ABC's cruelty and betrayal of "The Bachelorette" finale
The problematic "Bachelor" franchise is well-known for overusing the word "dramatic." It's "the most dramatic rose ceremony" or "the most dramatic season ever." But in the case of Monday's finale of "The Bachelorette," that word truly applies.
We wish it didn't.
Devin's promises are as empty as "The Bachelor" franchise's countless attempts to spearhead change by diversifying its leads.
The problem isn't just that Jenn Tran doesn't get her fairy-tale ending, but that the live finale broadcast is orchestrated to amplify her agony for entertainment. The show begins as many others have, with host Jesse Palmer in front of a live studio audience – including rejected "Bachelorette" suitors and new Golden Bachelorette Joan Vassos – gathered to watch which of two men would propose to Jenn Tran, the first Asian American lead in the franchise's history. It's down to military veteran Marcus Shoberg and freight company owner Devin Strader.
The audience watches as the men meet Jenn's family, with Devin saying all the right things, and Marcus expressing his doubts about his love for Jenn. Her final date with Devin in Hawaii appears meaningful as they do a ceremony to clear their past burdens so they can join their futures together. Devin even gives her something he received from a Maori shaman during their first one-on-one date in New Zealand. All good.
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Unfortunately, Marcus still shows some ambivalence, and Jenn confronts him in a painful conversation. Although Marcus finally admits that he loves her, it's too little, too late. She rejects him; there's no final date. It appears she's made her choice, and this is solidified when she tells Jesse later that she plans to propose to Devin. This not only fulfills what the show has been teasing all season – that Jenn would do something no other Bachelorette has done before – but also........
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