The Gauntlet 3 (1/30/08)

(There was a bit of a delay in getting this one up...apologies)

Another week in Mexico, a brand new round of drama and deceit. Of course, this must mean it’s the girl’s Gauntlet week!
Already the veteran girls are on the defensive. There’s pretty much no doubting the plan (CT has already voiced that he’s up for it), the veteran guys will eventually turn on the girls and throw challenges to get rid of as many girls as possible. Thereby having a stronger (mostly male) team at the final challenge. It isn’t the first time that plan has popped up. And God bless Katie for her, “if you f*@k us, we’ll do it back” attitude.
The week was full of letdowns for some of the castmates. Nehemiah made it clear that he and Beth did not hook up and tried to distance himself from her as much as possible. Could it be that he was just trying to secure his chances with Angel? (An unfortunate place to put all his bets as it turns out…). Also on the letdown list: Tyler. Ryan totally gave him the “I’m just not that into you” speech. Although he did leave it open for drunken make-out sessions. In other words, “I’m not interested in you, would never date you in the outside world, but if I’m lonely and drunk I may consider you for an evening”.
So, for the “Screw You” challenge, the veterans won. Again. Brooke (who was huffing and puffing and looking like she was going to die during the challenge) was given immunity by the veterans and Jillian was put into the Gauntlet. Jillian picked Angel to go against. There was a hint of true competition but, ultimately, Jillian was stronger and Angel went home (sorry, Nehemiah).
The guys challenge was next and umm…yeah, the veterans won again. A new twist was revealed. The same member of the losing team can’t be saved two times in a row. The gracious vets saved Tyrie and put Tyler into the Gauntlet with Johnnies encouragement (remember the time Tyler picked Johnnie to go against him, thus assuring that one of them would go?). So Tyler flips out, complaining about how he needs the money (who doesn’t?) and turns on his old Key West castmates. Frank is picked to go against Tyler and the end up with the “Force Field” challenge again. Frank hunkers down and waits as Tyler bucks and lunges against the vest. Frank wins and I don’t think anyone is really too sad to see Tyler go.
I have to say, I love the one hour format this time. I just hated the ½ hour show, it never seemed like enough, so thank you Mtv for the extended show!!!