MTV Trifecta: Countdown to The Challenge - Battle of the Bloodlines

BY DC CUEVA

> @DC408dxtr / @DC408dxnow

We've just celebrated Thanksgiving and we're now into the holiday season after the 4-day weekend. And for those of us lucky to follow the MTV Trifecta, last week was a much-needed week off after what we've been through with Are You The One? Season 3. But now after a most interesting season, a controversial cast and a most-eventful finale, the focus has shifted like a laser beam from the Big Island of Hawaii to Bodrum, Turkey and Season 27 of The Challenge, which kicks off in two days from now.

   Wednesday, December 2nd is almost here, and we'll be watching, following and covering Battle of the Bloodlines right here. It's a whole new Challenge and an entirely new game that will make things feel more personal and more tense than what we have seen before in "the fifth major pro sport." Of course, we can expect great competition, even more drama, a cast that's full of names familiar and fresh, and of course lots of twists none more so than the family twist that's being introduced to this world for the first time.

   This new Challenge will be the 10th MTV season we've covered here on DCBLOG, as well as the 12th Trifecta season in my soon to be 5 years in the social world. And of course as always I'm excited to both watch this season and bring you posts here, taking you once again wire to wire from the preseason buzz right through the crowning of the champion in a few months from now in the new year.
   Coming up here in the first of three posts planned during this premiere week, we'll have a preview of this new Challenge, including a look at all the teams competing in Turkey and their back stories. Plus, we'll also have our customary section, Who Are These Newbies? that will introduce this season's four rookies & one returning competitor to the hardcore fans and newcomers to this franchise.

   So, Join In after the jump as DCBLOG kicks our coverage of Season 27 of The Challenge and preview the new season that is Battle of the Bloodlines.

DC WRAP: Are You The One? S3 - The Finale & Strategy Room

BY DC CUEVA

> @DC408dxtr / @DC408dxnow

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you out there, and in this week off in the MTV Trifecta ahead of The Challenge: Bloodlines in six days from now, there's peace and calm after what we experienced on Season 3 of Are You The One?. We started this journey back in the dog days of summer on August 20th when a post on MTV's SnapChat hub introduced our latest class of 20 pledges who were unlucky in love and came to Hawaii hoping those bad habits were left behind in the mainland (or in one's case as a Hawaiian resident, back at home down the street).

   What would unfold afterwards was a season that put us on a roller-coaster of emotions with a cast that stirred plenty of controversy, saw lots of broken hearts and more than our usual share of drama. We had couples stay together after they were not a match, an early blackout that cost them a quarter-million dollars, a castmate from New England with questionable behavior, and sketchy gameplay that went nowhere for the house for 90% of the season.

   But of course, what we saw last week was the year's two most-eventful hours in the MTV world: a NY stripper going overboard in his relationship with a Coloradan, questionable strategy to try & reverse the tide, and leading to perhaps the most famous coin-toss since the one on Thanksgiving 18 years ago that saw the Steelers lose on a simple heads/tails call. And almost no one, expect for the cast themselves, expected that it would end with the same result that their two predecessors would have.

Of course, we'll have a recap of the two-hour finale of Are You The One? Season 3 covered here on the Blog with the 10 Things to Know moments. Then after the Winners of the Night, we'll take a trip into the Strategy Room to look back at how the group pulled off the almost seemingly impossible but more than miraculous run to winning $750,000. Join In after the jump for one last look back at Season 3 of AYTO.

DC SocialPulse: Are You The One? S3 - The Double Shot Finale (MEGA)

*** 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 / @DC408dxnow

So, here we are...this is the season finale MEGA edition of DC SocialPulse for Season 3 of Are You The One?. In the heat of the summer back on August 20, we kicked off the countdown to the third installment of a show that created this thing called the MTV Trifecta, along with the question of "How will Season 3 respond to what we saw in the first two seasons of this show?" Now, as the holidays are in order, we have seen another crazy season come to an end in the most dramatic and perhaps crazy & controversial way. But then again, that's what you expect for a social experiment as great and fresh as AYTO.
   Last week in Hawaii, we had the breaking point for many for Devin as his fling with Kiki saw them hook up once again and make more enemies. And aside from Hunter enjoying going horseback, it was more of the same both in the Truth Booth and at the Match-Up. Yes, there was more jealousy and not much else in the group wanting to reverse the tide.

   This week, it's a Double Shot of sorts with a two-hour season finale that first sees Amanda go off once again, but this time it leads to an unprecedented level and the fallout becomes much bigger than the house could have anticipated. Plus with hopes seemingly lost after their eighth MC, the group decides to strategize and throw a challenge in order to send the right couple in the truth booth.
   And then in hour two and with their backs to the wall, the couples find themselves at a crossroads between going for love or strategizing to salvage their last chance at pride. And in one of the biggest moments of risk & reward you'll ever see, the house decides to resort to a simple toss of a coin to decide their fate. And will they turn a mere 25 cents into $750,000 and pull off a miracle comeback?
   We'll have all the interaction from the last AYTO Wednesday and its aftermatch covered here, including a first look at Challenge Bloodlines which debuts in two weeks. And if you can gut it out through the thousands of tweets compiled here in this mega-post, we'll tell you who's become the latest member of Team MTV to become an expecting mom/dad.

- As we begin, please note there is explicit language in many of the tweets below, but I am keeping it 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, or if you're an international fan and this episode has yet not aired in your territory, then do not proceed. But don't worry, be sure to bookmark DCBLOG as I 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.

So, Join In after the jump as Team Ohana goes for one last shot in the craziest finale ever on this final season 3 edition of DC SocialPulse - AYTO.

DC SocialPulse: Road to the AYTO 3 Finale and DCBDAY 2015

*** Advisory: DC SocialPulse contains adult language and objectionable 
content for some readers. Viewer Discretion is Advised. ***

BY DC CUEVA                           

> @DC408dxtr / @DC408dxnow

Hi, hello, what's up and welcome back to DC SocialPulse on DCBLOG and to the beginning of a busy stretch around here as we put the final touches on our coverage of Season 3 of Are You The One? and go into the buildup for The Challenge: Battle of the Bloodlines in this week off in the MTV Trifecta, and of course the short holiday week coming up. And this is also the 200th overall published post here on the site as well...an important milestone as well.
   If you're a fan of the MTV Trifecta, then you come here for the social interaction for the two above mentioned shows and Real World, including the spontaneous episode reaction. But to kick off this trifecta of posts to recap this week's Double Shot season finale, we're gonna be doing something different in bringing you the vibe and anticipation of the cast heading into Wednesday's episodes. We'll be bringing you the interaction from AYTO Wednesday, the episodes themselves and the hangover from the Thursday & Friday after the finale for you later this weekend.
   But also, it was also an eventful weekend last week that was dampened by the events that took place in Paris, France, but also highlighted by Ronda Rousey's loss to Holly Holm last weekend at UFC 193. And following the Team MTV interaction, we'll shift the focus somewhat to yours truly as this was also my DCBDAY Weekend and I got to again mark my birthday with both my inner circle of family and friends, and obviously those in the social world as well.

- As we begin, please note there is explicit language in many of the tweets below, but I am keeping it uncensored in order to retain the heat of the moment. So if you are mature enough, please read with discretion. :-)
- And this Pulse Extra post is necessary in order to separate the lead-up tweets from those of finale night and the episodes themselves to help conserve as much space on these posts too.

So, following the jump, join us for the countdown to the AYTO 3 finale and the most eventful weekend and two weekdays that preceded it.

DC WRAP: Are You The One? S3 - "Sorry Dad"

BY DC CUEVA                           

> @DC408dxtr / @DC408dxnow

The time is almost at hand for the two-hour finale of Are You The One? Season 3 coming your way tomorrow night. And considering everything we saw this autumn on the Big Island, we are headed towards a most-interesting finale to what's been an eventful run that began in the dog days of summer and about to conclude a week before Thanksgiving.

   On Episode 8 last week, we saw Kiki finally taking a stand against Devin, the girls' exes spilling dirt on them to the guys, and the girls putting the guys on high alert for making bad decisions at the Matchup which could ultimately decide their fate even before we get to the last two tries at the cash. We'll review that episode for you here.
   Plus, in the aftermath of Ronda Rousey's upset loss to Holly Holm over the weekend, after our Wrap on ExtraTime, we'll look at how a Challenge underdog spent his summer vacation and how that eye-opening experience might change your opinions of him. That's coming up after the jump.

DC SocialPulse: Are You The One? S3 - "Sorry Dad"

*** 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 / @DC408dxnow

It's DCBDAY Weekend across the DC Social Network and it's also the homestretch of Season 3 of what's been an eventful season of Are You The One?. And we are heading towards the end of a season that has just about had everything: from controversial cast members to questionable gameplay to, of course, plenty of hook-ups and beyond.

   Last week in Hawaii, we had the breaking point for many for Devin as his fling with Kiki saw them hook up once again and make more enemies. And aside from Hunter enjoying going horseback, it was more of the same both in the Truth Booth and at the Match-Up. Yes, there was more jealousy and not much else in the group wanting to reverse the tide.
   This week, we saw some special guests make their way to Hawaii and to the AYTO house, and seeing the singles' parents and the guys' exes the past two seasons, it's the girls' ex-significant others that will show up on the beach for some exclusive dirt. The Kiki & Devin Show continues as she tells the group about her flings with him to everyone, and she ultimately fesses up to him too. And the girls go all in on the guys for bad decisions at the match-up, showing the house dis-unity this year.
   We'll have the interaction surrounding this week's AYTO covered here, plus a castmate celebrates a birthday, Team MTV remembers both Veterans and a Challenge legend, the intelligent voice of the house does something very special for his family, and of course more venting. And after all that, as we talk to you on Saturday, November 14th and this day after my birthday, we'll have details of a BIG event taking place tonight as this DCBDAY Weekend continues.

- As we begin, please note there is explicit language in many of the tweets below, but I am keeping it 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, or if you're an international fan and this episode has yet not aired in your territory, then do not proceed. But don't worry, be sure to bookmark DCBLOG as I 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.

So, Join In after the jump for Moms, Dads and more on this edition of DC SocialPulse - AYTO.

DC WRAP: Are You The One? S3 Episode 7 & DC FORUM - Devin's Behavior

BY DC CUEVA                           

> @DC408dxtr / @DC408dxnow

It's DC BDAY Week on the DC Social Network and tomorrow, the festivities continue with an all-new episode of Are You The One?. This comes as the buzz for Challenge Bloodlines kicks into full gear and as some of our MTV friends are off on a rather early winter vacation. And if things are correct on what we think they're up to, we'll have even more to look forward to in the new year.

   On Episode 7 this past week, we saw the latest chapter of the Devin and Kiki Show, another potential Truth Booth pick go by the wayside, and more of the same in the Match-Up, along with Hunter enjoying his surroundings on a horseback as well. We'll, of course, have the Five Things to Know wrap-up of the episode's key moments.

   Then, we'll have a new edition of DC FORUM to provide takes from fans and myself on what we've seen from Devin this year and how it compares to other instances in recent years when a castmate's behavior casts a dark cloud over an MTV Trifecta show. And if you think this is all serious business, don't worry as after that on ExtraTime we'll join with both a Challenge legend and an MTV host who got to run in the largest annual footrace in the world.

   Join In after the jump for a recap of last week's episode as you prepare for tomorrow night.

DC SocialPulse: Are You The One? S3 EP7 & Bloodlines Launch

*** 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 / @DC408dxnow

It's the first weekend of November and the kickoff to DC BDAY Week here across the DC Social Network. And to kick it all off, we have a special mega-edition of DC SocialPulse and a double feature of sorts. It's not the Double Shot Tuesday's we had earlier this year, but we nonetheless have a Trifecta doubleheader as we cover both this week's episode of Are You The One? and the launch of The Challenge: Battle of the Bloodlines.

   Last week on the Big Island of Hawaii, we saw a wild luau see Chuck once again get caught in the act and frustrating poor Kiki, while Devin loses his cool and frustration grows on the part of the cast as they pursued strategy with little coming out of it. This week, the key figure of this season decides to once again make a play for the girl he's been seeing all along, while jealousy causes temper to flare once again. We also head to the countryside, while the house tries to find new romantic connections as they seek to do everything they can to reverse the momentum in their quest for the cash.

   Then, we proceed to our second main event: the launch of Challenge: Bloodlines as the family members of the castmates are revealed for the first time and all the related material that goes along with it. There's sure to be plenty of drama with what's essentially the third batch of Fresh Meat but a group who will sure to stir the pot more than in any other Challenge season in recent memory.

   We'll have the interaction surrounding both this week's AYTO and Bloodlines covered here, plus you'll see how Team MTV got to celebrate Halloween (including those outside the Trifecta and pictures are linked here) and how those with ties to both Kansas City and New York saw the Royals' World Series win as well. 

- As we begin, please note there is explicit language in many of the tweets below, but I am keeping it 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, or if you're an international fan and this episode has yet not aired in your territory, then do not proceed. But don't worry, be sure to bookmark DCBLOG as I 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.

So, Join In after the jump for this special extended edition of DC SocialPulse.

DC WRAP: Are You The One S3 - Episodes 5 & 6

BY DC CUEVA                           

> @DC408dxtr / @DC408dxnow

We are already into the month on November, and it's almost hard to believe that time has flown by so fast that we are halfway through Season 3 of Are You The One?. Tonight is an all-new episode and the past two episodes have been something: a game-changing speech, a much-needed first perfect match, and plenty of emotions and hook-ups as well.
   We'll be recapping both Episodes 5 and 6 here to whet your appetite for tonight's show, plus on ExtraTime a brief look at who from AYTO made a cameo on network television. Join In for that, the Ten Things to Know and a trip to the Strategy Room after the jump.