The Bachelor: Conclusion

The+Bachelor%3A+Conclusion

Mary-Edith Cox, Social Media Chair

Over the course of three months, the members of Bachelor Nation have dedicated their Monday evenings at 8:00 pm EST to watch “The Bachelor.” Pilot Pete’s “Bachelor” season has had its fair share of turbulence, but did it avoid a bumpy landing?

 

Host Chris Harrison warned viewers in part one of the live finale that the season’s ending was “one of the most controversial and shocking endings to a season that we have ever had on this show,” and he was not kidding. In part two, Chris reiterated just how shocking this season finale was going to be and emphasized the fact that no one exactly knew what was going to happen. In the end, a proposal, a breakup, a reunion, and the most awkward family feud in recent history happened.

 

During the first part of the finale, the last two contestants met Peter’s parents. In one corner, we had Hannah Ann Sluss, a 23-year-old model from Knoxville, Tennessee. In the other, we had Madison Prewett, a 23-year-old foster parent recruiter from Auburn, Alabama. The family visit did not go so well for Madison, because she values what she stands for. She expressed the concerns she had for some of Peter’s decisions and her worries for their compatibility, which made Peter’s mom, Barb, completely flip out. Barb had a hysterical mental breakdown on live television while claiming Hannah Ann was an angel on Earth, as well as saying that God put Hannah Ann in Peter’s life. Barb then proceeded to say that Madison and Peter are spiritual, not religious, and that is why their relationship would not last… ironic. However, Hannah Ann’s first impression with the family went a little too perfectly. For some reason, the Weber family became enthralled with Hannah Ann. It was mind-boggling to see Peter propose to Hannah Ann after making it very clear that he would do anything to be with Madison. Sadly, Madison told Peter that she had gotten clarity and wished him the best, then left to go home.

 

Hannah Ann made it clear that she felt #2 for a few weeks. Even if Peter did say he loved her, the way Peter dedicated himself to doing anything for Madison showed he only picked Hannah Ann by default. Hannah Ann ended the engagement, then went back home. They saw each other for the first time after the split during the two-part finale, where she said to Peter, “In order to love someone, you need to grow up and become a real man.” Point Hannah Ann!

 

Now, if you watched the season finale, you are going to know what I am about to talk about. But if you didn’t want to waste your Monday nights watching reality television, here is the main drama on the finale. Throughout the finale, Barb’s face was in a small square on the bottom of the screen, showing her reactions to everything. It was obvious before now that Barb was Team Hannah Ann. Barb’s constant eye-rolling and reckless criticism of Madison was ridiculous. And the moment in which she leaned over and whispered to her husband in Spanish, “Say something bad, too. Help me.” was disgusting. I had the biggest problem when Barb said that in a relationship, people need to compromise, and Madison was not willing to compromise. However, I was so proud of Madison for standing up to her and saying that a relationship is two people choosing each other. Just because Barb’s son is the Bachelor, does not mean that he is the only one choosing in this process. Barb used the word “compromise” as a nice way to say “honor.” It seemed she just wanted a woman who was going to give and sacrifice all, including her values and beliefs in this case, for her son. 

 

In conclusion, this season was completely dramatic and chaotic, and I never want to go through that ever again. Chris Harrison seemed like he was giving Barb another chance to repair her image when he asked Peter and Madison if they thought their relationship was going to last. However, Barb cut off both of them and said that she is certain they are not going to last. 

 

Update: Madison and Peter released to the public on March 13 that they are no longer continuing their relationship. Chris Harrison implied in an interview that Madison deserved better than Peter. This basically means that this season was completely pointless. I speak for the whole of Bachelor Nation when I say that we hope the next Bachelorette will be mature enough to carry out a proposal, instead of having it end a few months later.