We did it, Joe! We made it to the end of the most extended season ever of Bachelor in Paradise. If you read my previous posts and tweets, you'll notice several complaints throughout the season; however, I must say that this season did deliver everything a good season of the show should provide: drama, intrigue, heartbreak, and happiness. Here are some of my stray observations about the finale.
Why bring the entire cast back and only talk to three people? I think Andrew, Jessenia, and Ency, among others, deserved some time to address their storylines on air. Like the season, so many people did not get the time they deserved.
Kira and Romeo are hilarious. I'm not entirely sure they are a couple, but I cannot help but root for them. His face as they left Paradise will remain an iconic moment in Bachelor history. I love that they both have a quirky sense of humor, and we collectively needed a lighthearted moment to start the finale.
I've been on team Logan since the Men Tell All episode of The Bachelorette, and my man did what he came to do at the finale. I loved his story about starting from the bottom. You can tell he is proud of who he is, and I'm glad more people are beginning to see the real Logan. He also has excellent music. Like, good. Listen below:
Jacob and Jill! I loved Jill on Paradise this season. She put all of her emotions on display and led with her heart. I also came around entirely on Jacob this season, and he was one of the most entertaining men of the season; he also had a surprising level of emotional maturity.
The Rodney/Eliza/Justin triangle broke me (and everyone else on the beach, apparently). Watching it back was challenging, as it was obvious that all three parties still had raw emotions on display. It is no secret that Rodney is my favorite person to ever come on the show, and I'm always going to root for his happiness. It was a harrowing ordeal for him, but I believe he came out stronger on the other side. I also think Eliza grew a lot from this situation as well. I genuinely wish all three of them the best for the future. Justin's feelings were also overlooked in this scenario, but his feelings of rejection are just as valid as Rodney's and Eliza's. I'll end with the thought that I'm glad Rodney is healing and moving forward, and he continues to be the best.
Aaron and Genevieve had their first-ever amicable conversation at the reunion. Watching the supercut of their relationship was just toxic scenario after toxic scenario. Michael describing their relationship as a car crash perfectly depicts how it felt to watch them. Aaron's apology hit all the right notes, but it still felt like it was lacking, especially as Genevieve's tweets allude to Aaron being duplicitous and leaving out his involvement with other women.
I'm sure Tyler is a wonderful friend, but he was not a contestant I was personally invested in throughout the season. The show's decision to give us so little of Tyler and Brittany didn't help with my investment either, so this reunion scenario threw me for a loop. Tyler's track record on this show is awful, as this is twice now that he's been let down publicly. I think Brittany is well within her right to end things with Tyler if it wasn't feeling right for her. If I'm not mistaken, Brittany expressed similar sentiments to Rachel for her reasons for ending things with Tyler. I hope he finds someone who reciprocates his love and energy. Unrelated, but Brittany had one of the most fantastic reunion looks of the night. Those boots! Drop the links, sis. People were a little harsh with their critiques of Brittany, but she sounds like someone who had their boundaries ignored.
Michael and Danielle got their fairytale ending, and his confession of love and her response were super sweet to watch. They feel settled and comfortable in the best way, and I love that they will live a quiet, happy, and loving life together. Michael sounded so delighted talking about Danielle and James spending time together. As we've seen throughout the season, they've endured so much heartbreak and sadness, so their happy ending is well deserved.
Let's get into the Johnny and Victoria of it all. This isn't the first time we've watched a proposal with the knowledge that the couple did not last; however, this was probably the toughest to watch as an audience member, especially if you listened to their words. You could tell that Johnny was so uncomfortable, and I know it took so much for him to show up and confront this situation head-on. Johnny has a great support system from his friends and family, so I hope they all gather around him to help him heal. "Are you dating Greg Grippo" will live on as an iconic reunion line for the ages.
Victoria and Greg could teach a masterclass on the social media soft launch. The Instagram stories and posts were truly iconic, so I expected this reveal to be better than what actually happened. The juxtaposition of Greg and Victoria and the parking lot conversation with Tyler and Johnny was an excellent editing choice by production. Catching up with drinks in Rome is a wild storyline, whether you believe it to be true or not. When the matching tattoos were revealed, my face matched Justin's. I'm not sure if their reunion appearance did them any favors, but their story has more to come.
Finally, we get the happiest of happiest endings with Brandon and Serene Brook Russell (because we have to say her full name just like he always does). Those two are probably the happiest lovebirds the show has ever seen, and I cannot wait for them to start their lives together. They are truly made for each other, and I'm so glad we got to see the genesis of their life-changing love. Their proposal and affirmations for each other are what dreams are truly made of! Here's to forever, Brandon and Serene!
I'll share my thoughts on some of the storylines and fan reactions later this week in a subscribers only post, but I'd like to end this post with a thank you. You could be getting your Bachelor content from many places, so it truly means the world to me that you listen to my thoughts and takes. I do not take a single one of you for granted.
Happy Thanksgiving, Bachelor Nation!