A treacherous journey begins with a shocking twist – Note!

New Zealand could find itself flooded with American tourists after the CBS show Summit ventilation. When the series premiere opens, we’re greeted with gorgeous rivers, tumbling waterfalls, and towering mountains. Soak it. It’s all amazing, even from the comfort of the couch, isn’t it?

Host Manu Bennett (Spartacus, Arrow) explains the setup. Sixteen Americans will be tasked with scaling a monstrous peak in just 14 days. If they are successful, they will earn their share of $1 million. But challenges and stunts will test them along the way, including difficult decisions that will force them to strategize and turn against each other. Strings will be cut and feelings will be hurt! Let’s unveil the first episode of this already impressive reality adventure series.

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Seconds later, tears are already flowing as participants reflect on why they were there. But you know what they can use to dry their tears? COLD HARD CASH. Bennett explains that if someone quits the game, their share of the moolah goes out with them. They also have to travel together so they can move as fast as their slowest member. If they miss the 14 day deadline, everyone goes home with nothing. Zero, zilch, squat. Rough stuff. Each day the group must reach certain checkpoints or they will sleep in the elements.

A mountain ranger will watch over them, sort of Deal or No Deal Islandhis banker, only the guy flies in a helicopter and watches them suffer. And all those difficult decisions that loom before them all come directly from the Keeper of the Mountain.

DAY 1 | The group begins their journey, which will take them over 100 treacherous miles. To reach their first checkpoint, they must cross a deep valley and a 2,000-foot incline. Not big, right?

Trauma nurse Dennis tells us he’s willing to manipulate and cheat his way up that mountain, while others, like Amy, a member of the mom team, say it’s not really a camper and she’s only seen snow a given in life. (Ruh roh, Shaggy.) Meanwhile, Therron knows the strategy element will rear its ugly head. Meanwhile, Shweta thinks she will circle everyone else. Let’s hope this pint-sized corporate strategist isn’t all bark and no bite.

Camp counselor Robert’s kumbaya attitude quickly begins to lead people astray, as does the first sight of an inclination. Some trekkers want to move faster, while others fall behind almost immediately – and I’m walking 45 minutes in the wrong direction! Needless to say, it’s off to a rough start… and it’s about to get a whole lot harder.

FIRST OUT | We learn all about Tony’s story. He weighed over 400 pounds, but once his son was born, he said he felt like he was dying. He wants to stay to see his son grow up. He went from being very obese to running a marathon and lost over 140 pounds. Making his story even sadder, he becomes the first person eliminated from the competition. After the altitude and incline get to him, he gets dizzy and collapses. The medical team rushes in and soon a helicopter arrives. He doesn’t want to leave the road, but the doctors, worried about how his heart will do, pull him from the show.

We are then treated to some of Bo’s backstory. He’s a 52-year-old basketball coach and teacher who says he can hang with the “young bucks.” However, with all the time wasted, the group misses the first checkpoint, which contains comfortable tents and food to help them along the way. So what does this mean? They set up a bivy camp and eat the freeze-dried food from their packs. Some of the cast are nervous that Pati, Amy and Bo’s physical abilities will slow them down.

DAY 2 | The journey continues with the first stunt of the road. They have to cross a difficult rope course to cross a deep gorge. They choose Becky as their leader and she selects Rose as her partner. There are two ropes to get around. The only thing they have to hold on to is each other, challenging their balance and fear of heights. After a bumpy fall, I make it on the second try. Punkin and Jenny go next and are also successful, but the group quickly realizes that there are an odd number of players left. Will the odd man or woman be left behind?

When everyone is in front except Bo, the Mountain Keeper drops a package in the helicopter. The group must decide: “Rescue” Bo using the equipment provided OR leave him and the money behind to save some time. Most vote to save Bo, which costs him some time, but brings a smile to his face.

CHECKPOINT | Shweta and Therron are very anxious to get to base camp, but everyone makes it to the checkpoint, which is full of fresh food, wine, huge tents, and a big fire. Spirits are high! Which is the perfect time for Manu to come in like a wrecking ball and destroy the vibe. (Read the camera, man!) He tells them it’s moving way too slow. Also: checkpoints come with a twist. Every time they get to one, they have to vote for someone from the mountain. The person with the most votes leaves the show, but the money of those sent packing will be divided among the rest of the players.

Bo is clearly on the cutting edge of many of the younger contestants, but Rose’s name also comes up. Dennis and Shweta talk about how Rose rubbed people the wrong way and brought down the energy. They are also concerned that mothers will stick together as a strong voting bloc. Rose, meanwhile, wants Jennye gone for… being too cool? Jennye is one of the strong players. Front of package. Come on Rose! This bad idea is closing fast.

When it’s time to sit around the fire and talk, Bo gets a few votes, but nine people – the majority – raise their hands for Rose, and she becomes the second hiker.

He did Summit piques your interest? Rate the episode below, then let us know your thoughts in the comments.

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