CBS’s The Summit throws a cruel curveball at its remaining contestants this week, proving that reaching the literal peak isn’t the only hurdle in this high-stakes competition. Just when the final seven hikers thought they were closing in on the $1 million prize, “Necessary Evils” introduces a twist that might make you question the “reality” in reality TV. Forget strategic voting or carefully considered alliances – this elimination is pure primal grab-and-go.
With the final climb looming, the remaining contestants must first cross a treacherous glacier. But here’s the rub: only six sets of climbing gear appear, courtesy of the show’s stoic Mountain Keeper. The first hiker to reach the Keeper’s bag gets a power even more chilling than the icy landscape: the ability to instantly boot another contestant out of the competition, along with their shot at the prize money. It’s a brutal, sudden death scenario that transforms the glacial field into something resembling a Hunger Games arena.
The episode’s title, “Necessary Evils,” seems to hint at the producers’ rationale for this cruel twist though its necessity feels debatable. Will this scramble for survival lead to genuine conflict, or just awkward, manufactured drama? Will the hikers reveal their true colors, or will they simply freeze under pressure? The ensuing climb up a glacial cliff, for the six who remain, is likely to test their physical and mental limits, but honestly, the real damage might already be done. After this stunt, can any semblance of camaraderie or teamwork survive? I’m skeptical, but at least Manu Bennett, the show’s perpetually unfazed host, is there to guide us through the icy carnage.
The Summit airs Wednesday at 9:30 PM ET/PT on CBS and streams on Paramount+.
