*Warning: Spoilers ahead*
On tonight’s episode of The Bachelorette, Tayshia Adams finally assumes her role as the lead of season 16. After meeting the contestants for the first time, she’s faced with one of Chris Harrison’s dramatic twists that changes everything. Meanwhile, one of the contestants makes a totally avoidable no-no that could affect his future on the show.
The episode picks up right where we left off in episode four, with Adams arriving at the resort to meet the remaining contestants. After diving into conversations, she’s interrupted by Chris Harrison, who explains that “everything is about to change.”
Just then, another limo arrives with a batch of new contestants, who join the cocktail party. Adams gives the First Impression Rose to a newcomer named Spencer, and the jealousy is aplenty. The good news is Adams cancels the rose ceremony, easing the pressure (just a tad).
After a brief check-in with Clare Crawley and her fiancé, Dale Moss, Adams embarks on the first group date of the season with Blake, Riley, Zac, Jordan, Noah, Peter, Kenny, Jay, Eazy and Spencer. Harrison splits them into two teams for a friendly game of “Splash Ball,” where the winning team gets extra time with Adams. At the end of the night, she gives the rose to Eazy.
Back at the resort, Jason decides to leave the show after realizing he still has feelings for Crawley. (Touché.) The next day, Adams invites Brendan on the first one-on-one date, which includes a horseback ride followed by a dip in the pool. At dinner, Brendan reveals that he’s been married before, just like Adams. Of course, she gives him the rose.
Regardless of the rose, we can’t help but feel like Brendan is setting himself up for failure. This is his first real date with Adams, and he’s already breaking the number one Bachelorette rule: getting too close, too soon.
Right off the bat, Brendan is sharing intimate details that will strengthen his relationship with Adams. Hot and heavy couples on The Bachelorette often thrive in the beginning, but they never seem to last very long. We’re not saying he should have withheld information, but he could have waited until a future date to develop such a close bond, especially when there are still 20 19 men in the running.
So, even if Adams accepts the information and moves forward, there’s a good chance their close-knit bond will fade over time. If there’s one thing we’ve learned from past seasons, it’s that it’s best to blend into the background before laying it all on the table.
The Bachelorette returns to ABC next Tuesday, November 17, at 8 p.m.
