'The Bachelorette' Recap: Nick Viall Joins the Competition

— -- Welcome back, Nick Viall!

Viall, the runner-up in the 2014 season of "The Bachelorette" starring Andi Dorfman, returned to the ABC series on Monday night. He entered the competition for Kaitlyn Bristowe's heart, showing up in New York City and asking her to give him a chance.

The two previously struck up a friendship via text and social media, but Nick told Kaitlyn he'd regret it if he didn't take a shot with her. Eventually, she agreed to bring him aboard.

Needless to say, the other men weren't thrilled. Kaitlyn's decision hasn't received Andi's support, either. Andi offered her this advice on Twitter: "One word.... RUN! Okay two... RUN FAST!"

Andi was miffed at Nick during last season's "After the Final Rose" special when he revealed to the world that they'd slept together.

We'll see how Nick mixes in with his fellow bachelors beginning next Monday night.

The episode began with a different kind of drama. After Kaitlyn last week heard complaints that Clint is a bad guy, she pulled him aside and eliminated him from the competition, declaring, "I don't trust you." Adding insult to injury, Clint's BFF on the show, JJ, turned his back on him, demanding that Clint issue an apology for taking up everyone's time. The two had a profanity-laced argument afterward.

Overcome with emotion, Kaitlyn cancelled the scheduled rose ceremony. She and the bachelors left the mansion and headed to New York City.

Eight men were invited to a group date in which they met Doug E. Fresh and wrote their own raps for a rap battle in front of an audience. JJ further cemented his villain status on the show by dropping a rhyme about "NYC hoes," drawing boos from the females in the crowd. Justin received the group date rose.

The second group date featured five men auditioning for a role in a live performance of the "Aladdin" Broadway musical. Chris, a.k.a. “Cupcake,” won out, and had the chance to take the stage with Kaitlyn during a sold-out show. He accepted a rose.

Kaitlyn also had a one-on-one date with Jared at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. After she presented him with a rose, the two took a helicopter ride around the city.

Another highlight of the episode was a cameo from Ashley S., the wacky contestant on the most recent season of "The Bachelor." She styled Kaitlyn's hair for one of her dates while weighing in on the Nick situation.