Thoughts On The First Two Madden Nation Episodes

I don't think anyone knew exactly what to expect before Madden Nation premiered Tuesday night on ESPN2. What we did know was that this show was a huge opportunity to put our community on display for all to see, and that those who watched would form an instant impression of the hard core gamers that make up the Madden Nation. The responsibility of this impression fell on the cast members who were selected, and in the first hour of air time they didn't disappoint. ESPN chose a solid mix of gamers from around the Madden community and each of the differing personalities had something unique to offer. From the perspective shaping words of wisdom of NJ Maddenballer to the aneurysm inducing antics of Sherm Sticky, the characters shined.

That's really what our community is about, isn't it? As much as fans of Madden are alike, we are also different. We come from all backgrounds and cultures. We are made up of every age, race, religion, and economic status imaginable. That's one of the things that makes us special. And that was very much evident as the show contestants met one another in the lobby of EA's Redwood City, CA headquarters. The gamers sized each other up, some recognizing familiar faces from EA Challenges past, while others met new friends who would quickly become their Madden adversaries on the way to $100,000. Some of the contestants also stood out immediately as the stars of the show because of their colorful behavior.

Everybody needs a villian. On the Madden Nation TV series, Sherman “Sherm Sticky” Jameson was happy to fill that role. He danced, taunted, and "pop, pop, popped" his way through the first two episodes and was instantly loved and hated at the same time by Madden fans across the country. He represented an equally flamboyant receiver in Chad Johnson, and even had the audicity to trash talk the NFL superstar in his own living room. Oh yeah, he's pretty good at Madden too.

In addition to all of the varying personas, there was some heated competition during the first two shows. Probably the most impressive moment was when free agent baller Antoin “Pretty Boy” Williams defeated Christopher “Action” Jackson to gain himself a spot on the tour bus. With his NFL player representative Larry Fitzgerald watching intently, Pretty Boy won the game on a kick off return for a touchdown in overtime that he predicted moments befored it occurred. These type of moments make for good TV, and they also make for a pretty damn good game of Madden.

Next Tuesday can't come soon enough for this Madden fan. Who will try and make their way onto the bus next episode? Will Pretty Boy make any more predictions? Will someone lose their cool and strangle the life out of Sherm Sticky? If the first week of Madden Nation is any indication, we will have plenty to look forward to. Make sure and tune in 11 PM eastern on ESPN2 to find out what's in store.