As a devoted Bachelor fan of the last few years, I have gathered a few seasons under my belt. I would only watch a few episodes here and there, but then I started watching religiously about three years ago.
Personally, I noticed Bachelor contestants making feminist headlines last season with Kendall responding to Krystal with empathy and compassion as opposed to starting the ever-cliche “cat-fight” that has riddled TV shows for decades.
This year in season 23, Colton Underwood is The Bachelor, and we have already seen several contestants behave differently from reality TV norms.
1. Caelynn
Similar to the Kendall/Krystal situation from last season, Caelynn and Hannah B had beef that dated back to their pageant days and was beginning to interfere with their relationships with Colton. Things were said. More things were not-so-subtly implied. The drama was blowing up and spanned over several episodes. Colton — and tbh, everyone else — was getting sick of it. One night Caelynn asked to speak to Hannah B in the hallway. Everyone assumed earrings were about to come off and sh** was about to go down. Instead, Caelynn reached out to Hannah B with kindness. She acknowledged her feelings and expressed her desire to move forward together as young women. Who’s to say if they really patched things up or if ABC just wanted to move on to another subplot, but the effort was appreciated.
2. Elyse
Elyse was one of my personal faves. She knew she was one of the older women in the house, however, she was very comfortable with who she is and with dating a younger man. She also knew her worth and rose above the game aspect of The Bachelor. She approached Colton one night in his suite and told him her true feelings for him. Yay! However, she was not into the idea of competing for him and having to perform trivial tasks. Relatable. Seriously ABC, how does pulling a limousine via harness signify someone’s qualities in a relationship? Elyse knew she cared for Colton, but she respected and cared for herself more. You go girl.
3. Demi
There were some mixed reviews about Demi from both the audience and fellow contestants. Whether you hated or loved her, you can’t deny that she was unapologetically herself. She would let Colton know how she felt and what her personality was like even if it ruffled some of the quieter girls’ feathers (looking @ you, Courtney). Demi also approached Colton in his suite to tell him how she felt, even though it shockingly resulted in her being sent home. Demi was never afraid to make the first move(s).
4. Heather
Heather was somewhat of a dark horse throughout the competition. We didn’t know much about her. We knew she’d never been kissed. Then all of a sudden we get to the week before hometowns, and it’s like, “wait a minute, Heather’s still here?” Even though her airtime was shorter than other girls, Heather still showed us true character. Heather actually broke up with Colton, telling him how much she values family and looks critically at whom she introduces to her family, and she did not feel comfortable introducing her loved ones to a relationship she was not comfortable or confident in. Honestly, I’m here for it. You go, Heather.
5. Caelynn Again I added Caelynn on here again because in the episode before hometowns, rumors had been swirling about Cassie and Caelynn not being ready for marriage. Earlier in the episode, Caelynn had stood up for herself in defending her true feelings to Colton. She also confronted Tayshia, asking her why she felt it was necessary to say those comments about her readiness for marriage, a personal manner only Caelynn had authority to speak the truth on. Finally, towards the end of the episode, Caelynn stepped into the group date to speak to Colton and defend Cassie, explaining how Cassie was in the same position of battling rumors and hearsay as Caelynn had been. Caelynn had already received a rose by this point and “was safe,” however, she went out of her way to keep things fair and stick up for her friend.
I am glad to see contestants shifting away from crossing their fingers and saying “gee, I hope he picks me!” It’s 2019. I am here for the girls representing themselves and saying “This is how I feel about myself. This is how I feel about you. Let me know if you’re feeling it too, Colton,” and then deciding what action is best for them to take from there. I am also here for the less drawn-out drama between contestants. Instead of just deciding to hate one another forever, we see contestants extend the olive branch, woman to woman, and try to support one another through a stressful situation.
Bachelors may come and go, but 9/10 times the friendships the contestants make with each other last a lot longer than the final engagement.