Ayanna's Crisis

Whether or not Road Rules is copying All My Children or As The World Turns is anyone's guess. Does that mean we're finally going to get some consistency? Yahoo!

Analysis

Far be it for me (considering myself an impartial review) to start picking favorites, but I 'd be lying if I didn't say Ayanna wasn't the most impressional S.A.S Six so far!

Particularly her actions revolving around her mother's illness provided a more in-depth look into the character that I haven't seen since Abe's dealt with his father's illness which ironically (as here) occurred around the third episode. In addition, I feel Ayanna's crisis has more depth to it due to the fact that we're already familiar with her mother who was previously introduced to us in the premier. However, this doesn't suggest that Abe's ordeal was by any means less dramatic, or important than Ayanna's.

Once Ayanna finds finds out about her mother's recurrence of breast cancer, she is devastated to the point where she contemplates leaving the show; but we obviously know that's not going to happen for two reasons: 1. (the obvious) She's featured in the previews for next week, and 2. We already know from Abe's scenario that B-M's too stingy to fly a cast member home to deal with a family crisis for fear of losing their prize meal ticket!

And in a rare display of personality, Pawel and Shawn offer Ayanna a shoulder to cry on who's still reluctant to tell anyone about her current dilemma because in her view...."Words give things power" (If I may, I would like to take some time out to congratulate both Pawel and Shawn for finally shifting their personalities out of neutral, and into drive; however, they have a long drive ahead of them!).

And it isn't until Pua (who's acting more like "Pua" this week) confronts Ayanna with a bombshell of her own (that she was sexually assaulted two years ago) that Ayanna feels comfortable enough to share her current crisis with someone who has been in a similar emotionally stressful situation. This crisis if anything have brought these two closer together on the road to friendship--which in turn makes me all wonder under "what" circumstances would ignite these two to engage each other in a shouting match (Foreshadowing)? Only time will tell I guess.

Mired somewhere in this soap opera on the high seas is a reality bites....yes folks, believe it or not, but we are still on a floating "university" where the troopers put on a front like there're actually studying for a exam in a class that has only covered two--count'em TWO whole countries they've visited (Wow, that's gotta be tough!)! And since I'm on the subject, where are these other so-called classes the kids are taking? To date, I've seen these troopers partake in only one credited course--SNORE (If there were others shown that I overlooked...then where are the study groups, and final exams shots of these?). What's missing here is abit of equilibrium, with blame falling naturally on the editors part!

So how did the S.A.S Six fare out? Well despite attending only two SNORE classes, Smooth Operator still managed to pull a 77 (proof that this class is nothing more than passive middle school remedial material); however, other didn't fare so well...

Shawn tied Ayanna with a 64; but not to be out done, Pawel, who was waaay too enthusiastic about taking the exam-("I just took my first test on Semester at Sea!" WHOOP-DI FREAKIN DO!!) managed to beat them both by a point. And alas, Pua bottomed out with a 54. One side note: Perhaps I should lighten up on Pawel since he was previously accepted to S.A.S "twice"; however, couldn't attend due to "inadequate funds". But eeeasy Pawel....don't mellow out on me!

Goofs

• Editing Room Floor Material: I was profoundly curious as to why Clueless's scores were never shown. Either 1. She failed miserably, breaking a new all time record low in the process; which in turn prompted the producers to pity her slacker butt by not airing the single digit score! Or 2. Perhaps her Berkeley certified mind was TOO intelligent for this preschool exam, and chose to earn extra credit by working on her tan up on deck! Take your pick!

Viewer Rating	Results
Q: How do you rate Ayanna's Crisis? (of 48 respondents) 22%   5 - Excellent. 24%   4 - Above Average. 16%   3 - Average. 11%   2 - Below Average. 0%   1 - Far Below Average. 27%   0 - I'd Rather Watch Informercials.

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