These days, it seems everyone is a big fan ofThe Golden Bacheloretteseason 1 contestant, Mark Anderson, and I’m certainly no exception. Though I’m firmly on team Mark, I’m convinced that the 58-year-old retired Army veteran is way too young to beThe Golden Bachelor. Mark was no stranger toBachelorNation fans. He made his television debut duringThe Bachelorseason 28, when his daughter, Kelsey Anderson, took Joey Graziadei home for her hometown date. A star was born, as the widowed single father of five became an instant fan favorite.
When Mark was cast as acontestant onThe Golden Bacheloretteseason 1, I was sure no one could beat him, but I was wrong. As hard as it was for me to admit, therewasn’t any chemistry between Mark and Joan, and she preferred other men, such as 60-year-old Chock Chapple and 66-year-old Gus Gansert. In a surprising turn of events, Joan sent Mark home right before hometown dates. Online speculation was rampant about Mark’s potentialBachelorNation future, but I’m convinced he’s way too young to beThe Golden Bachelor.
What Went Wrong Between Mark & Joan
Zero Chemistry
WhenThe Golden Bacheloretteseason 1premiered, things looked so promising for Joan and Mark. On night one, Joan looked thrilled when Kelsey showed up to introduce Joan to her father. Despite the great first meeting,any chemistry that existed between Mark and Joan quickly fizzled. Not only didn’t Mark get Joan’s first impression rose, an honor that went to 62-year-old Keith Gordon, but he didn’t get her first few solo dates either.
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Just when I thought Mark would never get a chance with Joan, she finally gave him the highly coveted solo date. On a beautiful southern California day,Joan and Mark boarded a luxury yacht and set sail on a romantic voyage. Sadly, it wasn’t smooth sailing for the pair, who spent large portions of the date in awkward silence. The only time they spoke was to discuss how much they loved their late spouses. The next day, in a clip posted to YouTube byBachelor Nation, Joan sends Mark home before that night’s rose ceremony.
Mark Is Only In His 50s
The Golden Bachelor Should Be A Septuagenarian
At 58 years old, I believe Mark is way too young to be the nextGoldenBachelor.Think back toThe Golden Bachelorseason 1.Gerry Turner was 72 years old when the spin-off beganfilming, which was the perfect age. With Mark being in his late 50s, some of his potential bachelorettes could be as young as their late 40s. As far as I’m concerned, this would be a complete betrayal of a show that promised to center on the love lives of people in their golden years.
A show about a 58-year-old man dating women in their late 40s would be more likeTheMidlife BachelorthanThe Golden Bachelor.
I know it seems unfair becauseMark is only a few years younger than the 61-year-old Joan, but that’s because Joan is dating older men, while Mark would likely be dating younger women. That may not be very fair, but it’s just a simple truth that men are expected to be older than the women they date. That being said, nothing is stoppingThe Golden Bachelorseason 2 from upending expectations.
Mark Should Be On Golden Bachelor In Paradise Instead
His Bachelor Nation Journey Doesn’t Have To Be Over
While I think Mark is way too young to beThe Golden Bachelor,the good news is time is on Mark’s side. Just because Mark isn’t the nextGolden Bachelor, thatdoesn’t mean he won’t be someday. The show is a big hit, and I’m sure we’ll be watching senior citizens fall in love atThe Bachelormansion for many years to come.
Assuming Mark doesn’t meet someone who takes him off the market before then, he could always make his bigBachelorcomeback someday.
In the meantime, if producers ever madeGolden Bachelor In Paradise,Mark would make a perfect resort resident.The Golden BachelorandThe Golden Bacheloretteintroduced plenty of amazing older men and women who could potentially date each other. It may seem like Mark’sBachelorjourney is over, but I have a feeling he’s just getting started.
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The Golden Bacheloretteseason 1 Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
The Golden Bachelorette
Cast
The Golden Bachelorette: This reality series offers one woman in her later years the opportunity to find love, as a group of seasoned men compete for her affection. Participants bring diverse romantic histories, seeking a meaningful connection and a chance to build a promising future together.
