The 34th season of The Challenge is an all out war between the United States and the United Kingdom, fittingly titled The Challenge: War of the Worlds 2. And if Wednesday’s season premiere is any sign of things to come, it is going to be nasty!
In case you missed it, here is a recap of what went down in the premiere:
Raise your flag!
After being dropped off in the middle of the Thailand jungle, host T.J. Lavin welcomed the teams and got them going on their first challenge of the season. The object is to retrieve 28 team flags and transfer them through the woods back to their station. The first team to raise all 28 flags would win.
This first challenge is also important because T.J. brought out four reinforcements — C.T., Dee, Natalie and reigning champion Turbo — and the winning team would get first pick.
Team U.K. started off strong and took an early lead, but the Americans picked up the pace and eventually became nearly even with the Brits. But when it became clear that the Americans were in danger of losing, Laurel stepped up to block some of the Brits from passing, which ultimately gave Team USA the first win of the season.
The Americans picked Natalie as their female choice due to her strength and climbing ability, meaning that Dee went over to Team U.K. Then things got tough as Team USA struggled to decide between C.T. and Turbo. They felt a loyalty to C.T. since he has played the game with them for so many years; but in the end, they decided to go with Turbo. This leaves C.T. fuming and we see just how mad he got later on
The first tribunal is formed
T.J. asks Team USA to pick one person to be a ‘voice’ for their team and everyone decided on Jordan. T.J. then revealed that Jordan is a member of the first tribunal of the season and can pick two other members to join him. He picked Laurel and Wes, meaning all three are now automatically safe from elimination.
There’s more good news! As part of the tribunal, they will get to listen in on Team U.K’s nomination ceremony and have the power to choose the nominee’s opponent from either team.
Wes’s plan becomes treasonous
As everyone gets settled in at the Challenge House, Wes revealed that he’s had a plan in the works since before the season began. He had talked to several players on social media in hopes of forming an alliance. On Team U.K., he is hoping to form a bond with Joss and Rogan, as they have a history as a strong duo.
Johnny Bananas knows Wes’s game and talks to Laurel and Jordan. He tells them to vote in either Joss or Rogan to see how Wes reacts. If he reacts badly, that’s will prove that he is playing both sides.
Later, Jordan brings up the idea of throwing Rogan’s name out for possible elimination, but Wes shoots down the idea just as Johnny had said he would. Jordan goes to speak to Rogan, who confirms Wes had a secret deal with him and Joss to stay safe. This angers Jordan because he now realizes that Wes can’t be trusted.
Hang on tight
At the nomination ceremony, the Brits unanimously decide that Sean should be put up for elimination because he is a rookie. T.J. returned to get the first elimination underway but first Sean needs someone to go against. Wes nominated Bear, but Jordan and Laurel go for Idris, making it a rookie against rookie battle.
The challenge is the classic ‘who can hang on to a pole longer’, and this time, it saw the two guys scratch, claw, and drag each other all over the ground. In the end, Idris would win two straight heats to stay in the game. Sean gave it a good effort, but he would be the first player eliminated.
Just before the night was over, T.J. had one more announcement. There’s a new twist where the winners of each elimination decide if they want to stay with their current team or switch sides. We’ll have to wait until next week to see what Idris decides.
What did you make of the premiere? Let me know in the comments below!
The Challenge: War of the Worlds 2 airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on MTV.