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The Echo

The Student News Site of Tenafly High School

The Echo

The Student News Site of Tenafly High School

The Echo

The Bachelor Season That Changed Everything

The+Bachelor+Season+That+Changed+Everything

“What happens in the end is an unprecedented shocking first, in Bachelor history.” Host Jesse Palmer delivered this dramatic finale promise in the season’s preview on January 22. In a world where The Bachelor always hints at drama, this time it delivered. With a twist that exceeded expectations, this season stands as the epitome of reality TV greatness. Buckle up because I’m about to make a bold claim: this was hands down the best season yet.

This season of The Bachelor undeniably stands out from all the rest for several compelling reasons. When Joey arrived at the mansion, Jesse Palmer stated that there had never been this many girls in Bachelor history. The abundance of contestants signaled a collective commitment to finding a genuine connection with Joey. Each woman brought her unique story–a personal and diverse journey.

Among all the girls, there were a few who stuck out to me. Lexi’s sincerity shone brightly the first time Joey met her, and her heartfelt entrance made for a memorable presence. Daisy’s empowering backstory, coupled with her playfulness, engaged me more in her story. With her confidence and larger-than-life personality, Maria quickly became a fan favorite, and I did not doubt that she’d keep Joey on his toes. Lea’s bold decision to let go of a strategic advantage in favor of maintaining a good relationship with all of the girls earned her Joey’s admiration, and this selfless action speaks to her character.

Furthermore, the first episode didn’t just open up with what was in store this season; instead, the episode revealed moments of controversy, such as Jess’s questionable actions that stirred tensions among the contestants. Another interesting aspect of this season was the sister dynamic duo of Allison and Lauren, which helped to underscore the unpredictability of love. In navigating the highs and lows of romance, this season delivered an unforgettable journey that left viewers wanting more.

The Bachelor truly distinguished itself, and much of that can be credited to the remarkable qualities of The Bachelor, Joey. Unlike previous Bachelors, Joey demonstrated a genuine concern for the feelings of each contestant, a trait that resonated deeply with viewers. His empathy and careful choice of words showed a rare sensitivity that raised this season to a new level. Throughout the season, Joey prioritized listening over speaking about himself, offering support and comfort to the women as they navigate personal challenges. His interactions revealed respect for diversity, as he openly embraced each woman’s unique story. From Kelsey’s heartfelt talk about what happened to her mom to Daisy’s revelation about her cochlear implant, Joey’s understanding and appreciation for each person’s uniqueness fostered a sense of belonging that set other seasons apart from the rest.

Joey approached his role as The Bachelor with a refreshing perspective, staying out of unnecessary drama. When tension grew between Medina and Maria, Joey remained out of it, refusing to be in the mix. Despite some girls’ unwillingness to involve him in the situation, Joey addressed this drama calmly and maturely, seeking to understand both sides before taking action. Even when faced with ongoing conflicts, such as the feud between Maria and Sydney, Joey dealt with the situation by communicating. His handling of these confrontations showed his maturity and ability to navigate challenging situations. Joey’s decision to address Maria’s concerns about her feelings for him also showed his commitment to honesty and sincerity in his relationship. Ultimately, Joey proved himself to be a true Bachelor, ensuring that his journey was focused on finding genuine connections rather than getting himself into unnecessary drama.

The Golden Bachelor, which debuted in 2023, added a new dimension to this season of The Bachelor. The appearance of several Golden Bachelorettes brought a new layer of wisdom and support to the journey of the final three Bachelorettes. Their appearance brought a new layer of wisdom and support to the journey. At the finale, as tensions and emotions rose, the Golden Bachelorettes stepped in, offering words of encouragement and motherly guidance to the contestants. Their presence added a sense of reassurance and solidarity, reminding the women that they were not alone in this journey of finding love. Through their wisdom and unwavering support, The Golden Bachelorettes left a mark on the season.

As the finale of this unforgettable season of The Bachelor unfolded, viewers were on the edges of their seats waiting to see what was going to happen next. After months of emotional investment, Kelsey and Daisy, the final two contestants, embarked on their last one-on-one dates, and both of the girls were feeling nerves and emotions never felt before. As the final rose ceremony slowly approached, Daisy sought clarity from an unexpected person.

As Palmer said, “What happens with these two remarkable women and our Bachelor has never happened.” Well, we found out that shocking news shortly after, when Daisy and Kelsey both arrived together at the beach for the pivotal moment in The Bachelor’s history. Driving side by side, hand in hand, they both showed their unwavering support for one another. Daisy faced Joey, bravely expressing her truth and ultimately making the difficult decision to part ways. She ended by saying, “But the thing is, you’re not going to choose me.” This bold act exemplified Daisy’s humanity and her confidence in confronting Joey with the news before he had a chance to call things off. Her conversation with Joey left him visibly moved by her courage and confidence. “Daisy is one of the strongest people I’ve met,” Joey said. “I didn’t think it was going to end that way.” In a heartwarming exchange, Daisy and Kelsey shared a hug, indicating a sign of farewell and embodying the essence of female empowerment. At the end of the day, the competition was not just a celebration of love but also a celebration of true friendship.

Although Kelsey emerged as the chosen one, viewers were left in awe of Daisy’s bold actions. In the end, Palmer brought Daisy and Joey back together at “After the Final Rose.” The mutual respect and happiness between them served as a reminder of the power of love. This season’s journey and finale was not just a conclusion to a journey of romance, but a celebration of resilience, empowerment, and the spirit of a strong friendship.

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About the Contributor
Amanda Forman
Amanda Forman, Staff Writer
Amanda Forman ('27) is excited to write many stories about current events and entertainment. She enjoys playing lacrosse and tennis, and hanging out with friends.