The Bachelor season 29 concluded with a shocking twist as Grant Ellis proposed to Juliana Pasquarosa, following a contentious breakup with Litia Garr. The abrupt change in pace left many viewers feeling unsettled, as the dramatic roller-coaster of emotions was rushed, suggesting that the show’s producers might want to reconsider the format of their final episodes in order to foster a more authentic love story.
In this season’s finale, the 31-year-old day trader from Newark, New Jersey, ultimately selected 28-year-old Juliana, a client service associate from Newton, Massachusetts, over 31-year-old Litia, a venture capitalist hailing from Salt Lake City, Utah. Despite his initial affection for both women, Grant’s decision-making process cast a long shadow over the finale’s romantic overture.
The Breakup with Litia: A Harsh Reality
Litia’s Heartbreaking Experience
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At the season’s climactic moment, Grant faced the daunting task of informing Litia of his decision. Viewers were aware of his intentions as she was sent home first, yet Litia entered the moment with the expectation of an engagement. Her heartfelt speech left her blindsided when Grant delivered the unexpected news. The confusion was evident as Litia confronted him about his earlier declarations of love, recalling how just the evening before he had affirmed his feelings.
Litia felt misled by Grant’s assurances, a sentiment echoed by many viewers who were also convinced of his eventual choice. This abrupt and emotionally charged breakup created a palpable tension that overshadowed his upcoming proposal to Juliana.
Grant’s Image Among Viewers: The Villain Emerges
Uncertainty Casts Doubt
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Grant’s indecision led to a portrayal of him as a villain in the eyes of the audience. His emotional turmoil was laid bare, particularly in a scene where he selected an engagement ring but voiced uncertainty over whom to present it to. This lack of clarity regarding his feelings heightened the perception that he was poised to hurt one of the women involved.
Navigating Emotions Post-Breakup
Skepticism Surrounds Grant & Juliana’s Future
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After witnessing Litia’s emotional exit, viewers struggled to feel joy for Grant and Juliana’s engagement. With concerns about whether Litia had truly been misled, audiences could not seamlessly transition from the heartbreak of the breakup to the proclamation of love. The engagement celebration felt hollow and strained, overshadowed by lingering doubt.
Moreover, many were left questioning the sustainability of Grant and Juliana’s relationship, especially when considering Litia’s remarks about the potential issues Juliana might face upon viewing the season. The engagement became a turbulent affair, marred by the fresh memories of the previous heartbreak.
Revisiting the Episode Format
Proposing a New Approach
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To enhance the viewing experience, The Bachelor should consider separating the lead’s breakup from the engagement in future seasons. While these events may unfold within the same filming day, presenting them on distinct evenings could significantly improve emotional pacing. This format adjustment would allow audiences to process the breakup, ultimately making the engagement feel more authentic and compelling.
It’s worth noting that not every season ends on such a challenging note. For instance, during Joey Graziadei’s season, runner-up Daisy Kent self-eliminated, allowing for a more harmonious conclusion when Joey proposed to Kelsey Anderson. This scenario felt more genuine, highlighting Joey’s clarity about his intentions without the emotional turmoil.
Had Grant’s breakup with Litia aired prior to his proposal to Juliana, the engagement moment would likely have resonated more deeply with audiences. Instead, viewers were confronted with a lead whose indecision left them questioning his sincerity. Such lingering doubts about Grant and Juliana’s future added unnecessary complexity to the “After the Final Rose” episode.
While this decision might take away some suspense, the essence of The Bachelor lies in the portrayal of genuine romance, rather than sensationalized drama. Ultimately, it would be more rewarding for fans to witness a clearer love story without the overshadowing chaos of indecisiveness. As Grant and Juliana navigate their relationship post-show, their engagement deserves the spotlight, not as an afterthought to unresolved conflict.
The Bachelor is available for streaming on Hulu.
Sources: Bachelor Nation/YouTube, Bachelor Nation/YouTube, Bachelor Nation/YouTube, Bachelor Nation/YouTube