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.

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

*** 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

It's the long holiday weekend and if you're dealing with the winter blues and having nothing to do with the snow and/or cold outside, we have the perfect cure for you: DCBLOG. And what's better than that, you say? The premiere of Are You The One? Season 5... Yes, that guilty pleasure of ours is back to kick off what will be a most exciting next few months around this very site and ecosystem.

   The newest season of the social dating experiment is now underway - at least if you're in the U.S., as the show is doing it big yet again down in the Dominican Republic. This time around, things are a bit different: 11 girls and 11 guys now call the humble abode home, meaning if they want to win the $1 million, they'll have to do one better than normal to get the money. Of course, it will now take a lot of effort -- literally -- by this new group to singles to get to the magic number of 11.
   This week, the fight for love and money begins as the singles move in and right off the bat, couples begin to form as they try to figure out who they're matched up with. As they find out that the house has two more people than normal living in their quarters, they find out of two additional twists that may wrench their plans to try and reach their goal within 10 tries. And who will take on those roles of being the first girl to shed some tears, and become the ladies man of the house?

   Coming up, the answers to those questions and all of the action, reaction and interaction from the premiere and the vibe surrounding the countdown to and aftermath of the first act of Season 5 and this first AYTO Wednesday for Team 22. Following the diary, ExtraTime will venture to the pleasure capital of the world for the year's first big event as the newest technologies are unveiled for the first time as the world's biggest convention.

As we start this off once again, we'd like to welcome those of you who might be checking out DCBLOG for the first time and make yourselves comfortable. The 'Pulse is an signature feature presenting the other show that takes place concurrent to the madness of what we're seeing on TV. It's the social media interaction between cast members, alumni and fans that becomes equal to the big show as they wrap themselves around the communal viewing experience of watching themselves on TV. And we bring that to you as part of our MTV Trifecta coverage.
   Brought to you here each weekend to begin our weekly set of posts, these unique, exclusive running diaries are specially designed, curated and pieced together by yours truly in real-time - tweet by tweet and uncensored - to bring the hookups, drama, and all else to you here. This is a service to all of you fans - both those who just want to relive the action, reaction and interaction in real time, or for the many who might not have experienced the buzz at the time of the episodes' ET airing and want to catch up in these diaries, posted to you here after it airs on MTV wherever you are.
   This is only part of the DCBLOG Trifecta experience, as we offer a unique perspective on AYTO and the RW/Challenge franchise. With episode Wraps, thoughtful & in-depth analysis, and ExtraTime original stories, we go beyond the drama to cover the people and the stories that take you beyond the hype, the headlines and the hookups. And it's presented by this long-time MTV fan who loves these shows as much as you do, and now covers them on this blog.

Now, the following are the actual tweets of the cast, alumni, fans and me as we got to see the premiere, along with the buildup to, and the aftermath of, the premiere and of course episode #1.
- 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.

It all begins... join DCBLOG next for the 'Pulse of AYTO Season 5 as the quest begins.

DC SocialPulse Extra: Road to the AYTO5 Premiere

*** 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  @ TW / IG / YT

Welcome one and all to DCBLOG's weekend posts covering the premiere of Are You The One? Season 5. Ahead, twists aplenty in the Dominican Republic and the back end of our recap of the year in the MTV Trifecta. First though...

All of our 'Pulse diaries begin with the weekly lead-up to every episode of the MTV Trifecta, which provides you with the overall vibe and feeling of the community of alums and current cast members of the RW/Challenge franchise and Are You The One?, and what they're feeling going into new episodes, the conversations between them, and the odd tweets too. But just as we did last week, the build-up and the episode posts get too long when you combine them as a whole, and sometimes these Extra posts become necessary in order to make the blog experience better here, and split those two into their own posts to make it easier for all of you. This week is one of those occasions, and this is the appetizer to the main course that's coming up here shortly.
   The lead-in to premiere night this past week saw, of course, all of the anticipation that this season's cast -- Team 22 -- went through as they counted down the days and hours to the day they've been anticipating since they began this ride as those who sent those audition tapes & forms hoping they'd be put onto the cast. We'll have that for you here, plus how Team MTV saw last week's thrilling College Football Playoff Championship, and more from this week that was. We'll also include info on something very important coming up here also.

- 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. :-)

Join in for this special 'Pulse Extra following the jump.

DC WRAP: Real World Bad Blood - The Finale

BY DC CUEVA                     

■ @DC408Dxtr  @ TW / IG / YT

Tomorrow, we turn the page to covering Are You The One? Season 5 on DCBLOG, but before that takes place we have one more post on Real World Bad Blood to bring you here. Last week was the season finale that saw yet another roommate leave the house for their behavior, all stemming from a big house fight that took place and casting a dark cloud over the usually festive mood that comes with the final few days in the Real World house
   Ahead, the key moments from not only the finale but also Episode 11 when Tyara left after news of her pregnancy became public and Anna & Katrina's mom flying into Seattle. After the poll results, we'll join some Trifecta alumni and newbies as they ring in 2017, and let you know about the latest alum to say "I do." The WRAP is coming up.

DC FORUM: Reality Debrief 2016 with Cueva & Kirk - Part 1

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 Year-End Special

WITH DC CUEVA & ANDREW KIRK  

■ @DC408Dxtr / @CSUGradAKirk

It's the end of week #1 of 2017, and it's time again for a DCBLOG winter tradition with the 2016 edition of the Reality Debrief with me, DC Cueva, and fellow reality TV fan & webcast host Andrew Kirk. This time, it's a belated Debrief as this is being posted later than planned, but it's our tradition over the holidays & year's end to look back at the year that was in reality TV, and take stock of what's the year that just past us by. 2016 was a packed year of reality TV in & outside this site's primary focus of the MTV Trifecta, a most welcome retreat from everything that happened in a most eventful year. And as it was to wrap 2015, me and Andrew's year-end discussion of the moments, people and more of these shows will take two posts for us two to cover and dissect here this week.

   On Wednesday, we'll devote an entire post to cover the five seasons of The Challenge/Real World franchise and Are You The One? that aired in 2016, plus preview the upcoming Season 5 of the ladder that premieres this coming week. First, we'll be discussing shows from outside the MTV ecosystem as we'll be covering those shows Andrew has certainly a stronger interest in than I do, Big Brother and Survivor. Also, as he recently passed a milestone of having past five years since his first MTV webcast, plus me having a productive 2016 in my blog coverage, Andrew and I will get to ask each other one question on here in something I like to call, One on One.

   Because I don't follow or watch other reality TV much outside of the MTV ecosystem, I asked you fans to send in questions on two-thirds of CBS' own reality trifecta to #AskDCBLOG on Twitter or via DM. Although I wish that I would have more questions from more fans, I did get the input of one of our fellow followers and you always do with whatever you got...thanks to our friend Jon from Chicago @JonnyBoyy10 who sent in questions which I'll be directing to Andrew on here. We'll have info on you can take part in our MTV wrap-up at post's end.

So, join Andrew and I -- or better yet, Cueva & Kirk -- after the jump as DC FORUM presents Part 1 of Reality Debrief 2016.

DC SocialPulse: Real World Bad Blood - The Finale

*** 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

It's the first full weekend of 2017 and as you brave the cold -- and here where I live in the Bay Area, wet weather, DCBLOG is keeping you dry and warm as we have some final business to take care of in covering Real World Season 32. This ride of covering the the Bad Blood in Seattle and this first season of this Trifecta cycle began in October, and now it ends in January in eventful fashion. That also warrants this to be presented as a Mega-post.

   Last week saw yet another roommate pack their bags and head home as Tyara found out that she had a positive reading on her pregnancy test and flew home to deal with it personally. Anna and Katrina's volatile relationship and growing tension saw their mom fly out to try and remedy the situation. And her coming in came at a most intense time when Peter went off on Jenn for hanging out with the sisters, just after he found out about the sisters' suspicious web search on his abusive behavior.
   This week, it's the roommates' final week in the Pacific Northwest as they live it up, party it up and are hopeful of ending their stay in the Crescent City on a positive note. For some, they do exactly that -- Anika & Will for example, but it's not the case for others. After what happened to them last week, Anna and Katrina decide to stand up to Peter for his controlling and angry behavior towards Jenn. And after yet another big blowup and the show's fifth straight fight in a season finale, it leaves her with a big decision on her plate that may make or break their relationship.

Coming up, how the cast and some alumni saw the season finale and all the buzz surrounding on the season's last Real World Wednesday. And after the diary, what happens when you run into the guy they call Bananas? ExtraTime will bring you once of those instances, featuring a big fan who was featured on here previously.

• 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 fight, a decision and one last dance... It's the Season Finale of Real World Bad Blood - Pulse style. Coming up.

DC SocialPulse Extra: Road to the RW Bad Blood Finale

*** 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  @ TW / IG / YT

Welcome one and all to the first DC SocialPulse journal of 2017 and to the first weekend of the new year. Coming up, our look at an eventful finale of Real World Bad Blood from Seattle, and our traditional recap of the year that was in reality TV, albeit a belated one. But first, the following...

Every edition of the 'Pulse diary begins with the weekly lead-up to every episode of the MTV Trifecta, which provides you with the overall vibe and feeling of the community of alums and current cast members of the RW/Challenge franchise and Are You The One?, and what they're feeling going into new episodes, the conversations between them, and the odd tweets too. But occasionally when you add them up, the build-up and the episode posts get too long, and sometimes these Extra posts become necessary in order to make the blog experience better here, and split those two into their own posts to make it easier on the eyes. This week is one of those occasions, and this is the appetizer to the main course which will we'll bring you here in a little bit.
   The lead-up to the finale of RW Bad Blood also coincided with the end of the year that was 2016 and the year we're now in, 2017. From the time between Episode 11 and Episode 12 this past Wednesday, there was all of the celebration of the year ending -- a relief for some and for others something to be proud of, and it features New Year's tweets from both in and outside the Trifecta ecosystem - for the sake of those of you who watch the channel as a whole not just for the Triple. Plus, there was the UFC's final event of 2016 which may have seen the last stand for Ronda Rousey, and a birthday for one who's suddenly become a Challenge big name thanks to three finals trips.

- 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.

MTV Trifecta: Countdown to Are You The One? Season 5

BY DC CUEVA                     

> @DC408Dxtr / @DC408DxNow

We are now over eighty hours into 2017, and if we haven't spoken yet, a very Happy New Year to all of you. We here at DCBLOG are now into our fifth year covering the MTV Trifecta, as we kick off another year of the stories, social reaction and beyond from reality TV's most unique ecosystem. Tonight is the season finale of Real World Bad Blood, and of course we'll put a bow on it this weekend. But when things are done and dusted in Seattle, the focus will shift instantly to another season of the show that is the reason why I have three shows to cover and has brought love into the picture.

   On January 11th - a week from tonight, Season 5 of Are You The One? will commence in the Dominican Republic with everything we come to expect from the Trifecta with the big time drama, great people and high stakes, plus the romantic matchmaking and dating fest this show is known for. That memorable first season and cast three years ago more than set the tone for the three seasons that followed: the 11th girl on Season 2, a Season 3 cast that's made quite a splash since then, and everything that occurred last summer on Season 4. All four casts have something in common: at least one couple have emerged out of each season as a romantic couple who are still together today, and the group as a whole went 10 for 10 and won the jackpot on offer: as much as $1 million.

   Now, AYTO Season 5 awaits us with the show's largest cast at 22 cast members in total and a lot to live up to, as we speed towards premiere night next Wednesday. DCBLOG will once again be here to document the entire journey of the group we will fittingly call on here Team 22 from this preseason preview one week out, right through the final match-up ceremony during the springtime. And ahead, we'll be previewing what's awaiting us in the Caribbean, and introduce you to the 11 girls and 11 guys who are anxious to hook up, have fun and fight for love and money in the D.R.  To say the least, it's will be a full house and should be a season full of love, lust, jealousy and drama.

   So, as we always like to say here, grab a swimsuit, put your name tag on, get those match-up charts and sharpie, and Join In with us as DCBLOG kicks off our coverage of Season 5 of Are You The One, coming right up after the jump.