"Bad Decisions?": I Believe The Bachelor's Grant Ellis Is Struggling As A Lead (He Pushed Away Rose Sombke & Sent Alexe Godin Home)

Grant Ellis was announced as the lead of ABC's The Bachelor after being sent home right before hometowns on Jenn Tran's season of The Bachelorette, and unfortunately, he's been struggling in the role. While Grant seems genuine in his quest for love, his choices have been questionable. At this point, it remains unclear if Grant will walk away from the ABC show with a successful relationship.

Grant and Jenn had an instant connection on The Bachelorette season 21, leading to a one-on-one date in week five. The two seemed to have a good time while horseback riding and during a rainy picnic, and Grant did receive a rose, but he was eliminated only one week later. Grant was then announced as the next Bachelor, giving potential The Bachelor cast members the chance to apply for the show specifically for Grant. However, the former basketball player may not have been the best choice to lead the dating show, as his season has been riddled with drama.

Grant Alienated Rose Sombke

Grant And Rose Had A Strong Connection Before The Drama

The Bachelor's Rose Sombke was the first woman this season to emerge from the limo, immediately catching Grant's eye and charming him with a silly pun. Rose seemed like she could go far on the dating show. Grant even made sure to tell Rose how he felt about their connection.

“I’m not going to sit here and lie. You’re somebody that I do think about. I just want to make sure that you know that because I’m very interested in you. Like even today, right? The whole dancing thing onstage and everything, I was thinking about you. I don’t want you to feel like I’m not paying attention, because I am.”

When Rose misinterpreted Grant's words and upset Carolina Sofia Quixano, Grant refused to take accountability and get to the truth of the situation. Instead, Grant turned on Rose. While he still gave her a rose that evening, the connection was severed. When Rose's drama with Carolina continued the following week, Rose couldn't take it anymore and self-eliminated. Grant could have fought for Rose but gave up on their relationship. Grant pushed Rose away, showing he's struggling as the lead.

Grant Gave Up On Alexe Godin

The First Impression Rose Didn't Go Far

Alexe succumbed to the same fate as most The Bachelor first impression rose winners when she was eliminated before hometowns. The Bachelor season 29 even had a twist likely designed to combat the curse; the first impression rose recipient automatically received the first date. Alexe's "no drama llama" impressed Grant, and they strengthened their connection at a fun mall one-on-one.

Grant shocked viewers when he chose Zoe McGrady for a hometown date over three women who had gone on one-on-one dates. It seemed hard to believe Grant had more of a connection with Zoe than a woman who had caught his eye immediately, with whom he had spent much more quality time. It's possible Grant wasn't trusting his intuition when he made that decision, which is another reason he's been struggling this season.

Does Grant Make Bad Choices On The Show?

He's Not Clear About What He Wants

Grant is a very nice guy, but that kindness seems to be getting in the way of him finding love. Throughout the season, Grant has told many of the women he's falling for them, or can see a future with them, even though he can only pick one at the end. In doing so, Grant has led Carolina on, as well as others, despite claiming he doesn't want to hurt anyone.

It's too early to know the fate of Grant's relationships, but it won't be surprising if he finds himself with a broken engagement. Successful relationships on The Bachelor are rare, and Grant's choices as the lead have been questionable. While the audience always hopes for true love, Grant may find his perfect match off-air.

The Bachelor airs Mondays at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.