December 14, 2006 12:26 PM

Erika Gonzalez on Real World: Denver

Mark_Wolf(Q) For starters, how does this season compare to previous seasons?
Erika_Gonzalez(A) Well, for starters it's already far more action packed than last season's Key West-based season, where besides the various hurricanes and Paula's eating disorder issues, the show consisted mainly of petty arguments. But I'd say that overall, the Denver season seems to be following the same pattern as many of its predecessors. There is usually a romance that develops between one or two of the roomies (which happened between Alex and Colie and Alex and Jenn), some racial tension (which we saw last night) and one character who eventually feels isolated. Although Davis was certainly the odd man out last night, I'm betting that Brooke is the roomie who will end up being labeled the black sheep of the house. There's lots of talk about her feeling especially challenged by the Outward Bound job the cast performs.

Mark_Wolf(Q) In last night's episode they let the N-word onto the air unbleeped once, bleeped numerous times. Do you think they'll get any backlash?
Erika_Gonzalez(A) No, I actually don't. The slur wasn't exactly on the same level as the racial tirade that Michael Richards unleased at that comedy club a few weeks back and thousands of people have tuned in to YouTube to see that. Plus, Stephen seemed more than willing to forgive Davis for his behavior and was more interested in expanding Davis' knowledge so that he doesn't let the word slip again. Even Tyrie was ready to kill Davis, forgave him in the end.

Mark_Wolf(Q) How have the ratings been?
Erika_Gonzalez(A) Well, there's been a lot of controversy about that. MTV sent out a press release stating that the premiere drew record numbers on the night before Thanksgiving. As you might recall, MTV aired the show three times that night. But Variety gathered ratings for just the episode that aired during the show's regular time slot and when it compared that particular show to the Key West premiere for the same time slot, the ratings were down significantly.

Mark_Wolf(Q) Does it seems to you they've been setting up a confrontation between the gay guy and the black guys from the get-go?
Erika_Gonzalez(A) Absolutely. It was no coincidence that the first cast mate to meet Davis (who came out recently) was Stephen (a conservative Christian). In the casting special, Stephen made it clear that he disapproved of the gay lifestyle and gay marriage. Tension was bound to arise.

Mark_Wolf(Q) I'm struck that the only interesting things they ever say is when they've been drinking. Given their target audience, how responsible is that? (I sound like such a parent).
Erika_Gonzalez(A) That's a question that I asked producer Jon Murray a few weeks ago. He contended that every season, they try to cast someone (who to the best of their knowledge) doesn't drink a lot. But this season, I can't figure out who that person might be. They all seemed pretty drunk in last night's episode.

Mark_Wolf(Q) What makes Alex so successful at separating girls from their clothes? Or is it the girls? Two of them do seem to be awfully quick to tumble onto the sheets.
Erika_Gonzalez(A) I'm curious about that myself. I think he's sort of the sterotypical, charming jock and girls dig that. He also acts a bit aloof, which I think drives his roomies a bit crazy. But after last week's heartfelt chat between Jenn and Colie, I don't think Alex will be hooking up with either of them anytime soon. Maybe he'll set his sights on Brooke....

Mark_Wolf(Q) From what you've read, what's coming up next week and in the future for these folks?
Erika_Gonzalez(A) From the previews, it looks like next week's episode focuses on Tyrie's various conquests. Even though he has a girlfriend back home, the Omaha native goes looking for ladies in Denver and finds two who are willing to put up with his antics. When Ty was in town a few weeks ago, he admitted that he hooked up with six women during his stay. As far as the future goes, expect many of these roomies to pop up on future episodes of the Real World/Road Rules Challenge.

Mark_Wolf(Q) Despite his drunken rant last night, Davis seems to have the most potential for a bit of depth on the show. I was struck by how they dealt with his relationship with his mother who says he's filled with demons and going to hell.
Erika_Gonzalez(A) He was certainly the guy who came across as the most earnest when I met him in September. And he still seems a bit conflicted about being gay. A strange romance erupts between he and Brooke later in the season, so yeah, I think he will be a very interesting character to watch.