Popularity Contest, Episode 6: Get Your Kicks Doing the Route 66

Popularity Contest - A show where ten city slickers invade a small town in Texas, in hopes of winning the residents over. The entire town of Vega, population 936, is involved in the show, and it’s the town folks themselves who will decide who will be voted the most popular new resident of Vega. The contestants are competing for $100,000, which they will split with a town person of their choice. Every three days a town vote will be held at the County Barn and the losing contestant will be escorted out of town by the Sheriff.

The remaining contestants, in order of current most popular, are:

1. Ali – Cheerleader
2. Alex - Professional Baseball Scout
3. Mandell - Computer Analyst
4. Jose - Model
5. Rory – Chef

Leyla, Angela, Tana, Marthia, and Jason have been escorted from the town.

There is one matter of business left before the Town Meeting can adjourn. Contestants must be matched with a new host family. Vega child Carrie, looking adorable in her flag design dress, is brought to the stage to pull host family names from a cowboy hat. The first name pulled is the Kirkland family, who chooses Mandell. The Gronemans take Ali while Patty Fairchild selects Rory. Alex and Jose are the final two on stage. They are probably feeling rather unpopular. Little Carrie pulls the Jackson name next and Alex is chosen. Last and deservingly least is Jose who ends up with the Richardson family. His strategy is to get to know everyone. He's going to push hard core. He's ready to go and give it his all. That does it for this town meeting. It's time for the contestants to settle into their new homes.

Ali is trying so hard to be happy but she's devastated that Jason went home. Jose thinks his web site rumor got around quick. He figures the light will be off him for a bit. (Is Jose a moron? No, I am, for even asking that question!) He brags that it's only a matter of time before he digs up some dirt on the others.

As Mandell arrives at his new home he is received with cheers and applause. He finds out what the Kirklands really think about him. They really like him and are so glad to have him in their home! Now Mandell can give them the real insider poop as to what the other contestants are like. He describes Rory as a gal who will do whatever she can do to get a vote. Ali is a pretty girl... who cheers. Jose is a spoiled rich kid. Alex is too conservative for his tastes. Mandell's biggest concern is about being himself more than getting votes. Of course, votes are nice too! The Kirklands will like anyone who is truly genuine.

Now Ali gets to check out the Gronemans’ home. Will all her suitcases fit in her little room? Eclectic and awkward are the words she uses to describe the Groneman house. It's a bit different from the other homes she has stayed at. Like the other contestants before her, she is informed that the house is currently under construction. She doesn't seem to mind.

Rory was very nervous about staying with the Fairchild family. She knew there was cold air between them. Patty had heard both good and bad about Rory. She doesn't want to hurt Rory's feelings or make her uncomfortable. Rory questions how people that don't know her can judge her. Note to Rory: THAT'S WHAT THEY ARE S'POSE TO DO SO THEY CAN DECIDE WHO TO VOTE FOR! (Oh. Wow. Sorry I yelled.) Patty, being much quieter than I, tells her that's what small town people do. A friendship starts to form. Patty opens up to her and Rory reciprocates. Rory knows that Patty Fairchild is her only hope for survival.

Alex and Host Mom Jackson discuss Jose's part in Jason's demise. Alex is upset that Jose spread out and out lies saying Jason had a pornographic web site! Mom Jackson assures him it will be the talk of the town for the rest of the day. Alex is not a happy camper.

Rory really thought it would be she going home last night. When Jason's name was called, she almost threw up. Her telling two people about Jason's web site was not what got him voted off. Other people were behind that. No one is safe these days.

Jose decides to peddle his ass around town to see if he has any friends left. The dimwitted Jose didn't realize that by spreading rumors about a well liked contestant, he might also be tarnishing his not so great reputation too! He stops to visit some Vega residents who ask him about his rumor spreading. Did he sabotage Jason? Jose says he did nothing but show the obvious. He is reminded that the teenage gals in town adore him and he has to carry himself at a higher standard. He is asked if he has said anything of a sexual nature to the girls in this town? Are there rumors about Jose? Jose says he has never approached any of the Vega or host family girls. (We see him hugging one young gal while schmoozing and flirting with a couple others.) He is advised to start minding his P's and Q's. The people of Vega are watching him. Jose tells the camera that he is going to have to be more careful next time when he's doing his dirt.