The Challenge 40 episode 13 recap: Best friends clash and rivalries escalate

The Challenge 40 has brought together contestants from various seasons, each representing their era in this intense competition. The latest episode, released on November 13, focused on growing tensions, a new challenge that tested mental and physical abilities, and unexpected eliminations.

The episode began with the aftermath of Theo’s elimination, changing the mood among the players. Bananas, one of the season’s competitors, turned his attention to Olivia, Michele, and Cara Maria. Michele, noting her friend Josh’s support for Bananas, voiced her frustration, which added tension within the house.

In the '40 Yard Dash' challenge, contestants raced to collect puzzle pieces in a large dirt field marked with a '40.' Each player faced obstacles on the way to their puzzle pieces, which they brought back one by one to complete the puzzle.

Cara Maria and Jordan finished first, while Michele and Cory placed last in their respective categories. Consequently, Michele went directly to the elimination round, and Cory would face a disadvantage in the next challenge.

---

Michele vs Olivia in the Arena of The Challenge 40

Upon returning to the house, Michele and Bananas exchanged heated words, with Michele confronting him about his tactics and stirring drama with other contestants.

Meanwhile, Michele and Olivia, despite their friendship, were set to face each other in the arena due to Michele’s last-place finish in The Challenge 40.

Before their match, Michele smoothed over her issues with Aviv, acknowledging that her frustration with Bananas had led to a moment of misplaced anger. Aviv accepted the apology, and Michele headed into the elimination round, prepared for the test ahead.

In the elimination arena, the 'Stranded' task required contestants to build ladders out of different-sized rungs and retrieve a bag of letters to solve a puzzle. The first contestant to solve the puzzle would secure their place in the game, while the other would be eliminated.

Olivia initially gained a lead by reaching her letters first, but Michele, with puzzle experience, managed to close the gap. She correctly completed the puzzle, which read 'Not Eliminated Tonight,' securing her third arena win and eliminating Olivia.

Following the elimination, Michele named her future targets Bananas, Josh, and Cory while choosing to keep Derek safe out of respect for her friend Olivia.

---

Shifting alliances and growing tensions in The Challenge 40

After the elimination, alliances in the house of The Challenge 40 shifted. Michele’s win influenced her standing with other players, particularly Cory, who had previously supported her.

With Michele now mentioning Cory as a potential target, he re-evaluated his alliances and chose to connect with Cara Maria instead.

Both Cory and Cara Maria, relatively unaligned with the core groups, saw the mutual benefit in supporting each other to strengthen their positions. Meanwhile, Bananas engaged with others strategically, influencing the formation of new divisions and alignments.

At the bar, Cory and Cara Maria discussed their game plan, recognizing their limited connections within the house and the potential advantage of looking out for each other.

This alliance served both players, especially because of Michele’s shifting priorities and tensions among the tribe's alliances. As the episode ended, players prepared for the upcoming challenge with a renewed focus on evolving alliances, understanding that every decision could alter their course in the competition.

---

Fans can watch the new episodes of The Challenge 40 airing every Wednesday at 8 pm ET on MTV.