It’s been (multiple!)
decades since most of theseReal World/Road Rules ChallengeandThe Challengeplayers have last graced our screens (Ace!
And it’s been almost a year since veteranMark Long began his “We Want OGs” campaign.
Juan Cruz Rabaglia/PARAMOUNT+
And that means it’s likely to be a letdown after all this hype and anticipation, right?
At least, based on the season premiere alone.
It’s entertaining for new and old fans alike.
Juan Cruz Rabaglia/Paramount+
And what’s most shocking is that it’s downrighthilarious.
And don’t miss my weekly exit interviews with the unlucky souls who get booted!
The next nine weeks are going to be full of blasts from the past.
Juan Cruz Rabaglia/Paramount+
I’m psyched to see what a sum this large does to these already cutthroat players.
Ace puts it best: “Back in my day, the stakes weren’t this high.
These people before would kill each other for a scooter.
Juan Cruz Rabaglia/Paramount+
I don’t know what they’re going to do for half a million dollars.”
God, Ireallymissed Beth.
Nostalgia may be a cheap crowdpleaser but damn does it work!
Juan Cruz Rabaglia/Paramount+
The Challenge: Deep Blue Dive
The premiere just gets better and better with each passing minute.
You thought the intros and first night were fun?
Just wait until you see them finally compete in the challenge!
The OGs are thrown into the deep end quite literally for their first daily and it more than delivered.
The bigger the number, the further out and deeper it’ll be chained underwater.
Sounds simple enough, right?
These vets don’t know what they’re in for.
The captains of the losing team… will get some kind of punishment.
Kellyanne finally comes in with the Copper Team’s first time penalty.
Arissa gets a cramp and is helped back to shore with another time penalty for Silver.
Copper gets another penalty when Jonna requests the safety team to bring her back to shore.
Teck doesn’t even venture to dive down, earning Silver another five minutes.
Even Ruthie gets a time penalty!
In a normal season, I’d be getting frustrated watching all of these players fail.
But onAll Stars, it’s hysterical.
Because they’re all leaning into the old grandma/grandpa stereotypes, making fun of themselves before anyone else can!
Big Easy actually gets his piece, subverting everyone’s expectations of him!
… and then a few seconds later, he requests the safety team to tow him back to shore.
This effin' guy.
Syrus gets a time penalty.
Jemmye actually gets a Silver piece!
This is actually going to come down to who got the least penalties, huh?
I think the medical team got more of a workout during this challenge than the actual players did.
And Jisela (female captain of the winning team) receives… the Life Saver.
That’s right the Life Saver is back!
a chance to change up the entire game.)
Interesting strategy, let’s see if it pays off!
Nominations
Syrus kicks things off by announcing Laterrian’s wishes, and Ace is immediately pissed off.
It kind of feels like how this show should have always been.
And he’s furious, calling them all evil and monsters.
But enough drama it’s time for an appropriately-themed ’90s party!
Well, except for Ace, who comes dressed in his 1890’s finest.
The next morning, Jisela discovers that while the ’90s party was fun, the 2021 hangover?
Girl, I can relate.
Heading into the first elimination, there’s a lot more than half a million dollars on the line.
They’re both actualChallengelegends and I didn’t expect this first matchup to be so big!
It’s deep in the jungle with two constructed waterfalls framing the pit.
It’s the perfect setting for some sure-to-be iconic headbangers.
These players know how to hold a grudge!
Elimination challenge:Pole wrestle.
That’s right, the producers are pulling out all the headbanger classics forAll Stars!
First to win two out of three rounds, wins.
“Tonight is Pole Wrestle … f— you guys,” Ace says with a laugh.
I think we all know where this is going.
I still can’t believe we just saw Ace compete onThe Challengein 2021.
And ifAll Starscontinues at this rate, we’re in for a wild ride over the next two months.
