Joe Schmo 2, Episode 2: Wine Not?

When last we visited the "Last Chance for Love" mansion, Ingrid was showing signs of suspicion, causing more than just a little angst among the production crew. She picked up on clues early on and the speeches prior to the rather contrived elimination show really got her radar up. But Tim still seems to be clueless! And this is good, at least for the show.

We start off with a little recap of the last episode. No surprise, Ingrid thinks she is on "The Truman Show." The show picks up right where we left off, showing the reactions of the other cast members to Ingrid's questions. Producer Rhett Reese wonders if they can "make it real" and there is a discussion as to whether or not they should eliminate her. "Reel her back in to believability," seems to be an apt battle cry.

With Tim and Ingrid safely tucked in for the night, the actors sneak away to plot out the next day's action. Rhett's biggest fear is that Ingrid is going to "corrupt Tim." The cast members are advised to keep going and keep denying! Is Ingrid really the "spawn of Satan" as one of the women seems to think? That seems a bit harsh.

It's a new day and the gang is gathered for lunch. It's time for Ambrosia to show us a little of her bitchy side and she starts right in on Ingrid - accusing her of not being able to keep her mouth shut. Ambrosia has been told if "you feel it, say it" and say it she does! But our gal Ingrid is not going to take any sass from anyone! No way. I love her feistiness. The two take their discussion to another room. Apparently Ingrid is the source of Ambrosia's irritation, or at least so she says. Ingrid wears all this like a badge of honor; proud to be the first one in the house to generate some conflict. Ambrosia's goal is to try to downplay Ingrid's suspicions by telling her that the entire situation is contrived and ridiculous. In an aside, Tim remarks that he sees this as Ambrosia's lighting the wick. This proves to be rather prophetic, as we shall see later in the episode! Old Tim, he's still right in the game, isn't he? Ambrosia is sharp enough to realize that Ingrid doesn't play, and ultimately the two seem to come to an agreement. Ingrid tells us that she's there to have fun although she admits that the "conspiracy theorist" in her will remain in the back of her mind. "So what," she says. Phew. That was a close one.

After lunch, the guys are hanging out. T.J. claims he slept really well the night before because Bryce had hypnotized him. Tim admits that he didn't sleep well and T.J. suggests that Tim might want to give hypnotism a shot Bryce agrees to weave his spell on both of them at the same time, and finally Tim rather reluctantly agrees. Bryce plays this to the hilt, moving a pen in front of their eyes. He drops the word "dog paddle" and intones that when they hear this word, they will scratch like dogs. Of course, Tim feels nothing and thinks it is all quite stupid, calling Bryce a "douche bag!" He cracks up in the middle of the exercise, annoying Bryce to no end. T.J. and Tim decide that it would be a real hoot to mess with Bryce, and agree to pretend that the spell actually worked, scratching whenever they hear the words "dog paddle."

Fast forward to dinner. The participants are loosening up a bit and the discussion turns to what types of things they wouldn't do for love. Bryce sees this as an opportunity to drop the first "dog paddle." The problem is, T.J. didn't hear it. Tim scratches, according to plan, and tries to catch T.J's attention but realizes this might seem too obvious to Bryce. They are in synch the second time, though and Bryce is pleased as punch that his powers worked. Meanwhile, Ingrid is laughing hysterically as Bryce starts boasting to the rest of the group. Finally Tim can't stand it any longer and confesses that he and T.J. set him up. Of course this angers and upsets Bryce, who has already proven to be a bit unstable. What's cool here is that the group dynamic has a real natural flow and this particular setup involves not just Tim. Having T.J. play along really makes this ruse much more believable. They are actors, acting as though they are acting. I love it!

Derek makes his initial appearance of the night for the first "Falcon Twist." Montecore swoops in - a little low actually, nearly taking Ambrosia's head off - and Derek reads the card, telling them they are going to get "lubed up - with tanning oil." From this point on, they will be playing for fabulous trips to exotic locales. Today the prize is two round-trip tickets to a luxury resort in Costa Rica. He also tells them that tonight Piper will be sending someone home in her first eviction ceremony. Tim says solemnly, "Now the game is real."

Derek dismisses the falcon saying, "The Falcon has spoken" and the bird makes another rather clumsy exit! Apparently the bird is insane, and, despite every effort of the trainer it crashes into windows, misses the gauntlet and flies into the house. This, of course is perfect! Why not have a crazy bird? In the script, Derek is supposed to not like the bird very much. Ralph tells us that this isn't difficult at all! Just in case anyone is upset about these rather bizarre scenes, a disclaimer appears on the screen at the end of this segment. "No falcons were hurt in the making of this show. However, one came real freakin' close."

Before the first game, the group gathers and the discussion turns to boobs. Well, why not! Tim names Cammy's rather obvious set, "Baskin & Robbins." I guess this is pertinent, who knows? Then it's game time. Our players reappear wearing red robes and Ralph introduces the game.

"We all have mental pictures of past lovers frozen in our minds," he begins. "The way the sun reflected off her hair or the way she crossed her legs…or the way her skin would glisten when you drizzled vegetable oil…" Oooookay…the goal here is to form these types of lasting images for Austin and Piper in a game called "Strike a Pose." Yoga mats are spread out on the pool deck and at the foot of each mat is a picture of a yoga pose. Each mat is numbered and each of the participants chooses a number from a basket to determine their pose. The person who can hold the pose the longest wins the prize. Simple enough.