American Gladiators (2008 TV series) season 1 explained

Season Number:	1
Bgcolour:	191981
Module1:	Host: Hulk Hogan Laila Ali Winner: Evan Dollard Monica Carlson Num Contestants: 24
Num Episodes:	8
Network:	NBC
Next Season:	Season 2

The first season of the 2008 American Gladiators revival premiered on January 8, 2008, and concluded on February 17 of the same year, airing on NBC in the United States and Citytv in Canada.

Format

Season 1 of the revival featured 24 contenders (12 male, 12 female). Men and women compete in separate tournaments, with two men and two women competing in each episode. In each episode, contenders take part in several events against the Gladiators, trying to earn as many points as possible before the final event, the Eliminator. Each point separating the contenders translates into a half-second advantage for the leader (or a half-second handicap for the trailing contender). Preliminary round matches consisted of four events plus the Eliminator; semifinals and finals matches were extended to five events plus the Eliminator (by comparison, the original series had either six or seven events plus the Eliminator).

The four male contenders and the four female contenders who won their respective preliminary matches with the fastest Eliminator times advanced to the semifinals; the winners of the two semifinals matches competed in the finals.

The grand prize was $100,000, a 2008 Toyota Sequoia, and the right to become a Gladiator for Season 2.

Gladiators

Females			Males
Gladiator Name	Birth Name	Height & Weight	Gladiator Name	Birth Name	Height & Weight
Crush	Gina Carano	5'8", 150 lbs (1.70 m, 68 kg)	Justice	Jesse "Justice" Smith, Jr.	6'8", 290 lbs (2.03 m, 131 kg)
Fury	Jamie Reed	5'8", 150 lbs (1.70 m, 68 kg).	Mayhem	William Romeo	6'6", 230 lbs (1.98 m, 104 kg)
Hellga	Robin Coleman	6'1", 205 lbs (1.83 m, 93 kg)	Militia	Alex Castro	6'3", 220 lbs (1.88 m, 99.7 kg)
Siren	Valerie Waugaman	5'9", 145 lbs (1.73 m, 66 kg)	Titan	Michael O'Hearn	6'3", 263 lbs (1.91 m, 119 kg)
Stealth	Tanji Johnson	5'2", 100 lbs (1.55 m, 56 kg)	Toa	Tanoai Reed	6'3", 240 lbs (1.91 m, 108 kg)
Venom	Beth Horn	5'8", 137 lbs (1.70 m, 62 kg)	Wolf	Don "Hollywood" Yates	6'4", 225 lbs (1.94 m, 102 kg)

Reserves

Contenders

Female contenders

--- Please do not change the width this allows the table to scale within page margins based on display. --->	Contender Name	Height & Weight	Occupation	Quarterfinals		Semifinals		Finals
Heat	Result	Heat	Result
Monica Carlson	5'7", 130 lbs	Fitness Model	4	1st	2	Advanced	Winner
Shannay Norvell	5'5", 141 lbs	Youth Counselor	2	2nd	1	Advanced
Venus Ramos	5'4", 125 lbs	Rehab Physician	1	4th	2	Eliminated
Siene Silva	5'4", 127 lbs	Gymnastics Coach	3	3rd	1	Eliminated
Toni Oppliger	5'5", 121 lbs	High School Athletic Director	6	5th
Jennifer Blum	5'6", 155 lbs	Lawyer	5	6th
Kim Marciniak	5'3", 116 lbs	Cheerleader	6	Eliminated
Christine Kim	5'3", 117 lbs	Mortgage Broker	5	Eliminated
Belinda Gavin	5'7", 130 lbs	Bull Rider	4	Eliminated
Christie Philips	5'7", 130 lbs	Karate Instructor	3	Eliminated
Bonnie Blanco	5'7", 138 lbs	Retired Marine	2	Eliminated
Koya Webb	5'10", 145 lbs	Life Coach	1	Eliminated
Jessie Adams	5'5", 140 lbs	Sales Rep	1	Injured

Male contenders

--- Please do not change the width this allows the table to scale within page margins based on display. --->	Contender Name	Height & Weight	Occupation	Quarterfinals		Semifinals		Finals
Heat	Result	Heat	Result
Evan Dollard	5'10", 160 lbs	Retail Manager	5	1st	1	Advanced	Winner
Alex Rai	5'8", 150 lbs	History Teacher	6	2nd	2	Advanced
Andy Konigsmark	5'10", 185 lbs	Youth Minister	4	3rd	2	Eliminated
Anthony Abbatemarco	5'10", 190 lbs	New York City Firefighter	1	4th	1	Eliminated
Molivann Duy	5'7", 155 lbs	Dare Care Provider	2	5th
Adonis Lockett	6'0", 196 lbs	Engineer	3	6th
Mark Baker	5'11", 185 lbs	Chiropractor	6	Eliminated
Son Nguyen	6'0", 165 lbs	Firefighter	5	Eliminated
Sharaud Moore	5'11", 205 lbs	Algebra Teacher	4	Eliminated
Adam Levin	5'9", 175 lbs	Shark Fisherman	4	Injured
Jeff Chapman	6'4", 248 lbs	Radiation Control Technician	3	Eliminated
Jeff Keller	5'11", 208 lbs	Ad Sales	2	Eliminated
Chad Knight	5'10", 180 lbs	Pro Skateboarder	1	Eliminated

Events

See main article: List of American Gladiators events.

The following is a list of events featured on American Gladiators. Descriptions of events that were played on the original version of American Gladiators contain only the changes made in the revival and the season the event was introduced in is shown in brackets. Season 1 featured a total of ten events, including the Eliminator.

Assault

In Assault, the contenders begin the course holding the ball for use in the first weapon, a slingshot. The second station is a rotating turret that contenders must rotate into position and load themselves. The third station is a sandpit where an arrow is hidden for the crossbow waiting at station four (they complete the station by finding the arrow). Contenders are given a smokescreen at station three to assist in moving to station four. The fifth station consists of throwing three balls at the target. If the contenders hit any part of the target, they earn 10 points. Hitting the target or pushing the button at the end of the course triggers pyrotechnics at the Gladiator's platform, and the Gladiator is rapidly pulled off the platform by a pulley and harness fly system across the arena and into the water tank. If time runs out, or contenders are hit by a ball fired by the Gladiator before hitting the target, they earn one point for each station completed.

Earthquake

In Earthquake, the contender and Gladiator wrestle on a 12adj=midNaNadj=mid platform that is suspended above the floor and is moved during the event. If the Contender takes the Gladiator off the platform, he or she is declared the winner, even if he or she also comes down in the process. A Contender gets 10 points if he or she pulls the Gladiator down, and 5 points if he or she lasts the entire 30 seconds. Holding on to the wires supporting the Earthquake ring is legal, but kicking or otherwise using the foot to remove the Contender from the ring is not. The event is similar in concept to "Conquer", the second part of "Breakthrough and Conquer".

Gauntlet

In Gauntlet, the contenders earn two points for each of four Gladiators they pass within the 30-second time limit and an additional two points if they can break through a foam wall 10 feet beyond the final Gladiator, for a maximum of 10 points. The rule change is similar to the seventh and eighth seasons of the UK Series. In addition, the Gauntlet is enclosed, so contenders cannot be pushed "out of bounds."

Hang Tough

In Hang Tough the course is shorter, situated over a pool of water, and has much smaller platforms. Further, the Gladiator is allowed to use the contender's equipment (such as the straps holding the backpack) to pull the contender in. As in the original version, contenders receive 5 points if they are still on the course when the 60-second time limit expires.

Hit & Run

In Hit & Run, which was first introduced in the UK version, the contender traverses a 50-foot suspension bridge hanging above the water tank. Four Gladiators, two on each side of the bridge, attempt to knock the contender off using 100-pound demolition balls. Contenders receive two points for each successful trip across the bridge within the 60-second time limit, and must press a button on the platform to register the points (a difference from the UK version, which required contenders to touch the rail at the back of the platform). Furthermore, there is no penalty for crawling on the suspension bridge, as there was in the UK version, though the referee has instructed contenders to return to their feet in some instances after significant crawling.

Joust

In Joust, the platforms are situated over a pool of water. Gladiators, but not contenders, may be disqualified if both their knees touch the platform simultaneously. Both gladiators and contenders will be disqualified if they step on their opponents' platform. If gladiator is knocked off by contender the contender will earn 10 points. If the contestant does not get hit off by 30 seconds then the contender will receive 5 points.

Powerball

In Powerball, the time limit is now 60 seconds. In addition, the playing field is lined with padded walls, which means there is no "out of bounds," and the scoring bins have much wider openings, making tossed balls more effective than the original. For Season 2, caps have been added to the scoring pods to narrow the opening and prevent the contenders from scoring by shooting the ball and the course has been enlarged.^[1]

Pyramid

In Pyramid, Modified UK Gladiators rules have been adopted. Contenders earn 5 points for getting their feet atop the Pyramid tier marked with a white dotted line. Pressing the button at the top within the 60-second time limit is worth 5 more points, for a total of 10, and immediately ends the event.

The Wall

The Wall uses the original format, with a three-section Wall, and contestants are given a seven-second head start. The Wall was 40 feet high in Season 1 (an eight-foot increase over the Wall in the original American Gladiators). Contenders and Gladiators cross floating platforms to reach the Wall (the same platforms were used at the beginning of the Eliminator). Once the Gladiators begin their pursuit, the platforms are retracted. Contenders that are pulled or fall from the Wall drop into the water. Unlike previous editions, however, contenders earn 5 points if they are still on the Wall when the 60-second time limit expires.

The Eliminator

In Season 1, The Eliminator had these tasks:

• Traverse the floating platforms used in the Wall
• Climb an 8-foot wall. (a rope is provided to help climb up)
• Swim under a fiery surface.
• Climb a 30-foot cargo net.
• Go downward on an inclined barrel roll (A rope is provided to help hold on)
• Use a hand bike to cross a pit
• Run down a balance beam inclined downward
• Run up the pyramid
• Travel down a zipline
• Run up the Travelator (a rope is provided to help climb up)
• Climb a short flight of stairs
• Then crash through the foam wall from gauntlet

Quarterfinals

Females

Heat 1

Contender	Events				Final Score	Headstart	Result
	Powerball	Joust	Earthquake	Pyramid
bgcolor=#ff8080 style="text-align:left;"	Koya Webb	6	5	0	0	11		Loss
Jessie Adams/Venus Ramos	2	0	5	5	12	0.5s	Win

Heat 2

Contender	Events				Final Score	Headstart	Result
	Gauntlet	Wall	Hang Tough	Hit & Run
bgcolor=#ff8080 style="text-align:left;"	Bonnie Blanco	10	10	5	0	25	1.0s	Loss
bgcolor=#8080ff style="text-align:left;"	Shannay Norvell	10	5	10	2	27		Win

Heat 3

Contender	Events				Final Score	Headstart	Result
	Gauntlet	Joust	Hang Tough	Assault
bgcolor=#ff8080 style="text-align:left;"	Christie Philips	6	0	0	1	7		Loss
bgcolor=#8080ff style="text-align:left;"	Siene Silva	10	0	10	2	22	7.5s	Win

Heat 4

Contender	Events				Final Score	Headstart	Result
	Powerball	Joust	Assault	Pyramid
bgcolor=#ff8080 style="text-align:left;"	Monica Carlson	6	10	1	10	27	6.5s	Win
bgcolor=#8080ff style="text-align:left;"	Belinda Gavin	4	0	10	5	14		Loss

Heat 5

Contender	Events				Final Score	Headstart	Result
	Wall	Earthquake	Assault	Hit & Run
bgcolor=#ff8080 style="text-align:left;"	Christine Kim	0	5	3	10	18		Loss
bgcolor=#8080ff style="text-align:left;"	Jennifer Blum	0	5	10	8	23	2.5s	Win

Heat 6

Contender	Events				Final Score	Headstart	Result
	Powerball	Joust	Hang Tough	Assault
bgcolor=#ff8080 style="text-align:left;"	Toni Oppliger	0	10	5	4	19	0.5s	Win
bgcolor=#8080ff style="text-align:left;"	Kim Marciniak	4	10	0	4	18		Loss

Eliminator Times

	Contender	Time
1	Monica Carlson	2:00.0
2	Siene Silva	2:22.0
3	Shannay Norvell	2:22.4
4	Venus Ramos	3:37.6
5	Toni Oppliger	3:44.6
6	Jennifer Blum	4:07.1

Males

Heat 1

Contender	Events				Final Score	Headstart	Result
	Powerball	Hang Tough	Hit & Run	Pyramid
bgcolor=#ff8080 style="text-align:left;"	Anthony Abbatemarco	12	10	10	5	37	16.5s	Win
bgcolor=#8080ff style="text-align:left;"	Chad Knight	2	0	2	0	4		Loss

Heat 2

Contender	Events				Final Score	Headstart	Result
	Gauntlet	Joust	Assault	Pyramid
bgcolor=#ff8080 style="text-align:left;"	Jeff Keller	8	10	2	0	20	1.0s	Loss
bgcolor=#8080ff style="text-align:left;"	Molivann Duy	6	10	2	0	18		Win

Heat 3

Contender	Events				Final Score	Headstart	Result
	Gauntlet	Wall	Earthquake	Hang Tough
bgcolor=#ff8080 style="text-align:left;"	Adonis Lockett	10	0	0	10	20		Win
bgcolor=#8080ff style="text-align:left;"	Jeff Chapman	8	10	10	0	28	4.0s	Loss

Heat 4

Contender	Events				Final Score	Headstart	Result
	Powerball	Joust	Hit & Run	Assault
Adam Levin/Andy Konigsmark	2	0	8	3	13		Win
bgcolor=#8080ff style="text-align:left;"	Sharaud Moore	2	10	8	1	21	4.0s	Loss

Heat 5

Contender	Events				Final Score	Headstart	Result
	Gaulett	Pyramid	Assault	Wall
bgcolor=#ff8080 style="text-align:left;"	Evan Dollard	10	0	10	10	30	9.0s	Win
bgcolor=#8080ff style="text-align:left;"	Son Nguyen	6	0	1	5	12		Loss

Heat 6

Contender	Events				Final Score	Headstart	Result
	Powerball	Earthquake	Hang Tough	Hit & Run
bgcolor=#ff8080 style="text-align:left;"	Mark Baker	4	10	0	8	22		Loss
bgcolor=#8080ff style="text-align:left;"	Alex Rai	6	0	10	14	30	4.0s	Win

Eliminator Times

	Contender	Time
1	Evan Dollard	1:29.0
2	Alex Rai	1:38.0
3	Andy Konigsmark	2:04.1
4	Anthony Abbatemarco	2:10.3
5	Molivann Duy	2:13.4
6	Adonis Lockett	3:47.0

Semifinals

Females

Heat 1

Contender	Events					Final Score	Headstart	Result
	Hit & Run	Hang Tough	Gaulet	Joust	Wall
bgcolor=#ff8080 style="text-align:left;"	Shannay Norvell	8	0	10	5	0	23	2.5s	Win
bgcolor=#8080ff style="text-align:left;"	Siene Silva	8	0	10	0	0	18		Loss

Heat 2

Contender	Events					Final Score	Headstart	Result
	Powerball	Hang Tough	Joust	Wall	Pyramid
bgcolor=#ff8080 style="text-align:left;"	Monica Carlson	9	10	10	10	0	39	16.0s	Win
bgcolor=#8080ff style="text-align:left;"	Venus Ramos	7	0	0	0	0	7		Loss

Eliminator Times

	Contender	Time
1	Shannay Norvell	1:51.0
2	Monica Carlson	1:54.1

Males

Heat 1

Contender	Events					Final Score	Headstart	Result
	Powerball	Hang Tough	Joust	Wall	Pyramid
bgcolor=#ff8080 style="text-align:left;"	Evan Dollard	6	10	0	10	5	31	5.0s	Win
bgcolor=#8080ff style="text-align:left;"	Anthony Abbatemarco	6	5	0	5	5	21		Loss

Heat 2

Contender	Events					Final Score	Headstart	Result
	Hit & Run	Hang Tough	Gaulet	Joust	Wall
bgcolor=#ff8080 style="text-align:left;"	Andy Konigsmark	2	5	10	10	5	32	5.0s	Loss
bgcolor=#8080ff style="text-align:left;"	Alex Rai	6	0	6	0	10	22		Win

Eliminator Times

	Contender	Time
1	Evan Dollard	1:23.0
2	Alex Rai	1:49.1

Finals

Females

Contender	Events					Final Score	Headstart	Result
	Hang Tough	Assault	Joust	Pyramid	Wall
bgcolor=#ff8080 style="text-align:left;"	Monica Carlson	0	10	0	0	10	20	3.5s	Win
bgcolor=#8080ff style="text-align:left;"	Shannay Norvell	0	3	5	0	5	13		Loss

Males

Contender	Events					Final Score	Headstart	Result
	Hang Tough	Assault	Joust	Pyramid	Wall
bgcolor=#ff8080 style="text-align:left;"	Evan Dollard	10	10	0	0	10	30	9.5s	Win
bgcolor=#8080ff style="text-align:left;"	Alex Rai	0	1	0	5	5	11		Loss

Elimination Table

Females

Contender	Round
	Quarterfinals						Semifinals		Finals
	Heat 1	Heat 2	Heat 3	Heat 4	Heat 5	Heat 6	Heat 1	Heat 2
Monica				WIN				WIN	WINNER
Shannay		WIN					WIN
Venus	WIN				RISK	RISK		bgcolor=salmon	OUT
Siene			WIN				bgcolor=salmon	OUT
Toni						WIN
Kim						bgcolor=salmon	OUT
Jennifer					WIN
Christine					bgcolor=salmon	OUT
Belinda				bgcolor=salmon	OUT
Christie			bgcolor=salmon	OUT
Bonnie		bgcolor=salmon	OUT
Koya	bgcolor=salmon	OUT
Jessie	INJ

Males

Contender	Round
	Quarterfinals						Semifinals		Finals
	Heat 1	Heat 2	Heat 3	Heat 4	Heat 5	Heat 6	Heat 1	Heat 2
Evan					WIN		WIN		WINNER
Alex						WIN		WIN
Andy				WIN				bgcolor=salmon	OUT
Anthony	WIN						bgcolor=salmon	OUT
Molivann		WIN				RISK
Mark						bgcolor=salmon	OUT
Adonis			WIN		RISK
Son					bgcolor=salmon	OUT
Sharaud				bgcolor=salmon	OUT
Adam				INJ
Jeff C			bgcolor=salmon	OUT
Jeff K		bgcolor=salmon	OUT
Chad	bgcolor=salmon	OUT

Notes and References

1. Web site: Photo of new Powerball pods via Flashgameshows.com . 2008-05-03 .