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THE CHALLENGE: How Production Loses Again and a Rivals 2 Photo Diary Recap

August 1, 2013 David Bloom 1 Comment

When I opened up my Macbook Pro last night to begin my weekly post The Challenge: Rivals 2 episode writing recap ritual, I found myself stuck in a flash Thailand hail storm of prose creation blockage. The fourth episode of the season had just ended with an unexpected twist. The Mighty TJ Lavin, adorned in a campy mad scientist apron, had just presented the Jungle elimination as a sadistic and creepy game of which team can sustain an electric shock longer. The Challengers are often subjected to a degree of physical pain throughout a season while partaking in feats of athleticism (particularly the endurance fest the finale has become), but this electrified conceit was shockingly (pun so intended) inappropriate and in the poorest of tastes. Not since the gas chamber challenge on Cutthroat had the good people at Bunim/Murray crossed the line so far. I sat there on my “you are not making the eventual move from this apartment because you are so uncomfortable” futon wishing that little Jasmine would refrain from participating because I had genuine concerns for her life.

All of this mongering of fear had been for not. TJ announced that this Jungle was a bit of a ruse and that there would be no elimination tonight. Normally, I would say, “Oooooh, a twist!”, but after an immediate analysis, Trishelle’s untimely departure and the Bunim/Murray unconscionable removal of Sarah from the competition, left the women teams uneven with the guys. Jasmine and Theresa (great episode for both) and Cooke and Cara Maria, the bottom two women teams in the competition (both according to my power rankings and in where they stand in the power structure of the game) would be safe from elimination this week because production needed to realign the numbers. If you shared my displeasure with last week or had the pleasure (I hope!) of reading my scalding condemnation of production for unfairly saying goodbye to Sarah (now a second time), this week’s “sorry, the challenge didn’t really matter, you are all safe!” declaration just exacerbated the bitter taste already lingering in my mouth.

The decisions of the last two weeks bring the sanctity of the competition into question. As the debacle of officiating in the NBA over the last decade plus (an applicable nadir was the erroneous and series/destiny changing suspensions of Boris Diaw and Amare Stoudemire in the Suns/Spurs series in 2007 for leaving “the immediate vicinity of the bench” after Robert Horry’s hip check of Steve Nash into the scorer’s table) has had an adverse effect on the outcome of games, series, and careers, these production decisions are negatively affecting the careers of competitors (you think it is easy for Paula and Emily to win four challenges in a row and then have the fourth deemed null and void?). With all of this in mind, I needed to take a break from this tomfoolery last night and tabled my recap until this morning.

Although my perspective may be fresher, my unrest and displeasure remain as potent. Subsequently, it seems like the perfect time then for this season’s first photo diary (utilizing the weekly images provided by MTV.com) to structure and focus my thoughts and keep me away from another rant.

The Challengers get there party on... — The Challengers get their party on…

Before this picture was shot, Wes (of all people) gave a little toast at the Diamond Beachclub of Phuket, Thailand: “This to the family we never had…” I know that strong and lasting relationships are built over course of Challenge seasons, but such a proclamation fits into the unintentionally comedic gentility of this new version of Wes. The once centerpiece of Challenge competitive angst and subsequent opponent animosity, now simply views The Challenge as a vacation with family. Can we please fly in Kenny and Evan to inspire some competitive drive and spirit back into him?

Nany confronts Diem about her supposed rap.

You had me at “supposed rap.” This begs several questions: does Diem come up with raps often? Who are her hip-hop influences? Did she run some of the lyrics by Jay Dillinger before publicly presenting? Besides Jemmye, who else was her desired audience? If her rap were a more melodic song, would Nany have cared? What if her rap were actually good, would Nany have respected it? If I had told you before tonight’s episode that Nany confronts Diem about a supposed rap, would you have ever believed me? Did Nany write a rap of her own as retaliation? If so, who were her hip-hop influences?

Paula enjoys the made up rap with other housemates.

In the rap saga part II, Johnny and Leroy (a candidate for episode MVP) come up with a rap about Nany of their own. It goes something like this (and yes, I transcribed most of it):

“Me and my partner are like Clyde and Bonnie

but if it’s one person in this house I can’t stand, it’s this whore named Nany.

You’re just a rookie so stay in your place,

You keep trying to fuck CT I will slap your face.

Johnny’s nothing but an asshole modern day Tom Sawyer.

Nany is clearly the classiest girl in this house because she fucked Adam Royer.

I know this rap song makes me sound bitter. I can’t wait to block her ass on twitter.

I’m Diem DB Brown. Nany don’t be mad at me because the whole house knows your always (too hard to make out)

I’ve never seen so many hoes with broke ass faces, now everybody go to sleep…#shhhhhhh.”

First, any disparaging or condescending reference to Adam Royer is much appreciated (my least favorite member of any The Challenge cast ever). Second, I give much credit to Johnny and Leroy for their writing, Paula for her impromptu performance, and the jovial bystanders and participants for converting the silliest of extracurricular nighttime situations into a fun daytime group activity. Poor Nany did not find it as much fun (her immediate destruction of this historical text was swift and decisive).

Cooke and Cara Maria become "stumped" during the challenge. — Cooke and Cara Maria become “stumped” during the challenge.

This was a hard challenge to watch because you could never really tell what was going on. The competitors were in the middle of a bamboo maze that they could barely figure out, so the viewer was in an even more untenable position. However, just listening to the challenge was quite entertaining and presented many different examples of both ineffective and effective partner communication. Cooke and Cara Maria were leading the charge for ineffective communication. Paula and Emily (female winners), Johnny and Frank, and Marlon and Jordan (male winners) proved that in the Rivals conceit, how well you and your partner communicate in the moment can determine your ultimate success. Preston and Knight, it what feels like for the 100th time, couldn’t get their act to together and didn’t seem to care (TJ, can we penalize them again?). Jemmye and Camila continued to prove why the #teamsubtitles is appropriate and most entertaining.

Diem and Aneesa get creative as they compete.

Power rankings don’t lie. Do not sleep on Aneesa and Diem. Aneesa, in incredible physical shape and keenly aware of the importance of partner loyalty and alignment, is growing stronger by the week. Her creativity here was one of the only physical moments of the challenge that you could tell was beast and almost led to a victory over Paula and Emily. After staving off Cooke’s attempt to send them in to the Jungle that didn’t actually matter, they seem to be reasonably protected from any assault from some of the younger challenge competitors. For a team that I did not predict could go too far, they are proving me wrong.

The Challengers watch another team compete.

This is not the most exciting of photos, but the only one of the batch that highlights Jasmine and Theresa, who, despite losing the challenge, had one of the best weeks of any team. They both finally made it off of the cutting room floor to have some featured airtime (Jasmine’s fro of intimidation at the vote and Theresa’s wise opportunity taking with Leroy were particular highlights) and managed, through another production decision snafu, to avoid elimination and participation in a Jungle that seemed to be life threatening (especially to Jasmine). Welcome to Rivals 2, ladies!

Johnny bobble-head throws Cooke and Cara Maria under the bus.

On Real World: Portland, there was Daisy, the little provocative, but lovable trouble maker of a house pet cared for by Averey and Johnny, and clandestinely beloved by the Hurricane they called Nia. Now, as every major professional sport must, The Challenge: Rivals 2 has its own mascot in this Johnny Bananas bobble-head (available at suckyeah.com, the J.E.K. Empire’s clothing line). Aware of the incredible possibilities that this bobble-head can provide, production wasted no time utilizing his obvious talents. More Johnny Bananas bobble-head in the future is only the best of things.

Cooke pleads with Wes and CT for teams safety.

Cooke gave a valiant attempt (and even inspired Leroy and Ty to have a most random vote for Nany and Jonna), but other teams were not so easily swayed. Unless they win a challenge, Cooke and Cara Maria are at the bottom of the totem pole and will continue to have to prove themselves in eliminations.

Knight gets into an argument with Jemmye.

Well, a Knight and Jemmye blowout was bound to happen at some point. Jemmye was engaged in a random depantsing of Cooke and took offense to Knight’s attempt at involvement. Knight, just tired of hearing Jemmye’s voice and probably a little jealous (or so production implies) that Jemmye had a little flirtatious thing going with Leroy, couldn’t help himself. This led to this…

Jemmye has a meltdown after having ketchup thrown at her.

…We all have our breaking points and for Jemmye it is an acute case of Mortuusequusphobia (the title of the episode): the abnormal fear of ketchup. Knight, ready to exploit Jemmye’s greatest weakness in both an attempt to embarrass and derail, attacked her with her personal kryptonite. I realize that it was just ketchup, but to Jemmye (especially after witnessing her horrified reaction) it means the end of the world. Knight’s action is just cruel. I am really not sure what is going on with Knight this season. He plays the “I am better than all this” attitude card, but then says things and does things that are so mean-spirited. Why can’t he attempt to showcase his better qualities than having to devolve into a unlikable jerk? I expected more. The winner in all this is Leroy (furthering his episode MVP case), who, after observing the just too much drama, moved on from Jemmye to Theresa.

After gaining some confidence dances freely without her wig.

Finally, this was truly a beautiful moment. Diem’s incredible and heroic battles against cancer and the consummate model and example she leads is the most important thing that has come out of this Challenge world. Her self-consciousness in regards to her hair loss, once the centerpiece of a budding romance between she and CT so many seasons ago, remains a point of low self-esteem. To see her lose this inhibition one more time and be able to overcome this last obstacle of this part of the journey is a privilege for us viewers. Diem – I so wish you could always understand just a beautiful a person you are and how thankful we are for you to have shared your story with us. This pixie cut is fantastic.

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 “The Challenge: Rivals 2″ power rankings will post weekly starting on July 10.

"The Challenge", Blog Posts, Television

THE CHALLENGE: RIVALS 2 Weekly Power Rankings – Week 2

July 22, 2013 David Bloom Leave a comment

The Challenge: Rivals 2 is beginning to get her groove on. After a disappointing challenge and a Jungle round that left something to be desired in week 1, week 2 had everything you could ask for in a Challenge episode: a CT and Frank blowout fight, a most entertaining challenge built on a “face in partner’s crotch” relay, a steamy closet hookup between Sarah and Jordan, an iconic inspirational speech from a least expected competitor, an allusion to Vanilla Ice, Cooke peeing on a swing while waiting to begin the Jungle elimination round, and a TJ Lavin guilt giving clinic that took “killing it” it to an entirely new level. Some significant movement near the top of the forthcoming power rankings reflect the joyous insanity that was. Before we delve deep into the numbers, there are a few points to touch on:

Welcome, mainstream media. It was about time.

Beyond the aforementioned brilliant content of the second episode, it was a huge week for The Challenge in the world of mainstream media:

Johnny Bananas took over OK Magazine’s twitter account during the airing. On a site known for fluffy and sensational celebrity coverage, Johnny’s presence alone gave the website/magazine immediate enhancement in clout.
Entertainment Weekly (oftentimes the barometer of what is and isn’t important in popular culture – I should know as a subscriber since 1996) finally acknowledged The Challenge not once (in a slightly condescending way, but still), but twice (in a most celebratory way!). Staff writer Melissa Maerz detailed the “The Ten Reasons Why I’m Still Obsessed with MTV’s ‘The Challenge’” as a mostly guilty pleasure admission, but clever and complementary nonetheless. Most importantly, The Challenge: Rivals II appeared on this week’s EW Must List (listed second in the print magazine) as one of the “ten things we love this week.” The description – “All right, we admit it. We’re hooked on the new season of the competition series that forces enemy ex-reality stars to pair up for comically arduous physical challenges.” – calls the competitors stars (even if technically considered “from the past”) and nails it (particularly this week) with the physical challenge description as “comically arduous.” EW has finally seen the light.
The greatest The Challenge mainstream moment of the week (and will continue its substantial ripple effects for some time) was Frank Sweeney’s appearance on The Right Reasons podcast with Juliet Litman on the Grantland Popular Culture Network. The kingdom of Bill Simmons (originally just a writer and then just a writer and podcaster) has been promoting this “Fifth Major Professional Sport” for many years, often with the able and dedicated Czar of Reality TV, Dave Jacoby, by his passionate side. As Grantland (under the not so watchful eye of ESPN) over the last two years has grown to be the go-to site for sports and popular culture writing, podcasting, and now video casting, The Challenge has always been a celebrated topic. With Jacoby’s Right Reasons podcast covering the reality TV week that was, Challenge season is the best time of year. Frank’s insightful, engrossing, informative, and entertaining interview this week provided incredible behind the scenes insight into how this show works and how this season will play out. I am still decompressing some of the intel that he provided and will, with a little more perspective, reflect on it next week. If you are reading this (an indication that you may be a fan of The Challenge), I guarantee that the 49 minutes you spend with Frank and Juliet will be your best hour of the week before Wednesday’s next airing.

The Rise of a Rookie (on her way out)

Although Mike and Leroy had a great run before running out of gas on Rivals and Frank and Zach were season MVPs on Battle of the Seasons, I am not sure I can remember a time when I found a rookie performance on The Challenge to be more surprising and impressive than Jessica’s week 2. Yes, she and Anastasia lost the challenge and yes she and Anastasia lost in the Jungle and are now eliminated, but Jessica managed to raise her stock and her The Challenge credibility while doing so. Her Princess Hulk performance in the challenge in which she literally picked up Anastasia was an athletic feat of both physical and mental endurance (and one that many a viewer did not know she had in her). More impressive, perhaps, was her rallying cry pep talk of greatness (“Yah, you got a fight. Yah, you had a hookup, big frickin’ deal. You think anyone else hasn’t ever had sex with somebody? You think anyone else hasn’t ever fought anybody? You’re damn wrong if you think they didn’t. So frickin’ what! At the end of the day, and I’m realizing this too, so you’re not standing alone, it’s me and you baby, and guess what? We’re rookies. So we gotta kick ass.”) that should be used as inspiration and mandatory viewing for any rookie team in subsequent seasons of The Challenge. Jessica had a tough go at times in Portland, especially with Anastasia, who at one point tried to friend break up with her. One could have assumed (as I may have) that her Challenge experience would be more of the same. Yet, Jessica ended up showcasing her inner strength, commitment, and wisdom and gained much respect throughout the process. Exiting on the highest of possible notes when you are eliminated in a Jungle, she is primed (a current offseason workout regimen will only help) to come back next season as a force to be reckoned with.

What are some of the effects of the surprise gender separated voting system?

Last week, we took a look at the voting system repercussions for the men’s teams. This week, after the first women’s vote and some unexpected veteran targeting, let us explore how the women may fair:

Cooke and Cara Maria (received 4 votes) – In many ways, this was the obvious male vote choice for the first women’s Jungle elimination. Cara Maria has made few connections (Abram and Laurel being the exceptions) on her now six Challenge seasons and from the moment TJ announced her second straight season appearance as a late game replacement, the crowd of competitors was less than excited. Cooke is a rookie to The Challenge (and for what it’s worth this midseason Real World replacement at times struggled to find acceptance while in Las Vegas) and Challenge rookies are often asked to prove themselves in an elimination rounds early and often. Notwithstanding, they only received four of the seven votes and at this point in the competition, this must be seen as a mini-victory. Cooke seems to have Leroy’s loyalty and allegiance for now (he and Ty had a most random vote for Theresa and Jasmine) and with Trishelle stirring up some trouble for her Sarah partnership, the target could rest elsewhere in future votes. One additional factor that could play a role: as their Jungle victory may prove, Cooke and Cara Maria, if they can get it together as a team, are going to be a tough out, and if one of the more powerful women teams ends up with an unexpected challenge loss, they will want to avoid a showdown with Cooke and Cara Maria if possible. They will be in the running to be voted into the next Jungle, but it is by no means a foregone conclusion.

Sarah and Trishelle (received 2 votes) – They received two votes and with the way the momentum was going, it felt like a few more may have been left on the table (Knight’s Battle of the Seasons bond with Trishelle probably prevented him from following CT’s lead). Derek and Robb’s vote could be seen as strictly a payback for Sarah and Trishelle’s week 1 vote, but with other viable options out there, there may be more to this message. Sarah still has Johnny and Frank as a solid support and after some cuddling and closet time with Jordan, Jordan and Marlon seem to be aligned for a time as well. The strength of Zach’s relationship with Trishelle is going to be particularly important for Sarah and Trishelle as a possible locked third team that will not vote against them. Yes, it is only two votes against them, but Sarah’s concern that her partner may be a real liability is sound and needs to be dealt with immediately if she wants to have a shot to make it to the end.

Jasmine and Theresa (received 1 vote) – Leroy and Ty were not going to vote against Cooke (Real World house lines remain the strongest of bonds), but it was interesting how they chose Jasmine and Theresa. As the power rankings may start to prove, Jasmine and Theresa do not have too many teams who will definitely not vote for them (Derek and Robb as the clear exception). Knight and Preston seem to be the next best connection, but anytime you hedge your bets on Preston, you may want to rethink your strategy. If the powers give Cooke and Cara Maria a Jungle reprieve during the next women elimination, Jasmine and Theresa are probably going to have to go in.

Aneesa and Diem – They are an interesting pair in the analysis of men team support. CT and Wes are never going to vote against them, but I am not sure if there is a one other team in the competition who you could say that for. On the other hand, with many younger and less established teams left in the competition, I can’t see many of the men voting in Diem for at least several eliminations. They should be protected from votes for the forceable future, so they must work to stay out of the bottom on challenges.

Jemmye and Camila – Although Camila is on Johnny’s list of “women I will try not to vote for,” where she is on that list is a little bit more of a wild card. Paula and Emily are ahead of her and I think Sarah and Trishelle probably are too. Jemmye’s logical Knight protection is mired in a such a tumultuous relationship that it should not be counted on too seriously. How some of the other men teams approach #teamsubtitles is a bit of a mystery. They remain one of the most intriguing teams on this season who could, if some balls drop in their favor, make a finals trip.

Jonna and Nany – Their two Real World connection teams (Derek and Robb, Leroy and Ty) will be loyal to the end, but where the rest of their support lies is yet to be seen. Both Nany and Jonna could have logical votes for them (Frank, Knight, a spurned ex-lover in Zach) and the better they do in the challenges (two second place finishes), the larger their target grows. They must work to align with another male team (Jordan and Marlon?) to develop a beneficial voting relationship.

Paula and Emily – After two straight challenge wins, they haven’t been even considered yet for a vote, but as an early season outlier of success, anything short of a win in future challenges will muster some confidence in rival women teams to persuade men teams to take out the mighty frontrunner. Johnny and Ty are not ever going to vote against Paula and Emily respectively (another huge advantage) and both of these mens teams should be around in the competition until the end. CT and Wes must be seen as the primary mens team opponent, but without a deep bench of followers besides Knight (and he didn’t even vote with them this week), how much voting damage can they do? It is hard to conceive of a scenario in which Paula and Emily find themselves in a Jungle, if it be through a challenge loss or a vote.

On to the rankings…

As became tradition last year during Battle of the Seasons, the individual competitor power rankings and team power rankings will be released weekly sometime shortly after each new episode airing. Here are the individual and team rankings after week 2…

RIVALS 2 INDIVIDUAL POWER RANKINGS

NOTE: the rankings will again be based on my un Zach Lowe-like analysis/sabermetrics method known as “My subjective experience and observations watching all 24 seasons of the show.” Weight will be given to how well teams and individuals do on competitions, on strategy and in the social game, and whether he or she is a “good competitor.” Green = increased ranking. Red = dropped ranking.

THE MEN

1. Johnny Bananas (9th season, last week: 1)

Week 2 Tweet: Part Ninja, part therapist to Frank, Johnny Bananas is just beginning to work his strategic magic, OK!?

Week 1 Tweet: The Challenge King has returned! Early positive returns on Frank partnership. Staved off potential (wasn’t really going to happen) coup.

VOTES FOR: Cooke and Cara Maria

2. Zach (2nd season, last week: 3)

Week 2 Tweet: As Zach and Trey just keep winning, the rest of the competition has to be legitimately concerned.

Week 1 Tweet: He may hate Trey, but self-congratulatory pronouncements of athletic prowess have some substance. Statement making early challenge win.

CHALLENGE WINS: 2

VOTES FOR: Cooke and Cara Maria

3. Frank (2nd season, last week: 4)

Week 2 Tweet: Well, he “let him shake.” I think, as his Grantland interview proves, Frank got his stuff together and is a near lock for the finals.

Week 1 Tweet: “Let him shake! Let him shake!” Frank & Johnny is lethal pair. Combining these two consummate strategy elites = bad news for competition.

VOTES FOR: Cooke and Cara Maria

4. Trey (2nd season, last week: 8, biggest rise [tie])

Week 2 Tweet: Another challenge win means Trey takes the largest jump of the week in the rankings. He and Zach seem unstoppable.

Week 1 Tweet: Huge first week for Trey. Challenge win and gained some respect to his much larger (in size, close in athletic ego) partner.

CHALLENGE WINS: 2

VOTES FOR: Cooke and Cara Maria

5. CT (9th season, last week: 2)

Week 2 Tweet: Too much shaking in Week 2 brought his ranking down. The Wes quit and ensuing penalty in the next challenge won’t help.

Week 1 Tweet: “Lady Heart Killer/Mess with me at your own peril” version of CT unleashed. Early victims: Ana, Marlon, Diem, Wes’s strategic game

VOTES FOR: Sarah and Trishelle

6. Leroy (3rd season, last week: 6)

Week 2 Tweet: Leroy is staying under the edit’s radar thus far. I love his random vote for Theresa and Jasmine. The best of his game is yet to come.

Week 1 Tweet: As @Jacoby_ coined, Leroy is the “CT Whisperer.” His strong relationships with women are going to be essential to voting success.

VOTES FOR: Theresa and Jasmine

7. Jordan (Rookie season, last week: 11, biggest rise [tie])

Week 2 Tweet: Jordan’s sensational weightlifting and Sarah hookup tie him with Trey for biggest rise in the rankings. Fulfilling his Challenge destiny.

Week 1 Tweet: Underrated moment of Week 1: Jordan jumping in the pool and going to Marlon’s defense. Rivals? No longer. Great convo w/Johnny in edit.

VOTES AGAINST: 2 (Cooke/Naomi, Jasmine/Theresa)

VOTES FOR: Cooke and Cara Maria

8. Marlon (Rookie season, last week: 10)

Week 2 Tweet: As his partner’s social game improves, so do his ultimate chances. Another altercation next week is not a good thing, though.

Week 1 Tweet: Week 1 fight with CT risky business, but earned him some cred. Did not lose any votes. No elimination round week 1 is a good sign.

VOTES AGAINST: 2 (Cooke/Naomi, Jasmine/Theresa)

VOTES FOR: Cooke and Cara Maria

9. Ty (4th season, last week: 7)

Week 2 Tweet: There is some dispute as to whether he is actually still on the show.

Week 1 Tweet: Not much play from Ty in Week 1, but any night that ends w/o blowup or upheaval = good night. Has maybe the most reliable partner in Leroy.

VOTES FOR: Theresa and Jasmine

10. Wes (8th season, last week: 5, largest drop)

Week 2 Tweet: He quit the challenge and accrued a penalty next week. He seems to be losing whatever grip he had.

Week 1 Tweet: Wes just trying to ride out this early CT monster storm. He must utilize Leroy as the “CT Whisperer” or he will find his team on an island.

VOTES FOR: Sarah and Trishelle

11. Knight (2nd season, last week: 9)

Week 2 Tweet: The Official CT bodyguard duty has taken away from gameplay. Preston baggage has only gotten worse.

Week 1 Tweet: Got somewhat expected vote against him (Nany), but avoided elimination round – first week success. Must keep Preston confidence rising.

VOTES AGAINST: 1 (Nany/Jonna)

VOTES FOR: Cooke and Cara Maria

12. Derek (3rd season, last week: 12)

Week 2 Tweet: Love his retribution vote for Sarah and Trishelle. Must work the social game this week to stay out of Jungle.

Week 1 Tweet: Despite big win in elimination (albeit against Tyrie’s team), must sure up women relationships. He and Robb have few connections coming in.

VOTES AGAINST: 5 (Emily/Paula, Ana/Jess, Camila/Jemmye, Sarah/Trishelle, Diem/Aneesa)

VOTES FOR: Sarah and Trishelle

JUNGLE: Beat Tyrie and Dunbar Week 1

13. Robb (2nd season, last week: 13)

Week 2 Tweet: Apparently, Robb makes an impressive grilled cheese. Could his culinary contribution keep him out the Jungle?

Week 1 Tweet: Besides maybe Trey, does not have many friends in Phuket and must make them fast. Landslide vote into elimination may not change next time.

VOTES AGAINST: 5 (Emily/Paula, Ana/Jess, Camila/Jemmye, Sarah/Trishelle, Diem/Aneesa)

VOTES FOR: Sarah and Trishelle

JUNGLE: Beat Tyrie and Dunbar Week 1

14. Preston (2nd season, last week: 14)

Week 2 Tweet: Why come on the show? His head is nowhere near the game and costly DQ will cost his team next week.

Week 1 Tweet: Preston gained some confidence in challenge. Very interesting attire throughout. Must work the women’s room and gain some allies.

VOTES AGAINST: 1 (Nany/Jonna)

VOTES FOR: Sarah and Trishelle

ELIMINATED

15. Dunbar (6 season, last week: 6)

Week 1 Tweet: Dunbar knew he was screwed and unfortunately for him, he was right. Early exit a byproduct of unfortunate partnership.

CHALLENGE LOSS: Week 1

JUNGLE: Lost to Derek and Robb Week 1

16. Tyrie (6th season, last week: 15)

Week 1 Tweet: Oops. Tough times on The Challenge for Tyrie. I feel badly for the guy. As predicted, lost first challenge. Lost first elimination.

CHALLENGE LOSS: Week 1

JUNGLE: Lost to Derek and Robb Week 1

THE WOMEN

1. Paula (10th season, last week: 1)

Week 2 Tweet: As she builds a little challenge win streak, further distances herself from the competition.

Week 1 Tweet: Challenge win with Emily made statement about being the strongest women’s team. The target is there, but few men will vote against them.

VOTED FOR: Derek and Robb

CHALLENGE WINS: 2

2. Emily (3rd season, last week: 2)

Week 2: Keeps getting better each week. She and Paula appear unstoppable.

Week 1 Tweet: Emily strutted her stuff in first challenge. 1 of 2 members of the women’s team to beat and definitively the most feared female competitor.

VOTED FOR: Derek and Robb

CHALLENGE WINS: 2

3. Sarah (7th season, last week: 3)

Week 2 Tweet: I love everything about her Jordan hookup. She must get Trishelle back on board or the “unlucky partner” trend will continue.

Week 1 Tweet: Sarah’s body language and astonishment every time T.J. revealed new game surprise was worth the price of admission.

VOTES AGAINST: 2 (Derek/Robb, CT/Wes)

VOTED FOR: Derek and Robb

4. Nany (2nd season, last week: 4)

Week 2 Tweet: Another strong showing in the challenge despite rocky start. Mostly below the radar thus far.

Week 1 Tweet: Not unexpected strong showing in the first challenge. Will surprise a lot of people this season. Love that she voted for Knight.

VOTED FOR: Knight and Preston

5. Jonna (3rd season, last week: 5)

Week 2 Tweet: After second straight second place finish, starting to establish rhythm with Nany. Must continue to build on this.

Week 1 Tweet: Jonna seems to work better with women, as shown in strong first challenge. Must be careful of ties to Derek’s likely sinking ship.

VOTED FOR: Knight and Preston

6. Jemmye (2nd season, last week: 8)

Week 2 Tweet: Sound-byte queen frontrunner (taking Devyn’s place), she and Camila are most entertaining. Still the team to watch.

Week 1 Tweet: Double fisting wine aside, Jemmye’s sophomore campaign has only just begun. Her athleticism is going to come out soon in a challenge.

VOTED FOR: Derek and Robb

7. Camila (5th season, last week: 6)

Week 2 Tweet: Her storm has yet to come. Must continue to build on relationships and Jemmye partnership before her inevitable eruption.

Week 1 Tweet: Uneventful first week for Camila not a bad thing. After embarrassing BoS experience, she and Jemmye remain a team to watch.

VOTED FOR: Derek and Robb

8. Aneesa (9th season, last week: 9)

Week 2 Tweet: Underrated strong two weeks so far. Her physical powers seem to be at an all-time high.

Week 1 Tweet: Forgot how much Aneesa has been to a few of these rodeos before and gets it – great awareness of Diem’s CT issues affecting her team.

VOTED FOR: Derek and Robb

9. Diem (7th season, last week: 10)

Week 2 Tweet: CT entanglement is still a concern. I think she has an ideal partner (wiser, seasoned) for this Challenge.

Week 1 Tweet: Any CT entanglements are not good for her game. He and Wes only carry one vote. Worried that things are going to go bad very quickly.

VOTED FOR: Derek and Robb

10. Trishelle (4th season, last week: 7, largest drop)

Week 2 Tweet: Not sure if her head and heart are in the game. Stirred up some trouble and got votes back in reaction. Not a good sign.

Week 1 Tweet: Mostly stayed in the background in Week 1. With new voting format, must ride Sarah’s men ties. Relationship with Knight could be key.

VOTES AGAINST: 2 (Derek/Robb, CT/Wes)

VOTED FOR: Derek and Robb

11. Jasmine (4th season, last week: 12)

Week 2 Tweet: Contending with Jemmye for best sound byte crown. Had a great showing in the challenge.

Week 1 Tweet: Concerned about overall support from guy teams. Must keep out of bottom in elimination – she and Theresa could be physically overmatched.

VOTES AGAINST: 1 (Leroy/Ty)

VOTED FOR: Marlon and Jordan

12. Theresa (4th season, last week: 13)

Week 2 Tweet: Her narration and participation in the “Go Ninja, Go Ninja, Go!” mission was a highlight of the week.

Week 1 Tweet: Had the longest hiatus between challenges, could affect her connections to the men who decide her vote. Must avoid bottom next challenge.

VOTES AGAINST: 1 (Leroy/Ty)

VOTED FOR: Marlon and Jordan

13. Cooke (Rookie season, last week: 11)

Week 2 Tweet: Cara Maria is best partner for her to go to war with in physical challenges, just not social game.

Week 1 Tweet: Naomi’s exit was real – reasons for it, tragic. In Challenge world, Cooke is big beneficiary of a new partner, whomever it is.

VOTES AGAINST: 4 (Zach/Trey, Johnny/Frank, Knight/Preston, Jordan/Marlon)

VOTED FOR: Marlon and Jordan

JUNGLE: Beat Jessica and Anastasia Week 2

14. Cara Maria (6th season, last week: -)

Week 2 Tweet: Cara Maria lack of warm welcome will weekly hill to climb. After a few more elimination wins, teams may start to fear her?

VOTES AGAINST: 4 (Zach/Trey, Johnny/Frank, Knight/Preston, Jordan/Marlon)

VOTED FOR: Marlon and Jordan

JUNGLE: Beat Jessica and Anastasia Week 2

ELIMINATED

15. Jessica (Rookie season, last week: 14)

Week 2 Tweet: Princess Hulk was the star of week 2. Sorry to see her go.

Week 1 Tweet: Loved her week 1! Must stay close to Marlon throughout. Not afraid to mingle w/ CT – great straight talk on Bird going down wrong CT path.

VOTED FOR: Derek and Robb

CHALLENGE LOSS: Week 2

JUNGLE: Lost to Cooke and Cara Maria Week 2

LEFT THE SHOW

16. Naomi (2nd season, 0 finals, 0 wins – last appearance: Battle of the Exes 22)

Week 1 Tweet: My heart goes out to Naomi and her family. I am glad she was able to have a positive reconciliation with Cooke. All the best.

ELIMINATED

17. Anastasia (Rookie season, last week: 16)

Week 2 Tweet: If Jessica was the star of week 2 for all the right reasons, Ana was the star for all the wrong ones. Tough exit from the show.

Week 1 Tweet: Has no idea what she is getting herself into with CT. Tough route to take in long-term game planning. Can she recover?

VOTED FOR: Derek and Robb

CHALLENGE LOSS: Week 2

JUNGLE: Lost to Cooke and Cara Maria Week 2

RIVALS 2 TEAM RANKINGS

Note: Team rankings are compiled by averaging the two individual rankings. Teams with the lowest total average rankings are ranked better than the highest (i.e. you want as few points as possible). First tiebreaker goes to number of total past wins. Second tiebreaker goes to years of experience. Green = increased ranking. Red = dropped ranking.

Paula and Emily – Team Average: 1.5, last week: 2
Johnny and Frank – Team Average: 2, last week: 2.5
Zach and Trey – Team Average: 3, last week: 5.5
Nany and Jonna – Team Average: 4.5, last week: 4.5
Sarah and Trishelle – Team Average: 6.5, last week: 5
Camila and Jemmye – Team Average: 6.5, last week: 7
CT and Wes – Team Average: 7.5, last week: 3.5
Ty and Leroy – Team Average: 7.5, last week: 6.5
Marlon and Jordan – Team Average: 7.5, last week: 10.5
Diem and Aneesa – Team Average: 8.5, last week: 9.5
Jasmine and Theresa – Team Average: 11.5, last week: 12.5
Knight and Preston – Team Average: 12.5, last week: 11.5
Derek and Robb – Team Average: 12.5, last week: 12.5
Cooke and Cara Maria – Team Average: 13.5, last week: 11
ELIMINATED 2nd: Anastasia and Jessica – Team Average: 15, last week: 14.5
ELIMINATED 1st: Dunbar and Tyrie – Team Average: 15.5

LEFT THE SHOW: Naomi

Next week is a men’s elimination week, but the challenge will feature a penalty for both CT and Wes and Knight and Preston. As always, it shall be most interesting. If you haven’t, listen to Frank’s podcast. It will blow your mind. Until…

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THE CHALLENGE: RIVALS 2 Team Previews – Zach and Trey

July 7, 2013 David Bloom 3 Comments

This is the sixteenth (and final!) in a series of “The Challenge: Rivals 2″ team previews that will lead into the first power rankings of the season. Next up: on Tuesday, The Challenge: Rivals 2 Weekly Power Rankings – Week 1

ZACH and TREY

Where did we last see them? Both were rookies on Battle of the Seasons. Zach, as a key cog in Team San Diego, won in the finals. Trey, often ignored by Marie on Team St. Thomas, was not so successful.

The Rivalry: On Battle of the Seasons, they did not get along too well, but since, they have been on social media attack mode (see more below).

Highlights and Commentary from MTV bio:

“The male team that poses the biggest physical threat… is also the one fraught with the most bad blood. Zach and Trey hate each other and neither is afraid to express it.”

Wow! This is frankly a little unexpected. I wasn’t aware that they had all that much to do with one another on Battle of the Seasons.

“Zach seethes, ‘Trey is your typical douchebag. He’s the friend no one likes. He’s truly a disgusting human being and now I gotta carry Mighty Mouse to a final.’”

Zach, please don’t hold back.

“Their feud has even spread to social media, where Zach assailed Trey’s character in interviews and on Twitter. As Trey explains, ‘At first those things kind of bothered me and then I realized Zach is just a really insecure bitch. He wants everything to go his way because he’s the biggest dude in the house.’”

Yeah, so it is game on for these two. We might actually have a “rivalry” on Rivals 2 that is currently at war (albeit over social media).

For Trey, though, this Challenge is about redemption. After a disappointing debut last season, this Baltimore boy yearns to make a name for himself and finally impress his peers with his athletic ability.

Yeah, Trey had a some difficulties acclimating himself on Battle of the Seasons. His will to win is not questioned and he and Zach will both have this in common, but Trey must learn how to better manage the social game. With Frank and Johnny a pair and Zach and Frank besties for life, Trey would be smart to immerse himself in the Johnny Bananas power structure and learn from a master.

Best-Case Scenario: With a little good fortune and some surprise power team eliminations, Zach and Trey make it to the finals and have a realistic shot to win.

Worst-Case Scenario: The twitter smoke is an actual fire that has too far spread. A dispute in a challenge puts them in an early elimination and they are taken out by a team that does not share their dysfunction.

The Verdict: Maybe not the “biggest physical threat” as the MTV Bio suggests, Zach and Trey are in the conversation, and, besides Johnny and Frank, I am not sure there is a more competitive pair. Zach continues to grow in gameplay and I think his management of Frank (and his potential volatility) was one of the most underrated elements of Team San Diego’s success. Both Zach and Trey must put aside whatever animosity has been fostered and focus on how to use their relationships and physical abilities to their advantage. I think the intensity of their respective wills to win and wills to prove themselves will overcome any unnecessary hatred.

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.

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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

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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