Behind The Scenes
Road Rules: Behind the scenes:
Five Easy Pieces
If you watched last week's one-hour special, then you're sure to have seen the ice-skating competition. Noah and Dan (with Noah in glorious drag) competed against Cynthia and Sean for the gold medal. Both teams really pulled out all the stops, embarrassing themselves without hesitation. In the end, Dan and Noah walked away with the prize. However, as our incoming e-mails this week have revealed, many of you did not have your eye on the prize. Seems that many of you had your eye on Sean's prize...
You remember, Sean was wearing a skin-tight purple jumpsuit that revealed every bend, curve, and... shape of his anatomy. We know many of you were wondering, "is that really all Sean?!" Of course, we've got the answer!
A few days after the ice-skating competition, while crashed out in a motel, Sean placed a call to his former roomie Montana. He discussed the ice-skating mission with her, explaining that just before the event began he decided to slide a banana into his jumpsuit for a little good luck. Obviously, the fresh fruit brought no luck, but it did bring Sean many new, awestruck fans from coast to coast! Is that a banana in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me...
That same night in the hotel, Sean and Rachel snuggled together on the couch under some thick blankets. Seems the heating system in the motel wasn't working, so only body-to-body contact could keep the Road-mates warm. Heroic Eric dashed outdoors to find some wood to toss into the fireplace. While Eric was out, cowboy Jon noticed that Sean and Rachel seemed to be keeping each other very warm under those blankets. When Eric triumphantly returned with an armload of kindling, he proudly announced, "I've got wood!" Ever the joker, Jon quickly replied, "so does Sean!" Is that a log in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me...
OK, OK, just one more scene you didn't see: Later that evening, the Roadies motored to a local restaurant for some chow. While sipping beer and waiting for the food to arrive, Jon made a confession to Cynthia -- it seems that every time Jon looks at Cynthia he mistakes her for Tami, his housemate from The Real World - Los Angeles!
Singing in the Streets
Things went pretty smoothly for the ALL-STAR cast this week. They landed in New Zealand, completed the farming mission, and were paid handsomely for their work. However, life was not as simple as it appeared in this week's episode...
When the Roadies landed in New Zealand, they were practically broke. After emptying their pockets and counting all their change, the Roadies pooled only 300 New Zealand dollars -- that's 190 American! That money has to cover food and shelter -- and gas -- for five people! Sean wanted to stay in the $185-per-night hotel, but that plan was immediately nixed. On to the $75-per-night hotel.
Later that evening, Eric and Sean explored Wellington. They stumbled onto Cuba Street and noticed some street performers. Inspired, Sean realized it was time to pimp out Jon Brennan's musical talent for some much-needed cash. The boyz raced back to the hotel and convinced Jon to perform. The entire cast dashed back to Cuba Street where Jon eventually hopped onto a small stage. Jon crooned for 45 minutes, while Cynthia and Rachel played maracas, as Sean worked the crowd for donations. At the end of his set, Jon scooped up the loose change tossed at his feet. Is he rich? Not quite. Jon called out to his cast mates, "I think we made about 50 cents!"
The Roadies were also instructed to spend the afternoon racing go-carts. Why? Race the carts, get a clue. That's how it works. And as you well know, sometimes we don't have time to show you everything.
A Radish In a Salad Spinner
This week, the tension was really running high, wasn't it?! I thought the other Roadies would leave Eric at the curb for sure. He was being a bit of a demanding brat, but on the other hand, he only wanted one more Zorb ride. How long does that take -- five minutes? But Eric's other cast members did not want to give in -- for five minutes or five hours! All of this is making Eric seem like the bad guy. But what you didn't see was what happened after the cast left Zorb Mountain and motored to their hotel...
We all know Rachel can't carry her Road Rules backpack -- this baggage would be heavy for any petite young girl, but Rachel still has that iron pin in her leg left over from the terrible car accident. Not only can she physically not lift that bag, but it's dangerous for her to do so. And despite that fact that Eric and Rachel were barely speaking following the afternoon of Zorbing, Eric carried Rachel's bags into her hotel room, making sure she was safe. Pretty nice, considering -- don't you think? Another thing. Any of you who have traveled outside of the U.S. are aware that in order to use a power outlet, you must have a converter. No converter, no hair dryer. Rachel, of course, didn't bring a converter with her on the trip. Well, once Eric had Rachel's bags in place, he offered her the use of his own converter. See, he's not such a bad guy...
HOW TO EAT FRIED WORMS or ARE YOU THERE, GOD? IT'S ME, CYNTHIA
You watched as the Roadies rolled into Hollywood, hooking up with Beth from The Real World - LOS ANGELES. But what we didn't have time to show you was a meeting between the All-Stars cast and another Real World alumnus...
On their first afternoon in Tinseltown, the Roadies knocked back a little lunch at a hamburger stand in Venice Beach. Between cramming French fries down their throats and swilling ice tea, the Roadies discussed their options. We have only a few hundred dollars, there are five of us, and we have to stay here for a least five days, maybe more. This is not a good situation. We need money! The girls decide it's time to sell some of the gear they were given when they joined the trip. Anybody want some Rollerblades? Only a hundred bucks! A diner at a neighboring table expresses some interest in the skates, but his size is not available. Eric announces that the entire cast could stay at his friend's house down the street. Rachel reminds everyone, we can stay at Beth's. And speak of the devil, here Beth is -- fresh from a root canal. Beth explains, "mi casa es su casa," but there is only one extra bedroom and one extra bathroom. Hey, it will work -- it's better than sleeping on the beach. So that will save hotel money. But we still need more food money.
And now a big, black Bronco blazer pulls up to the hamburger stand, music blaring. One big brother with dark shades and a pit bull steps out and -- can it be -- it's SYRUS, from The Real World - BOSTON. Sean and Syrus hug tightly, and Sean introduces his pal around. Interesting sparks between Syrus and Cynthia. Beth and Sy shake as well. The cast explains the cash dilemma, and Sy tells the boys he could hook them up with a well-paying basketball gig. See, something always works out. Isn't it cool how the Real World cast members, past and present, all look out for each other?
FRESH SQUEEZED CREATIVE JUICES
This week, you watched as the Roadies recorded the new theme song for the show. Their creation materialized as a country/pop offering. And it sounded pretty good. What we didn't have time to show was the time spent recording REGGAE and FUNK versions of the song...
While cowboy Jon cleared his throat in the recording booth, Larry the producer suggested he pretend to smoke a joint to get into the mood. But you know Jon -- he wouldn't even pretend to use drugs. The musicians start playing -- it's that bouncy, metal drum reggae sound -- and Jon gives it a whirl. But before he can get out the second verse everyone is laughing hysterically and Larry is calling for a halt. Larry explains, "we're gonna shoot that horse." Translation: reggae is no longer on option. On to the funk. Sean suggests that this time Jon attempt to imitate James Brown. Jon release his best Brown imitation yelp, but Larry quickly reminds him not to blow out (strain) his voice. Jon gives the funk his best interpretation, but Larry isn't buying it. He calls the musicians into the booth and explains, "we'll be going with the original, country version." Back in the saddle again...
Of course, there were countless hilarious moments during rehearsals for THE GROUNDLINGS -- so many that we just could not possibly show you all of them. However, we want to share at least one peek. Sean was called on-stage with a Groundlings alumnus to play SPORTS ANNOUNCER. However, the sport is a fictitious, unpronounceable game played only in Zanzibar.
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