Challenge 35: Total Madness

**Byrd** · 2020-04-24 16:51

Originally Posted by Moss

Well-designed elimination. It seemed like they could have stood up between two pots and smashed both but maybe not the smartest cookies

I was wondering that myself. Seemed like you could have smashed two at once, or perhaps smashed one while standing on it, and then another while jumping off. I think perhaps they were hoping to only need to smash one to get the tile they wanted.

And while my first thought was that it was a well designed elimination (as you can see from my thoughts), there was an awful lot of randomness to it, in that the 5 tokens they needed were in ~30 pots, and it was pretty apparent that Dee got hers a lot quicker than Ashley, which was the difference in the match.

I like calm, self-aware Ashley. Like in confessionals or post-season interviews, but man, she has zero self-control in the moment of any conflict. I would actually argue she's actually one of the more self-aware players in that she can look back at a situation and realize she completely overreacted. This conflict makes me feel pretty neutral about her, overall. I don't mind seeing her on a season, but I don't mind seeing her go home early, either.

And I'm not sure there's a more hot and cold Challenger in terms of success level. She's either made the final (and won 2/3) or gone out very, very early every season. There's no middle ground.

**Moss** · 2020-04-24 18:02

Originally Posted by Byrd

I was wondering that myself. Seemed like you could have smashed two at once, or perhaps smashed one while standing on it, and then another while jumping off. I think perhaps they were hoping to only need to smash one to get the tile they wanted.

And while my first thought was that it was a well designed elimination (as you can see from my thoughts), there was an awful lot of randomness to it, in that the 5 tokens they needed were in ~30 pots, and it was pretty apparent that Dee got hers a lot quicker than Ashley, which was the difference in the match.

I like calm, self-aware Ashley. Like in confessionals or post-season interviews, but man, she has zero self-control in the moment of any conflict. I would actually argue she's actually one of the more self-aware players in that she can look back at a situation and realize she completely overreacted. This conflict makes me feel pretty neutral about her, overall. I don't mind seeing her on a season, but I don't mind seeing her go home early, either.

And I'm not sure there's a more hot and cold Challenger in terms of success level. She's either made the final (and won 2/3) or gone out very, very early every season. There's no middle ground.

Only thing to point out is I think Ashley lost because she couldn't find her piece, not because she couldn't smash them fast enough. She said something to Dee at the end about her piece being under something so she didn't see it

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**Vil** · 2020-04-29 08:24

That elimination was terrible, and I'm not saying that only because Ashley was on my team and because Dee is terrible. Hell, I don't even like Ashley all that much. It made 0 sense. There were symbols on the outside of the pots, but it may have nothing or may be a different one inside it? Luck and stupid challenge. 2 good and/or creative challenges given to the guys. 2 trash challenges given to girls.

A few thoughts on the past couple episodes:

Jenn - Absolutely terrible AND great casting at the same time? The way they cast these now, they do need some fodder anyway.

Format - The second twist (throw yourself in) is welcome, especially since that episode a couple seasons ago where they tried to play up that drama if Paulie would. Should they give something to someone for winning more than one elimination though? I'm not suggesting an automatic trip to the final, but maybe being immune the following time.

CT - I don't blame him one bit, especially with that challenge. It was very clear to me that he was losing though. With the way they built him up, especially against Jay, he was probably a goner. But then there was something about the rules that caught my attention. The way TJ mentioned specifically that the door had to open the whole way was like how on some of these shows they'll have "fine print" rules added in via voice-over. CT with another "well, I guess I'll have to get in better shape" after an early exit. Sure, dude.

Wes/Bananas - Still together to my surprise. Completely obvious to the house, zero surprise.

Holy Trinity - It's hilarious how people talk about this group like it's some total group to be feared. They're probably all in/close to the bottom 5 females. That said, they are connected to all the veteran guys so it's not like they're just 3 girls all on their own.

Dee - Is basically Cara Maria, post-Kyle breakup. Poor Rogan just wants to live his life, just like Kyle did that season. On top of that, she's been incredibly sloppy in terms of the game. How does she get almost the entire house to root against her against someone who was voted in without objection?

While I don't blame those people pushing to go into elimination the past 3 weeks, I also think it's too early for it to be the only way of thinking. There's going to be so many opportunities, even for the vets that are feared that they'll be "blocked". People like Bananas/Jordan/Wes aren't going to be like "well, I have my red skull, but I don't want x to get one, so I'll put myself at risk over it." If there's an ideal scenario (like CT thought he had), then go for it. Otherwise just ride it out.

I'm going to disagree with no points for Ashley for spitting on Bear, but whatever. That sort of thing has got people kicked off the show in the past and from where some people are from is as bad as a punch to the face!

**Byrd** · 2020-04-29 16:46

Originally Posted by Vil

I'm going to disagree with no points for Ashley for spitting on Bear, but whatever. That sort of thing has got people kicked off the show in the past and from where some people are from is as bad as a punch to the face!

I think you're right on this. Spitting is a mild form of physical fighting. 5 points (assuming intentional, of course). I'll add that tonight.

**Vil** · 2020-04-29 21:09

Another episode with Josh as the lead strategist. These were more fun on previous seasons though.

Congrats to Kailah, for getting set up for a mid-level pair for a future Exes/Rivals season. If she actually was trying to not get caught, lol. She's not someone that production would protect and not air it... and Bear is someone that they'd definitely show it for.

Rogan is a punk. This obsession with Jay the past couple weeks is just really weird. As I said previously, even with TJ doing his "you don't know how many opportunities you'll have", there's tons of opportunities for people, especially someone like Rogan. I have a hard time thinking Jay will come back to win if he can even continue.

I was thinking it after the first couple episodes but didn't want to claim it then. I don't really mind Bayleigh or Swaggy. I think I'd rather have either of them without the other, but they've been pretty subdued overall besides the hubbub in the first episode about not wanting to piss her off by voting him, and they've both been at least been able to be capable competitors. The first time he referred to himself in the 3rd person, I definitely did a double take and had to rewind.

Poor Nelson. This is someone that I feel people should be looking to pick up, but nobody seems to want to bother. Well, dude has one of the best elimination records, so maybe people should be concerned about that if he's someone on the radar now.

**Xno Kappa** · 2020-04-30 00:00

Josh getting verbally raped by Wes in that interrogation was amazing. It was so satisfying watching that delusional try hard get put in his place. Can’t stand the guy.

Also, Rogan is bitch made. The hit itself is nothing big. I feel bad if Jay is genuinely hurt. It’s the cocky attitude as if he’s always wanted to go into elimination. The dude spent the entire last season crying and pleading not to go, then acts like a fucking peacock this season when he has to against someone half his size in order to run the final.

Bear trying to hide his boner walking out the bathroom was hilarious lmao.

I really hope there’s a twist come time for the finals for people with multiple red skulls like an advantage of some sort. Either that or start purging these assholes to put an emphasis on going into the elimination.

**Byrd** · 2020-04-30 00:20

A fucking cliffhanger? I thought we talked about this, MTV, and this wasn't going to happen anymore.

Thoughts:

Spoiler: show

Scoring:

Spoiler: show

Contestant Point Totals:

Spoiler: show

Standings:

Spoiler: show

**Vil** · 2020-04-30 06:40

Hey, maybe if the elimination doesn't continue, Rogan doesn't get a red skull. That's my realistic best case scenario.

**Xno Kappa** · 2020-04-30 12:20

**Moss** · 2020-04-30 21:53

Muh thoughts:

Instant DQ if you missed a number was stupid. It wouldn't have mattered but let them try again with a time penalty or something

I don't mind Josh like some of you but that dialogue with Wes was hilarious.

I flip-flop on liking Jordan and Wes but Jordan seemed like the annoying instigating asshole in this case

Was thinking strategy for a smaller guy in that elimination... run in a circle? Literally run in the widest circle possible and tire Rogan out. Rogan might be faster than him anyway but it's a better chance than a fucking pump fake lol

I wasn't bothered by the hit... but Rogan really is a babyback bitch for all that bravado to face someone half of his size. "I'm gonna rip him to shreds" yeah no shit and I could beat up a 10 year old but it doesn't make my dick hard. Does he think he's gonna look like a badass?

"He kissed my girl" is also the weakest shit ever, especially considering Dee did it just to make him jealous. Those two idiots deserve each other

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**Vil** · 2020-05-01 03:30

My only issue with Josh this past episode is that he didn't follow through and put Wes in elimination. There's plenty of cage rattling all the time with nominations, but with the way that interrogation went, you've got to do it.

Rogan really is a babyback bitch for all that bravado to face someone half of his size. "I'm gonna rip him to shreds" yeah no shit and I could beat up a 10 year old but it doesn't make my dick hard. Does he think he's gonna look like a badass?

"He kissed my girl" is also the weakest shit ever, especially considering Dee did it just to make him jealous. Those two idiots deserve each other

He needs that revenge for CT after Jay brutally nominated CT out of nowhere in a complete blindside and betrayal. Oh, what's that? Jay had nothing to do with it and CT completely volunteered?

And Dee, the girl he treated like trash last season, seemingly did so between seasons, and has said every episode he doesn't care about this season.

**Xno Kappa** · 2020-05-01 13:41

Dee and Rogan have become pretty toxic. Not a fan at all on how they treated Jay. Dee went after him because he probably seemed easy and I doubt Rogan would react the same had it been someone like Fessy.

**Vil** · 2020-05-06 23:28

"Earned" that red skull. Blech. Sucks to see Jay go, especially that way. Good on you, Rogan. Tackle the guy into the barrel after he's there shooting a 3-pointer that has 0 chance of going in. At least TJ gave Jay one of the nicest sendoffs in recent memory.

I'm more forgiving for "cliffhangers" than most, but what was that episode? If they're not going to end with an elimination, that's one thing, but it didn't even feel like a reasonable ending. Winner announced and that's that? That's more a "there's another segment after a commercial, right?" than a proper cliffhanger.

Loved whatever that line Nany had about Zach around the end of the episode. Everyone that is close to Nany is having a horrible season.

That fail happening to Josh couldn't have happened to a better team. That reaction when a producer pointed it out was hilarious. Unfortunately, so many people failed one way or another so that wasn't even that huge a deal.

Nelson went from being a potentially hilarious idiot accusing someone of throwing the challenge to being just an asshole. Last week I wondered why some of these randos were possibly throwing him into elimination instead of trying to work with him, but even his few remaining friends are talking about his behavior.

Wes and Bayleigh/Swaggy friends before the game? So maybe he was part of the reason that Swaggy wasn't a vote option at the start of the season. I'd kind of written Wes off in some ways after the WOTW reunion/WOTW2 but he seems to be doing really well in the house this season.

**Byrd** · 2020-05-06 23:42

Well, that was a shitty episode. Somehow, in a 90 minute episode, they can't figure out how to fit in an elimination and a challenge. Maybe if literally more than half their programming didn't consist of Ridiculousness, they could have a 2 hour episode.

Thoughts:

Spoiler: show

Scoring:

Spoiler: show

Standings:

Spoiler: show

Contestant Scores to Date:

Spoiler: show

**Vil** · 2020-05-07 00:03

Proposal for next season: If you're the person doing the "Previously on The Challenge" intro, 5 points

I support this idea.

88.5 hours of Ridiculousness, what? Does that show even have new episodes, or are there just 177 episodes that they play in rotation?

Running old seasons of the challenge sometimes would be great. Doing a marathon of the current season (or the previous season, when a new one is soon to start) could be nice. It has always been weird to me that they wouldn't replay an episode at all.

**Moss** · 2020-05-07 15:19

Y'all covered most of my thoughts already but I'll share anyway:

Nelson is so monumentally fucking stupid. It's usually entertaining because of how hard it is to believe that anyone is that dumb. He threw in some absence of emotional intelligence on this one to go with his stupid logic. Basically a kids temper tantrum because he lost, and it wasn't even a guy's elimination day!

Side note: I still find Angela to be sexy as hell but she dropped a few pegs if she ever dated Nelson. Must not be much going on upstairs

I was starting to like Bayleigh but her hissy fit on this one was weak. She had probably the best partner and still blamed him. She has some kind of weird entitlement issue that I despise. "It was supposed to be my week!" Ugh stfu

Zach is such an insecure toxic gaslighting little bitch. I think he knows deep down that he's a shitty person so he's insecure about Jenna leaving him. Hopefully Jenna comes to her senses. As least her friends see through his BS

So dissatisfying when these episodes don't end with an elimination result. Even if you get one at the beginning of the episode, it just isn't the same because they are disconnected. Why is it so fucking hard for these hack editors

Originally Posted by Vil

He needs that revenge for CT after Jay brutally nominated CT out of nowhere in a complete blindside and betrayal. Oh, what's that? Jay had nothing to do with it and CT completely volunteered?

And Dee, the girl he treated like trash last season, seemingly did so between seasons, and has said every episode he doesn't care about this season.

exactly. It's like the Eric Andre meme. *CT shoots self* "why would Jay do this?!"

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**Moss** · 2020-05-07 15:20

Idk if anyone watched "too hot to handle" on Netflix but it was reasonably entertaining and there are some really good challenge candidates

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**Byrd** · 2020-05-07 16:02

Originally Posted by Moss

Idk if anyone watched "too hot to handle" on Netflix but it was reasonably entertaining and there are some really good challenge candidates

I watched it half-heartedly while eating lunch at home the past few weeks. Just finished it today. It was stupider than most of these shows, but the lack of ads and allowed swearing made it a little more tolerable. Plus, the narrator was funny from time to time. I don't find it much worth discussing, though, it was ... bad. I don't think I'll be tuning in for a season two.

Francesca and Chloe seem like prime challenge candidates. I guess I could see Rhonda, Harry, Sharron, Bryce? I thought the best looking girl on the show was the Irish girl (Nicole, I think) who got less screen time than the director-who-lives-on-a-boat who showed in episode 3.

My favorite quote of the whole series was from Chloe. "Bryce lives on his boat, apparently. Either that means he's very rich or completely broke."

**Vil** · 2020-05-07 16:39

Originally Posted by Moss

I was starting to like Bayleigh but her hissy fit on this one was weak. She had probably the best partner and still blamed him. She has some kind of weird entitlement issue that I despise. "It was supposed to be my week!" Ugh stfu

I'm going with no foul on the play. There's probably going to be tons of "this was supposed to be my week" stuff this season anyway, so I don't find that so bad. As for the challenge itself, yeah, she messed up with the one piece and wasn't really getting anywhere with the puzzle. However, like you said, she had probably the best partner... and he was a flop outside of gathering pieces. He had a huge advantage on that, but was either not helping or doing things that were reasonably suspicious.

For me it was just rolling my eyes at two people having zero accountability for their own mistakes.

**Byrd** · 2020-05-07 17:30

Originally Posted by Vil

For me it was just rolling my eyes at two people having zero accountability for their own mistakes.

Nelson did Bayleigh a favor by being over the top stupid with his actions, whereas Bayleigh was just mildly annoying. Jordan and Aneesa are two people who don't quit challenges. And wouldn't Aneesa be much better off in the Tribunal if she's trying to control the elimination rather than out? What kind of logic does Nelson have going on in his head where it makes any sense for Aneesa to throw the challenge?

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