'Bachelor in Paradise': Chris Harrison Blogs Week 5

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Welcome back Bachelor Nation! The Ballad of Joe and Samantha is finally over, it seems. It’s been an absolute roller coaster since the moment Joe stepped into Paradise, and as you could see, his bitterness and anger extended well beyond the end of the show.

Just when you think things can’t get any crazier in Paradise, they always seem to. What would a Bachelor show be without a little appearance from Chris Bukowski? Every season he tells us that he’s really ready to find love, and to be honest, I still really believe him, but for some reason he just can’t stop himself from making mistakes. There’s something in him that won’t let him succeed. Well, Chris Bukowski is out of Paradise and claims to be retiring from reality TV, but who knows? Life is long and Chris is an exciting guy to know.

Related: ‘Bachelor in Paradise’ Recap: ‘It’s Slim Pickins Out There’

Speaking of departures, there was the final dismissal — and some would say, final betrayal — of Joe. He looked like he was hit by a train when Sam called Dan’s name. He was so paranoid for so long that Sam would dump him for someone else, and it was Dan that finally made the strong play and convinced Sam that her life was about to fall apart if she continued dating Joe.

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Watching Joe leave put an end to an era. But that doesn’t mean that the drama is anywhere near done. Mackenzie was one of our favorites on last season of The Bachelor and having her here was great. Off the bat, having her marry Justin was pretty quick, but watching them try to find out what was happening during that date was absolutely worth it.

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Jaclyn is another favorite of mine. She was so hilarious and outspoken on Bachelor Pad, we knew she would be a great addition to our family out in Paradise, and she really didn’t disappoint. She came there to make waves and have a good time and right off the bat, she delivered. You’ll love seeing what she does next week.

Before I go, there is just no way to not talk about Ashley I. When Ashley I. came up to me and asked me for a fantasy suite — well, the phrase I can’t even doesn’t cover it. But this was what she wanted, and next week we’re going to find out exactly how everything went down. There is no question that her virginity has been a big topic of discussion, and how people react to her asking for a fantasy suite is another interesting conversation that will continue, I’m quite sure.

Next week is the dramatic season finale of Bachelor in Paradise. You truly won’t want to miss it. There’s heartbreak and devastation, but at the end of the day, there is a whole lot of love. We can’t wait to see you next Sunday at 8 p.m. Until then, we’ll see you on Twitter and Instagram: @chrisbharrison.

Bachelor in Paradise airs Sundays and Mondays at 8 p.m. on ABC; After Paradise airs Mondays at 9 p.m. on ABC.