THE CHALLENGE: RIVALS 2 Team Previews – Robb and Derek

July 7, 2013 David Bloom 3 Comments

This is the fifteenth in a series of “The Challenge: Rivals 2″ team previews that will lead into the first power rankings of the season. Next up: Zach and Trey, the final men’s team

ROBB and DEREK

Where did we last see them? Robb (with two “bs”) and Derek both deservedly earned some The Challenge respect for some strong gameplay on Battle of the Seasons.

The Rivalry: Robb and Derek had an “in your face” drunken exchange in the middle of a bigger battle on Battle of the Seasons that involved Marie, JD, and Marie pushing Sam into a flower pot (tough moment). Both Robb (in this case Marie) and Derek (in this case JD) were defending other people when they directed their pugnacity at each other.

Highlights and Commentary from MTV bio:

“Robb and Derek can finally laugh at their shirt-ripping confrontation on Battle of the Seasons. Derek jokes, ‘My fight with Robb was one of the dumbest things I’ve ever done. He would’ve killed me and I look like a little Chihuahua!'”

Finally! It took them long enough! In all seriousness, this little spat was over before it began (despite providing producers a great pre-commercial cliffhanger when it looked like something real was taking place).

“Not only has Robb put the past behind them, but has also been training hard since his last Challenge, adding 40 lbs. to his 6’6″ frame.”

This is significant news for the competition. Robb was always a good athlete, but added weight to his NBA small forward frame could make him a serious factor in challenges.

“‘We are very well rounded. I know he can probably endure just about everything. I suck underwater; he’s awesome underwater. And I think we’re both pretty smart,’ Robb says.”

They are both “pretty smart” and Derek will have a good handle on how to connect to some of the more difficult personalities. Derek’s calming, stable presence on Team Cancun on Battle of the Seasons was an essential ingredient to their success and he will be even better one year more experienced.

Best-Case Scenario: Riding a balanced approach that centers on Derek’s swimming and social game prowess and Robb’s utilization of a game-changing physique, they find themselves with a chance to make the finals.

Worst-Case Scenario: With not too many clear friends in this group of competitors, they are on a little island of positivity that is unprotected from an early elimination throw-in.

The Verdict: Robb and Derek, although an unlikely pairing and not of the most heated of rivalries, have a very positive combination of skills, attributes, and strengths. They may not be dominant at anything, but I think they can be good at everything. As long as they stay out of the bottom on challenges and remain socially neutral or in the middle of the power structure, they could stick around for some time. With some more divisive personalities in play, I would not be surprised if Robb and Derek stay right below that radar.

Watch the Robb and Derek’s pre-interviews here

Men Team Previews:

Women Team Previews:

Anastasia and Jessica

David J. Bloom can be reached on twitter @davidbloom7 and writes about MTV’s “The Challenge,” pop culture, and the NBA for Bishop and Company. His weekly “The Challenge: Rivals 2” power rankings will begin the week of July 10.

"The Challenge", Blog Posts, Television

THE CHALLENGE: RIVALS 2 Team Previews – Preston and Knight

July 7, 2013 David Bloom 3 Comments

This is the fourteenth in a series of “The Challenge: Rivals 2″ team previews that will lead into the first power rankings of the season. Next up: Robb and Derek

PRESTON and KNIGHT

Where did we last see them? Preston and Knight shared their first The Challenge as members of Team New Orleans on Battle of the Seasons. Preston was a little bit of a struggle throughout and Knight’s play picked up when he and Jemmye were left to fend for themselves after Preston and McKenzie were eliminated. Also of note: Knight decided to throw Nany’s clothes into the pool for no apparent reason.

The Rivalry: These two have been butting heads since The Real World: New Orleans. It seems like their relationship largely consists of Knight putting Preston down.

Highlights and Commentary from MTV bio:

“Knight and Preston go together like gym socks and high heels, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t a force to be reckoned with.”

Yes, Knight and Preston have always had their difficulties finding the right mix (or simply liking each other), but to their credit, they both have very strong personalities that will be heavily involved in the strategic and social machinations of this game. Preston seemed to gain a little more confidence and drive toward the end of his stint on Battle of the Seasons, so maybe he is ready to begin this season with a similar energy.

“Knight reveals, ‘People look at us and are like, ‘Hey, we want to bring these guys to the Final.’ What they don’t know is Preston is a runner. Preston can run for days.’”

This revelation – that Preston can “run for days” – could be an underrated factor this season. Knight is just beginning to flex his muscles as a strategic player and will have worked on some his weaknesses from his rookie Battle of the Seasons campaign in the offseason. With this intel about Preston, does Knight play the “bring us to the final because you will beat us there” card? Knight is always (commendably) looking for an advantage. Perhaps keeping Preston’s running acumen a secret is the strategic direction they take.

“Preston recalls, ‘Knight and I have always had a very messy relationship. If Knight’s opening his mouth, he’s saying something offensive. I don’t know how we’re going to get along.’”

Yeah, the volatility of these two is based on both their respective quick-tempered and stubborn personalities and on the glaring differences between their respective personalities. As long as Knight can become Preston’s biggest cheerleader and support and not be a continual demeanor, they could find some success this season.

Best-Case Scenario: Per Knight’s pre-interview commentary, Knight and Preston, in professing weakness as a reason to carry them there, persuade other teams to bring them to the end. In the finals, Preston unleashes his running ability in a mostly endurance based event, and they somehow find a way to win.

Worst-Case Scenario: Preston loses what confidence and positive karma he accrued on his last day in Turkey and struggles mightily in both an early challenge and elimination.

The Verdict: The odds are admittedly against Preston and Knight from becoming a serious factor this season, but Knight is shrewd and committed to finding a way to win. If he can learn to foster Preston’s talents and help him gain additional confidence, they could last longer than anyone expected. Unfortunately, this season is more stacked than Battle of the Seasons, so the road will be that much tougher. I have a feeling that Rivals 2 may not yet be their time.

Watch the Preston and Knight pre-interviews here

Men Team Previews:

Women Team Previews:

Anastasia and Jessica

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THE CHALLENGE: RIVALS 2 Team Previews – Leroy and Ty

July 7, 2013 David Bloom 2 Comments

This is the thirteenth in a series of “The Challenge: Rivals 2″ team previews that will lead into the first power rankings of the season. Next up: Preston and Knight

LEROY and TY

Where did we last see them? Ty was last seen eliminating Leroy from Battle of the Exes en route to his first The Challenge finals with partner Emily (a third place finish).

The Rivalry: This is one of those rivalries that doesn’t have too much real fuel in their fire. Although Ty eliminated Leroy on Exes and was the punching bag (and provocation) that sent home Leroy’s first partner on Rivals, Adam (ironically, this ended up helping Leroy in the long run by reuniting his most sincere and endearing bromance with Mike), these two have mostly stayed out of each other’s paths.

Highlights and Commentary from MTV bio:

“It was bad enough that Ty sent Leroy home on Battle of the Exes, but Leroy had to stir the pot even further by airing his grievances on the internet, calling Ty ‘crazy.’”

Can you believe that Leroy had to air his grievances…on the internet?

“Although Ty and Leroy have the athleticism to perform in challenges, Ty’s temperamental personality could put a wrinkle in their plans. Leroy worries, ‘Ty is good with getting in people’s heads, but it’s definitely a roll of the dice when you’re playing with him. You never know.’”

This is Ty’s M.O. – he is a bit of a dice roll. Sometimes he is a physical beast and sometimes he is a head case who could lose endurance in a matter of seconds or have an “extracurricular nighttime activity” that puts his partner in an uncomfortable place. On Exes with long-term foil Emily (dating back to their Real World: Washington DC days) under a little duress of her own, he managed for once to put it all together and reach a finals. Leroy’s success in this game will be largely dependent on the quality of this dice roll.

“Leroy makes up for Ty’s unpredictability with his quick wit and good looks, winning him points with the girls. Ty reveals, ‘Leroy is very popular with people in the house. He’s going to make everyone laugh, and he’ll make us a lovable team.’”

By all accounts and as exemplified in interviews, on podcasts, and over the course of his Real World season and two subsequent Challenges, it is easy to understand how great a guy Leroy is. If Ty can remain in check, utilize his bond with Emily (and access point to the Paula and Johnny power structure), this team has a shot to make some loud noise (the good kind) in this Challenge.

Best-Case Scenario: After some strong and consistent play in challenges, sound gameplay strategy throughout, and a Ty dice roll that comes up “calm, cool, and collected,” they make the finals and have an opportunity to win.

Worst-Case Scenario: Ty’s behavior reverts to a more abrasive version of himself, becomes a nuisance in the house, and makes he and Leroy an early elimination target.

The Verdict: I am having a little trouble getting a handle on this pairing. Leroy was very impressive as a rookie on Rivals, but went home so early on Battle of the Exes (having Naomi as a teammate may not have helped) that he was unable to build up much The Challenge momentum for this season. Ty is coming off his most successful season on Exes and will benefit from having a solid player again (in Leroy, as Emily had been) to partner with. On one hand, if these two can ever put it all together, they could be physically unbeatable (the strategy part of the game may need some work). It was notable that Ty mentions Dunbar and Tyrie, because of their formidable size, as a potentially dangerous opponent. This may be true, but this self-proclaimed “odd couple” don’t even see themselves as in the contender conversation, so why would Ty? Their best move will be to look right to Johnny and Frank (and Paula and Emily on the women’s side) as points of alignment and let the other pieces fall into place.

Watch the Leroy and Ty pre-interviews here

Men Team Previews:

Women Team Previews:

Anastasia and Jessica

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THE CHALLENGE: RIVALS 2 Team Previews – Jordan and Marlon

July 7, 2013 David Bloom 4 Comments

This is the twelfth in a series of “The Challenge: Rivals 2″ team previews that will lead into the first power rankings of the season. Next up: Leroy and Ty

JORDAN and MARLON

Where did we last see them? Jordan and Marlon were last seen together serving pizza and beer at a pizza slice establishment pioneer (at least for Portland) and weathering Hurricane Nia on Real World: Portland.

The Rivalry: This rivalry of two stubborn, athletic alpha dogs was more about who can jump higher than about jumping down each others throats. Jordan’s troubles with Nia (can you blame him?) did manifest themselves in some borderline offensive and racially charged behaviors and Marlon was rightfully none too pleased.

Rivalry Meter on a scale of 1-10 (where 1 is a Leroy and Mike from Rivals I “Rivalry? They’re actually really good friends” rivalry and 10 is a Kenny and Wes from Rivals I “they have hated each other for years” RIVALRY) – 2, best Rivals I comparison: Leroy and Mikey – Although Jordan and Marlon did not have the bond that Leroy and Mike shared, they did get along and are coming directly off their Real World season without other Challenge competitors having the benefit of having seen their season (a potential advantage).

Highlights and Commentary from MTV bio:

“Rookies can be sacrificial lambs in this game, but Marlon and Jordan are hoping to buck the trend.”

With Battle of the Seasons as the most glaring exception to this rule, this is a The Challenge truism, but…

“Former Big 12 linebacker Marlon is no stranger to intense competition, and despite being born with only one hand, Jordan has excelled in sports his entire life, from rugby to wrestling to gymnastics.”

…Marlon and Jordan are at a level of athleticism where a long run could be in play if they are able to win some challenges. Despite some of Jordan’s provocative social behavior in Portland and an apparent desire to always have the last word and to be correct, I think it derives from some deep-seeded insecurities that he will be better able to modulate in such an intensive competition experience where this desire to “always be the winner” is inherent to success.

“Marlon explains, ‘Some of the people that don’t know Jordan are going to underestimate him a lot. But they don’t realize that him not having two hands has actually made him that much better of a person and that much more of a competitor.’”

Marlon’s analysis is right on. Jordan will be underestimated (especially initially) and this could be a major advantage for these two rookies. Jordan seems to be genuinely excellent at every athletic activity he tries despite any hand challenges he may come across. It will be in the best interest of other teams to see Jordan and Marlon as a real threat as soon as possible.

“Know-it-all Jordan gets under everyone’s skin while getting under the covers with two veteran girls, while Marlon explores his sexuality by playing both sides of the fence, hooking up with a guy and a girl.”

I anticipate this to be more clever word play than actual truth about “getting under everyone’s skin,” but the “getting under the covers with two veteran girls” part is most intriguing (Was that a kiss with Sarah that we saw in the trailer?). Marlon’s sexual exploration (and his commendable and straightforward approach to explaining it) will be another positive subplot to watch out for. Although I enjoyed both of these guys on The Real World, their talents were always really meant for the competition of the The Challenge. The rivals format (partners fighting for one another) of this, their first rodeo, could be most conducive to success.

Best-Case Scenario: They win some timely challenges and crucial eliminations against power-playing opponents to last until the finals. Once there, anything is in play for this rookie tandem.

Worst-Case Scenario: They have to go against tough competition in an early elimination (several teams fit this description) and are sent home early.

The Verdict: I am buying Jordan and Marlon stock for Rivals 2. I think these two have a legitimate shot of being a serious (and surprise) force in this competition this season.

Watch the Jordan and Marlon pre-interviews here

Men Team Previews:

CT and Wes

Dunbar and Tyrie

Johnny and Frank

Women Team Previews:

Anastasia and Jessica

"The Challenge", Blog Posts, Television

THE CHALLENGE: RIVALS 2 Team Previews – Johnny and Frank

July 6, 2013 David Bloom 3 Comments

This is the eleventh in a series of “The Challenge: Rivals 2″ team previews that will lead into the first power rankings of the season. Next up: Jordan and Marlon

JOHNNY and FRANK

Where did we last see them? Both are coming off of wins. Johnny and Camila won Battle Exes and Johnny won the first Rivals before that. Frank, as a member of Team San Diego, won Battle of the Seasons last season.

The Rivalry: Yes, their “rivalry” was fabricated between twitter barbs, but Frank’s all out assault on veterans on Battle of the Seasons was an effort to break down the game dynamic that Johnny Bananas had been central in creating on past seasons. Their current hold on power (Frank is riding the Battle of Seasons high, Johnny Bananas has been running this show for years) is in conflict and this makes the pair very intriguing.

Rivalry Meter on a scale of 1-10 (where 1 is a Leroy and Mike from Rivals I “Rivalry? They’re actually really good friends” rivalry and 10 is a Kenny and Wes from Rivals I “they have hated each other for years” RIVALRY) – 3 (if only they had been on a Challenge together – this number would be much higher), best Rivals I comparison: no comparison having never been on a show together before

Highlights (with these two, we must address the bio in its entirety) and Commentary from MTV bio:

“The stage is set for a clash of the egos as two of the most notorious personalities in Challenge history are thrust together.”

So, I wouldn’t call Frank one of the “most notorious personalities in Challenge history” just yet, but he seems to be on that road and another ruthless showing on Rivals 2 will put him in the conversation. The clash of egos is real and Frank especially may struggle with sharing “sheriff in town” duties.

“Although they had never met in person prior to their arrival in Thailand, Johnny and Frank’s rivalry grew out of a heated exchange on Twitter.”

I love how they are one of the more legitimate rivalries on this season and it originated from a “heated exchange on twitter.”

“Irked by the ‘Rookie Revolution’ that propelled Frank’s team to victory on Battle of the Seasons, veteran Johnny downplayed Frank’s win, claiming he ‘didn’t scout Junior Varsity’ when a fan asked his opinion of the game’s new generation.”

This is all great stuff and Johnny has a legitimate point here. There was a substantial power vacuum (particularly among the men) on Battle of the Seasons that does take something away from Frank’s team win. If he had to go against Johnny, CT, Kenny, Derrick, or Evan would he have been able to be so successful? Not likely.

“Never one to let an insult slide by, Frank fired back at 30 year-old Bananas, snarking, ‘Maybe you should focus on a real job, old man!’”

Snarking, yes, but Frank knows where to hit where it could hurt. This does bring up the potential that Johnny’s Challenge reign will have an end point sometime soon (although I can see Bananas pulling a Mark Long sometime down the line), but that time is not now and until he is beaten, The Challenge king remains on his thrown.

“While these two may need to earn each other’s respect, four-time champion Johnny already recognizes their innate similarities, admitting, ‘One of the things that scares me the most about Frank is he reminds me a lot of myself.’”

It is a pleasure to witness how much Johnny gets it. Frank’s work on Battle of the Seasons was impressive and his close to complete control of his team and the season at large was frankly Bananas-esque. Frank is not anywhere in Johnny’s league at this point, but as Johnny recognizes, he drives in the same The Challenge strategic lane and could get close someday. This showing of respect is part of the reason why Johnny is where he is in The Challenge hierarchy.

“Johnny and Frank have the chops to emerge as a powerhouse pair, but will their massive egos prove to be their downfall?”

This is the question in play and it is really only directed at Frank. Frank struggles (and by struggle I mean struggle) when at all threatened and Johnny must work to do a little extra ego stroking and some genuine strategic collaboration to keep Frank at his best.

Best-Case Scenario: They dominate challenges, strategic and social gameplay, and ride their success and long distance endurance to a win in the finals.

Worst-Case Scenario: Either Frank has a tantrum that Johnny cannot find a way to help him recover from (as he expertly did with Camila on Exes) or Frank ostracizes himself from Johnny’s allies to a point of no return. Both of these scenarios (particularly the second) are highly unlikely.

The Verdict: After one season off, the return of Johnny Bananas is most welcome. As probably the central figure in the modern The Challenge ascension to fifth major professional sport status, he makes everything that much more fun to watch. Whether you like him or not (many people feel the latter), Frank was a fantastic player on Battle of the Seasons and provides incredible “extracurricular nighttime activity” on a regular basis. This pairing is exactly what the audience is looking for and I fully expected Johnny and Frank to deliver compelling drama and excellent play.

Watch the Johnny and Frank pre-interviews here

Men Team Previews:

CT and Wes

Dunbar and Tyrie

Women Team Previews:

Anastasia and Jessica

"The Challenge", Blog Posts, Television

THE CHALLENGE: RIVALS 2 Team Previews – Dunbar and Tyrie

July 6, 2013 David Bloom 4 Comments

This is the tenth in a series of “The Challenge: Rivals 2″ team previews that will lead into the first power rankings of the season. Next up: Johnny and Frank

DUNBAR and TYRIE

Where did we last see them? Both were last seen battling Exes (again, stretching the term) with Dunbar having a more successful run. Tyrie had some memorable “extracurricular nighttime activity” with Jasmine 1.0 (the wine glass tossing version).

The Rivalry: The opposite of CT and Wes, this is a literal non-rivalry and a complete surprise to Dunbar (watch his pre-interview – it seems like he was barely aware of Tyrie’s presence, let alone longstanding grudge).

Rivalry Meter on a scale of 1-10 (where 1 is a Leroy and Mike from Rivals I “Rivalry? They’re actually really good friends” rivalry and 10 is a Kenny and Wes from Rivals I “they have hated each other for years” RIVALRY) – 2 (although not because they are close, but because they literally have nothing to do with each other. Dunbar in the pre-interview: “I didn’t even know his last name!”), best Rivals I comparison: there is really no comparison – they are an entity all on their own

Highlights and Commentary from MTV bio:

“Imagine not even knowing why your rival had it in for you. That’s the situation Dunbar walked into when he arrived in Thailand.”

Imagine creating a construct for a television show teaming up rivals and then choosing people who have literally nothing to do with one another. That’s the situation the viewer will arrive in on Wednesday night.

“However, his partner Tyrie has a longer memory when it comes to the Challenge, explaining, ‘Our relationship goes back to The Island where Dunbar basically got cakewalked to a power position. Seeing him be successful right off the bat without necessarily having to earn anything, it rubbed me the wrong way.’”

Ok, let’s refresh. This rivalry doesn’t even exist, but, whatever kernel of tension that may exist dates back to The Island when Tyrie was jealous because Dunbar was a rookie and more successful than him? Really? I like Dunbar and he has certainly had his share of memorable The Challenge moments and successes and Tyrie, despite a mostly unsuccessful Challenge career, is worthy of another shot, but it takes away from the game to have some rivals be actual rivals juxtaposed with pairings like Dunbar and Tyrie.

“Can these two channel their competitive fire? Or is this time bomb doomed to detonate?”

I wouldn’t exactly call it a time bomb, but the point is taken. Dunbar and Tyrie will not be expected to win anything, but this could play to their advantage and perhaps they will have more in common than they knew to explore before on other Challenges.

Best-Case Scenario: An early clutch win in an elimination against a powerhouse gives them some momentum to have a chance to make the finals.

Worst-Case Scenario: With few viable teams to align with, they find themselves thrown in to an early elimination and lose.

The Verdict: I have now watched their pre-interview video several times and each time I do a better job convincing myself that this odd couple could be a potential dark horse. Their is something so bizarre about their pairing that just might work. I would not be surprised if they are out early (nor would Dunbar), but a successful run is not out of the question. They are both athletic, but as Dunbar points out, maybe not in the right ways for the challenges. In the interest of an unexpected underdog, I am rooting for Dunbar and Tyrie to surprise us all.

Watch the Dunbar and Tyrie pre-interviews here

Men Team Previews:

CT and Wes

Women Team Previews:

Anastasia and Jessica

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THE CHALLENGE: RIVALS 2 Team Previews – CT and Wes

July 6, 2013 David Bloom 7 Comments

This is the ninth in a series of “The Challenge: Rivals 2″ team previews that will lead into the first power rankings of the season. Next up: Dunbar and Tyrie

CT and WES

Where did we last see them? Wes was an early casualty of Battle of the Seasons (an elimination partnership with Lacey didn’t help). CT was last seen valiantly sucking wind on the finale of Battle of the Exes.

The Rivalry: It may be difficult to full encapsulate the tumultuous journey these two have had on The Challenge. Some plotting against one another on The Duel began a running series of arguments and verbal disputes perhaps coming to a climax on Rivals when CT spent a night (and apparently it was the whole night) yelling at Wes.

Highlights and Commentary from MTV bio:

“Wes and CT have one of the most infamous rivalries in Challenge history.”

This is an accurate portrayal. Wes has many an enemy and at this point, CT is certainly the biggest and baddest.

“‘I’m paired with someone who’s threatened my family’s life, who I’ve gotten in screaming matches with in four or five different countries, that I legitimately am scared of,’ Wes explains.”

The life threatening is one thing, but screaming matches in maybe five, but at least four countries? Consider how many people you have in your life that you have gotten in screaming matches with and then consider how many of these have taken place in more than one country. This is some serious international screaming. Also, despite Wes’ recent peaceful protest during CT’s verbal barrage, he is honest enough to admit the real (and deserved fear).

“CT promises, ‘We may not be the best of friends now, and we may not be the best of friends in the end, but we both want to win. We’re gonna give everyone a run for their money.’”

And he means it. Both Wes and CT have channeled real rivalries (CT and Adam had to overcome an actual assault and Kenny and Wes had a girl between them) into relative success on Rivals I. They both know it is in their best interest to put all of their past animosity behind them and solely focus on the task at hand, and, for both of these The Challenge vets, this is about winning money. CT’s promise to give “everyone a run for their money” is not good news for the competition.

“Ever the bad-boy Romeo, CT ends up romancing his ex, Diem, but also cozies up to several other girls in the house for political purposes.”

We know about Anastasia. Who will the other girls be?

Best-Case Scenario: CT and Wes recognize the benefit of getting along and working together and through experience, complimentary physical and athletic abilities, and a real CT fear factor stomp through the competition to a chance at a finals win.

Worst-Case Scenario: Although unlikely, a physical altercation that sends them both home is not out of play.

The Verdict: Despite CT’s night of yelling on Rivals, he has been a mellower and more peaceful version of himself in later years, still crushing and destroying in challenges, but getting along better with others back at the house. He is here to win money and Wes is his partner, so he will work with Wes (certainly begrudgingly) to make this happen. Wes has been a bit of a lone wolf for several seasons now, fighting his way to be taken seriously and often resorting to alliances with younger, more susceptible players. CT has been able to toe the line recently between the Johnny Bananas and Paula veteran alliance force and other factions that may to his benefit. He and Wes come in to Rivals 2 relatively unencumbered by a ruling alliance and could decide to directly oppose the inevitable Johnny and Paula group. I do think producers dropped the ball a little bit with some of these pairings, but CT and Wes more than make up for it.

Women Team Previews:

Anastasia and Jessica

"The Challenge", Blog Posts, Television

THE CHALLENGE: RIVALS 2 Team Previews – Sarah and Trishelle

July 5, 2013 David Bloom 3 Comments

This is the eighth in a series of “The Challenge: Rivals 2″ team previews that will lead into the first power rankings of the season. Next up: on to the men teams

SARAH and TRISHELLE

Where did we last see them? Both Sarah and Trishelle were last seen courageously competing and eventually losing in the finale of Battle of the Seasons to upstarts on Team San Diego.

The Rivalry: On Battle of the Seasons, some tensions flared up when Sarah’s fleeting flirtation with Alton caused Trishelle to be leery of Sarah’s true intentions. Like the professional poker player that she is, Trishelle had to make a strategic assessment of Sarah, and, in my opinion, she wrongly diagnosed her as manipulative and conniving. This led to one (maybe it was the edit?) contentious conversation that has now become a RIVALRY!

Highlights and Commentary from MTV bio:

“Sometimes opposites attract, but that’s hardly the case with these two savvy vets.”

“Savvy vets” is my line, but no worries.

“SoCal surfer girl Sarah is the picture of kindness and Zen, while Trishelle is a whirling dervish of drama that knows no boundaries.”

Whether accurate (in part) or not (more just strange), way to hit up the written word, MTV Bio writers! Sarah is the “picture of kindness and Zen” and continues to be a competitor we all can root for. A “whirling devish” is apparently a “dervish whose ecstatic actions include ecstatic actions and dancing” and, in case you also did not know what a “dervish” is, a dervish is “an ascetic Muslim monk noted for devotional exercises involving bodily movements.” With that in mind, Trishelle is apparently a “whirling dervish of drama” and this makes little to no sense.

“Sarah explains, ‘After seeing the way she handles conflict, I get why we’re rivals. We are polar opposites.’”

Sarah just gets it. These two are not the most natural of pairings, but I think their differences could be an asset to this partnership.

“While most folks see Sarah as a comforting, mature presence in the house, Trishelle isn’t buying her nice-girl act, noting, ‘What rubs me the wrong way about Sarah is that she’s so upbeat in a very weird way that I think is phony.’”

This feels a little like production was fishing for a little conventional drama and Trishelle (“the whirling dervish” of it, apparently) knows how to deliver. Most people do see Sarah as a “comforting, mature presence in the house” and Trishelle will be able to recognize and appreciate how Sarah’s more above board game methodology has its clear benefits.

“Rivals II marks Sarah’s seventh Challenge and she is determined to change her fate and finally notch a win, but look for Trishelle to make a shocking decision that sends ripples through the entire game.”

What shocking decision doth though speak of? Of the many tidbits collected in these women bios, perhaps this is the most titillating. What type of shocking decision “sends ripples through the entire game?” and even more so, how does this effect Sarah? I could not be more ready for next Wednesday night.

“Can these two put their animosity aside? Or will Sarah’s Challenge curse rear its ugly head one more time?”

I wouldn’t exactly call it a “Challenge curse.” She has made it to a few finals, she was unluckily paired with Vinny (a completely wasted Exes season) and Katelynn (not the strongest of partners on Rivals), and has competed her heart out otherwise. Yes, they can put their animosity side and let us hope that Sarah’s seventh Challenge leads to her first win.

Best-Case Scenario: After a strong showing for both on Battle of the Seasons, a finals trip and an opportunity for a win is very much in play.

Worst-Case Scenario: Trishelle’s “shocking decision” forces a premature end to their game somehow.

The Verdict: Sarah could not be more due for a win, and, after many years away from these festivities, Trishelle has come back all the wiser. This tandem has endless potential and is in a good position, with potential alliances and challenge success in mind, to have a long run in this game. One thing remains clear – Sarah will give all of herself to make it happen and if she again falls short, it won’t be from a lack of effort, class, or grace.

Other team previews:

Anastasia and Jessica