It’s not lost on me that my favorite episode of the season is immediately followed by my least favorite. Besides the first episode of each season—which is just hard to watch (and recap) because there are so many people involved—Women/Men Tell All feels like a WWE match, with less blood.
Last night was no different, lots of yelling over one another, tear-filled hot seats, and even a splash of accountability, which we’re not used to seeing. Overall, last night left me pleasantly surprised. For the first time, the tell-all didn’t feel like a complete waste.
So after all the hot seats, bloopers, and petty quips, here are my takeaways.
Christina Mandrell needed a break from her real life.
Christiana came into the house hot a fast and burned out just as quickly. Brooklyn said she came off as calculated and manipulative, which I could totally see.
The more I think about it, the more I feel like Christina just needed a moment. She’s a mom and apparently from a famous family. She’s likely not the center of attention in her regular life and maybe hoped this would be an opportunity for that to change. It’s not an excuse for some of her ruder moments, but it is how I’ve managed to somewhat understand her behavior.
Anastasia definitely came on the show for Instagram followers and it blew up in her face.
On the off chance one of you reading this ends up on the show, I have one small piece of advice: SHUT THE FUCK UP ABOUT INSTAGRAM. Why are you even uttering a word about social media during this process? We know why you’re on the show, and so do the other contestants, but keep it to yourself.
I’ve said it before, I don’t care about people coming on this show for any sort of business opportunity/fame, I care about them being idiots in the process of pursuing those opportunities. Anastasia was not smart with what she disclosed and to who. Instead of just owning it, she decided to consistently call a Black woman aggressive and scary as if that doesn’t have dangerous implications, especially on a show that is widely loved by White America. If you don’t understand, Genevie broke it down perfectly.
We’ll see Brooklyn and Katherine in Paradise for more mess.
Brooklyn was right. Even with her attitude. No notes.
This franchise might actually be trying to turn a new leaf.
I was shocked to hear the words ‘blackface’ and ‘racism’ mentioned several times last night. Even more shocking was an apology from Greer that directly addressed the Black community.
I watch a lot of reality TV, which means I witness a lot of racism in the shows themselves and online among fandoms, and I’ve never seen a contestant/reality TV star and a host address racism so clearly and head-on. Just five years ago this same franchise forbid Rachel Lindsay from using the word racist during a segment about online bullying within Bachelor Nation. Last night felt like a far cry from that moment.
For me, apologies and acknowledgment are the first steps. What the franchise did last night was a very strong start and as a Black viewer that really does enjoy this show, it felt unreal to hear Jesse admit that the franchise has failed to address racism in the past and for Greer to so plainly call her actions racist. It’s not easy to take accountability and admit when you’re wrong, especially on TV in front of millions of strangers. The bar is in hell, but I was pleasantly surprised by this segment and look forward to seeing what actions the franchise takes to be more inclusive and diverse.
Zach is confident in his final choice and the women know that.
I know they really tried to build up “sex week,” and I do think it’s going to be a good amount of mess. But it seems like whatever ‘mistakes’ are made, Zach has made peace with it. I can’t remember the last time we had a lead sitting at Women Tell All and looking pretty confident. He spoke to the women with confidence, was just retrospective enough, while respecting whatever current relationship he might be in, and took the few jabs thrown his way just fine.
And these women talk, at the very least they know if he's engaged or not. His temperament, matched with the women’s once he came on stage was telling. The last few Bachelors have come out looking all kinds of foolish at Women Tell All and After Final Rose. It was nice to see something different.
Our Next (BLACK!) Bachelorette
In my pre-cap of this season, I predicted Charity was going to be a villain. I believe her ABC bio said she was a Disney adult and her official headshot was giving unsure. But I am so happy to be wrong about her. She’s shown nothing but grace and kindness all season and has given us face, after face, after face.
I really hope the franchise does right by Charity. Do not cast any racists, shut down the trolls that come out in the comments, and get out of her way the way you did for Zach. I expect trips to minority-majority cities, and for dark skin dudes to be given a fighting chance. I’m so excited to watch her season!
Next week looks like the most mess we’ve seen all season. Can’t wait to see how it all plays out!