by Gina Scarpa

 

Who didn't fall in love with Emily Maynard during Brad Womack's season of The Bachelor? You couldn't help but fall for the sweet, Southern, single mom and it was heartbreaking to see her relationship with Brad end. Of course, if you're a guy, you probably did a happy dance, immediately checked online to see if she'd become the next Bachelorette, and how they could apply. One year later, they got their wish!

 

This season will be a little different than seasons past. First, things start off in Charlotte, NC instead of its typical setting, Los Angeles. Second, she's not just looking for a husband, but a father figure. That's a tall order but 25 eligible men seem up for the challenge.

 

As we meet each of the guys, I can already start dismissing some of them for her, including Kalon, aka Mr. Moneybags... David, the singer/songwriter and Jackson, the fitness model (sorry, no people aspiring to be famous)... and anyone with a cheeseball introduction. I'm lookin' at you, guy who dressed up like a grandma and guy with the egg. But of course, there are guys I can't help but want to know more about from Doug, the single dad, to Jeff, the quiet and seemingly sensitive skateboarder. ABC, let me ask you this. Did we really have to bring in a racecar driver as one of the eligible bachelors? If that's not for dramatic effect, I don't know what is.

 

It's a race to get to know Emily during the cocktail party - let the Bachelorette stealing begin. She's pulled in a million different directions, but seems to love every minute of it. We've got lots of different approaches. Jokes, compliments, pictures of kids, notes from kids, and bobbleheads. Oh yeah, one guy brought custom bobbleheads. And she likes it! AND she thinks he's hot!

 

The guys are having an issue with Kalon but dammit, the guy is growing on me. He's not as big of an arrogant jerk and I expected him to be. In fact, he's pretty mild mannered and seems like he really does want to get to know Emily. When Arie reveals he races cars, Emily assures him that she's okay with it. Everyone DOES know her fiancé didn't die in a racing accident, right?

 

Doug, the single dad who brings the heartwarming letter from his son, ultimately gets the first impression rose though I thought for sure it was going to Jeff. The remaining roses of the evening go to Chris, Ryan, Kalon, Arie, Charlie, Jef, Nate, Sean, Joe, Kyle, Aaron, Alejandro, John, Alessandro, Michael, Stevie, Tony, and Travis.

 

Brent, father of six, breaks down outside and Jean-Paul says his heart feels like it was ripped out. A bit much for someone you talked to for five minutes. In our conference call with Chris Harrison, he said that the vibe and the drama this season would be different but I see a whole lot of tears, and Emily even drops the f-bomb when kicking one of the guys out. Ohhhh, somebody pissed her off.

 

 

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

 

(Image courtesy of ABC)

 

 

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