Before the hit gameshow we all know and love hit the screen, it was just an idea in one man's head. Two men, actually — Mr. and Mr. Hart (no relation), as they liked to be called. Aaron and Takashi Hart had become fast friends when they met in college. They found it hilarious that they had the same last name, and liked to joke that they were twins despite the fact that Aaron was a pasty Irish-Catholic nerd from Minnesota and Takashi was an easygoing Japanese American surfer who grew up in LA.
Over time, the two discovered they had more in common. Both were gay, and both had big dreams. And, most importantly of all, both had a thing for twinks. Over the next decade, Aaron worked to develop the technology which would eventually transform the contestants on the future game show, while Takashi wrote drafts of the script, and pitched the idea to countless producers while interning in Hollywood. They had a dream, and they were going to make it happen.
Eventually, one studio agreed to give them the funding to film a pilot of their show. Back then, it was still going by a working title, "Trivia Transformations," and, as such, the young men who answered the ad and came in to film the pilot had no idea just what they were getting into...
On the original show, there were 5 contestants; Mr. and Mr. Hart had yet to whittle it down to the two-man competition which would later become the format of the beloved show. Each one was told to submit a headshot, various measurements (which they assumed must be for costuming), and a bio. The bios read as follows:
1. Brady Smith is a 20 year old star athlete fresh taking a gap year before college, and looking to take the world by storm. When he's not kicking ass as a quarterback, he enjoys going to the beach, going to the gym, and picking up chicks.
2. Wallace "Wally" Wright is currently pursuing his doctorate in physics, but was a double major in math and engineering. He is currently engaged to the love of his life, and wants to take home the prize money to make her happy.
3. Jedrick Baker is a personal trainer and professional stunt double working in the Hollywood area. He's looking to make a splash, and get the exposure he needs to take his career to the next level.
4. Leonardo "Leo" Adorno is visiting America on a student visa to get his degree in Economics. He is beyond thrilled to find out that reality TV is one of the few things he's allowed to get paid for off campus. Don't think he's an easy match, though — competitive to a fault, Leo is in it to win it.
5. Adrian Chandler is an aspiring actor currently working as a waiter. He was in his high school trivia club, and he's hoping his experience with trivia and natural intuitions will help him come out on top — in more ways than one, if possible.
For years, fans of the show have been trying to track down the original tapes of this unreleased pilot. But I can do better. I can tell you about it myself. After all, I was there. My name is...