Bachelor Finale Recap And After The Rose Recap

Last night was the end for Matt James’ season of “The Bachelor.” It has been a historic season that was of course still filled with plenty of drama. Last night was no different as Matt did something we don’t see very often. It was also the last time we will see Chris Harrison in that role at least for awhile.

Both Rachael and Michelle Young met Matt’s mom Patty and brother John. Michelle was first, and told Patty she’s in love with Matt. That brought Patty to tears, saying she could see Michelle being part of the family.

Rachael told John she thinks Matt is her other half, and Patty got emotional again. At that point, both women seemed like winners’ in Matt’s family’s book… but Matt still had his doubts.

Those doubts came to ahead during his date with Michelle. She presented him with matching basketball jerseys that read “Mr. and Mrs. James”… and that’s when he admitted he was feeling something other than “wanting to be with [Michelle] forever.” They said a tearful goodbye.

But that didn’t mean Rachael automatically won Matt’s heart. He was still so conflicted that he canceled their final date. He still picked out a ring “just in case”… but he didn’t end up needing it. Proposal day arrived, and Matt was in love with Rachael… but ultimately, his heart was too torn to propose.

The episode ended without an engagement, and it was time for all the drama to be addressed during the “After The Final Rose” special.

Former NFL star Emmanuel Acho took Harrison’s place as the host of the special. Matt opened up to Emmanuel about being the first Black Bachelor, which he admitted came with a big dose of pressure and scrutiny.

He also said things were going well with Rachael after the taping… that is, until that picture of her at an antebellum party in 2018 made the rounds. They ultimately broke up, and while Matt doesn’t think “anybody is irredeemable,” he knew Rachael had a “lot of work” to do when it comes to understanding “what it means to be Black in America.”

Rachael joined Matt on stage, and things were uncomfortable between them. After saying her piece about the racism controversy – she insisted she doesn’t want to “victimize” herself – she tearfully apologized to Matt and told him she still loves him. Matt could hardly look at her, saying, “I didn’t sign up to have this conversation.” When Emmanuel invited them to “share one finale embrace,” he declined. Ouch.

Michelle and Matt reunited on stage, and things were more friendly. She told him she “crumbled” after their breakup, which was made worse by the fact that Matt refused to talk to her for closure… which he apologized for, wishing he could go back. Things ended with a friendly zinger, Michelle wishing Matt a future of less open-eyed kisses and “Bachelor” catch-phrases.

Look forward to seeing more of Michelle… she’ll be the next “Bachelorette” for the upcoming Fall season! So will former contestant Katie Thurston – her “Bachelorette” season is coming this summer.

What last night’s Episodes HERE