Scratching and Clawing

There are a lot of things coming up in episode three. I mean, Laurel reveals that she's a total bitch and makes fun of Eric's looks and weight. And then somehow she ends up being the one crying and getting angry. Of course we'll have to see the actual episode to figure out who's really at fault but man Laurel, it's getting hard to defend you to the rest of our league's Laurel haters.

But forget episode three, let's talk about the best episode ever! "The One Where Cara Maria Kicks Ass and Takes No Prisoners." Since I'm a religious follower of all things CM, she had been hinting on her Twitter that she might make another early exit this year, especially around episode two. Being my first pick and all, I would have been crushed if Cara Maria left, not just from a personal standpoint, but also a competitive one. When she was actually selected to go into the Gulag, I was about to collapse from nerves. But CM proved her mettle and won!

So now she has the eye of the tiger and really did return full of confidence and verve. I see her going all the way and even though her small frame is sort of a disadvantage in these very physical Gulags, I see her being an incredibly tough out. I mean, c'mon, she dragged Mandi around quite easily. She will use her witchy powers to make it far. Whew. Now Cara Maria has powered me to first place with her all around game and is tied with Brandon for highest scorer so far in our young season.

And what about that Brandon? He's smoking all the weak guys but what'll happen when he faces a competitor that is as strong as him? While I can't condone what Brad is doing -- sending Brandon in every time -- if you were a constant loser like Mr. Tori, what would you do? So yeah, keep chucking Brandon in the Gulag Brad, because your Red team may never win one of the challenges.

I don't want to be boastful or anything but my team is looking fantastic. Camila is a firecracker (and had the best line of the night: "Brush your teeth girl!"), Shauvon is an attention whore, Ty is good for some sort of verbal/physical explosion soon, and CM and Brad are locks for the next few weeks. Is this how HT feels? To be on top of the MTV Challenge world? I think the winner this year should receive Abram's children's book, "The Star of Happiness." And I'd like one of Cara Maria's paintings. Thank you.

• Cara Maria tweeted me back, and it made my week/month/year
• Reality Dish interview with Cara Maria
• Hypnotist Bernie's Exposition (read below)

"Cara is psychology major at a prestigous new england college. She's smart, energetic and couragous in everyway. Except there is one issue, she is absolutely frightened of blood work. Just thinking about it makes her cringe in her seat. She contacted Hypnotist Bernie for help."