As the 2021 year began, so did a new season of The Bachelor. Taking on the lead role as the first ever black bachelor is Matt James who was born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina. Bachelor Nation had fallen in love right away, leading to a record number of applicants for his season, one of which was Anna Redman – a OHS 2014 alumni. James is very expressive about all the women and really takes into consideration every little detail when house drama is brought to his attention. 

 According to the show’s website,James is a 29 year old who is a real estate broker, entrepreneur and community organization founder on his journey to find love for the first time. The North Carolina native went to Wake Forest University, where he majored in economics and played wide receiver for the football team. He went on to play professional football, before moving to New York City, where he now lives. His love of food and passion for giving back led to his creation of an organization that is designed to find creative ways to engage kids from underserved communities in New York City, encouraging physical and mental wellness, while also giving them opportunities for new experiences throughout the city.

This season only has six episodes as of right now;however, that does not mean no drama has happened. Many jaw dropping things have happened with “Queen” Victoria Larson in every episode she has made quite an expression, which is why she does indeed get a lot of screen time. She is known for calling out every “toxic”, “fake”, and “manipulative” woman on the show but herself. As some may know Sarah Trott left the house after only being there five episodes due to a variety of reasons. One including, that she couldn’t handle James having different relationships with the other women, but her major reason was her dad suffering from ALS. This left James shocked but he was understanding; however, the women were not so sad to see her departure – especially Queen Larson. OHS senior Katie Cottingham said, “I was sad to see Sarah had left, I felt like her and Matt had a connection but it’s understandable.” The day after, Katie Thurston was very mature. She expressed how trash talking someone who already left is still relevant. She was bold and many people respected her even more after Larson confronted her about their conflict over Trott, Larson demanded an apology, only to be shut down. 

As five new women were added to the group of 18 already, no woman who had been in the house were thrilled. Once again Larson was seen as the “villian”, alongside Redman with the way they went about the new girls. All of this was going down when one of the new women, Michelle Young from Edina, Minnesota – was on her one on one date with James. Junior Jenna Dallenbach said, “I feel so bad for the original girls that haven’t got time, but I’m loving the new girl Michelle, so I’m happy that the new girls came because Michelle is definitely one of my top runners. I feel like the original girls could be nicer to the newcomers because they’re all there for the same reason.” 

This drama leaves everyone questioning what James is going to do since Thurston went up to him to say these rumors could “possibly ruin one’s personal life and career.”  The seventh episode James talks about the bullying and toxicity in the house, he later talks to Brittany Galvin since the rumors were about her. James afterwards pulls Redman aside, starts talking to her about how he has seen words affecting someone mentally. Redman apologizes but James finishes with, “I don’t think you’re a horrible person, but I can’t see you as part of my journey anymore.”  All the women rush to see Redman getting walked out by James. After seeing her walk out due to rumors and bullying they started saying all these apologies to the new women.  

Larson was also talked to by James, about all the bullying going on. The cocktail party was cut short and they proceeded to the rose ceremony, where Larson did not get a rose and was sent home due to all her past actions. Rachel Kirkconnell was the first to receive the one on one date with James, where he spoiled her and they both shared that they are falling in love. After the one on one, the group date took place and again more drama was started with MJ Feud and Jessenia Cruz. Left those wondering if Feud is the new Larson. However, that did not stop Kit Keenan from having a great time since she was the other one to one date.  Previews seem intense and the audience will see what happens on The Bachelor Monday night on ABC.