Previously on “The Challenge: Total Madness”: It finally happened as Wes and Johnny Bananas collided in an Elimination Round with the latter sending Wes home after a thrilling challenge.
Once again, the fallout from an Elimination Round has people reflecting on what is to come and what they need to do to ensure they have a red skull before the end. With this being a ladies’ week, Mattie is ready to go in no matter if she makes it into the Tribunal or not; the same for Nany. Coming onto the field for this week’s “Challenge”, host TJ Lavin introduces them to “Flag Down”: a game where the competitors will be hanging from the side of a moving tank grabbing incoming flags with the intent of being one of the three Tribunal members with one man and one woman with the most flags gaining the position. First up are Aneesa & Mattie on one side and Rogan & Kyle on the other. Kyle does a masterful job grabbing flags with some assistance from Rogan as Rogan plans to get into the Tribunal by helping Kyle win.
Heat two sees Melissa & Kaycee “opposing” Bananas & Josh. Josh is very aggressive in ensuring Bananas doesn’t get any flags; knocking Bananas’ hands out of the way while Melissa does the same to Kaycee. Nany & Jenny get ready for round three while Fessy & Nelson do the same. When the tank starts moving, the guys are having the time of their lives while Jenny pulls a Rogan and helps Nany gain some flags. Up next is Swaggy & Cory and Bayleigh & Dee. Cory’s aggressiveness really helps him as Dee straight snatches flags out of Bayleigh’s hands. After everyone finishes the course, TJ Lavin reveals that those who worked together are disqualified! Kyle, Rogan, Nany, Jenny, Fessy & Nelson are not eligible for the Tribunal, but Josh & Cory are with Josh getting the most flags for the guys. Mattie & Melissa were only four points apart in the amount of flags gained with Melissa earning that win. Bananas actually gets the third spot in the Tribunal. Nany is confident she’ll either be protected or get her chance to get that red skull.
Mattie is determined to go in while Melissa too wants her red skull. With Melissa being in the Tribunal she can put herself in, but against Mattie it may be a bad move. The house is fine with Mattie being nominated. Nany is growing anxious about going into Purgatory, but she may be locked out now considering she didn’t stand up for herself like Mattie. When it comes to the Tribunal nominations, Nany & Bayleigh’s names are immediately spoken. Bananas convinces Josh & Melissa to put Dee’s name up their even though Melissa is working alongside Dee. Dee is furious, snapping at Josh even though Bananas admits that he’s the one that voted for her.
It’s time for the show and after Mattie enters Purgatory, Melissa opts out of entering alongside her would-be competitor because the game looks too risky. Instead, Melissa votes for Bayleigh. Bananas shockingly asks Rogan for his blessing to throw Dee in. Rogan shockingly says Dee can go in if Bananas sees fit. Melissa asks for Josh not to do it, but Josh votes Dee in to take on Mattie in “Tunnel Vision”: a game where both competitors have to dig through dirt & sand from one end of an enclosed box to the other the fastest. Both women pick away at the top of their piles. After some scary moments of no movement, Dee eventually claws her way to victory.
Episode High(s): Watch Your Back. This episode saw teamwork not make the dream work and betrayals lead to this week’s Elimination Round. After cheating proved not the way to go, Dee got blindsided and ended up having to fight her way out of being sent home (though many would’ve wanted Mattie to win).
Episode Low(s): Reality Over Reality TV. While not shown on an episode that was actually very good with the only real low points being Rogan betraying Dee and Nany & Melissa refusing to take a chance to get that red skull, the reality of Dee outside of the show is more upsetting than anything seen here. During a time when the Black Lives Matter movement is at an apex in relevancy and, most importantly, being a vanguard for change, Dee tweets something so disrespectful MTV had no choice but to fire her two days before this episode aired. So watching this episode play out, it was hard to look at Dee the same. It’s understandable that she doesn’t understand American racism considering she is Australian, but to educate yourself especially in this current climate is so much easier than it was some twenty, thirty years ago. Dee, be better.
Weekly Challenge Winner(s): Josh & Melissa
Elimination Round Winner(s): Dee
Eliminations: Asaf (Episode 1); Jenn (Episode 2); CT (Episode 3); Ashley (Episode 4); Jay (Episode 6); Tori (Episode 7); Jordan (Episode 8); Bear (Episode 8); Kailah (Episode 9); Jenna (Episode 9); Wes (Episode 10); Mattie (Episode 11)
Most Embarrassing Athletic Display: Rogan. Rogan set a precedent during this week’s Challenge by helping Kyle get the most flags, but in the end screwed himself out of a spot in the Tribunal. This is the second week in a row Rogan has attempted to take a shortcut and failed in one way or another. All Rogan and the likes had to do was try and maybe, just maybe would’ve ended up in a great position going forward.
Competitor of the Week: Dee. It’s hard to praise her right now, but the fact remains Dee came into this week’s Elimination Round with the belief she was three out of three in terms of people potentially facing Mattie, yet was sold down the river by her “man” before having to out-dig someone many thought was a shoe-in for victory in Purgatory.
Episode Summary in Five Words or Less: Don’t trust anyone.
