It's a new season of the addictive MTV reality-competition series
"The Challenge," and while some installments falter because there just
isn't enough infighting and drama, it doesn't look like "Battle of the
Exes" will have that problem. Jam-packed with personal chaos, hard
challenges, and beautiful scenery, the show has always mixed the best
elements of "The Amazing Race," "Survivor," and "Bachelor Pad" together.
But we have particularly high hopes for this "Battle" after seeing last night's premiere. Here's why:
The Ex Factor
The
competitors arrived and were immediately stunned by the news that they
would be paired with a former hookup/significant other. It definitely
makes you rethink your life choices when someone you had a one-night
stand with is suddenly your teammate and your best shot at winning prize
money. Plus, the ones who were in relationships had some good reasons
for splitting up, and there is a lot of animosity between them. We
expect lots and lots of partner meltdowns as these former couples engage
in enormous blowouts. Get ready to see some dirty laundry aired out.
Beyond Thunderdome
We'll always love the battle ring on this show, and we don't understand
why more competition shows don't feature similar head-to-head
elimination bouts. "Survivor," for one, would be infinitely more
exciting that way. This season's dome looks like an old-school metal
jungle gym for giants, and is the stage for tasks that look like evil
versions of "Wipeout" challenges.
They've Got Our Vote
One of the things that often slowed down this show in the past was the
complicated process involved for voting one team into the elimination
round to face off against the challenge's losing team. It used to
require a group vote, but that's now been simplified to just having the
winning team decide who goes in. That raises the dramatic ante on the
scheming, alliance building, and general politicking, allowing players
with outside relationships and long-standing rivalries to really stick
it to each other. Case in point: Wes and his loud, obnoxious self was
tossed into the first elimination by his nemesis, Johnny.
[Check Out More Photos of This Season's 'Challenge' Competitors]
Up on the Mountain
Before the real action of the first episode got underway, we got a
quick glimpse of the final challenge, and it looks insane -- something
to do with climbing a mountain with waist-deep snowdrifts. If nothing
else, you just know someone will have to be medically evacuated.
Probably Wes, if he makes it that far.
Upping the Sex Appeal
With the former couples coming into play, the challenges themselves are
designed to put the competitors who still have a burning dislike of
their partner into the most awkward positions possible. Having to wipe
honey off very intimate body parts was just the first one; we expect
people to be tied together on a regular basis. And with the exes as
partners, it makes potential new hookups even more exciting, as they
could really stir the pot.
Bring on the Fresh Meat
While this isn't a Fresh Meat "Challenge," they have brought on a bunch
of first-timers from recent "Real World" seasons to infuse the show with
new blood. And while Paula and Nate were instantly eliminated, probably
because they were still drunk from "San Diego," the Leroy/Naomi dynamic
and the Dustin/Heather team could throw a wrench into some pre-existing
alliances.
CT Is in the House
You never know when
he's going to bust out his sensitive side or punch someone or something
for no apparent reason. He's the biggest wild card ever... as that
cactus a few years ago can well attest.
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