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Writer's pictureDan Brooks

Boot Camp from Hell - Special Forces: World's Toughest Test (2023) Series - Review

16 celebrity contestants battle through a set of emulated special forces training challenges, they are removed from society and the staff sergeants control everything within the camp.


Hey there, fellow couch potatoes and armchair warriors! Guess what's getting us all revved up for its impending return? It's the announcement of the second season of Special Forces: World's Toughest Test, and let me tell you, the first season was a rollercoaster of sweat, tears, and more drama than a soap opera on steroids.


First things first, let's talk about the lineup of instructors and celebrities from the debut season. We had Mark Billingham, Jason Fox, and Rudy Reyes leading the charge. If you didn't recognize these names before, don't worry, neither did I until I fell down the rabbit hole of military training on YouTube. These guys are the real deal, and they've got the swagger to prove it. Watching them bark orders was like witnessing a symphony of barked commands – it was oddly mesmerizing.


Now, before we dive into the upcoming second season, take a minute to watch the trailer (link above) for season one. Trust me; it'll get you pumped up like you've just downed a double espresso while doing push-ups. In the first season, 16 celebrity contestants battled through a set of emulated special forces training challenges. They were removed from society, and the staff sergeants controlled everything within the camp. It was like a boot camp, but with more cameras and celebrities trying not to cry on national TV.


What did I love about this show? Well, first off, the staff sergeants were tough as nails, but they also knew how to motivate the contestants. It was like watching a mix between a personal trainer from hell and a motivational speaker with a drill sergeant complex. And speaking of contestants, my newfound hero was Danny Amendola. This guy was cool, calm, and collected throughout the whole experience, until, of course, the leadership applied just a smidge of pressure. Watching him unravel was like witnessing a finely-tuned sports car slowly transform into a lawnmower on steroids.


But what really kept me hooked was the intense instructions given to people who were emotionally charged. It was insane, but it was impossible to turn away from. It was like watching a high-stakes game of "Simon Says," but instead of losing a turn, you lost your dignity. This show brilliantly captured how the military breaks you down to build you back up, or at least tries to.


Now, let's talk about the stuff that grinds my gears in season one. You know what I couldn't stand? Contestants who talked about their "personal journey" and then quit using excuses like "I miss my family" or "I've found inner peace." Come on, people! They'd come that far; they couldn't bail out. I mean, I was sitting on my couch with a bag of chips, and I hadn't even moved, and I was more committed than some of these folks.


Also, it felt like the tests were dumbed down a lot for the celebrities. I got it; they weren't actual soldiers, but it wouldn't hurt to push them a tad harder, right? And let's not even get started on the hosts constantly talking about the contestants dying if they didn't do things right. I highly doubted they'd let these celebrities croak on national TV. It was just for dramatic effect, but it was borderline ridiculous.


Before I wrap this up, here's a fun fact to drop at your next watch party. Mark Billingham, aka "Billy," one of the instructors, received an MBE – a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. You don't get that for just any old thing; it's reserved for folks who've made a significant impact on their community or done something truly outstanding. Now, if that didn't make you want to watch the first season, I don't know what will.


So, there you have it, my fellow armchair warriors – a recap of the thrilling debut season of Special Forces: World's Toughest Test. If you can overlook a few quirks, it's a wild ride that'll make you appreciate your comfy couch and chips even more. As we eagerly await the second season, let's relive the trials and tribulations of season one, and may the best couch potato win!


***

Ranking 7.1/10

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