Sunday, August 27, 2017

DC WRAP: The Challenge XXX - Dirty 30: Episode 6

BY DC CUEVA                     
■ @DC408Dxtr  TW / IG / YT

Welcome back again to our look at Week 5 of The Challenge XXX, and this truncated installment of the WRAP. This week, we saw the full field of competitors get back in action as they searched for treasure chests full of bounty, or booty as those pirates refer to, and saw Cara Maria & CT and Veronica & Nelson won and gain immunity. But it's what happened outside the competition venue of the beach that stirred controversy and outrage when Jordan used a low blow to insult someone and got everyone talking, and got him thrown into the Presidio.
   This week's WRAP is coming to you earlier than normal as, as we told you yesterday, because we came up short of seeing both a regular challenge and a full elimination, our usual Things to Know recap covering this episode will be carried over into the Wrap covering the following weeks episode, and we'll have more on that after the jump. But we won't fully ignore this week entirely as ahead, we'll have the result of our latest Twitter poll and some thoughts on what we saw with Jordan. And afterwards, after what we saw from her in a few months' stretch on MTV, find out where Ashley M. has shown up next.  Join us there, will you?

Saturday, August 26, 2017

DC SocialPulse: The Challenge XXX - Dirty 30: Episode 6 (MEGA)

*** Advisory: DC SocialPulse contains adult language, objectionable content 
& 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 is the weekend, and not just any weekend: a big event weekend co-headlined by the MTV Video Music Awards in SoCal and tonight, Mayweather vs. McGregor in Las Vegas. And amidst this backdrop, we welcome you again to DCBLOG's look Inside the MTV Trifecta, and week 6 of The Challenge XXX: Dirty 30.
   When we left Columbia last week, the house was left shook by the latest twist to rock a game that's already had its share of big twists when those in the main house were given a taste of their own karma. That came courtesy of eight players who they thought were eliminated but instead heeded their time in the Redemption House with intent on getting a dose of revenge and regain their spot in the game. Episode 5 focused entirely on the players wanting another shot, and in the end Jenna took the win as many expected for the girls, but in a total surprise, the one who won Champs vs. Pros was ousted in the final men's battle by Tony.
   This week, the focus shifts back to the entire field still left in the game, and in a beach where pirates once searched for treasure, the players go into their first paired challenge of this season as they try to find some pirates' booty. If you don't know what that means in an older sense, the word "booty" is essentially treasure, but obtained by ways of criminal activity, most particularly plundering or pillaging, which mean stealing or by violence. But it's what happens off of the field and in the clubs that garners a lot of reaction: a night of rap battles then turns into silence as one makes a dirty insult crosses the line and may cause one of this game's strongest players to turn on them.

Ahead of us here, all the action, reaction and interaction from this week's Challenge and the week with Team MTV, including plenty of those delicious Twitter beefs, and a startling revaluation from one of this week's main subjects. And after the diary on ExtraTime, in the shadow of eclipse mania that took place back on Monday, we'll look at how two members of Team MTV got a chance to witness a once in a generation spectacle from the skies above.

Searching for some booty, some dirty action on the bus, and the Great American Eclipse.  It's all coming up on the Pulse of Week 6 of The Challenge XXX at DCBLOG.


Thursday, August 24, 2017

DC ExtraTime: The Blonde & The Bad Boy

Following is an excerpt from a DCBLOG Pulse diary from Are You The One? Season 4
reposted in the interest of readers as one of its co-subjects is on The Challenge XXX: 
Dirty 30, and features additional video not posted in our original post.

BY DC CUEVA                     
■ @DC408Dxtr  TW / IG / YT

Last year, we saw the AYTO Season 3 house dominated by Devin & Kiki and his 11th hour Houdini act that saved the cast after a season of bad gameplay - and obviously he's brought that playbook into this Challenge. But there were also other big stories that took place too - two which we've written about here: the toxic relationship of Amanda & Mike that saw them go at it on the finale, the mic-drop speeches given to the cast at matchup by Cheyenne and Rashida, and the man who's being profiled here in ExtraTime.

Chuck is what you might consider from seeing all those tattoos in his pictures, the epitome of a bad boy with, as his bio wrote, that charm, looks and swagger but also possessing a heart of gold too. Being someone who made bad choices with how he picked girls before moving into the house, he became the ladies man of Season 3 in the same way we're seeing with Asaf right now. And the girls Chuck became close with were many: at the start he became close with Hannah, but they were burned by the week 2 blackout and despite that in keeping with a theme of last season, he still hooked up several times with her before she found her own perfect match in Zak, including at a luau before a getaway date with Kiki.

As much as people got on him for how he was playing girls in the house, in the end Chuck did prove the show's very purpose of finding true love, even if the science didn't have him & his girl as a true perfect match though it's still close to it. It was after the blackout that he did what some of his other housemates didn't do: begin to see other people, and he started getting close to Georgia girl Britni, who was of course attracted to this blond-haired guy. It was early on in that season that she joined with the rest of the girls to go off on them for the bad gameplay, and when they got into the pool one day with her having her clothes off they began to click. No wonder why this mermaid became attracting to, what they also call this guy, "Merman."

Though not put into the truth booth when everyone else was obsessed with who Kiki's match was, these two did hold a key to the final outcome as at the last matchup, Chuck was chosen for a second time by Melanie, and Britni chose Austin for the first time, all as the group relied on a last-ditch strategy put together by Devin. Mel choosing Chuck the first time the previous week actually proved to be pivotal because, as she wrote on Instagram, if she picked someone else they would've gotten a second blackout and perhaps the cast could've given up on all hope. We all know what happened there, and everyone had paychecks totaling $750,000 under their Christmas tree.

As Chuck, a Michigan native, called Hawaii home as a scuba trainer even before he moved into the house, it was Britni who was the only one to stay in the Islands when everyone else flew back to the mainland, and their romance has only blossomed since then. Note that they filmed season 3 over a year ago - so, it's now been over a year that these two have been together. And a few months ago, they took their talents eastward back to the continental 48 and back to Britni's home state where they now in a different kind of setting: Atlanta, where the SnapChat photo of them is above. That's just the start for them as, per MTV.com, their plans are to travel the world.

Of course, Amber & Ethan from Season 1 remain AYTO's only scientifically-proven perfect match that have stayed together after the season ended, no less be the first to get married and then become mommy & daddy. But it shouldn't be long before they have some company in those departments in Chuck and Britni, as well as Season 3 castmates Zak and Hannah.

Monday, August 21, 2017

DC WRAP: The Challenge XXX - Dirty 30: "Road to Redemption"

BY DC CUEVA                     
■ @DC408Dxtr  TW / IG / YT

We are coming off a once in a blue moon event of a total solar eclipse, and as you all recover from witnessing this rare event, DCBLOG returns with our WRAP of Week 5 of The Challenge XXX, before Episode 6 of Dirty 30 goes down tomorrow. Last week was all about the Redemption House and their chance at revenge, as the two who lost the previous week's elimination, Tony and Jenna, won their way back into the game and the main game, and four-time champion and winner of the Champs vs. Pros season that proceeded this season, Darrell, was upset in the week's challenge.
   Coming up, we'll head into the Strategy Room to discuss where this game all stands and what is ahead of us, plus we'll touch upon a theme from last week's episode that should shine a light on something that is bigger than the competition itself. Then, we'll let you in on the most-recent breakup in Challenge land as well as something that will sure make you want to laugh. That's all ahead.

Friday, August 18, 2017

DC SocialPulse: The Challenge XXX - Dirty 30: "Road to Redemption"

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

Well, at long last we have reached Friday night and the kickoff to this late summer's weekend. And for those of you seeking a respite from a chaotic week we have had, you've come to the right place as we at DCBLOG now bring you Inside the MTV Trifecta with our look at Week 5 of The Challenge XXX: Dirty 30, and the game turning upside down yet again just as it is in D.C.
   Last week, a season that already had become a wild season turned even wilder when Nelson and Tony had a wild night on the town and saw Tony add more to his persona. But all eyes were on what happened surrounding the only action of the episode: the third elimination battle and second inside the Presidio, where Jemmye solidified her Challenge return by using the Double Cross to backstab Jenna and forced her to face her BFF Kailah in elimination, with the ladder prevailing. And for the guys, it was Ammo who made it a Go Big or Go Home elimination sweep in upsetting Tony.
   This week, the focus turns from the players in the main house to the latest twist to rock Columbia, as they get a chance to just watch and relax like all of us as they find out about the twist viewers have known about but have been kept in the dark until now. Of course, that would be of the players who they thought they eliminated getting a chance at revenge after spending time in the Redemption House. After some time to bid some time, those ranging from a four-time champion to a Barbie who just got back stabbed will have a shot at earning their way back into the game.

Ahead, all the action, reaction and interaction of Episode 5 and the week that was in Challenge land, including Twitter fingers, another birthday and one of last week's subjects thinking of giving it a go again. And afterwards on ExtraTime, in this season of veterans returning find out which MTV original got to meet up with two legends of the game: one known as Diesel and the other who once was the baddest man on earth? And also, find out which person who made $125,000 for making a mess of a lake en route to dominating his season is a newly engaged man.

Revenge of the Redemption House, and two legends meet a Real World legend... it's all ahead on the 'Pulse of Week 5 of The Challenge XXX at DCBLOG.


Monday, August 14, 2017

DC WRAP: The Challenge XXX - Dirty 30: "Dirty Deeds"

BY DC CUEVA                     
■ @DC408Dxtr  TW / IG / YT

We are coming off of what was a very chaotic weekend to say the least, but as you get through this Monday and take off your mind on what's been going in this imperfect world, we're anticipating a new episode of The Challenge XXX: Dirty 30 coming up tomorrow night. And as we welcome you back here again, we have this edition of the WRAP to refresh your memory on what happened last week in Columbia, where we saw only one competition instead of two but it surely made the hour in seeing two competitors have too much fun on the town and have to face the music. But the big moment came when the winners were faced with the prospect of breaking up a pair of best friends and solid competitors, leading one player to make the bossiest move yet on them in taking advantage of the Double Cross twist.
   Straight ahead, we'll have our first installment of this cycle of Things to Know to look at the biggest moments so far in this young season. Then after our Winners List and poll results, ExtraTime will join two of the Dirty 30 - and two who represent the present and future of The Challenge - as they join up with a man from this show's past who's now pursuing something a Jersey Shore guy loves to do. See you after the jump.

Friday, August 11, 2017

DC SocialPulse: The Challenge XXX - Dirty 30: "Dirty Deeds"

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

After a hectic week, it's Friday night and the weekend has arrived… and at DCBLOG, that means only one thing: taking you Inside the MTV Trifecta. And nearly a month into this latest cycle, we've been having a very entertaining season of The Challenge XXX: Dirty 30 as we enter week 4 from Columbia.
   Last week, this season's elimination settling was revealed in the Presidio, where Britni and Cory beat Briana and Derrick H. in two hard-fought battles, but not before the big buzz came in the revealing of the Double Cross. We also saw Camila get thrust into the spotlight by way of what happened with her burning a vote, emphasizing how dirty this game is about. And an elimination game that's produced some stellar battles over the years, Hall Brawl, returned for last week's mission where players collided head-on and left several veterans up for the cut as the threat of Cory's "hit list" hovered over them.
   This week, the decision of who to put in clouds over the house, and those who are lucky to be safe and sound have a choice on their hands. This includes a plan they have to separate a pair of best friends and strong competitors who know what it's like to be underestimated, and one who's not exactly the most friendly person in the game. Meanwhile, a wild night on the town ensues as two players are faced with big consequences and possibly straining their tough reputations. And after that twist was revealed last week, one player decides to make the most of this game-changer by deciding to send shockwaves through the game with the dirtiest move so far in taking advantage of the XX's.

Coming up, all the action, reaction and interaction from this latest episode, along with the first anniversary of Bananas' backstab and several birthdays. And after the tweets, we'll look back at the moment when one half of Team Princess became a mom as we'll join AYTO alum and Rivals III bronze medalist Cheyenne as she shares that precious moment and the joys and stresses of the biggest day of her life.

A night at the club, the biggest boss move yet, and baby Ryder... it's all ahead as we say Bienvenido to all of you and to our look at Episode 4 of The Challenge XXX at DCBLOG.


Sunday, August 6, 2017

DC WRAP: The Challenge XXX - Dirty 30: "Pride Before The Fall"

BY DC CUEVA                     
■ @DC408Dxtr  TW / IG / YT

As you wind up your weekend, DCBLOG returns with more from this week in the MTV Trifecta and The Challenge XXX - Dirty 30. Episode 3 saw our first trip into this season's elimination setup of The Presidio where Britni took on Briana and Cory battled Derrick H. in the first one-on-one battles of this season, and the Southern belle and two-time finalist taking those duels. This came after another twist was thrown to the competitors in the Double Cross giving those up for elimination a chance to play dirty, and also after Cory revealed his "hit list" of veterans he wants to beat to win. And we also had the return of Hall Brawl to the Challenge stage, this time as a regular mission too.
   Coming up, we'll head inside the Strategy Room to reveal our first set of the Winners' List to see who performed well enough to play themselves onto that list three episodes, as well as this week's poll results. Then, on the one-year anniversary of the most famous - and infamous - moment in Challenge history, find out what Johnny Bananas is up to next... and if you have a broader selection of shows to choose from than yours truly, you'll probably figure out where he showed up this past week. That's ahead.


Saturday, August 5, 2017

DC SocialPulse: The Challenge XXX - Dirty 30: "Pride Before The Fall"

*** Advisory: DC SocialPulse contains adult language, objectionable content 
& 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 weekend of August as we head deep into these dog days of the summertime, and as you all enjoy this last month of vacation (and in the case of yours truly, both my sister and one of my cousins celebrating birthdays as well as my parents spending a weekend in Vegas), it's time for us at DCBLOG to bring you Inside the MTV Trifecta with week 3 of The Challenge XXX: Dirty 30. And things down in Columbia have already heated up.
   Last week, the defending guys' champion, CT, finally arrived after passport issues caused him to be a no-show at the first challenge, and arriving along with him was Ashley's replacement, Briana, last seen having to see her partner bolt on her last year. Meanwhile, Cory found himself at the heart of the drama again when he whisked off with one of the three girls he's hooked up with, then brought his plans of taking down the veterans out in the open and potentially risking it all. And big time drama blew up in the Redemption House as a vicious fight led to the dismissal of both Shane and Simone.
   This week, as Cory's "hit list" is still the buzz of the house, an already shook-up main house being doesn't prepare them for the latest twist TJ Lavin is about to unleash on them as a matter of luck takes over this season's elimination, with it being sponsored by the letter "X." Meanwhile, after she was part of that fling with the Michigan ladies man, the way another of the veterans plays this game may put themselves under the microscope. And a popular elimination game from recent Challenge history is brought back for a challenge, as Hall Brawl returns... that means only one thing: head-on collisions.

All the action, reaction and interaction from this week is ahead, along with one of those who we saw get in that fight also getting something to cheer up in celebrating their birthday. And afterwards on ExtraTime, what happens when you get a chance to be part of a show that involves revolving chairs, incredible performances and being tasked to warm up the audience? We'll catch up with an alum of a largely forgotten Real World season and the nice gig he gets to enjoy, among other things.

Double Crosses, playing with fire, getting physical inside a hallway, and a trip to the set of The Voice... it's all coming up on our look at week 3 of The Challenge XXX at DCBLOG.