The Bachelor: Zoe's Producer Interference Claims & Grant's Odd Choice Prove It Was A Lackluster Season (Will A Stronger Lead Make The Next Season More Watchable?)

The Bachelor season 29, led by The Bachelorette season 21 contestant Grant Ellis, was meant to help continue revitalizing the franchise, but instead struggled to connect with Bachelor Nation in a meaningful way, leading many to wonder what, if anything, will fix The Bachelor? Throughout The Bachelor season 29, Grant's inability to lead the season came to a head more than once. After meeting Grant during The Bachelorette season 21, he appeared like he could be a good fit for the lead of his own season, but there was a mixed reaction to him being selected as the next Bachelor.

While some were dissatisfied with Grant as an option, others felt strongly that he was a great pick because of his emotional availability, which he'd put on display during Jenn Tran's season. While Grant had some difficulties that it was clear he needed to resolve, he was emotionally available and ready to find someone to move forward in life with, which was a great set of qualities for a Bachelor lead. Despite knowing that Grant may not be the best choice overall, he was ready, willing, and Bachelor Nation approved, so his season moved forward despite any potential fan reservations.

Zoe McGrady Accused Producers Of Interfering

The Bachelor Contestant Struggled To Connect Because Of Alleged Interference

Throughout The Bachelor season 29, it was clear that Grant was struggling to find time with all of his contestants, though he wanted to get to know them to the best of his ability. Grant's relationship with Zoe McGrady, who was the most under-edited cast member of the season, was minimal throughout the season. While Zoe made it through the early eliminations in the beginning, it became strange to see her continuing on week after week when viewers knew she wasn't getting individual time with Grant. When she made it fantasy suites, Bachelor Nation was confused, as was Zoe herself.

Unfortunately for Zoe, the fact that she got little screen time kept her on the show far longer than she should've been, and ultimately wasted her time. While the show was airing, Zoe was vocal about how little screen time she received, even speaking up about the way Bachelor producers appeared to interfere with her ability to connect with Grant. Sharing that the producers didn't give her enough time to get to know Grant, especially in their first-ever one-on-one during hometowns where they did a silent yoga class, Zoe wasn't happy with the way Grant or the show treated her.

Grant Pushed Rose Sombke Away

He Wasn't Looking For A Genuine Connection

Although Grant wound up finding a connection during his time on The Bachelor, one of the early connections he shared on the show left him wondering if he'd wind up alone after it crumbled. Grant and Rose Sombke hit it off after meeting on opening night, especially as they chatted more after their initial meeting outside the Bachelor mansion. Grant and Rose had an easy rapport with one another, making it clear that they were going to continue checking in to see what was there between them. Rose struggled with Grant dating other women, but tried to hold it back.

While Rose had some beef with fellow contestant Carolina Quixano, it came to a head when Carolina was outwardly physical with Grant in front of the other women, and Rose confronted him about it. Grant chose to reassure her, but when Rose relayed his words to Carolina, Grant had a hard time with the admission. After he admonished her in front of the other women for telling them something he'd shared with her privately, Rose found herself disconnected from the relationship. She chose to walk away, and despite hoping to fix their relationship, Grant let her walk away from him.

Grant Crushed Litia Garr's Heart

He Led Her To Believe She Was The One

As The Bachelor continued on, Grant felt like he was making headway in his relationships with a few women, including Juliana Pasquarosa and Litia Garr. From early on, Grant and Litia shared a special connection. The pair seemed to understand each other in a deep, meaningful way, and though they had a few cardinal differences, Grant was open with Litia about how much he cared for and loved her. Grant's consistent reassurances to Litia led many to believe he'd be choosing her in the end, but he shocked Bachelor Nation by letting her go during the heartbreaking final rose ceremony.

When Litia learned that she was being broken up with rather than being proposed to, she didn't feel like she could hold her feelings back. Overwhelmed by the way Grant was treating her, Litia called him out and then left him behind, but revisited the issue during The Bachelor: After The Final Rose, where she let him in on exactly how she was feeling. Struggling with the way Grant had reassured her so firmly and consistently, it was clear that Litia was left heartbroken by Grant, who refused to own up to his feelings or his responsibility for hurting her.

Grant Chose Juliana, Who's Feuding With Costars

He Picked Someone Chaotic, Proving He's Not Ready To Settle Down

After a lackluster season where it was clear that Grant was struggling in his feelings for the duration, seeing him choose to propose to Juliana was a tough blow. While Grant and Juliana seem to be a happy couple, it was clear that the show was leading Bachelor Nation in one direction, while Grant was feeling a completely different type of way. Grant and Juliana's relationship aside, it's clear that though he's happy with her, Juliana's struggling with the negative attention she's receiving from Bachelor Nation. After getting snippy with other Bachelor contestants, viewers are struggling to empathize with Juliana.

Juliana, who's been talking about how she "won" the show and making her relationship with Grant into a prize to be earned rather than a loving connection, has been making it clear that she doesn't appreciate the backlash that viewers have had against Grant for leading Litia on. While Bachelor Nation is entitled to their opinions after watching the show, Juliana has been calling out cast members who have been siding with Litia, rather than relishing in her new relationship after The Bachelor. Grant choosing someone chaotic proves he's hardly ready to settle down, and is still looking for drama.

While Grant and Juliana may be happy with each other now, the way Grant moved through The Bachelor made it clear that he wasn't actually looking for love. From his difficulties in connecting with Zoe despite continuing to keep her around, to his decision to let Rose walk away despite their connection, and in the way he led Litia on, Grant's time as the lead was a struggle from the start. The series needs to invest in stronger leads, because even in choosing Juliana, Grant proved he's not looking for lasting love, but something that makes him feel good now.