“The Bachelor in Paradise” has just finished another heart-wrenching season, and from my perspective it’s been the most dramatic yet. As always, a handful of the couples were left running into the sunset together, ready to settle down for a lifetime of love.
Unfortunately, not everyone made it out of Paradise in love. Before the finale many of the couples left in tears.
The hottest talk of the season was centered around Colton and Tia. Colton, a former football player, and Tia, a southern country girl, were nothing but drama from the start, already having an established dating history. The couple had briefly dated before Colton became a contestant on Becca’s season of “The Bachelorette.” As Colton advanced in the season, Tia finally revealed to her bestie Becca that she still had feelings for him. Shortly after, though Becca claims Tia was not the reason, Colton was kicked off the show and left heartbroken.
Flashing forward to Paradise, the two struggled to work out their feelings for each other. Tia made it clear that she was all in for him, but Colton, who was still damaged from his heartbreak with Becca, did not know if he wanted to pursue Tia in return. After bouncing back and forth for a few weeks they finally decided to give it a go. Tia was more than thrilled but Colton was still worried he would break her heart. Nonetheless, just a few episodes later, Colton sat down with Tia and explained that the spark just wasn’t there with them. Many tears followed as they parted ways and left the show. Although the heartbreak was devastating there seems to be no bad blood between the two, and Tia wishes Colton the best as the new Bachelor.
Throughout the last couple days in Paradise two of the season’s strongest couples left in tears. Astrid and Kevin, who had been solid since the start, left everyone shocked after their spontaneous split. “I’m so in love with you but something is missing for me,” Kevin announced unpredictably. Blindsided, upset, and confused Astrid quickly packed her bags and left the show. To everyone, especially Astrid, it seemed unclear as to why they broke up. During the finale, as Chris Harrison pulled the two onto the hot seat, Kevin admitted that he was to blame for their breakup and regretted his actions because he is still in love with her. Hesitant at first, and obviously still a little bit hurt, Astrid admitted that she felt the same and the couple shared a short but sweet kiss. Whether that means they are officially back together no one knows, but things are looking hopeful for the pair.
Joe the grocer and Kendall also went their separate ways in Paradise only to be reunited in the end. After letting Joe walk away from Paradise, Kendall was torn up by her actions. Determined to get him back she flew to Chicago to admit her mistakes and confess her love to him. The audience watched as the couple talked it out in a video clip of her visit, during which Joe revealed that it’s going to take some effort to get back to the spot they were at. As the couple was reintroduced on stage Kendal boldly kissed Joe, announcing that they’ve been making it work since their talk in Chicago and that they are officially boyfriend and girlfriend.
The first couple we watched break down after Paradise was Annalise and Kamile. After a long season of Annalise making short lived connections and searching for the perfect husband-material guy, she finally seemed to hit it off with Kamile and was happier than ever. They decide to continue dating past Paradise, although Annalise made it clear that she was hoping for an engagement. However, any hope of marriage was shattered after the events at the season finale. When the couple sat for an interview with Chris Harrison, Kamile revealed his feelings for Annalise were not the same as they were on Paradise and wanted to call it quits, breaking her heart on live television. The news put Annalise in a state of shock, so much she had to take a minute off stage to recollect herself. Gaining support from the cast and audience, Annalise came back to the stage ready to put Kamile in his place. She retaliated and expressed that he had not been giving enough effort in the relationship, and that when she had tried breaking up with him two weeks past he wouldn’t let her. With the entirety of the audience and cast against Kamile, Chris Harrison eventually kicked him off the stage and gave Annalise the last word.
The two couples that came out the strongest came to a shock for Bachelor Nation. Jordan and Chris, both the villains of the past “Bachelorette” season, left Paradise having gotten down on one knee.
It was love at first sight for Jordan and Jenna. It was no surprise that two of the biggest personalities in Bachelor history ended up together. Although it was an uphill battle, as David, Jordan’s nemesis, and Benoit both pined for her heart, Jordan was eventually able to win her over with dramatic gestures and gifts. As they chatted with Chris Harrison they shared their hopes for kids and a big wedding soon to come–and they even locked him down as their anointer.
Chris “the Goose” and Krystal, both formally the villains of their season, also found love in Paradise. Chris, who had been criticized as a jerk all throughout his time in Bachelor Nation, seemed to be a changed man as he talked about his love for Krystal: “I opened up my eyes, and I was just telling myself, wow, I have this incredible women right here that’s opening out a hand and reaching out to me.” After getting the approval of her two dogs, her most beloved family members, Chris and Krystal are planning to move in with each other soon and make plans for their wedding.
Like always Bachelor Nation took us for another rollercoaster of emotions with this season. Now fans must go to social media to keep up with how their favorite couple from Paradise are doing. For now, fans wait anxiously as they look forward to January with the premiere of “The Bachelor!”
Photo Credit: Molly Molloy, 1