by Gina Scarpa

 

It was one thing to have CT and Diem working together despite their failed relationship during The Challenge last season but it was quite another to have divorcees Danny and Melinda on the same team for Battle of The Seasons this year. The two hadn't seen each other in three years and tried (successfully) to be civil towards one another and (unsuccessfully) to win some money for themselves. With Wes being target number one for just about every team there, the Austin cast was picked off in the first two episodes. We talked to Melinda about living in the same house as her ex, her relationship with her Austin castmates, and how she felt about being home so early in the season.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What made you decide to do another Challenge and did you realize Danny would be on your team before heading to Turkey?
A. Melinda: I feel like I had a little bit of a time before I did another Challenge. I had just graduated from college in May. Before I had my license sent to me, I had some free time. I knew Danny would be on the Challenge with me. Before you go, you kind of hear from people who's going. We were like, "What's the odds of all of us being on the Challenge and NOT being on the same team?"

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: It's been a long time since you, Danny, Wes, and Lacey were together under the same roof! How was it to be back together?
A. Melinda: Honestly, I really enjoyed myself! I love Wes like a brother. Every time I get to hang out with him, it's awesome. I haven't seen Lacey since mine and Danny's wedding, which is kind of funny. It was great to see her. I was most excited about seeing her because I feel like we didn't really click in the house and I feel like, here, I got to know her a little bit more. Seeing Danny wasn't the most exciting thing to me... he's my ex, but I can still be civil.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Was it tough to be on a team with Wes, given the fact that he's such a huge target?
A. Melinda: Before I left, I knew kind of what I was getting myself into. This time, Wes went onto this Challenge being like, "I'm not going to play a political game," but as soon as we got there... your reputation precedes you and that's exactly what happened on this one. Everyone expected him to play this way but I think he just wanted to have a good time. I kind of knew what I was getting myself into but that's what I love about Wes. He's hilarious. In order to understand him, you have to know him outside of a Challenge. When he says cocky things, he's saying it in a funny way and I think people take him too seriously.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Two of my favorite casts over the years have been Austin and Brooklyn. You guys didn't have as much drama on your seasons or, if you did, it was real life drama, not played up for the cameras. What do you think of some of the younger Challenge players and the way they behaved?
A. Melinda: It's funny that you said that you liked Austin and Brooklyn. Chet is one of my favorite people in the entire world. I hung out with him, Devyn, JD, and Sarah more than anyone else. We're not like fresh off of our season where we're trying to get camera time and that's how I feel like the newer cast members were - like Frank for example. Everything he did... I can't put it into words... it was like planned out, like, "Oh I'm gonna do this or say that for camera time." For me, I don't like that. I bet outside of the Challenge, he's a really great guy and I've heard that about him. I don't judge people based on Challenges. You're in an insane asylum and you're going for money. I did get into a fight with Trishelle that they didn't show!

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: They don't show her at all! And you two got into a fight?! What happened?
A. Melinda: She's a terrible drunk and she was laying into Wes, without a valid reason at all. Also, she was hooking up with Zach first and now he's with Jonna. They didn't show any of that either!

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: The way this season is laid out, two members get eliminated and the other two have to continue competing as a team. You and Danny must've felt you were at a huge disadvantage, especially in this oil wrestling challenge. You had to go in every time!
A. Melinda: Absolutely! I think no matter what that challenge would've been, we would've been going into the elimination round. Why pick on a whole new cast when you can stick with the same cast? Danny had gotten really drunk one night and started picking fights - I don't know why they don't show this stuff! We just had this big bullseye on our backs. Going into the challenge and elimination round, I was thinking, "I'm not going to keep going in."

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: So were you disappointed to be eliminated or was it more like a relief?
A. Melinda: I feel like it was a huge relief. The elephant in the room is that I'm on a team alone with my ex-husband who I haven't seen in three years. Also, I knew we would've been going in every single time unless we won. These are usually designed for more people to compete, not just two people. It was a huge, huge relief for me!

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What's going on in your regular life? Any big plans coming up?
A. Melinda: Actually, I am a dental hygienist. I have been doing that since I got home. I actually randomly stumbled into my dream job, where they created a position for me because they loved me, which is pretty insane! That's like the biggest, most exciting thing in my life. I feel like a grownup! I have a niece and nephew that are my life. Next year, I'd like to do some raveling. If I get asked to do another, we'll see what happens. Hopefully it's like The Duel. For the first time, I wouldn't have anyone weighing me down. If I mess up, it's all on me.

 

 

On the next episode of The Challenge, two new couplings start brewing in the house, one of which threatens to break apart a team AND ruin an entire alliance. Another season continues to break down, with one member exploding on her teammates.  Check out a sneak peek here!  The Challenge: Battle Of The Seasons airs Wednesdays at 10/9c on MTV.

 

(Image courtesy of MTV)

 

Follow Gina @ginascarpa