Happy Sookies after Tribal. Debbie of the many occupations has just been blindsided by her alliance, and while Scot is a tad disappointed Cydney did not go home, he is thrilled “they ate one of their own”. Tai hands the idol back to Jason – darn it. How fun would it have been if he’d hidden it somewhere instead.
The next day Jason is thrilled their sooky lah lah tactics of hiding the machete and dousing the fire worked to crack the majority alliance. But Tai thinks it’s time to stop the shenanigans – perhaps he’s thinking of jury votes, which neither Scot nor Jason has mentioned.
Scot says he wants to mend fences but he needs “assurances from Aubry”. So she’s obviously the acknowledged leader of the tribe. An then he says he never wanted to be the “Russell Hantz” of the tribe. Too late, Scot – you must be the tallest Hantz ever, though.
He graciously offers to return to “providing” for the tribe in return for traitor Cydney’s head. And I want pizzas for everyone, a gym bag full of unmarked dollar bills and a plane to fly me to Mexico. Oh and a new tattoo that say “Jason forever” He tells confessional the other tribe does not realise Cydney is “brooding,petty, small”. Hello – pot, kettle! How is Aubry going to handle this blackmail?
“There is not a shot in hell I am going to work with them,” she tells confessional. Hells yeah, Aubry! “But I’m willing to let them think I’ll play along with it.”
Reward challenge time
Orange cap Jeff explains it’s a terracotta pot balancing change. The prize is a burger meal or letters from home. Or, Jeff casually reveals, an advantage. But the further twist is they will only be competing against people who choose the same prize. In the past having the advantage has not worked out well (it made Fishy and Dan the unbearable postman targets).
Going for advantage are Tai, Cyd and Aubry.
Food is Scot, Jason and Michelle.
Letters is Julia and Joe.
If they do this again they should keep what everyone picked a secret, so a player could be potentially balancing for hours against an imaginary opponent. Of course Joe picked “love”. Joe looks shaky and he is first to fall, so Julia gets her letter. Michelle beats Jason and Scot to take the burger meal – good one, Mich.
Tai is a picture of stillness as he and Aubry are the final two, battling for the advantage. Hope Aubry’s infected leg wasn’t giving her grief in this challenge. At just over the 10-minute mark, while Michelle is still chowing down on her burger, Aubry’s pots fall and Tai gets the secret scroll. Well, that was quick.
Tai reads what the advantage is and it’s … oh …an extra vote. Same as the last two times. Anyone else disappointed? (Some history on extra votes here Extra Vote) Julia was smart choosing the letters prize, knowing not many others would. Julia, Mich and Aubry take a walk and the former Beauties are keen to flush out an idol by voting for Tai, knowing they’ll be safe as the Sookies will vote for Cydney. Will Aubry come up with a plan to save her new BFF? Michelle is getting a tonne of beach confessionals lately. Winner/narrator edit? Aubry secretly thinks Julia is a sneaky sneak – too “super shady” to be sitting next to at the end of the game – and that Michelle has no idea that Julia is just waiting to turn on the girls. Aubry gives good confessional. It’s Day 27 and Aubry approaches Tai on a level she knows will appeal to him, talking about the struggle between the barin and the heart. And he’s listening.
He tells confessional: “My heart say: I like that girl Aubry a lot. She has the certain energy I really like.”
Aubry tells him he is being targeted and that she’s willing to feed him info to show her loyalty to him. Tai thinks the Sookies will be delighted to have Aubry on board. Poor, tree-loving Tai. It’s a Sookies spa date. Of course Scot immediately wants to target Aubry and Tai is not happy he has no say in this alliance – not that he tells the Sookies.
It’s immunity challenge time and blue cap Jeff talks them through an arm-stretching challenge that involves yet more pots. Does Probst have shares in a pot company? Joe is first out again. He could make final three, as no-one sees him as a threat. Tai is looking almost as skinny as Debbie. After 45 minutes we’re down to Aubry, Cyd and Jason. Love the different poses. Cydney goes and then Jason does a Keith Nale-style spit, which Aubry mimics. Love it. After 1 hour and 15 minutes they are both still hanging on for dear life. Aubry, if you don’t win you are a dead cert for the next Second Chance. Sadly social media expert Aubry is just outlasted by former soldier Jason after a valiant effort. So Jason has the immunity necklace plus his idol and Tai has an idol, so they can target Aubry safe in the knowledge they can use a super idol after the votes are read if Scot or Tai is targeted. Well, that’s the plan. I really hope everyone actually votes for Scot and Tai refuses to activate the super idol to save him.
Julia tells the boys the plan is to pile votes on Tai to flush his idol, and they respond with promises of cutting Tai’s throat in the future so she can be an honorary Sooky in the final three.
Aubry checks in with new BFF from last week, Cydney, who wants to target Scot. Why couldn’t we see hilarious Cyd at the start of this season? Aubry vows to try and sway Tai: “Tai’s natural state isn’t with Jason and Scot.”
The next scene is of her crouching in the long grass, talking to Tai while he pretends to look for coconuts. Where’s a Tony spy shack when you need one? Tai doesn’t want to be a life member of the Tattooed Brethren. Tai gives a lot of thought to Aubry’s pitch about making a big move, but has to weigh it up with knowing he would kick Jason and Scot’s asses if they were final three together.
So at this stage it looks like Jason and Scot will vote Aubry; Julia and Michelle for Tai; Cyd, Aubry and Joe for Scot and Tai for, hmm, maybe some random vote.
Before tribal, Jason hands his hidden immunity idol to Scot. We get lits of shots of Tai looking pensive, and then he says: “I’m not here to make good friend; I’m here to win that million dollar.” Well, you did make one good friend, Tai.
It’s tribal council time. Will we get more Chinese whispers tonight? The trash talking from Jason and Scot continues and Jeff of course spots that Tai looks awkward about it. Tai says it’s not how he conducts himself in his personal life, but this is “war”. Jason is confident of Tai’s support: “He has stepped up for our alliance time and time again.” Jeff gives Aubry props for her effort today in the challenge and she says she was spitting “like a deranged llama” (perhaps we can ask Chaos Kass the llama farmer what that would be like). Jason praises her, too, and makes it clear everyone should be voting Aubry because she’s a threat. “Please, please, please.”
Time to read the votes … But first, does anyone want to play a hidden immunity idol? And here come the whispers, all aimed at Tai. From Julia. From Scot, after the tiniest of “no” head shakes from Jason to Tai. Julia’s not giving up. Tai does not play it. The votes are read: Tai, Aubry, Scot, Tai, Aubry, Scot, Scot, Scot. Scot is voted out but he’s not fussed and doesn’t budge, because his buddy Tai will let him form a super idol, right? Right? These raised eyebrows mean you should give me your idol, Tai. Over on the jury, Neal and Nick know what’s going on, and are enthralled. Oh no he didn’t!
Tai shakes his head: “Sorry.” Yay, Tai! Look at Julia’s face! and is Aubry praying? #wow indeed, Survivor. Best snuffing out of the season. Kudos to Aubry for working out how to speak to Tai on his level, and for sending Scot home with Jason’s idol in his pocket.
Preview for next week: Tai is happy; Jason wants revenge (just hide the machete again Jason – that worked so well for you last time). And this: Survivor, you can’t kill off one of your most popular characters. #SaveMarkTheChicken
That was challenging to watch. When the humidity is so high Survivor needs to do a puzzle or memory challenge, not one of those elaborate digging through sand in the baking heat ones. Or stop for water breaks, at least! (Although maybe they do and we just don’t see it.) The lovely Rosie has done us a recap and I will add some screen grabs and captions.
So here we are again after last week’s TC. Peter (aka Dr Fauxbama around the net 😆 ) is shocked!, shocked I tell you, and later tells us he has knots in his stomach.
Still being a smarty pants, he thinks that’s because they lost a strong player. No dear, it’s because they didn’t choose the player YOU wanted them to lose. Idiot. But they should be shivering in their shoes, because as soon as there’s a swap or merge, he’s going to take them out one by one. Single handedly!
REWARD CHALLENGE
It’s a big, big challenge in a big, big heat. Just thought I’d mention that for those who are reading this instead of watching. And no one really except Jeff is wearing a hat. Jeff brings back the orange cap. Hooray!
Although I think it’s Nick whose head is covered in a grey scarf thingie. Nor do we see anybody drinking any water. Edit: it’s Caleb with a T-shirt on his head.
Oh, and the prizes? First place getter will receive a kitchen set with coffee and spices, while the second place winner will get salt, pepper, wok and oil. Winner’s reward, but drinking coffee after a dehydrating challenge may not be the best idea.
The challenge consists of running through an obstacle course, collecting bags of balls, and then rolling said balls into holes on boards. Oh goody, we love our balls, don’t we Jeffy? Cydney leads at the wriggle log.
After 45 minutes, the heat is getting to them. Brains win the challenge, but then Joe wants a medic for Debbie who feels as though her insides are on fire. Good on you, Joe. Debbie gets medical and Jeff’s TLC.Note it’s Joe, the former FBI agent calling for medical assistance, not the ER doctor. 😉 Medical check her over. Oh, and Debbie did NOT have heat stroke! Even Joe knew it was heat exhaustion, not heat stroke. Debbie thinks she had heat stroke though, even though you take a whole lot longer to recover from heat “stroke” than a matter of minutes, or even hours. Whatever, that she recovered so quickly is what matters.
Then Cydney is down, crying and saying she can’t move. Medical are attending to her. Another case of serious heat exhaustion. Don’t Heimlich me, Tatts. I have heat stroke, for reals.
Then it’s Caleb’s turn. There are people everywhere on Jeff’s instruction at this point with water, umbrellas, ice you name it. Man down – it’s Caleb after a huge effort in the challenge.
Oh, did I mention Beauty got the second Reward? It’s tough for Aubry and a recovering Debbie to watch the drama unfold (go, Aubry!).
Finally Cydney responds to treatment (as did Debbie a wee while back), but Caleb is taking too long. Jason may be a dick but he’s a cool head in a crisis for Cydney.
Medical makes the decision to evacuate him. Nick elevates poor Caleb’s feet while they ice his body. This will be an iconic scene in Survivor history.
This is when we see Tai’s dramatic tears. I have to say I am liking this man a bit less every week. I know a lot of people adore him, but me? Not so much, hard-hearted piece of shit that I am. No more cuddles for you, Tai.
Cydney is feeling okay now. Whew.
The Beauties are all unhappy that Caleb is being evacuated (including Caleb himself) but it is explained to them that it is a medical decision, not Caleb’s idea. They are all tearful, but none is quite so dramatic about it as Tai. Tai and the girls of the Beauty tribe. Yeah, I don’t know who they are either.
Apparently it was 118ºF during that challenge. That’s nearly 48ºC!!! And I’ll tell you what else that is – that’s batshit crazy! They knew how hot it was, so why not switch to a water challenge, or just cancel the bloody thing altogether? Heatstroke can so easily be fatal. Maybe in future Medical should be calling the shots and calling for breaks, complete with drinks during such, hot, energetic challenges. And all that was for a few spices and fucking salt and pepper!! And why don’t they insist on everybody wearing a big floppy tie-under-the-chin hat? We Aussies are brought up to be sun safe, and we know about hats.You wear them on your head and they keep your head cool. Cooler. Bye, Caleb. We like you. And you won Jeff over. Have you signed a contract to come back yet?
Fortunately we are told that Caleb is now 100% healthy and hopes to play again.
Day 9 at Brawn and Alecia is copping it from her team. She dared to encourage her team during the challenge – the nerve! And BullyScot says he wanted her to shut up and dig. She WAS fucking digging! He also says don’t tell an NBA champion about teamwork. Interesting tweet from Dalton Ross re BullyRoss’ “championships” points:
Dalton Ross @DaltonRoss
Worth pointing out that “NBA Champion” Scot played a total of ZERO playoff minutes in the Celtics 2008 title run. #Survivor Scot is a massive dbag.
BullyScot tells her straight out that next TC she’s out. Oowaa! Cydney thinks Alecia needs to listen and stop talking. (I’m beginning to think so too, even though she’s in a vile tribe.) BullyBountyboy tells her it’s always something with her. She should take some responsibility. He then stomps away like a real grown-up. Yes, Alecia would be annoying to live with. She’s young and a bit of a goose and has no tact. But don’t try and break her. (Poor Cydney at the side of the shot, just trying to get some rest after her heat stroke.) She’d be counting the days to get away from these fools.
He admits later he went a bit overboard because he was angry. Yes, but did you admit that to her? No, of course not. But at least she’ll see this on TV I s’pose, which will be better than nothing. *wee little eye roll* He tells us he has two daughters, and wants them to be strong, educated women who can take care of themselves. And do you want horrid, bullying, tattooed men to pick on them whenever possible, hmm?
IMMUNITY CHALLENGE
Jeff asks are they all looking after themselves and staying hydrated? They all nod dutifully. He then hands everyone a hat … alas, only in my dreams. What he does do is chat about Caleb being med-evaced out before taking back the immunity idols.
For this challenge, they must rush into the jungle to grab puzzle pieces from up ladders, then into the ocean to find further puzzle pieces. Then – you’ll never guess! You did! You guessed that they have to solve a frickin’ boring puzzle. Aaaarrrgghh!
Brains finish first. I am disappointed since I’d have loved Fauxbama to have been turfed out. Sigh.
And Beauty take the next. Bye bye, Alecia then.
SCRAMBLE TIME?
Except they are not even back at camp when Alecia says it was her fault they didn’t finish the puzzle. BullyScot says she’s going home if he has any say about it, and they can vote now if Jeff wants. BullyBountyboy – aka Yes Man – agrees. Jeff says they can if Alecia agrees. She says that would be giving up, and she doesn’t want to do that. Oh for goodness’ sake girl, have a bit of dignity! You know there’s no way any of this lot is changing their mind!
TRIBAL COUNCIL
BullyBountyboy tells Jeff nothing has changed since earlier. BullyScot and Cydney agree. Jeff says this TC is more clear than any other he has seen.
They vote. Jeff calls for idols, but since Alecia doesn’t have one…
He reads the votes: Alecia, Scot, Alecia, Alecia. At least BullyBountyboy didn’t call her Blondie, which was big of him. She tells us she never gave up and she is proud of herself. I sigh. I didn’t like her much, but even so nobody deserved that level of bullying. The tribe has spoken.
I find myself hoping they won’t mix’n’match the tribes just yet simply because I want to see what will happen if these three are forced to eat each other. So my fingers are crossed. But no, we see at the very end that Jeff tells them to drop their buffs next week. Oh well, should be interesting.
