The Bachelor franchise is for an acquired taste, but somehow still manages to pull millions of people to watch. From Bachelor-viewing parties to Bachelor-based drinking games, the show has truly captivated millions. I am apart of those millions who just loves watching The Bachelor. It is full of drama, love, romance, and insane people: the recipe to any good reality TV show. It also allows viewers to normalize someone dating thirty people at the same time in a society that is about monogamy and allows viewers to judge people's choices, something that we "try" not to do today.
Recently, Rachel Lindsey picked the man who she wants to marry. And, unfortunately, most of nation disagrees. To give you an exact number, 7.5 million people watched this past Monday's finale episode. And I happen to disagree as well. Yes, like any season, you have your favorites and if they pick the person you didn't want, you were still happy for the couple. However, this season seems to be different.
Rachel picked Bryan, who is a charming man, but The Bachelor nation felt like she should have picked Peter. Rachel and Peter had one of the most tear-jerking break ups I've ever witnessed in my time of watching the show.
Rachel was my all time favorite bachelorette because of her:
1. Sassy personality,
2. The appearance that she could control the show and kicked off the annoying people,
and
3. Her assurance in what she wants
However, Rachel and Peter's relationship seemed to leave a bad taste. She told Peter that she wants needs a proposal and she's not willing to leave the show with just a boyfriend. As a viewer, I can understand that because she did take the time out of her life to do the show and her last relationship never amounted to anything more; but on the other hand, her constant reminder of this fact made us think that all she cares about is the proposal.
Rachel seems to be under the misconception that you need a ring for a commitment. Because many couples today co-habit together, have kids, and all without a ring. Unfortunately, all eyes are on her because she is the bachelorette.
Once we got to the finale, Rachel and Peter had an emotional break-up because she couldn't stand to leave the show with just a boyfriend, ultimately leading to his bags being packed. Maybe it was fancy editing or producer manipulation, but here are the reasons why viewers have problems with Bryan being the winner:
1. You don't CRY YOUR EYELASHES OFF and get ready to pick another man.
2. Peter is a normal person and his concerns were valid.
3. Bryan appears to be the second choice.
The third point makes us ask the dreaded "what if" questions. What if Peter was willing to propose to her, would she still pick Bryan?
And, you may be wondering why being second choice is a big deal because "eligible" bachelor, Ben Higgins, told two women that he was in love with them.
I think the straw that broke the camels back was when viewers saw a completely different side of Rachel when she was reunited with Peter. She was cold, hostile, and blamed him for their break-up. She told him it's his fault for believing he wants to only propose once and take more time. Rachel turned into someone who just wanted an engagement ring. Peter was the first decent guy who wanted to take his time and believed in a commitment after the show without a proposal.
Rachel easily turned from my favorite bachelorette into someone who I was angered by because of her idealization of marriage and engagement. It seemed to not matter if Bryan was even there. As long as she had the ring everything is all good.
Here are five of my favorite comments about the finale. I hope they make you laugh just as hard as I did.
1.
"Me because Rachel and Peter can't be together because they both want different things and it made me realize sometimes soulmates don't end up together and you have to settle for someone like Bryan and it's okay but it's still sad."
2. "...so Bryan wins by default & Peter proves to America he's the most normal person ever on this show."
3. "Rachel's choice has been the biggest disappointment of my life so far."
4. Me:Hey Boss it's me, I can't come in today, I'm sick.
Boss:What's wrong?
Me:The BacheloretteFinale
Boss:Say No More #TheBacheloretteFinale
5. I feel personally victimized by The Bachelorettefinale