SUMMARY
– Joan Vassos’ vulnerability and relatability made her a top contender for The Golden Bachelorette lead.
– Joan’s exit from The Golden Bachelor was commendable due to her family emergency, leaving a lasting impression.
– Joan has the opportunity to redeem The Golden Bachelorette and prove that love is still possible in senior dating.
The Golden Bachelorette Joan Vassos’ best moments on The Golden Bachelor prove that she can make the new spinoff worth watching. The Golden Bachelor was led by 72-year-old lead Gerry Turner, who is a retired and widowed restauranteur. Gerry had a choice between 22 eligible senior ladies, and he narrowed it down to three whom he fell in love with, Theresa Nist, Leslie Fhima, and Faith Martin. He took Theresa and Leslie on the overnight dates in Costa Rica, but ultimately blindsided Leslie by telling her he was going with Theresa despite telling Leslie she was “the one.”
Gerry and Theresa got married in January 2024 but announced their decision to get a divorce in April 2024, marring the credibility of the season and spinoff. Joan was a top contender for Gerry’s heart early on but had to leave the show for personal reasons. In May 2024, Joan was announced to be the first Golden Bachelorette lead, beating out the other women, or an unknown senior lady, for the coveted spot on reality TV. Joan was apparently memorable enough on the pioneering show to capture producers’ attention.
Joan’s Entrance & Introduction To Gerry
Joan Didn’t Get The First Impression Rose
Joan’s entrance on The Golden Bachelor was not as memorable as some of the other women. Leslie pretended to be in need of a walker before she threw off a layer of clothes and bounced up to Gerry. Faith Martin came in hot on a motorcycle, captivating Gerry’s attention. Joan’s entrance was more downplayed, but her candidness and vulnerability were very apparent.
“I’m Joan. I’m so excited to be here and equally as terrified.”
Gerry replied, “I see you’re holding on pretty tight.” Joan and Gerry kept eye contact and seemed to have a spark, but he ultimately chose Faith for the first impression rose.
Joan Winning Her First Date With Gerry
Joan & Gerry Got Close Over Dinner
During The Golden Bachelor talent show, Joan was nervous and was up against a competitive and skillful group of women. However, Joan showed her thoughtful and creative side by writing a poem that Gerry connected with. He chose to give her a rose and take her out on a dinner date. Over the intimate dinner, Gerry and Joan connected over the loss of their spouses. Moreover, Joan opened up about what she had to give up to participate in The Golden Bachelor (via Bachelor Nation.)
Joan left her several-week postpartum daughter behind to take the opportunity to do something for herself. Gerry recognized Joan’s sacrifice and gave her a rose to continue in the race for his heart. Joan walked away with a kiss from the charming Gerry and a feeling like she was seen.
“When I talk to Joan, I feel like it’s the first step in a very strong connection,” Gerry said.
Joan’s Exit On The Golden Bachelor
Joan Went Home For A Commendable Reason
The day following her amazing date with Gerry, Joan was contacted by her daughter who said that she needed her mom after dealing with her difficult pregnancy and delivery. Joan did not hesitate to bow out from the competition, but it floored the other women she bonded with and Gerry when she sat him down to tell him she was leaving (via Bachelor Nation.)
“Nothing is more important,” Joan said of the reason her exit being her family.
Joan acknowledged that she and Gerry had a strong connection, as did Gerry. They expressed how much they were going to miss each other, but Gerry was very understanding of the situation. Gerry and Joan shed tears upon their separation, and Joan’s exit became one of the most infamous points in The Golden Bachelor season 1.
Did Joan Come Across As Likable?
Is Joan Charismatic?
Joan came across as very relatable in her entrance, her first date with Gerry, and her exit from the show. Her strong moral character was very admirable and it solidified her as a top contender for The Golden Bachelorette lead because fans wanted to see more of her love story. There is a lot more to know about Joan, and diving deeper into her background, demeanor, and how she will be when presented with so many quality men will prove to be entertaining.
Joan Could Save The Golden Bachelorette In Gerry’s Divorce’s Wake
Joan Has A Chance To Redeem The Show
Gerry and Theresa’s The Golden Bachelor divorce removed a lot of the authenticity and credibility of the show, leaving the new spinoff series in a strange position. Many fans were rooting for Gerry and Theresa and their swift breakup broke their hearts, leaving them upset with the show.
Joan has the chance to turn the marred perception of the show around by taking her lead role seriously and doing everything she can to make the right decision that will lead to a successful union.
Joan has demonstrated her maturity, self-awareness, and desire for love, which are all the elements needed to show fans that not every season has to end like Gerry’s did. Joan’s The Golden Bachelorette season will help take heat away from the spinoff status as struggling and catapult it to one that viewers are once again enticed by. Joan will be the perfect lead to show fans that there is still hope for love in the senior dating pool.
