‘Bachelor’ recap: Matt James picks his winner; Rachael to speak after racism controversy

“Bachelor” host Chris Harrison to be replaced by Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe

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Matt James’ historic and messy season of “The Bachelor” is coming to a close. Spoiler alert: It isn’t the ending most were hoping for. 

What was meant to be a historic season (the franchise’s first Black male lead and the most diverse cast in show history) took a turn for the worse on-camera with incessant bullying and off-camera with a racism controversy involving one of Matt’s final two women and host Chris Harrison. 

The big question: Will Matt end up picking Rachael Kirkconnell, the woman at the center of the controversy? Or will he pick Michelle Young, widely deemed an unproblematic fan-favorite? And what will everyone have to say later during the “After the Final Rose” special? 

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In-depth look: What will it take to fix ‘The Bachelor’ franchise’s racism?

In Monday’s finale, both women meet Matt’s mom, Patty, and brother, John. Michelle is up first, and tells Patty she’s in love with her son. Patty tears up and says she can see Michelle as a part of the family. So… can we just end right there? 

Nope, it’s Rachael’s turn. Rachael tells John she believes Matt is the other half she’s been looking for and Patty gets emotional again – she says Rachael’s love for her son “really means a lot” to her. 

Matt tells his mom he likes how Rachael carries herself through “the little things”: “It’s got to be a foreshadowing of how she’s going to handle more important things,” Matt says. 

Both women seem to be winners in Matt’s family’s book, but Patty and John stress that he doesn’t need to jump into something he isn’t ready for. And now the Bachelor is worried he may not be ready to get down on one knee, a fear he relays to Harrison without getting specific about what that means for a potential engagement. 

Next up is Matt’s final date with Michelle, which starts off mirroring previous conversations: There’s lots of love to go around, but Matt is still paralyzed with doubt.

More: ‘Bachelor’ contestants set the record straight on dramatic season of bullying in ‘Women Tell All’

Michelle gives him matching basketball jerseys that read “Mr. and Mrs. James,” but that seems to be his moment of reckoning. He tells Michelle this is the first time he’s felt “anything outside of wanting to be with you forever,” and Michelle wonders out loud if she’s supposed to fight for him.

“I don’t think I can get there with you,” Matt says through a tearful goodbye. The conversation with his mom about love fading clearly “shook him,” Harrison notes. 

“I don’t know how to go on,” Matt says. “How do you go on from there?” 

Does Rachael get a final rose? 

A torn Matt grapples with what his next move should be: There is only one woman left standing, but is Matt ready for an engagement? 

Harrison alerts Rachael that Matt is feeling “lost” and has canceled their final date, leaving Rachael’s fate – and confidence in Matt – in question. 

Regardless of Matt’s marital intentions, jeweler Neil Lane still needs to get his product placement in, so the Bachelor sits down to look at potential rings. He picks out one to “hold on to” just in case, but ultimately he won’t need it. 

Proposal day arrives, and Matt is still bothered by his uncertainty, though he does love Rachael.

“I don’t know if you still feel this, but I feel so incredibly lucky to have felt this,” she tells him. (Side note: Even at a closed-off resort, it’s comforting to see the tradition of bad finale audio continuing.) 

The Bachelor finally opens up to Rachael about his conflicting feelings and tells her that’s why he “can’t propose to you today.” But that doesn’t mean they’re calling it quits, at least for now. He still sees Rachael as his future wife and wants to continue their relationship, just without the pressure of an engagement. 

We leave Matt giving Rachael the final rose without an engagement ring. Sorry, Neil Lane. 

‘After the Final Rose’ special to take on racism controversy

Rachael, Michelle, third-place finalist Bri and Matt will rehash the dramatic ending in the one-hour “After the Final Rose” special immediately following the episode, during which Matt and Rachael are expected to speak about her racism controversy that led to widespread backlash and defense from Harrison. 

Former NFL player and Fox Sports analyst Emmanuel Acho will take Harrison’s place after the longtime host announced he would be “stepping back for a period of time” following the controversy. Acho is the author of “Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man,” based on his online series that aims to open dialogue about racial ignorance and insensitivity. 

This story will be updated. 

Previously: ‘Bachelor’ frontrunner Rachael Kirkconnell apologizes for ‘offensive and racist’ actions

And: Chris Harrison will be replaced by Tayshia Adams, Kaitlyn Bristowe as ‘The Bachelorette’ host

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: ‘Bachelor’ recap: Matt James picks his winner; Rachael to speak after racism controversy