Bunker Challenge Lecture Notes

Overview

• Two contestants, Hugo and Rayne, meet for the first time in a nuclear bunker.
• They will live together for 100 days for a chance to win half a million dollars.

Bunker Details

• Location: 40 feet underground.
• Amenities: Bedrooms, ability to grow vegetables, and various supplies for survival.
• Prize Money: $500,000, split if both stay; nothing if one leaves.

Initial Reactions

• Both contestants express disbelief at their situation and the amount of money available.
• They discuss the challenges of living together in isolation.

Day-to-Day Life

• Daily Routine: Cooking breakfast, learning skills (guitar, Spanish).
• Tension Building: Early signs of conflict present; disagreements about chores and personal habits.
• Expressions of Boredom: Attempts to build a throne of canned food and other creative activities.

The Twist (Day 10)

• Introduction of a hand scanner and timer that requires teamwork to prevent the burning of their money.
• Timer will count down daily, increasing stress levels.

Team Dynamics and Challenges

• Mixture of cooperation and tension, with challenges visible in daily tasks.
• Rayne and Hugo initially get along but face growing frustrations (e.g., snoring, chores).

Offers and Decision Points

• Day 20 Offer: Increased prize money for reduced timer from 1 minute to 30 seconds.
• Day 30 Offer: An additional $50,000 for removing alarm sound—rejected by contestants.
• Day 40 Offer: Opportunity to leave for $100,000; both decide to stay despite tensions.
• Day 70 Offer: A chance to leave for $200,000 presented, but both choose to remain.

Mid-Challenge Progression

• They make adjustments to work together better and maintain their living space.
• Day 50 Party: Celebrating halfway point with cake and a recognition of teamwork.
• Restlessness: By day 61, tension builds again as monotony sets in.

Interventions and Friendship Tests

• Introduction of Ryan Trahan as a temporary roommate to test their teamwork.
• Friendship tests enhance bond; both contestants express motivations for winning.

Final Stages (Days 90-100)

• Preparations for final countdown and increased urgency with alarms returning.
• Final Offer: $700,000 with a new timer rule; contestants accept and prepare.
• Day 100: Final button press after 100 days of living in the bunker.

Outcome

• Contestants succeed in completing the challenge.
• Each contestant awarded $350,000 as a reward for their perseverance.
• Emotional farewell and rekindling of their friendship as they exit the bunker.