MTV Trifecta: Countdown to The Challenge - Rivals III

BY DC CUEVA                     

> @DC408Dxtr / @DC408DxNow

With a slightly new look in a brand spanking new logo, welcome back once again to DCBLOG's ride through the always fascinating and entertaining world of the MTV Trifecta, now into our 4th year covering the three shows that galvanizes this MTV fan and so many others everywhere. We are about halfway thru what's so far been a controversial & eventful 31st season of Real World: Go Big or Go Home in Las Vegas, and very soon, we'll be covering season 4 of Are You The One?, taking place once again in the Hawaiian islands, for which the buzz for it begins today as its new cast is revealed.

   But after taking an unplanned week off to pay homage of one of music's legends in Prince, we are about to enter the most-packed time of covering the Trifecta in quite some time, as in addition to those two shows above, we're into the final countdown to Season 28 of The Challenge, which debuts on Wednesday, May 4 - six days from now. It seems almost as if it was just yesterday that Cara Maria overcame her arch nemesis Johnny Bananas, her ex-boyfriend Abram and just about everything else to garner her first Challenge title inside the venerable Berlin Olympic Stadium. But time has flown by very fast, and now the slate has been wiped clean for a new book to be written.

This time, this season being held a bit closer to home as it will take place in Huatulco, Oaxaca, Mexico in the country's south coast. It's the first time The Challenge has ventured south of the border since Gauntlet III in 2008, best remembered for Big Easy quitting on the Veterans in the final and costing them a certain win. That moment provides the context for this season, which unlike Bloodlines last season promises to be something else when it comes to the drama, competition and all else we know & love. That's what you get when you have a format as intense as Rivals.

   Five years ago, we were witness to perhaps the greatest season ever of The Challenge when this format caught all of the castmates off guard the moment host TJ Lavin revealed that twist, and that set the table for everything that took place in Costa Rica --- and we'll look back on that epic season next week as we inch closer to the first week of May. In summer 2013, we saw the big name vets compete with the new generation for the first time, and saw the great CT and athletic Emily win their first Challenge, just as Paula did on the first one.

   This time, the format is not only being brought back for a third time, but also retooled in a big way, and the stakes are even greater than before. Instead of same-gender pairs as in the first two editions of Rivals, it's the usual shocking twist that we've come to expect from this show that will rear its head on everyone when it's the rival of the opposite sex that will be paired up with. And if you thought that the Exes format of guys and girls being paired off was something, then wait until you see what this season has in store for us.

This Rivals III Challenge is the 12th MTV Trifecta season that we have chronicled here on DCBLOG, and we will be surrounding this season like no other site can in the blogosphere. We're excited again to both watch this season and the  bringing you it in our unique way here, taking you from the preseason buzz through the crowning of a champion later on in the dog days of the summer.

   Coming up, we'll have a full preview of this Challenge and a look at all of the 13 pairs competing in Mexico, and their prior history of personal hatred that got them paired up in Mexico. Plus, we'll have Who Are These Newbies?, our tradition of introducing you to this season's six first-time rookie competitors, our service to fans so you'll get to know them before you see them on May 4.

   So, Join In after the jump as DCBLOG's coverage of Season 28 of The Challenge kicks off with our preview of Rivals III from south of the border.

DC WRAP: April 23-24, 2016

BY DC CUEVA                           

> @DC408dxtr / @DC408dxnow

Quite the week this has been, hasn't it? It's been one of those weeks with so much that has happened. But the most notable story from a pop culture standpoint is the passing of one of music's greatest icons when Prince was found dead on Thursday in Minneapolis. Considering its proud musical heritage, it would've been uneasy for MTV to not recognize the great role he had played during his career on the day of his untimely death, but the channel made the right and respectful decision to postpone this week's episode of Real World Go Home or Go Home to next week.

   So with no episode airing in the Trifecta this week, what we're going to do here this weekend is, we'll have just a DC FORUM to offer thoughts on something that happened this week to a member of the Rivals III cast, and how it impacts the people affected by the scenario that's playing out right now. Then, we'll take an opportunity to look ahead a bit at what comes up here on this site as we enter a big stretch in the Trifecta. Join me after the break.

DC WRAP: Real World Go Big or Go Home - "The Leak"

BY DC CUEVA                           

> @DC408dxtr / @DC408dxnow

Welcome back to DCBLOG as we add more to Episode 5 of Real World Go Big or Go Home ahead of tomorrow's episode. We saw Jenna finally get to the heart of the email leak where Chris came forward that he got his friends to write scathing comments to her in response to her religious comments. We saw Dione broke as a joke and go gambling with Dean's money in the Vegas casinos but must find a way to repay those losses. And there was something enlightening in the group become fighter pilots for a day, and enduring spiders too.

   We'll be shelving the Things to Know episode recap and Winners of the Night for this week, but there's still plenty to discuss here. Ahead, perspective on Chris and the reaction that came about from social world after last week's episode. Then, we'll have observations from the relative old-school nature of this season, and how it compares to other times we've seen traits of the first & second generations of this iconic show. Plus on a lighter note, we'll join with the Season 31 cast as they enjoy their night at the Movie Awards. All that is coming up.

DC SocialPulse: Real World Go Big or Go Home - "The Leak"

*** 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

Welcome once again to DCBLOG and our coverage of Real World: Go Big or Go Home. So far, there's a theme that's been reverberating through this third trip to Las Vegas: yes, there's a Road Rules vibe in the twist, but also a hearken back to old-school Real World through five episodes.

   Previously, we saw Jenna get the shaft when a bummed shoulder almost prevented her from going home, but not be left out of controversy yet again as a discussion over religion saw Chris suddenly turn against her, while the Kailah & Dione saga saw him meet a local girl in town and encounter road bumps. And as it was when Dustin's past became a major bombshell at the Hard Rock down the road, a scathing email is found by the house and turns the suite and Jenna's life upside down.

   That Leak is the principal subject of this week's episode, as Jenna loses her mind and her life crumbles in front of her when that anonymous search by, as it turns out, one of the roommates, initiates major drama both inside and outside the penthouse. The biggest mystery we've seen in the Real World in quite some time begins to unravel as the roommates look to uncover this leak. And on a lighter note, Dione is broke and looks for ways to repay his gambling debts to drama-free Dean. And as far as missions go, two words: spiders and planes.
   We'll have all the action, reaction and reaction for you if you did or didn't get to experience it, as we are now at the beginning of a big stretch in the MTV Trifecta, as we'll be explaining it following the diary.

- 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.

For the week that was in Real World Land, join in with DCBLOG next.

DC SocialPulse Extra: A Weekend at the Movie Awards

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

Welcome back to DCBLOG and our coverage of Real World: Go Big or Go Home. Coming up, reaction and more from a chaotic Episode 5 from last week, but first another 'Pulse Extra.
   Last week was the MTV Movie Awards, and the Real World'ers had a chance to enjoy being celebs for the first time in walking down the red carpet. We'll have their experience for you here, plus the usual lead-up to their Episode 5 which we'll delve into here shortly.

- Please note there is explicit language in many of the tweets below, but are kept uncensored in order to retain the heat of the moment. If you're mature enough, please read with discretion. :-)

So, join in after the jump for this special 'Pulse Extra.

DC WRAP: Real World Go Big or Go Home - "Unfriended"

BY DC CUEVA                           

> @DC408dxtr / @DC408dxnow

We've crossed the one-third pole of Real World Go Big or Go Home, and welcome back to DCBLOG as we recap Episode 4 (and 3 as well) of this season as we prepare for tonight's episode from Vegas.
   The drama has picked up a bit as last week, we saw Jenna get saved by the bell after a brush with injury before their latest mission, Kailah & Dione encounter a speed bump, and Chris going to a strip club for the first time. And echoing what happened to Dustin five years ago down the street at the Hard Rock, an shocking internet post left Jenna uncertain of who to trust in the house.
   As promised, we'll have a recap of not only last week's Episode 4, but also Episode 3 preceding it, along with our winners of the night and more fan reaction. And on ExtraTime, we'll catch up with both a Real World original and the latest in Team MTV to become a parent. All that is next.

DC SocialPulse: Real World Go Big or Go Home - "Unfriended"

*** 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

Welcome back to DCBLOG as we continue our ride through the world of the MTV Trifecta. As the countdown to The Challenge: Rivals III begins and the premiere date of June for Are You The One? Season 4 has been revealed, our focus remains on Real World: Go Big or Go Home, and the drama is starting to pick up there in Las Vegas
   Previously in Sin City, we saw Dione be at the heart of girl drama post his hook-up with Kailah, while CeeJai got to celebrate her birthday with both the excitement of riding on ATV's and the emotion of her not having her parents to enjoy the moment. But the drama centered around Jenna, who we saw have a striptease with a guy at a strip club against her wishes, and an injury she had on that ATV ride threaten her stay in Las Vegas before a mission.
   And that is where we begin Episode 4 as Jenna's fate takes a surprising turn before they encounter another fun mission in the water. The Kailah & Dione Show continues as jealousy takes over when he meets a local girl while they were out enjoying the city. And just as it did five years ago with the events that put Dustin on the front page of US Weekly, a scandalous internet post stuns the house and leaving the girl who's caused the most drama to ponder who she can trust.

   Last night, we brought you an appetizer with the kickoff to Rivals III, and today we have the main course with the 'Pulse of the episode itself, which also includes Chris answering fan questions, more of the Rivals III buzz, and the special, Love in the Real World.

- 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.

So, join in after the jump for Week 4 of Real World Go Big or Go Home, 'Pulse style.

DC SocialPulse Extra: Rivals III Launch and Road to RW Go Big EP4

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

Welcome once again to DCBLOG as we continue our ride through the world of the MTV Trifecta. Ahead, the action, reaction and social interaction of a big Episode 4 of Real World: Go Big or Go Home as jealousy, hatred and web posts dominate the week that was in Las Vegas. But first...
    Last week was a fairly busy one in all three shows of this crown: filming concluded in Hawaii for Season 4 of Are You The One? which, as of today (as we talk to you on Monday, April 11) comes our way in June. But in addition to the potential of the first roommate being sent home from Sin City, the top story in the Trifecta was the beginning of the countdown of The Challenge: Rivals III with all related materials - trailer, cast & all - dropping during the week of the MTV Movie Awards. 

   With respect to those of you who loyally check out this site, sometimes the weekly lead-up to any episode are too much to put in a single post, that Extra posts like this are sometimes necessary in order to make the blog experience better here. This week is that occasion, as in addition to news in the Trifecta, there was also that classic National Championship last week and other things as well that we had to separate most of the lead-up into its own post this week as an appetizer to the main course.

- Please note there is explicit language in many of the tweets below, but are kept uncensored in order to retain the heat of the moment. If you're mature enough, please read with discretion. :-)

So, join in after the jump for this special 'Pulse Extra.

DC ExtraTime: Real World Las Vegas - The Game Changer

BY DC CUEVA                           

> @DC408dxtr / @DC408dxnow

The next chapter in the ongoing story that is the MTV Trifecta is already ongoing with season 31 of The Real World taking place in Las Vegas, NV. Among the shows that make up this triple, if you consider The Challenge to be the main course with all that competition and Are You The One? the dessert with all that lovin', then The Real World is the appetizer, and the one that's steeped in history. It's not only the longest-running show on MTV but the longest-running primetime entertainment series in all of cable and, of course, the pioneer of the reality television genre, as the show is in Sin City for Go Big or Go Home.

   The Real World's way of having told the stories of the generations who've been documented on this show serve as a template to ExtraTime and to our position of covering these shows in a unique way. From personal hardships and great moments, to the people of this unique franchise, we've been able to tell the kinds of stories that sometimes get shuffled in the limelight but proves that there's more to them than what you see on TV. And the show's long and storied history provides a vault full of stories that makes it unique among MTV shows, which for this post provides a perfect example.

On this dedicated edition of ExtraTime, DCBLOG will look back at the first time The Real World set foot in the city that never sleeps. When it came to Las Vegas in fall 2002, the show was, pure & simple, a documentary series documenting the MTV generation going through this transition into adulthood, and in many ways it still is. But when the cast moved out of the Palms Hotel at the end of Season 12, it was in a whole new level with a memorable cast that rewrote the rule book and set the pace for every season that followed to emulate its kind of wild excitement, big time drama and hookups aplenty.

   After the jump, DC ExtraTime presents a special, unique retrospective of the season that changed the game of television's longest-running reality-based series: The Real World Las Vegas.

DC WRAP: Real World Go Big or Go Home - Disaster from Down Under

BY DC CUEVA                           

> @DC408dxtr / @DC408dxnow

In the midst of what has been a very exciting stretch of events, welcome again to DCBLOG as we bring you post 2 of covering Episode 3 of Real World: Go Big or Go Home, before tonight's 4th episode as we find out if someone will be going home from Las Vegas.
   Last week, we saw Jenna having a striptease against her wishes, Dione cause girl drama after hooking up with Kailah, CeeJai celebrating her birthday and the group having fun in the desert on all-terrain vehicles. But an injury to Jenna may cause her to become the first castmate to leave Las Vegas for not completing a mission, and we'll find out her fate tonight.
   Now with a cliffhanger to that episode last week, plus work on a special blog post coming up this weekend, we'll recap for you in our Episode 4 posts. For this Week 3 edition of the WRAP, we'll just name winners of the night and have more fan reaction. But there's no shortage of stories here, and coming up we'll look at the Vegas experience of the three RW Vegas casts and how it compares to my experiences in Sin City. Plus, we'll look at the history of this franchise from a musical point of view, and we'll catch up with a recent Real World alum who has made it big in the world of fashion.

   Join DCBLOG after the jump for another edition of the Real World WRAP.

DC SocialPulse: Real World Go Big or Go Home - Disaster from Down Under

*** 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

Welcome once again to DCBLOG and our coverage of season 31 of Real World: Go Big or Go Home. We are past the quarter pole of this season, and a lot of things have already taken place in Las Vegas.

   Last we were in Vegas, Sabrina received news that could potentially see her reunite with her biological mom for the very first time. But the attention was on the wild side of Vegas, as we saw Chris, Dean and Dione forced to dress in drag in a guys-only mission and though Dean had doubts about it they still got through it a-OK. And the flirtation between Dione and Kailah reaches a point they and we never expected: a night together in bed as the first pair to seal the deal this season.
   This week, there's more drama brewing in Downtown as you wouldn't have a Real World Vegas without seeing at least one stripper, which sees the group enjoy a scandalous night at the club and then sees Jenna clash with CeeJai over that regretful choice. The repercussions of Dione sleeping with Kailah last week is not surprisingly stirring up major girl drama as the saga of them continues. CeeJai gets to enjoy her birthday with both the excitement of celebrating it in Vegas, and the emotions of celebrating it all alone. And just like what happened to Candice & Leroy on Bloodlines, an injury before a mission threatens to send one of the roommates home.
   We'll have all the interaction from episode 3 for you here and the accompanying lead-up and aftermath, plus a Q&A with Kailah and real talk with Chris. We also have someone who had a short but sweet run on the last Challenge season and whose misfortune may be revisited in another of the roommates ahead in Vegas, along with the always honest & entertaining view of Teen Mom from the point of view of Jemmye. And after the diary, we'll look ahead at a huge stretch of events coming up on DCNOW.

- 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.

Join In for fun, drama and more from week 3 of Season 31 of Real World, 'Pulse style - next.