Why The Golden Bachelorette’s Charles Ling Would Make A Better Golden Bachelor Than Mark Anderson (He Doesn't Have Red Flags Like Mark)

The Golden Bachelorette star Charles Ling became a Bachelor Nation favorite throughout his time on the series, and his outgoing, sweet nature would make him a better Golden Bachelor than potential producer plant Mark Anderson. Charles, a 66-year-old retiree from Philadelphia, chose to apply for The Golden Bachelorette six years after his late wife passed. While he was eliminated from Joan’s season during the fourth week of the experience, Charles was one of the standouts for Bachelor Nation, who enjoyed his energy. Though he was serious about getting to know Joan, Charles was a light-hearted, funny contestant on the show.

While Charles was eliminated from The Golden Bachelorette season 1 just a week before Mark, their eliminations couldn’t have been more different. Charles seemed to understand Joan’s decision to let go of him, but he was hurting throughout the end of his final episode. Mark, who joined the series after his daughter Kelsey Anderson won Joey Graziadei’s heart on The Bachelor season 28, has been accused of being a producer plant throughout the season, even after his elimination during week five. While Mark seems like a sweet person, his presence on The Golden Bachelorette was more subdued than viewers expected.

The Golden Bachelorette Viewers Love Charles

He Was An Unexpected Surprise

Although he was on the series minimally, Bachelor Nation fell in love with Charles quickly during his time on the series. A father to two daughters, Charles was upfront with Joan about how much he values commitment in a relationship. Explaining that his late wife, who was his first and only love, died unexpectedly of a brain aneurysm six years prior, he wasn’t prepared to have to start dating again after 36 years. Still, Charles jumped into The Golden Bachelorette with both feet, hopeful he’d make a good impression with Joan. A sensitive empath, Charles was a great Golden contestant.

Mark May Have Been A Golden Bachelorette Producer Plant

His Connections May Have Kept Him Around

While Mark was already someone Bachelor Nation was aware of after his appearance on The Bachelor season 28, many were excited to get to know him more during The Golden Bachelorette. Though Mark has come across as a kind, sensitive guy who’s enjoying his experiences on the show, it’s clear that he wasn’t exactly the type of outspoken person that would traditionally be cast on a reality TV show. Mark’s casting seems like it was because of his connection to Bachelor Nation, which means he could’ve been a producer plant for the series and could become the next Golden Bachelor.

Charles Would Make A Better Golden Bachelor Than Mark

He’s Ready For The Challenge

Although the decision about The Golden Bachelor season 2 lead could already have been made in Mark’s favor, it’s possible that with enough fanfare behind Charles, he could be named the next lead. While Mark would likely make a decent lead for The Golden Bachelor, he’s far less outward about his emotions than the leads of the series typically are. On top of being a bit quieter, Mark appears to be struggling in letting go of his late wife. While Charles is also a widower, it’s possible that he’s a bit further along in the grieving process than Mark.

Charles would make a better Golden Bachelor than Mark because of the support he’s found in Bachelor Nation. In being surprised about the attention he received during his time on the season and understanding that he’s able to move forward without losing the memory of his late wife, Charles could be a great fit for the franchise should they choose to go with someone who wasn’t pre-selected. Even if Charles isn’t chosen as the next Golden Bachelor, his time on The Golden Bachelorette was priceless.