Jesse Palmer says Golden Bachelor women handle drama with 'more poise and diplomacy'

Each week during The Golden Bachelor, host Jesse Palmer will answer a few questions about the widower's "journey" to find love. Today Jesse shares his thoughts via email about Joan's sudden departure, Kathy and Theresa's conflict, and more.

ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: First off, that talent show was something else! If you had to choose a favorite act — a hard choice, I know — which would it be, and why?

JESSE PALMER: Really difficult choice! If I had to pick just one, I would say Sandra, because not only was she great at stand-up comedy, but what you didn't see is that she also invited me on stage to throw the football and she threw a perfect spiral! It was a two-for-one.

Last week, we learned Marina had to leave due to a family situation, and this week, Joan had to leave to be with her daughter. From your conversations with Gerry, how hard was it for him to have two great women have to go home so early on?

This is one of the unique dynamics of The Golden Bachelor. Everyone has families. It was devastating for Gerry to see Marina and Joan leave, but he also completely understood that everyone has families and has responsibilities at home. Family is Gerry's number-one priority, and of course he realizes the other women have priorities at home too.

There was some drama this week between Kathy and Theresa. You've witnessed a lot of drama in the mansion — how would you compare the way the Golden Bachelorettes handled the situation versus how the younger contestants approach these situations?

The Golden women handle their drama with a lot more poise and diplomacy. They talk it out. It doesn't mean they agree and find closure, but there is no screaming and yelling.

Kathy isn't sure if Theresa is truly clueless about her oversharing or if she's being manipulative. Where do you fall in this debate?

I think Theresa was so excited about her connection with Gerry and couldn't help sharing how she felt. I don't personally believe Theresa was intentionally trying to manipulate the other women.

Now for the most important question of the week. What caused Susan's gas — Edith's guacamole or Susan's meatballs?

HAHAHA! It must've been a combination of the two. I'm staying out of this one…

The Golden Bachelor airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free daily newsletter to get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more.

Related content:

• The Golden Bachelor recap: A senior spat erupts
• The Golden Bachelor talent show: What you didn't see on TV
• The Golden Bachelor recap: Good grief
• The Golden Bachelor: Behind the scenes of ABC's love story for the aged