by Gina Scarpa

 

We're at the halfway point in this season of MTV's Real World/Road Rules Challenge: The Duel 2 and friend of RealityWanted, Mark Long, is showing no signs of slowing down.  He may be the oldest competitor but he quickly proved that age is just a number.  Aligned with some of the strongest male competitors this season (including Brad, Landon, and Evan), Mark looks poised to take home the cash prize in the finale.  Today, he spoke to RealityWanted in an exclusive interview, dishing on the drama in the house, the dirtiest player, and why no one has called him yet into The Duel.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: How much convincing did it take for you to return to a challenge and be part of The Duel 2?
A. Mark: Not very much at all.  When I got the call from Bunim/Murray, it was sort of perfect timing.  We just finished a 2 and a half year run on Fox Reality Channel’s Reality Remix and it was just before the holidays of ‘08 and slow. So I said,  “I will do it under one condition: you have to promise me there are no teams.”  I wanted to go back and try to win this thing on my own rather than counting on a team usually filled with out of shape idiots and chain smokers.  When they said there were no teams, my answer was,  "Lets do this!!!!"  Of  course, I instantly went to the barber shop and said, "Hey, gimme the cool cut these days so I don't look 37," and, of course, the faux hawk was born again!

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: When did you pair up with Rachel and how did you come to the decision to make her your partner?
A. Mark: I talked to Rachel before we even left for New Zealand and we decided if there was ever a time we HAD to pair up guy/girl, she was my lady and I was her man.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: It's no secret that you're the oldest cast member this season.  What do you make of the drama that goes on in the house?
A. Mark: I love the drama! It’s nice not to be in it and losing my temper and punching busses (ala Gautlet 2) but the fight between CT and Adam was great.  When that happened, I thought, “Yep!  This is gonna get some good ratings!”

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Usually, the newest players are targeted first but Brittini seems to have an in with you guys.  Why is she different than say, Kimberly or Isaac?
A. Mark: Brittini was never a target because I think the girls were a bit intimidated by her.  In this case, it didn’t matter that she was a rookie.  It mattered that she was a strong competitor and I think the girls underestimated Kim, who appears smaller and weak, but we all saw what happen to Ruthie in the Duel.  Brittini was Landon’s partner and some of the guys and I protected him and the girls knew that.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Who is the shadiest player in the game? 
A. Mark: The shadiest player was probably Evan, but he is also a very smart player.  He is in a tight alliance with Brad, Landon, and me so I don't mind him being the fall guy most of the time.  At the end of the day, Evan is on my alliance and I back him 100 percent!!!

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What was your strategy, going into The Duel 2?
A. Mark: My strategy was to try to make it to the end.  I don't wanna be the old guy that shows up and goes through the motions.  I wanted to let all the guys know, that even at the ripe age of 37, I will still bring it like an 18 year old and get dirty if I have to.  I train all year round anyway, so it’s not like I get the call and am like, “Oh crap, I better get in shape!”  I am ready for competition 365 days of the year...still waiting on "Reality" Survivor!!  Yo, Mark Burnett if you read this, let's make this happen!

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Considering how strong you are, why hasn't anybody called you out yet to go into The Duel? 
A. Mark: Honestly, because they don't want their trip to end early!  I am very nice and have a fun personality, but if called out in a fight, duel, or competition, I am willing to die on the battlefield and a lot of players are not. I made it very clear that, if called out, I am not your friend, and will do anything I have to do to stay in the competition

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: You have aligned yourself with a pretty big group of people but who are you really looking out for at the end of the day (besides yourself)?
A. Mark: My main three guys, that you have probably already figured out and has been established on the show, is Brad, Evan, and Landon....no if, ands, or buts about that!

 

Q. RealityWanted:  Is there anything that you've seen, watching the episodes back, that surprised you or that you didn't know was going on when you were in the game? 
A. Mark: Yes, I am wearing to much clothing!  If I do another challenge, I am not wearing a shirt the entire time.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What would winning The Duel 2 mean to you? 
A. Mark: First, making it to the finals would be a personal victory for me, but winning some cash is just icing on the cake!

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: How long will you keep doing challenges?
A. Mark: I would love to do them forever, but honestly, I think I have one more with me and if I go back, I am goin’ out with a bang!

 

 

The Real World/Road Rules Challenge: The Duel 2 airs Wednesday nights at 10pm ET on MTV.

 

(Image courtesy of MTV)

 

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