Scores: Week 12

STANDINGS

HT: +24 (105)
Victor: +17 (99)
Kim: +17 (95)
Yasmine: +12 (81)
Jon: +5 (68)
George: +5 (40)

Do we have our winner? Did HT come back from behind to rip out our defending champion's heart? By having three players make the finals, HT racked up a huge 24 points, allowing her to pass Victor in the final frame -- with or without Sarah's cry points. Wow! HT won our first season, Ruins II, and also took it back-to-back with Fresh Meat II. Since then she's been quiet but as she's proven, once a champ, always a champ!

Detailed scoring: check the spreadsheet.

COMPETITION POINTS:
First Place: (San Diego) Zach, Frank, Ashley, Sam
Runner-ups: (Vegas) Trishelle, Dustin, (Brooklyn) Chet, Sarah, Devyn, JD

BONUS POINTS:
Reading the Clue: none
Crying: Sarah

Scoring Notes: No bonus points? Did Sarah cry? This could determine our outcome!

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Making the Trade

Early on in the season, Jon and I had discussed making a trade. He would take Alton for Trishelle. Unfortunately, I didn't make the trade because I needed to keep the chocolate integrity of my team. Hindsight is 20/20 and if you look at the scores, if I had made the trade, I would have a solid lead right now. And Jon would have no one left on his team!

Though I have three players going into the finals, I am disappointed by the pithy scores that they've earned me this season. I think I tend to choose players are low drama, level-headed and people that I actually think I would like. Perhaps being on Team Hot Chocolate was the mellowing force behind Jasmine's showing this season.

Going into the finals, I am behind Brooklyn 200%. Who else is with me?

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Scores: Week 11

STANDINGS

Victor: +5 (82)
HT: +6 (81)
Kim: +9 (78)
Yasmine: +3 (69)
Jon: +2 (63)
George: +6 (35)

George has her highest scoring week, but it's obviously too little too late. Yasmine and Jon are in the same position, as they are clearly out of contention. Dark horse Kim had a shot but losing Marie really hurt. Now she'll likely have to be satisfied having finished this season strong and wait till next season. So who will be our champs? It looks like Victor still has a slim edge, however, he'll lose Derek this week, so that could erase the lead he has over HT. Oh boy!

Detailed scoring: check the spreadsheet.

COMPETITION POINTS:
Win Weekly Challenge: Trishelle, Dustin (Vegas)
Sent to Arena: Ashley, Frank, Derek, Jonna
Win Arena: Ashley, Frank
Eliminated Contestants: Derek Jonna

BONUS POINTS:
Reading the Clue: Sarah
Crying: Jonna
Kissing: Jonna/Zach
Throw Up: Dustin
Medic: Dustin, Sarah

Scoring Notes: Not too much controversy here. The Zach and Jonna kiss passes muster while Dustin's trip to the medic wasn't outright shown, but will pass, unless someone wants to fight it.

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Ready for the Final!

For whatever reason, the preview for this season's final has got me amped. When you start by jumping out of a plane, how can the rest of the final not be exciting? That being said, the overwhelming thought in my head after watching the preview clips for next week's episode is: Devyn is going to wear her wig for the final?? Wouldn't it be more heavy than going without? And how will it stay on after dropping from a plane? I'm completely baffled.

I was sad to lose another player after this week's episode, but I figured it was bound to happen. I feel proud of my ladies + JD for making it as far as they did (except for Melinda-- pure disappointment there). Must of my grudges are against the MTV editors for not showing the hook ups this season. How many kiss points did I get from Zach and Jonna? 2? And they were together the entire time. Totally unfair.

I'm looking forward to the final episode and seeing how the points shake out. While I don't think I'm going to win this season, I still think it's going to be close, as I'm anticipating some puke and medic points that will keep us fantasy leaguers on our toes. Can't wait to watch!

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Frank For The Win

All I have left is Frank. FRANK! The most polarizing character this season and he's the last one standing on my team.  I'm so proud.  He's the new Wes, the guy you love to hate. But this guy yells, fights, cries, and stays in the game...a Challenge dream come true.  Keep it up Frank, I'm rooting for you!

Top 5 lessons learned this season:

1. Wear heavy makeup and a wig to get the drag queen look.  Devyn earned my respect with her funny comments and looked better with her natural hair...lose the wig Devyn!

2. Break up with your boyfriend before you join the Challenge. You never know when you will be trapped in a house with a guy that looks like Zach.

3. Don't piss anyone off and you'll sail your way unnoticed to the Finals (Chet).

4. If you are over 30, you are old. You will be caught saying things like "I'm in a house with a bunch of kids." I feel you, Alton, I feel you.  I vote for an all over-30 Challenge. Bring back Eric Nies!

5. If Trishelle calls you trashy, you've hit a new low.

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Scores: Week 10

STANDINGS

Victor: +5 (77)
HT: +4 (75)
Kim: +8 (69)
Yasmine: +4 (66)
Jon: +3 (61)
George: +3 (29)

We're assuming there are two episodes left: the reveal of the finalists, and then a cliffhanger episode. That means we have plenty of time for some standings jostling. At the top at least. Yasmine, Jon, and George are down to one player each, so they're not going to win anything this year. Victor, HT, and Kim each have three players -- Kim lost powerhouse Marie -- so anything can happen in these next episodes. It'll come down to the wire!

Detailed scoring: check the spreadsheet.

COMPETITION POINTS:
Win Weekly Challenge: Zach, Sam, Frank, Ashley (San Diego)
Sent to Arena: Robb, Marie, Trishelle, Dustin
Win Arena: Trishelle, Dustin
Eliminated Contestants: Robb, Marie

BONUS POINTS:
Reading the Clue: Chet
Crying: Frank, Marie

Scoring Notes: Zach and Jonna could have shared a kiss, but it certainly seemed a lot more congratulatory. The "reading the clue" by Chet was more of a "we're going to ___" one, but I guess that could count?

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Scores: Week 9

STANDINGS

Victor: +4 (72)
HT: +5 (71)
Yasmine: +7 (62)
Kim: +9 (61)
Jon: +4 (57)
George: +3 (26)

Victor is still leading, by a mere one point, and HT just lost Alton to the vicissitudes of suckiness. Kim is coming off of two back-to-back nine point weeks, with has vaulted her into fourth place and possibly striking distance of contention, as she now has the most players left: four.

Detailed scoring: check the spreadsheet.

COMPETITION POINTS:
Win Weekly Challenge: Zach, Sam, Frank, Ashley (San Diego)
Sent to Arena: Alton, Nany, Robb, Marie
Win Arena: Robb, Marie
Eliminated Contestants: Alton, Nany

BONUS POINTS:
Reading the Clue: Frank
Physical Fight: Marie, Dustin
Crazy Ass Tirade: Frank

Scoring Notes: This week's scores took awhile since I didn't get to watch the episode yet, so we voted and here's what we got. Corrections are possibly coming as the line between tirades and fighting is real dicey in this episode, so I hear.

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Scores: Week 8

STANDINGS

Victor: +8 (68)
HT: +9 (66)
Yasmine: +2 (55)
Jon: +3 (53)
Kim: +9 (52)
George: +1 (23)

A big tie at the top as HT has really roared back the past few weeks. And what about Kim, with a huge nine point week, powered by Jonna finally hooking up on-camera, and another Marie puke. She's now just outside of contention with Yasmine and Jon. And oh poor George, another one point week. This season is gonna come down to the wire for us, I'm sure of it! Edit [11/27]: We missed quite a few points this time around. Winning points for Zach, Sam, and Chet. Added in.

Detailed scoring: check the spreadsheet.

COMPETITION POINTS:
Win Weekly Challenge: Chet, Sarah, Devyn, JD (Brooklyn)
Sent to Arena: CJ, Jasmine, Zach, Sam
Win Arena: Zach, Sam
Eliminated Contestants: CJ, Jasmine

BONUS POINTS:
Reading the Clue: none
Kiss: Zach / Jonna
Throwing Up: Marie

Scoring Notes: Marie is our puking queen! And there were probably more puking people but we only saw hers. Otherwise, this was a pretty easy week to grade. There are a lot of hookups they are not showing on this season, what is the deal there? Yasmine said there was a Derek/Frank hookup on the commercial/non-commerical snippet. Why not show that? For us Internet viewers, how about that guest appearance by Johanna in the commercial?! I was like, "Hey she looks so familiar...."

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Episode Commentary: Honey, I'm Homeless

After hearing Jasmine say, "I'm sorry. I'm not Jonna. I have a gag reflex," I about died! And then I decided to do a running commentary for this episode like others before me have done. 

I thought that they were going to be eating things like bull testicles or something like on Fear Factor. At least these are mostly palatable items. 

Yeah, Brooklyn! Way to eat those grape leaves! 

This is the first time that I've been impressed by Marie. I can't believe she could just house those peppers like that. 

It probably wasn't a smart decision to go into the winners round with only a team of 2. Hmm... 

Um... JD was pretty happy about eating those cow livers. Haha

Oh, now the testicles come out. Blech. 

Ashley is eating those testicles like a champ. Can you imagine the aftertaste in their mouths right now? 

C'mon, Jasmine... just go ahead and earn me a vomit point. Darn! I didn't see any vomit from Zach, just a lot of gagging. 

Ok, so San Diego is going into the arena. Poor Ashley, all that eating for nothing. Does Brooklyn even have to deliberate about who to send in against them? 

What happened in San Diego? Sheesh, Frank. That was almost a tirade. 

I didn't even think Brooklyn would consider Vegas. Alton should have tried harder to woo Sarah. I think some on-screen make-out sessions could have done it. Curses!!!

Whoa - Devyn's afro. She looks so different. I feel like it would be easier to just have an afro than all that fake hair. Then again, I don't really spend much time on my hair. I probably only wash my hair once a week. *shrug* 

I like how they have a team spokesperson. Can we get points for that?

Putting Cancun and San Diego against each other. Well-played. 

Hmm... CJ. If anyone goes in against Zach in the physical challenge, they're probably toast. Do you recall Eric vs. Wes? 

Jasmine in the physical challenge... might not be very smart. Uh oh, I guess Cancun was only getting along because they were always on top. Their team appears to be crumbling now.  

I'm still not understanding Jonna's sob story. Can't she just make appearances at clubs or something for money? Maybe I should be more compassionate. 

Yeah, Sam in the physical challenge. I hope she comes back.

Zach knows how to man up when he has to, but what about you, Frank? 

Oh no! Sam's going against Jasmine. I guess I'm about to lose my first player. We'll see how it pans out. 

Yikes! They are talking some trash about Jonna. 

"She's homeless because she's ho-etic" Great line, Devyn. 

It's nice to know that those other girls feel the same way I do about Jonna. I'm trying to figure out why Sarah cares so much that Jonna has not been into the arena. Is there some history I'm missing there? Hmm... quite possibly. Come to think of it, Jonna does seem to get a free pass a lot. Way to play the homeless card this time. 

I hope Sam took out that lip piercing before the arena. 

Oh no... does Jasmine have to go to the hospital? Yikes. She's like a third of Sam's size. 

Hahaha - Sarah speaks the truth. 

Wow, CJ is putting up a good fight... OMG - I did NOT see that coming!!! Taking Zach's feet out from under him and then dragging him back is no small feat. 

If you're watching this on tv, there is a commercial clip now of Derek making out with Frank on the bus. 

CJ is an MMA fighter? Who cares that he's 4 years older than you? 

Wow, CJ wins again! 

Um... Zach is dumb. How could you let CJ drag you towards his own bell like that? 

Zach learned quick. At least he didn't make the same mistake twice. That jump was sweet. 

I'm nervous. 

Awww... CJ has such heart. Why can't he find love? With a heart like that, who needs game? And he's good looking. What gives? 

There is no way that Jonna and Derek are going to make it in a final... adios, Cancun!

Two weeks until the next episode?! Nooooooooo...

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Making Sense of the Unpredictable

Checking out the weekly scores, I was surprised to find that Eric still remains the highest scoring player, even after being eliminated 2 weeks ago! 

Also, my first pick, Alton, is my lowest scoring player. In fact, Alton is the lowest scoring player out of all the players that are currently left (tied with Derek). 

I'm pretty bummed that we haven't seen a crazy Jasmine tirade, just as I'm bummed that Sarah and Alton have not given me any hook-up points. And now, it seems like that romance is dead and gone.

The challenge continues to keep us guessing and guessing I shall do.

The most obvious team to be eliminated next would be St. Thomas since they only have two players left and they never formed an alliance with any other teams.  

Team Brooklyn and Team Cancun seem to be the teams to beat since they all actually get along and perform well with one another. Team Brooklyn has the edge in the brains department while Team Cancun has the physical edge. I'm pulling for Brooklyn since I have two players on that team. Both Cancun and Brooklyn have the other remaining strong but dysfunctional teams in their corner. Admittedly, San Diego is way more dysfunctional.   

Sam's showing in the arena this past episode really impressed me. She can be a competitor and she deserves some respect from her team. If Brooklyn had sent Frank into the arena with Sam instead of Zach, San Diego would most definitely be down 2 players right now. This was an opportunity that Brooklyn did not capitalize on. I am glad that Sam earned me some extra points though! With that being said, Frank is the biggest turd of the universe and I would really hate it if his team won, so I'm going to predict that their team will implode. 

Alton is certainly creating some fissures between his team as well. Initially, with Trishelle leading the politics of the game, I recall Vegas trying to work with Cancun. In her younger days, Trishelle could have probably gotten CJ to fall for her, but now she is no match against Ashley. So, an alliance with Brooklyn is all that is left. It's important that Brooklyn and Vegas work together, but with Alton being so weird, not sure how that is going to pan out. 

In conclusion, it can only come down to Cancun and Brooklyn. I hope the best team (Brooklyn!) wins! 

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Week 7 Scores

STANDINGS

Victor: +6 (60)
HT: +10 (57)
Yasmine: +2 (53)
Jon: +5 (50)
Kim: +7 (43)
George: +1 (22)

With only three more episodes, time is running out. One thing this season is that there will be a lot of players heading into the finals, so that could be a lot of extra points for owners with more contestants. HT has her entire team still intact, so that could be mega-bucks coming up. This week, HT made up some ground on Victor, and passed Yasmine, making her late season charge very scary. This one's gonna be close!

Kim has four contestants left, but they'll have to do some serious scoring to help her contend for this year's title. If Dustin gets booted, George will officially be out too, as Knight isn't even around anymore to be picked up. I think we can safely declare this a win for Jon for the Battle of the Siblings.

Detailed scoring: check the spreadsheet.

COMPETITION POINTS:
Win Weekly Challenge: Chet, Sarah, Devyn, JD (Brooklyn)
Sent to Arena: Knight, Jemmye, Zach, Sam
Win Arena: Zach, Sam
Eliminated Contestants: Knight, Jemmye

BONUS POINTS:
Reading the Clue: Devyn
Throwing Up: Marie

Scoring Notes: Puke points twice in a row, and not even the final yet! We tried to see if Frank or Jasmine cried -- Grantland gave her points -- but in the end voted that neither did. Frank said he did and they showed him covering his eyes, but that was not enough for us. We want to see tears!

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Cara and Abram Do It All

Our favorite MTV couple, okay maybe just mine, are back at it again! Here's a video of Cara Maria impersonating her fellow contestants. She's pretty funny right? Why doesn't she ever show this side of her personality on the actual show?

And I say for our MTV Challenge retreat, we rent Abe's handmade house in Montana. Who's with me?

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Week 6 Scores

STANDINGS

Victor: +3 (54)
Yasmine: +8 (51)
HT: +6 (47)
Jon: +7 (45)
Kim: +4 (36)
George: +5 (21)

Congrats to George for having the high scorer of the week in Dustin! Woohoo! With that huge showing, she's back in the game. Okay, not really, but we like to be encouraging. This was the only week Victor didn't put up at least seven points and he's come back to the pack just a tad.

Incredibly, HT still has all five of her players and she could be the dark horse favorite here as Yasmine just lost Trey and Laura. Both Jon and Kim still have four players, so they are looking to make moves for a strong second half. That trailer was something right? I saw mega bonus points!

Detailed scoring: check the spreadsheet.

COMPETITION POINTS:
Win Weekly Challenge: Jemmye, Knight (New Orleans)
Sent to Arena: Nany, Dustin, Trey, Laura
Win Arena: Nany, Dustin
Eliminated Contestants: Trey, Laura

BONUS POINTS:
Reading the Clue: Sarah
Throwing Up: CJ, Dustin

Scoring Notes: No questions this week. Trey and Laura sure love giving each other pecks, but no points all around. Dustin's puking should really get double points for how thick that stream was. Amazing!

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Week 5 Scores

STANDINGS

Victor: +11 (51)
Yasmine: +5 (43)
HT: +12 (41)
Jon: +9 (38)
Kim: +7 (32)
George: +2 (16)

Victor continues to dominate, with a huge lead, but Big Easy is finally eliminated so Victor could be vulnerable. HT is now nipping at Yasmine's heels as she has a stellar twelve point week behind Devyn's big showing. Jon and Kim both had steady weeks but will need a little push to get in contention.

Let's talk about George's team, which is down to just one person: Dustin. In an outrageous display, George has showcased a knack for selecting people who do nothing! Seriously, only Dustin has scored anything more than a "just glad to be here point" for George and his was a Team Vegas win. Incredibly, there's been a team that has been reduced to one member earlier than George's this season. During Battle of the Exes last year, Yasmine lost everyone but Camila on WK4!

Detailed scoring: check the spreadsheet.

COMPETITION POINTS:
Win Weekly Challenge: Zach, Sam, Frank, Ashley (San Diego)
Sent to Arena: Devyn, JD, Eric, Camila, Sarah, Chet, McKenzie, Preston
Win Arena: Devyn, JD, Sarah, Chet
Eliminated Contestants: Eric, Camila, McKenzie, Preston

BONUS POINTS:
Reading the Clue: Knight
Kiss: Devyn/Eric
Cry: Eric
Crazy Ass Tirade: Camila
Hospital: Trishelle

Scoring Notes: We took a hard look at crying for McKenzie but it wasn't justified. And then we voted on Camila's tirade, barely getting by with four "yes" votes.

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Alliances Over Brawn and I Don't Like It!

We’re several weeks into this season’s Challenge and I feel like I’m still trying to wrap my head around it. With all the new competitors on this show, I feel clueless as to how it will all play out. Already the team scores are baffling me. Seems like we generally have few drama/hook-up points, despite all the couples we know are amongst the cast. The trend for this season seems to be that of alliances over athletic prowess. While one would think the drama of that would be more interesting, I actually find it somewhat infuriating. If a bunch of teams gang up on one team (e.g. Fresh Meat and now Brooklyn), it kinda takes the fun out of seeing how the players would otherwise hold their own athletically.

This alliance approach also raises three important questions: (1) How did CJ get to the top of the alliance? Yes, he smiles a lot, but is that enough to get you to the top? (2) How did Chet get to the bottom? On previous episodes he’s someone who has just been a background character, and now he seems to be a target of ill will. Is that just a reflection of how few players with personality there are on this season? (3) How the hell is St. Thomas surviving? They haven’t been aligned with either alliance, and although they were initially a target, they now seem to be flying under the radar. I’m loving it since I have Marie on my team, but I don’t understand it.

I enjoyed this week’s challenge – trivia! The geography rounds are always the most amusing, with players perpetually confused between what’s a continent and what’s a country. I also disappoint myself for being so lousy at the Challenge history round given that I’ve watched pretty much every Challenge (should I be admitting that?)

Now I have to say I’m not at all sad to see Mackenzie and Preston go. Even on her Real World episode, Mackenzie got under my skin. I guess I’m not buying that she’s as sweet as she tries to appear any more than I believe she is a real blonde given those dark eyebrows. Maybe I’m wrong on both counts, but in any case, good riddance Mackenzie. Frankly, I’m surprised that Team New Orleans has stayed intact as long as it has.

Team Cancun has been the most surprising for me. We knew that Jonna and Jasmine were decently athletic, and I guess that CJ’s past football experience renders him athletic, but still, the fact they’ve twice won the weekly challenge has been truly impressive.

Special thanks to JD for winning me a bonus point this week. He was my last choice, and so I didn't have high expectations for his point potential. But perhaps I under-estimated Team Brooklyn (maybe; unlikely).

Although I still think I have a strong team, after week 4 I’m second to last on the score board . C’mon Team Lady Crushers +1—show this season what you got!

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Week 4 Scores

STANDINGS

Victor: +7 (40)
Yasmine: +8 (38)
Jon: +6 (29)
HT: +9 (29)
Kim: +5 (25)
George: +2 (14)

HT does a bit of leapfrogging on the strength of Nany's big week of tantruming and crying. We wish we could give some points to Knight for being a douche but alas we don't have scoring for that. Big Easy continues to rack up the points and he's making a strong case for early season MVP as he not only held up all those rocks, but also held onto Devyn -- a couple I was ready to puke at but am now fully behind!

Detailed scoring: check the spreadsheet.

COMPETITION POINTS:
Win Weekly Challenge: Jonna, CJ, Jasmine, Derek (Cancun)
Sent to Arena: none
Win Arena: none
Eliminated Contestants: none

BONUS POINTS:
Reading the Clue: Eric
Kiss: Devyn/Eric
Cry: Nany
Crazy Ass Tirade: Nany
Blurcle: Jasmine

Scoring Notes: A week with no controversies! Some thoughts were mentioned for Eric and Devyn's tears but nothing happened. Same with Laura and Trey who exchanged a congratulatory peck.

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Beast and the Beast

I was watching Bravo (there are channels other than MTV!) and all of a sudden CJ showed up on my TV. They were taking butt pictures of people on the street and guessing where they were from.  Well of course they caught CJ the fame whore on camera.  And Andy Cohen recognized him!  Does he watch The Challenge?  Well, it turns out CJ was in West Village!  Does he really live there?  I will keep my eyes open.

I've been slacking on the blogging, so how about a live blog!  Pressing play now...

Is it pronounced "Elton" or "Alton"?

Uh oh, Devyn is talking about Eric...the hookup is coming.  Already getting grossed out.

Knight always sounds like he's drunk, even though I think he's sober.

Trishelle looks like a roller derby girl with that headband.

Chet has obnoxious "CHET" hat. He reads the clue! Point.

Uh oh, Knight starts shit with Nany? Do not mess with Nany, she's a crazy bitch! But she's on my team, so I'm hoping for a blowup.  Oh wow, the females are coming together and bashing Knight.  Go ladies!

Dustin dives for Nany's clothes, how sweet.  Wait, Nany doesn't lose it?  Boooo.  Why so mature?

The Challenge is starting. Trey is not a team player, typical.

Brooklyn is out first! Headed for the Arena.

Eric is in some squat stance. That's nuts. Eww, Devyn is turned on.

Frank is having a hissy fit.

Trey/Laura kiss after dropping their basket. I think that was a good job peck.

Zack's muscles are bulging, love it! Aww, but they dropped it. San Diego out!

Those rock baskets look incredibly heavy.  How are 2 people holding it up like that?

Cancun wins. Blah blah.

Uh oh, St. Thomas looks like it's getting thrown under the bus. Their alliance is weak!

Devyn looks like a drag queen, seriously.

Derek is speaking, who is this guy?  Oh right, I never watched Cancun's season.

Oh wait, they picked Fresh Meat!  St. Thomas is safe, hooray!

Mental Challenge!  Excited for this one.

Uh oh, Trey is whining again. Dude, shut up.

Chet calls CJ out on being a fake. Nice Chet.

Jasmine blurcle point! Showing off her ass.

Jungle fever double date, fun stuff.  Oh no, the drag queen and Big Easy are making out. Gross point. When will Sarah and Alton make out?

Whoa, major cussing on the bus. No idea what about. They're all drunk.

Camilla's yelling "She doesn't love you" to Knight. Way to dig Camilla.

Nany finally loses it! Did she hit Knight? Old Nany is back!

Oooh yes, she's crying!  Dustin is trying to calm her down. Please don't quit Nany!

Jonna is wrapped around Zack. They are the hottest couple. I would be wrapped around him too, go girl!

Nany is staying, not surprised.

Uh oh, Devyn and Eric are fighting!  Is this a one episode showmance? She dated some old guys and won't tell Eric how old they were?  Hmm, I wonder how old they were.  Someone find out!

There's a commercial for the aftershow, hosted by Johnny Moseley?  He looks so old and has the worst haircut.  Good thing TJ is the host.

Devyn lives in NY? Where Devyn?

Devyn and Eric make up.  Did she cry? Or just choke up?  I'm abstaining from all crying votes.  They drive me nuts.

Oh man, the show's over! No elimination! Argh. Why MTV?!  But we find out Devyn volunteers herself in.  Uh oh, what will happen to DevEric?

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Week 3 Scores

STANDINGS

Victor: +9 (33)
Yasmine: +5 (30)
Jon: +9 (23)
Kim: +4 (20)
HT: +8 (20)
George: +4 (12)

Victor retakes the lead by having Chet go into the Arena, emerging with a victory, and puking. Banner day for the man who has recently opened up a bow tie selling business, Chester Pink. This was a pretty boring week as no hookups happened, or tears. Jon also had a strong +9 week behind Camila but there is still a huge separation between #1-2 and the rest of the pack.

HT is praying Sarah and Alton hook up on camera -- which they probably will -- to score her same team bonus points. And Kim needs some excitement after two weeks of virtually no bonus points for her team -- unless you count losing Melinda as "bonus." Poor George loses another player, leaving her with just two players with seven episodes to go. We should just give her Knight and Preston now...

Detailed scoring: check the spreadsheet.

COMPETITION POINTS:
Win Weekly Challenge: Alton, Trishelle, Dustin, Nany (Vegas)
Sent to Arena: Sarah, Chet, Cara Maria, Brandon
Win Arena: Sarah, Chet
Eliminated Contestants: Cara Maria, Brandon

BONUS POINTS:
Reading the Clue: Camila
Crazy Ass Tirade: Camila
Throwing Up: Chet

Scoring Notes: This week's controversy is if that short snippet they show in-between commercials counts for scoring. This snippet doesn't appear on the online version of the show and we've never scored it before. However, Yasmine argues that it should be part of the show because it was shown. Unfortunately, she was voted down. So moving forward, there is no scoring for that in-between snippet and the online version of the show is the "official" version.

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Podcast: Hollywood Prospectus

Dave Jacoby and Juliet Litman are really the best podcasting duo currently, so their Friday chats about reality shows are something you should all get on board!

Grantland Hollywood Prospectus episode 10/5/2012
(Link to audio)
Juliet Litman and David Jacoby discuss MTV's The Challenge, the slow death of Jersey Shore and the time Juliet stood outside TRL.

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Week 2 Scores

STANDINGS

Yasmine: +15 (25)
Victor: +9 (24)
Kim: +6 (16)
Jon: +7 (14)
HT: +6 (12)
George: +3 (8)

Vaulting up to second first place, Yasmine rode Trey and Laura, who exchanged a light peck, resulting in a much sought after +1 for team hookup! There wasn't a lot of action this week aside from Big Easy continuing to rack up the points. It's absolutely ridiculous that Fresh Meat couldn't choose their own competitors, seriously?  What a dysfunctional team.

I'm thinking Team Brooklyn will win the next team challenge because so far every team challenge winner has been from HT's team (she has Sarah and Devyn). None of George's players have scored more than one point per week yet. In fact, her team total of eight points is matched by Zach or Frank alone. Here's hoping for a big week to keep her spirits up!

Detailed scoring: check the spreadsheet.

COMPETITION POINTS:
Win Arena: Eric, Camila
Eliminated Contestants: Melinda, Danny

BONUS POINTS:
Reading the Clue: Eric
Crying: Trey, Laura
Kissing: Trey/Laura, plus bonus for team hookup to Yasmine

Scoring Notes: We are trying to determine if Laura cried. There is good photographic evidence that she had a tear on her face, but beforehand we had voted 5-1 that she did not. In light of this photo, we may reconsider. I personally am looking for a harder way of earning crying points, and if it's just down to tears, then why did Trey get points? Gut feel, I feel like wussy Trey cried and Laura may have shed some tears in support, but she was not crying. We'll see how the second round of votes turns out.

Update [10.04.2012]: After another vote, Laura is getting +2 for her crying, based on a 4-2 vote.

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