Did Bachelor in Paradise 4 ruin their own engagement surprise?
Multiple sources are confirming a Reality Steve report from earlier this week saying that during the taping for the reunion show earlier this week, contestants Derek Peth and Taylor Nolan got engaged. In terms of the arc of the show, this makes sense given that they were one of the season’s most-prominent couples; they’ve had some drama here and there, but remember that last season Carly Waddell originally didn’t want to date Evan Bass at all; not, they’re married and expecting a child together. This show has produced two marriages and eventually two pregnancies in three seasons, which really is a pretty good track record. When you think about all of this, it’s easy to feel as though Taylor and Derek actually have a good shot of making this work.
The one question that we wonder is rather simple: Why in the world are you taping the Bachelor in Paradise reunion show? Obviously, the folks over at ABC have been around the black enough to know that spoilers are going to get out, and in turn this proposal is going to be reported on. This was the big moment that would get people watching this, and now some of that drama is gone. This is a franchise that, in general, is so stuffed full of pre-taped content that it’s very hard to surprise anyone.
Are we sure that there are more logistical challenges that come with doing a live show? Sure, especially since you’ve got a lot of different cast members to wrangle and it’s easy to think that the situation could get out of hand rather quickly. Meanwhile, you also have to imagine that Derek probably didn’t want to be told that he needs to rush the proposal because they’re “running out of time.” We get why the moment happened the way that it did and on a show that could be taped in advance.
Yet, there is also an electricity about a live reunion show that can’t be replaced. This is why we’ve had so many good After the Final Rose shows over the years, given that people are raw and they know that every word they say is being watched by America. This could’ve made the proposal all the more exciting.
Note to Bachelor in Paradise producers: If you are thinking about doing another reunion show next year, maybe change around the format? You could be rather happy that you did in the end.
Do you think Bachelor in Paradise should have a live reunion show? Share now in the attached comments! (Photo: ABC.)