Long time no see, eh? I’m kidding, it’s been like 30 seconds since Clare/Tayshia’s season, but I’m ready to dive back into the mess of the Bachelor Cinematic Universe. Now, I’m not trying to sound like the 2-hour premiere, so let’s dive right in!

The season starts off with Chris Harrison introducing our very first black bachelor, Matt James. Not only is he the first black bachelor, but he’s also a fresh face! Though never before seen in the Bachelor franchise, Matt is best friends with Tyler James from Hannah Brown’s season. Matt James grew up in Raleigh, NC, graduated from Sanderson High School, and went to Wake Forest University, where he played football as a wide receiver. He went on to play professional football but is now living in NYC as a real estate broker, entrepreneur, and community organization founder. 

Already, these ladies are top tier! We have a professional ballerina, a PhD candidate from Ethiopia, a runway model, an attorney, oh my!

However, before Matt James met all his ladies, he sat down Chris Harrison to talk about his nerves and the pressure he is feeling as the first black bachelor and having never been a part of the chaotic world of The Bachelor. But Chris assured him that, so long as Matt “trusts the process,” he will most definitely find his wife.

Finally, the procession began, and there were some ladies who stood out, to say the least.

Khayla brought a taste of home–North Carolina–in the form of a truck the Matt seemed to appreciate.

Kaili showed up in her lingerie because she wanted Matt to pick out her outfit (definitely a bold first impression).

And Victoria…presented herself. And I quote, she introduced herself to the show as “Victoria, you know, like the queen.” With the combination of calling herself queen and her impolite attitude towards the other girls this season, Victoria has emerged as the villain of Matt James’s season.

When the cocktail party begins, Matt hits it off with many women, especially Abigail, who takes home the first impression rose. But this is The Bachelor, after all, so there has to be a mess, which comes in the form of Queen Victoria and Kit, two big personalities who are already clashing on night one.

Sadly, some women had to go home the first night: Alicia, Carolyn, Emani, Amber, Cassandra, Corrine, Kimberly, and Saneh.

Judging off the first episode, this season is going to be one for the books. The show is going to bring in new people for no reason? And Heather M. from Colton’s season? Oh, 2021, I thought you were going to be different.