Bachelor Matt James Recap: Being Vulnerable

Bachelor Matt James Recap | Episode 1 |

It’s a new dawn. It’s a new day. It’s a new life for Matt James. And he’s feeling good because his journey to find love doesn’t involve a resort that might as well be located on the surface of the sun. 

ABC learned its lesson and has moved the show to the Nemacolin Luxury Resort in Farmington, Pennsylvania. Instead of having free rein of a prop closet full of craft supplies, this place has actual date-like things to do and outdoor experiences, providing a perfect place to fall in love. 

We won’t see Matt James sweating through three layers of a charcoal grey wool/polyester blend suit. We will see him shirtless at least once per episode. 

Although the list is significant, the main reason I love Matt James as our lead is that he’s never been on the show before. His nerves charm me. His anxiety is actually endearing. He has no clue what he’s doing, so he looks to Our Host Chris Harrison for some advice during a fireside chat. 

Matt James: “What can I expect, oh wise one?”
OHCH: “There’s a phenomenal chance you will meet the woman of your dreams.”
Lincee: “I’ve missed you, Hare. And I understand the underlying reason that you are moving to Texas.”

Matt James: “How should I handle tonight meeting all the women?”
OHCH: “Make sure you leave with joy. And peace. And full of love.”
Lincee: “Or any other fruit of the Spirit that you may find handy. May I suggest self-control?”

Matt James grew up in North Carolina but now lives in New York as a commercial real estate broker. His real passion is working with inner-city kids. His mom is white, and his dad (who left them at a young age) is black. Does his mother look like Celine Dion’s long lost cousin? Yes. Yes, she does.

It’s been a while since Matt James has been vulnerable to someone. (Notice I didn’t spell the word like everyone on this show pronounces it. Vunable will win you no points in Scrabble.) He knows that love is a brave man’s game, but he’s ready to keep “ten toes on the ground” and go for it. If quarantine taught him anything, it’s that life isn’t perfect and you must reach for the stars when you’re being catapulted into a reality show by Mike Fleiss’ slingshot. 

That metaphor got away from me, but you catch my drift. 

Now, let’s meet the women who suffered through five COVID tests for the chance to win the heart of one tall, dark, and handsome man. 

Abigail
25
Client Financial Manager
Beaverton, Oregon
INSTAGRAM
Status: First Impression Rose

Why you remember her:
Thanks to an honest moment and darling personality, Abigail is the one with a huge target on her back. That’s right, she is the recipient of Matt James’ first impression rose, and I approve.

Abigail is deaf and immediately shares the fact with Matt James upon exiting the limo. She wants him to understand why she will be staring at his supple lips in the near future. Not that she minds.

Alana
26
Photographer
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

INSTAGRAM
Status: Rose

Why you remember her:
Alana presents Matt James a bowl of spaghetti, plucks a single noodle from the mound, offers him an end, and proceeds to Lady and the Tramp her way into a stolen kiss.

You don’t really see Alana again until the rose ceremony when you bless her heart for wearing the exact same red crisscross dress as Anna. How generous of the ABC producers to place the pair right beside each other so the entire world notices.

Alicia
24
Professional Ballerina
New York, New York
INSTAGRAM
Status: No Rose

Why you remember her:
Sweet Alicia pirouettes from the limo, to the cocktail party, and then straight back into an awaiting rejection SUV.

Amber
30
Nursing Student
Costa Mesa, California
INSTAGRAM
Status: No Rose

Why you remember her:
You remember Amber’s lips. The end.

Anna
24
Copywriter
Chicago, Illinois
INSTAGRAM
Status: Rose

Why you remember her:
Anna is that girl you enjoy being around in small doses. She is addicted to caffeine, and it shows. I did enjoy the “Bachelor Survival Kit” she extends to Matt James, not for the stress ball inside, but more for the tiny little red flags he’s supposed to stick in a woman’s hair when he discovers a problem.

Matt James refrains from placing a red flag in Anna’s hair and promises to find her inside. The next time we see Anna, she dramatically points at herself with a shocking, “WHO ME?” look on her face as Matt James distributes coveted roses.

Technically, the “who me” moment was lost in translation. Matt James announces ALANA’s name. Not Anna. The fact that they were wearing the same dress makes the moment even more awkward as Alana asks Anna to skooch over so she can get to Matt James. Alana doesn’t even notice Anna shoving a tiny flag in her updo.

Anna lands the second-to-last rose. I’m already exhausted by her behavior.

Bri
24
Communications Manager
San Francisco, CA
INSTAGRAM IS PRIVATE
Status: Rose

Why you remember her:
Bri is first out of the limo, which means she will go far. Her electric green dress is gorgeous. She also has a similar background as Matt James. Her mom is Persian, and her dad (who isn’t in the picture anymore) is black. Matt James is intrigued, and so am I. Bri is definitely a front-runner.

Carolyn
30
Journalist
Los Angeles, CA
INSTAGRAM
Status: No Rose

Why you remember her:
Carolyn gives Matt James a sprig of lavender to calm him down. She keeps a piece of it, too, which explains why she was such a sleeper of a contestant. Night, night Carolyn.

Where are my essential oil lovers out there? Should she use peppermint next time? Rosemary? Red Bull?

Casandra
25
Social Worker
Newport Beach, California
INSTAGRAM
Status: No Rose

Why you remember her:
Casandra garners exactly twelve seconds of air time. Sadly, this lovely woman is in a football jersey and is never heard from again.

Chelsea
28
Runway Model
Brooklyn, New York
INSTAGRAM
Status: Rose

Why you remember her:
Who can forget Chelsea? The style. The runway walk. The fact that she’s practically as tall as Matt James.

Let’s not forget her “dress” either. How can a frock with so much material manage not to cover the majority of Chelsea’s boobs? It’s a feat of engineering.

Corrinne
22
Marketing Manager
Pomfret, Connecticut
INSTAGRAM
Status: No Rose

Why you remember her:
You don’t.

Emani
24
Realtor
Albuquerque, New Mexico
INSTAGRAM
Status: No Rose

Why you remember her:
Emani looked as if she was going to use one of the dozen bobby pins in her hair when her name was omitted from the ceremonial roses.

Illeana
25
Health Food Developer
New York, New York
INSTAGRAM
Status: Rose

Why you remember her:
“Will you hold my balls in your mouth?”

Tragic.

Jessenia
27
Social Media Marketer
San Antonio, Texas
INSTAGRAM
Status: Rose

Why you remember her:
I’m not sure I know who this person is…

Kaili
26
Hostess
Chicago, Illinois
INSTAGRAM
Status: Rose

Why you remember her:
You wonder where Kaili purchased her cute bra and panties. How do you know it’s cute, you ask? Because she arrives in her underwear, rolling a portable closet so Matt James can pick out which dress she will wear to the ball.

Vomit.

My favorite part is when Kaili waltzes into the sunken living room in lingerie, carrying a strapless gown with sewn-in cups for her boobs.

Katie
29
Bank Marketing Manager
Renton, Washington
INSTAGRAM
Status: Rose

Why you remember her:
Alas, she’s the one on the roster you want to forget. And that’s saying something with Queen Victoria still on the list.

Katie brings a sex toy to her meet-an-greet. Some Guy in Austin calls it her “Pavelka.” I shall borrow that moniker since I suspect the device will make appearances in future episodes.

So you’ve got a Pavelka, and you’re waving it around, saying crude things in front of Matt James. Whatever. It’s your icebreaker, Katie. You do you. (not a euphemism.)

As Katie continues to carry Pavelka around like it’s a refreshing gin and tonic or whimsical wristlet, she slowly misses her window of “the wacky and fun girl.” She reaches a disturbing level when she uses the tip to tap a girl named Mari on the shoulder to steal Matt James away.

Mari rushes to the ABC Intern, requesting an extra bottle of hand sanitizer to slather over the left side of her body.

Khaylah
28
Healthcare Advocate
Durham, North Carolina
INSTAGRAM
Status: Rose

Why you remember her:
Khaylah arrives in an old truck and charms Matt James with tales from back home in North Carolina. She then entices him with a Mason jar of sweet tea. Later, Khaylah compares Matt James to an entire meal. He’s not just a snack. He’s the appetizer, entree, and dessert.

I can confirm that his milkshake brings all the girls to the yard. I can also confirm that I have no idea what that means.

Kimberly
28
Airline Recruiter
Seattle, Washington
INSTAGRAM
Status: No Rose

Why you remember her:
Kimberly throws a fish at Matt James and he does not catch it.

Kit
21
Fashion Entrepreneur
New York, New York
INSTAGRAM
Status: Rose

Why you remember her:
You try and perform some light math to see if Kit’s mom named her after the American Girl Doll. Then you notice Kit’s interesting attire and wonder if that’s what the kids are wearing these days? She is a fashion entrepreneur, and her combat boots help her feet stand out among the crowd. (Except for that one girl. Bless her heart. You know who I mean. #goat)

Kit is the youngest of the bunch and already has a problem with one of the oldest in the bunch. Queen Victoria manages to wiggle under Kit’s skin within seconds of meeting her. Kit rolls her eyes. Who cares that Victoria is queen? Kit is the president and CEO. Samesies.

It’s a solid attempt at a decent joke, but then she repeats herself later, I take her down a notch. Don’t repeat jokes in the same setting, Kit. Everyone will know.

I wonder if her milkshake bring all the boys to the yard?

Kristin
27
Attorney
Virginia Beach, Virginia
INSTAGRAM
Status: Rose

Why you remember her:
Some Guy in Austin swears he saw her on his screen. I guess I’ll believe him.

Lauren
29
Corporate Attorney
Miami, Florida
INSTAGRAM
Status: Rose

Why you remember her:
I’m going to blame two hours of getting to know thirty-two women on why I don’t remember this face.

I’m not getting old. I’m getting vintage.

Magi
32
Pharmacist
Adwa, Ethiopia
INSTAGRAM
Status: Rose

Why you remember her:
Magi came all the way from Ethiopia to meet Matt James. I once rode my Honda Elite scooter across town to meet a boy at the Dairy Queen.

I bet Matt James would have paid for my Butterfinger Blizzard.

Mari
24
Marketing Director
Odenton, Maryland
INSTAGRAM
Status: Rose

Why you remember her:
Mari is the Puerto Rican who’s clavicle was defiled by Katie’s Pavelka.

Marylynn
28
Event Coordinator
Studio City, California
INSTAGRAM
Status: Rose

Why you remember her:
Marylynn took us through a lengthy “pick me, choose me, love me” talking head, making me feel sad. For Matt James.

MJ
23
Hair Stylist
Hudson, Ohio
INSTAGRAM
Status: Rose

Why you remember her:
MJ is the young lady at college who I was too intimidated to ask to be my friend. She’s the girl who won all the awards at camp. She camps and hikes and eats quinoa.

In real life, MJ has fabulous hair, the same initials as Matt James, and a good icebreaker that doesn’t include the former fun fact. She delivers Matt James a pizza and says, “I know this is cheesy.”

Pieper
23
Graduate Student
Happy Valley, Oregon
INSTAGRAM
Status: Rose

Why you remember her:
She is the one whose father does not want her to change her last name when she gets married. Guess what? Her last name is James.

They are MFEO.

Rachael
24
Graphic Designer
Cumming, Georgia
INSTAGRAM
Status: Rose

Why you remember her:
Rachael is brought to tears by Matt James’ opening prayer. The fact that he thanks the Lord for bringing everyone together healthy and how he asks God for a great journey is enough for Rachael to declare herself as ALL IN.

Side Note: How surprised were you that ABC left the prayer in the episode?

Saneh
25
IT Consultant
Denver, Colorado
INSTAGRAM
Status: No Rose

Why you remember her:
Goat feet. My girl wore goat feet slippers. The feet of a goat. On her own feet. Bless it.

Sarah
24
Broadcast Journalist
San Diego, California
INSTAGRAM
Status: Rose

Why you remember her:
Sarah was quiet this night, but mark my words, she will be featured in upcoming episodes.

Serena C.
24
Flight Attendant
San Francisco, California
INSTAGRAM
Status: Rose

Why you remember her:
Serena C. stumbles up the stairs right before she extends her hands to meet Matt James. I will give her props for her quick recovery: “I’m already trippin’ over you!”

Serena P.
22
Publicist
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
INSTAGRAM
Status: Rose

Why you remember her:
Like all of us, Serena P. watched The Queen’s Gambit on Netflix and became obsessed with learning how to play chess. She also brought a step stool so she could meet Matt James eye-to-eye.

She’s not short. She’s fun size.

Sydney
28
Marketing Specialist
Nashville, Tennessee
INSTAGRAM
Status: Rose

Why you remember her:
Sydney looked really tired by the end of the night. (Or should I say by dawn’s early light?) It’s probably due to her old age.

Victoria
29
Queen
Los Angeles, California
INSTAGRAM
Status: Rose

Why you remember her:
Queen Victoria is going to annoy the crap out of you for as long as showrunners make Matt James keep her around.

How do we block her in real life?

There you have it! What did you think about the cast roster? Who are your front-runners? Right now I’m choosing Abigail, Khaylah, Serena P., and Bri.

Make sure to join us and the folks over at Last Night’s Game for our bracket! It’s quick to join and fun to play! Click HERE!

Photo By: abc.com
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
22 Comments
oldest
newest most voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Teri
Teri
January 5, 2021 3:42 pm

Victoria is trashy and not very attractive. Magi is STUNNING (and a fellow pharmacist) so she’s my fave right now. Chelsea is simply regal.

Mallory
Mallory
January 5, 2021 5:53 pm

“You do you” hahahahaha. I’m calling Bri, Rachael, and Sarah as top 3.

Reccalyn
Reccalyn
January 7, 2021 2:44 pm
Reply to  Mallory

Same! Abigail or Katie or Kit for the hometowns? America’s sweetheart or Corinne NY version or Kaitlyn Bristowe 2.0… so many good choices!

Vicki
Vicki
January 5, 2021 6:31 pm

There’s a line between being daring and downright trashy – I.e., Chelsea was daring in her dress choice and wore the heck out of it. I would have thought that after Matt’s opening prayer (which amazed and impressed me) that Katie would have reconsidered parading around with her sex toy for the duration of the evening. Then to tap someone on the shoulder with it was just obnoxious. I can just imagine him introducing her to his mother:

Mom: Tell me about your “journey.”
Katie: I got out of the limo and showed him my dildo.

Just NO.

A little bit of Victoria went a long way as well. Ugh.

Matt is a breath of fresh air – hot and vulnerable at the same time. He seems to have a good deal of character, and feels the import keenly of being the first Black Bachelor. What a great choice!

Stephanie
Stephanie
January 5, 2021 7:03 pm

THANK YOU for addressing the vuLnerable pronunciation elephant in the room

Crystal
Crystal
January 8, 2021 12:01 pm
Reply to  Stephanie

Yes! And Tayshia was the worst, at pronunciation and overusing the word. I groaned every time I heard someone mispronounce it Monday night lol! I have a friend who can’t pronounce several words (cardigan, for example), but she’s aware of it and tries never to say those words (she says cardi).

Ann M Hensley
January 5, 2021 8:15 pm

Remember Ericka Rose; the other blond self professed queen or princess? Victoria stole the idea! Should be entertaining to watch, although I think other deserving people went home

Sincethebeginning
Sincethebeginning
January 6, 2021 6:14 am

Victoria reminds me of a brunette Vicky Gunvalson. This will be entertaining, if not maddening.

I LOVED Matt James’ opening prayer…he really is the real deal. I felt like Tayshia was too. Hopefully, we have a new pattern.

I loved Abigail, Bri and Chelsea.

Bonnie L Krueger
Bonnie L Krueger
January 6, 2021 9:17 am

I don’t comment much, but I MUST! Matt is too nice to be the bachelor. These women will eat him alive–hors d’oeurves, breakfast, lunch, snack, dinner, after dinner drink…. He’s clearly a conservative Christian man who isn’t ready for the antics. A vibrator, lingerie and Queen Victoria?!? TOO MUCH! I am clearly not in their generation and don’t understand how open our young people are today and how much they expose (literally and figuratively) these days. Nothing is sacred. Oh, what an interesting season it will be! Let the cat fights begin!!

Last edited 3 years ago by Bonnie L Krueger
Eh?
Eh?
January 9, 2021 3:45 pm

I agree, who brings a vibrator on their first date? Although he did seem to get a good laugh out of the situation, so maybe he’s a real treasure, a spiritual man who doesn’t take himself too seriously : )

Rosa
Rosa
January 6, 2021 9:31 am

I was hoping you’d point out the overuse (and mispronunciation) of vulnerable!! LOVE Matt – so far! I just hope these ladies don’t tear him apart. Also, many jokes will be made this season comparing his location vs. La Quinta!! WOW!! Clare/Tayshia got screwed!! Victoria – there is nothing attractive about her! She was so annoying!

Evy
Evy
January 6, 2021 9:44 am

My friend said that Anna reminds her of Hannah B., and I can’t unsee it.

Bonnie L Krueger
Bonnie L Krueger
January 6, 2021 9:57 am
Reply to  Evy

YES! Apparently, the Bachelor Franchise has a type, too! Ha!

votemom
votemom
January 6, 2021 12:53 pm

she threw a fish and matt didn’t catch it. bahahahahaaaaaa! (i did not understand the fish – what am i missing?)

Mcfflyer
Mcfflyer
January 6, 2021 1:05 pm
Reply to  votemom

Kimberly is from Seattle, home of Pike Place Market, known for it’s fish and seafood stalls, where it’s well known that guys working in the fish markets make it a habit of throwing full sized salmon around. Its just part of the show of being there and watch them. I think she just tried to do a poor representation of her home town – and didn’t even throw the fish far enough for Matt to catch it!

Deb Paul
Deb Paul
January 6, 2021 1:21 pm
Reply to  votemom

She’s from Seattle. They throw fish to customers at the Pike market. It’s well known in those parts. That she didn’t tie that in was a mistake.

FaninAZ
FaninAZ
January 6, 2021 3:39 pm

I love Matt James! What a classy guy. I loved the prayer, his talk with his mom, his opening up about not having a father in his home, etc. I was raised by a single mom and don’t remember living with my dad. He was present in my life, but I didn’t get that healthy couple modeling growing up. It has been hard in my marriage to figure out our respective roles – I grew up with my mom doing everything, and my husband grew up watching his parents divide and conquer. It’s a struggle, but we’re figuring it out! It is great that he’s addressing it upfront, and is aware that it will be a hurdle. Great choice on this bachelor! I hope he keeps the good girls around and sends the fame-hungry weirdos packing very soon.

Gondawatchsummore
Gondawatchsummore
January 6, 2021 11:57 pm

You do you.

Best line ever. We’ll played Lincee.

(I though of your blog during the fireside chat…good to read I was on the right wave length)

Maryann
Maryann
January 7, 2021 9:04 pm

Kit’s mom is designer Cynthia Rowley

Elizabeth
Elizabeth
January 10, 2021 9:37 pm

Agreed! I was so thrilled (& surprised) to hear Matt’s prayer – here’s to hoping his prayers are answered! I am loving how genuine he is thus far!

Shawn
Shawn
January 11, 2021 4:11 pm

Yes to the prayer. Hannah B broke the (religious) ice and I stan.

22
0
Would love your thoughts! Click here to share.x
()
x