The Bachelor’s Grant Ellis has contestants and fans swooning, but despite the positive fanfare,Grant has had a rough start to his season.The Jersey native was first seen on Jenn Tran’s season ofThe Bachelorette. While he and Jenn shared a spark, he was eliminated just before the hometown dates. Fortunately, Grant’s search for love didn’t end there. Grant was ultimately invited back to leadThe Bachelorseason 29. His season marks several historic moments for the franchise as he is the second black bachelor and the only lead announced before contestants started the application process.
This season has been especially eventful since the contestants applied with a special interest in the leading man. Tensions have soared and fights have already broken out in the second episode. To recap, contestant Alexe Godwin received the first impression rose and the first one-on-one date. While this date went incredibly well, the two group dates were filled with drama.Grant’s diplomatic nature did little to discourage the problematic actionsof certain contestants. Some are wondering if he can handle the pressure.
Grant Has Not Set Boundaries
He May Need To Be Assertive
The episode was divided into two parts: one following the basketball game and one following the musical performance. The basketball group date was especially controversial, with one contestant, Zoe McGrady, pulling Grant away from the group for an extended period. The women were left feeling disrespected and undermined.
As they lined up to practice their “slam dunks,” Zoe took her turn to request some alone time with the lead. She led Grant to the elevator, and the pair spent time on the rooftop talking privately. The other contestants, both shocked and upset,felt this excursion did not equate to the short time that her practice shot would have taken. Several of the women didn’t get a chance to practice alongside the lead as a result.
Rather than denying the request or cutting the conversation short, Grant entertained the tangent.
He followed Zoe to the roof and engaged in conversation while the other women stood around awkwardly, waiting for their return. While the drama makes for entertaining television,several contestants felt left out and unseen.Despite the pushback that Zoe received after this date, she proceeded to interrupt Juliana Pasquarosa’s time alone with Grant. When Alli Jo Hinkes tried to cut Zoe off, Zoe first negotiated more time, then let him go. Moments later, she stole him back.
This questionable behavior and Carolina Quixano’s intimate make-out with the lead on stage after the performance led to several contestants feeling anxious and ignored. As the lead,Grant could have been more assertive.His easy-going nature may have allowed more drama and heartbreak than necessary. Although the controversy likely helped the show’s ratings, many contestants were left enraged or in tears. Some may feelGrant will need to take more initiativeto recognize the problematic behavior.
Producers Are Helping Grant Identify The Perfect Match
They Have Set Him Up For Success
Despite the drama,Grant’s dates have been helpful for the lead. Producers have set up situations that perfectly complement his personality. The basketball date allowed him to embrace his favorite sport, the performance focused on his interest in music, and his mall date with Alexe tapped into his youthful energy.
Grant thrived on the basketball date as it paired kids with his favorite hobby. By including the young coaches in the practice,Grant identified maternal personalities like Natalie Phillips. As a romantic with hopes of finding a wife and having children, Grant was thrilled to see her connect with the kids. The child psychologist ultimately won the group date rose as a result.His dates have been perfectly curated to his interests,and the producers have successfully encouraged meaningful connections.
Producers Don’t Want Grant To Come Off As Boring
Grant’s Personality Has Shined
The show’s producers highlighted the complementary traits of Grant’s contestants andencouraged the star to come out of his shell.Grant lit up at the basketball game as the sport remains a large part of his life. His solo act before the performance emphasizedGrant’s talent and love for music. The mall date, where he and Alexe had full access to an empty mall, highlighted his musical prowess and playful energy as they rode around on animal-themed scooters and concocted a massive sundae.
Grant’s creativity, humor, talents, and passions have established him as one ofThe Bachelor’s strongest leads. Grant, with the help of the producers, could be historically recognized as a fan favorite. However, the show will not intervene when it comes to the contestant’s feelings. Grant may want to stay more vigilant and decisive going forward.
