Blood Sweat & Tools

In this series opener of BLOOD, SWEAT AND TOOLS viewers meet the five hapless handyman duos from across Canada who will compete for the $50,000 grand prize! In this episode, the teams will face three challenges: Challenge One is to build a workbench to exact specifications; Challenge Two is to construct a fire pit and swing bench (this is cottage country after all!); and Challenge Three is to install a toilet.

The five teams get up close and friendly with water in this episode. In Challenge One, the teams must install a window. Chaos ensues as they cut holes into walls and precariously perch their glass and frame inside them. Water is then blasted against the window to test the seal (rain gear required). Challenge Two is a quintessential cottage test: building a dock and diving board. Challenge Three requires some rudimentary plumbing skills: installing an outdoor shower and pump.

Safety is a theme in this episode, as the experts come down hard on participants for their sloppy (and dangerous) work habits. Challenge One is a teardown: demolishing a wall to make room for bunk beds. It’s a test of patience and planning, but at times it seems more like handymen gone wild. Challenge Two is building a picnic area — complete with gazebo, table and barbecue. But a gross misuse of tools throws a wrench into the entire project. Challenge Three gives the teams a chance to redeem themselves: building a boat lift.

This episode has everything but the kitchen sink! (Actually, that’s Challenge One.) The teams must install a stainless steel sink with a faucet and turn the water off (not necessarily in that order). Challenge Two has the participants building a concrete path and raising a flagpole. And Challenge Three is constructing a shelving unit.

This episode opens the door to the teams’ creativity. With only four couples remaining, Challenge One is mounting a new aluminum door on their cabins. Then their artistic side is allowed to shine: Challenge Two has the teams creating a sign for their cabins (it’s not Group of Seven but hey, they’re just handymen after all). Challenge Three speaks to their current state of mind — an exhaust fan.

In this last episode before the Grand Finale, the four remaining teams combine everything they’ve learned so far. In Challenge One the teams must mount a water heater, a task that requires both plumbing and electrical skills. Challenge Two has them building a cocktail bar and cutting a custom copper top for its surface. But just when they think it’s cocktail hour, a plot twist: there’s another elimination and just three teams remain. The final three couples must then complete Challenge Three, a project of their own choosing to impress Canada.

In Episode Nine, the final three teams are brought together for the Grand Finale — a studio broadcast where the experts announce the winners of the $50,000 cash prize! But first viewers learn what progress the final three couples have made since the first eight episodes were taped.