By Jennifer Harrington
As we all know, Ashley Hebert was one of the final three women in the running for Brad Womack’s heart last season on ABC’s The Bachelor. While the spark between them eventually fizzled as Ashley repeatedly experienced doubt about their relationship, this dainty dentist is back for round two of the love game as season 7’s Bachelorette!
We’ve followed all of the buzz leading up to this season, as people have wondered what type of bachelorette Ashley would be, and even made a few early predictions about her first picks. Without further adieu, here’s last night’s season premiere recap:
Ashley, who looked lovely in a gold evening gown, was treated to a parade of 25 bachelors who delivered on the Ooh La La ABC promised! This group of handsome men included all types – notably, a construction manager, a winemaker, a butcher and a widower. While Ashley expressed some self-doubt throughout the evening (she worried about “being a disappointment to the guys”), the men were excited and eager to make a first impression upon our Bachelorette. The cutest introduction of the night went to Constantine, who tied a string of pink dental floss around Ashley’s finger as a reminder for the duo to chat later.
It was certainly a cocktail party to remember – but maybe not for all of the bachelors! Liquor distributor Tim was so inebriated he was unable to speak. He even fell asleep on the couch outside, and neither Ashley’s voice or shakes could stop his snoring. Way to make a first impression, Tim!
Jeff (our masked bachelor) told Ashley that his mask wasn’t just a “cheesy gimmick” – he wanted to take his face “out of the game” so she could learn about what was inside of him. Let’s see how long this charade lasts – do you think he’ll take it off (his mask, of course!) before Ashley sends him home?
Rumored heartbreaker Bentley promised he’ll always tell Ashley the truth. This businessman is divorced and has a daughter named Cozy – but is he on the show for the right reasons? Someone from a former Bachelor season (rumor has it that it’s Ms. Money, herself!) told Ashley that he was only there to promote his business, but she’s attracted to him and seems genuine, so she doesn’t know what to think. Looks like Bentley will be this season’s heartbreaker.
However, the highly-desired first impression rose went to Ryan P., the solar energy executive. Ashley told People that she gave him the first impression rose because, “Coming into this experience, I had a list of a few things I was looking for in a husband, and the first night, I saw ALL of those things in Ryan. He deserved the first impression rose more than anyone.” Congrats!
Here’s who ended up with roses at the end of the evening: Jeff (in the mask!), Constantine, Ben F., Lucas, Stephen, Matt, Nick, Chris D., Ryan M., Blake, Mickey, Ben C., West, William, JP, Ames and Bentley. We were happy to see that our early favorites (West, William and Blake) all received roses! Anthony, Jon, Frank, Rob, Mike and Chris M. were all sent home – and some of them looked awfully upset about it. We wish them the best of luck in their quest to find love.
Now that we know the guys a bit better, it’s even easier to get excited for Monday nights. This season’s preview included amazing boat rides dates, a boxing match, a trip to the hospital for one unfortunate contestant and Ashley sobbing in bed – any early predictions on which guy made her cry? Regardless, this season will be full of amazing scenes from Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Fiji, along with what else – drama!
Before I sign off, I wanted to announce the lucky winner of the Bachelor reunion swag bag: Mandy Robinson! Congratulations on your win, which includes products from Lubriderm, Powerbar, Gilchrist and Soams, Beauty Society, “Skinny on Willpower” by Jim Randel, Popchips, Panda Licorice, Alterna Haircare, Cheek’d, Buddah Balm, Eight O’Clock Coffee, Eat Whatever Breath Mints and Pajama City!
We can’t wait for next week’s episode and we hope you guys are just as excited as we are! We want to know: who are your early favorites? Do you agree with Ashley’s decision to give Bentley a rose, although she has been warned he’s not on the show for the right seasons? Let us know in a comment below and don’t forget to tune into ABC’s The Bachelorette on Monday, May 30 at 8PM/7PM Central. Check us out on Tuesday for our recap. See you then!
