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As a society, we might not like everyone we encounter. But most of the time, we are told we have to get along with said person. This is currently what is happening on Real Housewives of New Jersey. Dolores Catania is usually pretty good about making do with whoever is in the same room as her. While Jackie Goldschneider has a way with words that lets you know you are not her favorite. So, let’s take a dive into this complicated relationship and find out where it all went wrong.
Let’s start at the very beginning
Jackie joined the Real Housewives of New Jersey during Season 9. She was a massive fan of the franchise as fans came to learn. The rookie had often waited in line whenever Teresa Giudice had a book signing. So viewers didn’t feel like Jackie was always the most genuine. But she came in with a bang as she quickly ruggled the OG’s feathers. Jackie instantly fought back against Tre’s tyranny and quickly made an enemy.
On the flip side, Dolores joined in Season 7. She was a perfect match and was introduced as the OG’s friend. For the most part, Dolores has been a loyal sidekick who rarely finds herself inserted into the drama. If anyone, she has tried her best to be the peacekeeper of the group. But every so often, Dolo and Jackie would exchange a few heated words.
The keg party debacle
The argument seemed to start simple enough: Jennifer Aydin talking smack about Margaret Josephs’ past. Jennifer then threw her ‘friend’ Jackie under the bus, telling Dolo that she witnessed firsthand the Jersey muscle not being a good friend. Instantly, Dolores notes, “She’s questioning our friendship? That’s not a nice person.” Almost on cue, Jackie waltzes over to the group, with Dolores seeing red.
What then occurs is a back-and-forth, with both of them arguing whose place it was to reveal the information. Dolores tried to one-up by saying Jackie had been “nasty” to Jennifer since she walked onto the show. But Jackie stood her ground. Dolores then states she doesn’t “want to hear it from this.” The term was rude, and Jackie made her stance clear. Dolores then proceeded to get in Jackie’s face to intimidate her. Personally, I have no idea why Dolores felt the need to get in Jackie’s face. I know Dolores would destroy Jackie in a fight, but I appreciate Jackie standing up for herself. I would be livid if someone, especially a friend, referred to me as “this.”
Their most recent interaction was quite odd and revolved around a text message. The two met up while at Melissa Gorga’s housewarming party, but the atmosphere was less than festive. Currently, Jackie is upset that she hasn’t been tagged in a social media post for Dolores’ charity baseball game. Even though the mother of two maintained that it was “a total accident,” Jackie was peeved.
For a second, I thought Dolores and Jackie were going to be able to work through their seasons-long issues. But Margaret stood on business and sent Dolo some incriminating messages Jackie wrote. One text read, “I definitely think intentional. She’s a f*cking slob, and I hate her.” Without missing a beat, Dolo asked Jackie, “Am I a slob?” The ‘friend of’ tried her best to play down the moment but eventually answered, “‘Slob,’ to me, it’s not a great thing to call somebody, but it’s not that bad. It just means, like, your behavior is mean and stupid and juvenile and petty. That’s what I mean by ‘sloppy.’” I’m pretty sure that is not what slob means, Jackie.
Clearly, Dolores had a copy of the dictionary, which she took to her confessional. The Paterson native noted, “’Slob,’ where I come from, it’s a nasty word. “Getting called a slob from the girl who’s a f*king hot mess almost every day — crying all the time over everything — and I’m the slob? I’m the f*king slob? OK, Jackie.”
I think it’s safe to say that their feud will be everlasting as the damage has been done.
TELL US – WHAT DO YOU THINK OF JACKIE AND DOLORES’ NASTY FEUD?
Get ready TLC fans, our favorite network has a crazy new reality show on the way! TLC’s newest project is called Forbidden Love, which will premiere on Sunday, July 21st. The show has a controversial concept, as it will follow four couples in interfaith relationships. While TLC has explored religion in many of its shows, it has never done so in such a precise manner as this.
The show will feature four couples, each with a different interfaith challenge. The first couple is Ashley and Mohammad, who are Catholic and Muslim respectively. The next couple, Kris and Lensa are in a similar situation. While Kris is Pentecostal and the son of a preacher, Lensa is devoted to her Muslim religion.
On the other hand, Laurie and Eli have a different religious difference. Laurie was previously Catholic but decided to convert to Orthodox Judaism for Eli. Finally, Lindsey and Elmer will try to compromise after Elmer leaves his Amish lifestyle for Lindsay.
Forbidden Love will feature a diverse range of religions
Photo Credit: TLC via YouTube
One of the most unique aspects of TLC’s new offering is its exposure to a wide variety of faiths. Two couples include one Muslim partner, which is a faith TLC often showcases on its hit show 90 Day Fiancé. Forbidden Love will continue to showcase the Islamic faith and its practices, such as praying five times a day.
The program will also expose viewers to different forms of the Christian faith. Ashley is Catholic, while Kris is Pentecostal. While both religions fall under the umbrella of Christianity, they have many differences.
Another faith that it will feature is Orthodox Judaism, which isn’t one that viewers get to see on their screens often. In the trailer, Eli explains that Orthodox Jews typically don’t marry women who aren’t Jewish. In particular, the trailer shows Laurie struggling to adjust after learning she will have to wear a wig.
Finally, it will showcase some of traditional Amish culture through Lindsay and Elmer’s story. This is another faith that we don’t get to see portrayed on TV too much.
Forbidden Love will bring the drama
Photo Credit: TLC via YouTube
Despite only having a two-minute trailer out at the moment, it’s already evident that Forbidden Love will bring us the drama we so love. Each of the couples will clash over faith-related issues.
Ashley and Mohammad are shown disagreeing over whether Ashley should convert to Islam. While Mohammad feels that is the best decision for their marriage, Ashley feels like she shouldn’t have to change herself for him. Ashley’s family are also strong advocates for her not needing to change, which may cause some tension with Mohammad.
Kris and Lensa are also at odds over their different religions, with Kris’ father feeling particularly passionate about the issue. When Lensa doesn’t acknowledge Jesus in a prayer before eating, Kris’ father is visibly offended. Kris’ parents later tell him that a marriage of two faiths won’t work, which leaves him with a lot to think about.
Laurie and Eli will also face some challenges, as Laurie questions being an Orthodox Jew. The religion’s strict rules seem to be too much for her, and at the end of the trailer, she questions if she can do it. Eli, on the other hand, states that their relationship won’t be able to work unless Laurie converts.
Lindsay and Elmer also have some obstacles in their journey, as Lindsay wonders if Elmer’s past Amish lifestyle is too much for her to handle. She claims that she can’t be Elmer’s “Amish housewife”, which causes an argument between the two. Will Lindsay or Elmer work through their cultural differences, or will it be too much for both of them?
TELL US – ARE YOU EXCITED FOR FORBIDDEN LOVE? WHICH COUPLE ARE YOU THE MOST EXCITED TO WATCH?
Season 32 of Dancing with the Stars was epic. Vanderpump Rules star Ariana Madix placed third in the competition. She turned in amazing performances week after week amid a cast packed with seasoned performers. Ariana was well-known for Scandoval, the cheating drama that played out on Pump Rules. This shocking affair fascinated the nation.
As you may recall, Tom Sandoval cheated on Ariana, his girlfriend of nearly a decade, with her friend, Rachel Leviss. One night when Tom was singing (and I use that term loosely) on stage in early March 2023, his phone fell. While Ariana was safeguarding the phone, she discovered sexual videos of Rachel. She ended her relationship with Sandoval, and the shock waves are still reverberating across VPR today.
Now there is chatter that Sandoval may be asked to join Season 33 of DWTS. So, should Sandoval compete on Dancing with the Stars? Let’s break down all the pros and cons.
Sandoval dreamed of being on DWTS
When Ariana first discussed being on DWTS, she knew how much her ex wanted to be part of it. And Ariana realized that joining the cast would be sweet revenge. I’m sure that made the offer more attractive.
As for Sandoval, he was getting his moves TV-ready for DWTS. Sandoval admitted, “I actually took ballroom lessons and everything.” But fear not, Sandoval! Former DWTS pro-Cheryl Burke predicted that Sandoval would be in the ballroom for Season 33. The longtime pro knows what she is talking about. So, we just might see a waltzing Sandoval this fall.
Sandoval has an outgoing personality
Photo Credit: Ralph Bavaro/Bravo via Getty Images
Sandoval fronts his cover band, Tom Sandoval and The Most Extras. This man adores the spotlight, and he enjoys performing onstage.
However, if given a choice, I would much prefer to watch Sandoval bust a move than hear his cringey trumpet playing. Or listen to his often-pitchy vocals. His performance ability would be a plus on the show.
Sandoval’s ex Ariana Madix just competed in Season 32 of DWTS
Ariana just slayed Season 32, even though she didn’t take home The Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. Many of her routines were based on female empowerment and moving forward. And yes – these were likely a dig at Sandoval.
After DWTS, Ariana hit Broadway, portraying Roxie Hart in Chicago. USA Today reported that when Ariana joined the cast, the musical had its “highest-grossing non-holiday performance week ever.” Her life is clearly on an upswing since splitting with Sandoval.
But would it make sense for Sandoval to compete now, right after Ariana? She would be a tough act to follow.
Everyone is tired of Scandoval
Photo Credit: Casey Durkin/Bravo
Plus, there are signs that the world has Scandoval fatigue. Pump Rules took a break from filming after the Season 11 reunion. Another raw season about the fallout from the betrayal was hard on the cast and on viewers. The hope is that when, and if, the cameras go up, the cast members will be in a different spot in their lives.
Whether DWTS viewers would see Sandoval’s presence on the show as a reminder of Scandoval is unclear. Some fans may see him as just another reality TV star trying to salsa to success. But if people are sick of the cheating saga, he could receive fewer votes.
Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix are being sued by Rachel Leviss
Photo Credit: Nicole Weingart/Bravo
In February 2024. Entertainment Weekly reported that Rachel filed a lawsuit against Sandoval and Ariana. She accused them of invasion of privacy, revenge porn, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and eavesdropping.
Rachel claimed in her lawsuit that she is allegedly a “victim of the predatory and dishonest behavior of an older man who recorded sexually explicit videos of her without her knowledge or consent, which were then distributed, disseminated, and discussed publicly by a scorned woman seeking vengeance, catalyzing the scandal.”
After filming the vicious Season 10 Pump Rules reunion, Rachel spent months in a mental health treatment facility. She broke off all contact with Sandoval.
Eventually, Sandoval tried to get the lawsuit tossed out, describing it as a “thinly veiled attempt to extend her fame.” He also alleged that Rachel was seeking to “rebrand herself as the victim instead of the other woman.”
Meanwhile, Ariana denied showing the video to others. A Los Angeles judge decided in Rachel’s favor, allowing her to pursue her allegations of invasion of privacy and eavesdropping.
Although DWTS likes to cast people who have some notoriety attached to their name, casting Sandoval may result in backlash from DWTS, and VPR, fans.
Other Pump Rules cast members may be a better fit
Sandoval wasn’t the only former SURver harboring dreams of twirling around the ballroom. Scheana Shay was crushed when she discovered that her good friend, Ariana, was cast on the show. She dreamed of competing in DWTS for years and had been taking dance classes.
Although Scheana was happy for Ariana, the news still felt like “a punch to the gut.” I think that Scheana could be a better choice than Sandoval. Even DJ James Kennedy, with his high energy level and enthusiasm, could be an interesting pick.
It looks like Tom Sandoval competing on Season 33 of Dancing with the Stars has more negatives than positives. We will have to wait until fall to find out if he will be quickstepping across the ballroom.
Season 33 of Dancing with the Stars will return this fall on ABC, Disney+, and Hulu.
TELL US – SHOULD TOM SANDOVAL COMPETE ON DANCING WITH THE STARS? WOULD YOU TUNE IN?
While recording their Two Ts in a Pod podcast on June 17, Teddi told Tamra Judge that she didn’t care if she ever returned to the show. She told the Real Housewives of Orange County regular that the RHOBH cast just didn’t get her quirky humor.
“I don’t think I would ever come back to Beverly Hills,” Teddi said. “There’s no self-deprecation in Beverly Hills, and that’s a huge part of who I am. It’s making fun of myself.”
The BH ladies are too uptight
In addition to their inability to make fun of themselves, Teddi called the Beverly Hills ladies “stuffy.” She recalled that her former castmates warned her about making unflattering comments while they were filming.
If she referred to herself as “a hot mess,” they would say, “’Teddi, don’t say that. They’re going to use that.’ Like, it doesn’t make it fun.”
However, she did tell Tamra that, compared to RHOBH, she enjoyed filming an episode of the upcoming Season 18 of RHOC with her.
“I filmed with Tamra once this season, and I said to her [afterward] … ‘The most fun I had filming [Housewives] was doing that episode of Orange County,’” Teddi confessed.
Teddi is not the only one who’s sworn never to return to RHOBH. Franchise OG Lisa Vanderpump has said multiple times she would never come back to the show.
“It would never happen,” she said. “Not in a million years. I left [RHOBH] with a cloud of dust behind me. Never.”
Neither is the Vanderpump Rules producer interested in reconciling with any of her former castmates unless they offered her a genuine apology.
“I think if there’s a true apology,” the restauranteur said. “[If] actually somebody says, ‘You know what? I really regret it, and I’m really sorry that I said that’ … Then yes. There will always be room. But you’ll never get that from them.”
I don’t think Lisa’s holding her breath, and neither am I.
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The Valley was a surprise hit, and filming for Season 2 is starting soon. Not to mention two of five of the couples featured split shortly after filming the premier season. Brittany Cartwright announced a separation from Jax Taylor just before the series premiered. Also, strained couple Michelle Lally and Jesse Lally divorced shortly after filming wrapped.
Then there’s all the drama associated with Kristen Doute. There’s just a lot to come back for, and viewers are ready for more. Thankfully, Jax and Brittany revealed the upcoming filming timeline during a recent episode of their podcast.
Brittany is “going in without drama”
#TheValley starts filming in July and Jax has already excluded someone from an invite to his birthday party
(? thebravoinvestigator) pic.twitter.com/39kINwH9bp
When Reality Hits With Jax & Brittany had the estranged couple teasing Season 2 of The Valley. Cindy Cee posted a preview on Twitter with the caption, “The Valley starts filming in July and Jax has already excluded someone from an invite to his birthday party.”
“We are starting in July,” Brittany confirmed during her podcast. “We are so excited to come back. Hopefully, we’ll get even more episodes this season. And, here we go.”
“Yeah, we decided because we didn’t have the reunion we’re coming back a little quicker,” Jax explained. “And now everybody’s a well-oiled, now well-oiled, you know, all the what to expect and what to do. I think everybody did a great job. I think everyone’s going to do another great job.”
Jax then teased drama that he’s already creating, one month before filming stars.
“I already know one person that’s not invited to my birthday. But I don’t give it away,” he said.
“Golly, you’re already starting sh-t and we haven’t even started yet,” Brittany joked. “Well, I love everybody so I’m glad that I’m going to go in without drama. Other than with you.”
The veteran Bravolebrity called the cast getting along “boring TV.”
“OK, we can’t all fight and hate each other. There has to be somebody that wants to share a little one,” Brittany suggested. “I’m going to have to be the peacekeeper in this group forever I feel like.”
She can certainly be given credit for peace-keeping with her estranged husband, as the two are still co-hosting a podcast together. As for The Valley, filming will begin in mid-July.
TELL US – WHAT IS YOUR REACTION TO THE VALLEY FILMING ITS SECOND SEASON IN JULY? WHO DO YOU THINK JAX BANNED FROM HIS BIRTHDAY? WHAT DO YOU THINK OF BRITTANY AS A PEACEKEEPER OF THE GROUP?
On RHOSLC Season 4, fans had never seen the fourth wall so shattered before. Monica was one of a handful of people running an account dedicated to taking down now-convicted felon, Jen Shah. It was absolutely wild. Now, Monica’s making headlines for different reasons.
An Instagram post from The Neighborhood Talk alleged that Monica was “booted from [The Traitors] because she failed a psych exam.” The report caught the attention of Housewives fans and even Monica herself. So, what did the former RHOSLC star have to say in response?
Monica threatens legal action over Traitors psych test claims
In a recent interview with Us Weekly, Monica candidly said, “Honestly, the fact that people believe that blows my mind.” She further expressed, “Like, we really will just believe anything. It’s actually crazy. I wish I did do Traitors, but maybe next season.” Frankly, Monica had a point. Internet users can be quick to trust, especially in the world of reality TV.
Nevertheless, The Neighborhood Talk defended their report when Monica commented on their post. The outlet claimed the news was from “a very close source,” in response to Monica’s comment saying, “This is actually terrible that you would post this. Complete lie. Disgusting!!”
In another comment, she responded, “Let’s get on the call with the executives together. Let’s find out how good your source is. I am the source. I didn’t even do one interview. Pathetic and absolutely disgusting.” She also said she would take “legal action” against the “insanely damaging and FALSE” claim. It wouldn’t be the first time she hit back at harsh claims.
Monica also responded to the claim on her Instagram Stories. She wrote, “I didn’t even go through the process of Traitors to where I would even be asked to take a psych evaluation.” She reemphasized that she “was never even asked to take a psych evaluation.”
TELL US – WHAT DID YOU THINK OF MONICA’S RESPONSE TO THE REPORT? SHOULD SHE APPEAR ON THE TRAITORS IN FUTURE?
Photo Credit: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic via Getty Images
Heather Dubrow is making moves, folks, and announced a clothing line. As with any smart Bravolebrity, the Real Housewives of Orange County star is looking to branch out. Of course, this wouldn’t be the first time.
Heather has ventured out into the world of acting on more than one occasion. With Shop HQ, she released various luxury items. She also authored three books with her husband, and the two released a skincare line together.
Now, with all of that experience at her back, Heather is entering the clothing business. However, details on the upcoming clothing line remain sparse. Read on to see everything that Heather and her workmates revealed so far.
Heather teams up with New York designer Susan Bender for the clothing line
On June 17, Heather posted a video to Instagram, teasing her upcoming project. “SNEAK PEEK!!” she wrote in the post’s caption. “So excited to share a little peek into what we’ve been working on… We are so excited!” The video saw someone cutting and working with fabrics as Heather did a voiceover.
“Hi everyone,” she said. “Heather Dubrow here. I have been working on something that you are absolutely going to love. Stay tuned. It’s coming your way soon!” Heather posted the video on her Instagram account. However, on top of that, she posted the video to a joint Instagram account with New York fashion designer Susan Bender.
Going to that account will reveal the video that Heather posted, along with two other posts. One post had a picture of Heather’s “Press for Champagne” panel from her Newport house. The other photo saw Heather placing a zipper over a leather jacket. But as of right now, fans can only speculate about Heather’s upcoming line.
Using tennis terminology, Jono totally double faulted his meals. First, he served an uninspired chicken breast, with a sponge cake and store-bought sorbet for dessert. Then he served cold eggs the next morning. It’s no wonder Elena had a thing or two to say about the situation.
Elena questions Jono’s “thought process” and timing on Below Deck Med Season 9
Jono and Elena started off on the wrong foot. During the first charter, the guests put on their preference sheet they wanted late night snacks. Unfortunately, Jono missed that bit and went to bed leaving no food out for the guests. Oop.
When Elena was asked for grilled cheese, nachos, and mac and cheese, she went straight to her closet to search for the perfect costume. No chef outfit was in her wardrobe, so the only reasonable option was to wake the chef.
According to Captain Sandy, you should never wake the chef. Well, Elena broke that unknown rule and woke up Jono not once, but twice to cook the snacks. Jono laid down the law with a firm “no.” Luckily for Elena, Gael Cameron was on hand to fire up the griddle. After that debacle, things were tense between Elena and Jono.
On the next charter, Elena was not in charge of the cold eggs breakfast. Which is lucky for her because who knows if she would have been able to bite her tongue as tensions with Jono were already high. Elena found out later, just like Aesha Scott, that Jono had left the eggs out long before they made it to the table.
Andy asked Elena, “With everything that happened between you and Jono during the first charter, what was your reaction to seeing him make eggs over an hour before serving them to the guests?”
Elena responded, “I was shocked to see that. Like, what is the thought process? Please explain it to me. Because even if the breakfast is at 8:30, you need to wait for the guests to wake up before you make eggs surely.” Jono did cover up the eggs with a dish towel to keep in the heat. That counts right?
Andy added, “And by the way it doesn’t take a long time to get the eggs going.” A shocked Aesha chimed in. She said, “I had no idea. That’s the first time I saw that.” Elena concluded, “Um, yeah. Mortifying.” Indeed.
Photo Credit: John Lamparski/Getty Images for Empire State Realty Trust
Alexia Nepola and Todd Nepola are no longer on speaking terms, after Alexia did a tell-all podcast about both herself and her estranged husband.
When the reality star appeared on Two Ts In A Pod, she discussed the state of her relationship with Todd, hinting that they were working on their marriage. “We’ve gone to therapy. We’re doing couples therapy,” she said.
Later, Alexia shared more details, including the surprising news she and Todd were still sexually intimate. “We’ve done it all,” she said. “We love each other. We’re super into each other.” However, days after her revelation, a source said Alexia and Todd are no longer talking.
Alexia still believes she can make things work with her husband Todd
In case you missed the news, Todd filed for divorce from Alexia earlier this year. Following the announcement, the Real Housewives of Miami star took to Instagram, saying she was “heartbroken.”
“I will take comfort in the fact that my friends and family will be by my side supporting me during his difficult time,” she continued.
You could probably understand our confusion when Alexia claimed the pair were still getting it on despite their drama. But it’s all starting to make sense now. According to Us Weekly, Alexia and Todd aren’t speaking, and it could have something to do with her running her mouth.
“Todd and Alexia are not on speaking terms at the moment after the podcast,” a source revealed. “They hit a bump in the road. But she is still holding on to hope that they’re going to save their marriage.”
It would be great to know that we’d see all of this drama playing out on the next season of RHOM, but nope, the cameras are still down. Is Larsa Pippen coming back? What’s going on with Lisa Hochstein? And, uh, Andy Cohen … will we see Todd and Alexia, too?
Alexis Bellino and John Janssen are having the time of their lives – AND the time of their sex lives. Of course, those keeping up with the couple already knew that. News of their relationship rocked the Bravoverse since John was once entangled with Shannon Beador.
Given the dynamics between the three, it was all but obvious that Alexis would end up back on The Real Housewives of Orange County Season 18. In fact, some fans wondered if the relationship was just a ploy to get the media’s attention. Spoiler alert! It wasn’t.
Now, with Alexis’ most recent claim, it’s clear the two are enjoying themselves. But is Alexis trying to trigger Shannon with these latest confessions?
Alexis tells RHOC fans about her sex life with John Janssen
Alexis recently appeared on the June 14 episode of Two Ts In A Pod. While on the podcast, she shared an NSFW confession, claiming that she and John would have sex “more than” four times a day. “I told him, ‘I did not know human anatomy could do this,’” she shared. “I keep telling him I’m going to have to get, like, vaginal rejuvenation.”
She justified the inordinate number by saying, “The difference is we do stay together almost seven nights a week now.” She further stated it was the best sex she’s ever had. But she cut the conversation there, thinking of their “poor” kids who might listen. If this all sounds familiar, you’re probably thinking of Larsa Pippen.
Larsa claimed that she had sex “probably five times a night with the love of [her] life,” Marcus Jordan. Fans immediately responded with a healthy dose of skepticism. Nevertheless, Larsa died on her crazy hill and never walked back those claims, even after she and Marcus were done. In all likelihood, Alexis will face a doubting audience as well.
Photo Credit: Daniel Allen/USA Network via Getty Images
Lace-up those hiking boots and finish up your last helpings of eel kabobs because it’s time to get back on the course! Race to Survive: New Zealand returned with an all-new episode, challenging the teams to their most terrifying challenge yet.
Last week, the seven remaining teams crossed the finish line of Race 2. The ultramarathoning moms, Rhandi and Ashley, arrived in last place, but in a surprising turn of events, they were still able to score a medallion and proceed in the race. It turns out that the Brooklyn Climbers tapping out of Race 2 cleared the way for everyone to survive another day in the race. We love a happy ending, right?
Unfortunately, the racers weren’t so lucky this week. Race 3 was no joke, and by the end of the episode, another team fell victim to the dangers of the Down Under. Here’s what happened in Race to Survive: New Zealand Episode 5, “Deep, Dark, Holes.”
Race 3, Day 1
Photo Credit: Brian Finestone/USA Network
This episode immediately kicked off with Race 3, Day 1, which seemed like the most complicated racecourse to date. It’s a 22-mile journey where they have to descend into a cave, navigate through “the green maze” forest, walk down a rocky river bed, and then kayak to the finish line. Typing all of that felt exhausting, so imagine doing it. This course is truly bonkers.
Unlike the previous two races, there was a food cache decision at the very beginning of this course. It was the only food cache for the entire two-day race, and they had to immediately decide whether or not they wanted to go straight to the cave or slow themselves down by going out of their way to the food cache.
After starving themselves through the first two races, almost everyone decided to go for the food cache. That was everyone except for The Hunters, Ryan and Bronson. They decided to make a run for the cave. In their minds, getting ahead in the race felt more important than starvation.
Within, what seemed like five seconds, the River Guides showed up at the food cache, grabbed their rations, and took off towards the cave. The rest of the teams showed up a few minutes later, all at the same time, showing just how fast Oliver and Corry were moving compared to the rest of the groups.
At the food cache. Creighton was like, “Wow, I’ve never seen this many people at a food cache.” He’s right. Perhaps there were too many people there because, in the chaos, Coree from the Ultramarathoners took a nasty spill. He faceplanted right into a rock, a slip that ended up haunting him through the rest of the episode.
The race to the cave
Photo Credit: Brian Finestone/USA Network
Since Ryan and Bronson skipped the food cache, they were the first ones to the cave. These two never seem phased by anything, and this cave descent was no different. They just put on their helmets and started spelunking. Meanwhile, watching it at home felt like watching The Cave starring Eddie Cibrian or The Descent. You’re just waiting for the flesh-hungry, humanoid monsters to come crawling out of the depths.
Fortunately, that didn’t happen. The actual terror of this section of the course came from the tight little passages they had to squeeze through. At one point, Ryan said it looked like Bronson was being born again as he pushed himself through a tiny little hole in the rock. We love the father and son-in-law bonding happening.
Meanwhile, the rest of the racers were outside of the cave, lining up to descend into the darkness. This was another first come first serve activity, so the racers scrambled to get into position so they wouldn’t get stuck waiting in line.
Still in a cluster from the food caches, most of the racers arrived right at the same time. Then, we saw Creighton get upset because Cool Moms made it to the cave about a half second before he and his ex-wife could. He turned to Paulina and threw a petty little hissy fit. He was like, “I don’t think you were giving one hundred percent.” Flash to a confessional, and we get an entire explanation of why Paulina decided to file for divorce. They’re just a little too different.
Mazerunners
Photo Credit: Brian Finestone/USA Network
All of the racers squeezed their way through the caves, and somehow, that wasn’t the hardest part of the race. The next part of the course was the “green maze,” a twisting section of forest with crisscrossing game trails and thorny foliage.
While most of the racers went headfirst into the maze, the River Guides decided to work smarter, not harder. They knew the perimeter of the maze had a geofence lined with pink flags, meant to keep the racers from accidentally walking off the side of a cliff. The River Guides decided to use that border as an easy route around the maze.
Oliver and Corry’s strategy of going around the maze added more miles to their journey, but it ended up working perfectly. While everyone else was cutting themselves on thorns and going in circles in the maze, these guys zoomed to the next checkpoint like two little geniuses.
But, unfortunately for the River Guides, the next part of the course was what they called a “dark zone.” They were going to have to traverse a few miles through a bouldery riverbed, and for their safety, the rules stated they needed three hours on the race clock before starting. The River Guides didn’t have that much time on their hands, so that meant they were forced to end Race 3, Day 1 right there at the checkpoint.
Shortly after, the Smokejumpers and the Hunters caught up to them and found themselves in the same predicament. The three fastest teams all ended the day stuck at the same checkpoint, despite all taking dramatically different routes to get there.
Injuries aplenty
Photo Credit: Brian Finestone/USA Network
Injuries on Race to Survive continued to take a toll on the contestants this week because, throughout the entire first day of Race 3, Coree complained that his head was hurting. The fall at the food caches was worse than it looked. Somehow, he still managed to dash through the cave, but as the day went on, he said his head just wouldn’t stop pounding. Cue the dramatic music. We all knew what was about to happen next.
Coree said that he and Jeff’s number one goal was to make it back home in one piece. So, after spending 11 hours with a headache, traveling through a cave, and traversing through over 70 miles of racecourse, the Ultramarthoners gave the signal that they were ready to quit the race. A helicopter came and took them back to civilization, and all of a sudden, we were down to six teams.
What’s extra frightening was that Coree wasn’t the only one dealing with an injury. Ashley twisted her ankle in Race 2, and she was struggling with it on Race 3. She said her brain and her ankle just were no longer on the same page as she hobbled through the unstable terrain of New Zealand.
By the end of Race 3, Day 1, Ashley and Rhandi grappled with the possibility that finishing the race might not be a possibility. As ultramarathoners, quitting doesn’t come easily for these ladies, but it might be the only option if Ashley’s ankle can’t magically heal itself. Meanwhile, Ashley just kept saying that if they could make it to the kayaking part of this race, they could still have a chance. That’s a big “if.”
Race 3, Day 2
Photo Credit: Brian Finestone/USA Network
When the clock started for Race 3, Day 2, every single team was on edge. For the usual suspects at the front of the pack, they were all stressed about trying to gain a lead. At the back of the pack, the racers who saw Jeff and Coree’s helicopter fly were feeling the pressure to stay out of last place.
The clock started on Race 3, and as the River Guides, the Smokejumpers, and the Hunters started booking it down the rocky river, you couldn’t help but worry about all of their joints. We’ve had two teams quit because of an injury, and another on the brink of the same fate, yet these guys were just hopping across these wet boulders like it was nothing. But, before you knew it, they had made it to their kayaks and were going into the next leg of the race.
Next week, Race 3 continues as the teams try to kayak their way to the finish line. The number of medallions that will be available in the Survival Crate remains uncertain, and it’s also not clear how much longer Ashley can stay afloat with this ankle. Will she even make it to the kayaks in her current condition?
TELL US – WHAT WERE YOUR THOUGHTS ON RACE TO SURVIVE: NEW ZEALAND EPISODE 5? DO YOU THINK YOU COULD NAVIGATE THE TIGHT SQUEEZES IN THE CAVE? WERE YOU SURPRISED TO SEE THE ULTRAMARATHONERS QUIT THE RACE?
