Endurance Argentina [v2]

[carsonvega]

Feb 12, 2020 20:54:38 GMT -5 Cruise meerkat Youssy said:

This is from Rosemary: To the purple, blue, and green teams: you guys are definitely running the show, but maybe should learn a thing or two about altruism and humility.

Ray: What does humility mean?

Spectacular use of irony with this^!  I'd bet he has no idea what altruism is either.

Also, haha at the Purple team whining about not winning the Endurance mission.  Did they seriously think that both Red and Yellow were more likely to get both a catch and a basket than Blue?  I can kind of see wanting to get Red out early because of their lead in pieces, but Yellow too?  Especially given that everyone knows that Chad and Chelsea still don't communicate all that well?  And Blue already had the second-most pieces with 3?  Purple deserved to lose for their horrible strategy in that mission.

---

I still like Green the best of all the Evil Alliance teams, but I'm starting to wonder if both Purple and Green don't just kind of fizzle out before the end, and there's an epic showdown at the Final Temple between Red and Blue.  Both Red and Blue have really driven the story and the action this season and it almost seems like destiny that their final confrontation would happen at the very end.

---

Domonique got 12 out of 14 questions correct to win the Friendship piece.  Which two did she miss?  If I had to guess, I'd say Cheyenne (since the two of them don't really get along and Cheyenne's love of plants seems weird considering she was whacking the boys' cabin with a stick previously?) and maybe Eric (because that fact about him came from fully outside the game, unlike, say, Francesca eating pretzels, and doesn't seem like something he'd necessarily brag a lot about?  Funny that he got to play a character with the same name as him, though!)

Also, Chad's motorcycle is really interesting.  In most states, one would need to be at least 16 in order to drive a motorcycle on their own, and a brief Google search tells me that Michigan's laws for motorcycle drivers are maybe even a little bit stricter than most other states.  Does someone else drive and he rides along with them?  Or does he have a special exemption of some kind?  (That is, no one in his family can take him to school, so he's allowed to take himself?)

Obviously JD wouldn't point it out, but who did the worst in the Friendship piece quiz and how many did they get right?

---

I...kind of agree with Crystal that Red was a bit over-the-top in this episode?  I mean, I get that the Evil Alliance has been targeting them, but Domonique's "PERSECUTED" comment almost seems like too much.  At the end of the day, if you don't want other teams to target you...win a Temple mission so you can do the targeting!  Especially since Red has not received the Samadhi to date...

Still, I agree with Kate, overall I would like the Red team to win.  They are pretty much the E5 Blue of this season!

[Cruise meerkat Youssy]

Ugh y’all’s comments are EVERYTHING.

Truth be told, I wasn’t too fond of this episode myself. Usually I like to write everything and marinate on it for a little while. I’ll reread it, move parts around, add or delete scenes, adjust dialogue, etc but since it’s been so long... I more or less just wrote this whole thing in one go and posted it. But the next few episodes are so juicy I can’t wait to write them.

As far as the Friendship quiz goes, I didn’t plan out everyone’s score or anything since it wasn’t relevant to the episode, but I was imagining someone like Ray or even Chad getting the least amount correct. And with Chad’s motorcycle, I was envisioning him riding with his dad or something although I’m sure he takes it out by himself when he can

[carsonvega]

Feb 13, 2020 16:47:30 GMT -5 Cruise meerkat Youssy said:

Ugh y’all’s comments are EVERYTHING.

Truth be told, I wasn’t too fond of this episode myself. Usually I like to write everything and marinate on it for a little while. I’ll reread it, move parts around, add or delete scenes, adjust dialogue, etc but since it’s been so long... I more or less just wrote this whole thing in one go and posted it. But the next few episodes are so juicy I can’t wait to write them.

As far as the Friendship quiz goes, I didn’t plan out everyone’s score or anything since it wasn’t relevant to the episode, but I was imagining someone like Ray or even Chad getting the least amount correct. And with Chad’s motorcycle, I was envisioning him riding with his dad or something although I’m sure he takes it out by himself when he can

That was really good for an episode written in one go!  No part of the episode seemed like it was done with less editing time than normal.

For the Friendship quiz, it would make sense that Ray or Chad would score lowest.

If Chad would actually get to drive the motorcycle on his own for a special exemption - say, maybe, one of his parents had died and the other one was too sick to take him to school or something like that - then I would be rooting for Yellow to win, despite any shortcomings Chad (and Chelsea) might have.  But it's good that his situation is not that dire!

[Cruise meerkat Youssy]

Quarantine has helped me break through some major writer's block!

Episode Eight

The episode opens with a shot of Chad hanging out on a swing with Domonique. He stares dramatically into the distance.
--
Chad: “Blue team gave Yellow the Samadhi, which is annoying, because now it’s even harder for us to win. We’re not even a threat - we haven’t even won anything.”
--
Domonique: I’m just, like, so annoyed with this.
Chad: Yeah, I know. But it’s whatever. Chelsea and I probably weren’t gonna win anyway.
Domonique: But, like - if Green, or Purple, or Blue wins, then they’re just gonna send us to Temple against each other. It sucks!
Chad: That’s why you gotta win. Save us both.
Domonique: To me it doesn’t make sense. You can’t be in an alliance forever. So if they win and they send us they’re stupid.
Chad: I don’t think Endurance has produced any rocket scientists…
Domonique: Shut up cause you know Jaylen is probably gonna be one when he goes to college.
*they laugh*

The scene changes to Carmen and Deandre in a hut smiling at each other
--
Carmen: “If everything goes according to how it should, Yellow team should go home next, and then the Red team. But I’m trying to think ahead and figure out that if Red team leaves, that’s a lot of pieces for them to leave to another team. I want to win, so I need those pieces. So last night I basically came up with a plan to be Red team’s best friends, so that we can get those pieces when they leave.”
--
Carmen: I’m about to go talk to Jaylen right now.
Deandre: *laughs* I seriously have the smartest partner ever.
Carmen: *flips hair and laughs* You’re welcome!
Deandre: You want me to… talk to anyone?
Carmen: Um… no. I got it. I’m, like, really nice and I’m just gonna apologize and stuff. And I’ll braid Dom’s hair and we can decorate each other’s shirts. It’s gonna be great.
Deandre: I’ll leave all that up to you then.
Carmen: Don’t worry, I got it. We’re gonna double our pieces pretty soon!

The scene changes to Jaylen and Chelsea sitting out by the lake. Carmen approaches them.
Carmen: Hey, what’re y’all doing?
Jaylen: We’re just talking.
Carmen: Mind if I join?
*Chelsea flashes Jaylen a quick bewildered glance*
Jaylen: Sure, pop a squat.
Carmen sits down and the camera pans out as the three begin chatting.

The camera then pans over to Ray and Cheyenne, looking out the window of a hut at Carmen, Jaylen, and Chelsea.
Ray: Cheyenne.
Cheyenne: Huh?
Ray: You see that?
Cheyenne: I do.
Ray: I don’t like that. Carmen’s being sneaky. Why is she talking to Red and Yellow?
*Cheyenne shakes her head*
Cheyenne: She’s just talking. Stop being paranoid.
Ray: Nah, I’m serious. I’ve been thinking. *pauses*
Cheyenne: About…
Ray: The game. Look, I know we’re riding pretty with our alliance, but… Blue is a really strong team. Like, really strong.
*Cheyenne nods*
Ray: If we go to final Temple with them, we might lose. They’re so strong. They’re my friends but I don’t want them in the finale.
Cheyenne: So you’re saying…
Ray: We have to get Blue out. I’ve really been thinking about it. I know they’re our alliance, but we have to if we want to win.
*Cheyenne hesitates*
Ray: Do you wanna win?
Cheyenne: *nods* I do. I do want to win. I just… want Red and Yellow gone first.
Ray: Look, we can beat Red and Yellow. We can’t always beat Blue. And they don’t always have our backs. Look at the last mission. If Blue doesn’t win the Temple mission today, they have to go up.
Cheyenne: You’re right. You’re so right.
--
Ray: “The whole way it’s been Blue, Purple, and Green. But soon enough we’re gonna have to turn on each other. I’m just gonna make the first move. I’m friends with Blue, but in the game, it’s every team for themselves.”
--
The scene changes to the five teams walking out to their next mission. They walk out to a lake, with five kayaks on the shore, as well as five empty scales. Out in the middle of the lake about 100 feet away, there are five small suspended platforms full of sand. One is set back a little further ways.
JD: Hey guys, welcome to your third Temple mission!
All: Hey JD!
JD: Welcome to your third Temple mission. Today’s mission is called Kayak It Back. This game is going to test your strength, your strategy, and your teamwork. You’re going to start here on the shore, and when I say go, your team is going to get into that tandem kayak and make your way out to your colored platform out there in the lake. You’re going to load up sand from your platform into the bucket in your kayak and take it back with you to shore. Be careful - too much sand and your boat will be too heavy and difficult to paddle, but too little and you might not win the mission. Once back on shore, you’re going to dump the sand onto the empty part of your scale. Your goal is to be the first team to dump fifty pounds onto your scale, which will cause it to tip the balance and your team colored flag to rise. First team to fill their scale up with sand and tip their team flag will win the power to send two teams up to the Temple of Fate. Yellow team, you received the Samadhi, what was in that?
Chelsea: A fifteen foot rope.
JD: That’s right. If you notice, your platform is fifteen feet further than everyone else’s. Doesn’t mean you’re going to Temple, just going to be a little bit harder for you guys to win. Everyone ready?
*nods all around*
JD: Let’s get into position.

JD: On your marks, get set… GO!
The teams all run and jump into their kayaks, launching them into the lake.
JD: It looks like Blue team and Purple team are off to a great head start! Red team… not so much.
Jaylen: Dom, paddle on the left! The left! Your other left!
Domonique: Oh, sorry! *switches sides but after a few strokes moves back to the right*
Jaylen: Stay on the left!
Blue and Purple are nearly to their platforms, while Green and Yellow are a little further behind. Red has barely moved.
Deandre: Okay, just start dumping the sand in the boat.
Carmen: How much should we do?
Deandre: Do, like, as much as you can! Let’s go, finish it all in one or two trips.

Ray: I’ll fill up the buckets and pass them to you, just tell me when it’s too much sand.
Cheyenne: Perfect.

A few moments pass, and Yellow and Green are now filling up their sand as well. Red is not.
Domonique: WHY do we keep going in CIRCLES?!
Jaylen: Are you paddling on the left like I said?
Domonique: Like… mostly!
*Jaylen has a brief look of exasperation but pulls it together*
Jaylen: Just stay ON THE LEFT!

Cheyenne: Okay, Ray, this is good! I don’t want it to be too heavy!
*Ray jumps in the kayak and Purple begins to paddle back, their kayak full but not overloaded*

Carmen: Purple’s going back, Deandre.
Deandre: Look at their boat, they don’t even have that much! Let’s do a little bit more.
*Blue’s boat is very full*

Green and Yellow are staying calm.
Eric: I think we should fit as much as we can.
Francesca: I do too.
Eric: Perfect.

Chad: Purple’s on the way back already!
Chelsea: Don’t worry about them; we have to worry about ourselves.
*Chad shakes his head and starts filling buckets even faster*
Chelsea: We’re doing great, Chad. Even with the Samadhi.

Deandre: Okay, Carmen, let’s go!
*Blue jumps into their kayak but the weight of the sand causes the kayak to start sinking*
Carmen: Deandre we’re sinking!
Deandre: Start bailing it out!
JD: Blue team has found themselves in a little bit of trouble. They’ve put too much sand in their kayak, and it’s started to sink. They’re going to have to bail out, which is no doubt going to cost them time.

Eric: Look at Blue, Francesca. What do you think?
Francesca: Um… I think we can do a little bit more…
Eric: *nods a little* Sure.

Chelsea: I think that’s good, Chad. Let’s go so we don’t sink.
*Yellow jumps in their kayak and begins heading to shore, where Purple is already unloading their kayak onto the scale*
Cheyenne: GOOO, Ray! We’re in first! Go go go!

Eric: Okay, I think this is good.
Francesca: Okay...
*Green team jumps into their kayak, but it also begins to sink*
Eric: No way, man!

JD: Oh, Green’s boat is now starting to sink! Blue and Green overfilled their kayaks, and are losing time bailing them out. Red team isn’t even close to their platform.
*A shot of Red team, who have somehow managed to get about 50 feet away from any of the platforms*
JD: Purple team has a commanding lead so far.

*Purple team is shown jumping back into their kayak to head back out, as Yellow is shown unloading their sand onto their scale.*
Chad: Chelsea! Let’s go! Carry as much as you can!
Ray: Hustle, hustle!

The camera flashes to the Green team, who are a little wet but their kayak looks more stable. Near them, Blue is still bailing out sand and water.
Eric: Okay, Fran, let’s go!
Deandre and Carmen shoot a glance at Green as they head out from their platform. Meanwhile, Purple is steamrolling into their platform, making quick work of the kayak.
Cheyenne: God, my arms!
Ray: You can rest after we win! Fill ‘er up!

The camera flashes a few scenes of different teams kayaking, loading sand, and unloading it onto the scales, indicating time passing.
JD: Here’s where we stand… Yellow, Green, Blue, and Purple all have sand on their scales. Yellow and Blue are currently filling up their kayak from the platform, Green is heading back out to their platform, Purple is starting to head back to shore with sand… and Red has finally made it to their platform!
Domonique: We did it!! We’re here!!
Chad: *playfully* Hey there’s Red!
Domonique: *playfully* Shut up, Chad!!

Purple arrives back and hauls their kayak onto the shore.
Cheyenne: This could be our last trip!
Deandre looks over at Purple.
Deandre: We need to go, NOW.
Blue jumps in their kayak and begins paddling back very quickly. Soon they also arrive onshore.
JD: Purple and Blue are both racing to win this challenge. It looks like it’s coming down to those two teams!
Cheyenne: Beat Blue! GOOO!!
Carmen: Deandre we got this, let’s go!
One team throws a bucket of sand onto their scale, causing it to tilt and a flag rises…
JD: Oh!





Purple team just won the challenge!
Cheyenne: Yaaay!!
*Cheyenne jumps up and down and hugs Ray*
*Blue team also runs over and hugs Purple*
JD: Blue team, interesting that you guys are also celebrating. Do you guys feel safe because of your alliance with Purple?
Carmen: Well, yeah, they’re our friends and we’ve been in an alliance the whole time, so when they win it’s like we’re winning too.
JD: Well, congrats Purple team on a hard-earned victory. You’re going to have to decide two teams to make the journey up to the Temple of Fate, where only one will return. I don’t need your decision now; you have all afternoon to decide. I’ll catch up with you guys later.
--
Ray: “We won the Temple mission today, which was really cool to win our first mission. Cheyenne and I are on the same page for this plan of who to send to Temple, so Blue should be feeling pretty scared.”
--
In the girls’ hut, Carmen, Cheyenne, and Francesca are talking.
Carmen: I am so happy that you guys won.
*Francesca nods*
Carmen: Like I really am! Now we’re all guaranteed final four. That’s so crazy how far we’ve come.
Francesca: It’s just us and then whoever comes back from Temple tonight.
Cheyenne: Yeah.
Carmen: It’s so crazy too how we’ve like stuck together through everything. And like stayed friends and all.
Francesca: I’m so happy you guys asked me to be in this alliance on the first day!
Cheyenne: It is really cool how we’ve all been best friends since the first day. The first day.
--
Carmen: “I feel completely 100% safe even though Blue team didn’t win. Purple is part of my alliance and the plan is so easy, just send Red and Yellow. So it sucks for them but at least my alliance will be in the final four.”

Cheyenne (Confessional): *looks worried* Ugh… *runs her hands through her hair* I’m so stressed out. Ray, like… set up this whole plan to send Blue. And I agreed to it, but… now I don’t want to do it. Carmen is my best friend. And I don’t know how to tell him that I can’t do it.”
--
Elsewhere, Eric and Ray are out by the lake talking.
Eric: I’m coming to you because after this Temple… it’s going down. The game is getting real tricky.
Ray: Yeah, real, real tricky.
Eric: It’s gonna be that point where we have to start voting each other to the Temple.
*Ray nods*
Eric: I’m coming to you right now and saying that we should make a pact. Green and Purple to the final two.
Ray: So you want to get rid of Blue?
Eric: Yeah, after tonight. I know it sucks, but… I gotta do something to make sure we get to the final. Blue is the strongest team, ya know?
Ray: Hey man, I’m 100% down. I been thinking the same thing. I love Blue, but we gotta look out for own teams.
Eric: It’s a deal then?
Ray: Yep. Deal. Purple and Green, final two.
*they shake hands*
--
Eric: “I had to do something to take the game into my team’s hands a little bit, so I made a deal with Purple that should hopefully get us to the final two. Purple’s a little easier to beat than Blue is and Purple also has way less pieces.”
--
Back in the huts, Red and Yellow teams are already beginning to pack their things.
Domonique: Here we go again. Just shovin’ all my stuff in these bags.
It’s silent for a moment, then Domonique speaks up again.
Domonique: Chelsea, you ever get tired of packing?!
Chelsea: At this point I don’t even unpack. *laughs sadly* The target on our back is just always there.
Domonique: Do you think that they would send anybody else but us? Like is it even worth it to talk to them?
Chelsea: I… don’t think so. I don’t know though. But I think it’s going to be us two going to Temple.
Domonique: Yeah… I guess you’re right.
--
Domonique: “One thing I know is that Red team PERSEVERES. That was my first piece on Endurance, Perseverance, so even if Purple does send us against our best friends we’re gonna persevere no matter what.”
--
Meanwhile, Carmen is in the boys’ hut with Jaylen and Chad.
Jaylen: Second Temple trip and I’m no better at packing… you want this soccer ball, Carmen?
Carmen: I’ll take it. I’ll keep it nice and safe here in camp!
Jaylen: All yours.
*He tosses it to her*
Carmen: If you just come back then you don’t have to leave it here!
Jaylen: I mean… that’s the goal.
Chad: Guess I’m chopped liver?!
*Carmen playfully throws the soccer ball at Chad*
Carmen: You hush! I don’t want you to leave either.
Chad: Maybe tell your alliance…
Carmen: Hey, talk to purple. There’s a reason Blue didn’t win today. I wouldn’t want to send anyone!
Jaylen: I mean… must be nice to know that you’re safe.
Carmen: *frowns* Yeah, I just wish we could all just, like, camp here forever or something.
--
Chad (Confessional): “I don’t really know if Carmen has a crush on Jaylen? Or what? She’s just spending a bunch of time with him lately. It’s kinda weird.”
--
Cheyenne is shown marching up to Ray.
Cheyenne: Ray, I need to talk.
Ray: What’s up?
Cheyenne: I… I don’t know how to say this, but.... I really don’t think we should send Blue!
Ray: What? Why?
Cheyenne: It’s slimy. It’s skeazy. It’s our friends, for God’s sake. I want Red to go but I think we should stick with sending Yellow with them.
Ray: We already did too much. We won today. This is the opportunity. This is the only opportunity!
Cheyenne: I don’t feel like I can do it. How can I look those people in the eyes and say, we had an alliance and you’re my friend but I’m stabbing you in the back, good bye?
Ray: I’ll announce it then.
Cheyenne: *rolls her eyes* That’s not the point, Ray!
Ray: We have to do it. We have to if we want to win. Trust me on this.
Cheyenne: I… I don’t know. I really don’t want to.
--
Ray: “I’m just shocked and kind of annoyed that Cheyenne changed her mind. This has the potential to go down as the best move in Endurance history and my partner is trying to get in the way of that. You don’t mess with history!”

Cheyenne: “On paper it is a good plan to send Blue, but this isn’t a story. This is real life and these are my friends. Ray and I are totally not on the same page about it right now so it’s going to be a really interesting time coming to a decision.”
--
The cast is shown filing into the Clearing as JD awaits them. Each team takes a seat on a bench.
JD: Hey guys, welcome back to the Clearing. First things first, congrats Purple on your first mission win.
Ray: Thank you, JD.
JD: Ray, in your opinion is it better to win Endurance missions or Temple missions?
Ray: To me, Temple missions. It’s all about getting to control who stays and who goes, and I want to stay until the end. But you do need the pieces too so both are important.
JD: Let’s put it all out there. It’s pretty well known I think that Blue, Purple, and Green have had an alliance from the start, am I right?
*everyone nods*
JD: Cheyenne, at what point does sending home competition take precedence over a deal or alliance?
Cheyenne: Well I think it’s important to be loyal to your word, and also with that alliance, it’s not just a deal, we’re all really good friends too. So that makes it harder to break. And in my opinion, you keep your word and fight against the strongest teams.
JD: Chad, feeling worried about your chances of going to Temple tonight?
Chad: Oh yeah! I’d say it’s a 99.9% chance that Red and Yellow get sent. No doubt.
JD: Chelsea, when faced with a large alliance with that, what’s the strategy for trying to overcome that?
Chelsea: Well, the only thing we can really do is win the missions… And if we don’t win, then we are kind of at their mercy.
JD: Jaylen, last time everyone was out here, it was very tense for the Red team. How have things been around camp since then?
Jaylen: Um, pretty good actually. Certain people have definitely made more of an effort to make us feel included and actually get to know us. Certain new friendships have grown which kind of… made the whole blow up worthwhile, in my opinion.
JD: Francesca, Blue and Red team each have four pieces. Yellow has two. And you look at your piece pole, and Green only has one. Does that make you worried, and what strategies do you take to make sure you’re not falling behind?
Francesca: Well, we need to win an Endurance mission to win some more pieces… And then other than that, it’s if people want to give them to us. I don’t know if there’s any deals that were made about that. I’m not in on that, but I do want more pieces.
JD: Alright. Let’s get to the decision. Purple, before you tell us which two teams are going to be making the long trip the Temple of Fate, tell us a little bit about how you came to your decision.
Ray: It was hard.
Cheyenne: We fought a lot.
*Deandre furrows his brow in confusion*
Ray: Like you said we have to consider when a team is a threat versus when they’re a benefit for us to have around. So we went back and forth, back and forth, and ultimately we decided that the two teams would be Red and………… Blue.
Everyone looks to be in shock. Domonique’s eyebrows shoot up, Chelsea covers her mouth, and Carmen and Deandre’s mouths drop open.
Ray: Yeah… we just felt like Blue team is the strongest team, so even though we love them, if they go home then it’s more of an even playing field.
JD: Wow. From the looks on everyone’s faces, I can tell that nobody saw that coming. Red team, Blue team, tonight both of you will be taking that journey out to the Temple of Fate, where only one team will return. Pack your bags, say your goodbyes, we leave at sunset. I’ll see you then.
--
The scene flashes to all ten competitors back at camp, standing around in a circle.
Carmen: I’m so mad! I can’t believe you literally just betrayed us like that. I would’ve never done that!
Cheyenne: I was trying, Carmen! I didn’t want to send you!
Deandre: Don’t worry, Purple. If Blue comes back, Purple team is done.
*Ray shakes his head and avoids eye contact*
Cheyenne: I swear I wanted to send Yellow!
Carmen: It’s over. It’s done. Y’all made your decision. I’m just glad that I’m not the one who has to live with it.
--
Carmen: “I feel so hurt, and maybe I should’ve expected it because it’s Endurance, but I really did not expect my best friends to betray me like that. And now I have to go to Temple, which just sucks a lot.”

Domonique: “Purple got a little ahead of themselves and decided to send Blue. Which means that Red and Yellow do not have to against each other! I call that karma. Which karma does play a big role in the game. So maybe a little luck is on our side.”

Eric: “Everyone was just freaking out. That was the craziest move anyone’s made in the game. It makes me worry because I just made a deal with Ray… and now I’m feeling like, should I even trust him?”
--
Things have settled down a little, and Blue is hastily packing their bags.
Carmen: Well, Jaylen, looks like the soccer ball is staying here anyway since only one of us is coming back.
Jaylen: Yeah… Good luck tonight, Carmen.
Carmen: *voice cracks a little* Thanks. You too.
*Francesca hugs her*
--
Ray: “After we got back to camp, I kinda just went and hid out. I didn’t want to argue. I didn’t want to fuss. What’s done is done. But I did have to come out when everyone was saying good bye.”
--
As the sun begins to set, everyone is standing around the piece poles. Blue and Red are saying goodbye to everyone. Ray walks up.
Ray: Hey, look, Carmen, Deandre… I’m sorry. I still think you guys are the coolest people out here and I hope we can be friends after this is all over. It’s just a game and I wanted to win.
*an awkward silence for a moment*
Deandre: *hint of sarcasm* Good luck with that.
*Ray nods but doesn’t say anything else. Cheyenne reaches out to Carmen for a hug, who hesitates for a moment but then embraces her*

Chad: You have nooo idea how happy I am that I’m not going to Temple with y’all.
Domonique: BELIEVE ME, I DO!
Chad: *laughs* Just come back. Y’all beat Blue, okay?
*Domonique nods enthusiastically*

Carmen, Deandre, Jaylen, and Domonique grab their pieces from the piece poles and begin the trek up to the Temple of Fate. Shots of them walking are interspersed with snippets of interviews.
--
Jaylen: “Second time’s a charm. I’m still nervous, but I’m hopeful too. Now that there’s a chance we can come back and still be with Yellow, it changes my whole outlook on the game.”

Carmen: “I’m not ready to go home. I’m just not. Blue team had so much more to do in this game. Endurance has just been the most amazing experience for me in every single way. I don’t want to wake up and realize I’m not sleeping on a slab of wood in the Argentinian rainforest with a bunch of strangers who are actually my best friends.”

Domonique: “Well the tables have turned and it’s Red against Blue. I wanna win so bad I could just… fly to the moon! I want to be that Endurance champion.”

Deandre: “If Blue comes back, Purple needs to be really worried because they will be the next team to go. If Blue doesn’t come back… I mean, that’s not even a possibility. We’re not gonna talk about that.”
--
Red and Blue arrive at Temple and take their place on opposite sides.
JD: Blue team, welcome to the Temple of Fate. Red team, welcome back. In front of you there are three cauldrons. One contains fire, one contains water, and the other contains wood. Your goal is to outsmart your opponent by choosing the dominant element. You’ll write down your choice on a piece of bamboo and hand it to me, and then I’ll drop it into the burning cauldron. Remember, wood floats on water, water puts out the fire, and fire burns the wood. Whichever team can outsmart their opponent two times will be the team that returns back to the huts. The other team will leave Argentina forever. Everyone ready?
*they nod*
JD: Go ahead and pick up your first rock.
Domonique: (whispering) I think they’re gonna pick water because they’re blue.
Jaylen: (whispering) Go ahead and write it down.
*Domonique is shown writing the word WOOD on the bamboo and handing it to JD*
JD: Okay Red team. *grabs bamboo* And Blue team. *grabs bamboo and drops both in the burning cauldron* Now let’s find out who has the dominant element.

BLUE: FIRE
RED: WOOD

*Carmen lets out a sigh of relief and hugs Deandre, as Domonique shakes her head*
JD: Blue team, you chose fire. Red team, you chose wood. Fire burns the wood, that’s one win for you Blue team. One more and you’re heading back to your friends. Red team, you need one more win to stay in the game. Go ahead and choose your next element.
Both teams pick up a bamboo piece and start conferring.
Deandre: (whispering) You wanna do fire? Or wood?
Carmen: (whispering) Um…
*Deandre is shown writing WOOD on a piece of bamboo and handing it to JD*
JD: Blue team. *grabs bamboo* And Red team. *grabs bamboo and drops both in burning cauldron* This could be the final round. Let’s find out who has the dominant element.

BLUE: WOOD
RED: FIRE

Domonique: Oh, Jesus!
JD: Blue team, you chose wood; Red team, you chose fire. Fire burns the wood - and Red team, you’re still in the game. Both teams have one win each now. Whoever wins this final round will be returning to camp. Go ahead and choose your final element.
Both teams pick up a piece of bamboo and start discussing.
Domonique: *puts hand over her mouth* (whispering) I- I can’t decide. You pick. I don’t care. Just do whatever.
Jaylen is shown writing something on the red piece of bamboo, then handing it to JD.

JD: Thank you, Red team. *grabs bamboo* Thank you, Blue team. *grabs their bamboo and drops both in the burning cauldron* For the last time, let’s find out who has the dominant element.
Carmen and Deandre are squeezing each other’s hands, and Dominique and Jaylen have their hands over their faces as everyone stares at the elements.

..
..
..

BLUE: WATER
RED: WOOD

Domonique: Oh my God!!
Jaylen: Yes, yes, yes!
*Carmen immediately starts crying silently as Deandre embraces her*
JD: Blue team, you chose water; Red team, you chose wood. Wood floats on water - congratulations Red team, you are headed back to the game. Blue team, I know you’re upset, but you guys played a great game. Made it all the way out here to Argentina, were one of the strongest teams in the missions, earned four pieces - you have a lot to be proud of, and I know your friends are going to miss you. Go ahead and grab your things.
*Carmen and Deandre are silent as they walk behind the burning cauldron and fade away, Carmen still crying*

JD: Well, you did it Red team! Two trips up to the Temple of Fate, and two trips back down. Grab your things and head back down, I’m sure everyone is waiting to see who’s coming back.
*Domonique squeals and jumps in giddiness and Jaylen has a huge smile on his face as they start to grab their bags and pieces*

Green, Yellow, and Purple are sitting at the campfire waiting to see who returns. Two outlines are seen running in, but it’s the voice that they recognize first before they’re visible.
Domonique: WE’RE BACK, BABY!!!
Chad: Reeeeed!!!
Francesca: Oh my God, it’s Red!
*Chad runs and tackle-hugs the Red team as everyone else gathers around to welcome them back*
--
NEXT TIME ON ENDURANCE
Bad weather causes discomfort
Yellow tries to get their head in the game
And one team’s argument could lead to their implosion
--
GREEN: Francesca & Eric - Heart
RED: Domonique & Jaylen - Perseverance, Strength, Luck, Friendship
YELLOW: Chelsea & Chad - Discipline, Ingenuity
PURPLE: Cheyenne & Ray - Teamwork
BLUE: Carmen & Deandre - Commitment, Courage, Leadership, Trust
GRAY: Rosemary & Chris - Ingenuity
ORANGE: Kyrina & Elias - Strength, Luck

[carsonvega]

Mar 19, 2020 21:36:18 GMT -5 Cruise meerkat Youssy said:

Chad: That’s why you gotta win. Save us both.
Domonique: To me it doesn’t make sense. You can’t be in an alliance forever. So if they win and they send us they’re stupid.
Chad: I don’t think Endurance has produced any rocket scientists…
Domonique: Shut up cause you know Jaylen is probably gonna be one when he goes to college.
*they laugh*

Haha, Chad had a good point!  But at the same time, if this cast would have a reunion 10-20 years afterwards, it would be hilarious if Jaylen actually did become a rocket scientist.

Mar 19, 2020 21:36:18 GMT -5 Cruise meerkat Youssy said:

Carmen: Um… no. I got it. I’m, like, really nice and I’m just gonna apologize and stuff. And I’ll braid Dom’s hair and we can decorate each other’s shirts. It’s gonna be great.

Lol, this makes her seem shallower than a wading pool.

---

Well, I have to admit that Purple team shot way up in my estimation after this episode.  They did what so many teams before them did not do at F5 - that is, they sent the biggest threat up to the Temple.  [E1 Blue, E3 Purple, E5 Green (although it would have been blocked by the Triangle of Immunity but still), E6 Orange, and arguably E4 Green all failed at this, and even E2 Purple should have sent Green instead of Yellow.]  I definitely did not expect that to happen until it actually did.

I'm overjoyed that Red survived and sent Blue home.  The game feels very fluid at this point; all the teams still need to prove that they deserve to win.  Red and Yellow need to come up with some mission wins, and Green and Purple need to prove that they can operate well outside of Blue's umbrella - that is, Green and Purple need to not give each other an easy path to the end, and they need to be considerate of the Red and Yellow teams.  I wonder who will be the first player to remember that the Karma piece has not yet been awarded to a team...

It will be interesting to see how Blue bequeaths their 4 pieces in the next episode.  I have a feeling Green will get at least 2.  Maybe all 4?  But maybe Blue will give Red 1 piece to give Red the lead in pieces and make them the biggest target?  Purple might get 1-2 pieces or might not, not sure how bitter Blue will be given that Carmen and Cheyenne did hug near the end.  I'm pretty sure Purple will not get more pieces than Green though.

I wish I could comment more, but it's back to work for me for now...

[Cruise meerkat Youssy]

Episode Nine

JD is shown walking up to the cabins, his arms full with a note and four pyramid pieces.
JD: Hey guys, come on out!
The cast files out to the steps and sit on either side of JD. It is clear by the disheveled hair and general attitude that most of them have just woken up.
JD: As you guys know, last night we said goodbye to the Blue team.
Cheyenne nods her head sadly.
JD: They did leave behind some things you guys are interested in - four pieces *he places a hand on the pieces on his lap* and a note. *he holds the note up* Francesca, why don’t you read this note for us?
Francesca: Okay!
She takes the note from JD and begins to read aloud.

Dear everyone,

We are so upset that we won’t be able to spend the day hanging out on the hammocks, walking by the lake, or singing songs with everyone. We really had a blast on Endurance and will miss everyone.

Purple team, we understand why y’all did what y’all did. We’re still upset, but we do understand. Good job on getting out the number one team.

Green team, you guys stayed true to us the whole way. Keep staying true to each other and you’ll make it to the final two.

We are going to give our Commitment, Leadership, and Trust pieces to the Green team. And our Courage piece will go to the Purple team. Sorry, you forfeited a piece when you sent us to Temple!

Good luck everyone,
Carmen and Deandre

The camera pans to Francesca and Eric, who are smiling widely. Jaylen, sitting next to them, is not.
JD: And just like that, Green team, you guys went from tied for last to tied for first with the Red team, with four pieces. A little later today everyone will get the chance to play for the Knowledge piece, and control of the Samadhi. I’ll give you guys a little hint: a little hand-eye coordination will go a long way. Until then, go hang up your pieces Purple and Green.

Green and Purple are shown hanging up their pieces on the piece poles as their voiceovers are played.
--
Francesca: “Blue left us three pieces which is great! We’re tied for first place, so… we’re very excited!”

Ray: “I was a little surprised that we even got any pieces from Blue, but at the end of the day, we were friends. I think they respected the fact we had the courage to send them, which is why they gave us that piece.”
--
After having hung their piece up, Ray is shown sitting in a hammock as Cheyenne approaches him.
Cheyenne: I really need to talk to you.
Ray: Why? What’s up?
Cheyenne sits down.
Cheyenne: We are not on the same page here. I’m still mad that we sent Blue.
Ray: What- Why? We got rid of the strongest team, and they still gave us a piece!
Cheyenne: Ray, those were my friends! And they were supposed to be yours too!
Ray: *shrugs* I mean… it’s Endurance. They just said in their letter that they understand.
Cheyenne: From now on, we have to compromise.
Ray: I’m pretty sure that was a compromise. We had already agreed on sending Blue before we even did the mission.
Cheyenne: And I changed my mind!
Ray: Well maybe you shouldn’t change your mind!
Cheyenne: *mocking Ray* WeLl MaYbE yOu ShOulDn’T- What kind of sense does that even make?!
Ray: *sits up a little bit* I know you aren’t talking to me like that.
Cheyenne: I’ll talk to you however I want, partner!
Ray: This isn’t even a partnership right now. You need to fix that attitude.
Cheyenne: You’re right, it’s not a partnership because you just want to make all the decisions for our team! Oh, I’m Ray, I think I’m the king of Endurance because I sent my best friends to Temple, and now they’re gone. Hello, Ray, there’s two of us; next time, consider my opinion too, thanks!
Cheyenne storms off. The shot changes to show that a lot of the cast had been watching the argument, attracted by the yelling.
Domonique: Oh Lord. Look at all that free TV.
--
Ray: “I would say Cheyenne and I aren’t really seeing eye to eye right now. We have to work on our communication a little bit.”

Cheyenne: “I didn’t want to send Blue yesterday and Ray decided to just go ahead and do it anyway, and when I tried to tell him that he needs to consider me too, he basically just said he wants to be the king of the game, so. *shrugs*”
--
A flash of lightning accompanied by loud thunder fills the screen, followed by the entire camp being drenched in a deluge of rain. The cast is sitting in the huts looking damp and downtrodden.
--
Chad: Well, this just sucks.
--
Eric: “Purple team doesn’t seem to be very stable right now. They sent Blue up to Temple which was very shady and then they’ve just been at each other’s throats since then. It makes me, like, a little worried because I did make that deal with Ray. But with everything that’s going on… I’m wondering if that’s the best move for my team.”

Chad: “Right after Purple’s argument, the skies just… opened up, and it’s been raining nonstop. Everything is wet. The ground is muddy. We’re all miserable. It’s really Endurance now. Thanks Purple. *thumbs up*”
--
While most of the cast sits inside, Chad is sitting outside on the porch watching the rain. Chelsea notices and joins him.
Chelsea: Hey Chad.
Chad: Hey.
Chelsea: Just wondering… If we win, who do you think we should give the Samadhi to?
Chad: Well… I guess that requires us winning first.
Chelsea: I think we have a good shot.
Chad: We have a shot.
Chelsea frowns.
Chelsea: You don’t think we’re going to win?
Chad furrows his brow.
Chad: We haven’t won yet. So…
Chelsea is silent for a moment.
Chad: *sighs* I do think we can win. It just frustrates me that we haven’t. We always do well, but we don’t win.
Chelsea: One of these days it’s gonna be our turn. Try not to get too upset.
Chad: I’m not upset. I think we can do it.
Chelsea: There we go! Think positive…
Chad: *smiles a little bit* Thanks Chels.

The next scene shows the cast - donned in boots - walking out to an open field. The rain continues to pour down and the cast is visibly uncomfortable and soaked. On the field there’s a contraption with four large pipes in the team colors, with the bottom of each pipe about nine feet above the ground.
JD: Hey there, guys… A little wet, huh?
Domonique: Clearly! *gestures vaguely to the rain*
JD: That’s just gonna make today’s mission extra fun! You guys know what’s at stake - the Knowledge piece and control of the dreaded Samadhi *he holds each up in turn*. Today’s mission is called Motion Sensor. One partner will be standing underneath their team colored tube. The other will be standing on a line about twenty feet away. Team colored balls will drop out of the tube. The person underneath must catch it and throw it to their partner. If either partner misses or drops a ball, then you receive a strike. Get two strikes, and your team is out of the mission. Sounds pretty easy, right?
Nods all around.
JD: There’s just one little twist. At first, the balls will drop slowly, one at a time. But as the mission progresses, they will come faster and more unpredictably. You guys have to really dig deep and concentrate to make sure you don’t miss any. Let’s get you guys all set up.

The scene flashes and the competitors are now in position, looking more drenched than ever.
JD: We’ve got all the guys under the pipes and the girls on the side. On your marks, get set… go!
A colored ball is dropped through each pipe. Each guy successfully catches it, then tosses it to their female partner.
Cheyenne: Got it!
Chad: Yes! Good job Chels!
Francesca: *reaches for the ball and it hits her hand and bounces off to the side* Aw, shoot!
Domonique: *tries to catch the ball… and somehow ends up sending it flying*
JD: Just like that, on our first toss, Green and Red already have one strike! One more and your team will be out of the mission.
Eric: Sorry! Next time!
Jaylen: Dom! Focus!
A second ball drops. Again, every guys successfully catches it, and tosses it to their partner…


And all four girls catch it!

Another ball drops as soon as the girls catch the last one.
JD: Here we go. Stay focused, everyone. The balls will come faster and faster as the mission goes on.
Everyone tosses to their partner, but one girl misses the catch…

JD: Oh! Domonique did not catch that one, that’s Red team’s second strike. Sorry, Red team, come take a stand over by me.
Jaylen runs his fingers through his hair and sighs as he walks over to JD.
Domonique: Sorry Jaylen! At least the mission will hopefully be done quicker so we can go inside.
Jaylen: Yeah…

Meanwhile everyone else has settled into a rhythm for a few minutes.
JD: All three teams are laser focused. Even in the pouring rain, nobody wants to lose!
Just as JD says that, a ball slips out of Cheyenne’s hand and hits the ground.
JD: Oh! Purple team down to one strike left! Yellow team is the only team still going with no strikes!
Cheyenne: Ray! Too low!
Ray: It wasn’t too low! Just catch it!
Cheyenne: Throw better!
Ray: Catch better! *throws the next ball to her*
The ball is thrown with a lot of force, and Cheyenne has to dodge out of its way lest it hit her.
Cheyenne: Bro!
Ray: Why didn’t you catch it?!
Cheyenne: Because- You know what, I’m not even-. *she throws her hands up as she walks over to JD*
JD: Just like that, Purple team is out of this challenge. And Cheyenne is not happy.
Cheyenne: I’m not!
Ray: And you think I am?!
Cheyenne: Don’t talk to me.

The camera pans back to Yellow and Green. The balls have started to drop quicker. There’s no rest as the guys continuously catch and toss to the girls. One guy, focusing on the next ball about to drop, tosses a little too short…

Chelsea: Shoot! Chad!
JD: Chad threw that one a little short, and Yellow gets their first strike! We’re down to the final two teams on their final strike… who wants to win that Endurance mission?
Eric: *shouts a little as he tosses a ball* You good?
Francesca: *shouts back as she catches it* Golden!
Chelsea: Doing great, Chad!
Chad: Chelsea! Just focus! *throws ball*
Chelsea catches the ball successfully. Now the balls are dropping mere seconds after each other. It’s only a matter of time until…

JD: Oh!






Chelsea just missed a ball, and that’s it! Green team won!
Eric runs through the mud to Francesca and picks her up as Chad slams a ball into the ground and Chelsea frowns, trying in vain to wipe some of the rain out of her face.
Francesca: I can’t believe we just won that!
JD: Come on over here, everyone. Green team, awesome job, great focus today. You guys won the Knowledge piece and control of the Samadhi. In one day, you guys went from one piece to five pieces - and the lead in the game. I’ll see you guys a little later for your decision. Try to dry off everyone.
JD nods and walks off.
--
Francesca: “The mission today was that one partner had to catch a bunch of balls and throw them to their other partner. And I kind of surprised myself because I don’t have, like-... Well, my hand-eye coordination isn’t that good, but I surprised myself because Green team actually won. And we have the lead now! It felt so good to put that fifth piece on our pole!”
--
The rain continues to pour. Everyone is in one of the huts, still damp from the mission.
Eric: That mission was so intense.
Ray: So intense!
Domonique: Yeah, Purple team was very intense.
Ray: I mean…
Cheyenne: Yeah cause Ray chucked a ball at me! *laughs*
Domonique: Ray you literally looked like this! *dramatically imitates someone humming a ball*
Everyone laughs.
Ray: Look… in that moment… I was making sure that ball got to Cheyenne!
Cheyenne: You tried a little too hard. *laughs*
--
Jaylen: “I don’t really understand the Purple team. They have a very weird relationship. One minute they’re fighting with everyone, then they’re with their friends Blue and Green, then they send their friends to Temple, then they fight with each other, then they’re best friends again, then they hang out with everybody… It’s a little bipolar. You can’t trust a team that’s not stable.”
--
Cheyenne: I mean, hey! No shade! But at least we lasted longer than Red team.
Domonique: Oh baby I knew we were losing that! *laughs* I caught one ball, I said - that’s good enough for me! I call that a win!
Everyone laughs again. Jaylen forces a chuckle.
Eric: Yellow did good today too. You guys almost beat us.
Francesca: Especially cause we had that one strike at the beginning, I thought we were going to lose. Y’all went so long without a strike.
Chelsea: Yeah. I’m kind of happy, actually, with how we did.
Chad: You’re happy?
Chelsea: Uh… yeah. I thought we did really well.
The mood in the room changes as Chad speaks up.
Chad: Why would you be happy? We didn’t win. There’s no point if we don’t win!
Chelsea: I just liked competing. It was fun. And I didn’t think I’d catch that many but I did, so I was happy with how I did.
Chad: I’m just saying Chelsea! We need to want better. We need to do better. And we’re not gonna do better unless you want to win!
Chelsea: I do want to win…
Chad: Then great! We need to start showing it! So stop being happy with average and start trying to win!
Francesca: Hey, she is trying.
Chad: Then I need to see it! I need to see it all the time! I’m not gonna lie and say you didn’t do good, cause you did pretty good, but when I walk around mentally focused and I put my all into every mission and I perform the best and she doesn’t? When she is around here saying she’s fine with coming in second because she did better than she thought? Yeah, that upsets me! I want a partner who wants to win!
Chad turns toward Chelsea.
Chad: I want you to want this, and if you don’t want it, then it’s not gonna work out and we might as well not even have come back from that first Temple. So unless we can fix it and start winning missions then we might as well go home. Okay?!
Chad abruptly gets up and walks out into the rain to the other hut.
Domonique: Okay, geez, attitude...
Francesca: Chelsea, are you-?
Chelsea: *nonchalantly* Yeah, I’m fine. He’s just upset about losing. It’s fine.
--
Chelsea: “Chad got really upset after the mission because I said I was happy even though we didn’t win. Chad is the type of person who bottles a lot in and then his feelings explode. I’m not really upset with him… I think that as his partner I can help him work on that. And I can definitely work on compromising with him as far as having a better attitude and wanting to win but still being grateful for what I’ve done.”

Chad (Confessional): “I’m so angry right now… And it’s not really at Chelsea, I’m just mad that we didn’t win, and she just said a comment that upset me, so I kind of went off on her. But right now I’m still just… ugh, I’m so mad. We should’ve won that. We should have won that!”

Francesca: “I don’t think that Chad deserves Chelsea because she’s the sweetest person here. Who else can have their partner yell at them and then not even get upset and then want to still help them and be partners with them?”
--
Donned in rain gear and boots, Francesca and Eric are shown strolling around the camp, talking in hushed tones about who to give the Samadhi to.
Francesca: Okay, so what are you thinking?
Eric: First of all, I have to tell you… It all happened so fast, that’s why I didn’t tell you before, but yesterday Ray and I made a pact to go to final two together. Well, that was before he sent Blue.
Francesca: Oh, okay. Wow.
Eric: Yeah. So that happened.
Francesca: I mean… it’s good that… we have a final two deal? Like I was thinking that we’d go to final two with them anyway.
Eric: What do you think about it now that they sent Blue?
Francesca: I don’t know… what, you don’t want wanna trust ‘em anymore?
Eric: *pauses* Can you?
Francesca: Well, truth be told… no, not really. I was really shocked they sent Blue.
Eric: Yeah, same. I’m going back and forth. Like I’m still friends with them, but if they can betray Blue like that…
Francesca: They could definitely betray us.
They pause for a moment and Eric adjusts his raincoat.
Francesca: So where does that leave us? We’re by ourselves then.
Eric: Well. I guess, um… I guess we’re still friends with Purple. Cause, you know, Red and Yellow are always gonna look out for each other so we should look out for Purple. Just maybe not trust them all the way. Cause we could end up like Blue.
Francesca: Right.
Eric: ...So, Samadhi.
They both laugh.
Francesca: Samadhi. Well…
Eric: Are we just gonna give it to Yellow? Call it a day?
Francesca: Actually… I was thinking about it. If it’s some type of puzzle, then Jaylen has a really good chance of winning. We haven’t really had any puzzles yet. So we might give it to Red so that Jaylen can’t beat us all at a puzzle.
Eric: You’re not worried about Yellow being able to beat us?
Francesca: I mean, yeah but… They’re two teams, and we only have one Samadhi.
Eric: Hmmm… Red definitely could win if it’s a puzzle. So that’s actually a pretty good idea. But Yellow is still good. Well, if they can stop arguing.
Francesca: Sometimes I feel like we’re the only partners that are actually on the same page!
--
Eric: “The Samadhi is a powerful tool. You have to use it wisely. That’s why we spent all afternoon in the rain talking it out and weighing the pros and cons of who should get the handicap.”

Chad: “One thing I’ve learned is that when you mess up, you have to apologize. And I definitely messed up by going off on Chelsea after the mission. She’s actually been a great partner.”
--
Chad comes back into the hut where Purple, Red, and Chelsea are still hanging out.
Chad: Chelsea, can you step outside real quick?
Chelsea: Yeah.
She gets up and they both stand on the porch.
Chad: I’m really sorry for earlier. It wasn’t really directed at you, it just came out at you.
Chelsea: Oh, I know. Don’t worry about it. I totally forgive you. I know it wasn’t personal.
Chad: I’m gonna try to be the best partner for the rest of the time here.
Chelsea: Seriously, don’t worry. You have been a good partner. And if you want to talk about anything, or vent about the game, or get away from Domonique sometime, you can always come to me.
Chad: *laughs* Alright, cool. Thanks, Chels.
Chelsea nods.
--
Chad: “In a way, me going off was really good for our team. I really do have the best partner in the game because nobody else here wouldn’t have gotten mad and then also helped their partner and forgave them so quickly. Chelsea is definitely helping me learn how to… like, how to, just, work with someone and make it work as a team.”
--
Everyone is dressed in their team shirts and getting ready to head down to the Clearing for the Samadhi meeting, when suddenly Domonique exclaims.
Domonique: Y’ALL, LOOK! It finally stopped raining!
Everyone cheers.
Domonique: Thank God cause I was not trying to get this hair wet again.
--
Domonique: “As far as the Samadhi meeting goes, I think Green will give it to Yellow. Because Red, uh… we haven’t been doing too hot, ya know! But you never know what tricks somebody has up their sleeve!”
--
Everyone is shown filing into the Clearing and taking their seats next to their partner as JD faces them.
JD: Hey there everyone! Good to see you all looking a little dryer than earlier!
Everyone laughs.
JD: Before we get to Green team’s decision on the Samadhi, I wanna talk about a few things first. You guys have been here a while and the game only gets more intense. Yellow team, how have you guys been handling everything?
Chad: Well, I mean, at least I wasn’t handling it too well. I got really frustrated that we didn’t win and I kind of took it out on Chelsea, but I apologized and we’re good now.
JD: That’s good to hear that you apologized. Chelsea, does that make you worry if Yellow maybe has a little more work to do to catch up to everyone else in terms of teamwork?
Chelsea: No, not really. When we became partners, for better or worse, we had to trust each other completely. It wasn’t fun to watch him blow up but I knew it wasn’t directed at me so I wasn’t upset. It doesn’t make any sense for me to be upset about what happened in the past when I can work with him and help him be better for the future.
JD: Wow. That is a very mature attitude, and I’m sure others can learn something from the way you handled that situation. Now, Purple, speaking of blowing up…
Cheyenne: Oh God, here we go.
JD: It didn’t really seem like you two were getting along in the mission earlier. What was that all about? Are you guys working on it?
Cheyenne: Well, yeah, this is what happened. I’m upset that we sent Blue, because maybe it was smart but I decided that I didn’t want to do it any more and Ray just did it anyway. So we have been arguing a lot about that.
Ray: We’re doing better though now.
Cheyenne: Yeah, we’re not really fighting at the moment. But at the mission it was just all this frustration that came out from both of us.
JD: Speaking of the mission, Yellow did really well, Purple hung in there for a while… and then we had Red. Domonique, what happened?
Domonique: Oh God! *laughs* I really do not have good hand eye coordination. And it was raining so hard, I did not want to stand in that rain, so I was like, okay we are not winning this. And that’s okay.
JD: Jaylen, how do you feel about all that?
Jaylen: I love, Dom. I really do. She maybe…um...
Domonique: Go ahead, you can say it!
Jaylen: She’s not the best at some of the missions, JD.
Domonique: He’s right! I’m not! And it’s not like I don’t wanna win but some of the things are just stuff I’m not good at.
JD: Part of Endurance is getting out of your comfort zone and immersing yourself in new experiences, and for you, that could be trying your best at the missions even if they’re not something you think you’re good at, right?
Domonique nods.
JD: Now, Green team. You guys won today’s mission! And with that power comes serious responsibility. Of course, you have control of the Samadhi. Any team that you give this to will be handicapped in tomorrow’s Temple mission. Now before you tell me who is getting the Samadhi, can you tell me a little bit about how you came to that decision?
Eric: Absolutely. This late in the game, you really have to think over every choice so hard, and we were in the rain all afternoon talking over the pros and cons and everything. In the end, we decided to take a little bit of a risk and give the Samadhi to…





the RED team. We think your time is coming to do really well in a mission. And if Red won, we’d probably go to Temple.
Chad’s eyebrows raise while Jaylen narrows his eyes in confusion.
JD: Alright, Red team, come on up and break the Samadhi open.
Red team walks up to JD. Jaylen takes the Samadhi and tosses it on a rock, breaking it open.
Jaylen: *picks up a small piece of paper and reads it aloud* It says “30 seconds”.
JD: Alright, so for tomorrow’s mission, you are going to start 30 seconds behind everyone else. It doesn’t mean that you can’t win, just going to make it a little bit harder. That’s all I have for you guys today. Everybody get some rest and I’ll see you tomorrow.
--
Jaylen: “I was a tad bit shocked that Green handicapped us. We haven’t really come close to winning anything. It kinda makes me think that something more sinister is going on.”

Chad: “I was so surprised that our team didn’t come out of Eric’s mouth. Now that Yellow doesn’t have the Samadhi we have a really good chance of actually being able to win the Temple mission.”

Eric: “Giving the Samadhi to Red is a risk because the mission could be something they totally suck at. Or it could be the one thing they’re amazing at, and the risk could pay off.”
--
NEXT TIME ON ENDURANCE
A friendship is tested.
One contestant resorts to manipulation.
And will old alliance lines determine which teams are sent to Temple?
--
GREEN: Francesca & Eric - Heart, Commitment, Leadership, Trust, Knowledge
RED: Domonique & Jaylen - Perseverance, Strength, Luck, Friendship
YELLOW: Chelsea & Chad - Discipline, Ingenuity
PURPLE: Cheyenne & Ray - Teamwork, Courage
BLUE: Carmen & Deandre - Commitment, Courage, Leadership, Trust
GRAY: Rosemary & Chris - Ingenuity
ORANGE: Kyrina & Elias - Strength, Luck

[kwdrewfan]

Dude I am ACTUALLY OBSESSED with this series like wtf how is it so good. It literally plays out as a real season of Endurance. Your narratives and storyline shifts make PERFECT sense, the character/team dynamics flow SO naturally as if it's really a bunch of teenagers reacting to what's happening around them. I am SO glad you went the route of Purple kicking off Blue; not only did it eliminate an absurdly strong team (and Deandre had a bad attitude from day 1 lbr, although Carmen was pretty nice in her last few moments), but it also created a whole new drama arc for the Purple team!!! I loved Jaylen's observance of them and how he commented that they "had a weird relationship". His assessment is super accurate and it's relatable because I, too, don't quite understand their relationship bahaha but it's totally believable? Like these are pretty high stakes, so it's not too surprising that these 14 y/o's might be responding to the stress in unpredictable ways.

I really did gain some respect for Ray for doing what most other Endurance contestants have been to chicken to go through with. Although Cheyenne's emotional lashing out at him afterwards was... yikes. Like girl I get it, but you're being ridiculous lol. He's right and he should say it.

Chelsea is a literal angel whom I adore. Francesca's commentary was interesting, saying that she doesn't think Chad deserves Chelsea. I totally get that but I also like Chad a lot, too?? I mean he's clearly a good guy who understands his place, but that competitive streak does definitely cause him to act out-of-character at times (would Jonathan E6 be a fair comparison?) which sucks. As some of the contestants stated, though, I think it's a good thing that he has Chelsea for a partner. I get the vibe that he really wants to do better.

Poor Jaylen is getting gradually more frustrated and I don't blame him. I honestly loooove Dominique's character and her humor but she is... yeah. Not a great contestant as far as gameplay. I do like her views on karma, though, and how much it plays into the competition - something that @firetruck421 and I are quite familiar with.   She & Jaylen also have a fun relationship; the fact that they're genuinely friends despite everything shows through, and I enjoy that a lot.

Speaking of which, each of your team dynamics are PRECIOUS and I love them all for how different and unique they are. So far what I'm noticing:
Purple - strong physically, lacking friendship
Red - strong friendship, lacking physically
Green - strong friendship, decent physically
Yellow - decent physically, decent friendship
So it's pretty well balanced. Very cool to see the nuances in each team. (but I still have the most fond feelings for RED AND YELLOW, they're my bbies no takebacks)

I LOVE THIS FINAL FOUR! I can't wait to see how all the dynamics play out moving forward, and I hope the next mission IS a puzzle so that Jaylen can Come Thru and smash the competition in spite of the samadhi (a la Jonna in E1). Lowkey I think either Purple or Yellow will leave next, the fan favorite Red will go out at #3, and Green will win bc Francesca's from New Orleans. DON'T THINK I DON'T SEE YOU, BRYAN. I don't even like green that much lmao but they're okay I guess.

Anyway I can't wait for the next part!!! Sorry / you're welcome for leaving you an actual novella lmao!! (had to account for both episodes y'know)

Also, one last thing - you inject the PERFECT amount of spice/drama into this series so that it stays interesting, but not so much that it's obnoxious and over-the-top. I Love That

[Cruise meerkat Youssy]

Omg that comment is literally EVERYTHIIIIING.

So as far as Francesca being from New Orleans, I think she’s supposed to be based on someone who I knew?? I literally created these people when I was twelve LOL. And then I made Ana the RTS eliminee from a suburb of New Orleans... and Cheyenne is from Cheyenne, Wyoming which is like?? Who would name their kid after the city they live in

[Cruise meerkat Youssy]

I've had some major writer's block but I finally figured out how I want this next episode to move forward, so I've been working on it slowly but surely!

[Cruise meerkat Youssy]

Episode Ten

The scene opens with a shot of the sunrise glistening on the lake, birds chirping, everything still and serene…

And then flashes to inside one of the cabins, with four guys with their team-colored bandanas covering their faces obviously trying their hardest to be stealthy. Chad has a roll of duct tape in his hand, and they are almost done placing duct tape around one of the lower bunks, blocking it off.
--
Eric: “Someone left a roll of duct tape in the guys’ cabin, so we decided… why not play a little prank on the girls?”
--
On a top bunk nearby, Francesca rouses awake.
Francesca: *mouths* Wha-?
Ray: *holds a finger to his lips* Sh!
The guys continue placing strips of duct tape around the bunk for a few moments, until it’s completely closed off. Ray goes and wakes up Cheyenne and Chelsea, still holding a finger to his lips, and pointing at Domonique’s now-taped-in bunk.
Chad: *whispers* Ready?
Jaylen, Eric, and Ray nod.
Chad: *whispers* 1, 2, 3…. TIME TO WAKE UP!!!
Everything is silent for a moment, and then…
The disembodied voice of Domonique from inside the duct tape lair: WHAT THE HECK!!! OH MY GOD!
Everyone bursts out in extreme laughter.
Domonique: *laughing* Y’all are so STUPID!!! What the heck! Get me OUTTA HERE! I swear-!
--
Jaylen: “Things have been going well in the cabins. Everyone’s getting along, we’re having fun, playing pranks, and I think we’re past the drama at this point. Red team still has the Samadhi which sucks but otherwise, the game is going well for the moment.”

Domonique (Confessional): “To the boys… y’all are ROTTEN.”
--
The camera then shows Francesca and Cheyenne sitting on the hammocks together chatting.
Francesca: We need to come up with something really good to prank the boys back.
Cheyenne: Oh trust me, I’m all over it. I got so many ideas already. They won’t know what hit ‘em. We gotta do it tonight, after Temple.
Francesca: Oh geez. I forgot that’s tonight.
Cheyenne: Don’t worry about it. Purple and Green are gonna be safe. One of us is gonna win.
Francesca: Yeah. It’s nice to still work together even though we don’t have a deal anymore.
Cheyenne: *sits up a little bit* Wait, what?
Francesca: Like we still wouldn’t send each other even though we don’t have a final two deal.
Cheyenne: You don’t want us in the final two?
Francesca: No! I mean… yes? I mean, I do, since we started together in the beginning. We just… don’t have a deal.
Cheyenne: I thought Eric and Ray made one?
Francesca: Yeah but Eric and I decided yesterday we weren’t gonna have an official deal with anybody.
Cheyenne: You’re serious right now?
Francesca: Um… yes?
Cheyenne: Wow. Just wow.
Francesca: Wait, what’s wrong?
Cheyenne: Here I am, sitting here thinking I have a final two deal with my best friends and that’s how I’m playing the game, come to find out my so-called friends don’t want to have the same alliance. Wow.
Francesca: I do want you here! I do! We just decided that… well, like… for teams that trust each other-
Cheyenne: So you don’t trust me?
Francesca: No! I do! That’s not what I meant. Are you really mad?
Cheyenne: Of course I’m mad, Francesca! You literally just told me you don’t have a final two deal like I thought. Good thing I’m finding out now and not later.
*Cheyenne gets up and walks off*
--
Cheyenne (Confessional): “Green team… I thought I could trust you. Come to find out I can’t. That’s okay. Purple team will play on our own.”

Francesca: “I messed up and admitted to Cheyenne that Eric and I had decided not to have any final two deals. I mean, Purple is still my best friend… so I wouldn’t send them to Temple, I don’t think- or, like, I guess I really wouldn’t. I wouldn’t do that. But I just feel bad. I wish I didn’t hurt Cheyenne’s feelings.”
--
Ray and Chad are shown sitting in the guys’ cabin, getting ready for the mission.
Ray: So, dude, let’s talk.
Chad: Yeah?
Ray: Look, I’m gonna lay it out here. *lowers voice* I think Purple and Yellow should team up for this mission. Make sure Red and Green go to Temple.
Chad: Uh…-
Ray: I know, I know. Hear me out here. You gotta look at the number of pieces. Everybody else has way more pieces than us. We’re the two teams in last place. If we stick together we both have a better chance of winning.
Chad: *sucks teeth* Yeah, I know, but… I don’t know if I could send Red.
Ray: I know it’s hard. But I’m just saying, you gotta look out for your own team too, if you wanna win. I’m telling you right now, if Purple wins, Yellow is safe. You have my word. Take that how you will.
Chad: Alright, thanks dude.
*they fist bump*
--
Ray: “If Purple or Green wins, we’re safe. Red has the Samadhi. The only team that would be a threat to Purple in this mission is Yellow. So I’m just gonna work on Yellow a little bit, make some deals, get in their heads… you know, anything to keep us safe.”
--
The four teams are shown walking out to their next mission on a wide, open grassland with a medium-grade slope. On the slope is a gargantuan smooth tarp, looking slick and slippery.
JD: Hey guys, welcome to your next Temple mission. I think you guys are gonna have a lot of fun with this one. This one’s called Let It Slide. As you can see, there is a giant tarp behind me that basically is going to function like a slip ‘n slide. We’re going to have three heats, and in each heat, everyone is going to slide down to the bottom. At the bottom there are eight balls, two for each team color. Your job is to grab a ball and make your way back up the slippery tarp to the top. The person that is last to finish in that heat will have their whole team eliminated from the mission. We’ll keep going until one team finishes first in the third heat. Red team, you guys got the Samadhi yesterday. Jaylen, what did it say?
Jaylen: Thirty seconds.
JD: In round one, you guys will be starting thirty seconds after everyone else. Alright, let’s get you guys into position.

JD: On your marks, get set… go!
Purple, Green, and Yellow teams jump onto the slide. Chelsea makes herself narrow and low to the ground, zooming to the bottom.
JD: Woah, Chelsea’s figured out the fastest way to get down! She’s grabbing her ball, and everyone else is starting to reach the bottom now as well.
Domonique: Man this sucks!
JD: Everyone has their ball and is starting to try to make their way back up. Okay, Red team, you can go in 3… 2… 1… go!
Red team immediately jumps onto the slide. Domonique squeals happily as they glide down to the bottom.

Cheyenne: Hey, watch out!
Jaylen: Incoming!
Jaylen slides into Cheyenne, knocking her off her feet and back down to the bottom with him.
JD: And Jaylen’s figured out how to slow the other teams down, even with the Samadhi!
The camera flashes to Green, who in typical fashion are communicating well.
Eric: Hey, hold my hand so we can help each other up.
Francesca: I can’t? I have to hold the ball?
Eric: Give me your ball and I’ll put ‘em both in my shirt. Then we can hold hands and hold on with our other hand.
Francesca: Good idea. *she hands him her ball*
Francesca: *giggles* You look so funny.
Eric: Good, now let’s go.

Meanwhile, Yellow team has a different strategy.
JD: And Chad is literally pushing Chelsea up this slide!
Chad is behind Chelsea, pushing her up with his head and hands on her butt.
Chelsea: Chad, I’m gonna-!
Chelsea loses her footing and slips back a little, but falls into Chad who somehow manages to hang on and not slip.

JD: Oh, good save by Yellow! Meanwhile, Purple doesn’t seem to be using as much teamwork as the other teams.
Cheyenne and Ray are several feet apart, both climbing quickly.
JD: And Red team is… having some difficulty.
Domonique: God, this is so hard!
Domonique tries to step up onto the tarp but immediately slips and falls.
Jaylen: Look, I’ll start trying to climb, just follow me.
Jaylen starts to ascend. Domonique goes to follow him, but falls. As she does so, she grabs Jaylen’s ankle and drags him down with her.

A montage is then played, showing
climbing,
falling,
slipping,
ascending,
sliding,
grunting in frustration…

JD: This mission is proving to be very difficult! It’s all about perseverance, teamwork, and finding the right strategy! Yellow team is getting pretty close, can they get it?
Chelsea: Just a little more Chad!
*Chad grunts*
Yellow is 10 feet away from the top, 5, 3, 2, 1…
JD: And Yellow team makes it to the top! You guys are moving onto round two!
Chelsea: Oh thank goodness!
*Chad collapses, breathing heavily*
Chelsea: Good job, Chad.

On the course, Green is not far from the top, while Purple is just behind them. Red is near the bottom.
Francesca: *still holding hands with Eric* One, two, three, step. One, two, three, step.
Cheyenne: *breathing heavily* So. Tired.
Ray: Get over it, we need to win!
Jaylen: Grab my hand, Dom. Grab it.
Domonique: I’m sorry Jaylen! I just can’t do it! *grabs his hand and tries to step forward but slips and falls*
JD: Green team now getting close! Purple right on their tails, Red team still struggling… and- oh! Eric just slipped!
Eric is shown sliding all the way down to the bottom. Francesca shrieks and holds onto the spot he left her.
Ray: GO, Cheyenne! NOW!
Purple starts surging ahead, 10 feet, 5 feet, 3, 2…
JD: And Purple team is in the second heat! Only room for one more team!
Domonique has now made it a few feet up from the bottom, moving slowly.
Jaylen: That’s it, Dom! We’re still in this!
However, Eric is moving very quickly. Despite the slippery slope, he is somehow finding sure footing and soon has caught back up to Francesca.
JD: Amazing recovery by Eric. Red team has started to figure out how to climb up the slope, but is it too late?
Green team starts closing in on the top…




JD: And that’s it! Green team moves onto our second heat. Red team, sorry guys, you’re out of this mission.
--
JD: Okay, I think we can all agree round one of that mission was pretty difficult.
Ray: Hardest mission yet…
JD: Hopefully you guys have learned some strategies to help you make it through the second heat. Remember, only two teams will be moving onto our final heat. The last person to cross over that finish line will have their team eliminated. Ready, set…. Go!
Everyone slides down. Chad takes Chelsea’s approach of reducing his resistance and they are the first team to the bottom. Everyone starts grabbing their balls and heading back up, using the same strategies as last time.
Chad: I’m just gonna push you again, Chelsea - make sure you don’t slip.
Chelsea: Aye aye.
Francesca: *holding hands with Eric* Wait, hold onto me, I’m slipping-
Eric: Nope, I got you. *pulls Francesca a little so she regains her footing*
Ray: Come ON, Cheyenne!
Cheyenne: I’m trying!

Now that the teams have figured out their strategies, they are moving quicker and slipping less than before. But not perfect… a short montage of slips, slides, and falls from all the teams is played.
JD: Yellow team is in the lead at the moment, followed by Cheyenne, then the Green team… Ray just fell and is working his way back up!
Yellow slowly starts getting closer… 20 feet…. 15 feet… Chad puts his head on Chelsea’s butt and starts pushing her up.
JD: Chad literally using his head to get Chelsea to the top of this slope. And it works! Yellow finishes first again in the second heat!
Soon, Cheyenne successfully climbs to the top, out of breath.
JD: Cheyenne is up for Purple team! It comes down to Ray versus the Green team. Both are neck and neck, who will get to the top first?
Green team are moving slowly and steadily, while Ray is trying to hustle and make it to the top. One person loses their footing and yelps as they slip down to the bottom…
JD: Oh, Francesca just slipped! Eric held on but is going down after her to help her. Ray is now wide open to finish and get Purple into the final heat.
Cheyenne: COME ON, RAY!!!
Ray is moving closer and closer, 20 feet, 15 feet, 10 feet…





JD: And Ray finishes! The final heat will be Purple versus Yellow!
--
JD: Okay, guys. I know you’re slippery, I know you’re exhausted, but this is it right here: the final heat. Whoever wins this will be SAFE from the Temple of Fate tonight. On your marks, get set… go!
Both teams jump onto the tarp, sliding down to the bottom, Yellow again in an early lead.
Cheyenne: Okay, focus Ray, we need to win. Don’t slip and don’t make any mistakes.
Ray: I already know…
Cheyenne: Okay, just making sure.
Ray: Yeah. Okay. Well I already know. So you didn’t need to make sure.
As Purple bickers, Yellow has begun climbing, Chad once again behind Chelsea and pushing her up. However, Cheyenne and Ray are not too far behind. Suddenly, someone slips…





JD: Chelsea slips, falling down backward and taking Chad with her!
Ray: Go go go!
Seeing an opening, Purple starts surging ahead. It’s not long before both of them are the halfway point, while Yellow is still near the beginning.
Cheyenne: We got it, let’s go!
JD: Purple team is on fire! They are really moving!
Cheyenne and Ray are now zooming up the slope faster than anyone has done yet in the mission. Yellow team is moving fairly quickly but not enough to catch up.








SPLISH
Someone loses their footing and their ball slips out of their hands, rolling back down to the bottom.





JD: Oh! Ray lost his ball; he’s gonna have to go back down to get it and start over.
Ray yells in frustration as he turns around and slides back down to the bottom.
Cheyenne: Come on, Ray!
Cheyenne closes in on the finish, 20 feet, 15 feet, 10 feet…

JD: Cheyenne finishes first. But the question is, will Ray be able to finish before Yellow team?
Yellow team is moving at their regular pace, but Ray is moving double time trying to catch up. He is taking risks and not being very careful about his footing, but he is quickly gaining on Yellow. Soon, both Yellow team and Ray are nearly neck and neck, closing in on the finish…
Cheyenne: *jumping up and down* Come on, Ray! Come on, Ray!
Chad: Chels.
Chelsea: Yeah?
Chad: I’m gonna do like before and use my head to push you across. Get ready.
Chad again uses his head to push Chelsea forward. Both teams are even until…

JD: Wow! That’s it! We have a winner!








Chelsea and Chad finish just seconds ahead of Ray, meaning Yellow team… you guys have won this mission!
Chad just lays on the ground, exhausted but smiling. Chelsea gets on top of him and hugs him.
Chelsea: Thank you for literally pushing me up that hill!
Cheyenne: Ughhhhhh!
Ray angrily throws his ball at the ground.
JD: Well, that was one of the toughest missions I’ve ever seen played out on Endurance. All of you tried your hearts out out there - good job everyone. Yellow team, you guys killed it, especially Chad. You guys are safe from Temple tonight and will be choosing two teams to head up there. As you all know, only one will return. I’ll see you guys later, go get some rest.
--
Chad and Chelsea (Confessional): [Chad] “WOOOOO-HOOOO WE WON!” [Chelsea] “We finally won!” [Chad] “YELLOW JUST WON THE TEMPLE MISSION, BABY!”

Chelsea: “In the mission today, Chad really stepped up and we wouldn’t have won without him. I’m really glad he’s my partner because, well, he’s the reason we won and we’re safe.”
--
The contestants are all hanging out in one of the cabins.
Domonique: I just wanted to slide down some more! That was fun, sliding down!
--
Jaylen: “I am starting to get frustrated with Domonique. She just really hasn’t been very good at any mission that we’ve had. How are we supposed to become Endurance champions if half of the team doesn’t have a winning skillset?”
--
Eric: And then Purple team, you guys- You guys are just always fighting in the missions.
*Cheyenne laughs*
Cheyenne: Yeah we do but that’s how we motivate each other.
Ray: I scream at her, she screams at me… It’s fine.
--
Cheyenne: “Am I nervous that Yellow won? Yeah, of course. If history repeats itself they should send us to Temple. And to be honest, they absolutely should try to get rid of us because we are a stronger team. Ray and I were so close to winning today, if only he didn’t drop that ball. But we just have to figure out how to not go to Temple.”

Ray: “I talked to Chad about keeping us safe, but I’m not so sure he’s gonna keep his word on that. So I’m basically going to… create a situation that leaves him no choice.”
--
Purple team is shown off on their own, alone in one of the cabins. Cheyenne has a pen in her hand and is laying on a bunk with a piece of paper.
Ray: So my idea is, we’re gonna write a letter and pretend it’s from Jaylen and then we’re gonna have Chad discover it. And in the letter it’s gonna be like, well we’re just bringing along Yellow because we can beat them and we just want their pieces, yadda yadda, basically like we’re not really friends.
Cheyenne: And why do I need to write it?
Ray: Because Jaylen has good handwriting.
Cheyenne: Oh my God, you’re so smart!
Ray: See, I got you! I thought it all the way through. So I think this is how it should start…
--
Ray: “I got Cheyenne to write out a letter ‘from Jaylen’ and then I went in the guys’ bunk and put it on the floor next to Jaylen’s bed. And then when Chad and I were in there... “
--
Ray: Yo, what’s that? *gestures to the piece of paper on the floor*
Chad: I dunno. *picks it up and begins reading*
Ray: Well?
Chad: *his brow furrows* It’s like a… I guess, like a diary entry that Jaylen wrote. I don’t think we’re supposed to be reading it.
Ray: No way, what’s it say?
Chad: Just talking about the game. Nothing about Purple. I’ll just leave it in on his bed.
--
Chad: “I found this note that apparently Jaylen wrote in, like, his journal or something. And I didn’t read it all but it said something like, we’re only friends with Yellow because we can beat them and we want their pieces, and… I dunno. I mean, I know I’m really good friends with Dom. And that’s not a fake friendship. Maybe Jaylen does feel that way. I don’t know.”
--
Elsewhere, the camera pans to Francesca and Cheyenne who are walking by the lake.
Cheyenne: I’m sorry I got mad at you earlier. That really wasn’t cool.
Francesca: It’s okay. I’m sorry about the whole drama with the deal and everything. You guys are always gonna be our number one no matter what.
Cheyenne: I appreciate that. Thanks for forgiving me. I know I can be a pain sometimes.
Francesca: Aw don’t say that!
Cheyenne: It’s true! To Ray, to you, to everyone. I have a temper *laughs* and I just have to learn how to deal with it.
Francesca: Well… you’re still my friend and I’ll be here for you no matter what.
Cheyenne: Thanks girl.
--
Cheyenne: “It really wasn’t cool how I acted to Francesca because she’s actually, like, the nicest person here, seriously. And she’s actually been my friend through everything, so I shouldn’t have gone off like that.”
--
The camera then pans to Chad and Domonique on the hammocks.
Domonique: You guys won, we’re safe from Temple, both of us in the final three… life is good!
Chad: Sure is.
Domonique: I just hope Green team comes back! They deserve it more than Purple.
Chad: Yeah…
Domonique: You okay? Something’s wrong. Look, don’t even try to hide it cause I know when something’s wrong with you.
Chad: Did… Do you know- Does Jaylen keep a journal?
Domonique: Uh… I think so. Why?
Chad: I think I found a page from it earlier.
Domonique: What? Where?
Chad: On the floor, next to his bunk. It said all this stuff about… Red is only friends with Yellow to get their pieces and stuff. I don’t know if he wrote it or not.
Domonique: What? No. He did not write that. Trust me. You know I would tell you if he ever said that, and then chew him out too.
Chad: I know. The whole situation is just weird.
Domonique: I don’t know what you found, but it’s not from Jaylen. Or if it is then it’s not the whole story. Or something. Something’s fishy.
--
Eric: “I don’t really see any way that Green team is getting out of Temple tonight, which really sucks.”

Jaylen: “I do feel very confident that Red team is safe tonight, considering we have been friends with Yellow for the whole game. There’s no way they would betray us.”
--
The four teams are shown filing into the Clearing, taking their seats as JD awaits them.
JD: Hey guys, welcome back to the Clearing!
Cheyenne: You’re always so happy when we’re voting people off!
JD: *laughs* I enjoy you guys coming up here and getting to know what’s going on in the game! And to segue into that… Yellow team, you guys won your first mission today!
Chad: *smiles* We did, JD.
JD: Chad, you were literally pushing Chelsea up with your head. That was definitely some perseverance. How did it feel to actually win such a difficult mission?
Chad: I really can’t even tell you how good it feels. Especially a mission that was so hard for everyone. It’s been a long time coming.
JD: Chelsea, on the flip side, is it difficult having the power of winning a mission? You’re forced to handicap or vote off the same people you live with.
Chelsea: Oh definitely. Even if you know who you’re sending or giving the Samadhi, you still have to look them in the eye and say, I want you to go home, basically. But I think, or at least I hope, we can separate the game from our friendships.
JD: Francesca, exactly how important are friendships in the game?
Francesca: I think they’re really important because you have to trust people, and you want to trust your friends. It’s what Endurance is all about, really.
JD: Cheyenne, from what I’ve seen, it’s kind of been Red and Yellow on one alliance, and Green and Purple on the other side, is that right?
Cheyenne: Yeah.
JD: So do you think Purple is going to Temple tonight?
Cheyenne: I think there’s a very strong chance but anything could happen, you know. I’m not the Yellow team so I don’t know what they’ve talked about.
JD: Ray, do you even try to talk it out or make a deal or at this point, or do you just accept your fate?
Ray: I’m never gonna accept my fate. I’m always thinking of the next way to get further into the game.
JD: Jaylen, do you think fate can be avoided?
Jaylen: Woah, getting a little philosophical there, JD. *laughs* Um, I don’t think so. Whatever is supposed to happen, will happen no matter how much you tamper with it.
JD: Interesting answer. With all that said, Yellow team, have you decided which two teams will be going to the Temple of Fate?
Chelsea: Yes, JD.
JD: Which two teams is that?
Chelsea: Um, well… you can say it. *nudges Chad*
Chad: It’s gonna be Green and Purple. No hard feelings, guys.
Francesca frowns while Ray just nods.
JD: Alright, Green team, Purple team, tonight you guys will make that long journey out to the Temple of Fate. Only one team will be coming back. Pack your bags, say your goodbyes, we leave at sunset.
--
Ray: “I did my best, pulled out all the tricks to try to save us but in the end, there’s no breaking that Red and Yellow bond.”
--
Shots of Green and Purple teams packing their bags are shown.
Francesca: Awww, Cheyenne, I don’t wanna do this! *wipes a tear from her eye*
Cheyenne: *reaches over and hugs Francesca* I know, me neither. It sucks no matter what.
--
Francesca: “In a way I am excited to go to Temple. I don’t want to go home, but it’s part of the Endurance experience, to get to go to Temple and hopefully come back. I’m just really upset that we have to go against our best friends.”
--
Eric: Well, dude. End of an era. Good luck tonight. *fist bumps Ray*
Ray: May the best team win.
--
Domonique: “It’s kind of crazy to me how this big alliance ran the entire game and now there’s only gonna be one team from that alliance here. And who’s still standing? Red and Yellow, baby. We did it.”
--
Cheyenne, Ray, Francesca, and Eric are shown grabbing their pieces off of the piece poles and hugging the Red and Yellow teams as their voiceovers are played.
--
Eric: “I don’t feel it in my heart that Green’s gonna go, and if we do, it’ll just be our time. We deserve it, we’ve fought so hard and played a really good game, and I think fate will be on our side.”

Ray: “If I go home tonight, I just want people to remember me as someone who played hard but also played hard. I mean, I played the game and strategized a lot but I also had fun and made a lot of friends.”

Francesca: “Endurance has been just a really awesome experience. I’m so close to the end and I just want to make it there so, so badly.”

Cheyenne: “I definitely feel like I’ve changed a lot since I got here. Every single day, I’m learning new things about myself. I haven’t always treated people the nicest, and I regret that. I’m learning how to control my emotions and how to be civil with people I don’t get along with. I never thought I’d say any of that, and I’m going to be really upset if I have to be sent home at this point.”
--
Green and Purple arrive at Temple and take their places on opposite sides.
JD: Purple team, Green team, welcome to the Temple of Fate. In front of you are three cauldrons, one containing fire, one containing water, and the last one containing wood. Your goal is to outsmart your opponent by choosing the dominant element. You’ll write down your choice on a piece of bamboo and I’ll drop it into the burning cauldron. Remember, wood floats on water, water puts out the fire, and fire burns the wood. Whichever team can outsmart their opponent two times will be the team that returns to the game. There’s a lot at stake here. Are you guys ready?
Both teams nod.
JD: Go ahead and pick up your first piece of bamboo.
Cheyenne: *whispering* I think we should do fire?
Ray: *whispering* Okay.
Cheyenne: *whispering* No, wait, do water.
Ray: *whispering* You sure?
*Cheyenne nods*
JD: Okay, purple. *grabs their bamboo* Okay, green. *grabs their bamboo and drops both into the burning cauldron* Now let’s find out, who has the dominant element.

Green: WOOD
Purple: WATER

JD: Wood floats on water, that’s one win for you, Green team. One more and you’re headed back to the game. Purple team, you need this next one to tie or you will be eliminated. Go ahead and choose your elements.

Both teams pick up their bamboo and begin whispering.
Francesca: Go with your gut. Go with that fate tells you.
Eric: *nods and writes down WATER on the bamboo*
JD: Okay, green. *grabs their bamboo* And purple. *grabs their bamboo and drops both into the burning cauldron* Let’s find out who has the dominant element.

Green: WATER
Purple: FIRE

Green gasps and hugs each other, as Purple look upset,
JD: Water puts out the fire, that’s two wins. Green team, you guys are going back to the game! Purple team, I’m sorry to say that your time on Endurance has ended. You have a lot to be proud of, you were a strong team and made it very far, and I’m sure your friends will miss you.
Francesca: We will.
Eric: Love y’all.
Ray: Thanks guys.
Cheyenne: Please win!
*Purple takes their spot behind the burning cauldron and fade away*

JD: Green team, you guys are in the final three! Go ahead and return to camp, I’m sure some people are going to be very happy to see you guys.
Eric: Thanks JD!

Red and Yellow are sitting around a campfire when two figures are seen running in the distance.
Chad: Who is it? Who is it?
Domonique: Oh my gosh!
The figures get closer.
Domonique: IT’S GREEN!
Francesca: We’re back!!
Green team runs up and the six players have a group hug.
--
NEXT TIME ON ENDURANCE
Purple leaves an interesting letter
A late-game twist shakes the players up
And one team thoroughly earns the final pyramid piece
--
GREEN: Francesca & Eric - Heart, Commitment, Leadership, Trust, Knowledge
RED: Domonique & Jaylen - Perseverance, Strength, Luck, Friendship
YELLOW: Chelsea & Chad - Discipline, Ingenuity
PURPLE: Cheyenne & Ray - Teamwork, Courage
BLUE: Carmen & Deandre - Commitment, Courage, Leadership, Trust
GRAY: Rosemary & Chris - Ingenuity
ORANGE: Kyrina & Elias - Strength, Luck

[Pgcool™]

Just read the first episode. Very good! The guys were playing dirty in the Right to Stay (at least 2 of them). Corey seemed like he would've been fun if he last longer. Mallory seemed like a sweetheart too

[Pgcool™]

Here are my thoughts as I'm reading episode 2:
Kyrina "It's really none of my business", Ummmm okay girl! You clearly don't understand the game you're playing haha.
Oh my god, this partner voting system is CRAZZY! Was not expecting that... and clearly none of them were. This is about to get messy.
I just knew Dominique was going to end up with someone other than Chad. Poor Jaylen.
And of course, most of these teams got messed up. Will be interesting who will push through haha.
And I'm dying at Cruise Meerkat Youssy cruises lol, nice one.
So far I don't think I really have any favourites, but I'm sure that's all going to change once I see how everyone acts with their partners and how the teams do in general.
Good episode!!!

[Cruise meerkat Youssy]

Episode Eleven

JD is shown approaching the cabins, two pieces and a tied up letter in his hands
JD: Hey guys, come on out!
The Red, Green, and Yellow teams emerge from the cabins and take seats next to JD
JD: Every time I walk up here the cabins are looking thinner and thinner. There’s only three teams left. You guys have survived a lot, and outlasted fourteen other contestants to get to this point. Last night, we said goodbye to the Purple team. They did leave behind a letter, which I have here, and their two pyramid pieces. Eric, why don’t you read it for us today?
Eric: Sure thing, JD. *takes the letter from JD and begins to read aloud*

Dear final three,

Both of us had an amazing time in Argentina but we have some things to clear up. First, everyone knows that Purple team deserves to be sitting in that final three. We were one of the strongest teams physically, mentally, and strategically. Some of the other teams did not do that much to get that far in the game. Mostly the Red team.

Jaylen’s eyebrows shoot up.

They have not won anything and don’t deserve to have as many pieces as they do.

Domonique rolls her eyes.

Yellow team, no comment on you. Green team, obviously you guys were our best friends and will be getting our two pieces. Eric, don’t forget to call Cheyenne when you get home. Francesca, you deserve to win the most out of anyone. Everyone, I hope you enjoy knowing that we are in a real bed, eating pizza, and watching TV while you guys still sleep on a wooden bunk with nothing to do. Enjoy the rest of the game and may the best (Green) team win!

Love,
Bitter Purple

JD: Wow, quite a letter there. Red team, how do you take that?
Jaylen: Uh… I don’t really care. I’m still here. They’re not. *shrugs*
Domonique: We DID earn our pieces because we actually made friends out here and that’s how we got our pieces. And I’d much rather be sleeping on my hard bunk right now than sitting at home.
JD: Well, for better or worse, Green team, you guys get the Teamwork and Courage pieces, bringing your lead up to seven pieces. Red, you guys have four. And Yellow… hanging on with just two pieces.
*Chad laughs embarrassedly*
JD: In just a little while we are going to have our final Endurance mission, where the winner will earn the last piece of the game, Karma. This is a big one, guys. I’ll see you all in a while.
JD gets up to leave and everyone begins chatting.
Chad: Well that was… a colorful letter.
Domonique: Dude that was so low! Like, that was just so lowdown. Red team deserves to be here. Purple obviously didn’t!
Jaylen: Francesca, I have a serious question. Why were you guys friends? It seems like you guys were opposites.
Francesca: Well… I mean, they did ask me at the beginning to be in their alliance… and from there, we just became friends… I don’t know.

The scene changes to show Francesca and Eric hanging their two new pieces on their piece pole.
Francesca: *after watching Eric stretch to place their seventh piece* Wow, so high! *laughs*
--
Francesca: “Purple team left this kind of… nasty letter, and, you know, it just wasn’t a good look. I’m glad we got their pieces but I wish they had gone out on a better note.”

Eric: “Green team is basically stuck here by ourselves now since Purple is gone. Red and Yellow are cliqued up. And yeah, I miss Purple team. I wish they were still here. Cheyenne and I… yeah, we’re close. I’m still gonna be good friends with them after we get home.”
--
The remaining six players are then shown in one of the cabins talking.
Domonique: I have a question for y’all. Sometimes in the final three the winner of the Endurance mission takes the Samadhi out of the game and makes the last Temple mission fair. Would y’all do that?
Francesca: I like that idea. Just make it whoever does the best wins.
Chad: I dunno… I have to worry about giving myself the best chance to make it to the final two.
Chelsea: At the same time, we’ve all worked so hard to be here so I think I’d want everyone to have that fair chance.
Chad: True, true.
Eric: Nah. If you win the Endurance mission it’s your right to give out the Samadhi. Period. Even if I am friends with everyone, I won. And I would play the game.
Jaylen: So you’d definitely give out the Samadhi?
Eric: Oh yeah. Totally. I want to have the biggest advantage possible.
--
Domonique: “I brought up a conversation about the Samadhi to see where everybody stood. And what do you know?! True colors came out! Everybody was definitely feeling uneasy when Eric was going off about how he’d love to give us all the Samadhi or whatever. Do I feel like Eric is really friends with Red or Yellow teams, no.”

Eric: “I respect my competitors but at the end of the day I will do what I need to do to get my team to the finale. We’re on our own out here as far as alliances go so any advantage I can get, I’m gonna take.”
--
The girls are shown in their cabin braiding hair and talking.
Domonique: So, Fran, what did you think when Eric said he wouldn’t throw out the Samadhi?
Francesca: Um, well, I think it would be a team decision. If we even win the Samadhi first of all.
Domonique: So you would want to throw it out? For sure?
Francesca: Um, I think I would. Just to have everything fair. But I would have to talk to Eric about it of course.
Domonique: I think it’s a little bit selfish for Eric to say that. Even if he was thinking that, he didn’t need to say it to our faces that he would rather us just get handicapped.
Francesca: Well… I don’t think it’s selfish really… Well, even if it is- um, it’s just a game.
Domonique: Yeah. We’ll see what happens.

The scene changes to show the final three walking out to the mission grounds to meet JD.
JD: Hello everyone! Welcome to your final Endurance mission! Walking out, I see some game faces on. Chad, what’s up with the war paint?
Chad’s face is shown adorned with intricate designs in yellow paint.
Chad: Gotta get my head in the game. It’s the last Samadhi.
JD: It is the last Samadhi indeed, and our final piece, Karma, will be given out as well. Today’s mission is called Slip and Slider.
Domonique: Oh no…
JD: Don’t worry - no more slip and slides. Instead, behind me, you will see three large puzzles on the ground. Each puzzle consists of 24 pieces and one empty space. Your job is to solve this puzzle by sliding the pieces around until it forms the logo of Endurance. The first team that can successfully do this will win the Samadhi and the Karma piece. It’s a simple mission with a lot at stake. Let’s get you guys into position.

Jaylen: *whispering to Domonique* Dom, trust me. I got this. I love slider puzzles.
Chelsea: *looking at puzzle and talking to Chad* That piece has to go at the top.
JD: Alright, on your marks, get set… go!
The three teams rush to their puzzles and immediately get started sliding the pieces around.

Domonique steps back and watches Jaylen silently as he quickly and deftly slides pieces around.
The camera pans to Green team who are working together and communicating frequently.
Francesca: I think this one has to go up here.
Eric: Wait, no. You have to move that one down and over first and then you can move the other one up.
Yellow team has a different strategy, as Chelsea steps back but directs Chad to move the pieces.
Chelsea: Okay, left. Other left! Over. Up.
JD: All three teams working on the puzzle. Who wants to win that Samadhi?
All of a sudden…











Jaylen: Got it! Got it, JD!
Domonique: Oh my God! Oh my God!
JD jogs over to take a look…
JD: Wow, Red team has it! Red team just crushed that mission!
Domonique: AAAAAHHH! Oh my God! *jumps on Jaylen and hugs him*
Eric: Wait, what?
Chelsea: Huh?
JD: I am seriously impressed, Jaylen! Before any of the other teams could even get their puzzle really going, you came through and blew the competition away!
Jaylen: *smiling widely* Thanks, JD.
JD: After not winning a mission all season, Red team, here’s your Karma piece, you earned it. And you also earned control of the Samadhi.
He hands Domonique the Samadhi.
JD: Normally when I give away the Samadhi, I tell the winning team they have all afternoon to make a decision on which team they want to handicap. But that’s not the case today.
Domonique’s smile drops.
JD: You’re going to need to make a decision on who to give the Samadhi to right here, and right now.
Francesca covers her mouth and Chelsea’s jaw drops.
Domonique: Oh my God…
JD: I’ll give you guys a minute to talk it over.

Domonique and Jaylen walk a little bit away and speak in hushed tones.
Jaylen: You wanted to throw it out, right?
Domonique: I did, I did. But, like, now I’m thinking…
Jaylen: What?
Domonique: I wanna give it to Green maybe.
Jaylen: What? Why?
Domonique: Because they wouldn’t throw it out. So why should we?
Jaylen: Are you sure?
Domonique: No. *frowns*
Jaylen: Let me know what you want to do. I’m okay with whatever you decide.
JD: Okay, Red team, have you guys made a decision?
Jaylen and Domonique glance at each other.
Domonique: Yes we have, JD.
JD: Who will be getting the Samadhi - if anyone at all?
Domonique: Well… it really came down to….











The Green team. Sorry guys.
Chelsea’s jaw drops while Francesca looks sad and Eric shakes his head.
Eric: So much for playing fair.
Domonique: *shrugs* I’m sorry.
JD: Green team, come on over here and break open the Samadhi.
Eric walks over and takes the Samadhi, slamming it on the ground. He pulls out a small block.
JD: Eric, what do you have in your hands right there?
Eric: It’s a little block.
JD: It is indeed. That block indicates that the Green team will have one extra block in the Temple mission, making it just that much harder to win. Now - there’s a reason you guys had to give out the Samadhi immediately.
Domonique: Oh no.
JD: Because we are going to do the Temple mission right now.
*everybody’s jaw drops*
Francesca: No way!
JD: Follow me on over here. *JD gestures and begins walking to a nearby area for the next mission*
--
Jaylen: “I love slider puzzles and I’ve always done them in my spare time for fun. When I saw the Endurance mission, I was just so excited because I knew I could just picture it in my mind and it would just happen. We won so quickly, the other teams didn’t really even get a chance to get into the puzzle.”

Domonique: “Jaylen is seriously like a BEAST, like a mental BEAST. He is such a good partner! I’m so happy we won!”

Chelsea: “Red won the Endurance mission and I was really happy for them. They’ve gone through a lot in the game so for them to win their first mission was really nice.”

Jaylen: “JD told us we had to give out the Samadhi right away, which really took us aback. I let Dom take over and make the decision because I trusted her gut instinct to make the right decision.”

Domonique: “It was so hard for me to decide on the Samadhi. Because I really didn’t get any time to think about it! It was such a split-second thing. I thought I would’ve thrown it out, but I changed my mind at the last second. We really need to win that Temple mission.”

Eric: “I was not impressed when Red gave us the Samadhi… kinda mad, actually. Dom was upset earlier when I said I probably wouldn’t throw it out, then turns around and gives us the Samadhi anyway. I found that very hypocritical actually.”

Francesca: “Yeah I was definitely surprised when Red gave us the Samadhi, but the only thing we can do is try our best in the Temple mission.”

Chad: “After Red gave Green the Samadhi, JD surprised us again by telling us we would have a Temple mission, like, at that moment. All that I could think was, we need to win. We have to win because if you lose, you go to Temple. Just like that. The stakes are so high.”
--
JD: Alright, guys. Welcome to the final Temple mission of Endurance: Argentina. It all comes down to this. Weeks of missions, alliances, friendships… all that matters right now is winning this mission and guaranteeing yourself a spot in the final two teams. Of course, the two teams that lose will automatically go up to the Temple of Fate. One team will leave Endurance tonight, only one day before the finale.
*everyone has a somber and serious game face on*
JD: Look in front of you. There are ten large blocks in your team’s color, laid out in a line. Green team, since you got the Samadhi, there are eleven. You and your partner will begin by taking places at opposite ends of the blocks. On my go, you will then pick up the stack by pushing it against your partner. Then, hold on as long as you can. This mission is about teamwork and communication with your partner, and also a true test of endurance. Who wants it the most and who can last the longest through the pain. If you push too hard, you may squeeze a block out; if you don’t push hard enough, your blocks will fall. The last team standing holding all of their blocks wins the Temple mission, and will win a spot in the final two. Everyone understand?
*nods all around*
JD: Let’s get into position.

The teams are standing around, ready to begin.
Francesca: Oh my gosh, I’m so nervous.
Eric: *looks into Francesca’s eyes* We got this. We got this.
Chelsea: Good luck everyone!
JD: Alright. On your mark, get set… go!
*all three teams pick up their blocks*
JD: And it’s on. Who wants to be safe from Temple the most?
Jaylen: Dom, push a little harder.
Domonique nods and pushes a little harder.
Francesca: Ah, shoot.
Eric: What? What’s wrong?
Francesca: I didn’t- I didn’t get a good position.
Eric: Just fight through it. You can do it.
Francesca: I’m trying. *grits her teeth*
Chad: How are you Chels?
Chelsea: I’m good!

*time lapse*
JD: Five minutes, these teams have been holding up. It’s hot out here in Argentina. Everyone sweating… everyone fighting through the pain and soreness.
Domonique: This sucks!
Chad: *playfully* Drop out then!
Domonique: I will really drop dead before I drop these blocks! So nice try!
Jaylen catches Domonique’s eye.
Jaylen: *whispers* Dom, stand like this.
*Jaylen is standing with his legs wide, roughly with his body in a triangle shape. Domonique follows suit.*
Domonique: *whispering back* Oh, this is better!
Francesca: *sweat dripping down her face* Aaarrghhhaaa!
Eric: Let it out, let it out.
Francesca: Eric- I can’t-
Eric: Don’t let go Fran! Don’t! Keep pushing! Push! Don’t give up! Please!
Francesca: *whimpers a little bit but keeps standing*
JD: Green team is really struggling. Francesca didn’t start off in a good position, and that extra block is not helping things either.
Francesca: Aaaaaagggghhh!
Eric: You got it! You got it! Listen to me! Just keep pushing! You can do it! Pain is weakness leaving the body!
Francesca: I can’t-!
Eric: You can! You can! Please! Please, for me! We don’t wanna go to Temple!
Francesca: Eric-
*suddenly, two green blocks in the middle of their stack fall to the ground.*
JD: Oh! Green team is out! Come on over here, Green.
Francesca and Eric go to take a seat next to JD. Francesca begins to cry.
Francesca: I’m sorry, I’m so sorry.
Eric: *hugs Francesca* You tried your best, okay? It’s fine. We just have to go to Temple… but we’ll come back.
*Francesca nods and wipes away a tear*

*time lapse*
JD: 10 minutes in, and Red and Yellow are still looking strong!
Chelsea: It’s really starting to hurt a lot now.
Jaylen: You can drop, Chelsea.
Chelsea: Oh, I’m good.
Jaylen: I hear the Temple of Fate looks lovely at night.
Chelsea: All the more reason for you to visit!
Jaylen: I lost my ticket. Looks like you’ll have to go in my place.
Chelsea: Sorry! Yellow’s in quarantine in the huts. Can’t go to Temple. *laughs*
JD: And the trash talking begins!

*another time lapse*
JD: Red and Yellow, you guys have been holding on for an amazing twenty minutes now! No more trash talking, as the heat and fatigue have set in for everyone…
*close up shots of the four competitors, dripping in sweat and with uncomfortable looks on their faces*
Domonique: AAAAGHHH!
Domonique readjusts her feet, but trips a little bit in the process. A red block in the middle of the stack falls a little bit… but she catches herself just in time to push harder and prevent the block from touching the ground.
JD: Oh! Red team almost lost! Their block almost fell, but they caught it, and it’s now dangerously close to the ground. Can they hold on?
Jaylen: Dom, listen to me. We’re pushing too hard and we’re gonna squeeze it out. We need to ease up the pressure VERY SLOWLY, got it?
Chelsea turns her head to watch Red try to maneuver with their rogue block.
Suddenly…
















a few YELLOW blocks fall and hit the ground!
JD: Ohhh, that’s it! Red team just won!
Domonique: What?! WHAT?! AAAAAHHH!
She and Jaylen drop their blocks and run to hug each other.
Chad is shown kicking a block.
JD: Red team, after not winning a mission all season - you guys just won the two most important missions of the game, on the day before the finals! You guys are SAFE and in the final two! *he turns to Yellow and Green* Yellow team, Green team, you tried your best, but unfortunately tonight the two of you will have to take the journey out to the Temple of Fate. Only one team will return to join Red in the finals. I’ll give you all afternoon to pack and say your goodbyes. Today could be your last day on Endurance.
The camera zooms in on Chelsea, who looks disappointed.
--
Chelsea: “In the mission, Red started struggling and I looked over for just a second, but that one second broke my concentration and our blocks fell. I feel so horrible, being the reason we lost and have to go to Temple.”

Francesca: “Red gave Green the Samadhi but it ended up that it didn’t even matter because we lost anyway, because of me. When we picked up the blocks, I didn’t have a good position. My right arm was kind of twisted and it was stuck there. If I moved it, the blocks would’ve fallen. So… I tried but… *voice breaks* we lost.”

Domonique (Confessional): “Oh yeah baby! Red is in the FINAL TWO! Who would’ve thought that Red would make it to the final two?! I don’t care about my haters because Red is in the FINALE, BABY!”

Jaylen: “Words can’t even describe how ecstatic I was when JD announced that we won the mission. I have to give it to Dom, she came through at the end and she showed how badly she wants this.”
--
The scene changes to green team in the huts packing.
Eric: Well, time for round two up at Temple.
Francesca: Ugh. I know. But we got this.
Eric: Just gotta be confident in each other. We deserve this.
Francesca: I did not come all the way to South America to lose now!
Domonique walks into the hut.
Domonique: Hey guys… sorry about everything with today. Like, with the Samadhi and all.
Francesca It’s fine, we weren’t gonna win anyway. *laughs*
Domonique: Good luck at Temple. And I really mean that.
*silence for a moment*
Eric: Thanks Dom. I appreciate that. No hard feelings.
*Eric leans in and hugs Domonique*
--
Eric (Confessional): “There’s no use in holding grudges. Red was playing the best game they could and you can’t fault them for that. If I leave tonight… I really don’t want to, but if I leave, I want to leave on good terms.”
--
Domonique is shown walking out to the swing where Chad is sitting.
Domonique: Chaaaaaad!
Chad: Doooooom!
Domonique: I just talked to Green.
Chad: And?
Domonique: It’s good I think. They said there’s no hard feelings.
Chad: That’s good!
Domonique: Yeah, I didn’t want them to leave tonight and have them still be mad at me. Because you have to stay.
Chad: That’s the plan. That is the plan.
--
Chad: “Never did I imagine I would become best friends with someone like Domonique. She is so different than me. I remember on the first day, before any of us even talked to each other, I looked at her and thought she was someone I wasn’t gonna vibe with. But we just clicked right away. The jock from Michigan and the princess from Georgia. Who knew? If I left, it would definitely be hardest to say goodbye to her.”
--
Chelsea is shown in a hut writing down in a journal.
Francesca: Whatcha doing, Chels?
Chelsea: I’m just writing everything out. As much as I can think of. About this place and the people and my emotions.
Francesca: That’s really smart!
Chelsea: *smiles* I don’t wanna forget any of this.
--
Francesca (Confessional): “It’s getting close to sundown so that means Green and Yellow have to go up for the last elimination… no one is ready for this. It’s really going to be so sad whoever leaves.”
--
The teams start gathering outside the huts and begin to say their goodbyes.
Domonique: *hugging Chad tightly* Oooooh I love you Chadillac! Please come back!
*everyone laughs and exchange last few hugs as Green and Yellow make their way over to their piece poles and voiceovers are played as they are shown heading to Temple*
--
Eric: “Winning Endurance would mean so much to me. I’ve put my heart into the game and into my team since day one and to come so close and be eliminated would just be crushing.”

Chelsea: “I learned so much about myself and my capabilities. I never thought that I’d be able to do half the things I did here. No matter what happens, Endurance has taught me to believe in myself, because you can go further than you know.”

Francesca: “I’m just a regular, average girl and to think I made it to the final three of Endurance is just insane. Everything that I’ve been through here has been so worth it, just the people, the environment, the missions. I’ll never forget this place as long as I live.”

Chad: “I didn’t think I’d really change that much. I thought I’d just come in and compete. But starting from the beginning, things kept surprising me, like becoming friends with Dom or learning to work with Chelsea. I think we’re finally a really good team and we really deserve to be in the finals with our best friends.”
--
Green and Yellow arrive at the Temple of Fate and take their place on opposite sides.
JD: Green team, Yellow team, welcome back to the Temple of Fate. I know how difficult it is to find yourselves here so close to the final. Tonight we find out which team will join Red in the final two, and which team leave Endurance forever. In front of you there are three cauldrons. One contains fire, one contains water, and the other contains wood. Your goal is to outsmart your opponent by choosing the dominant element. You’ll write down your choice on a piece of bamboo and hand it to me, and then I’ll drop it into the burning cauldron. Remember, wood floats on water, water puts out the fire, and fire burns the wood. Whichever team can outsmart their opponent two times will be the team that returns back to the huts. The other team will leave Argentina forever. Everyone ready?
*they nod*
JD: Go ahead and pick up your first piece of bamboo.
Chelsea: *whispering* Um, I dunno… *looks at the cauldron in front of her* Water?
*Chad nods*
*Chelsea is shown writing down WATER and handing it to JD*
JD: Alright, yellow. *grabs bamboo* Alright, green. *grabs bamboo and drops both in burning cauldron* Now let’s find out, who has the dominant element.





GREEN: Water
YELLOW: Water

Francesca: Oh geez!
JD: Both teams chose water. That’s a tie. Go ahead and pick up your next piece of bamboo.
Chad: *whispering* Do you wanna switch to fire? Or maybe we should stick with water…
*shows Chad writing down WATER and handing it to JD*
JD: Yellow team, Green team. *drops both of their bamboo pieces in burning cauldron* Let’s find out who has the dominant element.







GREEN: Wood
YELLOW: Water

Eric: Woah yes! *hugs Francesca*
JD: Wood floats on water, that’s one win for Green. One more and you’re heading back to join Red in the final two. Yellow team, you need this one to stay in the game. Go ahead and pick up your next piece of bamboo.
Francesca: *whispering* I think, that they think, that we think, that they think that they’re gonna pick wood, so we would pick fire, so they’re gonna pick water, so we should pick wood.
Eric: *whispering* Uh… okay.
*shows Francesca writing down WOOD and handing it to JD*
JD: Thank you Green team, and Yellow team. *drops both pieces of bamboo in burning cauldron* Let’s find out who has the dominant element.







GREEN: Wood
YELLOW: Fire

Chad: Oh Jesus!
JD: Fire burns the wood, Yellow team that’s one win for you. Here’s where we stand. Green team has one win, and Yellow team has one win. Whichever team picks the next dominant element is headed back to the game. Go ahead and pick up what may be your last piece of bamboo.
Francesca: *whispering* Oh my God. This is so much pressure. You pick.
Eric: *whispering* I don’t know…
Francesca: *whispering* Go with what’s in your heart.
*shows Eric writing WATER and handing it to JD*
JD: Green team. *nods* and Yellow team. *nods and drops both pieces of bamboo in burning cauldron* For the last time, will the dominant element please rise now.



























GREEN: Water
YELLOW: Fire

Francesca: Oh my gosh?! Oh my gosh?! We did it!!
*Eric hugs Francesca and they jump up and down*
*the camera pans to Chelsea and Chad, looking forlorn. Chad puts a hand over his face*
JD: Water puts out the fire, that means Green team has won and is heading back to the game. Yellow team, you have a lot to be proud of. You went so far into the game, almost as far as you could possibly go. You’ve endured a lot and made some lasting friendships and memories that you’ll cherish for the rest of your life. I’m sorry to send you on your way.
Chad: Thanks JD.
Chelsea: Thank you.
Francesca: We love you Yellow!
Eric: Good job y’all.
Yellow takes their place in front of the burning cauldron, and fade away into the night.

JD: Green team - you guys did it. You are in the finale competing to be the Endurance CHAMPIONS! Go ahead and head back down to the huts. I’m sure Red will be very excited to see you.

Red is shown sitting at the campfire waiting, as two figures start running in the darkness.
Domonique: Please be Yellow, please be Yellow, please be Yellow.
Jaylen: It’s Green.
Domonique: No.
Jaylen: Yeah, it’s Green!
The Red and Green teams are shown hugging as Green makes it back to camp. Domonique smiles through her tears.
--
NEXT TIME ON THE ENDURANCE: ARGENTINA FINALE
Green and Red face off for Yellow’s leftover pieces
The teams reminisce on their times in Argentina
And stay tuned for the nail-biting conclusion to find out who becomes the ENDURANCE CHAMPIONS
--
GREEN: Francesca & Eric - Heart, Commitment, Leadership, Trust, Knowledge, Teamwork, Courage
RED: Domonique & Jaylen - Perseverance, Strength, Luck, Friendship, Karma
YELLOW: Chelsea & Chad - Discipline, Ingenuity
PURPLE: Cheyenne & Ray - Teamwork, Courage
BLUE: Carmen & Deandre - Commitment, Courage, Leadership, Trust
GRAY: Rosemary & Chris - Ingenuity
ORANGE: Kyrina & Elias - Strength, Luck

[Pgcool™]

Alright, I'm about to binge-read this and give my play by play. I'm starting at Episode 1 again haha.

Episode 1:
-Elias and Richard immediately making themselves outsiders by keeping away from the rest of the guys... going to put targets on their backs.
-Early alliance of Deandre, Carmen, Ray, Cheyenne, Eric and Francesca. Will be interesting to see how long this alliance lasts... especially if they end up on different teams.
-Right to Stay was interesting. Showed villainous sides with both Chad and Ray...
-The only Right to Stay victim that was really memorable to be was Cory, the others not so much. I was kind of expecting an alliance with Elias and Richard going into the next phase of the game, but guess not since Richard is bye bye.

Episode 2:
-Dominque telling everyone she wants Chad... over and over... like I get it, you wanna make sure people know what's up... but girl, get a grip I'd be so annoyed.
-Carmen VS Kyrina oooooo this is going to be fun lol. "It's really none of your business" "Um... literally it is" had me dying. These 2 are going to be entertaining.
-Once again, this partner voting thing was super unique and creative. Good job on it. I was half expecting this to show up on Endurance Sulsawhatever to be honest.
-Dominique getting Jaylen was pretty funny. Kind of deserved that tbh because you were so annoying. But hopefully they work well together because I like Jaylen's name lol.
-Elias and Kyrina is going to be interesting together too. 
-Kind of expected the 6 person alliance to all get on teams together. Even if they didn't get exactly who they all wanted, the alliance stuck together on the teams. But as we've seen, sometimes it's better for alliances to be spread out among several different teams rather than all be bunched together
-Philippines trip ftw. And lolz at Cruise Meerkat Youssy Cruise.

Episode 3:
-Poor Chelsea. I mean, Chad just seems bitter at this point... I don't blame him, sucks when partners get mixed up. But like... time for you to work with who you're stuck with!
-Blue, Purple, and Green seem like a very powerful and strategic alliance. I just hope they tone it down a bit because right now they're kind of like the mean alliance.
-Orange winning the first mission was very unexpected, but I ain't hating it. Makes things unpredictable already which I like.
-Also the first mission was interesting. I like how it was 100% luck based, and still had to do with strategically getting the lowest number possible.
-Kyrina, as much as shes a hot head... I agree with her. If Carmen wants the bury the hatchet, she should go up to Kyrina herself... not send someone else to do her dirty work.
-I think Elias is being a bit dumb thinking of giving it to Grey just to not piss off the alliance of 3... like... Carmen and Kyrina already have problems. You ain't creating a new enemy there.
-Carmen's probs my least favourite. "OH MY GOD I DON'T WANT ORANGE TO GIVE US THE SAMADHI BUT LET ME CALL THEM OUT IN FRONT OF EVERYONE AT THE MEETING"
-And ooo a sit out samadhi so soon in the game? Interesting.

We will be back... after the break!

[Pgcool™]

Episode 4:
-Blue, Green, and Purple are all so cocky and annoying. Like literally "we are gonna win every mission from here on out" get over yourselves.
-Deandre VS Elias... Elias is the one guy I would expect not to get into any arguments, but it makes sense kind of considering the samadhi. But still...
-Rosemary crushing on Eric lol. This is going to be messy since they're from opposite alliances.
-Orange Team giving up in the mission... not a good look for you guys.
-Green Team winning the mission, ugh that means the cocky alliance is safe. I wonder if Rosemary is going to make a move now and try and get on Eric's good side
-Ray and Deandre bullying Dominique in order to get her to join their alliance... gross.
-Rosemary being all nervous around Eric was kind of cute, but I feel like Eric's gonna think she's a weirdo now.
-Cheyenne beating up the shelter like a crazy person lol. Reminded me of Ninja from the Challenge.
-Orange team going home... d**n, I actually liked them. Like, Kyrina brought drama... but she was right in pretty much everything she was saying tbh. And I was kind of looking forward to Yellow going home and watching Chelsea and Dominique's reactions... but oh well. Bye Orange

Episode 5:
-Chris hurting his hand could spell doom for Grey. He's not making it sound like a big deal, but I can see him getting kicked out because of it and either Rosemary is on her own, or she gets a replacement partner maybe?
-I used to like Cheyenne, but now she's just getting annoying. And her fight with Dominique for no reason... girllllll.
-Holy so much drama in Argentina! Cheyenne really has become Kyrina 2.0. Doesn't surprise me though, she is apart of that evil alliance.
-Ugh at Blue Team winning. The evil alliance really is unstoppable so far. But if what I think is about to happens happens, they could very well screw their alliance over by putting their whole alliance on one Superteam.
-And just as I'm expecting it seems like it's gonna be the alliance vs the others. I don't care if the alliance thinks they're stronger, PLEASE let them lose this and break them up. Also I'm living for a crack within this alliance. I can see Cheyenne and Carmen getting into  it.

Episode 6:
-Aww poor Rosemary over seeing Cheyenne and Eric together.
-Ew... they really just won that? Evil alliance. Ugh. I was so looking forward to the drama that would happen with them forced to turn on each other.
-Wow, wasn't expecting Red to get sent up. That's going to create drama if they come back for sure.
-Sad to see Grey go. Chris was kind of cool, and Rosemary was cute and awkward lol. I was half expecting there to be a storyline of the other girls telling Eric she had a crush on him and everything becoming super awkward.

Alright I take another break now! I'm loving this though, glad to see you pretty much finished this out (one more episode to go, you got this!). Really does feel like a 7th season of Endurance aha, I'm here for it. Keep it uppp!

[Cruise meerkat Youssy]

Episode Twelve - FINALE

The scene opens with Dominique and Francesca laying down in the girls’ hut.
Francesca: Last morning in Argentina!
Domonique: Oh my God, don’t say that! That’s so weird!
Francesca: I know! I hate how quiet it is.
--
Francesca: “Usually at night we play games, talk, laugh, and sing, but it’s just four of us here now. It’s so quiet and weird that it’s just down to the final two teams.”
--
Francesca: I bet you miss Yellow?
Domonique: Yeah. Of course. But Green is okay too.
*they laugh*
--
Domonique: “Obviously I wanted Yellow to be in the final two with us. But I actually like Green! We were in different alliances, but they’ve always been nice. I think they deserve to be in the final two too.”
--
Jaylen and Eric join the girls in their hut.
Jaylen: Morning girls!
Eric: Time to get up!
Domonique: I don’t wannaaa!!! Don’t make me leave Argentina!
Suddenly, JD’s voice is heard.
JD: Hey guys, come on out!
The four competitors join him outside the huts and take a seat.
JD: I want you guys to remember something. Remember, on that very first day, when I said two of you would be Endurance champions? After almost a month, we’re now down to the final two teams. You guys have accomplished a lot and should be very proud of yourselves. Now, last night we did say goodbye to the Yellow team. Their pieces will be up for grabs in the battle for pieces mission later today, but they did leave a note. Domonique, I know you and Chad were very close, why don’t you read it?
Domonique: Oh nooo. I’mma cry. Here, Jaylen can do it.
Jaylen:

Dear FINAL TWO,

Wow. What else can we say? Just wow. Endurance has been an amazing experience and definitely changed us for the better. We are so grateful to have had this opportunity and as much as we wanted to win, the final two definitely deserves to be there right now. Here are the reasons we love you guys:

Eric - Mr. Stud Muffin, you always support your partner, and you have the funniest jokes. We will not miss your stinky feet, though.
Francesca - heart of gold, and truly the kindest person.
Jaylen - you are the sweetest, you always look out for people and stand up for what’s right.
And Domonique - you have so much personality and you’re a firecracker. You speak your mind and you never let yourself get defeated. You are both of our best friends from this whole game.

Obviously if we could’ve left our pieces they would’ve gone to Red… but good luck everyone!

Lots of love,
Chelsea and Chad

*Domonique is shown wiping a tear from her eyes*
Domonique: See, I told y’all!
*everyone laughs*
JD: Even though you had to say goodbye to your good friends, you guys have endured through everything to make it here to the final two. Your journeys in the game have been very different. Green team.
*the Green team is briefly flashed*
You guys got in tight with a solid alliance right away. From the get go, your alliance definitely dominated the game. But you guys were a crucial part of that as well. You guys won missions when you needed to, and showed off your amazing teamwork in every mission. Francesca, how do you feel about the way you played the game?
Francesca: I feel good. We were with an alliance, but I don’t think the alliance stood for everything that we had to say as a team.
Eric: Yeah, like for example… after the superteams, Francesca didn’t want to send best friends against each other to Temple, so we spoke up to make sure that didn’t happen. Just things like that. We always treated everyone with respect.
JD: And then we look over here to Red team. Red team had a rough go in the game at the beginning!
*Red team laughs*
JD: Domonique, you made it clear you did NOT want Jaylen as your partner.
Domonique: Yeah but now I love Jaylen!
JD: And you guys learned to work together, but mission after mission you just couldn’t pull it off until the very end. You guys survived two trips to Temple and a Samadhi or two, but you kept persevering and made it all the way until the end.
*Jaylen nods*
JD: Now before we head up to Temple for the last time tonight, we have something here for you guys. A little gift - something to signify your time here on Endurance.
*he pulls out a wood carving*
JD: This is a wood carving in the shape of the country Argentina, crafted here locally by artisans. If you notice, it has the names of all 20 competitors around the border, and the team colors on the inside border of that. The words “Endurance: Argentina” engraved into the center of the piece will forever remind you of the memories made here in South America.
*he hands them out to the final two as they admire them*
Francesca: Wow…
Eric: This is so cool.
JD: In just a little bit, I’m going to meet you guys for the final mission. I’ll let you guys put those away for now.
All: Bye JD!
--
Jaylen: “It’s really just starting to hit me that I’m here in the final two… and today’s my last day in Argentina. It’s really surreal that everything I’ve worked for is culminating in today’s outcome.”
--
The Red team sits outside the huts, talking shortly before the mission.
Domonique: Man, I wish Yellow had been able to give away their pieces. Because we would be at least tied right now.
Jaylen: If we get both of their pieces… we’re good. That’s an equal playing field.
Domonique: We just have to DOMINATE. Whatever it is, if it’s eating chicken brains, if it’s jumping off a bridge, I’m ready to kick butt!
--
Domonique: “Right now Green has 7 pieces and Red has 5. We’re playing for the 2 Yellow left behind, so Red needs to win those two so that we have an equal playing field for the final Temple.”
--
Green is in the huts also getting ready for the mission.
Eric: You ready?
Francesca: Oh yeah!
Eric: No, I said, ARE YOU READY?
Francesca: OH YEAH!!
--
Eric: “We’re up in pieces right now which is good, but getting Yellow’s pieces would mean we go in with a really big lead and that’s what we want right now.”
--
The two teams are shown heading out to the mission. There are two contraptions with hanging tiles in a 4x4 grid, one with green tiles and one with red tiles. Some of the tiles have markings on them.
JD: Hey guys! Welcome to your final mission here on Endurance. This one is called Point and Shoot. Out there, you see that each team has 16 tiles. On each team’s board, four of these tiles are marked. You can see that two have a picture of the Discipline piece, and two have a picture of the Ingenuity piece. These are the pieces that the Yellow team left behind. All the other tiles are blank. One at a time, one teammate will stand back here at this line and use a slingshot to launch a small rock towards their board. If you are the first team to hit the two tiles of the Discipline or Ingenuity piece - you win that piece. It’s as simple as that. Everyone ready?
*nods all around*
JD: Let’s get into position.

*the scene changes. Domonique and Francesca have slingshots in their hand and look determined*
JD: Domonique and Francesca up first. And go!
*Domonique tries to shoot but the rock just falls in front of her feet*
Domonique: Shoot, that’s hard!
*Francesca shoots but doesn’t hit the board*
JD: Domonique wasn’t successful, and Francesca was too far to the left. Boys are up.

*both of the boys shoot*
*Eric misses, but Jaylen’s connects to an unmarked tile*
JD: Jaylen hits, but a little too low and he hits an unmarked tile! No reward for that. Girls are up.

*both of the girls shoot and miss*
JD: Both of the girls miss again! A little bit of a learning curve in this mission, with how to use and aim the slingshot. Boys are up again.

*both of the boys shoot*
*Jaylen misses, while Eric connects to a Discipline tile*
Eric: Yes!
JD: Eric gets the first marked tile of the mission! Green has hit the Discipline tile - if they hit the other one, they get the Discipline piece. Ladies up again.

*both of the girls shoot*
*Domonique’s rock doesn’t make it to the board, while Francesca’s connects with an Ingenuity piece*
Francesca: Yay! *does a little dance*
Eric: Good job Francesca!
JD: Green gets another tile! They have one Ingenuity tile and one Discipline tile. Red still looking to make their mark on the board. Guys back up.

*the guys shoot*
*Eric misses, while Jaylen connects to a Discipline tile*
Jaylen: Got it. I got it now.
JD: Jaylen puts Red on the board with a Discipline tile! Girls are back up.

*the girls shoot and both miss*
Domonique: I don’t like this mission! *laughs*
JD: Guys’ turn now.

*the guys shoot. Eric misses*
Eric: Ughhh!
*Jaylen shoots and connects to a Discipline tile, breaking it*
Domonique: YAAAAY! *hugs Jaylen as he smiles*
JD: Oh! Jaylen just broke Red’s second Discipline tile, meaning they are getting the Discipline piece. The Ingenuity piece remains up for grabs - Green just has one tile left to get that one. Girls are back out!

*both the girls shoot and miss again*
Domonique: Jaylen I’m just gonna make a wild guess that this is your mission to win for us.
JD: No tiles broken, guys back out.

*both guys shoot, and both break a tile…*
*Eric’s rock hits an unmarked tile*
*Jaylen’s rock hits an Ingenuity tile*
Domonique: Yesssss!! *chants and dances* Go Red team, go Jaylen, go Red team, go Jaylen!
JD: Jaylen’s third direct hit in a row! Red is now with Green for the Ingenuity piece. Whoever breaks the next tile gets the piece! Girls back up.

*both girls shoot, and both miss*
JD: And guys are back out again. Can Jaylen get his fourth hit in a row and secure both pieces for the Red team? Or will Eric hit the Ingenuity tile and earn the piece for the Green team?

*both guys shoot…*







*both guys connect…*








*Eric’s hits an unmarked tile next to the Ingenuity tile*







*and Jaylen’s hit the Ingenuity tile*
JD: Oh! Jaylen just just won the Ingenuity piece for Red!
Domonique: Yaaaaay!!
*she and Jaylen hug tightly*
JD: Jaylen, again that was an amazing performance in the mission. You mastered the art of aiming and shooting the slingshot for four consecutive perfect rounds. You guys definitely earned the Ingenuity and Discipline pieces, which gives Red and Green an equal 7-7 split going into the final Temple. Now, I have something else for you guys. These are mini replicas of your seven pieces.
*he hands seven mini pyramid pieces to Domonique and Francesca each*
JD: You’ll need to bring these with you to the final Temple. Back at your camp you’ll find a surprise waiting for you. Use that surprise to reminisce on your time in Argentina and all the people that you met. You have the rest of the day to pack, say your goodbyes, and take everything in, because at sunset, we head up to the Temple of Fate - for the last time. Congrats again Red team, and I’ll see y’all at Temple tonight.
--
The scene changes to Red and Green walking back to their camp.
Francesca: Oh my gosh, look!
They find a giant wall, like one a mural would be painted on, and paint buckets in the colors of the seven Endurance teams. There is also a note.
Jaylen: The note says “Dear final two, please use the paint brushes to create a mural representing your time on Endurance. Use this time to reflect on all the people you met, the challenges you overcame, and the lessons that you learned.”
Eric: Well I know what I’m doing first. *he walks up to the Green paint, grabs a handful, and throws it at Francesca*
Francesca: *with green paint splattered all over her shirt and arms* Oh my God!!
The four contestants get into a short paint fight, laughing and running around, before settling down and starting to paint their mural.
--
Francesca: “For our mural, we decided to paint a scene from our camp. Every night we sit outside and watch the sunset over the lake and the grassland and it’s really beautiful and it’s something everybody used to do together from day one.”

Jaylen: “Our idea was to paint the sunset over the lake and then paint everyone’s names in the water in their team color. And then we would paint the sky red and green since that’s the two teams that made the final.”
--
Flash back to everyone painting as they begin to reminisce. When they talk about the teams, flashes of those people are shown.
Domonique: Aww… the Orange team.
Francesca: You know, Kyrina was definitely… a strong personality. I learned a lot about how to deal with different personalities from her. And Elias was very nice.
Jaylen: I liked Orange a lot. Elias was my dude. He definitely deserved to stick around longer. I know he wanted to prove to everyone he could make it.
Domonique: And I know what everybody thought about Kyrina… and, yes, she could be crazy! But we were good friends, too. She and I had such awesome conversations, just the two of us. I wish everybody got to see that!
Eric: It would have been really interesting if Orange had survived that first Temple. Would they have sank or swam? I wanted to see if they could unite as a team.

Domonique: And sixth place was… Gray team.
Francesca: I love Rosemary! I miss her a lot. She was the sweetest girl. We were both the youngest girls, so we got along. And Chris was hilarious. They were such a random team.
Jaylen: Chris and I are, uh… very different. But he made things lively in the boys’ hut.
Eric: Very lively. *laughs* I can’t believe he hurt his arm like that and kept going. He wanted to win.
Domonique: I would always tell Chris, back off Chad, he’s MY bff! *laughs* And Rosemary was so smart too. Remember she came up with all the partners? Oh, and she had the biggest crush on you, Eric!
Eric: I do remember that! That was nice of her.
*they all laugh*

Francesca: Aww, Blue team! I know they weren’t you guys’ favorites.
Jaylen: Hey, Carmen and I actually became friends towards the end there. I think, surprisingly, that she and I are gonna keep in touch after this.
Domonique: I definitely didn’t like how they played the game. But they were so strong! I was shocked they got fifth place.
Eric: Man… Deandre was cool. He could be a little intense. But he was pretty cool when it wasn’t game time. And Carmen, that’s my girl.
Francesca: I know y’all didn’t really like how Carmen played the game… but she was one of my best friends. That was the first team in our alliance to go, and it sucked. She comforted me a lot, like when I was homesick or upset or anything. I miss her a lot.

Jaylen: Next up was Purple.
Domonique: Ohhh Purple.
Eric: I hung out a lot with Ray. He’s a little skeezy. And, yeah, I can say that because I said it to his face. *laughs* But he knows it’s all love. And Cheyenne and I were really close. She, uh… she, had some not so shining moments out here.
Domonique: That’s an understatement!
Eric: But, like you said with Kyrina… one-on-one, we just had really deep conversations, and we got really close.
Jaylen: Did you guys like each other?
Eric: Yeah. We did. *blushes* I’ll have to visit Wyoming. That’s not a sentence I ever thought I’d say.
Francesca: Yeah, Cheyenne and I were really close too… It’s crazy because we’re such different people but she was almost like a big sister.
Jaylen: Y’all’s alliance was definitely tough to beat. I definitely didn’t think Blue and Purple would be sent home back to back.
Eric: Yeah, y’all and Yellow gave them a run for their money! *laughs*
Domonique: Did I get along with Purple, no, but do I think they were a strong team, yes, and at the end of the day, I learned to respect them. Even if you don’t get along with somebody, you still treat them with respect.

Eric: Last is the Yellow team.
Domonique: Aw, my babies! Dude, I loved Chelsea! She was so sassy and funny but always, like, under her breath! And y’all know Chad is my BOO! My A1 since day 1! Corn to my cob, ice to my cream, mash to my potatoes!
*everyone laughs*
Jaylen: Yellow was the one team that had our backs. The one team that we could completely trust.
Francesca: I liked the Yellow team a lot! Both of them were fun to hang out with.
Eric: I thought it was neat watching them learn how to be partners and work together. At first, Chad just didn’t even wanna talk to Chelsea, but by the end they were a good team. That’s what Endurance is all about.

Domonique: …And then there were two!
Jaylen: And then there were two.
Francesca: I can’t believe I’m in the final two of Endurance…
They finish their mural and step back to admire their work.
--
Eric: “I think the experience here was definitely as awesome as it was because of the people. Everyone here contributed to it being an amazing trip. Even though there were some fights and arguments, the friendships that were made were way stronger.”

Jaylen: “Painting the mural and remembering everyone who left before, I just started to realize just how far we had come. Everybody here was unique, from different walks of life all over the country, but we all share one thing, and that’s that nobody else in the entire world will know what we went through here and that’s something that’ll keep us bonded for a long time.”
--
In the last few hours before the final Temple, everyone is hanging out and chatting.
Francesca: I think I’m finally all packed.
Domonique: Ugh, me too.
Jaylen: It’s so surreal to think this is over in a couple hours.
Francesca: I don’t want it to be over!
Domonique: Me neither, girl!
Eric: What was you guys’ favorite part of the season?
Jaylen: Winning that slider puzzle.
Francesca: That was insane! I’ve never seen somebody do a puzzle that fast!
Jaylen: *smiles* Yeah. I’m really proud of that one.
Francesca: I think my favorite moment was when we won that first Temple mission, balancing on the logs. I wasn’t sure if we’d win anything, so when we won that… it was just so awesome. I felt like we had a chance to win the game.
Eric: Let’s see… my favorite moment was making it past the Right to Stay.
Domonique: Yes, that was so awesome! Cause I almost fell.
Francesca: Yeah, same.
Jaylen: For sure.
Eric: I didn’t know if I’d even make it past the first day. So to just make it through and be an official Endurance player, that felt so good.
Jaylen: What about you, Dom?
Domonique: *quiet for a moment* My favorite moment… was… gosh I can’t even think of just one. So many fun nights. So many great conversations with Chad, or Jaylen, or Chelsea, or anyone. So many highs and lows. I loved it all. I really liked today, though. No drama, no fighting. Just two teams that deserve to be here, getting ready for the final showdown.
--
Domonique: “Winning Endurance would mean so much to me. I mean, I’m just a simple Georgia girl, and I’m just a big fan of the show. First, I never thought I’d get on the show, then I never thought I’d make it past the first elimination. When I didn’t get Chad as a partner, I thought my life was over. But Jaylen and I, we became such a good team. We survived alliances, drama, Temple of Fate, all of that… I just kept persevering. I learned so many lessons about myself. And Endurance, really, kinda changed my life in a way.”

Eric: “The past three weeks has been tough, but so rewarding. Green team really deserves to win, I think. We’ve had great teamwork from the start. We support each other, and stayed loyal, but didn’t pull any sheisty moves. Francesca’s been just the absolute best partner. I didn’t know if this game would change me. I thought I’d just come in, compete, and do my best, and that’s that. But you can’t be isolated for three weeks with no electronics and nothing but the people around you, and not learn about yourself.”

Jaylen: “It’s very surreal to say that I’m in the final two of Endurance. I mean, hopefully I can say I’m the winner of Endurance, but just making it to the final day is an insane accomplishment. We definitely had an uphill battle. People at home thought I couldn’t do it, people here in the game thought I couldn’t do it. I mean, I thought I couldn’t do it at some points. But here I am. The most important lesson I learned is to never give up. Whatever it is you want, you just have to keep wanting it, and keep fighting for it. Determination is everything.”

Francesca: “Oh my gosh, wow. The Endurance experience has been unlike anything I will ever do in my whole life. It’s seriously the best thing that could ever happen to me. It was hard, of course, but everything was so worth it. It’s not even about the trip for me. I want to win because I think Eric and I worked so hard to make it to the end. We played a really good game. And at the end of the day, I made so many friends, lifelong friends who I will stay in touch with. I’m really sad to be leaving after today, because I have so many memories here. But I’m really happy that I got to have this amazing experience.”
--
Voiceovers play as the shadows grow longer, and the Red and Green teams gather their belongings, gather their metal pyramid pieces, and begin to trek up to the Temple for their final showdown.
--
Domonique: “I have to have trust in fate. Fate is going to be the determining factor in who wins tonight. I know that no matter what happens, everything happened for a reason.”

Francesca: “Words can’t describe how nervous I am. This is it. This is for everything. Everything that we’ve worked for over the past few weeks. I would be happy for Red if they won, but I want Green to win so badly it hurts.”

Jaylen: “It’s a 7-7 split; we each have 7 pieces. We each have a 50% chance of becoming Endurance champions.”

Eric: “If I lose I’m definitely going to be disappointed, but I know that we tried our hardest. I’m a little nervous, but I’m excited. I’m excited to see how everything turns out in the end and who takes everything home.”
--
The foursome stop and turn around, looking at their camp one last time. Their mural stands in the center.
Francesca: Last time we’ll see this.
Domonique: Our little home! I’ll never forget those wooden beds.
Eric: *under his breath* Geez… I’m gonna miss this.

They continue on up to Temple, and meet JD up there, taking their spots on either side of the table.
JD: Red team, Green team, this is the moment of truth. You’ve all had a very long journey to get here, but now everything is going to hinge on this final competition. Only one team is going to win this game, but yet there are two standing in front of me. Many of the challenges you guys faced on Endurance tested your physical and mental endurance. This game is going to be a little different. This game is all about strategy and fate. In front of you there are three silver pyramids. Underneath one of those pyramids is a gold pyramid. That’s the one you’re trying to find. You’re going to wager your pieces by placing them in front of the silver pyramids, with the hope that the gold one is under one of your pieces. The team with the least amount of pieces will go first by putting down as many as you’d like, as long as you leave one space empty. The other team will fill in those empty spaces. The team whose piece sits before the gold pyramid wins all the pieces on the board. We will keep playing until one team has all 14. Those two players will become Endurance champions, winning the grand prize trip to the Philippines. We’re gonna start with 3 pyramids.

[ ]
[ ]
[ ]

We have a tie for number of pieces right now. Red team, since you won the most pieces in the last mission, you’ll get to decide if you want to go first, or if you want Green team to go first.
*Domonique looks at Jaylen, who nods*
Domonique: We’re gonna go first, JD.
*Domonique and Jaylen set their pieces down. Green team fills in the empty spaces.*

[Red]
[Green]
[Red]

JD: Now, who has the gold pyramid?

[ X ]
[Green]
[Red]









[ X ]
[ X ]
[ ▲]

Domonique breathes a sigh of relief and hugs Jaylen.
JD: The gold pyramid was under Red team’s piece, and they get all the pieces on the board, taking an early lead. It’s 8-6. Green team, you’re now behind in pieces so you will go first. We will add another pyramid.
Eric: What do you wanna do?
Francesca: Two?
Eric: You sure? You don’t wanna do three?
*Francesca nods*
Francesca: I place one and you place one.
*Green team puts their pieces down, and Red fills in*

[Red]
[Green]
[Red]
[Green]

JD: Let’s find out who has the gold pyramid.

[Red]
[Green]
[Red]
[ X ]












[Red]
[Green]
[ X ]
[ X ]
























[▲]
[ X ]
[ X ]
[ X ]

*Francesca covers her face as Domonique and Jaylen hug once again*
JD: Red team finds the gold pyramid again, bringing their lead up to 10-4. Green team, you’re up first again as we add another silver pyramid.

[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]

Francesca: How many? You choose this time.
Eric: Let’s do 3.
Francesca: I can’t. I can’t do this. Oh my gosh. What if we’re wrong?
Eric: Just trust yourself. Put it wherever you feel is right.
*Green team places their pieces, and Red fills in*

[Green]
[Green]
[Red]
[Green]
[Red]

JD: Alright, let’s find out who has the gold pyramid.

[Green]
[Green]
[Red]
[Green]
[ X ]





















[Green]
[Green]
[Red]
[ X ]
[ X ]












[ X ]
[Green]
[Red]
[ X ]
[ X ]




























[ X ]
[▲]
[ X ]
[ X ]
[ X ]

Eric: Oh yes!
JD: Green team, the gold pyramid was under your piece, and you win all the pieces on the board. We’re now at 8-6. Green team is still behind; you’ll go first.

[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]

Francesca: You choose since you got it right last round.
Eric: Four?
Francesca: Let’s do it.
*Green team places their pieces down, and Red fills in*

[Green]
[Green]
[Red]
[Red]
[Green]
[Green]

JD: Let’s find out who has the gold pyramid.

[Green]
[Green]
[Red]
[Red]
[ X ]
[ X ]

























[ X ]
[Green]
[Red]
[Red]
[ X ]
[ X ]

























[ X ]
[Green]
[Red]
[ X ]
[ X ]
[ X ]































[ X ]
[▲]
[ X ]
[ X ]
[ X ]
[ X ]

Francesca: Oh my gosh!
*Green team hugs as Domonique bites her lip*
JD: Green team won the gold pyramid again, bringing their total up to 8 pieces and giving them the lead. Red, you’re now behind with 6 and you will go first.

[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]

Domonique: I wanna do 5 pieces. I wanna get the lead back.
Jaylen: You sure? We’re down to one if we pick wrong.
Domonique: 5 outta 7… I like those odds.
Jaylen: Let’s do it.
*Red puts their pieces down, and Green fills in*

[Red]
[Red]
[Red]
[Green]
[Red]
[Green]
[Red]

JD: Let’s find out who has the gold pyramid.

[Red]
[Red]
[Red]
[Green]
[Red]
[ X ]
[ X ]


















[Red]
[ X ]
[ X ]
[Green]
[Red]
[ X ]
[ X ]


























[Red]
[ X ]
[ X ]
[Green]
[ X ]
[ X ]
[ X ]






































[▲]
[ X ]
[ X ]
[ X ]
[ X ]
[ X ]
[ X ]

Francesca: Oh gosh! Back and forth, back and forth!
JD: Red team found the gold pyramid, putting them back in the lead again at 8-6. Green team, you’re up first. We’re now up to 8 silver pyramids.

[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]

Francesca: How many do you want to do?
Eric: I think 5?
Francesca: I don’t know… I don’t want to be left with 1.
Eric: I don’t wanna put 4 down, and then lose where our 5th would’ve gone…
Francesca: Ugh… I can’t. This is so hard.
*Green fills in their pieces, and Red fills in the empty spots*

[Red]
[Green]
[Green]
[Red]
[Green]
[Red]
[Green]
[Green]

JD: Let’s reveal who has the gold pyramid.

[Red]
[Green]
[Green]
[Red]
[Green]
[Red]
[ X ]
[ X ]


















[ X ]
[ X ]
[Green]
[Red]
[Green]
[Red]
[ X ]
[ X ]

















































[ X ]
[ X ]
[ X ]
[Red]
[Green]
[ X ]
[ X ]
[ X ]























































[ X ]
[ X ]
[ X ]
[▲]
[ X ]
[ X ]
[ X ]
[ X ]

Domonique: Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh!
*Francesca covers her mouth and looks like she might cry*
JD: Green team wagered all but one of their pieces, but the golden pyramid was under Red team’s piece. Red team picks up all the pieces on the board, giving them a 13-1 lead. Green team, you’re down to your final piece. You need to find the gold pyramid to stay in this game. We’re adding another silver pyramid, now up to 9. Take your time and choose wisely Green team.

[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]

Eric: Put it wherever you want. I trust you.
Francesca: I can’t. I can’t do this. Please. You do it. Please.
Eric: Okay… what about… here? Is that okay? What are you feeling?
Francesca: That’s fine. Let’s do it. Let’s go for it.
JD: Green team places their one piece down. What piece was that, Green team?
Eric: It was Trust.
Francesca: That was from Blue. Blue gave us that one.
JD: Green team trusts each other, and trusts that the gold pyramid is under that piece. Red team, please fill in the rest of the board.

[Red]
[Red]
[Red]
[Red]
[Red]
[Green]
[Red]
[Red]
[Red]

JD: For what could be the last time… let’s find out who has the gold pyramid.

[ X ]
[ X ]
[Red]
[Red]
[Red]
[Green]
[Red]
[Red]
[Red]
























[ X ]
[ X ]
[ X ]
[ X ]
[Red]
[Green]
[Red]
[Red]
[Red]











































[ X ]
[ X ]
[ X ]
[ X ]
[Red]
[Green]
[Red]
[ X ]
[ X ]
























































[ X ]
[ X ]
[ X ]
[ X ]
[Red]
[Green]
[ X ]
[ X ]
[ X ]

Francesca: I can’t look at this.



















































































































































[ X ]
[ X ]
[ X ]
[ X ]
[▲]
[ X ]
[ X ]
[ X ]
[ X ]

Domonique: Wait, what?! What?!
Jaylen: Oh my god…
JD: The gold pyramid was under Red team’s Karma piece, go ahead and pick up all the pieces on the board, because you guys are the Endurance: Argentina CHAMPIONS!
Domonique: No way! No freaking way!
*Domonique and Jaylen hug and jump up and down, screaming in happiness*
*Francesca starts to cry, and hugs Eric*
JD: Green team, you did a fantastic job. You played a great game, and stayed honest with your competitors and true to yourselves. You should be proud of how far you’ve come.
*JD turns to the Red team*
JD: Red team! I remember the day of the partner vote. Domonique, you were not happy whatsoever to have Jaylen as your partner. You guys survived Samadhis, trips to the Temple, arguments and clashes, and finally won the last few missions to earn your way to the finale. You guys started off with the Perseverance piece, which is very fitting because no matter what was thrown at you, you persevered and got all the way to the end and became the champions! You guys are headed to the Philippines, where you will get to stay in a luxury villa on the beautiful white sand beaches, canoe through underground rivers and caves, go snorkeling with whale sharks in pristine blue water, and more - all sponsored by Cruise Meerkat Youssy cruises. Congratulations!

Domonique: Oh wow! Oh wow! I can’t believe it!
Jaylen: This is so amazing. This is so awesome. Wow. I can’t stop smiling.

Domonique: “I am an Endurance champion. I am an Endurance champion! I can’t believe those words are coming out of my mouth! I am an Endurance champion!”

Jaylen: “I just won Endurance, and I can’t stop smiling. I may start crying in a second. Wow. I can’t believe it! There are no words to describe this feeling!”