Star and seemingly frontrunner of The Golden Bachelorette, Chock Chapple, has won over audiences for his devotion to leading lady Joan Vassos. Joan debuted in the last season of The Golden Bachelor, but due to a family emergency, she stepped away entirely. Fortunately, she was offered another opportunity to find love as the first-ever The Golden Bachelorette. Chock and Mark Anderson stand out in a pool of seemingly eligible and well-intentioned bachelors.
Mark first appeared in The Bachelor season 28 as the father of competitor and ultimate winner, Kelsey Anderson. Having won over the hearts of the fan base, Mark was eagerly invited back for The Golden Bachelorette season 1. Chock was introduced among the other 24 contestants but quickly rose through the ranks as Joan established a strong connection with him early on. He and Mark remain in the competition among the mere seven bachelors left. While Mark stands out for his charisma, Chock has established himself as one of the best matches for Joan.
Joan Has A Better Connection With Chock Than She Did With Mark
Joan And Chock Are Highly Compatible
Mark was undoubtedly an entertaining and lovable character on the show. His tragic romantic past, in which he lost his wife to a lengthy battle with cancer, has not deterred him from embracing the grief and moving forward. His resilience, upbeat personality, and humor have made him an obvious choice for the similarly courageous Joan. However, their similar pasts and personalities weren't as compatible as Chock and Joan’s.
Chock immediately caught Joan’s eye. After receiving the first one-on-one date with Joan, a great indication that Joan was most interested in this contender, the pair opened up about their interests, familial life, and tragic losses. Chock lost his late fiancé, Kathy, to brain cancer in 2022. Joan similarly lost the love= of her life, John, to cancer in 2021. After sharing an intimate date in Disneyland, the pair commiserated with one another. Sparks flew, and from that moment, fans knew Chock would be an incredible partner for Joan.
Chock Has Shown He Is Devoted To Joan
Chock Won’t Give Up
Chock is dedicated to winning Joan’s heart. Outside of remaining a frontrunner for the effort and time he has put into getting to know the leading lady, he was willing to make an incredible sacrifice on her behalf. When Chock lost his mother during the filming process, he stepped away for a few days but returned. He was not going home without a fight.
His return not only signifies his loyalty to Joan but his willingness to go the extra mile.
Despite Chock’s devastating loss, he made it clear that he was willing to make Joan a priority as well. His return not only signifies his loyalty to Joan but his willingness to go the extra mile. This time away from Joan appears to have only strengthened his interest in her, with Chock expressing to Joan his unfaltering affection. Needless to say, this bachelor seems to be as crazy about her as he claims.
Mark Liked Joan But Didn't Seem As Serious As Chock
Mark Wasn't Trying As Hard Which Likely Led To Him Leaving
While Mark and Joan share similarities, they don’t appear to have established the same bond as Joan and Chock. Mark didn't make much of an effort to pursue Joan, with very few interactions and infrequent screen time. Mark may have been featured on the show for his popularity garnered from his The Bachelor appearance, rather than tangible compatibility with the lead.
While Chock received the very first one-on-one date with Joan, Mark was the last to receive one. Their date, while enjoyable for both parties, proved their incompatibility. Filled with awkward silences only broken by discussion of their late partners, their on-screen chemistry did not live up to the high expectations fans had established for them. Mark did not put in the effort to truly connect with Joan. As a fun-loving personality, he seems to be enjoying the perks of filming with less regard for falling in love. The same could not be said for Chock.
Mark Was Not Ready To Move On
Mark Needs More Time To Accept The Loss Of His Late Wife
Joan, Mark, and Chock have all shared their difficulty pursuing love after losing a spouse. Joan has been especially vocal about her struggles, having reminded the audience that, even while filming, she never knew if she was truly “ready.” There are no rules regarding the appropriate time to wait after a partner’s passing. For Joan and Chock, the years spent grieving and accepting the heartache have helped them find themselves. Mark doesn’t seem to have reached that point in his process.
When Joan ultimately sent Mark home, she referenced Mark’s hesitance to move forward. While Mark’s mention of Denise, his late spouse, visiting him as a hummingbird signifies his growth throughout the season, Joan believed Mark wasn't as far along in his journey as she was. What's important is the process helped Mark identify his needs and romantic goals going forward.
Stepping down respectfully, Mark has effectively maintained his fan-favorite status while potentially lining himself up as the next lead of The Golden Bachelor.
Although Joan and Mark were not an ideal pairing, Mark would still make an amazing partner. Even after his rejection and elimination from the show, he only wished the best for Joan and her pursuit of love while recognizing the value of his involvement. In a post on Mark’s Instagram, he shared, “Thank you for the encouragement and support that has been shared throughout this journey it has truly changed my life for the better!” Stepping down respectfully, Mark has effectively maintained his fan-favorite status while potentially lining himself up as the next lead of The Golden Bachelor.
While both Mark and Chock of The Golden Bachelorette would make great partners for Joan, Chock stands out as the best fit. Through sharing time and perspectives, the pair have realized that in a group of only 24 contenders, Joan may have found her “one.” Only time will tell if Chock will be the ultimate winner of Joan’s heart.
