“We Weren't Seeing Eye to Eye”: An Interview with Average Joe 2’s Tony

Although Tony seemed like he would easily advance because of his shared love of art with Larissa, he was sent home before the Final Four. Here he tells us some things about his view of what happened on the show.

RealityNewsOnline: Hello, Tony, and thanks for taking the time to answer these questions from RealityNewsOnline! First, how did you end up on the show?

Tony: Sundays I bartend at the Encore Lounge (small piano cabaret bar) in the Wyndham Tremont House Hotel. NBC was holding auditions in the hotel. A casting agent came into my bar just as I opened. We talked and joked around for about 20 minutes or so, and by the end of our conversation he asked me to come by the next day and audition. All I was told about the show (even up until I got to Hawaii), was that the show was called 'The In Crowd,' and that it would take place in a tropical location for up to two months. I figured I had nothing to lose to audition, and the rest is history.

RNO: When the pretty boys came in for the big twist, what was going through your head?

Tony: Up to that point I figured I was in good shape in terms of winning. However much I respect Larissa's integrity as a smart level-headed woman, it's hard for any human being not to be attracted and drawn to beauty. Her giant smile and actions on her dates confirmed my suspicions. So to be put up against pretty boys was pretty embarrassing.

RNO: Overall, what did you think of the pretty boys?

Tony: When they first arrived they were extremely cocky. Once the hype and shock of the twist wore off, things calmed down. Although a few still had that smug air about them all the time. They were in a similar situation as us in the sense that they really didn't know what they were getting themselves into. I'm very competitive, and despite being embarrassed to be put in such a situation, I felt the threat. Editing portrayed me as completely insecure. Yes, I may have [insecurities] (as I sure everyone has a little bit of), but mine are certainly not as dominating a force in my life as they appeared on the show.

RNO: After the boat sank, Larissa vowed to send home whoever was involved. But she only sent home one of the Michaels that time. What did you think when she allowed Michael C. to stick around?

Tony: On my way back to the house I was irked to think about someone ruining my date on purpose, but when I read the vague note, I relaxed. I had saved the painting, it was a kinda funny situation, and I knew (or thought at least...) that it had brought us closer together. But Todd and Mike Klein's snickering got me riled again. Cardo was a really nice guy and we got along great (which is also why before I read the note I was so shocked to hear he had a part in the detonator). But I hold no grudges or ill will toward either Mike.

RNO: One thing Larissa complained about before dismissing you was that she said you still seemed angry over the sinking boat date. Do you think that affected your chances and do you think this was a case of her blaming the victim (you) for the actions of somebody else?

Tony: Whatever reason she had for booting me (justifiable or not), it boils down to the fact the we weren't seeing eye to eye on how we felt about each other.

RNO: As you've now seen, Larissa explained that she sent you home because while you did have a connection with your art, she didn't feel there was more to it. How would you assess her explanation? Do you accept it?

Tony: I feel that that was a inaccurate statement. It does not accurately reflect the general impression that she gave me during our private time, and it certainly does not reflect the type of person I am. I most certainly did not monopolize 100% of the conversation with her, and she was just as guilty in the subject of our conversations.

RNO: You seemed surprised to be dismissed. Now that you've seen the show, did anything else surprise you?

Tony: I knew that certain things would probably have been going on with Larissa, I was surprised at how quickly she was drawn to the new guys, and how much differently she acted around them. But I guess what surprised me most is to see how unemotional she was when she dismissed me considering what we shared. She got pretty teary eyed to let a lot of people go, and it was weird how detached from the situation she seemed to be.

RNO: Does Larissa still have the painting?

Tony: I actually have no idea as to the whereabouts of the painting now.

RNO: What do you think about the four guys who were still remaining on the show?

Tony: I do not envy the situation Larissa has been put in on this show. She had a lot of tough decisions to make. But I feel that the four guys who were left are all quality people. They are all really nice and very genuine, and she'll be lucky to have any one of them.

RNO: Is there anything else you'd like to tell your fans?

Tony: I absolutely hold no bitterness or ill will toward ANY of the cast members, Larissa, the producers, or NBC. I had an absolutely amazing time on the show and I would do it again in a second. It was a once in a lifetime chance to do something that nobody gets to do and I will cherish those memories forever. Some doors have been opening for me, but even if nothing were to come of this show, the experience itself was well worth it.

RNO: Thanks again!

David Bloomberg is the Editor of RealityNewsOnline and can be reached at RNO@pobox.com.

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