Ep 1. Apocalypse Now

The Challenge is a reality show which brings together contestants from various reality shows to compete against each other in intense physical and mental challenges. Season 35 is titled Total Madness and episode 1 is named Apocalypse Now.

The episode begins with host TJ Lavin introducing the players to the first challenge. The players are divided into teams of two and are tasked with navigating a maze while carrying heavy chests. The first team to successfully navigate the maze and bring their chest to the finish line wins. The losing team automatically goes into elimination.

Following the challenge, the contestants return to the house to strategize and form alliances. However, not everyone is getting along. Tensions rise between certain players who have personal vendettas against each other from previous seasons.

Meanwhile, TJ introduces a new twist to the game. At random times throughout the season, players will be eliminated from the game immediately by a twist called "Purgatory". The twist involves a sudden-death elimination challenge and the losing player will be sent home without any chance of returning.

The contestants continue their socializing, with some forming closer bonds and others rubbing each other the wrong way.

As night falls, it is time for the first elimination. The losing team from the earlier challenge must now compete against each other in a sudden-death face off. The two players must race up a steep slope and unclip flags from poles along the way. The first player to unclip all their flags and cross the finish line wins, while the losing player is eliminated from the game.

The first episode of The Challenge season 35, Apocalypse Now, sets the stage for what promises to be an intense and thrilling season. With new twists and alliances forming, the contestants must stay on their toes and bring their A-game to every challenge. Will old rivalries put players at a disadvantage or motivate them to compete harder? Only time will tell as the season unfolds.