The Circle Season 7 is back, and with it comes a new batch of contestants ready to outwit, outplay, and out-chat in this highly strategic social media game. Hosted by the ever-charming Michelle Buteau, the first two episodes are packed with alliances, rivalries, and, of course, catfish galore as the contestants try to navigate their way to popularity and the ultimate cash prize. Let’s break down what happened in Episodes 1 and 2.
New Faces, New Strategies
The Circle’s seventh season kicks off with a fresh mix of competitors, each bringing their unique personalities and strategies to the game. From the get-go, 54-year-old Deb from Pittsburgh made a big move by entering the game as Rachel, a 26-year-old tech expert, setting the tone for another season of high-stakes deception.
Among the new players were Kevin Fernandez, a 23-year-old wine sales representative from San Diego, who entered the Circle as himself, and twin brothers JoJo and Nicky, who took on the identity of Gianna, JoJo’s imaginary girlfriend. Additionally, Darian, a 29-year-old instructor, quickly became a fan favorite with his warm and approachable demeanor.
Almost immediately, alliances began to form, with players like Deb (as Rachel) and Kevin starting group chats to strategize and identify who might be a real player or a catfish. Darian’s likability made him a target for alliances, but it also raised suspicions among the other players.
Risky Quizness: Building Suspicion
The first game, Risky Quizness, gave contestants an opportunity to evaluate each other’s honesty by asking personal questions. This added an extra layer of intrigue to the early alliances. Nicky and JoJo (as Gianna) zeroed in on Rachel (Deb), testing her high school memories to catch her in a lie. The dynamic between trying to build trust while simultaneously harboring suspicion set the stage for the season’s core gameplay: cat-and-mouse tactics mixed with growing friendships.
Catfish and Connections
One of the most notable bonds to form was between Deb (Rachel) and Savannah, a Texas student who shared her story of surviving brain surgery. This emotional connection laid the foundation for a possible future alliance. Meanwhile, a hint of romance started brewing between Darian and Jadheja, a cybersecurity engineer, adding another layer of complexity to the evolving relationships.
Towards the end of Episode 1, Heather (posing as Andy, the bassist of a metal band) and Savannah were revealed as the season’s first influencers, putting them in a powerful position to eliminate one player. The episode ended on a cliffhanger as JoJo and Nicky made the bold decision to go into “disruptor” mode, potentially shaking up the game.
Drama and Deception in Episode 2
Episode 2 picked up the drama as JoJo and Nicky’s choice to become disruptors left Heather and Savannah feeling betrayed. While the trust between players was beginning to fracture, romance continued to blossom between Darian and Jadheja, even under the pressure of the game.
New contestants Madelyn and Garret entered the Circle, further destabilizing the group’s dynamics. Their arrival added tension as they quickly integrated themselves into the competition. A photo-sharing challenge brought additional competition, with Darian and Jadheja becoming the center of attention and stirring even more intrigue among the players.
Alliances and Power Struggles
The disruptor mode had significant strategic consequences. Kevin, Darian, and Deb chose to embrace the disruptor role, setting the stage for future power plays. Kevin’s decision to invite Darian and Gianna (the twins’ persona) to a welcome celebration strengthened their alliance but also opened the door for further power struggles.
Conclusion
The Circle Season 7 started with a bang, and the first two episodes set the tone for a season full of drama, deception, and shifting alliances. Deb’s clever catfishing as Rachel, along with Kevin’s charisma and the twins’ disruptive strategy as Gianna, have added exciting dynamics to the show. The addition of disruptor mode has created a thrilling twist, leaving players constantly questioning their moves and relationships. With the arrival of new players and growing romances, the game promises to only get more intense from here. Fans can’t wait to see what strategies and alliances will unfold next!