Well Bachelor Nation, the only thing I can say about last night’s episode is “wow.” Chris Harrison wasn’t kidding when he said this would be the most controversial season of The Bachelor yet. In case you missed any of the action, let’s start from the beginning.
The finale started off like any other would. The girls were set to meet Arie’s parents in Peru. Lauren went first and, like we could have predicted, she was a little shy. In her typical fashion, Lauren was quiet and reserved but still laughed through the awkwardness of meeting her boyfriend’s ENTIRE FAMILY like any of us would. When sitting with Arie’s father, Lauren admitted that due to her previous failed engagement, she was scared of having another one fall through. She even cried in front of Arie’s mom when trying to convey just how much love she had for him. More than once, however, Arie discussed his concern for his relationship with Lauren, telling his brother and sister that he constantly had to reassure her, which took time away from actually getting to know each other. Umm, if my boyfriend had another girlfriend I think I would need some reassuring too…just saying.
Being more fun and outgoing, Becca’s day with the Luyendyks was expected to be a breeze…and it probably would have been if Arie’s family stopped bringing up Lauren! Literally, every conversation started out with mentioning the competition and it was clear that Becca was breaking down fast. Arie’s father even told her he would be okay with either girl Arie chose…maybe that was supposed to be his way of saying he approved of Becca but…ouch. In the end confessional, Becca was clearly in her head, fighting back tears over the thought of there still being another girl in the running. His family made it clear that Becca was their top choice but Arie still looked unsure. Even Seinne noticed that “he looked disappointed when his parents said Becca [instead of Lauren] like he was waiting for that validation.” Arie still had a lot of thinking to do, and I get it. They are both great girls, but how did he expect to figure it out after one date?
Courtesy: Heavy
Well, he sure did try. Lauren and Arie hiked up to one of the seven wonders of the world, Machu Picchu. Lauren actually looked pretty comfortable and we even got to see moments of her and Arie being goofy and running away from the camera to make out in the ruins. #Adorbs! When picturing their life together, Arie and Lauren had the same idea of lots of coffee, dogs and cuddles. That’s a life I could get behind! By the end of the night, Arie said, “If I had to propose in a minute, it would be Lauren.” Cool! He made up his mind! Right?
Wrong. After a day of exploring Cusco, Peru with Becca, he was sure she was the one. I guess something about trying on traditional sweaters in the stalls of Peruvian markets is really what gets this guy going. Or maybe it was the heartfelt, yet awfully cheesy, book Becca made chronicling her and Arie’s journey together. She even left pages open titled “Wedding” and “Our First Baby.” Is it just me or did anyone else wonder how on earth she got pictures printed while on the show? Becca’s magical printing skills may have been what won Arie over…for a couple of weeks, that is.
Courtesy: The Ringer
The shows biggest shock came not during the final rose ceremony but afterward. Arie chose (on the literal morning he was going to propose) that he would ask Becca to be his wife, thus sending Lauren home. Seeing as I predicted she would win a couple of weeks ago, I was clearly devastated, as I’m sure many of you were too. Becca made sense, but everyone could see Arie was way more into Lauren for that unknown reason only true love brings around. After only a couple of weeks post-filming, Arie called off his engagement to Becca.
In the show’s most controversial scene ever, the breakup was displayed unedited and uncut from not one, but TWO camera angles. Arie had been struggling with his breakup with Lauren, which he was apparently upfront about with Becca during their time in Peru after filming. He said he constantly thought about what things would be like if he were there with Lauren instead of Becca. Another harsh ouch! Arie explained to Becca that he didn’t want to be “half in” with someone, saying his “heart just wasn’t in it.” Though she seemed calm at the time, Becca kept asking Arie to leave before finally breaking down in the bathroom. “I have nothing to say. I just want you to leave,” was her only comment. Finally, Arie complied.
Courtesy: Hollywood Life
Former Bachelorette Kaitlyn Bristowe took to Twitter to say “This is just MEAN,” regarding the invasive footage. Bachelor star Sean Lowe commented, “Make it stop.” Clearly, the internet was not happy that such an intimate conversation was being filmed at the expense of Becca’s pride. Many others claimed that she did sign up to do the show, knowing that personal details of her life would be exploited. I mean I’m sure she had to consent to let it air, but how do you feel? Do you think this went too far? And what do you think will happen when Becca confronts both Arie and Lauren on tonight’s After the Final Rose? Are Lauren and Arie even together? SO MANY QUESTIONS! Tune in tonight at 8 p.m. on ABC to find out!