My Favorite Black TV Characters
#22 - February 7th - Alton Williams - "Real World: Las Vegas," "Gauntlet," "Gauntlet II," "Inferno III"
#22 - February 7th - Alton Williams - "Real World: Las Vegas," "Gauntlet," "Gauntlet II," "Inferno III"
Bill Simmons described it as the "greatest sporting moment of 2007." As is typically the case with just about anything Simmons says, you won't find me arguing that statement whatsoever. Alton Williams spring boarded himself into reality TV history when he pulled it off. Let me set the table.MTV has a series called, "Real World/Road Rules Challenge." The premise is to take cast-mates from the two separate shows and pit them together in a series consisting of several physical challenges. The set-up is different each season. Sometimes it is "Rookies vs. Veterans," or, "Bad Asses vs. Good Guys." It's not a series that you set your calendar to each week to make sure you don't miss it, but, if it's 1:00 AM and you happen to catch it a re-run, you see what's going on.
The 7th season was titled "The Gauntlet." At the end of each episode - which consisted of team challenges - one member of each team was sent into The Gauntlet. The winner of The Gauntlet competition stayed, but the loser was off the show. Compelling stuff right? Well, Alton was on the Real World team, and immediately staked his claim as a legit competitor. He won the last three individual challenges, and completely blew out his opponent in the one time he visited The Gauntlet.
The very next season Alton was back again, this time in "The Gauntlet II." There would be no sneaking up on anyone this time around. The format was exactly the same, except the teams were comprised of "Rookies" and "Veterans." My boy Alton found himself on the Rookies team, and he represented himself well, going a perfect 3-0 in The Gauntlet, leading the Rookies to an upset victory. At this time, Alton had cemented himself as the top competitor in these challenges.
Then came the "Inferno III." The entire premise was just like The Gauntlet, but with a more fiery name. This was where the Michael Jordan moment took place. The moment Simmons alluded to at the beginning of this piece. Having won a "Life-Shield," which saved him from the Inferno, Alton seemed to be in good shape after one challenge. But, he wanted to send a message right off the bat. His team, "The Good Guys," seemed to be overwhelmed by "The Bad Asses," until Alton did the unthinkable. The Good Guys had sent in a lesser player, Davis, to the Inferno to face arguably the best Bad Ass, Abram. But, at the last minute, Alton jumped over the rail and took Davis' spot. It was insane. The Bad Asses were stunned, and Abram, shell-shocked himself, bitched out and passed the torch to another player. Needless to say, Alton smoked his opponent, upping his Challenge record to a flawless 5-0.
See, this is why I love Alton. No one does this in these challenges. It is a show full of self-centered people who get drunk and make out with each other. It's nothing but mindless television, but Alton stands out amongst the crowd. You can get the sense that he is a fun-loving, humble guy with a laid back personality, who absolutely DESTROYS everyone in these ridiculous challenges. Believe me, if the Real World/Road Rule Challenge had a Hall of Fame, Alton would be the first inductee.
I recently read an Alton interview transcript, which only reiterated everything I wrote in the above paragraph. He's not a guy who goes into the weight room and tries to show-off how much he can bench. Nope. In fact, he's never even attempted to use a bench-press, despite the fact that he is ripped. He has owned up to his recent arrest, saying that he was at the wrong place at the wrong time (got into a bar fight). But, in classic Alton fashion, he smiled during his mug shot. Who does that? Alton does.
Kind of reminds me of the "Matt Barnes" smile doesn't it?Okay, enough from me. I'm very interested to see how Barnes rates this selection as we are beginning to get into the meat of this list. Make sure to check out his blog over on my sidebar.
Hint for #21: This character has killed another black character who will also be on this list.
Until tomorrow, "read it, roll it, hole it."
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