The Bachelor franchise is expected to announce the identity of The Golden Bachelor any day now, and I'm convinced that Mark Anderson is a better choice than Pascal Ibgui. The franchise is known for casting past contestants as leads of their unscripted dating shows, and all the front-runners for the role of the spin-off's next lead appeared in The Golden Bachelorette season 1. 58-year-old Mark Anderson made his television premiere alongside his daughter, Kelsey Anderson, on The Bachelor 28, and was then cast as a contestant for 61-year-old Joan Vassos' heart. 69-year-old Pascal made his debut on The Golden Bachelorette.
Both men have a lot to recommend them, but, unless there's a double-lead season, only one man will be cast as The Golden Bachelor. Since appearing on The Bachelor season 28, Mark was the clear favorite to lead his own season of The Bachelor spin-off. I even speculated that he was only cast in The Golden Bachelorette season 1 to groom him for the role. While he still remained the favorite, Pascal came in from behind to give Mark a run for his money. Though I think Pascal is entertaining, I'm convinced Mark should lead The Golden Bachelor season 2.
Joan & Mark Had Zero Chemistry
"Something Missing"
After appearing briefly on The Bachelor season 28, Mark left a big impression, and he was soon cast as a contestant on the inaugural season of The Golden Bachelorette. He was one of 24 single Golden men who had traveled from all over the country to date Joan, who had made her television debut as a contestant on The Golden Bachelor season 1. On the opening night of Joan's season, she stood outside the iconic Bachelor mansion, greeting her men in a fleet of limousines.
When Mark stepped out of the limousine on the opening night of The Golden Bachelorette season 1, Joan knew exactly who he was. She recognized him from his brief appearance on The Bachelor season 28, and I believe she was genuinely excited about the chance to date the retired Army veteran. Joan and Mark had a lot in common, as they were both widowers who had deeply loved their late spouses. Joan was married to John Vassos for 32 years before he passed away in 2021, while Mark was married to Denise Anderson for 18 years before she died in 2018.
Though Joan and Mark shared a sense of profound loss, I never saw evidence that they connected on a more romantic level.
Though Joan seemed to like Mark well enough, she liked other men more, like 60-year-old Chock Chapple and 61-year-old Jordan Heller. Just as it started to seem like Joan forgot Mark was there, she gave him a highly coveted one-on-one date. After a painfully awkward voyage on a luxury yacht, Joan went to the Bachelor mansion unannounced, took Mark aside, and told him that there was "something missing" between them, and sent him home before that night's rose ceremony.
Pascal Is Too Much Drama
Way Too High Maintenance
Pascal traveled to the Bachelor mansion from his home in Chicago, Illinois, where he runs a luxury beauty salon. The divorced father of two was looking for love, and excited about meeting Joan. The witty, charming Pascal immediately became a fan favorite, but he brought a lot of baggage and drama. I think it's bizarre that a man his age can't wash or iron his own clothes. He needed the other men of The Golden Bachelorette season 1 to do everything for him. Though it was mildly amusing, Pascal is too much of a diva to be The Golden Bachelor.
Pascal Devastated Joan
Ripped Joan's Heart Out On National Television
All seemed well when Pascal made it to Joan's final three, but disaster struck during their overnight date. While The Golden Bachelorette season 1 couple were participating in a symbolic bonding ceremony, Pascal completely freaked out. Though the bonding ritual was only symbolic, it made Pascal question his feelings for Joan. In a scene posted to YouTube by Bachelor Nation, a panicked Pascal told Joan that he couldn't love her, saw her as more of a friend, and eliminated himself from the show.
Mark Is More Charismatic Than Pascal
While Pascal Is Much Funnier
Mark and Pascal have different strengths and weaknesses that they bring to the table, and either man would make a good Bachelor lead. The witty, charming Pascal is legitimately hilarious and kept the other men in stitches during The Golden Bachelorette season 1. The fact that things didn't work out between him and Joan shouldn't keep him from getting the role as the next lead, especially since Joan ended up with the man of her dreams in Chock. I think casting Pascal would give The Golden Bachelor a fun, international flavor, and the season could even travel to Paris, France.
While Pascal would be an entertaining choice, I still feel strongly that Mark would make a better romantic lead.
Pascal may be charming and funny, but Mark just emits that main character energy that a Bachelor Nation lead needs. Mark may be soft-spoken, but his quiet strength creates an aura of mystery that audiences just can't get enough of. There's a reason that Mark's brief screen time during The Bachelor season 28 had such staying power. The bottom line is that Mark just has the kind of charisma that can't be taught, bought, or manufactured. There's a deep sense of authenticity to Mark, as well as the ability to be vulnerable. He may not have been the right man for Joan, but he should be the next The Golden Bachelor.
