Here we go again. Limo entrances, sparkly dresses, awkward interactions, and most importantly: roses. The Bachelorette is back with a fun new twist: we have two leads! This year we get to follow both Rachel and Gabby on their journey to find their husbands.
I know what you are thinking because it’s likely the same thing I am thinking: two bachelorettes? This sounds messy. In all likelihood it will be hella messy, but isn’t that why we tune in every week? Over the years this show has become – for me anyway – less about someone finding love and more about the drama along the way. It hurts too much to get your hopes up for these aggressively attractive singles to find love only to read a post-mortem on Instagram six months after “After the Final Rose.” Yes, I am talking about Nayte and Michelle and no, I am not over it. So if you are like me and hope for drama with a splash of romance, this season feels like the perfect cocktail.
In terms of my relationship with these women – I don’t really have one. As someone who found Clayton painfully snooze-worthy on Michelle’s season and prefers every other Bachelor franchise TV show to The Bachelor itself, I passed on last season. Thankfully, I am on social media, so I feel as if I caught the gist of it. Just like this historical number of men, I am very excited to get to know these adorable ladies and see where their journey takes them.
Let’s dive into a quick recap of Monday night’s premiere including my night-one superlatives, my favorite guys for both ladies, and some predictions.
Remember, this is all my opinion!
Night One Superlatives
Best Limo Entrance: Jordan Helman
Yes, I liked the whole headphone bit. Does it help that Jordan is handsome, it absolutely does, but that’s not the entire reason he got this honor. If you would allow me a moment to become serious about this show that I mostly joke about, this was the most heartfelt entrance. In a season that will likely be filled with moments where the girls feel combative and competitive over seeking affection from the men, he managed to connect with each of them individually. He didn’t have worry about who to make eye contact with or who to address, instead he had a moment “alone” with each of them in the best way he could manage.
Most Awkward Entrance: Quincey Williams
Get out of here with that awkward confession. Not only did no one ask, but stop acting like a year and a half of celibacy is anything to brag about. Unless you are a recovering sex-addict, you aren’t getting any claps from me about that.
Celebrity Look-Alike: Jordan Vandergriff
I mean, this is just a younger Billy Magnussen right? I refuse to believe otherwise. Runner up is Hayden for definitely giving me major Grocery Store Joe adorableness.
Headed to Paradise: Logan Palmer
No, I don’t take him seriously as a contender, but I do see him on the beach.
Mr. Who Are You?: Chris Austin
They showed Chris talking to production a few times, but I have no recollection of his entrance. I am left wondering who in the heck this man is.
Most Handsome: Aven Jones
As always on this show, it feels impossible to pick the handsomest out of a group of comically handsome men. But despite the hardship, I managed to push through and make a selection. Not only is Aven handsome, he is tall. You absolutely love to see it.
Gabby’s Best Connections
I, for one, was happy and shocked that Gabby gave her first impression rose to Mario. While I was enjoying every moment Mario was on the screen – his energy is infectious – I thought she had two other stronger connections.
1. Erich
These two were cuddled up on that sofa like they had been dating for months. Their chemistry was so natural and flowed so easily that I would completely buy it if news broke that they knew each other before the show. I do worry that he immediately went and pulled his charming moves with Rachel, but did not feel the click with them in the way I did with him and Gabby. Needless to say, I am very invested already.
2. Ryan
No, this isn’t just because he’s from Boston. That is just a nice cherry on top.
Even though there was no kiss, the interaction between Gabby and Ryan was giving off major sparks. They already had some seriously adorable banter and I cannot wait to see these two continue to be playful as the season goes on.
3. Mario
I love Mario’s energy and Gabby definitely did too. I enjoyed their conversation, they connected very naturally. But I did not enjoy watching them kiss. They both craned their necks out and barely touched each other save their lips. Needless to say, I was shocked when Gabby told us in voiceover that Mario was a good kisser. NOTHING about that kiss looked good.
Rachel’s Best Connections
I know that Rachel wants me to put Tino on this list. To be honest, during their interaction all I saw was a girl who really wanted there to be a connection and accepted physical attraction as such.
1. Hayden
Just oozing with adorableness. No shade to Rachel, but her interactions all felt very similar. She was a bit more bubbly and laugh-y than Gabby, so it felt a little more difficult to feel out when she was actually vibing with someone. It was, however, very easy to see the spark between these two. Something in Rachel really connected with something in Hayden and I don’t know about you, but I am dying to see these two make out.
2. Jordan V.
Loved to hear that Rachel wanted Jordan to kiss her in the voiceover because I was practically SCREAMING it at my TV. With their “dangerous to the common human being” professions, they already have a ton in common to work with. Plus, they would look soooooo cute together. Let’s hope Jordan is able to find it in him to plant one on our girl Rachel.
3. Aven
Just two beautiful people, clearly attracted to each other. I love the whole “will they, won’t they” kiss situation where there is leaning and glancing, but no kiss. Definitely some serious chemistry between these two.
I’m excited to see how both ladies conversations go with the nearly 50% of men that they didn’t get to talk with due to time constraints. A lot of them were heavily featured in the preview for the season, so I have high hopes!
Predictions
Some of this is based on previews, some of this is based on my intuition, but all of it is just a shot in the dark. I can’t wait to look back at this later in the season and see how wrong I was.
- Logan will try to pursue both women and ultimately fall short.
- Ryan will make it relatively far in the journey for Gabby’s heart, but will ultimately be deemed more of a friend.
- Tino will make it far with Rachel, but will ultimately leave on his own.
- Nate will make it to fantasy suites with Gabby.
- Zach will make it far and be torn between both women.
- A few weeks in everyone will see Jason on screen and be like “who the hell is this guy?”
- Rachel will dump Jordan V and it will break everyone’s heart.
And finally, here are my guesses for each woman’s top three:
Gabby: Nate, Jason, and Erich.
Rachel: Aven, Zach, and Tino.
Let’s see how things go! Cheers to another season of The Bachelorette!!
Just One Girl's Opinion 
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