The Duel II: New Zealand

Insider, I was also torn about Aneesa. I want to say she is the strongest, plus, she has proven herself to do really good in individual situations, but speed is also a factor and so is endurance. Aneesa doesn't have as much speed as Tori, plus, I don't think she has as much endurance as Tori or Rachel. Ruthie is very strong and has great heart, but her size is a clear disadvantage. In KellyAnne's case or example, she had to stretch much more, in something like I Can, Aneesa or Rachel are bigger leaving Ruthie with a disadvantage if she did have to pick up those watermelons. Producer, I want to agree, but I gave the nod to Tori, only because I think in some instances she would do better such as a puzzle. But then again, we have never seen Rachel do a puzzle either, so I guess they are tied for me.

[quote=Insider;35858] Maybe the last two people unnamed are Brooklyn kids.....[/quote] Usually when a season debuts they have 4 cast members from that season (Fresh Meat - 4 Austin, Duel - 4 Key West, Inferno 3 - 4 Denver, Island - 4 Sydney). But it also has exceptions (Gauntlet 3 - 3 RR:VR, BOTS 2 - 5 Extreme, etc). I just doubt there will be only 2. [quote=meonlyme25;35858] I'm kind of surprised that people think Tori is so strong. The only thing I can remember about her from Gauntlet 3 is that she really annoyed me. Is she an athelete or something? [/quote] Tori [B][I]is[/I][/B] strong, but I doubt she can take Coral, [B][I]Ruthie[/I][/B] or Rachel. [quote=Dartagnan;35858] [B][U]Strongest guy:[/U][/B] [B]1. CT 2. Brad[/B] 3. Landon 4. Mark 5. Derek 6. Evan 7. Adam 8. Dunbar 9. Dan 10. Nick 11. Davis 12. David 13. Isaac 14. Eric [/quote] I agree with this list, but I'd have to say CT & Brad ties for 1st because they're equally matched. One might be better and one thing, but the other is better at something else. CT could push Brad easier in PUSH ME, but Brad was smart enough to shake the pole when CT was reaching for the flag. So it depends on what they're doing. These challenges are all about mind over matter, and CT doesn't really think his way through things (Look at the first Duel, he DQ'd himself the whole time :rofl:).

[quote=Blaqk;35867] Tori [B][I]is[/I][/B] strong, but I doubt she can take Coral, [B][I]Ruthie[/I][/B] or Rachel. I agree with this list, but I'd have to say CT & Brad ties for 1st because they're equally matched. One might be better and one thing, but the other is better at something else. CT could push Brad easier in PUSH ME, but Brad was smart enough to shake the pole when CT was reaching for the flag. So it depends on what they're doing. These challenges are all about mind over matter, and CT doesn't really think his way through things (Look at the first Duel, he DQ'd himself the whole time :rofl:).[/quote] Now that I think about it, Tori probably can't take Aneesa, Rachel, Ruthie, or Coral, but I chose Tori for number one because alltogether, she is the best, because there isn't a part of the game that she is missing. Where as Coral isn't as fast, Ruthie isn't as big, and Rachel .welll I don't know. CT and Brad do kinda tie, but I guess I put CT first just because, if it didn't involve smarts, he would beat absolutely everyone. But the fact that he doesn't think hurts him a lot.

[QUOTE=Blaqk;35851]Well only one guy and one girl left to add. I still wonder who's the cast member that was dropped..as it's getting closer and closer to the departure date, I thought our little cast list would grow faster, but I kinda like the suspense. Has anyone notice that this will be the second challenge where they isn't a debut season. The first was Gauntlet 2, where a new season of Real World or Road Rules wasn't added to the cast. (I doubt the Brooklyn kids would be added to the cast). Am I the only one that notices little things like this? :sofa:[/QUOTE] Brooklyn is still taping so that is just impossible. There also are two different contracts involved from MTV with Bunim Murray and that would really complicate things. You probably didn't look at page one of the thread today, because I removed the reference to someone coming off the list. She didn't, but the why is a long legal thing. A couple of people may simply not be talking to anyone because they actually read their contract.

[quote=producer88;35859]sorry, but Tori doesn't have a chance against Rachel. The only girl that has a chance is Ruthie, because she is like a boy derrick.[/quote] UMMMMMM have we forgotten about coral... She has not done well recently but in this challange i Know she will.......... and also jenn is very strong

[quote=ejborys22;35887]UMMMMMM have we forgotten about coral... She has not done well recently but in this challange i Know she will.......... and also jenn is very strong[/quote] No we CERTAINLY have not forgotten. i think she will do well. She actually made it very far on The Gauntlet 3 despite what had happened. And before that, she dominated the Challenges with manipulation.

[QUOTE=ejborys22;35887]UMMMMMM have we forgotten about coral... She has not done well recently but in this challange i Know she will.......... and also jenn is very strong[/QUOTE] The cast members I talk to from The Island don't agree with you at all. They think Rachel is way overrated both strategically and physically (and consequently they also think Kelly Anne is overrated because of her win over Rachel). Ruthie will do well against someone her size, but in some duels from Duel 1, she probably would not do well. Beth demonstrated Ruthie's vulnerability in a contest where body mass is important, so anyone who is 4 or 6 could do well against Ruthie. Coral and Ruthie are about the same size. From her most recent pics, Coral looks larger than the size 0, 105 lbs person I saw in NY last Jan. Ruthie is about the same. Aneesa, Shauvon, Katie, Robin and Brooke are all significantly larger. Kim and Brittini are 0s and Diem may be as well. Jenn, Paula, Rachel and Tori are probably all 2s.

[quote=V1man;35892] From her most recent pics, Coral looks larger than the size 0, 105 lbs person I saw in NY last Jan. [/quote] Was Coral really that tiny last January? In the earlier challenges, she seemed really tiny, but lately it looks like she's gained a bit more body and balanced herself out a bit. I'm not critiquing her body then or now, but dude...she just looked top-heavy and ready to tip over early on.

[quote=V1man;35892]The cast members I talk to from The Island don't agree with you at all. They think Rachel is way overrated both strategically and physically (and consequently they also think Kelly Anne is overrated because of her win over Rachel). Ruthie will do well against someone her size, but in some duels from Duel 1, she probably would not do well. Beth demonstrated Ruthie's vulnerability in a contest where body mass is important, so anyone who is 4 or 6 could do well against Ruthie. Coral and Ruthie are about the same size. From her most recent pics, Coral looks larger than the size 0, 105 lbs person I saw in NY last Jan. Ruthie is about the same. Aneesa, Shauvon, Katie, Robin and Brooke are all significantly larger. Kim and Brittini are 0s and Diem may be as well. Jenn, Paula, Rachel and Tori are probably all 2s.[/quote] I agree that Rachel probably lost a lot of her steam, but to ever say she was overrated is illogical. From you, you should know that she did so well on the old Challenges. Battle of the Sexes 1 she did great. The Gauntlet she was great, and did as good as the guys sometimes. Battle of the Sexes 2 she outperformed a lot of the guys most of the time. Inferno 2...did you see her physique? Rachel even admitted herself on the first episode her strategy in the past had never worked, and her trying to be nice this time didn't work either. I still find her to be a great competitor. Coral and Ruthie are two of my picks to do well, they are great competitor, but Coral has intimidation on her side, plus she is very focused, where as Ruthie has the endurance on her side. Brooke, Robin, and Shauvon will all go home in my opinion. None of them will make it far. Aneesa has strength and will on her side and she is always a focused competitor. Katie knows how to play this game, so many others think otherwise, but I think she is smart. Kim and Brittni could surprise us, but I can't see it happening. And I never saw what was so amazing about Diem. She is athletic, but the girl is a twig with no strength. Jenn and Tori are probably the two girls that will dominate, and I won't be surprised if it happens. Jenn is a dark horse to win it for me.

[quote=Dartagnan;35900]I agree that Rachel probably lost a lot of her steam, but to ever say she was overrated is illogical. From you, you should know that she did so well on the old Challenges. Battle of the Sexes 1 she did great. The Gauntlet she was great, and did as good as the guys sometimes. Battle of the Sexes 2 she outperformed a lot of the guys most of the time. Inferno 2...did you see her physique? Rachel even admitted herself on the first episode her strategy in the past had never worked, and her trying to be nice this time didn't work either. I still find her to be a great competitor. Coral and Ruthie are two of my picks to do well, they are great competitor, but Coral has intimidation on her side, plus she is very focused, where as Ruthie has the endurance on her side. Brooke, Robin, and Shauvon will all go home in my opinion. None of them will make it far. Aneesa has strength and will on her side and she is always a focused competitor. Katie knows how to play this game, so many others think otherwise, but I think she is smart. Kim and Brittni could surprise us, but I can't see it happening. And I never saw what was so amazing about Diem. She is athletic, but the girl is a twig with no strength. Jenn and Tori are probably the two girls that will dominate, and I won't be surprised if it happens. Jenn is a dark horse to win it for me.[/quote] I personally the format will change and that is just my opinion ni facts behind it... I believe either coral rachel or jenn will win this game

[quote=ejborys22;35902]I personally the format will change and that is just my opinion ni facts behind it... I believe either coral rachel or jenn will win this game[/quote] So do I. If it really is the Duel II which I absolutely think it is, I think they will keep the concept of individuality, but they will twirk the rules and change the games, and hopefully add more. 4 choices is not enough at all. I want to know the definitive cast before I place a bet, but I agree that it will be one of those three, but for me throw in Tori as well.

[QUOTE=Dartagnan;35900]...to ever say she was overrated is illogical. From you, you should know that she did so well on the old Challenges. [/QUOTE] You may be the first person to ever suggest that I'm not logical and I'll mention your views to the cast members from the Island who made those observations to me about Rachel. I talked to another veteran today who laughed when I asked her opinion of Rachel. It was not high: average physically and not much real mental game without someone thinking for her. Paula (gasp) has more fight in her. (not my views but those of a capable veteran) Maybe if Ruthie is clean and sober she will prove capable, but if Shauvon sits on her, poor Ruthie will be dead in seconds. She is barely a twig.

[quote=V1man;35907]You may be the first person to ever suggest that I'm not logical and I'll mention your views to the cast members from the Island who made those observations to me about Rachel. I talked to another veteran today who laughed when I asked her opinion of Rachel. It was not high: average physically and not much real mental game without someone thinking for her. Paula (gasp) has more fight in her. (not my views but those of a capable veteran) Maybe if Ruthie is clean and sober she will prove capable, but if Shauvon sits on her, poor Ruthie will be dead in seconds. She is barely a twig.[/quote] I would never say your illogical, because even you mentioned in the past you thought of her as the strongest competitor. I'm sayign if you were to say that she [I]was overrated[/I] then that would be illogical. Silly V1, you are too smart to be illogical. Ugh,, Paula. I'm sorry but she is overrated. She beat Katie in a puzzle who clearly even said that she had hated puzzles, and Katie almost beat her with just Frank on her side. She beat a hurt Aneesa in a shimmy race, in which Aneesa got half way. Proves her great fight. She couldn't even keep herself standing in Ball Buster. I think Ruthie could prove herself once again, if she can find the same mental zone she had in Battle of the Sexes 1. And if she manages to avoid a size issue.

[QUOTE=Dartagnan;35908]I would never say your illogical, because even you mentioned in the past you thought of her as the strongest competitor. I'm sayign if you were to say that she [I]was overrated[/I] then that would be illogical. Silly V1, you are too smart to be illogical. Ugh,, Paula. I'm sorry but she is overrated. She beat Katie in a puzzle who clearly even said that she had hated puzzles, and Katie almost beat her with just Frank on her side. She beat a hurt Aneesa in a shimmy race, in which Aneesa got half way. Proves her great fight. She couldn't even keep herself standing in Ball Buster. I think Ruthie could prove herself once again, if she can find the same mental zone she had in Battle of the Sexes 1. And if she manages to avoid a size issue.[/QUOTE] I agree that Paula is worthless. I've talked to several cast members about Sliders (Gauntlet 3). Each one said that it had nothing to do with the two individual competitors, and everything to do with the cast members who were standing at a far better vantage point to see the the puzzle's solution. The cast help dictated the winner. The veterans wanted Katie gone and fed the solution to Paula, who as she usually does, just blindly followed their direction. One-on-one in fair competition, Katie destroys Paula every time. Pre-challenge, I thought of Rachel as Ev's strongest female competition. Better or slightly less capable than Ev, it was not possible to know. Post-Island, I know Ev is the better of the two by far. Honestly, Ev would have no problem going head to head against most of the guys. Her training regimen is "Olympic." (Her training was something we discussed during my interview with her but promised to keep confidential so that other cast would not learn her secrets. As an ex-military special ops person, I was impressed and a little taken aback at what she can do.) Ad that to her 4.0 GPA and love of pure competition. It's hard not to give the nod to Evelyn in most situations. She also knows her limitations. She has a hard time tolerating stupid or vapid people and struggles to act the "right" was in certain social environments that pervade every challenge backstory. What I learned from other cast members is that the women learned not to fear competing against Rachel. Yes, she is good, but today her best is more myth than reality. That lesson will be taken to New Zealand by Jenn, Robin and Paula. The new reality has already been spread to many of the other cast members. ***** There is a lot of posturing and deal making going on with many. Some are only talking to one or two people and a couple have attempted to build a grand alliance. BMP's producers will have their hands full adjusting the rules to counter the effectiveness of a major alliance ("The Friendship?"), but I have big expectations that production will be "hands-on" since the future of the challenges is now seriously on the line for the first time. I know that some of the cast are reading vevmo (because many first learned of the larger cast list from us), so I'm going to offer some advice. If the format allows, I believe it is in the interest of the greatest majority of players to ensure that the first male duel is between CT and Evan. I believe there are 4 other men who will win a duel against CT or Evan, but keeping the two of them in the game after week one increases the mathematical probability that one of the two will make it to the end. The men's team is a two headed snake and one must be removed to weaken the other. Evan certainly will attempt to surround and protect himself with an expendable team rather like a layered onion. Anyone who buys in to that effort is only postponing the inevitability of their 22 hour flight home. Just my opinion...

Rachel did not do well on battle of the sexes 1. she was always at the bottom of the scoreboard. she had the lowest points by the 1st mission with emily because of her mistake. but by the 5th mission Emily worked her way up to 2nd place (inner circle) while rachel was still at the bottom (4th from last)

[quote=Bacchus;35913]She is totally overrated. She participated in exactly one event on The Island and lost to an untested rookie. In 2002 (The year Road Rules Campus Crawl aired) Pedro Martinez went 20-4 with a 2.26 ERA. This year he went 5-6 with a 5.61 ERA. You can make all the excuses you want but that is the cold hard reality just like Pedro, she is not the player she once was...[/quote] Keeny even said that they needed to get rid of her because sheis so strong.. Her mental game is great and she is very strong.

[QUOTE=ejborys22;35955]Keeny (sp) even said that they needed to get rid of her because sheis (sp) so strong.. [B]Her mental game is great and she is very strong[/B].[/QUOTE] I'll accept that as your opinion, but the facts stand starkly in contrast.

[QUOTE=V1man;35960]I'll accept that as your opinion, but the facts stand starkly in contrast.[/QUOTE] Like most others on The Island, Kenny didn't know Rachel other than by "reputation." He is no longer impressed. She didn't live up to her PR.

hey newbie here. couldnt resist signing up. huge challenge fan. I havent read the entire thread so sorry if i bring up anything that was already discussed. I have a quick question...does anybody know of what terms Mark and Robins relationship is now? Are they still friends or is there a strong dislike between the 2? also the other ex couple ct and diem...are they still friends?? I am just asking because im bored and trying to think up how each cast member would vote and what are the potential strong alliances. I know there is good friendships between Katie(my fav cast member BTW), Eric, Robin, Coral, and Diem. I have a good idea of how everyone else would pick but it would be a good help to know if mark and robin were friends, otherwise i would say he would pick ruthie or rachel.

[quote=V1man;35915]If the format allows, I believe it is in the interest of the greatest majority of players to ensure that the first male duel is between CT and Evan. I believe there are 4 other men who will win a duel against CT or Evan, but keeping the two of them in the game after week one increases the mathematical probability that one of the two will make it to the end. The men's team is a two headed snake and one must be removed to weaken the other. Evan certainly will attempt to surround and protect himself with an expendable team rather like a layered onion. Anyone who buys in to that effort is only postponing the inevitability of their 22 hour flight home. Just my opinion...[/quote] I definitely agree. Must pit Evan and CT against each other right off the bat if possible. They get rid of two of the strongest competitors, and they knock out or weaken a potential alliance. CT and Evan seemed very influential last challenge on their team, and without them around, I think potential alliance groups they might form will not be as strong. lalalamilf, I don't know what Mark and Robin's relationship is with each other anymore since they don't date, but Mark is friends or has been friendly with people like Katie, Coral, and Landon in the past. Probably more people I don't know about as well. So I think he will have some friends that will look out for him. I also think he is one of the best competitors ever on the shows, and he will probably be able to do well in the challenge. The rules are just the question mark.

oh i have no doubt he will go far! sorry for the misunderstanding I just more was interested in knowing to place an idea on how far robin would go. she has a really good friend base this time around. i still see him as playing the game by respect and your worthiness as a competitor though, is why i said i think he would vote someone like ruthie

[QUOTE=lalalamilf;35966]hey newbie here. couldnt resist signing up. huge challenge fan. I havent read the entire thread so sorry if i bring up anything that was already discussed. I have a quick question...does anybody know of what terms Mark and Robins relationship is now? Are they still friends or is there a strong dislike between the 2? also the other ex couple ct and diem...are they still friends?? I am just asking because im bored and trying to think up how each cast member would vote and what are the potential strong alliances. I know there is good friendships between Katie(my fav cast member BTW), Eric, Robin, Coral, and Diem. I have a good idea of how everyone else would pick but it would be a good help to know if mark and robin were friends, otherwise i would say he would pick ruthie or rachel.[/QUOTE] If I may, I'd like to respond to you on Monday after the cast is New Zealand bound and can't read this board. The answers to your questions are things the cast is attempting to determine as they go about their alliance-building efforts.

That sounds like a good idea not to talk too much more about what's going on since people are supposedly reading this. I'll have to keep this in mind in further discussing the possibilities. I would rather them come up with their own deductions and such than to rely too much on what's been said online. Although I must say it is tempting to try and put the people I would rather see gone further in the hot seat. I have noticed some friendships between certain people in the past, yet some people seem to have another friend who is not close with their big group of friends, and so on. There are a few people I am wondering about and I think it could have an effect on how long so and so lasts. I have a question about Evan, though. I've heard he goes to Cornell. I'm assuming that means he has some reasonable amount of intelligence. It seems to me he doesn't really put as much of his brain to use as he could in these challenges (The Duel, for example - he tried to cheat on that puzzle). Do you think he over relies on his physical strength and who he knows in order to play the game, without giving as much thought to the analytical side?

[quote=V1man;35995]If I may, I'd like to respond to you on Monday after the cast is New Zealand bound and can't read this board. The answers to your questions are things the cast is attempting to determine as they go about their alliance-building efforts.[/quote] thank you i understand and that makes a lot of sense... so i guess i will wait to post my picking/voting ways to benefit who and who not until after monday, lol

I think Evan uses his intelligence for things like tricking girls into sleeping with him.

[quote] Originally Posted by Insider View Post I think Evan uses his intelligence for things like tricking girls into sleeping with him.[/quote] I've never heard of such a thing, but a copy of my GQ spread worked wonderfully for me back in the day. Now I'm left with the recognition of the error of my ways and a few fading memories... :evilgrin::evilgrin::evilgrin::evilgrin:

[quote=Bacchus;36018][strike]And your point is? ;)[/strike] Horrible! Inhumane! That *************] Uh oh. Ladies, we should probably keep our eyes on Bacchus. :acute: [quote=V1man;36019]I've never heard of such a thing, but a copy of my GQ spread worked wonderfully for me back in the day. Now I'm left with the recognition of the error of my ways and a few fading memories... [/quote] I would say a GQ spread is slightly more honorable than numerous fake IDs. (and probably more effective.)

I wish MaryBeth would do this challenge but I doubt it since she has a baby and is engaged now.. :-/ I'm excited to see if there is anyone else confirmed! The cast looks great so far.