'Utopia' pioneers face drama and fights during first few days of exile

Utopia got off to a dramatic start as the reality show's 14 pioneers and strangers entered the isolated ranch to begin building a brand new society over the course of a year.


The 14 pioneers were Bella Chartrand, a real estate entrepreneur and survivalist prepper; Dave Green, who's unemployed; Rob Hospidor, a security programmer; Josh Johnston, a general contractor; Jonathan Lovelace, a pastor and high school coach; Dr. Nikki Noce, a medical and holistic doctor, life coach and herbalist; Bri Nyugen, a veterinary technician and student; Mike Quinn, an attorney; Amanda Scott, a behavioral specialist; Aaron Thomas, a private chef; Chris Tuorto, a glass blower and chili farmer; Hex Vanisles, who's unemployed; Red Vanwinkle, a handyman and farmer; and Dedeker Winston, a model.

The cast was supposed to feature 15 pioneers, however, Amanda Cox was given the boot at the last minute for trying to use her cell phone at a hotel against the rules before filming began. The pioneers currently on the show will apparently be given the opportunity to select the fifteenth new cast member themselves.

Utopia's premiere episode was compact with small storylines as the pioneers got to know one another while dealing with the limitations of their new environment.

At first, the cast assembled in a barn to learn what's in store for them. A hologram formed on the table and revealed they'd have $5,000 in their safe to use sparingly. Afterward, they must find a way to make their own money by utilizing communication with the outside world. Everyone brought their own possessions but were instructed to throw them into a communal pit. They could only take what they needed, and such instruction resulted in chaos. Dave, an ex-convict, flipped out because he didn't want to share, while Amanda snuck something in.


All the pioneers found on the shelves for food supplies were giant jars of pickles, bags of flour and jugs of wine. They also had some livestock such as cows and chickens as well as water. There was no plumbing or electricity. Having electricity would allow them to power a phone to enable contact with the outside world.

The pioneers had to make their own rules, so most of the women decided clothing was optional and they took a dip in the lake nude. The scene made pastor Jonathan very uncomfortable and sad. While discussing everyone's observations and suggestions, Aaron -- who did all the cooking -- told the group they should ration their food and only eat twice a day. Amanda had a huge problem with that and no one knew why. However, it turned out she's pregnant. Amanda announced she's in a relationship back home but not necessarily with a man.

During a party at night on Day 1, Josh got really drunk on whiskey and made some degrading, offensive comments towards the women. Hex got into a blowout argument with him, and Dave ended up getting into a physical altercation with their contractor. The event led the pioneers to begin forming a democratic government, as they voted whether to keep Josh or send him packing. The people were split but decided at the trial to give Josh another chance as long as he agreed to being on probation for 90 days, which meant no drinking. Josh got to work and changed his attitude to convince everyone he deserved forgiveness.

Hex stayed up vomiting all night. She was really sick and had to be taken out of the ranch in an ambulance. She was in really bad shape yet later returned to utopia after receiving medical treatment.

War then broke out over a dead chicken. Red argued the meat was fine to cook while utopia's only chef insisted he wasn't okay with cooking it. The pair fought and Red decided to cook it anyway. He lost his cool, spilling water everywhere and yelling. Aaron got right up to his face and threatened him with physical violence.


The fight forced Red to consider quitting the show, as he said he was surrounded by "a bunch of dumbasses," but his good friend Dave seemingly talked him out of it. Aaron later apologized for disrespecting Red and the pair appeared to bury the hatchet. Red determined it was important everyone lay down some ground rules going forward.






About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski