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The latest installment of The Challenge 40, episode 17, premiered on December 18, 2024, at 8 pm ET/PT on MTV and Paramount+. The episode showcased the contestants' relentless pursuit of survival as they vied for the coveted $1 million grand prize.
In the preceding episode, the remaining 10 contestants had faced the daunting Fire Plunge challenge, which entailed leaping off a 300-foot cliff and swimming 500 meters to the shore.
The latest episode of The Challenge 40 also saw the contestants travel to the Philippines, where they participated in two additional challenges and competed in the season's final elimination round. As the episode drew to a close, Cara Maria was eliminated after facing off against Tori, reducing the total number of contestants to 8.
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What happened in The Challenge 40 episode 17?
Following his victory in the previous arena, Derek had identified Jenny, Rachel, and Cara Maria as his targets. However, TJ Lavin surprised the contestants by announcing a sudden change of location. The group then boarded a plane to the Philippines, where they settled into a villa before their next challenge.
Prior to the start of the final daily challenge, TJ revealed that Bananas, Derek, Jordan, and Kyland had all secured spots in the final. Nevertheless, the contestants still had to compete, as the loser of the challenge would incur a penalty in the final.
The challenge, titled Fortress Bricks, required the players to sprint to the top of a Spanish fortress, transport 40 heavy bricks down to the bottom two at a time, and then carry 10 planks back to the top. The Challenge 40 contestants would then use these planks to complete a puzzle, with the fastest time determining the winner.
As a consequence of losing the previous challenge, Cara Maria was given a three-minute penalty. Furthermore, the losing female contestant would immediately face elimination in the final arena. For men, Kyland quickly collected all his puzzle pieces, completing a full lap before Jordan, who was in second place.
However, Kyland struggled with the puzzle, having difficulty identifying the connections between the pieces. This weakness allowed Jordan to claim victory for the men. The final standings for the men saw Jordan emerge as the winner, followed by Bananas in second place, Kyland in third, and Derek finishing last. As a result, Derek incurred a penalty in the final challenge.
In the women's challenge, Jenny swiftly collected her planks and began working on the puzzle. Rachel closely followed, trailed by Cara Maria, Tori, and Michele. Despite struggling with asthma, Jenny's puzzle skills proved superior, securing her spot in the final of The Challenge 40. Cara Maria finished second but faced a three-minute time penalty. Rachel and Michele managed to overcome Tori.
Tori's fate rested in Jordan's hands, as he decided which opponent she would face in the elimination round. Tori acknowledged that both competitors were formidable. Rachel had established good connections within the villa while Cara Maria enjoyed a friendly rapport with Jordan. Rachel's strongest argument was her status as the sole survivor from Era 1, who deserved representation in the final.
When TJ inquired about Jordan's decision on The Challenge 40, the four-time champion responded by selecting Cara Maria as Tori's opponent. The elimination challenge, dubbed The Final Elimination, involved Tori and Cara Maria jumping off TJ's ship, "Sinister," and treading water for as long as possible. The contestant who lasted the longest would secure a spot in the final.
Cara Maria's dislike of swimming challenges was heightened by the presence of sea creatures, including a snake, plankton, and small fish that bit at their flesh. As the challenge progressed, TJ introduced additional obstacles, instructing the contestants to raise their hands and elbows above the water.
After over two and a half hours, Cara Maria finally submerged, eliminating her from the competition. Tori, having outlasted her opponent, advanced to the final.
The finale of The Challenge 40 will air on January 1, 2025, at 8/7c on MTV.
