ABC’s Betrayal and Cruelty in “The Bachelorette” Finale

The “Bachelor” franchise is infamous for its overuse of the word “dramatic.” Every season, viewers are teased with promises of “the most dramatic rose ceremony” or “the most dramatic season ever.” In the case of Monday’s finale of “The Bachelorette,” it finally lived up to that promise—but not in a way anyone wanted.

The real tragedy isn’t just that Jenn Tran doesn’t get her fairy-tale ending. It’s that the live finale broadcast was choreographed in a manner that amplified her suffering for the sake of entertainment. The episode begins with host Jesse Palmer standing before a live studio audience, which includes rejected “Bachelorette” suitors and the new Golden Bachelorette Joan Vassos, all awaiting the momentous decision. Jenn Tran, the first Asian American lead in the franchise’s history, is down to choosing between military veteran Marcus Shoberg and freight company owner Devin Strader.

The audience watches as the men meet Jenn’s family. Devin says all the right things, while Marcus expresses doubts about his love for Jenn. A final date with Devin in Hawaii appears significant as they perform a ceremony to clear their past burdens, preparing for a future together. Devin even gives Jenn a memento he received from a Maori shaman during their first one-on-one date in New Zealand.

Despite this, Marcus remains ambivalent. Jenn confronts him, and though he eventually admits he loves her, it’s too late. She rejects him, indicating a clear choice for Devin. Her intent to propose to Devin is later confirmed in a conversation with Jesse. Jenn’s choice not only sets a franchise first—her planning to propose—but also aligns with her insistence on taking control of her relationships.

And then it all unravels.

Jenn Tran and Devin Strader on “The Bachelorette” (Disney/John Fleenor)

Just when viewers expect Jenn to make her historic proposal, Jesse interrupts to say, “You won’t be seeing the proposal. Because of what transpired that day in Hawaii, we decided it wouldn’t be appropriate for anyone to see it until we heard from Jenn.”

Jenn bursts into inconsolable tears, explaining that her fairy-tale romance with Devin had turned into a nightmare. Devin had promised he would never abandon her, only to break off their engagement over the phone, claiming he no longer loved her.

In a heart-wrenching conversation, Jenn and Devin attempt to sort things out but make no headway. Jenn accuses Devin of following other women on Instagram, including “The Bachelor” fan favorite Maria Georgas. Devin’s response is a classic non-apology: “I’m not here to tell you you can’t feel the way you feel. Obviously, I failed you.” He dismisses her claims, saying he went clubbing with his castmates instead of taking the breakup seriously.

Jenn’s frustration peaks as she says, “Every Monday night my heart is broken over and over again, whereas you don’t give a crap. You’re posting about the show having a great time, and I am heartbroken every Monday night watching the lies.”

Jesse interrupts the emotional exchange to pull what many see as the worst twist—airing the unseen proposal for Jenn to watch live. He tells a tearful Jenn, “You showed America what a strong and powerful woman is. Nobody can ever take that away from you. I know you haven’t seen it yet. What do you think? Should we all watch it together?”

With tears still streaming, Jenn incredulously asks, “Do I have a choice?” She clearly feels she has none. Her pain becomes fodder for public consumption and entertainment, as the producers retcon her narrative into a tale of empowerment.

Using picture-in-picture, ABC airs the proposal while Jenn and the audience relive one of her most painful moments. It’s utterly merciless, sparking a round of sobbing from Jenn.

Jenn Tran on “The Bachelorette” (Disney/John Fleenor)

Such heartache isn’t new for “The Bachelor” franchise. In previous seasons, they’ve allowed contestants with problematic backgrounds and forced leads into uncomfortable conversations for the sake of drama. For example, Rachel Lindsay’s season included a contestant with a racist social media history, and Matt James was made to confront his absent father on screen. In another infamous moment, Arie Luyendyk Jr. and Becca Kufrin’s breakup was filmed in what was touted as “the first completely unedited scene in reality television history.”

Most “Bachelor Nation” members—contestants and viewers alike—are aware that heartache is part of the package. A love competition can’t exist without someone getting hurt. However, it’s rare for a breakup to occur before the finale.

While it seemed the show had learned a lesson or two, as Devin conducted his breakup by phone rather than on camera, the decision to have Jenn watch her romantic proposal live was baffling and brutal. The producers could have let Jenn grieve privately, backstage with her loved ones. Instead, they made a deliberate choice to broadcast her pain.

Throughout her season, Jenn had aimed to take control of her story, tired of toxic, controlling exes. Her decision to propose to Devin was part of that. However, Jesse’s insistence on showing the proposal despite her protests underscores the harsh reality: Jenn was never in control. “The Bachelor” franchise was, and always has been, in charge of her narrative.

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