‘Bachelor’ Ep. 4 recap: Drama comes for Madina again. What happened with Charlotte therapist

The journey continues for a Charlotte woman looking for love on the newest season of ABC’s “The Bachelor.”

Though there’s been a bit of drama over her age this season, 31-year-old Madina Alam is still among the group of women from around the world hoping to win over tennis teaching pro Joey Graziadei.

Now, as we head into Week 4 of the reality dating show, Madina and 14 other women are leaving the infamous Bachelor mansion and heading overseas.

This week, we get two episodes of “The Bachelor,” with episodes on Monday and Tuesday. So how did things go for Madina on Monday night’s episode? Here’s a recap of what happened for the local model and therapist.

Looking for love in Malta

This week brought another round of group dates, a 1-on-1 date, and a dramatic 2-on-1 date — all in Malta instead of sunny Los Angeles.

Though Madina didn’t get that romantic alone time with Joey in a private date strolling through the European country, she did get to spend time with the Bachelor in a very medieval group date — the largest one of the season.

The fight for Joey

“The date card said ‘True love is worth fighting for.’ I’m not going to lie, I’m pretty intimidated. But I’m definitely ready to fight for love. I think, like, the other ladies should be scared,” Madina said.

Armed and suited up in true knight fashion, the ladies were put to the test to fight for special time with Joey — from a sword fight to a swinging sausage catching contest (yes, you read that right.)

Opening up to Joey

She may not have gotten a lot of time with him on the group date, but Madina did get a chance to connect with Joey at the cocktail party — after she surprised him with a miniature knight as a nod to their group date.

“The capital is Mdina here. I did a little research and Mdina means a city that is, like, closed in by walls and so to share this with you, I thought it would segue into something I want to share,” she told him.

“I think, like, through this process, it’s been really difficult just because I have been vulnerable in a lot of areas. But like, if I’m being all the way honest, I don’t feel like I’ve been the most vulnerable with you. I just feel like I have a really hard time trusting because in high school, something between my parents happened that ultimately led to them getting a divorce that I think, honestly, like shattered my trust in both of them, but also in like the concept of love.”

Madina admitted that she has a hard time opening up, and Joey was very receptive and accepting of what she shared.

“I appreciate it 100 percent, whole heartedly. Trust is something that’s earned, and I want you to share things that don’t feel comfortable for you to share,” he told her. “I can tell with just your tone and how you’re talking about this that this is something that is difficult for you. That’s completely okay. So, I just appreciate you sharing these things with me and opening up this side of you because it definitely helps me to understand how I can make you feel more comfortable and how this can continue to grow.”

If his words weren’t enough, the two also capped off their conversation in a cute moment with a trust fall.

“He really saw firsthand, that he did earn my vulnerability,” she said privately.

Drama comes for Madina — again

After wrapping up a meaningful conversation with Joey, Madina found herself entangled in drama once again.

After Joey’s spicy 2-on-1 date (with a lot of tension) to settle the feud between Maria and Sydney that was fueled by Sydney “defending” Madina, Sydney was sent home.

Even though Madina was no longer really involved, she was still confronted by Lea at the cocktail party because she didn’t act sad enough that Sydney was gone.

“I’m so frustrated with how everything went down with Madina and Syd, especially when one second she’s you know ‘Team Syd’ and the second Maria walks in she’s voicing how she’s so happy for her,” Lea privately said.

Lea called Madina aside and told her how disappointed she was.

“I’m just honestly like a little bit frustrated and pretty confused about how, like, you’ve navigated this because last night you called Syd, like, one of your best friends and you were hoping she was gonna come home, but Maria walks in the door and you kind of like switch up,” Lea told Madina. “Your narrative changes a bit.”

But Madina defended herself, saying that she wasn’t doing anything spiteful.

“Maria knows that Sydney and I are close. I don’t have to be mean to Maria because Sydney is my friend,” she told Lea. “You act like I’m purposely doing this. I’m trying to navigate this situation the best I can.”

But the two women agreed to disagree.

Only time will tell what happens with the women in the cocktail party, and who will ultimately be eliminated in this week’s rose ceremony — which will be revealed tomorrow night as this week’s two-day Bachelor marathon continues.

How to watch “The Bachelor”

You can watch “The Bachelor” every Monday at 8 p.m. on ABC and on Hulu the day following their premieres. There will also be an additional episode this week on Tuesday, Feb. 13.

This story was originally published February 12, 2024, 10:33 PM.