Episode 1 - Welcome to The Mole ... Blog

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to The Mole ... Blog."

Oh, by the way, my name is Jon Kelley.  Great meeting all of you, live and
in living color, via the World Wide Web. From what I’m reading on these
message boards, there’s a long list of you seriously juiced up for this
show’s return.  It’s been 4 long years - 'bout time we got the magic and
green kool-aid flowing again.

I’m a blog fanatic and I can tell by these message boards that fans are
amped. "Mole-a-holics"... getting "Mole-a-fied"… feeling "Mole-liscious"...
just a few of the new phrases I’ve picked up around the blogosphere.

One of my all-time favorite comments so far?  That Anderson Cooper and I
actually resemble each other!  No joke.  One guy even wrote that we must be,
"brothers from another mother."  That is CLASSIC!  For those of you who
might get us mixed up, I’ll help you out with a little hint:  if you look
very closely, I have a small freckle under my right eye. He doesn’t.  So as
long as you stay aware of that, you should be good.  Oh, and I’m black.

For the record, I, like many of you, thoroughly enjoyed watching Anderson Cooper lead the way through season’s 1 & 2.  He’s smart, funny, talented and I dig his style. Cooper no question was an important thread and a solid part of the show’s appeal.  Knowing he held the reigns to this hosting position before I did, made this role even more appealing.

So where do I start? How about Los Angeles?  Los Angeles, Chile, that is. 
It’s a small, rural town that served as the site of our first mission.  As
soon as we rolled up to our hotel, it reminded me of my old summer camp from
back in the day:  Camp Kataki.  Camp Kataki on steroids
... especially the mosquitos.  At least this time I didn’t have to share a
bunk bed w/ little Teddy Williams.  Nice enough kid, but damn, he could not
control his bladder. Don’t worry, I rocked the bunk up top -

My first few days were spent settling in … bouncing around getting
acquainted with the virtual army of Team Mole.  It’s a force… a movement
that gives off the vibe and hum of a well-oiled television machine. The
stories, the heartfelt camaraderie, enthusiasm and pleasure of reuniting for
another season … I hadn’t even shot the first episode, and I was already
feeling the fever.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner were usually a trip.  Beat up little local
joints, tables full of Mole warriors, great conversation, a menu I really
couldn’t read, soccer on all the television monitors around the room.  Since
my Spanish is muy limited, I’d stick to the only word I recognize on the
menu: Pollo.  Using some weak mime moves, I’d show our server how I’d like
it grilled.  Somehow it worked.  Eventually, I figured out, "Pollo ala
plancha" was my go to, money phrase in Chile.  Also a huge hit in Chile ...
instant coffee.  Thought that was discontinued back in the 70’s - who knew?

Well, fast forward to 2008 and prepare yourselves for a premiere that will
reach out of your plasma, grab you by the collar and snatch you inside for
the ride of your life. The show comes strong right out of the box.  Our Exec
Producers and entire Mole team are going above and beyond to create nothing
short of memorable television.  In the colorful words of EP, Clay Newbill,
"It’s The Bionic Mole. Bigger… faster… stronger… better than ever!"  Steve
Austin, eat your heart out.

Remember:  trust no one.  Gonna be a lot of of dirty games, underhanded
moves, deceit and betrayals.   After all, we do have a killer mix of
personality types.  I can tell this is going to be one wild, exciting,
dynamic run.

I have no idea who The Mole is ... to this day.  So, let the game... and the games begin.

Comments

[Drew]

The first episode was great and definitely has me intrigued for the rest of the season!

[Mike]

I been waiting for this day for weeks! I watched every episode of The Mole 1 and 2 and even held my own mini Mole competition with myself as Cooper. I love the Mole...or am I the Mole?

[Scott]

this season looks really good! im going to look out for clues and keep my eye out for the mole!! keep up the good work Jon!

[Devon]

It is nice to know that there will be a good show to watch during the summer, as all of the other shows are having their season finales. I simply cannot wait for the next episode!

[Brent]

Jon Kelley you are THE MAN!!! Your an amazing host so far & are going to make this season the best ever I can sense it. Amazing blog I loved every word & can't wait to hear more from our new host of the smartest show on TV. THE MOLE IS BACK!!!!

[question...]

so if you dont know who the mole is, do the producers tell you clues to drop without you realizing?

Example: cooper's apple eating, which represented washington, which was the homestate of the mole.

so you wont be showing similar clues?

[Terri]

I learned my lesson from the last two seasons... You can't figure out who is the Mole unless you pay attention to EVERYTHING.

Therefore, I'm keeping my own notebook this season. I'm writing down EVERYTHING, from who said what, to everyone's age and professions, to coalitions, to where they were placed in challenges, to where they slept and who they slept with... or next to.

This time, I'm ready.

[Kristi]

I was a fan of the first and second season of the Mole so I was so thrilled when the Mole decided to return. Its the best show on TV! I was sad that Anderson Cooper wasnt coming back but I have to say Jon Kelley seems to be a great host for the Mole. Im excited to watch every episode and hopefully figure out who the Mole is.

[Jenny]

The Mole has already showed him/herself...I saw about 4 clues in the first episode that pointed only to one person...I cant wait for the next episode to solidify who I believe to be the mole....

[John]

Good work so far, mate. A little wooden from the get-go, but you're definitely doing fine.

And you TOTALLY look like Anderson. Sorta.

[Jill S.]

Hey Jon, I do not know if you will even read this, but it is really fun to see you hosting a show that I love. I called my Mom so she can tell Steve-he probably does not catch much t.v. between the kids and the football team. I am sure you can fill him in the next time you are both in town for a poker night/reunion! I am happy for you and it could not happen to a nicer or more handsome Lincolnite. God Bless, Jill S.

[Missy M]

I think I figured out the Mole from the 1st Mission. I'm going out on a limb but Victoria was the only player to have a "Mole" fingerprint on her helmet and she sat on the raft after saying she'd been a cheerleader and was pretty athletic. Even Liz got the bag. I love the show and promised myself I would look for everything and I think it worked. I even bet my sister money that I had it figured out in the first 10 minutes. I hope I'm right, I didn't get a chance to take the quiz yet the web site is too overloaded but I will definately try it later with Victoria as the MOLE. I'm the first to call it here and now.

[Debbie G.]

Wow! My hubby and I watched all episodes of Mole 1 & 2 with Anderson Cooper and LOVED them! Now ya'll are FINALLY BACK! YAHOO! Thank you so much! I hope I can keep track of all the clues. I really wish I had written more down right from the get go. Will the full episodes be shown online? Please say yes! I'll do better from now on! BTW, you're doing GREAT! : )

[Zach]

I predicted Kathryn from the beginning as the mole in 2001 and there's already something about the contestant Clay that doesnt seem right. The fact that he was the first person to successfully grab a bag of money. Appear dependable, let others wreck things accidently, and gradually tear the group events apart. Fun show!

[Taylor]

I have always been a fan of The Mole. This season looks interesting. It will not be easy selecting the mole becauses of all the clues. Just about everyone has a clue pointing to them. Anyway, you are a great host. I hope there will be a next season with you as the host.

[BobW]

I liked the show, but the review of the test results was 15 minutes of what could have taken 30 seconds. Will Tivo it again, but will ff through that part.

[KS Guy]

OMG .. .. Bobby = Hott

[Joe R]

I didn't realize it's been four years since the last competition (wasn't it celeb mole?)

But yeah this should keep me busy this summer!

[Sharmyn]

I have been watching The Mole from day one. My mother laughs at me because I watch the show with notepad and pen. I write down all that I think are clues. For instance, any of you notice that one person had a smaller plate than the others and that one person had a coke while all others looked like they were drinking Mimosas? I already know who the Mole is...yep yep, I sure do (LOL) LOVE THIS SHOW! Also, in the many promos for the show one commercial had 3 of the constestants adamantly stating they're NOT the mole. Only on this promo does the announcer says "unfortunately, one of them is lying!"