THE BACHELOR – 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, when “The Bachelor” premieres MONDAY, JANUARY 2 (8:00-10:01 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/RICK ROWELL)
BEN FLAJNIK