‘Bachelor’ recap: Joey sends home 10 women in premiere. Was a Georgia woman one of them?
This season, Joey is serving up love.
The professional tennis player from Hawaii is America’s newest Bachelor, and he’s ready for love.
Joey Graziadei’s season of “The Bachelor” premiered Monday, Jan. 22 and it had all the smooching, drama and, of course, Joey to cure our winter blues.
The episode began on quite the melancholy note, though, as Joey was seen alone and crying on what looks like the infamous platform of proposals. Did someone say “no” when Joey proposed?
Well, time will tell, as this is only Week 1 of Joey’s journey.
The episode then focused on Joey, his family and what he has been up to since his heartbreak with Charity Lawson on Season 20 of “The Bachelorette.”
Meeting the women
As Joey made his way to the front of the mansion and met with host Jesse Palmer, Palmer revealed there was already a huge bombshell to share.
“You’re already making history tonight,” Palmer told Joey. “There are more women showing up here tonight than we have ever had on the show before.”
There are 32 contestants this season, whereas in past seasons, there have been anywhere from 25-31 women vying for the Bachelor’s heart.
After Jesse dropped the news, he left Joey and the mansion behind to meet the women.
Georgia women on ‘The Bachelor’
The first woman out of the limo? One of three Georgia girls.
Georgia girl Lexi immediately noticed Joey’s “beautiful eyes.”
In her introduction video, Lexi said she “had full body chills” when she found out Joey was the newest Bachelor. She shared details about her life and the health issues she has faced in the last couple of years, explaining that she is ready to find love and settle down.
When she met Joey at the mansion, she told him she’s from Atlanta and she can’t wait to get to know him.
“Very pretty,” he said with a smile as Lexi walked away.
Georgia girl Edwina from Atlanta came in hot with a spicy dish from home. She fed Joey a bite, asking him if he “could take the heat.”
He smiled, ate it up and said “that is good,” with a nod of approval.
Then it was Zoe’s turn and this one was a bit raunchy, I must say, but I’m still here for it.
Zoe, our third Georgia girl from Atlanta, walked out of the limo holding a dinner platter. Once she met Joey, she revealed what was underneath the cover: bananas.
There was one whole banana, one cut in half and some other smaller pieces.
“Which one do you resonate with?” Zoe asked Joey.
“That’s a bold one. I like it,” Joey laughed.
Okay, Joey. Sure.
Other women that had great limo introductions: Kelsey A. with her voodoo doll, Chandler who referenced the show “Friends,” and Daisy, who drove a red truck with a Christmas tree in it.
Kissing, drama and the mystery card
The first kiss of the night went to Jess, who came in on a boat and asked Joey if he was ready for a “relation-ship.”
During their alone time, Joey said he could see a future with her and leaned in for a kiss.
But the drama unfolded when Jess told everyone about the kiss, leaving many women “uncomfortable.” In addition, Jess said “everyone else should just go home,” in a behind the scenes clip, since she was his first kiss out of all the other women.
And then Jess stole Joey from Taylor to talk with him a second time.
“The audacity,” Taylor said later on to the cameras.
Hmmm. Not too wise, Jess.
However, another woman with a J-name that caught my eye was Jenn. She raced Joey in go-karts, had a meaningful conversation and snagged a kiss.
Lea, a Hawaii woman that Joey previously met on the “Bachelorette,” was given a mystery card to open on limo night. What did it say?
It gave Lea the power to steal a one-on-one date from another woman, anytime before Hometowns. Her decision?
She threw it in the fire.
Overall, Lea felt it would be unfair to take away someone else’s date and didn’t want that to happen to anyone at her expense.
Lexi also had some alone time with Joey on night one and it seemed like sparks were flying. They were engaged in conversation and held hands almost the entire time.
Lexi revealed that she’s been a golfer her whole life.
“I picked up a club when I was two,” she said. “My dad and I have played golf together ever since I was so young. We’re best friends and it’s gotten us through a lot together.”
Lexi told Joey she hopes that he can complete her foursome of her, her dad and brother in golf.
The two then shared a sweet kiss.
“I really like Lexi. I feel like I’m drawn to her,” Joey said to the cameras. “I really feel like she’s here for not only an engagement, but for me.”
So, who got the first impression rose?
Joey gave the first impression rose to Lea.
Other women that I think had a great connection with Joey on night one: Daisy and Kelsey A. I also like Maria, but she seemed like a wild card.
“I couldn’t ask for a better night,” Joey told the cameras.
First Rose Ceremony
During the Rose Ceremony, Joey sent home 10 women.
Georgia girl Zoe went home.
Also, leaving Monday night: Chandler, Sandra, Natalie, Kayla, Kyra, Lanie, Sam, Samantha and Talyah all went home without a rose.
The preview for next week and the rest of the season shows we’re in for a wild one — more drama, incredible dates and what looks to be an unforgettable finale.
How to watch ‘The Bachelor’
Tune in Mondays at 8 p.m. on ABC for new episodes (available on streaming the next day on Hulu). My recaps will post on Tuesdays each week.
Are you excited for more of Joey’s season? Who do you think has the best connection with Joey so far? Comment below or email me at cmadden@mcclatchy.com
This story was originally published January 23, 2024 at 3:20 PM with the headline "‘Bachelor’ recap: Joey sends home 10 women in premiere. Was a Georgia woman one of them?."
