Endurance: Koror Palau

[kwdrewfan]

JD Roth is shown standing atop one of the brilliant limestone reefs of Palau.
JD: “Nearly 9 years ago, the very last group of kids to play this game set out to the island of Fiji to endure a challenging competition of strategy, karma, strength, and teamwork – they were the last, that is, until now. Endurance is back, and we’re finally gearing up for an all-new exciting season!”
The camera alternates close-ups of contestants, all of whom are riding to the island on 5-passenger motorboats.
Voice.Over. JD: “20 teens from all across America are currently on their way to meet me here in Palau, eager to start the adventure of a lifetime.”
The first contestant featured is a pale girl with a small frame and short brown hair: “My name is Anna; I’m 14 years old; I’m from Duluth, MN.”
A tall, lanky boy with light blond hair and green eyes is shown next: “Logan; 15; Hampton, VA.”
A pretty girl with a large build and long black hair pulled into a ponytail: “Rosa; 15; Fresno, CA. I’m excited to be on Endurance because I’m very athletic, and with the right partner I know we can dominate most of the challenges and win.”
A muscular boy with a wide nose and dark eyes is shown next: “I’m Patrick; 14; from Syracuse, NY.”
A blue-eyed girl with frizzy blonde hair and freckles across her nose: “Kennedy; 14; Abilene, TX.”
The camera switches over to another boat, featuring first a thin, freckled boy with short brown bangs: “I’m Timothy; 12; Creighton, NE.”
A green eyed beauty with wavy honey-colored hair: “Cassie; 14; Oxford, OH.”
A tan guy with an average build and dark curly hair: “Ace; 15; Shreveport, LA. I think I can do okay in challenges, but my most important thing is making sure that whoever does win them won’t want to send me home. So we’ll see how that goes.”
A tall curvy girl with braided hair to her waist: “I’m Lydia; 15 years old; Ocala, FL.”
A strong-looking shorter guy with cropped wavy blond hair: “Leo; 15; Cold Spring, KY.”
The camera closes in on a third boat, which is quickly approaching the island ahead.
The first introduced of this crowd is a thin, athletic-looking girl with blue eyes and brown hair tossed into a messy bun: “I’m Erin; 14; Medford, OR.”
A slightly heavier kid with dark brown hair and glasses: “My name is Bradley; I’m 13; and I am from Frederick, MD.”
A petite girl with shoulder-length black hair and a tan complexion: “Serena; 15; Coalinga, CA.”
A short, skinny boy with light brown buzzed hair and gray-blue eyes: “Jackson; 13 years old; Wichita, KS. Being one of the smallest guys here you’d think I would be at a disadvantage, but you know… I think my enthusiasm, people skills and knowledge of the game is going to help me in the long run.”
A hazel-eyed girl with dark curly hair to her shoulders: “Rachel; 14; Fall River, MA.”
One more boat is shown, featuring the last 5 contestants as they are mere minutes from reaching the shore.
Close up of a brunette guy with brown eyes and a wiry, but toned build: “Robert; 15; Baldwin, PA.”
A pretty girl with piercing blue-green eyes and thick orange hair: “I’m Amy; I’m 15 years old; and I’m from Albany, NY. Honestly my strategy for Endurance is to try and make nice with everyone, maybe use my looks a little – I don’t know! Just, basically doing whatever I can to ensure that I win.”
A boy of average size with a square jaw and long sandy hair: “Andy; 14; Wilmington, NJ.”
A small girl with brown eyes and black pigtails on either side of her head: “My name is Laurel; 13; Corpus Christi, TX.”
The last player to be revealed has olive skin and a thin build, with bright blue eyes and dark hair: “Chris; 14; West Palm Beach, FL.”
The kids finally meet at the shore and begin hiking down the beach.
V.O. JD: “They all think they have what it takes, but ultimately, only two can take home the grand prize and the title of Endurance Champions. Who will it be? Find out, this season on Endurance: Koror Palau!”

The opening theme plays, which is the same as the original Endurance, but with clips from this season.

The teens all gather in front of JD, who greets them at a beachy bay-like area with a rock staircase leading up the side of a mountain.
JD places his hands on his hips: “So, did you have a good trip?”
Group: “Yeah!” (a few clap)
JD: “Well, you have officially made it to Koror; Palau’s most populated and second largest state. Home not only to the natives and wildlife such as fish, birds, primates, & salt water crocodiles; but also, for the next few weeks, you guys.”
Everyone cheers.
JD: “Ready to see where you’ll be living?”
Group: “Yeah!”
JD: “Alright, follow me.”
JD leads them up the mountainside and to a secluded grassy expanse where two stone cabins sit next to each other. The kids chatter excitedly amongst themselves.
JD: “These cabins are going to be your headquarters as long as you’re here; no electricity, no running water, and no cell phone service – (he grins) so I hope nobody brought one along. But you do have a bed to sleep on, and everything else you need to survive out here. Now if you’ll head on over to these poles…” (he points behind the group)
Everyone merges in front of 7 different-colored wooden posts, accompanied by a horizontal bar, displaying 14 pyramid-shaped pieces lined up in a row. JD indicates the pieces.
JD: “These are the 14 pyramid pieces of Endurance. They all have written on them qualities that you need to possess in order to win the game. The first team to collect all 14 pieces at the end will be crowned Endurance champions and win the grand prize trip. The pieces are – (camera shows each piece as it is spoken) – Strength, Perseverance, Friendship, Teamwork, Luck, Ingenuity, Heart, Trust, Knowledge, Courage, Leadership, Discipline, Commitment, and Karma. To collect these you’ll have to compete in and win Endurance missions, which will also grant you the power to handicap another team in the next mission, called a Temple mission; which brings me to my next point. See that over there?”
JD points to a nearby island shrouded with forest, where sits a large triangular stone structure.
JD: “That is the Temple of Fate. Whoever wins the Temple Mission will get to send two other teams on the long journey over there, and although two teams will go up… only one will come back.”
The teens’ faces look a mixture of shocked, scared and mystified, except for the few that have seen previous seasons, who have knowing grins on their faces.
JD: “Oh and also – those cabins back there? …There are only 7 beds in each. And there are 20 of you.”
Faces grow even more shocked, jaws drop, hands cover heads, and Erin shakes her head with a whispered “Oh no…”
JD: “That’s right. 6 of you are going to be leaving the game today, before you’ve even gotten started. We only promised you’d get here; we didn’t say anything about you staying. So go check out your cabins, relax, and start preparing to compete in the Right to Stay challenge later this afternoon. (nods) I’ll see you all then.”
The camera zooms out as JD jogs away and the contestants head back to the cabins.

The door to the girls’ cabin is thrown open enthusiastically by Lydia: “I’m hooome!!!”
She tosses her bag onto a lower bunk bed and lies on top of it.
Lydia: “This one is officially mine! Boom!”
The other girls laugh and start pouring in, jumping up & down and hugging and ‘claiming’ beds. Anna, Amy, Kennedy, Rosa and Laurel decide to explore outdoors a bit, leaving the other 5 girls to discuss their thoughts on the upcoming RTS challenge.
Cassie: “So, like.. who do you guys think is going to leave today?”
Rachel: “You mean boys or girls?”
Cassie: “Girls..”
Lydia: “Not me!”
The other girls look at Lydia on her bunk and laugh slightly.
Lydia: “Like, y’all can predict all you want but it’s not going to be me!”
Int. Erin: “Lydia seems like a funny person. I like her. But I hope all of her confidence is more of a – entertainment-type thing, you know? I think it is, but if she lets it get too out of hand then she may start.. you know, rubbing people the wrong way. (she raises her eyebrows) I hope not.”
Lydia: “Whatever we have to do to stay, I will do it. I am not leaving on the first day.”
Cassie is staring at her folded hands hanging over the edge of an upper bunk: “I think it’s going to be me. I think I’m going home.”
Rachel: “What? Why?”
Cassie: (shrugs) “I dunno, I just.. I have this bad feeling that I won’t be able to do it. Whatever it is.”
Rachel: “Aww, we don’t even know what it’ll be yet! Don’t be so down on yourself so soon.”
Cassie shakes her head, but smiles at the encouragement.
Erin can be heard from offscreen: “We’ll see, we’ll see…”

Switchover to the boys’ cabin, where the door is practically busted down by Leo and the boys start piling in, shouting, sitting on bunks and chattering away. Almost immediately, Logan claims a top bunk and sits there with his legs dangling: “So which three girls are going home today?”
Bradley: “Um, we don’t know yet..” (he laughs awkwardly)
Logan: “No, I know. Just take a guess.”
Bradley: “…Uhh. Probably Laurel? She’s so tiny, it’s like – !”
Patrick: “Yeah, yeah, I don’t think – she probably isn’t very tough.”
Jackson looks a bit uncomfortable at this assumption, being one of the smallest boys in the competition, but he forces a laugh: “Poor girl…”
Logan: “Also Kennedy, maybe. Just because she seems a little shy, and just like… timid about even being here. You have to have confidence to be a good competitor!”
Timothy nods his head rapidly: “I could see that. I could also see, uh, Anna not making it. Or – who’s that one girl? With the.. (he makes a motion around his head) hair?”
The boys tell him “Kennedy, that’s Kennedy, etc.”
Timothy: “Oh. Then yeah, her.”
Int. Chris: “I feel a little bad for Timothy. I mean he’s young, and… kinda clueless? I don’t think many of the guys are a fan of that. Particularly – (shot changes to that of each boy as he is mentioned) Leo… Logan… Patrick a little bit? –”
Int. Chris: (nodding) “– I think they’re secretly hoping that Timothy will go home today.”
Suddenly Amy pokes her head through the boys’ door, tucking her hair behind her ear and coyly smiling.
Amy: “Hey guys… could I talk to Robert for a minute?”
Robert stares for a second, unsure of her intentions: “…Sure.”
They disappear outside, leaving the other guys with mischievous grins as they watch the pair walk away. Patrick shoves a fist in his mouth to keep from giggling.

Amy & Robert are shown walking across the field together.
Amy: “So… I was thinking… that we should form an alliance.”
Robert: (smiling awkwardly) “…The game hasn’t even started yet!”
Amy laughs and nudges him with her shoulder: “I know! But I really want to be prepared. And I think you’d be perfect.”
Robert: “Yeah, I don’t know for sure yet.. but.. I mean, I don’t know. I’ll be thinking about it.”
The shot changes slightly; Amy smiles and tosses her hair: “Thank you. I really appreciate it.”
Int. Robert: “Amy. She’s cute, but… (he raises an eyebrow) a little abrasive? –”
Black & White shot of Amy and Robert sitting on a bunk; Amy winds an arm around his and rests her head on his shoulder.
V.O. Robert: “– And I’m just… not really looking for that right now. –”
Int. Robert: (laughing) “– Sorry, Amy! We can still be friends!”
Camera returns to the boys’ cabin, where Bradley is peering through the open doorway: “What do you think they’re doing out there?”
All of the older boys start to laugh.
Patrick glances out the window: “Flirting. Definitely flirting.”
Camera slow-mos on a shot of Jackson sprawled out on a bunk, rolling his eyes good-naturedly.

All 20 kids arrive on the beach behind JD, and out on the water is a large metal structure with 10 bungee cords dangling in a row.
JD sizes up the group: “Welcome to your Right to Stay mission. In just a few moments, 6 of you – 3 boys and 3 girls – will be on your way home, meaning you’ve gotta outlast 3 of your fellow players to keep yourself in the game. In order to do that, you’ll be competing in the very first Right to Stay challenge from the very first season of Endurance – ever.”
Most of the teens look curious or nervous, but Jackson pumps his fist and Ace nods knowingly.
JD: “You’ll be attached to that structure by your feet, secured by bungee cord, and will be lifted up into the air. You’re going to have to hang onto those two metal rings in front of you for as long as you can, and the first 3 players to let go of their rings will be eliminated. Are you ready to give it a shot?”
Group: “Yeah!”
JD: “Alright, girls are up first. Head on out; guys, have a seat with me.”
The girls get into position, looking around at each other with eager faces. Some wish each other luck.
JD: “Okay. We’re getting started in 3… 2… 1… GO!”
The girls are lifted into the air and the clock begins. The boys cheer them on.
After only a minute or so, Cassie starts fidgeting: “Ow, my ankle… I think there’s something wrong with my bungee…”
She turns back to look over her shoulder, which Serena, who is next to her, notices.
Serena: “It’s okay, girl. Power through.”
JD: “It looks like Cassie is already having some trouble.”
Robert: “Aww.. Cassie may not make it…”
Chris: “Yeah, she doesn’t look so good.”
Time Elapsed: 4 mins 57 secs… 58… 59…
JD: “You girls have been up there for 5 minutes. You’re doing good so far.”
Cassie kicks her leg into a more comfortable position, and Rachel readjusts her arms…
SWOOP!
JD: “Ohh! Rachel is the first girl to be eliminated from Endurance!”
Rachel rubs at her face, clearly disappointed in her performance. The boys all cheer for her as she releases her bungee and starts swimming dejectedly to shore. A few moments pass…
Logan: “Wow, look at Rosa. She is a rock.”
Camera shows Rosa, who is, in fact, rock solid in her concentration. Her eyes are closed and she hasn’t shifted once since the challenge started.
Time Elapsed: 7 mins 48 secs.. 49.. 50..
Anna: (whispered) “Augh, my arms.”
Anna readjusts with success.
JD: “You’re at nearly 8 minutes. Hang in there.”
Laurel’s face is twisted into a look of pain, her eyes squeezed shut.
Kennedy: “Don’t give up, Laurel! You’ve got this!”
Laurel: “I’ve got this… I’ve got this… I’ve got – AAH!”
SWOOP!
Laurel lets go of her rings and swings backwards, immediately covering her face with her hands. The boys are sympathetic but not surprised.
JD: “Laurel is out. She lasted 8 minutes exactly. Fantastic job, Laurel.”
Bradley: (clapping) “Good job, Laurel! Whoo!”
Logan leans over towards Patrick: “She actually lasted a lot longer than I thought she would.”
JD: “Only one more girl has to fall! Who will it be?”
Robert cups his hands around his mouth: “Yeeah Lydia!”
Upon hearing her name, Lydia looks up and sticks her tongue out the side of her mouth like a rock star. The boys laugh at this, but Amy looks a little peeved.
Serena: “Cassie, how’s your ankle?”
Cassie: “Better.. a little.”
Erin riskfully drops one hand to shake it out, but manages to grab back onto the rings.
Time elapsed: 13 mins 22 secs.. 23.. 24..
Suddenly, from out of nowhere –
SPLASH!
Rosa’s eyes pop wide open as her grip slips and she freefalls into the ocean.
The boys start freaking out, squirming in their seated positions: “Whoooaaa! No way! Oh my God!” etc.
JD: “Wow!! That’s it, Rosa’s out! I don’t think anyone was expecting that!”
Lydia looks up with surprise: “I’m in??!”
JD: “The rest of the girls still left hanging make up the first half of the official Endurance players! Congratulations!”
The girls all scream with excitement and drop their rings, splashing around and hugging in the water as they make their way back to the beach.
Int. Rachel: “I’m really disappointed in myself, I know I could have done better. I’ve been looking forward to Endurance all year, but. (she wipes at her eyebrow & shrugs) I guess it wasn’t meant to be.”
Int. Laurel: “I know I was the smallest one here, but I wanted to prove everybody wrong! I wanted to prove myself wrong! (her eyes close & she begins to cry) But now I won’t get to.”
Int. Rosa: “You know, honestly, I was so focused in this zone of ‘don’t think about it, fight the pain’ that I think I numbed myself out of existence for a moment and – slipped. It’s too bad. I would have gone far.”
JD looks over at the girls seated behind him as the boys are getting ready.
JD: “Who do guys you think is a shoe-in to stay?”
Serena: “Leo, definitely. He’s the strongest person here.”
Anna nods in agreement: “Yeah. I think Robert will make it, too, for some reason. And I hope Chris.”
JD: “Well, you guys are saying that Leo is the strongest boy – but Rosa was the strongest girl, too.”
Serena: (laughing softly) “That’s true!”
JD turns his attention back to the boys: “Alright, are you guys ready?”
Many of the boys flash a thumbs up, while others shake out their hands in anticipation.
JD: “On your mark, get set... GO!”
The boys are lifted into position, and from the very start it looks like competition is going to be stiff.
Time Elapsed: 6 mins 57 secs.. 58.. 59..
JD: “It’s already been 7 minutes and everyone is looking good. You guys are pretty tough.”
Andy grits his teeth in pain but holds on for dear life, while Chris is actually looking the most at ease. Robert glances around at his competition, trying to size up who will be the most likely to let go, when Jackson catches his gaze.
Jackson: “Oh, hey Robert. How are you doing?”
Robert grins, a bit sheepishly from being caught: “Good, how are you?”
Jackson: “Great! Never better. Thanks for asking.”
Suddenly, from the other end of the row of boys…
SWOOP!
One small boy loses his grip and swings backwards.
JD: “Oh, that’s it! Timothy is out of the game. Only two more to go.”
Lydia: “Yeah, good job, Tim!” (she and some of the girls clap for him)
Chris is beginning to have trouble now. He tries moving his left hand and nearly falls, but manages to steady himself at the last minute.
JD: “Whoa, a great recovery from Chris! He was almost out of there.”
Anna sighs with relief and joins in the other girls’ cheering.
Time Elapsed: 11 mins 44 secs.. 45.. 46..
JD: “Nobody has dropped for a long time. This is some serious competition.”
But then…
SWOOP!
Andy, who had been having a hard time from the start, drops from his rings and dangles in the air for a few seconds.
JD: “Ohh, the 2nd guy eliminated – Andy. Nice job, Andy. You lasted a long time. Okay guys, only one more has to fall, and you do NOT want it to be you!”
Logan has his eyes closed in concentration: “Come on, baby, I can do this. I got this.”
Meanwhile, on the beach…
Amy: “I can’t believe Bradley has made it this long.”
Serena: “I know, look at him! He’s doing great!”
Amy: “Yeah, but you can tell he’s starting to have a hard time.”
And it’s true; his breathing has become heavy and his eyes are closed. He tries to straighten out his back.
JD: “I think you girls were right. Leo is completely solid.”
Leo has hardly shifted at all since the start of the RtS. Since his near-elimination Chris has hardly moved, either, and the same goes for Patrick.
Ace, who had been fidgeting quite a bit towards the beginning of the mission, has finally found a good position and is totally focused on surviving elimination.
Time Elapsed: 13 mins 33 secs.. 34.. 35..
Just as Logan is about to readjust his hands –
SWOOP!
JD: “Ohhh, after an amazing fight, there goes Bradley! He lasted 13 minutes and 38 seconds!”
The other guys don’t even let JD finish before they start hollering for joy, dropping from their rings like flies and releasing themselves into the ocean.
JD: “Congrats to the remaining guys! It’s over!”
Int. Timothy: “I’m really really sad to be going home, but, who knows? Maybe – maybe they’ll have a redemption season or something. I could come back and win it all one day.”
Int. Andy: “As soon as the challenge started I knew I wasn’t gonna make it unless some of the other guys really messed up. So I mean, I’m frustrated, but not really all that surprised. (he looks at the ground and shakes his head) Dang it.”
Int. Bradley: “I’m proud of myself for making it as far as I did. I mean, I was chosen as one of ten boys to be on Endurance. I was the last one to be eliminated. And I think I’ve made some new friends, so yes I’m sad, but I am also satisfied.”
The 14 remaining contestants are gathered, wrapped in towels, in front of JD.
JD: “Great work, you guys. Let’s hear it for the official players of Endurance!”
The group cheers enthusiastically!!
JD: “All that’s left for you today is to go back to your cabins, get to know each other a little better, and definitely get some sleep. Because tomorrow you’ll be picking partners, and who you end up with could make or break this game for you. (he pauses, looks around at the group with a grin) I’ll see you then.”
JD departs and the kids start back to the cabins, eager but also nervous to see how tomorrow’s partner game would work out.

---

"Next time on Endurance! -"
"The 14 players will be paired off into teams..."
An overhead shot of the kids running across a field.
Amy sits on the front porch of the cabins while her voice is overlayed: "If I can do anything to secure him for myself, then I'm going to do it."
"Some tensions arise..."
An interview with Kennedy: "All the guys want Erin.. Serena.. or Amy. I wasn’t even mentioned once."
Serena looks over at Amy on the porch: "Is that okay, Ames?"
Interview with Amy: "It's really not okay."
"And of course, a few surprises..."
Varied shots of Cassie, Erin, Patrick, and Leo with their jaws dropped.

[kwdrewfan]

Geez, I didn't realize how long these chapters are haha. If anybody ever has any clarification questions about the way I'm writing this, don't hesitate to ask! I want to make sure everyone is able to follow & understand the story without any confusion.

[Cruise meerkat Youssy]

Omg I love it so far!! I like how it's kind of like a story, and how you describe what the people look like!

[kwdrewfan]

JD arrives outside of the cabins and takes a seat on the porch, just as the teens start coming outside.
JD: “Morning, everybody!”
Group: “Good morning.”
They all gather and sit around JD.
JD: “How did you sleep?”
The overall reaction is a mixture of positive and negative, though certainly more of the latter.
Kennedy: “Terribly. It was awful.”
JD: (grinning slightly) “Really? That bad, huh?”
Lydia joins Kennedy in confirming this, widening her eyes and nodding: “Oh, yeah. Really bad.”
Patrick shrugs: “I slept fine.”
A few of the boys shove Patrick and tease him: “Yeah, of course, we know you did!”
Jackson: (indicating Patrick with his thumb) “He’s literally, like, the loudest snorer ever.”
Some of the girls laugh and Patrick avoids their gaze, though he’s laughing as well.
JD: “Well, today is a very important day for you guys. In just a few hours you’ll be playing a game to determine who your partner is going to be for the rest of the competition. You want someone who is not only smart or strong, but most importantly, it should be someone you can work well with.”
JD scans the group for a moment until his eyes land on Amy.
JD: “Amy. Any idea who you want as your partner?”
The 15-year-old looks a little taken aback by this question; she laughs nervously and her eyes dart around the group.
Amy: “Umm… I was thinking.. Robert? –”
Robert looks up from the ground at JD, his face conveying conflicted feelings on this.
V.O. Amy: “– I don’t know. He’s my first choice. But I could manage with anyone, I guess.”
JD nods a little: “Okay. What about you, Ace?”
Ace: “Uh, probably Amy or Erin. They seem pretty strong both mentally and physically.”
JD glances at both girls, trying to see how they feel about this: “You guys are pretty good at keeping a poker face. We’ll see who ends up with who soon enough, but in the meantime; go talk to each other, & be thinking about who you definitely do and do not want as your partner, then meet me at the Flatlands this afternoon. I’ll see you all there.”
The camera changes to an overhead shot as JD gets up and jogs away. The kids decide to stay seated on the porch to talk things out as a group.
Int. Amy: “I was really surprised when JD straight-up asked me who I wanted as my partner. I was like... ‘play it cool!’ (she chuckles) I didn’t want to, you know, seem like I was OBSESSED with getting Robert or anything. –”
Camera switches back to the players on the porch and zooms in on Amy.
V.O. Amy: “– But if I can personally do anything to secure him for myself, then I’m going to do it. No doubt about it.”
Ace: “Okay, so, first choices. Go.”
He points to Kennedy, who is seated at the end. She shrugs slowly: “I dunno? I haven’t really thought about it… (she leans forward and looks over the boys) I guess Leo or Robert? They seem pretty strong.”
Ace: “Okay. You.” (he points to Patrick)
Patrick: “I’d say, uh, Erin or Serena.”
The kids all look at Anna next: “Chris is who I had picked out, but. Logan would be okay, too.”
Chris looks a little shy, but he announces with his toe in the dirt: “I had actually picked out Anna, too. So.”
Anna: (she drops her jaw a little and reaches in Chris’ general direction) “Yaay!”
Int. Kennedy: “Our discussion today about partners was… interesting. And very informative. The majority of girls want either – (the camera shows each boy as he is mentioned) Leo.. Robert.. or Logan. And all the guys want – (shot of each girl as she is mentioned) Erin.. Serena.. or Amy. I wasn’t even mentioned once. –”
Int. Kennedy: “I think that people are underestimating me because I’m quiet, but wait until the actual competition starts! (she winks and points a finger gun at the camera, giggling a little bit) That’s when they’ll see my fire.”
Some of the kids start to leave the semicircle.
Serena: “Alright, so we’re going with Erin-Patrick, and I think we need to say… Lydia & Robert… and Amy with Logan. Is that okay, Ames?”
Amy is staring blankly at the grass with her fist propped under her chin: “Yeah, whatever. That’s fine.”
Int. Amy: “It’s really not okay. But.. it’s not locked in, and I still have a chance to get the partner I want, so. That’s definitely what I’m gonna do.”
Lydia is shown passing by the water dispenser; she tosses her hands up in the air: “HALLELUJAH, we figured all that out! That’d’a been a nightmare if we didn’t.”

JD: “Come on in, guys!”
The teens join JD in The Flatlands, a huge grassy expanse where there is currently a wide wall with a series of ropes attached to the top.
JD: “I hope you’ve all thought long and hard about partners. More specifically, who your first choice is… and your second choice. And your third, and so on.”
Most of the players’ eyes widen, as none of them had done that. A few glance around at each other with worried expressions, wondering what kind of game they would be playing.
JD: “Here’s what’s gonna happen. See this catapult behind me? (he indicates the large catapult over his shoulder) I’m going to launch a ball out into the field beyond that wall. When I say go, you guys will have to climb the wall using a rope; there’s a mat on the other side to break your fall. Then you’ll jump over a hurdle and from there on out, it’s a race to be the first person to reach the ball. Whoever comes up with the ball will get to choose their own partner, and their partner will select a team color. So as more popular teammate choices begin to disappear, you may have to prepare to work with your next choice. Or your next. Or even your last. –”
Close up of Erin, whose hand is worriedly covering her mouth.
JD: “– So you want to get that ball as soon as possible. (there’s a short pause as JD looks at the kids) Everyone understand?”
Group: “Yeah…”
JD: “Then let’s go.”
The kids all get into position in front of the wall.
JD: “Okay, remember; you want to get to this ball before anyone else! (he loads a multicolored tie-dye ball into the catapult, then releases it – whoosh!) GO!”
Everyone grabs a rope and starts to climb, with the exception of Lydia, who has to jump twice.
JD: “Wow, Leo is FLYING up that wall.”
And it’s true; Leo is at the top long before any of the others. Lydia is still struggling at the back, just behind Anna.
JD: “Leo is the first one to land! But here comes Patrick right behind him.”
As Leo begins to run towards his hurdle, Patrick lands on the mat and struggles to catch up.
JD: “It looks like Leo is going to take this one home, but Patrick could still catch up. Oh, and here comes Serena!”
Serena takes a relatively hard fall but picks herself up quickly; however, by now Leo is mere feet away from the ball...
BAM!
Leo tackles the ball to the ground. It is his.
JD: “Leo’s got it! Come on back here, all of you.”
They regroup in front of the catapult, multicolored ball tucked into Leo’s elbow. JD claps a hand on his shoulder.
JD: “Congratulations Leo, great work. Now if you’ll hand me the ball –”
He does.
JD: “– You can select your partner for the rest of the game. Pick carefully, and make sure that you really want the person you choose. Because once you speak it, there is no going back.”
Leo nods and grins: “I pick Serena.”
JD: “Serena.”
Claps slowly begin to break out among the kids as Serena emerges excitedly and hugs her new partner.
JD: “Leo; why Serena?”
Leo: “Because she’s tough! (laughs) And she’s just, a really nice person and I think she’ll make a great partner.”
JD: (turning to Serena) “And are you happy with this decision?”
Serena nods and giggles: “Yes. Very happy.”
JD: “Good. I can tell. So now Serena, you get to choose your team color. Seven choices; all the colors of the rainbow, or gray. Which will it be?”
Serena nods: “Yellow.”
JD: “Alright, yellow it is. Head on over to your team-colored triangle and put on your shirts. As for the rest of you – (he gestures to the rest of the group) – get ready for round two!”
The remaining contestants get into position; Jackson makes eye contact with Cassie from a distance and gives her a thumbs-up, which she returns.
JD launches the rainbow ball once again: “GO!”
This time Logan, Erin and Patrick are the first to complete the wall obstacle, Logan with a slight lead.
JD: “Logan is on fire this round.”
Robert jumps off the wall just as Logan reaches his hurdle…
JD: “Oh! A tough fall for Logan! He has to go back and do it again!”
Logan: (to himself) “Seriously?”
In the time it takes him to get another running start to conquer the hurdle, he is surpassed by both Patrick and Erin, who are neck-and-neck at this point.
JD: “It looks like this one is going to either Patrick or Erin, or maybe even Robert. He is booking it.”
Robert jumps over his hurdle, but Patrick and Erin are already tearing through the field towards the ball…
BAM!
JD: “The ball is Erin’s! Come on back, guys!”
As everyone is walking back to JD, Cassie shakes her head with disappointment and shrugs in Jackson’s direction. The group gathers together and JD takes the ball from Erin.
JD: “Wow, that was an impressive win.”
Erin giggles and lets out a “Thank you.”
JD: “Now, it’s time to pick your partner. Do you know who you want?”
She surveys the boys for a moment, rubbing her chin thoughtfully: “Ummm… I think I’m gonna go with… Patrick.”
The rest of the group nods and claps, seeing as this was one of the unofficially pre-decided teams, and Patrick joins Erin & JD with a bounce.
JD: “Erin, you hesitated before choosing Patrick. Why is that?”
Erin grins a little and shifts her weight: “Well, I was mostly just thinking about what you said, about being TOTALLY sure that the partner I pick is who I want. And, he is.”
JD: “Patrick, do you think she made the right decision?”
Patrick: (nods) “Yeah, I think so.”
JD: “Alright, well now you get to choose your team color. There are 6 colors left; what will it be?”
Patrick casts a glance at his options before turning decisively to the host: “We’re gonna go with blue.”
JD: “Blue team, grab your shirts! Everyone else, it’s time to get ready for round 3.”
On their way back to the start of the wall, Jackson finds Cassie.
Jackson: “Hey, are you doing okay?”
Cassie draws in her lower lip: “No, but I can do better. (she begins nodding rapidly) I will do better.”
Jackson gives her shoulder a squeeze: “Awesome. I know you can.”
Once everyone is in place, the ball is launched into the air once again.
JD: “GO!”
Immediately Cassie, Kennedy, Robert and Amy take off up the wall.
JD: “Wow, some different frontrunners this time. They’re really moving!”
The first to hit the foam mat are Robert and Kennedy, but Cassie quickly catches up on the way to the hurdles when Robert trips and has to go back.
JD: “This is amazing; Cassie, who has been at the back of every round so far, is now in the lead!”
Beyond the hurdles, it’s a race between Cassie, Amy, and Kennedy…
BAM!
JD: “Cassie! It’s yours! Come on back you guys!”
They do, and Cassie turns the ball over to JD, clapping excitedly.
JD grins: “Cassie, wow. I’m impressed. What a comeback! How did you do it?”
Cassie: (smiling widely and shaking her hands at her sides) “I don’t know! I just – Jackson had given me some encouragement before the round started –”
Camera shows a close-up of Jackson, who is smiling.
V.O. Cassie: “–And I guess that really got the adrenaline going for me!”
Camera turns back to JD and Cassie.
JD: “Well, you know what to do now. Pick which guy you want to be your partner for the remainder of the game.”
Cassie’s palms are together, fingertips touching her nose. She points towards the boys: “Jackson.”
The 13-year-old lifts his arms into the air and jogs gladly over to Cassie.
JD: “Jackson, how do you feel right now?”
Jackson contemplates for a moment: “…Triumphant! (he and the other kids laugh a little) I mean, I feel.. great. This? (he indicates himself and Cassie) This is a great partnership.”
JD: “I can see that. You guys obviously have a good connection. Now, it’s time for you to decide your official team color – what will it be?”
Jackson: “Orange.”
JD: “Okay, Orange team; go take your spots.”
While the remaining 8 contestants get ready, Patrick and Erin start wondering about the fate of the last 4 teams.
Patrick: “Do you think they’ll stick to the rest of the teams we talked about?”
Erin chews on her lower lip and watches the teamless players line up: “We have so far… no one seemed to have a problem with them earlier.”
Patrick: “Yeah… we’ll see.”
JD: “Players ready? Set.. (he releases the ball) …GO!”
They head off with Chris, Kennedy and Robert in the immediate lead; but Kennedy trips while trying to get off of the mat, causing her to fall behind.
Cassie: “Come on, Anna!”
Anna, like in previous rounds, is one of the last ones to make it over the wall, but she continues to push forward.
Robert and Chris are about even while jumping over their hurdles, with Logan not too far behind them; however, Logan takes another unfortunate tumble at his hurdle.
JD: “Logan, you’ve got to go back. Do the obstacle again.”
Logan is shown with his palms out in frustration, but he begrudgingly shakes his head and goes back.
The field is wide open except for Chris, and Robert a few paces behind, as they get closer and closer to the ball…
BAM!
JD: “Chris got that one! Fair and square.”
Back at the catapult with JD, Chris stands proudly with the rainbow ball in his hands.
JD: “That was a close call, but in the end, you came through and you definitely earned that ball. Now… (JD grins) I don’t mean to imply that I know what’s going to happen next, but it looks to me like there is one girl over there who is particularly glad you won this.”
Camera changes to a close-up of Anna, who is red and smiling.
Chris grins and points: “Anna!”
Everyone claps and Anna runs to hug Chris.
JD: “Well, I’d say you guys are definitely the most excited to be working together! Anna, what color would you like for your team? Your choices are Green, Red, Purple or Gray.”
Anna looks to Chris initially, but this is her decision to make. She drums her fingertips together: “We’ll be green.”
JD: “Okay, Green team! (he pats Chris on the shoulder, turning to the remaining players on the field) There are only two rounds left. Let’s get started on number 5.”
They all get into place, crouching in anticipation.
JD: “On your mark.. get set… (Whoosh! The ball is launched) ..GO!”
Anna: (cheering and clapping) “Come on, guys! You can do it!”
Amy and Ace have a slight lead, although Robert is right behind.
JD: “Robert has been doing really well, getting edged out just barely every time. Can he finally do it?”
Ace falls behind a bit on the way to the hurdles, and Robert speeds into first place.
Back at the teams’ platforms, Erin turns to Serena: “Robert is choosing Lydia, right?”
Serena: “Yeah, as far as I know. (laughing a bit) I know he doesn’t want Amy…”
JD: “Robert jumps his hurdle first, but here comes Amy!”
Amy is now just a few strides behind Robert, who has slowed down a bit. The ball is in sight for both…
Whack!
JD: “Ohh! Amy just elbowed Robert to catch up! Who’s going to get it? Looks like –”
BAM!
JD: “Amy’s got it!”
Many jaws drop where the formed teams are sitting as they all turn to each other: “Do you think she’ll change it? She seemed okay with Logan..” etc.
Chris looks over at Anna, who shakes her head: “She’s not sticking with it.”
The remaining players gather by the catapult, where Amy gladly tosses JD the ball.
JD: “Amy. You were playing a little dirty out there!”
Amy places her hands on her hips and shrugs with a wide smile: “You gotta do what you gotta do.”
JD: “Well, I hope you choose a partner who agrees with that statement. 3 guys left, take your pick.”
Amy eagerly bites down on her lower lip: “Robert.”
The applause this time is lacking and slow and uncertain, and Robert takes his time in joining his new partner at the front of the crowd. Amy hugs him.
JD: “Amy, it really looks like you knew what you wanted and you went for it. Robert, what do you think? Is this a good partnership?”
There’s a short pause in which Robert takes in a breath: “I mean, it might be. Amy’s– Amy’s tough, obviously, and.. (he glances at Amy) I don’t know. I think we can do well.”
JD: “Sounds good. Robert, now you get to choose your team color; Purple, Gray, or Red. What’ll it be?”
Robert nods: “Red team.”
JD: “Red team, good luck to you two. Go take your seats and we’ll get started on the final round. (he looks at the remaining four contestants) This is your last chance; whoever gets this one will decide not only their own teammate, but will be putting together the final team as well.”
Flash forward to the final players in their starting positions…
JD: “Okay. This is it. The last round until we have all of the teams assembled. Everyone ready?”
Group: “Ready!”
The ball flies through the air one last time, and JD yells: “GO!”
Everybody is pretty neck-and-neck going up the wall, but Lydia fails to jump over her hurdle.
JD: “Lydia, you have to do it again!”
Lydia: (waving her hand at JD) “Yeah, yeah, I know.”
JD: “It looks like this one is going to one of the boys… they both cleared their hurdles but Logan appears to be a very fast runner; does he have it?”
BAM!
JD: “He does! The final ball goes to Logan!”
They meet one more time in front of JD, where JD requests Logan to pass him the ball. He obeys.
JD: “Based on everyone’s reactions I’d say that last pair-up wasn’t what you all were expecting. But now the question is, do you know whether you want Lydia, or Kennedy to be your partner? Keep in mind that whoever you don’t pick will automatically be paired with Ace.”
Logan turns to the other teams as if asking for input, but Serena shakes her head: “It doesn’t matter, just pick whoever.”
Logan shrugs: “Then I guess I’ll go with Lydia.”
Lydia nods and crosses her arms, joining Logan at the front.
JD: “Logan, why Lydia? Why not Kennedy?”
Logan: “Uhh, well, I guess because Lydia talks more. I don’t really know anything about Kennedy, so, I’m not sure how well I would be able to work with her.”
Kennedy raises an eyebrow but remains silent, and JD looks a little skeptical: “Alright then. Lydia, it is now up to you to choose whether you want to be the Gray team or the Purple team. Which will it be?”
Lydia: “Purple!”
They go to their triangle, while Ace and Kennedy meet in the middle for a half-hug.
JD: “And that leaves us with the Gray team, Ace and Kennedy. How are you guys feeling?”
Kennedy: (nodding a bit awkwardly) “Pretty good.”
Ace: “Yeah, good.”
JD: “You guys seem like a quiet team. Hopefully that won’t work to your disadvantage. Go ahead and get into your shirts.”
All of the teams stand up on their respective platforms as JD surveys the group: “There you have it. The 7 official teams of Endurance! Give yourselves a hand! (they begin applauding) Now take a few minutes to let that sink in, then meet me by the colored wooden posts by your cabins.”
The camera shows various scenes of the kids as they hug, high-five and congratulate each other on the partner game’s results.
Int. Kennedy: “Logan’s ‘reasoning’ for not picking me doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. I really felt like he only chose Lydia, who – not to be mean or anything – really struggled in the challenge just because he didn’t want to be stuck with ‘Kennedy the introvert’. And frankly, I’m (she tilts her head) a little insulted? –”
Shot of Kennedy listening to Serena with pursed lips, then laughing.
V.O. Kennedy: “– But that’s okay; I have a good partner, and as the game progresses I’m confident people will see that I’m actually a good competitor.”
The final shot is an overhead view of the teams as they make their way back to the cabins.

---

The Red Team - Robert & Amy
The Orange Team - Jackson & Cassie
The Yellow Team - Leo & Serena
The Green Team - Chris & Anna
The Blue Team - Patrick & Erin
The Purple Team - Logan & Lydia
The Gray Team - Ace & Kennedy

---

"Next time on Endurance! -"
"With all 7 teams now formed, there is some talk of alliances..."
Ace is sitting on a blanket in the grass: "If we can get in an alliance with Blue before anyone else does, we should have a chance. Right?"
Erin speaks to JD, sitting with her partner on a bench: "I don’t know why they’re trying to hide it, everyone knows who the major alliances are."
"Some of the teams struggle to get along..."
Logan grits his teeth: "I don't think she's very strong, like, at all. (Lydia is shown on the beach overhearing this) She did pretty bad in the partner game."
A confessional of Lydia's: "Well if Logan wants to talk trash about me this early, then fine, go ahead. But I am his partner, and he’s stuck with me for the rest of the game."
"And the very first samadhi of the season is given out, so you don't want to miss this."
A slo-mo close-up shot of the samadhi in JD's hand.

[Cruise meerkat Youssy]

I need Ace and Kennedy to SLAY

[amplify26]

Mar 12, 2016 13:06:40 GMT -5 Cruise meerkat Youssy said:

I need Ace and Kennedy to SLAY

Just so the Gray Team doesn't go out first hahahaha.

Anyways, good stuff so far! I wonder what Lydia has beyond her big mouth...

[kwdrewfan]

Thank you so much for your comments! They mean the world to me and I love getting to see your thoughts!

[kwdrewfan]

The teams are shown meeting JD at the tall wooden posts in front of the cabins.
JD: “Congratulations on putting your teams together; I think we’ve got some tough competition here.”
Serena eagerly bites her lip and fist bumps with Leo.
JD: “Behind me are the 7 pillars of Endurance. Whenever you win a pyramid piece, you’ll come hang it up here on your team-colored pole. You all get one piece to start off with; I’ll hand them out now.”
He picks up a stack of pyramid pieces and walks to each team one by one.
JD: “Gray team, your piece is Leadership. You’ll need to put yourselves out there and be strong team leaders to win this game. (they nod and take their piece together)
Yellow, your piece is Strength. You have to be strong strategic thinkers in this game and not rely on your brute strength alone to carry you through.
Orange, you’re Heart. Being the youngest team out here, you really need to put your heart into everything you do.
Purple, I’m giving you Perseverance. You’ll have to persevere through any obstacles, like your unexpected partnership, that may stand in your way in order to stay in the game.
Green team, you get Courage. On Endurance you’re going to be faced with some tough situations that will require bravery to resolve.
For the Blue team, Trust. To make it on Endurance you have to trust in each other and in your partnership.
And lastly, the Red team. Your piece is Commitment. You guys will have to commit to the game and to each other if you want to succeed.
Go ahead and place your first pieces.”
They do, and remain standing next to their pillars.
JD: “Well now that that’s taken care of; you wanna know what you’re playing for?”
Group: “Yeah!”
JD: “The winners of Endurance and their families will be treated to an all-expenses paid, 10-day vacation… to Maui!”
The contestants’ jaws drop and some of the girls bounce excitedly!
JD: “There you will enjoy beautiful beaches, tropical wildlife and cuisine, and be immersed in life as a native islander. You’ll get to partake in tons of activities such as snorkeling, parasailing, kayaking, ziplining and more – and you’ll be staying in one of the best resorts the island has to offer. Does that sound good to everybody?”
Group: (enthusiastically) “Yeah!!”
JD: “I thought so. Soon you guys will be competing in your very first Endurance mission, but until then, go rest up and start getting to know each other a little better. This season is all about friendship; forming the right bonds with the right people could end up saving you in this game. (he nods) I’ll see you guys later.”
JD exits as the teams begin to mingle, chatting eagerly about the game and heading towards the cabins together.

Int. Cassie: “The partner mission went really well, I think! For me and my partner, at least. I got who I wanted and I actually won a round by myself, so that feels really good! –”
Cut to a collage of contestants hugging each other, talking, high-fiving, etc. just outside of the cabins.
V.O. Cassie: “Although I know there are a few people.. who.. aren’t as happy as the rest of us with their partners.”
There’s a silhouetted shot of Logan throwing a rock into the ocean, before the camera changes to him and Robert sitting on the beach.
V.O. Robert: “I’m not totally unhappy with having Amy as my partner. –”
Int. Robert: “I mean, she can be a little… demanding, but she’s here to win. It could be worse. (he pauses, breaking out into a sheepish smile) I think.”

The Gray team is shown sitting on a blanket spread across the grass. Kennedy is drawing imaginary shapes on the blanket with her finger.
Kennedy: “So… you’re from… Louisiana, right?”
Ace: “Yeah. And you’re from Texas?”
Kennedy keeps watch of her doodling, but nods in response: “Yep. We’re not too far away.”
Int. Ace: “Getting to know Kennedy was a little awkward at first, but now that we’re over that initial.. ‘who-are-you’ kind of thing, we’ve started talking more about the game, and it’s been good so far.”
Ace: “So, like, what are you thinking as far as alliances go?”
Kennedy widens her eyes: “Oh, snap, I didn’t even think about alliances. I guess it’s a good thing I got paired with one of the only people who’s seen the show before, ha.”
Ace: (chuckling) “Yeah. But I was thinking… Serena and Leo are probably going to align with.. Purple –”
Kennedy: “Red.”
Ace: (nods seriously) “– And Red. Because Leo, Logan and Robert are close, and so are the girls. Unfortunately, those are some of the strongest teams…”
Kennedy: “Right…”
The camera focuses on Kennedy’s face while Ace speaks: “But the other strongest team.. is probably going to be Blue. So if we can get in an alliance with Blue before anyone else does, we should have a chance. Right?”
Shot changes to show both of them again.
Kennedy: “Yeah, I agree. Do you want to go talk to them now, or..?”
Ace: (standing up and brushing off his hands) “Yeah, yeah I’m going now. Wish us luck!”
Kennedy waggles her fingers towards him: “Luck!!”

Ace approaches the Blue team on the boardwalk at the bay, but Erin and Patrick are already talking to Jackson when he arrives.
Erin: “Aaaccee. What’s up?”
Int. Ace: “So I explained to the Blue team what Kennedy and I were talking about, with the alliances and everything, and apparently… (he starts to laugh) Jackson had told them the same thing…!”
Jackson: “No, yeah, that’s what I was just saying! –”
Patrick cracks up.
Jackson: “– I was saying how Red and Yellow are really strong, and they’re gonna carry Purple as far as they can, and then the rest of us are just going to be picked off one by one.”
Ace: “Exactly.”
Jackson: “So, yeah. We can’t let that happen.”
Patrick: “I totally agree. Do you guys want to make it official, then? Three-way counter-alliance?”
Ace shrugs: “Yeah, let’s do it.”
The others agree, and Patrick motions for everyone to put their hands in the middle: (whisper yelling) “Counter-alliance!!”
The camera pans from the boardwalk to a nearby cave-like area that’s nestled into the side of the mountain, where Leo, Logan and Robert are hanging out.
Logan: “Dude, I can’t believe you ended up with Amy. Amy!”
Robert grins a little and shakes his head: “I know.”
Leo: “You didn’t actually want her, though, did you?”
Robert: “No…”
Logan: “Why, man? She’s tough, strategic. And it’s obvious she likes you.”
Robert: “Yeah, exactly, it’s very obvious she likes me. I hate it. (laughing slightly) I mean, I like her, but not like… LIKE her. You know? I’m not here for a girlfriend, I’m here to play a game. To win a game.”
Leo shoves Robert: (laughing) “Ohh! We’ll see about that!”
Robert: “It’s okay, though. What about you, Logan? How are you doing with Lydia?”
Logan: “Oh. She’s alright. I mean… (he grits his teeth) I don’t think she’s very strong, like, at all. –”
Camera shows Lydia, who had been approaching the cave, stop in her tracks as she overhears what Logan is saying.
Logan: “– Like, she did pretty bad in the partner game. And I don’t know what her relationship is like with the other girls, but she seems… really over the top, you know what I mean?”
Outside the cave, Lydia rolls her eyes and turns around.
Conf. Lydia: “Well if Logan wants to talk trash about me this early, then fine, go ahead. But I am his partner, and he’s stuck with me for the rest of the game, so eventually. (shrugs) I’m gonna make him pay for it. (she leans in closer to the camera) ..And it ain’t gonna be cheap.”

JD is shown standing in the Flatlands, in front of 7 individual lanes with large team-colored barrels at either end.
JD: “Come on in, guys!”
The teams all gather next to JD.
JD: “Hey, everyone. Are you ready for your first mission with teams?”
Group: “Yeah!”
JD: “Alright, this mission was actually used on Endurance: High Sierras. It’s called Hot Potato. At the start of each lane, you’ll find two large sticks, a bowl, and a barrel full of water. The way the game works is you’ll fill your bowl with water from that barrel, then transfer it across the course using only your sticks, and dump it into the empty barrel at the other end. After you’ve transferred enough water, a team-colored flag will be released indicating that you’ve won the mission. Whichever team that is will receive the Teamwork pyramid piece, and most importantly – this. (he holds up a gray breakable pot with a selection of seashells around its neck) The samadhi. Whoever wins this will be in possession of power; the samadhi will be given to one other team to seriously handicap them in the next mission. Are you guys ready to play?”
The teams clap and some shout “Yeah!”
JD: “Alright, head out to your lanes and we’ll get started.”
Cut to the teams all lined up, one member with their water bowl in hand, the other bending down in anticipation to pick up their sticks.
JD: “Here we go. On your mark.. get set… GO!”
The teams all get off to a pretty strong start, but before long Orange and Blue have taken the lead.
JD: “Wow, the Orange team is making some very quick work. Blue is right there with them, though!”
Orange dumps the first bowl of water, followed closely by Blue.
Cassie: “Good, Jackson! Go go go!”
Patrick: (running back with Erin) “We can catch em, come on.”
Red finishes the first lap next, followed by Yellow, Gray, Green and Purple.
JD: “It looks like the Purple team is falling behind already.”
Camera shows the Purple team; Lydia arrives with the sticks long after Logan has already refilled their water bowl. He places the bowl in between the sticks.
Logan: “Come on, Lydia, you got to move. We gotta do this.”
Just as things are looking great for Orange…
Cassie: “No!” (she stumbles from running backwards and falls, spilling their water everywhere.)
JD: “Oh, Cassie just fell! Orange now has to start their lap over again!”
Cassie: (running back to their base) “Uggh! I’m sorry.”
Jackson: “It’s okay, it’s okay. Keep moving.”
JD: “It looks like Orange’s tumble has given Blue a significant lead; although here come Red and Yellow!”
Overhead shot of the teams; the Red team picks up speed and is quickly approaching Blue.
Meanwhile, the Gray team is in 5th place and Kennedy pants: “I don’t think we can beat them…”
Ace: “Me neither, but let’s keep going.”
Blue dumps another bowl of water and peers expectantly inside the barrel for a second…
Patrick: (breathlessly) “No, not enough. We need more.”
The Blue team starts back just as Red adds more water to their barrel, and not too far behind them, the Yellow team picks up speed a bit. They pour in another bowl.
JD: “All 7 teams are starting to get out of breath; it takes more laps than you think to get that barrel full. Blue and Red are looking very close!”
Robert watches where he’s going over his shoulder as Amy wheezes: “Come on, hurry, we can do this!!”
JD: “Who’s it gonna be? Blue and Red are so close; could this be their final lap?”
Camera closes in on the Red team’s barrel & they pour……
Amy: “Ugh! That’s still not enough!”
They run back for one more lap just as the Blue team is shown pouring from overhead…
The Blue flag rises from the barrel.
JD: “Blue team! Wins the first Endurance mission!”
Erin looks up at their flag, her eyes widened. She smiles excitedly and jumps to hug Patrick: “Oh my God, we did it! Yesss!”
They continue to celebrate as JD approaches with their prizes.
JD: “Congratulations, Blue team! You just won the first-ever Endurance mission of the season, along with the Teamwork pyramid piece and.. the samadhi. (he holds it up) Decide carefully who you want to give this disadvantage to in the upcoming Temple Mission.”
Camera shows the Red team; Amy is visibly upset, crossing her arms over her chest in disappointment. Robert dejectedly scuffs one of their sticks into the grass.
JD: “I’ll give you these – (he hands the samadhi to Patrick and the piece to Erin) – and tonight, I’ll see all of you at the other side of the mountain, where the Blue team will announce which one of you will be receiving the samadhi. Have a good afternoon.”
JD leaves and the teams begin congratulating Blue.

Camera shows Erin & Patrick approaching their piece pole, where together they hang the Teamwork piece on the bottom peg.
Erin: “Yeeah!”
They high-five and walk back in the direction of the huts.
Conf. Patrick: “We won the first miiission! Whoo! Got the samadhi… (cut) Now Erin and I have to decide who we want to handicap… which, we haven’t talked about that yet. But I think we already know anyways.”
Camera shows Cassie and Chris sitting with the Blue & Gray teams on a towel at the beach.
Cassie: “So… you’re giving it to Red? Or Yellow?”
Patrick throws his head back in agreement: “Red.”
Cassie nods: “Yeah, that’s what I figured. They were in second place the whole time.”
Patrick: “Yep. Yep. That’s why we gotta.. (he jabs his thumb over his shoulder) ..get ‘em gone.”
Ace looks up from the towel: “We can't get them gone yet, though.”
Patrick: “What?”
Ace: “We can't send a team home. Like, no one is leaving until after the Temple mission.”
Patrick: “Oh. Yeah, yeah I know. Samadhi’s a good step in that direction, though.”
Erin: “It’ll get the message across.”
Patrick: “Exactly. (he chuckles and hurls a stick into the ocean) You’re too strong! Go home!”
There’s a pause before Ace laughs: “You’re strong, too! They’re probably saying the same thing about you!”
Patrick, still laughing a bit: “I don’t care.”

Further on down the beach, the Purple team is walking alongside the ocean.
Logan: “So… I’m pretty sure we’re not getting the handicap. We choked at the challenge.”
Lydia side-eyes him, but decides against saying anything. There’s a short pause.
Lydia: “Yeah, no. We won’t get it.”
Logan: “But I do think that one of our alliances will get it. So… either Red or Yellow has to win tomorrow, or we do. So. We have to step it up.”
Lydia: “……Yep. Let’s step it up. We’re gonna win the Temple mission. You think we can?”
Logan’s gaze drops to the sand beneath his feet, a little doubtfully, but he nods: “Yeah.”
Lydia shrugs, raising her eyebrows in satisfaction: “Alright then. Good. Let’s do it.”

Serena is shown lying on her back on a lower bunk while Amy is standing over her. They are having a whispered conversation.
Amy: “I’m pretty sure they’re going to give one of us the thing.”
Serena: “Yeah, I know.. but honestly –”
Amy: “Like, the strongest teams are us two, and Blue. And since Blue won the mission…”
Serena: “I know. But Amy, honestly I think they’re going to give it to you guys, because you almost beat them today.”
Amy pokes her lip out for a second and looks outside: “I know… I don’t know what to do. I mean I don’t want to make them go after you, but I seriously don’t think they’ll give it to any other team. All of the other teams are really bad. Or, weak.”
Serena laughs a little, but it doesn’t quite meet her eyes: “Meean.”
Amy: “Sorry! It’s true, though. (she leans to see through the open doorway) Okay. Well. I’m gonna go. Probably find Robert and see what he thinks.”
Serena: “Okay, have fun.”

Amy approaches Robert & Leo at the start of the trees beyond the huts.
Amy: “Hey!”
Shot changes and Amy and Robert are now standing face-to-face, with Leo hanging in the background half-listening to their conversation.
Amy: “So the samadhi is going to either us or Yellow. Almost – that’s almost a sure thing.”
Robert: (nodding) “Right…”
There’s silence for a moment, before Amy thrusts her hands out: “So what do you think we should do about it?”
Robert: “Um. I think –”
Amy: “Should I try talking to Blue? See if I can make them give it to Yellow?”
Leo: (laughing) “Nooo, don’t do that!” (he starts to walk away)
Robert: “No. I think we should just.. take the samadhi, if they give it to us, and hope that our alliance will win the next temple mission. Because –”
Amy: (dubiously) “What? Really?”
Robert: “– because this is only the first round. And if we start going around, talking to people, trying to control the game this early –”
Amy: “We’ll be more of a target?”
Robert nods carefully, but Amy is still clearly on the fence about this idea; she chews on her lower lip.
Int. Robert: “The Red team is already a pretty big threat, so I was thinking.. hey. Maybe if we play dumb for a while, people won’t want us out as much.”
Camera returns to a shot of Amy turning to head back to the cabins, with Robert following behind her.
V.O. Robert: “So… I don’t know, hopefully that works out for us.”

The kids are shown walking North East from the cabins, where Erin has the samadhi tucked in the crook of her elbow.
V.O. Anna: “Chris and I have stayed.. pretty.. far out of everything, so I don’t think we’re a target to get the disadvantage tonight. (camera focuses on the Green team as they trudge through the tall grass) Plus, we haven’t proven ourselves yet – but I’m hoping that will change soon!”
The teams make their way down a stone staircase and find JD, surrounded by 7 benches, standing in the middle of a spacious ledge carved into the side of the mountain.
JD: “Hey. Come on in & take a seat on one of these benches here.”
Each team sits together on a bench.
JD: “Welcome to The Ledge. This is where we’ll meet to discuss the game and, of course, hand out the dreaded samadhi. But first, I just have to ask – are there any alliances yet? Leo?”
Leo: “Umm.. (he glances at Serena, who gives him a pointed look) ...I don’t think I’m at liberty to say!” (he and a few others laugh)
JD: “Okay, but if Serena doesn’t want you to say anything then there must be something going on, right?”
Before Yellow can respond, Erin jumps in: “Yeah I don’t know why they’re trying to hide it, everyone knows who the major alliances are.”
JD: (he raises his eyebrows) “Oh yeah? Who is that?”
Erin: “It’s Yellow, Purple and Red; and Orange, Blue and Gray.”
JD’s eyes land on the Green team, sitting right in the middle of the two alliances: “Green team? Where do you fit into all this?”
Anna: (laughing) “Nowhere!”
Chris: (also laughing a bit) “Uh, we’re not really getting involved in the whole alliance thing… if we don’t pick a side, then we don’t make any enemies.”
JD: “Anna? Do you agree with that strategy?”
She thinks it over for a second before nodding: “Yeah. I think that staying neutral is what’s best for us right now.”
Chris looks over at her and smiles in agreement.
JD: “Well, Blue team, it is now time for you to tell us all which team is going to be handicapped in the next Temple mission. Who have you decided on?”
Erin and Patrick exchange a glance before Erin passes the samadhi to her teammate. He takes a deep breath and turns it over in his hands: “Well, we tossed around a few options, but in the end we had to stick with our first thought. We’re giving it to……………”
Erin: “……The Red team.”
Amy purses her lips and Robert grins a little, unsurprised.
JD: “Red team. Grab the samadhi and come join me up here.”
Robert takes the samadhi from Patrick while he and Amy make their way to where JD is standing.
JD: “Alright, go ahead and smash it open on that rock right there.”
He indicates a very large rock in front of them, and Robert awkwardly holds the samadhi out to his partner: “Do you want to do it…?”
Amy smiles a little and fluffs her hair: “I don’t care. You can do it.”
WHAM!
The samadhi breaks into pieces against the rock and a small piece of paper falls out. Robert picks up the paper and reads it out: “You will have one extra ball in tomorrow’s Temple mission.”
JD nods: “There it is. This will make it harder for you guys to win tomorrow, but it is not insurmountable. As for the rest of you, head on back to your cabins and get a good night’s sleep. Tomorrow is your first Temple mission, and also, your first elimination. I’ll see you guys then.”
As JD begins to walk away, the camera pans up to show the beautiful island sunset.

---

"Next time on Endurance! -"
"The teams compete in their first Temple Mission..."
A shot of both Leo & Ace running to the edge of the ocean, each with a team-colored ball in his hands.
"Tensions begin to escalate for one team..."
Logan is on the beach with his partner: “What do you want to do? You have to decide!”
Lydia: “I don’t care! You of all people should know I’m gonna screw up whatever I do.”
Logan: “Oh my God.”
"...And the first team to leave the competition will be eliminated at the Temple of Fate."
The camera shows a fiery kettle at the Temple; the flames grow higher until it envelops the screen and then fades to black.

---

The Red Team - Robert & Amy - Commitment
The Orange Team - Jackson & Cassie - Heart
The Yellow Team - Leo & Serena - Strength
The Green Team - Chris & Anna - Courage
The Blue Team - Patrick & Erin - Trust, Teamwork
The Purple Team - Logan & Lydia - Perseverance
The Gray Team - Ace & Kennedy - Leadership

---

[Cruise meerkat Youssy]

I am loving this so far! "And it ain't gonna be cheap!" YOU GET HIM LYDIA. And I love GRAY TEAM <3 And Yellow too! And I actulaly also like Red...and Blue...so it's conflicting which alliance I wanna support lol

[kwdrewfan]

A few varying shots of the beach are shown.
Conf. Logan: “So today is the first Temple mission… I’m pretty nervous. (cut) I don’t think I can win anything with Lydia as my partner! It’s so frustrating… I’m actually a strong player, but I can’t prove myself as long as I’m with Lydia. (he groans and rubs his hands through his hair) Why did I pick her?!”

Erin, Lydia, Cassie and Serena are hanging in the girls’ cabin; Erin has her shoulder against a bedpost, Lydia is on an upper bunk and Cassie & Serena are sitting together on a lower bunk.
Erin scratches at her ankle: “I mean, Patrick and I aren’t always on the same page about everything but we get along well enough. As partners.”
Cassie: “Me and Jackson.. (she tosses her finger back and forth next to her temple and smiles) we’re the same. Same wavelength, man. It’s awesome.”
Lydia: “Well, my partner hates me. So.”
Serena: “What? I don’t think he.. hates you…”
Lydia: “He does! He’s been going & talking behind my back this whole time. He thinks I’m useless and he doesn’t wanna work with me, so –” (she shrugs)
Erin: “But he wants to win more than anything!”
Lydia: “– I’ll get him back eventually. (she pauses) No, yeah, he wants to win! Just not with me.”
Int. Erin: “Most of the teams seem to be getting along well, except for Purple. –”
B&W shot of Logan laughing and high-fiving Leo while Lydia is standing nearby. She rolls her eyes.
V.O. Erin: “– Logan thinks Lydia is a bad partner to have, and Lydia feels like Logan is constantly attacking her. –”
Int. Erin: (she shakes her head and chuckles a bit, though it’s void of any humor) “– It’s not good.”

Camera shows the Green team walking around a lake that’s in a clearing not too far off from the cabins; Anna is winding a blade of grass around her fingers.
Anna: “If we lose the mission today… –”
Chris: “…Which we probably will.”
Anna: “– which we probably will. (she laughs slightly) Do you think we’ll be targeted?”
Chris looks up thoughtfully, squinting against the sun: “I don’t see why we would. I mean, not yet. We stink at challenges –”
Anna giggles: “Right..”
Chris: “– and there are stronger teams, like Yellow, Blue, Red. Plus there’s… Purple. (he hesitates for a moment before shaking his head) That’s all that needs saying. Just, there’s Purple.”
Anna drops her blade of grass and stares at the ground: “Yeah! What’s up with them? They’re like, not even trying to get along.”
Chris: “Yeah, I know… I’m glad we don’t have that problem.”
Anna smiles: “Meee too.”

The teams are shown walking to meet JD on the beach where the terrain is at a bit of a slope, and also where the Temple mission is ready to be played.
JD: “Hey, guys. Today is your first Temple mission. Whoever wins this will have the power to send any two teams of your choosing to the Temple of Fate, where tonight, one will be eliminated from the game – for good. (he turns to Ace & Kennedy) Ace, you’ve watched the show in the past; I’m sure you remember that the Gray team was eliminated first in 4 out of the 5 seasons there was a Gray team. Are you at all worried about the ‘Curse of the Gray Team’ making a comeback?”
Ace’s arms are folded over his chest, and he confidently shakes his head: “Nope. That was then, this is now. This is an all new Endurance. The Gray Team Curse doesn’t exist anymore.”
After he finishes speaking, Kennedy reaches over for a low-five from her teammate.
JD: “So you guys are feeling good!”
Kennedy: “Oh yeah.”
JD: “Alright, well we’ll find out tonight if that’s justified. Here is your mission for today, called Tangleball: lined up on the beach for each team is a series of balls, all of which are wrapped up tightly in rope. (he points to the ocean) And if you look over there, you’ll see that you also have a basketball net floating out on the water. First, one team member is going to untangle the ropes from a ball, and then they will toss the ball to their teammate. The other player then has to aim for their hoop out on the water; if you miss, you have to swim out to retrieve your ball and try again. Only one team member can be working at a time, so while one person is untangling the ropes the other can’t be shooting for the basket, and vice-versa. Red team, (camera shows Amy & Robert) you received the samadhi which means you will have 5 balls to contend with, whereas everyone else only has 4. First team to get all of their balls into the hoop, wins. Understood?”
Group: “Yeah.”
JD: “Alright, let’s everybody get into position.”
As the teams are getting ready, the camera finds the Purple team arguing in low voices.
Logan: “What do you want to do? You have to decide!”
Lydia: “I don’t care! You of all people should know I’m gonna screw up whatever I do.”
Logan: “Oh my God.”
Lydia throws her hands up and trudges back to where the balls are in a line: “Fine, whatever. I don’t care anymore.”
All of the girls decide to release the balls, and the boys are aiming for the hoop.
JD: “Okay, contestants ready… get set… GO!”
Immediately the girls start tearing through the ropes while their partner cheers them on.
Kennedy: (to herself) “Come on… keep going… I can do this – YES!”
JD: “Kennedy frees up the first ball! (shot of Serena’s ropes falling off) …Followed by Serena on the Yellow team!”
Serena tosses her first ball to Leo; Ace shoots, and it looks good…
Ace: “Auugh.”
JD: “Oh! Ace was just a tad short. Now he has to do it again.”
While Ace swims out to retrieve his ball, Leo lands the first ball for Yellow and Serena gets started on untangling their second. Red lands their first shortly after.
JD: “Yellow is in the lead right now, but look at Amy. She is flying through those knots!”
Camera shows Amy working furiously, then switches to Robert as he grins and cups his hands around his mouth: “Go Amy!!”
The next team to land their ball is Gray, followed by Blue, Green, and Orange.
JD: “Lydia is still working on her first ball – she has to pick up the pace if they want to win this challenge.”
Lydia is almost done, however. The camera shows Logan pacing around with his hands behind his head.
Team Standings – Yellow: 2/4 Gray: 2/4 Red: 2/5 Green: 1/4 Orange: 1/4 Blue: 1/4 Purple: 0/4
Ace: “You got this, Kennedy! Rip through ‘em!”
Kennedy: “I’m trying!”
Leo: “We’re in the lead, Serena! Keep pushing!”
Serena releases the third ball for Yellow and throws it to Leo. He runs down to the water’s edge, and he shoots… he scores!
JD: “Yellow’s still in the lead, but Red and Gray are working fast!”
Amy is muttering to herself while she peels away the ropes: “Go, go, go. Don’t stop. I can do this.”
JD: “Serena is now working on their last ball, but – oh! Ace and Robert both land their third at exactly the same time!”
Kennedy, now tearing through her final ball’s ropes, glances over at Serena and picks up the pace.
Team Standings – Yellow: 3/4 Gray: 3/4 Red: 3/5 Orange: 3/4 Green: 2/4 Blue: 2/4 Purple: 1/4
JD: “Purple has finally landed their first ball, but things are not looking good for them right now.”
Logan groans and sits down in the sand, exasperated.
Lydia glances up and sees: “Hey, what are you doing?! I’m – Logan, I’m almost done here!”
Robert, upon seeing how fervently Amy is pushing herself, calls out: “Amy, I don’t think we can win. It’s okay.”
Amy: “Shut up, yes we can!!!”
In the midst of Serena’s untying, the ropes give way and she rushes to toss it to Leo… Ace glances at Yellow out of the corner of his eye: “Come on, Kennedy!”
JD: “This is the last one for Yellow! If Leo gets this one in, they’ll win the mission! Can he do it…?”
The moment is intense as Leo aims for the goal… he shoots…!
Serena: “Noo-o!” (she laughs a bit)
JD: “Oh, he just misses! This may be a perfect opportunity for Gray to take the lead..!”
Ace: “Kennedy, what are you doing?”
Kennedy continually yanks at a piece of rope: “This one.. part… is stuck!”
JD: “Leo is heading back to shore now. This could be close.”
Just as Leo reaches the shallow part of the water, Kennedy’s ropes drop to the sand: “Ooh, I got it!” (she throws it to Ace)
JD: “Both Yellow and Gray are taking their last shot! If either makes it in, this challenge will be over…!”
Both boys shoot at the same time; the camera closes in on the Yellow team’s basket...
.....................................................................
...The ball hits the edge of the hoop and falls into the ocean.
Gray team’s makes it in!
JD: “That’s it! Gray team wins!”
Kennedy lets out a joyful screech! Ace starts running back to where she is, but is met halfway when she leaps to hug him.
Serena & Leo exchange a brief hug, although Leo sniffs in disappointment and looks down at the sand. JD meets the Gray team and places a hand on Kennedy’s shoulder: “Congratulations, Gray team! How do you guys feel right now?”
Ace: “Good!!”
Through bursts of giggles, Kennedy puts her hands on her hips and nods: “Really good!”
Ace: “I told you the Gray Curse was over!” (he pumps his fist, smiling brightly)
JD chuckles a bit: “You did. And now the two of you can rest easy, knowing that it won’t be you going home tonight – but you will have to decide who might. I’ll see you all in front of the cabins this evening to hear your decision.”
As JD leaves, Kennedy & Ace hug again before meeting the other teams further up the shore.

Int. Jackson: “Well. Gray team won the mission today, (he leans back and thrusts his hands out) and I couldn’t be happier!”
Shot of Jackson, Cassie, Erin, and Kennedy skipping rocks in the ocean and laughing.
V.O. Jackson: “Our alliance, surprisingly, is dominating this game – although, of course, I wish Orange was contributing more. –”
Int. Jackson: “– I don’t know how long this victory will last for us, but so far, so good!”
Camera shows the Orange team sitting with Kennedy on the beach.
Cassie: “You guys are sending the strong teams, right? Yellow and Red?”
Kennedy: “Yellow and Red. (nods) Yep.”
Cassie: “That’s what I would do. We have to keep our alliance strong.”
Jackson: “Yeah, although Patrick.. (he wags his finger) he’s been talking to Logan a lot. It makes me wonder how committed he is to this whole thing.”
Cassie scrunches up her nose: “Just because he’s talking to Logan…?”
Jackson: “Yeah. (there’s a short, skeptical pause) Hey, you can’t underestimate people! I’ve seen things.”
Kennedy starts to laugh: “Yeah, on the old show! You and my partner are the only ones!”
Cassie laughs, too, and Jackson keeps grinning and staring at the ocean: “Yess. You should listen to us!”

Conf. Ace: “So... I’ve been talking to Red and Purple and Blue, and I’m starting to consider that maybe there are other options.. of who to send to Temple, besides just the obvious Yellow and Red.”
Camera shows Amy pulling her hair up into a bun while talking with Ace and Robert in the boys’ hut. She stares Ace squarely in the eye: “I don’t want to go to Temple tonight. Like, I really don’t.”
Ace repeatedly bumps his back into a bedpost: “Well obviously. Nobody does.”
Amy: “Right. But Robert and I were talking, and… (the shot changes to a close-up of Ace, whose eyes are turned thoughtfully to the side) we might want to make a deal with you.”
Ace: “…What kind of deal?”
Robert: “An alliance, sort of.”
Amy: “Yeah. Listen, here’s the thing you don’t know; Patrick already has a secret alliance with Purple –”
Ace’s jaw drops at this, and he looks as though he’s about to question the accusation, but Amy continues before he has the chance: “–and if they’re in alliance with Purple, then they’re in alliance with us. That’s the only reason we know about it. But you and Kennedy – I love you guys, you know that. I want you to do well. That’s why…… if you help us knock out Blue & Purple, we’ll take you final 3. With us and Yellow.”
Ace looks a little stunned; Robert is in the corner biting his lip in anticipation of Ace’s answer.
Amy: “I know, it’s a lot to process. But if you want to verify the whole Patrick & Purple thing –”
Ace: “Yeah, no, I believe you. (he starts to walk outside) I need to talk to Kennedy. And the Blue team.”
Amy: “Okay. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news…”
But as soon as Amy is sure Ace is gone from the hut, she turns to Robert, grabs his hands and does a bit of a dance: “Drama, drama, dramaaa!”

Int. Erin: “So today I was just doing my own thing – totally normal and oblivious – and then Ace comes up to me and is like, ‘Oh, hey, did you know that your partner has a secret alliance with the Purple team?’ (she pauses and lets her jaw drop dramatically) No, I did not! So I just went and talked to him about it...”
Camera shows Erin approaching Patrick by the water dispenser, and it’s clear from the look on her face that she isn’t happy.
Erin: “Hey! Did you make an alliance with Logan?”
Patrick’s eyes immediately dart to the side: “Why?”
Erin: “I’m asking you a question; did you make an alliance with Purple?”
Patrick rubs his lips together for a moment before responding: “…Yeah.”
Erin is visibly frustrated: “Why?!”
Patrick: “Because –! I got close with Logan, and it’s not like they’re dangerous to keep around or anything.”
Erin: “Yes, but now our other alliance doesn’t trust us anymore. That’s REALLY dangerous!”
Patrick: “They don’t have to find out about it.”
Erin: (she raises her voice to a higher octave) “They already know!”
Patrick’s eyebrows come together: “What? How?”
Erin: “That’s how I found out, through Ace! Now we may be going to Temple!”
Patrick contemplates for a moment before shaking his head decisively: “Nah. Nah, they won’t do it.”
Erin: “Well, we’re going to find out, aren’t we.” (she smooths her hair back and leaves him)
Int. Erin: “I was so mad! We haven’t even gotten through one elimination yet, and my partner is already making secret deals without me! (she sighs) I think Patrick came clean to Ace about the alliance with Purple, so I have no idea what they’re going to do. I’m shaking in my boots right now.”

Ace and Kennedy are shown walking down the beach.
Ace: “So now we know that Patrick is with Logan & Lydia..”
Kennedy: “I still can’t believe that. Like, what in the world?”
Ace: “I know, but we – we have to decide who to send tonight. It’s definitely between Red, Yellow, –”
Ace & Kennedy: “Purple, and Blue.”
Kennedy: “Right. (she nods and puts her hands on her hips; there’s a pause before she breaks out into a frustrated grin) I don’t knowwww.”
Ace: “I don’t, either.”
The shot changes slightly and Ace puts his hands behind his head: “Agh!”

All the teams are gathered in front of the cabins where everyone is sitting on the porch, except for the Gray team, who stand next to JD.
JD: “Well, here we are. First I’d like to say congratulations on completing your first Temple Mission, and especially to the Gray team for winning. But before we hear their decision, I’d like to talk a little bit about the challenge… Amy.” (a grin breaks out across his face)
Camera shows Amy, who is now giggling into Robert’s shoulder, as JD continues: “You were getting so into it towards the end there –”
Flashback shows Amy vigorously tearing at the ropes.
V.O. JD: “– You were ripping through those knots, probably harder than anyone! –”
JD: “– Is there a reason for that?”
Amy: (still laughing a bit, she lifts her head) “Well, I wanted to win! And we were already a ball behind, so. I had to do something!”
JD: “And Yellow. You guys were so close to winning; how does it feel to be sitting where you’re at, instead of up here with me?”
Leo: “Pretty bad…” (he and Serena laugh)
Serena: “Yeah, it’s not the greatest… and we think we’re going to Temple, too, so.”
JD raises his eyebrows: “You do?”
Leo nods, and JD turns to Ace & Kennedy: “Well. We’ll find out in just a moment. Gray team, have you decided who’s going to Temple tonight?”
Ace nods: “Uh, yeah. It was a very hard and… (he makes a face at Kennedy) weird decision, but there are reasons why we chose the particular teams we did. So. Anyway, we’re sending……”
Kennedy: “Yellow…”
Ace: “…And Purple.”
Serena hangs her head and locks pinkies with Leo; Lydia looks peeved, though not much of a reaction is given from Logan. Amy arches her eyebrow in surprise at this announcement.
JD: “Purple team. Yellow team. You have been selected to make the long trek to the Temple of Fate, where only one of you will come back to the game. So pack your things and say your goodbyes, because at sunset, you’ll be leaving your friends behind and may not return. I’ll see you guys later.”
He leaves and the teams exchange hugs as the camera zooms out.

Serena is packing in the girls’ hut when Leo pokes his head in the door: “Hey, partner. How are you?”
Serena smiles the tiniest bit and bites her lip: “I’m sad. I don’t want to go home; not first.”
Leo: “Yeah, I know. I don’t either.”
Lydia comes from the other side of the cabin to hug Serena: “I’m going to miss you, girl.”
Serena: “I’ll miss you, too!! This sucks. Good luck, though.”
They end their hug and Lydia returns to her pack: “D'aww. Thanks, you too.”
The Purple & Yellow teams are shown saying goodbye to the others on the porch…
V.O. Logan: “I’m honestly not too upset about being sent to Temple. I like being here and I want to stay in the game, but.. if I lose… then at least I won’t have to work with my partner anymore. Which would be a relief.”
…the two teams head to the pillars of Endurance and grab their pyramid pieces…
V.O. Leo: “I honestly don’t think we deserve to leave. We’re going up because we’re strong, but we haven’t even won anything yet. I know that if we come back tonight, the Gray team had better be careful because I'm not happy about being sent up.”
…they head off down the mountainside…
V.O. Serena: “I’m nervous to go to the Temple, because from what Ace told us it’s like a version of rock, paper, scissors. So I’m just hoping that we can come back and prove that we really are a team to beat.”
…and they ride on two boats across to the Temple.
V.O. Lydia: “As much as I don’t like Logan, I don’t wanna go home. It’s pretty incredible here, and I’m not willing to let go of that yet. So. It's my plan to win at the Temple tonight, come back, and start doing better in the game. And hopefully that’s what happens.”
When the teams arrive at the Temple, they each choose a side and place their pieces on the podium behind them. They drop their packs.
JD: “Welcome.. to the Temple of Fate. Two of you made it up here, but only one team will back it back.”
Serena shifts her weight and chews nervously at her nails.
JD: “You have in front of you 3 cauldrons; one contains water, one contains wood, and the other contains fire. You’ll each pick up a rock and choose one of the 3 elements, which you will then hand over to me to drop into the burning kettle. Whoever has the dominant element will win that round; we’ll play to best 2 out of 3. Remember; wood floats on water, water puts out the fire, and fire burns the wood. (he nods to the teams) Go ahead and pick up your first rock.”
They do so, and turn their backs to the other team.
Leo: (whispering) “What do you want to do?”
Serena: “I don’t know… (she pauses, looks up at her partner hesitantly) ..fire?”
Leo takes a moment, then nods: “…Yeah. I’m feeling fire.”
On the other side of the temple…
Lydia: “I don’t want to pick fire. Water or wood, what should we do?”
Logan looks at her for a moment, thoughtfully, before starting to write down a ‘W’.
JD: “Okay, Yellow. (he takes the yellow rock) And Purple. (he takes the purple rock) I will now drop your selections into the burning kettle. (he does, and steps back to observe both teams) Now let’s find out; who has the dominant element?”
There is a moment of silence, a hesitation, before the chosen elements begin to rise…
………………………………………………………
Yellow: Fire
Purple: Wood
Serena: “Ohhh, yes!” (she and Leo hug)
JD: “Yellow team, that’s one win for you. You only need one more to stay in the game. Purple –”
Camera closes in on the Purple team; Lydia has her arms crossed and looks visibly unhappy, but Logan nods silently with his lips pursed.
V.O. JD: “– You guys have to win 2 rounds in a row to stay alive in this game. Everyone go ahead and grab your next rock.”
Lydia yanks the lid off of their marker: “I’m picking this time. Um… should we do wood again?”
Logan: “You just said you were picking. Do what you think is best.”
Serena: “Do you want to do… fire again? Or wood? (she grins a little) You choose this time.”
Leo: “Uhh.. I think we should do…” (he places the tip of their marker on the rock)
JD: “Purple. Yellow. (he collects their rocks and tosses them into the fire) …This could be it. Will the dominant element please rise now?”
………………………………………………………
Yellow: Wood
Purple: Water
Lydia closes her eyes in disappointment; Serena & Leo’s mouths form into O’s as they laugh and hug each other.
JD: “Yellow team, congratulations! Wood floats on water, and that will keep you guys in this game. Purple team, I’m sorry to say, you have been eliminated from Endurance, but I’m sure there are plenty of people back at camp who are really going to miss you guys. (he pauses and nods his head) Go ahead and grab your things.”
The Purple team waves goodbye to Yellow, gathering their things and going to stand behind the fiery kettle.
3, 2, 1… The Purple Team disappears into the flames.
JD turns towards Yellow: “Yellow team, you did it! You’re still in the running for the title of Endurance champions. Grab your bags and head back to camp; I’m sure everyone will be very happy to see you.”
Serena claps her hands excitedly as she and Leo get their piece and exit the Temple.

Back at the cabins, the other teams are sitting around a campfire, peering anxiously into the distance for any sign of the returning team. Finally, 2 silhouettes come into view…
Robert stands and throws his arms in the air: “YELLOOWW!”
Everyone is thrilled! They cheer and hug the Yellow team, laughing and jumping and eventually disappearing into the cabins for the night.

---

"Next time on Endurance! -"
"The remaining six teams will have to compete for a reward much bigger than a samadhi..."
JD: "You aren't playing for a samadhi."
Cassie leans forward in her seated position and mutters "What..?" in confusion.
"Suspicions arise, and some teams grow fearful of their position in the game..."
Leo is talking to Serena behind the cabins: "So Cassie and Jackson and Kennedy... I really think they're turning against us."
JD addresses the Green team: "I thought you guys felt good about where you stood in the game?"
Anna chuckles a bit: "Not anymore."
"And one player has a lot of her own ideas when it comes to how the game should go."
An interview of Amy's: "I really, really want to get rid of Blue because they’re a threat, and I also want to pull Gray over to our side."
A slo-mo shot of Amy sitting with her partner at The Ledge, where she rolls her eyes and sweeps her hair over to one side.

---

The Red Team - Robert & Amy - Commitment
The Orange Team - Jackson & Cassie - Heart
The Yellow Team - Leo & Serena - Strength
The Green Team - Chris & Anna - Courage
The Blue Team - Patrick & Erin - Trust, Teamwork
The Gray Team - Ace & Kennedy - Leadership
The Purple Team - Logan & Lydia - Perseverance

---

[amplify26]

Great mission, but darn, Purple as the first team out? I wanted some hope that they could work together and surprise everybody!

[Cruise meerkat Youssy]

Green are literal BAES at the moment! Their position in the game seemed to be so good but next episode...

I'm satisfied that Purple are gone. They were entertaining for a couple episodes, but I didn't want them to argue the entire time.

I love Orange and Yellow right now too. AND GRAY. Omg crying at it being called "the old show" but Ace is totally someone who would have an account here

[kwdrewfan]

Mar 26, 2016 17:21:30 GMT -5 Cruise meerkat Youssy said:

Omg crying at it being called "the old show" but Ace is totally someone who would have an account here

TRU

I also considered having Purple overcome their issues and learn to work together because I love stories like that! But in the end, I didn't think Logan was gonna have it; he's so stubborn and competitive, I feel like he had already convinced himself that Lydia was too detrimental to his game. I agree though that it would have been a really fun dynamic to explore Perhaps if I write a season 2...

[amplify26]

Mar 26, 2016 20:16:43 GMT -5 kwdrewfan said:

Mar 26, 2016 17:21:30 GMT -5 Cruise meerkat Youssy said:

Omg crying at it being called "the old show" but Ace is totally someone who would have an account here

TRU

I also considered having Purple overcome their issues and learn to work together because I love stories like that! But in the end, I didn't think Logan was gonna have it; he's so stubborn and competitive, I feel like he had already convinced himself that Lydia was too detrimental to his game. I agree though that it would have been a really fun dynamic to explore Perhaps if I write a season 2...

Sounded like a Willa-Antonio dynamic...?

Hm, "the old show", maybe another Gray victory?

[kwdrewfan]

JD arrives outside of the cabins, pyramid piece & rolled-up parchment in hand, just as the kids emerge from inside. They all take a seat on the porch so that they’re surrounding JD.
JD: “Morning, guys!”
Group: “Morning.”
JD: “So last night, as you all know, the Purple team was sent home at the Temple of Fate. How does it feel to have survived the first elimination?”
Jackson: “Crazy!”
Serena shakes her head with a grin: “So great.”
JD: “Now, Yellow team, you guys were actually there to watch them go. Was that hard for you at all?”
Serena: “Of course. They were – they were great friends and allies, and I’m sad to see them go.”
JD: “Leo?” (nodding towards him)
Leo: “Umm, yeah, it was definitely hard – it was very hard to see them go. But at the end of the day I guess I’m glad it wasn’t me.”
JD: “Well before the Purple team left, they were told that they could give their remaining pyramid piece – (he props the Perseverance piece on his knee) – to any one team still left in the game. (camera shows a few of the kids’ faces; some are surprised, others excited at this revelation) They left behind a note as well. Serena, since you were so close with them, why don’t you read it out for us?”
He hands her the note, which she accepts with a slightly hesitant “Okay…”
She unravels the parchment and reads it aloud:
“Hey guys. Although we wish we hadn’t been eliminated so early, we wish our alliances the best of luck and don’t hold any animosity toward anyone. (except each other, ha ha.)
Red and Yellow, you guys were our closest friends out there and we hope you both make it far. Gray, Lydia is upset that you sent us to temple but it’s all good. Everyone else, congrats on outlasting us.
This may come as a surprise, but we’re leaving our Perseverance piece…”
There’s an intense moment of silence as the camera pans to show many anxious faces; Serena furrows her eyebrows in amusement and reads: “…to the Green team.”
Chris & Anna’s mouths form into O’s and they hug excitedly.
Serena: “The closeness y’all have with each other is outstanding and that’s something we were never able to do ourselves. We admire you for that.
Keep it real, everyone!
– Logan and Lydia”
JD: “Wow. Green team, the Perseverance piece is yours! (he points to the pillars of Endurance) Why don’t you go hang it up on your pole over there.”
Chris takes the piece from JD and walks it over to their pole with Anna, where together they pat it into place. Leo is watching this with an unreadable expression and Patrick shifts uncomfortably. The Green team returns to their seats.
JD: “Well guys, today’s mission is going to be a little different. You aren’t playing for a samadhi.”
Some surprised faces arise, and Cassie mutters “What..?”
JD: “That’s right. Whoever wins today’s Endurance Mission will have a different kind of power; the power to split this camp in half, into two Superteams made up of 3 teams each. (Erin and Patrick’s jaws drop) You will compete in your next Temple mission alongside these two other teams, so in order to ensure yourself the best Superteam possible, you definitely want to win this next challenge! Take a few hours to get ready, and I’ll see you all at the Flatlands later.”
The kids start to stand up and chat amongst themselves as JD leaves.

Patrick is sitting on a bench near the cabins with Ace.
Patrick: (he is clearly upset) “I can’t believe Purple, man. Logan was my dude.”
Ace: “…What?”
Patrick: “They didn’t leave us their piece – they didn’t leave ANY of their alliances their piece. (he makes a face) Like, what?! Who does that?”
Ace laughs a bit: “No, they didn’t.”
Patrick: “But like, no, that isn’t why I’m mad. –”
Ace: “Why are you mad?”
Patrick: “– Not really. (a beat) I’m mad because they didn’t even mention us in the letter! They were all like, ‘Oh, Red and Yellow were our best friends’ and they just lumped us in with the rest of you. It’s frustrating, you know? Like, I would’ve given them a shout-out if I had gone home.”
Ace: “Yeah. Yeah, I understand.”
The shot changes to a close up of Patrick, who is shaking his head in disappointment: “I don’t know. Just… dang. They could’ve said something to us.”
Int. Patrick: “The Purple team didn’t mention us in their letter, or give us their piece – but in a way, that’s alright. We don’t need a bigger target on our backs. I’ve gotta focus on regaining my original alliance’s trust and winning the Superteam mission so that we can break up Yellow and Red – for good.”

The Green, Yellow and Red teams are sitting together on the beach.
Anna: “So the Temple of Fate… what was it like?”
Amy leans over to look at Serena: “Yeah, I was about to ask the same thing?”
Leo: “It was luck. We got lucky.”
Serena: (she tucks her hair behind her ears) “Yeah, it was pretty much exactly what Ace told us.”
Anna: “Oh, the rock, paper, scissors thing?”
Serena: “Yeah. But it’s like, wood-water-fire.”
Int. Serena: “Sooo, Leo and I came back from the Temple of Fate last night and I’m thrilled!! (a wide grin spreads across her face) I think it’s amazing and wonderful that we’re getting a second chance to be in the game. I couldn’t be happier.”
Int. Leo: “Surviving the, uh – the Temple of Fate was pretty much everything me and Serena needed right now. It feels like our first big milestone in the game so far, since we haven’t won anything… so hopefully that will motivate us to get out there & start winning.”

Kennedy is shown playing a card game with Cassie & Jackson.
Kennedy: “How are you guys feeling about Yellow coming back?”
Cassie takes in a breath as if about to respond, looking over at Jackson just before he begins to speak: “People-wise, I’m totally happy. Competitive-wise..?” (he makes a face and flips his hand back and forth)
Cassie points at her partner with her thumb and nods: “Yeah, that’s it. Because, like.. (shot changes to a close-up of Cassie and her voice lowers a bit) They’re really strong. They haven’t won anything yet, but they are. We know that.”
Kennedy: (nodding) “Yeah, they are. It’s only a matter of time.”
Cassie: “I wonder if that was their strategy? Like, trying not to win anything so that we won’t target them to go home?”
Jackson laughs: “Well, that didn’t work.”
Camera shows Leo approaching in the distance. He waves in greeting: “Hey!”
Cassie starts to giggle, and Kennedy shifts her position in panic.
Kennedy: (whispered, her voice high-pitched and nervous) “Shoot, there he is! Act normal! (she goes back to dealing out cards as Leo arrives and sits to her right) Hey, Leo.”
Cassie points to the cards: “Do you want to play?”
Leo: “Sure, sure…”
Int. Leo: “I walked up to Gray & Orange earlier today, and they seemed really… (he pauses in contemplation) squirmy? I don’t know what it means, but I think they may be plotting something against us.”
Leo is now shown talking to Serena behind the cabins, their voices low.
Leo: “So Cassie and Jackson.. and Kennedy… I overheard them talking today and I really think they’re turning against us.”
Serena draws her eyebrows together: “Kennedy? I don’t think Kennedy would do that. I’ve gotten really close with her lately.”
Leo: “She just sent us to Temple! I mean – do you seriously think we can trust her? (shot changes to a close up of Leo) I think we need to win tomorrow.”
Serena: “Well I agree. But that doesn’t mean that Gray are our enemies or anything…”
Leo spreads his hands out: “Yes it does! (he lets his body weight swing backwards a bit, and then there’s a pause) I guess we’ll see?”
Serena nods slowly and rests an elbow on the side of the cabin: “Yep… I guess we will.”

At the Flatlands there are 6 horizontal poles lined up in a row, each with a team-colored chest right behind. At the other end of the poles is a series of keys hanging on hooks.
The kids approach JD.
JD: “How is everyone feeling today?”
Group: “Good!”
JD: “Ready to hear about your second Endurance mission?”
Group: “Yeah!”
JD: “Alright. I like to call this one, ‘Reach for the Keys’. If you look behind you, you’ll see that each team has a long horizontal pole resting on a stand; with enough effort and creative thinking, you will be able to use your pole to reach the key that’s hanging way over there. While doing this, both team members must be behind this painted white line at all times, otherwise you’ll be disqualified. Once you retrieve your key you will use it to unlock the chest behind you, and inside of that is a jigsaw puzzle. First team to solve the puzzle will win this mission, along with another pyramid piece and the coveted job of putting together the two Superteams that will compete in the upcoming Temple mission. Anyone have any questions?”
Everyone shakes their heads.
JD: “Alright, then let’s get into position.”
The contestants all stand in front of their chests with one hand on its edge, and JD calls from afar: “Remember, the winner of this mission will be in control. You don’t want to lose this one. On your mark… get set… GO!”
Immediately the teams run to their poles, lifting and swiveling it around a few times to get used to how it feels.
Anna: (whispering) “What the heck –? It doesn’t reach!”
It’s true; the camera shows about 8 inches of space between the end of their pole and the key. A wide shot of all the teams reveals that the same is true for everyone.
The Red team starts pushing their pole forward and yanking it back, gaining momentum, but this only closes the gap by a few inches.
Amy: “Uggh. This is impossible!”
Robert: “No it’s not, no it’s not. We can make this work.”
Cassie is holding the Orange team’s pole up while Jackson runs around inspecting the stand it sits on.
Jackson: “Is there like a… a thing…?”
Cassie is silent for a moment: “…A what?!”
At the other end of the line, Chris and Anna have dropped their pole and are staring at it & the key with thoughtful looks on their faces.
JD: “It looks like the Green team is working hard, trying to figure this out mentally.”
Chris: (his hand is on his chin and he keeps his eyes on their pole) “That’s the plan, JD.”
Jackson runs around to the front of Orange’s stand and goes to hold the pole up from underneath, but stumbles and crosses the white line as he does so.
JD: “Jackson, you’re over the line. Orange team is out. Sorry buddy.”
Jackson looks up in surprise, then down at his feet: “Ohh. Man!”
JD: “Yellow and Blue are moving around quite a bit, trying to get themselves positioned at a good angle.”
Erin and Patrick are stretching their pole as far forward as they possibly can; Erin looks a little red in the face.
Erin: “Okay, okay. Switch.”
She and Patrick pull the pole back and switch spots, Patrick ducking down and holding the pole above his head this time.
Suddenly, from the Yellow team’s stand…
Serena: “OOH, ooh, I have an idea! Lift it! (Leo holds the pole up and Serena steps onto its previous resting place, grabbing hold of Leo’s shoulder for support) Hold me steady.”
He does, and Serena takes the pole, extending it as far as her arm will reach… the key latches onto its tip!
JD: “Yellow just obtained their key! Now they have to bring it back to their station!”
All the other teams except for Red stop to see how Yellow did it. Red, still rocking back and forth, manages to extend their pole far enough to graze the side of the key ring.
JD: “Red is very close to getting their key as well!”
Patrick looks over at them and shakes his head.
Yellow unlocks their trunk and starts grabbing handfuls of puzzle pieces, scattering them on the ground. Blue and Gray, using the same strategy as Yellow, are mere inches from retrieving their keys… when…
JD: “Red team has their key! And they are being closely followed by Gray and Blue.”
While Robert unlocks the Red team’s trunk, Amy watches breathlessly as Yellow connects their 3rd piece out of 12.
JD: “Yellow is making good progress on the puzzle, but will one of the other teams be able to catch up?”
Blue unlocks their trunk, followed by Gray, and finally Green.
Time Elapsed: 8 mins 9 secs… 10… 11…
JD: “Yellow still has the lead with only 3 pieces to go… Blue and Green are falling behind.”
Patrick connects two pieces of their puzzle with success. Green frantically moves their pieces around, trying to make something fit.
Serena: “Okay, okay, the Y there – (she points to the piece Leo is holding) That one at the top, and this – JD!!”
JD jogs over to look at their puzzle: “Yellow thinks they have it…”
Some of the other teams look up and over at the Yellow team’s trunk, waiting anxiously for the result… the Yellow team’s completed puzzle shows a picture of the Ingenuity pyramid piece.
JD: “Yellow team wins the mission!”
Serena lets out a scream and hugs Leo: “We finally won!!”
Leo laughs: “I knoww!”
JD approaches with the Ingenuity piece, which Leo gladly accepts.
JD: “Congratulations, Yellow team, you just won not only another pyramid piece – but the power to put together the two Superteams that will be going head-to-head in the next Temple mission! Make your selections carefully, and I’ll see you all tonight to hear what you’ve come up with.”
Serena: “Thanks, JD.”
The teams congratulate Yellow before heading back to the cabins for the afternoon.

Int. Erin: “The challenge today was really difficult! We had this.. long pole, and we had to figure out a way to use it to get this key that would unlock our chest, and then there was like a puzzle to solve. My team did okay, I think, but it wasn’t one of our best performances.”
Int. Cassie: “Jackson and I didn’t even get to the puzzle part because he stepped over the white line… (she rubs her forehead) which was really frustrating, but I know it was an accident. Only now we’re in a pretty bad position because Yellow won, and there’s no way they’re putting us on their Superteam.”

Kennedy, Erin and Cassie are talking in the small cove by the bay.
Kennedy: “Well the Yellow team is ready to play now. We knew they would be.”
Erin nods in agreement and so does Cassie.
Cassie: “Yeah… I don’t feel good about this whole Superteam thing, like, at all.”
Erin: “What do you mean? Why?”
Cassie: “Because! Red and Yellow are going to be together, and they’ll probably choose one of you guys to be on their team. So I’m pretty much screwed.”
Kennedy squeezes Cassie’s shoulder: “Aw. We don’t know that for sure..”
Cassie gives a small, humorless laugh: “I do.”
Conf. Kennedy: “I feel really bad for Orange right now.. (cut) I wanted to comfort Cassie earlier but I wasn’t sure what to say. Her fears aren’t completely set in stone yet, but I know that things could very easily go that way. I don’t know what to do about it.”

The Red & Yellow teams are shown sitting on a blanket in the grass.
Serena looks at Leo: “So… how are we supposed to decide? Strongest teams with us, I guess, right?”
Leo: “Yeah, that would make sense. We want to win.”
There’s a short pause.
Serena: “So.. Yellow, Red, Blue? And… Green, Orange, Gray.”
Leo shrugs and traces the blanket’s tribal pattern with his finger: “Sure. Sounds good to me.”
Serena: “That easy, huh?”
Leo: “Yep.”
Amy, who has been surprisingly silent so far, looks up & off into the distance: “…I don’t know.”
Serena laughs a little: “What is it now?”
Amy sits up straighter and tugs at her shirt: “I don’t know, I mean… if we win, we have to send two of the other teams. And Green isn’t ever going to win anything, so sending them up is a total waste.”
Serena bites at her lower lip: “And I really don’t want to send Gray because I love Kennedy..”
Amy: “And I don’t care about Blue. So I say we send them.”
Robert side-eyes his partner, though amused with her bluntness, and Serena whacks her on the leg.
Serena: “I don’t know, though, I just – is it really smart to put one of the strongest teams against us?”
Amy shrugs: “Gray’s won a challenge, too. I’m just telling you what I would do. (she stands up and begins walking away from the group) But it’s your decision. I’m outie.”
Robert makes an exaggerated scared face and laughs: “You better listen to Amy… or she’s coming after youuu…!”
Leo shoves Robert in the shoulder and laughs: “Basically..”
Serena stands up: “Well, I’m going to talk to people. Are you coming?”
Leo squints up at her through the bright sunlight: “Yeah, I’ll talk to Ace later.”
Serena: “Okay… I’m gonna go find Green. (there’s a close-up of her face as she grins) We all know they’ll be together anyway.”

A silhouetted shot of the Green team standing at the edge of the ocean.
V.O. Anna: “Noo, there isn’t anything going on between me and Chris! –”
Int. Anna: “– And even if there were, I live in Minnesota, he lives in Florida… that’s a long way! (she giggles, just a little bit) But Chris is an amazing partner.. and probably one of my best friends now, so I definitely hope we stay in touch after Endurance.”
Int. Chris: (grinning) “I knew I was going to be asked that at some point. The answer is; we’re just friends. We’re good friends, we like hanging out together… and, we’re glad we’re on the same team. But there isn’t really very much beyond that. Not really.”
The Green team sits next to each other in the sand on the beach.
Anna: “Do you think Yellow is actually going to put us or Orange or Gray on their Superteam?”
Chris: “They might… well, they might put Gray. I don’t know about us or Orange.”
Anna: “Yeah, great. So we’re almost definitely going to Temple. Yayy.”
Chris: “So early, too… just what I wanted…”
Int. Amy: “I wouldn’t say that Green is definitely going to Temple. I mean, I wouldn’t say it to their face. But I don’t want them to go up because I seriously hope that Serena listens to me. I really, really want to get rid of Blue because they’re a threat, and I want to pull Gray over to our side; so putting them on our Superteam would be a good way to make them feel included in that. –”
There’s a close-up of Amy looking out at the ocean, streams of sunlight pouring in from behind.
V.O. Amy: “– But whatever. We’ll see if Yellow plays their cards right.”

All 6 teams are shown descending the rock staircase leading to The Ledge, where JD is standing in front of their designated benches.
JD: “Come on in guys, have a seat.”
The teams each select a bench and settle in.
JD: “So after the mission today, what happened? Was there a lot of discussion going on, a changing of minds for the Superteams? Serena?”
Serena folds her hands between her knees: “Uhh, sort of. I mean, there was some discussion with a few people, and some different options were presented to us. It was just a matter of deciding what we thought would be best for us.”
Leo nods and the camera shows Amy watching the Yellow team with her chin in her hands, a stony, attentive look on her face.
JD: “Well before we get to hearing the Yellow team’s final decision, by a show of hands; is there anyone here who’s concerned about their own safety right about now?”
Chris, Anna, Jackson and Cassie raise their hands.
JD: “Green and Orange teams. Why so unsure? Green, I thought you guys felt good about where you stood in the game?”
The teammates exchange a glance before Anna chuckles a little: “Not anymore.”
Chris: “Yeeah, not so much anymore.”
JD: “And what about you, Orange?”
Cassie shrugs: “We, uh – we just haven’t won anything yet, so we don’t think we’re going to be on the winning Superteam. So we’re concerned about going to Temple.”
JD: “Well, there is no ‘guaranteed win’ for one team or the other until the game is over. So don’t give up hope yet, Cassie. (Cassie nods and JD turns to the Yellow team) Yellow. Have you guys decided which two teams will be joining you to compete in the mission tomorrow?”
Leo: “Uhh, yeah. On our Superteam is going to be…”
There’s a pause, and many nervous faces are shown.
Leo: “…Red…”
Serena: “…and Blue.”
The camera shows Amy rolling her eyes before she sweeps her hair over to one side.
JD: “Alright. Blue team, Gray team, go ahead and switch benches so you can sit with the rest of your Superteams.”
They do so.
JD: “Take a look around you; these are the friends you’ll be working with in tomorrow’s Temple mission. The stakes are especially high for this one, because only one-third of the losing Superteam will be safe from Temple; so you do NOT want to come in second place. I’ll see you all tomorrow.”
The teams begin to stand as the camera pans up to the orange-tinted sky.

---

"Next time on Endurance! -"
"The players compete in their newly-formed Superteams..."
Alternating shots of the kids running across the Flatlands, and laying out a puzzle.
"The Gray team reconsiders where their loyalties lie..."
Ace takes Amy aside: "Hey, hey hey - come here. (shot changes to a close up of his face) I just talked to Kennedy about what you offered. About, like, having an alliance?"
Amy arches her eyebrows in surprise.
"And the second team to leave Endurance: Koror Palau will be eliminated at the Temple of Fate."
We see an overhead shot of the Temple, which is then overlayed with flames before fading to black.

---

The Red Team - Robert & Amy - Commitment
The Orange Team - Jackson & Cassie - Heart
The Yellow Team - Leo & Serena - Strength, Ingenuity
The Green Team - Chris & Anna - Courage, Perseverance
The Blue Team - Patrick & Erin - Trust, Teamwork
The Gray Team - Ace & Kennedy - Leadership
The Purple Team - Logan & Lydia

[amplify26]

Good episode! I especially really liked the mission.

I seem to be interested in Yellow as a unit, but I wonder what the other teams could bring?

Now I know way Bryan says he wants Gray to slay...I think they might surprise one day.