The Bachelor

S22:E02 - Episode 1

Dashing racecar driver Arie Luyendyk Jr. returns to try and finally win at love. Five years ago, Arie fell madly in love with fan favorite Bachelorette Emily Maynard (now Emily Maynard Johnson) and was ready to propose when she broke his heart. That was the last time Arie was really in love, but now he begins his own pursuit of his soul mate, as 29 beautiful, accomplished women join him on the highly anticipated 22nd season premiere of The Bachelor.Arie meets with one of Bachelor Nation's favorite married couples, Sean and Catherine Lowe and their son, Samuel, before his journey begins. The two men have been friends since they competed for Emily's heart on season eight of The Bachelorette. Sean offers Arie tips on how to date 29 women at one time, while Catherine decides to help prepare him for fatherhood and has him change a diaper. Little Samuel reminds Arie how much he wants the life that Sean and Catherine have. Now armed with advice and encouragement, Arie is ready for the tumultuous night ahead.All the women are eager to make a lasting first impression. A beautiful blonde wearing a mask proclaims that Arie is not the only "kissing bandit." Another woman roars up on a miniature Formula One racecar, leaving a lot of jealous ladies in her wake. One sassy female gives Arie compliments in Dutch, his second language, and another sultry stunner whispers sweet nothings in his ear. Arie handles the pressure like a pro. The arrivals are almost stolen by a charming woman, who arrives in a cherry red '65 convertible Mustang.Once Arie enters the mansion, the competition is on! He is swept away by a very assertive and mysterious bachelorette. She lands the first one-on-one conversation with the debonair Bachelor and a very romantic kiss. There is already discord and envy running among the women as they try and steal time with the man they hope will be their fiancé.When the "first impression" rose arrives, the bachelorettes' anxiety level rises. A hopeful TV host believes that her future with the Bachelor is destiny. Another gorgeous, thoughtful woman makes Arie dig deep about why he hasn't found true love since Emily. And for some, actions speak louder than words. A feisty lady uses a ukulele to serenade Arie, and yet another challenges him to race riding miniature racecars.Arie finally decides who to honor with the all-important "first impression" rose. But how will his choice sit with the other women? A nerve-wracking rose ceremony ends the journey for eight lovely ladies, but for the 21 remaining bachelorettes the road ahead will be filled with passionate highs and heart-wrenching lows. Arie's journey has finally begun!