Look, alliances shift on The Challenge. It’s as predictable as TJ Lavin’s scowl when someone quits. But Laurel Stucky handing Johnny “Bananas” Devenanzio a “one” Karma score? That’s a betrayal worthy of a Greek tragedy, or at least a very special reunion episode.
After Laurel’s elimination in a memory puzzle mini-final, she unleashed her wrath on Bananas, her supposed ally in the “Bananas Angels” alliance. Bananas, never one to shy away from drama (or a camera), publicly expressed his surprise and disappointment. He even took to social media, which, let’s be honest, is where all good reality TV feuds are truly fought. Comparing Laurel’s move to his own infamous “Rivals III” betrayal, Bananas is clearly rattled.
This low Karma score could drastically impact his chances of winning the season, something he’s unlikely to let slide. The timing is especially interesting, given the ongoing fan debate over whether Laurel acted strategically or was simply bitter about her elimination. Either way, the fallout is expected to be significant.
The upcoming episode is likely to bring escalating rivalries and more messy gameplay, with at least one Challenger fighting to avoid elimination. One thing’s for sure: with Bananas and Laurel at odds, the tension on The Challenge has reached a boiling point. Will their friendship survive? I’m honestly less concerned about their friendship and more concerned about how many more times Bananas will compare this to “Rivals III.”
Tune in to MTV on Wednesday, November 13 at 8:00 PM to witness the fallout.