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Tough Enough 2
Original airdate: 4-11-02Another two bite the dust...
Sometimes it's a little too easy to predict the order of elimination in these competitive reality shows, because if you pay attention to the editing, you'll notice some people are disproportionately represented in the early episodes. That's often a good sign they're not sticking around, and the producers have to use them while they can.
Both Alicia and Jessie hit the road this week, under different circumstances, and evoking very different responses. Alicia's bad back finally made it impossible for her to perform even the simplest bumps and holds, and Al cuts her on the spot, in the middle of the day. She was interesting TV, but I doubt she'll be missed in the ring.
Not so for Jessie. All the trainers have been so supportive of her, saying she's got such a big heart and is made of iron inside, but at the end of the day, her heart "isn't carrying [her] through the day." She calls Big in tears, exhausted and ready to go home. He's hesitant to talk her out of it, as are the other contestants, but it's clear they want her to stay.
The pace and competitive nature of the Tough Enough program is too much for her, and she says she wants to find a good wrestling school and keep going on a much slower route. (And, as Fanboy's own Michael Goodson has reported, the WWF is more than willing to consider non-winners for contracts as well.) Coming on the heels of Alicia's unexpected cut, Jessie's departure really brings down the morale of the rest of the contestants.
Which, granted, could use some lowering. At the start of the episode, Big recites a litany of their extracurricular conduct problems: Jake got a speeding ticket, Pete drinks too much and has been drinking in the car, Alicia was wearing her headphones while driving, and Kenny's an angry drunk who's even gotten into dust-ups with the crew. And, despite having received warnings earlier from the very trainers they're trying to impress, none of them seem particularly contrite.
So they will appreciate what's been provided for them and the relatively easy time they've had of it, Bob Holly metes out some punishment, in and out of the ring. The offenders are to spend the night at Trax West, sleeping on the floor, not to work out, use any equipment or get in the ring. The next day, he reminds them why it is he's called "Hardcore" Holly and takes each of them to the mat. Hard.
Chris Jericho comes for a visit, a bit surprised at their already dwindling numbers, but well aware how hard it can be; he finished his own training with only one other classmate (Lance Storm) out of an initial 18. He watches as the kids wrestle each other, answers some questions, and imparts the lesson that size means nothing.
And now for the Hook-Up, brought to you by MTV: Pete and Jackie are flirting. Pete and Jackie are thoroughly macking on a dance floor. Jackie has a boyfriend, but if she didn't… Girls who say things like that often do it anyway, and I know, because I've been one. They head out for the hot tub, and, as Pete says, "Stay tuned."
