The Golden Bachelor surprised Bachelor Nation by airing two back-to-back episodes of Mel Owens’ Season 2 on premiere night. So while we’re only two weeks into the sophomore season of the senior spin-off, we’re technically three episodes deep!

Last week, we watched the 66-year-old former NFL player-turned-lawyer repeatedly address the “unfair, insensitive” podcast comments he made about planning to cut women under 60 from his season. After apologizing to his Golden Gals, nearly all of whom are age 60 and up, he gave out his first impression rose, had his first one-on-one and group date, and said goodbye to 11 women over two rose ceremonies.

With 12 women remaining, Mel goes on another romantic one-on-one with 65-year-old fitness pro, Debbie Siebers, then gets roasted on a group date featuring comedian Jared Freid. The episode also welcomes two familiar Golden Bachelor guests to the mansion, then Mel ends the week with four more goodbyes.

So who went home on The Golden Bachelor tonight, October 1? Who got a one-on-one date and group date rose? And how did Mel handle the heat from these ladies in and out of the kitchen? Decider’s Golden Bachelor Season 2, Episode 3 recap has answers.

The Golden Bachelor Group Date Recap: Mel Gets Roasted

Ahead of this week’s first date, several women confronted Nicolle about her excessive PDA with Mel, which they found disrespectful. Her response? “I’m sorry. I’m attracted to him. We were half naked in the pool. We kissed.” And with that, everyone except Debbie embarked on the second group date of the season.

Mel was waiting for the ladies as Bellweather Theater, where he explained that as an NFL player he took his fair share of criticism and learned how to roll with the punches. So he welcomed Bachelor superfan/comedian Jared Freid to stage to introduce the Roast date.

After Freid kicked things off with a roast of his own (“I’m 40, which is the age Mel wishes you were”), the ladies wrote down jokes to perform for a live studio audience and Mel braced for impact. In terms of addressing the elephant in the season, the date was a real success. Mel shouldn’t have gotten off easy for those podcast comments, and watching women absolutely destroy him using clever quips and comparisons was deeply satisfying.

Monica B. was a standout, saying, “Mel you’re like a classic car, you’re strong, you’re sexy, and you don’t go over 60. And yeah, we heard what you said on that podcast, but don’t worry, we know that you’ve never been great at recovering a fumble. And speaking of football, you’re going to need a helmet and a mouthguard to keep Nicolle’s tongue from down your throat.” Cheryl comparing the lead to a Detroit-style pizza: crusty, cheesy, and square. In the end, PDA queen Nicolle emerged victorious and won a private dinner with the former QB, where she asked some pointed questions about him and his ex wife.

“I had one marriage. It lasted a total of 25 years,” Mel said. “I took the vow. She decided. She was younger and she wanted to experience other things… It was more like, ‘It’s over,’ and the papers were there. And I’m not fighting it. It was heart-wrenching, it was very very painful.”

Did Nicole Get The Group Date Rose? You bet! Mel said, “The time that I spent with Nicolle is very meaningful. The chemistry between us is good. You can’t manufacture the chemistry and you can’t fight it, and she’s definitely a person I can see in my life.”

Mel Owens And Debbie Siebers‘ One-On-One Date Recap: Yes, Chef!

Next up? Mel’s date with Debbie, who he whisked away to Hollywood’s Petit Trois for a cooking lesson with Michelin-star chef Ludo Lefebvre. After making a French omelet and getting a little spicy with kitchen PDA, the two had a deep chat about their feelings for each other and Debbie’s desires.

“I have a great fun, and serious, and romantic side. I’ve never been married, and it’s been a long time since I’ve had a really significant relationship. I’m not really cut out to be alone. But I’ve been alone for a very long time,” she revealed. “I saw the first show, and it gave me hope. As soon as I knew you were the Bachelor I thought we really have a lot of things in common and I just felt I had this knowingness…”

Did Debbie Get The Rose? You bet! And they sealed it with a kiss!

Who Went Home On The Golden Bachelor Tonight? Rose Ceremony 3 Recap:

While Debbie was on her date, the Golden Gals back at the mansion got two surprise visitors: Susan and Kathy from Season 1! The franchise alum hosted a sleepover, gifted Mel PJs and vibrators, and gave the contestants advice on how to navigate the show. Naturally, they also played Never Have I Ever, and Gerri revealed she HAS joined the Mile High Club!

When cocktail party time arrived, it became clear that Susan gave everyone the same advice: Don’t be afraid to kiss Mel! After the Season 2 lead made the most of his time with the ladies before sending four people home. So who went home on The Golden Bachelor tonight?

Cindy, Peg, Roxanne, Gerri, Cheryl, Robin, and Carol are moving ahead another week, while Mel said farewell to Amy, Monica B, Monica P, and Terri.

New episodes of The Golden Bachelor Season 2 premiere Wednesdays at 9:00 p.m. ET on ABC with next-day streaming on Hulu.