The JTrain Podcast: Golden Bachelor Finale! - The Rose Rehash

Host: Jared Freid
Date: November 13, 2025
Episode: Recap of the Golden Bachelor Season Finale

Episode Overview

Jared Freid delivers his signature comedic and insightful commentary in this special finale recap of "The Golden Bachelor." He dives into the season's highs and lows, focusing on the polarizing actions of the lead, Mel, and what his choices mean for the future of the franchise. The episode balances humor, genuine fan frustration, and a call for more meaningful casting, capturing the unpredictability of reality dating TV when the star isn't there for the right reasons.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Pain of Defending “The Bachelor” (00:40–03:10)

• Jared opens by venting about the challenges of being a “Bachelor” fan and commentator, especially when facing constant negativity from non-fans.
• He criticizes people who boast about disliking the show or who claim, “Hasn’t it gone downhill?” (01:35)
• Quote:

  "You constantly have to deal with bad actors... they think it's an interesting personality to say, 'Hasn't it gone downhill?' ... Just because I like something doesn't mean that I think everyone has to." (01:07–01:49)

2. Pre-season Controversy: Mel’s Problematic Comments (03:10–05:22)

• Jared recounts Mel’s pre-season podcast statement about not wanting to date anyone over 60 and expresses disbelief that Mel would say this publicly.
• He points out how this gave ammunition to critics and raised skepticism about casting.
• Quote:

  "I thought, how does he not know what this show is? ... Is he care? This is utter stupidity to say into a microphone." (03:25–03:40)

• Despite misgivings, Jared’s motto is to watch and see how things play out.

3. Honest Post-season Assessment: Mel Wasn’t the Right Choice (05:23–10:22)

• After watching the entire season, Jared feels the casting was a mistake—Mel never embraced the spirit of the show.
• He draws a parallel to “Scooby Doo,” saying Mel “took off the mask” in the finale and revealed he never considered real engagement as an option.
• Quote:

  "He was never thinking of this as an engagement. ... It has to be on the list. If you find someone you fall for, you have to let go enough." (07:21–07:44)

• Jared empathizes with the difficulty of letting go of logic in romance but insists that’s part of the role.

4. Finale Events Breakdown

A. Mel and Cindy’s Breakup (10:25–14:50)

• Cindy asks pointed, reasonable questions and ultimately walks away from Mel, frustrated by his waffling.
• Jared praises Cindy’s dignity and clarity during both the breakup and the studio sit-down.
• Quote:

  "Cindy calls them out as much as she can and says, kind of defends the other women who came here to be engaged. And she says it right. She's not crazy... Cindy was unbelievable. Said the right things, did the right things. Classy." (13:05–13:46)

• Mel’s narrative is that Cindy “gave up,” but Jared flips this: She refused to settle.

B. Mel and Peggy’s Awkward Commitment (14:51–20:02)

• Mel announces Cindy’s departure to Peggy in a dramatic (and baffling) way before inviting Peggy to “finish this out.”
• Peggy meets Mel’s family and an out-of-nowhere female friend from college, which Jared finds suspicious due to no context or questions.
• The episode culminates in Mel offering Peggy a “commitment ring”—not an engagement. Peggy responds flatly, “I agree,” which Jared likens to someone taking an exit row seat on a plane.
• Quote:

  "He gives her a commitment ring, and they kiss. And it's like the weirdest act of non-romance that I've ever seen on this show." (18:35–18:55)

C. Lack of Stakes in the Ending (20:10–21:40)

• Jared emphasizes how unromantic and unsatisfying the climax was for fans invested in the usual engagement narrative.
• He notes the “special opportunity was squandered,” leaving viewers feeling no real connection or understanding of Mel.

5. Review of Taylor Frankie Paul’s Interview (21:41–24:20)

• Jesse Palmer, the host, interviews Taylor Frankie Paul (from “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives”), likely being hyped as a future Bachelorette lead.
• Jared is mystified by the lack of questions about her three kids and the focus on superficial details like PDA.
• Quote:

  "She never mentions her kids. She has three children. That is question one from the host of the Bachelor. What's our plan with the kids?" (22:45–23:05)

6. Reflections on The Show & Looking Forward (24:21–End)

• Jared reiterates his affection for the “Golden Bachelor” concept and hopes for better casting going forward.
• He sums up the season as entertaining but marred by a lead uninterested in participation or romance.
• Shoutouts to committed fans and a teaser for upcoming “Bachelorette” coverage and Jared’s stand-up tour dates.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Mel's refusal to play along:

  “Mel said, it’s my bat, my ball, I’m going home. Goodbye, everybody. ... He got what he wanted and made everyone else unhappy in the process." (17:23–19:00)

• On the franchise’s stakes:

  "If that was the premise of the show, we wouldn't have our expectations unmet. It's not the premise of the show. It's the Golden Bachelor. Even as Cindy said, there's a ring in the artwork." (21:10–21:42)

• On Jesse Palmer’s hosting:

  "Jesse Palmer should get an Emmy for what he did tonight. ... Tonight was the night that Jesse Palmer became the host of the Bachelor." (09:55–10:18)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Intro and Bachelor Fandom Rant: 00:40–03:10
• Mel’s Pre-season Comments: 03:10–05:22
• Post-season Judgment & Mel’s Motives: 05:23–10:22
• Mel & Cindy’s Breakup Analysis: 10:25–14:50
• Mel & Peggy’s Final Date and “Proposal”: 14:51–20:02
• Non-committal Ending and Reflections: 20:10–21:40
• Taylor Frankie Paul Interview: 21:41–24:20
• Closing Thoughts & Next Season Hype: 24:21–end

Conclusion

Jared Freid’s recap of the “Golden Bachelor” finale is equal parts exasperated fan’s lament and thoughtful, funny analysis. He spotlights how poor casting and a disengaged lead can undermine an otherwise exciting franchise reboot, while also appreciating standout moments and personalities. Fans of The Bachelor universe, reality TV junkies, and casual listeners alike will find Jared’s take both cathartic and entertaining—especially if they were baffled by Mel’s anti-romantic antics and the show’s unorthodox conclusion.