TUF 10 Episode 6
Schoonover Versus Jensen
Previous episodes have cemented the idea that Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson is a bit self-centered. In his own words he exclaims: ‘I’m not a coach, I’m a fighter’. More than any other, this episode has shown that his constant teasing and weak support for his own fighters is at its best arrogant and at its worst bullying. Now that it has been confirmed he is taking up an actor career, perhaps this all makes sense. Jackson likely can't wait for the show's completion, when he can move on to what he sees as bigger and better things. Contrast this with Evans, however, and we see a more humble and empathic coach. That Evans is thoroughly whipping Jackson is just another nail in the coffin.
TUF Household
As with previous seasons, the fighter household has both its stupidity and its sobriety. Concerns over what Schoonover’s drinking is doing to his cardio performance forces him to have a heart-to-heart with Evans. Schoonover promises to stop his drinking and make the most of the opportunity. Other in-house capers surround a quiet, introspective Zak Jensen, whose own teammates have a competition guessing when he’ll ‘crack’. Sick of Evan's gloating and constantly on the losing end of fights, Rampage's coaches paint a teasing caricature of the winning team, but Evans hides it before the fights to keep his fighters composed. When they eventually do see it the team seems to like it, foreshadowing future pranks by Rampage.
Fight Announcements
The fight announcements see Jackson’s constant name-calling of Schoonover as ‘titties’ cause ire and division. After Schoonover stands up for himself Jackson – never to be outdone in a performance – says ‘Walk up on me again and your ass will be in trouble. Trust me’. Looking at the faces of the athletes on his team, one wonders if they wish they were on Evan’s winning, cohesive side.
Jensen versus Schoonover
Predictably each team backs its own fighter, with bets being laid down over t-shirts as to who will be victorious. Considering their unusual characters, both teams predict their fighters may just ‘go crazy’. In the end Schoonover gets an arm-bar over Jensen in the first round. Despite a few knocks to the head it was an expected win.
Closing Credits
At the show's end viewers see snippets of further altercations between Evans and Jackson which, by now, is a bit cliche. There are also hints that the house is getting sick of Matt Mitrione who only seems to be thinking of himself. Yes in its tenth season the show is a bit obvious, but still compelling to watch.
Darrill Schoonover
|
Latest Articles