Finally! It’s here, the finale of probably the longest season of The Real World ever. Why did this season feel like I’ve been watching the same 7 people in a house for the past year? Of course, the season had it’s good moments, but after Tyler made a burn book, I think I was pretty much ready for the season to be over.

By Ryan Gentry
Reality Reel Media
08.19.2006

Now, let me start off by saying that this is defiantly one of the lowest ranking Real World seasons in history of The Real World. It still ranks above The Real World: Paris, of course. Who could forget Christina and CT’s infamous fight about Christina’s egg? Anyways, after Key West’s answer to Mardi Gras, Fantasy Fest, was postponed due to Hurricane Wilma, the roommates work on the float for Mystic Tan, where the roommates have been working. Plans for the float include Janelle being a queen (and John adds an “of course”), Paula and John being painted tan, disco lights, a fake tanning bed, smoke machines, and Tyler wearing “next to nothing”.

Janelle asks to speak to Ricky alone, so they go to lunch at a nearby café, where Janelle tells Ricky how much of an inspiration she is to him. She goes on about prior to coming here she got accepted to law school (Janelle in law school. Yeah I know, I was shocked too), and how Ricky inspired her to continue her dreams of becoming a makeup artist. Had I written articles for the entire season of The Real World (which probably wouldn’t have been that exciting), you would have know of my extreme love for Janelle (and Jose). So, I for one hope Janelle does pursuit her dreams of becoming a makeup artist.

Soon enough, it is time to start working on the Fantasy Fest float. Tyler and John start painting the float, but Tyler soon gets bored, and starts to go do something else. Luckily for the float, Ricky (the owner of Mystic Tan) comes out and helps John out. This pretty much goes on for the entire episode, with only John and Ricky working on the float.

That night, the roommates (sans Tyler, who enters the “Sex or Next” contest at the local gay club) attend a toga party at Sloppy Joe’s, a restaurant and bar in Key West. John enters a contest there, and I’m still not completely sure what type of contest it really was. I do know that with the support of Paula, Zach, Jose, Janelle and Svetlanta (who I seem to like more and more every time she comes on the screen), John manages to win the contest, winning some money. Jose then tells everybody that they should go over to Aqua (the gay club), and cheer on Tyler. Everybody starts to go, but John complains about not wanting to go to Aqua that night. Of course, in true Real World Key West style, everyone decides to stay at Sloppy Joe’s. Everybody but Jose that is, who stays a true friend to Tyler and goes down to Aqua to show support for his roommate. When it is time for Tyler to perform, Tyler, looking glamorous in a dress and afro-wig, performs a routine that has many turns and high kicks. And in one of the funniest Real World moments to date, Tyler attempts a high kick, and falls down. At this point, I’m too busy cracking up to see what place Tyler got, but I’m pretty sure it was either 2nd or 3rd. Either way, Tyler makes a point of saying that the guy who won had all of his friends, and he only had 2 there (Jose and some girl whose title said a very appropriate ‘Tyler’s Friend’).