A man from Naperville is taking part in the new Fox reality show “The Snake.”
Derek North, a detective, is one of the series’ 15 cast members. Contestants compete in challenges and try to manipulate their opponents in the hopes of becoming the Snake.
The last one standing will receive a $100,000 prize.
In a promotional video for the show, North stated, “What separates me from a lot of people is I have a good read on someone almost instantly.”Whether as a detective or in my personal life, I am constantly gathering information.”
“I think you are going to have a hard time finding a competitor that is better than me at mental toughness and physical toughness,” he indicated.
Live snake challenge kicks off the series
The show is first episode premiered on Tuesday, June 10. Mena Samara, a bounty hunter, was the initial designated leader, and she chose six other competitors for her team, including North.
That group was sent off to eat dinner, where the players began to assess each other and devise manipulation strategies.
Though some competitors mentioned their attraction to others on the show, North responded, “I am sorry, but this is not a dating show. I am here for my wife and baby girl, and I want to win.”
The remaining eight players faced a challenge based on the show is title, placing their hands in boxes containing live snakes (except one).
The group then had to read their competitors’ body language and expressions as they swapped boxes in the hopes of receiving the lone box containing a medallion.
Kethryn Cavender, tech manager, emerged victorious and received the medallion at the end.
North makes it through first saving ceremony on “The Snake”
Cavender, who earned the title of Snake this time, won the right to begin the saving ceremony, selecting a fellow player to keep. This set off a chain reaction in which each chosen person chose someone else to save. When only two players remained, the Snake got to choose which one to send home.
North made it through the first episode after being rescued by fellow contestant Pastor Jacob Buchholz.
This summer, the competition will continue on Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. on Fox.
