Tag Archives: The Challenge Weekly Power Rankings

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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.

"The Challenge", Blog Posts, Television

THE CHALLENGE: RIVALS 2 Team Previews – Cooke and Naomi

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

COOKE and NAOMI

Where did we last see them? Although she gave it her all, Naomi did not have the most stellar of rookie campaigns (although endearing) on Battle of the Exes.  Cooke has been off the screen and out of the non-obscure Southeast Asian women’s professional soccer fans radars since leaving Las Vegas.

The Rivalry: Let’s just say that Naomi was on the unwelcoming committee when Cooke came to Real World: Las Vegas (the second iteration) to replace the catastrophe that was the Adam Royer Experience.  Naomi did some territorial ostracizing of Cooke, doing her best to keep her away from the other women of the house (Nany and Heather) and of her friend with bed benefits, Leroy.  Some verbal battles ensued and they have stayed out of touch since.

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 (but it must be taken with a grain of salt – like a rivalry between the Washington Wizards and Charlotte Bobcats, not too many people are pining to watch), best Rivals I comparison: Davis and Tyrie

Highlights and Commentary from MTV bio:

“One of the most physically mismatched teams in Rivals II, Cooke is a fitness fanatic who plays on the Philippine national soccer team, while New York City girl Naomi is one of the least athletic players in the game.”

This is the central storyline of this pairing and MTV Bio writers do not beat around this bush.  Naomi seemed a little (understatement) out of place exerting physical energy on Exes and that was with the support of Challenge beast, Leroy.

“‘The girl can’t even run a mile. I could run 10. I’ll definitely need to have a lot of patience with Naomi and really help her to believe in herself,’ Cooke confesses.” 

This will be Cooke’s charge.  She must find a way to motivate and inspire Naomi to become a version of herself that was not thought possible.

“Can Cooke coach Naomi to a win? Or will this pair crumble under pressure?”

I wouldn’t exactly call it pressure.  They will probably have the least amount of pressure (maybe some of Cooke’s Filipino teammates will feel differently) of any pair in this game.  So, no.  They will likely crumble under no pressure.

Best-Case Scenario: Naomi does something athletically unexpected, receives some universal praise, and gains some confidence, allowing them to stick around for a few extra weeks.  Cooke has some time to pull out her inner Laurel and becomes a Challenge force against some of the other weaker female teams in the early weeks.

Worst-Case Scenario: They go home week one and Cooke does not pick up any future Challenge cred.

The Verdict: When sizing up her chances in their pre-interview (not to be missed by the way), Cooke says, “Basically, we’re screwed.”  Pretty.  Much.

Watch the Cooke and Naomi pre-interviews here.

Other team previews:

Anastasia and Jessica

Aneesa and Diem

Camila and Jemmye

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 – Camila and Jemmye

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

CAMILA and JEMMYE

Where did we last see them? Camila and Jemmye were last seen fighting off elimination and male partners on their respective sinking ship teams on Battle of the Seasons.

The Rivalry: On Battle of the Seasons, Knight and Nany had an “extracurricular nighttime activity” that involved Knight throwing Nany’s clothes in the pool (hmm…).  On what must have seemed like the longest possible bus ride home from the bar, Jemmye came to Knight’s defense and Camila did the same for Nany.  Both Jemmye and Camila had to be restrained from getting too physical.  They apparently haven’t spoken too much since.

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 (they literally had one short fight on a bus), best Rivals I comparison: Camila and Theresa

Highlights and Commentary from MTV bio:

“Undoubtedly the feistiest duo on Rivals II, Camila and Jemmye bring explosive personalities, short fuses, and a couple of gnarly accents to the game.”

“Explosive personalities?” Yep.  Both Camila and Jemmye are members of the intoxication effect club, a group of Challenge competitors whose personalities can drastically change when consuming alcohol (Tonya is the founder.  Jasmine is the current president).  “Short fuses?” Camila may have the shortest of anyone on this season (it is part of what makes her great) and Jemmye is not far behind, especially when Knight is near.  “Gnarly accents?” First off, great use of “gnarly.”  Second, Camila’s Brazilian accent is a reality television classic at this point and Jemmye’s “don’t let me fool y’all” southern twang-off is an auditory treasure.

“Jemmye explains, ‘I honestly think Camila and I need a translator. Half the time I have no clue what she’s saying.’”

Well, there’s that.  Sometimes Camila says things that are “lost in translation” because of language and sometimes Camila (usually after having had a few too many alcoholic beverages) says things that are “lost in translation” because they are just so unexpected.  There are also times, like her uncontrolled and cruel and unusual attempt to deflate the “Big Easy” during their Battle of the Seasons elimination, when Camila’s words are just horrible to hear.  The point is Jemmye may be on to something here.

“But if this pair can keep their tempers in check and learn to trust each other, they could go all the way.”

This is their ceiling.  Camila is one of the toughest women (her management of the Johnny Bananas verbal attack during the Exes finale remains one of the most underrated moments in Challenge history) ever on The Challenge and Jemmye showed glimpses of superior athleticism on Battle of the Seasons (especially when she and Knight were able to get rid of the Preston and McKenzie dead weight).  How well they gel as a unit and how well they support each other through inevitable problematic “extracurricular nighttime activity” will determine how far they go.

Best-Case Scenario: They could make it to the finals and win with some shrewd alliance building and some “don’t mess with us” elimination statement wins.

Worst-Case Scenario: Jemmye or Camila gets into a physical altercation with another girl or guy and both get sent home early.

The Verdict: Camila and Jemmye are going to be one of the most interesting teams to watch.  Camila’s entire Battle of the Seasons experience was a disaster from the start (relying on Big Easy at this point is an invitation for losing and she knew this going in) and will be hungry to regain her footing as one of the strongest female competitors.  I think Jemmye’s distance from Knight will be beneficial (being on the same team is too much, a close alliance may not be as detrimental) and could be ready to make the leap this season.  Either way, I do not expect Camila and Jemmye do go down without a drunken fight.

Watch the Camila and Jemmye pre-interviews here.

Other team previews:

Anastasia and Jessica

Aneesa and Diem

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 – Aneesa and Diem

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

ANEESA and DIEM

Where did we last see them? Aneesa and Diem were both last seen battling old flings on Battle of the Exes.

The Rivalry: Back in 2006 (2006!) on The Duel, Aneesa unexpectedly (“I thought we were friends!”) sent Diem into an elimination.  Diem was sent home, and, when Aneesa attempted a hug goodbye, Diem gave her “the silent treatment.”  Apparently a “rivalry” was born.

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: Katelynn and Sarah

Highlights and Commentary from MTV bio:

“Diem recalls, ‘It’s been a long time, but once someone makes you not trust them, it’s hard to regain that.’”

Yes, Diem, it has been a long time.  As you go through the Rivals 2 pairs, producers took great liberty stretching the definition of what it means to be a rival.  Both Diem (concerning her CT relationship saga) and Aneesa (always up for a some in your face controversy) are Challenge regulars (Aneesa’s ninth, Diem’s seventh) for a reason, but their “rivalry” is farcical.  Nonetheless, welcome back ladies. 

“Since we last saw Diem in the finals of Battle of the Exes, she successfully beat ovarian cancer a second time and is now in remission. But despite her fighting spirit, Diem still struggles with confidence and reverts to old patterns when she hooks up with former flame CT!”

Friends on MTV Cast Bio writing department, Diem’s incredible and courageous fights against ovarian cancer should never be linked in such a way to her struggles with CT.  This is distasteful.

“Diem may seem angelic, but this veteran has a tilted halo…and perhaps a devil on her shoulder.” 

What does this even mean?  Is Aneesa that devil?  Is her somewhat irrational behavior every time CT is in her sights the devil?  Am I giving the MTV Cast Bio writing department (yes, I am) too much credit for creating an effective metaphor?

Best-Case Scenario: Diem and Aneesa ride some veteran relationships and elimination fearlessness to a trip to the finals.  With some past distance endurance issues (Aneesa’s smoking habit has always been a bit of a problem), a finals win seems a little far-fetched, but I could see them at least getting there.

Worst-Case Scenario: As Battle of the Seasons taught us, vet status may not be what it used to be and Aneesa and Diem are early and easy targets of the new ruling class.

The Verdict: Aneesa and Diem have always been reliable The Challenge role players, but have never been star competitors of the show (one could argue that the Diem and CT relationship has been central to the narrative at times, but it is more due to CT’s dynamic and invigorating presence and less about Diem’s television charisma).  I don’t expect a marked change here, but it will be interesting to see how Aneesa (looking incredibly fit) and Diem deal with a cast filled with many relative newcomers, some of whom have already seen more The Challenge success.  The strength of their relationships with Key Westers Johnny and Paula and whatever faction they are inevitably going to lead could determine just how far Aneesa and Diem go.  With a few very strong female pairings, I expect an elimination in the middle of the competition.

Watch the Aneesa and Diem pre-interviews here.

Other team previews:

Anastasia and Jessica

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 – Anastasia and Jessica

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This is the first in a series of “The Challenge: Rivals 2” team previews that will lead into the first power rankings of the season.  Next up: Aneesa and Diem.

ANASTASIA and JESSICA

Where did we last see them? Bird and Jess were recently seen serving frozen yogurt to locals and bonding over relative sanity (during the climactic Hurricane Nia) on Real World: Portland.

The Rivalry: Despite some end of the season commiserating during the Johnny/Averey/Nia “uncomfortable TV viewing” brawl, Bird literally broke up her friendship with Jess on the grounds of “dislike.”  Jess often found herself on the outs of the Bird and Averey friendship nest and her well-meaning attempts at confrontation were quickly dismissed.

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: Jonna and Jasmine

Highlights and Commentary from MTV bio:

“…may be far more at home at a makeup counter than they are on the playing field…” 

Fair.  There was not a moment on the Portland season where I said, “Wow, Jess and Ana would be great contestants on The Challenge.” Notwithstanding, Jess is game for some extreme biking and both of them seem to find creative ways to serve frozen yogurt, so there’s that.

“This team quickly makes waves when Anastasia hooks up with one of the game’s most notorious troublemakers, infuriating another girl in the house.”

As season trailers have deliciously previewed, Bird and the Mighty CT seem to have a little romantic tryst that leads to some violent Bird to CT face clawing.  Challenge rookies are often easily swooned by the aura of Boston’s finest Challenge competition killer, but it always seems to end in flames.  I have a feeling that this Bird will be on fire.

“Will Anastasia’s new romance win her a valuable ally? Or will this pair of princesses melt down in a hurry?” 

CT just wants to win, still has a unique and indescribable bond with Diem, and is not easily pulled in too far to “extracurricular nighttime activities.”  My money, as is most often Challenge rookie (especially female) tradition, is on a hurried melt down.

Best-Case Scenario: Wes and CT recruit a rookie/sophomore alliance allowing Jess and Ana to avoid early eliminations.  If they make some friends and score a top four women team finish, it will be a successful first season.

Worst-Case Scenario: Resentment from an Ana/CT dalliance creates an even bigger rookie target and they are thrown into a first elimination.

The Verdict: One thing that was clear throughout Real World: Portland and is accentuated in the most memorable moment of all Rivals 2 preview clips, Anastasia (watch yourself CT) and Jessica (as Jordan can attest) are fighters.  They both do not easily back down, and, despite some likely “competitor” shortcomings and rookie inexperience, they will at least not be steamrolled by veteran alliance target practice.  The best thing for them to do here, in their first Challenge, is to make some connections with Challenge neo power players (the Jonna/Nany team could be a good place to start) that will serve them in future competitions.  One additional note: their sometimes tumultuous relationship with Jordan and Marlon could be a detriment to their success (think some of Team St. Thomas struggles between Marie and Trey in Battle of the Seasons).  Jordan and Marlon are going to be an athletic force that will be looking to make their own waves and past goodwill built on Jessica’s infamous “thirsty and junk” recording session will only get you so far in Thailand when real money is at stake.

Watch the Anastasia and Jessica pre-interviews here.

Other team previews:

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.