The Gauntlet II Plot
The Gauntlet II is the 11th season of the MTV reality game show, The Challenge. The season is directly subsequent to The Inferno II. The Gauntlet II marked T. J. Lavin's first time presenting the series, regularly hosting the program from this season forward. Prior seasons only used temporary hosts. The season is the second in the Gauntlet series, with the original Gauntlet airing in 2003–2004 and The Gauntlet III following in 2008. The Gauntlet II aired in late 2005 and into 2006 with 32 contestants and took place in Trinidad and Tobago. The teams were designated Veterans and Rookies, based on the number of prior Challenge seasons on which each cast member had competed. Those on the Veterans team had been on at least two prior seasons, and those on the Rookies team had been on fewer than two seasons. For this season, a male and female captain were determined at the beginning of the season. After each team challenge, the losing team captain was sent to the "Gauntlet", where they would face an opponent of the same sex and same team who was voted into the Gauntlet by the respective team. Gauntlets alternated between "Male Gauntlets" and "Female Gauntlets".
The Challenge The Gauntlet II aired on December 5th, 2005.
The Gauntlet II Episodes
1. Throwing Down the Gauntlet
The new cast of The Gauntlet 2 arrive to Trindad and Tobago. Their newest host, BMX rider T. J. Lavin, informs them that they would be competing for a spot as team captain. While the captain position comes with perks, it also comes with a price—the captain of the losing team would be forced to go into the Gauntlet (the elimination round) where they will face-off against another challenger from their team. Jo finds the living conditions too much to handle.
2. Derrick Steps It Up
Facing off in their first challenge, "Chock Full o' Coconuts," the Veterans set out to prove whether prior challenge experience will prevail over the Rookies' youthful enthusiasm. Later, at the first men's Gauntlet showdown, a heated battle results in the first player to be eliminated from the game.
3. We Can Work It Out
Rookie female team captain Kina is worried how her vulnerable position will affect her relationship with her teammate and boyfriend, Randy. The teams are forced to work together to come out on top at the "Team Builders" challenge. The first female Gauntlet ends with a surprising outcome.
4. The $10,000 Pyramid
A long-standing rivalry between Danny and Jodi erupts in a heated confrontation. At the "Moving Pyramid" challenge, the teams must literally carry the weight of their teammates. And the Gauntlet sets the stage for one player's angry departure.
5. Sloppy Seconds
The players set out to soak their competition at the "Spongeworthy" challenge. The Gauntlet sends home another victim. In addition, a complicated love triangle between Mark, Robin and Jodi results in an emotional breakdown.
6. Watching Paint Dry
Tension is high among the team captains, as Alton struggles with the tough responsibility of the job and Derrick's abrasive behavior causes strife between him and Brad. The "Body Painting" challenge finds the teams in a colorful mess as they battle for victory. And two quick climbers race for survival at the Gauntlet.
7. The Heat is On
Notorious trouble-maker Beth is back in action as she feuds with teammate Montana. The heat is on as the teams go the distance at the "Rickshaw Races" challenge. And a stunning Gauntlet upset leaves one team worried about their dubious new captain.
8. Rookie Moves
Accusations of an alliance with the other team send the Rookies into a state of chaos. The players put their muscles to the test at the "Team Strength" challenge. A costly mistake at the challenge results in a beloved castmember being sent to the Gauntlet.
9. Walking the Line
With suspicion still clouding their team, the Rookies struggle to come together for a win. The Veterans grow frustrated with the performance of their controversial captain, Beth. At the "Balancing Act" challenge, the teams must face a nerve-wracking tightrope walk. And the Gauntlet is the stage for the settling of a long-standing grudge.
10. Bucked!
The competitors face the ride of their lives at the "Buck-A-Neer" challenge. Derrick must once again fight for survival in the Gauntlet. An island romance blossoms between Alton and Jodi.
11. Victory At Last
Cara and Susie worry how their alienation from the other women on their team will affect their chances in the game. The Veterans set out to end their four-game losing streak as they struggle to hold their own at the "Pull Me" challenge. The Gauntlet heats up as two fiercely competitive women face off in a grueling battle.
12. Tire Me Up, Tire Me Down
Beth's lackluster performance at the challenges continues to frustrate the Veterans. The teams must make their way through a dangling obstacle course at the "Spare Tires" challenge. The Gauntlet claims another victim.
13. Mac-Beth
The pressure of being team captain takes its toll on Kina. Beth continues to wreak havoc on the Veteran team. At the "Easy Does It" challenge, the players race to cross a swinging platform. A sudden twist brings a surprise ending to a highly anticipated Gauntlet showdown.
14. The Good, the Brad, and the Ugly
The teams must work together to pull themselves to a victory as they face their latest challenge-"The Pit." Two friends face a difficult situation as they must compete to send one another home at the Gauntlet. And Jodi and Alton wonder about the future of their relationship as the Challenge nears its end.
15. Blind Panic
The Veteran women fear their male teammates may throw a challenge in order to send one of the girls home. The players put their faith in each other's hands as they walk blindfolded across a suspended balance beam in the "Blind Trust" challenge. Kina must make a difficult decision as she selects an opponent to compete against in the final women's Gauntlet.
16. Last Men Standing
With the last men's Gauntlet in front of them, the men worry about the possibility of being sent home the day before the Final Challenge. At the "Piece By Piece" challenge, the teams put their mechanical skills to the test. And one team must watch as two of their most beloved players go head-to-head to make it to the end in the most emotionally charged Gauntlet yet.
17. Don't Bet On It
The last male Gauntlet comes to a shocking end. The Rookie women have decided that losing is not an option, while Veteran team remain confident that they will pull an upset and take it home. The final challenge comes to a close in an unusual way.