Villain Viall Announced As Next Bachelor
I think it is safe to say everyone's jaws dropped last night when the new Bachelor was announced. Instead of the expected candidates Chase McNary or Luke Pell walking out on the set of After the Final Rose, ABC threw us a curve ball! Out walked Bachelorette Season 10 and 11 runner-up Nick Viall.
That turned some heads. While there has been nothing but mixed reviews, I just have to say if Molly Mesnick, Kaitlyn Bristowe and even Josh Murray are on board, then so am I! In fact, I am 100% OK with this decision. Everyone deserves a second...third...err... fourth chance at love. Right?
Chris Harrison graced us with his presence this morning on Good Morning America to discuss why Nick was the one chosen. In the end, he said, it came down to who was most deserving and everyone found that to be Nick. I mean the guy has been pretty much jilted at the alter twice, not to mention things aren't looking too promising for him and Jen on the upcoming season finale of Bachelor in Paradise. (Obviously it doesn't work out, or he wouldn't be in this position!)
But, I will be the first to admit that I DESPISED the man when he first became a part of the Bachelor Franchise. And I know I am not the only one. He was cocky and arrogant, and then America literally hated him when he outed Andi for having sex with him as the runnerup and then ultimately choosing Josh. I still cringe thinking about that moment.
Then Nick went on to redeem his image and vy for Kaitlyn's heart. Ending in yet another heartbreak and the label of "Runner Up" becoming true yet again. Yet, Villain Viall turned into someone you actually rooted for during Kaitlyn's season. He stuck up for her when the two of them engaged in *cough* adult behavior before the fantasy suite and Kaitlyn was bombarded with social media bullies. He proved himself to actually be a decent human being.
Yet, I feel with the spotlight off of him as runner-up, we were able to really get to know the "real" Nick on Bachelor in Paradise this season. He just seems like a genuinely good guy who is there "for the right reasons." Not only did it appear that Viall was in Mexico to find love but to also just meet new people and create new friendships. It is apparent that Jubilee Sharpe, Haley and Emily Ferguson, and Amanda Stanton all looked up to Nick as a big brother figure. And not only that, he is literally the only one who is honest to Ashley I's face. He constantly tells her, "You're not in love with Jared, it's lust," "Jared is never going to go for you," and "No one likes a crybaby." Well, someone had to say it!
Chris Harrison and the rest of America have no doubt that Nick can find love as the Bachelor. And it truly is the classic love story. Nice guys finish last, eh? The dude is 35, been on three of the ABC seasons yet it worked for him each time! He fell hard for Dorfman and Bristowe, only to be left out in the dust once more.
All in all, I am a Nick fan. For me, he went from a creepy stalker of Andi's season to a guy just seeking love with Kaitlyn to now a scruffier, older, more mature Bachelor who wants to give it one more shot. PLEASE let this work for him! If anyone deserves love, it is him! Plus, Nick is the first to admit that he has made some mistakes in this process but he is hoping for his season to end on a positive note.
I think this season will be extremely interesting. Especially because in the Bachelor franchise, Nick is somewhat of an older Bachelor (but not the oldest, contrary to popular belief!) When Tenley Molzahn, 32, and Clare Crawley, 34, returned to Paradise last season, the show made it appear as if they did not fit in because of their age. I am 22 and I could not imagine going on the Bachelor right now and feeling confident to accept a marriage proposal. I think your 30s are a time to settle down and I pray that ABC gives Nick some diverse mature women to choose from. No more 21-year-olds!
Let's finally get this man engaged! Will you be watching Nick's journey to find love this January? Were you surprised/angry the Bachelor was not Luke or Chase? Tell me your thoughts in the comments section below!