Awash in reality

Suzie Harrison

MTV’s reality drama “Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County” captured

the lives of eight Laguna Beach High School friends. And though it

may have seemed surreal to locals, the show struck a chord with

viewers, and a second season is in the works.

For the new season, expect some changes. Kristin Cavalleri and

Talan Torriero, the juniors during the first season, are now seniors

and it’s their turn to rule. Kristin is even taking over the narrator

role -- so life will be seen more through her point of view.

“I’m so excited -- now I can kind of give my perspective,” Kristin

said.

“So it’s going to be different, and I’m definitely excited about

that.”

Lauren Bosworth, nicknamed Lo, Stephen Coletti, Morgan Olsen, Trey

Phillips, Christina Schuller, and Lauren Conrad, or LC, will still be

a part of the show; however, expect new cast members and some of the

secondary characters to be more prominent.

During a recent interview, Kristin and Talan spoke about their

experience and what they’re expecting the second time around.

“The first episode ... it was weird. It was the strangest feeling

seeing yourself on TV,” Kristin said.

“It was a shock really. They can make you look however they want.

“At first I was upset that I was portrayed badly -- it wasn’t put

together the way I thought it would be.”

In the beginning, Kristin felt she was seen as more the rebellious

and wild girl, but by the last show she appeared more carefree than

wild.

The show has definitely changed their lives.

“I get attention in places like L.A.,” Talan said.

“People will say, ‘Oh my gosh, Talan,’ and it can get a little

hectic.

“The first time I ever experienced a full-on reaction was at the

event for Hollister. Everyone was saying my name and I thought,

‘Whoa, what do I do?’”

But he doesn’t feel like a different person.

“Do you understand? I’m just Talan -- that’s it, come on,” he

said.

It was easy to recall the most difficult moments to be filmed.

“Episode 10, with Stephen leaving, was the hardest,” Kristin said.

“We were on top of the car, watching the water and sunset -- it

was incredible.

“We were playing in the pool and surfing. It was the only time

they really show we were together.”

Kristin said doing the show was a positive experience for her and

Stephen.

“It definitely made us closer,” Kristin said.

“We truly understand what the other is going through and can talk

about it.”

The hardest part for Talan is intimacy with a girl with the

cameras around, he said.

“It’s hard to get into the moment, the crucial moment. It’s like

being in a fish bowl,” Talan said.

The cast found out about a week and a half before the last episode

that there would be a second season.

“We knew if the ratings were high, there would be a second

season,” Talan said.

This season Talan will be more prominent. At first Kristin didn’t

know if she was into doing the show.

“Now that we started filming again, I’m happy to be doing it

because it’s fun; I’m glad,” Kristin said.

“There will be the original eight and a few new cast members.

They’ll find seven or eight new people and tie it all together.”

Talan said that this year will be better.

“This year there’s a lot more togetherness; we all have great

relationships,” Talan said.

“Personally, everyone gets along -- we’re great friends.”

Kristin is perfect to be the narrator, Talan said.

“She’s amazing, gorgeous and one of my best friends,” Talan said.

“I don’t know who better to get her point of view.”