Dean Just Blew His Chance At ‘The Bachelor’ — And Not Because Of His Dad

He’s been described as a “fan favorite” and “hot” and Rachel even named him her “beautiful surprise,” but did Dean blow the opportunity to be named The Bachelor in this week’s episode of The Bachelorette? It’s possible.

He not only had the most awkward and heart-wrenching hometown date of all the four dudes left, and that includes Bryan’s mom who needs to chill, but then he was sent home! And that would’ve been the top shocker of the episode, except then he reacted to his packing orders — or rather, didn’t react.

From the time Peter’s name was called to receive the last rose of the week (which, duh, he’s so clearly got this locked), I scanned Dean’s gorgeous blue eyes for a hint of moisture, and it was a damn desert in there. As he and Rachel walked to a bench, he gave her the whole, “Hope you find what you’re looking for” speech, but didn’t offer much else. He got in the limo, and still nothing! Dry eyes!

You gotta cry, bro! Show that soft side — it’s the way we feel emotionally connected to you, and also a bit sorry for you, and therefore want to root for your journey to find love on The Bachelor. But you forfeited that, and it’s the reason why you went home, and now, will probably stay there.

At this time during the last season of The Bachelorette , when JoJo ripped Luke’s heart out, he got all shaky-voiced and stunned and that’s why so many residents of #BachelorNation were bummed when he wasn’t named The Bachelor (not that Nick Viall could ever be mistaken for Mr. Emotional, but he did open up during his run). Rachel’s number one complaint about Dean has been that he’s too busy joking around to get serious and vulnerable, and she was right: it came back to bite him in his (cute) butt.

Now, this all came after a super emotional encounter with his father, where Dean questioned his dad about their past and current relationship, and was as honest as he’s ever been. To go from that dip on the emotional roller coaster, to not even getting a rose from Rachel, that is a tough break, for sure. But he got all defiant and hardened up, instead of confronting his emotions at the rose ceremony and on his walk to the car. There were dudes way earlier on in this season that teared up at the thought of going home. Dudes that never got the chance to kiss Rachel or have a 1-on-1 or introduce them to their unconventional parents on national television, and they let the tears roll down their cheeks. But Dean sealed up, therefore sealing the deal on his chance to become The Bachelor.

If the 26-year-old were going to take on that title, he’d have to be way more open with the women putting their lives on hold for him, and that’s just not something he can guarantee at this point. He’s incredibly attractive, and seems to be a good listener and good kisser (compared to Bryan, who needs to chill), but Rachel is right: he’s just not ready. Look, 26 is young. While Dean has gone through some unbelievably heavy emotional stuff, he doesn’t have the maturity there as someone who is ready to put a ring on it.

How fun it would’ve been to see him put on those nice suits and gel his hair and flash that smile, but as viewers, we would’ve felt we were left out in the cold, just as much as any of the lady contestants would be, and who’s got the time to try and knock at the emotional shield he’s put up? It’s a bummer, and not just because we’re also missing out on the chance to see prospective gals take part in a gong mediation.

It was a bit of a surprise (at first) that Dean was let go, and an even bigger surprise that he didn’t put on more of a show, even by the time he was riding away. But he’ll still be adorable, and with a couple of therapy sessions under his belt, he’ll do just fine.

So now, we turn to the remaining gents. Peter’s got to be the winner. Bryan…seems eligible, but again, the way he kisses and the intensity of his mom should scare any woman away. He’s handsome enough to be The Bachelor, but really, why would he be? Especially when there’s Eric left. We all got to see a new side to him around his family, and they look fun, like, get them on Family Feud immediately, kind of fun. Even though he had some diva moments earlier in the season, Eric could pull this one out, and not only because it would give ABC another shot at that diversity they tried (and ultimately failed) to incorporate this season.

Oh, Dean. We hate to see you go, but love to watch you walk away.

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