
The Bachelor Season 29 has taken viewers on an eventful journey over just two episodes. Speculation has arisen that some contestants may be producer plants, strategically placed to generate conflict rather than authentically seek a connection with the leading man, Grant Ellis. Grant, a 31-year-old day trader originally from Newark, New Jersey, now residing in Houston, Texas, started the season with 25 women. Following the premiere and several dates, he has already reduced the number to 14 hopefuls.
Episode 2 of The Bachelor saw significant tension among the women during two group dates. However, Grant’s first one-on-one date with Alexe Godin, the recipient of the first impression rose, was notably successful, introducing a new element to the series. As Grant navigates his search for love, we explore five contestants believed to be potential producer plants.
1 Zoe McGrady
Zoe Sparked Drama by Stealing Time with Grant During the First Group Date

Zoe, 27, is a tech engineer and model from New York City. From her entrance, Zoe made an impression by arriving at the Bachelor Mansion with a t-shirt gun filled with shirts featuring her and Grant’s faces. This unusual introduction set the tone for her playful attitude, as she shot t-shirts into the courtyard, even landing one in the pool. While some women found her antics amusing, others were clearly irritated.
During the first group date featured in episode 2, a basketball-themed challenge allowed Zoe to demonstrate her competitive spirit. Instead of participating in a slam dunk contest, she interrupted and took Grant to the rooftop for one-on-one time, cutting into valuable game time. The other women expressed their frustration, feeling that Zoe was disrupting the intended purpose of the date.
Throughout the basketball game, Zoe’s aggressive playstyle, honed from her wrestling background, added to the tension. An altercation with Alli Jo showcased escalating emotions, culminating in confrontations at the afterparty where Zoe dismissed criticism with a flippant comment about love and competition. Many viewers suspect that her controversial behavior might be orchestrated by the producers, with Zoe potentially cast to stir drama rather than genuinely pursue a relationship with Grant.
2 Carolina Sofia
Carolina’s Public Display of Affection Sparks Controversy

Carolina, a 28-year-old public relations producer hailing from Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, captured Grant’s attention during her initial entrance by speaking Spanish. Their early conversations laid a foundation, but it was during the second group date that Carolina stole the spotlight. In an R&B song-writing challenge, Carolina eventually won and rewarded herself with a prolonged kiss with Grant in front of the other contestants.
The other women, visibly uncomfortable with the public display of affection, expressed their feelings during a later afterparty, which led to Carolina grappling with feelings of guilt about her actions. While she demonstrated more empathy than Zoe, her initial kiss could suggest that Carolina was also playing a role designed for heightened drama. Additionally, her past television experience on FOX’s game show, We Are Family, hints at a desire for visibility within the industry, which some believe may have influenced her casting.
3 Alli Jo Hinkes
Alli Jo Engages in Confrontation

Alli Jo, a 30-year-old boxing trainer from Manalapan, New Jersey, made her presence known with a dramatic entrance featuring a heart-shaped pizza. However, it was her fiery confrontations, particularly with Zoe, that highlighted her dynamic. Alli Jo’s fixation on Zoe’s actions appeared to detract from her intended connection with Grant, raising questions about her motivations.
Contestants similar to Alli Jo have previously become entangled in conflicts, overshadowing their pursuit of love. Her heightened reactions to Zoe’s behavior suggest a premeditated role aimed at delivering audience engagement. This suspicion is fueled by the fact that Alli Jo’s confrontations with Zoe not only diverted attention from Grant but also aligned conveniently with the show’s ongoing narrative of rivalry.
4 Bailey Brown
Bailey’s Social Media Focus Raises Eyebrows
Bailey, a vibrant 27-year-old social media manager from Atlanta, Georgia, drew attention during her first interactions by prioritizing social media moments. During the premiere, she notably requested to take solo photos with Grant before engaging him in conversations featuring playful wig exchanges. Her dedication to the visual storytelling aspect of the show contrasts sharply with the emotional connections expected in relationships.
Bailey’s later emotional breakdown following Carolina’s romantic kiss suggested a shift from her initially confident persona, leading to speculation about her authenticity. Despite receiving a rose, her pronounced distress and obsession with validation may point towards a calculated approach, geared more towards securing social media visibility than developing a sincere bond with Grant.
5 Rose Sombke
Rose’s Doubts About Staying in the Competition

Rose, a 27-year-old registered nurse from Chicago, Illinois, made an impactful entrance by playfully referencing the show’s notorious rose ceremonies. However, throughout subsequent episodes, her emotional sensitivity became evident, especially following distressing events like witnessing Carolina’s kiss with Grant. With visible tears, Rose expressed her feelings of inadequacy compared to the other women, generating a sense of sympathy but also casting doubt over her authenticity.
Preview clips from episode 3 further indicate Rose’s wavering confidence and dissatisfaction, hinting at the possibility of her departure. Such dramatic shifts align with behaviors commonly seen in producer plants, especially as they keep viewers engaged with potential outcomes. Rose’s initial charisma appears to be faltering, leaving questions about whether her turmoil is genuine or merely an act designed to create intrigue for the audience.
The tension exhibited during The Bachelor Season 29 has sparked curiosity about possible internal dynamics among contestants. While it remains speculative whether the five mentioned women are indeed producer plants, their actions throughout the first couple of episodes indicate that their motives may not align with seeking authentic connections. As the season unfolds, it will be crucial for Grant to discern between those genuinely interested in forging relationships and those potentially driven by producer influence.
The Bachelor airs Mondays at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.
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