The views and opinions expressed in DC FORUM are only of its blogger &
viewers and do not necessarily reflect the views of DCBLOG or affiliated
parties. Certain comments in this article are used courtesy of MTV.com.
BY DC CUEVA
As we wrap up an amazing season of Real World Skeletons and close in on the final stages of The Challenge: Battle of the Exes II, DCBLOG is continuing its evolution as a must-read destination for All Things MTV. And it's amid this backdrop that this week, we launch a reinvigorated feature on this site as we head towards the end of what has been a very eventful last six months for those of us who follow this world of MTV reality programming very seriously.
Those of you who've been visiting this site not only since late September, but also the past two & a half years as well, have come to know this site as a place to find top-notch coverage of the trifecta of The Real World, The Challenge and, starting last year, Are You The One?, and other things too. It's all maintained by someone who's been an MTV fan for 16 years, a fan of its longest-running show and a TV pioneer almost from the start, and a great supporter of its personalities on social media. There's no better thing for me to follow and cover than shows that I've been watching since I was in high school, and it never gets old watching these shows and getting to know these people.
Lately, I've been devoting more of my energies to DCBLOG (thus, not much twitter activity) and this site continues to get better & better. I like to think of this as more than just a fan site that covers these shows...it does so in a unique and informative way, with the high quality standards I live by. Since I launched my MTV coverage here with Rivals II in summer 2013, this site has offered a successful formula of DC SocialPulse twitter episode diaries and wrap-ups, intriguing feature stories & profiles, and fresh insight from fans. This provides a perfect complement to the coverage already being offered by other sites & blogs, the wide array of great webcasts that cover this show greatly, and everything in between that saturate the entire franchise.
But this year as we aim to keep this site unique in maintaining the standards we've set in our coverage of seven seasons of the Trifecta but also remaining progressive, starting this week we are reinventing one of our features on here. In its previous form, DC Fan's View provided unique fan perspective into the tapings of six reunions or after shows for Real World, Challenge and AYTO. And now, as evidenced by my last Fan's View post where Andrew Kirk & I discussed 2014 in reality TV, we're relaunching & expanding that feature and giving it a new name: The DC FORUM.
Future editions of The Forum will feature me chatting with fans, bloggers and webcast hosts as we discuss in blog form the shows we love in offering our opinions and insight. And you can expect a double dose of it after we crown a champion on Exes 2 with me having on one of those fans who I will choose, and bringing back Andrew to debrief the seasons that were. We'll reiterate the info presented in yesterday's SocialPulse post at the end of this post as well.
Today however, we kicking it off with a perspective on two key moments that occurred on last week's Exes 2 episode and on the season finale of RW Skeletons: Sarah making a major gamble and a fight that ended a tight-knit friendship. First, we'll offer some more insight into those events, along with thoughts culled from MTVNews.com's articles from fans on how they viewed those moments. Then after both of those, I'll provide my two cents on those stories too.
So, join us after the jump for the debut of DC FORUM and thoughts on Sarah's gamble and the Skeletons fight.
At the end of last week's episode of The Challenge: Battle of the Exes 2, we witnessed a risky gamble that may have determined who wins this season 2 even before we get to the start line of the final challenge. It was after the last regular mission before the final - a very scary and death-defying one for that matter - that we saw a game-changing move by the week's power couple.
Sarah & Jordan won Power Couple for the second straight week, and third time overall this season, and continuing a run that started when they were put into the Dome in Week 8 and won. By virtue of winning a nighttime mission at a Panama skyscraper called Don't Let Me Down, the Wonder Twins clinched a spot in the Exes 2 Final, guaranteeing themselves of at least $15,000 but also entering as possible favorites in the final three.
Usually, they would have a day or so to decide who to put into elimination, but instead TJ Lavin gave them a twist and ordered Sarah & Jordan to pick right on the spot the team who would face the last place team, Nia & Leroy, in the last Dome for a spot in the final at stake. While it's because they are rookies and haven't been to elimination yet, many felt Jay & Jenna would be the logical choice. But Sarah wasn't keen on Jordan's idea of making the rookies earn their stripes, and instead she made a monumental gamble by voting in the winners of the Exiled losers bracket, Johnny Bananas & Nany, to face Nia & Leroy in a rematch of their Week 5 battle that saw the defending guys' champion lose.
A lot of people have varying opinions on Sarah's gutsy gamble, and here's their opinions in the comments section at the bottom of the article that was posted at the end of this week's Challenge episode on MTVNews.com:
> from MTV.com user eddie:
"People who are hating on Sarah because she made her choice should really get a reality check...SARAH made the SMARTEST, BOLDEST, STRATEGIC move in Challenge HERSTORY....I'm tired of these vets/rookies being influence by Bananas and then having him in the Final. And for him to cry crocodile tears shows me that he is as a weak as any player who has played this game. Sarah has played and will continue to play HER game and not Bananas....I'm sooo proud of her because FINALLY someone stood up to BANANAS and sent him into The Dome....Y'all need to step off and see that going into a final with a strong team will not guarantee you the win....BRAVA SARAH!!!....." - eddie
> from MTV.com user kimberly:
"I am just elated at how all this turned out. I have always liked Sarah but in this season's challenge I wasn't so sure...she played some of the people I was rooting for. I've never liked the shade monsters aka Johnny or Nany. I love Leroy and Nia....this is so crazy to see them go up against each other AGAIN!!!!!! I loved Wes though, he was so much smarter than anyone in that house. He plays a sneaky game but the boy has got some talent. JOHNNY DESERVES EVERY SHADY- BACKSTABBING - DOUBLE CROSSED move that is made against him. I hated seeing him win year after year and LOVED when CT would put him in his place. That's one person he knew to respect. He didn't want any from him and he is so lucky that he couldn't finish the season. He turns Johnny into a puppy. I also think its funny how the rookies play dumb...but then show up during the challenges...they are probably going to win or at least come in second...excellent actors."
> from MTV.com user eli:
> "Bananas has done what Sarah did so many times. Sarah made the right move cause either way a strong team goes home. Jordan needs to realize that bananas and nany would probably beat them in the final."
> from MTV.com user ieshia:
"Wes did throw Danny under the bus in fresh meat 2, so I think that was the all time shadiest move ever. I mean him and danny were supposed to be best friends and in an alliance together but he threw danny under the bus even though his own name wasn't really on the line at the time, but he did it any way."
> from MTV.com user fieldof1122:
"Love how Sarah is the "nice girl" and somehow thats been the reason shes lost in the past when in the reality she's never been in any position of power before this season. Even on cut throat she was trying to get rid of her perceived weak team mates to further her chances of a win. Her "being nice" has nothing to do with her past performance. Many times = twice? Once to Paula which was what? 6-7 years ago? Which he has more then made up for by helping her get to the final on rivals and rivals 2. She also threw him in on rivals. People aren't ever going to let that go though are they? And then this past season to leroy where it was between him and Leroy. Theres a reason why johnny has so many friends and gets to the end with them. Its not just pure coincidence."
> from MTV.com user reality junkie:
"Best move she's made in any season. Johnny literally left Paula (his sworn ally) sitting alone on the shore as he and his final team rowed away from the Island (MANY seasons ago). He would do the same to her in a HEARTBEAT! He needs to recognize good game play and not get so butt hurt when someone else out-strategizes him!"
> from MTV.com user schteta:
"Sarah made the best possible decision. Bananas is a threat and should be eliminated. That is just real. No one was saying something when N&L throw in Zach and Jonna against Sarah, to get rid of a strong team. Sarah was treated so bad by her challenge partners, she should take advantage of Jordan. And at least after this season she'll have rival partners like Nia and not like that Trishelle girl."
> from MTV.com user stephanie:
"if bananas and nany had won i wouldn't have been surprised when they said sarah and jordan's names because we have seen bananas turn on the people he was suppose to be working with and sarah is trying to win and i hope she does finally"
> from MTV.com user shaina:
"I think Sarah made a smart move! If you want to win, you have to make smart moves and that was one of the best! Its not about friendships, it's about the money in this game. Go Sarah!!!!"
> from MTV.com user gerald:
"If Sarah and Bananas were in an alliance then her decision to throw in Banany was even more shady than anything Wes or Bananas did. Wes and Bananas have only screwed their alliance members in the past to save themselves from getting voted/selected for elimination or in Bananas' case, to dictate who he faced in an elimination. Both Wes and Bananas have never thrown an alliance member into elimination after they are both guaranteed safety.
"Sarah's reasons for losing in past challenges has nothing to do with people in her alliances screwing her in the past. She lost in the past due to poor teammates and her inability to perform well in one final and losing an elimination she should have won.
- 1. Sarah lost in the Ruins final to a much stronger champs team.
- 2. Sarah was eliminated in Fresh Meat 2 because Wes' alliance wanted to get rid of Kenny or a member of Kenny's alliance. She lost to the better team of Kenny/Laurel.
- 3. Sarah and Abram couldn't finish the final on Cutthroat so it was her and Abe's fault.
- 4. Sarah and Katelynn DQed on a challenge in Rivals 1 and get eliminated by a rookie team of Jonna and Jasmine on a puzzle elimination.
- 5. Sarah is eliminated on Battle of the Exes 2 because her partner Vinney was DQed.
- 6. Sarah takes third place on Battle of the Seasons because her teammate Devryn performed poorly in the final.
- 7. Sarah is eliminated from Rivals 2 because her partner Trishelle quit.
"Johnny throws his alliance under the bus if he has to do it to save himself. He threw Paula under the bus to save himself on the Island. He also threw Mark/Robin under the bus in Exes 1 by asking CT/Diem select Mark/Robin to face Bananas in the elimination instead of Ty/Emily.
"I laughed when Sarah talked about losing Battle of the Seasons because she kept Devrn and JD around. She is probably right, but karma is a *****. Sarah cost her team a final in the past. Sarah and Abram couldn't complete the final on Cutthroat, which cost their team the win."
> from MTV.com user not4nuthin:
"Um, doesn't anyone remember Johnny ditching Paula on the beach when they supposedly had an alliance? Johnny is pure slime and Nany cheering when someone is down is absolutely disgusting. I'll never look at her the same way."
> from MTV.com user eli:
"Has anyone else wondered why in this season Jordan was all over bananas sack? Last season Jordan constantly talked trash about Johnny and kept saying he will send him home. I know bananas sent him home but damn Jordan did a 180 real quick. If Jordan wants to win a challenge wouldn't the best choice be putting team banany in the dome?"
> from MTV.com user alyssa:
"I am so happy to say this challenge has played out exactly the way I had hoped it would. I absolutely despise Wes and was elated when him and Theresa were sent home. What goes around comes around! I am not the biggest fan of Johnny, but I could not help but smile when all the blood drained from Wes' face as Bananas and Nany re-entered the game! Sarah ABSOLUTELY made the right decision to send in team Banany. She wants that money bad and isn't that what it's about? Any one of us would've done the same if we were competing. It is about her and Jordan! THAT'S IT! Move over Johnny, it's time for someone else to play your game. Mark my words this is how the rest of the game pans out: Leroy and Nia will beat Johnny and Nany sending them home right before the final challenge. Making the final 3 teams Leroy/Nia, Jordan/Sarah, & Jay/Jenna. Jay/Jenna will take 3rd place, Leroy/Nia will take 2nd place, leaving Jordan/Sarah to take 1st place! Well played guys, you deserve it! Kudos! Team Jordan/Sarah all day everyday :)"
> from MTV.com user tami novak:
"You go girl. Bananas would've thrown you and Jordan in and he knows it.New blood. Many sorry but you and Bananas didn't deserve the finals."
> from MTV.com user alex:
"Smartest decision she has ever made in this game"
> from MTV.com user kay:
"Damn i love Sarah for doing that. That was an enjoyable episode too watch. My hats off to sarah. I do not like Nany so i am so glade she has to fight with one of the strongest teams to get to the end. Not to mention leroy an nia already beat them. Here's to round two and hope leroy and nia win. They deserve it."
> from MTV.com user shuerta:
"Love it I'm glad sarah finally did the smartest move anyone has ever done on this show.more chances for her for more money .good for her she deserves it ! ! that's why she's the brains Jordan needs to hush down .best episode on the challenge :)"
> from MTV.com user melinda:
"Sarah you are so bad@$$ for doing that I love you!!! Johnny I don't care if we are best friends, you've won this a bazillion times so i want mine!! good on ya Sarah"
> from MTV.com user dallas:
"Who would've thought the nice blonde became the biggest badass with the biggest pair! Jordan I hope your kissing her beautiful ass right now..."
> from MTV.com user maria:
"thank you Sarah for doing what no one else had the guts to do."
> from MTV.com user holly:
"Yes yes! it's about time someone spoke up against Bananas. He's a great competitor but I give Sarah props for the move she did. No one is entitled to getting to the final, regardless of how much of a vet you are. He wants to act like it's brand new when the tables get turned on him. Have a taste of your own medicine, buddy."
> from MTV.com user robert:
"Smartest move in challenge history. Johnny is good as gone when he hit the dome. Leroy is a beast in these challenges. I can't wait to see this unfold toward the end of the season. Well game played by Sarah."
And updated for March 16th, one day prior to the penultimate episode, MTVNews.com posted Johnny Bananas' response to Sarah's blindside move. Here's fan reaction to that article...
> from MTV.com user austin:
"Before reading this I was definitely on the "JB's being a *****, he's done worse than this." but actually he's kinda right. JB and Sarah have been friends since The Ruins, that was a long time ago. They've been close friends in real life and allies on the challenge for years. Sarah, although it was a smart move on her part just stabbed her friend in the back, no question about it. If Johnny didnt come back then Sarah and Jordan were going in because they wouldn't play ball with Wes. I mean look at Jordan's reaction, even a guy who hates JB was like no way, because that's clearly pretty damn shady. Although I think it was a smart move by Sarah (who would want to go against JB in a final?), I don't blame him for not wanting anything to do with her. I don't know if I agree that what he did with Paula wasn't as bad or worse (on a team with Ryan, Jenn and Robin against Evelyn, Kenny, JB and Derrick.. yeah okay great chance of winning), it was still a pretty ****** thing to do. This coming from someone who's absolutely sick of seeing Johnny on these challenges."
WAS THE $250,000 GAMBLE THE RIGHT CHOICE?
At the end of last week's episode of The Challenge: Battle of the Exes 2, we witnessed a risky gamble that may have determined who wins this season 2 even before we get to the start line of the final challenge. It was after the last regular mission before the final - a very scary and death-defying one for that matter - that we saw a game-changing move by the week's power couple.
Sarah & Jordan won Power Couple for the second straight week, and third time overall this season, and continuing a run that started when they were put into the Dome in Week 8 and won. By virtue of winning a nighttime mission at a Panama skyscraper called Don't Let Me Down, the Wonder Twins clinched a spot in the Exes 2 Final, guaranteeing themselves of at least $15,000 but also entering as possible favorites in the final three.
Usually, they would have a day or so to decide who to put into elimination, but instead TJ Lavin gave them a twist and ordered Sarah & Jordan to pick right on the spot the team who would face the last place team, Nia & Leroy, in the last Dome for a spot in the final at stake. While it's because they are rookies and haven't been to elimination yet, many felt Jay & Jenna would be the logical choice. But Sarah wasn't keen on Jordan's idea of making the rookies earn their stripes, and instead she made a monumental gamble by voting in the winners of the Exiled losers bracket, Johnny Bananas & Nany, to face Nia & Leroy in a rematch of their Week 5 battle that saw the defending guys' champion lose.
A lot of people have varying opinions on Sarah's gutsy gamble, and here's their opinions in the comments section at the bottom of the article that was posted at the end of this week's Challenge episode on MTVNews.com:
> from MTV.com user eddie:
"People who are hating on Sarah because she made her choice should really get a reality check...SARAH made the SMARTEST, BOLDEST, STRATEGIC move in Challenge HERSTORY....I'm tired of these vets/rookies being influence by Bananas and then having him in the Final. And for him to cry crocodile tears shows me that he is as a weak as any player who has played this game. Sarah has played and will continue to play HER game and not Bananas....I'm sooo proud of her because FINALLY someone stood up to BANANAS and sent him into The Dome....Y'all need to step off and see that going into a final with a strong team will not guarantee you the win....BRAVA SARAH!!!....." - eddie
> from MTV.com user kimberly:
"I am just elated at how all this turned out. I have always liked Sarah but in this season's challenge I wasn't so sure...she played some of the people I was rooting for. I've never liked the shade monsters aka Johnny or Nany. I love Leroy and Nia....this is so crazy to see them go up against each other AGAIN!!!!!! I loved Wes though, he was so much smarter than anyone in that house. He plays a sneaky game but the boy has got some talent. JOHNNY DESERVES EVERY SHADY- BACKSTABBING - DOUBLE CROSSED move that is made against him. I hated seeing him win year after year and LOVED when CT would put him in his place. That's one person he knew to respect. He didn't want any from him and he is so lucky that he couldn't finish the season. He turns Johnny into a puppy. I also think its funny how the rookies play dumb...but then show up during the challenges...they are probably going to win or at least come in second...excellent actors."
> from MTV.com user eli:
> "Bananas has done what Sarah did so many times. Sarah made the right move cause either way a strong team goes home. Jordan needs to realize that bananas and nany would probably beat them in the final."
> from MTV.com user ieshia:
"Wes did throw Danny under the bus in fresh meat 2, so I think that was the all time shadiest move ever. I mean him and danny were supposed to be best friends and in an alliance together but he threw danny under the bus even though his own name wasn't really on the line at the time, but he did it any way."
> from MTV.com user fieldof1122:
"Love how Sarah is the "nice girl" and somehow thats been the reason shes lost in the past when in the reality she's never been in any position of power before this season. Even on cut throat she was trying to get rid of her perceived weak team mates to further her chances of a win. Her "being nice" has nothing to do with her past performance. Many times = twice? Once to Paula which was what? 6-7 years ago? Which he has more then made up for by helping her get to the final on rivals and rivals 2. She also threw him in on rivals. People aren't ever going to let that go though are they? And then this past season to leroy where it was between him and Leroy. Theres a reason why johnny has so many friends and gets to the end with them. Its not just pure coincidence."
> from MTV.com user reality junkie:
"Best move she's made in any season. Johnny literally left Paula (his sworn ally) sitting alone on the shore as he and his final team rowed away from the Island (MANY seasons ago). He would do the same to her in a HEARTBEAT! He needs to recognize good game play and not get so butt hurt when someone else out-strategizes him!"
> from MTV.com user schteta:
"Sarah made the best possible decision. Bananas is a threat and should be eliminated. That is just real. No one was saying something when N&L throw in Zach and Jonna against Sarah, to get rid of a strong team. Sarah was treated so bad by her challenge partners, she should take advantage of Jordan. And at least after this season she'll have rival partners like Nia and not like that Trishelle girl."
> from MTV.com user stephanie:
"if bananas and nany had won i wouldn't have been surprised when they said sarah and jordan's names because we have seen bananas turn on the people he was suppose to be working with and sarah is trying to win and i hope she does finally"
> from MTV.com user shaina:
"I think Sarah made a smart move! If you want to win, you have to make smart moves and that was one of the best! Its not about friendships, it's about the money in this game. Go Sarah!!!!"
> from MTV.com user gerald:
"If Sarah and Bananas were in an alliance then her decision to throw in Banany was even more shady than anything Wes or Bananas did. Wes and Bananas have only screwed their alliance members in the past to save themselves from getting voted/selected for elimination or in Bananas' case, to dictate who he faced in an elimination. Both Wes and Bananas have never thrown an alliance member into elimination after they are both guaranteed safety.
"Sarah's reasons for losing in past challenges has nothing to do with people in her alliances screwing her in the past. She lost in the past due to poor teammates and her inability to perform well in one final and losing an elimination she should have won.
- 1. Sarah lost in the Ruins final to a much stronger champs team.
- 2. Sarah was eliminated in Fresh Meat 2 because Wes' alliance wanted to get rid of Kenny or a member of Kenny's alliance. She lost to the better team of Kenny/Laurel.
- 3. Sarah and Abram couldn't finish the final on Cutthroat so it was her and Abe's fault.
- 4. Sarah and Katelynn DQed on a challenge in Rivals 1 and get eliminated by a rookie team of Jonna and Jasmine on a puzzle elimination.
- 5. Sarah is eliminated on Battle of the Exes 2 because her partner Vinney was DQed.
- 6. Sarah takes third place on Battle of the Seasons because her teammate Devryn performed poorly in the final.
- 7. Sarah is eliminated from Rivals 2 because her partner Trishelle quit.
"Johnny throws his alliance under the bus if he has to do it to save himself. He threw Paula under the bus to save himself on the Island. He also threw Mark/Robin under the bus in Exes 1 by asking CT/Diem select Mark/Robin to face Bananas in the elimination instead of Ty/Emily.
"I laughed when Sarah talked about losing Battle of the Seasons because she kept Devrn and JD around. She is probably right, but karma is a *****. Sarah cost her team a final in the past. Sarah and Abram couldn't complete the final on Cutthroat, which cost their team the win."
> from MTV.com user not4nuthin:
"Um, doesn't anyone remember Johnny ditching Paula on the beach when they supposedly had an alliance? Johnny is pure slime and Nany cheering when someone is down is absolutely disgusting. I'll never look at her the same way."
> from MTV.com user eli:
"Has anyone else wondered why in this season Jordan was all over bananas sack? Last season Jordan constantly talked trash about Johnny and kept saying he will send him home. I know bananas sent him home but damn Jordan did a 180 real quick. If Jordan wants to win a challenge wouldn't the best choice be putting team banany in the dome?"
> from MTV.com user alyssa:
"I am so happy to say this challenge has played out exactly the way I had hoped it would. I absolutely despise Wes and was elated when him and Theresa were sent home. What goes around comes around! I am not the biggest fan of Johnny, but I could not help but smile when all the blood drained from Wes' face as Bananas and Nany re-entered the game! Sarah ABSOLUTELY made the right decision to send in team Banany. She wants that money bad and isn't that what it's about? Any one of us would've done the same if we were competing. It is about her and Jordan! THAT'S IT! Move over Johnny, it's time for someone else to play your game. Mark my words this is how the rest of the game pans out: Leroy and Nia will beat Johnny and Nany sending them home right before the final challenge. Making the final 3 teams Leroy/Nia, Jordan/Sarah, & Jay/Jenna. Jay/Jenna will take 3rd place, Leroy/Nia will take 2nd place, leaving Jordan/Sarah to take 1st place! Well played guys, you deserve it! Kudos! Team Jordan/Sarah all day everyday :)"
> from MTV.com user tami novak:
"You go girl. Bananas would've thrown you and Jordan in and he knows it.New blood. Many sorry but you and Bananas didn't deserve the finals."
> from MTV.com user alex:
"Smartest decision she has ever made in this game"
> from MTV.com user kay:
"Damn i love Sarah for doing that. That was an enjoyable episode too watch. My hats off to sarah. I do not like Nany so i am so glade she has to fight with one of the strongest teams to get to the end. Not to mention leroy an nia already beat them. Here's to round two and hope leroy and nia win. They deserve it."
> from MTV.com user shuerta:
"Love it I'm glad sarah finally did the smartest move anyone has ever done on this show.more chances for her for more money .good for her she deserves it ! ! that's why she's the brains Jordan needs to hush down .best episode on the challenge :)"
> from MTV.com user melinda:
"Sarah you are so bad@$$ for doing that I love you!!! Johnny I don't care if we are best friends, you've won this a bazillion times so i want mine!! good on ya Sarah"
> from MTV.com user dallas:
"Who would've thought the nice blonde became the biggest badass with the biggest pair! Jordan I hope your kissing her beautiful ass right now..."
> from MTV.com user maria:
"thank you Sarah for doing what no one else had the guts to do."
> from MTV.com user holly:
"Yes yes! it's about time someone spoke up against Bananas. He's a great competitor but I give Sarah props for the move she did. No one is entitled to getting to the final, regardless of how much of a vet you are. He wants to act like it's brand new when the tables get turned on him. Have a taste of your own medicine, buddy."
> from MTV.com user robert:
"Smartest move in challenge history. Johnny is good as gone when he hit the dome. Leroy is a beast in these challenges. I can't wait to see this unfold toward the end of the season. Well game played by Sarah."
BANANAS' RESPONSE
* * * UPDATE * * *
And updated for March 16th, one day prior to the penultimate episode, MTVNews.com posted Johnny Bananas' response to Sarah's blindside move. Here's fan reaction to that article...
> from MTV.com user austin:
"Before reading this I was definitely on the "JB's being a *****, he's done worse than this." but actually he's kinda right. JB and Sarah have been friends since The Ruins, that was a long time ago. They've been close friends in real life and allies on the challenge for years. Sarah, although it was a smart move on her part just stabbed her friend in the back, no question about it. If Johnny didnt come back then Sarah and Jordan were going in because they wouldn't play ball with Wes. I mean look at Jordan's reaction, even a guy who hates JB was like no way, because that's clearly pretty damn shady. Although I think it was a smart move by Sarah (who would want to go against JB in a final?), I don't blame him for not wanting anything to do with her. I don't know if I agree that what he did with Paula wasn't as bad or worse (on a team with Ryan, Jenn and Robin against Evelyn, Kenny, JB and Derrick.. yeah okay great chance of winning), it was still a pretty ****** thing to do. This coming from someone who's absolutely sick of seeing Johnny on these challenges."
> from MTV.com user neil singleton:
"Johnny Bananas is the most un-self aware person ever! Gee JB, did ya think making Sarah do your dirty work by throwing the challenge so that she was forced to put in Leroy and Nia and you came out smelling like a rose was any better than her putting you in after you returned from exile via a twist!? What's good for the goose is good for the gander, a lesson Johnny Bananas needs to learn. Fans see it no matter how much he tries to deny it!"
"Johnny Bananas is the most un-self aware person ever! Gee JB, did ya think making Sarah do your dirty work by throwing the challenge so that she was forced to put in Leroy and Nia and you came out smelling like a rose was any better than her putting you in after you returned from exile via a twist!? What's good for the goose is good for the gander, a lesson Johnny Bananas needs to learn. Fans see it no matter how much he tries to deny it!"
> from MTV.com user matt:
"I have no problem with what she did, but it's funny how Sarah gets a round of applause for "screwing over" people, yet whenever Wes and Bananas do this people act like they're the scum of the Earth. Honestly, you would think they just committed murder. Talk about hypocrisy. What makes Sarah above criticism? So, by that logic, she must be the scum of the Earth too, right? You can't have it both ways, it's either one or the other. If you're gonna say she made a great move, at least give Wes and Bananas credit for all the times they've done the same thing and stop crying whenever they make power moves. This isn't the goodie-two-shoes games where everyone gets a trophy. Only ONE team wins. Wes said it perfectly in a preseason interview: "If you don't do WHATEVER it takes to make it to the final, you fail.
How come whenever Wes and Bananas make bold moves people scream bloody murder but when Sarah makes a bold move (like she did last episode), she gets a free pass? Just pointing out the double standard."
"I have no problem with what she did, but it's funny how Sarah gets a round of applause for "screwing over" people, yet whenever Wes and Bananas do this people act like they're the scum of the Earth. Honestly, you would think they just committed murder. Talk about hypocrisy. What makes Sarah above criticism? So, by that logic, she must be the scum of the Earth too, right? You can't have it both ways, it's either one or the other. If you're gonna say she made a great move, at least give Wes and Bananas credit for all the times they've done the same thing and stop crying whenever they make power moves. This isn't the goodie-two-shoes games where everyone gets a trophy. Only ONE team wins. Wes said it perfectly in a preseason interview: "If you don't do WHATEVER it takes to make it to the final, you fail.
How come whenever Wes and Bananas make bold moves people scream bloody murder but when Sarah makes a bold move (like she did last episode), she gets a free pass? Just pointing out the double standard."
> from MTV.com user eddie:
Dear Johnny Bananas: This should show everyone that you love to dish it, but can't take it....You're hating on Sarah because she made her choice, you really need a reality check...SARAH made the SMARTEST, BOLDEST, STRATEGIC move in Challenge HERSTORY....I'm tired of vets/rookies being influence by you, bananas and then having you in the Final. And for you to cry crocodile tears shows me that you are as a weak as any player who has played this game. Sarah has played and will continue to play HER game and not yours Bananas....I'm sooo proud of her because FINALLY someone stood up to you, BANANAS and sent you into The Dome....Y'all need to step off and see that going into a final with a strong team will not guarantee you the win....BRAVA SARAH!!!.....And for you to say that only Betrayed Paula on "The Island" is bull...You've also played dirty on "Battle of the Exes, Free Agents, Rivals II,...so, if you can't take it, then don't dish it buddy....No T No Shade.....
Dear Johnny Bananas: This should show everyone that you love to dish it, but can't take it....You're hating on Sarah because she made her choice, you really need a reality check...SARAH made the SMARTEST, BOLDEST, STRATEGIC move in Challenge HERSTORY....I'm tired of vets/rookies being influence by you, bananas and then having you in the Final. And for you to cry crocodile tears shows me that you are as a weak as any player who has played this game. Sarah has played and will continue to play HER game and not yours Bananas....I'm sooo proud of her because FINALLY someone stood up to you, BANANAS and sent you into The Dome....Y'all need to step off and see that going into a final with a strong team will not guarantee you the win....BRAVA SARAH!!!.....And for you to say that only Betrayed Paula on "The Island" is bull...You've also played dirty on "Battle of the Exes, Free Agents, Rivals II,...so, if you can't take it, then don't dish it buddy....No T No Shade.....
> from MTV.com user dawn mcferren:
"I love how Johnny is all concerned about morality only when it happens to him. He was angry??? at Wes for throwing him in the elimination when that is how the game is played, even used the 'with my bff Leroy' gambit. Than he lets Jordan and Sarah, do the dirty work (as he said) and throw his previously mentioned bff Leroy in the elimination. He has from the beginning taken in personally when people throw him in but has thrown others in countless times. For some reason he thinks he is better than everyone else and can play by different rules. Sarah made the best decision and was eliminating at least one stronger team. It was extremely smart and unlike Sarah who is always playing everyone game for them instead of for herself. Which is probably why Johnny was so friendly with her, she does what he says, she was the same with Kenny. But I guess not anymore... LOL"
"I love how Johnny is all concerned about morality only when it happens to him. He was angry??? at Wes for throwing him in the elimination when that is how the game is played, even used the 'with my bff Leroy' gambit. Than he lets Jordan and Sarah, do the dirty work (as he said) and throw his previously mentioned bff Leroy in the elimination. He has from the beginning taken in personally when people throw him in but has thrown others in countless times. For some reason he thinks he is better than everyone else and can play by different rules. Sarah made the best decision and was eliminating at least one stronger team. It was extremely smart and unlike Sarah who is always playing everyone game for them instead of for herself. Which is probably why Johnny was so friendly with her, she does what he says, she was the same with Kenny. But I guess not anymore... LOL"
> from MTV.com user stacey:
"I think that he forgets that this is a game. I've always supported Johnny, Wes, or anyone who made bold moves in the name of the game. Sarah is no exception. Take it for what it is, she wanted to win and she knew you could beat her, so she got rid of you. Smartest GAME move ever. End of story. Leave your blubbery heartfelt bull at home."
"I think that he forgets that this is a game. I've always supported Johnny, Wes, or anyone who made bold moves in the name of the game. Sarah is no exception. Take it for what it is, she wanted to win and she knew you could beat her, so she got rid of you. Smartest GAME move ever. End of story. Leave your blubbery heartfelt bull at home."
> from MTV.com user alexis:
"Johnny is so wrong!!! Sarah's decision was not worse than what he did to Paula. Who cares if it was his third challenge?! he still stabbed her in the back as he says himself to stay alive in the game. Sarah is giving herself a greater chance to win...he really needs to get over it. She made a good decision. While I do feel that Jay and Jenna should have had to prove themselves in an elimination round, the vets are the ones who have ALL kept them around on purpose. And why not have some weaker competition. Sarah deserves to win this more than anyone!! Good for her throwing in a strong couple so only two really strong teams will be in final. Go Sarah!! Praying you and Jordan win!
I don't understand why Bananas doesn't get this!!! He is playing the victim when he is not...after his past transgressions.He even is justifying what he did to Paula. Well hello, Sarah is dying to win her first challenge after being stuck with sucky partners in the past."
"Johnny is so wrong!!! Sarah's decision was not worse than what he did to Paula. Who cares if it was his third challenge?! he still stabbed her in the back as he says himself to stay alive in the game. Sarah is giving herself a greater chance to win...he really needs to get over it. She made a good decision. While I do feel that Jay and Jenna should have had to prove themselves in an elimination round, the vets are the ones who have ALL kept them around on purpose. And why not have some weaker competition. Sarah deserves to win this more than anyone!! Good for her throwing in a strong couple so only two really strong teams will be in final. Go Sarah!! Praying you and Jordan win!
I don't understand why Bananas doesn't get this!!! He is playing the victim when he is not...after his past transgressions.He even is justifying what he did to Paula. Well hello, Sarah is dying to win her first challenge after being stuck with sucky partners in the past."
> from MTV.com user vanessa:
"This is total BS. I'm a fan of both players- but Johnny would have done the same thing! He has won so much, and he has done lots of sheisty moves to win!!! TSK TSK Bananas."
"This is total BS. I'm a fan of both players- but Johnny would have done the same thing! He has won so much, and he has done lots of sheisty moves to win!!! TSK TSK Bananas."
THE FIGHT THAT ENDED A FRIENDSHIP
The emotional season finale to what has been an emotional season of Real World Skeletons began where the previous episode left off, with Jason suddenly getting into a fight with Nicole. It was there that after a night where Tony frustrated everyone with his drunken behavior, a patio & balcony talk between him, Jason, Sylvia and Nicole led to a huge fight between Jason and Nicole, both of whom had developed a great friendship in Chicago.
The fight got very physical when, off-air and likely edited out of the episode with respect to family sensitivity, when Jay picked Nicole up and threw her up against the wall, security had to step in to break things up. When Jason makes several attempts to apologize to Nic, both after the fight and in the days before they left, she responds that she's had enough with him and refuses to forgive him, citing that no one has ever put their hands on here and will never forget about it, though there's feeling for her by him.
The consequence of both that fight, and another earlier in the season between Violetta, Sylvia and Madison, saw production intervene by sending in a therapist to talk to most of the roommates. Therapist Joyce told them that physical and verbal abuse is never an answer or solution to conflict and it affects those who they love. Nic listened to the first few minutes of the lecture before later resorting to the confessional, while Bruno deserts it altogether.
While the episode aired, just after the fight was shown, Jason wrote this note on Twitter to address his side of the story, and offered an apology for his behavior, especially given that he is now a father and had also met his dad for the first time in the finale:
Meanwhile, in the MTVNews.com article which covered the fight from a domestic violence perspective, two viewers offered their two cents:
> From MTV.com user peaceandlovebugs:
"While I don't belive it's ok for a man to put his hands on a woman, I also don't feel it's ok for a woman to scream violently and aggressively in a man's face either. I don't think that incident would have escalated to that point if ALL parties involved weren't drunk. Nicole needs to except her responsibility in the situation too. I think it's terrible and hypocritical of her to now play the victim role. They were both wrong. Jason owned up to his part, apologized for his terrible actions, to stock of his character, AND participated in the therapy session. Nicole obviously was never truly his friend. Hopefully she learned a lesson to stop acting in a physical and aggressive manner as if she's a man. There are some men that would have no problem decking her. I think she wants to be perceived in a masculine manner, which is her choice, but she needs to understand that she can't predict the actions of others. Learning to recognize your own flaws while you're recognizing the flaws of others helps you grow into a better and stronger person. "MTV is too ok with these people drinking excessively and becoming violent with each other. Thank goodness no one got seriously hurt. They all need anger management (except Madison) and a little less alcohol."
> From MTV.com user netto:
"Very well said. Everyone has the protensity to react when someone is square in their face and screaming at them. And yes some men would of smacked her. Also very good point on how Jason reacted. He did everything correctly. And though Nicole reached out to him, in a small way, you could tell that her tears when leaving was hurt because it was all about her own pride in that no one puts a hand on her. As terrible as it all is you have to put your pride aside and learn"
First, Sarah's gamble that changed the game. To be totally honest with you, I had a feeling in my mind that when Sarah & Jordan would announce who they would put into the last Dome before the final was, the dreaded black screen would come up. I actually turned off my TV and headed to the bathroom for that usual business I always like talking about, as I always like to say, if you know what I mean. So, I actually missed that part when they voted in Bananas & Nany instead of Jay & Jenna. But do I think it was the right choice? This is, after all, a game, and this was the gamble that will change everything in more ways than one...perhaps this is the decisive move of this season.
And second, there's the fight that ended a friendship and the relative serious nature of this Real World season. You know it's always a serious deal whenever a RW episode deals with a social issue that has impact on the viewers who watch the shows, and when they air a PSA on that matter too. We saw at the beginning of last week's Skeletons season finale the fight that occurred between Jason and Nicole, and how it, in an eye blink, turned a great friendship into a bad breakup.
Obviously, this fight was the hardest part for many to watch when it came to the roommates' drunken behavior. Domestic violence has been in the news a lot over the years and while most take place between romantic partners, it can also take place with friends and roommates as well, as listed by an MTVNews.com post on it after the finale.
But there was a considerable difference in when producers, including EP Jon Murray, called them in to a group therapy session to discuss the two fights that took place in the house. Jason attended the group therapy meeting along with Sylvia, Madison, Violetta and Tony, but Nicole and Bruno didn't; so in a way the five who attended might be given the nod for being able to hear Joyce's advice. Given that it was these two fights that took place that production had to send in the therapist, and it was a much-needed reality check to the group to learn about this serious topic.
And also as you saw above, Jason did take to Twitter to post a note of him owing up to that lapse of judgement he had in that fight with Nicole and apologizing to everyone who were offended by it. Given that he had become a new father to an adorable new baby, and also that he had just seen his own father for the first time, Jason knew that he had messed up and let down everyone in his entire support system - family, friends and roommates included. Everyone has emotions and sometimes, it can get so carried away that reflection is needed, and Jason's had all the time since taping until we got to see it last week for him to think about. He added a sorry note to those who had looked up to him, but did reassure everyone that he's working hard to better himself and keeping emotions in check.
Now with reports out on the twitter grapevine of Jenelle Evans from Teen Mom II reportedly getting into a fracas with her new fiance Nathan Griffiths during filming of season 6 of the show, the Jason & Nicole fight won't be the only time MTV finds itself at the center of a domestic violence debate this year. But both the finale and the Madison/Sylvia/V fight provided us with a reminder of how serious physical altercations can get, and the consequences that can come along with it.
The Act.MTV social activism area of MTVNews.com posted several articles during Real World Skeletons relating to issues that arisen during the episodes, and spoke to those closest to them. The first one is the aforementioned story on domestic violence and how it relates to the Jason-Nicole fight, which you can read here. The site also covered the fight with Violetta, Sylvia and Madison from earlier in the season, which generated over 100 user comments. And a third looked at the anger issues that Bruno faced during his Skeleton episode. And for more on ending relationship abuse and promoting healthy relationships, visit LoveIsRespect.org.
Now that you've heard from me and from viewers about the two biggest stories from the last Double Shot Tuesday, I'm providing you a platform on DCBLOG to discuss Real World Skeletons and Battle of the Exes 2 for my postseason discussion posts once the Challenge season wraps up. So once again, in case you missed it yesterday, another reminder of what I have planned for you on this site.
This season, I'm opening up my guest list to any fans, bloggers and webcast hosts in giving you all a place to discuss these shows, and Are You The One? too, on future editions of DC FORUM. I'm reserving one of two postseason Forum posts for you to be involved, and I'm looking for passionate and knowledgeable fans of these shows to join me and discuss them in written blog form here. This is the equivalent of the great webcasts that Andrew Kirk, Brian Cohen, Ali Lasher, Reality Radio and AfterBuzz TV do in giving fans a voice in their shows. And I plan to keep doing my part to help provoke & fuel discussion among fans by bring those people on for fresh insight too.
If you're one of those fanatics or those webcast hosts who would like to do an email interview for this site on the Trifecta, just tweet, follow or send me a DM to my twitter @DC408dxtr, or simply email me dc408dxtr@icloud.com and we'll set things up (i.e. asking for your email via DM, discuss possible topics & ?'s privately, etc.). I'll send you an email questionnaire for you to fill out, with a timely deadline of have it in within a week of it appearing in your inbox. As always, the quicker you reply, the faster I'll be in posting it.
That's it for this first edition of DC FORUM...hope you were engaged by the thoughts that both me and other viewers have about Sarah's vote for Banany and the domestic violence issue. If you haven't yet, check out my latest DC SocialPulse post where we provide the twitter diaries of last week's Double Shot, plus we look at how two members of Team MTV are doing their part to help raise awareness of bullying and its consequences. Plus tomorrow, watch for my latest DC ExtraTime post which will look back at now-finalist Jay's heartbreaking ordeal of losing his mom during his Real World season and how it relates to what the MTV family dealt with months later.
Be sure to follow my live twitter account, DCNOW at @DC408DxNow for a busy day and night of live tweets with this week's Exes 2 episode to be preceded by the start of NCAA March Madness and the First Four in Dayton, OH. And as always, there's my Twitter and Instagram @DC408Dxtr for tweets, chats, alerts & pics, and Tumblr at dc408dxtr.tumblr.com. For now until tomorrow, thanks for reading and talk to you then.
- I AM DC
The fight got very physical when, off-air and likely edited out of the episode with respect to family sensitivity, when Jay picked Nicole up and threw her up against the wall, security had to step in to break things up. When Jason makes several attempts to apologize to Nic, both after the fight and in the days before they left, she responds that she's had enough with him and refuses to forgive him, citing that no one has ever put their hands on here and will never forget about it, though there's feeling for her by him.
The consequence of both that fight, and another earlier in the season between Violetta, Sylvia and Madison, saw production intervene by sending in a therapist to talk to most of the roommates. Therapist Joyce told them that physical and verbal abuse is never an answer or solution to conflict and it affects those who they love. Nic listened to the first few minutes of the lecture before later resorting to the confessional, while Bruno deserts it altogether.
While the episode aired, just after the fight was shown, Jason wrote this note on Twitter to address his side of the story, and offered an apology for his behavior, especially given that he is now a father and had also met his dad for the first time in the finale:
> From Jason/@_Kazuhnova on Twitter:
"I would like to apologize to all Women and anybody that's been in a situation similar. I was wrong, dead wrong and because of that I have to live with now I made Cole, my heart, my Sis feel forever and it hurts so damn bad. I let not just myself down but my daughter, my family and friends more importantly my roommates including Cole. I am deeply sorry. I deserve any anger or sign of disappointment from anybody because my actions were extremely uncalled for. I had a do a major self evaluation check. I let my emotions get the best of me but no more because it's called self control which I thought I had but now I do. So by all means say what you have to say because I doubt what you can hurt me any more than how I feel knowing what I did and how I lost someone that means a lot to me. Sorry for anybody that considered looking up to me. I'm no role model. I'm just a young man that's a father now working on bettering himself and keeping his head above water."
Meanwhile, in the MTVNews.com article which covered the fight from a domestic violence perspective, two viewers offered their two cents:
> From MTV.com user peaceandlovebugs:
"While I don't belive it's ok for a man to put his hands on a woman, I also don't feel it's ok for a woman to scream violently and aggressively in a man's face either. I don't think that incident would have escalated to that point if ALL parties involved weren't drunk. Nicole needs to except her responsibility in the situation too. I think it's terrible and hypocritical of her to now play the victim role. They were both wrong. Jason owned up to his part, apologized for his terrible actions, to stock of his character, AND participated in the therapy session. Nicole obviously was never truly his friend. Hopefully she learned a lesson to stop acting in a physical and aggressive manner as if she's a man. There are some men that would have no problem decking her. I think she wants to be perceived in a masculine manner, which is her choice, but she needs to understand that she can't predict the actions of others. Learning to recognize your own flaws while you're recognizing the flaws of others helps you grow into a better and stronger person. "MTV is too ok with these people drinking excessively and becoming violent with each other. Thank goodness no one got seriously hurt. They all need anger management (except Madison) and a little less alcohol."
> From MTV.com user netto:
"Very well said. Everyone has the protensity to react when someone is square in their face and screaming at them. And yes some men would of smacked her. Also very good point on how Jason reacted. He did everything correctly. And though Nicole reached out to him, in a small way, you could tell that her tears when leaving was hurt because it was all about her own pride in that no one puts a hand on her. As terrible as it all is you have to put your pride aside and learn"
AND MY OPINIONS...
First, Sarah's gamble that changed the game. To be totally honest with you, I had a feeling in my mind that when Sarah & Jordan would announce who they would put into the last Dome before the final was, the dreaded black screen would come up. I actually turned off my TV and headed to the bathroom for that usual business I always like talking about, as I always like to say, if you know what I mean. So, I actually missed that part when they voted in Bananas & Nany instead of Jay & Jenna. But do I think it was the right choice? This is, after all, a game, and this was the gamble that will change everything in more ways than one...perhaps this is the decisive move of this season.
Sarah has been through this ringer for so many years of being a great competitor and being so close to finally winning the big one. Of course, her coming short in every season she's been on, having to put up with weak competitors that prevented her from winning, and being screwed over two times in being sent home prematurely before competition, has dominated her career. At the same time, Sarah has, for the most part, stayed positive and upbeat with her nice girl persona, and until this week a lot of fans had her & Jordan down as favorites to win.
This history of misfortune was also the very legacy of fellow vet Paula, who had went through a similar journey of losing and falling short in all her years on the show before finally winning for the first time on Rivals, and riding off into the sunset after her Rivals II win. I have a feeling that if Sarah wins this season, and also the fact that last fall she actually got engaged to her boyfriend, she will follow in Paula's footsteps and retire on top as a winner.
This history of misfortune was also the very legacy of fellow vet Paula, who had went through a similar journey of losing and falling short in all her years on the show before finally winning for the first time on Rivals, and riding off into the sunset after her Rivals II win. I have a feeling that if Sarah wins this season, and also the fact that last fall she actually got engaged to her boyfriend, she will follow in Paula's footsteps and retire on top as a winner.
Sure, of course, there has been people getting on Sarah & Jordan for changing the fortunes of two teams: one a champion-caliber team who just got back from Exile and about to face the new Dome Destroyers in Leroy & Nia yet again, and ensuring rookies in this game for the first time $15,000 in the process due to an alliance they formed during the trivia contest and being the only team who didn't compete in the Dome.
For Bananas & Nany, they endured a gut-checking loss in the Week 5 Dome to Leroy & Nia when Nany got stuck in her half of an upside-down relay race and Bananas didn't even have a chance to go, which led Team Red to upsetting them in stunning fashion, which became the turning point in them finally living up to their Challenge potential. Of course, Banany ultimately got a reprieve in the Exiled twist and defeated all of their competitors in secret before meeting with Zach/Jonna in the last battle in front of the house which led to the vets winning and earning their way back to the game, eventually impacting Wes & Theresa's alliance and led to them losing last week's Dome.
Plus, there's the man at the heart of this last Dome battle. Johnny Bananas has been at this game for a long time, and though he's still relatively new to me as far as my Challenge viewing experience goes, it only took until recently for him to win me over. This is someone who's won this five times, who in many's minds is the total focus of his life, and is undoubtedly the face of this show along with host TJ Lavin. But, is this Exes 2 season perhaps one of those times where he might let someone else take the lead and win this? It might as well be just like what happened on Rivals II, only this time this could cost him adding to his winnings before the final begins.
This vote also represents the latest chapter of a recent trend we've seen in relatively weak rookies making their way into a final more freely than what's usually the norm. That's the case with Jay & Jenna, but then again they have competed well enough in every mission to not finish last, and they beat Sarah & Jordan heads up to win the trivia contest, her specialty. So though many think they're the weakest finals team ever, J&J did make their case to earn their way into the final. Sure, they may or may not be my choice for Rookies of the Year when I will name my postseason awards in the final post of my coverage, but they are sure to be unanimous choice of Best at Flying Under the Radar.
For Bananas & Nany, they endured a gut-checking loss in the Week 5 Dome to Leroy & Nia when Nany got stuck in her half of an upside-down relay race and Bananas didn't even have a chance to go, which led Team Red to upsetting them in stunning fashion, which became the turning point in them finally living up to their Challenge potential. Of course, Banany ultimately got a reprieve in the Exiled twist and defeated all of their competitors in secret before meeting with Zach/Jonna in the last battle in front of the house which led to the vets winning and earning their way back to the game, eventually impacting Wes & Theresa's alliance and led to them losing last week's Dome.
Plus, there's the man at the heart of this last Dome battle. Johnny Bananas has been at this game for a long time, and though he's still relatively new to me as far as my Challenge viewing experience goes, it only took until recently for him to win me over. This is someone who's won this five times, who in many's minds is the total focus of his life, and is undoubtedly the face of this show along with host TJ Lavin. But, is this Exes 2 season perhaps one of those times where he might let someone else take the lead and win this? It might as well be just like what happened on Rivals II, only this time this could cost him adding to his winnings before the final begins.
This vote also represents the latest chapter of a recent trend we've seen in relatively weak rookies making their way into a final more freely than what's usually the norm. That's the case with Jay & Jenna, but then again they have competed well enough in every mission to not finish last, and they beat Sarah & Jordan heads up to win the trivia contest, her specialty. So though many think they're the weakest finals team ever, J&J did make their case to earn their way into the final. Sure, they may or may not be my choice for Rookies of the Year when I will name my postseason awards in the final post of my coverage, but they are sure to be unanimous choice of Best at Flying Under the Radar.
So, was it the right gamble? I will say yes. It's all those years of falling short season after season that finally gave Sarah a chance to reverse course and make that brave vote. It's seven seasons of built-up feelings of everything she's been through that, now as favorites going into the final, she's made an all-in gamble that will affect what the finals forecast will be for the $250,000 winner's check she's dreamt of since first gracing our screens in Brooklyn six years ago. It can be a relative easy one that's there for the taking if NiRoy wins, or one she & Jordan will have to earn if Banany wins. It's what happens in that last Dome elimination that decides what path the Power Couple in charge will have to go through to make this pay off.
And second, there's the fight that ended a friendship and the relative serious nature of this Real World season. You know it's always a serious deal whenever a RW episode deals with a social issue that has impact on the viewers who watch the shows, and when they air a PSA on that matter too. We saw at the beginning of last week's Skeletons season finale the fight that occurred between Jason and Nicole, and how it, in an eye blink, turned a great friendship into a bad breakup.
Obviously, this fight was the hardest part for many to watch when it came to the roommates' drunken behavior. Domestic violence has been in the news a lot over the years and while most take place between romantic partners, it can also take place with friends and roommates as well, as listed by an MTVNews.com post on it after the finale.
But there was a considerable difference in when producers, including EP Jon Murray, called them in to a group therapy session to discuss the two fights that took place in the house. Jason attended the group therapy meeting along with Sylvia, Madison, Violetta and Tony, but Nicole and Bruno didn't; so in a way the five who attended might be given the nod for being able to hear Joyce's advice. Given that it was these two fights that took place that production had to send in the therapist, and it was a much-needed reality check to the group to learn about this serious topic.
And also as you saw above, Jason did take to Twitter to post a note of him owing up to that lapse of judgement he had in that fight with Nicole and apologizing to everyone who were offended by it. Given that he had become a new father to an adorable new baby, and also that he had just seen his own father for the first time, Jason knew that he had messed up and let down everyone in his entire support system - family, friends and roommates included. Everyone has emotions and sometimes, it can get so carried away that reflection is needed, and Jason's had all the time since taping until we got to see it last week for him to think about. He added a sorry note to those who had looked up to him, but did reassure everyone that he's working hard to better himself and keeping emotions in check.
For a season that, as Flavorwire wrote, has bridged the present of the show being a guilty pleasure reality show like all others with the socially conscious past of earlier seasons, this might define the issues part of the season. It wasn't just what happened with this fight, but also the one with the other girls earlier on, that sparked conversation among fans. And that didn't include the other topics that came up in Chicago such as Jason becoming a father and meeting his own dad for the first time, Madison's drug-ridden past, Tony having comfort in her, Violetta's eating disorders and Bruno's anger and his brother visiting. It's something that has really reaffirmed
So, what do I think of that fight? Obviously, it's very unfortunate that it happened, and it was not a good sight to hear the story of Jason touching Nicole, and her reminding him that a guy should never put hands on a woman in that manner he exhibited. But, I won't join everyone else in siding with either Jason or Nicole, other than providing hope that one day they can be friends again. And I do agree, violence is not the answer and not the solution to anything.Now with reports out on the twitter grapevine of Jenelle Evans from Teen Mom II reportedly getting into a fracas with her new fiance Nathan Griffiths during filming of season 6 of the show, the Jason & Nicole fight won't be the only time MTV finds itself at the center of a domestic violence debate this year. But both the finale and the Madison/Sylvia/V fight provided us with a reminder of how serious physical altercations can get, and the consequences that can come along with it.
The Act.MTV social activism area of MTVNews.com posted several articles during Real World Skeletons relating to issues that arisen during the episodes, and spoke to those closest to them. The first one is the aforementioned story on domestic violence and how it relates to the Jason-Nicole fight, which you can read here. The site also covered the fight with Violetta, Sylvia and Madison from earlier in the season, which generated over 100 user comments. And a third looked at the anger issues that Bruno faced during his Skeleton episode. And for more on ending relationship abuse and promoting healthy relationships, visit LoveIsRespect.org.
Now that you've heard from me and from viewers about the two biggest stories from the last Double Shot Tuesday, I'm providing you a platform on DCBLOG to discuss Real World Skeletons and Battle of the Exes 2 for my postseason discussion posts once the Challenge season wraps up. So once again, in case you missed it yesterday, another reminder of what I have planned for you on this site.
This season, I'm opening up my guest list to any fans, bloggers and webcast hosts in giving you all a place to discuss these shows, and Are You The One? too, on future editions of DC FORUM. I'm reserving one of two postseason Forum posts for you to be involved, and I'm looking for passionate and knowledgeable fans of these shows to join me and discuss them in written blog form here. This is the equivalent of the great webcasts that Andrew Kirk, Brian Cohen, Ali Lasher, Reality Radio and AfterBuzz TV do in giving fans a voice in their shows. And I plan to keep doing my part to help provoke & fuel discussion among fans by bring those people on for fresh insight too.
If you're one of those fanatics or those webcast hosts who would like to do an email interview for this site on the Trifecta, just tweet, follow or send me a DM to my twitter @DC408dxtr, or simply email me dc408dxtr@icloud.com and we'll set things up (i.e. asking for your email via DM, discuss possible topics & ?'s privately, etc.). I'll send you an email questionnaire for you to fill out, with a timely deadline of have it in within a week of it appearing in your inbox. As always, the quicker you reply, the faster I'll be in posting it.
And of course, as the new focus of my DC FORUM posts, I look forward to talking to you about the shows you love. After all, I know you got plenty of opinions, and I look forward to translating them to this blog, just like you all do on BlogTalkRadio, SpreeCast and Google+. And you're the people who watch, support and drive the conversation of these shows like me, and it's fitting that now, I get to turn the tables and get your thoughts as I continue to do one of the things I love: following MTV shows on social media and DCBLOG.
That's it for this first edition of DC FORUM...hope you were engaged by the thoughts that both me and other viewers have about Sarah's vote for Banany and the domestic violence issue. If you haven't yet, check out my latest DC SocialPulse post where we provide the twitter diaries of last week's Double Shot, plus we look at how two members of Team MTV are doing their part to help raise awareness of bullying and its consequences. Plus tomorrow, watch for my latest DC ExtraTime post which will look back at now-finalist Jay's heartbreaking ordeal of losing his mom during his Real World season and how it relates to what the MTV family dealt with months later.
Be sure to follow my live twitter account, DCNOW at @DC408DxNow for a busy day and night of live tweets with this week's Exes 2 episode to be preceded by the start of NCAA March Madness and the First Four in Dayton, OH. And as always, there's my Twitter and Instagram @DC408Dxtr for tweets, chats, alerts & pics, and Tumblr at dc408dxtr.tumblr.com. For now until tomorrow, thanks for reading and talk to you then.
All user comments compiled from articles at MTVNEWS.com,
reposted here for presentation on this site with special courtesy.
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