The Bachelor Season 29 is already proving to be a rollercoaster of emotions, and we’re only three episodes in! Grant Ellis, the charming 31-year-old leading man, has quickly won over fans with his sincerity, sense of humor, and undeniable charisma. Episode 3 of Grant’s journey brought us closer to the heart of the competition, with dates that were equal parts fun, emotional, and dramatic. Let’s break down the highlights of this jam-packed episode, from finance-themed group dates to heartfelt one-on-ones, unexpected departures, and even a surprise prom night.
The episode kicked off with a group date that had everything: laughs, lessons in personal finance, and even a few tears. Grant’s 14 remaining women gathered for a day of “girl math” hosted by Shark Tank star Daniel Lubetzky and comedian Hannah Berner. The activity was designed to test their financial smarts, but it quickly turned into a game of wit and humor. The ladies were tasked with earning “Grant Bucks,” a playful twist on Schrute Bucks from The Office, by answering quirky questions like, “How much do you want Grant to spend on a wedding ring?” and “What’s the most risqué thing you’ve ever purchased?” Bailey, who figured out early that humor was the key to success, ended up raking in the most Grant Bucks and used her winnings to snag a prize: Grant’s plain white T-shirt and a sweet dessert-filled evening with him.
The group date was filled with lighthearted moments, like Parisa and Grant bonding over a game of Chubby Bunny (where you stuff marshmallows in your mouth while saying “chubby bunny”), and Juliana melting hearts with her dog-loving personality. But the evening took a turn when Zoe, who had already been rubbing some of her co-stars the wrong way, broke down in tears. The tension escalated when Zoe overheard some of the women commenting on her outfit, which led to a tearful conversation with Grant. Grant stepped in to address the drama, emphasizing the importance of kindness and accountability. By the end of the night, almost everyone in the group was in tears, making it clear that the pressure of the competition was starting to take its toll.
Grant’s first one-on-one date of the week was with Carolina Quixano, a 28-year-old public relations producer from Puerto Rico who had already made a strong impression by winning Episode 2’s singing competition. Grant swept her off her feet with a private jet to Las Vegas, where they took the leap of faith together—literally. The two skydived off the 829-foot Strat Hotel, creating an unforgettable shared experience. Over a romantic dinner, Carolina opened up about her epilepsy diagnosis and her fears of being judged for her condition. Grant’s response was nothing short of heartfelt, assuring her that her health would never stand in the way of their relationship. His sincerity and kindness shone through, and Carolina left the date with a rose, solidifying her place as one of Grant’s front-runners.
The episode also saw an unexpected twist when Beverly Ortega, one of the contestants, made a sudden exit from the show. According to reports, Beverly fell ill after a previous date and was hospitalized, which made it impossible for her to continue in the competition. Instead of a second one-on-one date, Grant opted for a three-on-one date with Sarafiena, Dina, and Litia at Vanderpump Dogs, Lisa Vanderpump’s dog rescue in Los Angeles. The date was filled with adorable moments of dog grooming and bonding, but it was Litia who truly captured Grant’s attention. She shared a heart-wrenching story about losing her father at a young age and how her mother’s strength has inspired her. Grant’s thoughtful response—FaceTiming Litia’s mom to thank her—left viewers in awe. Litia’s emotional depth and genuine connection with Grant earned her a rose, and she even got a slow dance under the stars to seal the deal.
The episode wrapped up with an impromptu prom-themed cocktail party, a fun twist on the usual format. Grant, who had missed his high school prom, got a second chance with his 13 remaining women, plus a few surprise guests from Bachelor Nation’s Golden Era. But the night wasn’t without drama. Carolina, who had earlier felt secure after her one-on-one date, broke down in tears when she learned that Grant had allegedly told another contestant, Rose, that he was thinking of her during a group date. The situation quickly escalated, but Grant was quick to clarify that the comment had been taken out of context, and he made it clear that he wouldn’t tolerate disrespect or misunderstandings. Despite the tension, the evening ended with a sense of hope and renewal, as Grant handed out roses to the women who were one step closer to winning his heart.
In the end, four women—Alli Jo, Bailey, Beverly, and Chloie—said their goodbyes, leaving Grant with 11 women still in the running for his affection. As the season progresses, it’s clear that Grant is taking his time to get to know each of these women on a deeper level, and his emotional intelligence and vulnerability are setting him apart as one of the most heartfelt leads in Bachelor history. With the group heading to Madrid next week, the stakes are about to get even higher, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store for Grant and his remaining contestants. Stay tuned!
