The first episode of The Bachelor season 29 aired on Monday, introducing 25 of Grant Ellis’ suitors and setting the stage for the rest of his journey. The night was filled with drama, romance and a llama.
To learn more about Grant read last week’s Reality Check.
Episode highlights
The episode begins with footage of Grant walking around Houston, Texas, where he currently resides, as his voiceover explains that he is ready to find a wife and the mother of his children.
He drives to his mother’s house in a bright red sports car to share a word with his family before his journey starts. The family seems excited and he even offers his grandma the first rose of the season.
Then, it’s time for Grant to meet the ladies.
The women are escorted to the Bachelor Mansion in a fleet of limousines and given a chance to introduce themselves one-on-one to Grant. In order to leave a standing impression, they often use puns and props.
Litia Garr, our Utah queen, was the second to meet Grant, and brought a silver, sparkly basketball. She said that although she is not good at basketball, she can bring the sparkle while Grant provides the talent, since he played professionally.
Another entrance that made an impression on Grant and the other girls in the mansion was Alexe Godin. She brought her “no-drama-llama,” Linda, to meet the Bachelor.
“Is that a donkey?” Grant said upon seeing the llama.
Linda the llama spent the rest of the evening with the women in the mansion. Most liked her, except for Dina Lupancu, who was apprehensive because she was once spat on by a llama.
After the entrances, everyone had a chance to further their conversations with Grant. Throughout the night Grant made many connections, kissing five women on screen. While this sounds like a lot in the “Bachelor” world, past bachelors have admitted to kissing far more that didn’t make it to the final production cut.
Another limo arrived late in the game while everyone was mingling. One singular girl hopped out of the vehicle and marched straight towards Grant, ignoring the other women, which they found threatening.
Many women assumed it was one of his exes, but she was revealed to be none other than Grant’s sister, Taylor. She shares his baby pictures and answers questions the contestants have about her baby brother.
The first impression rose is given on the first episode of every season to the contestant who leaves
the best impression on the lead. Because they get the rose early in the night, they are safe from elimination during the rose ceremony. This season, however, the rose has a little more impact.
Jesse Palmer, the host of the show, announced that the woman who received the first impression rose would be granted the first solo date with Grant.
Grant gave the first impression rose to Alexe. I guess the llama did the trick.
Who went home?
The night ended with the rose ceremony where all but seven women were given a rose, meaning they are invited to continue the process for another week.
Those not given a rose had to pack up and head home after just one week. These women included Christina, J, Nae, Kelsey, Kyleigh, Neicey, Radhika and Savannah. These women had virtually no screentime, because they left the first night, so we don’t really know much about them.
Next week
Based on the previews, Alexe and Grant’s first date appears to be in an empty shopping mall, where they sing a duet over a piano. There will also be two group dates during next week’s episode, where the contestants’ personalities will be displayed.
We were also given a glimpse into the drama that will ensue throughout the season. As it turns out Alli Jo Hinkes isn’t the season villain, as I had predicted, but actually a victim to the real ball hog, Zoe McGrady.
The contention does not end there.
“Are you the b**** that said my dress is too short?” Sarafiena Watkins said to another unidentified contestant in the preview.
Even Grant’s name gets dragged through the mud at some point, proving this season will have no shortage of turmoil. Maybe Linda the no-drama-llama should have stuck around.
Author: Heather Turner
Editor: Anna Mower and Tessa Cheshire
Photos courtesy of ABC Entertainment
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