"The Bachelor" season premiere: Sean Lowe hands out multiple roses

Lindsay wore a wedding dress to meet Sean Lowe in the season premiere of "The Bachelor."

/ ABC

Sean Lowe got another shot at love Monday night with the premiere of "The Bachelor," where he met 26 women and narrowed the pool down to 19.

The 28-year-old Texas native returns to ABC after finishing as the second runner-up during Emily Maynard's season of "The Bachelorette" in 2012.

So, what is Lowe looking for as he takes another stab at an on-screen, real-life romance? According to the opening monologue, Lowe said he hopes to one day live in a "house full of love and laughter."

The episode got under way with Arie Luyendyk, the runner-up of Maynard's season, who stopped by to give Lowe some advice.

"You're not just kissing. You're kissing with your whole body," Luyekdyk told his buddy in the season 17 premiere.

Then it was time to meet the ladies, many of whom tried to make a memorable first impression on the former Kansas State linebacker. Lindsay, a 24-year-old substitute teacher from Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., showed up in a wedding gown and surprised Lowe when she planted a kiss on him. Ashley P., meanwhile, pulled out a grey tie, in an attempt to reference the book "Fifty Shades of Grey."

The episode also featured a little surprise when host Chris Harrison told Lowe, "Somebody called and said she wanted to meet you here tonight."

Former contestant Kacie B., 25, from Ben Flajnik's season, returned and is also in the running. "I'm blown away right now," Lowe said. Kacie told him she wanted "to see if there's a possibility of something between us."

Lowe's first rose went to Tierra, a 24-year-old leasing consultant from Denver, Colo. "You have this sweet, exciting ... such a good energy," Lowe told her.

He then proceeded to change things up a bit, breaking the rules by handing out a rose to every woman he wants to get to know more -- not saving the coveted rose solely for the first woman he chooses.

Sarah, 26, an advertising executive from Los Angeles, who was born without part of one arm, was among the rose-getters. "You're beautiful," Lowe said.

"It's easier to date a girl with two arms," Sarah said to the cameras, adding, "It's validation. It's a huge symbol of empowerment and confidence and love. This is a total dream come true."

Lowe's 19 roses were handed out to Tierra, Selma, Robyn, Jackie, Leslie H., Sarah, Brooke, Catherine, Katie, Diana, Amanda, Desiree, AshLee F., Lesley M., Kacie B., Kristy, Daniella, Taryn and Lindsay.

During the airing of Monday's episode, Lowe offered commentary on his Twitter account.

"The Bachelor" returns Monday at 8 p.m. ET.

[ChrisBaron123]

Arie's kissing lesson was one of the funniest things that I have seen on TV ever, and the sad part is that I think that Sean was actually interested in what he had to say. I guess that Sean needed to prove how shallow he was right off the bat when he instantly gave a rose to Tierra or rather her ample chest. I was talking to a coworker at DISH who was really mad that they had Sean come back, and I am no fan of him either. I missed the show last night because I was watching The Biggest Loser, but I was able to catch up with a recording that my DISH Hopper made with PrimeTime Anytime. I love how it records everything during primetime on the four major networks while I watch whatever I want. I am glad that I caught it because the claws are already starting to come out.

[SLEEPLESSINANGIER]

I DO NOT REALLY THINK THAT HUNK OF A MAN NEEDED KISSING LESSONS OR ANY OTHER LESSONS.I THINK SEAN IS THE MOST ADORABLE BACHELOR EVER!WHO CAN HONESTLY SAY THAT THEY COULD NOT GET LOST IN THOSE EYES OR ARMS? BUT DOES ANYBODY KNOW WHAT IS IN THE NOTE HE GETS ON THE FINALE AND DOES IT CHANGE EVERYTHING?