Challenge 40 Episode 8 Recap: Alliances Shift as Contestants Unleash Their Inner Gladiators

As one of the most enduring reality television series, The Challenge aired the eighth episode of its 40th season on October 9 at 8 PM ET/PT on MTV and Paramount+. This episode showcased the challengers harnessing their inner warriors to outpace their rivals, all while vying for a grand prize of $1 million.

In the previous episode, tensions escalated due to a team’s voting, leading to fractures in friendships as competitors found themselves questioning their alliances. Returning participants are split into four distinct squads, referred to as Eras, battling it out against each other.

Currently, only 22 contestants remain in the competition, following last week’s eliminations of Tina and Darrell. Era 1 now consists of just two challengers competing in The Challenge 40.

The latest episode prompted contestants to reevaluate their alliances amidst a Gladiator-themed challenge, with TJ Lavin resuming his role as host.

Highlights from Episode 8 of The Challenge 40

Upon returning from the elimination stage, key targets identified from each era were Derrick & Rachel (Era 1), Derek & Cara Maria (Era 2), Cory & Averey (Era 3), and Theo & Jenny (Era 4). However, cracks began to form in the alliance between Eras 3 and 4 as more team members were singled out as targets.

Cory voiced his intention to sever ties with Era 4 and collaborate more closely with Era 2. This initiated discussions where Derrick approached Theo, suggesting that with Eras 2 and 3 drawing nearer, Era 4 should forge a partnership with Era 1. Meanwhile, in Era 2, Ryan sought to distance himself from Bananas and Laurel, prompting him to change rooms.

This episode’s daily challenge titled “Battle for Honor” required contestants to outlast their peers to emerge victorious. The competitors faced off in two rounds (men’s and women’s), using Roman-inspired shields to force their opponents into a water pit.

In the men’s round, Eras 3 and 4 each had two players actively participating, while Era 2 had one and Era 1 was left without any contributors by the conclusion of the round.

During the women’s competition, Era 4 secured victory with six out of seven players remaining uneliminated. This success placed Jenny and Theo in powerful positions, leading them to strategize against their own teammates, Josh and Kaycee.

The following morning, in a meeting for Era 4, Michele criticized the outcome as being unfair, asserting that Jenny and Theo were in league with Era 2, which contributed to their win.

Ultimately, Jenny and Theo put forth a plan to send Averey and Cory into the arena along with Rachel and Derrick, who opted to face off against Cory.

This decision aggravated Cory, who confronted Josh and Kaycee regarding their lack of support for him. He also indicated that the alliance between Eras 3 and 4 was effectively over.

In the elimination arena, the competitors engaged in a challenge called “Fate of the Gladiators,” where each participant was assigned either the role of striker or evader.

The strikers, equipped with boxing gloves and blindfolds, aimed to hit targets placed on their evaders, who were clad in protective armor. In a matchup between Rachel and Averey, Rachel took on the role of striker and managed to land several hits on Averey.

When it was Averey’s turn as striker, Rachel skillfully evaded her attacks, leading to Rachel’s victory.

Next, Cory and Derrick faced off, with Cory striking first. He managed to hit numerous targets, including multiple strikes to Derrick’s head. There was a similar exchange when Derrick took his turn as striker, showcasing his skills as well.

Post-battle, both competitors expressed mutual respect for one another despite their intense rivalry.

TJ announced that while both players hit all targets, Cory’s speed allowed him to claim victory over Derrick.

With Derrick and Averey eliminated, only 20 contestants remain in The Challenge 40. The next episode is set to broadcast on October 16, 2024, at 8 PM ET/PT.

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