This week, Joan chooses her final four and sends one favorite home early.
Its the week before hometown dates onThe Golden Bachelorette, and Joan is ready to make some hard choices.
But hey, at least producers got a shot of Pascal in his tightie-whities!
Pascal steams his shirt on ‘The Golden Bachelorette’.ABC
ABC
With only seven men left, the journey is starting to get real for the men.
Were just all falling for [Joan], says Chock.
I wish these other six guys would go, Hey, Im going home!
Trista sits with Joan on ‘The Golden Bachelorette’.ABC
Funny you should say that, sir.
Hometown dates are around the proverbial corner next episode, if it’s possible for you to believe it!
so Joan has a big week ahead.
Keith and Joan check out their ride on ‘The Golden Bachelorette’.ABC
Welcome, Queen Trista!
What advice do you have for our first-ever Golden Bachelorette?
My biggest regret is that I didnt share more, reveals Mrs. Sutter.
Mark gets emotional on ‘The Golden Bachelorette’.ABC
That I wasnt as vulnerable with Ryan and didnt share that I was falling in love with him.
You heard her, Joan!
I hope you have the code for your emotional keypad, because it is time to Open UpTM.
Chock cozies up to Joan on ‘The Golden Bachelorette’.ABC
Ive always said that I dont want Johns memory to fade away, she says.
It, like, weighs heavy on my heart.
Still, Joan knows she owes it to herself to move forward.
Mark and Joan on ‘The Golden Bachelorette’.ABC
Keith gets the first one-on-one date.
Will he recover from his awkward chat with her last week?
Lets follow him to a random strip of asphalt in the middle of nowhere and find out.
Mark and Joan sit in silence on ‘The Golden Bachelorette’.ABC
Hell yeah, its helicopter oclock, folks.
The whirlybird drops Keith and Joan off atBabcock Winery, where they enjoy a sampling of whites and roses.
He got my first impression rose, Joan explains.
A scavenger hunt to the rescue on ‘The Golden Bachelorette’.ABC
This is a special day for us, because we finally get some quality time together.
It just hit me, she admits.
Back at the mansion, Mark is also thinking about his late spouse.
Joan lets Mark down easy on ‘The Golden Bachelorette’.ABC
He pauses, overcome.
I was trying to catch my breath.
Its like shes there, and shes saying this is right.
A tearful Jonathan hugs Mark goodbye on ‘The Golden Bachelorette’.ABC
Oh, come ON, producers.
We are barely 20 minutes into this episode and Im already sobbing?
All right, lets check in on Keith and Joan at the winery.
Joan is a vision in leather on ‘The Golden Bachelorette’.ABC
Hes telling her about his ex-wifes addiction, which led to the end of their marriage.
I just had to separate my daughters from that, says Keith.
We havent talked to her in 10, 12 years.
Joan appreciates Keiths vulnerability, and she thanks him for showing his softer side.
They discuss what a possible hometown date might be like, and then share a short smooch.
This is not a game we play in Europe, he sniffs.
But I go with the flow.
he whispers in her ear the men are more than a little annoyed.
Hes going full-court press, says Guy.
Jordan wishes he would hit the brakes, and Jonathan says Chocks behavior was in your face.
Eventually, though, everyone gets some time with the Golden Bachelorette.
Jonathan shows her some family photos, including one of him as a young man with an awesome Afro.
I see a beautiful future for us, says Chock.
I just see us together.
You do you, maam!
Hey, guess what?
Five weeks in, and Mark has FINALLY earned a one-on-one date.
Somewhere, the producers are all, See?
We dont play favorites!
Before Joan arrives at the mansion, Mark gives his fellow Golden bachelors props.
You guys have enhanced me, he assures them.
I have not felt this good for the last six-and-a-half years.
Awwww, am I going to cry again?
Joan arrives, and she looks fabulous.
Today is the last date before hometowns, she announces.
This journey seems like its incredibly fast.
It is, maam!
(Unless youre recapping it.
Then it feels a little longer.)
Anyhoo, Joan and Mark zoom off in a red Porsche convertible.
Today, I need to see Mark open up, she says.
I cant waste a hometown on somebody that I dont see a future with.
Youd better bring your A-game, Mark.
All aboard the Love (or Friendzone) Boat!
Did you hear that, rose lovers?
That awkward silence is the sound of Mark and Joan having no idea what to say to each other.
Wow, he murmurs, staring off at the open water.
Joan chugs her champagne and stares, too.
Each clue has conversation prompts, like never have I ever and would you rather.
Its a sweet moment, and both he and Joan get emotional.
Joan tends to agree.
I feel like we have a much deeper connection, she says.
But there still seems to be something missing.
The next day, all the men are convinced that Mark is getting a hometown date rose.
I had a great date yesterday, she begins.
I feel like youve grown so much personally, and that your heart is mending, Joan explains.
As for Kelseys dad, he handles the rejection gracefully.
My experience here has changed me, he says.
Im leaving here, I know, a better human being.
They part with a warm hug.
There isnt a dry eye in the living room after Mark breaks the news.
Im very sad, says Pascal through tears.
He was my best friend.
Mournful music plays as Mark packs up his clothes and heads outside to the Reject SUV.
Theres still love in the world, he says.
Ill find mine someday.
Yes, you will, sir but not as Golden Bachelor, because that job is reserved for Charles.
Welp, its time for the final rose ceremony before hometown dates.
Whose dreams will die today?
Only Joan knows for sure and shes come dressed as the worlds sexiest senior executioner.
Get it, leather granny!
Its time for the rose ceremony roll call.
The final four are: Pascal, Chock, Guy, and Jordan.
Alas, that means we must say goodbye to Keith and Jonathan a.k.a.
our big, cuddly teddy bear and Sgt.
Im disappointed that my relationship with Joan is ending, says Keith.
But this has opened up my eyes to a second chance at love.
Oh man, this guy would THRIVE in Golden Paradise, dont you think, rose lovers?
You have made such an imprint on my heart, says Joan.
Jonathan thanks her for making him feel seen and says hes grateful for the experience.
Holy cow, rose lovers were almost at hometowns!
How are you feeling about the final four?
Were you shocked that Mark went home?
And who is your pick for the next Golden Bachelor?
Let me know your thoughts on Twitter@KristenGBaldwinor on Bluesky at@kristengbaldwin.bsky.social.
The Golden Bacheloretteairs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.
