While several newcomers have already made a strong impact on Too Hot To Handle season 4, the first five episodes of Netflix's hit series have solidified James Pendergrass as the latest MVP. Since its debut in 2020, Too Hot To Handle's popularity has continued to expand due to the series' controversial premise, attractive cast members, and of course, all the drama. Tasked with abstaining from their sexual urges for a shot at a combined $200,000 grand prize, Too Hot To Handle season 4 kicked off with a bang on December 7 after Lana and Mario Lopez convinced the first ten contestants that they were on a fictitious program called Wild Love.

Once the initial shock wore off, it didn't take long for basketball player James and his THTH season 4 co-stars to flirt their way around the house. Although Kayla Richart quickly found herself under the gaze of all the men, James eventually established a connection with Brittan Byrd, while Kayla became enamored with Sebastian "Seb" Melrose's charming personality. Despite Lana's insistence that the cast follow her rules with so much money on the line, the fifth episode of Too Hot To Handle season 4 ended not just with a hefty fine but with two new contestants: Ethan Smith and Flavia Laos Urbina. While there are many people to keep an eye on, it's James who is the breakout star of Too Hot To Handle season 4.

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James' Biggest Priority On Too Hot To Handle Season 4 Is The Money

Despite Too Hot To Handle's short film schedule and six figures on the line, several cast members have ignored Lana's penalties to hook up in record time. While Seb and Dutch model Jawahir Khalifa shared the first kiss of the season, James has made it abundantly clear to Brittan, his Too Hot To Handle co-stars, and viewers that his number one priority is to leave with the largest cash prize possible. Unlike most people who have appeared on Too Hot To Handle, James has displayed a high level of self-control and discipline. Although James' cop routine may bore some fans who like to watch Lana's rules get broken, James' refusal to physically engage with Brittan to win $200,000 should be commended.

James Is The Least Problematic Too Hot To Handle Season 4 Star (So Far)

Since James hasn't chased after multiple housemates like Too Hot To Handle season 4's Nigel Jones, he has managed to avoid almost all the conflicts throughout the first couple of episodes. Although the contestants are known in real life to engage in mindless hookups over genuine relationships, several Too Hot To Handle stars have already experienced various degrees of heartbreak, like Sophie Stonehouse and Dominique Defo. While James' biggest transgression so far could be considered his refusal to break Lana's rules for Brittan, James' biggest source of conflict is small compared to the antics of the other Too Hot To Handle stars.

Although Too Hot To Handle season 4 has only just begun, James is in the best position as viewers await for Netflix to release the newest batch of episodes on December 14, while Australian self-described bad boy Creed McKinnon can't say the same. James didn't bring the drama Too Hot To Handle fans crave just yet, but there's no doubt that him wanting to end the social experiment with money is a refreshing take. Since Ethan and Flavia won't be the last two arrivals, time will tell how long James remains the MVP of Too Hot To Handle season 4.

More: Meet Too Hot To Handle Season 4's Netherlands Native Jawahir Khalifa

New episodes of Too Hot To Handle season 4 premiere on December 14 on Netflix.