On Monday, January 30, the newest season of The Bachelor premiered. Zach Shallcross, a 26-year-old tech executive from Austin, Texas, returned from season 19 of The Bachelorette or more familiarly known as Gabby and Rachel’s season. Week 1 began with a nervous Zach awaiting the arrival of the 30 women in two limos and one party bus. Yes, Christina Mandrell, a 26-year-old content creator, arrived in a party bus. Zach was also visited by Bachelor alum, Sean Lowe, who had some advice to share from his time on the show. “You have to marry your best friend,” said the 39-year-old who married Catherine Giudici from season 17 of The Bachelor.
Zach had some memorable first interactions with some of the women as they arrived. First to exit the limos was Jess Girod, a 23-year-old e-commerce coordinator, who could hardly contain her nerves. Following Jess was Ariel Frenkel, who told Zach about her difficult arrival, having broken her suitcase and missed her flight. Davia Bunch, a 25-year-old from South Carolina, toasted champagne with Zach. Next, an awkward meeting, Gabi Elnicki offered Zach a taste of Vermont maple syrup to which Zach did not enjoy. Viktoria Eichner from Vienna offered Zach four cheek kisses. Cat Wong, a professional dancer from NYC, shouted to Zach a “Love ya!” as she entered the mansion.
Brooklyn Willie, who was seen on the “After the Final Rose” special of The Bachelorette, apologized for her profanity due to being nervous on the special and vowed to avoid it during the season. Katherine Izzo, a RN from Florida, asked Zach to apply sunscreen on her face. Vanessa Dinh, from New Orleans, brought a little bit of the French Quarter to Zach with a trumpet player and Mardi Gras beads. Lekha Ravi, a 29-year-old financial advisor, licked Zach’s ear, which created an uncomfortable meeting. Mercedes Northup, a 24-year-old nonprofit case manager, brought her pig Henry for Zach to meet. Bailey Brown, who also made an appearance on “After the Final Rose,” poked fun at Zach’s inability to remember her name by wearing a name tag and had the first lip lock of the season!
After greeting all the women, Zach entered the Villa de La Vina in Agoura Hills, also known as “The Bachelor Mansion,” to start the cocktail party. Zach engaged in many one-on-ones, but one in particular made a lasting impression. Madison Johnson, a 26-year-old business owner from North Dakota, was adamant on making an impression with Zach, particularly on kissing him. After her one on one, which did not meet her expectations, Madison returned and interrupted another one on one for an awkward “griddy” session and an even awkwarder kiss with Zach. After the forced kiss, Madison walked outside and became the first person to cry this season. Zach continued one on ones and shared many more kisses with the other girls.
After Jesse Palmer returned to announce the end of the cocktail party, Zach stepped outside to speak with Jesse, but was interrupted by an upset Madison who demanded to know if Zach saw a future with her. A little soon, huh? But I guess the kiss was just that bad. An uncomfortable Zach responded that his heart wasn’t feeling it and with that, Madison was gone.
Back at the Rose Ceremony, two women were deemed safe due to America’s First Impression Rose and Zach’s First Impression Rose. Brianna received the rose from America back on the special, and Greer received Zach’s, after sharing a kiss at their one-on-one. With Madison gone and Brianna and Greer safe, 9 women were sent home. Here’s your spoiler warning!
These women (in Zach’s choosing order) received roses: Christina, Charity, Bailey, Jess, Genevie, Davia, Aly, Brooklyn, Kaity, Anastasia, Kylee, Gabi, Katherine, Mercedes, Ariel, Victoria J, Kimberly and Cat. These women did not receive a rose and were sent home: Olivia M., Sonia, Lekha, Holland, Olivia L., Vanessa, Cara, Becca and Viktoria E.
So here’s what we can look forward to on next week’s episode from the sneak peak: helicopter rides, sailing and horseback riding dates; jealousy ensuing; clubbing; and someone’s crying on the stairs? Honestly, everyone was crying, including Zach. Well, whatever the next episode holds it looks to be dramatic. And would we expect anything else?