'The Bachelor' recap: Peter picks final four women for hometown dates; pressure ratchets up

Is this one of the speedier "Bachelor" seasons of recent memory? Because as quickly as it seems Peter's journey began, we've now entered the homestretch: It's the week before the traditional four hometown dates and two women are about to say goodbye.

Peter and the final six contestants head to Peru. Peter video chats with his mother, Barbara, ahead of the week's events. "You really need to believe what's in your heart," she tells him. We're paying close attention here, given all the promos about her dramatic plea to Peter to "bring her home to us." (Please stop with this same promo.)

Peter is afraid of being blindsided, like he was with Hannah during her season. (And for good reason. Victoria F. and Kelley in particular haven't given him much reassurance about their respective commitments to a potential marriage.)

This week's first one-on-one date goes to Madison (which is a choice, considering Natasha hasn't had any). They explore a fishing village, and she assures him she wouldn't put herself through all of this (i.e. the show's shenanigans, we gather) if she didn't see a future with him.

Madison hadn't yet to brought up her faith with Peter, but takes the opportunity to do so at dinner. She talks about how much she looks up to her dad and about his relationship with the Lord, and how faith is much more than tradition to her; it's her whole life. Is Peter on the same page? While he definitely has faith, he feels it can be stronger and that he struggles sometimes. But he tells her that it's important to him, then admits something we could see coming from miles away: "I know that I’m falling in love with you." Anyone else hearing church bells?

Naturally, the rose is hers.

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Peter sends one contestant packing early

Natasha finally lands a one-on-one date with Peter. The pair explore Lima, which involves a lot of eating and the purchase of two cute stuffed alpacas. He tells her he loves her honesty, and she opens up about how the last guy she dated broke up with her because he said she was too intense.

She tells Peter she feels like they have a strong connection, but that it's important he reciprocate. 

We saw this coming from miles away, too: He thinks of her more as a friend and not in a romantic way. He picks up the rose – which is quite cruel – and says he can't give it to her, and that he's sorry. Consider this our nomination for Natasha as the next Bachelorette.

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The Kelsey conundrum

Who would've thought the woman who caused the champagne crisis would have lasted this long? Not us. She and Hannah Ann act like they never fought over that silly bottle in the first place.

She scores the final one-on-one date with Peter, where the two visit the countryside and ride up a mountain on ATVs (which seems dangerous; Kelsey has never been on one before). They have a sweet chat about their future overlooking the landscape, igniting severe travel envy on our end.

While the day was fun, dinner turns more emotional: Peter wants to hear more about her family. She talks about her parents' divorce and at how at one point it was easier to not have a relationship with her father. But about a year ago he texted her. She saw him and they had a good conversation, and they've been in contact since. Her mother doesn't know. Peter thinks it's beautiful that she's giving her dad a second chance, and gives her the rose. Looks like this drama is about to unfold at hometowns (even though her dad allegedly won't be there).

Kelsey also tells Peter that she's learned a lot about what she doesn't want in a  relationship, but that she's seen qualities in him she hasn't found before. We support healthy choices, Kels. Have a glass of champagne; you deserve it!

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Kelley, Hannah Ann and Victoria F. face off for two final hometown dates

Natasha is out of the way, and Madison and Kelsey already have roses – meaning two hometown date slots are left. Kelley, Hannah Ann and Victoria F. go on the last date: a not-ideal three-on-one.

Each makes her case to stay on. Hannah Ann writes down the things she loves about Peter and shares them with him, like how he makes her feel like the only woman there and that she doesn't need to be perfect to please him. It's so pure it hurts.

Kelley – who plays the villain this episode, mocking both Hannah Ann and Victoria F. behind their backs – tells Peter that she always has fun with him and that not every relationship has to involve jumping through hurdles. Peter wants their relationship to be more than just fun, however. Maybe don't be so cocky, Kelley!

Victoria F. tells Peter that she feels like every time they are together he is always in a mood (!) and that it's extremely frustrating. She doesn't know how to move forward if this keeps happening. He explains he's not in a mood, and there are obvious reasons why he's had doubts. None of this bodes well. Also, is anyone else tired of hearing Victoria F. whine? We certainly are.

After he talks with each woman, he pulls Victoria F. aside and gives her a rose. He knows it hasn't been easy but appreciates her opening up. "I don't mind a little crazy," he tells her, which requires heavy unpacking we don't have time for at this juncture.

We bet you can guess who secures the final rose: Hannah Ann. Peter thinks he was holding onto their chance meeting from before the show started a bit too much (as were we).

Are you surprised with the final four? What do you think all the drama in the promos is about? We're right there with you, folks. 

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