It’s probably safe to assume I will watch any Netflix reality TV show. Therefore, it is surprising to no one that I watched Battle Camp, a series featuring some contestants from Netflix’s best reality TV shows. It’s an entertaining program that has campers compete in a series of challenges in the hopes of winning $250,000.
It has similar traits to many other Netflix competition series, and even suffers from its common issue. However, what makes it slightly different also gives me mixed feelings about Battle Camp. Let’s talk about it.
Warning: Battle Camp spoilers are ahead. Proceed with caution.
Battle Camp Has An Unusual Way Of Eliminating Contestants
favorite competition reality TV shows are ones where the contestants completely control their fate. In Battle Camp, the contestants control some of their fate but not entirely.
This may make the series thrilling for some, but it’s frustrating for me. This isn’t necessarily a Battle Camp problem and more of my preference issue.
The Wheel Made Me Question Battle Camp’s Authenticity
Sometimes someone would have their names basically all over the wheel, but the single other name would somehow be eliminated. Occasionally, contestants who weren’t bringing too much to the series were eliminated, while some of the more popular contestants from other Netflix shows and the contestants bringing the most storylines were spared.
It felt at times like Netflix would decide to eliminate someone by whether them staying or being eliminated would produce the most entertainment. If I want to believe everything on Battle Camp is real, it just seemed convenient at times how the wheel worked out. Additionally, I understand it could have been editing after things happened to make the wheel results even more dramatic, and not the wheel being altered to protect someone who produces the most drama and entertainment.
I Enjoyed How The Wheel Determines The Winner
Despite my frustrations at how the wheel eliminates contestants, I did enjoy how it comes full circle to determine the winner. The final six contestants must compete again in many of the challenges or punishment challenges they did throughout Battle Camp Season 1. Based on their performances, they would have their name added to the wheel. The contestants also got to vote for who they wanted to see win. The more votes they got, the more their name appeared on the wheel.
The ending used a combination of competition wins, social skills, and a little bit of strategy. This made Battle Camp similar to Big Brother and shows like it, where multiple skills come in handy in the end. Additionally, it still involved some sort of luck. I liked the idea of the wheel more in terms of choosing a winner than eliminating a contestant.
I Want The Wheel To Remain A Part Of Battle Camp, But With Some Changes
I am still unsure of how I feel about the wheel eliminations, but I think this twist with eliminations is one of the things that makes Battle Camp stand out in this sea of overpopulated reality TV. Therefore, I would just like to see a few changes. I think the wheel definitely adds suspense and unpredictability, but maybe start the series with more contestants and more eliminations.
This would increase the unpredictable nature and maybe seem more fair if two people are eliminated each episode, instead of one on some episodes and two on others. More names on the wheel intensify the unpredictable nature because anyone could really go at any moment.
Also, I would like to see more opportunities to win safety or have campers remove their names from the wheel. Maybe there could be reward competitions where someone can win the chance to remove their name from the wheel once or gain complete safety. This would feel a bit fairer to those who are only on the wheel because their team lost a challenge. Additionally, it could create tension if someone who was going to be voted on the wheel by a lot of people wins safety.
Battle Camp is the best Netflix show to watch this week, and an exciting addition to the Netflix reality TV world. If you haven’t yet, I suggest you binge it soon.
Stream Battle Camp on Netflix.