Real World: Ex-plosion Finale Review: The Most Dramatic Season Climax Ever

The highly anticipated and undeniably most shocking season of MTV’s ‘The Real World: Ex-plosion’ concluded on April 2nd, leaving fans reeling and emotions running high. While a sense of finality and perhaps a touch of sadness accompanied the housemates’ goodbyes, the finale was anything but a quiet send-off. Instead, it delivered one last, thunderous blow-out, culminating in what many viewers had been waiting for: the season’s most explosive and talked-about fight.

The Inevitable Clash: Cory, Brian, and Jenny’s Love Triangle Erupts

From the moment Brian, Jenny’s ex-boyfriend, entered the iconic San Francisco house, a collision course between him and Cory, Jenny’s new flame, seemed inevitable. The simmering tension, fueled by jealousy, possessiveness, and Jenny’s divided affections, finally boiled over in the season’s grand finale. This wasn’t just a dramatic episode; it was the ultimate test for the housemates and the climax of a complex, emotionally charged love triangle that had captivated audiences for weeks.

Leading up to this finale, many fans, myself included, braced for the usual Real World farewell: a final night of wild partying, a sentimental sleepover, and perhaps one last unexpected hook-up – my bets were firmly placed on Cory and Jenny rekindling their physical connection. However, the ‘Real World: Ex-plosion’ finale deviated sharply from tradition, proving that this season was determined to go out with an unprecedented bang, prioritizing raw, unfiltered drama over bittersweet goodbyes.

The episode picked up exactly where the previous one left off: with Cory and Brian locked in a furious brawl inside a taxi. The scene was absolutely chaotic, reflecting the volatile nature of their rivalry. As Jenny rightly observed, their fight was less about her and more a desperate struggle for attention and dominance. After Brian attempted a kick to Cory’s face, he was forcibly removed from the cab and sent to a hotel for the night, a drastic measure highlighting the severity of the altercation. Cory returned to the San Francisco house, where the other roommates were visibly exhausted and exasperated by the incessant drama surrounding this love triangle. Surprisingly, the next morning brought a temporary truce; Brian returned to the house, and he and Cory agreed, for the sake of their remaining time together, to maintain a semblance of civility.

Brian’s Unhinged Meltdown: A True ‘Bananas’ Moment

That fragile peace, predictably, did not last. Following the final night of communal partying, Brian spectacularly unraveled. His behavior escalated to an almost surreal level, reminiscent of Johnny Bananas’ most infamous outbursts, earning him the title of truly “cray cray.” He lashed out over Jenny, despite their relationship having officially ended and her doing nothing to provoke him. His rage was indiscriminate, getting in everyone’s face, shouting aggressively, and culminating in the literal destruction of Jenny’s bed frame. The situation spiraled so out of control that Cory, despite their rivalry, was forced to tackle Brian to the ground in an attempt to de-escalate the terrifying scene.

The intensity of Brian’s meltdown reached a disturbing peak when Arielle bravely intervened, attempting to calm him down. As the camera zoomed out, viewers witnessed Brian tackling her to the ground – a truly shocking moment that sparked widespread outrage and concern among the audience. While Arielle, perhaps trying to diffuse the situation further or avoid more conflict, downplayed the incident and assured him it was “okay,” the severity of his actions was undeniable. He was subsequently escorted out of the house, marking the last time Brian was seen on the season. This disturbing display left many hoping that Jenny would definitively close the chapter on any potential reconciliation with Brian, recognizing the clear red flags in his behavior.

Jamie and Thomas: Navigating Distance and Love

The end of every Real World season typically brings forth a flood of tears and heartfelt goodbyes as roommates part ways. However, this season’s farewells felt notably different, particularly for Jamie and Thomas. Their parting seemed less overtly emotional, almost pragmatic, as they confronted the daunting reality of their future together. Jamie hailed from Houston, while Thomas resided in Fort Worth – a distance that, while not insurmountable, still posed a significant challenge for a burgeoning relationship forged in the intense bubble of reality television. Thomas, grappling with his self-proclaimed struggles in relationships, expressed genuine doubt about their ability to make their romance work long-distance.

Yet, Jamie, ever the voice of reason and strength, delivered a powerful counter-argument. She eloquently pointed out that if their connection was truly “worth it,” then it was at the very least “worth trying” to make it work. Her perspective resonated, demonstrating a maturity and commitment that Thomas ultimately embraced. She taught him a valuable, if not always easy, lesson: not all relationships are effortlessly smooth, but some are absolutely worth fighting for and investing in. Their story concluded with a sense of hopeful determination rather than despair. While their goodbye wasn’t marked by dramatic waterworks, it was profoundly significant. Interestingly, Jamie displayed more raw emotion the night before, sharing a poignant farewell hug with Cory. Despite the understated separation, many fans, myself included, are fervently rooting for Jamie and Thomas to defy the odds and build a lasting relationship beyond the Real World house.

The Happy Couples: Will Their Love Last Forever?

Amidst the chaos and conflict, ‘Real World: Ex-plosion’ also gifted viewers with some genuinely precious moments of love and connection. Witnessing Arielle and Ashley embark on their journey home together was truly heartwarming, a testament to the idea that sometimes, love truly can conquer all, even in the most unconventional of circumstances. Their bond, which blossomed within the house, offered a sweet counter-narrative to the season’s more tumultuous relationships, leaving fans hopeful for their future.

Similarly, Jay and Jenna’s narrative provided a compelling arc of redemption and forgiveness. Despite grappling with significant hurdles like past cheating and deep-seated commitment issues, they managed to work through their challenges and left the house as a solidified couple. While the premise of bringing exes into the house initially sparked skepticism, seeing couples like Arielle and Ashley, and Jay and Jenna, enter the experience as individuals and emerge as strong, united pairs was a refreshing and genuinely positive outcome. It highlighted the potential for growth and genuine connection, even amidst the manufactured drama of reality television.

Cory and Jenny: An Ambiguous Farewell and a Hopeful Future

In a surprising twist of fate, Cory and Jenny found themselves as the very last two occupants of the San Francisco house. Their final moments together took them back to the confessional, a space laden with history – it was, after all, the infamous location where they first hooked up in those epic bear suits during the season’s inaugural episode. While their final interaction didn’t involve another steamy encounter, it was significant. Both agreed to continue seeing each other once they returned to Los Angeles, leaving a tantalizing question mark over their future. Is it wrong to admit that a part of us is strongly hoping they manage to make things work?

Adding fuel to this speculation, Cory explicitly stated his intention to shed his long-held “player” image, declaring himself ready for a serious girlfriend. This declaration, coming on the heels of his undeniable connection with Jenny and his protective stance towards her, strongly suggested that she could be the one to finally capture his heart and inspire a lasting commitment. The ambiguity of their parting, coupled with Cory’s newfound resolve, left viewers eager to see if their on-screen chemistry could translate into a real-world relationship.

What were your thoughts on the truly unforgettable ‘Real World: Ex-plosion’ finale, HollywoodLifers? Do you believe Jamie and Thomas’s relationship will withstand the test of distance? Will Jay finally commit and remain faithful to Jenna, building on their hard-won progress? And perhaps the biggest question of all: will Jenny and Cory embark on a serious relationship, or could old habits, or even Brian, pull her back into past drama? Share your predictions and opinions with us!

— Emily Longeretta
Follow @EmilyLongeretta