The first “Golden Bachelor” had its finale episode on Thursday night with a live playback of how things took an unexpected turn in front of a live audience that was heavily filled with past cast members as well as previous Bachelorette couple Charity Lawson and Dotun.  Oh, yes, and Barb  Weber was there too!

Golden Bachelor Gerry Turner was down to his final two ladies – Leslie and Theresa.  The overnight dates happened before Thanksgiving, and in the finale conclusion, these ladies got to meet Gerry’s family.

Costa Rica was the setting, and it’s also where Gerry let Leslie know that he had chosen someone, and it wasn’t her.  He was in love with Theresa.

LESLIE

Pictured: JESSE PALMER, LESLIE / Photo: Disney/John Fleenor

“The heartbreak that I experienced…the blind sidedness…”

Leslie joined host Jesse Palmer in the studio audience setting to talk about the aftermath of her breakup with Gerry.  “The heartbreak that I experienced…the blind sidedness.  I’m feeling that again watching it.” She said she was “devastated” and she was vulnerable, wore her heart on her sleeve and fell in love with Gerry.  Leslie said she hadn’t fallen in love with someone in a really long time.

Jesse asked Leslie what it was that gave her a feeling that something was off with Gerry during their last date. She said it was the expression on his face after sitting down with her after talking to his family.  She said it seemed like “he wasn’t there for me.” She justified it as him being completely exhausted.  Leslie was 100% confident that she was going to be the one.  She picked out the dress and wrote her vows.  “I had this whole life planned for us.”  He shot her so far up that the fall was so much harder for her, Leslie expressed.

LESLIE & GERRY:

“I’m not angry, I’m just hurt.” – Leslie

Pictured: JESSE PALMER, LESLIE, GERRY TURNER / Photo: Disney/John Fleenor

Gerry arrived on the stage to smooth things over with Leslie.  Leslie told Gerry that she fell in love with him for so many reasons.  Him getting her “stupid humor” being one of them, and she was 100% authentic with him.  

She said the most important thing that she fell in love with was his integrity and because of his integrity, his words meant so much to her.  She said only they know what words were shared during their overnight date.  She said those words made her think that she was his girl.  This is why Leslie was “blindsided” and didn’t know how things changed.

After meeting Gerry’s family, Leslie felt that she fit in.  He painted a picture for her of what their life would look like.  Leslie asked Gerry what happened. Gerry apologized and said when he came onto the show, his head was ready, but his heart wasn’t ready.

“I honestly didn’t want to hurt anyone.’   He wanted to give everyone his complete attention.  He said Leslie was the person that he thought was his person until he knew it was someone else.  “I couldn’t find another way of doing it so graciously.”  Leslie said she didn’t know if she accepts his apology, but she understands it.

Gerry said he had to find that one person that he couldn’t live without.  Leslie said she is glad that Gerry told her that he loves her because it opened her up to find the right guy.  “I’m not angry, I’m just hurt,” said Leslie. 

Jesse said it’s an ending that audiences “won’t see coming!”

THE FINAL ROSE CEREMONY:

“Life isn’t over.  The best is yet to come..” – Theresa

Theresa said her late husband never got down on one knee. So, if Gerry proposed, it would be the first time for her and she’ll be very emotional.  Gerry said Theresa is smart and calm, he called her an “equal partner” and that’s what he was looking for.

Theresa thought she was going to live the rest of her life alone until she met Gerry and saw him smile.  ‘Life isn’t over.  The best is yet to come..”  She told him that she wants to spend the rest of her life with him. 

Gerry told her she wasn’t the right person to live with (followed by a long pause)  Theresa was sad, and thought Gerry was breaking-up.  Then Gerry continued –  She’s the person he can’t live without, then Gerry got down on one knee.  He told her everyday he chooses her.   Gerry then presented Theresa with the final Golden Rose. 

GERRY & THERESA:

“It was a cultural movement.  Not just a show.”

Pictured: JESSE PALMER, THERESA, GERRY TURNER / Photo: Disney/John Fleenor

The happy couple came out onto the stage to share a loveseat next to Jesse.  Theresa said before the proposal, she thought that she was getting dumped and was hoping someone would come out and get her.

Jesse asked them that he heard that there was something that happened during the overnight date that changed everything.  He asked what was it?  Gerry answered, “Jesse, do you ask your parents what happens during their overnight dates?”  Jesse plugged his ears.

Jesse said millions of people have been inspired by Gerry’s story.  Gerry said he thought back to 7-8 months ago, his life has changed so much.  Theresa said it’s given hope to so many people.  “It was a cultural movement.  Not just a show.” 

The next Bachelor journey about to begin is that one of Joey’s!  Joey said Gerry and Theresa’s story is very inspiring. 

Back to the topic of the overnight date…Teresa said she knocked his boots off!  With her kisses.  Theresa said she wants people to know that love has no age limit,  and if you have love in your heart, give it and let them know.

Gerry’s daughter, who was seated in the audience with her sister and their children, said all they wanted was for Gerry to come out of it happy and excited! The bonus is that now they get Theresa. 

After the break, Jesse surprised Gerry and Theresa that they’re sending the couple to Italy.  Gerry said it’s very convenient because they can use the trip as their honeymoon.  Because they are getting married asap because they don’t have a lot of time to waste.  The announcement was that their wedding will be live on January 4th!

The new season of “The Bachelor” premieres January 22, 2024 on ABC network.