The Bachelor Season 26, Episode 11 recap: Season finale (Part one)

The finale to beat all finales. At least that’s what people are making the ending to Clayton Echard‘s journey on The Bachelor Season 26 out to be. After Susie’s departure, Clayton is down to two women, Rachel and Gabby, out of 31 contestants.

The two-part finale brings to an end this crazy, worldwide adventure to find love.

Plus we got to hear Clayton say the overly-teased line, “I’m so broken,” like five minutes into the show. Let’s get into it.

The Bachelor Season 26, Episode 11 Recap

1) Rosy Roller Coaster

The show opens with Clayton in a church contemplating his life decisions up to this point as a choir serenades him. He has a discussion with Jesse the next day and lays out where he is at in this journey for love. Still confused about Susie he moves forward with what was an emotional roller coaster of a rose ceremony.

Rachel and Gabby enter and realize they are the only two left starring down two roses. Clayton lays it out to them saying he was in love with Susie and in love with both of them. He also admits to being intimate with both of them. Both women take a moment away, sobbing, and Clayton had to hear all of it.

Gabby was the first one to approach Clayton. Their conversation doesn’t end well as Clayton tries to plead his case. He reveals that the woman he leaves with will be the one he loves the most. That sends Gabby walking…literally not away from the show. After a break, Rachel approaches Clayton for an emotional conversation. Their conversation ends better with Rachel still conflicted but willing to give Clayton another chance. So far this episode hasn’t been worth the hype for the best finale in The Bachelor history.

And then they come back from break. Clayton’s first rose goes to Rachel who accepts it. His second rose goes to Gabby who declines it. Gabby holds firm on her stance of not competing for love although she voluntarily went on a show competing with other women for one man’s love. They discuss more and Gabby ends up accepting Clayton’s rose. So back to square one…

2) Meet the Echards on The Bachelor Season 26

After a break of discussing the show thus far with previous Bachelors and Bachelorettes (including Claire). They have some interesting takes on Clayton’s actions. Next, we go back to the show as Clayton meets with his family before the women do. He reveals that he is in love with three of the women, only two of which are still there. Clayton’s dad tells him he, “screwed the pooch.” His mom doubles down on that and says it will be hard to view Gabby as something other than a consolation prize. Well, this should be interesting.

Gabby and Clayton wear matching sweaters as Gabby meets his family for the first time. She talks with Clayton’s mom first and discusses last night’s events. Next up is papa bear. He tells Gabby he respects her decision to walk away and is real with her. They have a meaningful conversation about what the future may hold. Clayton’s dad has some wisdom and perspective that Clayton could have benefitted from. Where was this like six weeks ago?

Jesse teases something crazy happening ahead of Rachel meeting Clayton’s family. Rachel talks with Clayton’s mom first and discusses the recent rose ceremony catastrophe. Rachel says she’d be willing to accept Clayton’s proposal. She’s taking the whole loving-three-different-women-at-the same-time vibe pretty well. Next up is Clayton’s dad. He is surprised that Rachel can still trust Clayton after what he did to the women. He didn’t have as deep of a conversation as he did with Gabby but it was still positive. However, Clayton walks away from these dates feeling he still loves Susie. I think I see what’s happening here.

3) Susie’s Not So Gone

The “shocking turn” of this finale is that Susie is still in Iceland. Clayton is telling his family that he needs to follow his heart which is leading him to Susie. Since she is still in Iceland there is a chance the two can reunite. The show cuts back to the live audience where a panel of former Bachelors and Bachelorettes give their takes on what Susie should do. Many side with Susie following her intuition and making the best decision for her.

A lot is in store for part two of The Bachelor Season 26 finale. Anything can happen at this point. How will Gabby and Rachel feel if Clayton chooses Susie? What if she says no and he picks no one? All I know is the producers have suckered me into another episode. Of course, I want to see how this is going to end or ultimately blow up in Clayton’s face.

So many questions to ask here. What are your thoughts on the women’s reaction to Clayton’s complicated relationships? 

Let us know what you’re thinking in the comments below, Bachelor Nation!