Runner-Up's Revenge

**Runner-Up's Revenge** is the eighth episode of *Sequester Canada 2*.

## Story

The atmosphere in the jury house becomes tense as Tanishq enters, sharing the news of Melina's victory in the battle match. Dominick expresses surprise at Tanishq's presence, believing Azalyn would be the next to go. The conversation takes a turn when Liam, true to his straightforward nature, questions the notion of Melina being "one to watch" after her early elimination. Dominick attempts to maintain peace, urging Liam to be nice, but their exchange quickly escalates into a heated argument. Liam's self-confidence and Dominick's frustration with him come to the forefront, creating a rift between the two. Meanwhile, Tanishq observes the unfolding drama, offering a confessional on the awkwardness of the situation.

Back in the main house Azalyn expresses her desire for Tanishq's return, emphasizing their strong alliance. On the other hand, Misty is anxious about her position in the game and hopes for Melina's return to salvage her situation after Mackenzie and Melissa's betrayal.
When Melina returns, the atmosphere is mixed with claps from most contestants, except for Mackenzie. A heated exchange ensues between Melina and Mackenzie, with verbal jabs exchanged about battle match victories and their respective positions in the game. Marcel notes Mackenzie's effective comeback. As the confrontation continues, a mysterious figure in a black dress, bun, and mask approaches, causing a commotion among the contestants. Melissa reacts dramatically, while Mackenzie remains composed. The figure is revealed to be Michaela Kingston, the runner-up from Season 1, who announces herself as the host for a special round called "Runner Up's Revenge." Michaela introduces new rules, including a twist where the person with the second-most votes will be eliminated. She also reveals that she is a contestant with immunity and two votes, adding an extra layer of complexity to the game. The contestants are urged to follow Michaela for further instructions, leaving them to strategize and navigate this unexpected turn of events.

The contestants, under the guidance of Michaela Kingston, engage in a strategic discussion, each vying for her favor and the coveted LOS where one will be given publicly and another in private. Mackenzie kicks off the pitches by targeting Melina, emphasizing her perceived lack of popularity and strategic missteps throughout the game. Melina counters, defending her gameplay and calling out Mackenzie's recent questionable moves. Azalyn takes the floor, presenting herself as a hurt free agent labeled a manipulator. Marco aligns himself with Liam, considering him a potential jury goat and a valuable ally. Misty highlights her impressive track record in battle matches and personal growth, pledging to make Michaela proud. Marcel focuses on his consistent survival despite being targeted every round, showcasing his resilience. Ethan emphasizes his confident yet subtle gameplay, aiming to avoid being perceived as a threat in the game. Melissa, however, takes a different approach, appealing to her niceness and loyalty, a tactic Michaela swiftly dismisses. In the end, Michaela decides to award the LOS to Ethan, stirring mixed reactions among the contestants. Ethan acknowledges the advantage the LOS brings but also recognizes the potential downsides of becoming a known LOS holder.

The contestants disperse after Michaela's announcement, and strategic discussions immediately commence. Melina takes the opportunity to pull aside Misty and Azalyn, acknowledging the potential trust issues after eliminating Tanishq. In her confessional, Melina expresses her strategic move to eliminate Tanishq to leave Azalyn with no other option but to align with her. Melina proposes an alliance against the common threat they face, aiming to prevent a systematic elimination of their group. Misty notes the advantage they have as the second most voted, while Melina strategizes to throw votes onto herself, anticipating that Michaela and Melissa may vote for Mackenzie. Azalyn questions Melina about Melissa's vote against her in the previous round, but Melina is confident she can convince Michaela to flip. Melina's confessional reveals a plan to secure votes against Mackenzie, potentially resulting in one of Mackenzie's allies being eliminated.
Michaela enters the room, intrigued by the brewing plan. Melina proposes that Michaela votes for her, ensuring she receives the highest votes and Mackenzie goes home. Melina emphasizes their shared story of being on the bottom and clawing their way to the top, hoping to resonate with Michaela. Michaela, intrigued, agrees to consider the plan, leaving the room. The focus then shifts to Mackenzie, Melissa, Marcel, Marco, and Ethan. In her confessional, Mackenzie expresses her willingness to take the votes if necessary. Mackenzie proposes a plan for everyone to vote for her, ensuring that if Melina gets voted in, she can only drag Misty or Azalyn, guaranteeing none of their alliance members leave. The group agrees with the plan, acknowledging its potential success in maintaining their majority. In a confessional, Melissa expresses concern about Mackenzie's behavior towards Melina during their argument, questioning her trust in Mackenzie as Michaela observes the conversation.

Melina seizes the opportunity to pull Melissa aside, aiming to strengthen their alliance and potentially acquire Melissa's LOS. In her confessional, Melina outlines her plan to tell Melissa that Mackenzie was talking negatively about her. Additionally, she plans to exploit Misty's possession of an LOS, convincing Melissa to give it to her for renewed loyalty. Melina confronts Melissa about Mackenzie's alleged negative comments, questioning whether she wants someone like Mackenzie as a friend. Melissa expresses her disapproval, opening the door for Melina's strategic pitch. Melina proposes a plan for Melissa to vote for her, leveraging their shared story to gain Michaela's votes. However, Melina adds a condition, requesting Melissa's LOS as a sign of loyalty. Melissa hesitates, suggesting she might give the LOS after the vote to ensure her safety. In her confessional, Melissa contemplates the decision, acknowledging the need to regain Melina's trust but also considering the potential risk. Melina, frustrated by Melissa's decision to wait, questions whether Melissa might be playing her. Melissa, in her confessional, grapples with the dilemma of choosing between someone she betrayed and someone who dislikes her. The contestants then gather to discuss the vote with Michaela. However, the revelation of Michaela giving her second LOS to Melina adds a new layer of complexity to the decision-making process. In her confessional, Melina expresses a mix of reassurance and uncertainty about whether to play the LOS. As Michaela leaves the house, the contestants reconvene in the living room, poised for the upcoming vote.

Fembot delivers the shocking news that Mackenzie is eliminated, leaving her visibly surprised. As Ethan, Marco, and Marcel stand up, indicating that they voted for Mackenzie, Mackenzie confronts Melissa about her vote. Melissa explains that Mackenzie's negative comments about her influenced her decision. Mackenzie denies explicitly calling Melissa dumb but admits to gossiping about other contestants with Melina. Melissa remains firm in her decision, citing Mackenzie's rudeness and alleged manipulation. Melina accuses Mackenzie of gossiping and emphasizes her comments towards Melissa. Mackenzie, unfazed, decides to take a risk and attempt to flush Ethan's LOS, expressing concern about the potential power it holds when combined with Michaela's second LOS. Ethan, however, decides not to play his LOS, confident in his ability to survive the battle match. Mackenzie warns him that it might be his "funeral," but Ethan remains resolute, stating that he won't be going home. In her confessional, Mackenzie expresses frustration at being in the battle match due to Melina's manipulation. She vows to give her all in the upcoming battle match. Meanwhile, Ethan acknowledges the risk he's taking by not playing his LOS but is confident in his decision.

The battle match, named "Blow Balls," requires contestants to use their breath to move balls into six compartments. Ethan takes an early lead, effortlessly scoring three points. Despite Mackenzie's efforts, she only manages to score two points by the time Ethan completes the challenge, resulting in Ethan's victory. Ethan graciously acknowledges Mackenzie with a "Good game," while Mackenzie expresses appreciation for their brief collaboration, stating, "It was nice working with you for a bit."