Two people facing each other and talking, with a body of water behind them.
Golden Bachelor fans complained that part one of the season finale was ‘boring’ and ‘painful’ to watchCredit: ABC
 

A couple embracing and kissing in clear turquoise water.
Mel traveled to Antiqua with the two remaining ladies, Peg and Cindy, where they enjoyed overnight datesCredit: ABC
It was an opportunity for the former NFL star to further test his feelings for Peg and Cindy, with portions of their dates being off-camera.

However, what was shown wasn’t as entertaining as viewers had hoped, as many complained the lackluster episode was “painful” to watch.

It began with Mel taking Peg on a dune buggy ride around the island.

But what was supposed to be a fun adventure turned into a snoozefest for retired firefighter Peg, who admitted Mel’s slow driving didn’t make for an exciting trip.

Peg eventually took control of the wheel while a visibly nervous Mel held on tight in the passenger seat as she whipped around the dirt path.

They later settled into a romantic candlelight dinner on the beach, where Peg asked Mel how he felt about their romance.

The athlete said he wanted to explore their connection further before continuing their date in their shared hotel room.

The pair went on a boat ride and swam with stingrays, which Mel wasn’t enthused about, as he revealed his fear of the sea creatures.

They later regrouped for dinner under the stars, where a conversation about their potential future together took an uncomfortable turn.

Cindy pressed Mel about where he stands with her compared to his feelings for Peg, and the football star struggled to give her a straight answer.

“I can’t sit here and tell you that we’re gonna be happily ever after when there’s another person,” Mel admitted.

He then explained that the relationship needed time to develop, and he couldn’t take the “leap of faith,” to which Cindy reminded him that the end goal on the show was a proposal.

The exchange appeared to raise more questions for Cindy, who admitted she wasn’t sure if Mel shared the same feelings about moving forward with her.

‘MOST DISAPPOINTING’

Fans will have to wait until next week to see how things play out in part two of the finale, where Mel makes his decision of which woman he chooses.

However, many viewers aren’t on the edge of their seats, as they vented about the “disappointing” season on social media.

“@GoldenBachABC is soooo painful this season. There’s been a lot of so-so leads but the season has gotten better but this is the most boring, most disappointing, least dramatic, and I can’t wait for this season to be over. #goldenbachelor#zzzz,” one person wrote on X.

“I would love if both of these women came to their senses and dumped this boring lump. Wrap that up in 30 minutes next week instead of 2 hours of this snoozefest. Or bring back all the women, they at least have personalities. #GoldenBachelor,” said another.

“Thank goodness this snorefest finale is only 1 hour,” added a third about the latest episode.

“Literally all Mel can say to either of these women is that ‘I like you a lot’ please get this man off of my screen,” a fourth begged.

“Oh heck, there’s another week of this mess????” posted a fifth.

The U.S. Sun exclusively reported that Mel proposes to one of the women on next week’s finale, and they’re already planning a televised wedding.

Two people in helmets driving an off-road vehicle.
Mel and Peg went on a dune buggy adventure throughout the island for the first part of their dateCredit: ABC
 

Two people swimming with stingrays in clear turquoise water.
The football star and Cindy swam with stingrays, although Mel admitted he wasn’t fond of the sea creatures and stayed awayCredit: ABC
 

A woman with long auburn hair smiles, lit by green lights in the background.
The episode ended with Mel and Cindy having an awkward conversation about their futureCredit: ABC