**The Bachelor: Final Six Showdown – Unicycles, Shamans, and Surprising Goodbyes**
*NEW YORK* — We’re down to the final six contestants vying for Mel’s heart! The episode kicked off with Peg making a memorable entrance, riding a unicycle around Bachelor Mansion’s grounds. It was a fun and unexpected start setting the tone for what would be a rollercoaster of an episode.
**One-on-One Date Hopefuls**
Cindy confided in Carol that she hadn’t had enough time to build a strong connection with Mel, so she was especially grateful to receive a coveted one-on-one date this week. Carol felt similarly but seemed more patient with the process.
Jesse Palmer dropped a bombshell: only three women would be receiving hometown dates this season. Furthermore, Mel wouldn’t be handing out any roses during the individual dates this week. Instead, he planned to make all his decisions during the upcoming rose ceremony.
—
### Group Date: A Spiritual Encounter at Butterfly Mountain
Mel and his five remaining ladies took a spiritual journey to Butterfly Mountain to explore how their energies aligned. He introduced a shaman who guided them through a unique healing session. Each woman wrote down an emotion they wanted to release and then burned the paper as part of the ritual. Debbie wrote “hopelessness,” Peg and Carol both chose “unworthy,” while Mel wrote “friction.” Nicolle’s card remained a mystery, but based on last week’s conversations, viewers had their suspicions.
Following the ceremony, Peg and Mel participated in a playful mud cleansing ritual. They rubbed each other with mud, and Peg cheekily wrote “love” on Mel’s chest before they shared a kiss. Nicolle expressed confidence, believing the other women’s insecure energy worked in her favor.
Cheryl and Mel braved a cold plunge together, an experience that wasn’t exactly relaxing. Cheryl struggled to immerse her whole body but admitted the cold water brought clarity, leaving her emotional as she confessed, “I really feel I’m falling in love with you.” Mel reciprocated warmly, revealing he had felt a connection with Cheryl since their first date and even expressed interest in visiting her family.
Meanwhile, Debbie and Mel indulged in a sensual tantric yoga session that included lots of eye contact, stretching, and even a tender kiss. Debbie revealed it had been 14 years since she last felt in love and expressed excitement about bringing Mel home to meet her sister, brother-in-law, and friends. Mel echoed those sentiments, saying he’d love to meet her family — a bold statement given the limited time!
Nicolle and Mel completed another shaman card reading together, picking the “witness” card, which symbolizes observing without taking action. They burned herbs to release energy, but the conversation soon took a strange turn when Nicolle asked Mel for a kiss “just for the camera.” Mel remarked, “This could have been what Robin was talking about,” signaling some concern. In contrast to last week, when Mel felt Nicolle was all about him, this exchange revealed she might be more self-focused, which Mel didn’t like.
Mel and Carol shared a quieter moment meditating together as he hoped she would open up more. Carol revealed the depth of her interest by telling Mel that if he went home with her, he’d meet her children and her own father. However, she voiced worries about the lack of a strong connection since she hadn’t received a one-on-one date. Tearfully, she admitted, “I don’t know if I can continue on this journey with you.” Mel was compassionate and respectful of her feelings. Although saddened, Carol seemed resolute and hopeful about what’s next.
—
### Cindy’s One-on-One Date: Horseback Riding and Heartfelt Conversations
Cindy and Mel strolled hand in hand to a pair of horses, where Mel admitted he hadn’t ridden in 60 years, making for some humorous moments as he struggled a bit. Cindy handled her horse like a pro, and the pair enjoyed a beautiful view of the city from a clearing.
During their picnic at the Griffith Observatory, Cindy opened up about her past — growing up in a broken home, her divorce seven years ago after 20 years of marriage, and her struggle with trust issues. Mel related to her experiences and appreciated her honesty. Cindy expressed her desire to fall in love again and spoke of her three daughters, who she believed would love Mel too. Her daughter even told her, “They picked Mel for you.”
To top off the romantic date, Mel gifted Cindy a star named in her honor. As night fell, the two danced under the stars, sharing a magical and intimate moment.
—
### Rose Ceremony: Shocking Eliminations and Tearful Goodbyes
Mel prayed over his decision but ultimately revealed to Jesse Palmer that he felt ready to make his choices. Each contestant got to FaceTime with their families, a sweet touch that gave viewers a glimpse of their support systems. Debbie’s sister and family seemed especially close, while Peg’s conversation with her daughter was heartwarming.
Then the roses were handed out:
1. Cindy
2. Peg
3. Debbie
Shockingly, Nicolle and Cheryl were sent home. Mel shared heartfelt goodbyes — walking Cheryl out, he spoke of the heartbreak he felt in sending her away. Cheryl was gracious despite the disappointment. Nicolle, however, stunned viewers by telling Mel, “When it doesn’t work out with the one that you pick, and it probably won’t, you call me,” and blowing kisses as she left the mansion. Her audacious parting words suggested she was already eyeing future opportunities, even hinting at a “Golden Bachelorette” role.
—
### Looking Ahead: Hometown Dates Preview
Next week, Mel will head to the hometowns of his final three women. Peg even plans to introduce him to her firehouse family! With daughters and relatives eager to meet Mel, the stakes are high. Can Mel handle the heat when family members ask the tough questions?
—
### Final Thoughts
This episode delivered plenty of revelation, emotion, and drama. From Peg’s unicycle stunt to Nicola’s bold exit and Cindy’s heartfelt one-on-one date, viewers got a mix of laughter, tears, and surprises. The spiritual group date provided deep insight into contestants’ vulnerabilities, while the rose ceremony confirmed the tough road ahead.
Stay tuned for next week’s hometown visits — we’re nearing the finale, and the journey to find Mel’s soulmate continues!
—
**Subscribe to our podcast for full episode recaps and exclusive insights:**
– [Apple Podcasts](#)
– [Spotify](#)
– [iHeart](#)
Discover more podcasts and coverage from abc7NY [here](#).
https://abc7.com/post/golden-bachelor-mel-owens-selects-final-women-shocking-rose-ceremony/18007102/