Love, heartbreak, and a controversial ending
The final episode of The Golden Bachelor season 1 delivered everything fans had been hoping for—and a few moments they absolutely weren’t prepared for. Gerry Turner, the 72-year-old widower who captured America’s heart, was down to two women: Leslie and Theresa. What started as a journey filled with second chances ended with love, but also deep emotional fallout.
The final dates in Costa Rica
Before Gerry made his decision, he had one last date with each woman in the lush backdrop of Costa Rica. The tropical setting added beauty to what would be some of the most emotionally loaded moments of the season.
A deepening connection with Theresa
Theresa and Gerry’s final date was calm, reflective, and surprisingly light-hearted. They spoke candidly about marriage logistics, their future home, and how they would blend their lives together. Gerry was visibly relaxed around her, and viewers could sense a comfort level that had grown steadily over the last few episodes. Theresa even shared a heartfelt letter expressing her readiness to be his wife—something that clearly moved him.
A passionate and honest goodbye with Leslie
Leslie’s date, by contrast, was emotionally intense. There was laughter and intimacy, but underlying the romantic chemistry was a tension. Leslie poured her heart out, expressing full commitment and complete faith in their relationship. Gerry responded warmly in person, but something shifted afterward. In voiceovers and candid shots, Gerry admitted feeling “confused” and unsure.
The overnight bombshell
Unlike younger seasons, The Golden Bachelor handles intimacy with a softer touch. That said, the overnight portions of the finale still carried weight. The morning after his time with Theresa, Gerry seemed certain. But after Leslie’s overnight, he became visibly conflicted. And then came the moment that changed everything.
Gerry knocked on Leslie’s door—not to propose, but to break her heart.
Leslie’s shocking elimination
In what’s already become one of the most talked-about scenes of the franchise, Gerry told Leslie she wasn’t the one. His voice cracked. He cried. And Leslie? Devastated, blindsided, and angry. She told him he’d led her on. That he gave every signal that she was the one. It was a raw, uncomfortable moment, made even more emotional by the honesty on both sides.
Fans quickly flooded social media to defend Leslie, with many criticizing Gerry for waiting until the last possible moment to be transparent.
Gerry proposes to Theresa
Despite the emotional fallout, the show must go on. In a scenic Costa Rican cliffside location, Gerry got down on one knee and proposed to Theresa. She accepted through tears, and the moment—while beautiful—was bittersweet, considering what had come just minutes before.
Gerry claimed he was choosing the woman who “feels like home,” and in that, Theresa won his heart. Their chemistry is real, and their intentions pure, but viewers couldn’t help but feel the shadow of Leslie’s heartbreak lingering over the engagement.
What’s next for Gerry and Theresa?
The finale ended with a preview of Gerry and Theresa’s post-show plans, including a televised wedding special. Both spoke about the excitement of starting a life together and blending their families. Whether fans accept the outcome or not, Gerry and Theresa appear committed to building something lasting.
Still, The Golden Bachelor didn’t shy away from showing that love later in life can be just as messy, confusing, and painful as love at any age. And in doing so, the show left a powerful message behind.
