Well friends, it’s finally here. This week, we’re going to find out who Charity chooses in her journey to find love on the 20th season of “The Bachelorette.” We started this season together when we learned that a local Carrboro resident, Xavier Bonner, would be fighting for a place in Charity’s heart. Unfortunately, as the saying goes, you either go home before Hometown Dates as a hero (Tanner) or you stay at the Bachelor Mansion long enough to become the villain.
Anyway, we’re down to Dotun, Joey, and for some reason, Aaron B. in the fight to become Charity’s fiancé.
If you have yet to watch Monday’s season finale episode of Bachelorette, stop reading now because we will spoil the episode and therefore the whole season.
Before we start, can we unpack Charity having acid reflux over Aaron’s return to Fiji? Girl, if you’re throwing up in your mouth at the sight of this man, please don’t put us all through the nonsense of pretending like this is going anywhere. Good thing Charity kept her Aaron B. receipt because the rose ceremony with the exchanged final three is confusing, hilarious and heartbreaking. Aaron, I hope you got some decent airline miles on this round trip to Fiji, and we’ll see you in paradise later next month.
If they gave PHDs in meeting someone’s parents, Joey would have graduated top of his class. It’s so refreshing to watch Joey, a man who stood out from the beginning, come so far and still be so open to all of this. I love that he wasn’t afraid to have a conversation about race with Charity’s sister and be vulnerable with her about some tough topics.
Dotun was at an unfair advantage meeting Charity’s parents after Joey spent time with them first. I imagine meeting a woman’s parents after Joey charmed them first is like auditioning after Meryl Streep. Charity’s mom Vickie and sister Mia seem to have her minds made up that Joey is the one, and I’m not sure how open they were to the idea of Dotun as Charity’s future husband.
It’s abundantly clear that, maybe more so than any other Bachelor or Bachelorette in history, Charity is so torn between these two men. She’s in love with both of them (because how could you not be, they’re wonderful) and can’t imagine breaking it off with one of them in order to end up with the other.
If you’re interested, The Golden Bachelor and Bachelor in Paradise will both premiere on September 28th. Brayden and all his accessories will be there, so watch at your own risk. I love a good risk and I will unfortunately be watching.
After two unbelievable final dates, I honestly don’t envy Charity for one moment. I think any Bachelor Nation fan will tell you that these are two of the best men to ever be on the show in 20 seasons, and one woman has to choose between them.
No one loves watching Neil Lane on TV more than Neil Lane. Dotun and Joey both meet with him to choose rings for Charity and at this point, I don’t know if it’s the Fiji heat or the tension over this decision, but the air is thick.
In case you’re new here, the loser always gets out of the first car, so when you hear the studio audience gasp when Joey shows up to the final rose ceremony first, that’s why. I knew this would be gut wrenching to watch, but when Joey referenced the poem that was written for them in New Orleans, I was a goner. For the record, as much as I enjoy reality TV, I hate that the runner-up has to pour their heart out before they’re rejected. It already feels so strange to be part of a moment so huge, but it’s extra exploitative to watch someone propose, knowing it’s already over for them. No one should ever cry this hard over a show who’s premier episode featured a guy in a bad wig and a fake mustache.
Charity and Joey being kind and respectful towards one another is not surprising whatsoever. They’re excellent communicators and they have a lot of love for each other which, in this extremely odd situation, is all you can ask for once you’ve broken someone’s heart. Also, Joey looks unbelievably handsome.
I am so thrilled to watch Charity and Dotun to get engaged! The love, respect and passion they feel for one another is electric, and it’s not an exaggeration to say they’re one of the most special couples to end up together because of this show. I don’t know about you, but I’m crying again, because I have so much hope that we just witnessed magic.
Because they got engaged months ago but it had to be kept a secret for obvious reasons, this is the first time Charity and Dotun have been in public as a couple. In addition to being in love, going on a Jesse-Palmer-funded-vacation to Greece, Charity is also going to star on the next season of ‘Dancing With the Stars’ thanks to the ABC Cinematic Universe.
Finally, because Jesse Palmer makes dreams come true, specifically mine, Joey is becoming the next Bachelor! He’s going to be a refreshing lead of the show, kicked off by how much he respects the love that Charity and Dotun built. I can’t wait to watch him hopefully find love – just not with someone who was picked out of the audience like they’re on The Price is Right – I have standards after all. Even though Joey looks horrified by all of this, he’s still handling himself really well, making me even more excited to watch him as The Bachelor.
With that, our time together has come to an end. Thank you all so much for taking this journey with me, and thank you to my friends at 97.9 The Hill and Chapelboro.com! Even though we found our way here because of a local connection through Xavier, in the end we were so lucky to watch a woman like Charity look for love. I’m so happy for her and Dotun, and I hope we get to watch their story continue.
Don’t forget to find me at your own risk on Twitter (I’m calling it that forever, sorry) so we can keep up with all the upcoming shenanigans together! Good luck deciding if Gerry or Joey is more charming – I better watch both of their seasons to be sure.
Ali Evans is a three-decade Chapel Hill resident currently living in Mebane with her husband Brian, dogs Cameron & Macaroni, and cats Brooke & Dexter. Ali is a Marketing professional in Durham, and a reluctant reality TV expert. She currently serves as President of Leadership Chapel Hill-Carrboro through The Chamber For a Greater Chapel Hill Carrboro. Ali loves all things local – food, drinks, people and places and is a really big fan of trains. You can find Ali on twitter @helloalievans, or get in touch via email – helloalievans@gmail.com.
