Matt James reminds ‘The Bachelor’ viewers of ‘systemic issues at play’ during episode with his dad

The Bachelor’s Matt James was raised by a single mother, and in previous episodes has spoken about not having his father around when he needed them. By his own admission, that has led to some questions and reservations he has about commitment (and frankly, fair enough!).

So in last night’s episode, Matt and his father Manny sat down for an honest and open conversation about what happened in their family, with Matt expressing the trauma his father caused him by cheating on his mother -- who had to make the hard choice to leave and raise her two boys alone -- and neglecting Matt and his brother John.

It was IN-TENSE to watch this exchange. At first, Matt’s father seemed to be on the offensive, refusing to take responsibility for his actions with platitudes like “no one’s perfect.” There was a bit of gaslighting involved as well, and it was brutal to watch, with Matt and his father at different points in the convo welling up with tears. Before Bachelor Nation could jump on this scene, Matt made sure to remind viewers as the episode aired to watch it with an open heart, whilst simultaneously staying cognizant of the systemic issues at play concerning the depiction of Black men and Black fathers in particular.

“Tonight’s convo with my dad was hard to experience, and it’s just as hard to watch all this time later, especially knowing the world is watching with me,” he tweeted. “I just wanted to say that too often, we see dangerous stereotypes and negative depictions of Black fathers in media. And they have consequences when presented without context.”

He finished his thoughts with, “All I hope is that people watch that conversation with nuance, care, and also an understanding that there are real systemic issues at play. I’m so proud of myself for being vulnerable, and I’m so proud of my mother. I wouldn’t be who I am without my dad. That’s a fact.”

Matt also shared a link to a resource investigating the depictions of Black men on TV. Bachelor Nation largely agreed with Matt on this point, but most viewers expressed discomfort that this interaction was even aired. It felt private, and to broadcast it to the world seemed incredibly exploitative.

RELATED: Chris Harrison apologizes for racist comments amid 'The Bachelor' controversy

[video_embed id='2153235']RELATED: Chris Harrison breaks his silence on ‘The Bachelor’ controversy [/video_embed]

There was more episode to get to though and the mood quickly shifted because it’s fantasy suites week and Matt is ready to spend some time with his future wife! (And two other women who will not be his wife. What is this show?)

First up was Bachelor Nation’s sweetheart Michelle, who has captured all of our hearts with her authenticity, her sweetness, and her adventurous heart. We hoped she was feeling extra adventurous for her date with Matt, because they went to a “Pennsylvania Dutch Spa” which is actually a thing. Inside, there was a tub of milk, oatmeal foot baths, and uh, lots and lots of butter. To answer your question, yes, they rubbed butter on each other.

And all of Bachelor Nation was like…

We hope they took ALL THE BATHS (with grease-cutting soap) after that, because during their date and fantasy suite experience, Michelle opened up to Matt and told him she’s not just “falling for him,” she’s in love with him. Michelle is just a sweetheart and she’s held herself through this process with integrity and kindness. We love her as a front runner!

Next up was Bri, whose day-date with Matt involved some camping. Camping. Yes you read that right – Camping. During fantasy suites week? Honestly, if my romantic date took me out camping, I’d up and leave. Luckily, Bri found the humour in the situation when Matt said he knew how to “pitch a tent.” *ahem*

Bri also said yes to a night in the fantasy suite, where like Michelle, she opened up and revealed she was indeed in love with Matt. In both situations, Matt kissed the women back after their admissions of love and said “thank you for sharing that with me.”  But for the third date with Rachael, things were different. If you remember, she is the only woman thus far that Matt has admitted he’s falling in love with. He hasn’t said that to other women. But because Rachael is currently embroiled in a racism controversy, Bachelor Nation is not on her side at the moment.

So when Rachael was spiraling and upset at the thought that Matt might be *enjoying* his fantasy suite experiences with Michelle and Bri, Bachelor Nation was not feeling her vibes.

Rachael began her fantasy suite date with Matt a bit quiet, reserved, and pouty as they attempted to make pottery from wet clay. Yes, Ghost, we get it. But Rachael couldn’t put a smile on her face, so she pulled Matt away for a conversation about her struggles. Again, Matt reiterated to her what he hasn’t said to other women – that he’s falling in love with her. Their dinner together was then punctuated with fireworks. Yes, it would seem Rachael’s dates are decidedly very different from the other women’s dates.

After all was said and done, there still had to be a rose ceremony – the final one of the season, as next week is the finale! Seeing as how things got intense and intimate with all three women, this was the most difficult rose ceremony we’ve seen yet. But in the end, one had to go home, and it was Bach-beloved Bri who was sent packing.

Yes, Oprah is just as shocked and surprised as the rest of us. So it’s down to Michelle and Rachael, and from looking at next week’s preview, it would seem that Matt suffers a crisis of conscience, admitting to host Chris Harrison that he’s not sure he can continue with the process. While rumours abound online about who Matt ultimately chooses as his fiancée, we will only know for sure next Monday!

BEFORE YOU GO: Harry and Meghan detail their royal struggles in Oprah interview

[video_embed id='2155888']BEFORE YOU GO: Harry and Meghan detail their royal struggles in Oprah interview [/video_embed]