‘The Anonymous’ Recap: ‘Buzzed Off’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

THE ANONYMOUS -- "Buzzed Off" Episode 111 -- Pictured: (l-r) Andy King, Marcel Cunningham, Nina Twine -- (Photo by: Rico Torres/USA Network)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Eleven of ‘The Anonymous’. To revisit the previous episode, clickhere.
​
Often times, reality competition shows… hype up the finale in ways that are cinematic in nature. Courtesy of spicy montages that really do get one’s blood pumping, along with on screen moments that just make it seem as though we are about to watch two titans throw down to earn that right to be a winner, and we love it. Because it’s fun, epic, and exciting and escapist in nature, and that is why… The Anonymous on USA Network continues to surprise us in so many ways. Because this week’s episode, the penultimate one for season one, should have started that process, and provided us with sizzling setup for the final battle. But instead… ‘Buzzed Off’ was a vastly different kind of episode.

For starters, it was emotional. For we learned in the early moments of this tale that Christopher won The Anonymous and made good upon his promise to make Dillian pay for ‘not doing enough’ by sending him home. Which brought about tears and fond farewells from the group, and a lovely goodbye speech from Dillian where he of course… revealed how good he was at the game via his handles. All before giving his friends in the game and the audience, one last runway walk. But once those farewells were handled, did the show shift gears and showcase… that in reality… the beginning of the end of a competition is not a sizzle reel, complete with one liners and explosive moments. But real people, who fully understand how close they are to winning or losing. 

Which gave rise to a very nervous episode. Wherein Nina pondered deeply upon safety to get a chance at the final round of the competition and where everyone else, frantically put together their final strategies for the last few times they’d be chatting and that led to attempts to gain leverage, such as when Marcel confronted Nina about her ties to Survivor, and a real push to be the best. Which was showcased in the challenge this week. Wherein the Sensational Six had to work together in two teams of three to move a bit of metal across an electrically charged pipe system for a chance at safety. One that would give them all a little zap if they didn’t move it perfectly. Which brought about a fierce push to win, and some contention since Lilly was loudly in pain when the shocks hit her. But in the end, Nina won the whole thing, and safety, and ten grand was added to the pot.

With the challenge in hand that meant, it was time for one important Anonymous Mode. Where everyone was going to need to make incredible moves to lock up a chance in the finale and that led, to another unique set of moments. Since so many decided now was the time to employ new strategies. All in the hopes of getting to next week’s showdown and that made for such an interesting watch. Because up until now, it’s been a steady stream of deeply thoughtful strategies and carefully chosen words to deflect and secure the title of The Anonymous. But here, people were going for broke, trying hard to create that deflection and for some, like Andy, it backfired. Simply because he went up for elimination. In fact, it would seem that Christopher and Marcel are the top candidates for The Anonymous, and it will be interesting to see who they choose to send home.

Because that will shape the Final Five and help to determine who will win this competition. Which makes this a very important elimination, one that could see the end of the line for a solid gamer for certain. But what matters most, is that this dynamic and refreshing show, made a point to once again offer up something new. A realistic look at what life is really like for the competitors at the end of a competition, and now we know… it is not all show and tension. It’s anxiety, it’s lots of thought and care regarding strategy and that really did make for a fascinating leg of the competition. One that leaves us in a bittersweet place. Because… we have in essence… reached the end of one amazing journey. Until next time.

---

Watch ‘The Anonymous’

Powered by JustWatch