The Challenge: Battle of the Eras

[QueenKalie]

 

 

 

 

 

[Alex95]

Okay Miss Averey kinda eating tonight

[Alex95]

Alright, after that invitational crap it feels like the show really started for good now.

 

Like I said, fantastic showing from Averey tonight. I don't blame her one bit for staying true to Derek. And Kaycee vs. Jodi would've been a real battle of the titans. And her targets at the end of the episode? Knowing two of Derrick, Bananas, Jordan and Horacio are going into elimination has me on the edge of my seat waiting for the next episode already.

 

Tony on the other hand, what a mess lol. I do wonder if he did truly want to go home. We haven't seen him make a commitment to a season this long since Final Reckoning. But on the other hand, why would he beat Leroy if he wanted to go home (though I wouldn't be surprised if both wanted outta there lol). If he truly did want to stay, then laying down to die for two strangers was just plain idiotic.

 

This targets twist is interesting. I always like elimination winners getting power. It makes it easier for underdogs to succeed. On the other hand, I don't like the majority of the cast just knows they're safe next week. I feel like there's gonna be a lot of thrown challenges if someone they don't like is a target, which I don't like.

 

I like the daily challenge. There was a lot of different factors there (rowing, puzzles, eating). It was well-balanced and good for tv. Didn't love the elimination. The team was pretty much doing all the work for the players in the elimination. They've gotta start doing eliminations without the other players watching. It's just bad for the show.

 

Great day for the Portland girls, Nia was definitely the other star of the episode. Loved seeing her in her maneater bag. I appreciate Josh letting Nia do her thing and not judging her. Though that led us to Josh vs. Tori which was cringe as f*ck. Definitely #TeamJosh though. He was clearly hurt over Nia and his "friend" laughing about him behind his back obviously isn't cool. I'm sure they're still friends, but I think Josh is right, Tori hasn't been a good friend to him throughout the years.

 

The targets twist does give some excitement leading into the next episode. Like I said, I already can't wait to see what happens between the guys. And Laurel vs. Darrell in the preview has me #shook.

[QueenKalie]

Being an Averey Stan has finally paid off I love it here.

[QueenKalie]

Also I'm fine with never seeing Tony again. What a waste of a spot he was.

[Solaris]

man I dislike Tony so much.  He is one of my least favorites ever.  I still don't think Averey should have been a rep this season, but I have mad respect for her for sticking to her guns. Just Desserts seeing her stay and Tony leaving.  Please don't come back Tony.  

 

I love the Target twist, it gives incentive to winning the eliminations now besides just surviving another week.  

[*Wallace]

Just watch the episode and some thoughts: 

 

- Oh gosh.... so a Nia/Josh showmance is really gonna happen huh? Not looking forward to that. And not sure how I feel about Brad/Emily, but seems interesting.
- Brad continuing to be a hot mess in the rowing bow challenge? LOL I stan!
- Well done to Era 3 aka Tony & Averey on winning the main challenge.
- Ugh this Derek & Aviv vs. Kyland & Kaycee thing to go against Darrell & Jodi. Not sure what I want there but I think I would root for Kyland & Kaycee not to be in the elimination, solely as I don't want to lose Kyland this soon.
- Ooh dangg Darrell saying he would want to go against Aviv & Derek, which Aviv did not take well too.
- I'm not surprised that Tony and Averey disagreed with the teams of who to send into elimination as they had different view points of who to throw in there.
- LMAO Oh... I did NOT see a Nia/Kyland kiss happening. Ooh lol Nia using her flirting strategy to get her way with them. Can't be mad at her for that.
- Ooof that Josh vs. Tori argument was messy.
- Emily in love with Kaycee? lmaoo where did this come from?  
- The Tony vs. Averey not backing down drama storyline was fun for this episode. I like how they both stuck up strongly for what they wanted. I'm especially proud of Averey for sticking to her guns with not wanting to throw Derek into elimination. OMG they actually ended in a stalemate.
- Oooh it's an indvidual challenge. I'm rooting for Darrell of the guys. Though I wouldn't be mad at a Tony win as I'm enjoying the drama/mess he's bringing. For the girls, I'm rooting for Averey as I love how fired up she was at Tony. I feel bad that she's in this position because of Tony. Though I think I would expect Jodi to win.
- OMG Tony is such a mess in this elimination. He's lucky that he has Jordan's and Devin's brains to help him out here, lol. But that wasn't enough as I knew Darrell would win this. But lol did Tony throw this like people were claiming? I don't think so and think he was just confused. But lol what a fun and messy 3 episode arc Tony had that ended in a dumb decision for him. But hey, it kept Kyland safe so I'll certainly take it.
- At least the Jodi vs. Averey elimination was tighter. But ooof that they both had to restart. Wow, very well done to Averey on pulling that underdog victory win for herself! She did really well and got her justice at Tony there.  This was a major turn around from her run last season. On the other hand, I do feel bad/sad for Jodi on losing this and her reaction to it.
- lmaoo at this choosing targets from each era twist. This is an insane twist but I love it. Oooh and wow yeah those were definitely some heavy hitters that were chosen as targets, specifically Laurel/Bananas, Jenny/Horacio, Derrick and Jordan.
 

[Zoey]

Averey giving us more this episode than she did in the whole season of All Stars 4 . Iconic.

[*Wallace]

56 minutes ago, Zoey said:

Averey giving us more this episode than she did in the whole season of All Stars 4 . Iconic.

I know, right?  It's crazy how that can happen with one person.  

[Alex95]

Laurel vs. Darrell was as unhinged on her end as I expected. Based on what we’ve seen so far and the preview for the next episode, this might be Laurel’s most unhinged season yet which is pretty wild to say because she’s got a lot of unhinged seasons.

 

A good pair of challenges. The daily was fun to play along with (I knew these answers better than some people out there lol). And the elimination was pretty unique and thrilling to watch. Especially since both matches were so close.

 

I definitely wasn’t surprised to see Jordan throw that. He wasn’t gonna say Laurel’s name and saying his “ride or die”’s name would be a bad look (and would have to deal with Tori’s bitching lol).

 

I was pretty surprised by both eliminations. I may have overestimated Jenny preseason because having worse endurance than ANEESA is such a bad look lmao. Derrick is meanwhile stacking up a pretty good resume again this season. Taking down Mark and Horacio is no easy feat. Love how close it was. I’m content with Aneesa and Horacio both leaving here. I’ve had enough Aneesa and I don’t think Horacio really had anything to give without Nurys here.

 

The target twist was interesting for like an episode, but is gonna get stale quickly if everyone keeps volunteering. They should keep things fresh by alternating between guys choosing girls and vice versa and then doing girls choosing girls and guys choosing guys. I don’t blame Cory and Josh for not volunteering, I wouldn’t seeing CT and Nehemiah as targets lol

[QueenKalie]

I don't know if the editing was just horrible but there was something way off about that males elimination. I want to find out more about that.

 

For the women I think it's a really bad look on Jenny's part to have even worse cardio then Aneesa. She loses that challenge to anyone else in the house that wasn't Annesa. 

[Solaris]

Sad Horacio is out, but I am happy Aneesa is out.  sad Laurel/Bananas won, would have loved to have seen them in an elimination.  

 

The targets for next episode aren't nearly as enticing as this weeks. 

 

The preview for Laurel getting ready to go after Emily isn't cute. Laurel hating strong women is becoming a norm.

[*Wallace]

Finally got through watching the episode.

 

Ughh sad and disappointed that Era 4 came in last and landed automatically into the elimination. Didn't want to risk losing Horacio & Jenny this soon but I kinda had a feeling that The Challenge trivia wouldn't benefit Era 4.

LOL Derrick bringing out his paper of notes to keep Era 1 out of the elimination was really hilarious.

Oh wow, I am shook that Bananas gave in to what Laurel wanted for the elimination but I don't mind it. Def smart of them not to stalemate after what happened to Tony last week - but I know Bananas wouldn't be dumb to do that. I do think Bananas was in the right that they should have put in Era 3 against Era 4 though.

Of Jenny vs. Aneesa, I like both and wouldn't have minded either of them winning. I had more confidence in Jenny here.  But ooof Jenny started off with a bad start here. And yikes at all of those times she gassed out and the breaks she was taking too. Shocked at her lack of endurance. I expected Jenny to win and she did but I thought she would have done a lot better. Aww I am sad to see Aneesa go but wow she put up a really great fight and I thought she very well could have won this at times.

On Horacio vs. Derrick, I was rooting for Horacio. But oooof wow, this elimination was intense and SO tight between both guys. A true nailbiter! OMG yikes wow at how that sooo close with how the winner wasn't even announced right away. And holy moly at Derrick beating out Horacio there. So shocked! Props and well done to Derrick as he really earned that. I'm sad and disappointed there for Horacio. Really did not see coming. Ooof this is gonna be a major hit for Era 4. Aww his reaction to his loss was so sad and heartbreaking. Dang I'm sad as he was one of my favorites from Era 4 (and favorite guys) and why I was rooting for that team but now.... I don't even know how I feel about that era anymore. I'm so sad to lose both Nurys and Horacio this soon. I am already looking forward to their hopeful comeback in Season 41 as I would rather see the both of them competing together than just one of them.

LOLL Josh earlier in the episode being all talk saying he's ready to be the target. Then when it's time for Jenny to make her selections he's dead silent. Then Kyland had to take the hit. lol that is so Josh.

Gah I usually love and root for Laurel but I do find myself agreeing with comments on here about her. She's really unhinged and not really rootable with how she is towards people. I don't want to root against her but it's looking like I might have to.  

[Alex95]

On 9/5/2024 at 2:57 PM, QueenKalie said:

I don't know if the editing was just horrible but there was something way off about that males elimination. I want to find out more about that.

It seems like production gave them the unedited elimination and it confirms to both of them Derrick did win and Horacio had to walk back his comments a bit. I mean the elimination still seemed like a logistical mess, but Derrick followed the rules and won.

[QueenKalie]

16 minutes ago, Alex95 said:

It seems like production gave them the unedited elimination and it confirms to both of them Derrick did win and Horacio had to walk back his comments a bit. I mean the elimination still seemed like a logistical mess, but Derrick followed the rules and won.

yeah bad challenge format but at least it was fair I guess. 

[Alex95]

Tina!!!!!! I can't believe she took down my number one power player Emily! What an upset! Nehemiah over CT was wild too, but Tina winning that elimination really had me #shook.

I do think the problem with the format is starting to become more evident with everyone just volunteering. I also think it would be more fun if we swapped between guys choosing girls one week, then guys choosing guys the next week and vice versa for the girls, but I've already complained about that.

 

Era 1 being down to five is so . The producers need to some rig some dailys for them, not just the eliminations idk.

 

Lolol Laurel is truly reaching her unhinged peak of her Challenge career. Cara Maria was absolutely poking the bear there. But I mean it worked? Because Cara got the sympathy and Laurel came across as a psycho. Thank God Laurel is carrying the drama this season though, it would be a snoozefest without her.

 

Hoping Era 1 takes Devin out like they're foreshadowing. That could be a good turning point for the season.

 

Possible speculation

I do feel like Jonna will be out next and Devin soon after. All the All-Stars 5 cast members on 40 have been early boots, so I imagine Jonna & Devin are as well

[QueenKalie]

If these Karma points have anything to do with the final Laurel is going to have the biggest disadvantage ever.

[QueenKalie]

I read this earlier and found it interesting.

 

"From all indications I’ve been given from reliable sources, including cast members, what we saw from the fight between Cara & Laurel was not even close to as brutal as it actually was. What I’ve heard/read/been told is that some of Cara’s past abusive relationships were brought up, and Laurel weaponized information she was privy to from when they were friends to hurt Cara. This is why Cara went from laughing/staying tough through the verbal punches to sobbing hard and in pain. There are also rumors that it got so bad that Cara Maria had to be removed from the house for a bit to get some psychological help. Then, even more curiously, Bananas & Cara recorded a podcast in The Challenge house when news of this encounter between Laurel & Cara hit the spoiler sphere. "

[Solaris]

Tina crushing this episode!  I think she would have beat any of 3 others man or woman in that elimination.  

 

Tori confirming the vacation alliance is funny, she gives zero shits about the optics.  Props to just doing it.  Ew that might be the first compliment I have paid her.

 

I am so sad Emily and CT are out.  My favorites are dropping like flies.  

 

Aviv says I am going to be wallpaper until I am in an elimination.  

 

3 hours ago, QueenKalie said:

I read this earlier and found it interesting.

 

"From all indications I’ve been given from reliable sources, including cast members, what we saw from the fight between Cara & Laurel was not even close to as brutal as it actually was. What I’ve heard/read/been told is that some of Cara’s past abusive relationships were brought up, and Laurel weaponized information she was privy to from when they were friends to hurt Cara. This is why Cara went from laughing/staying tough through the verbal punches to sobbing hard and in pain. There are also rumors that it got so bad that Cara Maria had to be removed from the house for a bit to get some psychological help. Then, even more curiously, Bananas & Cara recorded a podcast in The Challenge house when news of this encounter between Laurel & Cara hit the spoiler sphere. "

 

That tracks I imagine she doesn't want to revisit her abusive past relationships.

 

 

I love seeing all of the Support for Cara Maria after that fight, even though she sort of instigated it.  Laurel is doing the absolute most, to make me dislike her this season.

 

 

 

 

 

[Ajan913]

Very proud of the cast members who have stepped up to support Cara Maria! She has come so far in this… she has always represented the damned, the broken and misunderstood! And she has always killed it!!! Laurel is just a bully and needs to be put in her place! Karma is real and it will come for her! Team Cara Maria all the way!!!!

Edited September 19 by Ajan913

[Alex95]

Laurel doing a low blow?! Big Easy & Paula are shocked by this!

[QueenKalie]

23 minutes ago, Alex95 said:

Laurel doing a low blow?! Big Easy & Paula are shocked by this!

Yeah the Big Easy stuff is what came to mind right away when I read more details on the fight.

[QueenKalie]

Here is a video of Cara talking about the situation.

 

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DAG8i6xSImY/?igsh=MXFwODF5a3o1ZXYyeQ==

 

 

[*Wallace]

Aww I'm happy for Era 4 to get their win. Though bummed it happened after Horacio got eliminated. And lol Josh really should have stepped up last time so then he wouldn't have even have to worry about the elimination. We'll see if his team can pull off the win next week.  

Ugh Laurel is starting to really lose me this season. I always appreciated her feistiness and think she's a great and big character. But she's just coming across very unlikable to me this season. I do get the comments of Cara Maria starting it. But I did feel bad for Cara Maria with how Laurel exploded on Crara Maria there. It was all just too much.

Wow... I did not expect Tina to win over Emily and Nehemiah to win over CT in that elimination. Congrats to Tina and Nehemiah on pulling the underdog upsets. 
 

[Alex95]

Ugh this boot order...Era 1 continues to die off and losing another rootable woman. This season was cursed from the opening purge where we lost damn near everyone rootable.

 

I did enjoy both challenges though, specifically the elimination. Eliminations have been rough this season. It was nice to see one that had many different strategies and made for good television. There was no beating Rachel. I thought Jonna did a great job considering she was up against such a behemoth of a competitor.

 

The Devin vs. Bananas war does have potential. Hopefully it splits up the Vacation Alliance in some capacity.

 

The targets twist has been such a flop with everyone volunteering. On paper it seemed good, I guess the producers didn't expect everyone to simply volunteer lol. I think there's still potential in this targets twist, there just needs to be some tweaking.

 

Also Cara Maria 100% should've thrown that challenge. Like girl, come on. Laurel & Bananas are serving themselves up on a silver platter. It's not even just good for personally and for her mental health. Strategically getting rid of them is the right thing to do because they're gonna continue to gun for you!