‘Golden’ Is Getting Hot and Heavy! | Happy Hour

Summary

Bachelor Happy Hour: "Golden Is Getting Hot and Heavy!" – Recap & Analysis

Date: October 9, 2025
Hosts: Joe Amabile & Serena Pitt
Episode: Recap of "The Golden Bachelor" Episode 4

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Overview

This episode of Bachelor Happy Hour features a lively discussion between co-hosts Joe and Serena as they break down Episode 4 of The Golden Bachelor. The hosts analyze key dates, evolving relationships, and the emergence of this season’s “villain.” They also explore contestant motivations, group dynamics, and make predictions for what’s next. The recap is full of playful banter, candid opinions, and signature humor, making it engaging for both die-hard fans and casual viewers.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Nicole Situation: Is She the Season’s Villain?

• Nicole emerges as a controversial figure, particularly due to candid comments and her approach to the show.

  • Influencer Aspirations: Nicole openly discusses wanting to leverage her time on the show for business and influencer opportunities, which draws mixed reactions.
  • Comment on Attractiveness: Nicole claims the "last cast wasn't as attractive,” causing offense and fueling her “villain” edit.
    • Joe: “You're gonna have a hard time with that one.” (03:10)
    • Serena: "Having Nicole, like one of the women say it, it definitely cuts deeper." (04:27)
  • “I’m dating America” Moment: Nicole states, "I'm not just dating Mel, I'm dating America," which both hosts agree is not a good look.
    • Joe: "Bad thing to say. Don't say it, Nicole. Don't say that." (11:45)

• Hosts’ Take: Serena admits she enjoys the controversy Nicole brings to the show, noting a reality TV need for characters who aren’t afraid to speak their minds. Joe wonders how alum Kathy will respond.

Peg’s One-on-One: Chemistry or Just Fun?

• Peg gets the one-on-one date at an amusement park.

  • Chemistry Debate: The hosts debate whether there’s a real connection.
    • Serena: “They just seem to vibrate on different frequencies.” (06:03)
    • Joe: “I think they are vibrating on different frequencies." (06:14)
  • Peg’s Vulnerability: She shares her marriage ended due to infidelity and hints at a secret tattoo for fantasy suites, which Mel likes.

• Concert Date Faux Pas: Joe and Serena joke about the awkwardness of concert dates on The Bachelor.

  • Serena: “Watching someone watch something else and being watched... it’s just a little bit not comfortable.” (09:44)

Group Dynamics & Photo Shoot Date

• The Group Date: Revolves around a People magazine photo shoot.
  • Nicole’s Strategy: Nicole quickly positions herself as the “power couple,” laying on affection with Mel in front of the other women.
    • Serena: "This girl is playing chess... she's playing hardball." (21:00)
  • Debbie as Beach Bride: There’s an ongoing narrative about Debbie never being married; hosts wish the show would develop her character further.
  • Carol’s Modesty: Carol is uncomfortable posing in a towel, conscious of her children watching.
    • Serena: “She comes across very classy.” (23:01)

Strongest Connections: Who’s in the Lead?

• Cindy and Mel: Hosts see genuine chemistry, speculating Cindy may have the strongest connection with Mel.
  • Serena: “I really see it. They seem very comfortable… there’s definitely sexual chemistry.” (24:03)
• Carol & Mel: The hosts feel Carol is reserved and that Mel isn’t giving her much. Both want to be pursued, creating a mismatch.
  • Serena: “I just think that it’s kind of like a square peg, round hole situation.” (25:55)
• Nicole’s Appeal: Despite her polarizing moves, Joe acknowledges Mel is “very attracted to her and... likes that she's pursuing him.” (39:18)
• Top Four Prediction: Peg, Cindy, Debbie, and Nicole.

The “Here for the Right Reasons” Call-Out

• Robin brings up authenticity concerns but declines to name names.
  • Joe: “If you’re gonna go tell the lead on someone, you need to tell on the person. You can’t dip your toe in.” (34:04)
  • Serena: “I think Robin had the best of intentions... either you don't say anything at all or you go in with a detailed story.” (34:33)

Lemon Bars Drama

• Nicole claims credit for group-made lemon bars, using them to bond with Mel.
  • Serena: “She’s giving a little, like, I'm not here to make friends energy... there was just no need for her to be like, I’m actually going to go against that and do this for myself.” (42:24)
  • Joe: “Just stop... all she has to do is just keep pursuing Mel, like, physically. And I think she’s fine.” (42:11)

Mel as the Lead: The Power Dynamic

• Discussion about Mel not being a pursuer and having an “easy ride” as the Bachelor.
  • Joe: “The lead just has such a... an advantage. Like, it’s just crazy.” (26:26)
  • Serena: “He’s just handing out my roses and I’m going on these dates and I’m chatting with these women. Have I seen them go, like, above and beyond yet? No.” (27:08)

Predictions & Eliminations

• No surprises on who went home. The hosts note a shrinking group, speculate on the likely heartbreak of Cindy, and predict Debbie or Peg may ultimately win.
  • Serena: “I think what I'm looking for... is who I feel like kind of, like, breaks Mel's shell a little bit.” (38:39)
  • Joe: “I still think Debbie’s the winner.” (38:07)

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Nicole’s approach:

  • “She’s playing chess. Like, everyone here is playing checkers.” – Serena (21:00)
  • “I don’t think she would be all over this man if she wasn’t genuinely interested in him.” – Serena (21:32)

• On Mel’s leadership style:

  • “The lead just has such a... an advantage. Like, it’s just crazy.” – Joe (26:26)

• On controversies in Bachelor Nation:

  • “I just controversy on the show. A little polarizing personality.” – Serena (11:04)

• On contestant strategy:

  • “They’re playing softball; she’s playing hardball.” – Serena (21:00)
  • “You really have to fuck up as the lead. You really do.” – Joe (26:43)

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Key Timestamps

• 03:10: Hosts discuss Nicole’s “villain” status and off-color remarks about prior cast’s attractiveness.
• 05:06: Recap of Peg’s one-on-one amusement park date.
• 08:26: Peg discusses tattoos and shares vulnerability about divorce.
• 11:45: Nicole’s “dating America” comment analyzed.
• 18:05: Nicole’s ambitions to be an influencer or food show host discussed.
• 21:00: Group date photo shoot, Nicole’s “power couple” moves.
• 24:03: Hosts note strongest chemistry is with Cindy.
• 25:55: Carol’s reserved nature contrasted with Mel’s own, revealing personality mismatch.
• 34:04: Robin’s (ineffective) attempt to expose “inauthentic” contestants.
• 40:07: Lemon bars drama, Nicole takes extra credit.
• 38:07–38:20: Predictions for top women and winner.
• 42:45: Wrap-up, reflection on eliminations and expectations for next episode.

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The Episode’s Tone & Takeaways

• Tone: Light, humorous, and candid, with hosts feeling free to critique, tease, and appreciate both contestants and the show’s format.
• For Bachelor Nation: The hosts’ insights offer behind-the-scenes understanding, strategic analysis, and humor, making their take both validating and entertaining for regular fans.
• Looking Ahead:
  • Carol will be on the podcast soon for an in-depth interview.
  • Next recap will be hosted by Joan and Jonathan.

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This summary captures the main points and best moments of the "Golden Is Getting Hot and Heavy!" episode. Whether you missed the show or just want the unfiltered scoop, you’re up to speed on all things Bachelor Nation drama and romance!

Transcript

[Serena]

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[Joe]

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[Serena]

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[Joe]

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[Mario Lopez]

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[Joe]

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[Serena]

And I'm Serena.

[Joe]

And we are here today to recap episode number four of the Golden Bachelor.

[Serena]

We are. What did you think of the episode?

[Joe]

What did I think? Overall, I thought it was, I thought it was your typical middle of the pack episode. Kind of shocked at the end that like, there's only six women left. Nicole is definitely now, you know, for a lack of a better term, the villain of the season. Because, you know, that's how it's looking. Right? Right or wrong. I mean, I, it was, I guess, like the influencer stuff. Like, all right, whatever. Like, go off, you want to be an influencer. I don't think there's anything wrong with that. The calling the women from the previous season not attractive. That's. You're gonna have a hard time with that one. Yeah, that's a tough one.

[Serena]

Yeah, I, I tend to agree, but I don't know.

[Joe]

I mean, I, yeah, I mean if, if, like, if, if I was on like, let's say my season, I was like, well, the guys in last season aren't as good looking as us. I don't think that would be a big deal.

[Serena]

The thing is, it's actually funny you say that because I think if a guy said it, it wouldn't be a big, it wouldn't be a big deal. Like if a one of the golden men was like, well, I'm happy because this is a really good looking group of guys. You know, last season you'd kind of be like, that's a, of a weird thing to say. But like, you wouldn't think much of it, but like having Nicole, like one of the women say it, it definitely cuts deeper.

[Joe]

Yeah.

[Serena]

I think also when she's objectively like incredibly attractive, for her to then be commenting like, oh, I'm really relieved that this group of women is so great looking because, you know, that last cast.

[Joe]

Let's recap from the beginning.

[Serena]

Let's get it. All right, so the episode starts off with Peg, my girl. She gets a one on one date and they go to the amusement park in Orange County. What did you think? Overall?

[Joe]

I, I, I like Peg, if anything. Is it Peg? Is it Peg? Oh, no, maybe not. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know if there's. Do you think he likes her?

[Serena]

I think he does really like her and I do think they have a connection, but I don't know if after this date, I think she's the strongest connection. I think that she is very energetic and playful and fun and she's got a great personality. She's super smart. Like, she's got all the things, but they just seem to vibrate on different frequencies.

[Joe]

Wow.

[Serena]

What? Don't you agree? Like, I think she had so much.

[Joe]

I do. I just wasn't expecting you to say it like that.

[Serena]

Oh, yeah. Okay. Well, that's what I went with. And I stand by it.

[Joe]

I enjoyed it.

[Serena]

That she is.

[Joe]

I think they are vibrating on different frequencies.

[Serena]

Thank you. Yeah. And I think sometimes that works. You know, I. I don't know. I don't know if it works here or not. I'm not sure. I feel like we have to wait and see how they evolve.

[Joe]

Something's missing.

[Serena]

I. And I'm not even. I feel like a lot of the time our feedback on these dates is like, oh, my gosh, I love her, but I just don't see her, like a romantic connection between them. I actually do see a romantic connection between them. I just don't know if they are actually like a fit.

[Joe]

Yeah. Something's off.

[Serena]

Yeah. I don't know what it is.

[Joe]

Yeah. But I think I, I like her. She mentioned that her, you know, her marriage ended because of infidelity.

[Serena]

Yes.

[Joe]

Doesn't really say who was the cheater out of the group. I believe, out of the two, I.

[Serena]

Believe she said that her husband cheated on her. Is that on her in her interview?

[Joe]

I mean, I kind of felt that's what she was saying.

[Serena]

I thought it was an interesting way of saying it. When she presented it to Mel, she said, my marriage ended due to infidelity. If I'm out, my first follow up question is, and on what side?

[Joe]

Yeah.

[Serena]

Who committed the infidelity?

[Joe]

Yeah.

[Serena]

You know, not that we're going to like hold it against her, but, like, I think that's something you want to know.

[Joe]

Yeah. Like if. Because if that was me, point some.

[Serena]

Fingers who did it?

[Joe]

Yeah. I would be like, yeah, my marriage ended because my next wife cheated. That's why. That's why. And if I was the cheater, I'd be like, there was infidelity there. So, you know, I mean, I'm a little suspicious of, of the phrasing.

[Serena]

Okay. Anyway, she, you know, she talks about pegs. Definitely got like a bit of like a fun wild side. She talks about, like her tattoos and they bond over, you know, their divorces and they definitely have things in common. Again, like, kind of like, oh, she.

[Joe]

Did say she's got a tattoo that she can't show on tv, but if they make it to the fantasy suites. And Mel seemed to like that.

[Serena]

Oh, yeah, I'm sure he did like that. Yeah, I liked that. I thought that was, like, a. A great move on Peg's part. 10 out of 10.

[Joe]

Yeah. Put yourself there.

[Serena]

And then they went to the concert, which was. What's that band's name again? I totally knew the song, like, the minute I heard it.

[Joe]

Casey and the Sunshine Band. I will say I'm not a fan of the concert dates. I just feel embarrassment for them, even though they don't. They don't look bad. I would just be in that situation. I would just be like. I would be so embarrassed. I'd just be, like, a wreck. When. When they would win, like, the band would be like, and now everybody give it up for the. The golden bachelor date. I'd be like, oh, my God.

[Serena]

You know what's actually so funny is watching it. Like, Mel is a little bit stiffer, and he also seems like someone that doesn't want to be filmed while watching a concert, whereas Peg is just, like, jumping around living her best life. And I actually feel like that is what you and I would look like if we were on that date. Like, you would be like, literally, get me out of here. And I would be like, what do you mean? We're having so much fun.

[Joe]

Yeah, that is exactly how that would go down.

[Serena]

But I get what you're saying. Like, watching someone watch something else and being watched, watching something else. It's just a little bit not comfortable.

[Joe]

Yeah, that's all. That's all I'm saying.

[Serena]

All right, so she gets the rose. No surprise there. Moving on. Hold this episode. The first thing we see her say in this episode is that she does not see chemistry between Peg and Melissa, which. You know what? I kind of respect her honesty.

[Joe]

Who, Nicole?

[Serena]

Yeah.

[Joe]

She said she doesn't see chemistry between. Yeah, listen.

[Serena]

Hey, like, that's her opinion. Like, she's allowed to have an. She is allowed to have an opinion. It doesn't mean she's right or wrong. That's just from what she's seen, she doesn't see chemistry there. And I actually think we need to bring back people not being afraid to share their opinions on television.

[Joe]

Give us something television.

[Serena]

Let's be clear. We're talking about reality television.

[Joe]

Yeah. Give us. Give us something to watch. And right now, you know, disagree with. They're all you want. Nicole's giving us something to watch. She's being. She's given her opinions, and they're a little polarizing, and I'm, I'm here for it.

[Serena]

Yeah. Like, I'm not mad about her being an interview, Being like, yeah, I don't really see the chemistry there. And you know what? Everyone reserves the right to change their mind. She's not saying, like, they should never end up together. She's just like, I don't see it.

[Joe]

Yeah.

[Serena]

And maybe we'll interview her later and she'll be like, actually, I watched the show and I do see it now. I get it. But I, I, I'm for, I just controversy on the show. A little polarizing personality.

[Joe]

Nicole, though, is kind of, she is giving a little bit. Like, I, the only one that really has chemistry is me.

[Serena]

A little bit.

[Joe]

Yeah.

[Serena]

I mean, I would love to know who Nicole thinks he does have chemistry with. That's not her. Okay, so we see she is sitting with the ladies. They're having a hangout in the kitchen. And she is basically saying, I'm not just dating Mal, I'm dating America.

[Joe]

Bad thing to say.

[Serena]

Don't say it, Nicole. Don't say that.

[Joe]

Do not say that. Now I think she likes Mel. I just, I mean. Yeah, don't say that. Just don't say that.

[Serena]

Next up on the list of things she probably shouldn't have said was she said the last cast wasn't as attractive.

[Joe]

Definitely don't say that.

[Serena]

Definitely don't say that.

[Joe]

That's. There's just no way that's gonna go over well with anyone.

[Serena]

No. No. And another thing that was a main top of conversation was she basically.

[Joe]

I'm actually really cur. Curious to see what Kathy has to say about that. So, Kathy, if you're listening to this podcast, I'm waiting for your response.

[Serena]

That was really all I could think about when I was watching this is what Kathy was thinking and what she's.

[Joe]

Gonna say about it right when that came out of her mouth. Kathy is not gonna like that.

[Serena]

No, she is not. And she's gonna have something to say about it.

[Joe]

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[Serena]

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[Mario Lopez]

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[Serena]

To close out. She then talks about how she wants a cooking show or to be an influencer focused on healthy food products. And that you know this, you know she was comparing herself to like they're going to be like the next Real Housewives. Like they're going to have these followings and you know they're not on the show season after season. But like there is an opportunity. Look, as much as you shouldn't say it, Nicole gets what's going on here.

[Joe]

Yeah, to an extent. But like, yeah, it just. That's not. That just never goes over well.

[Serena]

No, it doesn't. And then if anything, you got Peg sitting next to her who just had this, like, beautiful date, and she's like, I'm just here for a nice guy. And like, that's kind of the nail on the coffin for Nicole in this conversation. Because you've got these women who are like, I'm literally just here for love and Nicole's here for business opportunities. But if we're gonna start cutting the regular season contestants slack on the fact that they are aware that they can profit and benefit their careers from this show afterwards, I think, is it like, right to now condemn Nicole for it? Because I feel like we're starting to move away from that on the normal seasons. We're starting to, like, not villainize people for recognizing that, like, social media exists and, like, you might make a couple bucks after this show.

[Joe]

Well, I don't, I don't think she will get villainized for saying it. I think it's. I think it's unfortunately, I think it's how it comes off. Because if she was like, yeah, like, if this doesn't work out with Mel, like, maybe I, maybe I could become an influencer. Like, a lot of people watch the show. That's fine, right? She's essentially saying, like, I'm not just dating Mel. I'm dating America.

[Serena]

Like, and I'm building a brand and I'm working.

[Joe]

So it does seem like. It does seem like that's almost. That's like priority number one. So it's like, if it, you know, it's totally fine to recognize that you could gain a following after and career opportunities could come from it. But if you're there for that and you really don't have any intentions of ending up with the lead, then that's. That's where you're going to get villainized and not. But I think where she's going to catch a lot of heat is for saying that they're a better looking guest than the last one. Like, that you're going to catch heat for that 100%.

[Serena]

Then we're moving on to the group date. It's a People magazine photo shoot.

[Joe]

They also, also. She also took credit for, like, the lemon cookies, but they all made.

[Serena]

Oh, yeah, we'll get into that. Don't worry. That is in my notes, for sure. It's basically, you know, they all pick their costume and they do a photo shoot. I feel like we kind of see this every season, like a Different version of it. Nicole runs right up to Mel and is, like, hugging him and kissing him. And you hear her say, you know, we're the power couple. Right. And, like, this girl is playing chess. Like, everyone here is playing checkers. Like she's playing chess. Like, they're playing softball. Like she's playing hardball. Like she is gunning for that final rose every chance she gets.

[Joe]

Yeah. And. And I do think. I think. I also think she likes him. Like, I. I don't think she doesn't.

[Serena]

Strike me as someone that would be putting it all out there for someone that she really didn't find intelligent, attractive, worthy of her time.

[Joe]

Yeah, I agree.

[Serena]

Like, I actually don't think she would be all over this man if she wasn't genuinely interested in him.

[Joe]

Yeah, I agree. I agree.

[Serena]

But, you know, she's. She's laying it on thick, especially in front of the other women. So, you know, you're. You're gonna get some side eye there.

[Joe]

Yeah.

[Serena]

All right, so we see Debbie gets the wedding dress. She's the beach bride. It's kind of.

[Joe]

She's never wore.

[Serena]

Emotional. Yeah. She's never worn a wedding dress before. I feel like after this episode, I thought the scene was so sweet, and I really like Debbie. I think we can put the whole, like, never been married thing to bed. I feel like the show, like, is really leaning into that, and it's like, okay, I get it. She's never been married. Like, tell me something else about Debbie. She works out. She's never been married. Like, I want to learn a little bit more about her and.

[Joe]

Yeah, but what.

[Serena]

But personality.

[Joe]

But you've been covering this show now for how long and been watching it for how long? They don't just drop things. That's not getting dropped. That will be there until the very end.

[Serena]

Yeah, yeah. No, you're right. Nicole, Carol and Cindy do a little, like, morning after photo shoot. Carol is really uncomfortable because her costume is just a towel. And she's definitely more reserved. I think Carol's also hyper aware of the fact that she has children. Children. And a lot of people watching her. And, you know, maybe in the privacy of a dark bar, she gets a little wild. But like, on television, she wants to present herself in a certain light. And that's totally fair. I can totally understand that.

[Joe]

I think she comes across very classy.

[Serena]

Very classy. I agree. Mel and Cindy get their kind of special extra time for one on one photo shoot. I think that might be the strongest connection.

[Joe]

Yeah, I do too.

[Serena]

Like, I know in the beginning, we were hesitant about Cindy because we were like, she's already having such a hard time. It usually doesn't go over well and like, it still might not. But I actually think watching them interact in this episode, their connection was like the strongest to me.

[Joe]

I agree. I agree. I think, I think, I think they really like each other. I also, I think it may not be apparent to us as a viewer, but I think, I don't think. I think Mel. I think if you're a woman on the show, you could tell who Mel is really into.

[Serena]

Totally.

[Joe]

And I don't know if. If you see that fully watching it on the television, but I think when Mel's like. I think Mel is really into her.

[Serena]

Cindy. Yeah, Yeah, I think so too. And I really like them together. Like, I really, I really see it. They seem very comfortable. There's definitely, like, sexual chemistry. They look beautiful. They seem, like, very interested in each other. Like, when they're having conversation, they're very locked in on it and what each other's saying. So, yeah, Carol has her one on one chat with Mel. I don't know why this conversation, like, I don't want to say bugged me, but, like, I. I know Mel is trying to get Carol out of her shell, but I think it's okay that she's reserved. Like, I think that's just who she is in this environment. And I also don't think he's like, giving her a lot.

[Joe]

Well, she said, like, I don't.

[Serena]

I'm like, Mel, you should get out of your shell too. Like, both of you are reserved.

[Joe]

Well, she said, I don't kiss a guy. Like, I want the guy to kiss me. And Mel's kind of like leaned back. Like, not really.

[Serena]

No. He's like lounging on the couch.

[Joe]

Yeah, he's not really mad, so it's either. I honestly, I. I think it could just be he's just not that into her.

[Serena]

I don't get the vibe he's crazy into her. I think he likes her, but, like, I just don't think that they fit in terms of their personalities because I think they both want to be pursued. Like, Mel doesn't strike me as like, a major pursuer. He seems to like the more, like, strong women who are, like, more outgoing. You know, we see Nicole, we see Peg.

[Joe]

And when you are, like, when you're. When you're the lead and you, you go into being the lead and you're not someone that's like a pursuer, a major pursuer, it makes it so much easier when all these women are. Are coming at you strong, because then you are going to get lazy with it. You're going to be like, this is. This is how it should be.

[Serena]

And he can get lazy with it because the women have to put themselves out there in order to, like, make the most of their time. So it kind of works. But if you're a contestant, like Carol, who. She wants to feel pursued, like, she wants to feel courted. She wants to feel like he's attracted to her and, like, is excited about her and wants to kiss her. And I don't think he really gives her that energy. So I just think that it's kind of like a. What's it called? Like a square peg, round hole situation. Like, they're just not aligning.

[Joe]

Well, it's a little ridiculous what we're doing here. Just in general of, like. Like, the lead just has such a. An advantage. Like, it's just crazy. Like, we actually, like, kind of step back and just look at this for a moment of, like, Mal could do.

[Serena]

Like, nothing and it would still work out for you.

[Joe]

Yeah. Like, the lead is just like. Like, you're, you're. There's only one of you, and there's three, 30 of them. Like, it's. And they, like. And they are like, I want to end up with this part. Like, it's just crazy. Yeah, it's just such an advantage. You can really do, like, to up as the lead. You really have to up. Yeah, you really do. And, like, it's.

[Serena]

It's been done well, because usually the leads that up, they get resistant. Mal is not resisting literally anything. He's like, I'm going with the flow. I'm just handing out my roses and I'm going on these dates and I'm chatting with these women. Have I seen them go, like, above and beyond yet? No.

[Joe]

As long as you. As long as you're the lead and you go with the flow and you don't tell more than two women you.

[Serena]

Love them, you're probably gonna be fine.

[Joe]

You're. You're. You're fine. When you. When you go over to. When you start throwing the love word around a lot.

[Serena]

Yeah, that's. That's when it gets dark.

[Joe]

That's when it gets dark. But other than that, you really can't. Like, there's not too many things you could do wrong.

[Serena]

No, but I mean, somehow they happen to do it a lot. Yeah, but Mel's in the clear. Mel's gonna be. Yeah, he's gonna be a Home run. He's gonna get all the way to the end. He's. He already did his controversial moment with his podcast interview before the show. He had his controversy, got it out of the way. He's gonna float through this season. He's gonna get engaged and it's gonna be all good.

[Joe]

Yeah. Which is great. I mean, yeah, he got rid of the controversy right off the, said something stupid right at the beginning and this.

[Serena]

Apologized and moved on.

[Joe]

There we go.

[Serena]

I like it smart. But I like Carol and I'm proud of her for putting herself out of her comfort zone and kissing Mel.

[Joe]

We're also having Carol on this week, so we will talk to her more. Make sure you tune in for that. Okay, Listen, if you're even thinking about a vacation, I've got four words for you. Virgin Voyages, Caribbean cruises. Because these cruises, they are totally next level. Honestly, you should book one right now to top line it. Beautiful destinations, best food at sea, and luxury that will make you wonder why you ever tolerated buffets and screaming children. You heard that, right. It's kid free and just thinking about that is relaxing. We're talking about amazing destinations like Grand Cayman, Jamaica and Puerto Rico. Virgin even has its own private beach club in Bimini. I mean, come on. Then there's the food. There are so many different options. All of them are quite literally multi award winning. And with over 1000 bucks of luxury inclusions, the value is ridiculous. Wi Fi soda, 20 legit restaurants, group workouts and entertainment. No surprise charges, no nickel and diming. Just good times. They've got DJs, theme parties, live music. Something's always going on. And when you're ready to relax, your cabin is your sanctuary. Ocean views, private terrace, signature red hammock. Go check it [e-mail] or hit up your travel advisor. You deserve this.

[Serena]

We've all heard of Pride and Prejudice, so I had to share that the Audible original Pride and Prejudice is an intimate performance that will have you falling in love with the Jane Austen classic all over again. Pride and Prejudice stars a full cast of voices you'll love to listen to, including Marisa Abela, known from industry and black bag as Elizabeth Bennett, and Harris Dickinson, known from Baby Girl and where the crawdads sing as the dreamy Mr. Darcy. Plus Marianne, Jean Baptiste, Will Poulter, Bill Nye, and Glenn Close as Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Marisa Abella brings you inside the stubborn and complicated mind of Elizabeth Bennet as she navigates family expectations, societal pressures and her own misconceptions. When she meets the enigmatic Mr. Darcy. This new adaptation is vibrant and moder, with an original new score by a Grammy nominated composer really drawing you into the story. Whether you're fresh to Pride and Prejudice like I am, or want to revisit a cherished favorite, you're in for a new and delightful listening experience. Before enemies to Lovers existed, there was Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. A classic fan favorite, Pride and Prejudice is globally recognized as one of the greatest romance novels ever written. For good reason. So be sure to listen the new Pride and prejudice on audible.com janeaustin Big.

[Joe]

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[Mario Lopez]

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[Serena]

Another highlight on this date is Robin tells Mel he thinks that some people aren't being authentic. She thinks people aren't being authentic. And he says, well, what do you. What does that mean? And she says, not here for the right reasons. And he basically says, I don't think that's true. He squashed that real quick.

[Joe]

She didn't fully commit. Because if you're gonna go. If you're gonna go tell the lead on someone, you need to tell on the person. You can't. You can't. You can't.

[Serena]

You can't dip your toe in.

[Joe]

Yeah. You can't do it like that. And Mel was like, I. I don't give a. Like, I'm. I'm 65. I don't care if they're here for the wrong reasons. I don't even think they are. And it just doesn't bother me at all.

[Serena]

No, he didn't care one bit. And I kind of. Yeah, I. I don't know. This conversation was. I think that Robin had the best of intentions. I don't think she did anything wrong, per se. And I just agree with you. We're like, either typically from watching the show we've watched so many seasons, what works is either you don't say anything at all, and you just wait for things to play out, or. Or you go in with a detailed story. You say, this is who's saying it. This is what they're saying. This is why all the girls in the house are pissed off about it. Do with that what you will.

[Joe]

Yeah, I. Like, if I was the lead, I wouldn't carry. I'd be like, I'll. I'll make that judgment call on my own.

[Serena]

Yeah.

[Joe]

You know? Like, I don't care.

[Serena]

Yeah. If someone. I guess if I was leading, someone came to me, they're like, some people are inauthentic. I'd be like, yeah. Like, welcome to the globe. Like, every room you walk into, you're gonna find a couple inauthentic people. Like, that's just how the story goes.

[Joe]

Yeah. And it's. And it's just like the person saying it's not like, the, the lead's not gonna be like, omg. Like, you are like, I think I.

[Serena]

Love you and you're saving me from a life of misery.

[Joe]

Yeah.

[Serena]

With one of these liars. It's not.

[Joe]

Yeah, like, let's run away now. Like, that's just never gonna happen.

[Serena]

I don't think that was her goal, though. I think she.

[Joe]

I don't think it was either out of care. I think she did it. Yeah, I think she did it because she's like, I was sitting there listening to this conversation. I think he deserves to know. But she needed to bring more details. Yeah, you're just doing it that way. You're just like.

[Serena]

Well, I also think maybe she was thinking, I'm not gonna say who unless he asks me. Like, if he is interested and is like, wait, that concerns me. I want to know who. Maybe she would have then told him.

[Joe]

Yeah. Mel's like, I got like seven days to fantasy Suites. Like, just.

[Serena]

Let's just get through this.

[Joe]

Just let me do my thing.

[Serena]

All right. Carol gets the group date. Rose, we jump to the tailgate party. It's a cocktail party during the day. They were doing beer pong with prune juice, which, you know, haha, I get it. Like, you know, golden people drink prune juice. Cheryl has a chat with Mel. She kind of says, like, you feel like my prince. I feel like a princess. Which I think is very sweet and like, kind of how you should feel when you're falling in love. But Mel's response makes me think Cheryl's probably going home next week.

[Joe]

Yeah.

[Serena]

I don't think he was really resonating. He. Her excitement and enthusiasm about the relationship he wasn't meeting.

[Joe]

Just sounded. I was like, yeah. Like, I don't know you. Like, I. I don't know. I just like the prince princess thing and just. I would be weirded out by that.

[Serena]

Okay. Cindy. I just think he's the most, like, cutesy with her. Like, going back to the theme of, like, feeling like a kid. Like, they give me, like, teenagers in love when I see them hanging out and talking.

[Joe]

Yeah.

[Serena]

Like, he seems the most sweet and cutesy with her.

[Joe]

That's why I don't think he's gonna pick her.

[Serena]

Really?

[Joe]

Yeah.

[Serena]

I'm like, kind of riding for team.

[Joe]

Cindy right now because I. I just feel like she's. I. I don't know, I could be totally wrong. I just feel like she's gonna be the one that's heartbroken at the end.

[Serena]

Or like, can't handle, like, fantasy Suites or something.

[Joe]

Yeah, I. I just. I just don't. I just don't think it's gonna be her. And it could be. Yeah, it could. Really could. I just think she's. For whatever reason, I. I can't really, like, pinpoint it, but I just think she's gonna be number two.

[Serena]

Damn.

[Joe]

I still think Debbie's the winner, I think. But, like, I could also see Peg being the. The one at the end, too.

[Serena]

Yes.

[Joe]

I could see Peg coming around really strong at the end. Similar to. It's like, similar to.

[Serena]

Exactly. Katie and Jack. Wow. We were really on the same wavelength with that one.

[Joe]

Yeah, it's just like. It's like, the same. I just feel like all of a sudden at the end, you're gonna be like, how did I not see this the whole time? It was her the whole time.

[Serena]

Yeah. I think what I'm looking for when I'm trying to, like, decipher who these strongest connections are, is who I feel like kind of, like breaks Mel's shell a little bit. I'm, like, having a hard time seeing him really, like, excited and enthusiastic about anyone right now. But those Peg and Cindy and Debbie, I think, would be the three at this point in the season that I feel like he's shown the most sweetness towards.

[Joe]

And Nicole.

[Serena]

And Nicole. And Nicole. I think he's very attracted to her, and I think he. I think he likes the fact that she's pursuing him.

[Joe]

Yeah.

[Serena]

I think he finds that exciting. So, yeah, those would be my top four right now.

[Joe]

Any shockers on who went home?

[Serena]

No surprises there for me.

[Joe]

I mean, if I was Jerry when he came out at the end, and, like, honestly, like, if I did it again, you would. You would get my first impression, Rose. I'd be like, well, so what are you saying? Like, I make a good first impression, but then, like, you get to know.

[Serena]

Me, you don't like me.

[Joe]

You don't like me. Like, that's not a compliment.

[Serena]

Like, I mean, it is. She made a great first impression, but it just didn't. It didn't go further than a great first impression, unfortunately. I really liked her a lot. I'm, like, sad she's gone.

[Joe]

Yeah. But I. I agree, but it's like, if. You know, if she's that great, fuck you cutting her for, you know?

[Serena]

One thing we have to chat about quickly is the lemon bar situation with Nicole.

[Joe]

Yeah.

[Serena]

So they're all in the kitchen making lemon bars. Nicole has said in her interview, like, I did all the work for these lemon bars, which, to Nicole's credit. For all we know, she did literally everything else. Like, we, we don't know for sure. Well, just to give her the benefit of the doubt, however.

[Joe]

Well, in interview, Sydney said, that's Cindy. That's how I said.

[Serena]

You can't say it wrong. You have to say her name.

[Joe]

Right, Sydney.

[Serena]

Cindy.

[Joe]

Cindy. Yes, Cindy.

[Serena]

Yeah, keep going. What did she say in it?

[Joe]

She said an interview that we all did. We all worked on it.

[Serena]

You're right, she did. Yeah, she did. And we did see a lot of the women in the kitchen. I also think, like, okay, so you did 80%, you did 70%, you did 60%, whatever. Like, this was a team effort and a team idea and for her to take those and use them in her one on one time with Mel. And she was like, you know, they're from all of us, but, like, mostly me. Yeah, I was like, come on, Nicole. Like, you're. You're digging yourself a deep hole right now, my girl.

[Joe]

Yeah, that's. Yeah, that's like, I'm watching. I'm like, I'm like, oh. Like, just, just stop. I know, like, you are.

[Serena]

And I, I do believe that. She's like, I wouldn't care if someone else did this. Like, I think she is very, like, all is fair in love and more like, you guys wanted to do this, like, go ahead. But she also needs to look around the room and realize, like, people aren't doing this and it's for a reason and it's out of consideration for other women's feelings. I think she is giving a little, like, I'm not here to make friends energy with the, like, okay, yeah, we all work to make these lemon bars. Like, I'm gonna use these for my one on one time with Mel. I thought it was actually really interesting. They both went to culinary school. I was like. And I was just like, you guys have a connection. You guys have a real genuine connection and a lot in common. I don't think you need to be like, stealing lemon bars from the group. Like, you don't need that right now.

[Joe]

Definitely not. I agree.

[Serena]

If anything, I'm like, let Robin do it. She's on the chopping block. Give her the lemon bars.

[Joe]

Yeah, I think, I think Nicole, all she has to do is just keep pursuing Mel, like, physically. And I think she's fine.

[Serena]

Yeah.

[Joe]

Like, I don't think she has to be like, and I also bake. Like, I don't think he cares.

[Serena]

Well, I'm more just me. Like, she doesn't have to kind of like, turn her back on the good of the group in order to set herself apart. Yeah, I think she naturally stands out and I just think that this, if they all agreed they were going to give these to Mel as a group, there was just no need for her to be like, I'm actually going to go against that and do this for myself.

[Joe]

Yeah, I agree.

[Serena]

But yeah, we'll see. We'll see what's to come. I don't think anything has surprised me in terms of who went home so far, but we'll see what happens next week because we're getting down to the wire.

[Joe]

Yeah, surprise. There's only six women left, but I'm always surprised when we get towards the end. It goes by pretty quick. Thank you everyone for tuning in to Bach Happy Hour. Make sure you download and subscribe to the podcast.

[Serena]

We will have Carol on this week for an exclusive interview and then next week you will have Joan and Jonathan here doing your recap and Joe and I will be back the following week. Thanks for listening. Bye.

[Joe]

Big things are happening at your local CVS Extra Big. You don't want to miss these extra big deals. And more are coming every two weeks, so keep coming back. Use your Extra Care card to unlock savings every time you shop. Extra care is the way to save at cvs. So if you're not a member yet, join for free online or in store and start saving. Visit your local CVS store or cvs.com extrabigdeals to shop this week's deals. Hey, what's up?

[Mario Lopez]

It's Mario Lopez. Back to school is an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming and kids may feel isolated vulnerability that human trafficking can exploit. Human trafficking doesn't always look like what you expect. Everyday moments can become opportunities for someone with bad intentions, whether you're a parent, teacher, coach or neighbor. Check in, ask questions, stay connected. Blue Campaign is a national awareness initiative that provides resources to help recognize suspected instances of human trafficking. Learn the signs and how to [e-mail] blue campaign.

[Joe]

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[Joe]

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[Serena]

This is an I Heart podcast.