MTV Trifecta: Countdown to The Challenge - Invasion

BY DC CUEVA                     

■ @DC408Dxtr  @ TW / IG / YT

As you wind down this busy last weekend of this first month of 2017, we at DCBLOG are on the edge of a busy time around here. Right now, our focus is on Season 5 of Are You The One? as the drama has been amping up down in the Dominican Republic. But, on a big sports weekend with Tiger Woods' return, NFL and NHL All-Star games, basketball, Winter X Games, a historic weekend at the Australian Open, FA Cup, fight sports and horse racing all taking place this pre-Super Bowl weekend, this offers the perfect backdrop for us to kick off covering a new season of the fifth major pro sport.

   On February 7th - two nights after we determine an NFL champion in Houston and nine days from now, halfway around the world a new season of The Challenge will commence. If what happened the last time out on the eve of the Rio Olympics last summer is indicative of why this show is as well-regarded and loved as it is, than we should be in for something good when Season 29 takes to our screens. This time, we are in for something uniquely different.

   For the second time in this current generation of this show dating back to 2010, it's an individual game with no teammates to worry about as competitors will have no one to answer but themselves. Here, it's a cast full of first-time competitors, those who have made a name for themselves in recent years, and one who's returned after a decade's absence to give it a go yet again. But eventually, all eyes will turn to the big twist that's looming ahead of eight past champions coming in like a tsunami to wreck havoc on this group of underdogs, who all stand in their way towards a first Challenge win.

   As always, we can expect everything we come to expect from this show, and then some: epic challenges, stunning eliminations, new rivalries being formed. shocking romances, scandalous hook-ups, drama that will make your jaw drop, and of course the unforeseen returns of the champions. And when those final few players are left, this will all lead up to The Challenge's very first three-day final that will determine who will walk off with the lions' share of the $350,000 in prize money.

For this, our sweet sixteenth season of the MTV Trifecta that we have has chronicled wire to wire on this site, DCBLOG will be surrounding it all like no other site out there in the blogosphere, taking you again from this series of preseason posts all the way through to the final in a few months from now, all with our unique look and stamp on all that's going on. This season is very much anticipated for a number of reasons, and because of all of this DCBLOG will actually split our preseason coverage into three posts spread over the next nine days.
   Ahead in the first of our series of posts, we'll be looking at the entire cast, what awaits us this season, and have a Pulse Extra as well. Next week, we'll take our preseason tradition of asking ourselves, "Who Are These Newbies?" in offering more on those either their debuts or returns to this season. And as we near the premiere, I plan to bring on a special guest for preseason discussion of what awaits us from inside the Strategy Room...more on that at post's end.

First things first, it's our #DCChallenge season preview of Invasion of the Champions...Coming up after the jump. Join us there.

DC WRAP: Are You The One? S5 - Episode 3

BY DC CUEVA                     

■ @DC408Dxtr  @ TW / IG / YT

Welcome on back to DCBLOG as we continue looking at Episode 3 of Are You The One?. Yesterday, we brought you the 'Pulse of the episode as Tyler became the latest heartbreaker in the house, plus an awkward date take place with Joey, Carolina and her new crush Ozzy after the Brazilian hooked up with the Costa Rican after blacking out with the former. And the cast fought their way back from the disaster of the Week 2 matchup to garner four beams at the matchup.

   Because of our focus on our preseason Challenge posts, we'll be scaling back on our AYTO Wrap posts in tabling our Things to Know episode recap to an extended one next week. But ahead, we'll have the particulars of Week 3 and take a brief trip to the Strategy Room to see what the cast might do this coming week in the quest for the cash. Then after the fantasy scoring, we'll let you in on the newest romance taking place with two fairly recent Trifecta alumni. Join us next.

The Look: Stranded with a Million Dollars

Excerpt from a DC BLOG post from earlier today, reposted in the interest of reality TV fans;
features updated material on two of the cast members of this season

BY DC CUEVA                     

■ @DC408Dxtr  @ TW / IG / YT

The Trifecta remains my first love and top priority in the MTV world, but as you all know I have a long history of embracing other shows outside the ecosystem. Over 18 years, I've been watching a whole slew of shows spanning the whole spectrum of what it means to be young, and in my time in social land I've watched, followed and live tweeted some 20 shows south of my biggest passion. And though my primary dealings within the MTV community is with the Trifecta, I've also formed social friendships with those from other shows as well - proof of the welcoming nature I have with a channel I've watched for a long time.

   As we begin 2017 and as the channel and its parent company Viacom have been going through some changes of late, you can add to this list MTV's latest reality TV endeavor, which is actually the reason why there won't be After Shows for this upcoming Challenge season. But if you're someone who loves the competition shows of the Trifecta and other programs with a competitive feel on other networks, then the show that's the subject of this installment of The Look will be right up your alley. And in this instance, this may change the game of survival-style reality competition shows, just as The Challenge and AYTO have done with both reality competition and reality romance shows. It's called Stranded with A Million Dollars.

Imagine being dropped off on an island far away from civilization with just the clothes on your back and having to fend for yourself for 40 days, with challenges and journeys featured and where $1 million is on your mind. It's a familiar refrain for those of you who also watch Survivor, but MTV's newest series is taking it a step further as 10 young adventurers will go through this very premise, and unlike its 32-season counterparts - those who emerge out of this experience will share in the prize money that goes to them when they've outlasted this journey and will change their lives.

   But there is a catch to all of this: the players can buy all of the survival supplies and creature comforts they so desire to help them survive in the wilderness, provided that they sacrifice a good deal of the $1 million total to get something way more expensive than we can find in our department store, such as spending $30,000 for a tent. All decisions to make a purchase will need a simple majority of the group and the cost will take a cut out of the cash. And participants can leave the island at any time by shooting a flare gun to announce their surrender and leave pride and cash behind. So, it's up to everyone to toughen up and work together as they're all pushed to the limit, both physically and mentally, in this new series.
   Ten castmates from coast to coast: Alex, Alonzo, Ashley, Bria, Chris, Cody, Eilish, Gina, Michael and Makani -- will take to a remote island in Fiji and will be forced to endure a month-plus on this stranded oasis. Behind the scenes - and with the show's executive producer a Real World veteran, Stranded promises to also break ground from a production standpoint: retrofitted drones, robotic cameras and ultra-long lenses will be deployed to film this real-life Hunger Games without impeding on the cast's every move. It's as isolated as the cameras can be, just as you reality TV fans are familiar with watching Big Brother.

   It's so buzzed about a show among those in the media, that Stranded will earn the post-Challenge timeslot on Tuesdays starting in mid-February. But because of the Trifecta taking top priority, I won't actually live tweet episodes at the same time as it airs on TV as after Challenge episodes wrap, I'll go into compiling these Pulse diaries. But no worries, I'll be fitting time in my blog duties to buy episodes on iTunes and live tweet them on DCNOW on Fridays, around the time I post the first of the two Pulse diaries on here. Nonetheless, I do look forward to watching this show and perhaps, there is something fresh to find in this epic new series that could be MTV's next big hit.

DC SocialPulse: Are You The One? S5 - Episode 3

*** ADVISORY: DC SocialPulse contains adult language, objectionable content 

and spoilers for some readers. Viewer Discretion is Advised. Due to its long

length, take frequent eye breaks if you're reading this top to bottom. ***

BY DC CUEVA                     

■ @DC408Dxtr  @ TW / IG / YT

We've arrived at this last weekend of January, and as you try to get warm in this winter's cold, cozy on in with us at DCBLOG as we take you on our weekly ride through the MTV Trifecta. Ahead, our first look at the Invasion about to rock The Challenge, but first - how will the Are You The One kids respond to what happened to them last week in the Dominican Republic?

   Last week, Andre was in the middle of the season's latest love triangle and first house fight as he first got close to Alicia and then to Hannah after returning from the Truth Booth as a no match with the New Yorker. The season's first Getaway Challenge also took place along with more of the house getting to know each other as they settle in to life in the Caribbean. But then, after coming in with lots of hope they get victimized by any season's most brutal hand: a Blackout, and a loss of $500,000.

   That offers the backdrop for this week, as the drama amps up as the house looks to bounce back. For one of the guys, it means a chance to make his name known by getting close to as many girls as he can. For another, he tries to erase the memory of he & his first love getting blacked out by getting it on with another girl. And around all this, love quadrangles emerge and cause a bit of chaos while exes swap partners for a getaway date they'd rather forget.

   Coming up, the week that was in social media and how the cast saw, reacted and interacted Episode 3 of the lovefest. Included are strong words from the man they call Big D, a story of a guy getting face-planted by a soccer ball, and a gathering of some underdogs ahead of what's taking place in Thailand in two-plus weeks from now. And after the diary, The Look will focus in on the next new show I plan to live tweets of this winter, as we'll look at the bold, new reality series MTV is unleashing next month that promises to again rewrite the book.

- As we begin, please note there is explicit language in many of the tweets below, but they are kept uncensored in order to retain the heat of the moment. So if you are mature enough, please read with discretion. :-)
- Plus, if you haven't watched the episode yet, then do not proceed with reading this post. But need not worry...DCBLOG will compile all of these tweets into these posts after every episode so you won't be in the dark of how your favorites saw this all unfold.

Love squares, awkward dates, and a Bostonian breaking hearts. Join us after the jump for the 'Pulse of Episode 4 of Are You The One?.

DC WRAP: Are You The One? S5 - "Playing The Game and Getting Played"

BY DC CUEVA                     

■ @DC408Dxtr  @ TW / IG / YT

As you enjoy this Hump Day, welcome on back to DCBLOG as we prep for tonight's new episode of Are You The One?, as the game has now gotten into full swing courtesy of what we had last week, as we wrap Episode 2 ahead of what happens tonight.
   There, Minnesota's own Andre took center stage as he got close to Alicia and then turned his focus to Hannah, sparking the season's first fight and latest love triangle. We also had the season's first Getaway Challenge and bonds formed among the housemates, with nakedness and windsurfing included. And then, a case of something we've seen a good deal since Season 2: a group coming into a Matchup full of confidence, and leaving with feelings left in the night darkness.
   Coming up - in addition to recapping last week's episode and all related to it, we'll look at where this game stands from inside the Strategy Room, post the latest AYTO blackout. Then, we'll answer the question of who that host of the After Match is, and hear from the latest AYTO couple to throw in the towel. All that is ahead.

DC SocialPulse: Are You The One? S5 - "Playing The Game and Getting Played"

*** Advisory: DC SocialPulse contains adult language, objectionable content 

and spoilers for some readers. Viewer Discretion is Advised. Due to its long

length, take frequent eye breaks if you're reading this top to bottom. ***

BY DC CUEVA                     

■ @DC408Dxtr  @ TW / IG / YT

As the country experiences a transition of power this winter's weekend, we at DCBLOG are offering you a respite from everything going on with a touch of paradise, as we bring you the 'Pulse of Episode 2 of Are You The One? Season 5. And as those in Washington, D.C. and elsewhere have been dealing with a new President who's also a former reality TV star himself and now settling into his new White House digs, things have now a bit interesting to say the least down in the Caribbean.

   Last week was the first act of this new season of drama and romance, as three big twists were revealed: 11 girls and 11 guys, an offer to trade in a possible no-match in the Truth Booth for more money, and less money at stake if they black out. Along with the usual "get to know you", there were hookups among those who could be a match, an Ohioan & Seattle girl being in the middle of the house's first two love triangles with tears included, and even parents becoming matchmaker. And yes, there was an eventful first matchup ceremony.

   This week, the attention turns to two people at the heart of two love tricks mess: Andre, the hip-hop artist from the Twin Cities, finds himself torn between the one going for his heart and the one pursuing him. Meanwhile, Gianna is stuck between the Midwestern nice guy Hayden and the South Florida bad boy Michael who left her in tears last week. And with the always looming possibility of something that's happened four previous times in the past three seasons, the house aims to follow their hearts but will they do anything they can to stay on course?

Coming up, we'll have how the cast saw what happened there on Episode 2 this past week and all of the action, reaction and interaction in and around this second week of their stay in the Dominican Republic. This also includes the eventful After Match after show where two of this season's single girls were also joined by a member of last season's cast. And after the diary, ExtraTime will look at the tight-knit relationship between a family with a most recent Real World alum and a sport taking the worldwide stage this month.

- As we begin, please note there is explicit language in many of the tweets below, but they are kept uncensored in order to retain the heat of the moment. So if you are mature enough, please read with discretion. :-)
- Plus, if you haven't watched the episode yet, then do not proceed with reading this post. But need not worry...DCBLOG will compile all of these tweets into these posts after every episode so you won't be in the dark of how your favorites saw this all unfold.

A smelly challenge, two love triangles, Déjà vu all over again, and seasons unite... Join us here after the jump for the 'Pulse of Episode 2 of Are You The One?.

DC FORUM: Reality Debrief 2016 with Cueva & Kirk - Part 2

The views & opinions expressed in DC FORUM are only of its hosts and

do not necessarily reflect the views of DCBLOG or affiliated parties.

A DCBLOG Discussion

WITH DC CUEVA & ANDREW KIRK  

■ @DC408Dxtr / @CSUGradAKirk

Tonight, Episode 2 of Are You The One? Season 5 goes down in the Dominican Republic, but as you prepare for what happens tonight in the Caribbean, welcome on back to DCBLOG for one last slice of 2016 with the second half of the 2016 Reality Debrief with myself and Andrew Kirk.

   Before the premiere of that season this past week, we brought you Part 1 as the both of us discussed two of his biggest passions outside the MTV world -- Big Brother and Survivor, and even asked one another questions ourselves, as we embark on our fifth year of covering this exciting pleasure of reality TV. And a few days later, the last remaining piece of something that began last year was closed up when we did our last Wrap for Real World Bad Blood.

   Now, Andrew and I have joined up yet again for Part 2 of the Debrief as we will shift to the primary focus of this site: the MTV Trifecta. We'll be recapping the year that was on The Challenge with the two seasons that aired last year of Bloodlines and Rivals III, and scratch the surface briefly of what awaits us in Invasion coming up next month, for which the ramp-up to it began in earnest last week. We'll also look back on the last AYTO season last summer, discuss our initial thoughts on Season 5 which premiered last week, and also Real World too.

   The Cueva/Kirk Report continues next... See you on the other side of the jump.

DC WRAP: Are You The One? Season 5 - The Premiere

BY DC CUEVA                     

■ @DC408Dxtr  @ TW / IG / YT

It's a new week, and as you all head back to work tomorrow after the extended MLK Day holiday weekend, welcome on in to the first DC WRAP for Season 5 of Are You The One?. Last week, the love-fest returned for a new season and there is sure to be a lot of drama and loving going on in the Caribbean, and the premiere offered a glimpse of what is ahead this winter.
   This past week, episode 1 had all of the usual "get to know you" as we met our new group of 22 single girls & guys and saw them get close and figure out who they feel will be matches. But one word seems to dominate the opening prelude of this season, as host Ryan Devlin dropped not 1, not 2 but THREE twists on the cast that sure make the house want to love harder and play the game smarter if they want to score the cash. That affected how they played this game, including a dramatic first match-up ceremony.
   Coming up, our review of this first episode with the night's key moments, results of our Twitter polls, and a look at the new Fantasy League returning for this Trifecta cycle. After all of that, a double dose of ExtraTime as we'll tell you about a notable horror thriller coming up this year as well as a past Challenge champion's selfless gesture. All of that follows next.