Zach Shallcross’s journey to find love began on Monday night as he welcomed 30 women to the mansion in the season premier of The Bachelor.
The women went light on the intro gimmicks — just some Vermont maple syrup, a pig and some slightly crass jokes — which was a welcome sight after multiple seasons where they got far too excessive. Much like every other first night, some women drank a little too much champagne, some made good first impressions and some panicked in the driveway about not getting enough time.
While 30 started the night on this journey for love, only 20 heard their names called by Zach in the first Rose Ceremony. Let’s take a look at some of the standouts from the premiere based on who is a contender, who has work to do and who is a pretender.
Contenders
Bachelor Nation and The girls when Brianna walked in with that gorgeous red dress and rose in her hand. #TheBachelor #BachelorNation pic.twitter.com/NjWZ8xMXEi
— Cheesy (@FlashIrisAllenW) January 24, 2023
Brianna – Brianna got the nation’s vote for the first impression rose when they announced Zach as the Bachelor at the After the Rose episode of Rachel and Gabby’s season. She showed up with a rose, meaning she was safe this week.
Kaity – Zach and Kaity did a little smooching, which is always a good sign.
Greer – Earned Zach’s pick for the First Impression Rose.
Jess – It looked briefly like Jess would be the star of the night. They had strong chemistry throughout the evening, and she was called early on in the Rose Ceremony.
Need to see more
Katherine – She was the first person Zach pulled after his intro speech, and it’s clear they had chemistry. They’re definitely on the right track.
Charity – They connected over Charity working as a child and family therapist and Zach’s mother working in special education. It was very sweet.
Bailey – Another contestant that Zach met at the After the Rose show. He messed up her name there, but definitely didn’t on night one at the mansion, even giving her a — decidedly awkward but sweet — kiss when she got out of the limo.
Pretenders
Madison – It was tough sledding for Madison, who spent nearly the entire episode crying before getting sent home 20 minutes before we got to the Rose Ceremony. Not only was she sent home, it happened as she approached him for validation outside the house. She then had to do the longest and saddest walk of shame down the long driveway to a waiting van as her high heels click-clacked on the stone. Brutal.
OH MY GOD SHE DIDN'T EVEN SELF-ELIMINATE? SHE MADE HIM BREAK UP WITH HER INDIVIDUALLY?!?!?! #TheBachelor
— Bracketology.tv (@bracketologytv) January 24, 2023
Cat – She challenged Zach to see who could fit the most meatballs in their mouth, and now Twitter is calling her “Meatball Girl.”
