For those of you who are still watching America’s Most Smartest Model, you’ll know that last night was a sad day over at VH1. (For those of you who haven’t tuned in, think Top Model-meets-Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?—if you’re curious, the answer is no, they are not smarter than 5th graders). Anyhow, Jeff Pickel, the last remaining likable contestant on the show, was booted. Not only did the ouster confirm that “Pickel” probably isn’t the best moniker for a model (though admittedly better than Top Model Cycle 8’s Wholahay, a.k.a. Dionne), but the cut also managed to break a short-lived alliance—consisting of Andre, Rachael, Brett and Pickel—that didn’t really seem necessary on a show that’s more about one’s ability to look good while listing prime numbers than any talent for scheming. But even though formation of the alliance was somewhat superfluous, I have to say they made a humorous and intimidating foursome—primarily thanks to Andre’s eerie resemblance to Drago. (He will break you!)
But the end of said collaboration got me thinking about other great reality show alliances, be it for their watchability (as in the case of Smartest Model), or their sheer brilliance. Rock of Love, for one, featured one partnership—Lacey and Heather—that was as dirty (literally and figuratively) as it was entertaining. And when you’re talking alliances, you can’t avoid the grandparents of the art form: Survivor and Big Brother have been host to the most ingenious partnerships ever (hello Tagi alliance and Chill Town!)
Your turn, PopWatchers? Who do you think had the best alliance in reality TV history? And would the Most Smartest clique make your list?
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The first one that comes to mind is Survivor Cook Island’s Yul, Ozzy, Becky and Sundra. They were way out numbered and even hit with the crushing blow of Candace switching teams so she could make kissy face with some meathead. They were outnumbered by at least 2-3 men and managed to win every elimination challenge after her betrayal and somehow managed to end up in the final 4. It was so exciting!
This may well be the lamest discussion topic of all time.
VJ and the other girl (name escapes me at the moment) must go! The alliance isn’t the smartest ever just yet, but if they start playing real dirty, then they will be.
Now that I finally got that out, I remember season 1 of Hell’s Kitchen this great cook named Elsie. The other chefs were jealous she won a challenge, so all swore to not help her. Come service time, they let her drown. It made me hate them b/c she got kicked off, but it was a brilliant alliance none-the-less.
CHILL. TOWN.
I still find any excuse I can to stick them into a conversation.
This is easy: Chilltown, The Donatos, and the Survivor Underdogs (Yul, Ozzy, Becky, and Sundra). Those three are pretty much the best reality alliances on reality tv since they worked very well.
Romber. All the way.
Ah, my favorite will always be Jason and Danielle from season 3 of BB. I still think she got screwed!
I was just thinking Jason and Danielle too! And yes, she TOTALLY got screwed. That was the smartest alliance until the new rules let ousted contestants watch tapes of her screwing them over and then holding a grudge against her in the final vote. She orchestrated the whole thing and none of them knew, so she totally deserved the prize.
El Chupicabre
Robb and Amber
Heidi and Spencer
Tagi Alliance is the best alliance of all time. Period.
Dude, I already miss Pickel. He and Brett were so cute together!
‘Amazing Race’ alliances are by far THE BEST reality tv show alliances.
I thought the ‘back pack’ on amazing race a couple seasons ago was sweet, but the ended up bringing the cho brothers down when they could have really had a shot.
Rob and Amber during Survivor: All-Stars – they were split between two tribes for a while and STILL managed to run things. I maintain that had Rob Cesternino stayed in it a little longer, he would have won, but his elimination is just another testament to the power of Romber.
I still think the smartest alliance was the first alliance. Richard Hatch started it all and played everyone til the end. He was the snake in the end, as Susan put it, but man did he do it well. Too bad he didn’t pay his taxes.
When Kathy, Paschal, and Neleh came together with Vecepia and Sean and ousted the Rotu 4. Greatest power shift ever.
ROMBER!
survivor does seem to have the best alliances, and i would really put rob and amber up there are the top. but, for the sake of being different, i’d like to throw the elizabeth hassleback and barbara walters alliance out on the table. look, elizabeth has lasted them all. i never thought she’d still be on this show!
I second that Barbie and Lizzie alliance. I think Lizzie is a younger extention of Barbie. Even though I loathe Rosie O’Donnell, she has a point about Barbie being tyrannical.
I dug on Richard N Rudy’s alliance in the first survivor. Actually,that whole foursome was kind of impressive as they set the standard for later alliances.
Special mention to the first Joe Schmoe, who was forced into fake alliances with pretty much every “cast member” on the show.
Yeah, the Cook Islands addition of Survivor put together a really great ensemble to lead to the final four. At least Yul and Ozzy acted fair and let Sandra and Becky fight for the number three spot (though both the ladies didn’t have a prayer to win the million bucks, especially after that awful fire building tie breaker).
Where the heck are Dr. Will and Mike Boogie? Greatest. Alliance. EVER!!!!
I’m for Jason and Danielle from Big Brother 3 too, Jill. She DID get screwed, plain and simple.