Post by jackheadphonius on Apr 6, 2019 21:22:33 GMT -5
Ok, so... I'm sleepy and school is tough as ever, so this episode is out a bit later than expected. Nonetheless, it's finally time for a new episode! One that took a LONG time to write out...
First things first, I have one more comment to address:
Sorry for my absence! I've had to work out some personal things lately. Green team is definitely gonna be... interesting. But hey, they could pull a Monroe and Bryanah!
I definitely love all the people who could come back. Slightly biased to Deegan, but in the end as long as the two who return make an entertaining team, I'm looking forward to it.It's perfectly fine to be a little absent from the story for a bit! Trust me, I can't be full-fledged focused on this story like I'd love to be, but other things have to come first.
Once again, the Green Team being pointed out as the odd ones out... though I'm kinda surprised no one's mentioned the Orange Team as being... quite an odd pairing as well!
Glad to see you love all of the potential returnees! And of course, Deegan seems to be a big favorite among the cast. No matter what happens though, I will certainly do my best to make the returnee team as entertaining as possible.
That being said, I worked hard on this episode, and I've even got a little special surprise in store for you guys, involving the confessionals! I hope you all like it!
"Last time on Endurance: Seychelles!"
"After the Right-to-Stay mission, the 14 remaining players were set to choose teams."
"When most were asked, there were 4 popular picks!"
Cheyanne: "Kolton-"
Jayce: "Cheyanne-"
Riya: "Jayce-"
Martin: "Paula-"
"Much to the jealousy of a few others."
Randall, talking to Martin: "Why are they clamoring so much over those two?"
Martin, in a confessional: "I'm trying to keep him calm about it all."
"And some were desperate to get the partner they wanted."
Paula: "I desperately want Jayce as my partner... I might be able to work with Carmelo, but I'd rather not take that chance."
"Or to avoid one they didn't want."
Randall, talking to Martin about Ann: "She seemed open to the idea of being my partner."
Ann in a confessional: "I'm not so sure."
"And when it was time to pick teams..."
A clip of the teens running after the red ball at the challenge is shown.
"Most of the teens were picking teams that others wanted."
Cue a clip of Rafael and Kyla hugging as the newly made Blue Team.
"But when Ann got the opportunity to pick a team, she put off a deal from a friend."
JD: "Who's gonna be the guy on the green team?"
Ann: "Randall."
The scene cuts to the shot of Randall with his eyes wide.
"Even after all the teams were picked, there was still one more surprise in store!"
A clip of JD placing down the brown triangle is shown.
JD: "Come on in, guys!"
"And the six players eliminated at the Right-to-stay returned for a second chance!"
Cue the clip of said six players walking in, leading the group to cheer in excitement.
"Today, the kids reunite with old friends, and potential alliances are formed.
Riya: "I really hope you get back in, Meadow."
Jayce, to Matteo: "Bro, it would be killer to have you back in this!"
"And a familiar game comes back to haunt the potential returnees."
Matteo: "The one game I wasn't looking forward to..."
"Who has the Perseverance to get back into the game?"
The scene shows clips of the six hanging on to some very familiar straps attached to platform walls.
"Find out, as we see who has the greatest Endurance!"
The group of teens, excited and reunited, are still throwing around conversations as they finally make it back to the huts. However, there was still a slight tension hanging in the air from the aftermath of the partner selection game.
"It feels awesome to have another chance at this game! I was just... so down after I lost the right-to-stay. Like I said, there was this sudden rush of pain in my arms that just... led me to give out. I'm just hoping whatever the challenge is... it's not the same thing as before!"
The episode cuts to the boys chatting it up with Ryan, Matteo, and Deegan.
Liam: "So where were you guys while we were still here at the beach?"
Ryan: "We were taken to this little hut of our own. Not as big as the one here, but pretty much in the same shape."
Deegan: "Pretty much!"
"After we were taken to our secret hut, I had done a lot of thinking, and... kinda realized that even if I did manage to stick around the first time, I wouldn't have gotten very far, because... probably no one would've wanted to work with me. Plus, I just kinda... felt bad about not even talking to anyone before the mission. So, in case I do get back into the game, I decide to make a public apology to the group. If I get back in, I'm still gonna be my no-nonsense self, just... less."
Natalee, trying to get the group's attention: "Guys, guys, guys!"
The group starts to quiet down and look towards Natalee.
Natalee: "Ok, so... I just wanna rip off the bandage now, and say to you all, I'm sorry for acting the way I did on the first day, I was just in this headspace, where all I was thinking about was the game, and not the experience. So, feel free to talk to me, if you'd like!"
The apology is followed by a slightly awkward air, with most of the teens unsure of what to do.
"Natalee just... casually drops this apology the moment she gets back to the huts. She had... never spoken like that before, and afterwards, there was just this... awkward silence!"
"I don't know whether Natalee's apology is real or not, I never really saw her act like this. Maybe she's trying to be strategic, or maybe it's real, but... either way it just comes off as... strange."
Alexa, deciding to break the silence with a smile: "Well, I appreciate that, Natalee. Maybe we can be friends after all!"
Natalee, relieved that the awkwardness has now passed: "Thank you, Alexa!"
"I've got a bit of a soft spot for Natalee. I've kinda been in her place before back home- wound up, a bit too competitive... but I think I can help her loosen up here! So, maybe she's not the first person I'd want to come back, but... I could work with her!"
"Natalee's kind of the... odd girl out, even more so than Meadow! I'm kinda nervous that, if Natalee got back in... her and I just wouldn't be able to get along. Especially compared to Meadow or Maggie."
"The girls seem to be a bit tense around Natalee, so I figured it would be a good time to make sure the girls could be calm. It seems like a smart way to make friends in a competition like this!"
The scene cuts to Meadow conversing with Riya and Kyla.
Meadow, giving a friendly smile: "You two seem so nice!"
Kyla: "Thanks! You seem sweet too!"
Riya: "I really hope you get back in, Meadow."
Meadow: "Me too, Riya. I want to be here even more now that I'm back on the beach."
Kyla: "Y'know, if you come back... the three of us could be a really solid team."
Meadow, lighting up: "I like that idea!"
"I think if Meadow gets back, myself, her and Riya could make a strong trio! If we were in the final 3 together... I wouldn't be upset at all!"
The scene then pans to Matteo "bro-ing" it up with the guys.
Jayce: "Bro, it would be killer to have you back in this!"
Matteo: "Can't say I disagree!"
Carmelo: "Dude, you have no idea. Things have gotten crazy already!"
Rafael: "Yeah, it's like the beach is splitting in half!"
"It's not even been that long here, and it feels like all of us have pretty much split into two groups. There's Red, Purple, Blue, and Gray on one side, all hanging out, all cool... and then you've got the ones who are a bit different on the other side. Basically, Green and Orange. And Yellow's just kinda... floating in the middle. Liam's more on our side while Mayra's more on their side."
The episode cuts to Matteo and Jayce having a conversation alone.
Matteo: "Man, if I get back in this, it's gonna be you and me the whole way."
Jayce: "Aw yeah, I'm all kinds of down for that."
The scene then cuts to the Yellow Team's members in the midst of an intense conversation.
"I'm alright with Liam being friends with Carmelo and Jayce, but I feel like if we stick with that group of four- Gray, Red, Purple, Blue... after it's down to us five, Yellow will go next, because they all have stronger connections than we do."
Liam: "Well, we can play the middle for now, but we can't be invisible."
Mayra: "Alright then... what if you play Red, Blue, Gray, and Purple, while I play Green and Orange?"
Liam: "As long as we still work together for this."
Mayra: "Of course."
The episode transitions to a scene after the group has calmed down a bit from the returning players. The tensions from the partner selection still seem to be there, however. The scene is of Randall trying to throw skipping stones by the shore of the beach.
"After the whole team selection debacle, I knew I needed to first talk to Randall, see if I could get him to see why I didn't let him on my team without making him mad. Honestly, I know I said before that I wasn't interested in being partners with Kolton or Jayce, but then I realized- they're the most popular guys on the beach right now! If I'm partners with one of them, there are going to be a lot of people working to keep him, and therefore me, safe. But of course, I can't tell Randall that."
Ann approaches Randall as he throws a stone. He glances over to Ann, then turns his gaze back to the shore with a frown.
Ann, sighing at Randall's frown: "Listen, I'm sorry, but I just don't think we would've been that great of a team... and at least I put you with someone I thought you'd like."
Randall: "It's not that I'm with Alexa. Honestly, she's a pretty cool partner to have. I'm just confused why you had to lie to me before then? I would've been fine with you telling me no."
Ann: "I... just kinda figured you'd blow up at me... you already seemed mad at the other girls for wanting Kolton and Jayce."
"I'm trying to cool down a bit about the team picking thing... besides, it came back to bite her anyway. Martin and Ann never said that they wanted to be each other's partner, and Alexa... she's not half bad, and after a bit of time hanging out, I think we could work well together after all, so... hey, it's a little bit of karma going in my favor! So for now, with Ann... I'll keep her as long as I need her and Martin. And I'll help them out if need be. But if I get a golden opportunity... you never know!"
Randall: "I guess that's fair... but it would've been less hurtful than what you did."
Ann: "Yeah... you're probably right."
A few seconds of silence hang between them.
Randall: "Ok... I'll be honest here, I'm still a little mad, but give me a bit of time to not think about it. Maybe I can cool down, and then we can work as teams together."
Ann, with a sigh: "Alright. Probably for the best."
Randall: "Oh, also, can I ask... how are things going between you and Martin?"
Ann: "I... don't really know. He's a nice enough guy, but we're very different people."
Randall: "Yeah... but if you need help working with him, I'm pretty close with him. I'm quite different from him too, so... I think you can do this, but I can be there to help."
Ann: "I'm fine with that. Thanks for at least hearing me out."
Randall, still sounding slightly irritated: "No trouble."
The scene transitions to later in the day, the shot focusing on Kolton, looking like he's trying to gather everyone together.
"So, some time after the six eliminated players came back, I started to realize, if I don't come out to these guys now, I might never get the chance again, and I want everyone to see that I can be open with them. And, if anyone doesn't like that... Oh well. So, I gather everyone up to the cabin, while I mentally prepare myself to just... get it over with!"
Kolton, aloud: "Guys, I wanna have a group meeting. Over by the cabins, maybe?"
They all hear him, and decide to gather up... some a bit reluctantly.
"So Kolton calls us for this... 'group meeting' that he wants to have. Honestly, at first, I'm a bit skeptical, because I'm thinking that he's gonna throw someone's name out, because he likes to do things 'publicly and honestly,' but I decide to go along with it just to listen in."
The scene cuts to the entire group of 20 over by the cabins, all surrounding Kolton, with most wondering what he wants to say.
Kolton: "So, I just want you guys to know that I want to play this game as honestly as I can here, don't want what I say to anyone to make them think any differently of me as a person, and I just want this game to be... nice and fair."
Kolton then casually and quickly adds: "Oh, by the way, I'm also gay."
Some of the teens do a double take at this, and a number of eyes widen simultaneously- even Riya gives a surprised look!
Jayce: "Wai- wha?"
Matteo: "Huh?"
Alexa: "Bro!"
Kolton, smiling and chuckling at some of the reactions: "Yep!"
Some of the teens laugh, but only out of surprise. All of them seem to be smiling.
Liam, stunned: "Wow!"
Paula, also stunned: "Oh my god."
Martin, bursting into laughter: "Haha, holy cow! I had no idea!"
Riya: "Me neither, and I'm his partner!"
The group- including Kolton- laughs at Riya's comment.
Kolton: "I'm assuming no one's got a problem with it then?"
Group: "No!", "Of course not.", "Not at all!", etc.
Kolton, breathing a sigh of relief: "Thanks, guys. And don't you worry, I'm still gonna be Kolton."
The group chuckles at this.
Kyla: "That's fine by me!"
"I'll admit- I was really surprised when Kolton came out like that, but then that made me think back to the first day, when I was praying by my bed. And I start to think... Did he not say that before because of me praying? So, I go and ask him about it."
Deegan: "Heyo, Kolton! Mind if we can chat?"
Kolton: "Ah, sure, Deegan!"
The two boys find a place to talk.
Deegan: "So, uh... I just wanna ask... I'm assuming you saw me with my rosary on the first day, so I was just thinking-"
Kolton: "Oh, yeah... ok, well, full honesty here, seeing that made a little bit hesitant, but after seeing how nice you were, I regretted not just saying it the first day I was here."
Deegan: "Ah... well, thanks for being fully honest about that. I wouldn't have said anything, but I do get why you kept quiet. I... do know people who wouldn't like you, let's just say I don't like 'em very much."
Kolton, after snorting at Deegan's quip: "Yeah. Thanks for understanding man. Here's hoping you get back in the game."
Deegan: "Well, I'm doublin' down on the Hail Mary's, let's just say that!"
Kolton: "Well, I don't do prayers that often, but I'm sure praying that you get back in!"
Deegan: "Haha, I appreciate that!"
"After Deegan left, I started to really regret not just coming out on the first day, especially after seeing how nice he was, and then he had to go so early... there's no guarantee that he'll come back, but if he does... I think the two of us can be really good friends!"
"The second chance game is coming up really soon, and tensions are really starting to raise. No one's really sure who's gonna be coming back."
Ryan: "Dude, I'm getting nervous."
Randall: "I know you are, but you know I'm rooting for you."
"I need Ryan to get back into this game! I'm already feeling low on allies, and if Ryan comes back, the playing field becomes a little more even for me, and there's another player on my side."
Randall: "Things here for me lately have... not been good. The girls ignored me at partner selection, and Ann just lied right to my face..."
Ryan: "Well, if I come back, you've got me, Martin... I think I can get Yellow Team too?"
Randall, perking up a bit at this: "You think so?"
Ryan: "Yeah... I'm pretty close with Liam, and Mayra too. I just hope you can be able to work with Ann, even after what happened."
Randall, giving a short hiss: "Well, that's a lot to ask of me, but... I'll try."
"If I manage to get back in, the beach is going to be split right down the middle, with me, Green, and hopefully Orange on one side, and Gray, Purple and Blue on the other. If I get back... I think there might be war on this island."
The scene then cuts to Liam and Ryan chatting with each other.
Ryan: "Dude, if I get back in, we've gotta work together."
Liam: "I hear ya, Ryan. I'm all for it."
"I'm all for friendships this game, but after thinking it over and talking with Mayra, it makes sense to take Green and Orange's side. I get along with all the guys, but if it's me, Kolton, Jayce, Carmelo, and Rafael in the final 5... they're going after me before they go after each other. Doesn't help that Paula and Cheyanne are a close duo... and so are Kyla and Riya. So yeah, if Ryan gets back in, he's gonna be on Orange and Green's side, and I'm probably joining them."
Liam: "Like, Mayra wants me to be more on their side too. It's not that I don't like those guys but... y'know."
Ryan: "Yeah... actually, if this happens, it might be a good idea for you to still play both sides. We can get info that way, right?"
Liam: "Maybe... I mean, it'll need to be on the down low, but if we can make it work, I'm all for it."
Meanwhile, there's another conversation going on between Cheyanne, Paula, and Maggie.
Maggie: "I'm really hoping to get back in this."
Cheyanne: "Oh, Maggie, you don't know how badly I want you back in this."
Paula: "Yeah, we're gonna need all the girl power we can get."
"Maggie is probably the closest to me out of all the returnees. I'm really thinking that if she gets back in, her, me, and Paula could make for a fierce team!"
"After missing out on Jayce at the partner selection, I'm trying to clear my head a bit, and find some solace with the girls. And, I think if Maggie comes back, she'd easily be the best support I could have, next to Cheyanne."
Maggie: "Oh, Paula, how are things going with you and your partner?"
Paula: "Well... things are still a bit slow, but I think once this whole crazy day blows over, I think Carmelo and I should be able to work together."
Cheyanne: "I'm glad you're keeping cool about that, Paula... To be honest, I thought you were gonna be mad at me since I got Jayce."
Paula: "...I was at first, but... I don't wanna lose your friendship over a guy."
Cheyanne: "Aw, you rock, girl!"
Maggie, jokingly: "Hooray for friends!"
Paula and Cheyanne crack up at this, and Maggie soon laughs with them.
"I definitely wanna come back! I'm just worried that if I do get back, I'm gonna be... a bit of a third wheel between Paula and Cheyanne. But, I can't focus on that, because last time I was trying to stay in this game, I tried to force my mind to be somewhere else. This time, whatever the challenge is, I want my mind to flow naturally, and if I have to let out a scream, I will. Better to let the emotions out than bottle them up!"
"At this point, it's like the first day all over again, but even more complex. People are forming alliances for people that aren't even back in the game yet, and everyone's got a someone to root for... And I think the person that gets back in will really settle how this game is going to play out."
The episode transitions once again, this time to the returnees challenge... suspiciously almost looking exactly like the right-to-stay challenge, save for a few missing platform walls. Instead of 10, this time there are 6. The teams stay in a group as they walk, while the 6 competing to return to the game walk in their own group, up to JD. A couple of the players notice the familiar setup.
Ryan, whispering: "Aw, not again..."
JD: "Welcome back guys. Does this challenge look a little familiar to you?"
Most of the group answers yes, with Matteo giving a sarcastic "Kinda..." Matteo especially seems nervous now.
JD: "Well... I think just by looking, you guys can already tell what this challenge is going to be."
The six players nod, a few of them nervously.
JD: "You'll be competing in the same challenge that eliminated you once already!"
Matteo, looking down to the ground and whispering: "The one game I wasn't looking forward to..."
JD: "This mission is called: Back Against the Wall! Just like before, you'll be laying down on one of those platforms out there. When I say "go," those platforms will start to slowly tilt downward until they are pointing straight down to the water below. You're going to have to find your inner endurance, to hang onto the straps, and hold yourself in the air against the platform. And this time, you'll be competing as one group. Which means, that the last guy or girl hanging on up there will not only become an official Endurance player, but also have the power to choose their partner! You guys ready for your second shot?"
The group of six: "Yes!"
JD, giving another nod like before: "Alright then, let's see if this changes the game up. Because I've got a feeling that whoever gets back into this game, will set the pace for the rest of the season."
"At the start of this game, I said that I wasn't sure I was gonna go far... but after being the first guy to fall on the first day... I know I can do better than that. I got a fire in me, and it wants me to win this so bad."
"I know that there's more left for me on Endurance. If I've gotta change to get a real chance at this game, I'm gonna do that. I can't let my focus go again."
"I wanna get back in this game so badly, you've got no idea, but I'm worried that my past experience with this game might come back to haunt me... I just gotta focus on the goal and not the pain this time."
"Last time, I tried to force my brain to think about something else... this time, I'm just gonna let my brain get there just before the game starts. I'll imagine myself in a field... as I'm holding myself up against a wall, haha!"
"I think I was brought back here for a reason. I made a friend in Kolton, and I definitely want back in. It's gonna be him and me to the end if I make it."
"I feel like, if I manage to get back in, I'm going to be the girl that can ease the tension on this beach, because there seems to be a lot of it. I want to be here, just like everyone else."
JD: "Alright, guys! It's time for your biggest test of Endurance yet! Head over to the platforms, best of luck!"
Like before, another woosh transition zooms by, cutting to the six players each laying down on a platform in a familiar situation. The teams await the results on the shoreline, all sitting nearby JD.
JD: "Alright, is everyone ready?"
The six can be heard shouting confirmations all the way from the shore.
JD: "Ok, get ready guys! This challenge will begin in 3... 2... 1... GO!"
The players begin their second chance challenge as the platforms start to tilt down in a familiar way. All six grip their straps with as much of a grip as possible.
The group of teams watching start to cheer for their favorites.
Kolton: "Let's go, Deegan!"
Liam: "C'mon, Ryan!"
Kyla: "You've got this, Meadow!!"
Cheyanne: "Hang on, Maggie!"
Carmelo: "You can do this, Matteo!"
Alexa: "Show them how it's done, Natalee!"
As expected, everyone's got someone to root for.
Time Elapsed: 3 mins 3 secs... 4... 5... 6...
Most of them seem to be considerably solid... but then an old pain makes its return to one player!
"Ack! No, not again!"
Matteo is desperately adjusting his position, trying to find one that's not so painful.
Carmelo, desperate: "No, Matteo! Calm down! Calm dow-"
SPLASH!
JD: "Ohhh! Matteo is the first to fall!"
Members of the group groan as Matteo can be seen angrily splashing the water after reaching the surface.
Martin, concerned: "Oh, he looks real mad..."
JD: "Five players left! And only one can take this!"
Meadow and Ryan can be seen readjusting themselves.
Time Elapsed: 5 mins 10 secs... 11... 12... 13...
The five remain hanging. Natalee seems solid.
Ryan is shutting his eyes and mouth to hold back the pain.
Maggie is starting to have familiar struggles.
Meadow tries to keep her focus off the pain.
Deegan-
SLIP!
"Ohhh! Deegan drops out of nowhere!"
Kolton giving a sad look after Deegan falls: "No..."
JD: "Ryan is the last guy hanging up there, but all three girls are still going-"
SLIP!
JD: "Ohhhhh! And just as I say that, Maggie falls in right after him!"
Cheyanne whispering nervously: "Oh no... c'mon Meadow..."
Natalee starts to readjust herself, and so does Meadow. Meanwhile, Ryan seems focused.
Time Elapsed: 6 mins 28 secs... 29... 30... 31...
Meadow, Natalee, and Ryan are all now in a state of re-adjusting themselves.
JD: "These guys have been hanging on for over 6 and a half minutes! Keep going, guys!"
Natalee seems to settle in a decent position... Ryan gives off a pained hiss... Meadow looks like she's starting to shake...
...
SLIP!
JD: "Ohh! Meadow just fell!"
Kyla and Riya give looks of distress at this.
Kyla: "No!"
Riya: "Not good..."
Time Elapsed: 8 mins 56 secs... 57... 58... 59...
JD: "Alright, you two have just hit 9 minutes! 9 minutes!"
Both of these two are planning to hang on for as long as possible, but the pain is starting to set in for one of them...
Around this time, Ryan gets an idea. He adjusts himself before turning his head over to his final opponent.
Ryan: "....Natalee... Natalee!"
Natalee, struggling to turn her head to Ryan: "...What?"
Ryan: "If you drop, I'll let you on my team!"
Natalee, after taking a bit of time to process what he just said: "...Sorry, Ryan, I'd rather win this one myself!"
Ryan: "What? Do you not want me on your team?"
Natalee: "No! That's not it..."
Natalee then comes up with her own idea.
Natalee: "How about this, Ryan... if you manage to last up here longer than me, I'll be your teammate."
Ryan: "Wha? But that just means I have to win! That's obvious!"
Natalee: "No, Ryan... I'm saying, if you beat me at this and you pick me... prove yourself strong... I'll be the most cooperative teammate you've ever asked for!"
Ryan: "So, you mean...?"
Natalee: "I always like to be the one in command, but I'll just stand beside you and do whatever."
Ryan, after pondering this for a bit: "...No, I don't want that, we'd need to be an actual team, 50/50."
Meanwhile, the teams and JD both look confused, seeing what looks like Natalee and Ryan talking to each other during the mission.
Cheyanne: "What are they talking about up there?!"
Randall, whispering: "Are they making a deal?"
JD: "It looks like Ryan and Natalee are talking, while competing in this challenge! They might be making a deal! I've never seen anything like this on Endurance!"
Natalee: "Alright... let's just hang on until one of us gives out?"
Ryan: "Yeah... may the better player win!"
The timer is still tick-tocking away...
Time Elapsed: 10 mins 46 secs... 47... 48... 49...
JD: "Natalee and Ryan were both the first to go in the right-to-stay, and look at them now! They're hanging tough, it's been almost 10 minutes!"
Ryan and Natalee both seem to be hanging on with all of their might...
The timer just reaches 11 minutes...
Suddenly-!
SPLASH!!!
JD: "Ohhhh! Natalee just fell in, Ryan did it!"
Ryan: "Oh my god!!"
The teams cheer for Ryan as he finally drops from his wall, into the ocean. Ryan smiles while swimming all the way back to shore. Natalee gives a disappointed, but hopeful look. Randall especially seems excited about the result.
Randall, pumped up: "YEAH, RYAN! I TOLD YOU, YOU GOT THIS!"
"I won the return game! I won!! I'm just flippin' excited right now! I said before that there's a fire in me, now it's a blazing inferno, and it wants me to be an Endurance champion- and now I've got that chance!"
JD: "Ryan, nicely done! You've managed to redeem yourself- from the first guy to fall at the right-to-stay- to hanging on long enough to get back into the game!"
Ryan, smiling and almost giggling: "I know, it's exciting!"
The group lets out a bit of laughter at Ryan's response.
JD, chuckling as well: "Well, congratulations. But now, you've got a decision to make. You must now pick your partner for the rest of the game."
Ryan nods, letting JD know that he understands.
JD, turning to the three girls: "You can choose either Natalee, Maggie, or Meadow. Think carefully, because if you want to win Endurance, your partner is the only one that can help you get there. So, Ryan. Who... will be your partner for the rest of your time on Endurance?"
Ryan gives a nervous look as he looks to the girls: "Ooh... okay, um..."
Ryan thinks over his decision...
Ryan: "Well... I'll admit, I'm a little nervous to work with this person since we're... really different kinds of people, but..."
Natalee gives a look of worry as Maggie crosses her fingers and Meadow gives a nervous look to Ryan.
Ryan: "I made a promise to one of the girls up there.... and I'm gonna keep it. So, Natalee, welcome to the team."
Natalee gives a sigh of relief and a thankful smile.
JD: "Natalee! C'mon over to your new teammate, Natalee!"
Natalee walks over to her new partner, Ryan, then faces JD. A few of the official players look confused at the choice, but applaud them nonetheless.
JD: "Congratulations guys. The eighth and final team of Endurance- the Brown Team- is Ryan and Natalee!"
JD then turns to the remaining four who have just lost out for the second time.
JD: "Unfortunately, Maggie, Matteo, Meadow, and Deegan... this means that for the four of you, this game has come to an end."
The four of them look downtrodden at missing out for the second time...
JD: "But, just because it's the end of your time on this beach, does not mean that it's the end for the friendships you've made here. I'm sure that back home, you've all got someone to root for, and on Endurance the friendship could last a lifetime... it's just up to you guys to keep them. C'mon guys, everyone gather around for one last group hug."
A smile is brought to the whole group as the entirety of them join in said group hug.
Riya: "Endurance: Seychelles on 3, guys?"
The group gives collective agreement.
Group: "One... two... three... ENDURANCE: SEYCHELLES!"
The group hug breaks up as more individual hugs are shared, one of the more notable ones being between Kolton and Deegan. The two can be heard whispering mid-hug.
Kolton: "Think we can keep talking after the show's over?"
Deegan: "Of course, buddy! I'm sending prayers to you and Riya too!"
Kolton, smiling at this: "You're an awesome friend, man."
After this, the four eliminated players are shown walking off the beach as the sad but heartfelt music plays in the episode.
"I'll admit, I was a bit skeptical when Ryan started to try and make a deal with me up there, but... we came to a bit of an agreement. I basically first told him that if he outlasted me in this game, I'd let him lead while I stood to the side, but he said he wanted to be 50/50, or a real team so... I wanted his word on that."
"Pretty much, Natalee said that if I were to beat her in the return game, she would be the brawn while I could be the brains, but we'd still have equal decision on strategy, which sounded good to me... even though she didn't say what she'd do if she won. But even then, I wanted to keep my promise, so I did. The girls may be a bit nervous about her, and we might be an odd pair, but she's tough, and she really seems like she wants to win, so I don't think I'll be complaining."
"When Ryan picked Natalee as his partner, at first I was kinda confused, like 'You sure about that?' But after it's over, Ryan comes up to me and tells me about what was going on up there, and the 'deal' they made, if you can really call it that. But his reasoning for picking Natalee does kinda make sense in a way. She's definitely going to be on our side thanks to Alexa."
"A lot of the girls aren't really sure what to think now that Natalee's back. The only one that seems to interact with her is Alexa... and Randall and Liam are the only ones who seem to have talked that much with Ryan so... now it really feels like the beach has split in half."
Natalee: "I'm so glad I'm back in this game, and that you and I can actually talk with each other."
Alexa: "Heck yeah, I'm glad to have you back too. I think we can be a really solid duo... we both have partners we didn't expect to have, haha."
Natalee, chuckling: "Yeah, we do, don't we... But I think both our teams are kinda of like... guys are the brain, girls are the brawn, which may work out better than we know."
"On one hand, I'm really glad to see that Ryan and Natalee are back, but I'm also a bit afraid that Randall's gonna wanna work with him more than he wants to work with me. I'll see what happens soon, but... I've gotta stay on my toes."
"Honestly, I wasn't sure what to think when I got Randall as a partner at first, but now that Ryan and Natalee are the Brown Team, I'm thinking that this might be just what the Green Team needed! Now we've got another ally, and it's evened up the two sides of the beach... things are going to get real crazy this season- I can feel it, haha!"
The episode transitions to nearby the shoreline, where the eight pillars of Endurance stand.
JD: "Come on in, guys!"
The teams walk up, lining up on their respective team triangles.
JD: "Look at that! I am now looking at the eight official teams of Endurance, give yourself a hand, guys!"
The teams cheer and clap at having made it this far.
JD: "Now, it's finally time for all of you to receive your first Endurance pieces!" A line of eight pieces stands next to JD. A line of eight pillars, matching the colors of each team, also stand tall behind him.
JD: "Remember, in order to win Endurance, you'll need to win all 13 pieces. You'll all start with 1, and after you all get your pieces, you can go ahead and put it up on your team-colored pole."
JD picks up a stack of pyramid pieces, handing one to each team.
JD: "Red Team, your piece is Trust. You two are definitely going to have a strong trust in one another, because you can only rely on each other to win the game.
Blue Team, your piece is Commitment. In order to succeed, you will need to commit to this game, as well as your teammate.
Yellow Team, you guys get Luck. It's obviously going to take a lot more than luck to get all the way to the end, but it certainly wouldn't hurt!
Green Team, you'll be getting Heart. You're going to need to put your heart into everything you do, if you want to become Endurance champions.
Orange Team, you're getting Leadership. You're going to need to both be strong and assertive leaders with everyone, as well as each other to win it all.
Purple Team, I'm giving you Discipline. You're going to need to discipline yourselves and each other, so that you can focus on the end goal of this game.
Gray Team, you guys get Courage. Any time you're faced with adversity, you're going to need the courage and bravery to face them.
and Brown Team, you'll be getting Perseverance. You've both already persevered through the second chance game, and there will be a lot more to persevere through if you want to win.
Alright, go ahead and put up your pieces, once you do, head back to your triangles."
The teams do just that.
JD: "Now... the one question left that hasn't been answered- other than "Who's going to be the Endurance champions?"- is 'What are you playing for?' Right?"
The group: "Yeah."
JD: "Well, how'd you like to find out?"
The group, now more enthusiastic: "Yeah!"
JD: "Well, alright. The winners of Endurance: Seychelles, along with their families, will be treated to an all-expenses paid, 10-day vacation...
...to Portugal!"
Faces light up, jaws drop, and some bounce in excitement at hearing this!
JD: "There, you will enjoy the culture of Lisbon, watch whales and dolphins on the archipelago of Azores, visit Penada-Gerês National Park where you will see four mountain ranges, six glacial valleys, and over ninety villages, watch the endangered Iberian Lynx, and go hiking on Madeira, one of Portugal's best known mountains. Not to mention, you'll be staying in one of the best resorts the country has to offer. Sound like it's worth playing for?"
The group gives a cheer of confirmation!
JD: "Awesome. Now tomorrow, is your first Endurance mission, where you will be playing for a piece, and the Samadhi. And it's been a long day for all of you today with both partner selection, and the return mission. I think you better get some really deserved rest tonight."
The group nods in agreement.
JD: "Get some rest, but be ready for tomorrow, because then, it's game on! Have a good night, guys!"
JD exits the beach as the teams head back for their huts.
"Next time, on Endurance: Seychelles!"
"The beach has been split in half!"
Carmelo in an interview: "It's Blue, Gray, Red, and Purple on one side, and Green, Brown, and Orange on the other."
"And one team is stuck in the middle."
Liam in an interview: "Mayra wants the Yellow Team to play between both groups for as long as possible... I'm not sure if it'll last."
Natalee, talking to Liam: "You're gonna need to pick a side sooner or later."
Paula, talking to the Yellow Team: "You're either with us, or against us."
"Meanwhile, lines in the sand are crossed."
Kolton, talking to Randall: "Wasn't expecting to trust you, but if anything crazy happens, I'll come talk to you."
Alexa in an interview: "Randall says he's capable of pulling off crazy things... I just hope it doesn't come back to bite us in the you-know-where."
"And later, the first Endurance Mission!"
Clips of each team holding a foam block up in the air with their legs are shown, a few of them showing real strain.
Jayce: "C'mon, Cheyanne, you've got dancer's legs!"
Cheyanne: "'Cause I am a dancer!"
"And with it, the first Samadhi!"
JD: "So, who are you giving the Samadhi to?"
A few final shots of each team before the episode fades to black.
The Red Team- Carmelo and Paula- Trust
The Orange Team- Martin and Ann- Leadership
The Yellow Team- Liam and Mayra- Luck
The Green Team- Randall and Alexa- Heart
The Blue Team- Rafael and Kyla- Commitment
The Purple Team- Jayce and Cheyanne- Discipline
The Gray Team- Kolton and Riya- Courage
The Brown Team- Ryan and Natalee- Perseverance
Author's Notes: In retrospect, I'm kinda wishing I hadn't written Maggie and Deegan to be so... likable. But, as nice of players as they were, I think the way the game went for them, was a good plot for them nonetheless. I also tried my hardest to make a bit more plot for Matteo and Meadow.
There were a lot of scene's that were hard to write here, mainly writing Ann's explanation to Randall, and Kolton's coming out scene... I ended up jam-packing this episode, so maybe I wrote a bit... too much?
In any case, I hope ya'll like this episode, it's gonna really set a big dynamic for the rest of the season, and be sure to let me know what team you're rooting for!
First things first, I have one more comment to address:
I definitely love all the people who could come back. Slightly biased to Deegan, but in the end as long as the two who return make an entertaining team, I'm looking forward to it.
Once again, the Green Team being pointed out as the odd ones out... though I'm kinda surprised no one's mentioned the Orange Team as being... quite an odd pairing as well!
Glad to see you love all of the potential returnees! And of course, Deegan seems to be a big favorite among the cast. No matter what happens though, I will certainly do my best to make the returnee team as entertaining as possible.
That being said, I worked hard on this episode, and I've even got a little special surprise in store for you guys, involving the confessionals! I hope you all like it!
"Last time on Endurance: Seychelles!"
"After the Right-to-Stay mission, the 14 remaining players were set to choose teams."
"When most were asked, there were 4 popular picks!"
Cheyanne: "Kolton-"
Jayce: "Cheyanne-"
Riya: "Jayce-"
Martin: "Paula-"
"Much to the jealousy of a few others."
Randall, talking to Martin: "Why are they clamoring so much over those two?"
Martin, in a confessional: "I'm trying to keep him calm about it all."
"And some were desperate to get the partner they wanted."
Paula: "I desperately want Jayce as my partner... I might be able to work with Carmelo, but I'd rather not take that chance."
"Or to avoid one they didn't want."
Randall, talking to Martin about Ann: "She seemed open to the idea of being my partner."
Ann in a confessional: "I'm not so sure."
"And when it was time to pick teams..."
A clip of the teens running after the red ball at the challenge is shown.
"Most of the teens were picking teams that others wanted."
Cue a clip of Rafael and Kyla hugging as the newly made Blue Team.
"But when Ann got the opportunity to pick a team, she put off a deal from a friend."
JD: "Who's gonna be the guy on the green team?"
Ann: "Randall."
The scene cuts to the shot of Randall with his eyes wide.
"Even after all the teams were picked, there was still one more surprise in store!"
A clip of JD placing down the brown triangle is shown.
JD: "Come on in, guys!"
"And the six players eliminated at the Right-to-stay returned for a second chance!"
Cue the clip of said six players walking in, leading the group to cheer in excitement.
"Today, the kids reunite with old friends, and potential alliances are formed.
Riya: "I really hope you get back in, Meadow."
Jayce, to Matteo: "Bro, it would be killer to have you back in this!"
"And a familiar game comes back to haunt the potential returnees."
Matteo: "The one game I wasn't looking forward to..."
"Who has the Perseverance to get back into the game?"
The scene shows clips of the six hanging on to some very familiar straps attached to platform walls.
"Find out, as we see who has the greatest Endurance!"
The group of teens, excited and reunited, are still throwing around conversations as they finally make it back to the huts. However, there was still a slight tension hanging in the air from the aftermath of the partner selection game.
"It feels awesome to have another chance at this game! I was just... so down after I lost the right-to-stay. Like I said, there was this sudden rush of pain in my arms that just... led me to give out. I'm just hoping whatever the challenge is... it's not the same thing as before!"
The episode cuts to the boys chatting it up with Ryan, Matteo, and Deegan.
Liam: "So where were you guys while we were still here at the beach?"
Ryan: "We were taken to this little hut of our own. Not as big as the one here, but pretty much in the same shape."
Deegan: "Pretty much!"
"After we were taken to our secret hut, I had done a lot of thinking, and... kinda realized that even if I did manage to stick around the first time, I wouldn't have gotten very far, because... probably no one would've wanted to work with me. Plus, I just kinda... felt bad about not even talking to anyone before the mission. So, in case I do get back into the game, I decide to make a public apology to the group. If I get back in, I'm still gonna be my no-nonsense self, just... less."
Natalee, trying to get the group's attention: "Guys, guys, guys!"
The group starts to quiet down and look towards Natalee.
Natalee: "Ok, so... I just wanna rip off the bandage now, and say to you all, I'm sorry for acting the way I did on the first day, I was just in this headspace, where all I was thinking about was the game, and not the experience. So, feel free to talk to me, if you'd like!"
The apology is followed by a slightly awkward air, with most of the teens unsure of what to do.
"Natalee just... casually drops this apology the moment she gets back to the huts. She had... never spoken like that before, and afterwards, there was just this... awkward silence!"
"I don't know whether Natalee's apology is real or not, I never really saw her act like this. Maybe she's trying to be strategic, or maybe it's real, but... either way it just comes off as... strange."
Alexa, deciding to break the silence with a smile: "Well, I appreciate that, Natalee. Maybe we can be friends after all!"
Natalee, relieved that the awkwardness has now passed: "Thank you, Alexa!"
"I've got a bit of a soft spot for Natalee. I've kinda been in her place before back home- wound up, a bit too competitive... but I think I can help her loosen up here! So, maybe she's not the first person I'd want to come back, but... I could work with her!"
"Natalee's kind of the... odd girl out, even more so than Meadow! I'm kinda nervous that, if Natalee got back in... her and I just wouldn't be able to get along. Especially compared to Meadow or Maggie."
"The girls seem to be a bit tense around Natalee, so I figured it would be a good time to make sure the girls could be calm. It seems like a smart way to make friends in a competition like this!"
The scene cuts to Meadow conversing with Riya and Kyla.
Meadow, giving a friendly smile: "You two seem so nice!"
Kyla: "Thanks! You seem sweet too!"
Riya: "I really hope you get back in, Meadow."
Meadow: "Me too, Riya. I want to be here even more now that I'm back on the beach."
Kyla: "Y'know, if you come back... the three of us could be a really solid team."
Meadow, lighting up: "I like that idea!"
"I think if Meadow gets back, myself, her and Riya could make a strong trio! If we were in the final 3 together... I wouldn't be upset at all!"
The scene then pans to Matteo "bro-ing" it up with the guys.
Jayce: "Bro, it would be killer to have you back in this!"
Matteo: "Can't say I disagree!"
Carmelo: "Dude, you have no idea. Things have gotten crazy already!"
Rafael: "Yeah, it's like the beach is splitting in half!"
"It's not even been that long here, and it feels like all of us have pretty much split into two groups. There's Red, Purple, Blue, and Gray on one side, all hanging out, all cool... and then you've got the ones who are a bit different on the other side. Basically, Green and Orange. And Yellow's just kinda... floating in the middle. Liam's more on our side while Mayra's more on their side."
The episode cuts to Matteo and Jayce having a conversation alone.
Matteo: "Man, if I get back in this, it's gonna be you and me the whole way."
Jayce: "Aw yeah, I'm all kinds of down for that."
The scene then cuts to the Yellow Team's members in the midst of an intense conversation.
"I'm alright with Liam being friends with Carmelo and Jayce, but I feel like if we stick with that group of four- Gray, Red, Purple, Blue... after it's down to us five, Yellow will go next, because they all have stronger connections than we do."
Liam: "Well, we can play the middle for now, but we can't be invisible."
Mayra: "Alright then... what if you play Red, Blue, Gray, and Purple, while I play Green and Orange?"
Liam: "As long as we still work together for this."
Mayra: "Of course."
The episode transitions to a scene after the group has calmed down a bit from the returning players. The tensions from the partner selection still seem to be there, however. The scene is of Randall trying to throw skipping stones by the shore of the beach.
"After the whole team selection debacle, I knew I needed to first talk to Randall, see if I could get him to see why I didn't let him on my team without making him mad. Honestly, I know I said before that I wasn't interested in being partners with Kolton or Jayce, but then I realized- they're the most popular guys on the beach right now! If I'm partners with one of them, there are going to be a lot of people working to keep him, and therefore me, safe. But of course, I can't tell Randall that."
Ann approaches Randall as he throws a stone. He glances over to Ann, then turns his gaze back to the shore with a frown.
Ann, sighing at Randall's frown: "Listen, I'm sorry, but I just don't think we would've been that great of a team... and at least I put you with someone I thought you'd like."
Randall: "It's not that I'm with Alexa. Honestly, she's a pretty cool partner to have. I'm just confused why you had to lie to me before then? I would've been fine with you telling me no."
Ann: "I... just kinda figured you'd blow up at me... you already seemed mad at the other girls for wanting Kolton and Jayce."
"I'm trying to cool down a bit about the team picking thing... besides, it came back to bite her anyway. Martin and Ann never said that they wanted to be each other's partner, and Alexa... she's not half bad, and after a bit of time hanging out, I think we could work well together after all, so... hey, it's a little bit of karma going in my favor! So for now, with Ann... I'll keep her as long as I need her and Martin. And I'll help them out if need be. But if I get a golden opportunity... you never know!"
Randall: "I guess that's fair... but it would've been less hurtful than what you did."
Ann: "Yeah... you're probably right."
A few seconds of silence hang between them.
Randall: "Ok... I'll be honest here, I'm still a little mad, but give me a bit of time to not think about it. Maybe I can cool down, and then we can work as teams together."
Ann, with a sigh: "Alright. Probably for the best."
Randall: "Oh, also, can I ask... how are things going between you and Martin?"
Ann: "I... don't really know. He's a nice enough guy, but we're very different people."
Randall: "Yeah... but if you need help working with him, I'm pretty close with him. I'm quite different from him too, so... I think you can do this, but I can be there to help."
Ann: "I'm fine with that. Thanks for at least hearing me out."
Randall, still sounding slightly irritated: "No trouble."
The scene transitions to later in the day, the shot focusing on Kolton, looking like he's trying to gather everyone together.
"So, some time after the six eliminated players came back, I started to realize, if I don't come out to these guys now, I might never get the chance again, and I want everyone to see that I can be open with them. And, if anyone doesn't like that... Oh well. So, I gather everyone up to the cabin, while I mentally prepare myself to just... get it over with!"
Kolton, aloud: "Guys, I wanna have a group meeting. Over by the cabins, maybe?"
They all hear him, and decide to gather up... some a bit reluctantly.
"So Kolton calls us for this... 'group meeting' that he wants to have. Honestly, at first, I'm a bit skeptical, because I'm thinking that he's gonna throw someone's name out, because he likes to do things 'publicly and honestly,' but I decide to go along with it just to listen in."
The scene cuts to the entire group of 20 over by the cabins, all surrounding Kolton, with most wondering what he wants to say.
Kolton: "So, I just want you guys to know that I want to play this game as honestly as I can here, don't want what I say to anyone to make them think any differently of me as a person, and I just want this game to be... nice and fair."
Kolton then casually and quickly adds: "Oh, by the way, I'm also gay."
Some of the teens do a double take at this, and a number of eyes widen simultaneously- even Riya gives a surprised look!
Jayce: "Wai- wha?"
Matteo: "Huh?"
Alexa: "Bro!"
Kolton, smiling and chuckling at some of the reactions: "Yep!"
Some of the teens laugh, but only out of surprise. All of them seem to be smiling.
Liam, stunned: "Wow!"
Paula, also stunned: "Oh my god."
Martin, bursting into laughter: "Haha, holy cow! I had no idea!"
Riya: "Me neither, and I'm his partner!"
The group- including Kolton- laughs at Riya's comment.
Kolton: "I'm assuming no one's got a problem with it then?"
Group: "No!", "Of course not.", "Not at all!", etc.
Kolton, breathing a sigh of relief: "Thanks, guys. And don't you worry, I'm still gonna be Kolton."
The group chuckles at this.
Kyla: "That's fine by me!"
"I'll admit- I was really surprised when Kolton came out like that, but then that made me think back to the first day, when I was praying by my bed. And I start to think... Did he not say that before because of me praying? So, I go and ask him about it."
Deegan: "Heyo, Kolton! Mind if we can chat?"
Kolton: "Ah, sure, Deegan!"
The two boys find a place to talk.
Deegan: "So, uh... I just wanna ask... I'm assuming you saw me with my rosary on the first day, so I was just thinking-"
Kolton: "Oh, yeah... ok, well, full honesty here, seeing that made a little bit hesitant, but after seeing how nice you were, I regretted not just saying it the first day I was here."
Deegan: "Ah... well, thanks for being fully honest about that. I wouldn't have said anything, but I do get why you kept quiet. I... do know people who wouldn't like you, let's just say I don't like 'em very much."
Kolton, after snorting at Deegan's quip: "Yeah. Thanks for understanding man. Here's hoping you get back in the game."
Deegan: "Well, I'm doublin' down on the Hail Mary's, let's just say that!"
Kolton: "Well, I don't do prayers that often, but I'm sure praying that you get back in!"
Deegan: "Haha, I appreciate that!"
"After Deegan left, I started to really regret not just coming out on the first day, especially after seeing how nice he was, and then he had to go so early... there's no guarantee that he'll come back, but if he does... I think the two of us can be really good friends!"
"The second chance game is coming up really soon, and tensions are really starting to raise. No one's really sure who's gonna be coming back."
Ryan: "Dude, I'm getting nervous."
Randall: "I know you are, but you know I'm rooting for you."
"I need Ryan to get back into this game! I'm already feeling low on allies, and if Ryan comes back, the playing field becomes a little more even for me, and there's another player on my side."
Randall: "Things here for me lately have... not been good. The girls ignored me at partner selection, and Ann just lied right to my face..."
Ryan: "Well, if I come back, you've got me, Martin... I think I can get Yellow Team too?"
Randall, perking up a bit at this: "You think so?"
Ryan: "Yeah... I'm pretty close with Liam, and Mayra too. I just hope you can be able to work with Ann, even after what happened."
Randall, giving a short hiss: "Well, that's a lot to ask of me, but... I'll try."
"If I manage to get back in, the beach is going to be split right down the middle, with me, Green, and hopefully Orange on one side, and Gray, Purple and Blue on the other. If I get back... I think there might be war on this island."
The scene then cuts to Liam and Ryan chatting with each other.
Ryan: "Dude, if I get back in, we've gotta work together."
Liam: "I hear ya, Ryan. I'm all for it."
"I'm all for friendships this game, but after thinking it over and talking with Mayra, it makes sense to take Green and Orange's side. I get along with all the guys, but if it's me, Kolton, Jayce, Carmelo, and Rafael in the final 5... they're going after me before they go after each other. Doesn't help that Paula and Cheyanne are a close duo... and so are Kyla and Riya. So yeah, if Ryan gets back in, he's gonna be on Orange and Green's side, and I'm probably joining them."
Liam: "Like, Mayra wants me to be more on their side too. It's not that I don't like those guys but... y'know."
Ryan: "Yeah... actually, if this happens, it might be a good idea for you to still play both sides. We can get info that way, right?"
Liam: "Maybe... I mean, it'll need to be on the down low, but if we can make it work, I'm all for it."
Meanwhile, there's another conversation going on between Cheyanne, Paula, and Maggie.
Maggie: "I'm really hoping to get back in this."
Cheyanne: "Oh, Maggie, you don't know how badly I want you back in this."
Paula: "Yeah, we're gonna need all the girl power we can get."
"Maggie is probably the closest to me out of all the returnees. I'm really thinking that if she gets back in, her, me, and Paula could make for a fierce team!"
"After missing out on Jayce at the partner selection, I'm trying to clear my head a bit, and find some solace with the girls. And, I think if Maggie comes back, she'd easily be the best support I could have, next to Cheyanne."
Maggie: "Oh, Paula, how are things going with you and your partner?"
Paula: "Well... things are still a bit slow, but I think once this whole crazy day blows over, I think Carmelo and I should be able to work together."
Cheyanne: "I'm glad you're keeping cool about that, Paula... To be honest, I thought you were gonna be mad at me since I got Jayce."
Paula: "...I was at first, but... I don't wanna lose your friendship over a guy."
Cheyanne: "Aw, you rock, girl!"
Maggie, jokingly: "Hooray for friends!"
Paula and Cheyanne crack up at this, and Maggie soon laughs with them.
"I definitely wanna come back! I'm just worried that if I do get back, I'm gonna be... a bit of a third wheel between Paula and Cheyanne. But, I can't focus on that, because last time I was trying to stay in this game, I tried to force my mind to be somewhere else. This time, whatever the challenge is, I want my mind to flow naturally, and if I have to let out a scream, I will. Better to let the emotions out than bottle them up!"
"At this point, it's like the first day all over again, but even more complex. People are forming alliances for people that aren't even back in the game yet, and everyone's got a someone to root for... And I think the person that gets back in will really settle how this game is going to play out."
The episode transitions once again, this time to the returnees challenge... suspiciously almost looking exactly like the right-to-stay challenge, save for a few missing platform walls. Instead of 10, this time there are 6. The teams stay in a group as they walk, while the 6 competing to return to the game walk in their own group, up to JD. A couple of the players notice the familiar setup.
Ryan, whispering: "Aw, not again..."
JD: "Welcome back guys. Does this challenge look a little familiar to you?"
Most of the group answers yes, with Matteo giving a sarcastic "Kinda..." Matteo especially seems nervous now.
JD: "Well... I think just by looking, you guys can already tell what this challenge is going to be."
The six players nod, a few of them nervously.
JD: "You'll be competing in the same challenge that eliminated you once already!"
Matteo, looking down to the ground and whispering: "The one game I wasn't looking forward to..."
JD: "This mission is called: Back Against the Wall! Just like before, you'll be laying down on one of those platforms out there. When I say "go," those platforms will start to slowly tilt downward until they are pointing straight down to the water below. You're going to have to find your inner endurance, to hang onto the straps, and hold yourself in the air against the platform. And this time, you'll be competing as one group. Which means, that the last guy or girl hanging on up there will not only become an official Endurance player, but also have the power to choose their partner! You guys ready for your second shot?"
The group of six: "Yes!"
JD, giving another nod like before: "Alright then, let's see if this changes the game up. Because I've got a feeling that whoever gets back into this game, will set the pace for the rest of the season."
"At the start of this game, I said that I wasn't sure I was gonna go far... but after being the first guy to fall on the first day... I know I can do better than that. I got a fire in me, and it wants me to win this so bad."
"I know that there's more left for me on Endurance. If I've gotta change to get a real chance at this game, I'm gonna do that. I can't let my focus go again."
"I wanna get back in this game so badly, you've got no idea, but I'm worried that my past experience with this game might come back to haunt me... I just gotta focus on the goal and not the pain this time."
"Last time, I tried to force my brain to think about something else... this time, I'm just gonna let my brain get there just before the game starts. I'll imagine myself in a field... as I'm holding myself up against a wall, haha!"
"I think I was brought back here for a reason. I made a friend in Kolton, and I definitely want back in. It's gonna be him and me to the end if I make it."
"I feel like, if I manage to get back in, I'm going to be the girl that can ease the tension on this beach, because there seems to be a lot of it. I want to be here, just like everyone else."
JD: "Alright, guys! It's time for your biggest test of Endurance yet! Head over to the platforms, best of luck!"
Like before, another woosh transition zooms by, cutting to the six players each laying down on a platform in a familiar situation. The teams await the results on the shoreline, all sitting nearby JD.
JD: "Alright, is everyone ready?"
The six can be heard shouting confirmations all the way from the shore.
JD: "Ok, get ready guys! This challenge will begin in 3... 2... 1... GO!"
The players begin their second chance challenge as the platforms start to tilt down in a familiar way. All six grip their straps with as much of a grip as possible.
The group of teams watching start to cheer for their favorites.
Kolton: "Let's go, Deegan!"
Liam: "C'mon, Ryan!"
Kyla: "You've got this, Meadow!!"
Cheyanne: "Hang on, Maggie!"
Carmelo: "You can do this, Matteo!"
Alexa: "Show them how it's done, Natalee!"
As expected, everyone's got someone to root for.
Time Elapsed: 3 mins 3 secs... 4... 5... 6...
Most of them seem to be considerably solid... but then an old pain makes its return to one player!
"Ack! No, not again!"
Matteo is desperately adjusting his position, trying to find one that's not so painful.
Carmelo, desperate: "No, Matteo! Calm down! Calm dow-"
SPLASH!
JD: "Ohhh! Matteo is the first to fall!"
Members of the group groan as Matteo can be seen angrily splashing the water after reaching the surface.
Martin, concerned: "Oh, he looks real mad..."
JD: "Five players left! And only one can take this!"
Meadow and Ryan can be seen readjusting themselves.
Time Elapsed: 5 mins 10 secs... 11... 12... 13...
The five remain hanging. Natalee seems solid.
Ryan is shutting his eyes and mouth to hold back the pain.
Maggie is starting to have familiar struggles.
Meadow tries to keep her focus off the pain.
Deegan-
SLIP!
"Ohhh! Deegan drops out of nowhere!"
Kolton giving a sad look after Deegan falls: "No..."
JD: "Ryan is the last guy hanging up there, but all three girls are still going-"
SLIP!
JD: "Ohhhhh! And just as I say that, Maggie falls in right after him!"
Cheyanne whispering nervously: "Oh no... c'mon Meadow..."
Natalee starts to readjust herself, and so does Meadow. Meanwhile, Ryan seems focused.
Time Elapsed: 6 mins 28 secs... 29... 30... 31...
Meadow, Natalee, and Ryan are all now in a state of re-adjusting themselves.
JD: "These guys have been hanging on for over 6 and a half minutes! Keep going, guys!"
Natalee seems to settle in a decent position... Ryan gives off a pained hiss... Meadow looks like she's starting to shake...
...
SLIP!
JD: "Ohh! Meadow just fell!"
Kyla and Riya give looks of distress at this.
Kyla: "No!"
Riya: "Not good..."
Time Elapsed: 8 mins 56 secs... 57... 58... 59...
JD: "Alright, you two have just hit 9 minutes! 9 minutes!"
Both of these two are planning to hang on for as long as possible, but the pain is starting to set in for one of them...
Around this time, Ryan gets an idea. He adjusts himself before turning his head over to his final opponent.
Ryan: "....Natalee... Natalee!"
Natalee, struggling to turn her head to Ryan: "...What?"
Ryan: "If you drop, I'll let you on my team!"
Natalee, after taking a bit of time to process what he just said: "...Sorry, Ryan, I'd rather win this one myself!"
Ryan: "What? Do you not want me on your team?"
Natalee: "No! That's not it..."
Natalee then comes up with her own idea.
Natalee: "How about this, Ryan... if you manage to last up here longer than me, I'll be your teammate."
Ryan: "Wha? But that just means I have to win! That's obvious!"
Natalee: "No, Ryan... I'm saying, if you beat me at this and you pick me... prove yourself strong... I'll be the most cooperative teammate you've ever asked for!"
Ryan: "So, you mean...?"
Natalee: "I always like to be the one in command, but I'll just stand beside you and do whatever."
Ryan, after pondering this for a bit: "...No, I don't want that, we'd need to be an actual team, 50/50."
Meanwhile, the teams and JD both look confused, seeing what looks like Natalee and Ryan talking to each other during the mission.
Cheyanne: "What are they talking about up there?!"
Randall, whispering: "Are they making a deal?"
JD: "It looks like Ryan and Natalee are talking, while competing in this challenge! They might be making a deal! I've never seen anything like this on Endurance!"
Natalee: "Alright... let's just hang on until one of us gives out?"
Ryan: "Yeah... may the better player win!"
The timer is still tick-tocking away...
Time Elapsed: 10 mins 46 secs... 47... 48... 49...
JD: "Natalee and Ryan were both the first to go in the right-to-stay, and look at them now! They're hanging tough, it's been almost 10 minutes!"
Ryan and Natalee both seem to be hanging on with all of their might...
The timer just reaches 11 minutes...
Suddenly-!
SPLASH!!!
JD: "Ohhhh! Natalee just fell in, Ryan did it!"
Ryan: "Oh my god!!"
The teams cheer for Ryan as he finally drops from his wall, into the ocean. Ryan smiles while swimming all the way back to shore. Natalee gives a disappointed, but hopeful look. Randall especially seems excited about the result.
Randall, pumped up: "YEAH, RYAN! I TOLD YOU, YOU GOT THIS!"
"I won the return game! I won!! I'm just flippin' excited right now! I said before that there's a fire in me, now it's a blazing inferno, and it wants me to be an Endurance champion- and now I've got that chance!"
JD: "Ryan, nicely done! You've managed to redeem yourself- from the first guy to fall at the right-to-stay- to hanging on long enough to get back into the game!"
Ryan, smiling and almost giggling: "I know, it's exciting!"
The group lets out a bit of laughter at Ryan's response.
JD, chuckling as well: "Well, congratulations. But now, you've got a decision to make. You must now pick your partner for the rest of the game."
Ryan nods, letting JD know that he understands.
JD, turning to the three girls: "You can choose either Natalee, Maggie, or Meadow. Think carefully, because if you want to win Endurance, your partner is the only one that can help you get there. So, Ryan. Who... will be your partner for the rest of your time on Endurance?"
Ryan gives a nervous look as he looks to the girls: "Ooh... okay, um..."
Ryan thinks over his decision...
Ryan: "Well... I'll admit, I'm a little nervous to work with this person since we're... really different kinds of people, but..."
Natalee gives a look of worry as Maggie crosses her fingers and Meadow gives a nervous look to Ryan.
Ryan: "I made a promise to one of the girls up there.... and I'm gonna keep it. So, Natalee, welcome to the team."
Natalee gives a sigh of relief and a thankful smile.
JD: "Natalee! C'mon over to your new teammate, Natalee!"
Natalee walks over to her new partner, Ryan, then faces JD. A few of the official players look confused at the choice, but applaud them nonetheless.
JD: "Congratulations guys. The eighth and final team of Endurance- the Brown Team- is Ryan and Natalee!"
JD then turns to the remaining four who have just lost out for the second time.
JD: "Unfortunately, Maggie, Matteo, Meadow, and Deegan... this means that for the four of you, this game has come to an end."
The four of them look downtrodden at missing out for the second time...
JD: "But, just because it's the end of your time on this beach, does not mean that it's the end for the friendships you've made here. I'm sure that back home, you've all got someone to root for, and on Endurance the friendship could last a lifetime... it's just up to you guys to keep them. C'mon guys, everyone gather around for one last group hug."
A smile is brought to the whole group as the entirety of them join in said group hug.
Riya: "Endurance: Seychelles on 3, guys?"
The group gives collective agreement.
Group: "One... two... three... ENDURANCE: SEYCHELLES!"
The group hug breaks up as more individual hugs are shared, one of the more notable ones being between Kolton and Deegan. The two can be heard whispering mid-hug.
Kolton: "Think we can keep talking after the show's over?"
Deegan: "Of course, buddy! I'm sending prayers to you and Riya too!"
Kolton, smiling at this: "You're an awesome friend, man."
After this, the four eliminated players are shown walking off the beach as the sad but heartfelt music plays in the episode.
"I'll admit, I was a bit skeptical when Ryan started to try and make a deal with me up there, but... we came to a bit of an agreement. I basically first told him that if he outlasted me in this game, I'd let him lead while I stood to the side, but he said he wanted to be 50/50, or a real team so... I wanted his word on that."
"Pretty much, Natalee said that if I were to beat her in the return game, she would be the brawn while I could be the brains, but we'd still have equal decision on strategy, which sounded good to me... even though she didn't say what she'd do if she won. But even then, I wanted to keep my promise, so I did. The girls may be a bit nervous about her, and we might be an odd pair, but she's tough, and she really seems like she wants to win, so I don't think I'll be complaining."
"When Ryan picked Natalee as his partner, at first I was kinda confused, like 'You sure about that?' But after it's over, Ryan comes up to me and tells me about what was going on up there, and the 'deal' they made, if you can really call it that. But his reasoning for picking Natalee does kinda make sense in a way. She's definitely going to be on our side thanks to Alexa."
"A lot of the girls aren't really sure what to think now that Natalee's back. The only one that seems to interact with her is Alexa... and Randall and Liam are the only ones who seem to have talked that much with Ryan so... now it really feels like the beach has split in half."
Natalee: "I'm so glad I'm back in this game, and that you and I can actually talk with each other."
Alexa: "Heck yeah, I'm glad to have you back too. I think we can be a really solid duo... we both have partners we didn't expect to have, haha."
Natalee, chuckling: "Yeah, we do, don't we... But I think both our teams are kinda of like... guys are the brain, girls are the brawn, which may work out better than we know."
"On one hand, I'm really glad to see that Ryan and Natalee are back, but I'm also a bit afraid that Randall's gonna wanna work with him more than he wants to work with me. I'll see what happens soon, but... I've gotta stay on my toes."
"Honestly, I wasn't sure what to think when I got Randall as a partner at first, but now that Ryan and Natalee are the Brown Team, I'm thinking that this might be just what the Green Team needed! Now we've got another ally, and it's evened up the two sides of the beach... things are going to get real crazy this season- I can feel it, haha!"
The episode transitions to nearby the shoreline, where the eight pillars of Endurance stand.
JD: "Come on in, guys!"
The teams walk up, lining up on their respective team triangles.
JD: "Look at that! I am now looking at the eight official teams of Endurance, give yourself a hand, guys!"
The teams cheer and clap at having made it this far.
JD: "Now, it's finally time for all of you to receive your first Endurance pieces!" A line of eight pieces stands next to JD. A line of eight pillars, matching the colors of each team, also stand tall behind him.
JD: "Remember, in order to win Endurance, you'll need to win all 13 pieces. You'll all start with 1, and after you all get your pieces, you can go ahead and put it up on your team-colored pole."
JD picks up a stack of pyramid pieces, handing one to each team.
JD: "Red Team, your piece is Trust. You two are definitely going to have a strong trust in one another, because you can only rely on each other to win the game.
Blue Team, your piece is Commitment. In order to succeed, you will need to commit to this game, as well as your teammate.
Yellow Team, you guys get Luck. It's obviously going to take a lot more than luck to get all the way to the end, but it certainly wouldn't hurt!
Green Team, you'll be getting Heart. You're going to need to put your heart into everything you do, if you want to become Endurance champions.
Orange Team, you're getting Leadership. You're going to need to both be strong and assertive leaders with everyone, as well as each other to win it all.
Purple Team, I'm giving you Discipline. You're going to need to discipline yourselves and each other, so that you can focus on the end goal of this game.
Gray Team, you guys get Courage. Any time you're faced with adversity, you're going to need the courage and bravery to face them.
and Brown Team, you'll be getting Perseverance. You've both already persevered through the second chance game, and there will be a lot more to persevere through if you want to win.
Alright, go ahead and put up your pieces, once you do, head back to your triangles."
The teams do just that.
JD: "Now... the one question left that hasn't been answered- other than "Who's going to be the Endurance champions?"- is 'What are you playing for?' Right?"
The group: "Yeah."
JD: "Well, how'd you like to find out?"
The group, now more enthusiastic: "Yeah!"
JD: "Well, alright. The winners of Endurance: Seychelles, along with their families, will be treated to an all-expenses paid, 10-day vacation...
...to Portugal!"
Faces light up, jaws drop, and some bounce in excitement at hearing this!
JD: "There, you will enjoy the culture of Lisbon, watch whales and dolphins on the archipelago of Azores, visit Penada-Gerês National Park where you will see four mountain ranges, six glacial valleys, and over ninety villages, watch the endangered Iberian Lynx, and go hiking on Madeira, one of Portugal's best known mountains. Not to mention, you'll be staying in one of the best resorts the country has to offer. Sound like it's worth playing for?"
The group gives a cheer of confirmation!
JD: "Awesome. Now tomorrow, is your first Endurance mission, where you will be playing for a piece, and the Samadhi. And it's been a long day for all of you today with both partner selection, and the return mission. I think you better get some really deserved rest tonight."
The group nods in agreement.
JD: "Get some rest, but be ready for tomorrow, because then, it's game on! Have a good night, guys!"
JD exits the beach as the teams head back for their huts.
"Next time, on Endurance: Seychelles!"
"The beach has been split in half!"
Carmelo in an interview: "It's Blue, Gray, Red, and Purple on one side, and Green, Brown, and Orange on the other."
"And one team is stuck in the middle."
Liam in an interview: "Mayra wants the Yellow Team to play between both groups for as long as possible... I'm not sure if it'll last."
Natalee, talking to Liam: "You're gonna need to pick a side sooner or later."
Paula, talking to the Yellow Team: "You're either with us, or against us."
"Meanwhile, lines in the sand are crossed."
Kolton, talking to Randall: "Wasn't expecting to trust you, but if anything crazy happens, I'll come talk to you."
Alexa in an interview: "Randall says he's capable of pulling off crazy things... I just hope it doesn't come back to bite us in the you-know-where."
"And later, the first Endurance Mission!"
Clips of each team holding a foam block up in the air with their legs are shown, a few of them showing real strain.
Jayce: "C'mon, Cheyanne, you've got dancer's legs!"
Cheyanne: "'Cause I am a dancer!"
"And with it, the first Samadhi!"
JD: "So, who are you giving the Samadhi to?"
A few final shots of each team before the episode fades to black.
The Red Team- Carmelo and Paula- Trust
The Orange Team- Martin and Ann- Leadership
The Yellow Team- Liam and Mayra- Luck
The Green Team- Randall and Alexa- Heart
The Blue Team- Rafael and Kyla- Commitment
The Purple Team- Jayce and Cheyanne- Discipline
The Gray Team- Kolton and Riya- Courage
The Brown Team- Ryan and Natalee- Perseverance
Author's Notes: In retrospect, I'm kinda wishing I hadn't written Maggie and Deegan to be so... likable. But, as nice of players as they were, I think the way the game went for them, was a good plot for them nonetheless. I also tried my hardest to make a bit more plot for Matteo and Meadow.
There were a lot of scene's that were hard to write here, mainly writing Ann's explanation to Randall, and Kolton's coming out scene... I ended up jam-packing this episode, so maybe I wrote a bit... too much?
In any case, I hope ya'll like this episode, it's gonna really set a big dynamic for the rest of the season, and be sure to let me know what team you're rooting for!
When a character identifies their faults and changes, their story arc is essentially done!! NO!!! I really love her now.
