By DC Cueva,
with Quantikia Mesonia & Jamie Soler
> @DC408dxtr, @Coutureluvtik, @s0ler559
We are five episodes through Real World Ex-Plosion, and what else can you say about this season? It's been fantastic and exciting. I have been enjoying it, as I usually do for any Real World, and there's still plenty more to come, now that the biggest twist we have ever seen on this reality TV pioneer has turned the house in San Francisco upside down. And while we dabble in this rare week off in between episodes (and me being very busy with having a dose of Olympic fever), I can safely say that this season is on its way to joining those that stand out to me as an all time favorite, and also concur with buddy Andrew Kirk that this should be the season that saves The Real World and it should be a matter of when MTV lets BMP know when to start thinking about how to celebrate the show's 30th season.
As for what's been happening so far, a month through and we've seen two pairs of roommates getting paired up: Jamie & Thomas, and Jenny & Cory; one is now a couple, the other has had a rocky relationship. There's Hurricane Ashley, who we saw a couple times before she was evicted by the roommates who had enough of her behavior. We also saw one of the most emotional moments we've ever seen on this show with laid-back fella Jay breaking down after his mom's sudden passing, and receiving a ton of twitter support. And of course, we have just witnessed the biggest bombshell to drop on The Real World since the Dustin scandal that rocked Las Vegas, maybe ever. And that, of course, would be of the roommates' ex-girlfriends & boyfriend flying into the City (except for one who just moved from down the street) and moving into the house to live with the roommates, which we saw on the last episode.
In all, we've had the highest rated RW episodes in three years and a lot of twitter interaction (especially the recent episode), which we have documented in our SocialPulse diaries. And after some initial skeptical reaction to the twist that became public on my birthday back in November, it seems everyone's negative first impressions have disappeared to the point that they are actually enjoying this Real World season (even with tweaks to the long RW formula). And judging from the super tease and sneak peeks we saw at the end of last week's episode & after show, there is sure to be plenty more fireworks still to come. And I have been enjoying this season in very much the same way I enjoyed watching the Portland season, perhaps maybe better.
So in this week off, to tide you over until the next Real World Wednesday rolls around in 7 days from tonight, it's time to let you, the fans, get involved on here.
Having enjoyed a great deal of blogging for Rivals II last year, I have been stepping things up for RW Ex-Plosion. Besides providing the same wall-to-wall coverage that we had last summer & fall, DCBLOG has been involving the fans more in the conversation this season. Alongside the regular dialogue I have with cast and fans on twitter @DC408dxtr, our weekly SocialPulse articles have also been highlighting tweets from some of my loyal fan followers & yours truly, alongside those from cast and fellow alumni. But most importantly, I'll be expanding my blog interviews with fans from just covering the Reunion at the end of the season to adding to that the After Shows that will take place at certain times during the season after selected episodes, including after last week's show.
Typically, reunions and after shows have sort of a spillover effect in having the same type of drama that we see in the house, especially with the cast getting together for the first time since wrapping filming. And aside from the Rivals II reunion which was broadcast live, the reunions and after shows are taped in advance, sometimes with things getting left on the cutting room floor after a longer, taped session that takes place anywhere from a few months to two weeks prior to when we see it on TV.
And this is where DC BLOG will help fill in the gap, in giving fans the opportunity to talk about all the events of this season, the after shows and provide us with all the gossip from there in the studio, including what we didn't get to see in the final product. These are the only interviews that I conduct on here, and it's about the reunion & the after shows. I leave the cast interviews to webcast hosts Brian Cohen, Andrew, Reality Radio, Shady Sykes and others, though I do sometimes ask some questions on their webcasts for which I make every effort to be in every cast chat whenever my schedule allows.
The "Reunion Revealed" posts for Real World Portland and Rivals II, for which three of my loyal followers, Kevin, Kaitlyn and Drew all went to, is among my favorite articles, received great feedback from all three, and both posts are among DCBLOG's top 10 in page views. As they're all based in New York and could only attend the end of season reunion, and with these After Shows being taped near BMP's Los Angeles headquarters, I had to look to fresh, new people from SoCal to provide us with their insight and, perhaps, even vent a little. Judging from all the footage we've seen so far through five episodes (and what we'll eventually see the rest of this season), everything is covered. Nothing is off limits here; I'd love to hear from people about what they think.
After scouring the social-verse, I found two fans: Quantikia & Jay Soler. They were in the audience for the first two After Shows, which were taped the day after the first episode aired, back on January 9th. Those two After Shows aired after that emotion-packed episode 3 and the most-recent one, episode 5; and it covered the roommates kicking Ashley out of the house, the passing of Jay's mom, the budding relationships in the house and, of course, the exes moving in.
Here now are their thoughts on the After Show, their experience, & some of the big storylines so far...
DC: What was the atmosphere in the studio like?
Quantikia: This is my second time coming to the after show but the atmosphere was pretty cool & very nice set up.
Jay: The Atmosphere in the studio was excitement a lot of us were excited to see everyone! My friends and i were tired tho we woke up at 3am cuz we had to drive 4hrs to LA.
Jay: The Atmosphere in the studio was excitement a lot of us were excited to see everyone! My friends and i were tired tho we woke up at 3am cuz we had to drive 4hrs to LA.
DC: How did everyone look like in person? And who do you think were the better looking cast members?
Quantikia: Everyone look great I think the best looking people were Jamie Larson, Arielle Scott, & Thomas Buell was my top 3 people who looked great.
Jay: Everyone looked great, All the girls looked skinny in person lol, Jamie looked really beautiful to me tho.
DC: Tell us what the taping process was like.
Quantikia: It was fast towards the end of taping. They seem to have everything in order for the most part.
Jay: The taping process was long but well worth it, we went to the waiting room at 9:30am and didn't start filming till 12
Jay: The taping process was long but well worth it, we went to the waiting room at 9:30am and didn't start filming till 12
DC: What was it like watching from the roommates from a distance? Did you meet them?
Quantikia: Watching the cast right in front of me was amazing because you was seeing them in person & how they really look off camera lol but they all did a great job on stage.
Jay: It was really cool seeing them all in person I couldn't believe i was that close on the front row haha. Sadly i didn't get to meet them due to a friend that got sick after out break =\ i would have personally loved to meet then.
Jay: It was really cool seeing them all in person I couldn't believe i was that close on the front row haha. Sadly i didn't get to meet them due to a friend that got sick after out break =\ i would have personally loved to meet then.
DC: Considering the drama in the house that we had seen through three episodes, what was the tension like among the cast?
Quantikia: Everybody seem to get along after everything went down in the house everybody was very calm & relaxed for the most part into they started seeing scene they haven't seen yet lol that's when you could see there faces once they released the taping they haven't seen yet.
Jay: There was no Tension at all with the cast everyone was cool with everyone besides with Ashley. When Ashley came out they got into the specifics we seen on the AfterShow about her ripping Jays contacts. Other than that they are all really cool with each other.
Jay: There was no Tension at all with the cast everyone was cool with everyone besides with Ashley. When Ashley came out they got into the specifics we seen on the AfterShow about her ripping Jays contacts. Other than that they are all really cool with each other.
Now to the first After Show after Episode 3...
DC: What's your thoughts on Ashley and her behavior?
Quantikia: I think she needs to watch how she drink because I can say because I was that person b4 when you start drinking a whole other person comes out of you & 9 times out 10 nobody likes the person they become when they been drinking. You look like a fool & very crazy looking. I believe if she was chilling on her drinking everything what have been cool with her & everybody in the house.
DC: What's your thoughts on the cast responding to Ashley and her defending herself on set?
Quantikia: I think the cast handle Ashley defending herself very well like I can say Ashley can handle herself very well when it comes to defending herself.
DC: On the house vote, do you think Ashley should've been given a 2nd chance?
DC: On the house vote, do you think Ashley should've been given a 2nd chance?
Quantikia: No only if her drinking didn't take the best of her.
DC: In the end, whose side are you on: Ashley or the house?
Quantikia: The house lol sorry Ashley
DC: What's your thoughts on Jenny & Cory? Did they do the right thing when they decided to just stay friends?
Quantikia: Yes I think this was the best for the both of them to just be friends that's the best because they haven't even know each other for that long & look how they acting towards each other already.
DC: What are your thoughts on what happened with Jay and him dealing with his mom passing? Quantikia: Omg smh I couldn't even image that happening to me & to here that about Jay I felt a whole different way inside like it happened to me. I'm soooo sorry about what Jay had to go through, like to have that phone call & you not even there to see your mom for the last time smh nobody shouldn't every have to go through this but this is real life & sometimes people do go through these tragic things in life dealing with very close family members passing away. I pray for the best for Jay & his family. Happy to see the house has his back & was with him through it all. Jay: I really feel bad for Jay tho and that he had to relive all of those heartfelt emotions with his Mom passing! My condolences to him and his family
Now to the 2nd After Show, which aired after episode 5 last week...
DC: What's your thoughts on the twist of the roommates' exes moving into the house?
DC: What are your thoughts on what happened with Jay and him dealing with his mom passing? Quantikia: Omg smh I couldn't even image that happening to me & to here that about Jay I felt a whole different way inside like it happened to me. I'm soooo sorry about what Jay had to go through, like to have that phone call & you not even there to see your mom for the last time smh nobody shouldn't every have to go through this but this is real life & sometimes people do go through these tragic things in life dealing with very close family members passing away. I pray for the best for Jay & his family. Happy to see the house has his back & was with him through it all. Jay: I really feel bad for Jay tho and that he had to relive all of those heartfelt emotions with his Mom passing! My condolences to him and his family
Now to the 2nd After Show, which aired after episode 5 last week...
DC: What's your thoughts on the twist of the roommates' exes moving into the house?
Quantikia: Man! I would've been surprise as well to see any of my exes show up like wtf this really can't be happening right now lol
DC: What's your thoughts on the triangle of Cory, Jenny & Brian? (And foursome with Paige now in the picture)
Quantikia: I mean why not have one haha but naw forreal have fun while you can. Even though I think Cory & Brian would've liked something like that I mean they guys come on now guys love that freaky sh*t.
DC: And the resulting tension between Cory & Brian?
Quantikia: I mean Brian seem pretty cool with everything that went down in the house for the most part & Cory just the type of person that's not having none of the BS that comes his way period.
DC: How about the other triangle of Jamie, Thomas and Hailey?
DC: How about the other triangle of Jamie, Thomas and Hailey?
Quantikia: Thomas didn't want nothing to do with hailey in the first place & jamie wasn't having Hailey come in thinking she was gonna take Thomas back & try to mass things up on what they had going on.
DC: And the tension between Jamie & Hailey?
DC: And the tension between Jamie & Hailey?
Quantikia: Jamie just wasn't having it with Hailey that's why Jamie had to make sure Thomas put Hailey in her place from the start let her know that she was the girlfriend & that was that.
DC: If you were in the position they are in of living with your ex, how would you handle it? And what if you had already hooked up with someone before they moved in?
Quantikia: I mean I would've took it as if I'm single & I can do what I like. But if me & my ex was trying to work on things before I came on the show then that would've been a different story. One because I'm a fateful person to my love one.
DC: Who are you siding with in the love triangles - Jamie or Hailey? Cory or Brian?
Quantikia: Ummm this is a tuff one here let's see I will have to go with Jamie & Cory
Finally...
DC: Tell us if there was anything that we didn't see in the final cut of the two shows. (i.e. Stories, other things?
Quantikia: some funny actions that some of the cast was doing in the house as if nobody was watching they was just doing there own little thing & also one of the cast members head seem to always hit the camera hahaha very funny to bad that cut that out.
DC: How do you think Nessa did as host? And if you had to pick, would you choose her or someone else to host it?
Quantikia: I love Nessa she was a great host & very pretty keep up the good work Nessa I'm a fan of yours now.
DC: Has your perception of the roommates changed, both on the show & after these two after shows?
Quantikia: They all seem pretty cool & laid back even up front in person & TV.
DC: What was it like watching the final edited product & how a lot was edited out?
Quantikia: I mean I wish they could've showed the funny parts when the cast was in there own little world haha oh & the head butting at the cameras very funny.
DC: How was the overall experience of being in the audience?
Quantikia: I really enjoyed myself, this was my 2nd time being in the audience. Great experience, Hopefully I will show face on MTV to tell my story. Or to be apart of the MTV family. You never know ; )
DC: What are your thoughts on the first three/five episodes of this season, and who have been your favorite cast members so far?
Quantikia: The first five episodes just was getting good as the week went on & on. And my favorite cast members were Jamie, Cory, Thomas & Arielle
Jay: The first three episode were exciting the way they edit them this season. I like each and everyone of them.
C7. As we are about halfway through the season, what are you most looking forward to the rest of the way?
Quantikia: I'm looking forward to see what happens when the cast see Ashley again & how will they react... & Also if Cory & Lauren ever got back together.
Quantikia: Ummm this is a tuff one here let's see I will have to go with Jamie & Cory
Finally...
DC: Tell us if there was anything that we didn't see in the final cut of the two shows. (i.e. Stories, other things?
Quantikia: some funny actions that some of the cast was doing in the house as if nobody was watching they was just doing there own little thing & also one of the cast members head seem to always hit the camera hahaha very funny to bad that cut that out.
DC: How do you think Nessa did as host? And if you had to pick, would you choose her or someone else to host it?
Quantikia: I love Nessa she was a great host & very pretty keep up the good work Nessa I'm a fan of yours now.
DC: Has your perception of the roommates changed, both on the show & after these two after shows?
Quantikia: They all seem pretty cool & laid back even up front in person & TV.
DC: What was it like watching the final edited product & how a lot was edited out?
Quantikia: I mean I wish they could've showed the funny parts when the cast was in there own little world haha oh & the head butting at the cameras very funny.
DC: How was the overall experience of being in the audience?
Quantikia: I really enjoyed myself, this was my 2nd time being in the audience. Great experience, Hopefully I will show face on MTV to tell my story. Or to be apart of the MTV family. You never know ; )
DC: What are your thoughts on the first three/five episodes of this season, and who have been your favorite cast members so far?
Quantikia: The first five episodes just was getting good as the week went on & on. And my favorite cast members were Jamie, Cory, Thomas & Arielle
Jay: The first three episode were exciting the way they edit them this season. I like each and everyone of them.
C7. As we are about halfway through the season, what are you most looking forward to the rest of the way?
Quantikia: I'm looking forward to see what happens when the cast see Ashley again & how will they react... & Also if Cory & Lauren ever got back together.
A few reminders as we wrap:
- First, with the Sochi Olympics taking precedent on here and at @DC408dxtr, and aside from taking a break to watch the next episode (either on Feb. 19 or later), I won't be writing my own post-SocialPulse episode wrap for episodes 5 & 6. So to not worry about getting sidetracked by Sochi, I'll be tabling my write-up on last week's and next week's episodes to after the Games, so during the week of Feb. 24-28 expect a dedicated, non DCSP post on here. But I'll be posting a SocialPulse diary of that next episode the day after it airs (or when I watch it).
- Second, our usual reminders of upcoming Real World webcasts: after talking to Jenny on her premiere podcast last weekend, RW San Diego alum & Challenge vet Robin and podcast host Shady Sykes will talk to Jay this Saturday on the 2nd edition of her podcast as they talk the first half of the season, coming up on Saturday 9pm ET/6pm PT at www.blogtalkradio.com/getreallol. Plus, check out my other fellow webcast friends Andrew Kirk @CSUAKirk, Brian Cohen @BusDriversRoute, Shady Sykes @DJStweetarazzi, Reality Radio @RealityRadio, Ace Nichols @AceNichols33 and AfterBuzz @AfterBuzzTV.
- And finally, as we did for after the two previous reunions, for extra reference on how the reunion filming process works, check out the Bus Drivers Route blog at www.busdriversroute.com, where Brian provides behind-the-scenes accounts of the RW Portland reunion (a long one) and the live Rivals II reunion. Should he or any of my fellow NY followers go to the Ex-Plosion reunion next month (or anyone new that I find), you'll hear from them right here.
DCBLOG and @DC408dxtr on Twitter is where my coverage of Real World Ex-Plosion and Are You The One? lives, with twitter alerts to interviews, articles and conversations with the cast, live tweeting of episodes, our SocialPulse diaries and more here on the Blog from my point of view. And later tonight, DC SocialPulse will look at last night's episode of Are You The One? as a twist similar to what happened last week in San Francisco throws the singles in for a loop in Hawaii.
Plus, check out our DC Games 2014 posts here during the Sochi Winter Olympics. From sports & sidelights to stories & more, this Olympic fan has it covered from my perspective. Also follow me for live tweeting of TV coverage (PT) & certain live events where available, including tonight's primetime show.
For now, thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed both this post and this season of Real World Ex-Plosion so far. And until we blog again later tonight, stay warm and have fun.
- DC
* Views expressed in Fan's View are only those of the interviewees and do not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of DC Cueva or DCBLOG.
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