Ep 1. Ready for Battle

Tough as Nails season 3 episode 1, titled "Ready for Battle", pits 12 new blue-collar Americans against each other in a series of grueling challenges that test their strength, endurance, and toughness. Host Phil Keoghan introduces the contestants, who come from all walks of life, including a farmer, a firefighter, a fisherman, and a marine.

The episode begins with a group challenge, as the contestants are divided into two teams and instructed to build and install a fence using only hand tools. This task proves to be much more difficult than anticipated, as the contestants struggle to measure and cut the wood to the proper size, and the physical labor takes a toll on their bodies.

After the team challenge is completed, the contestants are given individual challenges to determine who will have the advantage in the next team challenge. The first challenge requires the contestants to use a sledgehammer to break through a wall, while the second challenge requires them to dig through a pile of dirt to find a key. The winners of each challenge are given a special tool to use in the next team challenge.

The second team challenge is a relay race, where the contestants must carry heavy bags of sand, chop wood, and saw through logs. The team that completes the challenge first is declared the winner, and the losing team must face the final individual challenge, the "Dirty Hands" challenge.

In the "Dirty Hands" challenge, the two contestants with the slowest times from the previous challenges must race to dig through a massive mound of dirt. The first contestant to find a piece of metal buried in the dirt wins and is safe for another week.

Throughout the episode, we see the contestants form alliances and make strategic moves to ensure their safety in the game. They share personal stories about their struggles and triumphs in their respective blue-collar jobs, and we get to see how their hard work and determination translate to the challenges on the show.

Overall, Tough as Nails season 3 episode 1 is an intense and physically demanding start to the season, and it sets the tone for what promises to be a thrilling competition between some of America's toughest and most hardworking individuals.