Like many, on Jan. 22, 2024, I tuned in to watch the anticipated premiere of the 28th season of “The Bachelor” featuring heartstopper Joey Graziadei. It’s important to note that I am not an avid watcher of “The Bachelor,” however I was persuaded by the internet to watch this season for the sole reason that this Bachelor seems genuine and not a drama decision made by production. After watching the premiere, I am highly invested and excited to see where this season leads. Here are some points about the events that have taken place thus far.
Warning: Bachelor Spoilers Ahead!
Overall
There are some points in the show that need to be talked about more. Firstly, having sisters on the show is crazy to me. I can imagine doing this show with my sister, and I would rather do just about anything else. Also, I think it is interesting to see a contestant who met Joey before the shooting of “The Bachelor” appear on the show. Oh, and not to mention the note she received, which allowed her to steal a one-on-one date from someone. Also, the mass amount of kissing in the first episode – it seemed like every sit down ended up with a smooch. That being said, season 28 definitely hit the ground running.
Entrances
The entrances this season are unlike any others I have seen. There was a boat, memorable props, witty lines, a go-kart, and a truck with a Christmas tree. This season, the ladies have outdone themselves.
My favorites were Daisy’s, Kelsey A’s, Jenn’s, and Katelyn’s entrances. Daisy was in a truck with a Christmas tree sticking out the back, straight out of a Hallmark movie. Her entrance and interactions with Joey instantly made me root for her. Kelsey A’s included a voodoo doll, drawing inspiration from her New Orleans culture. This was unique and memorable and helped her personality shine through. Jenn’s go-kart entrance also captures a top spot. She paired it with a witty line about how she had to “race over from Miami” to meet Joey. It was short and sweet. Lastly, Katelyn’s chemistry experiment to see if she and Joey had chemistry was cute, clever, and an excellent way to incorporate her science background.
Although there were some grand entrances this season, some made me cringe and want to turn off the TV. First, we have Rachel’s entrance, which involved loud noises inside the limo when she rolled up, implying some NSFW content was happening behind the scenes. She exited the limo and claimed, “I was just practicing my tennis grunts.” This shocked me, as I’m sure it did much of Bachelor Nation.
Additionally, Tayor’s entrance also shocked me. She brought the most giant bra, pairing it with a line about supporting Joey through the Bachelor. I don’t think her entrance was memorable because she wanted it to be. Lastly, Lauren’s entrance was fine; how it was handled made me dislike it. Lauren challenged Joey to a shotgun race, and she ultimately ended up winning. The comments shown before and after made me instantly not a fan of Lauren.
My Thoughts on Some of the Contestants
I am aware that TV editing and post-production effects can spin stories to make the show more drama-filled and paint individuals in a certain way, but here are my thoughts on some of the individuals and drama that went on in the first episode.
Jess & Taylor: After the premiere, I saw many thoughts and comments about the Jess and Taylor drama that went on in the first episode – or the Jess drama in general. Jess is lucky to receive the first kiss with Joey as they sit down at her extravagant boat entrance. Nothing was amiss in the house until she announced to everyone, with no shame or filter, that she and Joey shared a kiss. I would not have announced that to everyone, but I’m not on the show. This made many girls in the house instantly band against Jess, Taylor being one of them. Later that night, Jess ends up stealing Joey from Taylor during their sit down, and that’s when things between Jess and Taylor turn into mortal enemies.
Allison & Lauren: As I said before, I think having sisters on the show is absolutely only for the drama and slightly insane. I felt that it was stupid to keep it a secret from the other girls and Joey. They’d have to tell people one way or another, whether it be when hometowns come around or the fact that many general questions would have the same answers. I’m glad that they ended up telling everyone, but I don’t know why they kept it a secret in the first place. Also, Allison and Lauren strike me as the stereotypical older/younger sister duo with drastically opposite personalities. I’m not a particular fan of either sister, but Lauren seems slightly less controlling than her sister.
Lea: I give this girl props for throwing the note in the fireplace; that was the only right thing to do in her position. I don’t think she should have been put in that position in the first place, but this is reality TV – just about anything goes. Her receiving the first impression rose was very valid. It would have felt weird if Joey had given it to anyone else. I believe she did that out of good faith and not just to make an impression. Lea seems sweet and caring and she’s definitely my number two now!
Daisy: Right off the bat, I knew Daisy would be my number one. She comes off sweet, genuine, and down to earth. Maybe because she knew I love Hallmark movies or Christmas, but she seemed lovely. Daisy and Joey’s conversation on night one gave me a much different impression than the other ones. She and Joey have great chemistry and complement each other exceptionally well. Others have had that same thought as I see Daisy capture the hearts of millions across the internet. It’s rare for me to see that someone on one of these shows is there for the right reasons and not for five minutes of fame. Daisy is one of these rare people. I am excited to see what happens between her and Joey, I am undoubtedly team Daisy!
“The Bachelor” premiere was drama-filled, exciting, sweet, and entertaining. I am excited to see where the season takes the new Bachelor, Joey, and who captures his heart.