Alright, buckle up—this isn’t news to anyone following along, but trust us, you might want to sit down. We’re gearing up for Episode 7 of ABC's "Golden Bachelorette," and you know what that means. Fantasy Suites are back—the part of the Bachelor franchise famous for its explosive mix of romance, high-stakes drama, and unfiltered emotions. This is where contestants get a shot at “overnight” dates, and trust us, these episodes never go as planned.
Now, if you've caught the teaser, you know things are getting intense. The spotlight is on Joan, our 61-year-old leading lady, who seems to be channeling a bit of Edgar Allen Poe with her haunting black Lamarque feather jacket and elegant Loewe long dress. The Gothic flair is a perfect match for the drama that’s brewing, especially as she’s seen confronting Pascal, a French-born, Chicago-based salon owner who took her hometown by storm just last week. But now? Pascal’s actions are signaling trouble, and it’s clear Joan’s day is going off the rails.
Imagine the set—a beautiful Tahitian landscape, pure paradise—except this time, it's as if the paparazzi (usually all over LAX) have staked out this idyllic scene just to capture Joan’s emotional journey with Pascal. With every shaky camera angle zooming in on her heartbreak, it's obvious Pascal’s cold feet have arrived. He’s gone from the confident, debonair salon owner to a man plagued by doubts. And here’s the kicker: he's about to hit the brakes on this whole affair. That’s right, this “fantasy” quickly dissolves into a dark, tear-filled spiral.
Heartbreak on the Horizon: Pascal Walks Away
Now let’s take a step back for a minute. Pascal wasn’t always the nervous type. He was the smooth operator who swept Joan off her feet on night one, pulling her aside for one-on-one time while 23 other men looked on in shock. And now, the same guy is backing out, claiming, “I’m not a fighter; I’m a lover.” The irony here isn’t lost on anyone watching. At first, their third date in Tahiti starts on a high note, with the classic beach vibes, laughter, and romance. Joan’s already had dates with two other eligible contenders—Guy, a 66-year-old ER doctor, and Chock, a 60-year-old insurance exec. But somehow, she and Pascal end up taking part in an unscheduled Tahitian bonding ceremony, setting the stage for what should have been the peak of their connection.
Here’s where things take a turn. Pascal’s charming facade crumbles. The two sit down for a romantic dinner on a cruise ship, transformed into their private Fantasy Suite paradise. Pascal chivalrously pulls out Joan’s chair, setting the scene for a magical evening. But the moment their candlelit dinner begins, he drops the bombshell. His words are a stark contrast to the paradise setting: “I’m not in love,” he tells her. “I just don’t feel that spark.” The gourmet meal, carefully prepared, goes untouched as Joan tries to process his words.
For anyone who knows Pascal—a man who grew up in the heart of Paris with a passion for fine dining—this is almost an unforgivable act. Not only has he broken Joan’s heart, but he’s also committed the ultimate Parisian faux-pas by ignoring the meal! There’s no quick way to recover from that.
Unpacking Pascal’s Confession
But what led Pascal here? His reasons tumble out in fragments. He opens up about his rough childhood and claims he’s “damaged goods.” But the shockers keep coming as he reels off his doubts, with each sentence slicing through the magic they’d built up. His statements like, “We just don’t have it,” or “I’m not there,” leave Joan in visible pain. She stumbles away from the table, heartbroken and exhausted, as Pascal vents his frustration at the cameras. This raw footage captures Joan in a vulnerable, cinematic moment through the cruise ship’s glass railings. She’s devastated—and the Gucci bag display she walks past only adds a surreal element to her pain.
And just like that, Episode 7 ends with Joan’s tearful admission to the cameras: “I had 24 people here in the beginning; I’m down to the last three, and I might leave with nobody.” If that line doesn’t become a Bachelor Nation classic, nothing will.
In a final glimpse, Pascal slinks into the cruise ferry shuttle, leaving behind unanswered questions and, quite literally, an untouched meal. And while Tahiti might be a dream destination for most, Pascal is headed back to a less forgiving reality where French authorities might want a word with him about leaving a full meal behind.
The Others: How Did the Other Dates Go?
Alright, with Pascal officially out of the running, the spotlight moves back to the remaining hopefuls, Guy and Chock. Let’s break down how these two suitors handled the Fantasy Suite pressure.
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Guy: As an ER doctor, Guy has the poise and maturity to keep things calm. His date with Joan was full of adventure, as the two snorkeled through Tahiti’s pristine waters. Joan even made a groundbreaking Bachelor Nation decision—no beds in the Fantasy Suites! This bold move kept the focus on connection rather than physical romance, and Guy was totally onboard, calling it a powerful stand for their relationship. Cheers to Joan for rewriting the rules here!
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Chock: Meanwhile, Chock, the insurance executive from Wichita, Kansas, is also showing his adventurous side. Picture this: he’s speeding through the Tahitian landscape in an ATV, holding Joan’s hand in one and steering with the other. Kansas may be his home, but he jokes it can’t hold a candle to Tahiti’s beauty (obviously). Still, he has a romantic connection with Joan, even if his Fantasy Suite behavior veers a little wild, especially during a passionate round of kissing that nearly turns carnivorous!
What's Next on 'Golden Bachelorette'?
With Pascal gone, who’s left? Does this mean we’ll see a twist with an unexpected return, maybe from Jordan—the hopeful who was sent packing after Hometown Dates? Will Joan end up with Guy or Chock, or could there be a surprise that none of us see coming? Here’s what we do know: next week, we get “The Men Tell All” special, promising even more drama, as the men hash out their experiences. And in just a few short weeks, on November 13, we’ll get the grand finale that reveals whether Joan walks away with a lasting love—or takes her final steps alone.
So, Bachelor Nation, get ready. It’s about to get intense! Episode 7 may have left us hanging, but the journey’s far from over. Keep your eyes peeled for more twists, turns, and moments that just might become legendary.
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