The Duel 2: Episode 5 - Discussion

[quote=tatertots;68451]Man, I don't know! It is sooo bad! If they want an intense, interesting challenge with twists, they might want to start actually watching the edited episodes before they air them. I am slowly loosing interest with the predictability and the Evan and Paula interview show. They do actually interview all the cast members right? I am sure other have things to say about the challenges besides describing the rules. We even know Isaac was funnier than both of them, and I think Diem or Tori could say a couple lines like "This is so scary! Waahhhhh!" once in a while instead of Paula. Hmph.[/quote] Evan and Paula weren't in the episode as much. Its not their fault. Tell it to production.

[quote=tjhallow;68458]Evan and Paula weren't in the episode as much. Its not their fault. Tell it to production.[/quote] I know! That's what I am saying..production needs to realize that even though Evan and Paula can deliver a line, the viewers may want to see a glimpse of the other 20 people once in a while before they get sent home. How do they expect us to get attached to other cast members if we never see them? This episode did have more of other people, though I think they did that to start up up with things like the Brad/Tori storyline.

[quote=Gucci Mane;68187]I agree. There doesn't really seem to be any opposing force against the "big alliance" on this challenge. Unless you count the EPIC FAIL that was Nehemiah/Jenn/Paula. I do give Davis and Nehemiah props though for at least trying to shake things up. But honestly, with the way things are going, the big alliance has this game in the bag.[/quote] We'll that wouldn't be the case if it wasn't for Evan's questionable fluke victory over Nehemiah. He stood on the platform and gained an advantage against Nehemiah, otherwise the structure of the game would be different, I think. At least Issac went after an opposing big alliance member. I like this format because at least there is a chance for an outsider, and the alliance members actually have to work to stay in the game in this format. I'll tell you this, everyone is saying Landon is the man to beat, I'm actually starting to think that Mark is the man to beat.

[quote=Darock1713;68465]We'll that wouldn't be the case if it wasn't for Evan's questionable fluke victory over Nehemiah. He stood on the platform and gained an advantage against Nehemiah, otherwise the structure of the game would be different, I think. [/quote] Seriously....

Finally watched the episode, YES I agree the editing sucked...and Nehemiah was there for the cutting of the toenail, lol. Besides the bad editing, I think this episode rocked, and I know I'm in the minority with that probably. I just could not stop laughing. I don't know what was more funny, Isaac's lines, or Diem's "jibberish chicken call" or whatever Evan said. Kim did really well and I am proud of her. Ooh I cant wait for next week to watch Paula crumble with her feelings of rejection. I am not trying to sound evil, I just am so sick of Paula and watching her cry is a little amusing, as mean as that might sound.

[QUOTE]Does anyone know if there is a link between being Jewish and growing out your big toenail? The reason I ask is because I did TMI with a Jewish guy some years ago and his big toenail was really long. It totally weirded me out. That particular guy was weird in general, so I didn't think too much of it. When I saw that bit about Isaac last night, however, the memory of that guy came back.[/QUOTE] It's just a weird coincidence. And I know you honestly didn't mean any harm by that, but I'd be careful throwing things like that out there.

[quote=rwny4ever;68260]Not really - people come and go - but that is a lot of money! Look at the statistics of relationships and/or marriages that actually last - not too good these days.[/quote] Brad and Tori are engaged to get married. Its a lot more than people just coming or going. They obviously love and care about each other a lot, and I doubt they would make the commitment they are if its just going to be temporary.

[quote=rwny4ever;68433]Ruthie has always been a solid competitor - but I don't think she is as powerful as she once was. She did not do very well in BOTS2 - I can remember Coral saying "We've been waiting for the mighty Ruthie to show up and she hasn't" and thats why they voted her off. I don't ever remember Ruthie going against Rachel so I think she's just shooting off her mouth. I think she is just upset that the game has changed since her day - the nice players dont make it until the end - you either have to be incredibly strong in every event or you need a solid alliance.[/quote] It's true that BOTS2 wasn't the best for Ruthie, in terms of really being one of the standout people for her team, and compared to her previous dominant performance on BOTS. There were several group missions on that one (BOTS2), though, but in individual missions she wasn't the top person. She wasn't a bad competitor, though, and that's why she lasted so long. She is right about Rachel not beating her on BOTS2 - the punching bag mission was the first thing I thought of to counter what she said, but once she posted that they let Rachel take it, I was reminded of what happened. More than one girl outlasted all of the guys on that heat, and they jumped off and let Rachel take it. And of course on the first Battle of the Sexes, Ruthie was in the Inner Circle every time, so of course she was ahead of Rachel. I can't remember mission for mission how they did against each other, but Ruthie was clearly one of the top girls in the competition, and I can't remember Rachel having any major standout performances in BOTS. Darock, I think Mark is always a force to be reckoned with in challenges. He has always done well as far as I can remember. I notice he is the least vocal of the alliance people, but I don't know if this is because of him having a strategy to lay a little lower, or if it's because the edit is just not showing him much. Of course there is no guarantee that someone will always do well on the next challenge, I feel more comfortable in Mark's abilities based on what we've seen from him time and time again.

[QUOTE=RW561015;68488]It's true that BOTS2 wasn't the best for Ruthie.. [/QUOTE] Things didn't go her way on Gauntlet 2 either.

[quote=Shawn;68406]Does anyone know if there is a link between being Jewish and growing out your big toenail? The reason I ask is because I did TMI with a Jewish guy some years ago and his big toenail was really long. It totally weirded me out. That particular guy was weird in general, so I didn't think too much of it. When I saw that bit about Isaac last night, however, the memory of that guy came back.[/quote] Well hello there Shawn. I am Jewish and although you didnt want your comment to sound bad or racist, it came out that way. Isaac isn't all there, clearly. He is a party guy and likes to have fun. He does wacky things, like swimming in a fish tank naked and growing out his toenail. And the Jewish guy you dated, who you stated was weird, well probably was weird and [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2]unhygienic[/SIZE][/FONT]. There is no link between Jewish people and growing out their toenails. As per this episode, I found it a bit boring and predictable. The challenge seemed awesome. Diem definitely made me laugh! Ruthie kind of scared me. I feel she acted much differently in this challenge than in others, more *****y. She looked like she was about to maul over Kim. I was very surprised with Kim. She is definitely proving herself. Isaac is just a funny dude. It was obvious he was going home, but still I was proud he called out Landon. I like Landon a lot, but the top 4 guys seem so confident and content that it's good to see them squirm even for a milisecond.

[quote=V1man;68492]Things didn't go her way on Gauntlet 2 either.[/quote] Agreed. I just focused on BOTS 1 & 2 because Rachel was one those challenges, and Ruthie was comparing her and Rachel's performances in her Facebook postings. I wonder why Ruthie brought up her and Rachel's performance records against each other, though, since her elimination didn't have to do with her performance in missions (although if she and Issac would have won, they would be safe). Rachel did acknowledge in the episode that Ruthie was strong competition as well, and that was a factor in her not trying to save her. I guess Ruthie just felt like going off on a rant about her since she felt betrayed, and maybe she'd read some comments from people somewhere about Rachel being a better competitor than her. I don't know about the last part - it's just a guess.

[quote=RW561015;68515]Agreed. I just focused on BOTS 1 & 2 because Rachel was one those challenges, and Ruthie was comparing her and Rachel's performances in her Facebook postings. I wonder why Ruthie brought up her and Rachel's performance records against each other, though, since her elimination didn't have to do with her performance in missions (although if she and Issac would have won, they would be safe). Rachel did acknowledge in the episode that Ruthie was strong competition as well, and that was a factor in her not trying to save her. I guess Ruthie just felt like going off on a rant about her since she felt betrayed, and maybe she'd read some comments from people somewhere about Rachel being a better competitor than her. I don't know about the last part - it's just a guess.[/quote] Well, on Ruthie's behalf, I'll say this. Obviously she was a threat on the female side, and simply put Kim outsmarted her in their Duel. Kudos to Kim, but Ruthie self destructed in that Duel. However, from the female competitors perspective, they do not want her around, esp Rachel because she is a threat in a Final Mission. However, what has my brain twisted is the fact that the so-called alpha males (with the exception of Mark & maybe Landon) are failing to see that it would actually benefit them if they had a capable female partner. I think Landon's pairing with Brittani was a move he made based on pre established alliances. How many challenges will it take for them to see this. I really hope that the Final Challenge is a team challenge and that the 3 who are left are stuck with weak female players. As bad as G3 were, at least CT was smart enough to recognize that he needed strong female players at the end. I thought that something would be learned from The Island, but thus far ...... the males of this challenge just aren't using their heads. Honestly, from the 5 episodes I've seen ..... Ruthie was a stand out competitor on the female side, and Rachel thus far has benefitted from a strong male partner. Ditto for Brittani, but at least in her victory, there was actually some work involved even though Diem ran past her and provided her team a lead that they couldn't hold onto. Rachel's 2 victories in the challenges thus far involved her holding on to Mark and being shoved on ice, by Mark. If Ruthie was Mark's partner or even Landon's (in either of those challenges), chances are she could have easily won. Rachel has proven nothing to me at this point. no disrespect to her, but I'm not convinced she is this superior athelete everyone hypes her up to be. Truthfully, looking back at her individual performances of late which includes a loss to Kelly Anne and a convincing loss to Ruthie on the rope challenge just doesn't have me sold on her.

[QUOTE=Darock1713;68521] However, what has my brain twisted is the fact that the so-called alpha males (with the exception of Mark & maybe Landon) are failing to see that it would actually benefit them if they had a capable female partner. I think Landon's pairing with Brittani was a move he made based on pre established alliances. [/QUOTE] I think a good majority of the women left are capable partners. Diem, Kim, Brittini, Rachel, Tori, and Paula are strong ladies...

[quote=molds13;68522]I think a good majority of the women left are capable partners. Diem, Kim, Brittini, Rachel, Tori, and Paula are strong ladies...[/quote] Although I think your statement to be true for a few of the ladies on the list, when I think of a good capable partner, that would be one by way of meaning mentally and physically capable. For example Diem is a strong runner and great endurance competitor, I have always followed her story and been a fan. As for as the challenges go though, she has a tendency to freak out, Evan was right about her gibberish last night.

[QUOTE=LilysMom;68524]Although I think your statement to be true for a few of the ladies on the list, when I think of a good capable partner, that would be one by way of meaning mentally and physically capable. For example Diem is a strong runner and great endurance competitor, I have always followed her story and been a fan. As for as the challenges go though, she has a tendency to freak out, Evan was right about her gibberish last night.[/QUOTE] That's true. My original post didn't mean all around competitors, but they're certainly capable of competing. Diem's got great stamina. Tori, Brittini and Kim have proven to be fairly strong. Rachel and Brittini seem to be the most level-headed. I think with the right partner, any of the ladies I mentioned could be amazing. It just takes the right partner...someone to cover up for your weaknesses. For example, I don't think Evan and Diem are great partners because both seem to crack under pressure. Diem would be better with someone like Mark or Landon, who seem to be cool under pressure, and Evan would be better with someone like Rachel or Brittini. As for Evan talking about her gibberish, I kind of understand where she was coming from. She was just trying to have him not necessarily think about what he was doing and give him some motivation.

[QUOTE=molds13;68529] As for Evan talking about her gibberish, I kind of understand where she was coming from. She was just trying to have him not necessarily think about what he was doing and give him some motivation.[/QUOTE] Yeah that is what I was thinking but I gotta back Evan on this...it wouldn't have done anything but annoy the crap out of me and make me want to drop her on purpose,,,just to hear her in agony like I would have been listening to the gibberish. Diem seems cool and all but god that was irritating to even watch...Imagine having to be there, LOL.

[quote=molds13;68529]That's true. My original post didn't mean all around competitors, but they're certainly capable of competing. Diem's got great stamina. Tori, Brittini and Kim have proven to be fairly strong. Rachel and Brittini seem to be the most level-headed. I think with the right partner, any of the ladies I mentioned could be amazing. It just takes the right partner...someone to cover up for your weaknesses. For example, I don't think Evan and Diem are great partners because both seem to crack under pressure. Diem would be better with someone like Mark or Landon, who seem to be cool under pressure, and Evan would be better with someone like Rachel or Brittini. As for Evan talking about her gibberish, I kind of understand where she was coming from. She was just trying to have him not necessarily think about what he was doing and give him some motivation.[/quote] Very well put Molds. I honestly think that Ruthie got the short end of the stick on this one, I believe she possesses much of these qualities. And as for Diem and her gibberish in the clip's for next week, she was doing the exact same thing. I think it might be a her nerves coming through.

[quote=CrazyRealityGuy]Well hello there Shawn. I am Jewish and although you didnt want your comment to sound bad or racist, it came out that way. Isaac isn't all there, clearly. He is a party guy and likes to have fun. He does wacky things, like swimming in a fish tank naked and growing out his toenail. And the Jewish guy you dated, who you stated was weird, well probably was weird and [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2]unhygienic[/SIZE][/FONT]. There is no link between Jewish people and growing out their toenails.[/quote] My apologies. I definitely didn't intend to offend any Jewish people in my previous statement. I just found it highly coincidental that two people that I "know" who let their big toenail grow out both happen to be Jewish. I've never seen any other Jewish person's bare feet, so I have no idea if there was some kind of relation between toenails and Judaism. P.S. - I'll go ahead and jump on the bandwagon regarding the bad editing. I've definitely noticed it for the last two episodes that you can definitely predict who is going home before the first commercial comes on.

[QUOTE=LilysMom;68532] And as for Diem and her gibberish in the clip's for next week, she was doing the exact same thing. I think it might be a her nerves coming through.[/QUOTE] Oh definitely. It wasn't exactly my idea of a motivating factor. I would've dropped her to have her stop since yelling at her to shut up probably would've broken my focus. Her being scared of the drop didn't help though, I'll give you that. For the most part, you could definitely tell who wasn't afraid of heights (Ruthie, Rachel) and who was (Kim, Diem).

[quote=Shawn;68533]My apologies. I definitely didn't intend to offend any Jewish people in my previous statement. I just found it highly coincidental that two people that I "know" who let their big toenail grow out both happen to be Jewish. I've never seen any other Jewish person's bare feet, so I have no idea if there was some kind of relation between toenails and Judaism. P.S. - I'll go ahead and jump on the bandwagon regarding the bad editing. I've definitely noticed it for the last two episodes that you can definitely predict who is going home before the first commercial comes on.[/quote] Haha no worries. That is kind of funny I have to admit and I know you were not trying to offend anyone. I would take a picture of my bare feet, but I don't think people would enjoy seeing feet of a random person! I think the women all possess different qualities. Some good some bad. I happen to think Rachel is the person to beat, but that is my personal opinion. I think she is strong and has a good head on her shoulders. The challenge last night consisted of both team members and Rachel was holding onto Mark just as Mark was holding on to her.

[QUOTE=CrazyRealityGuy;68540]The challenge last night consisted of both team members and Rachel was holding onto Mark just as Mark was holding on to her.[/QUOTE] Yeah, I don't think most of the girls got that part...the guys kept asking them to hang on and they kept saying they couldn't.

[quote=molds13;68522]I think a good majority of the women left are capable partners. Diem, Kim, Brittini, Rachel, Tori, and Paula are strong ladies...[/quote] I agree with you there, but the point I'm was trying to make is that who would you want for a Final challenge, if it is indeed a partner based effort. I think based on individual performance, without question, Ruthie would be among my top 2. Truth is, by rank and file from what I have seen challenge wise thus far, I'd have to make the following assessment (1.) Ruthie (2.) Rachel (3.) Kim (4.) Brittani I know in a final challenge, if I was a strong male who thought they had a good shot to get to a final and was perhaps even backed by an alliance, I'd lobby real hard to make sure that the one of the top female athelete there was part of my team. however, if I had a prearranged partnership with the 2nd top female, I'd hush as well as ensure that female #1 was placed in a duel. Even Evan (who somehow preceives himself as being the 2nd top dog) was hoping for his top threat to lose to Issac last night. for 100K, I'd do what I had to do, and a top draft pick wouldn't be treated like expendable fodder.

[quote=Darock1713;68544]I agree with you there, but the point I'm was trying to make is that who would you want for a Final challenge, if it is indeed a partner based effort. I think based on individual performance, without question, Ruthie would be among my top 2. Truth is, by rank and file from what I have seen challenge wise thus far, I'd have to make the following assessment (1.) Ruthie (2.) Rachel (3.) Kim (4.) Brittani I know in a final challenge, if I was a strong male who thought they had a good shot to get to a final and was perhaps even backed by an alliance, I'd lobby real hard to make sure that the one of the top female athelete there was part of my team. however, if I had a prearranged partnership with the 2nd top female, I'd hush as well as ensure that female #1 was placed in a duel. Even Evan (who somehow preceives himself as being the 2nd top dog) was hoping for his top threat to lose to Issac last night. for 100K, I'd do what I had to do, and a top draft pick wouldn't be treated like expendable fodder.[/quote] Do you have something against Rachel....it seems like you underestimate her A LOT

Has anybody noticed a significant change in editing in the challenges??? As I'm watching the duel 2, i slowly start to lose interest because nothing really excites me. Yet I keep watching hoping that something exciting will come up. Instead of it being a reality tv show, it seems more like....a documentary. I remember the older challenges having a lot of editing which made it really interesting. Little things like voiceovers with flashbacks and slow-motion stuff can really add to the show. I remember in the gauntlet 1, the guys were shown talking about eliminating all the girls to win, then it shows intense footage of coral and veronica discussing the situation with "Not Gonna Get Us" - Tatu, playing in the background. or BOTS1, Veronica talking about how she would love to eliminate Emily because she eliminated her last season, then it shows a flashback of the battle of the seasons elimination, and then Rachel being eliminated. There's like intense music playing in the background and Aneesa talking trash about Emily with a clip of Emily giving a dirty look at the camera during a mission. These kind of stuff makes the show a lot more interesting and keeps you wondering what will happen next?

[quote=producer88;68548]Do you have something against Rachel....it seems like you underestimate her A LOT[/quote] Just because she is a female "meathead" per say does not mean she is the best. The funny thing about Rachel is that she strategizes real hard to not face duels or gauntlets or any type of elimination. At least Evelyn welcomes competition.

[quote=producer88;68548]Do you have something against Rachel....it seems like you underestimate her A LOT[/quote] That's not fair bro. I have nothing against Rachel, but I am calling it like I see it. I am not on here bashing her, nor am I saying anything negative of her. However, I am of the opinion that she is overrated until proven from an individual standpoint. She gets alot of hype on these boards, just like people like Alton, Brad, and Kenny .... whom all have reputation working in their favor, but are somewhat unproven to me. Well at least Alton has performed quite well in the past, and have been faced many times with the threat of being eliminated, and have perservered. Brad, his elimination record isn't good. He did beat Eric in the pole wrestle, which isn't saying alot, but he has been in there. However, individually Brad always finishes in the middle of the pack during challenges, and except for 1 win against Eric and a DQ where he was clearly smoked, his elimination record is not good. As for Rachel, I like her, I think she is fit, and I think she is one of the best and sneakiest social players on these challenges, and those are traits you need. However, in the face of individual challenges and eliminations, she is still somewhat unproven in this challenge. Yes, she did help herself by supporting her partner, but my mention of Ruthie relates to the fact of who her partner was - someone alot weaker and smaller than Mark. You are very defensive of my opinion and seem to have issue with it. This isn't Speak Reality to where my opinions should be attacked to the point to where someone thinks I have animosity toward someone. I have presented facts from what I've seen to support my claim.

[QUOTE=LCbaby;68560]Just because she is a female "meathead" per say does not mean she is the best. The funny thing about Rachel is that she strategizes real hard to not face duels or gauntlets or any type of elimination. At least Evelyn welcomes competition.[/QUOTE] Evelyn has told me that she would pay to go one-v-one against Rachel, and they are friends. I'm not sure how Rachel would feel about it though.

[quote=V1man;68563]Evelyn has told me that she would pay to go one-v-one against Rachel, and they are friends. I'm not sure how Rachel would feel about it though.[/quote] I would love to see that, and if that happened it would be quite refreshing to see. My money's on Ev, but that's just my opinion =)

[quote=Darock1713;68562] She gets alot of hype on these boards, just like people like Alton, Brad, and [B]Kenny[/B] .... whom all have reputation working in their favor, but are somewhat unproven to me. Well at least Alton has performed quite well in the past, and have been faced many times with the threat of being eliminated, and have perservered. [/quote] Kenny doesn't get hyped up around here...where do you get that? I think he stays around because he is good company and is friends with a lot of the cast. He's not a great competitor but he's not horrible either.