Nov 10 2006
A night to remember
I would have to say that this was my favorite Survivor episode the entire season. From traitors to big victories and from quotable lines to moments that made us laugh, the episode was filled with action, unforgettable moments, and even a tender moment that made tears well in my eyes.
Is Jonathan for real?
I just do not know what to think about Jonathan. Early in the game, I liked him a lot. He seemed genuine. Now, it seems almost as if he is trying to pretend he has alliances with everyone. “I swear to God I want to be in the final two with you, Candice.” Do we believe him? Probably not.
Mutiny
Right before the rewards challenge, the Survivors are given an opportunity to mutiny and join the other tribe. Candice steps forward and Jonathan follows her. This leaves the already dwindling Aitu with only four members.
The reward challenge
The survivors have to put two tribe members from each tribe in a barrel. The barrel is rolled through a series of obstacles and over some logs (OUCH!!! This was one bumpy ride) as the survivors pick up four buoys which they attach to the barrel and have to float across the lagoon to retrieve four underwater flags. They will then swim back to shore, dig to find an axe, use the axe to cut the rope, and raise the flag.
A delicious reward
What were they playing for? Along with a chance to send someone to Exile Island, they were also playing for coffee, muffins, danishes, letters from home, and a relaxing place to sit and dine.
Roll with it!
Becky and Sundra were in the barrel for Aitu and Jenny and Candice were rolling out for Raro. In some sort of poetic justice, Aitu kicked some Raro butt. It wasn’t even close. Raro never even made it to the flags to retrieve a single flag before Aitu had one the entire challenge.
The little engine that could
Aitu is like the little engine that could…. They are a small tribe next to the mammoth of Raro, but they keep winning repeatedly because they are united. “Mutineers are the first people to die,” Ozzy yelled after Aitu won the challenge and the tribe threw themselves into an emotional hug as Sundra began to sob. I felt tears well up in my own eyes.
Justice again
When Aitu sends Candice to Exile Island, I wanted to laugh. It served her right. While she is sent off alone, the Aitu tribe is treated to big, dry, fluffy robes as they dine on pastry in every variety imaginable. “This is a recharge. I feel brand new and ready to do anything,” says Ozzy.
Family
As Aitu members look at photos of family and letters from back home, they get emotional. Still, they are feeling connected as a tribe. “We’re a family out here, you guys,” Ozzy says. “We’re a team til the end.”
Words of love from Nate
As Jonathan struggles to gain the trust of his new tribe, Nate talks trash about him behind his back. “Do you really think we have your back when we just saw you sell out your other tribe? You must be dumb!” and “We’re not going to cradle a traitor”.
Immunity is up for grabs again
The survivors are in glass bottom boats. They have to line up a target through the glass, release a cannon, and let it drop onto the target so that it will release buoys that float to the surface. They will take those buoys to solve the puzzle.
Aitu falls behind
Aitu was really behind in the challenge. It looked like the giant tribe would finally defeat the underdogs. Then Aitu worked together to win in the end. “You’ve got to be kidding me,” says Candice.
Jeff can be funny
Jeff proved he had a sense of humor during the challenge and earned a laugh from me when he commented that Raro was going to waste all their cannonballs. Jonathan was agitated and said, “Oh please.” Then in his commentator-style voice, Jeff says, “Jonathan, getting frustrated by me”.
Before tribal counsel
“Jonathan’s going get some food. Clams, oysters, and stuff,” Adam tells Nate.
Nate grins. “Good, feed us while you’re here.”
The tribe has spoken again
I was not sure what would happen in tribal counsel. I figured it would be Brad or Jonathan. Brad was a threat because he could rejoin his old tribe in a merger. Jonathan, on the other hand, had totally pissed off Adam, and nobody in Raro really wanted him around. In the end, Brad is voted off and Jeff announced he would be the first member of the jury. Brad takes it in stride, saying, “See you guys”, with a big smile and wave.
