The world of love isn’t always predictable. This week on The Golden Bachelor, emotions ran high. One contestant shocked everyone by taking matters into her own hands. During the Wednesday, October 15 episode, 66-year-old Mel Owens faced a curveball he didn’t see coming. One woman, feeling the sparks weren’t flying in the right direction, chose to leave the show entirely.
“She’s a great woman, but it wasn’t meant to be,” Mel admitted, clearly caught off guard by her decision.
Carol’s Confession: ‘I Need More’
For Carol, 63, the journey on the show has been eye-opening, but not exactly heart-pounding. Cindy, 60, enjoyed a private solo date with Mel. This made Carol realize she hadn’t had the same opportunity to connect one-on-one.
“I don’t feel like I’ve had enough time with him,” she confessed on camera. “I need to connect more.”
The group had a date at the serene Butterfly Mountain sanctuary in Los Angeles. The women and Mel participated in a session led by a shaman. They explored spiritual practices together. Carol tried to tune in, but something felt off.
“My relationship with Carol is expanding,” Mel said during his reflections. “That’s why, on the last group date, I gave her the rose. You can see there’s a lot in there, and slowly but surely it’s coming out. Maybe this is the place where she can open up.”
Despite Mel’s optimism, Carol’s mind wandered. As they went through chakra clearing exercises, she felt a growing sense of uncertainty.
“I kept thinking, ‘He has no idea that I have to talk to him,’” Carol admitted. “I’m at a crossroads. Do I stay? Do I go?”
Breaking the News: Carol Leaves
The tension built until Carol finally confronted Mel.
“I need to talk to you about something a little serious,” she said. “There’s a couple things. I mean, I wanted to connect with you. I really am very interested in you. But I feel like we haven’t had a lot of conversation. I feel like I have my family at home. I might not be getting the one-on-one time. I thought, ‘You know what? I don’t feel like you have that connection with me.’”
Her honesty hit Mel like a bolt of lightning.
“I respect that,” he told her. “You have to be true to yourself. Your feelings come first, and your well-being matters.”
Carol’s decision was clear. “I think I need to be honest with him,” she said. “I don’t think he’s my guy.”
In a heartfelt moment, she explained that walking away was difficult, but necessary.
“It’s hard because I really care about you,” she added.
Mel later reflected, “I thought Carol and I were finally building something. I was shocked. Completely shocked.”
Arm-in-arm, the pair shared a long, emotional hug before Carol walked away. The remaining women watched in stunned silence as she left.
“I’m sad,” Carol admitted. “It’s hard. I just knew it wasn’t right. He’s a great catch, but he just wasn’t my catch. After this journey, I’m hopeful. I really am. I’ll find love. It’s going to be okay.”
Mel’s Rose Ceremony Choices
Even after Carol’s self-elimination, Mel faced a difficult decision at the week 5 rose ceremony. He had to narrow the field further, leaving just three women to meet his family during the hometown visits.
“Choosing the three is gonna be tough,” Mel admitted. “I’m looking for love. I’m looking for that special feeling.”
He struggled with the weight of the decision.
“This is a difficult part of the journey,” he added. “What is the best fit for me? I even have reservations right now. I have to make a decision.”
In the end, Mel said goodbye to Nicolle, 64. She also bid farewell to Cheryl, 66. She kept Peg, 62, Debbie, 65, and Cindy for the next stage.
“Cheers to your families,” Mel said warmly. “Tell them we’re coming!”
Key Moments From the Episode
- Carol’s honest conversation with Mel about their lack of connection
- Butterfly Mountain spiritual group date with shaman guidance
- Solo date for Cindy, 60, highlighting Carol’s missed one-on-one time
- Emotional hug as Carol left the show
- Week 5 rose ceremony: Mel narrowed the field to three for hometown visits
Mel Reflects on Carol’s Departure
“It’s rare to find someone honest enough to know when it’s not the right fit,” Mel shared after the episode. “I care about Carol, but love doesn’t always happen on our timeline. I wish her the best.”
Carol also spoke about the future with hope and clarity.
“Even though this chapter is ending, I’m excited for what’s next,” she said. “Meeting Mel taught me a lot. I’m ready to find the right person for me.”
What’s Next on The Golden Bachelor
With hometown visits just around the corner, Mel must decide where his heart truly lies. The stakes are high, and emotions continue to run wild. Fans can expect:
- Family introductions and hometown drama
- More one-on-one dates and intimate conversations
- Tense rose ceremonies with tough decisions
- Heartfelt reflections from Mel as he searches for love
Don’t Miss the Next Episode
The Golden Bachelor airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET on ABC. Catch up on the latest drama and stream full episodes the next day on Hulu.
Whether sparks fly or hearts break, one thing is clear: this journey is far from over. Mel is still searching for the love of his life. The remaining women are ready to show their true colors.
