When did Joan Vassos’s season of “The Golden Bachelorette” shift its focus to next season’s possible “Golden Bachelor”? This became clear during the fifth episode of the ABC senior reality dating series (now available to stream on Hulu).

The apparent groundwork for an exciting “Golden Bachelor” future explains the surprising developments during Wednesday’s significant episode. Why else would the show let go of some of its best remaining contestants in such a shocking and seemingly planned manner?

Nevertheless, Vassos, 61, is still on her journey to discover lasting love. That remains our primary takeaway as we move forward in the season. Here’s what transpired on “The Golden Bachelorette.”

Mark ‘Hot Dad’ Anderson Awaits in the ‘Golden Bachelor’ Wings

What to do with Mark Anderson? The 57-year-old Army veteran and widower became a familiar face in Bachelor Nation as the “Hot Dad” when his daughter Kelsey introduced her future fiancé Joey Graziadei during the last season of “The Bachelor.” Therefore, Mark already had some fame before joining the other 23 senior bachelors in the Bachelor Mansion.

He’s certainly earned it. The bewildered subject of popular internet “thirst trap” videos is really attractive, showcasing deep laugh lines and a perfect furrowed brow when he’s engaged in conversation. He frequently shares heartfelt memories about Denise, his late wife of 18 years, who passed away in 2018. He expresses that participating in this season has allowed him to open up his heart again, as mentioned in one of his numerous candid confessionals aired on Wednesday, frequently followed by advertisements seeking applicants for the following season’s “Golden Bachelor.”

He’s eager to find love. But with Joan? Clearly, that isn’t happening. The yacht date, which marks Mark’s first individual outing, ends poorly amidst awkward interactions at sea when Joan drinks the sparkling wine nervously.

“Did you finish yours?” a glass-empty Joan asks anxiously.

“It’s a little sweet,” Mark responds. Wait, did Mark just throw subtle shade at the cheap sparkling wine on an ABC-chartered yacht? Cue some poor intern scrambling for the “good stuff.”

Maybe it was a matter of chemistry, or perhaps someone had a private conversation with Joan. Either way, she visits the Bachelor Mansion to take Mark aside for a heartfelt discussion. Interestingly, Mark enjoys a flattering golden light during this unique and gentle breakup conversation. Kudos to the TV executive who devised this setup; it’s excellent. This emotional separation means Mark avoids the embarrassment of being sent home without a rose just before Hometown Week, a critical moment for Joan. Instead, he exits as a dignified free agent.

Both individuals seem to emerge victoriously as an emotional Joan expresses that she “doesn’t see an ‘us.’” Mark could have argued otherwise, but he remains silent.

The other gentlemen in the Golden Bachelorette house are left stunned when Mark announces he’s leaving. Only front-runner Chock, 60, an insurance executive from Wichita, Kansas, and likely a Lawry’s steakhouse platinum card holder, makes an effort to conceal his satisfaction at the removal of his biggest rival.

Meanwhile, Frenchman Pascal, 69, is seen shedding tears to the camera, mourning the loss of his “best friend.” In reality, Mark has multiple “best friends,” Pascal, as everyone adores him. He’s just that kind of guy.

“There’s still love in the world,” Mark reflects thoughtfully in the back of his departing SUV as music swells. “I’ll find love someday.”

What are your thoughts about next season’s “Golden Bachelor”? We’re sure to tune in if it gets made.

On a side note about nautical themes: It would have been great if ABC had used host Jesse Palmer as the yacht’s messenger to give Mark and Joan directions. We mistook him for Jesse until we realized it was a random yacht staff member. Jesse was underutilized in this episode and needs more exposure to prepare for the upcoming finale.

And Jonathan Misses Out on a Rose? Unbelievable

But hold on, there are more surprises. How does Jonathan, 61, the cool shipping consultant from Oakland, Iowa, not receive a rose? His sparkling eyes and model-like appearance give us butterflies, even through the screen. He clearly matches Mark, as evidenced by their warm hug before Mark’s departure. How does Jonathan end up without a rose just before Hometowns?

Joan performs the significant Bachelor Nation farewell, escorting Jonathan to the SUV. This marks the first time she has given this prestigious sendoff, which speaks volumes.

“Perhaps my journey is just beginning,” Jonathan reflects during his ride away. Indeed, he could also take on the role of “Golden Bachelor.” Is there a chance that Jonathan could share this title with Mark as two “Golden Bachelors”? Let’s put a stop to that idea.

Who else went home without a rose from Joan Vassos? Who remained?

Keith departed: This was unfortunate, but not unexpected. The 62-year-old, who’s 6-foot-5 and identifies as a “Girl Dad” from San Jose, California, brings a cheerful spirit and manages well on a wine tasting date. His chances of lasting in the competition were significantly diminished last week when Joan had him awkwardly sit on the ground, leaving him flustered and sweating. Naturally, that embarrassing moment was aired again this week.

Who received roses from Joan Vassos?

Pascal: The bowling date was a low moment for him. It’s one thing to struggle with the game, which is the only national pastime involving shoe rentals. But for Pascal to look down on a complimentary bowling shirt was deserving of a reprimand rather than a chuckle from Joan. We’re pretty sure Jeff “The Dude” Bridges was not pleased.

Chock: Chock is becoming humorously aggressive, monopolizing Joan’s attention during bowling and asking wildly inappropriate questions to dive deep quickly. “What side of the bed do you sleep on?” Seriously, Chock? During bowling? Another potential thrown White Russian. We might trust Chock to sell us insurance with his smooth talking, but we aren’t particularly interested in tuning in to watch him on TV.

Jordan: This 61-year-old sales executive from Chicago curiously holds the position where Jonathan might have been.

Guy: The 66-year-old ER doctor from Reno, Nevada, made headlines last week due to a 2021 temporary restraining order request from his ex-wife. However, since the ex later dropped the request and they reached an agreement, Guy passed the show’s background checks and received the final rose on Wednesday.