Mel Owens of The Golden Bachelor shared his reaction to having Carol Freeman-Branstine quit the show right before hometown dates. This isn’t unprecedented, but usually a contestant leaves for personal or family reasons. Carol decided to leave because she felt they didn’t spend enough time together. Fair enough.
This has been an interesting season of The Golden Bachelor. It didn’t really start off on the right foot when Mel said his ceiling age for women is 60. He obviously didn’t realize the show he was about to go on. But he walked back those comments, and the roses were given out.
Mel Owens lost his shot at love with Carol Freeman-Branstine
Unfortunately, time is always an issue on the Bachelor shows. Despite wanting to spend time with everyone, it’s not always possible. That’s how Carol felt about her budding relationship with Mel. In the end, she had to leave because they never had a chance for a one-on-one date.
Carol explained that she didn’t feel right introducing Mel to her family since they hadn’t really been able to spend enough time together. She admitted she didn’t feel pursued or valued by Mel throughout the process.
“I didn’t see it coming,” Mel admitted to US Weekly. “Everybody is here for their own reasons, and when they feel they have to leave, they can do that,” he explained.
He added that perhaps there wasn’t a deep connection and Carol may have realized that she may not “want that guy.” But he does admit that her leaving did change the show for him.
“It may have affected the dynamics of the women,” he said. “Also, maybe, she would have gotten a rose, and somebody else would have left. We’ll never know.” He does admit to enjoying meeting her and called her a “really nice and lovely person.”
For now, Mel needs to focus on the remaining women and finding love. Who knows, he may end up meeting Carol again down the line. Dating other contestants worked for Gerry Turner, right? Honestly, as much as you want to give them the benefit of the doubt, the golden bachelors seem to have a harder time being certain. Maybe that’s why the happily ever after has (currently) lasted longer for The Golden Bachelorette.
Time will tell which way Mel will go.
Golden Bachelor airs Wednesdays at 8/7c on ABC.
TELL US – DO YOU THINK CAROL MADE THE RIGHT CHOICE? WHO DO YOU LIKE FOR MEL?
