The final episode of The Golden Bachelorette could be summed up in two simple words: Chock won.
The only one left stunned by this outcome was Guy, the last bachelor standing. From the start, it was clear that Chock Chapple, the Wichita native, was the frontrunner. Despite clever editing tricks and Joan Vassos’s repeated fears of ending up alone—or her moments of mourning over her late husband—the outcome was inevitable.
The most touching moment of the episode came when Joan had to break the news to Guy that she had chosen Chock. Guy, who was gearing up to meet Joan’s family, exuded love and hope. His declaration, “I absolutely believe I am the only person for her,” was met with Joan’s gentle but firm response: “My heart belongs to somebody else.”
Joan’s poise throughout the season stood out. She consistently showed kindness, never rushing into intimate relationships and always recognizing each man’s unique qualities. However, some of her tearful moments earlier in the episode felt repetitive, a minor issue in the grand scheme of reality TV drama.
Chock, meanwhile, made Wichita proud by paying tribute to Joan’s late husband during the engagement. “I give you my word that I will honor him by loving you every day,” Chock promised. The couple’s proposal, set against the stunning backdrop of Bora Bora, was filled with sincere emotions, though it had an air of scripted romance—a reality TV staple.
A scene that stood out was when Golden Bachelorette host Jesse Palmer described Joan’s tearful interaction with a friend as “a raw and honest moment between friends.” While this was true to some extent, it did come off as somewhat manufactured. The show’s format, with its mix of real moments and over-the-top scenarios, leaves viewers grappling with what’s genuine and what’s for show.
For many in Wichita, where Chock is well-known, this season of The Golden Bachelorette brought a unique twist to their TV screens. One 74-year-old viewer expressed a mix of surprise and hope: “It just may give older adults the courage to get back out there and start,” he said, half-joking.
Joan echoed this sentiment during the episode, advising viewers, “Hope isn’t enough. You have to take action. Find your person out there.”
For Joan and Chock, the show may be over, but the journey is just beginning. Fans are eager to see what comes next for the couple and whether their love story proves to be one worth rooting for.
