The Golden Bachelor Season 2 Finale Begins
The second season of The Golden Bachelor came to a dramatic start as host Jesse Palmer welcomed lead Mel Owens to Antigua. Mel shared his thoughts on the two remarkable women he’s considering, emphasizing that both are special in their unique ways. However, Jesse pointed out that Mel hasn’t fully expressed his feelings to either woman, which has caused some concern for Peg.
Mel responded thoughtfully, saying, “I don’t want to use the word [love] loosely…it’s a big deal. You can’t use it and not mean it.” This sentiment resonates with many viewers who have seen previous seasons where leads often used similar language with multiple contestants, which felt unfair to those not chosen at the end.
What to Expect from the Finale
This episode was just the first half of the finale, ending after the Fantasy Suite dates. The second half will be a two-hour special, airing from 8 p.m. ET/PT instead of the usual 9 p.m. The first hour will focus on the rest of the finale and potentially a proposal, while the second hour will feature the After the Final Rose reunion.
After watching the Hometown Dates, I initially believed Cindy was the frontrunner to win Mel’s heart. However, after this episode, I now think Peg might be the one he proposes to. The show also teased that the final two ladies will meet Mel’s sons, Lucas and Andre, during their stay in Antigua, adding an exciting twist for next week.
Peg’s Fantasy Suite Date
Peg addressed the emotional distance between her and Mel, stating, “I definitely can see myself falling in love with Mel. That’s just gonna take some more time and some more communication and being vulnerable… but it’s hard to take that risk, it’s scary. Because I don’t know how he feels about me.”
It seems like Peg and Mel are on the same page, though they haven’t reached the same level of emotional connection yet. During the Fantasy Suite date, Peg took control of the dune buggy, surprising Mel with her driving skills. She even cackled as she sped through the sand, showing her confidence and energy.
Mel praised Peg for her abilities and expressed how great he thinks she is, making them seem like a strong match. At dinner, they both felt their emotions were real, though they didn’t go too deep into their feelings.
Cindy’s Fantasy Suite Date
In contrast, Cindy was more direct about her feelings, saying, “I am falling in love with Mel. Last week, at Hometowns, Mel wouldn’t open up. It’s scary not knowing exactly how he feels. This week, I hope he and I can just be present with each other.”
Cindy appeared more invested in the relationship than Mel, which made me nervous for her. During their boat ride, they drank champagne and swam with stingrays, with Cindy jumping right in while Mel was hesitant. Eventually, he tried it, and Cindy gave him credit for feeling comfortable enough to try.
At dinner, the conversation was more intense, with Cindy pushing Mel for answers about his feelings. She asked, “Do you see a future with us? How do you feel about us? How do you feel about me?” While Mel said nice things, he remained non-committal, leaving Cindy frustrated.
The Tension Builds
There was also a strange segment where Cindy grilled Mel about his past marriage and why he waited to get married. This moment felt off-putting and may have cost Cindy some points. The episode ended on a cliffhanger, with Mel saying, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way,” prompting Cindy to ask, “Is there a will?”
Tune in next week for the explosive finale and After the Final Rose reunion. It will air from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and stream the next day on Hulu.