While Grant Ellis’ season ofThe Bachelorwas fueled by resentment and jealousy,I don’t think he’s to blame for the constant drama.Grant met 25 contestants, all eagerly vying to secure his heart. Although the franchise is known for explosive fights and pettiness, Grant’s season has been more volatile than most.The Bachelorseason 29marks the first time the lead was announced before the application window opened. Subsequently, every contestant applied with a genuine interest in the lead. With every woman holding a stake in the competition, the tensions have skyrocketed.
Several contestants, including Zoe McGrady and Carolina Sofia, have centered themselves in the drama. These contestants have made a reputation as the season’s villains, but the feuds are not one-sided. Every contestant on Grant’s season has contributed to the animosity andGrant, as a diplomatic lead, has struggled to focus on the show’s ultimate goal: finding love. As Grant juggles his emotions and the women’s feelings, his well-intentioned search has suffered. Grant may not find a genuine connection under these circumstances, and trust me, it wouldn’t be his fault.
Grant Has Been Nothing But A Gentleman All Season
Grant Isn’t Expected To Break Up Fights
Grant’s is too mild-tempered to discourage the fights. By the second episode, the contestants were pushing boundaries.Zoe started drama when she pulled Grantfrom the group date for a private conversation. The tech engineer claimed this move was in place of her “practice shot,” butshe ended up monopolizing Grant’s time and stepping on toes.
Grant seemed flattered by the proposition, but their one-on-one rooftop conversation sparked rage.
Grant followed Zoe to the rooftop and they enjoyed a private conversation. The lead was understandably more focused on establishing a connection with Zoe than on the consequences of her actions. Additionally, as the lead,Grant isn’t supposed to interfere with confrontations.He is expected to “go with the flow” and indulge in side tangents. The show would not be interesting if the women all got along.
This was evident later in the episode when Zoe proceeded to interrupt one-on-one conversations between Grant and the other contestants. Grant allowed the interruptions and subsequent fights between Alli Jo Hinkes and Zoe.He shouldn’t be expected to handle fights between the women.The show is a competition, and the prize is Grant’s heart. Fights are inevitable and frankly promoted by producers.
Carolina Is The Reason For Most Of The Drama
Carolina Pushed Boundaries
AlthoughZoe quickly established herself as the season’s villain, ddynamics shifted when Carolina provoked the women. In the same episode,Carolina crossed a boundary when she straddled and made out with Grant on stage.The other contestants were forced to smile awkwardly and watch. While this decision irritated the woman, the situation worsened when she started“spiraling”in week 3 and stole Grant’s focus on the group prom date.
After stealing him away from Natalie Phillips,Carolina shared Rose Sombke’s comment with Grant. According to Rose, Grant informed her he was thinking of her throughout the group performance. This would include Carolina and Grant’s intimate moment on stage. This drama sparked more confrontations that led toCarolina’s complete monopolization of the date.She would continue to complain and pout throughout the season.
In week 4, Carolina was still complaining about watching Grant date other women,as if that was not the format for the past 28 seasons of the show.For the women who never received a one-on-one, like Juliana, the comments were frustrating. Carolina seemed ungrateful.
Carolina was still focused on her hardships during their exciting trip to Madrid. She made a somewhat harmlesscomment that ended up setting off Juliana.She questioned the show’s time constraints and offered:
“How do you get engaged after one date?”
Juliana Even Stirred The Pot With The Carolina Drama
Juliana Inserted Herself
Carolina’s comment, while tone-deaf, was blown out of proportion. Juliana was understandably upset as she had not received her date yet. She felt Carolina was implying uncertainty, not only with the show butalso regarding her connection with Grant.Juliana pulled her aside for a hostile confrontation.
Juliana approached the situation diplomatically and stated she and the other women were frustrated with Carolina’s complaints. Carolina stood by her comments and questioned why Juliana would feel the need to insert herself. The public relations producer seemed to shut down entirely. Her flat responses only irritated Juliana more, and Carolina hit a nerve, saying,“I don’t think I’ve ever asked for your opinion.”Carolina’s immediate response was defensive and rude.
Juliana may have had the right intentions but misinterpreted Carolina’s statement.
Juliana’s frustrations were valid, butshe crossed a line when she reported to Grant that Carolina was talking badly of him.Carolina never implied that she disliked Grant. The star only expressed concerns about their few weeks with him and the show’s format. Juliana’s overreaction was not surprising, but it felt unnecessary. If Carolina were unsure of her connection with Grant, it was her prerogative to leave.
Grant is emotionally mature enough to recognize a lack of commitment. All thedrama between the women left Grant desperately consolingthem. He has been farmore busy comforting the women than enjoying his time.While he may not nip the fights in the bud, he has done everything in his power to assuage the aftermath. This dynamic isn’t fair for the lead.
Grant Listens To The Women Unlike Past Leads
Grant Deserves Better
Grant’s kind-hearted nature has made decision-making difficult.He has taken the time to hear out all perspectives before coming to conclusions. I think Grant has beentirelessly working through the drama rather than focusing on his needs. These conditions do not foster a healthy environment. Grant didn’t have a moment to breathe.
WhileThe Bacheloris recognized as a drama-packed show, Grant has been so bombarded with problems that he can’t focus on the ultimate goal. The lead may, once again, be set up for failure. If Grant has any chance at love, the dynamics will need to change. I believe Grant is genuine in his pursuits and deserves a better, less problematic opportunity to find true love.
