‘The Challenge 40: Battle of the Eras’ episode 13 recap: Who was eliminated in ‘Best Friends 4Era’? [LIVE BLOG]
Tonight on “The Challenge 40: Battle of the Eras,” bystanders beware! A rivalry heats up and no one is safe from the chaos that ensues. One Challenger tries to reignite their competitive flame to avoid elimination, while best friends avoid facing off with one another.
Here are the contestants still in contention for the Season 40 championship:
Era 1: Rachel Robinson
Era 2: Aviv Melmed, Cara Maria Sorbello, Derek Chavez, Johnny “Bananas” Devenanzio
Era 3: Cory Wharton, Jordan Wiseley, Tori Deal
Era 4: Jenny West, Josh Martinez, Kyland Young, Michele Fitzgerald, Olivia Kaiser
Below, read our full recap of tonight’s episode, titled “The Era of the Purge” airing Wednesday, November 6 (8:00 – 9:30 PM ET/PT) on MTV.
After taking out Theo in last week’s arena, Bananas selected Olivia, Michele, and Cara Maria as targets. Michele is bitter that Josh was cheering for Bananas, saying it means he was cheering against her. Josh can’t help but get caught up in drama — and Bananas can’t help but stir the pot and encourage it.
Heading into the Daily Challenge, Cara Maria feels like her back is against the wall, and she welcomes it. She thrives under pressure and has no issue being one of Bananas’ targets.
TJ explains this week’s challenge is called “40 Yard Dash.” There’s a giant “40” carved into a dirt field and within it are six puzzle pieces and all kinds of obstacles. Players will race into the 40 and gather puzzle pieces as fast as they can. They’ll bring them back to to their station, one piece at a time, and complete their puzzle. The first man and woman to complete their puzzle will win today’s challenge. The last-place woman will head straight into the arena. The last-place man will be penalized at the next challenge. As the last-place finisher last week, Michele faces a one-minute disadvantage today. Below is the order of finishers.
Women
1. Cara Maria
2. Olivia
3. Jenny
4. Rachel
5. Tori
6. Aviv
7. Michele
Men
1. Jordan
2. Kyland
3. Josh
4. Bananas
5. Derek
6. Cory
As the last-place finisher, Michele will head straight into the arena. Since Cara Maria won, there’s no other option but to put Michele against her good friend Olivia. As the last-place finisher for the men, Cory will have a disadvantage in next week’s challenge.
Before they even get off the bus, Michele and Bananas start going at it after Michele makes a snide remark about Bananas playing footsie with Aviv. Bananas calls Michele “catty” and slams her for trying to drag Aviv, who is married, into some drama. Are they trying to make sure they’re partnered up on a future season of “Rivals”?
Once they’re back at the house, Olivia and Michele have time to sulk about having to face off in the arena. Later at the bar, Cory and Cara Maria lock in an alliance, realizing they’re both on an island in this game. It’s the first time they’ve had a serious discussion about the game together, but it makes sense for them to look out for each other moving forward. Cory explains to Cara that Michele is currently his number one, but if she wins the elimination and says his name, he has no more loyalty to her.
Prior to going into the arena, Michele squashes her beef with Aviv, admitting, “It’s truly not about you.” She was just frustrated with Bananas pushing her buttons. Aviv tells Michele that she crossed the line and, “You didn’t have to do that in public.” Michele admits Aviv “caught a stray” and doesn’t have anything against her. Michele is ashamed of herself for stooping to Bananas’ level.
Tonight’s elimination arena is called “Stranded.” There are two giant DNA strands in the middle of the arena. They’ll act as ladders. Each player will build ladders using different-sized rungs from their station. There are 40 in total. Once a player reaches the top of their ladder, they’ll release a bag full of letters. The first person to figure out the three-word phrase will win this elimination. The loser will go home. Olivia gets her letters first, but Michele is superior at word puzzles and is able to come from behind. The phrase says, “Not Eliminated Tonight.”
Michele wins tonight’s elimination and sends her friend Olivia home. Michele is now 3-0 in the arena this season, which is a pretty good track record. She’s taken Tina, Nia, and Olivia. Following her win, Michele names Bananas, Josh, and Cory as targets. She keeps Derek safe in honor of Olivia, but Cory isn’t happy about it. Michele has now fallen from his #1 spot and he will replace her with Cara Maria.