The Bachelorette

S07:E01 - Episode 1

As a bachelorette on season 15 of The Bachelor, ASHLEY HEBERT, 27 -- who resides in Philadelphia, where she is finishing her degree in dentistry -- went from being a favorite to capture Brad Womack's heart to narrowly missing her goal of finding a future husband. Frustrated she couldn't communicate her feelings to Brad, Ashley's insecurities got the best of her and Brad gallantly said his good-byes before putting her through the agony of a rose ceremony. Ashley went home full of regrets, but that's all in the past. Now she's ready to face her fears and put her heart on the line for love -- and this time she'll be ready and open to express her feelings to the right guy. The energetic and vivacious Ashley, who is ready to start a new life with a soul mate she hopes to soon meet, will get a second chance at love as she returns as the Bachelorette in season seven of the hit romantic reality series.The season premiere begins with a huge surprise as Ashley discloses she already knows of one of the men, Bentley, who a former Bachelor cast member has warned her is here for the wrong reasons. Meanwhile, Ashley's old insecurity returns when she reveals to CHRIS HARRISON that she fears the men will be disappointed when they learn she is the Bachelorette. But when the 25 eligible guys start arriving, they are eager to make an impression. Mickey, a handsome chef, can't help himself and steals a kiss. A sharp Wall Street banker, Ames, is right on the money when he offers Ashley a pair of tickets to the ballet. Ben F., a vintner who knows his way around fine wines, pours a glass for Ashley from a special vintage he created just for her. And Nick, a former baseball player, recites a poem he wrote for the Bachelorette. Meanwhile, Jeff, a mysterious masked bachelor, manages to irritate the other men at the same time he attempts to draw all of Ashley's attention. Then Bentley finally arrives, the man whom Ashley was warned might be there for the wrong reasons. When Bentley steps out of the limo, however, Ashley is disarmed. Though she starts off acting cynical, she is blown away by how attractive and charming the bachelor is.Once inside, Ashley lives many women's dream of being surrounded by so many handsome men, all there just for her. As the biggest night of her life begins, so does the competition between the men. Ryan P. is the first to steal the Bachelorette away for some alone time and tries to quiet her insecurities about the men not liking her. Matt scores big points for introducing Ashley to his mother over a speakerphone. Ben C., an attorney, makes his case by communicating a romantic message to her from across the room on giant cue cards. From behind his mask, Jeff explains to Ashley that he is not just a pretty face and wants her to get to get to know the person he is on the inside. But will his enigmatic efforts pay off with a rose? Meanwhile, Mike has a special song for the Bachelorette and starts to accompany himself on his guitar, but Ashley is unprepared for what happens next. Bentley continues to surprise her with how genuine he seems. The tension mounts when Chris Harrison brings out the first impression rose. The pressure becomes too much for one man, Tim, who to tries to calm his nerves by drinking too much and Ashley has no choice but to take drastic measures. She decides to award the first impression rose to a charming bachelor who took a risk during the evening. By the end of the night, Ashley will have eliminated several men, leaving 18 to compete for her affections and, in the end, her heart.