‘Golden Bachelor’ Finale Recap: Mel Owens Faces Tough Choice After Two Wild Fantasy Suite Dates in Antigua

The Golden Bachelor finale is down to its final moments, and Wednesday night’s episode delivered emotional highs, awkward silences, and two dramatically different Fantasy Suite dates that left fans split. Mel Owens, the 66-year-old widower from Detroit, continued his search for lasting love with finalists Peg Munson and Cindy Cullers — but in the end, no one was sent home just yet.

The episode, which aired November 5 on ABC, marked the first half of a two-part finale. Set against the romantic backdrop of Antigua, it highlighted Mel’s hesitation to say “I love you” — a decision that could cost him one of his final relationships heading into next week’s proposal episode.

Mel Owens Struggles With Love Confession in ‘Golden Bachelor’ Finale

Host Jesse Palmer opened the episode by calling out Mel for avoiding the word “love.” Mel defended himself, saying, “You can’t use it and not mean it.” His honesty won some fans over but left both finalists uncertain of where they stood heading into their final private dates.

Peg Munson, the retired firefighter from Las Vegas, kicked off her Fantasy Suite date with an adrenaline-fueled dune buggy ride across the island. Mel played the cautious driver until Peg hilariously took over, flooring the gas pedal as she laughed and told him to relax. Their chemistry was playful, lighthearted, and rooted in mutual respect. The night ended at a candlelit beachside villa where both admitted they were developing real feelings — though neither crossed the line into a declaration of love.

Cindy Cullers’ date took a more emotional turn. The retired biomedical engineer from Austin joined Mel on a luxury boat ride followed by a swim with stingrays. While Cindy jumped right in, Mel hesitated, jokingly calling the creatures “too close for comfort.” Eventually, he joined her in the water, admitting her courage helped him step outside his comfort zone. But over dinner, their energy shifted — Cindy pressed for answers about his feelings, and Mel struggled to articulate where he stood. The exchange ended awkwardly, setting the stage for a tense conclusion.

No One Goes Home — But the Tension Is Real

Unlike most Golden Bachelor finale episodes, no contestant was eliminated this week. Instead, the episode ended on a cliffhanger after Mel and Cindy’s dinner talk took a sharp turn. Cindy asked if Mel saw a real future with her, prompting his cryptic response: “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” Cindy shot back, “Is there a will?” — a moment that had fans buzzing across social media.

Next week’s two-hour finale will feature Mel’s final decision and a live “After the Final Rose” reunion. Both Peg and Cindy will meet Mel’s sons, Lucas and Andre, in Antigua, and fans will finally learn who earns his proposal — if anyone does. The finale airs at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and will stream on Hulu the next day.

Based on the emotional tone of this episode, many fans believe Peg’s calm confidence gives her the edge, while Cindy’s intensity may have pushed Mel away. But in true Bachelor fashion, the ending promises twists, heartbreak, and one unforgettable moment.

The Golden Bachelor finale continues next week with what ABC calls an “explosive” conclusion that could redefine late-in-life love for the franchise.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who were Mel Owens’ final two women?

Peg Munson from Las Vegas and Cindy Cullers from Austin, Texas, are the final two contestants vying for Mel Owens’ heart in Season 2.

Q2: Did anyone go home during the Golden Bachelor finale part 1?

No eliminations occurred. The first part ended after Fantasy Suite dates, leaving both women still in the running.

Q3: When does the Golden Bachelor finale part 2 air?

The second half of the finale airs Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC, followed by the “After the Final Rose” special.

Q4: Where was the finale filmed?

The finale took place in Antigua, with luxury villas, beach dinners, and adventure dates filmed on location.

Q5: Who is expected to win the Golden Bachelor finale?

Fans speculate that Peg Munson might win based on her balanced chemistry with Mel Owens and his growing emotional connection to her.