King of the Nerds: S2E1: CALLING ALL NERDS!

Season two of King of the Nerds has begun on TBS and if the first episode is an indication of what we can expect as viewers, fans will not be disappointed by the second installment of this reality competition show.

Hosted and executive produced by revenging nerds, Curtis “Booger” Armstrong and Robert “Louis” Carradine, King of the Nerds is a lot like Big Brother; eleven self-proclaimed nerds are chosen to live in house (Nerdvana) to compete for a $100,000 grand prize, the title of “King of the Nerds” and the right to sit upon the “Throne of Games”.

This season began in the same nature as the first, after a welcome to Nerdvana from the show’s hosts, team captains were chosen by a random draw from a sorcerer’s hat. Zack, a 21 year old fantasy writer, was chosen as the Gold team captain and Chris, a 27 year old mechanical engineer, was chosen as the Purple team captain. All of the contestants were then allowed to enter Nerdvana to marvel at their new home and to mingle for two hours as part of the first Nerd War.

During the meet-n-greet, Nicole, 28, reveals to the Gold team captain that she is actually an inorganic chemist and proposes an alliance. Zack seems to be on board with this idea, stating that he would like to go to the final four with her.

Now, if these nerds have watched as much Big Brother and Survivor as I have, they would know to keep an eye on everyone during those first few hours of being in the game to see who’s talking to who and what pairs and groups go off to talk more privately. And talking privately is exactly what Zack and Nicole do to solidify a day one alliance. I have to think that someone noticed them slipping away into the Nerdvana T.A.R.D.I.S, which is actually bigger on the inside.

When Curtis issues a Nerd Alert, calling all nerds back to the front courtyard outside, the next part of the first Nerd War commences: the school yard pick to decide the teams beginning with the team captains. After a smart round of Rock, Paper Scissors, Zack’s Jedi Mind Trick grants him the opportunity to choose first and, staying true to his alliance, lowers a gold robe over Nicole’s shoulders. Kelsey, 23, a Japanophile is confused by the choice since Nicole was reserved about her background during mingling time.

As the choices dwindle, and with only one more pick to go, Kelsey and rocket scientist, Kayla, 26, are left to face the twist of the first Nerd War. The proposed idea is that there is nothing nerdier than not being picked for a team; last year, the person not picked was given the power to choose the winning team, but had to join the losing team. This year, Kelsey is left without a team and instead of choosing the winner, she must choose a contestant to banish from the game and join that person’s team. Stating that Nicole’s exit from Nerdvana wouldn’t impact the game very much, Kelsey chooses the incognito inorganic chemist and dons a gold robe.

However, Curtis and Bobby then propose that being kicked out of the game by the person not picked for a team must be nerdier than not being picked and Nicole’s prayers are answered. Not only is she responsible for choosing the winner, but she is then allowed to join that team and remove one person from it. Obviously, Nicole chooses the Gold team and obviously, Kelsey is the person made to switch robes. The bad news for the losing Purple team is that two of their members, one chosen by each team, will participate in the Nerd Off to fight for their fate in the game.

Before they announce the nominees, Bobby and Curtis ask each group to share the name they’ve decided upon to represent their team.

Midas Touch Attack is the chosen name of the Gold team: (from left to right, back to front): Josh, Jack, Nicole, Zack and Mary Kate.

The Purple team names themselves the Titans of Rigel: (from left to right, back to front): Katie, Xander, Chris, Kelsey, Brian and Kayla.

The Gold team unanimously votes for Chris and Kelsey is chosen by her team to compete in the Nerd Off, which will be centered on the world of Fantasy with a Harry Potter theme; Nerddich.

From this point, the competitors are allowed time to study for the challenge; Chris is nervous because he’s more into science fiction and immerses himself in the land of Harry Potter. Kelsey feels her fantasy knowledge is well-rounded. When everyone arrives at the Nerd Off; however, answering questions is only half of the battle. A right answer will give each player a shot at flying on the Nerdbolt, armed with six potion bottles, down a course of cauldrons with varying point values assigned to them.

You’d think a bunch of smart nerds would have used all six potion bottles during each run down the course and not flown past half of the cauldrons before taking a shot, but you’d be wrong! Kelsey is a sweet girl, but honey, it was your last chance to score some points! Why didn’t you try to hit more targets? Was it nerves? It was probably nerves.

So, the real life Luna Lovegood is the first nerd eliminated from the competition and it’s a shame. Kelsey was sharp and probably would have figured out that Zack and Nicole are working together, which would have been fun to watch. She and Xander could have done a lot of strategizing in secret since they both speak Japanese; this would have been suspicious to everyone else, but risk is involved whenever you have an advantage.

King of the Nerds airs on TBS on Thursday nights at 10pm eastern, 9pm central. You can also visit The Official TBS King of the Nerds Website for lots of extras and the lowdown on the contestants. Until next time, stay nerdy, my friends.