The Challenge 28: Rivals III

[Moss]

The series needs more CT. It baffles me that Bananas can consistently make it to the finals every year giving how he has played the game. The contestants aren't smart enough to get him up out of there early. With the Bananas + Vince alliance, the series needs a strong competitor that isn't easily manipulated and roped into temporary alliances that put Bananas in a position of power. Wes is kind of that, but I feel he has lost a step. Zach could also be that.

Bonehead move of this season is definitely Dario nominating Cory/Ashley instead of Bananas/Sarah. Guess who ended up sending him and Nicole home? On one hand, I see why he did it. He would have a target on his back by the 2 strongest teams if (and in all likely when) Bananas and Sarah returned. But you can't give these guys easy roads to the finals year in and year out.

The choosing to keep all the money for yourself as opposed to splitting it with your partner has the potential to create some delicious drama for seasons to come. They would be the most hated/more hated person in Challenge history. Maybe this is just what we need for people to start gunning for Bananas early and stop rolling out the red carpet for him.

In closing, this series needs more CT.

they need a stronger pool of players in general. don't worry about the "rivals" / "exes" / "bloodlines" grouping gimmicks, just get as many good competitors as possible on the show. the scheming would be way more interesting if there was parity

[Byrd]

the scheming would be way more interesting if there was parity

Everything is more interesting about the show if there is more parity. Even the drama gets ramped up.

Then again, the counterpoint to that is last season when 4 of the 6 finalists were on their first challenge, and another one on their second. That's some serious parity, and was anyone actually excited about that final? Not really, but at least there was some debate about who was going to win.

[Headspace]

Part of it is that our favorite players growing up are moving on.

-Kenny/Evan can't compete because they sexually assaults someone
-Paula/Theresa/Jasmine all have children now
-CT has chilled out quite a bit and no longer has Diem
-Aneesa is hella old and I think everyone was getting tired of her anyways
-Coral/Mark/Tina/Ev have all retired or moved on or whatever.
-Abram is certifiably crazy

Some of these people have been gone so long that producers don't want them and would prefer to get people that are fresher in their demographics minds.


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[Headspace]

Probably a SNL effect. Your favorite cast was your first cast and everything after sucks.


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[Moss]

Everything is more interesting about the show if there is more parity. Even the drama gets ramped up.

Then again, the counterpoint to that is last season when 4 of the 6 finalists were on their first challenge, and another one on their second. That's some serious parity, and was anyone actually excited about that final? Not really, but at least there was some debate about who was going to win.

I think that was really just bad luck. Team Cara and Team Corey were both decently strong, if "boring" teams. The system should be set up to prevent weak teams from making the final (a la team Jenna and her little boyfriend a few seasons ago).

Part of it is that our favorite players growing up are moving on.

-Kenny/Evan can't compete because they sexually assaults someone
-Paula/Theresa/Jasmine all have children now
-CT has chilled out quite a bit and no longer has Diem
-Aneesa is hella old and I think everyone was getting tired of her anyways
-Coral/Mark/Tina/Ev have all retired or moved on or whatever.
-Abram is certifiably crazy

Some of these people have been gone so long that producers don't want them and would prefer to get people that are fresher in their demographics minds.


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Agreed. My girlfriend is completely obsessed with this show now (my greatest achievement in life, to date) so we've started watching old seasons. We started with the first season I ever saw, Battle of the Sexes I. There were 36 freaking people to start, with very few weak "waste of time" players. The pool is much smaller now without Road Rules. I think they're going to have to go back to the "Fresh Meat" well to find talent.

[Byrd]

Probably a SNL effect. Your favorite cast was your first cast and everything after sucks.

This is an astute observation, and seems pretty accurate. My favorite seasons were the first few I watched - Katie vs. Veronica, Tonya being a drama queen but not yet a completely dysfunctional alcoholic, that kind of thing. Later seasons don't seem to have quite the same feel, I guess. It feels more like the Johnny Bananas & Friends show rather than a cast of rotating regulars. Not that I hate Bananas, he makes good TV, but this whole season was set up for him to win - pairing him with the best female partner and pairing his cousin with the second best female partner. The (arguably) third best female competitor (Averey) was paired up with another strong ally (Leroy), who had bad luck. I think some of the people that could have competed with Johnny have retired early - Jordan and Frank come to mind.

Regardless of my personal feelings, I do think the last two seasons have been a definite nadir in the quality of the show, particularly last season where half the teams had an active incentive to lose every challenge. That was terrible game design. This season hasn't been as bad, and has a few breakout candidates - Ashley, Cheynne, Devin - but the fact that the teams were so unbalanced from the beginning left a bad taste in my mouth.

Agreed. My girlfriend is completely obsessed with this show now (my greatest achievement in life, to date)

I'm jealous, mine can't stand it. She'll walk in, see me watching it, watch for 30 seconds or so, and wander off, shaking her head, saying something to the effect of "I can't believe you like this show." She refers to it as The Challenged, which I begrudgingly admit was actually pretty clever. I did get her to watch the 30 minute aftershow a few weeks ago where they had the behind-the-scenes/making of stuff. She found that entertaining.

Of course, she gets a little defensive when I bring up the fact her favorite shows are Cops, Judge Judy, and Intervention. We all have shitty taste in television; I just happen to track mine in Excel.

[Moss]

This is an astute observation, and seems pretty accurate. My favorite seasons were the first few I watched - Katie vs. Veronica, Tonya being a drama queen but not yet a completely dysfunctional alcoholic, that kind of thing. Later seasons don't seem to have quite the same feel, I guess. It feels more like the Johnny Bananas & Friends show rather than a cast of rotating regulars. Not that I hate Bananas, he makes good TV, but this whole season was set up for him to win - pairing him with the best female partner and pairing his cousin with the second best female partner. The (arguably) third best female competitor (Averey) was paired up with another strong ally (Leroy), who had bad luck. I think some of the people that could have competed with Johnny have retired early - Jordan and Frank come to mind.

Regardless of my personal feelings, I do think the last two seasons have been a definite nadir in the quality of the show, particularly last season where half the teams had an active incentive to lose every challenge. That was terrible game design. This season hasn't been as bad, and has a few breakout candidates - Ashley, Cheynne, Devin - but the fact that the teams were so unbalanced from the beginning left a bad taste in my mouth.

Losing Challenge demigods like Jordan and Frank with the personality/skill combo really hurts. Maybe do away with pair or group challenges? I remember hearing Laurel backed out on a season because they were pairing her up with someone she didn't want to be with. I also seem to remember a season where the pairs switched up every challenge.

The simple answer is keep looking for fresh meat. The current season I'm watching has Theresa, Laurel, Cara Maria, and Brandon, among others - all decent to great challenge characters and all fresh meat. As long as there are established players returning each season for familiarity, they can keep introducing some newbies.

I'm jealous, mine can't stand it. She'll walk in, see me watching it, watch for 30 seconds or so, and wander off, shaking her head, saying something to the effect of "I can't believe you like this show." She refers to it as The Challenged, which I begrudgingly admit was actually pretty clever. I did get her to watch the 30 minute aftershow a few weeks ago where they had the behind-the-scenes/making of stuff. She found that entertaining.

Of course, she gets a little defensive when I bring up the fact her favorite shows are Cops, Judge Judy, and Intervention. We all have shitty taste in television; I just happen to track mine in Excel.

I couldn't believe my luck, I watched it when she was out for a while but she got into it pretty quick. She watches it like a sporting event and will yell at the TV. lol at The Challenged

[Vil]

Spoiler: show

Well that happened

I'm actually surprised that even he would do that even with the "don't know how many more challenges I have in me" line. I was sitting there waiting for "haha, just kidding, Teej!" Even with that being a move that someone wouldn't put past him, it seems like a move he wouldn't make for that same reason. Ridiculously trying to be the moral authority on this in spite of all that he's done in the past, and then not trying to prove his point.

I was sitting there thinking this episode was the most anticlimactic bullshit/lame ending even though it didn't seem that clear that they definitely won, based on the splits that had been shown.

Time to watch the Reunion, but with that said, if they use this decision as a launching point for a "new era", I'd be all for it.

I don't know how many seasons there are from AYTO or how it compares with RR seasons when challenges started becoming more regular.

[Byrd]

Gratz to Valisk for winning this season, at least until there is a STSHS show next week, if they do. Moss and Xno have a shot at catching him if that happens.

Valisk's victory is pretty impressive considering he was in last place two weeks ago. Having one first place finisher and both second place finishers will do that for you; of course, his fourth player is Brandon, who managed to score -30 points.

Final Standings:
Valisk 540
Moss 510
Xno Kappa 505
Byrd 400
Tyven 300
Headspace 285

Final Contestant Standings:
Johnny Bananas 280
Sarah 270
Devin 180
Vince 155
Jenna 145
Nany 130
Ashley 125
Camila 120
Tony 115
Cheyenne 110
Nicole 110
Cory 105
Dario 100
Jamie 95
Wes 95
Christina 80
Nate 80
Kelly Anne 65
Amanda 60
Jessica 45
Nelson 45
Simone 45
Thomas 40
Johnny Portland 35
Briana 30
Leroy 20
Averey 10
Brandon -30

Next season starts filming in October, so we probably won't see another one until December or January.

[Byrd]

Thoughts from the final and reunion:

Bananas is an asshole. Not really surprised, but splitting $25,000 is one thing, splitting $275,000 is another. It's a lot easier to give up $12,500 than $137,500 - that's a life changing amount of money.
Still liking Cheyenne, although she could use some time in the gym between now and the next challenge.
Devin seems like he could be a strong competitor in future seasons. Maybe he and Bananas are destined for Rivals IV; Bananas does seem to pick "fights" with strong competitors to set up future partners.
Would like to see another team challenge next season; I think we can take a break from individuals for a while.
Would also like to see Vince on a season without Bananas. I don't want to see them together again.
They need to set up the finale so that they stagger the start of the last stage of the final by the difference in times. That would make the first person to cross the finish line the actual winner.
I don't think Vince and Camila screwed around in the bathroom. There was only two minutes between the time Vince shut the door and came out of the bathroom. Not enough time for anything kinky.

[Vil]

Agree about staggering the final. I know it can suck when it's not even close, but the reactions at the end were just weird. Simply for competition's sake, I'd prefer the first team to cross be the winners.

I think there may be a total of 2 seasons without Bananas and Vince together until Bananas "retires". That's probably generous, since I'm going to say there's a possibility that they each take one season off in that span. I thought he wouldn't take the money because he's a "lifer", but actually this is the type of notoriety that cements his position. Even if he were to quit challenges, he'll probably be involved in an on-screen role to milk it for all he can for years. Just give him the aftershow for all I care.

That whole bathroom drama was so stupid. Camila seems like such a terrible liar anyway which is the only reason they could even think of a stupid segment that was going to be their second "poop" segment of the night and because she's so easy to rattle regardless of the truth.

[Xno Kappa]

Honestly, I think she was a little intoxicated on the reunion show lol.

[Quicklet]

I second that Bananas is an asshole, but beyond that, the ability for one partner to screw the other over didn't feel like it had sufficient buildup for it to feel like compelling TV. I didn't come away thinking "wow, Bananas screwing over Sarah was an amazing twist." It felt more like "oh hey, that was a dick move and kind of uncomfortable to watch." I could see Sarah not coming back because of this, especially since it already sounded like she was looking to move on and start a family soon.

The first half of the season unfortunately had too many quits/DQs, and losing one of the strongest guys in Leroy really hurt the competition. The second half of the season was more interesting and had some good challenges, but the fact that 4 out of the final 5 teams had bloodlines is a really good reason why they shouldn't have had Bananas/Vince and Nany/Nicole on this season together. Dario refusing to throw in Bananas and Vince when he had the chance was a huge missed opportunity to win control of the game. Also, if they're going to keep doing these final eliminations, they need to have them be 4-way instead of having 2 teams thrown in randomly.

Overall, this season felt a little more entertaining than Bloodlines, but the show is still on a downward trend and needs to get some fresh faces soon before the rest of their veterans age out. Most of the AYTO people just aren't that interesting to watch. It would be nice for them to do another Fresh Meat season or a Veterans vs. Newer Players team-based season.

[tyven]

I think that was really just bad luck. Team Cara and Team Corey were both decently strong, if "boring" teams. The system should be set up to prevent weak teams from making the final (a la team Jenna and her little boyfriend a few seasons ago).



Agreed. My girlfriend is completely obsessed with this show now (my greatest achievement in life, to date) so we've started watching old seasons. We started with the first season I ever saw, Battle of the Sexes I. There were 36 freaking people to start, with very few weak "waste of time" players. The pool is much smaller now without Road Rules. I think they're going to have to go back to the "Fresh Meat" well to find talent.

lol thats back when i used to actually watch it. RUTHIE

[Headspace]

I can't believe Wes sided with Bananas decision


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[Moss]

Devin seems like he could be a strong competitor in future seasons. Maybe he and Bananas are destined for Rivals IV; Bananas does seem to pick "fights" with strong competitors to set up future partners.
Would like to see another team challenge next season; I think we can take a break from individuals for a while.

Is Devin strong though? He gets points for being a rabblerouser but if he can't do much athletically he's just hot air. He's an annoying douche but he does make things interesting.

Agree on going back to teams, seems like it has been forever.

I second that Bananas is an asshole, but beyond that, the ability for one partner to screw the other over didn't feel like it had sufficient buildup for it to feel like compelling TV. I didn't come away thinking "wow, Bananas screwing over Sarah was an amazing twist." It felt more like "oh hey, that was a dick move and kind of uncomfortable to watch." I could see Sarah not coming back because of this, especially since it already sounded like she was looking to move on and start a family soon.

It's 50% MTV's fault for making it an option and 50% Banana's fault for making the choice. In my heart of hearts I think I would feel too guilty if I took it all but damn, it is a game and you're giving up $135k for a month-long friendship. I hate Bananas half the time but it took stones to make that choice. I think there is a greater than 0% chance Sarah would made the same decision if given the choice.

The first half of the season unfortunately had too many quits/DQs, and losing one of the strongest guys in Leroy really hurt the competition. The second half of the season was more interesting and had some good challenges, but the fact that 4 out of the final 5 teams had bloodlines is a really good reason why they shouldn't have had Bananas/Vince and Nany/Nicole on this season together. Dario refusing to throw in Bananas and Vince when he had the chance was a huge missed opportunity to win control of the game. Also, if they're going to keep doing these final eliminations, they need to have them be 4-way instead of having 2 teams thrown in randomly.

yeah, bloodlines were fine for one season but having built-in family alliances is BS.

Overall, this season felt a little more entertaining than Bloodlines, but the show is still on a downward trend and needs to get some fresh faces soon before the rest of their veterans age out. Most of the AYTO people just aren't that interesting to watch. It would be nice for them to do another Fresh Meat season or a Veterans vs. Newer Players team-based season.

Yes, moar fresh meat. I'm sure there are plenty of thirsty competitors out there ready to bleed for the challenge.

lol thats back when i used to actually watch it. RUTHIE

I forgot how much a fuckin beast Ruthie was until we rewatched. Need more strong females on these challenges, there's too big of a gulf between the best and everyone else.

[Xno Kappa]

Wow Ruthie! Taking that shit ooooooooolllllllllld school lol.

[Valisk]

Gratz to Valisk for winning this season, at least until there is a STSHS show next week, if they do. Moss and Xno have a shot at catching him if that happens.

Valisk's victory is pretty impressive considering he was in last place two weeks ago. Having one first place finisher and both second place finishers will do that for you; of course, his fourth player is Brandon, who managed to score -30 points.

Final Standings:
Valisk 540
Moss 510
Xno Kappa 505
Byrd 400
Tyven 300
Headspace 285

Get the entire fuck out of town! Are you serious? I stopped looking at spreadsheets and standings like week 2 after I lost Brandon to quiting and negative points. Unbelievable if it holds up. That is absolutely incredible that I didn't even realize that was possible.

Also, that makes 3 years in a row...

3 PEAT!!!

As for Bananas, someone in RL spoiled it for me, but I didn't think he had the balls to go thru with it. I mean out of everyone on the show, he's the mostly likely to do it, but I didn't think he would actually do it. His reasoning was spot on in my opinion. No telling how many of these he has left or when he will be in the position to make it to the final. Especially now with people gunning for him. By taking the whole thing, that's like the equivalent of 2 or 3 Challenge victories (couple that with no split AND already the largest reward pool in Challenge history). I'm all for power moves on a show that lacks balance.

I'm the Michael Jordan of this shit!!!

[Valisk]

And to think I was trying to trade Vince or Jenna after the draft because I didn't want players that were paired up for the risk of eliminating 2 of my players at the same time.

[Headspace]

https://twitter.com/mtvbananas/statu...13878375559168


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