I wish I could add audio to this post. It would be an American Idol style tribute song - probably Daughtry's, "I'm going home".
Thanks for everyone's participation on a very successful day.
Godspeed Vinny's love handles!
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Vinny
I wish I could add audio to this post. It would be an American Idol style tribute song - probably Daughtry's, "I'm going home".
Thanks for everyone's participation on a very successful day.
Godspeed Vinny's love handles!
Fresh Meat I
Fresh Meat I
One of the more interesting aspects of the Challenge for me is to look back at where the Talent for the show has come from. We all know the people from the show come from three different places. Real World still makes up the vast majority of people appearing on the show, but Fresh Meat and Road Rules still have more than their fair share. As the blog goes on - we will break down the most prolific seasons and decide the best season in history, but it would be unfair to not first look at Fresh Meat.
After Road Rules went belly up, MTV needed new contestants in order to keep feeding the beast that is The Challenge. They had the where with all to bring in 12 new contestants and pair them up with existing Real World stars.
Just like in any season there were some duds on the list. After their brief dalliance with Fresh Meat fame these 5 were never really heard from again.
Chanda Tomlinson, Linette Gallo, Johnnie McBride and Jesse Stark.
If you recall there was a young lady teamed with Darrell named Aviv. Aviv was an insanely strong competitor and was able to contribute to the win. Her big angle was that she was in the Israeli Air Force and was an animal. Unfortunately, she will be remembered as the Terrell Davis of the Challenge, never appearing again and retiring on top.
The other 6 were able to sustain long tenures on the Challenge and have created the crux of what has to be known as the biggest talent infusion in Challenge history.
Any discussion of this talent infusion has to begin with Evan and Kenny. Fresh Meat aired in 2006 and outside of CT these two have been the most influential cast members going. Between the two of them they have 5 championships.
On the female side - the most dominant cast member is again a Fresh Meat veteran. Evelyn has been virtually unbeatable. Logging in with 3 career victories - her dominance becomes very hard to argue with.
Eric - aka Big Easy - hasnt had the most illustrious Challenge career, but he has been involved in a ton of momentous events. First and most importantly he wore a speedo and made reference to the fact that he is "All Taters". Then he nearly died on a Final Competition, where his teammates actually wished he had and then of course Laurel eviscerated him while she was in the hot tub. Thats 3 pretty memorable moments for the 300 lb ginger.
Ryan Kehoe you might remember as the token gay guy on Fresh Meat. While he didnt have the strongest showing in his first two challenges - he actually excelled in his next three. In the argument of best gay male performer (which we'll discuss soon) - him and Tyler have to be near the top of the list. No championships, but a nice solid supporting cast guy.
Diem we will all remember as the darling of Fresh Meat 1. Fresh off cancer treatments and gritty and gutty. While she has no championships to her name she has become the muse for the most gifted Challenge competitors of them all, CT.
Lastly is Casey Cooper. Earning the bronze on Fresh Meat, she appeared a few more times as the heir apparent to Katie Doyle's ineptitude. Certainly a relevant title.
Any other thoughts on Fresh Meat? Pretty impressive talent pool. Obviously, its not fair to compare this group straight up to any one Real World season - but will any season be close? We'll take a look in the days ahead.
One of the more interesting aspects of the Challenge for me is to look back at where the Talent for the show has come from. We all know the people from the show come from three different places. Real World still makes up the vast majority of people appearing on the show, but Fresh Meat and Road Rules still have more than their fair share. As the blog goes on - we will break down the most prolific seasons and decide the best season in history, but it would be unfair to not first look at Fresh Meat.
After Road Rules went belly up, MTV needed new contestants in order to keep feeding the beast that is The Challenge. They had the where with all to bring in 12 new contestants and pair them up with existing Real World stars.
Just like in any season there were some duds on the list. After their brief dalliance with Fresh Meat fame these 5 were never really heard from again.
Chanda Tomlinson, Linette Gallo, Johnnie McBride and Jesse Stark.
If you recall there was a young lady teamed with Darrell named Aviv. Aviv was an insanely strong competitor and was able to contribute to the win. Her big angle was that she was in the Israeli Air Force and was an animal. Unfortunately, she will be remembered as the Terrell Davis of the Challenge, never appearing again and retiring on top.
The other 6 were able to sustain long tenures on the Challenge and have created the crux of what has to be known as the biggest talent infusion in Challenge history.
Any discussion of this talent infusion has to begin with Evan and Kenny. Fresh Meat aired in 2006 and outside of CT these two have been the most influential cast members going. Between the two of them they have 5 championships.
On the female side - the most dominant cast member is again a Fresh Meat veteran. Evelyn has been virtually unbeatable. Logging in with 3 career victories - her dominance becomes very hard to argue with.
Eric - aka Big Easy - hasnt had the most illustrious Challenge career, but he has been involved in a ton of momentous events. First and most importantly he wore a speedo and made reference to the fact that he is "All Taters". Then he nearly died on a Final Competition, where his teammates actually wished he had and then of course Laurel eviscerated him while she was in the hot tub. Thats 3 pretty memorable moments for the 300 lb ginger.
Ryan Kehoe you might remember as the token gay guy on Fresh Meat. While he didnt have the strongest showing in his first two challenges - he actually excelled in his next three. In the argument of best gay male performer (which we'll discuss soon) - him and Tyler have to be near the top of the list. No championships, but a nice solid supporting cast guy.
Diem we will all remember as the darling of Fresh Meat 1. Fresh off cancer treatments and gritty and gutty. While she has no championships to her name she has become the muse for the most gifted Challenge competitors of them all, CT.
Lastly is Casey Cooper. Earning the bronze on Fresh Meat, she appeared a few more times as the heir apparent to Katie Doyle's ineptitude. Certainly a relevant title.
Any other thoughts on Fresh Meat? Pretty impressive talent pool. Obviously, its not fair to compare this group straight up to any one Real World season - but will any season be close? We'll take a look in the days ahead.
Relationship Rankings
Relationship Rankings
As we know - the quality of a relationship can have a massive effect on how a team performs. Obviously in this season the idea is to see the dynamics of two exes. We have a vast array of differing dynamics. This ranking is not based on entertainment value, but how the dynamic will affect the psyche of the team. We saw a little breakdown by Kenny and his panel on the Season Preview, but lets go in a little more detail.
1) Johnny and Camila - Clearly these two know how to work together, in addition to being fine athletes. Camila's latin flare makes her a fiery lover, but there is really no animosity between these two. We've also seen a couple of instances where Camila is in absolute awe of Bananas. This should create a very good working power dynamic amongst the couple.
2) Dustin and Heather - The fact that this group is #2 speaks to the volatility of the existing partners. Heather was falling in love with Mr. Zito and then learned via her mother that he starred in gay porn. And they are #2. Despite that animosity, there does appear to be a mutual respect and they seem to be bonding over the idea that they are rookies.
3) Mark and Robin - The fact that both of them are 80 years old has allowed for the wounds to heal a little bit more than some of the other teams. Robin is a lunatic and clearly carries some baggage from their relationship, but I still think they get along in a lot of ways.
4) Aneesa and Rachel - Is Aneesa even still a lesbian? Do we know? This relationship was more of a fling and happened so long ago. But if you listen to some of Aneesa's comments - there is still some hurt behind those eyes. And with Rachel's stunning new hair cut, you can't blame Aneesa for being jealous.
5) Abram and CaraMaria - So far so good for this duo, but its only a matter of time until Abram flips his lid. Clearly he does not have the emotional capacity to deal with this break up. When Cara Maria is the rock on your squad thats not a good recipe.
6) CT and Diem - I'd love to put Leroy and Naomi here, but Leroy's comments at the end of last episode prevent that. CT and Diem are pretty good and toxic. But I still think deep down they think they belong together. So that should be helpful.
7) Paula and Dunbar - There is a lot of talk about how much they hate each other, but I'm yet to see it. So for now I'll stick them at 7. If its any consolation - i hate BOTH of you!
8) Leroy and Naomi - I think they will find their happy place if they stick around long enough. Their relationship on RW LV was really stable. But the way Leroy is talking - Naomi is clearly a lunatic.
9) Ty and Emily - These two legitimately seem to hate each other. If you go back to RW DC, they were absolutely toxic - mostly for the viewer. Very annoying couple who clearly had unrequited sexual tension. By now you have to imagine they've done the deed and now just kind of find each other irritating.
10) Tyrie and Jasmine - I still think there is a chance they hook up again. Jasmine is fully BAT SHIT... but if you get enough schnapps in her - I'd bet she'd try to get back with Tyrie. But for now they are at each other's throats and needing to be separated by multiple members of the house.
What are your thoughts on the rankings? Did I miss anything?
As we know - the quality of a relationship can have a massive effect on how a team performs. Obviously in this season the idea is to see the dynamics of two exes. We have a vast array of differing dynamics. This ranking is not based on entertainment value, but how the dynamic will affect the psyche of the team. We saw a little breakdown by Kenny and his panel on the Season Preview, but lets go in a little more detail.
1) Johnny and Camila - Clearly these two know how to work together, in addition to being fine athletes. Camila's latin flare makes her a fiery lover, but there is really no animosity between these two. We've also seen a couple of instances where Camila is in absolute awe of Bananas. This should create a very good working power dynamic amongst the couple.
2) Dustin and Heather - The fact that this group is #2 speaks to the volatility of the existing partners. Heather was falling in love with Mr. Zito and then learned via her mother that he starred in gay porn. And they are #2. Despite that animosity, there does appear to be a mutual respect and they seem to be bonding over the idea that they are rookies.
3) Mark and Robin - The fact that both of them are 80 years old has allowed for the wounds to heal a little bit more than some of the other teams. Robin is a lunatic and clearly carries some baggage from their relationship, but I still think they get along in a lot of ways.
4) Aneesa and Rachel - Is Aneesa even still a lesbian? Do we know? This relationship was more of a fling and happened so long ago. But if you listen to some of Aneesa's comments - there is still some hurt behind those eyes. And with Rachel's stunning new hair cut, you can't blame Aneesa for being jealous.
5) Abram and CaraMaria - So far so good for this duo, but its only a matter of time until Abram flips his lid. Clearly he does not have the emotional capacity to deal with this break up. When Cara Maria is the rock on your squad thats not a good recipe.
6) CT and Diem - I'd love to put Leroy and Naomi here, but Leroy's comments at the end of last episode prevent that. CT and Diem are pretty good and toxic. But I still think deep down they think they belong together. So that should be helpful.
7) Paula and Dunbar - There is a lot of talk about how much they hate each other, but I'm yet to see it. So for now I'll stick them at 7. If its any consolation - i hate BOTH of you!
8) Leroy and Naomi - I think they will find their happy place if they stick around long enough. Their relationship on RW LV was really stable. But the way Leroy is talking - Naomi is clearly a lunatic.
9) Ty and Emily - These two legitimately seem to hate each other. If you go back to RW DC, they were absolutely toxic - mostly for the viewer. Very annoying couple who clearly had unrequited sexual tension. By now you have to imagine they've done the deed and now just kind of find each other irritating.
10) Tyrie and Jasmine - I still think there is a chance they hook up again. Jasmine is fully BAT SHIT... but if you get enough schnapps in her - I'd bet she'd try to get back with Tyrie. But for now they are at each other's throats and needing to be separated by multiple members of the house.
What are your thoughts on the rankings? Did I miss anything?
Episode 2: Hook Up
Episode 2 "Hook Up"
I'm never one for burying the lead so lets get right into the DOME. Dome is definitely not one of my favorite iterations of the Gauntlet, Inferno, Gulag. Personally, I think they should have stuck with the Gulag. The Gulag was freaking nasty.
But a MAJOR changing of the guard may have just taken place. As previously mentioned, I loved RW LV2 and Leroy was a pretty like-able character, but his performance in the Dome solidified his place in the next generation of Challenge super stars. Really tough pill to swallow for Wes, but if we are being serious this is three times in a row Wes has had a fall from grace. It might be time to start reconsidering Wes as an elite guy. Two Final Challenges in a row he sputtered, in one being outrun by his female partner and now he was just dominated by Roy Lee.
The other main story line to this episode was Vinny ripping off Mandi's shirt. Apparently there is a rule that you can't take off someone's shirt? When did this rule get invoked? What happened to the days of incessant pantsing? Was it because it was in a public place.... was it because everyone was embarrassed by how fat Vinny is? What i wouldn't give to get a full list of the rules and what constitutes getting kicked out. How come that lunatic Jasmine didn't get kicked out for straight up punching Tyree?
Anywho - Vinny and his love handles were removed. And that was the real amazing aspect of Vinny. His lower back just Ooooozed fat. I'll miss those shots of Vinny's back.
Unfortunately for Sarah - she had to go home with Vinny. Now, I'll be the first to admit that Sarah's reaction was about 10 times too extreme. She was balling like she just learned her parents had died in an acid accident. But why did she have to be removed? As soon ago as last season when Adam was kicked off Leroy got teamed up with Mike and made the finals. Again - pretty inconsistent from MTV. Another sign that maybe they didn't have alternates and weren't as prepared as usual.
The Challenge itself was a little disappointing. It was very similar to episode 1's Challenge, but I'm sure they are just getting warmed up. Seemed a bit unfair that after Bananas and Camille dominated the opening round that they had to compete in a 2nd heat, but thems the breaks. I also think Johnny and Camille should be the power couple as they came in 2nd, but this was a good excuse to reshuffle the deck as Bananas so astutely put it.
Not a whole lot else going on in this episode - but we lost two couples and in essence lost an episode in the long run. Thats the true tragedy in Vinny's departure.
Let me know your thoughts? Should Sarah been able to stay? Was Vinny the 2nd most out of shape competitor in Challenge history?
Until next time....
I'm never one for burying the lead so lets get right into the DOME. Dome is definitely not one of my favorite iterations of the Gauntlet, Inferno, Gulag. Personally, I think they should have stuck with the Gulag. The Gulag was freaking nasty.
But a MAJOR changing of the guard may have just taken place. As previously mentioned, I loved RW LV2 and Leroy was a pretty like-able character, but his performance in the Dome solidified his place in the next generation of Challenge super stars. Really tough pill to swallow for Wes, but if we are being serious this is three times in a row Wes has had a fall from grace. It might be time to start reconsidering Wes as an elite guy. Two Final Challenges in a row he sputtered, in one being outrun by his female partner and now he was just dominated by Roy Lee.
The other main story line to this episode was Vinny ripping off Mandi's shirt. Apparently there is a rule that you can't take off someone's shirt? When did this rule get invoked? What happened to the days of incessant pantsing? Was it because it was in a public place.... was it because everyone was embarrassed by how fat Vinny is? What i wouldn't give to get a full list of the rules and what constitutes getting kicked out. How come that lunatic Jasmine didn't get kicked out for straight up punching Tyree?
Anywho - Vinny and his love handles were removed. And that was the real amazing aspect of Vinny. His lower back just Ooooozed fat. I'll miss those shots of Vinny's back.
Unfortunately for Sarah - she had to go home with Vinny. Now, I'll be the first to admit that Sarah's reaction was about 10 times too extreme. She was balling like she just learned her parents had died in an acid accident. But why did she have to be removed? As soon ago as last season when Adam was kicked off Leroy got teamed up with Mike and made the finals. Again - pretty inconsistent from MTV. Another sign that maybe they didn't have alternates and weren't as prepared as usual.
The Challenge itself was a little disappointing. It was very similar to episode 1's Challenge, but I'm sure they are just getting warmed up. Seemed a bit unfair that after Bananas and Camille dominated the opening round that they had to compete in a 2nd heat, but thems the breaks. I also think Johnny and Camille should be the power couple as they came in 2nd, but this was a good excuse to reshuffle the deck as Bananas so astutely put it.
Not a whole lot else going on in this episode - but we lost two couples and in essence lost an episode in the long run. Thats the true tragedy in Vinny's departure.
Let me know your thoughts? Should Sarah been able to stay? Was Vinny the 2nd most out of shape competitor in Challenge history?
Until next time....
Episode 1 : Give Me Some Honey
Belated thoughts from Episode 1
Unfortunately, I didnt have this epiphany until episode 2 of the current season. But here are some belated thoughts on Episode 1.
1) Wow - what happened to Vinny. He must have put on 150 lbs since the last time we saw him. I know people are saying he looks like Chas Bono, but to me he just looks like a lesbian. And its amazing how differently you look at someone when they go from "Cute and Stupid" to just Stupid. Not a good look for Vin.
2) I'm proud to say (kind of) that I've watched every season of Real World outside of the first 2. And Real World Las Vegas 2 was a game changer. I couldn't be happier that Dustin is involved as his gay porn star past was one of the most outrageous developments these eyes have ever seen.
3) How many times is Mark Long going to retire and unretire. Its time buddy. You look great, but when you take off your shirt your old guy ripped. You dont want to be old guy ripped on this show. Have some self respect.
4) There are only two explanations for the lack of physical fitness with this group. Either they werent given enough advanced warning to start training and juicing, or they started testing for Roids and HGH. Outside of Tyree and Mark - none of the guys are anywhere near their physical peak.
5) Really dont think its fair that Aneesa and Rachel are together. Are they going to skew all of their eliminations away from physicality. I know Rachel is a strong competitor, but she isnt going to be able to stick with some of the bigger guys in these challenges.
Unfortunately, I didnt have this epiphany until episode 2 of the current season. But here are some belated thoughts on Episode 1.
1) Wow - what happened to Vinny. He must have put on 150 lbs since the last time we saw him. I know people are saying he looks like Chas Bono, but to me he just looks like a lesbian. And its amazing how differently you look at someone when they go from "Cute and Stupid" to just Stupid. Not a good look for Vin.
2) I'm proud to say (kind of) that I've watched every season of Real World outside of the first 2. And Real World Las Vegas 2 was a game changer. I couldn't be happier that Dustin is involved as his gay porn star past was one of the most outrageous developments these eyes have ever seen.
3) How many times is Mark Long going to retire and unretire. Its time buddy. You look great, but when you take off your shirt your old guy ripped. You dont want to be old guy ripped on this show. Have some self respect.
4) There are only two explanations for the lack of physical fitness with this group. Either they werent given enough advanced warning to start training and juicing, or they started testing for Roids and HGH. Outside of Tyree and Mark - none of the guys are anywhere near their physical peak.
5) Really dont think its fair that Aneesa and Rachel are together. Are they going to skew all of their eliminations away from physicality. I know Rachel is a strong competitor, but she isnt going to be able to stick with some of the bigger guys in these challenges.
Introduction
The Challenge has existed for 22 seasons and counting and is the greatest show in Television History. Personally it has eclipsed the NBA and NHL as my third favorite sporting competition in the world. Despite its popularity there isn't a place where you can go for detailed and astute analysis of what is going on. Not to mention the fact that Facebook status messages weren't giving me the voice I desired to discuss the Challenge. There is a void in the internet and I'd like to fill it. Every Thursday we will give our thoughts on this week's episode. And every Wednesday we will attempt to break down what to expect for the upcoming episode. And then once a week we will either produce Power Rankings of the couples, do a look back in Challenge history or attempt to tackle a historical challenge argument.
I'd like for this to be a collaborative space, so please share your thoughts and comments. Hope everyone enjoys. I dont know if there are ridiculous Challenge spoilers out there - but please dont bring them to this board.
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