One episode into my journey of the Bachelorette, and the experience hasn’t broken me yet.

The key word is ‘yet’.

After the first elimination, we’ve reached the stage where our Bachelorette, Auburn grad Charity Lawson is down to 19 men. Some have made their claim early, others have not just yet. Things seem to be going well, but it is clear the knives are being sharpened, and territory is beginning to be claimed.

There will be two group dates, with one man from each group getting exclusive one-on-one time.

The first date of individual dates goes to Aaron B., you know…the guy who decided to bust out the keyboard during his introduction. Not too bad to win an individual date!

Aaron B.’s date with Charity

Even before the first individual date, the guys around the house are nervous. Look, I’m not saying they’re insecure. But my goodness, is this a thin-skinned bunch. As for the date, it’s pretty good. Almost out of a movie scene with Charity and Aaron B. riding through the Hollywood hills, sipping champagne and sharing a kiss at the Hollywood sign in the foreground.

However, the highlight of the date was their shared interest in each wanting a lasting love. This seems to set a tone that could give Aaron B. a long run in this, game? Do we call this a game? I’m still not sure, even after one episode I’m not sure we call this a game. They capped off the date with dinner inside a vintage Hollywood theater, living up to the Hollywood theme. It was pretty touching to see each of them open up, no frills, or bells and whistles. And it worked.

(Date rating: 10/10)

The next date is a group date featuring former Auburn standout Kaleb K., it’ll be the first time we see him showcased this season. It’s clear there’s a lot of fun on the group date, but clearly they wanted individual time. They made sure to say so during their confessionals.

“Dodge-bowl”

So, the 12 lucky guys who got a chance on the group date got to put on speedos and play dodgeball in the sand.

I can safely say that I am not the demographic this was catered for.

In an exciting game, the pink team defeated the green team, 3-2 and won a trip to the afterparty. Brayden continues to battle Aaron B. for the lead spot atop my leader board. Adrian, the MVP of the dodgeball game had an interesting conversation with Brayden on who was the ‘real MVP’ of the game.

Who would’ve thought, an MVP discussion on The Bachelor!? I thought the NBA was long gone. But it was John accepted the group date rose, however it is Adrian who called out those who are seeing this as ‘Spring Break’, clearly a shot at Brayden.

The Long Kiss Hello

The six other guys that hadn’t been selected for the first group date, still had a chance to make an impression. The lucky winner got a chance to break the record for longest kiss in Bachelor Nation history the which — I did not know was a thing. The more you know. Joey won the chance to give Charity the longest kiss in Bachelorette history, which I was slightly uncomfortable with. And I wasn’t alone, so we’re the other five guys on the date.

All in all, after 4:25, yes — four minutes, and 25 seconds. They finally stopped, and to the others horror — Joey won a one-on-one date. When it rains, it pours.

Brayden got upset that the other guys had to watch Charity kiss Joey, but he was just mad he couldn’t do it. Which is frankly hilarious.

A kiss with Joey

Charity’s one-on-one date with Joey was pretty opening, it was nice to see him being open about his life, and Charity was a kind listener and understanding of his story.

The BBQ and Brayden

Brayden goes out of his way to tell Charity that he didn’t like how the other guys felt about Charity kissing Joey, which — I’m not sure he was so worried about it. Clearly, he’s still bothered by it! Goodness, that is annoying. Adrian called out Brayden’s comments to the guys, which — at this point, Brayden and Adrian need to fight. Cause, I’m sick of it.

Running for the Roses

We’re two episodes in, and the battle for Charity has hit overdrive. Clearly, it is going to be Brayden and Adrian going at it. That is the battle for Charity, but the way each of them have been acting, they may be taking each other out in the process. Sadly, we say goodbye to Auburn’s male representative, Kaleb Kim has seen his time come and go. I was a bit surprised we didn’t see much from him, yet given all the storylines, he always felt like an afterthought, and his time was up.

Episode two thoughts

Battle lines are being drawn, there’s your good guys and bad guys, and then you’ve got Brayden and Adrian. We’re hopefully going to see more characters emerge both good and bad as the weeks go on. Hopefully, we can stop the Adrian vs. Brayden battle before it becomes a weekly saga, cause I’m over both of them.