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A DCBLOG MTV Trifecta Discussion
WITH DC CUEVA & ANDREW KIRK
> @DC408Dxtr / @CSUGradAKirk
Well, this is the first day of December and the start of the 2015 holiday season...and this is DCBLOG's holiday treat for all of you: DC FORUM's Reality Debrief of 2015. This is a two-part post that will be spread out over today and this week as you enjoy those holiday deals, cherish time with loved ones, reflect on the year that was, and if you're an MTV fan - prepare for tomorrow's premiere of Battle of the Bloodlines. We have had another eventful and great year of watching the whole gamut of this form of entertainment, and covering wall-to-wall the Trifecta of Are You The One?, The Challenge and Real World right here.
Starting today, we'll take the opportunity to take stock of 2015 in reality TV and look ahead to Battle of the Bloodlines. Today, we'll be previewing that new Challenge season and look back at Battle of the Exes 2 from earlier this year. And later on in part two, we'll discuss season 3 of AYTO that wrapped up two weeks ago tomorrow in dramatic fashion, look back at the most-recent Real World and other reality shows outside the MTV world, give out our awards & predictions, and even give out a lump of coal known simply as a Reality Check.
So, after the jump, it's the latest edition of, what I like to now call these discussions, The Cueva/Kirk Report as we begin our two-part recap of the year that was in reality TV, DCBLOG style.
THE CHALLENGE: BATTLE OF THE BLOODLINES
Well, we are only two days away from Bloodlines, and this is a cast that has a mixture of the big names and those we're familiar with. Overall impressions of them?
● Andrew: "This should be a fun challenge we haven't had one in a while where its majority new people we're seeing for the first time its like a new Fresh Meat in a way lets see how family does here."
● DC: "I'm with you, this is a good cast. A lot of fans are saying it's not the same anymore with more vets retiring & 13 having babies this year, but it will be in great hands with the newbies with more new blood coming in this & next season, and of course the AYTO crossover too. Eight of the OG's have made a final, we're familiar with three of the newcomers, and four of the vet girls are itching for a win. And we got Bananas too, along with the dynamic of what the bloodlines will provide us which I'm sure will be very entertaining."
● DC: "I'm with you, this is a good cast. A lot of fans are saying it's not the same anymore with more vets retiring & 13 having babies this year, but it will be in great hands with the newbies with more new blood coming in this & next season, and of course the AYTO crossover too. Eight of the OG's have made a final, we're familiar with three of the newcomers, and four of the vet girls are itching for a win. And we got Bananas too, along with the dynamic of what the bloodlines will provide us which I'm sure will be very entertaining."
This is a whole new format for the show, but it's familiar to those who watch Survivor including you. What do you think of the twist, and how will this affect the gameplay of the OG's this season?
● Andrew: "I like it because it gives us fourteen new cast members along with new people from the previous Real World and Are You The One. As far as how it will affect gameplay I think we'll see a more personal game meaning that if the alumni's bloodline gets targeted they'll feel like they're going for them personally."
● DC: "Well, it's obviously a great twist. You obviously saw on those two Survivor seasons of how different it is to have family members as part of the cast instead of a full new group of castaways who don't know each other. This is totally new territory for the vets who are used to having fellow Challengers on here and not used to having more rookies than them there. So, I feel it's gonna affect them and they have to think about playing this game more differently than usual because a hook-up between someone else on this cast will surely initiate a domino effect."
● DC: "Well, it's obviously a great twist. You obviously saw on those two Survivor seasons of how different it is to have family members as part of the cast instead of a full new group of castaways who don't know each other. This is totally new territory for the vets who are used to having fellow Challengers on here and not used to having more rookies than them there. So, I feel it's gonna affect them and they have to think about playing this game more differently than usual because a hook-up between someone else on this cast will surely initiate a domino effect."
Let's begin our preview in going by twos here, starting with Aneesa and Bananas. She's bringing live-wire cousin Rianna, while the 5-time champ has cousin Vince by his side. How do you handicap the seniority of this season's cast?
● Andrew: "Anessa based on the trailer seems like she's going to try a new strategy this season and that's the hooking up with a guy to give her number. I see this working to her benefit for the first half of the game but not the second half. Rianna doesn't seem like she's very athletic so Anessa is going to need to pick up slack I think. Anytime Bananas is brought on a show he's one of the favorites for sure. With his cousin Vince who looks even stronger then Bananas if teams put Bananas in early like Exes 2 and Free Agents it'lll backfire in their face."
● DC: "Aneesa has come so close so many times and not gone over the hump, but this time she has a better chance than usual because she can rely on Rianna as her friend to get through this game. But I wouldn't be surprised if there's drama again with the vet. For Bananas, he's coming off that Exes 2 exit and he's more motivated to get #6 than he was going into Free Agents when he got #5. Having Vince along will double the egos you may say with that arrogant attitude but I think they can handle this season because it's Bananas...he should make the final."
● DC: "Aneesa has come so close so many times and not gone over the hump, but this time she has a better chance than usual because she can rely on Rianna as her friend to get through this game. But I wouldn't be surprised if there's drama again with the vet. For Bananas, he's coming off that Exes 2 exit and he's more motivated to get #6 than he was going into Free Agents when he got #5. Having Vince along will double the egos you may say with that arrogant attitude but I think they can handle this season because it's Bananas...he should make the final."
The always-fierce Camila has a bit of Brazilian double trouble in her Brazilian sister Larissa. And Cara Maria has brought her corrections officer cousin Jamie to Turkey. Thoughts on those two pairs?
● Andrew: "Its great to see both Camilla and Cara Maria back. So strange to see both of them off a challenge. Camila and Larissa is a team that I don't think will do well unfortunately. If Camilla's allies don't win I see her and her sister being an early boot unfortunately. Cara taking a season off will probably benefit her greatly. I said on my preview show that I think this team will make the final and could possibly be Cara's first win (hope I don't jinx it)"
● DC: "Let's hope you don't jinx it, but great to have them back after that 1-season hiatus - they have few exes after all. It's good that Camila has come here at 100% after much of her mind was on her dad's passing when she came to Uruguay. I feel that she & Larissa will bring on more of their fair share of drama than usual and we can expect more fireworks & likely the usual Camila meltdown, along with possibly making a deep run too. For Cara, I think this is finally her time to take the throne and win. And she's got a good partner in Jamie thanks to his tough demeanor as a prison man, but it'll take a miracle for them to not win or at least contend at the end."
● DC: "Let's hope you don't jinx it, but great to have them back after that 1-season hiatus - they have few exes after all. It's good that Camila has come here at 100% after much of her mind was on her dad's passing when she came to Uruguay. I feel that she & Larissa will bring on more of their fair share of drama than usual and we can expect more fireworks & likely the usual Camila meltdown, along with possibly making a deep run too. For Cara, I think this is finally her time to take the throne and win. And she's got a good partner in Jamie thanks to his tough demeanor as a prison man, but it'll take a miracle for them to not win or at least contend at the end."
Team Sydney now, and last year, we saw Cohutta make a great return on Free Agents, and last we saw KellyAnne, it was a LONG time ago. He's got cousin Jill here, and Kel's got cuz Anthony. Thoughts?
● Andrew: "Lets start with Cohutta's cousin Jill. She impressed me the most out of the female bloodlines in the preview special based on how ripped she looks. The fact that she put her wedding on hold for a month and a half to POSSIBLY win money is commendable and see her and Cohutta being a good team who'll make it far. Kelly Anne boy is it great to see her back on. She's in my top five if not the top for my beautiful lady in Real World history. I think this duo is going to do well based on Kelly Anne. In past challenge's she's been on the outside having to fight her way to keep her spot but she's always thrived on these. The fact that she's been gone six years may help or hurt her I really don't know."
● DC: "We saw Cohutta have a productive season in Uruguay and proved that even if you're not a favorite on paper you can play with the big boys, and he had a popular show-mance too. With Jill, I feel they are underestimated just as he was last year and her being used to doing tough work on the Georgian countryside will throw the rest of the group for a loop. For Kel, she's made it to the end in both of her previous Challenges and obviously it will be good to see her back. Anthony is very athletic and they can make a deep run again if she can keep her head in this; but we know her history that she's a wild card. It's also gonna be interesting to see how Cohutta can handle being in the same house with KellyAnne and Nany and that will be something to watch."
● DC: "We saw Cohutta have a productive season in Uruguay and proved that even if you're not a favorite on paper you can play with the big boys, and he had a popular show-mance too. With Jill, I feel they are underestimated just as he was last year and her being used to doing tough work on the Georgian countryside will throw the rest of the group for a loop. For Kel, she's made it to the end in both of her previous Challenges and obviously it will be good to see her back. Anthony is very athletic and they can make a deep run again if she can keep her head in this; but we know her history that she's a wild card. It's also gonna be interesting to see how Cohutta can handle being in the same house with KellyAnne and Nany and that will be something to watch."
Vegas has come close in every Challenge but haven't gotten the W. Leroy was 2nd on Exes 2 and he has cousin Candice by his side. For Nany, spitfire cousin Nicole has made the trip with her. How do you see them doing?
● Andrew: "Candice seems like she'll be able to keep up with Leroy but I'm not sure. I want Leroy to do well but I don't see a final with these two but I hope I'm wrong. Nany's cousin Nicole seems like an even bigger firecracker than Nany so based on entertainment these two will obviously take the cake. How will they do in the challenge I'm not quite sure. I said on my preview with Ace Nichols I'm worried about all female teams because we got some strong dudes on this season and with it not being separated into genders I'm not sure how well they'll do. But I think out of the four all female teams if I had to pick one to make a run it will be these two."
● DC: "Vegas is itching for that first win and if they can survive the politics & hurdles, I believe RoyLee can win this season. You made Candice your first bloodline to be followed socially, she has a tough task ahead of her but because of how Lean Body is, they'll be fine. Nany's being motivated by a 3rd late exit in four tries, but I feel she has a tough task because of, as I say, Cohutta and Bananas being in the same house. She's got Nicole which I'm sure will bring some drama herself and someone to put that shoulder on for Nany because she needs someone like Jenna that she's friends with outside this house."
● DC: "Vegas is itching for that first win and if they can survive the politics & hurdles, I believe RoyLee can win this season. You made Candice your first bloodline to be followed socially, she has a tough task ahead of her but because of how Lean Body is, they'll be fine. Nany's being motivated by a 3rd late exit in four tries, but I feel she has a tough task because of, as I say, Cohutta and Bananas being in the same house. She's got Nicole which I'm sure will bring some drama herself and someone to put that shoulder on for Nany because she needs someone like Jenna that she's friends with outside this house."
Next is RW Ex-Plosion: Jenna is looking to rebound from last season's finals collapse with cousin Brianna, while Thomas has twin brother Stephen to rely on. Thoughts on what they can bring in Turkey?
● Andrew: "Based on the trailer I don't have high hopes for Jenna and Brianna. It seems like they'll get into a big fight and Jenna once again will show that she'll have a hard time getting along with a partner like she did with Jay in Exes 2. I'm rooting for Thomas and Stephen to do well one of two teams we actually know both people so I hope they make a run. I see Thomas doing a lot better than his first challenge, but not quite pulling out the victory."
● DC: "First moment of Tom on Ex-Plosion was him playing tennis with Stephen and I had a feeling that if they would bring on family members for a Challenge they would be a sure pick. Unlike last time where he had to work with Hailey, the Buell twins have such a great bond and they have a much better chance to do well here. Obviously, Jenna's had an eventful two seasons on the MTV 'waves and I'm sure it'll be no different with Brianna joining her here. With the tease of some personal baggage possibly going along with them to Turkey, it will be a tough task ahead...it won't be a cakewalk."
● DC: "First moment of Tom on Ex-Plosion was him playing tennis with Stephen and I had a feeling that if they would bring on family members for a Challenge they would be a sure pick. Unlike last time where he had to work with Hailey, the Buell twins have such a great bond and they have a much better chance to do well here. Obviously, Jenna's had an eventful two seasons on the MTV 'waves and I'm sure it'll be no different with Brianna joining her here. With the tease of some personal baggage possibly going along with them to Turkey, it will be a tough task ahead...it won't be a cakewalk."
Now the Rookies, and we have Tony coming here with popular brother Shane. But obviously, we're high on what Cory will be able to do in his first go with cousin Mitch. Got some good plans for both pairs, what about you?
● Andrew: "Like with Jenna and Brianna based on the trailer I'm worried about Tony and Shane who we see getting into a big fight. They seemed to have a good relationship on the episode Shane was on Real World but its hard to say how they'll do being the newest rookie team. Cory on the other I don't think will have a more difficult time then Tony. Taking his cousin Mitch out of the equation I think Cory's going to make a good impression on the challenge fans. I see this rookie team being one who makes a good run."
● DC: "Though both of us have some bias because RW29 is a season both of us really liked, I feel Cory's the most anticipated Challenge rookie since Zach three years ago. He's got that football cred and that personal trainer job on the side and it's no doubt gonna benefit him especially if he gets a wish of a head-on elimination or a tough mission. And he's got lifelong friend Mitch along which will add a sense of smartness to his physique and if they can keep keep their focus, I feel they are capable of going all the way to the final and cash. For Tony, it's gonna be interesting to see how he balances being on his first Challenge with having Madison back home and him not wanting to sacrifice her to get what he wants. Shane's gonna have his hands full with having to play older brother if Tony is not in his element, but I'm think he will also make some noise too."
Lastly, AYTO. Last we saw Christina, she grabbed everyone's attention, and she's got sister Emily for her MTV return. And Dario has brought his twin brother Raphy for the ride. How will they do this season?
● Andrew: "I think Christina's second appearance on MTV won't last unfortunately. We see her flirting with a couple guys on the preview which will make her and Emily the easy target from Are You The One. Not to mention they're both so tiny, which I think will also hurt them Dario on the other I think will make a decent showing with his twin Raphy. I have a good hunch that the challenge fans who hate Are You The One on the challenges might actually be changed by Dario's appearance."
● DC: "Obviously, Christina had her moments last year in PR with Brandon and just about all the guys and some of the girls, and I've got a sense that there will be more drama coming from her this season in Turkey...don't be surprised if there's another hookup in the works. Just as it is with Shane, I have a sense that if Team Eleven parties too much, Emily is gonna be playing big sister and it may not help their chances. Dario & Raphy played baseball together and they definitely have great chemistry and the kind of camaraderie that only comes from being twins, plus Dario won a few dates last year so he's capable of a few mission wins. Like Cory, I feel they will make a deep run in their first go and if they can get beyond the first few weeks, it will be just as good as making the final. I feel the twins will indeed silence the doubters and reaffirm your blog words from last year."
● DC: "Obviously, Christina had her moments last year in PR with Brandon and just about all the guys and some of the girls, and I've got a sense that there will be more drama coming from her this season in Turkey...don't be surprised if there's another hookup in the works. Just as it is with Shane, I have a sense that if Team Eleven parties too much, Emily is gonna be playing big sister and it may not help their chances. Dario & Raphy played baseball together and they definitely have great chemistry and the kind of camaraderie that only comes from being twins, plus Dario won a few dates last year so he's capable of a few mission wins. Like Cory, I feel they will make a deep run in their first go and if they can get beyond the first few weeks, it will be just as good as making the final. I feel the twins will indeed silence the doubters and reaffirm your blog words from last year."
We've built a solid rapport with Team MTV that it doesn't matter who is chosen that we'll be comfortable with any season's cast. But who do you feel was left out of this cast that could possibly do well with their Bloodlines?
● Andrew: "Based on the format I'd have to say no It sucks we don't have anyone from St. Thomas again but this isn't like Rivals or Exes so I can't say any specific snub to the cast."
● DC: "Yeah, we've been lucky to talk to so many of these people. Some of the notables that IG Challenge Mania had as snubs included Nia & her volleyball-playing sisters, Nicole & her triplet sisters, Emily & her sisters, Madison & Rachel, Bruno & Briah and for you being Team STT - Marie & her sis. But as I always say, I'm comfortable with this cast and got no problem with them."
● DC: "Yeah, we've been lucky to talk to so many of these people. Some of the notables that IG Challenge Mania had as snubs included Nia & her volleyball-playing sisters, Nicole & her triplet sisters, Emily & her sisters, Madison & Rachel, Bruno & Briah and for you being Team STT - Marie & her sis. But as I always say, I'm comfortable with this cast and got no problem with them."
To the predictions: we have four rookies joining us for their first Challenge, and who do you got as the one who could possibly make the deepest run?
● Andrew: "Cory and Mitch more then likely. Cory's strong and I see him taking out some people if he gets thrown and making a deep run"
● DC: "I concur with you...Cory & Mitch no doubt have the best chance among the first-timers, well enough to make it to the end and cash if he can survive those eliminations and he's capable because of that football physique. I have Dario & Raphy having the second best showing and probably making it halfway like Adam & Brittany. Maybe not much for Christina or Tony, but again this is anyone's game and anything can happen...don't be surprised if those two do well."
In recent seasons, we've had the three Portland guys make the final in their first go, and last season it was Jay & Jenna. Who do you have as a possible Dark Horse?
● Andrew: "By luck I think the dark horse pair to make it to a final would be once again Jenna. Based on Exes the other challenges think she can't compete so by luck I think Jenna and Brianna might have a chance at making some cash at the end."
● Andrew: "By luck I think the dark horse pair to make it to a final would be once again Jenna. Based on Exes the other challenges think she can't compete so by luck I think Jenna and Brianna might have a chance at making some cash at the end."
● DC: "I got three dark horse picks: Cory/Mitch, Dario/Raphy and KellyAnne/Anthony. I know the first two are rookies and, again there's some bias here as they are in those seasons we've followed closely, but Cory was made for a Challenge and the Boston twins have strong athletic experience so it's gonna help them out. KellyAnne's been through this ringer before of getting to the end and Anthony's athletic but though there might be a little rust I feel her experience will take them deep. And I agree, Jenna/Bri may make another deep run and prove last year was no fluke."
Finally, who do you have as your top five pairs that could possibly make it into the final, and among them who do you have winning this season/making the final three?
● Andrew: "final four that I said on my podcast I'll say here. Bananas and Vince, Cory and Mitch Cohutta and Jill, and Cara Maria and Jamie. Going with Cara Maria finally reaching that brass ring and taking the challenge crown."
● DC: "My preseason top 5 in no particular order are: Bananas/Vince, Cara Maria/Jamie, Camila/Lari, Leroy/Candice and Cory/Mitch. I feel those first two and Leroy/Candice are the top 3 because when it comes down to it, experience will rule the day. I feel that though we will see a vet win again, I feel it's gonna be a toss-up between Bananas/Vince and Cara Maria/Jamie and that would be a big heads-up between champ and an enemy. Either those two could win."
● DC: "My preseason top 5 in no particular order are: Bananas/Vince, Cara Maria/Jamie, Camila/Lari, Leroy/Candice and Cory/Mitch. I feel those first two and Leroy/Candice are the top 3 because when it comes down to it, experience will rule the day. I feel that though we will see a vet win again, I feel it's gonna be a toss-up between Bananas/Vince and Cara Maria/Jamie and that would be a big heads-up between champ and an enemy. Either those two could win."
THE CHALLENGE: BATTLE OF THE EXES 2
To Exes 2, and we start with the rivalry between Bananas & Nany and Wes & Theresa. Thoughts on how this rivalry played out?
● Andrew: "I think this was the best season of the Bananas vs Wes rivalry. We saw both of them make the others squirm in the first two episodes while Wes pulled the trigger on the Bananas in episode 5. I don't know if I'd want to see them paired in a Rivals season they're better as opponents."
● DC: "Yeah, you probably knew this might happen between the girls because of the guys' long animosity. We saw on Free Agents of the girls being BFF, and then it's totally different the very next season. Obviously, we know that Theresa's got a baby and won't join us for the foreseeable future but still it was a huge rivalry. And when those two winningest players go on future challenges, this rivalry will still be here, and whomever is their partner will become enemies. Just the way it is."
● DC: "Yeah, you probably knew this might happen between the girls because of the guys' long animosity. We saw on Free Agents of the girls being BFF, and then it's totally different the very next season. Obviously, we know that Theresa's got a baby and won't join us for the foreseeable future but still it was a huge rivalry. And when those two winningest players go on future challenges, this rivalry will still be here, and whomever is their partner will become enemies. Just the way it is."
Obviously, you had the great foresight of Are You The One? joining The Challenge last season. How well did Season 1 hang with the establishment this season?
● Andrew: "If I'm going to be honest I see why people were hesitant of Are You The One on the challenge. JJ and Simone didn't do anything to help the edit at all and left fairly quickly. While Adam and Brittany did take out three teams, they only made it half way. Till I see an AYTO team make it close to a final I'm not sure if it's a good idea to bring the cast on to be honest."
● DC: "I know the purists didn't accept their addition, but if we want to keep the show going they gotta accept this show we've followed greatly, and it was a great move by BMP to make this fantasy come true. They did better than expected with Adam & Brittany's Dome success and JJ & Simone knocking out Dustin & Jess in Exile. I agree it'll take time for them to get the hang of it, but AYTO will be a force with strong prospects from the three casts...I know folks like Brandon, Tee Boogie & co. will bring new energy when they join up. And again, AK you're a genius for having the sense that this crossover could possibly happen and it happens as soon as their first Challenge."
We have followed Team Portland very closely and a key story was how Johnny & Averey were gonna communicate, but despite that they did make it halfway through. Thoughts on Javerey?
● Andrew: "I loved these two on Real World Portland together. I had them on my last show or Real World Portland together and wanted them to do so well as a real life couple. On the challenge they were so different which was unfortunate but as a team they did and made it halfway which isn't bad."
● DC: "We've been social friends with Team PDX since before they began airing, and coming into Exes 2 this was gonna be a big story of how those two were gonna communicate after that bad breakup. They do get credit for being able to persevere in winning two Exiles, but I have a feeling that should they get the call to later Challenges and both are there, there will always be this awkward feeling between those two that will exist."
● DC: "We've been social friends with Team PDX since before they began airing, and coming into Exes 2 this was gonna be a big story of how those two were gonna communicate after that bad breakup. They do get credit for being able to persevere in winning two Exiles, but I have a feeling that should they get the call to later Challenges and both are there, there will always be this awkward feeling between those two that will exist."
THE big moment of Exes 2 was Sarah voting in Banany against their wishes. It was the true game-changer and it turned out to be the decisive move. Do you agree, and what's your thoughts on it?
● Andrew: "What made it a game changer was that it was an on the fly decision. Did Sarah backstab Bananas absolutely but do I fault her for doing it no. I think Bananas would've done the exact same thing had they been put on the spot by TJ like Sarah and Jordan were."
● DC: "In my mind, it was indeed the move that decided this whole thing, and I do agree...it was on the spot without any day-long deliberation like what we see usually and I concur on that blindside. Sarah had all of that built-up feelings of what had happened to her in the past of coming up short time and time again, and also the two DQ's when Vinny & Trishelle were sent home. And I also understand fans' frustration of seeing Bananas win all the time that it was getting too predictable. So, it's not just that blindside vote that will be the thing most remembered from this season, it might be my moment of the year--stay tuned obviously to the awards in post #2."
● DC: "In my mind, it was indeed the move that decided this whole thing, and I do agree...it was on the spot without any day-long deliberation like what we see usually and I concur on that blindside. Sarah had all of that built-up feelings of what had happened to her in the past of coming up short time and time again, and also the two DQ's when Vinny & Trishelle were sent home. And I also understand fans' frustration of seeing Bananas win all the time that it was getting too predictable. So, it's not just that blindside vote that will be the thing most remembered from this season, it might be my moment of the year--stay tuned obviously to the awards in post #2."
Theresa got a last-minute reprieve after Nia was sent home before the last dome. Was it fair for her to get a 2nd chance, for Leroy not to be sent home, and for Banany not getting a free pass?
● Andrew: "They could've done one with things with Nia's exit. One which is what they did bring Theresa an ex of Leroy's in. Two they could've sent Leroy home and we could've gotten the main event we wanted in Exes 2 Johnny and Nany vs Wes and Theresa. Not mad at Theresa replacing Nia but if that happens in a future this late they have to do it like this and not what they've done to Sarah twice."
● DC: "Yeah, I probably didn't think it would be right to just give Bananas & Nany that last Dome by default if Leroy was sent home as well and nobody would be winners in the end. But I do agree with Reality Radio that because Wes wasn't at 100% in her Dome and her not being given a fair shake, Theresa did deserve to get a 2nd shot. So, it was the right call for Leroy not being sent home, and for T.Time to get a 2nd chance. They did earn their way into the final."
● DC: "Yeah, I probably didn't think it would be right to just give Bananas & Nany that last Dome by default if Leroy was sent home as well and nobody would be winners in the end. But I do agree with Reality Radio that because Wes wasn't at 100% in her Dome and her not being given a fair shake, Theresa did deserve to get a 2nd shot. So, it was the right call for Leroy not being sent home, and for T.Time to get a 2nd chance. They did earn their way into the final."
And what's your thoughts on the final, and how Sarah & Jordan were worthy winners? And thoughts on Jay & Jenna's meltdown?
● Andrew: "They deserved it. Sarah deserved the win and I'm sure it helped her wedding be even more special. Jay and Jenna's meltdown was disappointing cause I'm a big Jay G fan but regardless they would've gotten third place anyways."
● DC: "The right team won Exes 2...Sarah & Jordan were the worthy ones. I had them in my top 3 and knew they had to work together to get this done, and after that vote they were gonna win. It was that Exile they were in that was the wake-up call and they never looked back. I do agree with some fans that this wasn't the best final challenge and didn't match the epic nature of what we saw on Free Agents, but it's always the most intense television when we get to a Challenge final.
As for Jay & Jenna, I won't scold them for quitting, but it was unfortunate that they had to exit early, especially when they were thrown in by Sarah to succumb here and them being totally unprepared for that drink station that cost them $35,000. The kind of social hate Jay got was really bad and I feel for him, and I know he will be motivated by that and I believe that he will come back and win."
● DC: "The right team won Exes 2...Sarah & Jordan were the worthy ones. I had them in my top 3 and knew they had to work together to get this done, and after that vote they were gonna win. It was that Exile they were in that was the wake-up call and they never looked back. I do agree with some fans that this wasn't the best final challenge and didn't match the epic nature of what we saw on Free Agents, but it's always the most intense television when we get to a Challenge final.
As for Jay & Jenna, I won't scold them for quitting, but it was unfortunate that they had to exit early, especially when they were thrown in by Sarah to succumb here and them being totally unprepared for that drink station that cost them $35,000. The kind of social hate Jay got was really bad and I feel for him, and I know he will be motivated by that and I believe that he will come back and win."
And that is it...for now at least. Our 2nd Annual Reality Debrief is just getting started, and obviously there's more for Andrew & me to discuss here. Coming up in Part 2 later this week we'll be looking back at the most controversial of the three seasons of Are You The One?, the Skeletons moving in the Real World house in Chicago and Andrew's thoughts on the other reality shows he's into outside the MTV Trifecta. We'll also give out our year-end awards and predictions for 2016 (hard to think it's December already), and in the tradition of Derrick Kosinski's Ultimate Challenge Radio, I'll even him the chance to give someone a Reality Check to...at least one person from this past year who was naughty and not nice, so stay tuned to see who will be put in their place right here.
#DCExtraTime: MORE FROM ME...
Now, ExtraTime and some added thoughts from me only on all things Challenge. Again, as is every Forum post and the discussion above, my opinions are non-judgmental and objective.
On Zach & Nia's behavior on Exes 2
"It's unfortunate that the behavior and the castmates' conduct would be just as remembered as all else on Exes 2, just as it was with Devin treating Kiki on AYTO3. As I wrote, I'm sure that Zach & Nia have thought about what they did when they filmed this last year and then knowing that this would eventually put them in a very bad light once this airs. I'm hopeful that they took the time both in the interval between filming and airing, and then when the episodes aired, to reflect on what they did. I'm sure they've had all this time and I hope they came out of it with a deeper understanding. Glad to see Zach with him being happy w/ Jenna and Nia taking this thing to heart."
"It's unfortunate that the behavior and the castmates' conduct would be just as remembered as all else on Exes 2, just as it was with Devin treating Kiki on AYTO3. As I wrote, I'm sure that Zach & Nia have thought about what they did when they filmed this last year and then knowing that this would eventually put them in a very bad light once this airs. I'm hopeful that they took the time both in the interval between filming and airing, and then when the episodes aired, to reflect on what they did. I'm sure they've had all this time and I hope they came out of it with a deeper understanding. Glad to see Zach with him being happy w/ Jenna and Nia taking this thing to heart."
First Bloodlines Hook-Up:
"I feel there will be hookups between many of the cast...it's pretty much the way it is when there's people single and ready to mingle. If I had to choose, and by looking at this both from the bios and what could possibly happen - and remember I'm making this blind guess without seeing any video, I think Christina will have a hook-up and don't be surprised if Tony will be put into the dog house given his blonde ambitions. Cory's also being capable of making love as we saw with him & Jenny last year, and both sets of twins have such a great appeal in Dario/Raphy and Thomas/Stephen that they could hook-up with someone that will make for some drama. There's lots of possibilities that will make life hard for them but exciting for us viewers."
"I do echo Andrew's position from the AYTO 3 preview post that there's medium-sized expectations, but I'm excited for everything and this could be a better season than what we had with Exes 2 with respect to it. I always like when a competition like this is anyone's game - ask Leicester City of the Premier League when they led the league table before last week, and I feel that any of these teams have a chance to possibly go all the way because of the new family nature of this season.
Now that you've read Debrief Part 1, take time to indulge in a slice of dessert with two of our fellow insiders: just posted today is the Rob Has A Podcast Challenge Bloodlines preview with two podcast MVP's in their own right: Brian Cohen (@BusDriversRoute) & Ali Lasher (@LashsTweets). The duo will discuss the pairs, the bloodline twist, offer their picks and conduct their own fantasy draft...a tradition of Mr. Bus Drivers Route. Check out that podcast, draft results and the one-of-a-kind scoring system here, along with chats with AYTO's Kiki, Zak & Tyler and all their MTV Trifecta coverage dating back to RW Portland at robhasawebsite.com, YouTube and the BDR blog.
As for here, be sure to check out our own DCBLOG Bloodlines season preview that was posted yesterday with a look at the teams plus our Who Are These Newbies? capsules on Christina, Cory, Dario, Tony and KellyAnne. In addition to our exclusive 'Pulse diary and a Wrap of this week's premiere, our recap posts this weekend will also include a member of the AYTO S3 cast opening up for the first time on the events that hastened the early exit of her crush in the house in the finale. And of course, follow the action and drama with live & real-time tweets of the first act on DCNOW, my dedicated live event hub, at @DC408DxNow starting at 10 PM PT - and join the conversation both there and on my primary TW handle @DC408Dxtr with my custom hashtag, #DCChallenge.
Again, make sure to rejoin Andrew and me later this week for Part 2 of the Reality Debrief and of course check out DCBLOG's Bloodlines premiere twin-bill over the weekend. Until then, Happy December, Happy Holidays, thanks for reading and see you tomorrow night on DCNOW.
- I AM DC
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