Bachelor Matt Recap: Fifty Shades of James

Bachelor Matt James Recap | Episode 3| 

For those of you who have been around this block a few hundred times, you’ll recall that the iHateGreenBeans website adopted a safe word back in 2009 that we use when things get uncomfortable on the show. We want whatever is happening to stop immediately. 

That word is pineapple. 

I know I shouted it at the screen no less than twenty-seven times in the span of eight minutes last night. And I adore the fact that so many of you reached out to me through various communication channels, conveying the same sentiments. 

For example:

Unfortunately, no amount of pineapple could thwart the obscenity we all were lucky to experience during the first group date. Good times.

SIMPLE DISCLAIMER

The following information you are about to read is of personal opinion. However, if you or someone you follow on TicTok happens to know, sort of know personally, or is friends with the local Starbucks barista who’s obsessed with Bridgerton and looks exactly like one of the contestants on the show — none of this is personal. I’m sure they are all lovely people.

Before we get to that alarming group date, Matt James has a rose ceremony to finish. When we last left our bachelor, he was running to Sarah’s aid, who had fainted (not really) and fallen off the bleachers (she stepped down) and is super embarrassed that she has pulled focus from the group (it was her idea all along). 

Once Sarah has been coddled by Matt and filled with the tangy zip of orange juice, she takes her place, rose in hand, with the other ladies. Most feel sorry for her. Others suspect manipulation. Other’s name is Victoria. 

Victoria is beginning to grow on me! For entertainment purposes only, of course. 

We’re halfway done handing out roses, so the producers rush Matt James to cull the line. Trim the fat. Separate the wheat from the chaff. He chucks out a few more precious flowers and waves good-bye to Alana, Ileana (who is a blonde version of Alana), Kristin, Sydney, and MaryLynn. 

Matt James raises a glass to toast the remaining women. Kaili beams, swishing in a raspberry pantsuit. Someone in her life suggested that outfit was cute. Someone lied. Serena C. stands tall in silver, glittered, over-the-knee boots she borrowed from the wardrobe department of her local community theater’s Pretty Woman production. And Victoria smiles, knowing that she defeated MaryLynn using only her words. 

Is the puss dripping from Victoria’s pink eye karma for her treacherous behavior? Or did MaryLynn cast an optical spell on the villain as she exited the premises? We’ll never know.

FIRST GROUP DATE
“Today is a Surprise for Everyone”

Our Host Chris Harrison saunters into the gathering room and explains to the ladies that he has taken over the reins for this date. Hare believes that some experiences should take us out of our comfort zone, and what better way to make everyone feel extremely awkward than a little light erotica. 

Naturally, Ashley Eyelashes is called to monitor this group date. She should have monitored the incredibly high waist of her royal blue pants, but whatever. Ash has quickly turned into a Bachelor franchise darling and has no problem reading the saucier parts of Our Host’s romance book, The Perfect Letter, which debuted in 2015 and was covered in The Associated Press by yours truly. 

The date goal? Compose a steamy love scene depicting you and our boy Matt James. Recite said love scene in front of a live studio audience, which happens to be the remaining women in the house who were not privy to this date’s shenanigans. 

Dear reader, this is where the pineapple comes into play. Because I’m a prude and a lady, I can’t even imagine the terms and descriptions used as the ABC Censor Department worked overtime to bleep out any explicit illustrations used to outline the torrid affairs. 

In order for you to fully appreciate the magnitude of the filtered Rated-R material, I’ve taken the liberty of creating a Mad Lib so you can vicariously join in on the fun. Let’s begin. 

He ________ (verb ending in s) his ________ (body part) so his ________ (body part) pushes against me.  _________ (interjection)! He holds out his ______ (body part), and in his _______ (body part) are _________  (number) _________ (adjective)  _________ (color) ___________ (plural noun). It’s a ________ (adjective) day! I may have to _________ (verb). 

While some women fill their Mad Lib blanks with words like “packing” and “shockwave,” and “press firmly,” sweet Rachael uses the word “groin” to portray her fantasy with Matt James. 

Bless her heart. Even I know she shouldn’t have used that word. Might I suggest we stay away from “moist” and “bulge” and “throbbing” as well?

A few women are embarrassed by the titillating monologs, but most claim to feel empowered by the moment. Katie pulls a When Harry Met Sally and fakes sexy times into the microphone. Not to be outdone, Victoria’s soliloquy is one long bleep that pierced my ears for a solid thirty seconds. 

You know things are getting out of hand when Our Host Chris Harrison raises a surprised eyebrow in Ashley’s direction. We would expect nothing less from our Queen, would we not?

At the cocktail party, Matt James flirts with Rachael. He appreciates the fact that Rachael’s sexy scenario could actually happen if their relationship progresses. That is all she needs to seal the deal. This girl is SMITTEN. 

Bri’s time is just as innocent. Matt James noticed that her fantasy was based on their hot tub date. He thinks that is so sweet and laughs when she ribs him about his PG version love scene. Matt James replies with a sly, “I don’t want to give too much away.” 

The scene switches to Katie, who enthusiastically shares with the other girls that she can’t wait for alone time with Matt James. She has barely spoken to him in the 48-hours she’s known him and wants our bachelor to know she’s more than a girl with a hot pink, sparkly Pavelka. 

Obviously, this is when Sarah’s handler convinces her to crash the after party of the group date so Matt James can understand her emotional distress. Sarah is not happy that Matt James is dating so many other women, so she interrupts Katie to tell him so. 

Katie stands her ground, but I should note that Matt James is the one who asks Katie for five minutes so he can hear what Sarah has to say. This is PROOF that Matt James is feeling Sarah way more than Katie. 

Katie leaves, Sarah cries, and Matt James hugs her tight as she sobs into his fourth turtleneck sweater of the season. Katie informs the rest of the girls that Sarah has infiltrated their date. The phrase, “She looks cute, but isn’t dressed up,” is the answer to an emphatic, “WHAT WAS SHE WEARING?” 

These are the things we need to know, Katie. COME ON. 

Victoria presses Katie to go back and interrupt their time! Katie stalks back to the couple and asks Sarah to leave. Sarah asks for a little more time, and Katie gives her two minutes. Then she hovers in the doorway and watches. Can someone get this girl a bag of popcorn? I LOVE THIS.

Matt James tries to speak in code, encouraging Sarah to “remember what we talked about” and “remember how you felt on our date” as a way to entice her to stay the course. She doesn’t answer since it’s super awkward now that Katie has decided to take a seat on the couch with our two lovebirds. 

Again, I LOVE THIS.

Unfortunately, Matt James does something a little annoying, although completely in character for a guy who is so considerate. He leaves Katie on the couch and then walks Sarah outside to make out in the Pennsylvania chill of the Neapolitan.  

As Matt James heads back to Katie, Sarah chooses to be the bigger woman and confess her stolen time with the bachelor to the other women on the group date. Victoria wants to know what was so important that Sarah had to address at that particular moment? Oddly, the answer “the nature of your dress” did not fly out of Sarah’s mouth. 

Victoria passive-aggressively asks, “Is it your health? Because I don’t see you as a relationship person.” 

Oh Vicky. You’re too much.

The rest of the women watch as Victoria devours her prey. Sarah leaves in tears, still looking cute, as the others complain about their lack of alone time with the bachelor. Speaking of the handsome devil, Matt James walks in, squishes on the couch between two women, and hands the date rose to Rachael. 

Katie is pissed. Victoria is livid. 

Hell hath no fury like a woman wearing a dress made from drapery found in my grandmother’s bedroom scorned. 

Serena P.
Let Love Lead the Way

Dainty little twenty-two-year-old Serena P. bounces into the circle of women, ready for her super fun date. Victoria begs her to tell Matt James that Sarah sucks, and the entire party giggles. 

Matt James arrives and wants to “talk a bit” about last night before he heads out with Serena P. Let’s discuss the elephant in the after-party room named Sarah.

He looks around for the blonde, only to be informed that Sarah has taken to the bed due to overwhelming feelings of despair and woe. PS: She never hands out with them.

A betting woman would assume this information would raise a red flag, yet Matt James leaps up from a seated position to go and see what’s wrong. Before he rushes off, leaving remnants of his pheromones all over Serena P. and her darling date outfit, he assures the other women that he would have handled the situation the same had it been any one of them. 

He asks for five minutes to check on Sarah. He returns an hour later after LITERALLY jumping onto her slumbering body nestled below her covers in the bed. Once again, Sarah threatens to leave, and Matt James begs her to stay. Remember, he’s ten toes down and was riding on cloud nine after their date. Then he offers to come to her every day to validate his feelings. 

Rude. I like Matt James, but this is rude. 

Sarah is clearly his favorite. And the fact that he ditched Serena P. to visit with her, again, after last night’s charade is disrespectful, in my opinion.  

He finally bounds down the stairs as Victoria wishes Serena P. luck on HER DAY and waves as the couple heads off to ride horses together. Serena does a great job ignoring the drama that precluded her date from starting on time and goes with the flow.

I like her. I’ve always liked her. She may be teeny tiny and young, but she can roll with the punches, including making fun of Matt James for having a pet turtle as a kid. 

Serena: “What? Were you a weird kid?”
Lincee: “That explains the turtleneck obsession.”

They share a charcuterie board, which was really a few pieces of salami and Kraft singles on a cloth napkin, and talk about how Serena’s dad wasn’t supportive of her taking this journey. Matt James listens intently, then leans in to kiss her. This is when the donkeys decide to wander upon the Neapolitan countryside and interrupt Matt James’ game. 

Never fear. The moment was captured on Polaroid for the couple to remember the rest of their lives. 

That night at dinner, Serena shares that she had one long-term relationship. I assume it was her high school boyfriend who broke up with her after graduation so he could be footloose and fancy-free at college. 

Matt James shares that his last relationship was a year ago. They dated four months. His philosophy is that he only wants to date women who he would like to pursue in marriage. Whether this girl was ready, or Matt James figured out that she was not the one is a mystery. 

But I would bet money that she returns, and it’s the girl who had never been kissed from Matt James’ season. Thoughts? It’s a good theory, right?

Serena confesses that she’s falling in “like” with Matt James, and he gives her a rose for it. She must not read my recaps because we at IHGB termed the phrase “in loke” when one is not yet in love. Of course, that was a decade ago, so Serena’s mom probably didn’t let her watch The Bachelor franchise when she was in junior high. 

I get it. 

Serena and Matt James make out in the same hot tub from Bri’s date, and she chuckles when she spots his swim trunks — covered in turtles. 

SECOND GROUP DATE
“The One That Didn’t Happen”

The women gather around to hear someone read off the names of the final date card. Many gasp when Sarah slinks around the corner, begging Bri to slide over on the couch so she can blend into the upholstery. 

Victoria and MJ aren’t having it, but it’s Anna who hits the nail on the head when Sarah claims that this process has been super difficult.

Anna: “You literally have not had it difficult. You had a one-on-one date and extra time with him last night when some of us haven’t had any time!”

The girls tag team, claiming Sarah is manipulative and starving for validation from the bachelor. They say her motives were manipulative, and she’s calculating. As Sarah apologizes again to the group, Victoria boldly does NOT accept the apology, followed by Kit declaring that the rest of Sarah’s time at the resort will be horrible. 

Sarah retreats once again to the sanctuary of her hotel room. Katie follows her and listens as Sarah states that she is going to leave. 

Katie: “Are you leaving because of the girls? Or because you don’t have feelings for Matt James? Because I don’t want him to be wondering ‘what if’ after you leave.”

Excellent question, Katie. 

Sarah inhales a breath and tells Katie everything about her father. Tears immediately spring to Katie’s eyes as she listens to Sarah struggle with the guilt of being away from her father, who has ALS. She thought she was ready, but she’s not, and now she doesn’t know if it’s worth staying since they don’t know how long he has to live. 

Katie responds softly, “My dad passed away in 2012. I wish I could get back the minutes I had with him.”

Katie encourages Sarah to make the most of her time with her dad and I think it was genuine. As we see Sarah, dressed in a sweater tucked into her jeans, Katie heads back to the group to ask the ladies to stay classy. Although she doesn’t give details on Sarah’s story, she does say that there are big family things looming over her and we need to think twice before attacking people. We don’t know their story. 

Katie for the win. 

The next thing we see is Sarah knocking on Matt James’ door, telling him that she’s going to leave. Matt James is devastated. 

Sarah: “I feel like I’m not welcome in the house.”
MJ: “I’m sorry.”
Lincee: “Interesting opening, but I’ll allow it.”

Sarah: “The women completely attacked me for talking to you last night. Some of them are cruel and malicious.”
MJ: “Really?”
Lincee: “Yes and no, Matt James. Yes and no.”

Matt James does everything he can to entice Sarah to stay, but she stays strong and crawls into the rejection SUV. Matt James whispers, “I won’t stop thinking about you,” which makes me think this may not be the end of Sarah. 

I did not expect her to get in that car and drive away, yet she did. That said, I believe she may come back should her father give Sarah the green light to find love and be happy with Matt James, who definitely likes her more than all the other girls combined at this point. 

Am I right? Will she return? And what about my theory on the girl from Colton’s season? Sound off in the comment section!

Photo By: abc.com
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Teri
Teri
January 19, 2021 5:25 pm

Bri looked incredibly chic with her slicked-back ponytail and crisp white shirt. I like her.

Sarah was manipulative. There. I said it. I don’t blame the women for coming down on her.

Lisa
Lisa
January 19, 2021 5:45 pm

I’ve known too many women like Sarah to fall for her act. He is well rid of her, but I’m sure he can’t see it.

shs
shs
January 19, 2021 6:15 pm

What is with the front of a sweater tucked into jeans? I see that on so many young girls and it looks goofy.

Mallory
Mallory
January 19, 2021 6:36 pm

I have mixed feelings about Sarah. On the one hand, I suspect she was being manipulative, and she was definitely unfair to the other girls in taking so much of Matt’s time that should have been theirs. On the other hand, I didn’t like how mean they all were when she eventually joined them in the common area. I appreciated the way Katie showed kindness.

brian
brian
January 19, 2021 8:54 pm

With all the drama, real and staged, it is easy to lose track of the ultimate prize. Matt clearly has eyes for Sarah, but she has demonstrated by her behavior both in and out of his presence that she is unsuitable as wife material. Who needs a wife who cannot get along with others and refuses to even try? Could she really be that oblivious and self-centered?

And Katie? Society still shuns sex-forward women. I cringed for her after her vibrator stunt when Matt led things off with a prayer to Jesus. I said to myself Katie really failed to read the room. However, last night she revealed herself to be wise and caring. A sex-positive empathetic empath? IDK about Matt, but her stock shot up in my estimation.

votemom
votemom
January 19, 2021 9:15 pm

does vicky have any nude colored bras? she always looks trashy.

Bonnie L Krueger
Bonnie L Krueger
January 20, 2021 7:50 am

I’m ready for the barrage of hate, but I am not a fan of Matt. Physically, I don’t find him super attractive. I think he has a sweet personality, but he strikes me as boring and very monotone. He doesn’t seem very experienced in relationships and doesn’t have a handle on these situations. I’m not sure he’s up to this challenge. Kudos to Katie!

Mallory
Mallory
January 20, 2021 8:51 am

Agreed!!!

Rosa
Rosa
January 20, 2021 9:56 am

I agree too Bonnie! Before this week’s episode I really liked him, but this week he seemed really unexperienced and maybe too innocent for the role of The Bachelor. His kissing style makes me cringe a little too!

Mallory
Mallory
January 20, 2021 12:44 pm
Reply to  Rosa

Yes! His kissing is super awkward. The eyes open thing is odd, of course, but there’s something about the way he leans in that’s weird, too.

FaninAZ
FaninAZ
January 22, 2021 9:56 am

Yes, I was a huge fan of his at first, but I’m now feeling bored. The way he speaks to the women seems like he’s poorly reading a script in a play. I do think he’s very cute, but maybe he’s too nervous to be showing any real personality.

Allia
Allia
January 22, 2021 10:18 am

I don’t know… I think we should cut the guy some slack. I didn’t love how he kept ditching women for Sarah, but at the same time – he likes who he likes, so that’s his prerogative. I do agree that we haven’t really seen much of a personality from him yet. I hope they will show him in more depth in the coming days. Right now, he’s your quintessential squeaky-clean gentleman bachelor, which is nice in the beginning, but does get boring.

Kelli
Kelli
January 20, 2021 9:07 am

Kevin wasn’t even big enough for me to hide behind. ICCCKKKKKK!!!

Also–Victoria and several others need to be introduced to Plexaderm. I’m 60 and my eye bags are not as bad as Vickie’s.

Mallory
Mallory
January 20, 2021 12:47 pm
Reply to  Kelli

Yes, what is with Victoria’s eye bags?! I don’t think she wears concealer or any makeup at all. I don’t wear makeup either, so I’m not trying to judge her for that, but I think I would wear a little if I were on national TV!

Rosa
Rosa
January 20, 2021 10:03 am

This week flipped a switch for me with Matt. He is almost too naive and I had to hide my face when he kissed anyone. I did not like what he did to Serena in leaving her for Sarah, again. As much as I dislike Victoria, I did find myself giggling a time or two. I wonder if she would be one to go to Paradise and redeem herself as someone who’s just ridiculous but funny. Torn about Sarah! ALS is a terrible disease and if her father really might only have weeks to live, there’s NO REASON for her to be on this show!! I can see where she was torn, but also she was milking her situation for extra time and making out for sure. I liked Katie this episode too. Lastly, WHY ON EARTH did they come up with an erotica date for the guy who prayed for the season on national TV!!!!! Pineapple!!

Sherilyn Vandervalk
January 20, 2021 1:40 pm

I know it’s natural when a bunch of girls get together, especially if they are all competing for the same guy, but it was so mean how they were all talking about Sarah when she wasn’t there. She obviously wasn’t prepared for this process, but there was SO MUCH gossiping, and meanness!

Also, do you remember a few years ago when the bachelor’s best female friend was in the group of women to report back to him, but then she got found out? Any possibility that Victoria is a spy for him, or just put there for drama?

Mallory
Mallory
January 20, 2021 6:14 pm

What season was that? Sounds like fun

Sherilyn Vandervalk
January 21, 2021 2:29 pm
Reply to  Mallory

I looked it up. Jesse Palmer’s season in 2004. I don’t remember anything else about him, but it added a different spin on the show.

RA Funderburk
RA Funderburk
January 20, 2021 7:38 pm

I really like Serena P. She’s sweet, sassy and smart. Doesn’t hurt that she’s stunningly gorgeous. I think she’s one to watch.

Sassy
Sassy
January 21, 2021 11:22 am

I have a different take on Sarah than most of the comments. I don’t think she was being manipulative as much as she is just too weak emotionally for this show. Is that partly due to her family situation? Maybe. Was she unfair? Yes. But I don’t see it as profoundly calculated, more like a weak sense of self. Lack of confidence.

I thought the other women responded horribly and over the top mean. As a woman, I resent the fact that Tayshia (and Clare who I find crazy as a loon) had seemingly normal and nice guys and for the bachelor they assembled a bunch of spiteful mean girls. It certainly doesn’t portray women very well. Then again…Fleiss.

FaninAZ
FaninAZ
January 22, 2021 10:06 am
Reply to  Sassy

I just think there’s a “type” that even applies to go on this show. Girls who are really into their appearance – such as pageant queens and insta models – and are not used to being anything other than the center of attention. Put them in a situation where a guy likes 5, 10, even 20 girls MORE than he likes them, it causes them to absolutely lose their minds. I think they’d be hard pressed to find 20-30 sincere, mature, level-headed women (who are also perfect 10s in appearance) in one season.

But I agree – Tayshia’s group of men seemed like really great guys – at least the ones she kept around the longest. That was unusual, IMO, but refreshing.

Sassy
Sassy
January 22, 2021 12:15 pm
Reply to  FaninAZ

I’m with ya but can we consider an 8? Does everyone need to be a 10 in appearance?

FaninAZ
FaninAZ
January 22, 2021 5:21 pm
Reply to  Sassy

I’m all for 8s! Not sure about Fleiss, tho.

Carol
Carol
January 23, 2021 3:26 pm
Reply to  FaninAZ

Tayisha’s guys were the best group of bachelors I’ve ever seen.

Katy
Katy
January 21, 2021 2:48 pm

Mmm. Chocolate cake.

MAM
MAM
January 21, 2021 2:54 pm

I liked Sarah at first but after finding out about her father, I see her differently now. Having gone through both of my parents having dementia and being the person primarily responsible for their care, I cant even imagine being able to leave my parents to be on a TV show. Seems like a decision she will regret. Leaving makes me respect her a bit more. Hopefully she’ll stay home and make the most of the time she has left with her father.

Auntie M
Auntie M
January 21, 2021 11:58 pm

Sarah has an actual real-life problem–a personal tragedy–and she’s not being manipulative, she’s having a breakdown. The other women on the show were obnoxious and mean, but at least THEY have the excuse of not knowing her situation. It’s possible that her Dad encouraged her to go on the show, thinking it would be good for her, would set her up for good things after she’s sacrificed her career to take care of him. Dads do that kind of thing because they love their daughters. Sarah had the sense to know she couldn’t go on with it and left. Katie’s compassion for her was touching. I would hope everyone would treat anyone in Sarah’s situation with such compassion and not petty criticism.

Jeet
Jeet
January 22, 2021 1:37 pm
Reply to  Auntie M

Agree 100% Auntie M

Vicki
Vicki
January 23, 2021 12:44 am
Reply to  Auntie M

I agree with you, too. 100%.

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