NEW YORK — The week kicked off at “Bachelor Mansion” where the women were exercising and interacting with Terri’s puppet. Terri addressed Nicolle for kissing Mel in the pool, to which Nicolle responded that she merely got swept up in the moment. Some women thought it was inappropriate, and Cindy expressed that if Mel is going to engage with others, perhaps she’s on the wrong show.

Gina: Seriously, she had to expect competition from over 20 other women. Should they just step aside and let Cindy take the lead? Definitely not.

A date card was delivered reading, “Nicolle, Gerri, Robin, Amy, Monica B., Cindy, Terri, Cheryl, Carol, Monica P., Peg, and Roxanne, love doesn’t have to be so serious.” Debbie was emotional upon realizing she had a one-on-one date this week.

Group Date

The group assembled with Mel at a theater, realizing they’d be roasting him in a comedy-themed group date. Comedian and podcaster Jared Freid assisted them. He joked, “I’m 40, the age Mel wishes you were.” It was hilarious! Jared promised to have a martini with whoever lost. He encouraged Terri to involve her puppet again. That puppet’s getting more attention than anticipated beyond the first night.

Gina: Jared Freid really brought the humor with his Mel jokes! I half-wished he joined the women back at the mansion for martinis. That would have been pure comedic gold.

There were numerous jokes about Mel’s aversion to dating women over 60. Monica B. shined with her humor, while Cheryl’s act showed a bit of an edge. Terri’s puppet poked fun at Mel’s shoes, and Roxanne teased him about being sluggish. Amy turned the roast on herself! Nicolle, addressing her kiss with Mel, was witty and self-assured on stage. Despite being unable to see without her glasses, Carol held her ground. Ultimately, Mel chose Nicolle for dinner.

Gina: I didn’t think Cheryl’s was mean, necessarily. I actually laughed at her Detroit style pizza joke. But I am glad that they got that out. I feel like Mel knew it was coming and he was a good sport about it. Poor Carol and her missing glasses, but she got a good couple of jokes in there!. Also, I do like that Nicolle was laughing at Amy’s joke about her kissing Mel.

Nicolle and Mel’s Dinner

They went to a beautiful lounge and Nicolle revealed that she has been married and divorced twice. She wanted to know why Mel’s marriage ended and what he learned from the experience. Mel said that he thought they would be married forever. He thinks that she was younger and wanted to experience other things. His ex-wife served him papers and he said he was heartbroken. He said he really wants to get married again. Mel said that he feels chemistry with Nicolle. He offered her the group date rose.

Gina: They’re both right, they do have chemistry. And I have to say, I appreciate Nicolle’s confidence. She told him she knows herself well and what works and what doesn’t for her and that’s great.

Back at the Mansion

Listening to the women talk about getting ready for their dates was fun. They talked about how their beauty rituals have changed over the years. Lots of fun remedies for puffy eyes haha. Debbie said that she can’t believe she’s the age she is and she’s never tried on a wedding dress and it’s never happened for her.

Gina: Small thing, but I do love how the women were helping Debbie get ready for the date.

Debbie’s One-on-One Date

They visited Chef Ludo Lefebvre who taught Mel and Debbie how to make a French omelet. They seemed to have a great time together! Debbie said that she wanted Mel to see how fun she could be but also learn about her serious side as well. She said she’s not cut out to be alone yet she’s been alone for a long time. She said watching the first “Golden Bachelor” really gave her hope. They kissed! Mel offered Debbie the date rose! Can I just say, she’d be a great “Golden Bachelorette” should this not work out with Mel in the long run!

Gina: As someone who is of a certain age and has never been married, I say let’s normalize women who’ve never walked down the aisle! I’m with you, girl. I’ve never tried on a wedding dress either and I’m OK with that. You may want a husband and kids but it doesn’t always mean it happens when you want it to and that is OK. I’m glad that Mel sees that there’s something there with her. Debbie was one of my early favorites. And yes, if it doesn’t work out, Debbie for Golden Bachelorette!!

Pajama Party

There was a knock on the door and it was Kathy and Susan! They threw a pajama party for the women! They wanted to get some gossip and also give some advice to the ladies. They played “Never have I ever” and we found out that Gerri is a member of the mile high club! Also, Nicolle has slept with both of her ex-husbands post-divorce. Interesting. Peg loved connecting with Kathy and Susan. Susan urged Carol to go for it and give Mel a kiss. Cindy said she was worried that what she feels for Mel isn’t being reciprocated after watching him form connections with other women. She’s wondering if he’ll chose her eventually for a date. Then, Kathy and Susan gave all the women “massagers.”

Gina: I love Susan and Kathy so much and this slumber party looked like a blast. Also, I have to say I was not expecting Cindy to be the one to crash out so early into the process.

Cocktail Party

But, the fun was over and it was time for another rose ceremony and cocktail party. Amy went up and smooched Mel right when he walked in, and Cindy did the same thing. Awkwardly, the women all lined up to kiss Mel, not wanting to miss out. Mel’s face was covered in lipstick! It’s hilarious.

Carol asked Mel to talk and she really struggled to break out of her shell. She just kept telling Mel how handsome he was and then saying a bunch of nonsensical things. It was hard to follow. She said she’d like to go to a sporting even with him. She shared with Mel that she also got divorced five years ago and it was right around the time her mother died. They have that in common as Mel also got divorced five years ago and also lost his dad that same year. She ended their conversation with a little peck on the lips.

Gina: Man, I really felt for Carol here. It can’t be easy, but it also didn’t feel like Mel was giving her much either so that was another hill to climb!

Cindy and Mel had a fun conversation and they seemed to reignite their relationship. Mel revealed that he was finishing up a four-volume book set on Picasso and he likes to read non-fiction. Cindy was basically moved to tears by the fact that Mel spoke to her again.

Rose Ceremony

1) Nicolle (group date rose)
2) Debbie (1-on-1 date rose)
3) Cindy
4) Peg
5) Roxanne
6) Gerri
7) Cheryl
8) Robin
9) Carol
That meant Amy, Monica P., Monica B., and Terri were all eliminated. I would have liked for him to get to know Terri a bit better, but he’s gotta make those cuts!

Gina: Yeah, they’re never easy. I’ll see you at “Women Tell All,” ladies! By the way, was it just me or did this hour FLY by?

Next week

Coming up next week, we see Mel take a group date to a theme park. There’s a wedding dress date with a photo shoot. And, Robin becomes a member of the right reasons police squad. That usually doesn’t work out so well for that person, but I guess we’ll see what happens.

Gina: A “right reasons moment as we heard Nicolle say something about wanting to be more of an influencer… interesting. Although, I have a feeling that was a little quote taken out of context for a tease. We’ll find out next week!