- I feel like dying.

It's hard to catch my breath.

- Get angry, let's go!

- I'm trying, okay?

Colin: This week on Survivalists... - I'm not carrying these bags, you guys carry these bags.

- Okay, Christian.

Colin: The Tran family from Renton, Washington... - One of my hopes for Survivalists is to find that common ground with my family.

- I'll be honest with you, sometimes you can be a jerk.

- [emotional] I don't know how to change it.

I just feel like I'm losing him.

Colin: ...will take on the Bowling family from Bluffdale, Utah.

- I would describe my relationship with my stepdad as really... just not good.

- I don't feel like we're really acting as a family.

- They are my life and if they're not okay with each other, it kind of break my heart.

- I think for our future it's pretty critical.

We can connect.

[knock] - Ow, Mom!

- Sorry, Leo!

Colin: They're competing in a grueling race... - Ava!

Hurry up!

Let's go!

- ...through the scorching desert of Baja, Mexico.

- Wait!

- Scorpions.

- [screaming] Colin: They'll have to dig deeper as individuals... - [screams] - Fast, fast, fast!

- I feel like I wanna give up.

Colin: ...come together as a family... - I think we're almost there!

- Let's go, you got it, Ava.

- In the end, you know, we have to finish as a team.

Colin: As they compete for a $10,000 prize.

- Let's go.

- Go, go, go, go!

- I'm proud of you guys.

Colin: This is Survivalists.

Bowling family, Tran family, welcome to Survivalists!

All: [cheering] - Great to have everyone here!

Bowlings, how you feelin'?

- Excited!

- Yeah.

- How about you, Tran family, how is it being here?

- Great, yeah!

Colin: Let’s get down to business.

This season's more difficult than ever before.

So, we’re stepping up the game.

That means we are starting this competition right now!

- Whoa!

- Nooo!

- Here’s the map.

Here’s a map.

As you can see from where we are, you guys are headed out into the water.

You guys are gettin’ on those boats out there.

You guys ready?

All: Yeah!

Colin: All right.

[clapping] Three, two, one.

Go!

Mari: Go, go, go, go.

Colin: All right!

Christian: You got it?

Mari: Yeah.

Colin: All right!

Get on those boats!

Good luck, you guys!

Ashton: Let’s go, guys!

Colin: These families are embarking on a four-day, three-night journey through boiling sand dunes, dense swamps, and winding rivers with only a map and compass to guide them towards the finish.

♪♪ Their first task is to wade through stingray-infested waters to the waiting boats which will ferry them over to the peninsula where their journey will begin.

♪♪ Alejandra: Love, are you okay?

Leo: Yeah.

Alejandra: ‘Kay!

Wes: Shuffle.

Don’t step.

Mari: C’mon, baby.

Oh my gosh.

♪♪ Knowing the water had a bunch of stingrays in it, it was scary because I didn’t know what I was gonna step on.

Alejandra: C’mon!

Wes: Hurry up!

Push it!

Alejandra: ‘Kay, careful there.

Keep shuffling.

Christian: Slide.

Remember, you guys have to slide.

Victoria: How do we do it?

Alejandra: Yeah!

Mari: You got this!

C’mon!

Christian: Ava, hurry up!

Go, let’s go.

C’mon!

- [grunts] Colin: The Bowlings have reached their boat first.

They’re in the lead as they head to the peninsula.

And the Trans still struggle through the water.

Christian: Hurry up, Ava!

Seeing the other family progress ahead of us, I did feel, like, kinda mad since, you know, I am a competitive guy.

Ava, hurry up!

Let’s go!

Dude, I’m getting mad right now.

I started yelling at Ava ‘cause I feel like she really needed to hear it.

Ava, you’re a big enough girl.

Hurry up.

That she’s not a little baby any more.

You can’t have other people just always help you all the time, Ava.

You gotta know how to pick yourself up.

Ava: Christian’s like this every day.

Bossy.

- If you try, that’s good.

But I didn’t see you try.

You need to try.

Put in the effort.

Don’t be lazy.

Mari: Christian.

You’re making it worse.

Ava: I get really mad, but then I try to hold it in.

[sniffles] Mari: We’re also here to help each other, Christian.

It’s not just, like, every man for themselves.

So, our relationship isn’t good.

We butt heads so much that we just end up both being really frustrated and then Christian will just shut down and walk away.

Colin: As Christian tries to get his temper under control, the Bowlings are the first to approach the peninsula.

Alejandra: Just look at it!

Just to have the opportunity to be here is just amazing.

Victoria: Yeah.

When my stepdad and my mom got married, I thought I was gonna have a good time with Wes.

But I feel like we don't have as close of a relationship because we don't talk as much.

Wes: It's a strained relationship.

She and I have some differences and it's come to a point where we're not speaking very often.

Alejandra: Okay!

Wes: Okay, here, here, here.

Alejandra: C'mon buddy.

Let's go.

Leo: [grunts] So heavy!

Ah!

Let's go!

Colin: The families will now have to trek in the desert heat over undulating dunes, deep sand valleys, and coastal beaches as they crisscross their way six miles to camp.

Victoria: [laughs weakly] It's 'cause the sand.

It makes it harder.

Colin: As the scorching sun peaks in the sky, the deep, abrasive sand makes every step a fight to move forward.

The Bowling family is still ahead by two minutes, but they've slowed to a crawl as the Trans make landfall... Ashton: Land ho.

Colin: ...close behind.

Mari: Okay, so this is what we're gonna do.

The north is over there somewhere, 'kay?

So, let's stay by the coastline.

Christian: Let's go.

Mari: When we got on land I was kinda surprised to see where we were because I didn't know what was out there, what kind of critters, or what kind of wild animals were out there.

It was a little scary.

Ashton: I think this sand is deep.

Mari: I know.

Christian: This sand's deep.

Ashton: It's like the water again.

♪♪ Christian: That's like our halfway point is at this curve, like-- Mari: Are you sure about that?

Looks like there's a lot of curves.

Christian: We're going the right way.

Just keep going straight.

Mari: Okay.

Ashton: The way Christian is helping navigate, I feel like he needs to calm down a bit.

Christian: Just walk, just follow my footsteps!

I know where I'm doing!

Ashton: He just tries to be right [laughingly] over everyone else.

Christian: Let's go, let's go, let's go!

- Christian has, definitely has a temper.

- He has no patience.

- I know.

- That's my problem.

Ashton: I'm actually a little bit scared to talk to Christian.

Christian did bully me a little bit, called me names.

I feel like where it went wrong was when he hit middle school.

That's the time where I really lost him just because he was angry all the time.

Mari: I think it was a little bit of my fault.

The way things are now.

And I wanna change that.

But, I just put a lot of pressure on myself.

Like I'm just not a good enough mom.

I just wanna be better than my own mom.

We didn't have the best relationship so... I just wanna, um, break that with the kids.

Where do you think we are now, Christian?

Christian: Just keep going straight.

Colin: While Christian's family struggles with his attitude, a quarter mile ahead, the Bowlings are struggling in the sand.

Alejandra: I think if we go to the coast, it will be easier for us to walk than here going up and down.

Victoria: Yeah.

'Kay.

Alejandra: The transition since all of us are in the same home has been rough.

Wes and the kids, this is the big opportunity for them.

Can you do it?

Can you keep going?

Wes: Yeah.

Yeah, yeah.

Alejandra: 'Kay.

This is for us to learn something and to be a family.

Wes: Yeah.

Alejandra: So, maybe you can work with Victoria.

Wes: Yeah.

Alejandra: I think it's important for Wes since he needs that chance of having that relationship with his son.

He is trying to get that with Victoria.

And right now, he's losing Victoria.

We want you many, many years with us, so talk to her and tell her, like, what is going on.

Wes: I agree with you.

Mari: [heavy breathing] How are we supposed to climb that?

Christian: Just go up.

[grunts] Ashton: Wha--?

Christian: Let's go, Mom, you got it.

These are, like, some real sand dunes.

It's pretty tough, especially when the sand is not, like, compact for some spots where we sink into the sand.

Mari: Are you serious?

Ashton: Mom, Mom, Mom.

Mari: [grunts] Ashton: Sit down here.

Mari: Can I just crawl up there?

Christian: Here.

[stammering] Get Mom's bag.

Here.

Ashton: [strained] All right, let's do this.

Christian: C'mere.

Give me Dad's bag.

My parents are struggling through the dunes, so me and my brother had to take one for the team and take their backpacks, 'cause in the end, you know, we have to finish as a team.

It's not about individuality.

Ashton: C'mon.

C'mon.

Colin: The Tran family's persistance on the dunes has payed off as they've nearly caught up to the Bowlings.

Alejandra: Babe!

The other family.

Victoria: They're going.

We gotta go!

Mari: Oh, no.

Christian: Hey, Orange Team's right there.

Let's go!

Let's go, c'mon.

Let's go!

Seeing the other family, I just want to go, go, go.

Ava, hurry up!

There's no excuse.

We got your bags.

If you want something, you gotta go get it.

You can't be soft about it.

You can't be slow.

You just gotta be on the grind.

Here, Mom, gimme your bag.

I'm gonna run.

Mari: Christian, wait.

Christian: Don't you wanna go straight and then go in?

Yeah!

Colin: As Christian drags his family into the lead just two miles from camp, the family's routes cross one another, with the Trans moving to the coast, and the Bowlings heading into the dunes.

In the dunes, every step is a labor.

The soft sand makes it exhausting to move forward as every laborious stride slides backwards, making this steep climb a monumental task.

Leo: I think we're almost there!

Victoria: Okay.

Leo: Keep going.

Christian: C'mon, how are you guys still behind us when we have your bags!

Hurry up!

Mari: I'm trying, okay?

Christian: Get angry, let's go!

Mari: I'm really tired.

Christian: You guys want it or not?

Mari: It didn't help that Christian was lecturing.

It can be really irritating sometimes.

Victoria: Hurry!

C'mon, Leo!

Good job.

Good job.

[flag rippling] Christian: Look, the flag's right there.

Let's go.

Ashton: C'mon.

Let's go guys.

Victoria: C'mon!

We still got this!

Mari: [breathing heavily] Christian: Open it, Mom.

Mari: "Congratulations, Tran family.

You have survived Day One."

Christian: Let's go.

Go team.

Ashton: Nice.

Go team.

Mari: Go team, go Tran.

Christian has been overly critical.

Christian: I'm not carrying these bags.

You guys carry these bags.

Mari: Okay, Christian.

I need to talk to him.

I'm nervous though because it is very awkward for us.

But one of us has to start somewhere.

Ashton: Let's go, guys.

♪♪ Alejandra: [breathing shakily] Victoria: Yes, Wes, you got this.

[flag rippling] Alejandra: Good.

Good, good, good, good, good, good, good.

Wes: [grunting] Victoria: Good job, Wes.

Leo: "Congratulations, Bowling family.

You have survived Day One."

Alejandra: [crying] [emotionally] I'm proud of you guys.

Victoria: That's just the first day though.

- I know, I know.

Colin: The Bowling family finishes Day One just four minutes behind the Tran family.

But it's clear the journey is already taking a toll on both families.

They'll now have an opportunity to set up camp and plan for a better tomorrow.

Vuong: How are you feeling?

Mari: I don't know.

Things could've gone better today.

Like, it's hard all the time.

[emotionally] I don't know how to change it.

I just feel like I'm losing him.

Vuong: Next couple days, you and Christian just go for a walk somewhere and talk, and maybe that will help this time since we're all out here now.

Mari: Is he open to it?

It's also a sensitive subject for him.

So then we just don't talk about it.

It's the culture too.

I never had these conversations with my mom because she's never had conversations like that with her mom.

I don't want him to continue this cycle with his own family.

- We're gonna try to change that cycle, and, uh... Mari: Yeah, I know.

- ...just try and move forward for our family.

Mari: I know.

I just, um, I don't wanna mess us up.

♪♪ [insects chirping] Victoria: How was everyone's day?

Wes: Yeah, I think, uh, physically it's been more of a challenge.

Walking through that sand is crazy.

Victoria: Yes.

Wes: I think it was just a big surprise.

Victoria: Mm-hm.

Alejandra: Leo, are you super tired, babe?

Alejandra: Are you hungry?

Victoria: Eat it, Leo.

You need it.

Alejandra: What do you think, Leo?

Leo: [groans] I don't know.

Wes: Leo, yeah, you need to get some electrolytes in.

Alejandra: We want you to function well tomorrow.

Wes: Yeah.

It's really about your health.

Leo: [groans] Alejandra: We'll see how he feels tomorrow.

He's just finished his food and go rest and be ready for tomorrow.

Does that sounds like a good plan?

- Yes.

[insects chirping] ♪♪ [owl hoots gently] ♪♪ [coyote howling] ♪♪ Mari: Okay, Ava and I are just getting ready.

Apparently, we had coyotes come through, and I guess they were nipping on Vuong's foot somehow though the tent.

Yeah.

Interesting.

Mari: [laughs] Yeah, same.

♪♪ Christian, Ashton, can you guys help?

Christian: Here, wait, Dad, zip these up first.

Mari: With Christian, I tried speaking to him a few years ago.

He just laughed in my face and was like, oh, you're just overthinking it.

You know, and that was it.

That was the end of that.

I feel like this trip would be our last opportunity.

I have to talk to him or something.

And I'm afraid that if I don't break the cycle, then it's gonna continue on to his own kids, and I don't wanna see that because I want our future generations to be able to handle their family problems.

Wes: All right, let's get the rest of the tent.

Victoria: Um.

Alejandra: Babe, help.

Wes: The kids, they really don't help every day, and it's still showing.

Alejandra: They are so used to, like, not helping that much or just being, like, ah.

Victoria: Mom.

Alejandra: But yes.

It's true!

It's true.

Wes: They're just not grateful for what they have sometimes.

Like, this morning for breakfast, Leo didn't like what he was eating, so he didn't eat it.

I don't wanna see him wearing down.

We're trying to give you life skills.

And we love you guys.

That's the primary reason for all of this.

♪♪ [waves roaring] [flag rippling] Christian: Okay.

"Survival as a team requires trust "and the ability to adjust and adapt.

"Try to focus on those elements as you brave today's course."

Colin: Today is Day Two.

The families will face four miles of unforgiving dunes to their first checkpoint, and then travel by paddle boards for an additional four miles through the winding canals of the entangled mangrove forest on their way to the camp.

Mari: We're just gonna cut straight across these dunes, right?

Christian: Yeah, just keep going straight.

Make sure to head for the beach.

♪♪ [wind blowing] Alejandra: So... that way.

Come on.

Let's do it.

[flag rippling] [wind howling] [waves roaring] Wes: You okay?

Alejandra: Take your time, babe.

Victoria: But we're almost there.

Wes: Where is it, where is it hurting, Leo?

Alejandra: Here.

Leo: [shallowly breathing] Wes: Let's do something here.

C'mon, stand up.

Leo ran out of energy pretty quickly.

C'mon, get your coat off.

It's too hot.

There you go.

All right, let's go.

We were trying to help him carry the bag, and then he just defaults to me picking it up and going with it.

Okay.

Catch up to Mom.

Go catch up to Mom.

They know that they're gonna get bailed out.

And it kind of bothered me to see that, you know, Leo just expected it.

Alejandra: No, babe, no, no, no.

Wes: Let's just keep going.

Give him a break.

- No.

- Let's just take it slow and steady.

Slow and steady.

Slow and steady.

Victoria: Do you feel like you're going to faint?

Wes: Ale's trying to do everything.

She's trying to make sure I'm okay, but she's worried about her kids.

I don't feel like we're really acting as a family because the focus is that group.

Through this race I kinda feel we're in our positions, and mine's at the bottom, at the back.

Alejandra: I can see the other family there!

Hurry!

Colin: While Wes holds up the rear, along with the extra weight for his family, the Trans push forward just five minutes ahead of them.

- Other family's catching up.

Let's go.

Ashton: C'mon, guys.

Christian: C'mon.

Hey look, it's a crab.

Ashton: Oh.

Vuong: [laughs] Mari: [laughingly] Oh, wow.

Christian: It's like a dancing crab.

Ashton, how do you feel?

Ashton: Actually pretty good.

Christian: Dude, I'm so tired.

[laughingly] Dude, they're so far behind.

I just wish Ava could try.

That's all that matters, you know, is just trying.

Ashton: Yeah, I get it.

It's trying to help.

It's just maybe don't say it [laughingly] in a mean way.

I know you wanted to push her, but she cried because of it.

Christian: I think me talking to Ava in kind of a hard way, I think it's made things worse.

Maybe I was too rough.

Colin: Moving away from the thick sea air, the families cut inland toward the dunes.

The Bowling Family is now a quarter-mile behind.

Leo: [crying] Everything hurts.

Alejandra: Everything hurts?

Leo: [sniffles] Mm-hm.

[sniffles] Alejandra: Here.

You need to be drinking, babe.

Leo: I was really exhausted 'cause I used up all my energy.

- You don't drink water.

Leo: I drink a lot of water.

Victoria and Alejandra: No, you don't.

Leo: [breathing shakily] Alejandra: Let's go, let's go, let's go, let's go.

Victoria: Did you ever say thank you to Wes?

Alejandra: Did you say it, Leo?

Leo: Thank you, Wes.

Wes: You're welcome.

Mari: There's cactus here.

Watch out.

Christian: Oh, dang, that's a lot of cactuses.

Mari: Wait, are there rattlesnakes by cactus?

Vuong: Yep, everywhere.

Ashton: Oh, no.

[snake hissing] Christian: I see a body of water.

Vuong: Good job, guys.

Let's go.

Ashton: I see it, guys.

Christian: "From the land to the water, a true survivalist is always adapting."

Ashton: [laughing] - Seems like we're going to go into the water.

Lemme see.

Ashton: Oh, oh, is that what that river is?

Christian: Yeah.

Let's do this.

Colin: Eight minutes ahead, the Trans have reached the checkpoint.

They'll have to climb onto paddle boards and make their way four miles through the twisting mangrove swamp.

This waterway is the only route to their next camp.

These mangroves are beautiful, but they're not without their challenges.

So these families are going to have to work together to navigate and find their way through.

Mari: I've never paddleboarded before, so I was really nervous because I didn't think I could do it, [laughingly] and I don't swim very well.

Christian: Let's go, we wanna beat the Orange Team.

Let's go!

Watch out.

Vuong: Oh, Mari.

Mari: I'm trying not to.

Christian: I had done this before, but it was apparent that my family... [splashing] ...it was not so easy for them.

Ashton: Wow.

Christian: Oh, watch out.

Ava, it's getting shallow.

Come over here.

Mari: [whimpers] Christian: Mom, it's okay!

It's a fish!

- Dude!

Man, I'm trying to get it off the thing!

Christian: [laughs] [laughingly] Dude, they're so far behind.

Ashton: I thought you and Ava was getting a little bit rough.

- Why was it rough?

Do you think I'm a jerk?

Ashton: Ava probably thinks you're a jerk.

Yeah.

Alejandra: Careful here, you guys.

Victoria: [gasps] I see it.

Alejandra: You see it?

Colin: The Bowlings have reached the mangrove canals, but Leo's struggles have set them back.

They'll have to paddle hard if they hope to catch the Tran family, who now lead by seven minutes.

Leo: [grunts] Like glue.

Victoria: [screams] Alejandra: You okay?

Victoria: Ah!

Alejandra: Oh, look at the fish!

Victoria: Whoa-ho-ho.

Alejandra: Oh my gosh!

Look at the fish!

I'm nervous [chuckles] for whatever sea creatures we see in there.

Um, just, just scared of that.

O-o-oh, a fish.

Oh.

Did you see that?

Victoria: Yeah.

It was bouncing around.

Alejandra: Yeah!

[bird singing] Ashton: Christian, which way?

Christian: Hold on!

Just stay!

I'm helping Ava!

After talking with my brother, I think I'm going to take the gentle approach with Ava and figure out what I can do as a bigger brother to help her and my family.

C'mon, Ava, just keep paddling.

Sorry for yelling at you, Ava.

You know, I was just trying to give you, like, motivational speak.

Mari: I feel like Christian is trying to turn a corner and trying to be a better big brother.

I could tell that he was annoyed because she was the slowest, and I thought he was just gonna fall back to his usual and start yelling at her and just putting on the pressure, but I was actually surprised he took it down a few notches.

Christian: C'mon, Ava, shred the gnar.

Get mad.

Mari: I'm proud of him in that sense.

[coyote yipping] Christian: I hear coyotes, they're right there.

Hey, I see the Orange Team.

Let's go!

Ashton: All right, let's go.

C'mon, guys.

Christian: C'mon!

[muffled] C'mon guys.

Victoria: I can hear the other family.

Christian: [muffled] You can do it.

Come on.

Alejandra: Yeah.

Colin: The Tran family's slow pace in the water has allowed the Bowlings to begin closing the gap.

The Tran's lead is now just two minutes.

♪♪ Christian: Hey, water's choppy over here.

Watch out.

Let's go.

You got it, Ava.

Mari: C'mon Dad, C'mon Ava!

Victoria: Hurry!

Push, push your hardest!

Christian: Here, Ava.

Mari: C'mon, guys.

Christian: C'mon, let's go, guys.

Victoria: We're almost there.

C'mon, hurry up, guys.

Ashton: Come look at the flag.

Let's go.

Christian: C'mon, guys.

Let's go.

Wes: Woo!

Awesome.

Ashton: Oh, it's right there!

Christian: Good job, Ava.

C'mon!

C'mon!

"Congratulations, Tran family.

"You survived Day Two.

"Tonight I hope you use time "to reflect on this experience here and to remember what really brought you out here."

Mari: Woo!

[overlapping affirmations] Christian: I think on Day One I let my emotions get ahold of me.

And today, I'm just thinking just be helpful.

Don't be, like, a jerk.

Victoria: [gasping for air] Alejandra: Let's go!

Wes: [sighs] "Congratulations, Bowling family.

You have survived Day Two."

All: [cheering] Victoria: Good job, guys.

Leo: Good job.

Wes: Good job.

Okay, let's go to get our gear.

Colin: Day Two ends with the Bowlings four minutes behind the Trans.

But for tonight, both families will have a chance to rest up and connect during their second night at camp.

♪♪ Alejandra: Leo, you crashed really bad, babe.

Victoria: He didn't eat yesterday.

Also, we were telling him to drink water and things, but he wouldn't.

Wes: That's kinda like with everything we talk about.

Do you see, we were talking about the importance of him having energy and fuel and everything?

Victoria: Uh-huh.

Wes: And he ignored that.

Victoria: Yeah.

Wes: It's not because we wanna be the fun police.

We actually do know what's better.

But it takes work as a family.

It really does.

Leo: Yeah.

Alejandra: Do you promise to be better on that?

Leo: Yeah.

Alejandra: 'Kay.

Give a-- Wes: We love you.

Alejandra: --kiss.

Wes: We love you, too.

[laughs] ♪♪ Christian: We came out here for, like, you know, to get closer.

Especially me, like I wanted to get closer with you and also our family.

- Ever since kids we were pretty together until we started getting older and we just started getting more distanced, so I think that would be nice.

But I'll be honest with you.

Sometimes you can be a jerk.

Especially elementary and middle school.

[crying] I used to get bullied too, or people would call me names.

And I just kept overthinking, and with you doing that too it didn't help, so I was kinda, I had suicidal thoughts, and I didn't, I didn't tell anyone.

- Like, I've been meaning to tell you, like, sorry.

I was, like, mean and harsh growing up.

I think it changed when Grandpa's mom died.

I think I was, like, 11 or 12.

Yeah, I still get PTSD from that, like... Ashton: I know.

- You know, she was right here, and I saw the life get taken out of her eyes.

And boom.

Changed my life forever.

I think that's when I started being, like, more harsh and, like, cold-hearted.

Like, you said you had suicidal thoughts.

Like, I had suicidal thoughts every day.

I'm just trying to progress and, you know, move forward.

And that's what I wanna do for you guys, you know, like, I just wanna help you guys out, and, like, make sure our family progresses as a whole moving forward.

- [sighs] It will get better.

I know it.

Christian: You know, we may not, like, agree on the same things or like the same things, but, and then, like, that doesn't even matter because, you know, you're my brother and, like, we're all blood.

- Even though our personalities may be different, we're still brothers.

Christian: Let's just put all that stuff that happened in the past behind us.

You know, let's move forward.

Ashton: Uh, agree.

- Thanks for having that conversation with me.

Ashton: Me too.

[grunts] Hug it out?

♪♪ Vuong: Morning, morning.

Christian: This morning, I'm feeling, like, new, refreshed, you know, ready to start the day.

Ashton: Me and Christian last night had a conversation of what we truly feel.

And that's probably the first time I had a honest conversation with him.

- Do you see a change in him?

Ashton: I guess he's being more honest.

He's trying.

- I'm gonna try.

I just hope it goes well.

Yesterday, Christian opened up for the first time in a while.

I think it's giving me hope.

A lot of the time he doesn't want to hear from me.

Every time we talk, we always argue.

I'm looking forward to a better relationship.

It's gonna take some time, but I'm hoping it happens with us as well.

Alejandra: How are you guys feeling today?

Wes: 'Kay.

Victoria: I got sleep, I think.

I'm feeling tired, but I'm feeling ready for Day Three.

Wes: Give it a hundred percent, 'kay?

Victoria: [gasps] Leo: Scorpions.

Victoria: Wait!

- [fearful stammering] Wes: Don't, don't make it mad.

Victoria and Alejandra: [scream] Wes: They blend in.

Alejandra: Oh.

It was scary.

Victoria: [screams] Alejandra: Okay, let's get out.

♪♪ Vuong: "Good morning, survivalists.

"A new challenge awaits.

"Your success on land and on water will increase your chances in this race."

Colin: This is Day Three, and it's going to be a challenge.

Families will have to trek three miles through rolling and barren sand dunes with the scorching sun beating down on their backs before reaching a waypoint where they'll have to climb on a paddle board and work together to move through the swift, moving water in a mangrove swamp and reach their camp.

[wind blowing] Christian: Nothing but desert.

Mari: There's coyote tracks I think.

Christian: What?

Where are we?

Mari: Seriously, you better know where we're going.

Christian: Dude, I'm so tired.

Mari: I think we all are.

It's the third day.

[waves crashing] Wes: All right, here's our map.

- 'Kay, let's do it.

Come on.

Victoria: I think Wes and I still have a lot of work to do 'cause during the first days we weren't really work as a team.

We kinda had our own little paths, and we would walk alone.

Wes: Stay on the top of the dunes.

If you go down, it's gonna waste your energy.

Victoria: You can come around if you want, right here.

I think it's important for Wes and I to become closer.

The only way to do that would be working as a family.

[indistinct] Alejandra: Rapidá!

Yes.

Colin: Victoria and Wes's inability to work together has cost the Bowling family time, and the Trans now lead by almost eight minutes.

Mari: Where do you think we are?

Where do you think we need to go?

Christian: According to the green, I'm pretty sure we gotta go, like, still straight.

Today I definitely want to take a different path.

No yelling at any of my family members.

[grunts] We're finally cooperating instead of bickering.

Why don't we just toss our bags up and we'll help each other up.

It's not just about me.

It's about them too.

Colin: The Tran family are seven minutes ahead as they push further into the dunes.

Ashton: This is no man's land right here.

Colin: As minutes tick by, the sun is pushing higher, and temperatures reach a brutal 95 degrees.

Wes: Go on the right side, guys, of this hill.

Victoria: [weakly] Okay.

Alejandra: Just be careful with the cactus.

Wes: Yeah.

Alejandra: Guys, Wes is behind.

Colin: Uneven terrain and hostile vegetation makes every step feel unbearably difficult.

Leo: Just grab my hand.

Wes: [grunts] Alejandra: Good job, Leo.

Leo: Today we need to stay closer together so we can help each other and communicate with each other better.

Wes: I wish I had your energy.

Wes and Leo: [laughing] Colin: The Bowling family trudges on, closing distance on the Trans who are only a quarter-mile ahead.

Christian: So you guys did see the Orange Team, right?

Guys, the Orange Team is moving.

Let's go.

Mari: I know.

I can see them!

Christian: I don't know how they caught up that quick, but let's just go.

Mari: [weakly] I feel like dying.

It's hard to catch my breath.

Ashton: I think I see water.

Christian: Okay, let's see what they have in store for us.

Colin: Ahead by only five minutes, the Trans have reached the checkpoint.

They must now paddle two miles through the twisting mangrove swamp, working together to stay on course, and fight the swiftly moving current all the way to their camp.

Mari: Go.

One.

Two.

Vuong: Stop, stop, stop.

Right side.

Quick, Ashton, help!

Mari: C'mon, let's go.

They're almost here.

Colin: While the Trans fight to not drift apart, three minutes behind, the Bowling family has reached the checkpoint as well.

Alejandra: Leo, you are here.

Leo: I'm fine.

I'm fine.

Ashton: Guys, right side.

Right side.

Mari: Right side!

Right side!

Dude, you're going.

Hurry up!

Family paddleboarding, there were definitley some arguments.

Christian: No, Ava, you gotta flip it around!

It's backwards.

Mari: Christian's temper showed itself a little bit.

Christian: Ava, extend it out more!

Mari: But it wasn't that bad today.

Christian, you gotta, like, calm down, man.

I kinda told him to simmer it down, and it was okay after that.

Christian: Let's go, you got it.

C'mon, Ava.

Ashton: One, two.

Mari: Get in sync.

- Right side, stop.

I don't think we've ever, like, worked together like that as a family.

It's a group effort, not an individual one.

One, two... Mari: We just kind of followed along with Christian's strokes so that I would go at the same time.

They saw him working together as a family, and it was a positive thing.

Vuong: Good job, guys.

C'mon.

Mari: We're actually doing all right.

Colin: By working as a united family, the Trans have picked up speed and are now a half a mile ahead, trying to leave the Bowlings in their wake.

Wes: You could do everything by yourself fast, but as a team it takes effort from all of us.

Victoria: Mm-hm.

I'll try and go low if you wanna go high.

[thunk] - Ow!

- Sorry, Leo.

Victoria: Wes and I need to work together as a team.

Wes: So if you put it in, it'll stop your oar.

Victoria: I know, but you told me not to do that earlier.

Wes: Well, earlier we were trying to get [laughingly] through the channel.

Victoria: Sorry.

Wes: No, that's okay.

It's finding that balance.

Eventually we all found our stride.

Victoria: Are we moving faster or slower than yesterday?

Wes: I think we're moving a lot faster.

I think I need to do a little bit more listening when Victoria reaches out to me.

That's when things just started getting a little smoother.

Colin: The Bowlings have found their sea legs and managed to gain back some time.

But a third of a mile ahead, the Trans are rapidly approaching camp.

Mari: Is that it right there?

Ashton: Yeah, right there.

Christian: Let's get this!

We're so close.

C'mon, let's go.

Mari: Oh!

Ashton: Aii!

Mari: Finally making it to shore, I saw the light.

It was just, like, oh my gosh, thank goodness this is over with.

"Congratulations on making it to your third and final camp.

"Please be intentional with your actions tonight, and take the time to have the important conversations."

Christian: Let's go.

Alejandra: But I think we're doing good for being just the four of us.

Wes: Oh, I think we're doing great.

Alejandra: I can see the flag.

Wes: Do you see it?

Alejandra: Yes.

Wes: I'll try.

[laughingly] Best I can.

Victoria: Okay.

- We started rough.

Let's get out!

C'mon, c'mon, c'mon, let's get out!

But I wanna show the kids that if they put something on their mind, they will be able to do it.

"Congratulations on making it to your third and final camp."

Alejandra: Yay.

Wes: Yay.

Victoria: 'Kay, let's go make camp.

Colin: An exhausting day for the families has seen both breakdowns and breakthroughs.

But in the end, the Tran family finished with a two minute lead.

Mari: I feel a little bit nervous to speak with Christian.

I'm hoping to be a lot more civil.

We need to talk about, about you and I. It's been really tense between the two of us for a long time.

And I don't know why 'cause we used to be close.

[emotionally] I feel like, y-- like I lost you.

So I wanna know why it's so difficult to talk to you.

- I don't know.

It's just a lot of bad stuff has happened to me.

Like, you know, I told you I've been, like, shot at and stuff, and, like, I've been into, like, a lot of fights, just, like, I don't know.

I've just been-- That's why I'm so, like, angry all the time.

- Where does this anger stem from though?

Christian: I think it's family and friends.

Like, I just get a lot of negative energy.

- Why do you think I tried to take you away from people that are negative in our family?

'Cause I don't want you to feel like you're not good enough.

[emotionally] You think I want that for you?

'Cause that's happened to me so many times.

- I've just realized, like, nobody else cares.

- What do you mean, "nobody else cares?"

Christian: No, not like they don't care.

It's just, like, they can't really do anything.

Only you, like, only, like, someone-- Mari: You mean like yourself.

- Yeah, can change that.

Like, no one can really, like, help you.

That's why I've been trying to do self-care to, like, help myself, like, deal with my own problems.

Mari: Yeah, but as long as it's healthy stuff to, you know, that helps you deal with your problems.

I don't want you, you know, going into drugs or whatever.

You know, it's just, like, temporary.

It's not gonna heal you in the long term.

Like, me and your dad, we alway wonder why our relationship is so, you know, down.

It's, like, what did I do?

And I blame myself because it's, like, what did I do that messed things up for a long time?

- No, I know you do.

Mari: I didn't want to mess up with you.

[sniffles] And, you know.

Christian: I'm not saying it's your fault.

It's, like, everybody's fault.

I know especially, like, our extended family.

They used to, like, bully me all the time, and, like, yeah, say some stuff that, like, I don't know.

That's kind of, like, messed up.

That's why I like to go to parties and stuff, to try to be social, so I don't have to think about that, like, trauma and stuff.

- Can we get you some help though when we get home?

Christian: I already tried.

- Like, what did you do to try?

Christian: I already went to the doctor, like, try to go to therapy, but, I don't know.

I just hear the same thing.

It's just, like, I don't know.

I just, like, wanna be left alone.

- You know how it was with me and Grandma?

You know we're not close?

I mean even Grandpa, we're not close.

I grew up pretty hard.

You don't have to grow up like that.

When you get to our position and you have kids of your own, like, I want you to be able to have a real relationship with them and not continue, like, a cycle that I have gone through.

And you know how it is.

Like, with Grandpa, you always have to be perfect.

But we didn't expect that from you.

Like, I don't expect perfection.

I just expect you to be a good person.

I want you to turn down your anger a notch when it comes to just, like, your sister too especially.

She's just a little girl.

- Yeah, I, I agree.

I just wanna, like, move forward and do good things and build my life.

Mari: Well, that's, that's all that we want.

So it seems like we have the same goal.

We're gonna do what we can to help you, I mean whatever it takes.

- Yeah.

Mari: So should we make a promise to get ourselves out of that cycle?

- Yeah, I think we should make a promise.

Especially, like, when I have kids as well.

Like, gradually, not... Mari: No, I don't expect anything overnight.

At least as long as you're trying to work on yourself to repair this.

I love you though, 'kay?

- You too, Mom.

♪♪ Victoria: I know I've been, like, distant.

I feel like we just both have to work on listening to each other.

- Mm-hm.

Victoria: For example, like, on the river.

Wes: Yeah.

- I was, like, trying to give you ideas about what we could do, but you weren't listening, so I just kinda, like, quiet down.

But then after, like, when you realized that you didn't, it made me feel like, okay, I think we're getting better.

Wes: Yeah, I need to, I need to listen.

I don't know everything.

I think I do sometimes, but I don't.

- Yeah.

- And I appreciate that.

And I agree.

I agree.

There were some accomplishments with Victoria and I where we were able to sit down and honestly speak about, you know, some of the issues.

I don't know if you know this, but every time I open my top drawer on my nightstand, I have your little things you used to give me.

You made me a, a bowl.

And you gave me some little bracelets when I was traveling, and they remind me of how much I care for you guys and how much you cared for me.

Victoria: No, yes, yes, no, 'cause you're talking, like, past-tense.

But I still feel the same.

It's just, I'm growing, and, you know-- - Yes.

- And sometimes it's hard for me to-- - There's a lot of change.

- --realize things.

Wes: Well, you're going through a lot, and I, I mean I can't even imagine half of what's on your mind.

You know, I was there a long time ago.

- [laughs] Wes: But you're the only girl that's in my life, and I need to be cognizant of that as well.

Victoria: Wes and I had a big breakthrough because we never had a talk about our differences and why we aren't as close to each other than we want to be.

Wes: I would like to make more time just with you.

Let's go eat.

Let's go sit down.

If something's bugging ya', stop me.

Victoria: I promise I'll open up more to you.

I know I'm not the most open person usually, but I will.

- And I make that promise to you too that we'll continue working on this, and... and the rest of our lives.

'Cause that's, that's a big part of it.

- Okay.

Thank you.

Wes: We recognize the fact that we're still willing to work, and that was a huge moment for me.

Thank you.

That just made me really happy.

♪♪ Mari: I'm not sure if you can see the sun rising, but we are getting ready to pack up.

It's our last day here, and we are all so exhausted, but you know, whatever happens in the end, we'll be closer as a family, so that's important.

Ashton: I was about to spray it on with my glasses again.

Mari: Again?

[sunscreen hissing] Ashton, can you do my hands, please?

[sunscreen hissing] Christian: Ooh, the sunburn on my legs hurts.

Mari: I know.

Do Christian's, um, legs.

Christian: I feel great about the discussion we had last night.

Me and my mom both are knowledgeable of, like, what goes on in the culture.

They're all about no imperfections, and I do wanna break that cycle of high expectations when I start having kids because I know it is hard to deal with all the social pressures in life.

♪♪ Wes: 'Kay, guys, let's say goodbye to the tent.

Alejandra: How was yesterday for you guys?

Victoria: I feel like every day it's getting a little bit easier.

- 'Kay, do you wanna undo these?

Victoria: But who knows?

Maybe today's gonna be really hard.

Wes: Well, I think it was a good time as a family.

I think we've learned a lot.

- True.

Victoria: Mm- hm.

Wes: Just seeing the kids help, it just made me feel really happy that they're learning that everybody has to work together.

Victoria: Good job, guys.

Wes: Good job, yeah.

♪♪ Ashton: "Today is a race to the finish.

"But remember, there is more at stake in this race than a prize."

Colin: This is Day Four.

And a grueling day of dunes await the families.

They will travel three miles across a sea of never-ending, shifting sand as they make their way to the finish line, where the first team to raise their flag is the winner.

Christian: Let's go, Ava.

Good job, man.

C'mon.

Since today is our final day, I'm just gonna embrace positivity and just help them up when they're down.

Get Mom's hand.

Mari: I definitely see that Christian's making an effort today.

That's really great of him.

Christian: Almost there, Mom.

♪♪ Victoria: "Today is a race to the finish, "but remember there is more at stake in this race than a prize."

Alejandra: Yeah, that's true.

Yes.

- Okay.

[wind blowing] I think we should go this way.

But I don't know.

I may be wrong.

♪♪ Wes: [breathing heavily] Wes: Okay.

So remember north, right?

As we were navigating through the dunes, Victoria lost her direction a little bit, and she asked me to come over and help her.

So look.

I'm gonna show you something.

Straight up here.

Look.

- Okay, okay.

Wes: 'Kay.

She didn't go to her mom.

She didn't just keep going, and it was so amazing that she trusted me.

Excellent.

Good job.

It looks like we're starting that path to some good communication for the future.

Colin: Navigating the trail together, Victoria and Wes are able to put their family on the right path.

But there are still difficulties along the way as the Tran family is discovering less than a half a mile ahead.

♪♪ Christian: Aw, man.

Mari: I feel like we have to go over, like, 3000 dunes.

Oh my gosh.

I hate these!

Christian: We're getting nowhere.

Like, even if we keep walking, it's just thousands and thousands of, like, feet away.

Just keep walking.

Vuong: Why do they keep going up?

- It's real desert.

Mari: I'm gonna be so happy to see Colin, but I don't see him anywhere.

Vuong: [laughs] Mari: Maybe he's hiding behind those dunes.

He's gonna be, like, Tran Family!

What's up?

Christian: [laughs] Uh, thanks for having that discussion with me last night.

Mari: Yeah, we're breaking the cycle, right?

- Yeah, better than Grandpa and stuff.

- Not trying at all?

Or trying too late?

I'd rather start earlier than later.

That's always the best way.

Just get, you know, things out in the open.

Mari: So, when we go home, are you gonna be more open though?

Christian: A bit more.

Mari: I'll take that over nothing any day.

And I'm sure your dad would appreciate it, too.

Colin: With the Tran family progressing deeper into unknown territory, the Bowling family is nearly a quarter-mile behind them in hot pursuit.

Victoria: It's hot out here.

Come on.

Come on.

We got this.

Come on.

Alejandra: C'mon, babe.

Wes: [exhausted muttering] Alejandra: Gimme your hand.

Wes: Yeah.

Alejandra: Guys, I can see the other family!

Leo: Where?

Alejandra: There.

Victoria: Over there.

Christian: I see orange.

Let's go.

Colin: The families must now use whatever energy they have left for their final approach to the finish.

Alejandra: Guys, keep going!

Leo: We're going!

Alejandra: Keep going!

Keep going!

Christian: Let's go, Mom, please.

Mari: I am!

Christian: Push.

You got it, Mom.

Mari: [grunts] Christian: We're almost to the finish line, so this is one final big push, and we're giving it all we got.

Mari: [wails] Ava: [giggles] Christian: Let's go, Ma!

Mari: This is killing me!

Christian: It's been a rough, like, four days, so yeah.

I'm ready.

Good job, Ava.

Ashton: Give me your bag, Mom.

Christian: Let's go, guys.

Vuong: C'mon, guys.

Christian: Almost there.

Leo: They're right there!

Alejandra: C'mon!

Go, go, go!

Wes: Let's go!

Mari: I see the flag!

Wooo!

Christian: Let's go.

Vuong: Go, go, go, go.

Alejandra: Fast, fast, fast.

Colin: This race has been tight.

Who's it gonna be?

Looks like it-- Tran family, coming along!

Alejandra: On the way there.

Victoria: C'mon, guys.

Colin: Tran family, if you guys wanna win Survivalists, you got one more last challenge, which is you gotta raise your family flag together.

Get it up there.

Get it up there.

Victoria: You guys got it.

C'mon, hurry.

Colin: Bowling family been right behind you guys the whole time.

Mari: Let's raise it!

Victoria: I'm seeing the flag.

Colin: There you go.

This is it!

Tie it off!

Tie it off!

Mari: Tie it, tie it, tie it!

Colin: Tran family, you are the winners of Survivalists!

Mari: Woo!

Colin: You did it!

Mari: It feels like a new beginning, you know, with, um, everything that's happened this past week.

Woo!

All right!

Yes!

Oh my gosh!

Christian: Oh my gosh.

- Congratulations.

Christian: Thank you.

Mari: Thank you.

Vuong: Thank you.

- Mari, how, how does it feel to be at the finish line here with your family?

- I'm just glad to be here.

This is so much more of a feeling than anything else.

- I know you took some great lessons with you from out here.

What have been some highlights for you?

- Um, I was able to reconnect with the family, especially Christian.

We were able to talk our feelings out, and I feel like it's only gonna go up from here.

I feel confident that Christian and I could break the cycle.

You know, not being perfect enough, all these high expectations.

He is starting to give his sister kudos.

He's being more respectful towards me.

It's definitely more positive.

Christian: We're definitely going to incorporate what we learned and what we used throughout this whole trip, and just apply it to our daily lives.

- I do believe that our relationship is improving and we will just keep building as a family.

Colin: I'm so glad that you guys are able to open up new lines of communication and to use that connectedness to get you here as, uh, winners of Survivalists.

So, Tran family, congratulations.

A job well done.

Super proud of you.

Good job.

Good job, you guys!

You're almost there.

Good job.

Good job.

Good job, Bowling family!

Victoria: I was just kinda sad in the end.

Because I felt bad for my family.

[Tran family clapping] Wes: We didn't win the race, but we won in so many other ways.

You ready, Victoria?

Victoria and I, we made some huge accomplishments, and we made promises to each other that we're gonna work on this, and that we do care about each other.

That was huge.

[Tran family clapping] - Yay.

Colin: Bowling family, congratulations.

You officially finished Survivalists.

Well done.

Well done.

All: [cheering] Colin: Victoria, you know, when you came out here, you said that a win looks like coming together more closely with your family, particularly with your step-father, Wes.

How has that relationship evolved over this week?

Victoria: Wes and I had our own little talk about how we should become closer and just accept each other more.

Wes and I, I think we're starting to communicate more.

I learned how to trust him more, and I'm very excited to see how our relationship will grow in the future.

Wes: We made a promise to each other that we would actually just kinda reestablish knowing each other.

When Victoria was younger, we had a really great relationship.

We were really close.

This time while we're here and everything that's happened in the last four days, I feel like I have part of that little girl back, and it, [emotionally] it makes me real happy.

Colin: Incredibly proud of you guys.

Good job.

You're finishers of Survivalists.

Well done.

You did it.

You did it.

Alejandra: We did it.

We did it.

[clapping] Alejandra: I'm already a winner right now.

I have my family with me.

I have this experience that I'm going to be talking about for my entire life, and I know that my kids will too.

It's just amazing feeling.

Christian: Good job.

Victoria: Good job.

♪♪