The Duel 2: Ep. 1 - Discussion

[quote=Julius;58939]They should do the show like I Love Money... that show brings a lot of drama in the way they construct the eliminations and also RW challenge should have 1 winner... makes the alliances crazy when it gets down to the final few people, you have to start turning against people you're cool with 1st episode was real good though[/quote] I think that would be interesting to watch. I think things may play out kinda similar to how they have several times in the past, meaning your aliiance will get you so far, but after a point will cause more problems than good.

I thought the opening sequence was hilarious--you could tell by the cast members faces' who took it seriously and who knew it was stupid and just playing along (with the whole chanting and "dancing" thing.)

Ahhh...finally back to vevmo. I was all ready to watch the episode and vevmo during commercials...and my wireless network went down! I had to wait for my husband to fix it today... I enjoyed the episode, although the actual challenges themselves weren't that fun to watch. But the drama was interesting. After V1 has constantly been telling us to just wait and see the background to the fight, I was glad to watch it happen and understand. Obviously it is a difficult situation for all and I will not begin to make judgements...aloud anyways. :)

[QUOTE=Julius;58939]They should do the show like I Love Money... that show brings a lot of drama in the way they construct the eliminations and also RW challenge should have 1 winner... makes the alliances crazy when it gets down to the final few people, you have to start turning against people you're cool with 1st episode was real good though[/QUOTE] I would rather keep the challenges and ILM as separate shows with totally different ideas. The two are totally different shows and have no need to mix elements from each other. ILM is more drama based with less physical elements and the challenges actually rely on physical ability (for the most part). For example, someone like Taylor Made could never make it to the end of the Duel 2 Buddah and might have a better shot on the Duel 2 then he did on ILM.

I checked as promised on the shirt colors. At the beginning, the cast thought there must be some relevance to the shirt colors. As time passed, they realized there was no significance to them at all. The best I can come up with is that someone thought all the different colors would look good in HD, just like they thought the opening was so great.

[quote=meonlyme25;58948]I thought the opening sequence was hilarious--you could tell by the cast members faces' who took it seriously and who knew it was stupid and just playing along (with the whole chanting and "dancing" thing.)[/quote] Davis was smiling, seriously I love the opening sequence. Evan, Nick, and Issac chanting was hilarious and Evan was so over the top. I love it!

28 pages already? lol If you haven't watched the episode then don't read be low lol Well I enjoyed the first episode...it was a good start for the season and it even had a hook up that eventually(and indirectly) brought the house down almost literally. Honestly though I would have liked Adam/CT to hang around longer. The entire fight was just raged filled and it ended up into a bigger mess than it needed to be. And Nick....NOOOOOO...already? The one thing...I will say about Shauvon...is I did like she went after Aneesa. Other than I just have to slap my head about her lol

Hey everybody, I've been reading this forum for a bit but this is my first time posting, so please bear with me. Regarding the Adam/CT fight, I have mixed feelings on a few things. I agree with almost everyone out there that CT was out of control (BIG understatement there!), and I respect Adam for actually standing up for himself this time given the history these two had. Yet the fact that Adam actually hit CT in the head with what looked like a can of beer (or something similar) came off to me as a cheap shot. And the fact that he turned tail and ran like a scared rabbit didn't look too good for him either. But that's not to say I wouldn't do the same if a dude like CT was barrelling toward me pissed off all to hell. Don't like Paula too much. Hope she doesn't whine about being betrayed for the whole of the season, but I get a feeling we'll be hearing a whole lot of violins playing for her. Too bad Nick lost the Duel. I could stand to see Ryan go home early, but it is what it is. Speaking of Ryan, what is up with Brooke and her attraction to Davis and Ryan? I knew she had some sort of weird crush on Davis when they were in Denver, but I wonder if she has it in her mind that she can change a gay guy, or if she's just looking for attention by any means. When Aneesa got so mad at Shauvon for choosing her for the Duel, I found that so stupid. It's a challenge. You're there to compete. It's not like "Hi, I'm having a great time in New Zealand, seeing the sights, partying, making out etc. Now if you just hand me my $100,000 right now I'll be on my way. Peace." Damn man. Maybe I'm missing something, but it doesn't seem like Aneesa's close with Shauvon anyway or even likes her so why get all pissed about it. It's not a betrayal. It's just politics like Aneesa herself said in the episode. But anyway, so far the challenge looks interesting and I hope it lives up to its promise.

I'm probably in the minority here when I say that I watch for the drama and not necessarily for the challenge. The Diem/CT/Adam thing seems to have been discussed ad nauseum, but I just want to get in a few words. [quote=RW561015;58784]I am a girl and I actually am of the opinion that CT could hook up because he and Diem had broken up for a while. I understand that it can be painful to see your ex hook up with someone or date someone new. But it's just something you have to deal with when you aren't together with that person anymore, and when you don't plan on getting back with that person for several years. Unfortunately for Diem, in the situation they were in, she had to be in close quarters with her ex and the girl he hooked up with for potentially a month or so. But CT ended up going, so she didn't have to see him hook up anymore. I'm sure she didn't want things to turn out the way they did, though.[/quote] First, I do think it was terribly insensitive of CT to hook-up with any female in that house while his long-time ex was there. I realize that it's a debatable issue, considering that they were broken up, but given their history and the obvious connection that still exists between the two, it would have just been better had he kept it in his pants for the duration of that challenge. For me, and most probably Diem, it all comes down to respect. I believe someone mentioned it before, but considering the close living quarters, it was a given that CT's little escapade would have been gossip fodder for everyone in that house. I can imagine what it must have felt like for Diem. Like it happened in that episode, people were gossiping and no one was willing to tell Diem the truth until she finally got an answer from Katie. Though everyone may have not seen it that way, I am willing to bet that Diem felt the fool, and that's why she confronted CT for the truth. Whether or not Diem had a right to be upset has nothing to do with it anyway. Regardless of the state of their relationship, in the eyes of EVERYONE in that house, those two are connected. Therefore, gossip, information, or any flagrant actions by either parties will eventually get back to one another due to their past history. It's sad that CT had to go after Adam like that. Though we don't get to see much of it, I think CT is a good guy, despite his childish, bullish behavior. I don't see how he manages to be in an adult relationship with anyone with the way he acts. He's quick to anger, and irrational when in that state to boot. Just because he's capable of winning a physical fight does not mean that that should always be the first solution. I had hoped he would grow up since his time in Paris. I really, sincerely hope that CT gets some help for his own sake.

[quote=Sleepy I;59013]Hey everybody, I've been reading this forum for a bit but this is my first time posting, so please bear with me. Regarding the Adam/CT fight, I have mixed feelings on a few things. I agree with almost everyone out there that CT was out of control (BIG understatement there!), and I respect Adam for actually standing up for himself this time given the history these two had. Yet the fact that Adam actually hit CT in the head with what looked like a can of beer (or something similar) came off to me as a cheap shot. And the fact that he turned tail and ran like a scared rabbit didn't look too good for him either. But that's not to say I wouldn't do the same if a dude like CT was barrelling toward me pissed off all to hell. Don't like Paula too much. Hope she doesn't whine about being betrayed for the whole of the season, but I get a feeling we'll be hearing a whole lot of violins playing for her. Too bad Nick lost the Duel. I could stand to see Ryan go home early, but it is what it is. Speaking of Ryan, what is up with Brooke and her attraction to Davis and Ryan? I knew she had some sort of weird crush on Davis when they were in Denver, but I wonder if she has it in her mind that she can change a gay guy, or if she's just looking for attention by any means. When Aneesa got so mad at Shauvon for choosing her for the Duel, I found that so stupid. It's a challenge. You're there to compete. It's not like "Hi, I'm having a great time in New Zealand, seeing the sights, partying, making out etc. Now if you just hand me my $100,000 right now I'll be on my way. Peace." Damn man. Maybe I'm missing something, but it doesn't seem like Aneesa's close with Shauvon anyway or even likes her so why get all pissed about it. It's not a betrayal. It's just politics like Aneesa herself said in the episode. But anyway, so far the challenge looks interesting and I hope it lives up to its promise.[/quote] Welcome Sleepy! I believe the whole thing with Adam and CT started with a red plastic SOLO cup, and what looked like an empty plastic cup at that. It goes back to when CT poured a drink on Adam a long time ago, and I think he was just impersonating. I can't remember that challenge off the top of my head. And I agree...while Adam looked like a wuss, I sure as hell would be running in the opposite direction from CT as well. Adam is well aware of his temper, but perhaps didn't expect him to get THAT psychotic. Who knows? Am I the only one who notices how CT's voice changes when he gets angry and drunk? He goes from a normal man voice to a really raspy, deep, from-the-throat voice. Paula does it on a WAY MORE annoying scale (where she sounds like a little baby instead of a big one).

[quote=hpkhg45;58955]I would rather keep the challenges and ILM as separate shows with totally different ideas. The two are totally different shows and have no need to mix elements from each other. ILM is more drama based with less physical elements and the challenges actually rely on physical ability (for the most part). For example, someone like Taylor Made could never make it to the end of the Duel 2 Buddah and might have a better shot on the Duel 2 then he did on ILM.[/quote] So u dont agree that they should go down to 1 winner... even if its 1 girl n 1 guy? this season is only 8 episodes, and what 6 people win?!? either way should be a good season...

[QUOTE=Julius;59017]S this season is only 8 episodes, and what 6 people win?!? .[/QUOTE] We have a spoiler thread where you can find the info you seek.

Can someone upload the episode for download? please?

[quote=pmfg10;59036]Can someone upload the episode for download? please?[/quote] You should be able to find the entire episode on mtv.com.

[quote=molds13;59016]Welcome Sleepy! I believe the whole thing with Adam and CT started with a red plastic SOLO cup, and what looked like an empty plastic cup at that. It goes back to when CT poured a drink on Adam a long time ago, and I think he was just impersonating. I can't remember that challenge off the top of my head. And I agree...while Adam looked like a wuss, I sure as hell would be running in the opposite direction from CT as well. Adam is well aware of his temper, but perhaps didn't expect him to get THAT psychotic. Who knows? Am I the only one who notices how CT's voice changes when he gets angry and drunk? He goes from a normal man voice to a really raspy, deep, from-the-throat voice. Paula does it on a WAY MORE annoying scale (where she sounds like a little baby instead of a big one).[/quote] Thanks, molds. Happy to post here. I remember CT dumping the beer on Adam's head; it was on Gauntlet III so it was actually somewhat recent. The reason I thought Adam might have hit him with a can was because afterward CT looked like around his eye might have been blackened or bleeding, but it might just well be a plastic cup.

I didn't really like the opening of the show. It seemed really....weird...I like the older intro's. The Inferno 1 intro was cool but my favorite one was definitely in Battle of the sexes 1 where they're all out on the beach . They look like theyre genuinely having fun and at the end with the girls vs. guys playing tug-o-war with eachother and the camera goes up and down the line. The whole rookies paying their dues is so stupid and im already getting sick of it. Where did all of this rookie/veteran nonsense come from?! They never used to care before, and its getting really old now..

[quote=jhl182;59183]I didn't really like the opening of the show. It seemed really....weird...I like the older intro's. The Inferno 1 intro was cool but my favorite one was definitely in Battle of the sexes 1 where they're all out on the beach . They look like theyre genuinely having fun and at the end with the girls vs. guys playing tug-o-war with eachother and the camera goes up and down the line. The whole rookies paying their dues is so stupid and im already getting sick of it. Where did all of this rookie/veteran nonsense come from?! [B]They never used to care before[/B], and its getting really old now..[/quote] I guess you have not been watching since the Battle of the Sexes 2, 5 years ago, and thats not getting old that half the drama. They don't want to get rid of their friends first, thats just how they work. It's not going to change.

[QUOTE=jhl182;59183]I didn't really like the opening of the show. It seemed really....weird...I like the older intro's. The Inferno 1 intro was cool but my favorite one was definitely in Battle of the sexes 1 where they're all out on the beach . They look like theyre genuinely having fun and at the end with the girls vs. guys playing tug-o-war with eachother and the camera goes up and down the line. The whole rookies paying their dues is so stupid and im already getting sick of it. Where did all of this rookie/veteran nonsense come from?! They never used to care before, and its getting really old now..[/QUOTE] It is nothing more than a tool that the veterans came up with to improve their chances at winning the money. Clearly to the extent that rookies actually believe they are more likely to return home sooner than others, the veteran strategy has been effective. That is the strategy that Shauvon is fighting against by taking on Aneesa.

Shauvon is an idiot, if she really wanted to have a chance at winning she would have picked someone smaller. She could have picked Brooke!

[QUOTE=tjhallow;59213]Shauvon is an idiot, if she really wanted to have a chance at winning she would have picked someone smaller. She could have picked Brooke![/QUOTE] She would not have picked Brooke if there were a relationship/alliance we know nothing about. I recommend thinking outside the box...

[quote=tjhallow;59213]Shauvon is an idiot, if she really wanted to have a chance at winning she would have picked someone smaller. She could have picked Brooke![/quote] My vote would have been for Robin. She has NEVER won an elemination round except pole wrestle with casey. If you want to count that. It would also break up an alliance.

[quote=RMD1;59218]My vote would have been for Robin. She has NEVER won an elemination round except pole wrestle with casey. If you want to count that. It would also break up an alliance.[/quote] I'm sure we'll be seeing that soon :) Someone's going to have the balls to take her in!

[QUOTE=RMD1;59218]My vote would have been for Robin. She has NEVER won an elemination round except pole wrestle with casey. If you want to count that. [B] It would also break up an alliance.[/QUOTE][/B] Actually, Robin was almost completely honest when she said to MJ that she had no one. She had already approached Mark and she did not get the response she expected/wanted. There was her existing friendship with Katie, but Katie had stronger alliances than with Robin.

[quote=V1man;59222] Actually, Robin was almost completely honest when she said to MJ that she had no one. She had already approached Mark and she did not get the response she expected/wanted. There was her existing friendship with Katie, but Katie had stronger alliances than with Robin.[/quote] I thought she started an alliance with MJ?

[quote=V1man;59215]She would not have picked Brooke if there were a relationship/alliance we know nothing about. I recommend thinking outside the box...[/quote] Well why would she pick someone that could beat her?

Hi everyone first time posting here. I really enjoy reading the opinions on this site. I think MJ approached Robin since he was one of the replacements coming in. He probably figured if he went to Evan he would be shot down. MJ is a big guy and Evan and his cohorts would probably view him as a worthy competitor so they would want him to be outside of their alliance. That way he would be an easier target to throw into the duel. Does anyone know if any of the cast members is posting episode commentaries? Would love to get the impressions from one of the actual contestants on what is going on while the show is progressing.

[QUOTE=joliny;59239] Does anyone know if any of the cast members is posting episode commentaries? Would love to get the impressions from one of the actual contestants on what is going on while the show is progressing.[/QUOTE] Welcome. Some are regularly feeding info to vevmo. I've only seen one write something very brief on myspace (Diem). It seems as though Beth is the only one who consistently writes commentaries, and we may not see her on MTV again. It wouldn't surprise me that a few will write someone after the episode with their departure airs.

Some of the castmembers should start writing blogs about the episodes. I love reading those and finding out all of the inside stuff. I remember when Melissa, Lori, Colin, Sarah, and Steve wrote blogs about each episode on the challenge.