'The Bachelor' 2013 Finale: Sean Lowe Gives Out His Final Rose

Sean Lowe has said just about every week on this season of the bachelor that he's confident he would find his wife on this show. It took him until the very last day to make his choice, but in the end he proposed to the woman who he saw as his best friend. And so, despite almost missing out on a rose after the hometown dates, Catherine won Sean's heart and his final rose. Looking like a Bond girl in a slinky gold dress, Catherine provided the producers with some good false drama by sending Sean a love letter they were able to use in promos to suggest one of the girls was bowing out. But that letter actually just showed Sean that he was making a good choice, proposing to a woman who is confident in herself and her feelings for the bachelor. While neither woman would have been a controversial choice tonight, Sean heightened the drama by refusing to choose between graphic designer Catherine and substitute teacher Lindsay until the last minute. When Catherine told Sean flat out that she loved home for the first time tonight, he responded with a frustratingly noncommittal "Thanks for today." Ouch. This left Catherine rightfully terrified. But on the last day he decided she was the one, because Catherine was the woman he didn't want to say goodbye to. The proposal was quick and heartfelt and Catherine's reaction was a combination of lovestruck and gobsmacked. As they rode away on top of an elephant, it seemed to be a fitting ending to a show to that attempts to create fairy tale romance. But before that moment could happen, Sean had to dismiss Lindsay. She struggled over a footbridge in evening dress and high heels, only to be met with "You're wonderful but..." from Sean. The shoes came off immediately and Lindsay left wondering what was missing. Sean certainly didn't help matters by confirming for the first time that he did love her. Did you really need to tell her that right after you broke up with her, buddy? Lindsay took it remarkably well, especially as it seemed she had no clue that was coming. She still seemed curious on the after-show what was missing from their relationship, but seemed genuinely happy for Sean and Catherine (whose marriage will be broadcast on ABC in the near future, because of course it will be). The other big news of the night, the new Bachelorette. As I predicted last week, Desiree has decided to throw herself into the fire and take up the mantle of "The Bachelorette." She's a good choice because she's sweet and pretty and is able to talk at length without revealing anything important. I think plenty of men will be happy to compete for her and she should have a good season when her turn comes.

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