After Tuesday’s shocking-in-a-bad-way finale of The Bachelorette, die-hard reality TV fans aren’t the only ones objecting to Jenn’s outcome — her brother James Tran made his feelings clear on Instagram.
During the finale, Jenn’s brother James dutifully grilled both remaining contestants, Devin and Marcus.
In fact, in our initial coverage of The Bachelorette’s finale, we observed:
“In the first hour of the finale, Jenn’s brother James seemed almost like a cop, grilling her suitors and repeatedly saying Jenn had a history of falling for ’emotionally unavailable men.’
“In those scenes, it seemed like James was being overbearing and judgmental. (We’re sorry we thought that, James.)”
Unfortunately for just about everyone involved, James Tran’s fears came to immediate fruition as the finale drew to a close, when viewers learned that Devin had quickly changed his tune after saying all the right things to win Jenn and the Tran family over.
Jenn is 26, and James Tran is her older brother – though the elder Tran’s age is not widely known – and he assumed something of a fatherly role in evaluating his sister’s suitors.
In the wake of the controversial Bachelorette finale, James has been called “the only good guy onscreen,” and his concerned demeanor wholly vindicated, much to his dismay.
Fans Hated The Finale, And James Tran Said It Was ‘Needlessly Cruel’
As we previously reported, Bachelor and Bachelorette stars and viewers of the show were horrified by Jenn’s treatment in the finale.
James Tran commented on the Bachelorette finale via Instagram Story.
While Instagram Stories expire after 24 hours, a screenshot was shared on Reddit’s r/thebachelor:
After seeing James’ fervent attempts to prevent Jenn’s heart being broken, his thoughts on the finale were all the more meaningful.
James Tran was labeled the best “guy” featured on the finale, and the measured and reasonable tone he used to express himself shows why.
Even though he was clearly upset, James took care to remain even-tempered and charitable in his assessment, and even seemed to encourage giving others the benefit of the doubt:
“So … that was rough and dare I say, needlessly cruel. It’s hard to hold grudges against any one person or entity though.
“We all have our priorities. And I like to think the intentions are honorable as well … ”
James proceeded to use an analogy to compare relationships to rough seas, musing that love often entails “huge waves like last night that will toss you around, suffocate you, and bruise you.”
He didn’t linger on the negative, though, ending with a reference to Jenn Tran’s newly announced DWTS gig:
Hang tight, sis. Your heart will be beating to a much better rhythm soon [dancing emoji]
And though Instagram Stories expire, Bachelorette fans visited the comments section of James’ recent post to praise him.
One gushed:
“Omg are you a therapist or something!? Lol you were so spot on with everything and it was all so beautifully said! Jenn is SO lucky to have you as a big brother to watch over her, protect her and care for her!
“And we’re all lucky to witness that !! Now I need you to help steer me away from these f-boys too & drop all these knowledge bombs 😂”
Another admitted that James’ scenes with Jenn brought them to tears:
“I’ve actually never cried while watching the Bachelorette, until the moments when you were talking with Jenn and I could just feel the love between you two.
“It turns out you were the positive Asian American male representation that I was hoping to see on screen! I’m happy to know that Jenn will always have you in her corner to support her. 🙌”
Finally, several commenters asserted that James Tran was “the best person on this season of Bachelorette,” and dubbed him “Bachelor Nation’s fave big brother.”