The new preview of The Bachelor season shows that Clayton Echard may not have been ready for what he was getting into. Clayton stood out on Michelle Young's season as a mellow sweetheart. When it came to the group dates, Clayton gave his all and eventually caught Michelle's attention. However, Clayton, the franchise labeled "underdog," hasn't won over fans.
Clayton opened up to Michelle about his family and was struck by her passion, intelligence, and poise. Clayton finally got a one-on-one after Michelle's students picked him. Clayton was a hit with the children thanks to his fort-building skills, and Michelle was happy to see they chose him. Clayton asked Michelle if she always held herself with so much confidence. Clayton then opened up about finding his self-worth after coming out of a dark place. The pair agreed that sometimes overcoming hardship is necessary to grow as a person. However, while Michelle grew fond of the future The Bachelor star Clayton, the date came too late in the process, and Michelle didn't give him a rose. Instead, he received her respect and affirmations, as well as beautiful letters from the students he'd charmed. While Clayton said he found love, not everyone is convinced he was the right choice.
It looks like Clayton potentially wasn't prepared for what was coming next. Producers saw something special in him and chose him to be The Bachelor. However, the preview of the new season shows Clayton in quite the pickle by the end. Some fans have suggested that the editors spoiled the whole season upfront, an increasing Bachelor Nation trend. From helicopters and dune buggies to carriage rides and kayaks, there doesn't seem to be a mode of transportation where Clayton didn't make out with his bachelorettes. However, the self-proclaimed "luckiest man in the world" hit a wall when he realized he was in love with three women.
Bachelor Nation favorite, Ashley Iaconetti isn't sure why Clayton was chosen. It's natural to have feelings for multiple parties in Bachelor Nation. Usually, however, the show lead has the tact not to tell their potential life partners he feels the same way about them. What made matters worse in the preview was when Clayton said, "I know it's not easy to hear. I was intimate with both of you." The women walked away sobbing, and Clayton told producers in his interview, "I'm so broken." The entire set-up of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette is a less-than-natural dating environment. It places immense stress on both the lead and the cast.
It seems that Clayton's emotional intelligence wasn't up to the task of navigating these challenging dynamics. Rick Leach looked onto the preview in dismay from The Men Tell All. His wide eyes and head shake said it all. This The Bachelor season looks like a hot mess. Maybe he'll hop a fence and fans will get to see Olumide Onajide step in. Clayton may be a big sweetheart with good intentions. However, navigating tens of women vying for his affection on The Bachelor looks like more than he can handle.