The Challenge: Invasion of the Champions—Week 4 MVPs

Hey Meg,

“Man, I don’t mess with them animals,” is the first of 8 notes I have for this week’s episode of The Challenge: Invasion of the Champions. It was a throw-away line, something 4-time champ Darrell expressed as part of his mission statement. Something about how he plans to spend his earnings if he is victorious this season. Kind of funny, I guess. As I remarked last week, the conversation on this show is particularly lackluster.

Jillian’s Week 4 Game Recap: Knockout

The challenge itself was adrenaline-fueled. Knockout featured a trebuchet that launched a ball high into the ether above a sand pit where the two competing teams waited for it to drop. After the contender caught the ball, the competitors kicked, clawed, tackled, elbowed, scratched, stomped, yanked, and bit to prevent the other team from depositing the ball in the goal.

But it was a lopsided 6-on-4 showdown that favored the Underdogs. And the thrilling, wildly physical challenge ultimately was decided by strength in numbers; the 6 Underdogs ousted the 4 Champs to come away with the W. In terms of performance, I awarded Tony top prize for achieving the decisive last point AND doing it with panache, straddlejumping the volcano-shaped goal after dunking the final ball. Shout-outs to Dario, Cory, Ashley, and I-can’t-remember-who-else for also scoring.

Jillian’s MVP: Valencia

No, this is not another Champion sent to spice things up (or provide some goddamned wit for once). I’m talking about the filter in the interview room that makes Camila look as doe-eyed and serene as Bambi’s mother. Valencia brings out the vibrancy in Cara Maria’s crimson hair—which, consequently, drives Nicole wild with passion. (“Ya’ ‘ai’ looks great tha’.” TRANSLATION: “your hair looks great, though.”) Every Challenger has that preternatural, lit-from-within glow, and for that reason, Valencia, you da MVP. #flawless

Sorry to cut this short, but I have to get working on my “I’m #NotMadJustDisappointed” writing assignment… which can also be the theme of The Challenge this season.

—Jillian

Jillian,

Thank you so much for translating Nicole’s truly outrageous accent for us. Where is she even from?! A cartoon of Brooklyn in the 1940s?! Here’s what I thought while watching this episode…

Meg’s Week 4 Recap: Now We’re Getting Somewhere

Finally, this season of The Challenge is getting on track! Sure, the Champs lost their first challenge (more on that shortly), and their presence has yet to cause any real fireworks, but let’s consider the possibilities, shall we? As the editors of the episode were kind enough to remind us, the presence of the Champs brings to the show:

• The reunion of exes Zach and Jenna (and Ashley K., who dated Zach on their Real World season)
• The reunion of Tony and Camila, who, call me crazy, still seem likely to get under each others skin despite Tony being on the “straight and narrow”
• The return of Laurel “I Think I’m Known For Being Mean Even Though I Really Don’t Think I’m Mean” Stucky (love you, Laurel) 
• CT and Johnny Bananas working together, despite the river of bad blood between them
• A temptation for the veteran Shane, whose history with Darrell goes back to Road Rules, and who has appeared on challenges with both Darrell and CT, to “cozy up” to his “enemies” and be seen as a traitor in the eyes of his sloppy, sloppy teammates 

And don’t forget Cara Maria.

Meg’s MVP: The Champs

Which means: even when they lose, for me, the Champs are still this week’s MVP. I could make this argument simply by citing that no one on their team literally wet their bed. But there’s more to it than that.

The Rookies celebrated their victory over the Champs as if they were the team at a two-man disadvantage. Not a good look. They then proceeded to immediately—like, still-on-the-field-getting-the-debrief-from-TJ immediately—implode, with both (Sm)Ashley and Dario having to decide on the spot which teammate to send to an elimination against one of their own.

And things only got worse back at the house, sorry, “The Oasis.” Johnny and the Champs watched as the Rookies haphazardly assembled for a team meeting at the dining room table. But instead, they just screamed at each other and accomplished nothing. As a spectator, that was an absolute joy to behold. I’ve been pretty tough on this season, but I will say that being forced to watch these Rookies try (and fail) to play politics or form alliances has made me appreciate the Champs even more.

Even when they lose, they somehow win, and that’s why they’re the Champs.

Until next week,
Meg

Who are your Week 4 MVPs? Tweet us! And see what you missed Week 3 right here.