As Joan Vassos narrows her suitors to just four on The Golden Bachelorette, she’s gearing up for one of the most emotional stages of the show: Hometowns. In the Oct. 23 episode, Joan will travel across the country to meet the families of her remaining suitors—Chock Chapple, Guy Gansert, Jordan Heller, and Pascal Ibgui.
This episode promises to be filled with emotional moments, as Joan hints: “Hometowns look different for our age. You’re meeting children, grandchildren.” This brings an added layer of complexity, similar to what was seen during Gerry Turner’s Golden Bachelor journey, where grown children and inquisitive grandkids played a key role in the decision-making process.
So, what can fans expect from this pivotal episode? Let’s dive into some spoilers and clues about Joan’s journey through Hometowns.
Joan Fears She Won’t Be Chosen
In the teaser for the Oct. 23 episode, several suitors express how their feelings for Joan have deepened. Guy Gansert, for instance, is quick to say “Yes” when asked if he would propose to her. Chock Chapple, a strong front-runner this season, admits it’s “getting closer” when asked if he’s falling in love.
However, the teaser also suggests moments of doubt. A concerning clip shows someone bluntly telling Joan, “He’s not going to pick you.” Although this could be clever editing by the producers, there are other moments that cast a shadow over her connections. In one scene, Chock questions whether their relationship is “real,” while Joan herself wonders if one of her suitors is truly ready to commit.
One of the most worrying moments comes when Joan tells the child of one of her suitors, “Your father is the one that I worry about—maybe he wouldn’t pick me.” The teaser hints that Joan could be talking to Chock’s daughter, Taylor. However, Joan’s outfit—a hot pink shirt—matches what she wears on her date with Jordan Heller, suggesting the conversation might actually be about him.
The editing seems designed to mislead viewers, but the clues suggest that Joan’s concerns about commitment may revolve more around Jordan than Chock. At one point, Jordan says, “I hope we can take more big steps,” to which Joan responds with a voiceover: “I just want to make sure that you think it’s worth trying.” The teaser then cuts to Joan sighing as she gets into a car, hinting that her doubts about Jordan’s readiness may be growing.
Jordan’s Exit After Hometowns
According to Bachelor Nation blogger Reality Steve, Jordan Heller is the suitor who leaves after Hometowns. While the details of their split remain unclear, it seems that Jordan will not be one of the three men moving forward to the Fantasy Suite dates.
Though the exact reasons for Jordan’s departure aren’t specified, the teaser suggests Joan might feel that he isn’t ready to fully commit, contributing to his decision to leave. With Jordan out of the running, the competition narrows to Chock, Guy, and Pascal—setting the stage for even more intense moments in the coming episodes.
As Joan navigates these emotional Hometown visits, fans are bracing themselves for potential heartbreak, and perhaps a surprising twist. Will Joan’s doubts be resolved, or will they deepen as the season progresses? One thing’s for sure—the journey is far from over, and the remaining men will have to prove they’re ready to take that final step toward a lasting relationship with Joan.
