This week on The Golden Bachelorette, emotions ran high as Joan Vassos and her remaining men started opening up about their lives, their pasts, and their hopes for the future. From heartfelt moments of vulnerability to playful group dates, Episode 3 delivered plenty of memorable moments as Joan continues her search for love.

A Sleepy Start and Pascal’s Quirky Attitude

The episode begins with a lighthearted look inside the Bachelor Mansion, where the men, many of whom aren’t getting much sleep, commiserate about nightly bathroom trips and snoring roommates. Pascal, in particular, stands out for his confession that he doesn’t like cooking, cleaning, or doing laundry—traits that might raise a red flag for Joan, as older women often encounter men looking for “a nurse or a purse.”

As the men settle in for another day, host Jesse Palmer arrives to announce two one-on-one dates and one group date for the week, promising some fierce competition ahead.

Joan and Pascal’s Date: Glitz, Glam, and a Growing Connection

The first one-on-one date card goes to Pascal, and Joan takes him on a whirlwind trip to Las Vegas. Their adventure begins with a glamorous visit to the Paris Hotel, complete with a wardrobe full of sparkly clothes and a game of dress-up. The two get a surprise visit from legendary performer Wayne Newton, who serenades them as they dance, Joan impressively keeping up in heels.

That evening, the pair share a romantic dinner at the base of the Eiffel Tower, where Pascal opens up about his struggles with vulnerability, stemming from his difficult childhood. Joan relates to his feelings of lacking support, admitting that she sometimes feels the same after the loss of her husband. Their conversation deepens the connection between them, and Joan rewards Pascal with the date rose, saying she can envision a wonderful future with him.

The Group Date: Kickball and Quirky Talents

Back at the mansion, the rest of the men receive a group date card, leading them to a football field where former NFL stars Eric Dickerson and Andre Reed coach them—only to reveal they’ll be playing kickball, not football. Despite the lighthearted nature of the game, injuries and fierce competition abound as the men battle for a chance to attend the after-party with Joan.

Key highlights from the game include Gary’s impressive diving catch, Gregg’s slide into third base, and Charles K. earning the title of MVP with his first-ever kickball RBI. In the end, Keith, Jordan, Kim, Gary, Charles, and Gil win the game and the chance for extra time with Joan.

At the after-party, Charles L. has a heart-to-heart with Joan, sharing the emotional conversation he had earlier with Guy about the death of his wife. The advice Guy gave him has clearly lifted a weight off his shoulders, making this one of the most moving moments of the episode.

Jonathan’s One-on-One: Vulnerability and Healing

The second one-on-one date goes to Jonathan, who steps out confidently with his floral button-down shirt, leaving the top four buttons open. Their date involves horseback riding, though Joan confesses she’s nervous around horses after being bitten by one years ago. Despite the initial bumps, the date turns out to be an emotional one.

Jonathan opens up about his failed marriage, revealing that his wife asked for a divorce unexpectedly one morning. His vulnerability earns him the date rose, and the two share a touching moment as they ride back together and spot a hawk flying overhead—a symbol that holds deep meaning for Joan and her family, who believe it represents her late husband’s spirit.

A Tearful Cocktail Party

Before the rose ceremony, Joan gathers the men to share her feelings about missing her family and the pressure of always being the “caretaker” in her life. She expresses her struggle with balancing the desire to find love while still holding a place in her heart for her late husband, John. Her candid admission strikes a chord with the men, who empathize with her emotions.

Chock pulls Joan aside to share his own experience with his mother’s battle with stage 4 cancer, and Gary offers her a heartfelt prayer he wrote. Charles L. also opens up further, showing Joan a picture of his late wife, and the emotional connections between everyone deepen even more.

As the night progresses, a black car arrives, leading to a surprising twist: a visit from none other than Gerry Turner, the Golden Bachelor himself. He and Joan share a reflective conversation about love and loss, with Gerry offering her advice to let her guard down and not put too much pressure on herself. Though Gerry doesn’t stay to join the competition (much to the disappointment of some fans), the encounter serves as a reminder of the journey they’ve both shared.

Who Goes Home This Week?

Heading into the rose ceremony, Pascal, Jonathan, and Gil already have roses, ensuring their safety. Joan then hands roses to:

• Guy

• Dan

• Gary

• Jordan

• Chock

• Charles L.

• Keith

• Mark

This means that Captain Kim, Gregg, and CK are sent home. Before leaving, Kim graciously tells Joan that he would love to be her friend, serenading the group with a farewell song, joined by Guy for one last performance of “The Golden Mansion Men.”

What’s Next on The Golden Bachelorette?

Next week’s episode promises even more drama, with the men taking on Magic Mike-style performances and Jordan scoring a one-on-one date. But the most shocking moment teased? Chock may be considering leaving voluntarily. Stay tuned to see what unfolds in the next chapter of Joan’s journey to find love.