There is no need for me to say that MTV’s The Challenge is the most innovative reality show on television only because it is now widely accepted as fact.
I honestly believe that it features the best challenges (where it almost feels like the lives of the contestants are risked on a weekly basis as they usually suspended above some ocean where they have to jump to a platform in the shortest amount of time possible), the most athletic competitors and the most bad blood between contestants.
More importantly, The Challenge continues to evolve its format. While the order of the day will always be to recycle contestants from its previous Real World and Road Rules incarnations, in recent seasons The Challenge has teamed up exes and rivals. This season, it will change things up again by pitting seasons up against each other.
First, let’s get to the teams.
Real World Austin: Lacey Buehler, Melinda Stolp, Wes Bergmann and Danny Jamieson
Real World Brooklyn: Sarah Rice, Chet Cannon, Devyn Sims and J.D. Ordonez
Real World Las Vegas Season 1 and Season 2: Trishelle Cannatella, Alton Williams, Dustin Zito and Nany Gonzalez
Real World Cancun: Jasmine Reynaud, Jonna Mannion, Derek Chavez, C.J. Koegel
Real World New Orleans: Ryan Knight, Jemmye Carroll, McKenzie Coburn and Preston Roberson-Charles
Real World St. Thomas: Trey Weatherholtz , Laura Waller, Marie Roda and Robert “Robb” Schreiber
Real World San Diego: Zach Nichols, Sam McGinn, Frank Sweeney and Ashley Kelsey
There is also a bonus team that is added at the last minute, that has a major impact on the first episode.
The concept of the show is simple. The teams compete against each other. The losing team automatically goes into the “arena” where two of its members have to face off against two members of an opposing team that the winners of the challenge select.
Wednesday’s premiere episode is 90 minutes and is action-packed. There are several notable highlights:
– The appearance of Trishelle Cannatella from Real World Vegas (undoubtedly the best season of the show) competing in her first challenge since 2004’s The Inferno. As far as I am concerned, Trishelle is the hottest reality star of all-time and although she wasn’t featured prominently in the first episode, I have no doubt that she will steal the show like she always does. If you only need one reason to tune into Battle Of The Seasons, Trishelle is it.
– I was completely flabbergasted by the change in Zach Nichols from The Real World San Diego. Remember back when he didn’t want to go to the Pride Parade with Frank Sweeney? It turns out that he has completely changed and even kisses his former rival on the first episode. While I am sure that female Challenge fans will be excited to learn that he has split up with Ashley, it doesn’t take long for him to hook up with someone else. Who is it? You’ll have to tune in to find out. Oh, and I can confirm the rumor that he is wearing a pink speedo in the first episode.
– You can also expect old rivalries to figure prominently into this season’s results. Remember when Wes snaked CJ on Fresh Meat II? Let’s just say Cancun doesn’t forget. And speaking of Cancun, I have to say that Jasmine’s confessionals are worth the price of admission alone. She is hysterical. I only wish that Ayiiia Elizarraras was on this season as well.
– While it is great to see Dustin Zito back on a Challenge after an injury forced him to leave Battle Of The Exes, I definitely miss his girlfriend on this one. In my opinion, Dustin/Heather are the best couple to emerge from these MTV shows, and I would have loved to see her get another shot as well. With that being said, it’s clear that the hybrid Vegas team easily look like the favorites to win the whole thing with Dustin’s athletic prowess, the fact that Alton looks like a tank, Trishelle being Trishelle and Nany not being afraid to throw down with anybody.
– I don’t think the newbies this season will fare as badly as they typically do. Trey, Laura, Marie and Robb all seem fairly athletic and even if they are voted into the arena, I don’t see many that can beat them easily. With that being said, I am not even sure if they will automatically be voted in as it seems the teams all have bigger fish to fry.
– It is refreshing to see a cast with so many new faces as it makes this season completely unpredictable and this is something that has been missing from the last few
– I am also pulling for my pal Sarah Rice from The Real World Brooklyn. While she is clearly due to win one of these, I am not sure if she can with the team she is with.
– It will be fascinating to see the dynamic between exes Melinda and Danny on The Real World Austin.
– Look for a scene with McKenzie Coburn sunbathing in the premiere episode that will make you remember all the reasons you loved her on The Real World New Orleans. Speaking of New Orleans, I am also very excited to see the Knight/Jemmye dynamic.
– The arena challenge is epic and much more hardcore than what we are used to seeing. Both match-ups (which see the girls and guys meet in a head-on collision) are completely brutal and if they are an indication of what is to come, I literally can’t wait for the next episode.
I don’t think I have ever been more excited for a season of The Challenge for all these reasons and more. Oh, and did I forget to mention… Trishelle is back!
Here’s a trailer:
The Challenge: Battle Of The Seasons premieres on Wednesday, September 19 at 10 p.m. on MTV and MTV Canada
