‘The Bachelor’ Recap: Rose Self-Eliminates From Grant’s Season After Drama With Carolina

The Bachelor: A Drama-Filled Journey in Spain

The latest episode of Grant Ellis’ season of The Bachelor was nothing short of explosive, filled with emotional highs, confrontations, and self-reflections. The drama kicked off with Rose, a 27-year-old nurse, taking the bold decision to self-eliminate after her tension with Carolina, a 29-year-old PR producer, reached a boiling point. The conflict between the two women had been simmering since week three, and this week, it finally came to a head. Rose confided in Carolina about a comment Grant had made, which she believed implied he was thinking of her during a solo dance with Carolina. However, Grant later denied the implication, leaving Carolina triggered and Rose feeling isolated. As the episode progressed, Rose realized she couldn’t continue in the competition, citing the emotional toll the situation had taken on her relationship with Grant. “I’ve been fighting myself for a long time,” she said in her final words. “Everything that happened with Carolina invalidated so much about my relationship that was so good.” With that, Rose walked away, leaving Grant and the other women stunned.

A Journey to Spain and Deeper Connections

This week, the remaining women embarked on a picturesque journey to Spain, where Grant hoped to deepen his connections with them. The first one-on-one date went to Dina, a 32-year-old attorney, who quickly opened up about her life growing up as one of 11 siblings. She described herself as an “ice queen,” someone who struggles to express her feelings, but Grant’s kind and understanding nature helped her let her guard down. As they explored the charming streets of Madrid, Grant revealed that Dina reminded him of his mother—a comparison he quickly clarified was not meant in a strange way. The date ended on a positive note, with Dina receiving a rose, proving that Grant sees potential in their relationship.

Meanwhile, Carolina found herself at the center of drama once again. After enjoying a one-on-one date in Vegas during the previous week, she was dismayed to discover that she would be participating in a group date this week. “If I’m lucky, he’ll kiss someone in front of me,” she quipped sarcastically, expressing her frustration over not getting more solo time with Grant. Her comments didn’t go unnoticed, and tensions among the women began to rise.

Emotional Moments and Group Date Chaos

The group date took an unexpected turn when the women participated in a series of activities, including a donkey ride and mechanical bull riding. However, the highlight of the date came when Zoe, a 27-year-old tech engineer and model, shared a deeply personal story with Grant. She opened up about her experiences growing up as a Black woman in a predominantly white neighborhood and the challenges of being adopted. Her vulnerability struck a chord with Grant, who seemed moved by her honesty. However, what would have been a moment to celebrate Zoe’s openness was overshadowed by drama. Juliana, a 28-year-old client service associate, confronted Carolina about her lack of gratitude for the time she had spent with Grant. The confrontation escalated, with the rest of the women siding with Juliana. Carolina broke down in tears, and Grant stepped in to comfort her. While it’s often hard to pinpoint who’s truly at fault in these situations, Juliana’s decision to apologize for her role in the conflict hinted that Carolina might be the source of the drama. As a result, Grant decided not to give out a group date rose, leaving the women disappointed and confused.

Serafina’s Heartfelt Connection and Parisa’s Rough Day

Grant’s second one-on-one date of the week was with Serafina, a 29-year-old associate media director. The two embarked on an adventurous bungee jumping excursion in the rain, which proved to be both thrilling and emotionally revealing. At one point, Grant expressed concerns that Serafina might not be attracted to him, citing her reserved approach to their kisses. However, Serafina quickly clarified that she was simply being cautious because her mom was watching the show—a relatable moment that broke the fourth wall in the most humorous way. Serafina also opened up about her past relationships, revealing that she often felt like something was missing. Grant, touched by her vulnerability, rewarded her with a rose, solidifying their connection.

On a lighter note, the episode also gave viewers a glimpse into Parisa’s incredibly bad day. From dealing with a pimple to burning herself with a curling iron and struggling with a chipped spray tan, Parisa’s misfortunes provided a much-needed comedic relief amid the drama. However, her luck took a turn for the worse during the rose ceremony, where she narrowly missed out on receiving the final rose.

The Cocktail Party and Rose Ceremony

The cocktail party brought its own set of challenges, particularly for Juliana and Carolina. Grant pulled Juliana aside to discuss her confrontation with Carolina, and while he commended her for speaking her mind, he also reminded her that any issues should be directed at him, not the other women. Juliana took the feedback in stride and apologized for her role in the drama, which further painted Carolina as the instigator. Meanwhile, Carolina’s emotions continued to spiral as she grappled with the aftermath of the confrontation. Grant reassured her that her feelings were valid but encouraged her to express them directly to him rather than the other contestants.

As the episode came to a close, the rose ceremony brought both relief and heartbreak. Parisa’s struggles continued as she failed to secure a rose, while Carolina managed to snag the final one, much to the surprise of the other women. With Rose’s self-elimination and Parisa’s departure, Grant narrowed his search down to the final seven contestants: Carolina, Dina, Serafina, Zoe, Juliana, Litia, and Alexe. As the episode wrapped up, Grant reminded the women that their presence on the show was a choice—a poignant reminder of the emotional and mental challenges they face as they compete for love.

A Season of Growth and Self-Discovery

This season of The Bachelor continues to prove that the journey is just as important as the destination. For Grant, it’s about finding a genuine connection with someone who is willing to be vulnerable and open. For the women, it’s about navigating their own emotions, insecurities, and relationships with each other. While the drama often takes center stage, moments like Zoe’s heartfelt conversation with Grant and Serafina’s relatable fourth-wall break remind us of the humanity behind the show. As the competition intensifies, one thing is clear: Grant’s final seven are in for a wild ride filled with love, heartbreak, and self-discovery.

The Bachelor airs every Monday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. Tune in next week to see what’s next for Grant and his remaining contestants.