New Zealand could be on the verge of a tourist surge from American visitors as CBS premieres The Summit. The show’s opening scene captivates us with stunning visuals of rushing rivers, breathtaking waterfalls, and majestic mountains. Even if you’re watching from home, it’s hard not to be awestruck.
The show’s host, Manu Bennett, known for his roles in Spartacus and Arrow, sets the stage. Sixteen contestants from the U.S. will face the challenge of scaling a massive mountain within 14 days. If they succeed, they’ll split a whopping $1 million. However, challenges and stunts along the way will test their limits, forcing them to make strategic choices and navigate interpersonal conflict. Expect some dramatic moments as alliances form and tensions rise.
The emotional weight hits early on, with participants sharing their motivations for joining the competition. But what’s the best way to dry those tears? Cold hard cash! Bennett points out that anyone who quits takes their share of the prize money with them. Plus, the group’s progress relies on the slowest member. Miss the 14-day deadline and everyone walks away empty-handed. Each day must include reaching designated checkpoints, or they’ll be facing a night under the stars.
Overseeing the contestants is a Mountain Keeper, akin to the banker from Deal or No Deal Island, but instead, he hovers above them in a helicopter, observing their struggles. All the tough choices they encounter stem directly from his instructions.
On Day 1, the group embarks on a treacherous journey covering over 100 miles. Their first checkpoint requires them to brave a steep incline of 2,000 feet. No pressure, right?
Trauma nurse Dennis reveals he’s prepared to manipulate and deceive to make it up the mountain, while Amy, a mother of two, admits to her lack of camping experience. In contrast, Therron acknowledges the inevitable strategy play, and Shweta feels confident she’ll outrun the competition. It remains to be seen whether her ambitions translate into action.
Some members start to wear on others’ patience as their first encounter with a steep ascent looms. With various paces, the group finds themselves hiking 45 minutes in the wrong direction, setting a difficult tone for what lies ahead.
FIRST OUT – Tony’s backstory unfolds. Once over 400 pounds, he transformed his life after the birth of his son and shed over 140 pounds. Unfortunately, he becomes the first contestant eliminated when the altitude and incline overwhelm him, leading to dizziness and a collapse. Despite his desire to continue, the medical team prioritizes his health and pulls him from the show.
We also learn about Bo, a 52-year-old basketball coach who believes he can keep up with the younger participants. Unfortunately, due to lost time, the group misses its first checkpoint, where they could have rested and refueled. Instead, they must settle for a bivy camp, preparing meals from freeze-dried provisions, and some members worry that Pati, Amy, and Bo may hinder their progress.
DAY 2 progresses with the introduction of their first stunt: crossing a challenging ropes course over a deep gorge. Becky is selected as leader and chooses Rose as her partner. The pair manages to navigate the tricky ropes on their second attempt after a fall. Punkin and Jenny also succeed, but the group quickly realizes they have an odd number of contestants. Could someone be left behind?
As the last one across, Bo is faced with a choice when the Mountain Keeper drops a package from the helicopter. The team must decide whether to use the gear to help Bo or abandon him for the sake of time. They choose to save him, which delays their progress but lifts Bo’s spirits.
CHECKPOINT – As they reach a checkpoint stocked with fresh food, wine, tents, and a bonfire, everyone’s spirits are high, but then Manu re-enters the scene with a stark reminder: their pace is too slow. From now on, every checkpoint comes with a twist where the group must vote someone off. The eliminated contestant’s share of the prize money will be redistributed among the remaining players.
Bo becomes a prime target for elimination, but Rose’s name also surfaces due to her negative impact on team morale. While Rose argues for Jennye’s removal due to her strong performance, the idea is swiftly dismissed by the others.
As they gather around the fire for discussion, Bo receives some votes, but ultimately, the majority choose Rose, making her the second person to exit the competition.
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