NEXT WEEK ON “THE BACHELOR” (2/27/2012)

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

Hosted by Chris Harrison, “The Bachelor” is a production of Next Entertainment in association with Warner Horizon Television. Mike Fleiss and Martin Hilton are the executive producers.

This episode of “The Bachelor” will be available on ABC.com the day after airing on the network for users to watch online. For more information on “The Bachelor” visit ABC.com.

“The Bachelor” is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC’s selected HDTV format, with stereo sound. A TV parental guideline will be assigned closer to airdate.