Loser Like Me

Plot
The episode opens up with Chris providing a voiceover explaining what the final eight are doing the morning after their adventures on the train. Ranjitha is doing bicep curls next to Clayton who is on the bench press, Beyla is behind the two on the treadmill, Rourke is sitting on the porch alone drinking coffee, Alex is sitting with Annie at the end of the harbor, Abbey is doing yoga outside the dining hall and Nico is going for a run around the island. It ends with Chris himself, standing on the dock outside a beautiful resort and says those eight will be coming into play later, but for now it’s time to focus on others – the losers. He welcomes everyone to the loserville special.

Chris (CONF): Ah the losers…pathetic

He continues, telling the viewers they're probably wondering what everyone from Connor to Colby has been up to and who they’re rooting for (and against!) –and even if they aren’t wondering, they’re going to find out now anyways! The camera pans over the beautiful resort, sitting on an island off the coast of Wawanakwa, before landing on the beach on the outskirts of the island. Kelsey and Chloe are playing volleyball against Erica and Patrick, as Sam, Mahmoud and Grant kick a soccer ball nearby. Sam passes to Grant, wiping away sweat. When asked who he wants to win the grand prize, he says Alex, impressed he's made it so far both times.

 Sam (CONF):  I mean come on – in all honesty he should have been the first voted out – the fact he’s still in is amazing

Grant and Mahmoud agree, with Mahmoud adding he'd also like to see Ranjitha take home the billion.

 Mahmoud (CONF):  I mean come on, the girl is the classic underdog

The camera returns to the volleyball match, with Erica diving and hitting it only for Kelsey to spike it back. It slips right between Erica and Chloe, prompting her to enthusiastically cheer and tackle Patrick to the ground. When asked how she's doing, Kelsey says she’s glad to be out of the game and chilling.

 Kelsey (CONF):  That game was messing with my mind man…I still feel bad about what happened with Ranjitha

*flashback to Kelsey pouring the bucket of water to flush the skunks away then stealing her key*

Patrick says that’s easy for her to say as she lasted so long. He said he’s embarrassed to have gotten the boot so early, a sentiment that Chloe and Erica second.

*flashback to Chloe throwing a dart at Beyla then walking the Dock of Shame, Erica eating the poisonous blowfish and vomiting then walking the Dock of Shame and Patrick falling asleep during the essay-writing portion of Chef’s boot camp then walking the Dock of Shame*

Patrick says he really hopes Alex wins, but thinks Abbey is cool too. Erica disagrees, saying Abbey is the reason she was voted out in the first place.

 Erica (CONF):  Still salty

But seconds supporting Alex. Chloe says she doesn’t even know since she’s been out of the game so long.

 Chloe (CONF):  I am just so unbelievably bummed I got kicked off so early, every time someone joins us they have new exciting adventures I missed

The scene switches to the gym, where Sierra and Fiona are side-by-side on ellipticals. Sierra says she really wants to see Nico take home the prize.

 Sierra (CONF):  How could you not cheer for Nico?

And expresses a similar sentiment to Chloe – extremely upset she went home so early.

 Sierra (CONF):  I’m just so fucking pissed I got voted out third

Fiona says she’s glad that Helina got what was coming to her, and that she wants Ranjitha to win.

 Fiona (CONF):  I just love Ranj, so pure

It pans over to Garrett and Eli lifting weights side-by-side. Eli also says he’s supporting Nico, and is still trying to figure out what happened in Paris.

*flashback to Eli holding onto Alex in the final portion of the honeymoon challenge, hoping to lose on purpose to make him vulnerable*

Garrett rolls his eyes, saying Eli knows exactly what happened and exactly why he was voted off.

 Garrett (CONF):  I mean dude Eli you're cool, but that was definitely one of the more shady things to happen this season

He follows up saying he wants either Ranjitha or Alex to win. When asked if he was sad to have been voted out, he just says he was lucky to be in for as long as he did prompting Fiona and Sierra to “aww” nearby on their ellipticals.

The scene pans on, landing at a bar that sits in the middle of one of the resort’s pools. On one end are Colby and Miller. Colby is sulking.

 Colby (CONF):  I can’t believe I’m sitting here and not in the game right now

While Miller consoles him. Colby is giving him the whole rundown of what happened, still harboring bitter feelings toward Ranjitha.

 Miller (CONF):  Wow this sounds like the most complex vote ever? But honestly Colby it's hard to feel bad for you when the same thing happened to me in San Francisco, I'm pretty sure by you...

*flashback to Chris announcing there's a revote, then flashes to him about to take the Drop of Shame*

Colby says he wants no one to win, and when Chris looks at him angrily he says "fine" and that he wants Annie or Abbey to win. Miller seconds, saying Rourke, Abbey and Annie have been really fighting against the odds this whole game. He also supports Alex though.

 Miller (CONF):  This game was such a wild ride, I just feel really lucky to have made it as far as I did

Also at the bar are Brian and Kirsten. Kirsten says she’s cheering against her former teammates, who snaked her in the first Gilded Chris ceremony of the competition.

 Kirsten (CONF):  I trusted those people and they stabbed me right in the back, I mean not voting off one of the Team Waka members temporarily on our team as heroes? Are you fucking kidding me?

Brian says he feels bad, but she'll never understand how much of a bummer it was to get voted out during everyone happily celebrating Christmas.

 Brian (CONF):  That very quickly went from one of the best to one of the worst Christmases of my life…like literally on Christmas I got eliminated

Brian says he’s cheering on Rourke, and can’t wait to come back for the final challenge to watch the drama unfold. Chris reminds him that last time everyone, including the eliminated contestants, had to run through the deserts of Namibia.

 Brian (CONF): …wait what

And laughs maniacally as the scene shifts to the pool itself. Graham, Duncan, Kirk and Townes are tossing around a football in the water. Duncan, similar to Colby, is still really upset about his elimination in Tokyo.

 Duncan (CONF):  I just wanna know who did that to me…did Alex and them really turn on me?

When asked about their biggest regrets, Graham says not tagging out in Norway during the eating challenge.

*flashback to Alex and Kirsten egging Graham to tag out with someone but him refusing, next to Nick, Zach and Kathryn choking down food alone, costing Team Glory the challenge*

 Graham (CONF):  I can’t believe something so stupid got me sent home

Kirk says not finding another alliance, then realizes Townes is standing next to him and apologizes.

 Kirk (CONF):  I mean come on, literally every elimination ceremony I was scared shitless about going home

Townes seconds, saying he wishes they had decided to increase their numbers instead of being scared.

*flashback to Wilson arguing to keep the numbers small so they won’t have to turn on each other earlier*

Kirk snaps in agreement - and Duncan says his biggest regret is letting Annie, Abbey and Colby flip on the alliance. All four agree they want Rourke or Alex to win, with Duncan throwing in he also wants Beyla to win, saying Beyla has been "low key" the dark horse of the competition.

*flashback to Beyla winning the “No Pain, No Game” challenge, lugging the heavy idol to hang it on the hook winning her immunity in the “Over, Under” challenge, winning the hot air balloon race in Cappadocia and shooting the free-throw that won her immunity in the Kesem challenge*

Townes agrees, saying he really likes Beyla too.

The scene shifts to the lounge chairs sitting by the pool. Wilson and Dan lounge and sip on drinks through coconuts. When asked about regrets, Wilson says he has none, saying his elimination was a fluke.

*flashback to Chris holding a surprise second elimination right after Mary's in Cappadocia*

 Wilson (CONF):  Please, they’re all lucky I’m sitting here and not there

As Wilson talks about how great of a player he was, Dan emphatically rolls his eyes in the background. Eventually Dan cuts Wilson off, saying he wishes him and Kirsten had figured their shit out. He says they’re still together, but he thinks that was cost both of them their games.

*flashback to the two of them standing on the balcony of the skyscraper in New York City in a sad silence, everyone raging for New Years in the background*

To which Wilson agrees.

The scene pans further down to Matt and Ani, sitting on the same pool chair and touchily laughing and cuddling. It cuts back to Wilson, who makes a face of disgust.

 Wilson (CONF):  Classy

When asked about the best thing they got out of the game, they look at each other and say the other’s name in sync. They both giggle again and Wilson can be heard making puking noises in the background with Dan covering his ears in the corner of the camera frame. Matt explains they worked out their differences after Ani was eliminated in the Himalayas.

*flashback to Ani looking shocked at the campfire ceremony when Matt accused her of helping vote him out*

Both agree they wanted to be in the game longer, and say they’re supporting Clayton and Alex. Ani adds she’s cheering against Rourke, never understanding his vendetta against her being with Matt. Matt agrees, saying they wouldn’t be sitting there if Rourke hadn’t gunned for them and kicked Ani out of his alliance.

 Ani (CONF):  That was just ridiculous

The scene pans to the right of the pool, where a few grills have hotdogs and hamburgers on the grill and there’s a cookout. Ryan is the cook, with Lauren helping him out.

 Ryan (CONF):  *tan, with sunglasses on his head* This is the life

Ryan says he’s so proud of Lauren for how far she made it, and if he could change one thing it would have been making sure he was more actively strategic, saying that’s what got him voted out. Lauren says the same, wishing she had been more active in the big alliance post-merge.

 Lauren (CONF):  Don't get me wrong I’m bummed I’m eliminated, but life here is just the best

Enjoying the spoils around a table sits Morgan, Gianna, Sibu and Hank. Hank and Gianna keep shooting eyes at each other and giggling.

 Sibu (CONF):  *making gagging noises*

 Morgan (CONF):  Blahhhhh

 Hank (CONF):  *Gianna sitting on his lap and giggling* After Gianna got eliminated, we decided to really…try things out…and so far I think they’re going well

 Sibu (CONF):  *literally puking*

Gianna says the game was the best time she’s ever had, and she’s cheering on Beyla to win. Morgan, similar to the other early boots, is angry about her elimination.

 Morgan (CONF):  I mean come on, an idol taking me out sixth…ugh

Sibu says her biggest regret is Team Glory not finding her during the team dissolve.

 Sibu (CONF):  I mean I got so screwed, if I hadn’t ended up on Team Waka I 100% would not be sitting here right now

Hank says he wished he had hidden his athletic prowess earlier so people didn’t target him for being a threat, prompting a nearby Sibu to roll her eyes. Next to the table, Rice, Archer and Frances are playing corn hole.

Frances is going on and on about being eliminated in the Amazon, with Rice just ignoring here.

 Rice (CONF):  She has been like this literally since she’s gotten here

Rice says he was sad to have been eliminated so early, but is really glad he got to play. He says he wants either Abbey or Alex to win, to which Frances breaks up her rambling to agree. Archer says he’s just shocked he got blindsided.

 Archer (CONF):  I honestly still can’t believe that happened, Sofia was literally my #1 ally and she didn't even ask to have me included in the majority alliance

He says he hasn’t talked to Sofia much since getting to the resort, not over her turning on him (having heard from those eliminated after). He does agree with Rice though, saying he’s thankful for the memories like snowboarding in Aspen and seeing the lights display in Hollywood Studios.

The scene pans to the spa, where Leigh, Sofia, Mary, Dani and Zack sit in a line getting pedicures. Zack says he hated his experience.

 Dani (CONF):  Oh please, you’re just salty you got eliminated so early

And Dani says she can’t believe her fate ended up in Izzy’s hands. Leigh just wishes she had been in the game longer.

 Leigh (CONF):  I literally hate when we get a new person because they always come back with these crazy stories and I just think…I went home eighth

Dani and Leigh agree they want Nico, Abbey, Beyla or Alex to win, impressed with them for surviving the “CK Purge” as it’s become colloquially known. Sofia and Mary say they had an absolute blast.

 Mary (CONF):  I am so lucky I made it so far…like what a blast

Mary says she really wants to see Alex take home the prize, and Sofia agrees. When asked about regrets, Sofia says she doesn’t really have any, proud of how far she made it in the game.

*flashback to Sofia hunting the boar with her tranquilizer balls on the Serengeti*

 Sofia (CONF):  I mean come on, final fourteen? That’s pretty damn good out of sixty-four

Also in the spa are Duma, Karthik and Yuri, all getting massages. Duma and Karthik have two beautiful women, while Yuri has a large Russian man named Andrei.

 Karthik (CONF):  *laughing hysterically* This is hilarious

Yuri says the number one thing he was confused about in his game was why Helina and Ranjitha didn’t reach out to work with him more, given they were on the same team. He lets out a yell when Andrei roughly cracks his back. Duma says he just wishes Connor wasn’t voted out first, thinking that would have saved him.

 Duma (CONF):  Man I was in a pretty shitty spot on Team Friendship, I didn't really know anyone aside from like Sibu, Karthik and Annie

Karthik says he wishes he layed low early on, thinking he could have done well if he had just waited for the merge to come out swinging with strategy. He also can’t belive the little idols are what got him eliminated in Plymouth Rock.

 Karthik (CONF):  Annie and Gianna were both targets but somehow I got the boot? That’s some bullshit if you ask me

Yuri says he wants to see Alex, Ranjitha or Clayton win, with Duma agreeing and Karthik saying he hopes it’s Abbey.

The scene pans to the hot tub, where Kathryn, Zach, Hailey, Clay and Sammi sit and relax.

 Zach (CONF):  *lets out a content sigh*

Zach says he is bummed he made it so close to the merge.

 Zach (CONF):  One episode. One fucking episode – I just needed to survive two more elimination ceremonies and I’d have been set

Hailey says she thinks the best part of her experience was being a part of Team Glory, a notion that Kathryn seconds.

 Kathryn (CONF):  Y’all have to admit, our team was dope as fuck

*flashback to the team "abducting" Annie, Miller and Nico and fake hazing them in front of "Queen" Lauren, officially inducting them into the team*

Kathryn says she wishes she had made a move to break up the big alliance earlier, thinking that could have secured her the numbers. Sammi says at least that’s strategic – what got her sent home was a fluke.

*flashback to Sammi tripping on the log, accidentally kicking it into the tent and setting it ablaze*

Clay rolls his eyes and says he knows, given he’s heard the story a hundred times. He also says he disagrees with Kathryn and Hailey, and that being on Team Glory was the worst part of his game.

 Clay (CONF):  That was bullshit man, I got turned on so early

Clay, like many before him, says he’s pissed to have been booted so early. Zach laughs, agreeing and saying he really did suck at the game prompting Clay to jokingly push him. The scene pans more, landing in the beautiful indoor lounge that overlooks the beach and pool with floor-to-ceiling windows. In one area sits Izzy, Paige, Cleo and Suzanne. The girls excitedly laugh and talk. When Chris walks up, Cleo just rolls her eyes.

 Cleo (CONF):  Great *rolls eyes* Chris again

Izzy says she is extremely proud of herself, and is kind of glad she didn’t actually get “voted out.”

 Izzy (CONF):  Obviously like didn’t want to be eliminated at all, but hey I’m glad it wasn’t by a vote, I feel like that’s a big confidence shaker

She also says she’s obviously cheering for Rourke, to which the others all agree. Cleo says she is bummed she missed out on the huge party in Sydney.

*flashback to Cleo getting scooped into a sack then taken away by Chef after her elimination, followed by everyone swing dancing at the party that night*

And was just really bummed about her elimination. Suzanne seconds, saying she can’t believe she got voted off over the three Team Friendship members who had been grouped into her team after their dissolution. She also says she can’t believe how far Paige got, to which Paige shyly blushes. Izzy seconds, saying she’s super impressed with Paige’s game.

 Paige (CONF):  Honestly couldn’t tell you how I did it

Paige says she’s just glad to have made the merge – an important milestone in the game. She immediately apologizes to Suzanne and Cleo, neither of whom share that accomplishment, while Izzy awkwardly looks away. Paige says she’s also cheering for Clayton, but thinks it’s a little unfair him and Abbey returned to the game.

 Paige (CONF):  They got to skip some of the hardest challenges and won their way back in by…balancing on a little log?

On the other side of the lounge sits Vani, Phillippa, Helina, Yunah, Connor, Nick and Myra, in a circle playing Helina’s weird “bean” game. As Helina sorts her beans, she says she can’t believe she didn’t win any of the challenges in the purge.

 Helina (CONF):  Ugh, I love Nicholas to death but how the hell could he not have won me one of those challenges

Myra is just upset she didn’t make it as far as she did the first time.

 Myra (CONF):  Ugh my one goal was to beat my placement from last time and I didn’t even make the merge

*flashback to Myra swimming around Loch Ness in the first season then getting voted out in New York on New Years*

But she says she’s flattered they thought she was a threat. Helina says she also can’t believe she didn’t make it further. Connor just scoffs, telling her to shut up as he was the first eliminated.

 Connor (CONF):  Words do not explain how pissed I am that I was the first voted off, like sure I fell but there were people on my team who didn’t even jump *screams with frustration* It's just ridiculous if you ask me

He says he never even got to do one post-elimination ceremony party, to which the others all awkwardly rub their heads, not knowing what to say. Yunah says her favorite memory was the party in the castle in San Marino, and that she wants Alex or Ranjitha to win. Helina jumps in and says she wants neither, not understanding why Alex wouldn’t work with them post-merge or why Ranjitha betrayed her.

Nick says he can’t believe how shitty of a situation he started in.

 Nick (CONF):  I mean come on, I was the only person from Duke, how the hell was I going to win

But Yunah says she’s impressed by how far he made it, doing better than she did. Connor adds “and me.” Vani, like Sofia, says she’s just proud of how far she made it.

 Vani (CONF):  I mean I made the final ten, I’m the fucking bomb

Phillippa says she just loved the sense of adventure and was excited to be a part of this journey.

When asked about regrets, Vani says she should have gotten Ranjitha to get her into the big alliance. Helina asks what she means, and Vani tells her after Helina was eliminated at the hands of Ranjitha that she joined the big alliance.

 Helina (CONF):  Are you fucking serious?

And she also thinks it’s funny she was voted off in New Orleans, after the shitshow that was spring break there their senior year. Phillippa says her biggest regret wasn't joining Alex, Annie, Abbey and Duncan or Helina post-merge, deciding instead to stick with her former teammates.

 Phillippa (CONF):  Yeah...not quite sure what happened there

The scene flashes to the pool where all fifty-six eliminated contestants sit.

 Mahmoud (CONF):  Getting a little crowded here

Chris says he has a surprise. A boat pulls up bringing out the confused eight players still in the game: Clayton, Alex, Abbey, Annie, Rourke, Beyla, Ranjitha and Nico. Ranjitha can feel both Helina and Colby shooting daggers at her. Chris says like last season, the fate of the eight is now in the hands of those they eliminated. He says every single eliminated contestant will cast a vote.

 Clayton (CONF):  It’s weird being back here, and I definitely don’t want to stay

 Ranjitha (CONF):  *nervously sweating* Seriously Chris? ''Now?! ''Let’s hope Colby hasn’t gotten the chance to talk to anyone since his elimination

 Beyla (CONF):  This is the woat

But that vote isn’t for who is eliminated – it’s a vote of protection. Whoever receives the least amount of “votes of protection” will be staying here at Playa des Losers.

 Alex (CONF):  *groaning*

 Annie (CONF):  This is so stupid

 Abbey (CONF):  I swear to god if this is what sends me home

He also says there’s no time to discuss, so hopes no one gets "yeeted" just because they’re forgotten.

 Nico (CONF): …yeeted?

 Rourke (CONF):  Honestly...I feel pretty good about this?

~*ELIMINATION CEREMONY*~

Chris says they will be voting in a make-shift confessional in the bathroom and will go in the order in which they were eliminated. Which means Connor is up first.

 Connor (CONF):  Ugh do these things always need to be in a bathroom…anyways, definitely Alex, good luck buddy

 Mahmoud (CONF):  Been a while since I’ve voted…but Alex my man, I give my vote of protection to you, good luck

 Sierra (CONF):  Come on Nico baby! Mama is rooting for you!

 Nico (CONF):  *crossing his fingers* I just can't go home now, not like this

A montage shows Clay disappear then reappear, Chloe disappear then reappear and Morgan disappear then reappear. It’s followed by Duma walking down the hallway to the confessional, flashing into Leigh walking down it, flashing to Graham doing the same. It ends with Zack sitting back down and eying Alex with a thumbs up, Yunah sitting back down and blowing a kiss to Ranjitha, Cleo sitting back down and shooting Rourke a look of support and finally Karthik sitting back down and nervously eying the others going.

 Erica (CONF):  Alex, no question

 Alex (CONF):  This is my second time playing, if I don't win this time after making it this far...

 Patrick (CONF):  Alex, you deserve this buddy

 Rice (CONF):  Ok I know certain people will be getting enough votes, so really hoping this helps – I vote to protect Abbey

 Abbey (CONF):  Rice and Duncan better be voting for me

Dani disappears then reappears.

*flashback to Dani nervously singing to distract the rhino on the Kilimanjaro Safari ride in the Animal Kingdom*

Hank disappears then reappears.

*flashback to Hank chugging his mimosa after Rourke's toast during Team Waka’s first trip in first class*

Sammi sits back down and nervously looks back and forth between Nico, Beyla and Alex.

*flashback to Sammi belting "oh mama, oh mama, oh mama, tell your children" during her voice battle*

And another montage of the hallway before the confessional shows Ryan walking, Suzanne walking, Sibu walking and Brian walking.

 Nick (CONF):  Honestly hard choice, but since you were on my team…Alex...I wish I could also protect Ranj though

 Fiona (CONF):  Sierra wants me to vote for Nico to help her out so…sure?

 Kirk (CONF):  Abbey, hoping you make it through this

Then the hallway montage shows contestants going the other way post-vote, first Myra, then Hailey, then Dan and finally Kathryn.

 Yuri (CONF):  I vote to protect Ranj, as I vote to keep Ranj's stench outside of Playa des Losers for as long as possible

 Ranjitha (CONF):  So the thing is, I could really be screwed right now

 Sam (CONF):  Cary chargers pump it up!

 Frances (CONF):  Alright I hope enough people vote Nico because I’m giving my vote of protection to Beyla

 Beyla (CONF):  *counting on her fingers* So Frances, Gianna, Sibu...I wonder how many I need to not get "yeeted" as Chris said

 Matt (CONF):  Wow I didn’t think I would be this nervous but I really want certain people to stay

 Kirsten (CONF):  Clayton, you better do mama proud and stay in this game

 Clayton (CONF):  I feel like I'm not a ton of these people's number one's...but I'm hoping the ones that do come through because honestly only a few votes should be enough to keep you safe

 Gianna (CONF):  Beyla for sure, you got this girl!

Another montage shows the disappearing and reappearing of Zach, Ani, Archer, Izzy and Paige, all of whom watch the eight contestants standing next to Chris sweating. Eli gets up to vote.

*flashback to Eli getting handed a parachute in Paris*

Phillippa sits back down.

*flashback to Phillippa walking the Dock of Shame*

Garret smiles at Alex as he returns.

*flashback to Garret being pulled into the distance by the Boat of Losers*

Grant gets up to vote.

*flashback to Grant joining the eliminated contestants as they leave the cruise*

As does Mary.

*flashback to Mary falling through the sky during the Drop of Shame in Cappadocia*

 Wilson (CONF):  Rourke, I’m sure you’re more than safe tonight so to keep things interesting…Annie

 Rourke (CONF):  As long as Wilson, Townes, Graham and Kirk have my back, I'm honestly set

 Kelsey (CONF):  I have nothing bad to say about you, so Rourke

 Lauren (CONF):  Alex, come on, you got this

 Miller (CONF):  I’m gonna go with Annie…I'm really impressed she's made it so far

A last walking montage shows those who really made it through the game – Sofia, then Helina, then Townes.

 Duncan (CONF):  I have to vote Annie

 Annie (CONF):  Honestly we were probably screwed with a regular vote so I guess we're really taking what we can get at this point

 Vani (CONF):  Ranjitha – always my #1 dawg

 Colby (CONF):  *groans* Can’t I just vote Ranjitha out? But ok I vote for Annie

When Colby sits back down, Chris goes off to read the votes. While he waits, Alex is huddled next to Clayton who nervously looks off in the distance. Beyla is staring at the ground, Nico is focusing on his breathing and Rourke is looking at the crowd, trying to gauge where the votes went. Annie and Abbey nervously talk, and Ranjitha keeps actively trying to avoid Colby glaring at her. When Chris returns, he has a plate with seven marshmallows on it. He draws out a painfully long dramatic silence, before handing the first marshmallow to…

Alex.

He nearly passes out, happily catching his marshmallow.

Rourke. Ranjitha.

Colby grumbles, as Ranjitha lets out a cheer and Rourke confidently catches his marshmallow.

Nico. Beyla. Annie.

Duncan shoots Annie a thumbs up, who sighs with relief and grabs onto Abbey’s hands in support. Nico and Beyla share a long embrace, before excitedly joining the others that are safe. That leaves Abbey and Clayton, the two returnees, as the bottom two. Chris says he loves the irony, and that one of them will be leaving the game – permanently this time. He says the person who received only one more vote of protection, and hence will be getting the coveted last marshmallow, is…

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

Abbey.

Clayton looks absolutely shocked. He stares at the crowd, the fifty-six falling absolutely silent. He turns around, the seven in absolute disbelief.

 Clayton (CONF):  Are you serious? I had the least people vote to protect me?

Everyone looks shocked, not expecting Clayton to be the one to get the boot. Alex hugs Clayton tightly as Rourke and Annie embrace a shaken Abbey.

 Annie (CONF):  As horrible as it is to see that much hotness leave the game, this may have given me new life

 Nico (CONF):  I love the guy, but he easily could have taken home the prize so uh...yeah don't feel that bad

A dejected Clayton hugs the other members of the final eight, now the final seven. He asks Chris where to walk, and Chris says to make things fun and extremely awkward – the seven still in the game will get to stay at the resort that night to have a party with all of the eliminated contestants. He tells Clayton to symbolically join the crowd, so he awkwardly circumvents the pool and stands next to the other eliminated contestants, keeping his distance.

 Clayton (CONF):  I can’t believe this…of all ways to go home, this fucking blows…but hey, was blessed to get a chance to come back, those post-merge adventures were absolutely unforgettable and I’m so thankful to have gotten as far as I did

When Chris and Chef leave, things get started. The whole resort lights up, as DJ music begins pounding through the air and the contestants get amped up to have a good night.

 Beyla (CONF):  Ok it's actually so lit that like everyone is back...it's been getting kind of sad

*flashback to Annie, Rourke and Abbey by the bar in L.A., not speaking to anyone as the other five party with Collin and Cohen*

Immediately, a "movie" game begins in the pool. A montage shows Ranjitha and Helina putting aside their differences to frantically swim toward Alex to solve "S. O. T. T. P.", Clayton jumping into the water with his clothes still on to beat Gianna, Frances and Sibu to Duncan's "T. H. M. M." and Archer, Colby and Connor frantically battling it out to beat the others to Suzanne's "L.".

 Connor (CONF):  Seriously Suz? Lincoln?

In the meantime, Phillippa, Paige, Rourke, Graham and Kirsten take shots at the in-pool bar, Cleo and Izzy are huddled in the pool gossiping and Kelsey, Erica and Chloe in their own mini dance-circle pool-side.

 Kelsey (CONF):  Now this...this is what I miss

Patrick, Dan, Sam, Eli, Grant, Mahmoud and Karthik have a mash-up game of football and polo in one of the pools, Alex, having left the movie game, started a rousing game of red-rover flip cup, recruiting Nick, Yunah, Colby, Ryan, Zack and a confused Yuri to be the "gay" team against the "straight" team of Helina, Lauren, Mary, Sierra, Clay, Annie and Abbey. It flashes to the gay team winning, with Yunah leading them in a cheer of "hit it for me one time!" ending in them chanting "gay, gay, gay" to the rhythm of the songs Shots by LMFAO. They also chant red rover to pull Mary over, prompting the straights to regroup and Sierra to jokingly boo the other team.

Townes is in a deep conversation with Miller by the pool, Sofia, Leigh and Dani rush over to join the flip cup, Kirk gets to know Hailey and Kathryn, and Zach is walking around with a funnel, making Frances, Gianna, Beyla, Rice, Nico and Hank do a full beer through it.

 Hank (CONF):  This honestly kind of blows...like just remembering what life used to be like still in the game

Ani and Matt are being touchy in the other pool, with Clay and Sammi splashing around nearby and Vani drunkenly backstroking around.

 Vani (CONF):  *slurring* So let me tell you a little something about Chris...he...sucks *busts out laughing*

Chris (CONF):......

Chef (CONF): *hysterically laughing and wiping away tears*

Suddenly, Cleo and Izzy come bursting out and tell everyone they have to see what's set up in the beautiful lounge. The horde of contestants, both in and eliminated, burst into the lounge to see an incredible glow-up party set up. There are bins of PJ, kegs, water (which the head intern insisted on having there despite Chris calling her a "baby") and tables with solo cups for games. Most importantly, a giant glow-up dance floor in the middle. Helina immediately rushes the aux, kicking the second part of the night off with "No Hands."

A dance montage shows everyone on the dance floor absolutely losing their minds. Izzy looks like she's seizing, Zach has the classic fraternity rave bounce going prompting a nearby Kathryn and Beyla to laugh, Gianna and Hank bring back one of their classic dance battles, to which Sibu comes in and destroys both of them, Helina and Yunah "eat the booty", Chloe breaks out her classic "shopping cart" move, Phillippa goes crazy, Rice does a backflip prompting Rourke to do a split to which everyone wildly cheers, Alex and Kirsten do their back-heavy twerk and Connor does his wild hair bang.

 Connor (CONF):  So this is what one of those crazy parties feel like

 Nick (with Ranjitha) (CONF): Ok so Ranjitha is just a snak- *Ranjitha hits him* excuse me do y'all see what I'm talking about

 Phillippa (CONF):  I'm a little worried that Izzy is literally going to break her back

 Alex (CONF):  Damn...I miss these people

Duncan and Clayton jokingly shimmy (prompting a nearby Alex to yell "gay" causing Nick to hit him), Annie does her Charlie Brown move and Yuri does his crazy breakdancing, whacking a nearby Erica who was dropping it and Karthik who was just slightly off beat.

The scene flashes to the morning, fifty-seven contestants sprawled drunkenly throughout the lounge, pool and beach. The seven contestants still in (both the game, and a hungover daze) stand by the dock. Alex and Nico eye one another, as Annie watches a passed-out Clayton snore on a lounge chair.

 Annie (CONF):  Well...whatever hell Chris is going to be throwing our way, bring it on

 Beyla (CONF):  I did not make it this far to get eliminated

 Rourke (CONF):  I'm so close...I can literally taste it

Abbey and Ranjitha keep their distance from one another, as they are the last to board the Boat of Losers, the only time it will take them to the island and not away. It pulls them toward the dawn light, only a few more challenges before one of them will crowned champion of the Ultimate Challenge.