This season of the “Bachelorette” is off to a great start. JoJo Fletcher is the new bachelorette and she is a fan favorite! You might remember JoJo from Ben Higgins' season. Ben told two girls (Lauren and JoJo) he loved them, but ultimately picked Lauren to propose to. I’m pretty sure you could hear my heart break when JoJo found out she was the runner up. JoJo being the bachelorette is very unique to the show, because the new bachelor/bachelorette has never been the runner up due to scheduling issues. Filming of the “Bachelorette” begins less than a week after "The Final Rose" episode. This is also difficult because, not only would the runner up have to quickly recover from rejection, but also be ready to get back on the horse and attempt to find love again. However, JoJo was ready to take on this challenge, so all the power to her.
The very first episode aired on May 23, and we met some pretty interesting characters, to no surprise of the loyal “Bachelor” and “Bachelorette” fans. The first night viewers met a self-proclaimed “Bachelor” superfan, hipster and a guy who thinks being Canadian is an occupation. We also met Alex, a U.S. Marine and he is hands down my favorite. If JoJo does not pick him, I will gladly snatch him up.
Similar to Andi Dorfman’s season, viewers also met the brother of a pro-athlete. This season Jordan Rodgers (brother of Aaron Rodgers) is vying for JoJo Fletcher’s heart. What I find interesting about Jordan, is that he claims his occupation is a former pro-quarterback, but if I remember correctly, in his introduction video package, he recounts how he never got recruited to go pro. I guess the dream still lives on? You go Jordan Rodgers! Not even a month into the show, and Jordan is already a frontrunner in many people's Bach-Brack’s (“Bachelor” Brackets -- yes it is a real thing). While on the show he, looks like a true winner. However, some people outside of the bachelor mansion would disagree. Rodgers’ ex-girlfriend has a bit to say about the contestant, claiming he cheated on her. His ex even posed for an Instagram pic with his brother’s current girlfriend, Olivia Munn.
Ouch. He may still be number one on your brackets, but he might not be number one in your hearts after hearing that tidbit of information. None the less, Jordan got the first impression rose.
Onto episode two. This episode featured two group dates and one one-on-one date. The first group date consisted of a firefighter training course. Believe me when I tell you, that group date was en fuego. All I have to say is, thank you JoJo. Grant won the group date challenge, which is no surprise considering he is a firefighter in real life. He had an obvious advantage in this group date, but he looked good conquering each obstacle, so no complaints here!
A guy named Derek got the one-on-one date, and all I remember is they flew in a plane. He didn't stand out on the first night and considering I still can’t remember anything about him, he’s not that memorable. He probably will not make it that far. The second group date is a doozie! The guys met JoJo at the SportsNation studios where they competed in some light-hearted sporting events that were supposed to be fun for everyone. That was, until Chad ruined it. One event, they were supposed to pretend like they were proposing to JoJo. It was Chad’s turn and his speech he told JoJo she was nagging.
Now, I’m not an expert on proposals, but I’m pretty sure that isn’t a good start. The hosts of the group date ranked all the guys, with Alex ranking third and Chad ranking above him, coming in second for his brutal honesty. After that, the guys kept their distance from Chad for obvious reasons.
Finally that brings us up to date to review this week's episodes. Yes, episodes is plural. Viewers this week were blessed with two glorious, drama filled “Bachelorette” episodes. This week focused in on Chad’s erratic behavior. The drama begins when the group date is announced and Chad is on the group date. Chad is more than displeased with this, and expresses how he does not want to go on the date because he wants a one-on-one. Alex and Jordan call him out and Chad tells Jordan he is nothing but a washed up football player. Shots fired! During the group date, Chad gets violent, pulls on Evan’s shirt and rips it. Chad also punches a door, which bloodies his hand. Evan, later in the episode, runs to Chris Harrison and pretty much makes Chris go ask Chad to give him an apology. This is where the first episode ends with a "to be continued," as Chris Harrison would say, and the drama continues on "The Bachelorette." The next episode still primarily focuses on Chad’s outbursts. There’s a one-on-one with James Taylor a singer/songwriter who wrote and sung JoJo a song that made her cry. As Hoodie Allen put it, he might as well just stick his Soundcloud username to his guitar. The episode concluded with a two-on-one with Alex and Chad. Long story short, my man Alex prevailed and Chad got the boot.
Although, as Alex and JoJo walk away, Chad follows whistling like he’s in a horror movie and he’s about to attack. He knocks on the door of the house where all the guys are staying and that’s where the episode ends. So far, Alex, Luke, Jordan and Chase are the final four on my Bach-Brack. Although, I will give Wells an honorable mention just because he is such a cutie. Sadly, viewers have to wait another two weeks to find out what happens. Until then, who’s winning on your Bach-Brack?
