The Golden Bachelor Recap: Rays of Light

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It finally happened – Mel did something genuinely himself! After a whole season of just repeating what other people said, he’s shown a little personality, a bit of quirkiness, and honestly, it makes him feel a lot more like a real person – and a lot like our dads. I think I can finally start to like him.

Mel does not fuck with stingrays.

Okay, so Mel really doesn’t like stingrays. It was honestly bizarre – I felt like I was channeling some old Black dad energy, someone who’d never gotten over what happened to Steve Irwin. Tonight, Mel acted like he seriously distrusted these creatures, but he was polite enough to give them space. It all played out like watching a stingray’s wing unfurl. I actually burst out laughing when he guessed they were the size of a dinner plate! Was he picturing them swimming alongside flounder? Then, when the guide called it a once-in-a-lifetime experience and Mel just deadpanned, “I can imagine,” something clicked. I’ve been waiting so long for Mel to show some personality, and this little moment of skepticism just…filled me up. I swear, I felt like a clumsy, awkward version of Jacob Elordi, suddenly experiencing kindness for the first time. I just wanted to shout, “Mel!”

Mel’s dinner with Cindy was really strange – he wouldn’t make any plans or commitments, and it feels like things are back to square one. Let’s talk about what happened.

I could explain what happens in this episode, and I will touch on it, but honestly, I think the real issue this season is Mel. I don’t get the sense she’s actually eager to get married again, and that’s what’s driving everything, as far as I can tell.

Mel seemed upset when he told Cindy he could have easily married and divorced multiple times. It felt like he was really resisting the idea of being someone who might be on his second or third wife. It would be helpful to meet Mel’s friends to get a sense of their relationships – maybe they’re all in their first marriages, and showing up with a second wife would be awkward. He doesn’t seem eager to remarry, even with Peg, he’s not hinting at an engagement, and he’s surprised things with Jesse have progressed this far. It’s almost like a classic comedy – Mel is stuck in a situation where he’s been mistaken for someone else and is now expected to marry into royalty. He keeps insisting it’s a mistake, but it seems like the wedding is happening regardless. Princess Wallenda is arriving this afternoon, whether he likes it or not!

Things would likely be less stressful for everyone if the proposal wasn’t part of the picture. Peg and Cindy could move forward with more grace if they weren’t pushing Mel to share his feelings. Removing the idea of marriage would also make any future breakups easier, and it might prevent anyone from writing a sensational tell-all book about The Golden Bachelor.

Mel seems to be considering saying “I love you,” but he’s keeping that to himself. Past contestants on the show who were open about wanting to say those words often had more success. While declaring love to everyone is a bad idea, completely avoiding expressing deeper feelings isn’t great either. Perhaps this season would have been better if the expectation of an engagement was removed. Cindy might have left sooner if she wasn’t looking for that commitment, and someone like Nicolle might have stayed longer, as she appears to be focused on forming a strategic connection. Maybe Mel would have relaxed and become more open to a relationship. Honestly, if the pressure of marriage isn’t the problem, it’s hard to understand what Mel is even looking for at this point.

It’s becoming clear Mel is falling for Peg. Throughout the episode, he repeatedly shows strong feelings for her – he even says he’s “all in.” He tells her he missed her and seems much happier and more playful around her, laughing a lot more. Their trip to Antigua highlights this; he tells her she’s perfect just as she is – loving her natural beauty and vibrant personality. While we don’t know much about Mel’s past, his connection with Peg feels like he’s finally allowing himself to enjoy life and have fun.

Peg realizes while on their mountaintop date that Mel avoids answering difficult questions, and she starts to wonder if he’s capable of emotional intimacy. She isn’t necessarily looking for a proposal right away, just for him to be able to recognize and share his feelings. During the evening portion of their date, Peg makes it clear she’s independent and would require a prenuptial agreement if they were to marry. Both are enthusiastic about continuing to explore their connection, and Mel appreciates that Peg brings out his emotions and allows him to express them. Peg feels the same way, and when she reads the card for their Fantasy Suite date, she jokingly says, “If this room is a-rockin’, we’re having sex!”

The next day, both Peg and Mel were feeling much more at ease. They discovered they had a lot in common, sharing similar experiences from their pasts. Hopefully, we’ll get to learn more about their lives someday—it’s something to look forward to! Peg is happy to see Mel opening up emotionally, but they’re moving forward slowly and carefully.

Okay, I’m officially baffled by Mel’s behavior with Cindy. One minute he’s clearly into her – he finds her calming, calls her elegant, even hints at a future together! But then, out of nowhere, he’s acting totally distant. Usually on The Bachelor, the lead is at least trying to play it cool when they’re not feeling it, or they’re stringing the frontrunner along with vague promises. Mel, though? He’s doing something else entirely. I’m starting to wonder if he doesn’t trust Cindy after she brushed off his concerns about those… Rays. Seriously, nothing about those little creatures was cute, Cindy! It’s just a really confusing situation overall.

It’s funny that Mel’s two potential partners are named Cindy and Peg – they feel like names from a different era! They really fit the stereotypes their names suggest. I’m hoping the last two contestants on the next season of The Golden Bachelor are named Helen and Gertrude – that would be perfect.

The episode concludes with Cindy playfully asking Mel if he’s prepared to take a chance on their relationship – comparing a proposal to a leap of faith. Mel responds by saying that kind of spontaneity isn’t really his style. Actually, the episode really ends with Cindy wondering if Mel is even willing to try and move forward! Join us next week for a dramatic finale!

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2025-11-06 19:56