'Life of Ryan' - Episode Five Recap

Sep 25 2007 / Los Angeles, CA

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The fifth episode of "Life of Ryan" kicks off with Sheckler's mom talking with Ryan about X Games.  It's coming up and she wants him to know that his dad is going with new girlfriend Christi.  Ryan is bummed because he's not used to her yet or to the idea of his dad moving on.  At least Mom is starting to get it.

Ryan goes to his friend Taylor's house and hangs, sharing his concern with her.  She is supportive but also lets him know that Christi is probably just trying to bond a bit with the family and not trying to replace anyone.  A little light bulb appears to go off in his head...  Maybe she's right.

Rounding out the X Games entourage will be his new "friend who's a girl" Julia (she's only called a date at this point).  She will be coming, as well as all his bowling buds (including Taylor, Tony, Casey and other random teens) and his family.

Photo Gallery    Check out screen grabs of the fifth episode of MTV's "Life of Ryan" View the Photo Gallery>

Before he gets too far along in the week Ryan does talk with his dad, Randy, about his concerns.  What follows is actually a pretty heart-to-heart discussion where Ryan does open up a little and his dad explains how much he's been hurt by the divorce.  So it got all dramatic and tears were shed (okay, maybe no tears, but sad music was played).

Ryan tells his agent, Steve Astephen, about the conversation -- the first time we've heard the omnipresent tall guy speak (he's been shown in at least two of the episodes wandering along with everyone) -- and while Astephen is happy about his dad, he's less interested in Julia coming along and the drama that may come with it.

So it's off to L.A. for the X Games.  The afternoon press conference where yours truly interviewed Sheckler and had to sign a release was condensed into about two seconds and then it was on to his hotel, where Ryan heard from Julia that she heard from someone else about Tony talking trash about her.  So Julia's not coming and Ryan is irritated at Tony about that.  

"Life With Ryan" Clip   Check out a clip from the fifth episode of MTV's "Life of Ryan" - © MTV

Then it's time for the X Games.  Mobs of fans follow him to the athlete entrance as he goes in to compete.  He takes to the floor for the elimination and makes the cut.  The comp features some good shots of him skating and also catches a fall which injures his hand.  

Ryan's dad gets worried and when Ryan gets off the course and tries to deal with his performance and pain, his dad makes the mistake of saying Ryan may not have made the finals.  This is Ryan Sheckler, dude -- he may not win everything, but won't miss a final.

Sheckler goes to his agent and leaves Dad and his bros behind and vents about what just happened.  But he finds out he made the final and he leaves, ready to come back and win the next day.  But the next day comes and over breakfast not only is his hand worse (his finger in particular) but he finds out his dad is sick and may not come.  Very bush.

As Ryan remembers back to his lunch with Papa, where he's told that his dad will be there for support on the big day, the big day starts.  Ryan skates hard but with his injury and his dad's absence, something happens (and perhaps the better skaters there on that day) and he ends up fourth.

Up in his hotel room, Sheckler ruminates on his dad's absence and the status of his relationship with Julia as all his friends lay sprawled in hotel room.

Ah, just another day in the Life of Ryan.

(FYI - check out our story about Ryan and his new show and whether or not MTV is hurting him -- check it out here!)

- Return to the "Life of Ryan" - Full Resource Guide

Random Notes from Episode Five

- Okay, I'm over those old home movies.  Stop them please.  This family takes a ton of video.  I have about three minutes of video of me as a kid and that's blurry Super 8 film.
- For the first time Ryan's spoken-about Christianity is shown as his dad takes him through a little pregame prayer.  May explain why he's so clean-cut, right?  Maybe.
- Unless I missed it, no Mexican food this week.  Boo-Hiss!
- Yo, what's with bowling with the bumpers up?  You are 17, my man.  Grow a pair.  Bowl with the gutters ready and waiting.
- I'm not sure why, but I have never seen Sheckler talk to any skater for anything resembling more than a hello.  We know he talks to people other than his family and friends.  Let's see him chat with P. Rod or Jereme Rogers, at least -- they're his Plan B teammates, right?
- Speaking of dad missing the finals, where was his agent?  I'm sure he was there, right?
- Great thing about TiVo is the ability to freeze and go in slow mo to see if you can see yourself.  Answer: NO.  But at least we have some photos from the X Games eliminations and finals.
- SPOILER:  Dad and Christi were with Ryan this weekend at the Dew Tour so I guess they've made up to some degree. Check out photos from those finals.