The Golden Bachelorette - Joan Vassos - Episodes - *Sleuthing Spoilers*

Tahiti looks beautiful. She has her friend on the boat with her to go over all the guys. Same stuff as last week. Guy is a slow burn, Pascal is like her late husband, Chock dropped the L word...so basically...bye bye Guy. Slow burn = kiss of death.

Guy is first up and they are exploring the island on a catamaran. Champagne and swimming with the stingrays. Evening has the usual dinner on the beach. To me they sound stilted when they speak. Pretty superficial. Mostly Joan. She is simply not interested in this guy. She is doing her job. Frankly, she looks bored. She tells Guy that they are having private time, but no private, private time. She is saving that for the last guy. They both value the emotional intimacy.

Chock is next and they are going 4 wheeling. She misses him and she has strong feelings for him. Hmmm... Bit of a difference from Guy. She is more worried if he is too good to be true.

They are having dinner on the cruise ship. She is much more encouraging with Chock and more smiley. He is so gushing. Ugh.

Pascal is next. He is having a chat with Jesse first. Pascal is unsure because he was in love with someone else last year and almost engaged.

They are at a luau and do a bit of dancing and eating. Pascal is excited because they speak French. Next they have some kind of bonding ceremony. Naturally, because he just wanted a fun relaxing day with no pressure. Of course, this brings up more worries about her late husband. Pascal is confused and not happy about having to discuss his feelings. He is not ready and freaking out. This just made his walls go back up. No doubt this is exactly what tptb were aiming for.

Another dinner on the deck of the cruise ship. Joan thinks everything was great during the day, him not so much. She tells him he reminds her of John and his zest for life. He on the other hand, tells her he is scared and while he cares about her he is not sure he can get there. He cares about her as a friend. He thinks they don't have that spark. She is hurt, but understands and says she is ok, but he knows she isn't. Love how protective he is about her and tells the cameras to get lost. Naturally, they still follow and Pascal takes off after his goodbye to Joan. Now she is afraid...

No rose ceremony...and she goes crying to her room.

Next week crying with her friend, worried that she is unlovable...also men tell all.

We were watching the World Series game again so I just started the show but will have to continue tomorrow. I like that Nancy came to talk to Joan. She's the perfect friend for it because she also lost her husband. She and Joan are both very attractive but I prefer how natural Nancy looks. She was also one of my favorites from the GB.

I finally got to watch the show! Enjoyed it! Love Nancy is there a good calm strong woman (BFF) to talk to.
It seamed that guy got the more the more romantic fate and over the water bungalow, But seems maybe more private for Chock..
And not surprised pascal is gone!!

@Hotmomma I agree with you on all points. Nancy is just terrific--genuine, kind, pretty without a ton of 'work' and a great friend. Looks like she comes back at Finale 2 (interesting how they called FSDs episode Finale 1) to support Joan again.

I have actually had a romantic anniversary dinner in 2019 at the spot where Guy and Joan were. Really memorable. Moorea is as gorgeous as it looks and we also got to snorkel with humpback whales!! So I do think Guy got the best of the dates which throws off my thinking that she chooses Chock. But then Chock did get to have dinner in her suite.

I really like the guys but have to say that I think Joan, as nice as she is, isn't really able to "carry the show." Most of her conversation seems forced and repetitive. She's trying so hard not to say things that the guys can misconstrue that she barely says anything interesting.

MTA should be a blast next week!

I think that Pascal was not quite yet over his previous girlfriend. If he dates, IMO it needs to be a low-pressure situation, which the show is not. If I had to pick for Joan, I'd pick Guy. I think they have similar lifestyles, and that he'd make a great travel companion. But Chock seems to be the one that she wants.

@luvstx Perfect analysis of Joan:

"I really like the guys but have to say that I think Joan, as nice as she is, isn't really able to "carry the show." Most of her conversation seems forced and repetitive. She's trying so hard not to say things that the guys can misconstrue that she barely says anything interesting."

I have found her to be a very boring lead. I think part of that is due to all the work she has had done and as a result, can't show much emotion and/or she isn't interested in these guys and simply isn't feeling emotional about them. Additionally, as you wrote, she is just trying too hard to not be misinterpreted, so she doesn't really say much at all. I realize that other than she loved her late husband and is feeling guilty about moving on, she loves her family, I don't know much about her.

@Amethyst I agree about Guy. I think he is the best pick, but he is more low key than Chock. Chock seems better with the flattery and clearly she enjoys that. I don't see much chance of success with either. Chock is more manipulative and interested in winning IMO, while Guy is more in the bachelor bubble and probably snapped out of it as soon as he got home.

It will be interesting to see how things work out...or more likely...don't.

I agree, Sprite. I don't see Joan and Chock working out long term. I think she would have had a better chance with Guy.

You commented on "all the work she has had done." A good friend of mine likes to watch the show, and on the morning after, that's our first topic of conversation. Joan's skin just does not look good for her age (early 60s.)
I realize that some of it is genetics, but I suspect she has a lot of long term sun damage -- or, it could be other factors. If she's had work done (other than a neurotoxin such as Botox,) it hasn't done much to help. I cringed when I saw her out on the boat in Tahiti's midday sun. There's no way I would do that without a heavy-duty sunscreen (which she may well have had,) covered up arms and legs, and a *hat*. I realize that high-definition cameras can be brutal, but IMO there's more going on there. Even Chock's skin looks better than hers.

It seems like fair people often have a worse time with their skin aging and it may also have to do with too much sun damage. Look how great Sandra from season 1 looks at 76! Even with an olive complexion, I'm very careful with my skin and use sunscreen, wear sun hats, and get annual skin checks.

I can't wait to see the guys in the MTA! The show hasn't been the same since we got to see the guys in the house/hotel.

Gosh - I have to go back and rewatch the episode as it was a week ago and there's been a lot going in that week!

I also thought Guy had the best date experience and Pascal the worst. Producers choose for a reason! Don't think she and Guy are really suited for each other but I like Guy and loved his family. Chock clearly is out to win and Joan and he have the most obvious chemistry. She keeps mentioning how safe she feels with him - is it financial security or emotional security? I would think having a boyfriend/fiance who lived a little closer than Kansas would bring a stronger feeling of safety. I did read that Joan feels responsible for both her 90+ year old mother and mother-in-law. I also saw a TikToc that Chock's daughter did in response to criticism of the memorial service at his hometown date. She is very well-spoken.

You all know that Joan's deceased husband had been indicted for fraud (he was a government contractor). https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/pr/government-contractor-sentenced-18-months-fraudulently-claiming-perform-services-minority That ability to juggle a lot and seemingly act if all is OK reminds me a bit of Pascal. I very much like Pascal and am not insuintuating in any way that he has committed a similar crime.

Not that this in any way affects the last episode, but I did find this about the home Joan purchased after her husband died. I would get rid of my big home, too, and choose somewhere easier to live if I became a widow. https://www.the-sun.com/tv/12839668/golden-bachelorette-joan-vassos-massive-1m-maryland-townhouse-pics/

MTA...Probably the first time I am actually looking forward to this show.

What a great intro with all the guys. Who needs Joan...we need a new show...the Golden Boys!

They have a lot of the kids of the guys on the show.

While talking about the Stand Up to Cancer Chippindale date, Michael shared that he had been diagnosed with cancer before he came on the show. He wasn't going to come, but his daughter who had signed him up, encouraged him to come. He says that what could have been a terrible year, turn out to be one of the best. He bonded with so many and he will be ok because it was caught early. All the guys were so sweet. Love these guys!

The burger controversy...BBQ sauce or no. These guys are so fun. You can feel the love between them.