The Bachelor Episode 2: Not Awkward At All

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Episode two kicks off with host Blake Harrison asking the contestants for their first impressions of Dean. I’m half-hoping one of them says, “I totally understand why he’s single,” but, surprise! That doesn’t happen, because reality TV has its own rules.

We find out there will be three dates: two group dates and one solo date. Blake explains, “There are 22 of you, so it’s logistically impossible for everyone to have a date each week.” Wait, what? Does Blake know what “group” means? How can it be “impossible” to arrange enough dates? Are there more women than usual? Did the car rental place run out of party buses? What’s going on here?

He leaves them in a bit of a panic: “When you do get time, make the most of it.” The camera zooms around the room, capturing the growing tension as the women look furious, ready to pounce on Dean. Nina starts to sweat and exclaims, “My dad said I would get a date!” Then, in a dramatic twist, she starts nibbling on the girl next to her. Just kidding—nobody actually gets eaten, but I should totally produce this show; mine would be way more entertaining.

The first date card arrives, and the women freak out. The first name called is Nina’s, and we all cringe a little. The card reads, “Always a bridesmaid…” which could refer to Dean’s past relationship struggles or the fact that the women on this date are often the less favored contestants. Not sure which.

Nina chimes in, “I’ve never even been a bridesmaid. I’m basically a bride at heart.” LOL, no sweetheart. You don’t have friends because you’re a nightmare.

The ladies pile into convertibles, acting shocked that they’re “actually going to have a date with Dean today!” Have they not watched this show before? It’s literally just about dates.

As they arrive at the group date, Dean greets them, saying, “I feel so fortunate to have met 30 amazing women.” Ugh, why do I even watch this nonsense? The women step out, and Dean hugs each of them. ABC doesn’t capture every hug, but they really should. He cracks a joke about how awkward group dates can be, given his experience. Come on, Dean. We get it; you live in the mansion. Stop making it weird.

The date takes a bizarre turn when they have a bridal photoshoot. “This should help break the ice,” Dean says. Yeah, nothing says “relaxed first date” like slipping into a wedding gown. There’s a catch: they don’t have enough gowns, so some women have to play bridesmaids. Ha! The photographer will decide who “wins” based on chemistry.

Nina brags about being the first to kiss him, and we all hope she’s the first to go home. “I’m definitely the hottest bride,” she claims, wearing a gown that resembles a bikini top. Meanwhile, Sarah emerges in a barely-there costume, looking stunning. Nina’s jealousy reaches new heights—our hearts are warmed.

As we slog through the photo shoots, the photographer outfits Dean in some ridiculous costumes, which is oddly entertaining.

Back at the house, the girls speculate about Nina getting the first rose because she kissed him first. Liz, the one who has a secret past with Dean, sits there looking smug, as if she wants to shout, “I kissed him first! At a wedding! And we… well, you know!”

During the awkward shoot, Nina goes overboard, making Dean cover her bare chest with his hands for a photo. It’s cringe-worthy. The photographer seems to favor her, and she ends up winning, much to the annoyance of the other contestants.

Meanwhile, Danielle gets the first one-on-one date, and Liz can’t keep quiet about her past with Dean. Back to the group date, where Nina hogs all of Dean’s attention, interrupting other women. She even claims, “I think my top was off the whole time I spoke to him.” What a gem. The other ladies are ready to strangle her. Honestly, the show could pivot to “Murder Nina” and probably boost ratings.

In a ridiculous turn, Nina interrupts multiple women, and Dean seems to enjoy it. She refers to herself in the third person, which is just too much. The tension peaks when Dean hands Nina the rose. WHAT?! I’m about to throw my remote at the screen.

Just kidding—I can’t turn away. But really, Dean?

The one-on-one with Danielle is boring. Liz spills her secret to another contestant, and we’re back to the group date at the Museum of Broken Relationships—seriously, Nick can’t let go of his past. In the center of the museum sits a dead rose alongside the engagement ring he once picked out.

The women engage in a staged fight, pretending to break up with him. This is just bizarre, Nick. Seriously, get some therapy.

Liz, meanwhile, is sobbing because she struggles to grasp how strange it is for her one-night stand to show up on a dating show. She makes it all about her, airing their dirty laundry in front of everyone, which makes things super awkward.

Nick isn’t thrilled and decides he needs to confront Liz about whether she’s using their past for airtime. “The more I talk to Liz, the less sense she makes,” he reflects.

In a shocking moment, he tells her, “I don’t think we have a future.” Ouch. Liz glares at him as if she’s willing him to regret it. When he offers to walk her to the car, I can’t help but think, “Why do they always accept that?”

Nick returns to the other women and spills the tea about his history with Liz. They look shocked, as if two adults getting drunk and having a fling at a wedding is a foreign concept. Next week promises more drama, tears, and the fallout from Liz and Nick’s past. Looks like Nina might have a meltdown too!

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In summary, Episode 2 of “The Bachelor” was filled with awkward moments, jealousy, and dramatic confrontations. Nina’s antics overshadowed the other contestants, leading to a surprising rose ceremony. The tension continues to build as Liz’s past with Dean complicates their budding romance.