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The Bachelor Season 26, Episode 1: Best and worst moments

By Julia Wagner

THE BACHELOR - "2601" - Clayton Echard's journey to find love kicks off! For the first time in two years, 31 women arrive at Bachelor Mansion ready to make their grand entrances and first impressions for the man they hope could be their future husband. New host Jesse Palmer returns to the franchise to welcome Clayton and guide him through his first evening full of dramatic ups, downs and everything in between. But before the first limo even arrives, a shocking franchise first will have Clayton clutching a rose and questioning everything on "The Bachelor," airing MONDAY, JAN. 3 (8:00-10:01 p.m. EST), on ABC. (ABC/John Fleenor)CLAYTON ECHARD
THE BACHELOR - "2601" - Clayton Echard's journey to find love kicks off! For the first time in two years, 31 women arrive at Bachelor Mansion ready to make their grand entrances and first impressions for the man they hope could be their future husband. New host Jesse Palmer returns to the franchise to welcome Clayton and guide him through his first evening full of dramatic ups, downs and everything in between. But before the first limo even arrives, a shocking franchise first will have Clayton clutching a rose and questioning everything on "The Bachelor," airing MONDAY, JAN. 3 (8:00-10:01 p.m. EST), on ABC. (ABC/John Fleenor)CLAYTON ECHARD /
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The Bachelor Season 26 is finally here! Clayton Echard began his quest to find love Monday night, and the season looks promising! The premiere delivered plenty of tears, drama, and some love connections.

Let’s get to the best and worst moments of the premiere!

The Bachelor Season 26, Episode 1: Best moment: Jesse Palmer introduction

The Chris Harrison hand gestures are officially back! I’ve missed them. I didn’t think they would ever return, but Jesse pulled them off with ease.

Jesse Palmer really delivered in this premiere. I remember watching his season (Season 5!) way back in 2004, and it was a true delight to see him again.

Jesse has just the right amount of charm, command, and humor, but blended in the way a host should. Thankfully, he’s “spent many hours practicing saying things like ‘amazing’ and ‘incredible’!”

Is it weird that I’m more excited to watch Jesse than anyone else on the season?

The Bachelor Season 26, Episode 1: Worst moment: Salley’s exit

For the first time ever (I believe?) one of the Bachelor’s contestants exited before the premiere even began. Salley, who was supposed to get married the weekend of filming the premiere, showed up at Clayton’s hotel room to tell him she had to go home.

What ensued was just an uncomfortable waste of time. Seriously, if Salley doesn’t return this season, what was the point of this? To give someone the audience doesn’t even know this much screen time just felt strange unless they’re planning on making her the next Bachelorette or something?? Why would we want to get attached to someone’s backstory only to watch them go home right away?

Overall this really just dragged down the mood of the premiere. Let’s hope it’s up and up from here!

Next. Who got Clayton's first impression rose?. dark

What were your favorite moments of The Bachelor Season 26 premiere? Share in the comments!

Tune in next week for another episode of Clayton’s journey on The Bachelor!

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