“Golden Bachelor”: Gerry made the final decision after Fantasy Suites
On The Golden Bachelor, Gerry traveled to Costa Rica with Theresa and Leslie for the Fantasy Suites episode. Here’s what happened next.
“People want to know what happens in the fantasy suites; there’s curiosity,” says Gerry Turner during the tropical sleepover Gerry-athon that takes place on Thursday’s episode 8 of “Golden Bachelor.”
But the 72-year-old widower from Indiana wants to draw the line at privacy, adding emphatically: “Honestly, I feel like it’s none of their business (expletive).”
It’s hard to disagree with that feeling as Gerry sets sail for the long-awaited Fantasy Suites weekend in beautiful Costa Rica. It’s a chance for the ever-tormented Gerry to enjoy the next few dates, no matter how long they last, with the final two candidates: Leslie, 64, and Theresa, 70.
Since it is an ABC reality show, we get valuable details on the dating double topic. Sometimes too many details, such as a Gerry discussion of “Knocking Boots” (slumbering volcano in the background) that forces host Jesse Palmer to repeat “TMI” with his eyes closed.
But there is a lot at stake. In the season finale on November 30th, Gerry will choose one of the two women as his life partner. Who will it be? Let’s break down the Fantasy Suites dates.
Last week’s “Women Tell All”: ‘Golden Bachelor’ confessions and who Gerry sent home.
Gerry gets action on his date with Leslie
It’s no surprise Gerry is thrilled as he rappelled down a 170ft cliff in Costa Rica to kick off the big Leslie date. But it’s remarkable how Gerry just zooms off the cliff like he’s Tom Cruise’s father. What other talents does he hold before us? He goes straight into the outdoor knight mode he showed Leslie on their ATV adventure date in Episode 4, this time hovering around his slowly descending partner while offering loving encouragement like “You’re good!” gives of itself. and “You got this!”
The ATV date ended with Leslie and Gerry in a magically appearing hot tub, so it’s clear where this action opener is headed. Score one for the Fantasy Suite! Leslie and Gerry accept the strange formality of accepting Jesse’s written invitation to enter the double-bedded couples sanctuary, as if Jesse were some kind of tech billionaire matchmaker with new stationery.
However, there are no boots in sight, just intertwined legs with bare feet before the cameras demurely fade away, leaving something mysterious. Later, Gerry is thrilled and says things like, “I think you’re the one.” Leslie doesn’t do herself any favors by loving Gerry as “an old shoe.” And a logistical battle looms over where they should land — his hometown in Indiana or hers in Minneapolis.
But the fireworks can be summed up with the perfect Golden Bachelor post-intimacy moment — a bawdy thermostat discussion that meets Department of Energy guidelines.
“How do you like it, 70?” asks Gerry, marking out a spot on the temperature controls.
“69,” Leslie replies, giggling.
Gerry might have proposed right then and there if that annoying finale hadn’t happened in two weeks. But it’s clear that Leslie is in a prime position, even as Gerry strolls off to his next sleepover date with Theresa.
Theresa joins in and turns the tide for Gerry during their date
Gerry is so in love with Leslie that it visibly intrudes on his Theresa days. While riding through the tropical forest, he is noticeably distant and runs ahead while Theresa becomes restless and brings up the rear.
“At the same time, I’m thinking, ‘What is Leslie doing?'” Gerry says of scenes in which he ignores his chivalrous instincts, Theresa and basic good manners.
But just when things are at their bleakest, Theresa goes into Michael Jordan mode and has Gerry around in no time. You can feel the change in moment when talking about lost loved ones (she is also widowed) and discussing what Theresa actually does for a living. But wait, he just gets to Theresa’s job in Episode 8? How Gerry missed this basic information just shows the struggles of reality dating.
But financial services professional Theresa accepts this support and makes three points in which she describes an extremely impressive career as a self-starter. Gerry, a restaurateur who retired at 55, is clearly impressed. The game continues, even without Gerry thinking about his retirement stock portfolio, which would certainly get a Theresa turbo.
Of course, the couple agrees to Jesse’s joint invitation to the Fantasy Suite, which leads to Theresa emptying one last bucket as she enters the tropical love cave. She offers Gerry the right side of the double bed! He doesn’t even remember telling her what type of bed he prefers, but Theresa saved it at just the right time. Critics can say what they want about Theresa, but she has a game.
It’s time to fade out to a shot of the resort room’s “Do Not Disturb” sign.
Who won the Golden Bachelor during Fantasy Suites week?
Nobody goes home during Fantasy Suite week. Gerry ends a joyful adventure without making his usual heartbreaking rose decision. The storm is approaching: The clouds literally appear in Costa Rica as Gerry briefly gets excited. But it is a distant thunder.
Whatever the predictions are or what the internet speculates, from a reality show editing perspective, this is anyone’s guess. Looking two weeks into the future (there is no “Golden Bachelor” on Thanksgiving), Gerry’s impossible choice is:
Leslie: Real adventure, excitement, sense of humor. But are there problems like location?
There is a: Real bonding over past losses, intense love, killer stock picks—with time running out was the final shot of the dating game.