In episode 8, the five remaining contestants participate in a ghostly gondola ride challenge where they must memorize a series of 10 masks and then select two out of 20 masks they believe they saw. Each correct mask earns them a dagger, and all five contestants ended up with two daggers each.

In episode 8, Peter approaches Biggy and Rick to form a new alliance aimed at splitting Ally and Shayne. Rick warns Biggy that loyalties may change as the grand prize approaches, putting Biggy in a precarious position between trusting Rick and staying loyal to Shayne, to whom he gave his word on day one.

Venice, Italy, serves as the backdrop for episode 8, providing a unique setting without vehicles where the contestants explore the city goggles-free. The maritime republic atmosphere adds tension and complexity to the game, including a ghostly gondola ride challenge and a formal dress-up event hosted by Jeffrey Dean Morgan.

Rick is actively involved in alliance discussions, warning Biggy about shifting loyalties and emphasizing the importance of a solid plan among the final three players. His strategic positioning has evolved from being isolated to potentially winning the entire competition, as noted in recaps highlighting his gameplay dynamics.

Although there is no dropping of the 'X' in episode 8, an elimination still occurs at the end of the episode. The contestants remain in Venice, and the game continues with high stakes, but the specific details of who is eliminated are not explicitly stated in the available summaries.