Tag Archives: #rivals2

"The Challenge", Blog Posts, Television

THE CHALLENGE: RIVALS 2 Team Previews – Jordan and Marlon

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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

Aneesa and Diem

Camila and Jemmye

Cooke and Naomi

Jasmine and Theresa

Jonna and Nany

Paula and Emily

Sarah and Trishelle

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 – Johnny and Frank

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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

Aneesa and Diem

Camila and Jemmye

Cooke and Naomi

Jasmine and Theresa

Jonna and Nany

Paula and Emily

Sarah and Trishelle

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 – Dunbar and Tyrie

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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

Aneesa and Diem

Camila and Jemmye

Cooke and Naomi

Jasmine and Theresa

Jonna and Nany

Paula and Emily

Sarah and Trishelle

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 – CT and Wes

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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.

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) – 9 (the closest thing this season has to a real rivalry!), best Rivals I comparison: Kenny and 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

Aneesa and Diem

Camila and Jemmye

Cooke and Naomi

Jasmine and Theresa

Jonna and Nany

Paula and Emily

Sarah and Trishelle

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 – Sarah and Trishelle

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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!

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, best Rivals I comparison: Cara Maria and Laurel

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

Aneesa and Diem

Camila and Jemmye

Cooke and Naomi

Jasmine and Theresa

Jonna and Nany

Paula and Emily

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 – Paula and Emily

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This is the seventh in a series of “The Challenge: Rivals 2″ team previews that will lead into the first power rankings of the season.  Next up: the last of the women teams, Sarah and Trishelle

PAULA and EMILY

Where did we last see them? Paula and Emily took Battle of the Seasons off (at this point, try to name a fourth player to include from Real World: Key West or Real World: Washington D.C. to fill out their teams.  Svetlana?  Andrew the Panda?) and were last seen fueling their rivalry fire on Battle of the Exes.

The Rivalry: Paula and Emily have had an actual rivalry on several actual challenges dating back to Cuthroat and most recently on Battle of the Exes when Emily and Ty eliminated Paula and Dunbar.

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) – 7, best Rivals I comparison: Evelyn and Paula

Highlights and Commentary from MTV bio: 

“Heads turned and jaws dropped when one of the game’s most fearless players was teamed with a total bundle of nerves.” 

The funny thing is, when I first read “one of the game’s most fearless players,” I thought of Emily and Paula.  After her culminating and overdue Rivals I win, the player who has been on the most challenges (this is Paula’s 10th!) is a legitimate (and dare I say historic) The Challenge competitor.  This admitted “total bundle of nerves” has managed to fuel it into something productive, her finale endurance is the strongest of any competitor, and she understands how to effectively play the interpersonal game with the best of them (including long-term male foil, Johnny Bananas).  And yes, Emily is one of the “game’s most feared players” (more on this in a bit – just look at her abs).

“Emily relates, ‘Paula is a nut case. She is panicky and stressful. But she knows how to win a Final. She’s done it before and that’s something I can’t say.’” 

Emily’s handle (her relating) on this essential fact – Paula knows how to win a final – must inspire a healthy degree of fear in the other women teams.

“Paired with such a huge physical threat, Paula already feels like she hit the jackpot when it comes to Rivals II, remarking, ‘I literally could not ask for a better partner. She is all quads and traps and muscles. She’s like a lost X-Man or something.’” 

Emily as a lost X-Man (or something) is pretty close to it.  Emily is a beast (or, to further the metaphor, is Beast?) and is hungry for her first The Challenge win.  Once again, other teams – be warned.

“This veteran pair may have what it takes to compete in a Final, but they have to contend with a target on their backs from the moment they enter the game.”  

There are targets on backs that can be dangerous (any time it is on Wes at this point, it seems to be for him) and there are targets on backs that consume other players away from a normally sound strategy.  Emily, for all her affiliations with a Marvel Comics super team, has yet to put it all together for a win, and Paula, the savviest of Challenge women veterans, has never been of Laurel’s caliber in pre-finale challenges.  It would then be wise for other teams to not put too much emphasis on bringing Emily and Paula down. In addition, with some very strong alliances and both with a healthy dose of payback (if you fail), it could be the most risky of moves.

Best-Case Scenario: Paula and Emily ride dominant play in challenges to a finale appearance.  With Paula’s endurance and experience and Emily’s athletic prowess and competitive hunger, they put it all together to a Rivals 2 win.

Worst-Case Scenario: The target on their backs is a real thing and they are pinned against another strong team early in an elimination who they lose to.

The Verdict: Like, Jonna and Nany, a Paula/Emily tandem is good for TV, bad for the competition, and good for the possibility of increased cash in Paula and Emily’s bank accounts.  2013 Paula (a mellower version of her earlier Challenge self) is a reliable sound byte, a mentor and a counsel for new players (can’t you see her giving Jessica some sound advice?), and deserves much credit for coming to terms with some of her past struggles.  Emily’s earnestness and well-meaning nature (set against that competitive fire) is most deserving of a win.  Are they the frontrunners?  Perhaps (wait to see the first power rankings), but at a minimum, both are a most welcome return to The Challenge.

Watch the Paula and Emily pre-interviews here.

Other team previews:

Anastasia and Jessica

Aneesa and Diem

Camila and Jemmye

Cooke and Naomi

Jasmine and Theresa

Jonna and Nany

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 – Jonna and Nany

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

JONNA and NANY

Where did we last see them? Jonna and Nany were last seen habitually near the top of the weekly power rankings for Battle of the Seasons, although both just missed out on an opportunity to compete in the finals.

The Rivalry: Honest confession – I think this rivalry amounts to a whole lot of nothing.  Jonna and Nany were a close pair before Battle of the Seasons, but then a Jonna Turkish love affair with Zach and some alliance tension created a division between these two onetime friends that came to a climax in and around the reunion.

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, best Rivals I comparison: Johnny and Tyler

Highlights and Commentary from MTV bio: 

“Jonna explains, ‘I should have stood up for Nany, but instead I chose a guy over a friend and that’s the number one rule you don’t break.’”

Although I think there may be more important rules not to break (traveling in basketball, stealing), preseason buzz on this pair is that the reasons behind the tension (Jonna’s very much over relationship with Zach) appear to be behind them.

“Nany is a strong, athletic presence in the game but her quick temper has been her undoing in the past, while Jonna’s need for male attention fueled their rivalry in the first place.”

There is much to agree with here.  Nany’s “strong, athletic presence” was a highlight of Battle of the Seasons.  I think her quick temper continues to be something to monitor, but I was more impressed with how she seemed to be able to effectively recover from those moments she would like to forget.  Also of note – her bond with Dustin and consummate loyalty to Team Las Vegas was a key to her success last season.  She will be able to attain that focus with Jonna as a partner.  Jonna’s need for male attention may have “fueled their rivalry in the first place,” but I think she has learned her lesson and will benefit from a two person partnership as opposed to a series of team alliances.

“Although she claims to be solely focused on the game, Jonna could ruin Nany’s plans when she cozies up to a hot new boy-toy.”

This could happen, but my money is on Jonna and Nany having a shot to win it in the finals.

Best-Case Scenario: All of this “rivalry” talk is rendered silly and Jonna and Nany become an irrepressible force in Rivals 2 with a trip to the finals and a legitimate shot to win.

Worst-Case Scenario: Out of the mutual protective shield of surrogate sibling Dustin Zito, some of the stronger male personalities (Knight again, CT, Frank) find those right Nany buttons to push and she struggles with the pressure.  Jonna will be loyal and supportive, but no Dustin in Nany’s world (or on this season) is a big loss.

The Verdict: Many of the pairings in this game seem to make little sense in that they are either stretching the definition of what it means to be a “rival” (most cases) or not a pairing that anyone was hoping to see compete in this game (Cooke and Naomi?).  Jonna and Nany, although not necessarily “rivals” in a true sense, are a tandem, especially considering their exceptional showing on Battle of the Seasons, that we are looking forward to watching compete.  They have a ripe combination of game strategy and challenge athleticism that will be a worthy match to some of their strongest opponents.  I would be surprised if they do not got far this season.

Watch the Jonna and Nany pre-interviews here.

Other team previews:

Anastasia and Jessica

Aneesa and Diem

Camila and Jemmye

Cooke and Naomi

Jasmine and Theresa

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 – Jasmine and Theresa

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

JASMINE and THERESA

Where did we last see them? Theresa has been off the Challenge grid since Rivals and a calmed down version of Jasmine was last seen being a great Team Cancun member on Battle of the Seasons.

The Rivalry: Destined for a Rivals 2 partnership (and predicted by Jasmine at the time), Theresa and Jasmine came to original Rivals (Camila and Jonna respectively) defenses and had a classic “extracurricular nighttime activity” altercation highlighted by a battle between Jasmine’s fist and a mirror.

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) – 5, best Rivals I comparison: Jenn and Mandi

Highlights and Commentary from MTV bio:

“What could possibly fill a 90 lb. girl with so much rage that she put her hand through a mirror? Well, her name is “Theresa.” Jasmine recalls, “I just looked in the mirror and saw Theresa and just knocked it clean in one hit. If she keeps it up with me it might be her face this time.’”

This was a real The Challenge altercation (unlike some of the other fabricated ones this season – Sarah had to even step in to prevent Jasmine from going out the way of Adam Royer) and one of the most heated exchanges that have taken place between any of these Rivals 2 pairings.

“Although both claim to have mellowed and matured since nearly coming to blows, this feisty pair is still as combustible as fuel meeting flame.” 

Notwithstanding, Jasmine was a different (refreshingly) person last season on Battle of the Seasons and deserved to stay longer (or so my last season’s power rankings often indicated).  She was calm, collected, competitive, and cooperative.  She supported her teammates, gave her all in challenges, and helped steer her team to a very strong showing (especially early in the season).  There were even a few occasions in which Jasmine played a peacemaker role.  Now, do I think she still has some leftover lighter fluid available within her?  Probably, but I think this more experienced Jasmine is primed to succeed and will keep herself under control.  Theresa was never the hottest of heads, but I always thought she did have a good sense of how to distinguish and separate herself from other Fresh Meat 2ers (not an easy task – does anyone remember Sydney or Sandy?).  Her feistiness was more of a calculated act than an obvious character flaw.  On Rivals 2, Jasmine and Theresa should be just fine.

“Jasmine arrives in Thailand reeling from her father’s death and is determined to win this Challenge in his memory while Theresa hopes to finally learn how to separate emotions from the game.” 

First off, Theresa can separate emotions from the game, but more importantly, this is terribly sad news about Jasmine’s father (and mildly inappropriate for comment on MTV Bio writer land or this post).  My heart goes out to her and I hope that another Challenge experience and the inevitably toxic environment that it creates will not be too detrimental to her grieving process.

Best-Case Scenario: Jasmine and Theresa could go far in this game with some shrewd gameplay and wise alliance making.  A finals trip is not out of the question, but a win seems a bit of a reach.

Worst-Case Scenario: A bad showing in a challenge puts them in an early elimination against an overmatched opponent and they lose.

The Verdict: They are the female team that I am having the hardest time wrapping my head around.  Theresa has been away a bit too long to figure out where she sits athletically against some of the stronger teams.  Jasmine’s size has always been a bit of an issue (her wine glass throwing had been as well until a Battle of the Seasons turnaround) and I am not sure how well she can do against some of her strongest opponents.  With that said, Jasmine and Theresa are just a little bit removed in the right ways, while still maintaining some strong connections.  Ultimately, any finish for these two seems to be in play.

Watch the Jasmine and Theresa pre-interview here.

Other team previews:

Anastasia and Jessica

Aneesa and Diem

Camila and Jemmye

Cooke and Naomi

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.