'The Titan Games' Season 2 Episode 1 Best Moments: Matt Chan's heroic loss and Chantae McMillan's epic display
'The Titan Games' Season 2 was off to an electric start and the two-hour season opener lived up to every bit of the audience's expectations. An intense display of strength and grit followed by some overwhelming emotions headlined the Central Region leg of the competition. Hosted by Dwayne Johnson, who had anchors Cari Champion and Alex Mendez for company, the episode saw eight competitors face off against each other. The winners would then go on to challenge Joe Thomas, former NFL great and Claressa Shields — The Titans.
As the two-hour launch episode draws to an end, let's look at the best moments from Monday's episode.
Matt Chan vs Bartley Weaver
Bartley was the fan-favorite, no doubts there. The Tennessee Titans mascot was built like a bull and was billed as the man to win the day. Except, he ran into a strong-willed firefighter in Matt Chan who in the 'Nuts and Bolts' challenge steamrolled Bartley by unloading the heavy plates and pulling the wall down. The win was what Matt needed to set the tone as he took Round 1. However, 'Lunar Impact' saw Bartley make a comeback with some newfound strength and motivation.
But the third round, the Herculean Pull saw Matt out his firefighting skills to use as he used his legs to sprint and shoulder strength to pull the pole. It was an inspiring watch as Matt made quick work out of the final task to book an appointment with Joe Thomas.
Matt Chan vs Joe Thomas
This one had Thomas sweating. Matt came in as the underdog and he matched in pace and strength with Thomas on the Mount Olympus obstacle course, but as luck would have it, he missed slotting the "Titan relic" in the finish line giving Thomas that extra split second to lock his relic to signal his finishing the daunting obstacle course. It was heartbreaking to see it happen to Matt, but fans will be pleased to know he will be back for the Central Region finals earning one more shot at becoming a Titan.
Chantae McMillan vs Claressa Shields
A former Olympian vs a Boxing champion. However, facing off Titan Claressa was no easy challenge, but Chantae made it look ridiculously easy. After losing in Round 1 to fellow competitor, Alexis Balliet, Chantae sprung wins in 'Over the Edge' and 'LaunchPad.' In her contest against Claressa, Chantae was off the blocks pretty quick as she finished the obstacles in a scintillating display of stamina, mobility and strength. At one stage, Claressa was still struggling at the halfway mark when Chantae locked in the relic to win and become the new Titan.
Jess Weatherby vs Dr Jamie Seeman
Farmer vs Doctor. Jess was diagnosed with a hip condition, but a strict training regime at the farm saw her build a sturdy, functionally fit physique while surgeon Jamie was an early riser who trained like a badass. Both women were in 'The Titan Games' Season 2 to show their kids the way forward. It was Jamie who won 2-0. She swept both challenges — 'Chain Linked' and 'Kick-Out.' Her next step was to see off Chantae's threat.
What made Jamie special in these wins was the fact she was as calm and level-headed. Each challenge needs one specific muscle group to max out and Jamie nailed it right by putting on a clinical display.
Dr Jamie Seeman vs Chantae McMillan
There's no getting past Chantae. Call it physical exertion or maybe some pressure, but Jamie looked a little tired when she raced off against Chantae who hit the straps in a flash. It was an easy win after Jamie struggled with the 'Iron Ascent', one of the challenges on Mount Olympus and that gave Chantae a wide opening to win and maintain her newly-acquired Titan crown.
Steven Shelby vs Joe Thomas
Shelby, a Deputy Sheriff, is safe to say, built like a Mustang. Powerful, loud and energetic, he put on a mesmerizing display of brute strength, raw power, and heart as he beat coach Blake Broadhurst 'LaunchPad' and 'Over the Edge.' His inspiration was his daughter, Isabel diagnosed who was diagnosed with a heart condition. However, the DJ look-alike, despite matching every move on the Olympus course with Thomas slowed down in the end after a bit of a blow to the head.
That though saw him carry on undeterred, but by then Thomas, coming in with experience and tons of stamina locked in the relic. For those who thought the competitors facing the Titans were done, there's good news as Jamie, Shelby and Matt will return in the Central region finals.
'The Titan Games' Season 2 airs on Mondays at 8 pm ET on NBC.
