the guys snipe about Chris and Kaitlyn performing together after the fact.

What do you think about the episode, and Kaitlyn’s decision when it comes to Nick? Share with a comment, and head over here to get some other news, including some previews of what lies ahead! Also, sign up now to get some other TV updates on all we cover via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: ABC.)