The Real World: Washington D.C.

The Real World: Washington D.C.
RWWashingstonD.C.jpg

The cast of The Real World: Washington D.C.
Genre Reality
Created by Jonathan Murray

Mary-Ellis Bunim
Starring Andrew Woods

Ashley Lindley

Callie Walker

Emily Schromm

Erika Lauren Wasilewski

Josh Colon

Mike Manning

Ty Ruff
Country of origin  United States
Language(s) English
No. of episodes 6
Production
Camera setup Operator-controlled and fixed
Running time 1 hour
Broadcast
Original channel MTV

Syndication
Picture format 480i SDTV and 1080i HDTV
Audio format 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound
Original run December 30, 2009 – present
Chronology
Preceded by The Real World: Cancun
Followed by The Real World: Back to New Orleans[1]

The Real World: Washington D.C., also known as The Real World: DC,[2] is the twenty-third season of MTV's reality television series The Real World, which focuses on a group of diverse strangers living together for several months in a different city each season, as cameras document their lives and interpersonal relationships.[3][4] Washington, D.C. was officially announced as the location for the newest season on June 10, 2009.[5] Filming began on July 2, 2009[6][7][8] and completed on October 12, 2009. The season premiere on December 30, 2009[9][10][11][12] was watched by 1.9 million viewers.[13]

According to MTV's President of Programming, Tony DiSanto, "The charged atmosphere of Washington D.C., the center of our country's social and political change, will provide an electric setting for this next season of The Real World. We are thrilled to be filming our classic franchise in the heart of where history is being made ... it adds a whole new dimension to the great characters and drama our viewers expect and love from The Real World." Washington, D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty welcomed the production, pointing to the impact of young people on the national scene.[3][14]

Season changes

As with The Real World: Brooklyn, the Washington, D.C. cast was not given a group assignment, and was free to pursue their own interests, a feature not seen as a regular part of the series since the fourth season.[15]

The residence

The Dupont Circle house where the cast resided

The cast members lived in a 10,800 ft2 (1,003 m2) house located at 2000 S Street, NW in Dupont Circle, a neighborhood known for its historic buildings, embassies, dining establishments, and its gay community.[16][17][18] The cast members' four-story brownstone mansion was originally constructed in 1891 for a Baltimore and Ohio Railroad executive, James Mosher, and his new wife, Minnie.[19] The building is a contributing property to the Dupont Circle Historic District and its property value is $5,692,000.[20][17]

Four building permits were issued in May 2009, including one for demolition of the interior walls.[17] Building plans show the first floor includes bedrooms, a game room, the Confessional, and a control room for the show's producers.[21] The second floor includes the common area, telephone room, kitchen, bathrooms, and five "love sacks".[22][23] The main control room is located on the home's third floor, while a conference room and offices are located on the fourth floor.[24]

Cast

As with the previous two seasons, the cast includes eight members.[3] Local bars that were used as frequent hangouts for cast members included Halo, located in nearby Logan Circle; Town Danceboutique, located in Shaw; and The Russia House, located one block west of the cast's house.[17][19][25] The cast also attended local sporting events, such as D.C. United soccer games at RFK Stadium.[26]

Cast Member Age1 Hometown Biography
Andrew Woods[27][28] 21[29][28] Denver, Colorado[29][28] Andrew is a comic book creator known for his politically incorrect comics and for his tendency to provoke reactions from people, a trait that led to his being the only student, according to him, to be fired from Colorado State University's[30] school paper, The Rocky Mountain Collegian, whose staff felt he was intentionally trying to offend certain groups with his cartoons.[29] He chafes against authority, and as a result has been fired from every job that he's had. Having been dumped by his unfaithful girlfriend,[31][32] he intends to socialize with women in D.C. MTV describes him as "the annoying little brother that you love to hate, but secretly love."[32]
Ashley Lindley[27][28] 22[28][29] Houston, Texas[33] Ashley was born in Fort Bragg, California,[29] but moved to Houston to be closer to her now ex-boyfriend.[29] She detests Houston for its climate, culture and the ubiquity of Republicans.[33] Just before finding out that she was cast on The Real World, she modeled in a private test shooting for Playboy and was photographed by Mikki Chernoff.[34] She is of Portuguese descent, and is a caregiver and former delegate from Las Vegas, Nevada for Barack Obama in the 2008 United States presidential election.[29][35] As a child, she and her mother suffered violence at the hands of her stepfather, and today does not have relationships with her family members, including her mother, who cut ties with Ashley a year and a half ago.[29] She now considers her closest friends to be her family, and hopes to add her housemates to that group.[36] She is a voracious reader and passionate debater whom MTV describes as possibly the most politically aware of the cast, with a "hot temper and a blunt demeanor" that manifests itself in discussions of politics and religion. She is also described as full of contradictions, as she is a tomboy who wears dresses, a liberal Episcopalian Christian who goes to church every Sunday, etc. She is newly single, and hopes to take advantage of this while in D.C.[29][35] She looks forward to traveling abroad one day, and does not find the prospect of a salaried office job appealing.[33]
Callie Walker[27][28] 21[29][37] Huntsville, Texas[29][37] Callie is a small-town girl and aspiring photographer who endured living in warehouses and junkyards as a child. She has long-felt out of place in her conservative hometown[38] though she insists that she is conservative herself, and not a liberal.[29][39] Because her mother is a personal trainer and aerobics instructor, Callie has long struggled with poor body image.[40] She hopes to find outlets for her creativity in D.C. that have thus far eluded her at home. She is a vegan whom MTV describes as a free-spirit.[38] After moving into the Real World house, Callie began working as an intern for the Washington Blade.[41]
Emily Schromm[42] 20[29][43] Columbia, Missouri[29][44] Emily and her two older sisters, Michelle and Amy,[31] were raised in what she describes as an oppressive, "cult-like religion" in which she felt they were in danger of losing themselves. Since leaving that group at 13 or 14, she has tried to make up for lost time, engaging in activities from clubbing to rock climbing to target shooting.[29] She has developed a skepticism of religion that she shares with Ty, and a open-minded, "daredevil nature" with which searches for new experiences to broaden her horizons, an attitude that carries over to her dating habits. She is also described as an athletic tomboy who used sports to transition to a more secular life, of which her stay in D.C. is an example.[43] She has expressed an openness to the possibility of bisexuality.[31] She immediately develops a tempestuous relationship with Ty.[45]
Erika Lauren Wasilewski[27][28] 21[29][28] Chicago, Illinois[29][28] Erika is a singer, songwriter,[46] and guitarist[29] currently in a group called A Quiet Capture.[28] An ardent lover of the rock lifestyle,[29] she likes to be the center of attention, both professionally and personally. She has a history of childhood loneliness and depression, and having successfully faced those challenges, her lingering need for affection is evident in her relationship with her boyfriend Ian, from whom separation may be difficult while in D.C.[46]
Josh Colon[27][28] 23[29][28] Philadelphia, Pennsylvania[29][27][28] Josh is a Puerto Rican/Italian singer/songwriter/dancer from South Philadelphia, specializing in glam rock, rap, and punk-funkadelic music.[29][47] He used to be the lead singer in a band called Whiskey Livin', and is currently working on a solo project.[28] He dropped out of high school twice and was jailed due to an association with gangs he says he longer retains[29][39] He likes to dress well, and is described as a quintessential ladies' man, though he concedes that his attraction to women is his main weakness, which may make it difficult to stay faithful to his girlfriend of three years[48] Ashley.[47] After moving into the Real World house, Josh began working part-time as a bartender in Georgetown.[28]
Mike Manning[27][28] 22[29][28] Thornton, Colorado[29][49] Mike is a former star high school athlete and prom king, regarded as popular with girls and a "golden child" from a Christian family.[50] Describing himself as "a pile of contradictions",[49] for the past several years he has questioned his sexual orientation and recently came out as bisexual, causing conflict with some of his loved ones. He came to D.C. to be an environmentalist, but unexpectedly became an activist for LGBT rights as well, working for the Human Rights Campaign and the Energy Action Coalition.[51] MTV indicates that his time in D.C. will mark a turning point for him and the question of whether his family will accept his sexuality.[50] Like Ashley, he goes to church every Sunday, providing common ground through which he hopes to bond with her when they first meet in the premiere,[29] though he also sees local men,[31] and pines for Tanner, his ex-boyfriend back home.[52]
Ty Ruff[27][28][53] 22[29][28][27][53] Baltimore, Maryland[29][27][28][53] After being abandoned by his parents, Ty lived in a series of foster homes before being adopted at age five. He grew up in a neighborhood he says is accurately depicted in the TV series The Wire, which includes, for example, a former crack house across the street from his home. He describes his mother's shame when he was caught stealing as a turning point in his life, when he decided to change his ways and become the "focused, well-spoken" person he is today. Although he is grateful for what he gained during his religious upbringing in the United Church of Christ, he is now an atheist who thinks most believers in God are "narrow-minded".[29] Described as self-reliant by MTV, he is a recent graduate of Trinity College, where he majored in economics and played football. He is also described as opinionated, and a "smooth, funny charmer", but whose temper sometimes gets the best of him. His girlfriend of three years, Lauren,[40] broke up with him prior to filming because she could not accept his co-ed living arrangements in the Real World house,[54] a status cemented when he informs her he has begun a sexual relationship with Emily.[45]

Note 1: Age at time of filming.

Episodes

Ep # Total Title Airdate
1 482 "Looks Can Be D.C.-ving" December 30, 2009 (2009-12-30)
As the cast meets up in pairs, Mike and Ashley find they share similar religious practices, and Josh and Erika bond over their musical aspirations. The selection of bedrooms underlines political and personality differences, as well as burgeoning friendships and romantic interests. Andrew's tall tales and blunt humor gives cause for reaction from the others. Differences in religion and sexuality lead to the cast's first argument, in particular Ty, Mike and Ashley. Josh expresses a fixation with Erika, much to her appreciation.[55][56] 
2 483 "Bipartisan Lovin'" January 6, 2010 (2010-01-06)
Attraction and tension begins to emerge between Ty and Emily. Mike explores his attraction to both Ashley and to other men. Andrew expresses his attraction to an unreceptive Callie, and his subsequent recourse provides conflict between him and Ashley. Emily enjoys a visit from her older sister, who disapproves of Emily's lifestyle choices.[57][58] 
3 484 "Playboys and Proper Portions" January 13, 2010 (2010-01-13)
As Emily and Ty's relationship gets more serious, they experience conflict over relationships with other people. Callie struggles with poor body image, in part as a result of a comment by Ty.[59][60] 
4 485 "The Princess and the Panda" January 20, 2010 (2010-01-20)
Andrew's poor luck in finding sexual satisfaction with women continues, as does the women's amusement with his situation. Ashley and Mike's friendship continues, but an encounter with fellow patrons at a restaurant sparks an argument between them that devolves into an ongoing hostility. The arrival of gift certificates for a local sports bar leads to an awkward day out for the men.[61][62] 
5 486 "Love Hits a Sour Note" January 27, 2010 (2010-01-27)
Josh and his girlfriend of three years, Ashley (no relation to his housemate), exchange accusations of infidelity. Emily says her relationship with Ty is "purely physical", as she has no emotional connection to him, but Ty, who sees this as a facade, and hurtful, doesn't wish to be in such a relationship. Erika's career gets a big break.[63][64] 
6 487 "When Push Comes to Shove" February 3, 2010 (2010-02-03)
Callie pursues a photography internship at The Washington Blade. Mike works in gay rights advocacy with Human Rights Campaign while anticipating a visit from Tanner, his ex-boyfriend, which causes him some ambivalence as he continues to see other men. Andrew's disagreements with Ashley devolve into physical antics, including behavior on his part that causes Ashley, who recalls the violence she suffered years ago, to feel threatened.[65][66] 

References

  1. ^ "'The Real World' Returning to New Orleans" The New York Post December 18, 2009
  2. ^ Promotional shots for the show on MTV's site for the show employ this diminutive, as seen in the article's main image in the Infobox.
  3. ^ a b c Jeff Dufour; Kiki Ryan (June 10, 2009). "'Real World D.C.': MTV makes it official". Washington Examiner. http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/politics/blogs/yeas-and-nays/Real-World-DC-MTV-makes-it-official-47531542.html. Retrieved June 15, 2009. 
  4. ^ Margaret Lyons (June 10, 2009). "Can 'Real World: Washington, D.C.' really follow 'Real World: Cancun'?". Entertainment Weekly. http://popwatch.ew.com/popwatch/2009/06/the-real-world-cancun-washington-dc-mtv.html. Retrieved June 21, 2009. 
  5. ^ "MTV's ‘Real World’ heads to Washington". Associated Press. msnbc.com. June 10, 2009. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31214337/ns/entertainment-reality_tv/. Retrieved August 12, 2009. 
  6. ^ James Calder (July 2, 2009). "Cast Members Arrive at D.C. Real World House". DCist. http://dcist.com/2009/07/cast_members_arrive_at_dc_real_worl.php. Retrieved July 3, 2009. 
  7. ^ Roxanne Roberts; Amy Argetsinger (June 8, 2009). ""The Real World: Dupont"? We Ask the Owner". The Washington Post. http://voices.washingtonpost.com/reliable-source/2009/06/the_real_world_dupont_we_ask_t.html. Retrieved June 20, 2009. 
  8. ^ Emily Leaman (June 9, 2009). "OMG, It’s The Real World—-in Washington!". Washingtonian. http://www.washingtonian.com/blogarticles/people/capitalcomment/12587.html. Retrieved June 20, 2009. 
  9. ^ Stabley, Matthew. "Real World" Cast Exits; D.C. Exhales" December 30, 2009
  10. ^ Marie Puente (June 10, 2009). "Washington is morphing into a pretty cool district". USA Today. http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2009-06-18-washington-main_N.htm. Retrieved June 20, 2009. 
  11. ^ Beth Parker (June 12, 2009). "MTV's Real World Sets Up in D.C. House". WTTG. http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpp/entertainment/061209_real_world_comes_to_dc. Retrieved June 20, 2009. 
  12. ^ Maxine Shen (July 7, 2009). "'Real Pains' - DC Already Fed Up With TV Filming". New York Post. http://www.nypost.com/seven/07072009/tv/real_pains_177945.htm. Retrieved August 12, 2009. 
  13. ^ "MTV's 'Real World: D.C.' takes in 1.9 million viewers in its debut". WashingtonPost.com. January 1, 2010. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/31/AR2009123102766.html. 
  14. ^ Gina DiNunno (June 11, 2009). "The Real World Takes On Washington". TV Guide. http://www.tvguide.com/News/Real-World-Washington-1006825.aspx. Retrieved June 21, 2009. 
  15. ^ "'MTV renews 'Real World' for four seasons". The Live Feed. March 26, 2009. http://www.thrfeed.com/2009/03/mtv-renews-real-world-for-four-years.html. 
  16. ^ "Dupont Circle/Sheridan-Kalorama". Cultural Tourism DC. http://www.culturaltourismdc.org/information2550/information.htm?area=2522. Retrieved June 20, 2009. 
  17. ^ a b c d Jason Cherkis; Mike DeBonis (June 8, 2009). "Real World House Possibly Identified". Washington City Paper. http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/housingcomplex/2009/06/08/real-world-house-possibly-identified/. Retrieved June 20, 2009. 
  18. ^ "Map of Properties". Douglas Development Corporation. http://www.douglasdevelopment.com/map_of_properties.php. Retrieved 2009-06-20. 
  19. ^ a b Paul K. Williams (June 19, 2009). "‘Real World’ house has rich gay history - Dupont mansion once home to lesbian bar". Washington Blade. http://www.washblade.com/2009/6-19/outindc//local/14755.cfm. Retrieved June 21, 2009. 
  20. ^ "DC Citizen Atlas Real Property Reports". Government of the District of Columbia. http://citizenatlas.dc.gov/atlasapps/propertyhometab.aspx?QString=. Retrieved 2009-06-20. 
  21. ^ Ruth Samuelson (June 18, 2009). "The D.C. Real World House: Bedrooms, Game Room, and Confessional on First Floor". Washington City Paper. http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/housingcomplex/2009/06/18/the-dc-real-world-house-bedrooms-game-room-and-confessional-on-first-floor/. Retrieved June 20, 2009. 
  22. ^ Ken Layne (June 18, 2009). "‘Real World DC’ Architectural Mouth-Rape Fortress Also Includes ‘Love Sacks’". Wonkette. http://wonkette.com/409286/real-world-dc-rape-fortress-also-includes-love-sacks. Retrieved June 21, 2009. 
  23. ^ Ruth Samuelson (June 18, 2009). "The D.C. Real World House: Phone Room, Kitchen, Love Sacks on Second Floor". Washington City Paper. http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/housingcomplex/2009/06/18/the-dc-real-world-house-phone-room-kitchen-love-sacks-on-second-floor/. Retrieved June 20, 2009. 
  24. ^ Ruth Samuelson (June 19, 2009). "The D.C. Real World House: The Creepy Zone". Washington City Paper. http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/housingcomplex/2009/06/19/the-real-world-dc-house-the-creepy-zone/. Retrieved June 20, 2009. 
  25. ^ Fritz Hahn (June 21, 2009). "D.C.'s World Is About to Start Getting Real". The Washington Post. http://voices.washingtonpost.com/goingoutgurus/2009/06/dcs_world_is_about_to_start_ge.html. Retrieved June 21, 2009. 
  26. ^ Dan Steinberg (July 20, 2009). "Morning Bog: Real World at D.C. United Game". The Washington Post. http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2009/07/morning_bog_real_world_at_dc_u.html. Retrieved August 12, 2009. 
  27. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "The Real World Washington D.C. Complete Cast". Vevmo. April 29, 2009. http://vevmo.com/f56/the-real-world-washington-d-c-3421/. 
  28. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t Stephanie Green; Elizabeth Glover (July 31, 2009). "GREEN & GLOVER: A night for Julia". The Washington Times. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jul/31/green-glover-a-night-for-julia/. Retrieved August 12, 2009. 
  29. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac This is mentioned in Episode 1.
  30. ^ Hess, Amanda. "Rape Cartoons by the Real World D.C.’s Andrew Woods" Washington City Paper December 31, 2009
  31. ^ a b c d This is depicted or mentioned in Episode 2.
  32. ^ a b Biography page for Andrew Woods at MTV.com
  33. ^ a b c Ashley Lindley's casting video at mtv.com
  34. ^ "RW: D.C.'s Ashley Admits She Did Try Out For Playboy!". MTV.com. January 15, 2010. http://remotecontrol.mtv.com/2010/01/15/rw-dcs-ashley-admits-she-did-try-out-for-playboy/. Retrieved January 15, 2010. 
  35. ^ a b Biography page for Ashley Lindley at MTV.com
  36. ^ She admits this to Mike in Episode 4.
  37. ^ a b Callie Walker's casting video at mtv.com
  38. ^ a b Biography page for Callie Walker at MTV.com
  39. ^ a b TV Guide December 21, 2009; Page 46
  40. ^ a b Revealed in Episode 3.
  41. ^ Amy Argetsinger; Roxanne Roberts (July 29, 2009). "The New Shaq Attack: A Media Blitz". The Washington Post. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/28/AR2009072803247.html. Retrieved August 12, 2009. 
  42. ^ Information on Emily Schromm at Vevmo
  43. ^ a b Biography page for Emily Schromm at MTV.com
  44. ^ Emily Schromm's casting video at mtv.com
  45. ^ a b Their attraction begins in Episode 2, and begins to experience conflict in Episode 3.
  46. ^ a b Biography page for Erika Lauren Wasilewski at MTV.com
  47. ^ a b Biography page for Josh Colon at MTV.com
  48. ^ Josh mentions their time together in Episode 5.
  49. ^ a b Mike Manning's casting video at mtv.com
  50. ^ a b Biography page for Mike Manning at MTV.com
  51. ^ O'Bryan, Will (January 7, 2010). "Coming Out Mike-sexual: Real World's Mike Manning talks about God, government and going both ways". Metro Weekly. http://www.metroweekly.com/feature/?ak=4765. Retrieved January 8, 2010. 
  52. ^ Seen in Episode 6.
  53. ^ a b c Sarah Kickler Kelber (July 14, 2009). "Real World D.C.: Meet Ty Ruff of Baltimore". The Baltimore Sun. http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/realitycheck/blog/2009/07/ty_ruff_of_baltimore_on_real_world_dc.html. Retrieved August 12, 2009. 
  54. ^ Biography page for Ty Ruff at MTV.com
  55. ^ Summary page for Episode 1 ("Looks Can Be D.C.-ving") at mtv.com
  56. ^ Video of Episode 1 at mtv.com
  57. ^ Summary page for Episode 2 ("Bipartisan Lovin'") at mtv.com
  58. ^ Video of Episode 2 at mtv.com
  59. ^ Summary page for Episode 3 ("Playboys and Proper Portions") at mtv.com
  60. ^ Video of Episode 3 at mtv.com
  61. ^ Summary page for Episode 4 ("The Princess and the Panda") at MTV.com
  62. ^ Video of Episode 4 at MTV.com
  63. ^ Summary page for Episode 5 ("Love Hits a Sour Note") at MTV.com
  64. ^ Video of Episode 5 at MTV.com
  65. ^ Summary page for Episode 6 ("When Push Comes to Shove") at MTV.com
  66. ^ Video of Episode 6 at MTV.com

External links

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