The Bachelorette Season 20 has officially arrived. Former Bachelor suitor, Charity Lawson, has returned to the franchise for another shot at love. This time round, she’s calling the shots. With 25 male suitors all vying for her heart, she has high hopes of finding a future husband. “Charity’s love story is one for the ages,” host Jesse Palmer promises. Let’s jump right in.
The men arrive hoping to make a good first impression
Charity makes her way to the Bachelorette mansion looking like a million dollars. Her gold and purple gown is truly breathtaking. She knows how to make an impression. “I want someone who is head over heels for me,” Charity says. Something tells me she is going to have a lot of options in that regard.
As the men start to arrive, it’s clear that this Bachelorette is going to give every suitor the opportunity to shine. Charity laughs at their silly gimmicks, and plays along as they recite their cheesy lines. She calls Aaron Bryant “smart and clever,” and seems genuinely impressed with his lucky coin skills. I’d bet you a $50 note that the coin has heads on both sides.
John Henry is hilarious. He exits the limo wearing a helmet from his line of work as an underwater welder. Not wanting to be outdone, World Record holder Chris Spell does a very impressive backflip, right in front of Charity. And travel nurse Brayden Bowers? He unveils two tequila shots, which he and Charity happily throw back.
Other standouts include the immensely awkward Spencer Storbeck, biomedical student Xavier Bonner who wants to find the “cure to a lonely heart,” and integrative medicine consultant Dotun Olubeko, who saw Charity on The Bachelor and decided to “go for it” when applying for this show.
After 25 men have arrived, Charity’s keen to get to know them. But what’s this? Jesse tells her there is one more man to meet. It’s someone she knows – and she looks petrified. Thankfully, it’s her brother Nehemiah who steps out of the limo. He wanted to wish her luck – and he’s going on a secret mission undercover as a bartender for the night…
You get a kiss, and you get a kiss!
Let’s face it, those on The Bachelorette aren’t shy. It’s why they usually end up kissing multiple suitors on the first night. Charity went down that same path, playing tonsil tennis with Xavier, Aaron B., Brayden, and John Buresh.
Spencer gets some one on one time with Charity, and it’s at this point he tells her he has a son. Terrified that this could be a deal breaker, he is relieved when Charity says she is “open” to getting to know him, and that his fatherhood is a “beautiful” thing. Not only this, but he gets emotional in interview talking about the entire exchange. It’s a sweet moment.
Nehemiah is trying to find out whatever he can about the men hoping to get with his sister. While most have positive things to say, and leave a good impression, he’s not happy with how Brayden acts following his make out session with Charity. Nehemiah thinks he is “trending towards arrogant,” and when he reveals the news to Charity towards the end of the night, she seems troubled.
Has Brayden made a fatal mistake?
Charity tells the men that she has had a chat with her brother, who revealed some “interesting” things. She then pulls Brayden for a final one on one. Asking him to explain himself, he promises he “wasn’t trying to be cocky,” and was simply “giddy” about the conversation and kisses they had shared. “I wasn’t in a place of trying to brag,” he added. Charity takes a break, leaving Brayden to sweat.
When she returns, she seems a little more at ease. It’s at this point she reveals the First Impression Rose, and hands it to Brayden. She describes him as a “breath of fresh air,” and says he has “every right to be confident.” She wants somebody who is excited about being with her, and Brayden has given her all that and more. I’m with her on this one. The judgments of Brayden by both Nehemiah and the rest of the men seemed a little harsh.
The first rose ceremony
It’s time for the first rose ceremony of the season. Only 18 of the 25 male suitors will make it past this first night. As some haven’t even had the chance to chat one on one with Charity, they’re feeling nervous. Here’s everybody who made it through:
It’s a brutal first rose ceremony, but it had to be done. The poor guy who was sent along with a note from his mom didn’t make it. I wanted to see more of that dynamic! Despite it being a sweet letter, which almost made Charity cry, it wasn’t enough to win him another night. As the men not picked said their goodbyes, we got a look at the season to come. And boy, is it gonna be dramatic.
Is it possible to be in love with multiple people at the same time? It certainly looks that way…
The Bachelorette continues Mondays at 9/8c on ABC.
TELL US – WHAT DID YOU THINK OF THE SEASON 20 PREMIERE? ARE YOU EXCITED FOR CHARITY? DO YOU THINK SHE WILL FIND HER HUSBAND?
Giving the real and the wine.
The Bachelorette has teased both love and drama.
Charity’s cast has fewer influencers than you’d think.