The Challenge season 40: Battle of the Eras recently concluded on M tv after weeks of high-stakes challenges, drama, and unexpected twists. This season showed a very unique format by bringing several generations together to compete. In this series long term rivalries, alliances, and a large cast would shake things up in every episode leading up to the intense final.
The Unique Format: Battle of the Eras
Season 40 brought competitors from different “Eras” of the show all vying for first place. The competition featured many recognizable faces along with newcomers that all competed through challenging activities creating for interesting new matchups. The core design made it unpredictable as they would have to learn more about who they were working with each week.
Diverse Cast and Dynamics
Contestants came from different eras of "The Challenge" creating new relationships that forced people to form strategic teams for self-preservation. The complex gameplay and high level of emotion made for unpredictable moments for both participants and viewers.
The Finale Challenges and Unexpected Results
The finale included a two-part design with various endurance components for both mental and physical skills. This brought about major upsets while keeping true to the unpredictability that is always present for this reality competition. There was much importance placed in performance throughout with surprises along the way including the addition of a ‘karma’ vote which changed the show dynamic.
Day 2 Checkpoints
Day two of the finale saw challenges that were difficult to manage by themselves. An overnight challenge of counting coins while singing a repetitive song, followed by swimming, math problems, and underwater scooter retrieval showed their skills needed to be well rounded. Each checkpoint pushed them beyond their limits as they fought towards their individual goal.
The Winners of Season 40
Ultimately the winners were not what fans might have predicted. The Karma Vote and its power took center stage creating for a major change. The Karma vote involved each contestant being able to assign a score to fellow contestants. When the time came this is what moved Rachel Robinson into first place which ultimately put her in a tie with Jenny West. Meanwhile on the men's side Jordan Wiseley had a significant win and remained in first regardless of the karma scores.
A Tie and the Aftermath
Rachel's rise to first place came as a big shock. She took what many described as a "last minute" leap from her spot and tied with Jenny West making them both winners while equally sharing the 400,000 dollar prize. Michele was knocked to third place who had a difficult time with the news as this placement shift resulted in missing out on the win by a single point.
Controversy Surrounding The Final
Questions regarding how challenges were delivered this season arose during the finale including some that made challenges unfair or too easy. Several competitors and viewers questioned certain parts which resulted in many debates throughout the internet.
Puzzle and Karma Vote Issues
A puzzle presented during one of the challenges was in question as many believed there were parts out of place on the board which lead to a conversation on whether that player would of still won had she needed to readjust the prop to it's correct position. This controversy added even more questions into what constitutes a well played game.
The Power of The Karma Vote
Many were split when regarding the impact of the "Karma" Vote. Some believe that the "losers" who did not make the final round of the game should not be responsible for determining who the winners are and should have little input on that matter. Yet with the vote in effect one person gained the win through a high score in their karma points, bringing the focus on alliances and personal relationships which would often times determine their placement.
Players' Reflections
The players each had different takes as to what took place within the finale. Jenny and Rachel felt happy to be seen as a winning team after working closely together. But the Karma Vote showed the under workings of all players that left a notable impact. Many of their personal beliefs and strategies came out showing individual strengths and shortcomings.
Reactions to the Outcome
Players who gained wins by not depending on karma such as Jordan were proud of how well they performed with pure athleticism. While Johnny Bananas called the Karma vote “bulls---”, seeing that as just jealousy based on past victories instead of the way they actually played this round.
Key Takeaways
- The Challenge Season 40: Battle of the Eras concluded with a shared first place title by Jenny and Rachel and a win for Jordan for the men.
- The finale included complex physical and mental activities along with an overnight stay with little to no sleep or comforts.
- The season included various forms of debate with alliances, new relationships and personal strategies.
- The newly added "Karma" vote brought challenges for those trying to win in the end by impacting which players got top position and the cash prize.
- All cast members, with very varied personal experiences created an interesting balance as they learned to rely on teamwork and a cut throat mentality.