Chris Harrison Blogs 'The Bachelor: The Women Tell All'
Well I can’t believe I’m saying it already, but we are only one week away from the live, 3-hour season finale of The Bachelor. It seems like only yesterday we got started with Ben, but now we are just days away from finding out who Ben Higgins’s future wife will be. But before all that, let’s talk Tell All.
Related: ‘The Bachelor’ Recap: ‘We Like to Talk Smart Things Too’
It was a pretty wild season, full of drama and tears, and the women returned to tell their sides of the story and it did not disappoint. Right off the bat things took an unexpected turn with Jami and Amber bringing up some tense moments they had in the house with Jubilee. I thought it was a very respectful conversation on all sides, but also thought Jubilee was feeling ganged up on so it seemed right to bring her into the hot seat and let her tell her side of the story.
Beyond all the tension in the house what I really wanted to talk to Jubilee about was her relationship with Ben and how it stalled. I thought she did a great job explaining herself about what happened, and how she feels as if this was a worthwhile learning experience for her. Jubilee is really an incredible woman and I have no doubts she will find a man worthy of her love. Up next in the hot seat was Lace. And well, Lace is Lace and I think she’ll always be Lace. Sure, she’s a little wild but it seems like she’s more secure than ever. I’m hoping this new Lace is the one that joins us in Paradise this summer. It’s sure to be a blast. And who knows what new creative tattoos she’ll get that we can learn valuable life lessons from!
After a long wait, everyone finally got to hear from Olivia. Olivia has been one of the most talked about, tweeted about, and blogged about women in the history of The Bachelor and everyone was dying to hear what she had to say. There was an undeniable energy on the stage as she walked up. No one knew what was going to happen.
I really like the way Olivia handled herself. She was apologetic for the things she felt she handled badly, but she was unapologetic for being herself. In some ways that’s a good way to be. A fake apology would have been so apparent. Sure, she wasn’t great with the women in the house, but that doesn’t mean she’s a bad human being. I respect her for showing up, defending herself, and I hope this is not the last we see of Olivia.
And then there was Caila.There wasn’t a single dry eye in the house as we watched the moment when she was sent home on that fateful day in Jamaica. Caila had the first date with Ben and almost made it to the end of the journey. She was so in love and so positive and so blindsided when it all ended. But Caila is obviously better for having let herself fall in love and she is ready to do it again. Love is one of those things you really can’t make happen, but when it does, you have to get out of your own way and let it run its course.
I also want to give a quick shout out to Emily, Haley, Amanda, Leah, Becca, and the rest of the ladies for sharing their emotions and pouring their hearts out throughout this Tell All.
And who could forget Ben? Well, no one can. He’s all America is talking about. (Well, other than that crazy election thing.) Ben did something no other man on The Bachelor has ever done: He told two women he loved them. He got to that point by really separating his relationships and treating every woman as an individual. That is exactly what he should have done — but it really poses a new problem this last week. I can assure you that you are going to see a finale like you’ve never seen before, and I might even have a few tricks up my sleeve also. Ben. JoJo. Lauren — it’s going to be truly epic.
Make sure you tune in next week for the unbelievable 3-hour live finale. You do not want to miss it!
The Bachelor airs Mondays at 8 p.m. on ABC.
