“The Summit” is wrapping up its first season, and let’s just say CBS has found a way to squeeze every last drop of drama out of this New Zealand mountain. Four intrepid souls remain, clinging to the dream of splitting a cool million, and Wednesday’s finale, “Judgement Day,” looks to deliver a verdict as cold as the mountain air.
These folks have been dangling off cliffs, battling blizzards, and enduring each other’s company for weeks, all for the privilege of maybe, just maybe, making it to the top. But, oh no, there’s a twist – a terrifying chasm stands between them and the final ascent. And CBS, never one to shy away from a little theatricality, has thrown in a helicopter long line as the only way across. Now, I’m no mountain climber, but even I can see this is a recipe for primetime anxiety.
Hang on though, the Mountain’s Keeper, that ever-present purveyor of bad news, has another surprise. Turns out, the last one across the chasm gets left behind, eliminated just shy of the finish line. Talk about adding insult to potential injury. It’s a brutal twist, guaranteed to fuel some last-minute desperation. After all, who wants to go home empty-handed after scaling a mountain, enduring frostbite, and eating questionable rations?
And for the three who do make it across? Another shock awaits. Host Manu, has gathered the 13 eliminated contestants for a little reunion. Now, I can only imagine the simmering resentments, the “I told you so”s, and the general awkwardness that’s about to unfold. This confrontation, if we can call it that, has the potential to throw the remaining contestants completely off their game, influencing who ultimately snags a share of that prize money.
Let’s not forget: 16 hopefuls began this journey, each convinced they had the grit to conquer this New Zealand peak within 14 days. Now, only three will have a shot. We’ve seen alliances forged, friendships strained, and tears shed (mostly from the cold, I suspect). But hey, at least they got a free trip to New Zealand, right?
“The Summit” airs Wednesdays at 8/7c on CBS.
