*** DCBLOG EXCLUSIVE ***
The views expressed in Fan's View are only those of the interviewees and do not necessarily reflect the views of DCBLOG or its blogger. This post also contains spoilers for international readers and some adult language, please read with discretion.
By DC Cueva, with Meagan Cartwright & Janette Diaz
> @DC408dxtr, @Meag_Cartwright, @JannieL0ve
Hey everyone, welcome to the 6th edition of DCBLOG Fan's View, and taking a break from our coverage of The Challenge: Free Agents and from celebrating both Easter Sunday & 4/20 for the first of our two special editions of these fan-driven posts. So far this year, we've been showcasing more of the thoughts of the people who drive the conversation of the shows we watch more than anyone else: the fans. And the next two editions of Fan's View will cover the time when they and the cast come together to relive all of the moments all over again when it all ends. It's time once again for Reunion Revealed, our exclusive behind-the-scenes look at what goes on at the reunions of MTV shows from the point of view of those in the audience. And today in part one, we start with a show that has quipped my late night attention all winter long - Are You The One?.
Now first off, if this is your first time checking out DCBLOG, as MTV fans know reunions serve as the curtain closer to every season of The Real World, The Challenge, Catfish, Teen Mom and others. It's an hour to discuss and look back on everything that went on during the season. And when the entire cast gets together for the first time since they ended filming, it's almost a guarantee that there will be plenty of fireworks, similar to what happened in the episodes preceding it.
But when you walk into the studio, the reunion taping process is much more longer than the tightly-edited 43-minute version we see on TV. And of course, there's some things that you didn't see or hear unless you were one of those lucky people who get to sit in that studio & have a front row seat to all the fireworks, and braving all those hours sitting in that same chair.
This is where, with the help of some of those who watched it live, DC Fan's View: Reunion Revealed will fill in the gap, uncovering the wraps to get a firsthand perspective of what it's like to be in the audience, to watch the drama unfold among the cast, and get some valuable scoop on everything you want to know about all this, including what we didn't see on TV. And, of course, I'm not afraid to ask what you have on your mind. I'm providing this platform on here for you to praise, vent or just comment on things. So while most media outlets will be talking to the cast about the reunions, these posts add an extra dimension in getting the POV from that of those who were there in the audience.
In our first two editions of Reunion Revealed last year, we provided great insight into both the Real World Portland and Challenge Rivals II reunions with three of my followers. One was taped over six long hours and edited down to a condensed version of it, while the other took place live & unedited and highlighted by a slap in the face. And both of those posts, as well as the RW Ex-Plosion After Shows, have received great feedback from all of my guests as well as a large number of page views. For this 3rd installment (6th overall if you include RW After Shows), we're expanding our horizons by covering our first non-RW/Challenge related MTV reunion by covering the one for Are You The One?.
For someone who's normally a Real World/Challenge fan, I can also say I'm an MTV fan as well, and is open to watching anything. But for the first time in a long while, no MTV show outside of those two shows have grabbed my attention as much as Are You The One?. Since I first discovered AYTO, I have been glued to this social experiment and watching 20 awesome girls & guys being put in a house in Hawaii, watch what happens when they all live together, do challenges, be close with one another, and all looking to find their perfect match. There was lots of drama and a roller coaster of emotions, but it had a perfect ending with a wave of confetti and excitement all around when the group's strategy of coming together to find their perfect match would pay off, and going 10 for 10 & winning $1 million.
But the drama didn't end there. The week after that golden moment, the entire cast - Adam, Amber, Ashleigh, Brittany, Chris, Coleysia, Dillan, Dre, Ethan, Jacy, Jessica, Joey, John, Kayla, Paige, Ryan, Scali, Shanley, Simone & Wes - all came together for the first time since they left Hawaii and rejoined host Ryan Devlin to discuss the events and the moments from their stay in the islands. There, we saw some words exchanged among the numerous romances that came about in the islands, along with some never before seen footage and other things. And it ended, fittingly enough, with a fairy tale ending, with Ethan successfully proposing to Amber and them getting engaged.
As this reunion took place out in Los Angeles and not in New York like most other MTV reunions, as I did in covering the RW After Shows I had to look to new people from SoCal to provide me with their insight and their thoughts. After reading the tweets about the extremely-long process of taping this reunion (as explained below), as well as working hard & scouring the social-verse in the day before & day of it airing, in the end this is who I chose: Meagan Cartwright and Janette Diaz. They were in the audience when it took place back on March 8th, braving a very long Saturday in the studio to see the cast and be witness to that reunion, and of course having a front row seat to all of the fireworks. Even though you didn't see them on camera, they can best give you the comparison between watching it in the studio and watching it at home. And don't worry - we've been respectful to MTV to wait until after it airs a month later for them to finally reveal the inside scoop from the studio and share with you all of it exclusively here on DCBLOG.
Enough of my prologue...let's get to what you've here for and to hear from the people you actually want to hear from...here now are Meagan and Janette with the Fans' View of Are You The One?: The After-Match. That's after the jump...
> Editor's Note: As we begin and as we post this almost 3 weeks after the reunion has aired, my apologies go out to AYTO fans for not getting this post out sooner. While my first guest replied back to me quickly, I got a very late response from my other guest due primarily to her having just celebrated her birthday, hence the longer-than-expected delay in posting this article. But she apologized to me and we're good now. Now let's get down to the business at hand...
DC: What was the atmosphere and the vibe in the studio like? How did everyone look like in person, and who were the better looking cast members?
- Meagan: When we say down in the audience they cast was still in another room waiting so it was very calm. When they brought the cast in the energy went up, everyone seemed pretty happy and excited. I thought Shanley and Jessica were very pretty and Wes and Chris T were very handsome and good looking but everyone else looked great too.
- Janette: The atmosphere in the studio was very positive and loud at first! Most of the cast members were very social and fun. But after a while it was very intense, full of drama, and you could see the irritated faces. In person everyone looked just like they did on television. They were all rockin' their sassy outfits like in the match-up ceremonies, and looked great!
- Janette: The atmosphere in the studio was very positive and loud at first! Most of the cast members were very social and fun. But after a while it was very intense, full of drama, and you could see the irritated faces. In person everyone looked just like they did on television. They were all rockin' their sassy outfits like in the match-up ceremonies, and looked great!
DC: From reading the tweets that day, the taping process was very long. Tell us what that was like and if they showed late season episodes & footage in advance there.
- Meagan: It was a very long day but really fun! They had a lot of drama to get through. We were there for about 9hrs of taping and the audience left a little before the cast. Yes, they had showed some clips from the rest of the season to start off the next questions Ryan was going to ask the cast.
DC: What was it like watching the cast from a distance, and did you meet them?
- Meagan: It was a very long day but really fun! They had a lot of drama to get through. We were there for about 9hrs of taping and the audience left a little before the cast. Yes, they had showed some clips from the rest of the season to start off the next questions Ryan was going to ask the cast.
- Janette: The taping process was VERY long. I didn't expect it to be as long as it was, but it was most definitely worth it. They showed parts of episodes that had not been aired yet, and all sorts of footage that was not seen. Aside from that, there was so much information given to the crowd including myself that wasn't even aired on the reunion. You can say we got TRIPLE the inside scoop on everything. Just like many of the cast members had tweeted, there was a lot that went on in nine hours of filming, and they only aired ONE hour.
- Meagan: It was a really cool experience, most of the cast was very friendly and talked to us whenever they could during breaks, Chris T kept saying throughout the night how he wanted to meet and hug us all. John came over and talked to us every chance he got, he was very sweet and funny. Just as we were leaving the cast had a break so they came over to talk with us and I got to go up and talk one on one with Chris T for a second. He was very very nice and very tall. He gave me a big hug before I left.
DC: Considering the drama in Hawaii that we saw throughout the season, what was the tension like, if any, among the cast on set?
- Janette: Watching the cast from the distance felt like you were seeing celebrities. I fell in love with the show, and seeing these people that I saw on my television screen just a couple feet away was an awesome experience! They were all so humble and most of them took the time to interact with the audience. I got to talk to Wes, JJ, Shanley, Chris T, Paige, Dillan and Ryan. Ryan shared his diary with us, and I was able to sign it. Shanley and Chris T. gave us hugs; and due to how sweet and social they all were, that made the experience much more enjoyable.
- Meagan: Yes their was some tension in the beginning and as the night went on and more drama surfaced the tension seemed to grow.
DC: What was your reaction when they won the million? Did you ever think they could pull this off considering what we saw during the season?
- Janette: Considering the drama in Hawaii that we saw throughout the season, the tension among the cast was just as it was seen on tv. Watching the show, you could easily tell who didn't like who, who didn't talk to who, so on and so on. It was the SAME in person. The same people who did not like each other in the show, did not like eachother on the set of the reunion.
- Meagan: I was honestly surprised, I didn't think they would do it considering how long it took them to get a perfect match.
DC: What are your thoughts on all of the matches? And do you think the science got the 10 perfect matches right? If not, which couples?
Now to the reunion...
- Janette: When they won the million dollars, I was not surprised. After a couple weeks of getting to know people in the house, eliminating couples that were not a match, eliminating couples that were a match, you could tell that they were starting to deliver a strategy. I could tell that they were determined to get their money, (especially Simone) and soon enough they figured it out. At one point I was getting a little worried, due to match-up ceremonies when they all decided to choose random people, but for the most part, I knew they would not settle for anything less than their money.
- Meagan: Like many of the cast members said their "perfect match" might not have to be a perfect love match they could be really good friends. Some couples I can see why they are a perfect together like Amber and Ethan, but others like John and Ashleigh or Paige and Chris T, I don't get.
- Janette: Most of the matches definitely had potential, and I could see WHY they were a match. But a few of them really didn't make sense. For example, Shanley and Adam. Shanley is a bitch, and Adam is a douche. Therefore, due to their strong personalities, they could never work out. They both wear the pants, and ultimately only one person can do that. Same with Simone and Dre, both powerful personalities, that there is no way they could be a match.
DC: What's your thoughts on the Love Square between Scali, Jacy, John and Simone?
- Meagan: I think after Simone went to the truth booth with John she was obviously hurt because she had really cared for him. Jacy saw an oppertunity with John and took it. I think she should have took Simone's feelings into consideration though. Then Jacy who was all into John suddenly didn't know if she liked him or Scali. She wanted to have her cake and eat it too.
- Meagan: I think after Simone went to the truth booth with John she was obviously hurt because she had really cared for him. Jacy saw an oppertunity with John and took it. I think she should have took Simone's feelings into consideration though. Then Jacy who was all into John suddenly didn't know if she liked him or Scali. She wanted to have her cake and eat it too.
- Janette: When Simone and John hit it off, it seemed as if they were very into eachother. The disadvantage was that John ended up fallin for Jacy. After that it didn't seem as if Simone clicked with anyone as well as she did with John, while Jacy had two options. If only Simone and John would have been a couple since the start, maybe none of the drama would have gone on with Jacy and John, and her and Scali could have realized they were a perfect match much sooner.
DC: What's your thoughts on John getting it with Jacy? The conversation between Scali and Jacy? And when John called out Scali?
- Meagan: John seemed to really care for Jacy during the season and what she did to him wasn't right. The conversation was heated and I think John still cares for Jacy even if it's not on a romantic level, he was looking out for her.
DC: And what about when Scali brought up his phone to see if there were photos?
DC: And what about when Scali brought up his phone to see if there were photos?
- Meagan: I was shocked they actually did that. Even though they didn't see anything doesn't mean he didn't delete what he had prior to the taping. I don't know if what John said was true or not but it honestly wouldn't suprise me if Scali was hooking up with girls on the side. Him and Jacy aren't together so nothing is stoping him. He even said on the show how he wanted to try to get with every girl in the house. Jacy really loves him and I think he loves her too. I just think Scali isn't ready to settle down. I think settling down scares him, and he's still seems a bit immature.
- Janette: Scali kept his cool when the producers took his phone, and if a man has something to hide, he DEFINITELY WON'T KEEP HIS COOL. Either Scali played it off well and the producers didn't look enough to find something, or there was nothing to be seen. #WEWILLNEVERKNOW
- Meagan: That triangle gave me a headache. I was never too fond of Kayla and as the season continued I disliked her more and more. She had contradicted herself so many times I lost count. What she did to Wes was wrong, she should have been up front with him instead of trying to sneak around with Ryan. She played them both at one point or another. You can't use the excuse "I was playing the game" when real feelings get involved. Jessica seems like a sweetheart and Ryan is a very kind person as well. Ryan and Jess are both goofy but emotional people so I can see how they are a perfect match. Kayla was way out of line when Ryan went to help calm Jessica. Kayla wasn't having a "panic attack" until the attention was off of her. She was happy Chris T and Shanley were finally going to be split up, until she realized Ryan was with another girl and then she wasn't so happy anymore and started crying. Ryan wasn't sneaking around with Jessica or doing anything in a secretive way like she had done with Wes and Ryan.
- Janette: The LOVE triangle between Kayla, Wes, and Ryan was ridiculous! The way she portrayed herself was wrong to say the least. If you can't figure out what you feel and who you feel it for, don't lead anyone on until you DO. Kayla got so lucky that she had two of the sweetest men in the house after her. Yes, Wes called her out but he was just keeping it real. Throughtout it all, neither of them held grudges and seemed very mellow with her at the reunion. Jessica and Ryan are soooooo perfect, (from what I see) both goofy, friendly, fun, and they seem to bring out the best of eachother. If Ryan would have payed more attention to Jessica, I think they could've developed more than a friendship.
- Meagan: I agree with both Simone and Shanley, they called Kayla out on her crap. Don't get me wrong I understand people make mistakes and have poor judgement at times, but that wasn't Kayla's case. She kept saying she had morals then went off to the "boom boom room" with Ryan to fool around and then got offended when he asked to go to the "boom boom room" with her another time. She yet again contradicted herself. I think people would have been more accepting and respectful of Kayla if she had just owned up to her mistakes and everything else she had done instead of trying to hide behind her so called morals.
- Janette: Kayla constantly talked and talked about her morals. The silly thing about it is she would talk about them more than she showed them. You don't need to portray yourself as the perfect person, when you are showing on national television that you are not perfect. No one is perfect, everyone makes mistakes, and it was just a matter of her owning up to them. That is exactly what Simone and Shanley were trying to explain to her. Simone and Shanley were the most outspoken in the house, and when they were telling Kayla her truths about her morals, the crowd was all "PREACHHH"! Even Kayla knew they were right, she agreed.
DC: They then brought up the trips Jessica & Kayla made to visit Ryan. Thoughts on that and on how Adam put Ryan under the bus?
- Meagan: This time Ryan was in the wrong. I don't think what he did to Jessica was right. Ryan had Jessica come out so he could get to know her on a more personal level and find out why they were perfect match since he wasn't able to really do that in the house. He had said he thought Jess was a great person and had a good time with her when she came out, but then he had Kayla come out. If Ryan was happy they weren't a match then why have Kayla come out? Ryan's never going to give himself the chance to get to know Jess or anyone for that matter, to see if they have a real connection on a deeper level if he's always got Kayla on the side ready to hook up with him whenever. Poor Wes and Jessica aren't getting treated right!
- Janette: When Jessica went to visit Ryan, she made it pretty clear that it was a friendly visit. Although Ryan practically said that him and Kayla got it in many times when she went to visit him. Honestly, about damn time. It was bound to happen! Adam throwing Ryan under the bus was just a typical Adam douche move, because he probably wanted to be like "Kayla, you played with him, now that's what you get". Kayla seemed surprised, but atleast her and Ryan aren't anything serious or else the drama would have been worse!
- Meagan: I like them together or apart, they are good people either way. Yes I was kinda upset they weren't together but I completely understand life happens and things get in the way sometimes. I really hope they find away to work things out because they are so well together. You can see the genuine connection they have, they bring out the best in each other.
- Janette: Dillan and Coleysia were the weirdest couple ever. The reason being is because at first, it came off as if they hated eachother..and then BAM; inseperable. Coleysia messed up at the white party, and I think that's really what made Dillan distance himself. When I saw them at the reunion, I thought they were together. They told us they weren't and I don't think they will ever be. Dillan seemed skeptical about it; for some people theres second chances, and for others there aren't.
DC: How about your thoughts on the new footage of Coleysia going wild at the white party and Dillan being alone on the beach?
- Meagan: Dillan had said that the way Coleysia acted wasn't the reason he was alone on the beach. He needed a minute to himself after Coleysia was twerking on him so he didn't give into temptation. It was the twisting of reality tv to make it seem otherwise.
- Janette: Coleysia always came off as if her feelings for Dillan were stronger than his were for her. So at the white party, when she went a little wild, I was shocked! Dillan was obviously very hurt, but at the reunion she sounded pretty regretful about it. Coleysia had never really let loose, and maybe that's why she went all out at this white party! Haha
DC: What's your thoughts on Brittany & Adam? Do you think their relationship was played out a bit too much or not?
- Meagan: Brittany is crazy but hey aren't all of us girls? She is a good kinda of crazy though. Adam took advantage of how much she cared for him to keep his crotch happy. Adam kept going back-and-forth with the thought of Brittany maybe being his match or not. He gave her false hope and so many mixed signals. Brittany played the game with her heart and Adam played with the wrong head.
- Janette: Brittany and Adam were hilarious! Watching the show, I was like wow, this girl needs to back up a little. But at the reunion she explained how the show favored Adams side, which was completely true. They never showed Adam chasing after Britt, and he did on different occasions. But at the same time like Shanley said, he was so mean to her and yet she still went back to him. She shouldn't have been so stubborn, and gone for someone else, or given Adam more space and he would've stayed hooked on her.
DC: What's your thoughts on Ethan and Amber? How about when they brought up her brief fling with Adam?
- Meagan: I think they really are a perfect match. I'm extremely happy for them both. You can really tell the love they have is real. I don't see anything wrong with her fling with Adam she wanted to test the waters because it was still early I the game but she came back to Ethan because she really loved him. All the time she was with Adam she was 100% honest with Ethan.
- Janette: Ethan and Amber are simple. He kept it real, she kept it real. Those genuine souls were meant for one another. When he proposed even I fell in love. Throughout the whole reunion, they were hugging and kissing non-stop. You could feel the love, smell the love, and SEE the love. Her fling with Adam happened because Ethan didn't really fight for her. But hey, it worked out for them and brought them together as they were meant to be! Love them!
DC: How about when Kayla talked about when she kissed Ethan and Amber not knowing about it? And who do you side with - Amber or Kayla?
- Meagan: It wasn't Kayla's place to tell Amber, I just think was trying to stir the pot. Kayla said she wanted to be up front with Amber because she was her "friend" but in the show we never saw Kayla hang out with any other girls besides Paige so that was bull. I'm not saying Ethan is in the clear because he's not. He should have told Amber after it happened and been 100% honest with her as she was with him. Everyone makes mistakes and he realized he was in the wrong. Kayla made it out to be more that what it really was.
- Janette: Everyone was bagging on Kayla when she decided to randomly pull Amber aside about her and Ethan kissing. BEING A FRIEND would have been telling her from the moment she saw Ethan and Amber connected after the incident..not million years later. I totally side with Amber. Kayla came off as if she just wanted attention and to stir things up. She tried to justify herself at the reunion, but it didn't seem a valid point at ALL. Everyone was just rolling their eyes, and Ethan kept calling her out and saying she was a liar and full of shit.
DC: What's your thoughts on Dre & Ashleigh?
- Meagan: Their relationship didn't get much show on tv but I guess they were really into each other even after the truth booth. They aren't together but if they find away to make it work more power to them!
- Janette: Dre and Ashleigh weren't shown much on the show. They were cute, and it seemed as if they were a match but they weren't. I liked them as a couple, but they aren't together now. Despite that, they are friends and talked very well amongst one another at the reunion.
DC: They then talked about the hookup between Dre & Simone after the last Matchup that Ashleigh had no idea about it and had some arguing on it. Thoughts on it?
- Meagan: Ashleigh and Dre weren't together so he didn't do anything wrong by hooking up with Simone. He shouldn't have to tell Ashleigh anything because again they weren't together. I think Simone handled the situation wrong durning the reunion show. Saying how she could continue to have sex with Dre if she wanted because they were in the same state and Ashleigh would never know was rude and insensitive. It may be true what Simone said but ahe should have handled it differently that's all.
- Janette: Ashleigh had clarified that she had barely found out about the hookup between Simone and Dre like a week before the reunion, and she was hurt. She was hurt because she expected Dre to tell her. Simone and Ashleigh were bickering over and over. Simone kept saying that Dre and Ashleigh aren't together, and that there's no reason for her to be upset, and Ashleigh told her it wasn't about her, or the fact that they had sex, 'she could care less' she said, but it was the fact that her and Dre were close at the time, and he didn't tell her. I would have felt the same way as Ashleigh. Out of respect, I would have expected the same thing. Maybe Simone would have as well, being in Ashleigh's shoes but since she was not it was hard for her to understand.
DC: It was revealed by TMZ that Dre got married & then got divorced prior to going to Hawaii. What's your thoughts on it and do you think he should've come clean to the house?
- Meagan: It's he personal buisness not anyone else's. He told the people he trusted in the house, he doesn't owe anything to anybody. He shouldn't have to come clean to anyone when it's really nobody's buisness but Dre's. If someone asked him if has previously been married then yes I see how he should tell the truth, other than that no.
- Janette: Dre made it very clear at the reunion that his personal life was not MTV's business, and that is true. Whether he got married and divorced prior to Hawaii is his business and he does not have to explain anything to anyone about that. He's a grown man, he went to the show and he clearly know's what he's doing.
DC: What's your thoughts on Chris T. and Shanley?
- Meagan: I really like them as individuals they are both great people! I also like them as a couple, I was rooting for them from the beginning. They had a genuine connection and love for each other but it wasn't a match. I was still rooting for them they may not be perfect together but nothing is perfect, love is love it's not science. Who's to tell them they can't be in love.
- Janette: Chris T. and Shanley...where to begin! Personally, I love them together, who doesn't. They fell for eachother and it was a shame that they weren't a match for one another. But like Shanley said, she knows perfectly why they aren't a match; Chris is needy and needs affection and Shanley needs her space. I think everyone expected them to seperate so quickly but when your feelings are in, they're in and clearly it's not as it easy as it sounds. At the reunion I'd see them kiss and be cute with eachother, but when it came down to talking about their relationship status, they were not together. They said they are together when they see eachother, but not when apart due to distance.
DC: As much as Chranley was the most talked about couple, were you disappointed or relieved they didn't make it work? Do you think they'll have a 2nd chance?
- Meagan: I was kinda of disappointed because yes I supported them as a couple but I support their decision in whatever they want and choose to do whether it's be together or with other people it's up to them. Either way I know they really did love each other and still do, no matter what happens in the future I'm sure they will always remain great friends.
- Janette: I was a little dissappointed that Chris and Shanley didn't make it work. They encountered so much bullshit during the show just to be together and for them not to be together at the end just didn't make sense. Although they told us that they did try to make it work, explained their story about how Chris was too jealous and she couldn't handle it and the distance was just more than they could handle... which is understandable. Anything is possible and because of how much they love eachother, I believe that they could potentially have a second chance in the future. They are both still young and have a lot to learn and see before they settle down. They both agreed that there could definitely be a future for them without a doubt, but time will tell.
DC: How about when they talked about Chris T. & Paige and the dialogue they had via text? And the photos & text messages?
- Meagan: They were both wrong. Chris shouldn't have asked Paige for picture and Paige shouldn't have sent them. I think Chris gave Paige a sense of false hope by asking for those pics. I think Paige also should have respected Shanley as a person and not have done that even though Chris and Shanley had a falling out. Paige just tried everything she could to get with Chris and it backfired on her.
- Janette: When they talked about Chris T. and the text messages between him and Paige, Paige got all excited and completely instigated the whole thing. She's the one who said she still had the messages. It was totally a low blow from Chris's behalf to have asked Paige of all people. Him being hurt does not justify for him doing that, but there was nothing more that he'd want from Paige anyway. The reunion had jut started, and they were fixing the small TV where they were gonna show clips of certain episodes, and at one point, the picture Paige sent Chris came up. She started crying and ran off of the set. She clearly wasn't expecting it, but if you're gonna cry about something, why do it in the first place. Shanley said she was wrong for sending it, and Chris was wrong for asking, but atleast he told Shanley when they tried to work things out. And at the reunion, Shanley did not let it get to her and her and Chris seemed to have moved on from the situation.
DC: What's your thoughts on Paige & Scali? And considering the social negativity directed towards him, what's your opinion of Scali?
- Meagan: They were a mess from the beginning going back and forth with stupid nonsense. Scali really played Paige and she let it happen by going back to him. I just think Scali is kind of a player, he seems immature to me.
- Janette: Paige and Scali were definitely a cute couple. I felt that they did have something, but Paige was being a bit indecisive at times wanting to talk to Chris T. and Scali isn't the kind of guy to wait and around and get played, so he explored the field as well. Karma ended up biting Paige in the ass, because Scali was over it, used her, and moved onto Jacy. Clearly they weren't a match for apparent reasons. Social negativity does not shape a person. At the reunion Paige was saying how Scali was broke, and that sort of made her skeptical about him. Money has nothing to do with someones personality, and I liked Scali regardless. I admired his honesty, 100%!
- Meagan: I was completely shocked!! I almost started crying it was that cute! The love they share is so real and I wish them nothing but happiness. Who's to say what the future holds but I really do hope they make it long-term.
- Janette: THE PROPOSAL WAS THE CUTEST THING OF LIFE. Ryan (THE HOST) was reading some questions asked by people on twitter, and someone asked what Ethan liked about Amber or something similar. He answered with the most beautiful words, and then proposed. The audience were in awe, and tears! They are clearly so in love, and at the age where they are ready to settle down. I definitely did not expect it which made it that much more special! They will make it work long term without a doubt because as I said earlier, they balance eachother out. They have fun together, both very passionate, and she can handle his out of hand comedian side. They are perfect!
DC: Considering the taping's exceptionally long length, I assume there was a lot that was cut out. Explain more, and tell us any unseen stories, moments & other things.
DC: What was it like watching the edited version & how a lot was cut out, particularly with no audience shots? How did Ryan Devlin do as host?
- Meagan: Oh their was tons of drama that was cut out. We were there for 9 hours and they filmed most of that time. I can't really say exactly what happen out of respect for John and MTV but they argued for a bit longer than was shown on tv. While arguing with John, Jacy revealed some information that John trusted her with. Jacy was the only one who knew and it was a complete shock to everyone, I'm pretty sure everyone including the cast had to pick their jaws up off the floor. Let's just say after that I don't think John is too fond of Jacy, It was really uncalled for.
- Janette: One of the most intense moments of the whole taping, was the argument between Jacy and JJ. She called him out saying he made his girlfriend abort. 2) We saw footage of the white party and it turns out there a huge makeout session between several of the girls. Coleysia and I forgot whom started it, then a bunch of other girls jumped in. 3) Dre told us how he has a kid with his ex wife. 4) ONE OF THE CRAZIEST things; Shanley told us that they ALMOST didn't have a show because everyone was supposed to give their cellphones to the producers, and Paige gave them a fake phone, that way she could keep her real phone and secretly text her ex whom she was not over. Shanley bitched her out about how selfish that was of her. 5) They asked for a raise of hands of the people who did not have sex in the house, and Jessica did not lift her arm! They didn't say with who though! 6) Brittany told us how Adam would be cute with her sometimes and chase after her, but none of that was shown on tv, and Shanley had witnessed that. After a couple hours of drama, all the castmates were so annoyed and completely over it.
- Meagan: Watching the edited version was weird they cut out so so much! It felt like I only watched 5 minutes on tv compared to what I actually sat through. They had got several audience shots through the night but I think with audience shots it would have taken that much more time away from the drama. Ryan Delvin did great as a host, he's very good at what he does!
- Janette: Watching the edited version was nothing compared to what I expected. But then again they have to cut down all the main events of 9 hours into one, so I knew it was gonna be bad. There was so much more to what was shown on television. It's like breaking up with someone, and not giving a reason. Literally what was shown on tv, were like headlines with no story! It was just bits and pieces of everything that went on, and I feel that they should have made it ATLEAST 2 hours long. I was a little surprised at the fact that there were no audience shots, because they took so many pictures of us! They asked for expression pictures, laughing pictures, pictures of us having fun, and all sorts of things. So I didn't understand why they wanted those if none of it was even shown. Ryan Devlin was an awesome host, he certainly knows what he's doing and he does a damn good job at it.
- Janette: Watching the edited version was nothing compared to what I expected. But then again they have to cut down all the main events of 9 hours into one, so I knew it was gonna be bad. There was so much more to what was shown on television. It's like breaking up with someone, and not giving a reason. Literally what was shown on tv, were like headlines with no story! It was just bits and pieces of everything that went on, and I feel that they should have made it ATLEAST 2 hours long. I was a little surprised at the fact that there were no audience shots, because they took so many pictures of us! They asked for expression pictures, laughing pictures, pictures of us having fun, and all sorts of things. So I didn't understand why they wanted those if none of it was even shown. Ryan Devlin was an awesome host, he certainly knows what he's doing and he does a damn good job at it.
- Meagan: Everyone was friendly, some more than others, but not really the opinions I had of people didn't really change once I was at the reunion. Everyone was pretty much the same as they were on the show. Shanley and Simone were honest and forward as usual, Paige and Kayla were very stuck up, Chris T and Ryan were loud and goofy, and John was cracking jokes.
DC: How was your overall experience of being at the reunion? And do you think the experience of being there in person is better than on watching it later on TV?
- Janette: My perception of the castmates has not changed. The personalities that each showed on tv are just as visible in person.
- Meagan: It was fun I had a great time I'd love to do it again! I think being in person is so much better because you get to see everything unedited. Their is so much you didnt get to see on tv that we saw in person.
- Janette: My overall experience of being at the reunion was AMAZING. The experience of being there in person does not comparen at ALL to just seeing it on your television screen. I was front row of the benches where we were sitting, and at the bathroom breaks some of the cast members would walk up and talk to us. JJ was telling us funny jokes, Dillan sat with the audience to see what it was like from our perspective, Ryan was talking to us and passing his diary around..I mean it was awesome. They were all very modest, talking to us just like PEOPLE. We got to see live feelings, real anger, real tears, real hate towards one another, real love, all kinds of real feelings. Since this is a reality show many people think it's all fake and scripted but being at that reunion proves OTHERWISE.
- Janette: My overall experience of being at the reunion was AMAZING. The experience of being there in person does not comparen at ALL to just seeing it on your television screen. I was front row of the benches where we were sitting, and at the bathroom breaks some of the cast members would walk up and talk to us. JJ was telling us funny jokes, Dillan sat with the audience to see what it was like from our perspective, Ryan was talking to us and passing his diary around..I mean it was awesome. They were all very modest, talking to us just like PEOPLE. We got to see live feelings, real anger, real tears, real hate towards one another, real love, all kinds of real feelings. Since this is a reality show many people think it's all fake and scripted but being at that reunion proves OTHERWISE.
DC: How much have you enjoyed watching Are You The One? What's your takeaway from season 1, and do you have favorite castmates or moments?
- Meagan: I enjoyed it, when I first heard of the show I didn't think I would like it but I really did. I watched it every week. I do have a some favorites, but I think everyone does. My favorites have been Shanley, Chris T, Wes, and Ryan.
- Janette: Are You The One became my favorite show, and I enjoyed it so much! I do have favorite castmates, and that would be Shanley, Jessica, and Brittany! At the end of the reunion taping, Shanley said that the next season had some big shoes to fill and she's damn RIGHT.
Extra: Are you looking forward to watching season 2? And what are your expectations for it?
- Janette: Are You The One became my favorite show, and I enjoyed it so much! I do have favorite castmates, and that would be Shanley, Jessica, and Brittany! At the end of the reunion taping, Shanley said that the next season had some big shoes to fill and she's damn RIGHT.
Extra: Are you looking forward to watching season 2? And what are your expectations for it?
- Meagan: After this season, the reunion, and that proposal my expectations for next season are pretty high, they have a lot to live up to! I would like everyone for next season to be real and not try to copy anyone or anything from season 1 because it just won't be interesting.
- Janette: I am looking forward to Season 2, but my expectations are gonna be very high. It's just gonna be so CRAZY if people start trying to be like the original castmates from season 1. Regardless, these castmates are the ORIGINALS and the show won't be as good with new people.
And that's that. Nothing more to say after all that after this long conversation (which was worth that long wait), other than to send a very special thank you to Meagan & Janette for providing me with their great insights on the Are You The One? Reunion. As always, great to hear the inside scoop from, and the thoughts of, people who were there and help fill the gap between the studio and the show. And with great & all due respect to those fans who I've talked to in the past in this series (Kevin, Kaitlyn, Drew, Eric, Quantikia, Jay), I gotta say this is my favorite one of all of these Fan's View posts. So thanks once again you two, and follow them on twitter at @Meag_Cartwright & @JannieL0ve.
And as we post this here on Easter Sunday, Janette just celebrated her birthday last Monday, as we mentioned above, so a belated happy b'day Janette. And it was indeed worth the wait of two weeks to hear from you, hope this is a very nice birthday present to you from this fellow Are You The One? fan.
This is just the start of our DC Fan's View: Reunion Revealed doubleheader...Part 2 will be covering the Real World Ex-Plosion Reunion (which was taped the day after AYTO) and should come your way soon during our coverage of The Challenge: Free Agents. I've already got one person lined up for his/her insight, and will hope to get their insights and exclusive scoop from inside the Times Square studio.
Speaking of that, no Reunion Revealed post would be complete without mentioning my friend Brian Cohen (@BusDriversRoute), who's also become glued to AYTO like other RW/Challenge fans. For more on the reunion taping process, read his Bus Drivers Route blog at www.busdriversroute.com, where he gives behind-the-scenes insight of both the RW Portland & Rivals II reunions, both for which he attended & we also covered here. For these posts I'm doing, I am pinch-hitting for him in getting insight into these shows from those who watched it live. So Brian, hope I'm doing a good job bud.
Be sure to bookmark DCBLOG for your fix of reality television, pop culture, sports and much more. This post aside, much of our attention will be fixed on The Challenge: Free Agents with our exclusive DC SocialPulse running diaries of how the cast & fans see the episodes on twitter and other posts pertaining to that show, The Real World and Are You The One?, among other things. Just earlier tonight, we presented the Free Agents edition of Who Are These Newbies? to help introduce new cast members to avid fans of the show. Plus for sports fans, we'll have a look at my family's obsession with the NBA as the Playoffs begin this weekend.
Also, follow both my primary twitter handle @DC408dxtr and my DC NOW live twitter account @DC408dxnow. There at the former, you'll find alerts to all of my DCBLOG posts & MTV content in addition to conversations with fans & famous people; while at the ladder my live tweeting of shows, sports & events is now located. And follow my Instagram @DC408dxtr as well, I've posted quote pics of the Free Agents cast w/ quotes from their bios, along other things.
Once again, huge thanks to Meagan & Janette for joining me to provide their scoop on the Reunion, to the Are You The One? cast for a great season, and to you for reading. Until I join you on twitter and then here on the blog, have fun, see you then and Happy Easter.
- DC
From @RyanMalaty: the cast at their reunion, their attempt to emulate Ellen Degeneres' famous twitter-breaking selfie at the Oscars.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Got something on your mind? Let us know! But please be mindful and do not post spam or negative comments (due to that, all comments are subject to blogger approval... and we reserve the right to disable these sections if things get way out of hand).