Derrick & Horacio’s episode 4 elimination was full of controversy, and many fans voiced their frustrations with the outcome.
Well, in an unexpected turn of events, Derrick was given the raw footage from production. And, he watched it with Horacio. Then, Horacio joined Derrick and his Challenge Mania co-host Scott Yager to film an episode about the topic (it’s free to watch on their Patreon).
The resolution: Production did tell the competitors that they did not need to replace pegs after they were initially placed. And, we do see footage where Derrick had a peg inserted into the notorious upper right hole.
Apparently, production kind of viewed this game like a game of basketball. Once the point is scored, it can’t be undone.
Horacio admits that the footage is there and it preceded the elimination. But, he either didn’t hear it or forgot it in the heat of the competition. So, his interviews were not to spread misinformation, he was speaking from his recollection and true emotions before seeing the raw footage.
Horacio also said that a time adjustment was made for his ball getting stuck, and Derrick still narrowly won. Obviously, there were still discrepancies in this elimination, and both competitors (especially Horacio) are left to wonder what the outcome would have been if things had gone smoothly.
Most viewers — like myself — are only making assumptions based on the footage we’re provided and the statements cast members make in public. In fact, many of the cast members who didn’t compete in the elimination didn’t hear all of the rules getting explained.
I think it’s important to remember that all cast members (the ones who competed in the elimination and the ones who observed) only have their memories from the elimination, which probably took place in April, and the footage we saw on TV. So, they’re not lying to us — they’re just giving us their recollections, which are inherently biased. But, it really would have helped fan perspective if the rules were a bit clearer in the episode.
Even Horacio is handling the situation graciously. Of course, losing is tough, but he’s not detracting from Derrick’s victory. And it’s great that producers shared the raw footage. This way, we can at least have some closure… and they probably knew we needed to talk about something this week since there was no new Challenge episode due to the VMAs.
Stop Being Polite 