The team is in need of rest and recuperation at Base Camp where the air is thicker and their appetites should return, but they're all aware their fate will shortly be decided by Russell and his guides. It's crunch time for Mogens Jensen, Tim Medvetz and Betsy Huelskamp. Can Russell let any of them go? "It's my challenge to try and let them go as far as they can without actually killing themselves," he says.

David Tait's plans for a world record double traverse with "super Sherpa" Phurba Tashi get off to a difficult start when Russell is forced to gamble on a 12-day weather forecast. Weather patterns dictate they must leave earlier than planned and the enormity of what he’s trying to achieve hits David hard as he leaves Base Camp for the summit.

Meanwhile, Russell calls a meeting with the climbers to let them know who will be allowed to go for the top. Russ tells Tim, "Get your s**t together man," and orders him to stop being so arrogant. Mogens, who is determined to summit without bottled oxygen, faces some hard truths when Russell tells him: "I don't think you can make it without oxygen."

Then, Russell makes a tough and final decision. For Betsy, the dream is over.