Local reality star Kalon Joseph Reid McMahon lives to see another week of televised dating mayhem on The Bachelorette.

After an awkward-but-unforgettable helicopter arrival on the season premiere, Houston's contribution to the Hunger Games of romance is holding his own — not only surviving episode two's elimination rounds but finding himself among bachelorette Emily Maynard's group of top contenders.

Back at the bachelor manse, however, home life for the self-described "modern southern gentleman" is far from tranquil as McMahon butts heads with a handful of haters led mainly by New Jersey party MC Stevie.

As angry bachelors argued with him about his rather Machiavellian tactics, Kalon proved an adept debater, making for some of the best moments of an evening that, mind you, included performances from the Muppets.

Here's a rundown of Monday night's episode through the words and wisdom of our Bayou City native:

"Being here in Charlotte is overwhelming. It's like the frat house from hell — on steroids."

Unlike smiley team players like former pro football player (in the Arena League and NFL Europe) Ryan Bowers, McMahon is a bit of a lone wolf, looking to take down opponents one at a time rather than forging alliances through friendship and kindness.

"It seems almost as if they'd rather spend their time hanging out with each other than having that opportunity to spend time with Emily, which is absolutely bizarre to me."

While a group of bachelors made fun of Stevie as he gave a private dance lesson to Emily, Kalon took advantage of the situation to cut into the quiet moment for some one-on-one time with the bachelorette. The scheme worked, much to Stevie's chagrin.

"I was raised a gentleman. I've never been confrontational, because I know better . . . I'm just a little more eloquent in how I conduct myself."

Kalon is none too amused when another bachelor pulls the same routine and breaks in on his facetime with Emily. When he complains about the interruption to the rest of group, Stevie publicly shares his dislike for Kalon, who responds . . .

"I wouldn't like me either if I were you, bro. Fortunately, I'm me. I want to be the guy who talks to her and gets a rose."

While none of the other bachelors get involved in the little spat, the argument clearly begins to solidify the anti-Kalon contingency. "He uses his vocabulary to show his dominance within the household," says Sean, while John notes "if you have Louis Vuitton luggage and you're a dude, you're an asshole."

"The other guys have painted me as an outcast."

As the other bachelors trade off taking jabs, Kalon sneaks off for yet another private conversation with Emily. The two forge a nice connection over the struggles of being in the competition and by the end of the episode, McMahon walks away as Emily's first save in the final elimination scene.