‘The Anonymous’ Recap: ‘Silent Mode’

Written by John Edward Betancourt 

THE ANONYMOUS -- "Silent Mode" Episode 109 -- Pictured: (l-r) Christopher Shulstad, Dillian Frelow, Andy King, Bismah Ahmed -- (Photo by: Rico Torres/USA Network)

​Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Nine of ‘The Anonymous’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.

One particular golden rule that everyone must abide by when playing any kind of game, is that one must remember, it is only a game. It is but a competition, and one cannot take things personal. Because to do so can create mistakes and bring about emotional decisions and thus far, it is a rule that the contestants of The Anonymous have abided by. Because they do indeed use the chat to bend the game to their will and strategize and do their best to keep personal moments out of it. But that all changed during this week’s episode of the show. Because one stunning elimination to open up ‘Silent Mode’ outright shook everyone up.

Because Jack, a man who has enjoyed the title of The Anonymous multiple times and seemed on pace to win the game… was sent home by Victoria. Who won The Anonymous this past week, and well… that rattled everyone. Andy for instance, was torn asunder that his friend and ally was gone, and he was in awe of how well Jack played the game, and truly… the vibe following his exit was sour. Because his exit, and Xavier’s really hammered home then nature of the game, and how a single moment or decision can change everything. Since it could be inferred that Jack’s push to get Victoria out, could have helped motivate her toward her decision.  

But speculation aside, since Victoria spoke to removing a strong competitor over anything else, what mattered more… was the fallout of this. Because so many took this personal and were thrown off by Jack’s very emotional exit and that led, to the spiciest chat to date. Where gut feelings about who might have done this and a push to move people considered to be weaker competitors out, made the chat a little more personal and direct. Which led to fury for Dillian. Who was put up with Christopher for elimination because some felt he was the one who sent Jack home, and really wanted to hammer home his lack of production in their eyes. So, to answer that surprise… Dillian went into silent mode and gave everyone a taste of what life would be like without him as a bold and intense strategy to stay. One that was also quite personal in nature.  

All of which spoke to an emotional turn for the game, one that was slowed… by another surprise filled Face-Off. Wherein DANI let it be known that those who weren’t up for elimination, would be up there with Dillian and Christopher, without the wonder of the ‘Safe’ box. Which gave rise to a little bit of focus, because no one wanted an ‘At Risk’ box. Giving us that slice of normalcy we crave, and another wondrous battle royale from the Face-Off, which is always fun. But it did not last. Because the push to become The Anonymous resulted in a lot of planning and scheming and well, we will see next week if gamesmanship wins the day or if personal beliefs and gut feelings will rule the finale. Because it seems that The Anonymous was handed to either Andy or Nima.
​
So, if Dillian is sent packing, that means… Andy and a personal vendetta ruled the day. Because he promised to make Dillian pay for Jack, since he believed that was who was responsible for sending his friend packing. But if he stays, then Nima will right the game and put it back on track. But while we wait to see how that plays out, we can celebrate one epic leg of the competition. One that showed the wear and tear this game is having emotionally on these hearty contestants and one that brought about some real spice and some piping hot tea. And well, it will be interesting to see if this conflict and frustration only grows when we settle in for the season finale of the show, come next week. Until then. 

---

Watch ‘The Anonymous’

Powered by JustWatch