Zoe struggled to make a connection with Grant, but she also struggled to connect with the rest of The Bachelor season 29 cast. She put a bad taste in the other women's mouths with her actions during group dates and cocktail parties, and the women made their feelings about Zoe known with their comments. However, Carolina Sofia Quixano quickly took over the villain role, giving Zoe a break and a chance to show her softer side. Unfortunately, Grant was not her soulmate, no matter how she may have felt.
Zoe McGrady Is Talking About Producer Interference
She's Trying To Shift The Blame
In her Instagram Story, Zoe expressed her disappointment and frustration with her final date, alleging producer interference. For the Fantasy Suite date, Zoe and Grant participated in silent yoga. The silence was enforced, even as Grant tried to whisper to Zoe. Zoe's frustration with her date was understandable to some extent. Zoe was the only woman who made it to Fantasy Suites without getting a dedicated one-on-one date. Her only solo time with Grant was when she stole him during group dates and cocktail parties, as well as during her hometown date.
Because Zoe never got a one-on-one date, she hoped to have some serious conversations with Grant, such as what their future together would look like and how they would raise their kids. Silent yoga was not conducive to this desire. Was Zoe right to complain about her date activity, given her journey on The Bachelor? Not really.
Plus, none of the Fantasy Suite dates lent themselves to deep conversations. Juliana Pasquarosa's date involved off-roading, which was full of giggles but not many serious topics. Litia Garr and Grant went ziplining, which meant they separately flew over the trees without each other, unable to speak while participating in the activity. Zoe's date was by far the most intimate, something she should be grateful for. The producers didn't do her dirty with that specific date.
Zoe is probably trying to stir the pot and create more drama since she was eliminated. Zoe was never likely to win the ABC dating show after she made it to hometowns without a one-on-one date. Had she won, she would have been the first contestant in the history of The Bachelor to accomplish such a feat. Zoe and Grant's connection clearly wasn't as strong as his connections with the other women, and a different Fantasy Suite date wouldn't have changed that.
Zoe Monopolized Grant During A Group Date
She's Not A Victim
In Zoe's defense, she had every right to take time with Grant where she could get it. While the rest of the women were understandably mad at Zoe, they should also have put some blame on Grant. Grant could have declined Zoe's invitation during the basketball date or cut the one-on-one interaction short. Grant refused to take accountability for his actions for much of the season, making him a divisive lead. However, Zoe shouldn't play the victim when she stole extra time with Grant during the first group date.
Zoe used her conflict with the other women to connect with Grant. She heard The Bachelor's Sarafiena Watkins make a snippy remark about the length of her dress, and Zoe immediately complained to Grant. Grant and Zoe grew closer because of the moment and his response. He gave her a pep talk, saying, "If being you offends other people, you shouldn’t stop." Their connection felt stronger after that moment, but not strong enough.
Zoe Complained About Not Getting A One-On-One Date
Would Extra Time Have Made A Difference?
Zoe had every reason to complain about not getting a one-on-one date. She felt a connection with Grant, but he couldn't have felt the same way if he didn't want to spend dedicated time together. I'm a little surprised Zoe didn't self-eliminate when it was clear she wasn't getting a special date.
While she may not have gotten a one-on-one date on The Bachelor, Zoe got plenty of time with Grant. Between the cocktail parties, group dates, and pulling Grant aside, Zoe made her mark. Her gameplay was enough to get her to both hometowns and Fantasy Suites, where she got even more time with Grant. Plus, her lack of a one-on-one date should have been a strong indication that Zoe and Grant weren't going to end up together. More time wouldn't have made a difference in Zoe's journey on the show.
Was Grant Right To Send Zoe Home?
Is He Following His Heart?
Grant has made some questionable eliminations on his season of The Bachelor. Rose Sombke self-eliminated after the intense drama between her and Carolina, and Grant didn't try to stop her or encourage her to stay. The drama was partially his fault, and he should have fought for Rose, considering their instant connection.
Before hometowns, Grant eliminated Alexe Godin the first impression rose recipient and the first woman he took on a one-on-one date. Zoe skated by even though Grant hadn't given her a special day. It's hard to believe Grant had more of a connection with Zoe, someone he chose not to take on a one-on-one date, than with Alexe, someone he connected with night one.
Grant's journey on The Bachelor is just that: his journey. If Zoe wasn't the person he wanted to spend the rest of his life, he was right to send her home. At this point, it's impossible to say if Grant gets engaged at the final rose ceremony or if he's still in a relationship today, but he and Zoe weren't a perfect match. Zoe's victim act doesn't make sense, given the events of the season.
