ABC

Let’s talk about race, baby. Let’s talk about u and me. Let’s talk about all the good things and the bad things that may be. Much of Rachel’s hometown date does, in fact, center around the fact that she and Nick are an interracial couple. “It’s 2017,” you say. “I didn’t know people still cared about interracial relationships.” Ho ho ho, I say to you. Listen. As much as I wish Rachel and Nick’s racial differences were insignificant to their potential relationship, they’re not. As Rachel’s sister aptly points out, in our current political climate, racial tension is nothing to be dismissive of. (Sidenote: This season of The Bachelor was filmed during fall of 2016. Was this episode filmed pre or post election? Did all these girls find out who won the election on their hometown dates? I know they’re supposed to be disconnected from the outside world - do you think Rachel’s sister spelled out “THE FUCKER WON” in Rachel’s okra? Were the contestants even allowed to vote??) I know that all the talk about race seemed a little heavy-handed, but I’m sure that’s mostly a result of editing out pleasant small talk, and personally, I’d rather have too much discussion than too little. The fact of the matter is that Rachel and Nick, were they to marry and have children, would be faced with a unique set of complications and social stigma (stigmas?), and would have to figure out how to best navigate those waters as a team. I think everyone handled this conversation frankly and maturely. I especially liked Nick’s saying “I know you’re black, I’m not colorblind.” Take notes, Tomi. Anyway, Rachel takes Nick to her predominately (read: entirely) black church service and he looks super uncomfortable, which I loved. I also loved that Rachel’s dad couldn’t make it because of “work obligations” (read: no way is a federal judge showing his face on this fool show). It seemed like Nick and Rachel’s date went pretty well, but we know they don’t end up together, so what gives? I wonder if Alistair talks Nick out of proposing. I wouldn’t be surprised. That kid is up to something!