"The 23rd season of "The Bachelor"" kicked off Monday night with Colton Underwood arriving in Mexico looking to rebound after being rejected on season 14 of "The Bachelorette" by Becca Kaufrin.
The 26-year-old Indianapolis, Indiana, native had nothing to lose when he arrived in Mexico, and one by one, the ladies arrived at the mansion hoping to make a memorable first impression, some more over-the-top than others.
(MORE: An exclusive sneak peek of 'The Bachelor' season premiere)For instance, there was 23-year-old Alex D., who stepped out of the limousine wearing a full sloth costume that even covered her face. She also moved and spoke v-e-r-y s-l-o-w-l-y, which is the way she planned to take things with Colton.
One taught me love
— new year same nat ?? (@natalie_marina) January 8, 2019
One taught me patience
One taught me pain #TheBachelor ? ?? ? pic.twitter.com/OGpaJAytxa
Tracy, a wardrobe stylist from Santa Monica, arrived in a police car, siren blaring, explaining that she was the fashion police. Luckily, she didn't have to arrest Colton.
Erin, 28, whose occupation is listed as "Cinderella," arrived at the mansion in a horse-drawn carriage and left Colton a glass slipper.
(MORE: 'The Bachelor' contestants: Meet the 30 women competing for Colton Underwood)Catherine, a DJ from Fort Lauderdale, came with her beloved Pomeranian, whom she left in Colton's care.
West Coast, now it’s your turn! #TheBachelor starts now! pic.twitter.com/KZ71mtVgPM
— The Bachelor (@BachelorABC) January 8, 2019
Finally, there was Caitlin, who greeted Colton with a cherry-red balloon, which she popped -- a not so subtle hint at what she envisions happening between her and Colton.
The ladies were all on their best behavior, until host Chris Harrison brought out the first impression rose, presented to the lucky one with whom Colton an instant connection. That's when "the claws came out," according to one woman.
The ladies seemed to politely take turns spending a little alone time with Colton, until Catherine -- the DJ -- felt her time was cut short by Katie. She went quietly but returned to steal him back.
Onyeka, a 24-year-old risk consultant from Dallas, decided to give Catherine a taste of her own medicine by breaking up the conversation.
"I heard you were drowning in some b-------!" she said. Still not satisfied, Catherine broke up another conversation between Colton and 23-year-old Hannah B., prompting Colton to comment, "Third time's the charm."
Cheers! We’ll see you next week for another chapter of Colton’s journey as #TheBachelor! pic.twitter.com/zXqAOZCI5C
— The Bachelor (@BachelorABC) January 8, 2019
That led to a confrontation between Onyeka and Catherine, with the former telling Catherine she was "rubbing people the wrong way." Catherine ignored the warning, interrupting 25-year-old Colorado-based business developer's time with Colton. Tahzjuan tells the camera that the ladies will lose it if she gets a rose.
Ultimately, the first impression rose went to Hannah G., who “owned” her “nervousness” and “imperfections,” according to Colton. Addressing the camera, he added that “there was a nice chemistry and a spark with Hannah” and that he “didn’t want to stop kissing her.”
The first rose ceremony concluded with six ladies -- Alex D., Tahzjuan, Devin, Erin, Laura and Revian -- going home. Catherine remains for now, ensuring more drama to come.
Here are the remaining women:
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