The Bachelor 16 - Ben Flajnik ~ *detailed episode descriptions* (Updated 3/9) 12/05/11 03:53 PM
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Episode 1 ~ January 2nd
Jilted Sonoma, Cal., winemaker Ben Flajnik begins a new quest for love as this durable matchmaking contest's Season 16 bachelor. In the opener, Ben meets and greets his 25 would-be partners at the entrance to the Malibu mansion. (One arrives on horseback; another's older than he might have suspected.) And he receives his first kiss before the opening cocktail party begins. Then come push-ups, a gangsta rap and a first-impression rose, and before the evening's over Ben pares the field to 18.
Episode 2 - January 9th
The 18 survivors of the opening cocktail party venture to Sonoma, Cal.—Ben's hometown—where the season's first one-on-one date takes place. In it, Ben and the chosen bachelorette view each other's home movies. Later, two gals will be sent home, but first there's another one-on-one date (a Redwoods romp with Ben and his dog, Scotch) and a group date for 12 women, who enact a play written by Sonoma children. Then there's an adults-only party in which one gal turns a pool into a hot tub.
Episode 3 ~ January 16th
Ben returns to his hometown, San Francisco, with the 16 remaining gals and goes skiing with 11 of them. (It's a hilly city.) He takes another to City Hall, where they're serenaded by singer-songwriter Matt Nathanson. There's also a cocktail-party crasher, a woman who already knows Ben and wants to add her name to his list of romantic possibilities. The official bachelorettes are not amused. One woman faints and another breaks down in tears at the rose ceremony, and when it's over 13 have roses.
Episode 4 - January 23rd
Ben and his 13 would-be soul mates visit Park City, Utah, for kayaking, rappelling, fishing, horseback riding, a rain-soaked dinner and a concert by country star Clay Walker. Before Ben sends two gals packing, there's romancing and sniping as well. Next stop: Puerto Rico.
Episode 5 - January 30th
Ben visits Puerto Rico with the 11 remaining women. Nine of them "play ball!" at Roberto Clemente Stadium in Carolina (the Hall of Famer's hometown), and one gal has Ben to herself for a tour of Old San Juan, where they happen upon a wedding. Another bachelorette goes yachting with Ben. But when he returns to his hotel, he's surprised by another gal, who taunts the others about it at the rose ceremony. Then Ben and nine women head to Panama.
Episode 6 ~ February 6th
Ben escorts the nine remaining bachelorettes to Panama for a visit to an Embera Indian village and, for one gal, a one-on-one date on a deserted island. Before three are sent home, there's also a two-on-one date that features salsa dancing. Next stop: Belize.
Episode 7 ~ February 13th
Ben and the six remaining bachelorettes visit Belize. One-on-one date activities include biking on a limestone-coral island, a visit to Mayan ruins (where Ben hears something surprising) and diving. The group date also involves diving, this time with sharks. At the rose ceremony, Ben has four roses to dispense. He'll visit the recipients in their hometowns.
Episode 8 ~ February 20th
Ben visits the hometowns of his final four contenders. He's greeted by a marching band and skeptical parent in one town, and a protective mom in another. He also goes on a shopping spree before returning to L.A., where one bachelorette receives bad news. For the other three, there are roses and a trip to Switzerland.
The stakes are high as Ben leaves his home for an exciting, emotionally charged journey across the country to visit the final four women’s hometowns to meet their families and be put on the hot seat by his potential prospective in-laws, on “The Bachelor”.
February 27th ~ Episode 9
Ben and his three finalists visit Switzerland for picnicking, Alpine rappelling and, perhaps, fantasy-suite nights. There's also a helicopter tour, a train ride—and the return of a rejected bachelorette, who needs to know why Ben didn't pick her. Then Ben must reject another woman before he and the final two head to Zermatt, Switzerland, and a meeting with Ben's family.
March 5th ~ Episode 10 Women Tell All
Ben faces bachelorettes he rejected. Among them is Emily, who has some things to say about Courtney. She isn't the only one. There's also a season review and profiles of the two finalists.
March 12th ~ The Final Rose Finale
Ben and finalists Courtney and Lindzi are in Zermatt, Switzerland, for Alpine fun (skiing with Lindzi; a helicopter ride over the Matterhorn with Courtney) and that final rose. But first, there are meetings with Ben's mother and sister, and they're concerned about Courtney's reputation for not playing nicely with the other bachelorettes.
After the Rose
Ben and the woman he chose review their very public courtship and discuss their plans for the future. Also: an update on 2011 Bachelorette Ashley Hebert and her fiancé, J.P. Rosenbaum.
SEASON FINALE
IT'S ONE OF THE MOST ROMANTIC AND CONTROVERSIAL NIGHTS EVER ON ABC,
ON THE SEASON FINALE OF "THE BACHELOR," MONDAY, MARCH 12
And Immediately Following the Exciting Season Finale,
Ben Looks Back at the Dramatic Ending to His Journey to Find Love,
on "The Bachelor: After the Final Rose"
Ashley & J.P. Return to Share Their Future Wedding Plans and Discuss
How Their Lives Have Changed Since They've Been Together
"Episode 1610" - In the controversial Season Finale, Ben prepares to make one of the most difficult choices of this life. His search for love is now narrowed down to two very different women - Courtney and Lindzi -- and he is falling in love with both of them. After being rejected by Ashley on last season's "The Bachelorette," will he now find the love he had hoped to find with her? After having his family meet both women in spectacular Zermatt, Switzerland, and under immense pressure, he must make one final heart-wrenching decision that could change his life forever. Whom does a confused Ben, after much soul-searching, see as his future wife? To whom will he give his final rose? And will he leave single or with the love on his life?, on the Season Finale of "The Bachelor," MONDAY, MARCH 12 (8:00-10:01 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.
With his search for his soul mate over, emotions run high, as Ben, who breaks down talking to Chris Harrison about his ultimate choice, takes us back to those final days in Switzerland. Then the woman who received Ben's final rose joins him for the first time in public as a couple. They discuss the high and lows of their relationship and what the future holds for them. It's the emotional ending to Ben's heartfelt journey to finally find true love. In addition, Bachelorette Ashley Hebert and her fiancŽ, J.P., discuss their future wedding plans and how they've found lasting happiness together, on "The Bachelor: After the Final Rose," MONDAY, MARCH 12 (10:01-11:00 p.m., ET).
Ben reunites with his family who will meet the final two women and, hopefully, will be able to help him find clarity about which bachelorette is right for him. When Ben's mother and sister find out that one of the women didn't get along well with the other ladies, it immediately raises a red flag for them, but Ben pleads with them to keep an open mind.
Lindzi arrives first and makes a great first impression. She assures Ben's family that she is in love with him and plans to tell him so. When Ben's sister asks her about Courtney, she admits that there were those women who didn't get along with her, but reassures her that she is nothing like Courtney. Lindzi is a hit and the family believes she would be a great addition to their family.
Ben is extremely nervous when Courtney arrives. Even though Ben emphatically tells his family that he and Courtney have an amazing relationship, his mom and sister worry that she won't fit in with their tight knit family. Courtney does her best to win them over and gain their trust. Both women have impressed Ben's family, but which bachelorette can they see as Ben's future wife?
More confused than ever, Ben hopes that his final dates with the two bachelorettes will make it clear which woman he should choose. He takes Lindzi on an adventurous day of skiing the Swiss Alps. Lindzi has fallen for Ben - literally and figuratively -- but she knows getting her feelings out there will be crucial if Ben is to pick her. Later that night, Lindzi opens her heart to up him, and it just confirms to Ben that he has fallen in love and can definitely see a life with her.
Although he's head over heels for Lindzi, Ben needs to keep an open mind when he has his final date with Courtney. They soar over the summit of the Matterhorn in a helicopter and picnic high in the snow covered Alps. His elation over his relationship with Courtney comes to an abrupt halt when she goes on the defensive about his family's questioning her as to whether she is a "nice" person. Her insecurities about her past relationships with men come to the surface and she is beginning to fear it might happen again. Now Ben is worried about her anxiety and wonders if they will be able to maintain a stable relationship. Is his love for Courtney worth the risk?
Ben came on this journey to find love and he has found it with two women. Should he trust the slowly developing relationship which turned into a flame with Lindzi or take a risk on a roller coaster ride with Courtney? Which woman does he see as his future wife? Will he complete his search with a proposal? And will the woman say yes?
The remaining two women are:
Courtney, 28, model, Santa Monica, CA
Lindzi C., 27, business development manager, Seattle, WA
THE BACHELOR: THE WOMEN TELL ALL (3/5)
February 28, 2012
IN A "BACHELOR" FIRST, ONE OF THE FINAL TWO WOMEN RETURNS TO
FACE HER CRITICS, AS COURTNEY CONFRONTS THE OTHER BACHELORETTES
AND THE CLAWS COME OUT, ON "THE BACHELOR: THE WOMEN TELL ALL,"
MONDAY, MARCH 5 ON THE ABC TELEVISION NETWORK
Ben Faces the Women He Rejected as 16 of the Season's Most Memorable
Bachelorettes Challenge the Handsome Winemaker
Shawntel Stuns the Bachelorettes for a Second Time
"The Women Tell All" - For the first time ever, one of the final two women who are vying for the Bachelor's heart will make an appearance at "The Women Tell All." Courtney, who has been the woman viewers and the other bachelorettes have loved to hate all season, will return to have her chance to defend herself. Will she apologize for her behavior? Will she fight back and be her fiery self, or will viewers see another, softer side of her? It's an explosive reunion viewers won't want to miss, as the most memorable bachelorettes from this season - including Kacie B., Nicki, Jenna, Blakeley, Samantha, Emily, Monica and Rachel -- return to confront each other and Ben one last time on national television to dish the dirt and tell their side of the story. And Shawntel vents about how the women treated her when she returned to see Ben. A sneak peek at the Season Finale and the final two bachelorettes - Courtney and Lindzi - will also be featured, on "The Bachelor: The Women Tell All," MONDAY, MARCH 5 (8:00-10:01 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.
The sparks fly immediately when the women tear into Blakeley, accusing her of not being able to make friends with any of them. Blakeley tries to defend herself, but her guard goes up again because the women just won't quit. Brittney attempts to explain how and why she took a backseat to all the drama in the house, but Samantha calls her out. And Brittney gives as good as she gets, as Samantha just can't stop talking -- even now.
Shawntel, the beautiful funeral director from Brad's season, returns to step into the hot seat. Surprising the women again, she wanted them to know how bullied she felt when she came back to try and find a connection with Ben. Emily explains how she let her dislike for Courtney get in the way of finding love with the Bachelor. Having no idea how connected Ben was to Courtney, she minces no words on how she'll lose respect for him if he is that taken with the sexy model. Nicki, the last woman to leave in tears, will confront Ben for the first time. She was relieved and excited to have those feelings for someone again after her divorce, but is worried she will go back into her shell. She had no clue that she was going home and couldn't figure out what when wrong. Will she find out? Kacie B. was blindsided too, and flew to Switzerland to get some closure from Ben. She was still a little confused, but admits that, when you are rejected twice, it's very clear.
But the women explode when Courtney makes an appearance. Is she really in love or is she just manipulating Ben? She tearfully defends herself, stressing that she was there for Ben like everyone else. What are her regrets? What would have she done differently? Many of the women aren't buying what they still consider to be an act, but Jenna offers her an olive branch and a hug.
Once in the hot seat, Ben has his hands full as he is immediately confronted by tough questions from the women. Emily demands to know why he never gave her a reason for sending her home. Jennifer wants to know why he sent her home and kept Blakeley. Does he owe Casey S. an apology for the way her sent her home after her admission about a boyfriend she couldn't get over? But Nicki still defends the Bachelor's behavior, and Jamie makes him an offer for the future.
It's the bachelorettes like you've never seen them before! The special also includes a sneak peek at the Season Finale and the final two bachelorettes -- Courtney, the controversial vixen, and Lindzi, the lovable woman who received the "first impression" rose -- who are competing for Ben's heart and the final rose.
NEXT WEEK ON THE BACHELOR (2/27)
A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME ADVENTURE BEGINS AS BEN SWEEPS THE FINAL THREE
BACHELORETTES AWAY FOR FANTASY OVERNIGHT DATES IN THE FAIRYTALE LAND OF SWITZERLAND, ON ABC'S "THE BACHELOR," MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27
Which Distraught Bachelorette Returns to Confront Ben,
And Will It Change His Decision About the Final Two Women?
"Episode 1609" - Romantic adventures await Ben and the final three women - Courtney, Lindzi and Nicki - as they travel to spectacular Switzerland. From an exhilarating helicopter ride over the Swiss landscape to a heart-stopping rappel down a 300-foot ravine to a scenic train ride to the enchanting town of Wengen, the dates are filled with passion and excitement, as Ben continues to explore what his future would be like with each of these potential mates. At the end of each evening, Ben will present the bachelorette with an invitation to spend an intimate night together in a "fantasy suite," with the hope that she will accept. But will she? The week finishes with a stunning surprise when one of the devastated bachelorettes returns to look for answers from Ben about why he let her go. It's a wild, romantic ride with each of the women - until this emotional reunion makes Ben's mind and heart go into overdrive and he makes his most painful decision yet -- on "The Bachelor," MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27 (8:00-10:01 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.
Ben's alpine adventure in the snow-capped mountains of Interlaken, Switzerland, begins with a spectacular helicopter tour with Nicki, sweeping over the majestic glaciers. Cuddling together, they touch down atop a deserted mountain that makes it appear they are on the edge of the earth. Over a romantic dinner Nicki reveals the lengths to which she will go to capture Ben's heart. But will her full disclosure be music to Ben's ears or will it make him run for the Alps?
A complete adrenaline rush is in store for Lindzi and Ben when they discover that they must rappel down a 300-foot rocky ravine. As they strap on their harnesses, they bond over their shared trepidation. They are even closer by the time they make their descent. Later, during a steamy soak in a hot tub, Lindzi shares how hard it is for her to be vulnerable in a relationship, but also that Ben is worth it. The two reunite for an intimate dinner, but will Lindzi find the courage to tell Ben she's in love with him or will her reticence make her lose the opportunity of a lifetime to find love?
Finally, Ben and Courtney take a scenic train ride to the charming town of Wengen, where they set up a picnic in a lush meadow. But despite the intense attraction between them, Courtney has something else on her mind. That evening, she attempts to get serious with Ben, struggling to explain her behavior with the women in the house. But is it too little too late?
However, in a completely stunning development, a rejected tormented bachelorette makes a surprise return looking to Ben for answers to help mend her broken heart. In one of the most emotionally charged moments in "Bachelor" history, Ben must dig deep to explain why he let her go. However, the woman has a message for Ben as well, offering him one final warning about Courtney who, she feels, is not a good match for him. The moving reunion sets Ben's mind and heart racing. Will he heed the advice he has been dismissing all along?
An intense rose ceremony ends with Ben making an excruciating decision, sending one distraught woman home. Ben and the remaining two ladies toast to their final destination: the snowy village of Zermatt, where the bachelorettes will meet Ben's family. Ben's quest for love is drawing to a close, but the question isn't only whom will he choose, but will she accept?
The three women are:
Courtney, 28, model, Santa Monica, CA
Lindzi C., 27, business development manager, Seattle, WA
Nicki, 26, dental hygienist, Hurst, TX
NEXT WEEK ON THE BACHELOR (2/20)
BEN CROSSES THE COUNTRY TO JOIN THE FOUR REMAINING BACHELORETTES
IN THEIR HOMETOWNS AND FINDS HIMSELF ON THE HOT SEAT WITH
THEIR FAMILIES, ON ABC'S "THE BACHELOR," MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20
"Episode 1608" - The stakes are high as Ben crisscrosses the country on an exciting, emotionally charged trip to visit the final four women's hometowns. Will Lindzi conquer her fear of being vulnerable and share her true feelings with Ben? Will Kacie B.'s cautious, skeptical parents be the downfall of her relationship with the Bachelor? Will Nicki's parents, who are still heartbroken over her divorce, welcome thoughts of a potential future for their daughter with Ben? And finally, will Ben be able to win over Courtney's protective mother? Afterwards, everyone meets in Los Angeles, and Ben must make a gut-wrenching decision to narrow the field to three women - one of whom he believes will be his wife -- on "The Bachelor," MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20 (8:00-10:01 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.
Ben's journey starts in Ocala, Florida, where he spends the day with Lindzi and her fun-loving parents on their picturesque horse farm. Up until now, she has been hesitant to open up to Ben, but she finally reveals that her last relationship left her heartbroken and she is afraid to make herself vulnerable. Her parents notice the difference in their once reticent daughter whose heart seems open again, but will they welcome Ben into their family?
When he arrives in Clarksville, Tennessee, Ben is met in grand style by a marching band led by Kacie B., his baton-twirling suitor, who has been one of the front-runners for his heart since their emotional first date. As they picnic on a football field named after her grandfather, Kacie fills in Ben about her rich family history and her grandparents' inspiring love story. But what happens when Ben meets Kacie's father? Will he give Ben his blessing, or will this spell trouble for the couple's future?
Ben travels to Fort Worth, Texas, to visit Nicki, the young divorcee. She treats him to a Texas-sized shopping spree, transforming the Sonoma winemaker into a cowboy. Nicki warns Ben that he most likely will be met with a great deal of skepticism from her father, who is determined to protect his daughter after her devastating divorce. Nicki's mother and brother are warm and welcoming, but her father reserves his opinion until after he has a heart-to-heart talk with his daughter. After a tearful and guilt-filled discussion over the failed marriage, Nicki and her father heal some old wounds, but what does it mean for this pair's prospects?
Finally, Ben heads to Scottsdale, Arizona to join Courtney, the glamorous but strong-willed model who has attempted to capture Ben's heart with her aggressive but playful spirit. However, when Ben meets her mother, he discovers that she is skeptical about whether Courtney is really in love with him. What effect will this meeting have on Ben and Courtney's chances? Courtney is not discouraged and summons her courage to tell Ben how she feels about him in a romantic, over-the-top setting. But will it be enough to secure her a rose?
As everyone heads back to Los Angeles, Ben is stymied by the fact that he can see himself falling in love with all four women, but one must be sent home. At a tense and emotionally wrenching rose ceremony, he sadly says good-bye to one heartbroken bachelorette. However, he can take comfort in the knowledge that that one of the remaining three women may be his future wife. So, they toast to the next exotic stop: Switzerland.
The four women are:
Courtney, 28, model, Santa Monica, CA
Kacie B., 24, administrative assistant, Clarksville, TN
Lindzi C., 27, business development manager, Seattle, WA
Nicki, 26, dental hygienist, Hurst, TX
NEXT WEEK ON ABC'S THE BACHELOR (2/13)
WITH HOMETOWN DATES LOOMING, BEN TRIES TO DISCOVER THE BACHELORETTES' TRUE FEELINGS FOR HIM IN ROMANTIC BELIZE, ON ABC'S "THE BACHELOR," MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13
"Episode 1607" - The pressure mounts as the crucial hometown dates loom, but first Ben and the remaining six bachelorettes continue their exciting trip around the world to the beautiful country of Belize. Only one rose will be available and that will be on the group date. However, that woman will be guaranteed a hometown visit. Lindzi and Ben hover over one of the world's most impressive sink holes -- the famed Great Blue Hole - as she tries to overcome her fear of heights. Emily is treated to an outing to the majestic limestone coral island of Caye Caulker, where, after a few rocky weeks, she hopes to get her relationship with Ben back on track. And Courtney, who is desperate for another individual date, gets her wish, but Ben begins to have second thoughts about this frontrunner after she reveals her attitude about taking him home. And the three women on the group date dive with sharks and must conquer their fears if they are to have a chance at a rose. Ben has a real surprise for the women, too, when he cancels the cocktail party, on "The Bachelor," MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13 (8:00-10:01 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.
Lindzi and Ben attempt to take their relationship to new heights with a spectacular helicopter ride over deep ocean waters before arriving at Belize's famous Great Blue Hole. Flying high above the water, Ben informs his nervous date that they will be jumping into the Hole from the helicopter. As terrified as she is, this usually bold bachelorette is more scared that she won't get to take Ben home and needs to trust him to keep her safe and take a leap of faith. That night at dinner, sparks fly as the discussion turns to the possibility of a hometown visit. But will LIndzi expose her serious side and tell Ben how she is feeling about him? And will it be enough to secure a hometown date?
The next individual date goes to Emily, who wants to get back in Ben's good graces. They stroll through town on the island of Caye Caulker, bicycling, playing basketball with the locals and even diving for lobster. This time the connection between the two seems clear, but will Ben offer Emily a rose and a hometown date?
Courtney goes on the last one-on-one date as the couple goes on a romantic picnic among some ancient Mayan ruins. However, this outspoken bachelorette surprises Ben with her reticence about taking him home to meet her family. And then things get even worse when the dinner talk turns to the other bachelorettes. Ben's feelings for Courtney become more confused. He needs to rethink his relationship with her and whether he can see a future together.
Ben wakes up Kacie B., Nicki and Rachel at 4:00 a.m. - so they can go diving with sharks! Rachel is petrified and needs Ben's help to calm her down, while the other two women are afraid they haven't gotten any time with the Bachelor. At the dramatic after-party, Kacie B. and Nicki open their hearts to Ben and reveal they are falling in love with him. One ecstatic woman gets the rose and the hometown date. But tensions still rise as two of the women confront Ben about Courtney and how she might break his heart. How will Ben react to another attack on this woman?
When the women arrive for the cocktail party, they are hoping for one last chance to make a favorable impression on Ben. But the determined Bachelor has cancelled the cocktail party. He pulls Courtney aside to confront her before he makes his decisions, and at the rose ceremony he narrows the field to the four lucky bachelorettes who will take him to their hometowns to meet their families.
The six women are:
Courtney, 28, model, Santa Monica, CA
Emily, 27, PhD student, Chapel Hill, NC
Kacie B., 24, administrative assistant, Clarksville, TN
Lindzi C., 27, business development manager, Seattle, WA
Nicki, 26, dental hygienist, Hurst, TX
Rachel, 27, fashion sales rep., New York City, NY
NEXT WEEK ON THE BACHELOR (2/6)
CHRIS HARRISON CONFRONTS CASEY S. ABOUT A STARTLING SECRET
SHE HAS KEPT, WHILE THE DREADED TWO-ON-ONE DATE LOOMS FOR
BLAKELEY AND RACHEL, ON ABC'S "THE BACHELOR"
"Episode 1606" - Nine excited bachelorettes travel to the exotic tropical country of Panama, but two nervous women - Blakeley and Rachel - face the dramatic two-on-one date where one of them will be sent home immediately. How will the Bachelor handle his heartbreaking decision at the end of the night? Ben soars in a helicopter with Kacie B. over Panama City and the Caribbean, landing on a deserted island where they spend the day, but she makes a stunning disclosure which demonstrates her ability to really open up to Ben. The six women on the group date trek with the Bachelor through the Panamanian jungle and end up at a small village, communicating with their inhabitants, the Emberas. But this week's drama is ratcheted up when Chris faces off with Casey S. about a bombshell disclosure she has failed to reveal to anyone, on "The Bachelor," MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6 (8:00-10:01 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.
Ben treats Kacie B. to a panoramic view of Panama City and the Caribbean via helicopter before they land on a deserted island, which becomes their home for the day. Will they be able to work together as a couple? The duo returns to the mainland for dinner, and this emotional woman shows that she is willing to share a very upsetting, personal experience with Ben.
Six lucky women "get lost" with Ben in the middle of the Panamanian jungle at the bank of the Chagres River. The Bachelor scoops up the ladies in a motorboat and the group zip through the jungle waters before coming upon the Emberas in their small village. The people warmly welcome Ben and the women, but one bachelorette decides to take local customs a bit too far and dons some native garb that leaves little to the imagination. That evening at the after-party at the Trump Ocean Club, Courtney continues her strategy to win Ben's heart with her brash, aggressive behavior. But will this off-putting demeanor score her another rose?
Finally, Ben must face the always difficult task of taking two women he is fond of on the famed two-on-one date. Blakeley is supremely confident, but Rachel is intimidated and anxious. The two join Ben for a day of sexy salsa dancing. All of this comes easily to Blakeley, but Rachel feels like a third wheel on the date. After both women have alone time with him, Ben is forced to make the toughest decision of his journey so far.
On rose ceremony day, Chris pays a surprise visit to the women, pulling Casey S. from the group. In another of "The Bachelor's" most dramatic moments, he confronts her about a situation she has kept secret from everyone. A shocked Casey S. then must admit the truth to Ben. How will he take the news?
The surprises keep coming at the cocktail party when one of the shy bachelorettes decides to make her somewhat awkward move on Ben, rendering him speechless. However, Ben has the courage of his convictions, and the six women left with roses will accompany him to beautiful, blissful Belize.
The nine women are:
Blakeley, 34, VIP cocktail waitress, Charlotte, NC
Casey S., 26, trading clerk, Leawood, KS
Courtney, 28, model, Santa Monica, CA
Emily, 27, PhD student, Chapel Hill, NC
Jamie, 25, registered nurse, Dryden, NY
Kacie B., 24, administrative assistant, Clarksville, TN
Lindzi C., 27, business development manager, Seattle, WA
Nicki, 26, dental hygienist, Hurst, TX
Rachel, 27, fashion sales rep., New York City, NY
NEXT WEEK ON THE BACHELOR (1/30)
BEN AND THE MOST AGGRESSIVE GROUP OF BACHELORETTES EVER
HEAD TO PUERTO RICO, COMPETING ON AND OFF THE BASEBALL DIAMOND
FOR HIS HEAD AND HEART, ON ABC'S "THE BACHELOR"
Courtney Kicks Up the Competition, Tempting Ben with a Private,
Sexy Invitation for Them to Skinny Dip Together
"Episode 1605" - Traveling outside the U.S. for the first time this season, Ben whisks the 11 remaining bachelorettes to the Caribbean paradise of Puerto Rico. Nicki is the lucky recipient of the first individual date card, and she can't wait. Their romantic tryst is amplified by an unexpected thunderstorm and a local wedding. A trip to the legendary Roberto Clemente Baseball Stadium proves the mettle of nine of the women, as they challenge their physical limits to compete for extra time with Ben. Elyse captures the other one-on-one date as she and Ben take an intimate ocean tour aboard a luxury yacht, but it's not all smooth sailing when Elyse decides to let her walls down. However, Courtney makes a provocative suggestion to Ben about a sizzling rendezvous. But will he take her up on her secret proposition to skinny dip together, and will the other women find out?, on "The Bachelor," MONDAY, JANUARY 30 (8:00-10:01 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.
Once the women arrive at the luxurious W Resort and Spa on the tropical island of Vieques, Nicki, the sensitive divorcee, learns that she will have the first one-on-one date. Ben picks her up via helicopter and the two escape to the mainland. They set out to explore charming, historic old San Juan when a thunderstorm strikes and they need to run for cover. Soaked through, they exchange their clothes for some authentic garb and then, coincidentally, the pair happen upon a local wedding. The ceremony reminds Nicki of her walk down the aisle, but is she ready to fall in love again? She opens up to Ben about her painful past over a romantic dinner, but will he respond with a rose?
The next day, Ben surprises nine women with a trip to the famed Roberto Clemente Baseball Stadium. It's all good fun as the group enjoy their time in the field. But then Chris Harrison informs them they will be playing a game against each other to decide who will get a beachside after-party with Ben. The losers will go back to the hotel. Ben chooses one lucky woman to be his MVP - playing on both teams and assured of a ticket to the after-party. For the rest of the bachelorettes, it's game on! Rabidly competitive, the women battle until the last dramatic out, provided by one devastated woman who strikes out and takes the whole team down with her. Ben opens up to one of his sweethearts and then offers her the rose, but Courtney steals the show by privately inviting Ben to a secret rendezvous that is a tempting mind blower: come skinny dip with me!
Ben invites Elyse to a fabulously romantic evening aboard a luxury yacht, and she takes the opportunity to emotionally explain how much she wants to give up her single life and get married. What will Ben's reaction to be to her genuine revelation? However, when Ben returns to his hotel, he has a surprise waiting for him -- Courtney, who suggested the sizzling tryst. After a night cap, she repeats her offer to skinny dip with him. Will anyone catch them together?
Another dramatic cocktail party has Ben's secret playmate, Courtney, toying with the other women about her skinny dipping adventure. And Emily decides she would rather focus on her dislike of Courtney than concentrate on Ben. But there is a shocker waiting at the rose ceremony, and nine women are all excited to move on to Panama City, Panama, in hopes of capturing Ben's heart.
The 11 women are:
Blakeley, 34, VIP cocktail waitress, Charlotte, NC
Casey S., 26, trading clerk, Leawood, KS
Courtney, 28, model, Santa Monica, CA
Elyse, 24, personal trainer, Chicago, IL
Emily, 27, PhD student, Chapel Hill, NC
Jamie, 25, registered nurse, Dryden, NY
Jennifer, 28, accountant, Oklahoma City, OK
Kacie B., 24, administrative assistant, Clarksville, TN
Lindzi C., 27, business development manager, Seattle, WA
Nicki, 26, dental hygienist, Hurst, TX
Rachel, 27, fashion sales rep., New York City, NY
EMILY'S COMPETITIVE STRATEGY GETS UNDER ONE WOMAN'S SKIN AND CAUSES
A FIRESTORM, AND BEN STUNS THE BACHELORETTES WITH ONE OF HIS DECISIONS,
ON ABC'S "THE BACHELOR"
Country Music Superstar Clay Walker Serenades Ben and Jennifer in a Special Concert
"Episode 1604" - Ben explores his romantic connections to his 13 remaining potential soul mates against the backdrop of the majestic mountains of Park City, Utah. There are intimate one-on-dates with Rachel and Jennifer, and a spectacular group date horseback riding across some of Utah's most beautiful terrain. But Ben has a surprise for one of the bachelorettes at the after party that shocks all the women. Jealousy rears its ugly head when Emily decides it is time to warn Ben about one of the women who may not be as sweet as she seems. But will her plan backfire? The tension is unbearable as women who haven't had any time with Ben during the week fight for his attention, on "The Bachelor," MONDAY, JANUARY 23 (8:00-10:01 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.
When the women arrive at the Waldorf Astoria Park City Canyons Resort, Rachel discovers that she is the lucky woman to get the first one-on-one date. And as thrilled as she is, Kacie B. is having a hard time dealing with Rachel getting to spend alone time with Ben and dissolves in tears.
Ben and Rachel spend a blissful afternoon exploring the Utah countryside via helicopter, landing near a secluded lake for a romantic kayaking tour and private picnic. But just when Ben decides to get serious, the bubbly bachelorette suddenly gets very quiet. Will her fear of opening up cost her a rose?
The next day Ben takes eight enthusiastic women on a breathtaking horseback ride only to spring a surprise on the ladies that they will be spending the day fly-fishing. The eager bachelorettes gear up and attempt to catch some fish, but of course there is a competitive woman who is more interested in catching Ben - not fish. However, at the after party back at the hotel pool, Ben makes another shocking decision that startles the women. At the end of the night, one ecstatic bachelorette who is hoping for the rose is rendered helpless when one of the more sexy seductresses swoops in to claim it.
Jennifer is the next fortunate woman to get her first one-on-one date. The adventurous Bachelor reveals that they will be rappelling down into a mysterious crater, where there is actually warm water below. Lowering themselves into the dark abyss, they drop to the water and reunite for a kiss. Later that night, the couple enjoy a romantic rain-soaked outdoor dinner and a then a real treat: a private concert by country music superstar Clay Walker. Jennifer feels she is a perfect match for Ben, but will he feel the same and extend her a rose?
As usual, sparks fly at the cocktail party when Emily decides it's time to warn Ben about one woman who might not be as sweet as she seems, but will her plan backfire? And when the two bachelorettes confront one another - all bets are off! A fierce dispute puts everyone on edge.
Tensions are still sizzling at the rose ceremony, but Ben knows what he needs to do. At the end of the night 11 women will remain to travel with him to Puerto Rico.
The 13 women are:
Blakeley, 34, VIP cocktail waitress, Charlotte, NC
Casey S., 26, trading clerk, Leawood, KS
Courtney, 28, model, Santa Monica, CA
Elyse, 24, personal trainer, Chicago, IL
Emily, 27, PhD student, Chapel Hill, NC
Jamie, 25, registered nurse, Dryden, NY
Jennifer, 28, accountant, Oklahoma City, OK
Kacie B., 24, administrative assistant, Clarksville, TN
Lindzi C., 27, business development manager, Seattle, WA
Monica, 33, dental consultant, Salt Lake City, UT
Nicki, 26, dental hygienist, Hurst, TX
Rachel, 27, fashion sales rep., New York City, NY
Samantha, 26, advertising account manager, Los Angeles, CA
One Lucky Lady Gets the VIP Treatment from Ben in San Francisco and a
Private Concert from Platinum Recording Artist Matt Nathanson
AN EXPLOSIVE ENTRANCE BY A MYSTERIOUS WOMAN FROM BEN’S PAST SHOCKS THE BACHELORETTES AND THE CLAWS COME OUT; ONE WOMAN FAINTS AND ANOTHER DOES THE UNIMAGINABLE, AS BEN DROPS A BOMBSHELL HIMSELF, ON ABC’S “THE BACHELOR”
Fireworks erupt when a woman from Ben’s past makes a sudden dramatic appearance at the cocktail party to let him know she has feelings for him and wants to be in the hunt for his heart. However, Ben starts the unforgettable week by sharing his wonderful city of San Francisco with the women. It begins with a nerve-shattering adrenaline date with Emily climbing to the top of the Bay Bridge, continues with a group date where 11 women ski down a snow-covered street and culminates with Ben’s intimate city tour with Lindzi and a special exclusive concert by Matt Nathanson. But the women continue to surprise, as one bachelorette rejects Ben’s offer of a one-on-one date. The tension is so high that one woman faints during the rose ceremony. But Ben shocks all the bachelorettes as he makes an unusual decision to end the night, on “The Bachelor,” MONDAY, JANUARY 16 (8:00-10:01 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.
Upon arriving in Ben’s beloved city by the bay, Ben meets his sister to give her the lowdown on some of the more intriguing women. While Ben’s 16 suitors explore their suite at the famed Fairmont Hotel, they learn from Chris Harrison that not everyone will get a date this week. But those lucky enough to get individual dates will either be receiving a rose or going home immediately. An excited Emily turns out to be the first fortunate lady. Her heart races even faster when she finds out that the date involves climbing 500 feet to the top of the Bay Bridge, scaling up the exterior beams. As the couple begins to ascend high over the water, the nervous bachelorette begins to shut down. How will she handle her two biggest fears – rejection and heights? Will she fall from grace and be sent home without a rose?
The next day, Ben surprises 11 of the women by taking them skiing for the day. They don’t realize that he has shut down a San Francisco street in the middle of the city and covered it with snow for their adventure. The ladies strip down to bikinis and hit the slope. The competition for Ben’s rose continues to be fierce at the after party, but one emotional bachelorette crashes the festivities to give Ben some very unexpected news. She declines the one-on-one date invitation he extended to her. The moment is a real gut-check for Ben and causes him to question everything.
For the final individual date, Ben takes a grateful and ecstatic Lindzi on a personal tour of his city. When the two stop at City Hall, they are treated to a private concert by platinum recording artist Matt Nathanson. Lindzi captured the first impression rose, but does her laid back style net her a second one?
But Ben is completely stunned when a very determined woman storms into the cocktail party and confesses her feelings for him. She pushes it even further, asking to stay for the rose ceremony. The other women strike back with a stinging verbal attack. One infuriated woman even threatens to leave if the newcomer gets a rose.
The anxiety is ratcheted up at the rose ceremony. One worried woman faints and one breaks down in tears. In the end, Ben pulls a shocker himself. Thirteen women remain to move to the next stop: Park City, Utah.
TEARS FLOW AS THE BACHELORETTES ENGAGE IN RAUCOUS, EARLY CAT FIGHTS FOR BEN'S ATTENTION, ON ABC'S "THE BACHELOR"
Jealousy Explodes During the Season's First Group Date
"Episode 1602" - The 18 remaining bachelorettes travel to the lush vineyards of Ben's hometown of Sonoma, California. Two lucky women - Kacie B. and Courtney --will get romantic one-on-one dates, but will it further their chances of being Ben's dream woman, or will they be sent home? The group date will give 12 bachelorettes an unusual opportunity to show Ben another side of their personalities as they audition and perform roles for a community theater production - written entirely by children. However, it doesn't take long for the women to get under each other's skin and ramp up the drama, ending in uncontrollable tears for some of the bachelorettes, on "The Bachelor," MONDAY, JANUARY 9 (8:00-10:01 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.
Ben selects Kacie B. for his first individual date of the season and whisks the adorable bachelorette off to the center of Sonoma to show her the sights and recount memories of his childhood. Over an emotional dinner, Ben talks of his father's passing and the role it played in making him the man he is now. Later, at the famed Sebastiani Theater, Ben surprises his stunning date by taking a cinematic trip down memory lane. Highlights of their respective home movies are screened especially for them. Although it is bittersweet for Ben to watch his father on screen, the experience brings Kacie and Ben closer together. But will this mean a rose for her, or will the date end in heartbreak?
The next day, 12 bachelorettes meet Ben at a local park for the first group date of the season. Ben reveals that the women will audition for and perform in a community play. But this dramatic showcase was written by children. The women are called upon individually to perform a series of embarrassing impersonations for Ben and the children. After casting the women in roles ranging from a princess to a weasel, Ben drops another bombshell: the performance will take place that night in front of a live audience. One anxious bachelorette flubs her lines, but recovers nicely and steals the show and a kiss from Ben. When the 12 ladies join Ben at a posh poolside after party at a hotel, Blakeley lures him into a steamy make out session, much to the horror of the other women. Samantha is so disturbed at this shameless ploy for Ben's attention that she escapes to the bathroom in tears. Will Ben figure out the behind-the-scenes drama among the women before he needs to hand out the roses?
Then Ben takes a picnic basket for two and his beloved dog, Scotch, to pick up Courtney, his final date of the week. The Bachelor and this sexy siren share a romantic lunch among the redwoods and bond over their similarities. They meet later at a local winery for a moonlit tractor ride and an intimate dinner under the stars. But is this woman too good to be true?
Finally, the claws come out at a tense cocktail party. One emboldened woman immediately steals Ben from another, a distraught bachelorette dissolves in tears when her alone time with Ben goes awry, and one girl completely breaks down when she feels ganged up on by the other women. Ben does his best to play peacemaker, but will the women recover from their emotional tailspins before the rose ceremony? At the end of the night, only 16 women will remain in the chase for Ben's heart.
SEASON PREMIERE
BEN FLAJNIK STARTS HIS SEARCH FOR LOVE ON ABC'S HIT ROMANCE REALITY SERIES, "THE BACHELOR," PREMIERING MONDAY, JANUARY 2, 2012 ON ABC
A Senior Citizen Who is Madly in Love with the Bachelor and a Woman on Horseback Mark the Beginning of Ben's Journey to Find His Soul Mate
This Season's Highlights Include Private Concerts by Platinum Recording Artist Matt Nathanson and Country Music Superstar Clay Walker, Romantic Trips to Puerto Rico, Panama and Belize, plus A Spectacular Trip to Switzerland for Seductive Overnight Dates and the Emotional Finale
Millions of viewers were shocked, along with Ben Flajnik (pronounced Flannick), 29, the handsome winemaker from Sonoma, when, after summoning the courage to get down on one knee and offer his heartfelt proposal to Bachelorette Ashley Hebert, she rejected him, sending him off heartbroken and angry. But Ben isn't giving up. He is back as the Bachelor and ready to risk it all again for another chance at love. He begins the search for his soul mate, choosing from among 25 beautiful bachelorettes, when "The Bachelor" premieres MONDAY, JANUARY 2 (8:00-10:01 p.m., ET) , on the ABC Television Network. This will be the 16th season of ABC's hit romance reality series.
In "Episode 1601," Ben returns to the mansion for the first big cocktail party. He explains to Chris Harrison that, as painful as his experience was last season, he has no regrets. When Ben began his journey with Ashley, he was emotionally shut down due to his grief over his father's death. Ultimately, he was able to open himself up again to love. Because of that journey, he is a different man and ready to try and find love again.
As the limos pull up, Ben is overwhelmed by how excited these beautiful women are to meet him. An attractive young law student informs Ben that he's been found guilty - of being sexy! A germ-conscious epidemiologist sanitizes both herself and Ben, and then promptly steals the season's first kiss. But nothing can prepare Ben for the moment the limo door opens and a senior citizen steps out. Who is this mysterious septuagenarian, and why is she confessing that she is madly in love with him? And just when it seems he has seen it all, a horse trots up with the last bachelorette in the saddle.
Once inside the mansion, the competition for Ben's attention heats up. An easy-going woman and a sweet divorcee both make an early play for the Bachelor, while the sexy equestrian proves she is equally as charming without the horse. But Ben's older admirer advises him that he needs a family-oriented woman. The pressure mounts when Chris brings out the "first impression" rose, as one woman after another attempts to win Ben's heart and the rose. One athletic woman corners Ben for a quick soccer game; a sassy personal trainer demands he do pushups; a gorgeous model seduces him and a charming scholar demonstrates her "gangsta" side by performing a rap she wrote just for him. But drama erupts when the pressure proves to be too much for one sensitive young woman. Another outgoing bachelorette seems like she might be more interested in one of the other women than in Ben. Gossip flies and the conflict escalates, leaving one woman in uncontrollable tears.
After Ben awards one vivacious beauty the "first impression" rose, he thanks the bachelorettes for calming his nerves. He regretfully must send seven women home, leaving 18 to begin an extraordinary adventure with him.
Romantic and adventurous dates will reach new heights this season, testing the ladies' perseverance in pursuing their romantic objective, along with fun, exciting and exotic dates that will elicit real and raw passions. For the first group date, Ben and 12 of the women audition for and act in a theater production completely run by children. After showing the ladies his hometown of Sonoma, Ben brings the remaining women to his second home, beautiful San Francisco, where one nervous bachelorette struggles to overcome her worst fear when she and Ben scale San Francisco's Bay Bridge. And the daring Bachelor even invites some of the women to ski down the city's rolling streets. One lucky lady is taken on a VIP tour of Ben's San Francisco, which ends with a private romantic concert by platinum recording artist Matt Nathanson at historic City Hall. The pristine mountains of Park City, Utah, are the backdrop for a private concert with country music superstar Clay Walker. A competitive day of fly fishing in a quiet Utah valley forces the women out of their comfort zone. The remaining bachelorettes break out their sun tan lotion and bikinis when Ben whisks them away to tropical Vieques, Puerto Rico, where sparks fly when one sexy woman goes moonlight skinny-dipping with the Bachelor. An exciting trip to the Central American country of Panama leads to a boat ride deep into the Panamanian jungle, where Ben and a group of women spend the day with a local tribe. Then it's on to the lush tropical paradise of Belize. One nervous bachelorette jumps from a helicopter into Belize's famous Great Blue Hole. A fun-filled catamaran adventure turns to panic when the women discover they are going swimming with sharks. Finally, after spending passionate weeks in the hot tropics, Ben brings his final three women to Switzerland for a dramatic change of scenery for the exotic dates and the finale. Despite the storybook setting, Ben starts to question his decisions. Will he miss his chance for a happy ending again?
As in the past, women will continue to be eliminated each week, but if at any point along the way a woman should decide that she's no longer interested in the Bachelor, she can reject his invitation to continue dating. Some lucky women will meet his family, and he will visit their hometowns for a slice of their lives in an effort to determine the woman with whom he is most compatible.
Shut the flippin' front door! ~~ Do you think you were born awesome, or just grew up badass?
The Bachelor 16 - Ben Flajnik ~ *detailed episode descriptions* (Updated 3/9)
The Bachelor 16 - Ben Flajnik ~ *detailed episode descriptions* (Updated 3/9)
