Golden Bachelor host Jesse Palmer reacts to unexpected exit ahead of hometown dates: 'It’s a pers...

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Palmer also says that Mel is avoiding mistakes that Gerry made. Golden Bachelor host Jesse Palmer reacts to unexpected exit ahead of hometown dates: 'It's a per

Palmer also says that Mel is avoiding mistakes that Gerry made.

Golden Bachelor host Jesse Palmer reacts to unexpected exit ahead of hometown dates: 'It's a personal decision'

Palmer also says that Mel is avoiding mistakes that Gerry made.

By Kristen Baldwin

Kristen Baldwin

Kristen Baldwin is a TV critic for **, and a writer and editor with 25 years of experience in entertainment journalism. Prior to EW, she served as editor-in-chief of Yahoo Entertainment, and is currently a member of the Television Critics Association and the Critics Choice Association. She does not know how to football the Super Bowl.

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October 15, 2025 10:00 p.m. ET

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Mel and Cindy on 'The Golden Bachelor'. Credit:

*Each week this season, *The* *Golden Bachelor *host Jesse Palmer will answer a few questions about Mel's "journey" to find "love." Today, Jesse shares his thoughts via email about Mel's pre-hometown dates, Carol's surprise departure, and more.***

**: It's the final week before hometowns, and at least two women told Mel they are falling in love with him. While Mel didn't say it back to either of them, other Bachelors have reciprocated sentiments like that at this point in the journey. What do you think are the pros and cons of Mel keeping things a little close to the vest?**

**JESSE PALMER:** Love is a big word, and I think Mel is being careful not to use it too liberally. A pro is that he avoids the situation Gerry found himself in after telling all 3 women at hometowns that he was in love with them. A con is that at this point of the journey, the women want validation from Mel, and they want to know that they're feelings for him are being reciprocated with hometowns looming.

Nicolle and Mel on 'The Golden Bachelorette'.

**Last week, we talked about whether or not the women should tell Mel about Nicolle's influencer ambitions — but it turns out they didn't have to, because Nicolle just kept talking openly about them, including to Mel! My mouth dropped when she said "Give me a kiss for the camera" — what was your reaction?**

I was definitely surprised, and I wondered if Mel was taken aback by those comments as well. Nicolle mentioning the cameras sounds like someone who is too aware that they're on a TV show.

**Meanwhile, Carol made the surprising decision to leave, because she didn't think they knew each other well enough for him to meet her family. Given how accelerated the *Bachelor* process is, do you think Carol was selling her relationship with Mel short even though she never had a one-on-one?**

I respect Carol for her decision. At the end of the day, it's a personal decision for her — and she followed her heart.

Mel and Carol hug goodbye on 'The Golden Bachelor'.

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**During the horseback riding date with Cindy, Mel said he doesn't show fear because he played in the NFL and "fear is not a part of the vocabulary." Jesse, please explain to poor Mel why it's okay for all men — including former football players — to express emotions like fear. ******Football players are human beings too, and it's natural to feel afraid and it's okay to admit it! We football players are tough, and we're taught it's not okay to ask for help or show weakness. Mel is definitely as tough as they come, but part of being the *Golden Bachelor* is about learning to tap into your own vulnerabilities and expressing them. ******

**It was so sad watching Cheryl go home. Can we just make Cheryl and every woman who goes home from now on the next Golden Bachelorette? *The Bachelorette* had a two-lead season — so how about a *Golden Bachelorette *season with three leads?**

I love Cheryl and was so heartbroken for her. She's so sweet and deserves love. I think this cast of women was so amazing — we could have 23 leads!

*The Golden Bachelor* airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

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