Previously on The Real World: Irulan explained that she and Gabe have an open relationship, but that she's not allowed to hook up with any of her roommates. Irulan admitted that she was attracted to Alton in the beginning, and he admitted that he had a crush on her. Alton and Irulan made out in bed. Alton asked Irulan if she was going to tell Gabe about their hookup, and Irulan said that she felt like she had to.
Before I get started, I just wanted to clear something up about the recap regarding Trishelle. I don't think I explained it as clearly as I should have, but I do think Trishelle has a problem, and I do think eating disorders a big deal. However, I don't think Trishelle has a full-blown eating disorder yet. I think her issues are all related to her low self-esteem, and if she doesn't stop, she could definitely go over the line into an eating disorder. Anyway, if my feelings are still unclear, feel free to email me about, because I'm going to get on with the new episode now.
Irulan is typing away on the computer when the phone rings. She answers it, and Gabe says that he's down by the bar, so Irulan promises to come and get him. She primps in the mirror while waiting for the elevator, and as soon s she reaches the casino, she runs out and hugs him, and then starts making out with him right there. In an interview, Irulan says that Gabe is "an amazing, amazing person" who is her "best friend" and her "other half." I was kind of wondering where the other half of her went, because she is awfully petite. Irulan walks Gabe up to the suite. In an interview, Irulan says that she doesn't want to lose Gabe, even though she kissed Alton.
Cut to Alton in the elevator, heading for the ground floor. They make it out like Alton gets out on the ground floor just as Gabe and Irulan get into another elevator, but somehow I doubt it happened like that. In an interview, Alton says that not knowing whether or not Irulan is going to tell Gabe makes him nervous. In the gym, Alton tells Frank, "That's why I didn't want anything to happen, because...it's stupid." More and more, I'm realizing that Alton just speaks gibberish. Frank says that he doesn't know why Alton considers himself so involved in the situation. Frank understands if Alton doesn't want to hook up with Irulan because it would cause drama in the house if he hooked up with someone else later on, but Frank doesn't think Alton should have to worry about Gabe, because Alton doesn't know Gabe. It isn't Alton's job to worry about Gabe. It's Irulan's. Irulan is worrying about Gabe with her lips as she gives him yet another big smooch. They are already annoying me. Frank assures Alton that the Gabe situation is Irulan's problem, not Alton's. Irulan and Gabe kiss some more. Frank says that Alton is the good guy for pushing Irulan away, which is something Frank doesn't think he could've done. In an interview, Alton refers to himself in the third person as he says that one of his golden rules is not to mess with a girl that has a boyfriend. It's a good rule, but more because you will end up getting hurt than because her boyfriend is your problem. Meanwhile, and in a surprising development, Irulan and Gabe are still kissing.
Frank and Steven gossip like girls over dinner. Frank relays the conversation he had with Alton in the gym about how Gabe is Irulan's problem. Frank reiterates that Alton is the one who pushed Irulan away. Steven reminds Frank that Gabe knows that Irulan is telling people that they have an open relationship. That's an interesting turn of phrase. Why didn't he say that Gabe knows they have an open relationship? Interesting. Frank says that Gabe and Irulan do have an open relationship. Both Frank and Steven dislike the idea of an open relationship. I can't believe I'm agreeing with Frank and Steven. In an interview, Steven says he knows Gabe wanted an open relationship, but he doesn't think Gabe wanted it to be that open. I don't get it. Either you can hook up with other people, or you can't. How can you put restrictions on that? "Well, you can hook up with other guys, but only if they don't look like me, and didn't buy you any gifts." "Okay, you can hook up with other girls, but only if they weigh more than me and have less than $2000 in their savings accounts." I mean, really.
Steven introduces Gabe to Frank and Alton. He jokingly mixes up their names. Ha ha! Ha? That Steven is such a card. Gabe? Is not that cute. In an interview, Alton says that he's nervous, but he's fine talking to Gabe. Alton asks Gabe if he wants to play pool. In an interview, Alton says that he's worried that the situation will cause conflict between Gabe and Irulan. He's such a liar. He's worried that Gabe's visit will mean that he can't hook up with Irulan anymore. This just in: Gabe and Irulan are kissing in the bedroom. The phone rings. It's Alton's mom, who asks about his roommates. Alton tells his mom how Irulan "molested" him the other night, and that Gabe is now there visiting. In an interview, Alton says that he's close to his mom and can tell her anything. Alton asks about Jon's trial. In an interview, Alton explains that nine years ago, his little brother was riding his bike with his best friend, and they were both abducted and murdered. Wait. What? Holy crap. That came out of nowhere. And, man, does that suck. Now I feel bad for making fun of Alton. I'm sure I'll get over it. Alton explains that they just found the killer and the trial is going on now. Alton asks how his mother feels about the trial. His mother thinks the killer should get the death penalty. In an interview, Alton explains that it's a capital case. Alton tells his mom that he supports her fully, and that he's excited to see her. She says that she's probably coming out by herself, and Alton is happy to hear it.
Alton and Gabe sit out in the hallway, smoking and chatting. See? Smoking brings everyone together. Alton says that he can't wait to see his mother. Gabe says that they will have to behave and "no chicken-fests." I'm going to assume that means that Alton can't hook up with girls. Alton says that his mom knows the score. In an interview, Alton says that he doesn't think Gabe knows about the hookup. It is kind of shitty of Irulan to keep Alton guessing like this. Alton tells Gabe that he can trust Irulan. Alton needs to shut his pie hole, because he's going to get himself in trouble. Gabe says that he and Irulan each do their own thing, but that they love each other. Alton talks about how beautiful and awesome Irulan is, and keeps going on and on about how beautiful and gorgeous she is, like, why doesn't he just hire a skywriter and write "We hooked up" in big letters? In an interview, Alton says that if Gabe finds out, it's Irulan and Gabe's problem.
Gabe and Irulan go out to dinner. Gabe asks her if she's done anything that's going to make her grandmother keel over and die. In an interview, Irulan says that she's "a little apprehensive about coming clean about the whole Alton kiss thing." See, do they have an open relationship or not? If they do, she shouldn't worry about telling him. But it's sounding to me like they might claim that they do, but they really don't. Gabe pushes to find out if Irulan has been with anyone, and Irulan admits that she kissed somebody, but that it was very innocent. Gabe asks if she's sure. Why would you want to know? In an interview, Irulan says that she doesn't want Gabe to feel uncomfortable. Irulan tells Gabe that she doesn't want there to be any surprises, or for him to feel in the dark. She tells him that she loves him, and that even though they have an open relationship, she respects him while she's in Vegas. First of all, the editors totally should have cut in footage of Irulan grinding on Alton during this scene. And second of all, I wish we could see footage of Gabe watching this scene knowing what he knows now. In an interview, Irulan says that Gabe is so good to her and she doesn't want to put him in a bad position. Irulan admits that she flirts, but says that she loves Gabe and doesn't want to jeopardize what they have.
Alton helps his mom, Melina, out of a limo. I seriously thought at first that Alton hooked up again, because his mom is hot! Alton introduces his mom to Arissa and Irulan. Melina tells Irulan that she needs to eat. Ha! They all laugh about it. In an interview, Irulan says that Melina is radiant and beautiful. Alton takes his mom up to the rooftop and shows her the sights. Well, that was kind of a pointless scene.
Trishelle and Melina brush their teeth before going to bed. Trishelle tells Melina that she doesn't look like a mom, and that she's beautiful. So moms are ugly? Melina jokes that she's pretty because she's a mom and six kids will make you look like that. Trishelle says that Alton looks just like his mom. In an interview, Trishelle says that she loves Melina, and she wishes Melina were her mother. Trishelle gives Melina a hug and says that she's so glad to have a mother figure around. If that doesn't encapsulate all of Trishelle's issues right there, I don't know what does. Steven tells Melina that she did a good job raising her son, and Trishelle agrees that Alton is a great guy. Melina says she's very proud. In an interview, Irulan says that Melina is very proud of Alton. Trishelle says it's nice that Alton has a lot of family. Frank says that he's an only child because his parents couldn't handle any more kids after him. On the captioning, someone says that Frank's parents thought he had Down's syndrome. What? That was weird. Frank demonstrates how hyper he was when he was born. Everyone laughs, so he keeps doing it for, like, ten more minutes until it stops being funny and becomes kind of awkward. Alton hugs his mom and Steven says that Melina is prettier than Alton. Well, I should hope so! Trishelle says that they look more like brother and sister, and Steven says that he thought Alton hooked up. Me too! But that's kind of a gross thing to say to their faces. In an interview, Arissa says that Melina is proud of Alton. But you know what I don't get? Is Melina proud of Alton or what? Alton and his mom go to bed, and after what Steven just said it seems like kind of a weird shot to see them heading off to bed together.
The morning, Irulan and Gabe snuggle in bed and argue about who should go make the coffee. Irulan orders Gabe to do it, and he complies. Alton wanders in and Gabe offers him some coffee. In an interview, Alton says that he's cool with Gabe, and that he doesn't think Irulan confessed. I still think it's shitty that Irulan hasn't told Alton whether she did. He deserves to know. Alton and Gabe talk about going rock-climbing at Red Rock.
Irulan and Gabe get in the car and head out to Red Rock. In an interview, Irulan says that she's looking forward to having time alone with Gabe. In an interview, Irulan talks about how amazing Gabe is, and how well suited they are to each other. They laugh and argue about how to get to Red Rock like when did I tune into The Amazing Race? In an interview, Irulan says that Gabe understands her and accepts her for who she is. It's like she's overcompensating by talking about how great Gabe. Damage control? I think so. They finally arrive at Red Rock and take photographs. And then, in a surprising turn of events, they kiss. In an interview, Irulan says that she comes clean to things, but has to do them in her own time, and little by little, which Gabe knows about her.
Melina shows Alton some baby pictures, which include photos of his dead brother. In an interview, Alton says that he was fourteen when his brother was abducted. Alton and his mother go over some paperwork for the court case. In an interview, Alton explains that he has to sign the papers in case he's called as a witness in the trial, and that in this situation, he's in favor of the death penalty. In fact, if the killer is sentenced to death, Alton wants to be there for the execution. Man, not a lot to snark about with that subject. Heavy.
Alton rides to the airport with his mom. They hug in the car. In an interview, Alton says, "She's not just a mom, she's a good mom. She's a loving mom. She's like a open [sic] and caring [sic]." She's "a open and caring"? At the airport, Melina tells Alton to say goodbye to his roommates for her. They hug goodbye and Alton leaves.
At Ghostbar, and I know you won't believe this, but Gabe and Irulan are kissing. Alton watches them. In an interview, Alton says that Gabe is really cool, but that Alton feels weird about what happened. Alton tells Steven that now he feels uncomfortable around Irulan and Gabe. Steven says it's because Alton likes Gabe, and that Alton didn't do anything wrong. Steven reminds Alton that it's Irulan's fault. In an interview, Steven says that it's "straight out of a soap opera" and it's "an evil thing." In an interview, Irulan says that she took a deep breath and told Gabe what happened. How did we not get to see that conversation? Bitches. In an interview, Alton says that Gabe tapped him on the shoulder and asked him to go talk. Alton and Gabe talk in the men's room, which is an odd place to have this conversation, but whatever. Alton apologizes for what happened. The lighting is so weird in there that it's very Fight Club. Although the huge medallion around Alton's neck is more Saturday Night Fever. In an interview, Alton says that Gabe wanted to know the details and specific things that happened. I think Alton and Gabe went into a stall together to have this discussion. All I know is that we hear their voices and see a stall door. This is getting weirder and weirder. Alton admits that the hookup happened the day before Gabe arrived. In an interview, Alton says that Gabe claimed he was fine with it, but that he still seemed angry. Alton says that there are going to be "consequences and repercussions" for Irulan.
Irulan and Gabe lie in bed. Irulan says that she already told him what happened, and that Alton rejected her. In an interview, Irulan says that Gabe wanted to know the specifics of what happened with Alton. Irulan tells Gabe, "I just didn't anticipate that you would come here and have any of your own feelings. I just didn't anticipate that you would come here and make things harder for me." In other words, "I only thought about myself, as I usually do, and even now, I'm still thinking about how this affects me, and I don't care about you." In an interview, Irulan says that she thinks Gabe trusts her, but that he feels threatened by the whole Alton thing because he's a good-looking roommate. Gabe lies on top of Irulan as she says that she loves him, but that they have an open relationship, so she doesn't understand why he had to talk to Alton about it. She adds that she didn't have to tell him. In an interview, Irulan says that their relationship is "don't ask, don't tell," but that if Gabe has a question, she'll answer it. Irulan uses the excuse that she's living by herself in Sin City, and that all of her roommates hook up every night. Oh, now it all makes sense. Except for the part where it totally doesn't. In an interview, Irulan says that she feels frustrated because she needs Gabe to "be supportive and show [her] love, and not let his ego get in the way of what [she] needs right now." No, she really said that. Let me translate for you: "Me, me, me, me, my needs, me, me, Gabe should serve my needs, me, me, it's all about me." I can barely believe my own eyes, but it appears that Gabe and Irulan are kissing again. In an interview, Irulan says that she's not a spoiled brat, but that she's accustomed to getting her own way and having things done the way she wants. Again, "me, me, my needs, and me."
Alton goes rock-climbing. In an interview, he says that it's therapeutic for him. He reaches a ledge, and sits and thinks. We see flashes of him with Irulan in different settings. He voice-overs that he's had a crush on Irulan since he first saw her, and that she's exactly what he wants. What a coincidence! She's exactly what she wants too!
Irulan and Gabe sit in a bar and talk. Irulan says she's glad they resolved the whole Alton thing, and that she didn't want him to feel awkward. Gabe says that he sensed something between Irulan and Alton. Irulan says that Alton was worried about how Gabe would take it, but her relationship with Alton is now platonic. In an interview, Irulan says that Gabe might not be comfortable, but that their love can survive a kiss with another man. To paraphrase the esteemed poet Jon Bon Jovi, Irulan gives love a bad name. And just when you thought it was over, Irulan and Gabe kiss yet again. Irulan sees Gabe into the taxi. They hug goodbye and Irulan cries because there won't be anyone there to feed her ego for a while. Unless she can convince Alton to hook up with her again, and then she can reject him again. Gabe's taxi pulls away, and Irulan pouts. In an interview, Irulan says that it was good to see Gabe off having worked through everything. Translation: "It was good that Gabe saw things my way, and can go back to kissing my ass."
Irulan walks back through the casino. When she walks into the suite, Alton greets her way too happily. In an interview, Alton says that he saw things in Irulan that made him not want to hang out with her, but now he thinks she's "dope" and "really, really cool." Is she a witch? What kind of power does she have over men? I mean, she's pretty, but she's not all that. In an interview, Irulan says that she and Alton have a connection, and she doesn't know where it will end up. Steven asks if Gabe is gone, and says that he really liked him. Frank sits on the sidelines with a disgusted look on his face. Ah, I know that look well. I get it every Tuesday night at 9:58 PM. In an interview, Frank says that he doesn't think Irulan is in love with Gabe. He thinks they've been going out so long that they're afraid to break up. Man, Frank has an opinion on everything. Irulan asks her roommates if they're going to a house party. In an interview, Frank says that Irulan needs to make a decision and try to be with Alton (which Frank thinks would be terrific). Irulan and Alton giggle and giggle with each other. I guess Trishelle's bulimia went away this week. Good thing they got us all concerned about it and then didn't even mention it this week. And holy crap! I just realized that we didn't see Brynn once.