The Golden Bachelor Season 2 Recap: Hometown Week Approaches

It feels like Season 2 of The Golden Bachelor has just kicked off, yet Mel Owens is already sending three more women home. This week’s departure signifies the approach of Hometown Week, which is just around the corner, followed by Fantasy Suite Week and the much-anticipated Women Tell All Special. So, who made it through this round? Who opted out before their time was up? I’ve got the details.

This episode featured Mel’s final group outing at Butterfly Mountain, followed by a more intimate one-on-one date with Cindy Angelcyke Cullors, a 60-year-old former biomedical engineer. Mel decided to hold off on the roses until the Rose Ceremony, wanting to take his time before making any major decisions.

So, who packed their bags on October 15th? Who made a choice to leave before the rose ceremony? Our recap of Season 2, Episode 5 has the answers.

Group Date Summary: Positive Vibes Only

In the season’s final group date, Mel invited Peg, Debbie, Cheryl, Nicole, and Carol for a spiritual outing to Butterfly Mountain. They aimed to cleanse negative emotions and find balance. Mel shared meaningful moments with each woman as they engaged in activities like mud baths and yoga. However, it seemed that two women, in particular, were not bringing good vibes.

The first was Nicole, who, despite a bit of PDA with Mel, revealed her true intentions. Rather than share heartfelt dreams or family aspirations, she focused on her career goals—like monetizing her Instagram and writing a cookbook. Mel reflected on their conversation, noting there were moments that made him pause, yet he ultimately sent her home without further discussion.

The second woman casting a negative shadow was Carol. Realizing she hadn’t had a one-on-one time with Mel yet, she concluded that they wouldn’t be able to grow their relationship further before Hometown Week and voluntarily chose to leave. Personally, I found Carol to be genuine and kind, and I respect her decision to recognize what was best for her at this stage. It felt clear that Cindy and Debbie were strong contenders, while Nicole seemed to lose Mel’s attention, and the final rose could go to Peg or Cheryl.

Mel and Cindy’s One-on-One Date: A Celestial Connection

Cindy might not have made the best first impression, but it was evident that there was a spark between her and Mel from the start. They headed off to the Griffith Observatory for some horseback riding, where Cindy opened up about her past, including her divorce and her three daughters. She expressed surprise at her own feelings, telling Mel that they were genuine. He reciprocated, giving her a star in the sky, and they shared a tender moment stargazing together. Cindy later described Mel as, “like the sun, moon, and stars all rolled into one,” indicating she was set to advance to Hometown Week.

Who Went Home and Who’s Making It to Hometown Week?

As the rose ceremony loomed, Mel shared he had chosen “prayerfully” which three women would move forward. Each woman got to video chat with their loved ones before the results were announced, and along with Carol, Cheryl and Nicole were also let go.

True to her character, Nicole didn’t leave quietly. She made a parting remark suggesting that if Mel’s choice didn’t work out, he should still consider her. It felt a little surprising, honestly. Hopefully, they won’t bring her back in the future.

So, who will be heading to Hometown Week? Mel’s top three are:

Will their families embrace Mel, or will they share the skepticism that some of Bachelor Nation had at the season’s start? Stay tuned for next week’s recap!

The new episode of The Golden Bachelor Season 2 airs Wednesday on ABC, with availability to stream on Hulu the following day.