The Bachelorseason 29 has been rife with missteps, and I think producer interference could potentially be the reason why. There was so much excitement when Grant Ellis was announced as the season’s romantic lead, but I really feel like he hasn’t lived up to expectations. In many ways, he wasn’t given a fair chance because producers may have been too involved in driving the season’s narratives. On the other hand, it’s possible that producers felt the need to be more proactive because they recognized the fact that Grant was struggling to fulfill his role. Either way, it’s not working.
I’m actually pretty surprised that Grant has struggled with his role as the lead ofThe Bachelorseason 29. The 31-year-old day trader and former basketball player was no stranger to looking for love on national television. He made his television debut as a contestant onThe Bacheloretteseason 21. When Jenn Tran sent Grant home before hometown dates, he was soon announced as the franchise’s next male lead. Ireally expected Grant to shine, but he struggled to find his footing from day one. I think producer interference may have led Grant astray.
Grant’s Decision To Send Alexe Home Was Questionable
She Couldn’t Break The First Impression Rose Curse
On the premiere night ofThe Bachelorseason 29, Grant stood outside the iconic Bachelor mansion greeting the 25 single women who’d traveled from all over the country to date him. I had high expectations for the season, especially after the success ofThe Bachelorseason 28. Joey Graziadei found his true love, andhe and Kelsey Anderson are happily engaged to this day. I was hoping the same thing would happen for Grant. My optimism about his chances at finding love was sky-high when he instantly connected with27-year-old Alexe Godin.
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Grant was smitten with Alexe from the moment she walked up to the mansion with her llama, Linda. Alexe, a speech therapist, grew up on a farm, so she’s comfortable with animals. Grant liked her so much thathe gave her the highly-coveted first impression rose. This season, receiving the first impression rose also meant getting the first solo date. The person who receives the first impression rose has only won the final rose once in all Bachelor franchise history, but I really felt like Alexe could break the curse.
I was convinced that Alexe was the one for Grant, but their connection faded quickly after that.
For their one-on-one date, Grant and Alexe’s went to a mall after hours, and it was the perfect date for them. They had fun running around an empty mall, but they also connected emotionally. They both talked about the fact that they have non-traditional families, and they really seemed to connect deeply. I was convinced that Alexe was the one for Grant, but their connection faded quickly after that. Though Alexe stuck around for a long time,Grant eliminated her before hometown dates. Either it was producer interference or a sign that Grant doesn’t know what he wants.
His Relationship With Zoe Came Out Of Nowhere
Another Questionable Choice
I was shocked when he sent Alexe home, but kept27-year-old Zoe McGrady, who he seemed to have very little connection with. He barely seemed to notice the tech engineer/model, and, in fact, she was the only woman among the final four who never got a solo date. Igenuinely kept forgetting that Zoe was still there, so I was shocked when she got a hometown date instead of Alexe. I can’t prove that these questionable decisions were due to producer interference, but it’s my best bet as to why Grant’s choices were so strange.
Grant’s Most Recent Questionable Decision
He Sent Dina Home
Grantliked 31-year-old Dina Lupanco from the moment she stepped out of the limousineon night one. He quicklyappreciated her intelligence and trusted her judgment, even taking her advice when it came to otherwomen onThe Bachelorseason 29. Throughout the season, Dina and Grant seemed solid, and she was one of the favorites to win the whole thing. Everything changed after Dina’s hometown visit. After her parents decided not to meet Grant, he eliminated her. Though I get that he was disappointed about not meeting her parents, it seemed like a rash decision to me.
Grant Has Come Off As A Boring Bachelor
Was He Not Allowed To Speak Enough?
It’s hard for me to put my finger on exactly whyThe Bachelorseason 29 hasn’t been my favorite season. One problem is that everything I know about Grant I learned duringThe Bacheloretteseason 21. I didn’t get to know him any better during his season, which made it harder for me to feel invested in his journey. Don’t get me wrong, Grant seems like a great guy, and I hope he finds his true love. I just wishthe producers had helped Grant to open up more, and let him take the lead in his own story.
Grant Seems Confused About Who He Wants To Be Engaged To At The End
“The Truth Is, I Don’t Know”
Grant’s remaining women are Zoe, 28-year-old client service associate Juliana Pasquarosa, and31-year-old venture capitalist Litia Garr. ThoughI can see him choosing any one of them, I can also see him walking away without handing out his final rose.The Bachelorseason 29 trailer, whichBachelor Nationposted to YouTube, ends with Grant in total confusion during the final rose ceremony. When host Jesse Palmer asks him if he’s ready to make his choice between the final two women, Grant says, “The truth is, I don’t know.” Producers may have misled Grant into eliminating his perfect woman.
31 years old
27 years old
Venture capitalist
28 years old
Client service associate
The Bachelorseason 29 airs Monday nights at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.
