I’m always thinking about who gets asked to make guest appearances on the show and why. Is it because fans like the former contestant? Is it because the couple is a success story despite the plummeting relationship rates? Or is it a combination of both?
In my opinion, a guest appearance should always move the plot forward in some way. Will the appearance inspire the couples on the beach? Will it stir up controversy? Will the returning couple pass the baton to the next beloved couple of Bachelor Nation? The couples that returned this season are Thomas and Becca, Gabby and Rachel (yes, they count as a duo), and Ashley and Jared. Without further ado, here’s a ranking of the guest appearances of season 8 of Bachelor in Paradise.
3. Ashley and Jared
Upon rewatch, I do think we overreacted just a tad bit in the criticism of their time on the beach. In our defense, we wanted to see the new connections forming, and the show used their segments to discuss farting and peeing way more than necessary; however, beneath all of their bodily functions, their discussion on the beach of how grateful they are for the life they lead was genuinely heartwarming.
I also didn’t hate the retelling of the Jared and Ashley saga. While it skipped some crucial moments in the story, I truly loved the current cast’s commitment to Wells’ storytelling.
They all have come serious acting chops. I believed they were invested.
Like others, Ashley and Jared can’t control their screen time or edit, so I’m sorry they got the bulk of the audience’s frustration. We just wanted to see the footage that will be used one day when Brandon and Serene return to the beach to impart wisdom in Season 9. I will also give the show credit for exploring what life is like after the happily ever after. We saw a peek into married life and, ultimately, something real on reality television. Plus, the cast seemed happy that they were there.
2. Gabby and Rachel
I get the intent behind bringing them back to the beach, but this guest appearance was ineffective for several reasons. First, the sage advice approach doesn’t work because both women ended their engagement at the time of airing. I know that’s not something the show could anticipate, but during their appearance, I couldn’t get this knowledge out of my mind. It made their advice fall flat.
It also felt weird to me that the show flew their two most recent leads all the way to Mexico just to cast doubt on Logan’s character, just as the audience is finally starting to be on his side and see him make decisions and shed his “flip-flopper” image. We also don’t have that much of an investment in Kate, and we haven’t seen her exhibit excellent behavior toward Logan, so that warning also falls short.
I’m sure that Gabby and Rachel did more than just a three-minute girl chat, but all we saw was that, which left that segment with much to be desired. I will say that Gabby introducing herself to Logan was hilarious, and it quickly made me remember what made me like her so much in the first place. Towards the end, Gabby and Rachel’s season was excruciating to watch, so to me, this scene was an extension of their season that was unneeded.
1. Becca and Thomas
Becca and Thomas have such an unlikely and beautiful love story. Both had negative experiences before coming to the beach last year, and anyone with eyes can see how obsessed they are with each other. Their relationship has only improved over time, so they are the perfect couple to return to the beach. They were just in the contestant’s shoes a short year ago and already had connections with the cast. The genuine happiness as everyone gushed over Thomas’s engagement ring was palpable. I wonder how many times they had to say “First Annual Sadie Hawkins in Paradise” to get it right, but something tells me they’re always in sync.
Out of all the guest appearances this season, theirs felt the most shortened, so I’m glad they were able to offer more insight on the latest episode of Bachelor Happy Hour. I usually just listen to the podcast, but I’m glad I took the time to watch the clip. Becca and Thomas have literal heart eyes for each other, and their relationship advice to the newest couples is really helpful. I hope they continue to take Bachelor Nation with them along their journey because they have one of the greatest success stories in the show’s history.
I’m so excited for this finale, you guys. I’ve heard that the most notable guest appearance will occur at the reunion, and I cannot wait for the chaos and drama that will ensue!
I’m not sure if it’s almost Paradise or almost the holiday season, but I’m excited for the conclusion of the most extended season in Paradise history.