by Gina Scarpa

 

Ben Flajnik is back and after we relive his rejected proposal for the 900th time, we're ready to move on... seriously, let's move on! The Bachelor is back, Ben's ready for love (I mean, I sure hope so!), and we're introduced to a group of new, single women.

 

Lindzi, the horseback rider, claims she was dumped in a text but she had to have done something to receive a message that says: "Babe, welcome to Dumpsville. Population YOU." Amber T. loves guns and eating cow balls... that probably shouldn't be her opener. Kacie is sweet but reminds me of last season's Ashley S. I love girls like Courtney, the model, who feels like all other girls should be jealous of her. But considering she's drama, that'll mean that she'll probably stick around a while.

 

You gotta have a soft spot for Jamie, the nurse, who took custody of her siblings when she was young to raise them. Something tells me Ben is going to fall for Lyndsie's British accent, despite the fact that she's a little... well, weird. Jenna is a writes about love and relationships for a blog - gathering material, maybe?

 

Cue the single mom, Shawn, and they always worry me on The Bachelor. It never ends well. I have a feeling that perhaps Nikki, the divorcee, and Ben might have a connection. We'll see... the limos are coming!

 

Ah, these limo introductions are always awkward because everyone is desperately trying to make that first, lasting impression. Erika, the law student, told him he's guilty of being sexy. Samantha, the pageant girl, wore her SASH to meet him! I'm hiding in my couch pillows. Thank God for real girls like Jamie, who outright admits she nothing cute or corny to say, and Kacie, who promise not to sugarcoat anything. I like them already! I'll toss a few cute points to Brittney, who brought her grandma along with her. Did anyone else burst out laughing when Anna walked right by him without saying a word?

 

The cocktail party is full of situations where girls are willing to do anything to get the first impression rose from rapping to blindfolding Ben and feeding him. We also have our first catfight - Jenna vs. Monica. To add to the weirdness/tension, Jenna is either drunk or just naturally emotional and Monica is hard-core hitting on Blakely... and Blakely doesn't seem to mind. What is going on?!

 

While Jenna self-implodes in another room, Ben hands over the first impression rose to Lindzi, who earlier, literally rode in on a horse to meet him.

 

At the rose ceremony, the first flower goes to Jamie. Rachel, Blakeley, Emily, Kacie B, Casey S, and Brittney are next. Roses are also handed out to Erika, Shawn, Nicki, Jennifer, Elyse, and Samantha. Courtney, Jaclyn, Monica, and Jenna receive the last of the roses.

 

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed that he bounced Amber T and Diana without getting to know them. Amber Bacon (real name), and British Lyndsie are also sent packing.

 

Did your favorite make it through? I've still got a few girls I'm hopeful about still hanging around the mansion!

 

The Bachelor airs Mondays at 8/7c on ABC.

 

(Image courtesy of ABC)

 

 

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