Beast Games Review – Episode 9: Bribe and Cry
Or: How to Lose $10K and Still Get Voted Out
Well, well, well. Another episode, another round of deliciously chaotic strategy, misguided bribery attempts, and the ever-present realization that some people just get it—and others, well, absolutely do not.
This time, we had 10 players, six rounds of voting, and an increasingly desperate attempt to buy a spot in the finale. The gimmick? Players could only communicate through old-school red telephones, meaning every deal was one-on-one, and you had to pick up the right call at the right time. Oh, and those bribe bucks from last episode? They were back in play. But as we soon learned, money talks—but not always loud enough.
Who’s in, who’s out?
Final six: Emma, Jeff, Twana, Yesi, Gage, Courtney.
Eliminated: Queen, Patrick, Michael, and JC.
Michael and JC? DOA. They cashed big checks in the last episode, so everyone else was done with them. Which, ironically, gave them the most power in this round. The game probably expected them to grovel for votes, but instead, they became the kingmakers. Everybody needed their votes, not the other way around. Poetic justice, really.
Twana’s Masterclass in Social Capital
Twana is an early front-runner to make the final six, but she doesn’t pull the trigger immediately. She backs Emma and Jeff first, trusting that her goodwill will carry her through. And she’s right. When the gender-alternation strategy starts looking sketchy (three women fighting for one last spot? No, ma’am), she locks in a deal with Yesi, slipping her $10K to sway votes from Michael and JC. Money well spent.
Twana also gives us the most electric moment of the episode: the coin flip drama. When Gage starts mulling over whether to risk it all, she hypes him up like the world’s best coach. “Say it with your chest!” she tells him, all but handing him the coin. Does she actually want him to flip it? Maybe. Maybe not. But the energy is infectious. And then, before she can act, Gage takes the plunge, and the room erupts.
Jeff: The Devoted Dad and Ultimate Strategist
Jeff, our Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, is making all the right moves. In round one, he pushes for Twana—but changes course to Emma after realizing she’s in more danger. In round two, he pushes the boy-girl plan (which ultimately collapses), and then? Then he doesn’t bribe Michael for a vote, because he knows it’s pointless. Instead, he hands out his ill-gotten gains from last round as an act of “penance.” And somehow, it works. Everyone except Michael votes for him.
Jeff’s real galaxy-brain moment, though? Suggesting that flipping the coin might come with an advantage. It’s the kind of subtle, juuuust plausible enough idea that lodges itself in everyone’s head. MrBeast all but confirms it: “This will go viral.” And boom—suddenly, the coin flip isn’t just a gamble. It’s a moment. Jeff, ever the loyal ally, warns Gage that Twana might be faking him out. It’s his most selfless move yet. Gage flips anyway.
Final Thoughts: Jeff vs. Twana—The Showdown We Deserve
At this point, I think Jeff is winning Beast Games.
Why? Because the story of the season is about loyalty—picking the right people, backing them up, and knowing when to not play dirty. And Jeff? He’s been the ultimate team player. He’s had a cool head, a good heart, and impeccable timing. Twana, on the other hand, has had missteps—calling out Deano, putting her trust in Michael out of a misguided sense of fairness. Jeff? Flawless track record.
Patrick called Jeff the “friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.” Meanwhile, Yesi called Twana “the girl on fire.” And honestly? Both are right. Jeff is the steady, self-sacrificing hero, lifting up his people and staying in the background. Twana is the fierce, charismatic warrior, leading from the front.
And now, we’re set up for the ultimate collision course.
Jeff says Twana is playing possum. Twana says Jeff is overthinking. Only one of them is right. And I cannot wait to find out who.
Bonus Thoughts:
Michael and JC were in a hilarious position. They should have been desperate, but instead, they had all the power. And in the end, 424 moved on simply because they liked her better.
Bribing is risky as hell. If you pay someone and they still don’t vote for you, what are you gonna do? Cry?
Best moment: When a player asks 424 how much she’s willing to pay for his vote, and she just deadpans, “No. You should vote for me because you trust me.” He immediately flips and votes for her. And then tries to pretend he totally meant to do that. Sure, dude.
Amazing episode. Can’t wait for the fireworks next week.