Darrell Taylor and Tina Barta (‘The Challenge 40: Battle of the Eras’) exit interview: ‘It was a dream come true,’ but ‘we can’t even win a damn challenge’
Era 1 took another major blow on Wednesday night’s “The Challenge 40: Battle of the Eras.” Darrell Taylor and Tina Barta were both sent packing after losing to Era 4’s Kyland Young and Michele Fitzgerald in an elimination challenge called “Boxster-Phobia.” The OGs from MTV’s original “Road Rules” franchise left behind Derrick Kosinski and Rachel Robinson as the last two players from Era 1. Watch their exit interview with Gold Derby above.
“It was a dream come true,” Darrell says about reuniting with old castmates for the historic season. “I always dreamt about this. Then, here we are, and we can’t even win a damn challenge.” Tina adds, “I was ready, baby! I told you, I was ready to win this one with you guys. It was such a dream come true for me too.”
In the elimination arena, both Darrell and Tina had opportunities to win, but couldn’t figure out the mathematical equation needed to prevail. “Once I pulled that last pole out and I got through the last door, I saw that nobody was there and I got excited,” Darrell admits. “I lost my composure at the very end. I got too excited.” Tina reveals, “When I do math I have to see it. Mental math is very hard for me, I do have A.D.D., and so it’s hard for me to keep track of the numbers. I was also on a bunch of antihistamines, so my brain wasn’t all there.”
When reflecting back at their “Challenge” careers, both have favorite moments. For Tina, she’s most proud of her Season 40 elimination win over Emily Schromm. “That was a highlight for me,” she explains. “What a way to sum up a career.” For Darrell, he has to go back to his “Fresh Meat” victory with Aviv Melmed. “I like winning,” he admits. “When I see people win I get goosebumps, and I know that feeling, but I haven’t had that feeling in a minute. I’m starting to have withdrawals.”
Both reveal who they would draft first if they returned to “The Challenge” as pairs. Darrell would take Derrick or Rachel. Tina would pick CT Tamburello and Rachel. As for who they gave high and low marks when they left this season? “I only voted 5 for Rachel and everyone else got a 4. I’m sorry, not sorry!” Tina exclaims. Darrell says, “I wasn’t thinking, I was so mad. I gave everybody a 5 except for Laurel, she got a 1.” Tina then recalls, “Oh yeah, I gave Bananas a negative 5. I was mad at him too. He was just getting on my nerves.”
The pair dives into more details about this current season and how the game has evolved over the years. Both Darrell and Tina were sad to be eliminated early, but hope to return for All Stars seasons in the future.