The Real World Chicago
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Episode 1 & 2
The show opens with Keri's audition tape, where she tells us that she's from New Orleans, and she's twenty-one years old. Then she drinks some alcohol. I wish I were making that up, and that, according to Bunim-Murray, there is more to her personality than that, but it's true. Next up is Kyle, twenty-two, from Lake Bluff, Illinois; he's a senior at Princeton. Kyle is the jock Ivy League dude. Tonya is twenty-one, and from Walla Walla, Washington. I hope that she gets the opportunity to say "Walla Walla" at least once per episode, because it makes me laugh. Chris is twenty-four and from Boston, Massachusetts. Or possibly Brockton, Massachusetts. Somewhere in Massachusetts. Okay, I looked it up, and it is in fact, Brockton. I know you were all hanging on the edges of your seats for that information. Cara is twenty-two and from Boston. In her audition tape, Cara explains that she's been "known to be a little bit promiscuous at times." Okay, then. Aneesa thinks that sex is cool, depending on the person. She's nineteen and from Philly. Theo is nineteen years old and from Riverside, California. He also has freaky-ass eyes, which JenniCal claimed on the forums were hazel contacts, which makes sense. They look weird, though. At the airport, Theo's dad tells him to tip the skycap if he wants to get his bags in Chicago. Theo's dad is a preacher. As the airplane takes off, they play the line from "Alive" by P.O.D. that goes, "And I think I can fly." Subtle as always.
Tonya waits on the El tracks for her train. In an interview, Tonya explains that she's very scared because she's about to step out of her comfort zone, but she's also excited. The train arrives and Tonya steps on. In an interview, Theo explains that he was just "chilling" on the train, when a "cute white chick" got on with a "big-ass bag." They identified one another as roommates because of their luggage. And I'm sure it had nothing to do with the fact that camera crews surrounded them both. Nope. Tonya gets all of her bags onto the train; Theo offers to help. In an interview, Tonya says that her first reaction was that he was black, and that she hasn't had "a positive experience with interracial living" and that "black people intimidate [her]." Does that make her racist? I guess, by the strictest definition of the word. She judges people based on their race. But she was also really honest -- probably more honest than I would have been in that situation. So I'm withholding judgment on Tonya's attitudes toward race. Tonya tells Theo that she's from a small town in Washington called Walla Walla. To his credit, Theo doesn't laugh. In an interview, Theo says that because Tonya is from a small town, it will probably be "a trip" for her to live with black people, and he hopes that he's wrong.
Theo and Tonya ride the train for a while. They arrive at a platform with a big sign that says "Damen." Now is as good a time as any to admit that I know nothing about Chicago, nor have I been there. I'd like to go. I've just never been. So if I make a huge mistake about Chicago geography in my recaps, I apologize. Luckily, we have plenty of people on the forums who do live there, including some of my fellow recappers (such as Demian, Regina Rouge, and Wendola). I'm sure that they will issue corrections in the gentlest way possible. Right, guys? Tonya and Theo trade bags in order to lighten Tonya's load. They reach the stairs, and Tonya tosses Theo's bag down the stairs after ascertaining that there is nothing breakable inside. They walk and walk and finally reach their new home. Cue the running around and screaming part that happens every year. Seriously, I wish I knew someone who was going to be on the show, just so that I could pay that person cash money to walk in and go, "Eh. It's all right." That would be the best. Tonya and Theo get into the freight-type elevator, which is very complicated. The coolest part is that as they are going up, they pass right by the fish tank. Which you can look through and see into the bathroom, which doesn't seem very practical. But no one ever said that Real World houses were practical. Theo keeps saying that everything is "hard" and "pimped-out" and "tight." I think it's kind of garish, but maybe it's just me. There are a lot of egg-shaped things. Theo comes into a bedroom with red bedspreads, and declares that it's his bedroom. I hope that Theo picking a room before the others get there doesn't lead to conflict. Theo does a front flip onto his bed.
It's time for another arrival. Aneesa pulls up in the back seat of a cab, arguing with the cab driver. You know, I've heard horror stories about Chicago cabbies from Wing Chun and Sars, so I'm not surprised. Anyway, they settle their financial dispute, and Aneesa enters the building. In an interview, Aneesa says that it's scary reaching twenty, because she feels like she's been a spoiled brat her whole life, and she doesn't know what she's getting herself into. Small anecdote: I am the last person you would expect to get hung up on aging, but for some reason, I had a big fear of turning twenty. I think it was because there seemed to be no purpose to it except turning older; every other age was a milestone of some sort, but twenty was just kind of there. So I proclaimed that I was going to be nineteen part two, until I turned twenty-one. Yet another reason that I'm glad there weren't camera crews following me around at this age. I was kind of an asshole. Aneesa can't figure out how to work the elevator. Meanwhile, Tonya and Theo are still checking out the house. Tonya thinks that one of the fish is ugly. Theo discovers the huge shower with two showerheads. Theo predicts that there will be a lot of nakedness going down. Well, yes, since it's a shower and all, I would think that people would get naked. Perhaps in Riverside, California, they take showers with their clothes on.
Aneesa arrives and is greeted by Theo and Tonya. In an interview, Theo tells us that his first impression of Aneesa was that she was "extremely sexy," and that he intended to hook up with her. Aneesa is all bitching about the elevator until Tonya and Theo manage to introduce themselves, and then she immediately goes back to bitching about the elevator. In an interview, Aneesa says, "Theo is cute. Not that cute. But cute." It was a funny delivery. Theo asks Aneesa where she is from, and she tells him that she's from Philly. Theo says that he's from California, and apparently Aneesa makes a face (the camera isn't on her), and Theo calls her on it. Aneesa says that her ex lives in California. So all people from California are like her ex? Theo carries Aneesa's bag for her, and Tonya kind of wanders off on her own. In an interview, Theo says that Aneesa isn't "a beauty queen," but that there's something sexy about her. Aneesa checks out the various rooms. Theo suggests that she room with him. Aneesa says that he can't touch her. Theo tells her that it's the sex room, because there are sex books in the room. Aneesa checks out the room, and checks out the books, claiming that Theo is trying to be sexy. Theo tells her that she's sexy without even trying to be. Tonya walks in with some food, and Aneesa launches into an explanation of how she and Theo are sex partners, because they both live in the sex room, but they won't be having sex. Whatever. I think both Aneesa and Theo need to stop trying so hard.
Aneesa and Theo are both Virgos. Me too! Aneesa's birthday is September 11. Wow. I'm really not looking forward to the inevitable "Aneesa's birthday and our time of national tragedy" episode. Theo and Aneesa sit by the hot tub and smoke. They discuss braiding hair. Theo says that he doesn't braid hair because he's not gay. All the men he knows who braid hair are gay. Aneesa asks whether he has a lot of gay friends. Theo responds, "Hell, no." Theo explains that he knows one guy who is gay, but Theo is okay because that one guy doesn't hit on him. Somehow I find it difficult to imagine that every gay man Theo meets hits on him. Although that might tell Theo a little something about himself, if you know what I mean. Most of the gay men I know only hit on guys they are fairly sure are gay. Why would a gay guy hit on a straight guy? That would be like me hitting on a lesbian. Just frustrating. ["Wouldn't it be more like you hitting on a gay guy?" -- Wing Chun] Anyway. Aneesa tells Theo that she hasn't been with a man in two years. Theo asks why that is, and Aneesa says, "Women are nice." In an interview, Theo says that he's hurt by the fact that Aneesa is gay, but that they are going to be there for four months, and anything could happen. See, here's my problem with Theo's reactions to gay people: he takes it all personally. Gay guys are okay as long as they don't hit on him. Gay women hurt his feelings because he can't have them. I've got a little lesson for you, Theo: it's not about you. It has nothing to do with you. Get over yourself.
Cara walks along a train platform, dragging her bag. On the forums, 300_Spartans named her Cara Jessica Parker, and that is pretty apt, from the long wavy hair to the Carrie Bradshaw-esque sex obsession. But since Cara is shorter, I'm sticking with that, because I'm lazy. Anyway, Cara says she's "sweating [her] breasts off" and trying not to play the damsel in distress, even though she's struggling with her luggage. She's having a luggage struggle. Cut to Kyle, sitting in the station. In an interview, Kyle says that he saw a tiny girl dragging a big bag, and that she had "obvious spirit." Like a cheerleader? They introduce themselves to one another. Kyle offers to help with her bag. In an interview, Cara says that Kyle is "strikingly handsome." They discover that they both just graduated from college. In an interview, Kyle says that Cara looked "hot as hell right from the start." Cara discovers that Kyle is a football player. Kyle takes all of the luggage like a pack mule. Cara tells him to let her know when things get difficult, and she will help. She doesn't want him to suffer to impress her. Kyle asks if he's impressed her yet. Are these people on full-time flirt alert? Can't they interact without flirting for five seconds?
Keri is so very...on a train platform. She voice-overs that she's excited to get out of the New Orleans heat, and hopes that the Windy City lives up to its reputation. She hopes that it's windy? That's what I got from that statement. She meets up with Chris just outside the airport, and allows him to throw his bags on her luggage cart. Chris comments on her cowgirl hat. Because, you know, gay men love the fashion. They get a cab. In an interview, Chris says that Chicago will be a new environment for him (really?) and that he doesn't know how his roommates will react to his sexuality, so he's a little scared. They arrive at the house. Keri voice-overs that she has always been independent, even as a little kid. They get into the elevator.
Oh, remember how Aneesa and Theo were discussing her sexuality? I kind of forgot about that. Anyway, they still are. Aneesa says that she's had boyfriends before. One boyfriend, in particular, wanted her to choose between loving boys and loving girls, and she couldn't. Meanwhile, Keri and Chris have arrived, but no one seems to notice. Aneesa and Theo bond over variety; neither of them has been in a relationship longer than five months. Well, they're both fairly young, too. That makes sense. Keri and Chris find Theo and Aneesa out by the hot tub. Hugs are exchanged. Tonya appears from out of nowhere to join in the introductions. In an interview, Aneesa says that Keri is hot, and that she looks like "the captain of the softball team." It cracked me up, because of the stereotype about lesbians and softball. I don't think that's what Aneesa meant. Aneesa says that Chris is cute, and that Keri is cute, too.
On the train, Kyle asks Cara if she has a boyfriend. Cara says she did, but that she doesn't now. Good move. I would never go on the show with a significant other back home. Well, I would never go on the show, period. And now I'm too old to go on the show. Cara asks Kyle if he has a boyfriend. He says he has a lot of boys who are friends. She asks if he has a girlfriend, and Kyle doesn't know how to answer that. I love how both of them are so careful not to assume that Kyle is heterosexual, or that it would be bad if he weren't. Like, Kyle's first reaction wasn't "Dude, I'm not gay!" In an interview, Kyle says that he's known Nicole for many years, and that they've been together a long time, but that they don't know what their status is now. In an interview, Cara says that she broke up with Jared, her boyfriend of a year, and she thinks he wanted to propose to her. I wonder if she broke up with him because Jared seemed like a cool name at first, but now everyone just asks if he's the formerly fat guy from the Subway ads. ["Ha! I was totally just about to make a Subway joke here." -- Wing Chun] Cara tells Kyle that she has always had a boyfriend. Kyle says, "Oh, you're one of those girls." Cara agrees that she's totally that girl. Against my better judgment, I'm kind of liking Cara. Every time I expect her to go one way, she goes the other, and it's refreshing. Like I expected her to shriek and say, "No! I'm not like that!"
The roommates are all gathering in the hot tub when Cara and Kyle arrive. Where are their bags? The introductions are made, and hugs are exchanged. Keri and Kyle meet; in an interview, Keri responds, "Yowza! Kyle is cute!" In an interview, Kyle says that he could not stop looking at Keri's lips, because "you could set up tracts of land on those things." That doesn't really make sense, but I get what he's saying. Aneesa, Theo, and Tonya chill in the hot tub while everyone else sits around. In an interview, Cara says that she couldn't believe how great Tonya's body was. In an interview, Kyle refers to Tonya as "the rural, backwoods Pam Anderson of the house." That might be going a bit far.
The new arrivals want to check out the house. No one seems to be pissed that Theo and Aneesa already staked a claim on their room. Somehow, Chris, Kyle, and Keri end up rooming together. Chris voice-overs that he's not sure about sharing a bedroom, because he's never had to. Did he think that he would have a single? Tonya and Cara are the only ones left. They look at the fish in the fish tank. In an interview, Cara says that she's not sure about living with Tonya, because "she's a little bit cheesy." While that is true, I don't see how that applies to the living situation. In an interview, Tonya says that she's "deathly afraid" of not being accepted by the other women, or not enjoying the other women herself. The four women stand in a circle and bond. Tonya says that she was scared that there would be "a psycho bitch" who would walk in and say that the place sucked. Cara says that she was more afraid that the psycho bitch would say that the roommates all sucked. Clearly, these two have watched the show before. Cara claims that she's not psycho, and all of the other women agree that they are not psycho either. Heh. Do you think that the roommates who were kind of psycho (Flora, Montana, Kaia) would have characterized themselves that way, especially on the first day?
The roommates gather in the hot tub and discuss their backgrounds. I think what they were really discussing was, "Why did you get cast?" but that's never overtly said. Aneesa says that her father is Muslim and black, and her mother is white and Jewish. Cara is excited, because she's Jewish, too. Really? I never would have guessed. Kidding. She looks like she got slapped by a yarmulke. (Note: simmer down. It's a joke -- Jaime Pressly was on Howard Stern, and she told him that he looked like he got slapped by a yarmulke, not understanding why that might be offensive to a Jewish person). Aneesa says that the other girls didn't like her, because they thought that her boyfriends liked her, and she didn't date black guys because she was scared of them. Huh? Isn't her father a black guy? Anyway, she concludes that she stopped dating guys, and that her mother wishes she would get a boyfriend, and that she might marry a guy someday, but she doesn't know. I do admire Aneesa's acknowledgement of the fluidity of sexuality. In an interview, Chris says that he admired how Aneesa came out immediately, and it comforted him. Chris reminds me of someone on television or in movies, but I can't figure out who yet. Maybe a little Giovanni Ribisi?
Kyle says that he embodies "the All-American white boy," because he played football and went to Princeton. That's about all Kyle has to say for himself. Keri says that she grew up on a farm and moved to New Orleans at eleven, started drinking at fifteen, and started bartending at eighteen. In an interview, Kyle says that Southern accents like Keri's make him weak in the knees.
Tonya says very sincerely that she loves people, and she's a nursing student. She is kind of cheesy. Aneesa asks if Tonya will comfort her if she's sick. Kyle says something about porno nurse fantasies. Tonya goes on to say that she grew up in foster care. Yeah, they're totally talking about why they got cast. In an interview, Tonya says that she has no contact with her mother, and she doesn't know who her mother is or where she lives. They all ask why Chris is unique. In an interview, Tonya says that she thinks that Chris might be holding back on them. In an interview, Chris says that it's hard to come out within two hours of meeting people. Oh, just come out already. Nobody except Theo cares, and he'll get over it. I mean, I know it's difficult, especially when you don't know how people will react, and especially when he didn't come out to himself all that long ago. I'm not trying to minimize how scary that would be, and how painful the process would be. But in the eleventh season of this show, I don't think that anyone will be that surprised to find out that one of the guys is gay.
After the commercial, the question is posed to Chris again. They cut in footage of everyone staring in his general direction to make it seem like he paused for a few minutes before answering. Chris says that he's a painter and an artist, and he's also a recovering alcoholic. In an interview, Chris says that he can't control his drinking, and things have been so much better for him since he's been sober. Keri says that she admires that Chris is a recovering alcoholic. In an interview, Chris says that he decided not to come out to his roommates because his sexuality is only a part of who he is.
Theo asks who has boyfriends or girlfriends. Tonya says that she is "absolutely in love with Justin." In an interview, Tonya declares that Justin is her soul mate. I give them a month before they break up. Or before he comes to visit and gets upset that she is moving beyond him. Or any of the other situations that have happened in past seasons. Tonya gives a big lecture to the others about how great it is to be in love, and she comes off as very condescending. She claims, "No distance is going to change us. I will marry that man. I love him." I hope they replay that clip when they eventually break up. Later, Tonya gets a phone call from Justin. They miss each other. Blah blah blah. Tonya tells Justin, "Chicago is...going to be a real trial." We see footage of Tonya on the El, looking at an ambulance. They don't have ambulances in Walla Walla? In an interview, Chris says that Tonya isn't used to being in a city environment, and that they have to watch out for her.
Aneesa hangs out naked in the bathroom. Kyle walks in and sees her, then apologizes and backs out. Aneesa tells him that it's cool. Kyle can't believe that she is comfortable with others seeing her nude. Aneesa explains that she grew up with her whole family walking around naked, but she clutches a towel to her chest when she says it. In an interview, Kyle says that Aneesa is comfortable, but that the people around her might not be. Exactly. Put those things away, Aneesa. In an interview, Aneesa says again that it's how she was brought up. Aneesa tells Kyle that if he sees "an ass cheek or a tit, [she] won't freak out."
Aneesa and Theo prepare for bed. Theo says that he likes women with some meat on their bones. Aneesa agrees. In an interview, Theo says that he thought Aneesa was beautiful from the moment she stepped off the elevator, and "the gay thing" didn't really change his mind, because he thinks that she is "more bisexual than full-on gay." Aneesa checks out some of Theo's photos and says that the girls are cute. Theo says, "I don't mind lesbians, because that's sexy as hell, but dudes? That's disgusting." Aneesa disagrees, and says that whatever makes someone happy is cool with her. Chris is standing outside their room in the hallway, putting some of his clothes on some shelves. They make it out like he can overhear this conversation, but he doesn't have any obvious reaction. Aneesa says as long as you do things tastefully, it's fine. Theo thinks that it's impossible to be tasteful as a gay man. Hmm. Aneesa gets angry and claims that they are not going to get into this discussion. She walks out of the room, past Chris in the hallway. Theo yells after her, asking if she's scared. Aneesa says that she isn't. Chris still has no reaction. Remember earlier when I said that Theo needs to learn that it's not all about him? That still applies here. Also, I still don't get why, in this day and age, anyone thinks that it's okay to say that gay people are disgusting. Even if you think that, which I also don't understand, why would you think that would be an okay thing to share with your new roommates?
Morning montage. Cara and Aneesa shower together. In an interview, Cara says that Aneesa's "touchy-feeliness" doesn't make her uncomfortable. Cara says that Aneesa isn't checking her out, because Cara isn't Aneesa's type, and even if she were, Cara wouldn't feel uncomfortable. Aneesa calls out to someone to come and help them. Theo runs right over, and it turns out that they just need someone with dry hands to open something. Theo expresses his disappointment, and then peeks into the shower. It sounds like he says that the girls have shirts on, but I couldn't tell for sure.
Tonya tells her roommates that just because she's from a redneck town doesn't mean that she is a total innocent, and that she "gets [her] own." Cara says that she found out last night that Tonya is not a virgin. Apparently, none of the roommates is. Well, they're not sure about Chris, because he's not in the room at the moment. Tonya gets up to run and find Chris and ask him about his sexual experience. In an interview, Cara says that there's something about Chris that is reserved and innocent, so she thought that he was "the house virgin." The girls all run into the bathroom, where Chris is trying to wash his face in peace and quiet. They ask if he is a virgin, and he says that he isn't. In fact, he lost his virginity early -- at twelve, to a babysitter. Tonya's jaw drops to the floor. Seriously? A lot of my friends lost their virginity in seventh grade, which would have been twelve or thirteen, right? Looking back, it seems pretty scary, but at the time, I didn't think anything of it. I'm just saying -- it's not that unusual. In an interview, Chris says that in high school, he was "the kid who would pick on the openly gay person," and that he had girlfriends. Interesting. Chris is an interesting guy.
The roommates decide to go out and take in the sights of Chicago. They head to Michigan Ave. That's, like, the one thing I know about Chicago. In an interview, Kyle says that he feels somewhat responsible for showing the others around, because he's from the area. Kyle and Keri look at some jewelry in a store window. In an interview, Keri says that she's very attracted to Kyle. They decided to go to the top of the Hancock Observatory. It's high up, and the elevator goes really fast. In an interview, Cara says that the view is "absolutely beautiful." Yawn. I mean, it is nice, but what am I supposed to be getting out of this? That the roommates are bonding.
Back at the apartment, Cara and Kyle discuss their roommates. Cara says that "the Southern girl is adorable." Kyle asks if Cara knows Keri's name; Cara does. Kyle thinks that Chris is the nicest person in the house. Cara says that Tonya is "nothing but sweet." Kyle thinks that Tonya will be hung up on her boyfriend the whole time. Cut to Tonya on the phone whispering to Justin. Cara doesn't think that will happen. Cara says that Aneesa is "wonderfully open." Kyle says that he's not like that, but that he likes people who are. The camera focuses in on the Papa John pizza boxes, like they live in Chicago, home of the deep dish pizza, and they get shitty takeout Papa John pizza? Nice one, MTV. Remember in New Orleans, when they actually got good food on the first night? Kyle adds that Theo seems like a lot of fun.
Theo and Aneesa sit by the hot tub smoking. Again? Or is this footage from the previous day? Who knows? Theo asks whom Aneesa thinks she might hook up with in the house. Aneesa asks who he thinks. Theo says that it's probably Tonya. Aneesa disagrees. Theo guesses Cara next, and Aneesa agrees. She likes Cara's personality, and asks what Theo thinks. Theo likes Cara, but he's more attracted to Aneesa, too, even though she claims to be gay. Aneesa says that she doesn't like labels. In an interview, Aneesa says that she needs to make it clear to Theo that she's not into men, but she chose to be his roommate, which was kind of stupid. Yes. Yes, it was.
Everyone gets all dolled up for a night on the town. They go out to a club called the Funky Buddha Lounge. Theo and Aneesa dance together. Kyle and Keri flirt. In an interview, Theo says that he's never seen a woman dance like Aneesa before, and that it's sexy. So are you getting the vibe that Theo likes Aneesa? They drink a lot. In an interview, Tonya says that Aneesa and Theo are very sexual on the dance floor. Theo voice-overs that Aneesa gives him mixed signals, and he doesn't think she's 100% gay. On the dance floor, Aneesa has her legs wrapped around Theo's waist while he grinds up against her. Okay, that was pretty sexual. Especially since she was wearing a skirt.
Back at the apartment, Theo and Aneesa get into the hot tub. They both agree that they had a lot of fun. In an interview, Aneesa says that she flirts with Theo because he's fun to flirt with, and she has something that he wants, and he's not going to get it. In other words, she likes to lead him on because she likes the attention. Which is so not cool. In the hot tub, Theo gives Aneesa a foot rub and tells her how sexy she is. In an interview, Aneesa says that Theo tells her once a day that they are going to have sex. They get into their separate beds in the same bedroom. Theo claims that he might jump into her bed at some point, but not necessarily have sex. Aneesa says that he can sleep with her if he wants, but nothing is going to happen. Aneesa voice-overs that she has gotten used to sleeping with something, whether it be a person or a stuffed animal, and she misses it. So get another stuffed animal and stop leading poor Theo on, girl!
The next morning, Theo and Aneesa are in bed together. In an interview, Theo says that usually if you sleep in a girl's bed, you think that you're about to have sex with her. No, you think that, Theo. Not everyone. Anyway, nothing happened between them. Theo says that he's going to "let her be gay." Well, I'm sure that Aneesa appreciates your permission. But he's there, ready and willing, if Aneesa changes her mind.
Kyle and Keri decide to feed the fish. In an interview, Cara says that she thinks those two have a crush on each other, and that they hit it off very well. Keri puts some food in the fish tank. Kyle argues over the feeding directions. Keri protests. Cara watches them, and then stands there in a bikini with a cigarette hanging out of her mouth. Sexy. Except, not. Keri and Kyle flirt about the fish food some more.
Kyle talks to Chris about whether it makes him uncomfortable to be around the rest of them when they are drinking. Kyle doesn't want to be in a position where he feels like he is tempting Chris to drink. Chris understands, and says that he wouldn't put them in a situation that he couldn't handle. Chris asks if his being there ruined any good time. Kyle doesn't think so. In an interview, Chris says that he never thought Kyle would care about recovery issues. Kyle asks whether it's hard to be around people who are drinking. Chris says that it's not, and that he's used to it by now. In an interview, Chris says that he doesn't want to be "that angry, bitter alcoholic that isn't drinking." Okay, I'm not sure, but I think I just saw two roommates have a calm and mature conversation about an issue that was bothering one of them a great deal. Am I watching the right show?
Chris says that he lives in "an artsy neighborhood" now, and wants to get into the art scene. Chris, Kyle, and Theo go to an art gallery where there is a showing of fetish art. Most of the pictures are black and white photographs of male figures, many of them featuring bondage and full frontal nudity. Kyle voice-overs that he thinks it's cool, but it's not really his thing. Kyle and Theo are carrying food, like they must have stopped off at this gallery on their way home from picking up takeout or something. Chris voice-overs that he wasn't really paying much attention to his roommates because he was trying to get to know the artists who were there. Kyle and Theo arrive home first. Theo says that he didn't like the photos. Kyle says that he appreciates that kind of art, but wasn't crazy about it. Theo says that Chris seems to be really into it. Theo mumbles some more. Chris walks in and apologizes for the "fetish art." Kyle comes up with some sort of theory about making beauty out of ugly things. In an interview, Chris says that he doesn't know if his roommates have the culture to appreciate the art. Nice. Nothing like a pretentious art major. Chris says something about bondage and freedom. Kyle brings up the penis shots. Theo makes a face.
Aneesa hangs out naked in the hallway, practically wearing a sign that says, "Everyone pay attention to me! Notice meeeee!" She puts on a robe, but her boobs are still hanging out. Cara invites Aneesa to go out for a drink. Aneesa says that she needs to take a shower, but Theo won't get out, so she's going to need to get in there with him. She couldn't just flush a toilet? That would get him out in a hurry. Cara tells Aneesa not to do that, because Theo is in love with her. Like Aneesa doesn't know exactly what she's doing. She ignores Cara and gets into the shower anyway.
Aneesa warns Theo that she's about to get into the shower. She gets in and tells him that she doesn't want to see his penis. Theo smacks her ass and then brags that he smacked her ass. Aneesa tells him to stop, and he does it again. Maybe she should, I don't know, get the FUCK out of the shower? In an interview, Aneesa says that Theo makes her uncomfortable because he takes it too far at times. I want to like Aneesa, but she's making it very difficult. Theo claims that Aneesa is looking at his "stick." Aneesa says that she's not interested in it. In an interview, Aneesa says that she dropped something, but she didn't want to bend over in the shower. She does it anyway. Aneesa voice-overs that she thought about getting a boyfriend, but when it comes to the sex-with-men part, she's just not interested. Theo asks whether Aneesa's chances of going straight are like his chances of going gay -- not gonna happen. Aneesa agrees. In an interview, Aneesa admits that it's her fault because she got in there with him. Aneesa gets out of the shower and says that she now realizes how much she likes women. Heh. Theo is so repulsive that he turns girls gay.
Aneesa walks up behind Chris and starts rubbing his back. In an interview, Chris says that he feels close to Aneesa because she's so open about her sexuality. In an interview, Aneesa says that she didn't know at first that Chris was gay, but when they were all in the hot tub, and when Aneesa was talking about being gay, Chris grabbed her leg, and she figured out that he was gay. Aneesa and Chris discuss looking through the paper for gay and lesbian bars. Chris is going to go online and find out where to go. Aneesa offers to come to a bar with him. Chris quietly says, "I'd love you to come." Aw.
Chris and Aneesa get a cab and go to a club. Aneesa wants to see men in tight pants and one lesbian, and she'll be happy. In an interview, Aneesa says that she and Chris have a lot in common, and that he trusts her. They are excited to go to a gay club. Chris says that he doesn't want to be categorized as a gay guy, and he especially doesn't want Kyle to feel uncomfortable, since they are sharing a bedroom. Aneesa says that she doesn't know if the others have any idea yet, and that no one has said anything to her. In an interview, Chris says that he can't make the others feel a certain way, and that he can only ask them to accept him. Chris and Aneesa arrive at the bar. In an interview, Chris says that being gay and with Aneesa is great. Or something like that.
Keri gets ready for bed. Kyle says that Chris and Aneesa went to a gay club. Keri wonders whether Chris has explicitly said that he's gay. Kyle says that Chris hasn't said anything to him, and thinks only Aneesa knows. Kyle thinks that Chris doesn't want him to know. Heh. It's funny that everyone is totally cool and Chris is all worried about it. Theo sketches and writes in a journal. In an interview, Theo says that he thinks Aneesa is a cool person, and if that's as far as their relationship goes, he's fine with it.
At the club, Aneesa and Chris dance and talk to people. Back home, Aneesa makes a phone call. She sees Theo's pick sitting on top of a book. She totally opens it and looks at his sketches. She comes upon a notepad with Theo's writing on it, and starts reading it. She tries to get Chris's attention and finally walks over to the bathroom to show him what she's found. In an interview, Aneesa says that she and Theo have a lot in common because they both like music and girls. Aneesa shows Chris the writing. It says, "If I can't have her for a girl, she'll be my friend." In an interview, Aneesa says that she and Theo are going to be like brother and sister. Aneesa walks into her bedroom wearing just underwear and blows out a candle, then kisses a sleeping Theo on the forehead.
This season: the roommates go to a haunted house. They work as lifeguards. Keri likes Kyle, but he has a girlfriend. Theo brings home many ladies. Chris meets some dude. A bunch of dudes shower together. Cara hooks up with lots of people. Aneesa has drama in her relationship. Theo yells at Tonya, who throws a glass at him. Tonya is "going back to Walla Walla." Looks interesting. For once, I'm actually interested in what happens with these people. Yippee!
Episode 3
Its summertime in the city and our seven strangers are chilling on the sandy Chicago beaches. Newly single Cara is lonely and on a mission…the Boy Hunt is on. First up is Jason, a guy she eyes across the sand castles and through the hard-bodies. She gives him the digits and they plan to make a date out of it.
While Cara is excited about the date, she doesn't seem to really know what she wants. She still has feelings for her ex-boyfriend Jared, who apparently wants to marry her. She feels lonely when she's not with someone and needs physical affection to feel good about herself. This week she must feel absolutely great as she spends the night with a "rock star" and her friend from home, Nick. As she tells Theo, "Friends can sleep together."
While Cara is busy finding where the boys are, Chris struggles with telling his roommates that "finding the boys" is also one of his favorite activities. Everyone seems pretty aware of his sexuality except for Theo, who tells Aneesa that he's surprised there isn't a gay guy in the house. She coyly hints, "You never know."
When Chris finally does come out to his roommates, it doesn't seem to be that big of a deal. Kyle and Theo have a frank discussion about it and Theo is comfortable enough to engage Chris and his boyfriend Kurt in a conversation about architecture. The person who seems to have the most problem with it, however, is Tonya. Her "interpretation of being in a homosexual relationship is just a lot of drugs and a lot of sin." But rather than talk to Chris about it, she keeps her thoughts to herself and pretends to be OK with his lifestyle.
Episode 4
Everyone’s bonding…except for Tonya. She’s not about going out, she’s about sitting at home talking on the phone with Justin. The rest of the gang is frustrated that she doesn’t spend time with them and thinks she might be making up excuses and drama when things get hard. Kyle remarks, "My relationship with Tonya is very much a labor of love. Occasionally, with a heavy emphasis on the labor side of things."
Meanwhile, the cast finds out that they will be working as lifeguards for Illinois State Parks and Recreation. They are all excited about the prospect of being on the beach all the time until they realize that they actually have to pass certification. Theo wants to be a lifeguard but doesn’t know how to swim very well. Cara’s dad is overjoyed that his daughter is following in his footsteps as a saver of lives, but the idea really scares her. She doesn’t try very hard because she doesn’t want the responsibility and eventually declines getting certified. After all is said and done, only Keri, Chris and Kyle are certified to work.
This is most shocking for Tonya, who has been a certified lifeguard in the past. The problem? Her kidney infection is acting up severely and she’s unable to complete the physical tasks necessary to be a lifeguard. She’s in so much pain that she wants to go home and see her doctor. Aneesa doesn’t buy it. She thinks that "Tonya probably has a few things wrong with her body…but she’s going home because she’s homesick. She misses her boyfriend."
As the gang is driving back from training, Tonya gets a ride from a neighbor so that she can fly home.
Episode 5
It seems pretty obvious to everyone that Keri likes Kyle and Kyle likes Keri, but there's a problem. Kyle has a long-time girlfriend at home that he really loves, Nicole, and he's trying really hard not to do anything to jeopardize their relationship. He says, "Nicole and I met two and a half years ago and we jumped into this fairy-tale love." Apparently the fairy tale includes Keri because Kyle seems to enjoy spending a lot of time in the same bed with her, flirting.
While Kyle, Keri and the rest of the cast members are bonding in Chicago, Tonya is back in Walla Walla with Justin and her doctors. When she lands, it's pretty clear that homesickness was as big a factor in her coming home as her physical illness. Tonya says that she "realized that Walla Walla is an incredible place with amazing people that is the closest to a home that [she’s] ever had."
Keri and Kyle’s flirtatious relationship isn’t always wonderful. When Kyle's friends come into town, he gets stand-offish with Keri. He doesn’t want his friends to think that there’s something going on with her, especially since they are used to him being with Nicole. When Keri and Cara decide to join Kyle and his buddies out for a night on the town, things get heated because Kyle ignores Keri the entire time. As the show closes, the two are arguing outside the bar.
Episode 6
After arguing with Kyle on the train, Keri decides she should start dating other people instead of pining for Kyle. She meets and makes a date with Tyler, and surprise, surprise, Kyle is more than a little bit jealous. His not-so-veiled negative remarks about the boy aren’t lost on the other roommates and are definitely not lost on Keri. Which is fine, because she still really likes Kyle. After the date, she decides that Tyler’s a nice guy but that playing the pseudo-dating game with Kyle is more fun.
Meanwhile, Theo’s finally gotten comfortable in the house…maybe a little too comfortable. He’s taken to inviting large groups of people over to party, annoy everyone else, and puke in uncool places. The roommates aren’t amused, especially Chris and Aneesa, who call Theo out for his actions. Theo refuses to apologize and says he'll "be damned if these people come down on [him] like [he’s] a kid."
When Tonya returns to Chicago, she gets back in her most familiar position--on the phone. While everyone else seems pleased to see her, Theo has gotten used to using the phone at his leisure. Frustrated with her constant yapping to Justin, Theo disconnects the phone while Tonya is on the phone. She reacts by throwing a glass near him, smashing it. Theo responds with his usual bravado, claiming he’s not going to apologize. When it becomes apparent that the situation is a little more dire than he thought--the girls want to have a meeting to discuss his behavior--he decides to tone it down and apologize to Cara and Tonya for screwing up.
Episode 7
It’s the first official day of work for everyone. Keri, Chris and Kyle are on the beach with their lifeguarding duties while Cara, Tonya, Aneesa and Theo are working with the Chicago Parks program helping to design and paint a mural with a children’s program. Everyone seems happy with their jobs, although Kyle notes that being a lifeguard mostly means having to be a jerk.
Kurt comes down to spend a week with Chris. At first, Chris seems a little overwhelmed with the amount of time and attention Kurt wants. Chris is about moving slow and Kurt is about being in a relationship and falling in love. Tonya tells Chris that she would be “sketched” if a guy was acting like that towards her. But Tonya is also sketched by the idea of two guys being in love with each other so what does she know about it?
While Kurt is in town, there’s a Human Rights Campaign Benefit Dinner and Chris and Aneesa encourage all of their roommates to attend. They all decide to go except Theo who feels like he would be supporting homosexuality if he went. Theo gets clarification from his dad that homosexuality is a sin and that this banquet is something that /"he does not need to go to./" After the banquet, Chris realizes that Kurt is a really special person and that he doesn’t know why he’s pushing him away. Kurt sleeps over which weirds Kyle out a little bit and allows for Keri to suggest that she and Kyle should sleep in the same bed together that night. Everyone just sleeps. Really.
Episode 8
Aneesa and her mom continue to struggle with issues during their phone calls. Aneesa’s mom wants Aneesa to try and not be "gay" while she’s in Chicago and to just have a good time. Aneesa, however, just wants to be free to be who she is…especially when she meets Veronica at gay night at Red Dog. They make an immediate connection and end up hooking up in the elevator of the loft.
Meanwhile, it’s the first real day of work for the non-lifeguards. They meet the kids who are going to be painting the mural with them along with Lara, the Chicago Parks District Manager, who is their boss. They get the kids to start brainstorming on the mural and they all start to realize, especially Tonya and Theo, the impact that they might have on these kids lives.
As Aneesa starts to get more involved with Veronica, the rest of the roommates want to know more about her. Theo wants to meet her and see what makes her so hot. When he finally does, he doesn’t see what the big deal is. Chris, however, thinks that Veronica might be a problem. She calls Aneesa from her ex-girlfriend’s house and starts adding unnecessary drama to the situation. Aneesa wisely chooses to break it off, but not before a huge shouting match occurs with Veronica and the ex, who decide to come to the house together to pick up some of Veronica’s things.
After screaming at Veronica on the street (to the delight of her roommates), Aneesa breaks down crying in the bathroom.
Episode 9
They’ve had the fight to end all fights but Veronica is still on Aneesa’s mind. Aneesa looks for sympathy and understanding from everyone but no one is interested. Her mom doesn’t want to hear any more bad news, Tonya and Chris think that Aneesa should just be glad to be rid of her. But Aneesa really wants Veronica to call. Cara empathizes with her, saying, "I don’t blame Aneesa at all for still having feelings for Veronica. Sometimes when people push you away, it makes you that much more likely to attach yourself to them."
Cara may know a thing or two about this phenomenon. Her dad comes in for a quick visit and takes everyone out to dinner. Cara reveals that her dad is now living in Indiana while the rest of her family is in St. Louis, which isn't ideal. She had never felt close to her father until recently and is very appreciative of his love. After her dad leaves, she’s also really appreciative of Kyle’s friend Djordje. She’s so intrigued by him that they have a very public one night stand that leaves Cara a bit broken.
Meanwhile, the "bitch" calls. Well, that’s how Aneesa describes it. Veronica leaves a multitude of messages and eventually Aneesa agrees to see her. After a brief battle, Aneesa gives in and takes her back. But the rekindled romance is short lived after a night on the town ends with Veronica once again in the center of drama and police stepping in. Aneesa has finally had enough and breaks up with Veronica over the phone, hanging up on her with the parting words, "Feel the center of this, bitch!
Episode 10
Just as Justin is planning to visit Tonya in Chicago, she relapses with her kidney problem. The situation is so bad that Cara rushes her from work to the emergency room. Tonya is in an incredible amount of pain and explains to Cara that this was the reason that she went home the first time. After getting treated she decides she should stay home for the rest of the week, which happens to include the time that Justin will be there. Theo thinks that “Tonya’s illness is absolutely real…she’s not faking it. But…her not going to work has more to do with sex with her boyfriend.”
Meanwhile, Kyle is planning a trip to his father’s lakeside cabin. Everyone is planning to go and it seems like couples are forming--Tonya & Justin, Chris & Kurt…and Keri & Kyle. Kyle is concerned about how this might appear and begs Theo and Aneesa to come up early with him and Keri so it doesn’t look like he’s going on a "romantic retreat" with her. They initially agree but back out when they realize that they are being manipulated. All of this effort is for naught, however, as Nicole tells Kyle that they should break up and not talk for the rest of his time in Chicago.
Episode 11
The gang all heads up to Kyle's lake house for a weekend of sun and fun. The couples--Justin and Tonya and Chris and Kurt--find time for sex and other activities, while the single roommates hang together. Even with Nicole out of the way, however, Kyle won't give in to his urges and hook up with Keri. They sleep in separate rooms and don't spend much time together over the weekend. Kyle explains, "I have a great time with Keri and I really like being with her...but Nicole is still very, very with me."
When everyone is back in Chicago, the happy romances and the cautious flirting turn sour. Chris realizes that Kurt wants a lot more out of their relationship than he is able to give. Chris wants to focus on his recovery and on trying to stay sober while he bartends, but Kurt wants a commitment. Chris calls Kurt and ends it.
Meanwhile, Keri is starting to realize that Kyle isn't treating her fairly. She talks with Tonya about her frustrations and decides that unless Kyle is willing to put her first, their flirtation has to end. Back at the loft, Keri tells Kyle how she's feeling and says she "just wants to be friends and nothing more." Kyle doesn't seem too upset by the turn of events.
Episode 12
The gang is continuing to work with the kids in Humboldt Park with varying degrees of success. The kids think Tonya is like a drill sergeant, always nagging and never playing. One of the kids most at risk, Nelson, isn't coming around as much as he should. Theo is worried and lets Nelson know that "he should be working on the mural again...instead of getting into trouble."
Meanwhile, Keri is having the post-Kyle blues and is getting homesick. When she gets the opportunity to go home for the weekend, she jumps at it. She wants to feel some closeness and intimacy with people who didn't go to Princeton and get her head together. While Keri's away, Kyle and Cara get closer. Cara admits that though she and Kyle are just friends, if Keri weren't in the picture, she and Kyle might "share a drunken kiss."
When Theo's friends come into town, he parties like crazy. They hang out until the wee hours of the morning and Theo oversleeps, leaving Tonya to deal with the kids. It's not a good situation; the kids are very upset that he isn't there with them. Tonya doesn't know how to interact with them and gets frustrated. When Theo finally shows up to work, he realizes how much his presence is really needed and apologizes for being so shortsighted. He then works on getting Nelson to stick with the program and to help build a bridge between him and Tonya
Episode 13
Aneesa’s openness is becoming a problem for Tonya. Everyone loves a beautiful body, but Tonya is a little tired of seeing Aneesa’s all the time. Aneesa’s open door policy for the bathroom and frank discussions about sex put Tonya over the edge, and they have a conversation about it. Aneesa is immediately defensive, refusing to understand how her nudity could be a problem for someone else. Tonya begrudgingly agrees to try to learn to be more accepting, while Aneesa compromises as well, saying that she is "sorry if Tonya was made to feel uncomfortable."
Meanwhile, Cara’s ex-boyfriend Ali comes to visit. He’s "evil." He’s "the boyfriend from hell." He’s…cute! Cara is a very forgiving ex-girlfriend, apparently. Though Ali supposedly "crushed" her the last time, she doesn’t hold any ill will, and after a brief tug of war, they are touching and groping. They spend a night together, which results in two things for Cara: orgasm and closure. While her body said yes, her mind and heart still said no, so she sends Ali on his way.
His visit, however, shined a big spotlight on Cara’s self-image and body issues. A friendly pinch from Chris as she got ready for a date with Ali sent her into a complete breakdown. Chris and Keri are confused by the reaction and Keri and Tonya wonder if Cara has an eating disorder. Chris, however, goes directly to the source and discusses the situation with Cara. He imparts some of his recovery wisdom to her and the friends make up with a kiss
Episode 14
Things seem to be okay with Aneesa and Tonya. They aren’t the best of friends by any stretch but they are at least talking and sharing and being nice roommates to one another. Aneesa, however, does seem to be annoying everyone else. She won’t do the chores when its her turn, taking days and days to wash the dishes. Theo wants to ‘ground’ her but Cara decides to just wash the dishes for her instead of confronting Aneesa about it. Kyle asks Cara, 'When am I gonna see you pissed off?'
Meanwhile, all isn’t well in Walla Walla. Tonya passes a kidney stone and has to return to the hospital. She’s scared to go though because she’s already in tremendous medical debt and doesn’t want to get deeper in. Plus, she’s worried she’s going to lose her waitressing job. But she’s sick and the roommates take her to the hospital so she can get well. They are all very concerned for her. Theo even writes her a note and goes to visit her while she’s there. But Aneesa keeps putting off going. She claims she’s scared of hospitals and that she wants to just see Tonya by herself and excuses excuses. She eventually goes to visit Tonya and then is upset that Tonya isn’t thrilled to see her. Aneesa, maybe its not about you, right?
Cara’s unwillingness to have confrontations gets a little more willing as she sees Aneesa avoid going to visit Tonya, avoid doing the dishes and avoid being accurate at work. Cara comments that Aneesa is being a little ‘slow’ while transcribing what the kids are saying and Aneesa is upset by it. Cara wasn’t trying to make fun of Aneesa, she literally meant that she writes slowly. Cara doesn’t back down though when Aneesa confronts her about it. Aneesa eventually gets around to doing all the things she’s supposed to do, Cara feels stronger and Tonya returns home.
All is well, except for the nearly 10,000 dollars in Medical bills Tonya now has to deal with on top of the bills from her emergency room visit a few short weeks ago.
Episode 15
It’s the last day of working with the Summer Parks Programs. Kyle, Keri and Chris are bummed that they are done lifeguarding. Kyle is really going to miss it because he doesn't think that the next job is 'going to afford him a lot of peace.' Its also the last night with the kids as they present their mural for their parents. Theo is worried that Nelson won't show but he does eventually and even participates in the presentation.
The roommates decide to celebrate the end of their jobs with a night out with drinks. Chris isn't interested in celebrating that way and heads home to the chagrin of Kyle. Kyle doesn't know how to deal with someone who's battling alcoholism and is struggling to understand. Kyle asks if he can attend an AA meeting with Chris and Chris is very excited to have the opportunity to share that with him. The meeting proves to be a revelation for Kyle. He tells Chris that 'he was planning on clubbing and getting wasted that night but [he's] glad [he] did this.'
The gang gets their new job. They are going to be performers on the plaza in the storytelling tent. Immediately, having the 7 of them together on a job causes problems. Theo is unhappy having to work on a Halloween event. He doesn’t want to 'glorify demons…celebrate the devil’s holiday.' Things get even more heated when he is uncomfortable with Keri's story. He doesn’t want to see anyone hanged. It reminds him of slavery. The rest of the group doesn't see the racial connotations and an argument ensues. Theo vows that he will do his job well despite disagreeing with everything that's going on.
Episode 16
09.10.01 – It’s the day before Aneesa’s birthday, late at night and she’s hoping to get some phone time to talk to friends and family so that she can celebrate her birthday a bit before going to bed. Tonya, as usual, is dominating the phone with phone calls from Justin who is calling her from a tanning salon. The two argue about the phone and Tonya wins this round, refusing to debate the issue while she talks with Justin. Kyle encourages her to get off the phone so that Aneesa can use it and Tonya begrudgingly agrees to do so…in a little while.
09.11.01 – The cast, like most of the rest of the world, is glued to a television set watching the tragedy of the day. They go from supporting each other to desperately trying to find friends and family to trying to find meaning amongst the senseless violence. Kyle is desperate to find Nicole and his sister, both of whom live in New York near the World Trade Center. After several hours of busy signals, he gets a message from his sister who explains everything that’s gone on and eventually a call from Nicole. They agree to stay in contact over the next week or so to make sure each other is alright.
Aneesa and Tonya again do battle over the phone, however, this time Aneesa has the upper hand. Tonya tries to engage her in an argument about the phone but Aneesa refuses, explaining that Tonya was rude to her the night before so she would not be giving up the phone on this day, her birthday.
09.14.11 – The National Day of Remembrance and the cast does many of the same things the rest of the country did that day. They go to a public prayer service at the Daly Center, they buy flags and pins and find their sense of patriotism. They spend the evening lighting candles on their front stoop and singing songs with neighbors. Aneesa and Tonya even reconcile. They both realize that they were being petty and apologize to each other, hoping that after 09.11.01, The Real World is a friendlier place
Episode 17
After the events of 9.11, some of the roommates' priorities have changed, Kyle's in particular. He’s realized that he wants to be with Nicole and he is trying to get back together with her. Part of that means changing his relationship with Keri. Even though their relationship supposedly ended a few weeks ago, Keri reveals that they still hook up pretty regularly and that Kyle is always interested in her after she comes back from going out on dates. And sure enough, after Keri goes out on a blind date with a friend of Cara’s, Kyle is all over her again.
Meanwhile, after going out on a date with Danielle, Aneesa loses the keys to the minivan. Everyone is looking to her to take care of the problem and Aneesa stresses out about it. She cries to her mother about how much it's going to cost. She whines to her brother that getting it fixed won’t happen fast enough, but eventually she gets it done.
After Keri tags along with Kyle to a friend’s party, Kyle starts to feel suffocated by her attention. He complains to Cara that Keri wants something from him that he can’t give. Kyle tells Keri that he needs some space, and Keri doesn’t react very well. She tells him he's a jerk and complains to the rest of the roommates that Kyle is constantly taking advantage of her. Despite Kyle’s claims that things are over, it doesn’t seem like it's going to be that easy.
Episode 18
While discussing her relationship with Jared to Kyle, Cara realizes that she needs closure with him. He was her 'true love', her 'fairy tale romance' and she wants to know that she's doing the right thing by pursuing her dreams instead of spending her life with him. The roommates then all decide to join Cara on a trip to St. Louis to meet her family and support her while she spends some time with Jared.
Chris can't go because he has a family emergency and Tonya chooses not to go so she can work. The roommates are annoyed that Tonya would rather spend her time alone in the house than spend time with them. The time away from each other provides ample opportunity to be 'chatty.' Tonya spends much of her time on the phone completely railing on Cara, Aneesa, Keri and Kyle to Justin. It's not to unfair though, considering how the others spend much of their car ride to St. Louis ragging on her.
Once the gang arrives in St. Louis, Cara meets up with Jared and the two deal with how they broke up, how they feel and why they are hurting. Jared tells Cara that he needs to not have her in his life while he deals with the aftermath of their breakup. Cara realizes that Jared really is a wonderful guy and that she is giving up a lot to go after her dreams. But it's a chance she's willing to take. When the roommates return to the loft, they predict Tonya will be on the phone...which she is and it's obvious that separation has not made their hearts grow fonder. The tension between the group and Tonya is continues.
Episode 19
As time passes in the Chicago house, Tonya becomes more removed from the group. Her illness has kept her from group trips, from participating fully at work and from becoming a part of the close-knit group of friends. When she informs them that she can’t go on the trip to New England, the gang wonders whether or not she is using her sickness as an excuse because it just so happens that Justin is coming to Chicago at the same time. While everyone else makes fun of Tonya when she’s not there, Theo has had enough and lets her know what he and everyone else thinks about how she’s handling things. The argument brings Tonya to tears.
When Justin arrives, he confronts Theo about the incident. The two have an intense discussion and come to some agreement. Justin tells Tonya that she needs to avoid interacting with Theo and she gets defensive. Later, when the gang leaves, Tonya and Justin argue about Tonya’s friend Darren and her relationship with him. Justin thinks it's weird that Darren calls Tonya all the time, helps her with money and writes 'I love you' at the end of e-mails. However, when Tonya chastises Justin for not trusting her, he backs down.
Meanwhile, the rest of our Real Worlders head to New England. Chris is excited to show the gang his hometown. Theo and Chris have become close during their few months in the house, and Theo is impressed with Chris’ artwork. Theo is even comfortable enough with Chris to go to a party that will be predominantly gay. As Theo explains, 'If anyone asks me now if I have a gay friend, I’d say Hell yeah, and his name is Chris.'
Episode 20
While the rest of the gang is in Boston visiting haunted houses, including 'Spooky World,' Tonya is in Chicago working on their assignment there. Neither party seems to missing one another very much. However, Kyle feels pangs of guilt for not staying in contact with Tonya and Chris feels bad that he has been participating in the Tonya bashing. Cara then reveals that the only reason she defends Tonya is because she thinks 'someone has to'. Everyone is tense as they return to the house, not knowing what to expect from the relationship between Tonya and the rest of the gang.
When they return, they all come to the realization that they have very little time to get their performances together. When they see the space they are going to be performing in, it's a shock. They expected something like spooky world and instead its just a very 'not-so-spooky' tent. They hanker down, and begin practicing with Cara taking the lead as the director.
While all this is going on, tensions rise in the house when Tonya overhears Cara, Keri and Kyle making fun of her in their bedroom. Tonya makes the decision that she's going to call Cara out on her behavior. She feels hurt because she trusted Cara with a secret, her breast augmentation surgery, and Cara went and told everyone about it. Or so she thinks. As Cara says, 'I defended her...and it's not a big secret...look at your chest.' Tonya tries to bring out the conversation they shared about Cara's fear of an eating disorder but usually compliant Cara won't have it. The two butt heads with no resolution in sight.
Episode 21
There are just a few days until the gang begins their Halloween performances for the Chicago parks program. Things seem to be running smoothly except for one thing, Keri hasn’t finished her skit, 'Bloody Mary' and Cara and Kyle are giving her grief because of it. Keri’s feeling a little off put because Cara keeps remarking that Kyle is the playwright for the other two skits when they both worked on them. There is also something else going on between Cara and Kyle and the new coupling seems to be adept at keeping Keri on the outside looking in.
When it gets down to the wire and Keri’s skit isn’t where Cara wants it. She asks Keri if they can cut it. Keri, who seems to let things roll off her back with ease, agrees, although she thinks that it is going to have to happen anyway because their job requires them to do three. When Cara explains to Laura, their boss, that she wants to cut the skit, she claims that one of the major reasons is that Tonya is going into surgery. Tonya is unwilling to be the scapegoat this time and blows up at Cara telling her to stop lying and just own up to the fact that she doesn’t like Keri’s play.
They end up having to do all three and for the most part everything goes over very well. The kids love the skits and everyone is happy with the performances. The rift between Kyle, Cara and Keri is not so pleasant as Keri now feels that Cara isn’t being honest with her.
Episode 22
After years of repression, Aneesa feels her father should learn her true sexual orientation. Aneesa asks her mother to set up and mediate a phone conversation, but her mother refuses to get involved. Aneesa gets upset and admits her mother’s immature attitude has emotionally destroyed her. Desperate for help, Aneesa seeks refuge in Chris, who confesses his parents were appalled when he revealed his sexual orientation. With time, however, Chris’s parents warmed up to their son’s homosexuality, and learned to love and accept his lifestyle.
However, Aneesa’s problems go beyond her parents. She’s torn between the two women she’s been dating, Danielle and Latonia. On the one hand Danielle is physically attractive and outgoing, but Aneesa is fed up with her pretentiousness. On the other hand, Latonia is fun and down-to-earth, but doesn’t interact well with Aneesa’s personality. Aneesa fears the single life, and doesn’t know if she can deal with an emotional breakup with either women.
Inundated with medical debt, Tonya wonders why nothing good ever happens to her. Despite working two jobs, she can’t afford to pay her medical expenses and college tuition. The news only gets worse when Tonya’s doctors won’t perform surgery on her until she pays off 850 dollars in overdue debt. Without enough cash to cover her expenses, Tonya turns to Darren for funds. Despite Darren’s healthy contribution, Tonya realizes she won’t be able to return to school and pay off her medical bills unless she qualifies for the patient financial assistance program.
Aneesa and Tonya, emotionally drained by their problems, seek comfort in each other. Despite her hesitation, Aneesa works up the courage to break up with both Danielle and Latonia. Tonya finally gets some well-deserved good news that she’s been approved for patient financial assistance and has been completely relieved of all her debt.
Episode 23
Kyle's younger brother, Austin, watches the Halloween performance and stays at the house for an overnight visit. It's a sweet moment, but Tonya and Keri think that it's being done for the cameras. They rarely think that Kyle is sincere, and as their time gets shorter in the house, it's getting harder for them to keep up appearances for his benefit. Kyle's actions don't help much as he worries that he's used his time in Chicago poorly and worries more about how he will be perceived if he participates in a charity fashion show. The rehearsal process makes Kyle feel like he is "gay," but he learns to enjoy the "acting" element of modeling, and because it's for a good cause, he participates. Everyone in the house shows up at the fashion show to support Chris and Kyle's successful walks on the runway.
However, all isn't sunshine and roses between Kyle and Keri. When the parks manager calls Keri asking her to drop off the week's timesheets, she warns Keri that parking is extremely difficult and often incurs expensive tickets. Keri asks Kyle to drive her, but he refuses, believing it is another case of Keri wanting her hand held. Keri accuses Kyle of being too concerned about his "political career," and he storms away. After dropping off the timesheets, both apologize for their immaturity. When the gang goes out to a bar after the fashion show, Keri flirts with a couple of men, which Kyle believes is "not the classiest thing in the world." His comments make Keri feel like a slut, but when she confronts him, he refuses to apologize for expressing his opinion. Keri reiterates that Kyle has acted "fake" in the house and accuses him of bringing his brother to Chicago to bolster his family image in front of the cameras. Kyle blows up at her for dragging his family into it, and Keri confides to Chris that no one has made her "feel like crap" more than Kyle.
Episode 24
While the rest of the gang starts to get sentimental about leaving the loft and Chicago, Tonya's ready to go. She gleefully packs up her boxes and is excited about getting home to Justin. She hasn't made any strong friendships in the house and doesn't understand why everyone is getting sappy sentimental. She tells Justin that she can't stand all this 'mushiness.
Everyone else is all about the mush though as Cara sets up a night in a coffee house with her friend Matt to sing a few songs and sing one, in particular, for her roommates. When Tonya and Chris blow off the event to go to the gym, Cara and the rest of the roommates are very upset. Chris, who had debated not going before hand, realizes he's made the wrong decision and immediately apologizes to Cara. Tonya, however, puts up her usual defensive walls and refuses to say she's sorry. Cara, unwilling to take it anymore, calls Tonya on her attitude and asks her to move away from her so that she can enjoy the evening.
The roomies leave the house as they entered, with a chat in the hot tub. They all reminisce about the times they have had and the friendships they have made. Its all very emotional for just about everyone as they realize that the experience is over and that they have to return to their own personal real worlds.perhaps a little bit different now then when they left.
*Information and Pictures provided by MTV.com
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