Why Did Johnny Go Home On The Bachelorette?

As everyone knows, the ideal endgame of any season of The Bachelorette is an engagement. The audience knows it, the leads know it, and even the contestants know it. However, without fail, every season gives way to one or even several contestants who just aren’t ready to pop the question when the finale begins to approach. Once the process starts to get real, so do their apprehensions. This was a seasonal phenomenon that was most recently endured by Johnny, the season’s dark horse favorite, and unfortunately, it led to his departure during Fantasy Suites week.

Johnny’s exit, though dramatic, wasn’t all that unexpected. It took a while for Johnny to make a splash during the season. It wasn’t until Episode 5 that Johnny was able to show off his depth; he was awarded a solo date with Gabby that began at a beer-themed spa and brewery, where he was able to display his goofier side. However, it was at dinner during the date when he was able to open up about his struggles with mental health and bring down his emotional walls. “I really do believe what Johnny and I have is really special,” Gabby said after the date. “I really do love the inside of Johnny.”

However, the clearest writing on the wall came during the hometown portion of the season, when Johnny told his parents during their solo conversations that he didn’t know if he was ready to propose. Though his parents tried to offer their son some reassurance, it seems as though Johnny’s reticence to get down on one knee was just too much to overcome.

Gabby and Johnny began the day portion of their date by taking a quick jaunt on a sailboat. “Gabby is the dopest girl I think I’ve ever hung with,” Johnny told the cameras. “I feel like she’s my person.” They went on to discuss how easy it is to be around one another. “He’s really taught me to trust people,” Gabby said. “I’m so hopeful about a future with him.”

However, Gabby was looking for reassurance as it pertained to Johnny’s feelings towards post-show life. “It’s like a battle in my head,” he said, rather evasively. “I can see myself falling in love with you,” he added and went on to outline that he may not reach full commitment when it comes time for an engagement. “Life with you would be insane. You’re exactly the type of person I’d want to fall in love with,” he said. “I just don’t know If I can get to an engagement next week.” The duo sat on the beach, watching the sunset as the sun set on their own relationship. Gabby thanked him for his honesty. Despite Gabby’s own difficulties with the breakup, she did acknowledge that she still has two suitors, ready for a future with her.

For those of you wondering if this is the last we’ll see of Johnny — fear not — he’s heading to Bachelor in Paradise. Before tonight’s episode, Johnny’s appearance on the beach was little more than a rumor, but eagle-eyed fans spotted the eliminated contestant in the promo for Season 8. I know, it’s hard to imagine a hot guy from Florida, who also loves the beach, ending up on Paradise, but Johnny is a trendsetter.