The Mole season 2: Exemptions explained

Netflix's The Mole season 2's first five episodes are now available to stream on the popular streaming platform. During the first five episodes, viewers saw the cast of 12 get reduced to eight players as they competed in tasks and challenges and ensured their place in the competition.

After each challenge, the cast had the opportunity to earn an exemption card, which would get them out of the upcoming elimination quiz. The first exemption task was introduced in the season during episode 2.

Through episodes 1 to 5, the cast participated in three exemption tasks. While Hannah and Michael won the first two cards, the result of the auction featured in episode 5 will be revealed next week when the show airs its next few episodes.

So far, still in the running to win The Mole season 2 are Hannah, Sean, Michael, Deanna, Neesh, Muna, Ryan, and Quaylyn (often referred to as Q in the deceptive reality show).

---

The Mole season 2 episodes 1-5: Exemption tasks explored

The Mole season 2 saw its first exemption task in episode 2, after the treasure hunt or the shipwreck challenge. As the cast relaxed after winning close to $45,000, they gathered in a beachside shack, hoping to celebrate. However, Ari Shapiro joined the group and told them one player could skip the elimination quiz as he pulled out the red exemption card.

Sean described the card as Willy Wonka's Golden Ticket, and Quaylyn expressed wanting the exemption card. Deanna asked Ari how much it would cost, and the host explained what was about to happen next.

"Of course, you all want this exemption, let's see who wants it the most. This is your prize pot. When I say go, your prize pot will begin to drain. The exemption will go to the last player sitting in this room. So fight for it, or remove yourself and let the others battle it out."

Hannah said she wanted the exemption, while Tony noted that the longer The Mole season 2 contestants stayed, the more money they would lose. He also announced that he didn't care about the money and would stay in the exemption race till the end. Andy was hopeful that they would reach a consensus and work as a team, while Muna said that all the mole had to do was relax.

Melissa was the first contestant to get up and suggested they let Neesh get the exemption since they collectively nominated him to be the leader and put him at risk during the intruder task. Other cast members eventually followed suit, until it came down to Hannah and Tony. Although the latter said he was willing to let it go to zero, he eventually let the female cast member win the exemption.

In the following episode, Ari introduced the cast to another exemption test during which The Mole season 2 contestants' fate depended on fortune cookies.

With only 10 players in the game, each of them picked up a cookie that either contained an exemption or a cash amount. There were five of each, and the cast members had to vote for who they believed had the exemption until it came down to the final five.

The Mole season 2 stars successfully eliminated four exemptions from the game and added $45,000 to the pot. Michael was able to lie his way through the test and was exempted from the upcoming test. The task began in episode 3 and concluded in episode 4.

In The Mole season 2 episode 5, the remaining eight contestants took part in an auction. Ahead of the task, the prize fund contained $49,500. Ari explained the exemption task.

He told the cast members there were three individual advantages available, and as individuals, The Mole season 2 players could make a bid on an item of their choice using money from the prize pot. Ari Shapiro added that if no bids were made, $5,000 would be added to the pot after each round. The first two items were information and correction, but since nobody bid on them, the prize fund increased to $59,500.

However, the third item up for grabs was an exemption card, and everyone was eligible to bid on it. Several cast members expressed interest, while others feared that they were going to lose a lot of money.

However, nobody was prepared to lose the entire pot. Ari revealed that the highest bid was $59,500, bringing the prize pot to zero. Although it wasn't revealed who bid on the item, they would be safe from the upcoming elimination, which is set to take place in episode 6.

Tune in on Friday, July 5, 2024, to know who won the exemption card and who goes home on Netflix.