VH1 Blog

It’s the final countdown!

Matt and Simeon may have worked well together as wingmen, but they battled each other in the final episode of The Pickup Artist. As they clashed, we had a few questions. Would Simeon’s cowboy hat reign supreme? Would Matt’s boa finally become useful? Could eyebrow piercing triumph over cosmetic dentistry?

It was a tight race, but ultimately Simeon was crowned (crookedly, one assumes) this season’s pickup artist.

First things first. A test of speed and precision was administered to find out who was the (sorry. . .can’t help it) quicker picker upper. Mystery explained that this reward challenge was to see who can kiss-close in the shortest amount of time. “It’s unfortunate that I’ll have to beat one of my best friends in the house in order to win the title,” Simeon said, proving that once again, he’s got a competitive edge that has really shone through in these last episodes. We have to admit that while his “Nobody puts baby in a corner” opener can drives us bonkers, he has some serious game these days. While they’ve all kissed out in the field, they’ve never done so against the clock and that adds to their anxiety, not to mention this is a reward challenge and the winner will have a definite advantage. ”The winner of this challenge will not only get mad props from us, but a sweet reward,” Mystery tells the guys after checking what lingo the kids are spouting these days.

Simeon and Matt both work the room in a race against time to see who can score a kiss first. Within five minutes they’re bringing girls to the VIP area to work their magic. Unlike other challenges, the guys were let loose in the club at the same time and were basically going head-to-head in a kiss-off. It could have made for some awkward run-ins with the competition, especially since they sat down right next to each other in the VIP booth. If this was a wacky sitcom, they would have noisily tried to out-do each other and lost the affections of both of their girls, but alas, Growing Pains this is not.

At the 15-minute mark it was an even playing field, but Simeon managed to kiss his target just a little bit faster and won the reward challenge – he closed the deal at 15 minutes and 15 seconds.

Almost simultaneously, Matt was administering a trust test and twenty seconds later was kissing his target, too. So close!

Although Simeon is the true winner, it’s kind of insane that they both scored in less than sixteen minutes. “Being picked up by a pickup artist, when done properly, is a privilege,” Matador says while he’s watching his two protégé’s make out.

After they were both congratulated for their stellar work, we were treated to a Fuzzy Contemplative Montages for Simeon and Matt – normally we see the fuzzy farewell montage at the end of the show, but since no one is being kicked off just yet, the guys were allowed to just reflect on the “before” and “afters” of their lives. In a nutshell, both of them were anxious and insecure and overcame that. I once was lost but now am found, yaddah yaddah, you know how that goes.

After the reward challenge, Mystery comes over to tell the guys that he’s throwing a party at their house tonight, and not only that, he’s only invited girls who are “perfect 10’s.” Now, having seen the movie 10, I was pretty sure this meant every girl there would have a gold swimsuit and cornrows – I was wrong. Matt and Simeon have to pick up one of these 10’s and bring her to their bedroom and, because he was the winner of the reward challenge, Simeon was give the Master suite. Matt got the smaller bedroom (and, pray as I might, it’s just a normal room, not the one with bunk beds that they has all been sharing).

They’re given a brief lesson about how exceptionally beautiful women are people too, and then are told to use a lot of negs to make these hotties comfortable before seducing the crap out of them. They also get to make over their rooms – bonus! I’ve been waiting for this pickup show to include an interior design element. Off to the furniture store they go.

Austin Powers’ shagadelic animal-print bedroom came to mind when I thought about what kind of decor these bachelors might get, and honestly, I almost peed my pants laughing when Simeon actually chose black satin sheets and a zebra bedspread. Every bachelor needs a bed-in-a-bag that looks like wild game.

Matt thoughtfully mulls over his decorating choices and picks up a globe that would work well as a conversation piece, because what gal doesn’t love discussing the 38th parallel and actually having a three-dimensional reference handy?

The night of the party, the guys are given two hours to seduce a girl in their bedroom. Establish a comfort level and safely seduce her, Mystery tells them. Which seems creepy, but okay, that’s what we’ve been leading up to all along. As we all know, the one who does this will win the challenge, $50,000, and the chance to travel with Mystery and his entourage to teach other men the art of pickup.

Matt’s rapport with people serves him well and he easily bounces in and out of conversations, while Simeon acts as Matt’s wingman and proves that his sportsmanship trumps his competitiveness.

Simeon seemed pretty successful with a two-set, he even managed to get them into his room (and one of them complimented his bedding – I guess I stand corrected, chicks dig animal prints) but neither of them wanted to kiss him. Ouch. Matt, too, brought a two-set to his room but after some boring conversation he said, “The window to sexualize it…went out the door.” It’s a window. In a door. Trippy. But Matt wins me back when he’s asked what kind of champagne he’s drinking and replies “Only the most exclusive vintage of André.” Many a night in my youth were spent with André and his $3 vintages.

Simeon brings a limber yogini back to his room for round two of sexytime and manages to kino escalate to a kiss and then some.

Matt manages to bring one of the girls from his two-set back to his room as well and go in for a kiss as well.

The rest of the seduction is (thankfully) left to our imagination.

When Mystery calls them to his chamber, he begins this final elimination by telling them the Mystery Creation Myth. “Many years ago, before I became Mystery, I was Erik von Markovik. I was a scared kid. I cut myself off from the outside world. I was observing life rather than participating in it. I had no purpose. So I decided to do something about it and that’s when I discovered my calling.”

Mystery goes on to analyze the evening’s pickup performances and says “Simeon, I saw in you the PUA mindset. You have the swagger. Matt, here’s what I saw. You eventually saw a way to bring your target back to your room and you eventually got a couple nice kisses there. You could have done more.” Matador also says “Matt, you need to go sexual when the time is right. No apologies. Pull back your shield and reveal it.” Revealyourwhatnow? It’s looking grim for Matt – if only he had pulled this trigger everyone keeps talking about. Mystery tells them that while both of their lives will be rewarded richly because of their experiences on the show, Simeon is the next Pickup Artist.

Matt graciously concedes to his wingman despite having traveled the long road together, but Matt, we’re sure you and your globe will have no trouble in the future. And at the very least, you can go home to Chuck. Tell him we say hi.

Wingmen don’t shake hands, wingmen gotta hug.

Despite being the house spaz with uncontrollable energy (who will forever live in our mind as “Osama Bin Sexy”), Simeon accepts the title of Pickup Artist and says “For once, honestly, I’m at a loss for words.” Then he screamed like crazy and coolly headed back to a pool party full of hot girls like a true pickup artist would.

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Mystery’s Back For Another Round Of The Pickup Artist

Hot off the press! New season debuts Sunday, Oct. 12 at 10/9c on VH1!

Based on the tremendous viewer response to the series The Pickup Artist, VH1 has once again teamed up with world renowned pickup guru Mystery to help guide nine new socially awkward students overcome their biggest fears – meeting women. As we saw last season, Mystery has developed a foolproof formula for these men to follow, whether they’re in a bar, club or coffee shop. Through his various teachings and in-the-field tests, Mystery will prepare these men with the skills they need to overcome their shyness and confidence issues in the real world. The Pickup Artist 2 premieres on VH1 on Sunday, October 12 at 10:00 PM.

The Pickup Artist 2 brings a new twist to the show, as Mystery and Season 1 wing-man and fellow pickup artist Matador are joined by new wing-girl Tara. Viewers may remember Tara as Season 1’s kissing coach. In this second season she will expand her role by adding a female perspective. Tara will serve as full time wing-girl to Mystery and act as a confidant for the contestants.

This season, The Pickup Artist 2 moves to Phoenix, AZ, as the guys sample the local night life in hopes of perfecting their skills and winning the title of Master Pickup Artist. In each episode, one contestant will be declared the winner of a challenge and granted immunity from elimination, while the loser will be sent packing. The challenges this season are even more intense and personal. The dating neophytes will be tested in a local supermarket, a charity auction and various area nightclubs outfitted with hidden cameras that capture women?s real responses to the contestants’ come-ons.

“It’s certainly no mystery why we’ve partnered again with Mystery. He already had a legion of followers from his book when we launched The Pickup Artist series last year, and now he’s grown into a pop culture phenomenon. He’s even been parodied on Saturday Night Live, a true indicator of water cooler buzz.” said Jeff Olde, Executive Vice President, Original Programming & Production.

?This series is so much more than just how to pick up a woman. It’s about instilling confidence in these young men. As each week goes by, you cheer on this crew of socially awkward men who ultimately flourish with some hard observations of themselves, gut-wrenching experiences in the field and even a little TLC.?

In the end, only one guy will remain and be worthy of the title Pick-Up Artist. Whoever claims this title will also win the cash prize of $50,000 to use towards his new social life. Catch The Pickup Artist 2 on VH1, premiering Sunday, October 12 at 10:00 PM*

Excerpted from VH1.com

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Interview with Simeon Moses from The Pick Up Artist 2 on VH1

Posted on 01/09/2009 by RealityWanted in The Pick Up Artist and Cast Interviews

Recently we had the opportunity to speak with Simeon Moses the winner of The Pick Up Artist 2. Simeon, 28 and originally from Seattle currently resides in Redondo Beach, CA and shares with us his experiences on the show:

Q. RealityWanted.com: Hey Simeon, thanks for speaking with us today. So how did you end up on The Pick Up Artist?

A. Simeon Moses, The Pick Up Artist: I saw they were casting online so I decided to apply.

Q. RealityWanted.com: What made you want to apply to the show?

A. Simeon Moses, The Pick Up Artist: At the age of 26 I had only had one girlfriend and that didn’t work out, so I thought it might be a good experience for me.

Q. RealityWanted.com: Did you watch the show prior to coming on the show? Had you read any dating books prior to the show?

A. Simeon Moses, The Pick Up Artist: I watched some internet clips of the show and had read the book “The Game” too.

Q. RealityWanted.com: What did you think after you saw your competition in the house?

A. Simeon Moses, The Pick Up Artist: I thought I had a lot of competition. They were better looking and had better speaking ability. I was a little nervous but more so excited.

Q. RealityWanted.com: What was your favorite time on the show?

A. Simeon Moses, The Pick Up Artist: I really enjoyed the late night conversations we had by the pool. We would sit around and talk about our lives. It was a great bonding experience and I am still friends with al the guys on the show.

Q. RealityWanted.com: What about your worst time on the show?

A. Simeon Moses, The Pick Up Artist: I would have to say my first club experience was tough on episode 2. The first table I went up to was a guy and a girl and they told me to F off and the girl put her hand in my face.

Q. RealityWanted.com: Tell us about the workshops you were part of?

A. Simeon Moses, The Pick Up Artist: There were two types of workshops. There were the ones you saw on TV that were run by Mystery and Matador. Then there were the daily ones that were run by Knack and Hawaii. Knack and Hawaii worked with us on a daily basis throughout the show.

Q. RealityWanted.com: What was the biggest thing you learned while on the show?

A. Simeon Moses, The Pick Up Artist: I got over my fear of touching a women that I didn’t know.

Q. RealityWanted.com: What advice would you give guys that are having a hard time getting women?

A. Simeon Moses, The Pick Up Artist: Go to Mystery’s website www.VenusianArts.com and read up on the forums. He has a lot of great tips. He also had boot camps where guys can come in for a weekend training course.

Q. RealityWanted.com: So how are you doing with women now that you are off the show?

A. Simeon Moses, The Pick Up Artist: I am a 1,000 percent different. I meet girls every week and I typically get their numbers. I now know how to deal with it. I am still seeing what’s out there so I am currently single meeting new people.

Q. RealityWanted.com: So what’s next for you?

A. Simeon Moses, The Pick Up Artist: I am currently bartending at Sharkeez Manhattan Beach and would like to work more with Mystery and Matador on upcoming projects. I am still writing and want to pursue screen writing.

Q. RealityWanted.com: Do you have a Myspace or a way for fans to reach you?

A. Simeon Moses, The Pick Up Artist: They can find me at myspace.com/simeonmoses and my official website simeonthepickupartist2.com

http://www.realitywanted.com/newsitem/1571-interview-with-simeon-moses-from-the-pick-up-artist-2-on-vh1