They'll Be My Twelve Disciples

They'll Be My Twelve Disciples is the first episode of Survivor: Son Doong. The episode title was said by Alex, claiming that she would become a Jesus-like figure to the twelve newbies on the season.

Challenges
Reward/Immunity Challenge: Puzz-elements One member for each tribe will begin the challenge by racing off to a small body of water nearby, where they will swim out and dive down, untying knots from a bar underwater to release the a key, before swimming back. They will then hand the key off to the next person who must climb up a tower, before crossing a narrow balance beam over a net, retrieving a second key which hangs above the beam at the halfway point along the way. If they fall they must go back. Once across, they'll hand the keys off to the final person who will dig through a sand pit for the third key, before taking all four keys and using them to unlock a chest full of puzzle pieces. The final member of the team will then use those puzzle pieces to solve a fire-shaped puzzle. The first three tribes to finish win immunity and reward. Reward: A huge fire making kit and crate of dried wood for the first tribe to finish, a small fire making kit for the second tribe to finish, and just a flint for the third to finish.

Day One
The camera opens to a shot of Jeff standing against some mossy rocks as a tranquil stream runs behind him.

Probst: I’m standing here in the Son Doong Caves, a beautiful but mysterious cave system, with its own self contained rainforest sprawling throughout it…

(The camera cuts to shots of some birds flying through the sky, before it pans down to a bird’s eye view of Son Doong, showcasing the breathtaking series of caves, with trees spanning high above the horizon out of it, and beautiful, clear streams along the rocky stretch of land.)

Probst: This season, twelve new Americans will be taking part in the journey of a lifetime, competing in the world’s greatest game for a shot at glory. They’ve already been divided into four tribes based off the elemental attributes associated to their personality type.

(The camera pans over a group of three people walking along a trail through the caves, lead by a local guide.)"none"

- Teja, the fire tribe, who will always wear red. They’re known for constantly asserting their dominance and leadership in their fields, and whilst they may be quick to anger, they take great pride in what they’ve accomplished. Always looking to achieve their goals at any cost, they’re quick to make decisions, but sometimes don’t weigh up the consequences beforehand.

(The camera cuts to a close up of the three, focused in on a younger woman with long, blonde hair, as she glances around at the group.)

(The camera then pans across to a stoic, middle aged man with a ponytail, who looks between his two tribemates observingly. As his gase meets Amity’s, she gives him a calm but menacing wink, to which he skeptically raises an eyebrow.)

(Following Trent’s confessional, the camera cuts to a seperate area of the trail, where a tribe in blue is walking along.)

"none"

- Apa, the water tribe, who will wear blue. These are people who prefer to remain reserved, taking a background role in situations, allowing them to remain calm and composed. They’re not ones to show much outward emotion, and are quite peaceful individuals.

(The camera focuses in on the group, as a man with long hair and a scraggly beard runs his hand through the vines running down the rocky cliff face next to them. As he does so, a young woman with dyed black hair and an eyebrow piercing looks over, with her face remaining expressionless.)

(As Gretchen looks to the left following these comments, the camera pans with her gaze to a young girl with brown hair wearing a crop top, as she walks along the trail with a smile. As she walks, the camera pans out from the close up to show her full body, revealing an impressive six pack and quite toned, muscular arms.)

(The camera then cuts to a shot of a different group, this time all wearing purple, as they cross a fallen log over a deep chasm.)"none"

- Wearing purple is Vayu, the wind tribe. These are people who try to always remain optimistic and cheery, and try to find the best in a bad situation. They take great pride and place importance into the social interactions they engage with, and are at times the very definition of an extrovert, finding time alone as a quick and unavoidable bore.

(The camera focuses in on the group as a middle aged woman and an elderly woman both cross the log, leaving a younger man with dyed blue hair and glasses on the other side. As he looks down, he gulps at the drop, before quickly and scaredly hopping over the gap.)

(The camera cuts to the last of the four tribes, who carefully make their way down a rocky face of the cliffs, traversing between some rocks to the bottom.)"none"

- And lastly, the earth tribe, Tsuchi, who will wear green. These people take a more mellow approach to the world, and are often deep thinkers and very intune with their emotions and the emotions of those around them. They often choose to be detail oriented, taking an analytical approach to life.

(The camera focuses in on an elderly man who very cautiously makes his way down the wall, before a young man with bleached blonde hair and a scar under his eye extends out his hand, helping the older man down.)

(The camera cuts back to Jeff, as he now stands atop the peak of the caves, with trees surrounding him.)

Probst: What these twelve are yet to figure out is that they won’t be competing in this game alone. Each of the four tribes will have on returning player join them, with each of them being players that were heralded as strong and decisive players in their original seasons, and were deemed worthy of a second shot at winning this game.

(The camera focuses on a helicopter flying overhead, before panning back down to Jeff.)

Probst: In the end, only one will remain to claim the million dollar prize and the title of Sole Survivor. Thirty nine days, sixteen people, one… survivor!

(Following Jeff saying this, the camera pans out from Jeff to another bird’s eye view shot of the caves, There is a brief timeskip ahead as the camera cuts to a shot of Jeff now standing in a small clearing, surrounded by lush foliage on all its sides. The camera then pans out from there to reveal four tribe mats set up, with the four incomplete tribes walking in, each looking over at each other as they take their places. As this goes on, the camera focuses on Jordan, who looks between the tribes, counting the amount of people on each.)

(Everyone settles in, before the camera focuses over to Jeff.)

Probst: Welcome to Survivor: Son Doong!

(Everyone claps and cheers.)

Probst: Alright. So I’m sure you’re all probably wondering what this season is all about. This season you’ve been divided into four tribes based off how your personalities line up with the four elements; fire, water, wind and earth. Guy at the front with the dreads…

Phillip: That would be Phillip.

Probst: Your tribe is Teja, the fire tribe, and you are all known for taking great pride in your successes and for your spontaneous decision making.

Phillip: That’s spot on right there, hun. I can just see the way our little tribe is going to function already, and we’re going to truly be a well oiled machine. This will most definitely be a tribe to remember.

(Phillip and Trent high five, as the camera pans over to Gretchen on Apa, who turns to mutter to her tribemates.)

Gretchen: I see what he meant about them being prideful…

(Fraiser chuckles.)

Probst: Woman in the blue sweater and tie...

Gretchen: Gretchen.

Probst: What are your thoughts on Phillip proudly stating that the Teja tribe will be one to remember?

Gretchen: I mean, we’ve been here for three minutes. Seems like a bit of a radical jump to conclusions, but you know what they say; ‘pride comes before a fall’.

(People from the three non-Teja tribes laugh.)

Probst: Well, your tribe is the water tribe, Apa. You all tend to be calm and composed, not being as expressive as others.

Gretchen: I’m definitely not expressive enough to start a one man marching band for my tribe already.

(Phillip gives Gretchen a dirty look which she shrugs off.)

Probst: Older guy in the back with the green sweater…

Sampson: Kearney Sampson O’Connor, but Sampson is fine.

Probst: Okay Sampson, your tribe is Tsuchi, the earth tribe. You’re all mellow individuals who like to think deeply about situations you may find yourself in. How does that sound to you?

Sampson: Well I’d say I’d fit right in on this tribe. If you don’t assess the risks in a situation, how can you expect to overcome it?

(A middle aged woman with darker skin and a green tank top next to Sampson nods.)

Probst: Woman next to him…

Taylor: Taylor.

Probst: You’re nodding in agreement?

Taylor: Of course. I’m a surfing instructor, and the ocean has so many risks involved. Rocks, the current, wildlife, other people; if you don’t take note of the risks, you’re putting yourself in great danger for no reason.

Probst: Fair enough, well said. Moving on, older woman at the front here in the purple…

(The other two Vayu members turn to face an elderly Asian woman with short curly hair.)

Zina: Me? Oh my name’s Zina.

Probst: You seem surprised that I called on you.

Zina: Well I’m not sure about all this ‘older woman’ business, I like to consider myself fifty years young.

(A few people laugh.)

Probst: Alright, I’ll take that. Your tribe is Vayu, the wind tribe, each put on the tribe for your optimism and energy. How does that sit with you?

Zina: I think you hit the head on the nail- no, wait, nail on the head. Yeah. That’s definitely a perfect description. I’m really excited if you can’t tell.

(This time, everybody laughs, as Jordan turns to face her.)

Jordan: Don’t worry, same here.

Zina: Right?! This is so awesome!

Probst: Guy right next to her with the blue hair.

Jordan: I’m Jordan!

Probst: You seem to be just as energetic and excited to begin as Zina does.

Jordan: Well yeah, this is just insanity that we’re out here, and I’m really looking forward to seeing the rest of the cast!

(A few people quizzically raise an eyebrow and look over at Jordan, confused.)

Probst: And what makes you say that?

Jordan: Oh, well, there’s twelve of us and we’re on tribes of three right now. I just kinda assumed the tribes weren’t complete yet.

Probst: Well, you are exactly right. Your tribes aren’t complete yet, as each tribe will have one returning player from the past two seasons on the tribe. They’ll be competing on the same level as each of you, meaning they can be voted out straight away, or they can go all the way to the end and win just as any of you can, and here they come now.

(Everyone turns to look at the trail they all walked in from, awaiting the returning players.)

Probst: She was one of the most powerful players in Survivor: Temotu, making it all the way to day thirty-eight only to fall just short at the end, on the Thavi tribe will be Lacey!

(Lacey begins walking out from the trail, with a lot of people getting excited to see her. As she reaches the Thavi mat, she greets everyone with a firm handshake.)

Sampson: Welcome aboard.

Lacey: Glad to be here!

(The camera focuses back on the trail, as the next person begins walking out.)

Probst: Returning from Survivor: Dueling Desert we have someone who was strong in challenges as well as strategically, but was unfortunately too far on the outs to get to the end despite never giving up on trying to overcome the odds. Come on out, Calvin!

Lacey: What the hell Jeff? Why does he get a better introduction than me?

(Everyone laughs at this as Calvin jogs down the trail with a smile on his face, making his way over to the Vayu mat, where Jordan is quick to give him a hug, accidentally headbutting Calvin in the chin due to being much shorter than him. He then correctly hugs him, followed by the rest of the tribe also doing so.)

Calvin: Feeling the love already!

Jordan: Sorry, this is just so crazy! I feel like I’m meeting a celebrity!

(The Vayu tribe all laughs.)

Probst: Joining the Apa tribe is another contestant from Survivor: Dueling Desert, known for his deep personal bonds with people, so much so that he was willing to give up the immunity necklace and effectively his place in the game so that his closest ally could stay, Gerald!

(Gerald walks down the trail and into the clearing, before standing with his tribe on the mat, giving everyone a quick hug with the exception of Gretchen who pulls away.)

Gretchen: Sorry, I don't do hugs.

Gerald: Hey, that's alright!

(Gerald instead shakes her hand, before turning back to face Jeff.)

Probst: And lastly on the Teja tribe, we have someone who played a very cutthroat strategic game, but unfortunately came up short as she was unable to find herself with any strong allies, we have Alex from Survivor: Temotu!

(The Teja tribe all look to the trail and see Alex walking out, before turning to each other with a less than enthused expression. As Alex gets to the mat, she receives a far less warm welcome, with nobody acknowledging her much.)

Alex: Hey guys! Pleasure to be here.

Phillip: The pleasure’s all ours, darling.

(With the tribes all finalised, everyone turns their attention to Jeff.)

Probst: So, now that your tribes are sorted, how do you think your tribe will fair, Gerald.

Gerald: Well, my original tribe on Dueling Desert was about as dominant as tribes come, and looking at our tribe we’ve got here, I can honestly say that I think I’m looking at a repeat. This seems like a great group of people.

Probst: How about you, Alex? Feeling the same sort of connection?

Alex: Oh, look. I know it’s easy to look at me coming onto your tribe after my game in Temotu and expecting the worst, but that was a while ago, and that game clearly didn’t work for me. I’m coming in with a fresh slate.

Probst: Woman with the blonde hair and red sweater…

Amity: Amity.

Probst: Do you agree with Alex, is this a fresh new game?

Amity: I’d need to see it to believe it, but I know that she’s not one we can let (using finger quotes) ‘wander off to get firewood’ on her own.

(Alex looks over at Amity, but isn’t phased by her comments.)

Probst: Alright. Each of the returning players has been given a map to your camps. There waiting for you you’ll find not much; just a machete, a pot, and a bag of rice. I suggest you make the most of those, because when it rains out here, it’ll rain for a while. Grab your stuff and head on out guys, the game is on!

(Everyone cheers one last time before they begin heading out, the camera focuses on the Thavi tribe, who all look excited to be there. As they walk, the camera pans over to Taylor, who looks between the group.)

(The camera then pans across to Teja, with the camera focusing in on Alex as she walks alongside the Teja tribe with a nervous expression on her face.)

Following Alex’s confessional, the intro music begins to play as the camera cuts out to the season intro.

Teja Tribe
The camera fades back in to a birds-eye-view shot of the Thavi tribe walking through the rocky terrain, before it then cuts to a closer shot of the Apa tribe also walking along, with Gerald leading the way before stopping to hold a branch to the side so people can safely walk passed without being hit by it. There is then a quick cut to show the Teja tribe walking, with Amity out in front and similarly walking past a branch, but simply brushing by it which causes it to flick back and hit Trent square in the face, with Trent scoffing at Amity but she ignores him. The camera then cuts once more to the Vayu tribe making the same trek, all gleefully laughing and talking, before the camera cuts back to the Teja tribe once more as they walk in dead silence, everyone with a serious look on their face. At last, they reach the tribe flag, with Alex setting her bag down next to the flag.

Alex: Looks like this is home!

Amity: Thanks genius. We can read.

(Alex rolls her eyes as Amity brushes past her, hanging her bag off the flag.)

Alex: So, I know you guys all know who I am, but have you had a chance to introduce yourselves to each other yet?

Trent: Not yet.

Alex: Well, that’s probably a good way to get the ball rolling.

Phillip: Shall I start?

Alex: Sure.

Phillip: I’m Phillip as some of you would’ve heard back with Jeff. I’m from the wonderful Big Apple, New York City, I work as a high-end fashion designer, and I’m sixty-one years of age.

Alex: Wow, I would not have guessed that. You look great for sixty.

Phillip: Thank you dear. I try.

Trent: I suppose I’ll go next. I’m Trent, I’m fourty two and live in California, L.A. to be specific.

Phillip: And what do you do for work?

Trent: I’m a college football coach.

Phillip: Splendid! That’s going to be a remarkable asset for us to have heading into challenges.

Trent: Right. Anything new with you then, Alex?

Alex: Nope. Still working as a programmer and web developer, still situated in Florida. Everything’s just been going pretty smoothly.

Trent: Good to hear.

(The three of them then turn their attention to Amity who is still standing by the flag, reaching into her bag to drink from her canteen. After a long, quiet pause Amity finally notices the others looking at her.)

Amity: What?

Alex: We were doing introductions. You are...?

Amity: Not about to waste time with pleasantries.

Alex: Huh, interesting name. Is that foreign?

(Amity rolls her eyes as Phillip chuckles.)

Amity: Amity. It’s Amity. Now can we get a move on with things? We haven’t got all day to sit around playing chit chat.

Trent: Sure. Alex, you’ve done this before. What’s our priority?

Alex: Well, I would say shelter, because we’re in a rainforest, but this is also a giant cave system, so we can definitely find a dry place to sleep.

Trent: Sleeping on rock isn’t going to be the most comfortable thing, so we should try to get some sort of bedding down then.

Alex: Sounds good. While it’s dry, we should probably grab a bunch of firewood to store away.

Amity: We don’t even have a flint yet.

Alex: That’s true, but for all we know it could be pouring down rain by the time we do get one, and so having wood stored away in a dry place will make our lives a whole lot easier.

Amity: Fine. Ponytail and I will do the heavy lifting and get wood, you and scarfe-y can go find whatever we’re going to sleep on. Bye.

(Amity starts heading off, before turning back to the others.)

Amity: Are you coming or not?

(Trent shrugs, before joining Amity in walking off to find wood, leaving just Phillip and Alex in the middle of camp, with Alex watching Amity walk away, shaking her head.)

(Phillip, having also been watching them walk away, turns to face Alex.)

Phillip: I must say, I’m rather impressed.

Alex: Thanks?

Phillip: Going from the disaster that was your original Vanikoro tribe’s camp to you leading the charge out here, it’s quite the applaudable transition.

Alex: Well, when you’re stuck sleeping in the rain for the first nine days once, you’re never going to let it happen again.

Phillip: That’s quite understandable. Now, I personally don’t wish to ruffle any feathers with some of the tightly strung personalities we appear to have on this tribe, so would you care to walk and talk while we gather bedding?

Alex: Sure, let’s go.

(Alex and Phillip both start walking, with the camera focused in on Phillip as they do.)

(The camera then cuts into the forest showing a small tree leaning over a tranquil and peaceful stream, before panning to the side to show Amity walking along and snapping a large branch off the tree, tossing it back over her shoulder.)

(The camera then cuts back to follow Trent as he walks along the trail, noticing several branches of wood laid out, messily thrown about on the path.)

Trent: You could’ve made a pile of- no… not worth it Trent… not worth it.

(Trent sighs, before picking up all the wood and making a few piles, before then taking one of the piles with him as he heads back towards camp.)

Trent pauses for a moment, looking back over his shoulder at Amity, before turning around to continue walking.

Thavi Tribe
There is then a cut to show the Thavi tribe as they stand around their tribe flag, having just arrived at camp, all excitedly hugging each other and looking around at the breath-taking landscape. As they do, the camera focuses on Parker who looks up at the towering rock walls surrounding them, smiling as he then turns his attention down to a perfectly clear stream of water nearby.

(The tribe finally stop gazing at the scenery, sitting on some rocks and turning to face each other.)

Lacey: So, guys, now that we’ve settled, what’s running through your minds?

Parker: I just can’t believe I’m here. Everything is so beautiful and scenic; it feels like a dream.

Sampson: I’ve been to Vietnam quite a few times in my many years, however this is certainly the first time I’ve been to these caves, and I must say, I agree with Parker. It’s incredible.

Taylor: I agree. I take it that sense of magic isn’t new to you, Lacey.

Lacey: Nope. Exactly how I felt when I got to our island in Temotu. It just took my breath away, and I’m so glad that you guys are experiencing that, because it’s such a perfectly surreal moment.

(Everyone takes another brief moment to take in their surroundings.)

Taylor: So, what’s on the agenda for getting into things?

(As everyone takes a brief moment to think, the camera focuses in on Lacey who nods along while Taylor speaks.)

Lacey: I know we got names done on the walk over here, but I’d still like to get to know a bit about each of you. Should we start working and just talk as we go? Kill two birds with one stone?

Sampson: That sounds like an excellent idea. There’s only four of us, so we’ll obviously be relying on each other with setting things up for camp life, and that gives us a perfect chance to mingle as we go.

Lacey: Yeah, exactly. So, what do you guys want to each do?

Parker: Shelter and fire are our main priorities, right?

Lacey: Yeah. If only we had a flint, I could get a fire going straight away. Not to brag, but I did win a fire-building immunity challenge in Temotu.

(Everyone laughs.)

Parker: I’d like to give the bamboo saw method a go. There’s definitely bamboo around here.

Taylor: If you feel like that wouldn’t expend too much energy, go for it.

Parker: Also, even though this is obviously like, a cave and rainforest hybrid so there’s plenty of cave overhangs we could sleep under to get out of the rain, I think building a proper shelter is more the way to go. Sleeping directly on the ground is terrible for trying to maintain body heat, so getting elevated should be a priority. And, with how thickly dense the rainforest is, between us building a roof and being naturally shielded by the canopy, rain shouldn’t be an issue at all.

Sampson: Wow, impressive.

Lacey: Yeah, that could be complete nonsense and you’ve still sold me on it.

Parker: Well, thanks. I just want to be prepared, sorry if that came off as bossy.

Taylor: Not in the slightest. Our entire tribe is centered around us being very focused on details and being careful with risk-assessment. I think we can all agree that it’s not bossy to lay out all the information we know so that we can start this game on the right foot.

(Everyone nods.)

Taylor: Well then, let’s get to it!

(People all excitedly break off to go about working, with the camera focusing on Sampson as he walks around, scouting out an area to build the shelter, before it then pans to focus on Parker who is setting up what he needs to try to get a fire going, with the camera then lastly cutting to show Lacey and Taylor who are carrying a stack of thick and sturdy bamboo together. It then cuts back to show Parker as he starts sliding the bamboo up and down another piece to generate heat, and after a short while the wood starts to blacken and smoke starts billowing out. As this happens, Sampson returns into the main camp area and sees this, rushing over to assist him. After a brief moment, Parker then takes the dried grass he had between the bamboo which is now smoking heavily, with both Parker and Sampson then blowing on it, causing it to burst into a small flame which they both add sticks to, creating a nicely burning fire.)

Parker: We got it!

Sampson: You got it, I just helped out. That was amazing!

(Parker and Sampson both high five, continuing to nurture the fire.)

Parker: I can’t believe we have fire!

Sampson: I can’t believe it either. You’ve got some seriously impressive survival skills.

Parker: I’ve trained for it pretty extensively. I was in the army fresh out of high school, so we’ve covered a lot of stuff like this.

Sampson: Well I’ll be. I was a navy seal back in my hayday.

Parker: Oh, awesome. Thank you for your service.

Sampson: Likewise.

(The guys continue to watch the fire, with the camera focusing on Sampson as he does, smiling in the process.)

(Lacey and Taylor then return with the bamboo, both getting excited as they see the steady blaze going.)

Lacey: No way! You got it going already!?

Sampson: It was all young Parker here. He’s quite the outdoorsman it seems.

Taylor: I’ll say! You don’t see too many teams getting fire straight away, especially without flint!

(Parker blushes.)

Parker: Thanks guys.

Taylor: No, thank you!

(Everyone then gets back to going about their work, with Sampson staying to watch the fire, Parker taking the machete to start chopping some of the bamboo for the shelter, and Lacey and Taylor heading out to gather more building materials, with the camera focused on Taylor as they walk.)

The camera then pans back out to a wide shot of the forest, as Taylor and Lacey continue walking.

Vayu Tribe
There is then a cut to a similar shot of people walking through the forest, with the camera zooming in to show the Vayu tribe heading along their trail into camp, all getting excited as they finally reach the tribe flag, setting their belongings down.

Jordan: We made it! We’re on Survivor!

(Everyone excitedly hugs each other, with the camera focused on Jordan as he excitedly glances around at everyone, especially Calvin who he smiles towards.)

(Everyone then settles, standing around to face each other.)

Zina: So, I don’t want the principal in me to take over, but I think we should start with introductions, right?

Lara: Right, and I guess that’s half of yours out the way. Rita, was it?

Zina: Zina.

Lara: Sorry, Zina. How long have you been a principal?

Zina: I’ve been keeping our ship afloat for a solid twelve years now. Before that I was an English and Mandarin teacher.

Jordan: Awesome! I always loved English because I love writing. It’s my love of writing that got me into doing a film degree in college.

Calvin: Well, since you’re already on a roll, tell us a bit about you.

Jordan: Oh, sure. I’m Jordan, I guess you guys heard that already. I’m twenty, I’m from Massachusetts, and I’m really excited to be here!

(Everyone laughs and cheers at this.)

Jordan: Who’s next?

Lara: I’ll go. I’m Lara, I’m thirty but will turn thirty-one in just three days from now, so you better not vote me out before then!

Calvin: Bold of you to assume we’ll be going to tribal any time soon to get that chance.

(Everyone laughs again.)

Lara: Anyway, I’m an architect which is an absolute dream job for me.

Jordan: OMG, so you can help us design the shelter, right?

Lara: I would be severely concerned if I wasn’t able to.

Jordan: Awesome!

Zina: So that leaves you, Calvin.

Calvin: Well, you guys know most of my story already. I’m Calvin, I’m twenty-seven and I was on last season, Dueling Desert.

Jordan: You were absolutely robbed.

Calvin: Well, if I can impart any wisdom on you guys, let that be the first lesson. Sometimes the odds just don’t stack up in your favour.

(Everyone nods.)

Calvin: If there’s another lesson I can give you guys, it’s that we should all just have fun and enjoy this. It’s a once in a lifetime - twice in a lifetime if you’re lucky like me - experience, and you should live it to the fullest!

Lara: Definitely. Should we get to work then.

Calvin: Sure.

Zina: Let’s get this party started!

(Everyone cheers again, before they then break off to walk around, with Calvin still standing by the flag, sighing briefly.)

(Calvin then takes a sip from his canteen, before putting it back in his bag and heading off to look around like the others. The camera then cuts to follow Lara and Zina as they walk together, stopping at a large forked tree, which Lara looks at intriguingly, something Zina eventually notices.)

Zina: Oo, what’s the verdict here, architect.

Lara: This would definitely be a strong contender for a spot to build our shelter.

(Lara looks around the tree, noticing another forked tree a few feet away.)

Lara: Perfect. We have two forks there, so if we run a long piece of bamboo between, that’ll be very structurally sound. From there we just need to build some supports to hold up the other end and we’ll have a great shelter in no time.

Zina: Amazing! Should I go fetch the others?

Lara: And let them have all the fun? Nah, let them do whatever they’re doing.

(Zina smiles.)

Zina: I like the way you think!

(Zina and Lara both get to work on clearing the area, moving aside branches and leaves that are on the ground.)

Zina: So, what do you think of everything so far?

Lara: I like everybody. I guess that’s probably the point of us being on a tribe together, since Jeff said we’re all energetic and optimistic.

Zina: Oh, totally.

(Zina checks over her shoulder to make sure the other two aren’t nearby.)

Zina: I’m a little surprised to see Calvin back, honestly. I would have thought if anyone from that season showed optimism and energy it would’ve been someone like Jamie.

Lara: I suppose you’ve got to take into account that we’re a tribe of two women already, so Jamie’s off the table. Calvin does have that underdog, fighting spirit though, so I can see why he’s on the team.

(Zina looks around, awkwardly, not sure what to say due to Lara countering her opinion.)

Lara: Why? Are you not feeling good vibes from him?

Zina: No, I am. I just… didn’t expect him to be here. I’m sure he’ll be fine.

Lara: Yeah. If nothing else, he’s great in challenges, so for someone like me that’s not exactly sport at all, that’s great news.

Zina: Yeah, I suppose you’re right.

(The two both get back to work on clearing the area for the shelter, with the camera focusing on Zina as she looks slightly disappointed.)

(As the two continue to work, Jordan and Calvin then approach, both getting excited at the progress the other two have made already.)

Calvin: Wow, this is impressive ladies!

Lara: Thanks. I would’ve come to grab you two, but I figured that you were probably busy, and there’s no time like the present to get started on things!

Jordan: I’ll say. You guys are killing it! Is there anything we can do?

Lara: If you could go scout around for some thick bamboo, that would be awesome.

Jordan: Aye aye, captain!

(Jordan excitedly heads off, with Calvin following behind him, before the camera then cuts back to Lara as she smiles, happy with the work she’s put in.)

As Lara continues to admire the beginnings of their tribe’s shelter, the camera then pans off the side, showing a stream running nearby through the gaps in the trees.

Apa Tribe
There is then a cut to a shot of a different stream, before the camera pans across to show the Apa tribe’s flag, before cutting into their camp where the tribe is shown to be already underway on building their shelter, with Gerald carrying in a stack of bamboo and placing it down.

Owen: Nicely done. You’re working like a machine!

Gerald: Thanks, I appreciate that.

Owen: No problem. Want to split ‘em?

Gerald: Sure!

(The two both then take the machete and work together to start splitting the bamboo down the middle to form slats for the shelter’s base. As they do this, the camera focuses in on Owen who picks up the pieces of bamboo, admiring how cleanly and evenly it was split, smiling to himself.)

(The camera then pans over to show Gretchen unenthusiastically weaving together some palm fronds, looking over at the others just as Fraiser returns to camp, carrying a huge rock in and setting it down by the shelter, much to the surprise of everyone.)

Gerald: Wow, if I’m working like a machine, what does that make Fraiser?

Owen: An absolute unit! That thing’s gotta way nearly as much as you!

(Fraiser chuckles.)

Fraiser: Thanks. It’s kinda my thing.

Gerald: Carrying rocks?

(Fraiser and Owen both laugh at this.)

Fraiser: No, no. I’m a gymnast, so I have to have a lot of upper body strength.

Gerald: Oh, awesome. Do you compete?

Fraiser: Yeah, I actually went to the olympics in Rio.

(Gerald and Owen both seem surprised.)

Owen: That’s amazing! I’ve been to Brazil a couple of times, but not for anything as exciting as that!

Fraiser: I’m sure it is. What do you do?

Owen: Whatever I’m feeling on the day. I’m not huge on freaking out over schedules and plans, I like to just let life come to me as it pleases.

Fraiser: Oh, I meant, like, for work.

Owen: Ah, my apologies. I run my own smoothie business using organic produce that I grow. Gardening has always been a passion of mine, so it’s nice to be able to do what I love.

Gerald: That’s great! So you’d be our go-to-guy if we need to know what plants we can and can’t eat then, right?

(Owen grins.)

Owen: I wish my expertise stretched to vegetive caves in Vietnam, but unfortunately not.

Gerald: Oh well, I’m sure we’ll manage.

Fraiser: Yeah, look at the start we’re off to already!

(The three of them then get back to working, with Fraiser heading back off to get another rock, with the camera focusing in on her as she smiles.)

(The camera then cuts back to camp, showing Fraiser still sitting on her own, weaving the palm fronds. As she finishes one, she adds it to a pile of a few other completed fronds before getting started on a new one. As she does, the camera focuses on Gerald who notices her sitting alone, heading over in her direction.)

Gerald: Hey there!

(Gretchen looks up, noticing Gerald coming in her direction.)

Gerald: Oh, awesome job!

Gretchen: Thanks.

Gerald: It was Gretchen, right?

Gretchen: That’s me.

(Gerald seems slightly taken aback by Gretchen’s monotonous responses.)

Gerald: Everything alright? I know it’s the early days and you should take things at your own pace, but I just noticed you were off on your own and wanted to make sure things were all good.

Gretchen: Yeah, I’m fine.

(There is a brief pause, before Gretchen sighs.)

Gretchen: I know your shtick is that you’re a really good person that cares a lot, but seriously, I’m fine. I just like to work at things at my own pace, it’s nothing against any of you.

Gerald: That’s perfectly reasonable, and from the looks of things, it’s clearly working at the rate you wove together these fronds.

Gretchen: That’s the idea.

Gerald: Alright, well, I’ll leave you to it. Give me a shout if you need anything though.

Gretchen: Will do.

(Gerald heads back over to continue helping Owen with the shelter, with the camera then cutting back to Gretchen as she continues to sit by herself.)

(The camera then cuts back to follow Gerald as he stands with Owen and Fraiser, with the three all smiling and laughing together.)

Viewer Polls
Which tribe do you think will be visiting tribal council first? Teja (Fire) Apa (Water) Vayu (Wind) Thavi (Earth) Who will be the unfortunate first boot of the season? Alex Amity Phillip Trent Fraiser Gerald Gretchen Owen Calvin Jordan Lara Zina Lacey Parker Sampson Taylor