Total Drama Island: Opposite Day

After another extended break I’ve come back with a brand new ‘theory’ of mine. This fan season, as the title suggests, is an interpretation of mine of who would go home if the opposite team or person won the challenge or went home. While this might be a little confusing, I’m going to lay the groundwork quickly before we begin.

Rules:

1. If the Gopher’s won in canon, then the Bass will win here. Vice-versa.

2. Once a person is voted out, they are gone (unless brought back by me). This is a whole season.

3. In the post-merge, if a player won immunity in canon, they will face the chopping block.

4. In the post-merge, if a player was eliminated in canon, they win immunity.

5. If in the circumstances during the post merge that a canon player has already been eliminated, than I must justify the elimination of the other player based off their intial team. If a Gopher went home in canon, send home a Bass.

6. I must address all main plot points of the season, though can change the characters involved (ex. Showmances, important moments, etc.)

Episodes 1 and 2: Not So Happy Campers

Winners: Killer Bass

Reasons for Victory?: Chris doesn’t count Heather being thrown off the cliff as a point for the Gophers as she technically didn’t jump. Since Lindsay and Beth don’t willingly jump, the first challenge ends in the Bass’ favor. This extra advantage gives the Bass the win in the second challenge.

Bottom 2: Heather & Leshawna

Why Heather?: Heather failed to leave a strong impression on her teammates and refused to jump.

Why Leshawna?: The chickens, who quickly aligned together, targeted Leshawna for throwing Heather off the cliff, costing the team the challenge.

Eliminated: Heather

Comments: The main antagonist eliminated in the very first episode of the series? Shocking, unfortunate, but necessary. In order for the Bass to win, they HAD to have the advantage from the first half due to Katie & Sadie’s error. Since Heather and Lindsay had no intention of jumping, it only made sense to make them responsible. Out of the three, Heather’s conflict with Leshawna certainly would’ve gotten her the boot.

Let's be honest, while Heather's game was entertaining, if TD was realistic, she would've been first or second boot. This only proves my point.

Episode 3: The Big Sleep

Winners: Killer Bass

Reasons for Victory?: Justin doesn’t get caught cheating until the very end of the competition. As a result, Chris deems the Bass immune despite Gwen technically outlasting Duncan.

Bottom 2: Owen & Justin

Why Owen?: He was useless in the challenge. Owen's gross habits also made some of the females completely disgusted with him.

Why Justin?: If he didn’t cheat, his team would’ve won the challenge outright.

Eliminated: Owen

Comments: It was honestly very difficult for me to eliminate Owen here, especially since Island, in my opinion, was Owen’s best season. However, I must admit that it makes sense to eliminate Owen here because, at this point in the series, he has yet to form any strong bonds with anyone. Additionally, like Heather, Owen is responsible for the majority of the team’s wins and losses, so it makes my job easier.

Sorry big guy. Maybe you'll do better next time.

Episode 4: Dodgebrawl

Winners: Screaming Gophers

Reasons for Victory?: The Bass never try to wake Duncan up. Tyler messes up the first two rounds for his team and wanders off with Lindsay like the original. While Eva is a one woman army, her lack of teamwork and her general exhaustion (which she built-up from playing all four previous games and being the second last Bass standing in the previous episode) causes her to lose the last round. 

Bottom 2: Tyler and Eva

Why Tyler?: Tyler performed poorly in the challenge and was arguably responsible for at the very least their second loss. Lastly, during the challenge he sneaked away to fraternize with a contestant from the opposing team.

Why Eva?: While Eva was indeed a strong performer in challenges, she scared the majority of the team and was uncooperative to the point that she was a liability. For example, she proceeded to attack Tyler and threaten Duncan.

Eliminated: Eva

Comments: While both Tyler and Eva are suitable candidates for elimination this episode, i went with the more realistic option. Eva clearly isn’t made for this game. Besides, by sending Eva home, the hardest working member of the team, it truly is the opposite of Noah’s elimination.

Eva just wasn't built for Total Drama. Considering the theme of the season, I doubt we'll be seeing her anytime soon.

Episode 5: Not Quite Famous

Winners: Screaming Gophers

Reasons for Victory?: Instead of giving Harold the opportunity to beatbox, Ezekiel instead is given the chance to rap in order to save the team...and not only is it really bad, but his sexist remarks come out from within it.

Bottom 2: Ezekiel and Bridgette

Why Ezekiel?:  Because he’s Zeke

Why Bridgette?: The accident she caused this episode

Eliminated: Ezekiel

Comments: I have to apologize to Harold fans here for taking away one of his best moments in the whole show. Ezekiel was a character I could never allow to make a serious run for the mil. Despite taking Harold’s moment though, I’m satisfied with how Zeke’s elimination turned out, both due to being true to his character and for being ironically the opposite in a way to Justin’s canon elimination (the most hated boy instead of the most beloved)

Why couldn't you just do as Chris said? At least you're not dead last this time.

Episode 6: The Sucky Outdoors

Winners: Killer Bass

Reasons for Victory?: Katie and Sadie luckily find their way back to the camp before the Gophers

Bottom 2: Justin and Izzy

Why Justin?: Izzy decided to get revenge for Owen since she liked his appetite

Why Izzy?: The prank she pulls on her team in canon.

Eliminated: Izzy

Comments: This is one of those really obvious eliminations. I really don’t have much to say about it because of how straightforward it is.

Looks like Izzy just said boom-boom to her game. Too bad, she's funny.

​​​​​​Episode 7: Phobia Factor

Winners: Killer Bass

Reasons for Victory?: Justin failed to put on the wig (which was his fear), Owen and Heather aren’t here to earn their points, and Courtney ends up being convinced by Duncan into jumping into the jello. Plus Noah.

Bottom 2: Justin and Noah

Why Justin?: He failed his challenge

Why Noah?: He never revealed his fear at the campfire, so he was ineligible for the competition.

Eliminated: Noah

Comments: I'm sorry Noah fans but Noah's character development hinges on him being an early boot. This was the simplest way I could go about it as it is a fine example of how he refused to open up to people.

At least he actually got some screen time this version.

Episode 8: Up the Creek

Winners: Screaming Gophers

Note: Lindsay is the one to pick up the idol instead of Beth, forgetting the warning.

Reasons for Victory?: Katie and Sadie accidently drop their oars in the water on the way back as they aren't focused on the chalenge again. Depsite getting back to shore themselves, not having the boat cost the Bass the win.

Bottom 2: Katie and Sadie

Why Katie?: See above

Why Sadie?: See above

Eliminated: Katie

Comments: Considering Katie and Izzy swapped teams and Izzy went home in Katie's place, it only makes since for the latter to do the same.

Not even an opposite day season could prevent you from falling into your old traps.

​​​​​​Episode 9: Paintball Deer Hunter

Winners: Screaming Gophers

Reasons for Victory?: With Heather absent, Beth is able to focus on the challenge.

Bottom 2: Tyler and Sadie

Why Tyler?: As he is running away from Beth, Tyler is the one who gets mauled by the bear (In place of Cody).

Why Sadie?: Her crying over Katie's elimination hurt and annoyed the team.

Eliminated: Tyler

Comments: I couldn’t exactly remove the tiki plot from the season. However, Cody didn’t deserve to suffer from the curse. By having it be Lindsay who picks it up instead, Tyler getting mauled gets justified. Besides that though this is the perfect episode to eliminate Tyler as he really doesn’t have much to due with the plot other than Lindsay. Plus, its semi ironic considering paintball is a sport.

I wonder what would scare Tyler more after this episode: bears or chickens?

Episode 10: if You Can’t Take the Heat

Winners: Screaming Gophers

Reasons for Victory?: The desert she and Duncan made was the weakest course because they got themselves locked in the freezer while officially hooking up. Owen to eat the ribs, the Gophers win.

Bottom 2: Duncan and Harold

Why Duncan?: The prank he pulled on Harold.

Why Harold?: Harold got revenge on Duncan for the prank by locking them in the freezer, which caused their loss.

Eliminated: Harold

Comments: If it wasn't for Harold rigging the votes against Courtney (which was a little OOC for someone who talks about honor), Harold would be one of my favorite characters. This rewrite gives Harold the revenge he deserves before he walks out the door.

I know most won't agree with me, but I prefer this to canon.

​​​​​​Episode 11: Who Can You Trust?

Winners: Killer Bass

Reasons for Victory?: Geoff is blindfolded instead of DJ. As such, they win that challenge.

Bottom 2: Lindsay and Trent

Why Lindsay?: Not only did she fail the team twice this episode, but Beth also discovered her friend had the tiki.

Why Trent?: Lindsay’s failure resulted in him getting extremely sick.

Eliminated: Lindsay

Comments: With Sadie making the merge and with Heather’s absence, Lindsay has no need to make the merge. There’s also the fact that it’s one of the most straightforward eliminations of the season, so I’ll take what I can get.

Two eliminations in a row that are fan favorites...if you don't like this you'll probably hate the next two.

Episode 12: Basic Straining

Winners: Killer Bass

Reasons for Victory?: With Gwen distracted by her fued with Cody and exhausted from her night with Trent, Geoff outlasts her.

Bottom 2: Gwen and Cody

Why Cody?: Cody is jealous of the fact that Gwen officially got together with Trent (he didn’t help them in Up the Creek) and is very vocal about it. Plus, he annoyed everybody on his team.

Why Gwen?: Cody rigged the votes against her in spite.

Eliminated: Gwen

Comments: People could easily argue that Cody would never do this but there really was no alternative. Someone on the Gophers had to rig the vote and it makes the most sense for it to be Cody due to his complex relationship with Gwen. He also sends Gwen home over Trent due to the simple fact that his grudge is with her and that I needed the guys to girls ratio to be balanced going into Brunch of Disgustingness. It’s also a huge twist like with Courtney’s canon elimination.

I feel awful about this elimination and what opposite day does for Gwen in general. Despite this being Gwen's season, without Heather, there's really no reason to keep her.

Episode 13: X-Treme Toruture

Winners: Killer Bass

Reasons for Victory?: Without Lindsay to collect the flags in place of Beth, the team lost the last head to head (Duncan vs Beth and Bridgette vs Cody).

Bottom 2: Cody and Trent

Why Cody?: Due to the events of the previous episode.

Why Trent?: His injury and Cody’s grudge

Eliminated: Cody

Comments: I’m sorry Cody fans. While I feel I properly explained my reasonings above, this is the character I know I did the biggest injustice to. I just hope that you all understand.

Good riddance to OOCody. I hope I won't have to do this for anyone else.

Episode 14: Brunch of Disgustingness

Winners: Girls (Leshawna, Beth, Sadie, Courtney, Bridgette)

Reasons for Victory?: Due to his diet, Justin refuses to eat any meals. Secondly, Justin kept encouraging the women, which motivated them (espically Sadie). There’s also the fact that without Owen to face Leshawna, none of the boys could beat her in the tie-breaker.

Elimination: None

Comments: Not going to lie, this episode was one of the motivating factors I had for keeping Justin around besides the ratio.

Episode 15: No Pain, No Game

Notes: Owen and Katie return!

Immunity: Owen

Reasons for Victory?: He didn't get brain freeze (come on its Owen!) and went on to beat Leshawna on the log.

Bottom 2: Duncan and Leshawna

Why Duncan?: The Gopher allaince doesn't trust him.

Why Leshawna?: Leshawna proved herself to be a physical threat in the game due to her strong performance in the challenge. She was also precieved as the leader of the Gophers (the minority).

Eliminated: Leshawa

Comments: Since this is an opposite winner season, Leshawna had to go home this episode no questions asked. In fact, this is the only time that it will happen this season that the exact winner goes home. As Owen took Eva's place, I gave him immunity. You'll see why I brought back Katie shortly.

If it wasn't for the post-merge rules I set, it is possible Leshawna could made another long drive.

Episode 16: Search and Do Not Destroy

Immunity: Trent

Reasons for Victory?: Luck.

Bottom 2: Katie and Sadie

Why Katie?: Sadie and Katie were fighting over Justin’s affections and the later of the two decided to just confront Justin, aggressively kissing him and breaking Sadie’s heart. Sadie then campaigned for her BFFs elimination.

Why Sadie?: Katie wanted Sadie out due to their argument. The others also weren't too keen on Sadie's campaign.

Eliminated: Sadie

Comments: Yes, this is the reason I brought Katie back. This is the defining moment of the season for all three characters (Katie, Sadie, and Justin). I gave Trent immunity simply because he got eliminated in canon.

Now we'll get to see both of the BFFS do on their own instead of just the worse one (in my opinion).

Episode 17: Hide and Be Sneaky

Immunity: Duncan and Bridgette

Reasons for Victory?: Bridgette uses Leshawna’s plan from canon while Duncan get immunity for helping Chef.

Bottom 2: Justin and Owen

Why Justin?: Got sprayed by the skunk.

Why Owen?: Owen blabbed about the guys aliance, making him a target of both alliances.

Eliminated: Justin

Comments: I didn't want the love triangle arc to last much longer. Besides, as a whole Justin basically has no potenial plot.

You served your purpose well...at least you had one this time.

Episode 18: That’s Off the Chain!

Note: Duncan helps Courntey with her bike a lot like Lindsay does for Heather. Blames him for it failing.

Immunity: Duncan

Auto - Eliminated: Geoff

Reasons for Victory and Elimination?: Geoff and Duncan were the only ones to cross the finish line but Duncan crossed first.

Comments: Firstly, Geoff and Duncan’s post-merge relationship parallels Heather’s relationship with Lindsay. Secondly, conisdering that Geoff and Bridgette are in the majoirty, they'll steam roll the season if one of them isn't auto eliminated. Thirdly, this episode is really difficult to work with due to the contestants left in the competition and the nature of the challenge. If your wondering how this is the opposite, it's basically a gender swap of roles and opposite intial team.

This was the hardest elimination of the season so I understand if you all don't agree with my opinion.

Episode 19: Hook, Line, and Screamer

Notes: Duncan and Courtney begin to have relationship problems this episode because she refuses to listen to his adivce and proceeds to blame him.

Immunity: DJ

Auto-Eliminated: Beth

Reasons for Victory: As Heather wasn’t present, DJ never freaked out at Heather shaving. Ironically, he’s the one to believe that the killer is Chef and takes him down like Gwen did.

Reasons for Elimination: Since Beth literally can’t scream, Chris thought that Beth was so scared she couldn’t even make a sound. Despite her protests, this gets her eliminated over Duncan (who lost points for actively trying to confront the killer.

Comments: Out of all the remaining contestants, how could I not eliminate Beth here? I mean, this challenge is perfect for her! It’s also the opposite here due to being eliminated for the exact opposite reason of DJ. Speaking of DJ, good on him for character development (even if it is a little out of character).

First she wins Action and then this? Maybe I've been underestimating Beth? Probably not.

Episode 20: Wawanakwa Gone Wild!

Reward: Katie

Reasons for Victory: Katie's deer reminded her of when Sadie dressed as a deer for a challenge and it got her angry. In her anger, she sussfully wins the feast.

Bottom 2: Katie and Courtney

Why Katie?: While she won the chalenge, Katie did not win immunity and in her anger, she accidently shoots Duncan with a tranquiler dart.

Why Courtney?: Duncan was annoyed that after all he had done for Courtney she wasn't going to help him with his punishment and Katie was trying to stay safe.

Eliminated: 

Comments: There really isn't an opposite with this episode. Gwen's gone so I can't send her out. Since Izzy went out here I guess you could argue her replacement wins immunity but there is no immunity. As such, the most logical desicion is to send Katie out anyway (epically since I don't think both returning contesants should make Top 6).

I'm surprised I was able to get so much out of such one note characters.

Episode 21: Trail by Tri-Armed Triathlon

Notes: The pairs were Owen/Duncan, DJ/Bridgette, and Courtney/Trent.

Round 1: Duncan/Owen

Round 2: DJ/Bridgette

Round 3: Courtney/Trent

Immunity: Nobody

Bottom 2: Trent and Owen

Why Trent?: Not only is he in the minority, but he’s pretty popular

Why Owen?: The guys want revenge on Owen for confessing to the guys aliance.

Eliminated: Owen

Comments: I don't think returning contestants should be in the top 5. Besides, Owen HAS to go out here. A Bass has to be eliminated at 5 and the last Gopher at 4 but Owen, by the established rules, has to win at 4 if he makes it to 4.

Owen doesn't really do anything in the post merge besides be comic relief. At least he got to come back at all.

Episode 22: Haute Camp-ture

Eliminated: Duncan

Reason for Elimination: Unlike canon, the vote actually goes through properley and Duncan is sent home for being a bully.

Comments: This elimiantion is perfect for Duncan. Not only is it the opposite (faovirte to least favorite), but it keeps the couple from reaching the final 4. Lastly, if Duncan reaches the finale of Action, you could get some genuine character development. Hope you all enjoyed my take on co-main antagonist Duncan.

Duncan was very close to winning the season and is the only member of the canon final 5 to make final 5 in this version. That's crazy.

Episode 24: Are We There Yeti?

Immunity: Courtney and Bridgette

Reason for Victory: DJ’s knowledge of the woods and natural abilities gave these two the advantage but Trent got their equpiment stolen for being too trusting. 

Eliminated: Trent

Comments: The last Gopher has officially been eliminated from the game. Some might say this is hypocritical but the girls winning the challenge is not a violation of my rules. Since all of the original final four have been eliminated, the sole factor in determining who goes home is whoever the last Gopher standing is.

Unfortunately, being a Gopher doomed Trent from the start. At the very least, he performed better than his canon counterpart.

Episode 25: I Triple Dog Dare You

NOTE: I understand that my set of rules techincally doesn't account for this outcome. However, based on future seasons I can deduce the outcome of this semi-final episode.

Eliminated: Courtey

Reason for Elimination: She couldn't agree to shave off her hair (happens anyway).

Comments: Courtney gets eliminated right before the finale for a few simple reasons. Firstly, Courtney would the main antagonist of the season in place of Heather (orchastator of the girls aliance, bullies her boyfriend, took the shot at Leshawna, etc,) alongside secondary antagonist Duncan. Secondly, her elimination gives Courtney her justification to sue Chris to get back onto TDA. Lastly, Courtney is wearing a wig when she first enters TDA and yet we never see it again despite Heather's arc? Why not give said arc to Courtney if Opposite Day Action happens? (Is this a hint? Maybe so or maybe not.)

Sorry Courtney fans. Island was never Courtney's season. I mean she jinxed herself in the first episode after all. She couldn't even win a post merge immunity challenge!

Episode 26: The Very Last Episode, Really!

Canonical Winner: Bridgette

Alternate Winner: DJ

Besides Gwen, Bridgette was really the only one who could be the main protagonist of Island. Congrats Bridgette.

DJ was certainly at his peak in Island. I never really thought of him as a winner but it was this or a couple's finale with Geoff.

Final Thoughts

I’m not going to deny that at times I took some liberties with this season in order to improve the outcome. However, I’m confident with the final product, I think the biggest takeaway from the season is that it gives us a glimpse into what Island without Heather could look like. I cannot deny that most characters get more development, be it positive or negative, in this version of the season. However, without Heather or an extended presence of Izzy post merge, we lost a lot of the drama and humor. I still prefer the canonical season but I still find this all intriguing.

If you’ve read through all of this thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did writing it. Let me know if you want to see more.

Episode	Who Wins	Whos Eliminated
Not So Happy Campers	Bass	Heather (22nd)
The Big Sleep	Bass	Owen (21st/???)
Dodgebrawl	Gophers	Eva (20th/21nd)
Not Quite Famous	Gophers	Ezekiel (19th/20nd)
The Sucky Outdoors	Bass	Izzy (18th/19th)
Phobia Factor	Bass	Noah (17th/18th)
Up the Creek	Gopher	Katie (16th/???)
Paintball Deer Hunter	Gopher	Tyler (15th/17th)
If You Can’t Take the Heat...	Gopher	Harold (14th/16th)
Who Can You Trust?	Bass	Lindsay (13th/15th)
Basic Straining	Bass	Gwen (12th/14th)
X-Treme Tourture	Bass	Cody (11th/13th)
Boys: Justin Trent Duncan Geoff DJ	MERGE Returning Next Episode: Katie Owen	Girls: Leshawna Sadie Courtney Bridgette Beth
Brunch of Disgustingness	Females	Non-Elimination
No Pain, No Game	Owen	Leshawna (12th)
Search and Do Not Destroy	Trent	Sadie (11th)
Hide and Be Sneaky	Bridgette and Duncan	Justin (10th)
That’s Off the Chain!	Duncan	Geoff (9th)
Hook, Line, and Screamer	DJ	Beth (8th)
Wawanakwa Gone Wild!	Nobody (Reward: Katie)	Katie (7th)
Trail by Tri-Armed Triathlon	Nobody	Owen (6th)
Haute Camp-ture	Nobody	Duncan (5th)
Are We There Yeti?	Duncan and DJ	Trent (4th)
I Triple Dog Dare You!	DJ and Bridgette	Courtney (3rd)
FINAL TWO	Bridgette (1st/2nd)	DJ (1st/2nd)