American Grit – Season 2/Episode 10 – "Who's Got Grit?"

Originally aired as part of the two part season finale: August 6th, 2017

The winner of American Grit season 2 is…Gigi! Most of us didn’t see it coming but she has been transforming all the way since day 1. How she got to that point is…a not so unveiling mystery. She has shed her former shell but like a broken record scratch mixed with video tape vibes, let me head back to the beginning; part 2 to be exact, of the season 2 finale. It’s the finale four: Gigi, Micheal, Herman and Hannah. Individually they have all come a long way but what is at stake is how long they can keep going. The territorial lines are only going to get more and more competitive at this point since this is a competition. There can be only one winner for the cash prize, so let’s get right down to it.

We pick up where we somewhat usually left off. The remaining competitors at the camp glue their eyes to the bridge in order to see who will be apart of the final four. Their predictions are down to three people: Alison, Hannah and Chris. It is anybody’s guessing game but they don’t have to wait any longer. The one who crosses the bridge is Hannah. Much to the delight of Gigi, Michael and Herman. All celebrate at the realization that through their own hard work, they have all made it to the finale. Which shocks me at least a little bit due to the fact that I had at least four other people in my mind who were going to make it to the finale. However it’s only a thought. It’s 2 hours later after the last challenge and Hannah’s return and John, Burk and Grady join the remaining four contestants in the kitchen to tell them a surprise is waiting for them at the dock. They head over and it’s a mini booze cruise. A lot of celebration and a lot of positive mindsets are in effect. Several hours later the group makes it back to the camp and who do they see on the deck? Oh, it’s only John…with Chloe and Riki. *dun, dun, duuuun* This is where the “John pulling a fast one” move starts kicking in. The remaining competitors, along with Burk and Grady finally seats themselves on the deck and then John speaks once more. He explains that in a realistic matter, everyone knew since day one that if you make it to the final four, whatever team you are still with towards the end, they are your competitor now. As for the cadre styling of Burk and Grady, they will be standing with John now. As in there is no more help from the cadre. John believes that the final four can each individually stand on their own up until winning the finale.Things can only go forward from here without any guidance.

The next day, we are shown with more kitchen banter. Michael asks Gigi a very serious question, which due to the circumstances, you would think it would have something to do with the final challenge. However, in all good light fun, the question turns out to be; which male cadre is more attractive than the other, Grady or Burk? Her choice was Grady, which is understandable. I mean if I was picking, it would have had to be..also Grady. But let’s all be honest here, the obvious answer is both. Grady’s smile and Burk’s eyes; you just really can’t pick one, you know? Moving forward, we are shown the next challenge: another memory game but with less mud and board climbing. The competitors must correctly solve a puzzle in order of the first and recently last person who has rung out after their elimination challenge. If one wins they get two advantages: spending one on one time with Grady and Burk. The second one is the winning competitor gets to eliminate another competitor from the game. This can only lead to a lot of pressure and a lot of mental strength. After Cena introduces the challenge to the competitors, nails start biting and the high tense music starts playing. So far everyone is going at their own pace to make sure they get it right. Michael ends up finishing first but the second part of the challenge is did he get the eliminated order right and he does! Michael will receive the one on one time with Grady and Burk but, also make a very difficult decision in terms of eliminating a fellow competitor. We move forward with a smooth motivational method from Grady. Having a simple talk by the water while catching some fish. Where as Burk’s method involves real life army based tactics. Having Michael hold a rock over his head while going into full drill sergeant mode. I am just thankful I’m not in that position because I don’t do well with people yelling at me in a certain way, motivational or not. The important thing here is that Michael is getting his mindset moving forward in the finale. Let’s just hope it properly pays off for him.

It’s another day at the camp or at least it was. We are moving closer and closer to Michael’s decision. To officially deliberate, Michael sits down with the cadre and Cena. Grady suggest that team green has been like a family since day one. So it would make sense for him to go and pick off Hannah. Burk rebuttals and suggests that the strongest player has to be kicked off, which is Herman. We then are pulled into a debate on what were Grady’s actual intentions since day one of the competition. From the looks of everyone else, i’d say they aren’t as pleasant as he thinks they are. Strong guy, strong guy and strong guy; everyone has known for quite some time on how Grady has played the game. Question is, will it pay off for him in the end with a green team winner. It’s now time for the big decision, the other three competitors have gathered with Michael and John around the campfire. Michael collectively states that the three of the competitors that stand before him have grown so much since being at the camp. Just when we think he is about to pick Hannah, he moves forward in true to competition fashion and picks Herman. Everyone is just in tears; including Burk because if the wind makes you cry, I would always be crying when I get the mail from my mailbox. With a smile on his face, Herman officially rings out. What’s he gonna do when he is finally home? Hop on his motorcycle and see the person that we have all been secretly shipping him with since day one, Melanie. Then again in hindsight, who cares about the audience’s thought on a developing relationship. They happen naturally and we have witness it in it’s own example. Now the competition is now containing only three competitors. It’s getting down to a short circuit.

The next day, it’s time for the final, final challenge. We are taken back to gator lake for one last time. To stay in the last fight. they need to hang on tight. The three competitors will be holding a crossbar that is hanging 50 feet in the air, for as long as they can. While doing so, John will be doing another trivia quiz. Since it has come down to that, lord only knows how many muscles will be strained and sprained. Several minutes later, the challenge starts.

Which Competitor did three cadre asked to be on their team? A.) Carla or B.) Gill?

Correct Answer: A.) Carla (All three got it right)

In the first team challenge, who wore the shock collar for Team Chloe? A.) Shermon or B.) Nathalie?

Correct Answer: A.) Shermon (All three got it right)

Who was Team Riki’s leader in the rowing challenge? A.) Carla or B.) Gill?

Correct Answer: B.) Gill (All three got it right)

– In a nail bitter twist, Hannah’s hands slip off the bar. Making her lose the challenge and the game entirely. Now it’s down to two competitors in the form of Gigi and Michael.

Who was the last person picked for Riki’s team? A.) Scarlett or B.) Richard?

Correct Answer: A.) Scarlett (Michael got it right, Gigi has a three minute hand penalty)

The next three questions aren’t televised, only the aftermath of the answers:

– Michael got it right, Gigi has a three minute penalty

– Michael has a three minute penalty, Gigi got it right

– Both are correct

Both have been hanging on for so long that John is out of questions. Now they must choose one hand to hang on to for the duration of the challenge. That doesn’t last long. Unfortunately for Michael, he ends up letting go of the bar. Which, in a fast forward mode from the start of this post, Gigi is the season 2 winner of American Grit! Although I do feel she has rightfully deserve it, I will say this statement once more. Win or lose, Gigi, Michael, Hannah and Herman have grown so much at camp grit. They have learned a lot. They’ve all tapped into these points in themselves that they never thought that they had in the first place. At the end of the day what really matters is that along with every other competitor of this season, they have found their grit. Congrats again to Gigi for proving everyone wrong and securing the bag.

Aftermath: six months have passed and it’s time to check in on the final four.

Hannah: She has gained the grit to step out of her role as a housewife and get a job. She works at a golf course and is very happy about it.

Michael: He has been given the confidence to expand his costume design business…and he loves finding joy with his grit family.

Herman: he has changed his life and moved to the city…where he and Melanie are happily in love and living together!

Gigi: She still dreams of buying a pink private jet…but thanks to Camp Grit, she’s decided to pay off her debts instead.

As for John: well…do I really need to remind you all? Considering that what happened to him became a reality before season 2 premiered. 🙂

As for me: I’m still weird, a potato and I’m still being myself

*Author’s note: Yes, I know it’s December and I’m finally posting about the finale. I have just been very busy with my transition from university to community college. Other than that, my goal for 2018, with this site, is to post more tv show based blog posts, create some personal ones here and there and if there is a season three, continue posting about American Grit. Other than that God’s speed to you all and happy holidays. See you in 2018!

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