On this season of The Bachelorette there have already been multiple problematic contestants, and Rodney Mathews isn’t one of them—which is exactly why fans are hoping Bachelorette Michelle Young picks him in the end. Contestants who are decent guys on the show for the right reason and don’t have a problematic history on social media can be few and far between. So far, Rodney hasn’t let viewers down, and it’s hard to resist his humble charm. Rodney seems to be a good apple in the cast, and fans hope he goes far.
Michelle and viewers instantly took a shine to Rodney when he stepped out of the limo in an apple costume, and when he mistook the famously-green Granny Smith apple variety for a red apple, it only made him more endearing. In a recent episode, Rodney had his first one-on-one date with Michelle, and it went great. The two played a truth or dare scavenger hunt and were laughing the entire way. Later in the date, Michelle and football player Rodney shared some deep conversations and capped the night off with a steamy kiss.
Before the episode, many fans didn’t think Rodney had much of a shot at winning, but after his date with Michelle, there seem to be real sparks developing between the two. Her first date with Rodney appeared to go way better than her first one-on-one date with Jamie Skaar because of how much fun Michelle and Rodney have together. Michelle even commented that their dynamic reminded her of her own parents, and how even after decades of marriage, they still laugh together. The two also spoke earnestly about what it’s like to be Black in America and how that can impact a romantic relationship. Overall, Michelle and Rodney had a date full of both fun and substance, and it’s making Rodney seem like one of her best prospects.
Unlike some of Michelle’s problematic contestants like Will Urena, Peter Izzo, and Jamie, Rodney’s record is (so far) clean, and viewers have enjoyed watching him on the show. Rodney hasn’t been involved in any drama and seems like he could be a respite for Michelle from the fighting and ego posturing going on with some of the other men. It’s hard for fans not to like Rodney—he’s funny, humble, genuine, and willing to admit to his shortcomings, which are few. Michelle could certainly do worse than Rodney, and while he might not be at the top of her list, he’s definitely on her radar now.
It’s impossible for Michelle and viewers to deny Rodney’s goofy charm, and it’s made him a favorite to watch on the show. The season 18 Bachelorette contestant hasn’t won Michelle’s heart yet, but fans are hoping he has a real shot at leaving the show in a relationship with her. Rodney has emerged this season as an early fan favorite, and if Michelle doesn’t pick him in the end, viewers are praying they’ll see him on the next season of Bachelor in Paradise.
