'The Bachelorette' Recap: The Men React to Nick Viall's Arrival

— -- Monday night’s episode of "The Bachelorette" found the men displeased with Kaitlyn Bristowe for bringing Nick Viall into the competition, and they each tried to deal with the unexpected twist in the competition.

The show opened in New York, with the guys confronting Nick, a former "Bachelorette" contestant from a prior season, about his intentions. He insisted he was not there to “cause any drama,” but “digs” Kaitlyn and would like to know her better. The men were concerned about the details of his relationship with Kaitlyn during the months leading up to his arrival. Nick admitted first getting in touch with her over the Christmas holidays and communicating with her via Twitter and over the phone. The others were justifiably concerned because they think this may give him a leg up on them.

At a cocktail reception, preceding the rose ceremony at Citi Field, home of the New York Mets, the men took turns discussing their concerns about Nick with Kaitlyn. JJ seized the moment, by taking her onto the playing field and running the bases with her in his arms.

Shawn B, also upset with Kaitlyn for allowing Nick to enter the competition, took her aside and warned that their relationship has taken “two steps back” as a result of the decision. She tried to reassure him that she felt an instant connection with him from day one and that hadn’t changed. He said Nick was lying, and told Kaitlyn he didn’t think her actions matched her words. She began to question her decision to let Nick into the group. However, at the rose ceremony, she ended up keeping Nick and sending Corey, Jonathan and Ryan B. home.

Afterwards, Kaitlyn and the rest of the men headed to San Antonio, Texas, and Ben H. was chosen for the first one-on-one date. They ended up at Gruene Hall, the state’s oldest dance hall, where they learned the two-step and entered a competition. They were eliminated after the second round, but Kaitlyn still thought something felt comfortable and that they’d taken a couple of steps forward. She declared the date with Ben, “Blew my expectations out of the water,” adding that it was really important for her to see that he could “open up and talk about why he is [and] who he is.” Bristowe gave Ben a rose.

Next, 10 men were invited on a group date and tasked with winning Kaitlyn’s heart by writing and performing a mariachi song. The guys then dressed in traditional costumes and sang them in front of an audience. Most of the men did OK except for Ian, who choked and could barely get the words out. However, Nick won the day by taking Bristowe up to a balcony to perform his song.

Joshua, feeling threatened by Nick’s showing, decided to take a risk by demonstrating his trust in Kaitlyn by letting her cut his hair while he was blindfolded. She had the idea of giving him a Mohawk, but chickened out, leaving him looking like he went through a “wood chipper.” Nick also got some alone time with Bristowe during which they were soon making out. Afterwards, Joshua confronted Nick, saying he would “never trust” him and that something about his arrival seemed “off.” Joshua then sneaked off with Kaitlyn and pressed her to rethink keeping Nick around, unwisely revealing to Kaitlyn that everyone has been lying to her about their feelings towards Nick.