GameGirl.com

Reality shows have taken over our television sets. This, we know, is a fact. No matter what channel you watch or what your favorite genre is, there is a reality show for you. I, too, have been bitten by the bug. I have become a reality show junkie. One of my favorites straight out the gate was Bad Girls Club on Oxygen. I have always been a fan of the Oxygen channel because it isn't as soft as Lifetime and they have the raunchier programming I love. So naturally when they introduced this new reality show last year, this self-proclaimed bad girl had to tune in, and I was hooked. I couldnt have been more excited when I had the chance to meet and hang out with one of the stars of season 2, Darlen. For those who have not watched the show, first of all shame on you. Darlen is a self-proclaimed party girl known for a violent temper. This pretty Mexican from Texas could pass for sweet and innocent at first but takes no prisoners when she is crossed. I am entirely too proud to come across as a fangirl so I knew that given the opportunity, there were only three things I wanted to know about from Darlen. First thing I wanted to hear about was the reality show and just how much reality was in the show. Second, from one Latina to another, was there a sense of pride in general and in being the sole Latina on the show. Last curiosity was, of course, about video games. With nothing to do in the house but go to clubs and peruse the internet, (7 girls, 1 computer) I wanted to know what she normally did for entertainment and if video games were in her repertoire.

The Show

In short, yes the drama is real. Darlen said that while the produce take certain creative license with the editing of the show, the drama and fighting between the girls is all real. Her disdain and loathing for Andrea, whom she has unaffectionately renamed Mandrea, is still real to this day. She tells me that there times when the other girls would start yelling and she would just zone out. "If I am not involved, I just start looking at other things and I really dont hear anything that is going on," Darlen tells me of some of the fights, including the reunion episode set to air in two weeks. While she didnt get into the details of the reunion episode they taped a few weeks ago, she did mention it was worth watching. I asked Darlen if she still stayed in touch with any of the girls to which she said yes. "Cordelia was just out at my house recently and I talk to Tanisha all the time," she tells me. She says while Cordelia is a partier like her, she can relate most with Tanisha, also known for her explosive temper. She didnt hide the fact that Jennavecia really did, in her opinion, try to manipulate the situations in the house and didnt like the direction their friendship took before Jennavecia was finally asked to leave.

I have to admit, in the beginning of the show, I favored the Party Girls over the Hyena Sisters. (You have to see the show to understand the alliances.) They seemed to have more fun and in general, get into more. Jennavecia, Darlen and Cordelias antics made for a few hysterical, and sometimes gross, episodes. After a night of partying, Darlen's explosive temper and destructive behavior was often both shocking and funny. Then there were times when she was topless and playful. Darlen is always full of energy and it is easy to see how she quickly became a fan favorite.

Being Latina

Latina's are well known for both their passion and their pride; Darlen is no different. We talked a little about being Latinas and the orgullo. "I am proud to be Mexican and happy my daughter is learning Spanish," says Darlen with a smile. She even happily shows me her license with her government name - for privacy, I won't write it now but I can assure you it is more Latina than mine. Afterwards, she asks, "Is that Spanish enough?" and with a laugh says, "I am proud of it." First, the connection between Latinas, most often, is instant. She was awesome about talking to me while getting ready in her hotel room. We talked as if we were old friends and partied like only Latinas can. I am sure there will be more partying to come.

On Gaming

Hear what she had to say...

So whats not to love about Darlen? In this day and age, when even Celebrealities are too big for their britches, it is nice to meet someone so incredibly down to earth. Dont forget to catch the final episodes on Oxygen and find out more on Oxygen.com.

• << prev
• next >>