Real World/Road Rules Challenge: The Inferno 2, Episode 1 – Let The Games Begin!

Yes, I admit that three shows is a little much for me, but a man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do. At least, that’s what I’m told. I’m the first to admit that I’m not the BIGGEST fan of Bunim/Murray, but I’m willing to give it a go. However, don’t expect me to wax poetically about how much I hate certain people or gush over those that I love. Well, of course I’ll gush over those that I love. But this recap might be a bit different than previous seasons. Oh, and I don’t know everyone’s last names. Sorry – I’m sure that ruined the recap for you.

Oh, you’re still reading despite the fact that I don’t know everyone’s last names? You love me! You really do! Anyway, we begin this season watching our cast land. Derrick says that he got the boot early on Battle of the Sexes 2, so here’s there to win this time. Julie says that she was unhappy the last time she appeared, and is pretty certain that Veronica will have some bad blood for her. She’s working on forgiveness and hopes there is no drama – as long as Veronica keeps her legs closed. Me-ow!

Brad says that he has something to prove, and was screwed last time, so he’s not letting an alliance get the best of him this time. Jodi is just worried that there are already alliances formed, and since she is a new face, she will be targeted quickly. The cast walks into The Inferno area. Tina says that it’s crazy the way its set up, and it looks like a big steel cage match! Jamie compares it to a pit where people fight to the death. Geez, I think they are taking this thing a little to seriously.

We finally get to see the show opening, and basically, it’s the “Good Guys” exiting a limo onto the red carpet, while the “Bad Asses” arrive at the red carpet in the back of a pick-up truck. It’s better than some of the other openings they’ve had!

Dave Mirra is our host for The Inferno this season, just as he was the first time around! He welcomes the cast and says that this season, it’s going to be Good Guys versus Bad Asses. Dan, Karamo, Derrick, Abe, and CT are the guys on the “Bad Asses” team. Dan is glad he is with them, so this way he can cut people and not have to worry about the repercussions. The girls that will be joining them are Tina, Tonya, Beth, Rachel, and Veronica. Tonya is glad that she is on the bad team, and understands why, since she was pretty out of control during Battle of the Sexes 2. Beth remarks that she has a reputation, but she’s a nice girl and should have been on the nice team.

The guys on the “Good Guys” team include Jon, Landon, Brad, Mike, and Darrel. The girls are Shavonda, Julie, Jamie, Jodi, and Robin. Julie tells the camera that as long as she doesn’t lose her temper, she should be cool with the Good Guys. I like Julie! That’s right, I said it! Dave tells the group that there will be a series of challenges and after each one, teams will choose one person from the OTHER team to go into The Inferno. Then, there will be another challenge, where if the person that is headed to The Inferno wins, they get the Aztec Life Shield (ALS). If that person wins the ALS, they can choose another person of the same sex to compete in The Inferno. There will be 15 challenges in all and each is worth $10,000, with the last challenge being worth $150,000. Wow, that’s a lot of money for a kid! Wait a minute, they are all grown up. Time goes by so quickly!

Everyone heads off to the villa. Of course, it’s a huge party house. Would you have expected anything different? Jamie says that it seems like you are having this great vacation and Robin says that she loves the place, and words can’t describe it. Doesn’t she miss her boyfriend, Mark? Are they even still together? If I were someone else, I’d know if they were, not to mention their addresses and birth weights, probably. Eh, c’est la vie!

Time for a text message! Teams are told their first challenge is tomorrow and to wear team colors and tennis shoes. Tina says that all the girls shouldn’t be in the same room, as we get a flashback of her fighting with Tonya. She says what she has with Tonya isn’t a rivalry, since Tonya is not her competition – she’s her doormat. Me-ow, part two!

Teams arrive at their first challenge, on the beach. It’s called Surf Torture. Everyone will be going through a series of physical tests, monitored by two Navy Seals. Jamie knows that they are going to get worked. Dave tells the teams that they will have to split into pairs and line up to do exercises, which include wheelbarrows, weight lifting and whatever else they want to make them do. Teams have to keep doing this until one of the Seals tells them they are done since they aren’t making the cut. Once they are out, they have to ring the bell, even though it makes no sense. The last pair standing wins this challenge.