Bachelor Recap: The First “I Love You”
By: Juliana Marie Swift
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers.
Before the episode started, I had to brace myself. I just knew there was going to be so much Julia and Brandon content. They are my two least favorite people on the show and I wanted to prepare myself for the disappointment that I knew was coming.
The morning after the rose ceremony, Chris Harrison was back yet again––except this time he wasn’t handing out songs to the couples, he was handing out date cards. The catch was they were date cards for mismatched couples in order to “challenge” their relationships. Jamie and Ryan, Chris and Rudi, and Brandon and Julia were all going on dates together.
Honestly, this part of the episode made me mad because it was clearly just a ploy from the producers to put Brandon and Julia on a date, which the producers knew would screw with their relationships with Savannah and Sheridan. It seemed like a complete waste of time for everyone, except Julia and Brandon. Then, Chris Harrison hit us with another, “As always, listen to your heart,” and left the group to prepare themselves.
Brandon and Julia were coincidentally the only people okay with this setup. Savannah had way too much trust in Brandon, and Sheridan was really not happy about Julia going on this date. Before she got ready for the date, Julia lied to Sheridan’s face and said that she had complete faith in their relationship.
Julia and Brandon left for their date, and I couldn’t help but notice she was wearing heart-shaped earrings. Please, try and convince me she wasn’t excited about this date. Julia didn’t even look at Sheridan to say goodbye when Brandon and she were leaving; she just walked right past him like he wasn’t even there. Sheridan was trying not to freak out, but you could tell he was extremely nervous. He said, “She’s picked me any other time she was confused.” This made me even more concerned because he was so blind to the fact that she was still very much into Brandon. Julia just settled for Sheridan because time and time again Brandon would not choose her; he would give her just enough hope to keep stringing her along. Quite honestly, I think Brandon and Julia are both master manipulators and deserve each other. Sheridan and Savannah deserve much better!
Rudi was really disappointed that she had to go on the date with Chris because she wanted to spend more time with Matt. She was clearly sad that she hasn’t had a date with Matt yet. Rudi said she’d much rather not go on a date at all than go on a date with anyone other than Matt.
Rudi and Chris’ date actually looked like the producers put it together in a matter of minutes––that’s how low-budget it seemed. They literally looked like they were just having a picnic in the backyard/mountains of the mansion with a pair of binoculars. Also, why give them binoculars? Was it so they could watch people in the mansion while they’re supposed to be on a “date?” That’s exactly what they did, even though they were already so close to the mansion that they didn’t even need the binoculars. On the date, it was clear that they’re just friends and Chris admitted he was falling for Bri.
Ryan and Jamie had a “spa day,” which, again, just looked like they were on another part of the mansion's property. I think with this one the producers were actually trying to see if Jamie and Ryan would rekindle the connection they had in the first episode, but it was evident that they were both very content in their current relationships and were cool with just being friends.
Then, it was time for Julia and Brandon’s date. Now, we got to see why the other two dates were so low-budget––it was because the show spent all of its money on this date. They were at the famous Roxy in LA where many famous artists have performed before, and they were going to write and perform a song with a big-shot producer who has worked with the likes of Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran. On this date, it was obvious that Julia was much more into Brandon than she was into Sheridan.
Meanwhile, back at the house, Sheridan wrote a song about/for Julia called, “My Expense.” It was honestly sad because he really did do all of the right things. He was patient, understanding, and gave her the space she needed and wanted. But, it still wasn’t enough for her. I really felt for Sheridan here.
Chris and Rudi got back from their date and immediately hugged their significant others. Jamie and Ryan did the same thing when they returned from their date. At this point, Julia and Brandon still hadn’t returned from their date, so naturally, Savannah started to get a little worried. She tried calming herself down by saying the same thing Sheridan said earlier in the episode; that Brandon had chosen her every time and he promised her before he left that nothing would be different between them when he got back. This all happened while Sheridan’s sad, broken heart song was playing in the background.
Brandon and Julia sang their song on the Roxy stage, Julia admitted that she was falling for Brandon, and then they kissed. They didn’t talk about what they were going to do when they got back to the mansion, but we know that Julia wanted to continue the journey with Brandon. They got back to the mansion and we were still unsure of their plan. Julia came in and immediately wanted to talk to Sheridan. At that moment, all I could think was, “I wonder how she's gonna play the victim this time?”
They sat down and Julia danced around the whole situation. Sheridan tried to get answers out of her and at that point, he was clearly over it. She said he was being mean, which made no sense because he wasn’t being mean at all––he was just trying to get her to say what she was feeling instead of avoiding it. Sheridan could tell she was about to break it off with him, so he was upset.
Also, I would like to point out that she’s 100 percent a fake crier. She literally never cries. There are never any tears; just a cry face, a whiny voice, hands to the eyes, and the dry face of a person who continuously tried to play the victim. Then, Sheridan apologized for no reason and the fake crying ensued again. Sheridan was OVER IT. Julia said she didn’t think she could do it with Sheridan. He wished her the best with Brandon, got up, and started to walk away.
Julia is such a master manipulator because as soon as she didn’t get the reaction out of Sheridan that she wanted, she got mad. Sheridan explained that there was nothing else to say or do because she wanted to be with Brandon. Sheridan was clearly hurt, and then he left. Everyone else in the house was way more upset that Sheridan was leaving than Julia was. Sheridan had every right to feel the way he was feeling. Julia constantly made everything about herself and only ever played the victim, and Sheridan deserved better.
Then, the longest limo goodbye ever happened. A montage of Sheridan and Julia’s greatest moments played while Sheridan talked about how heartbroken he was. It was really sad to see him leave, considering he was really there for the right reasons. He blamed himself and said he thought there must be something wrong with him. Sheridan, honey, after that you are for sure loved all over America, and you are more than enough!
Next, Brandon and Savannah sat down to talk. Brandon explained that he and Julia still had feelings for each other. Savannah was clearly disappointed and Brandon proceeded to blame everything on Savannah. He said he felt like she wasn’t 100 percent in this with him. Meanwhile, he was the one who just went on a date with another woman and admitted to having feelings for her. He continued to gaslight her for the rest of the conversation.
Savannah explained that she didn’t want to be a second choice, and Brandon was so condescending. He called her sweetie in the most patronizing tone of voice, and she was not having it so she got up and walked away. Brandon then seemed to realize that he wanted Savannah more than Julia, so he chased after her and wanted to talk again. He asked Savannah to trust him and said that he’d be willing to work it out, but he had given her literally no reason to trust him. Savannah then decided to leave. Good for you, Savannah! She was really upset to end her journey like this, but she deserved better. After Savannah left, Brandon went right up to Julia and said, “I’m choosing you.” Even though a few minutes earlier he wanted to do this with Savannah.
The next morning, Chris Harrison returned. He let everyone know that they would be performing at The Novo in downtown LA the next night. This was going to be a bigger venue, which meant an even bigger audience. Then, everyone got their song assignments and started practicing.
Matt and Rudi were really starting to bond more. In the beginning, they both seemed like they had their guards up, but it was obvious that the musical aspect of the show really helped them grow closer together. Also, I’m just a really big fan of these two!
Julia and Brandon had Pat Benatar’s ICONIC song, “We Belong.” Brandon said he wasn’t really familiar with the song and, “It’s like, this power ballad from the ‘80s…it’s not my jam.” Excuse me, sir, but how do you call yourself a musician if you don’t know this legendary song?
Then, we saw Brandon, Natascha, and Ryan sitting at the table and talking. Brandon was updating them on what happened the night before and Julia walked in during the middle of it. Natascha asked Julia to cover her ears so she could ask Brandon if Savannah had said “Let’s do this together,” would he have stayed with Savannah? Brandon nodded his head yes, which proved even further how much of a jerk he is.
The next day, they all had rehearsals at the venue and all of the girls were backstage––in what seemed to be their dressing room––having some girl talk. Julia, without anyone asking, started talking about her and Brandon, yet again. She admitted to having feelings for him the whole time, and Natascha seemed genuinely concerned because she could see right through Brandon.
Natascha told Julia about what happened the morning before. Julia stormed off because she thought Natascha was just lying and trying to sabotage Julia’s performance. Personally, I think Natascha was genuinely just trying to let Julia know to be careful. I don’t think Natascha had any bad intentions. Julia confronted Brandon about it and he really didn’t give her an explanation at all, which was pretty frustrating to watch.
This time around, the judges were Rachel and Bryan from season 13 of the “Bachelorette,” Andy Grammer, and the legendary, Toni Braxton.
The cast of Listen to Your Heart. // Photo Credit: ABC
Rudi and Matt opened the show again. I must say, I love them so much and I think they fit so well together, both musically and romantically. They are such cuties! They sang “Tennessee Whiskey” by Chris Stapleton, which was a song that was much more Matt’s style than the last one, and it also gave enough room for Rudi to showcase her beautiful voice. Their voices worked so well together and they had amazing chemistry. The judges agreed and loved their performance. Toni Braxton told Matt that her only critique was that she wanted him to, “Play that guitar like you were playing her…I wanted to be uncomfortable. I wanted to be in my seat like, ‘Get a room!” But regardless of that, she loved it.
Rudi and Matt perform together. // Photo Credit: ABC
Jamie and Trevor were next and to say Jamie was freaking out would be an understatement. They sang “Like I’m Gonna Lose You” by Meghan Trainor and John Legend. Jamie psyched herself out of this performance and Trevor didn’t really help her much. You could tell Jamie was so nervous, and Trevor felt so closed off that it was really uncomfortable to watch. My whole family was cringing. The judges could feel that something was off as well. They said that Jamie just needed to have more confidence in herself and Trevor needed to be more of a support system, and I agree. After the judges gave their comments, Jamie was so disappointed in herself and started to downward spiral yet again.
Next up were Chris and Bri. They sang “Lover” by Taylor Swift, aka one of the greatest songs ever written, and I had chills the entire time. The performance was interrupted multiple times by scenes of Jamie crying backstage, which I was honestly mad about. Chris and Bri’s performance made me cry and convinced me that they will indeed be getting married. They had so much chemistry and it was truly the best song for them. I watched it a second time and cried again. It was such a beautiful, loving, and genuine performance. You could literally feel the love radiating off of them, and the judges loved it as well.
Bri and Chris perform together. //Photo Credit: ABC
Then, the best part of the entire series so far happened. Chris Harrison asked Bri how she felt after that performance. She explained, in front of all of the judges and the audience, that when they finished the song she hugged Chris and told him she loved him for the first time, but he couldn’t hear because of the cheering. Chris responded by saying he didn’t hear her, but if he did he would’ve said, “I love you too.” Bri and Chris are such a beautiful and genuine couple, and I love them so much!
That performance was hard to follow and who better to follow than Julia and Brandon. They sang Pat Benatar’s iconic, “We Belong” and it lacked a lot of chemistry. Julia was trying way too hard and Brandon was clearly not into it at all. I also don’t think Brandon is that good of a singer, in general, but that’s beside the point. Honestly, it just felt forced and fake. The judges did not enjoy it, and Rachel even said it felt like a karaoke performance. Julia was clearly disappointed and was not good at hiding it. Brandon started gaslighting her yet again and I can’t say I was surprised.
Julia and Brandon perform together. //Photo Credit: ABC
To finish off the night, we had Ryan and Natascha singing “You Are the Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne and it was amazing. It really showcased both of their voices and their strong romantic chemistry. They shared a mic at the end, just as they did last week, and even matched vocal riffs, which is so difficult to do. They finished the performance by ending with a dip and kiss, and it was so pure. I love them so much! It was such a fun performance to end the night with and the judges loved it.
Ryan and Natascha perform together. Photo Credit: ABC
Julia started practically falling apart backstage, blamed her mediocre performance on literally anyone but herself, and played the victim yet again. When everyone was backstage waiting for the results of the rose ceremony, Julia called Natascha out. Natascha responded by standing her ground and said that it may have been the wrong time, but she had no intention of hurting Julia. Julia tried to snap back at her, but Natascha said that it was a group moment, everyone should be proud of how they performed, and the moment wasn’t all about Julia. I am so glad that Natascha said what everyone else was thinking.
Also, it made no sense to me when Julia said that it was mean of Natascha to do that as a performer. As a performer, you need to be prepared to perform your best, no matter what the circumstances may be. If Vanessa Hudgens could perform in “Grease: Live” hours after her dad died, you, Julia, could perform with this man you barely know after hearing he might not have the strongest feelings for you.
Finally, it was time for the rose ceremony. Bri and Chris, Rudi and Matt, Natascha and Ryan, and Jamie and Trevor were saved. This meant that Julia and Brandon were leaving this journey, and all I have to say is, it’s about time and I wish them the best in their future endeavors. Even in Julia’s goodbye interview, she continued to blame everyone else and even said she wished she could go back and choose Sheridan, which proved she was only in this show for the competition aspect.
In the previews for next week's episode, we saw tour buses, Vegas lights, and even a Little White Wedding Chapel. I, for one, can’t wait to see Chris and Bri get married!