Television: "Real World DC – Episode 9" Recap & Review

Real World DC – Episode 9 Recap & Review

By our guest blogger, Gita Gupte

Testosterone was the name of the game on “Real World DC” this week. The focus was on Josh, Ty and Andrew, who all made bad decisions in the love sphere. Last week, I wrote that I wanted to see the drama return to the show, and boy did I get it--cheating boyfriends, trust issues, one night stands, sexual tension and physical violence were at the forefront of this week’s episode.

Josh had a visit from his long-time girlfriend, Ashley, during which he continued to profess his undying love for her. These feelings became questionable, however, when we see him cheat on her multiple times and even break-up with her on the phone a day after she visited because he has another girl over. While Josh believes that he is doing things that are “good for his soul,” I believe he is just plain tacky. His continued excuses that he is “just being a guy” or that “this is what rockstars do” are lame. I am not quite sure how Ashley deludes herself into forgiving him on a continual basis, but I really hope that come the “Reunion Special,” we find out that she has kicked him to the curb once and for all.

Josh’s escapades led to a minor scuffle between Ty and Emily this week. After Josh’s one-night stand trash-talks Emily, Emily seeks to expel her from their home. She meets resistance from none other than Ty, her former lover, who has been increasing his aggression toward her since she broke things off with him. This came to a head when Ty pushes her twice and threatens to punch her in the face. Clearly, chivalry is dead in the Real World house. The cast members thrive on their immaturity, self-satisfaction, and belief that they are always right--which, for us, makes for great television, though I can do without the physical abuse toward women, thanks.

Andrew was a big winner this week, if you can call getting laid by two skanky girls “winning.” His unyielding attempts at mastering love finally got him some and he was smitten until he actually went on a date with one of his conquests and realized that there is more to love than merely sex. Unfortunately for Andrew, he did not end up having the best week ever, because at the end of the episode, he gets tossed over a ledge by drunken Ty. We will have to wait until next week to see if all is all right with Andrew and if Ty gets sent home for physically assaulting his roommate.

This week’s episode definitely delivered the type of drama-heavy show I have come to expect from the “Real World.” I found myself saying “what an idiot,” “seriously?!” and, “I’m glad I don’t live with these degenerates” several times during the hour-long show. I know now that if I don’t have this kind of reaction to the show, the producers have done something wrong. I am glad that the heated, drunken fights have made their way back to center stage on the show. Consequently, I am also glad that I don’t have to live in that house.