This Guy Will Never Die!

This is the season finale of Survivor: Upolu!

Challenges
Immunity Challenge (Day 37): Lei of the Land Each castaway will race through a giant flower-shaped obstacle course to collect five bags of puzzle pieces. They will then use those pieces to solve a puzzle. First person to get it right wins immunity.

Winner: TBD

Immunity Challenge (Day 38): Hand on a Hard Idol Keeping one hand on the Tribal Immunity Idol at all times, contestants would have to keep their balance while standing on a small log. If at any point a contestant takes their hand off the Idol, falls off the log, or raises their foot, they would be eliminated from the challenge. The final player left holding onto the Idol would win. Winner: TBD

Night 35
(Following Skanda's elimination, the final four return to camp.)

Nathaniel: We did it, guys! Final four!

Vinny: Yeah, congratulations, guys!

Ruben: I can't believe I made it!

(As the three are celebrating, Johannes walks past them and makes his way to the sleeping shelter. He dumps his bag, lays down and sighs.)

"steve"

- So I made the final four, which is awesome, but I lost Skanda, which sucks. I just wish she was here now... (sighs) What makes it worse is, like, I've got no allies left in this game. If I lose one more immunity, I'm gonna have my torch snuffed than... uh, I don't know, man, something that's fast, I guess. Point is, I gotta win every immunity necklace, and if I don't get Vinny out next Tribal Council, that's gonna be hard.

Vinny: Thanks for voting with us, Ruben.

Nathaniel: Yeah, we couldn't have made it past this vote without you.

Ruben: No problem, guys!

"steve"

- Tonight I voted out Skanda over Vinny because she was a massive threat to win, and I didn't think she and Johannes would turn on each other, no matter what they said. The problem is that it still leaves one alliance of two in this game, and that's REALLY bad to have this late. That leaves me with another difficult decision next Tribal, because I either have to turn on Johannes if he doesn't win immunity, or split up the alliance of two. It sucks, because if I don't get Johannes out, he's gonna win his way to the end, but if I don't get Vinny and Nathaniel split, I'm not getting to the end. I want Vinny out, but realistically, I can only beat Nathaniel in a firemaking tie. A final three with Johannes and Vinny would SUCK because either one of them would destroy me at Final Tribal, so I'm still in a really tough position here, no matter which side I pick.

Vinny: We'd best call it a night. We have a massive three days ahead of us.

Ruben: No doubt.

(The three make their way to the sleeping shack. The camera focuses on Vinny as he lays down and tries to go to sleep.)

"steve"

- I got two votes tonight, which means I'm probably going home next if I don't win immunity. I just have to hope I can tie up the votes, or Johannes doesn't win immunity. If I can make the firemaking tiebreaker, I'll stand a good chance of winning, but it's the question of whether or not I can get there. I respect that I will have to get my hands dirty, and if I have to turn on Nathaniel, I will, make no mistake about it. But one thing's for sure, my back is definitely against the wall here. It's gonna be tough to get to the end, but I'm going to prove that nice guys do not finish last. A million dollars would change my life. This is where the game gets cutthroat, and I know I have it in me to come out on top.

Steve Tribe
As the day opens on Day 36, Johannes and Nathaniel are shown taking a walk down the beach. The two sit down in a spot and start conversing.

Johannes: Holy, man. Day thirty-six, and I'm still here. Who would have thought?

Nathaniel: (laughing) I can say the same for myself. I honestly came here to give my son a reason to be proud of me for a change. I figured making if I could at least make it past fifth boot, I would be proud of myself, but here I am in the final four! I started taking this one day at a time. I can't believe I ever got this far.

Johannes: (chuckling) To be fair, dude, you did have immunity a lot pre-merge.

Nathaniel: (laughs, giving Johannes a playful shove) Don't you rain on my parade, mister! I'm just glad I'm doing my family proud. They told me that, no matter where I finished, they'd be proud of me. I bet they didn't think I would do this well!

Johannes: Yeah, I guess, man. (sighs, then shrugs) That's more than I can say for my folks.

Nathaniel: (concerned) What do you mean?

Johannes: My parents suck, dude. And I'm not being mean, they just suck. You know what they said to me when I told them I wanted to do this show? They said "don't, you'll just embarrass us like you always do."

Nathaniel: (putting an arm on Johannes' shoulder) Oh my god, Johannes... that's horrible...

Johannes: (laughing) Yeah, but you know what I said back? I stuck my middle finger up and said " you!" (laughs) The look on my dad's face was freakin' priceless, man! So worth it!

Nathaniel: I guess it must have been nice for you, but why do your parents treat you like that?

Johannes: It's all because of Ezra, I guess. I mean, like, Ezra and I are chalk and cheese. Ezra's always been their favourite, man, and they don't even hide it. I'm their mistake, and they got lucky the second time. I'm the guy who fell in with the wrong crowd and started doing pot. I started., like, falling behind in school in stuff, and I got suspended for having pot on campus. My parents, like, actually told me to drop out of highschool, but Ez is the bomb, and he said he'd help me pass. (laughs) They didn't even want him to do that, you know? They thought I'd be a burden on him- their words, dude- but he stuck through and I passed. They look at Ezra as the kid they raised right: he stuck to all his studies, hasn't even touched alcohol or drugs, graduated top of the class in one of the hardest degrees. They like to pretend I don't exist, and I guess, coming on here, like, I'd have something for them to be proud of me for.

Nathaniel: (touched) Johannes... that's disgusting. As a parent that makes me furious. . My son could have been a garbage man and I'd be proud of him. Your parents shouldn't be treating you like that, and you shouldn't let them.

Johannes: I kinda just stopped caring, to be honest, dude. I'm never gonna get their respect anyway, so why try?

Nathaniel: It doesn't bother you?

Johannes: I didn't say it didn't bother me, 'cause it does. I mean, what kid doesn't want to have their parents proud of them? Or even, like, being happy they exist?

Nathaniel: I'm so sorry you have to go through this... I just- I can't even fathom it.

Johannes: It's weird, huh? I was never really close with my parents, anyway. To be honest, dude, you're more of a dad to me than my real dad ever was.

(Nathaniel is stunned to silence and doesn't know what to say.)

Johannes: (awkwardly trying to laugh it off) Sorry, dude. That probably sounded really weird.

Nathaniel: No... Johannes, I'm touched that you feel that way about me. I just wasn't expecting you to say it. That really means a lot to me.

Johannes: (sighing with relief) Oh my God, dude! You scared me. I thought you were gonna, like, freak out or something.

Nathaniel: (laughs) What kind of person do you think I am? Really, Johannes, we've been allies for, what, twenty days nearly? I figured you'd have known me well enough by now.

Johannes: But are we really allies? I mean, I know we're friends, I'm not questioning that. But, allies?

Nathaniel: (sighs) The Skanda vote wasn't about not being aligned with you, it was about splitting up you and Skanda. As happy as we were that you guys were together, we couldn't let you through to the end.

Johannes: I get that, dude. I get that. But I wanna know, if I didn't have the immunity, was I gonna be voted out?

Nathaniel: (hesitant) Yes. You were too big of an immunity threat.

Johannes: So I guess I'm gone if I don't win immunity then, huh?

Nathaniel: It looks that way... Ruben's pretty determined to get you out, and Vinny's not going to give you a second chance. I mean, I could tie it up, but probably wouldn't be the smartest move on my part.

Johannes: We could always just go to the final two together, dude.

Nathaniel: (shocked) What?

Johannes: Think about it, dude. I mean, you're never gonna beat Vinny, and Ruben ''sucks. ''Do you really wanna drag him to the end? I don't know about you, dude, but I'd be pretty embarrassed to say I beat Ruben at the end. (laughs)

Nathaniel: Point taken. I agree with you about the Vinny thing, but I'm trying to win this game for myself too. I don't know if a you-me final two is something I really want.

Johannes: Just think about it, dude. And not, like, the fake "I'll think about it", but the real one.

Nathaniel: Really think about it. You got it... (laughs) dude.

Johannes: (cracks up) Oh, dude, you did not just go full Dad joke on me!

Nathaniel: (chuckling) Maybe I did.

Johannes: Oh, come on!

(Laughing, the two stand up and continue their walk along the beach. The camera focuses on Johannes as they walk, thinking about the proposition he just made.)

"steve"

- It felt good to open up to Nate about everything. Then, like, I felt like I should take advantage of that and slip him a final two deal while he was, like, in a good mood. I know he's with Vinny and stuff, but I'm well aware I'm on the bottom, and I'm gonna, like, try and plant doubt in his mind that Vinny is the better option. If I can do that, I could probably tie the votes up at the least and try my luck at fire. If I could beat Vinny at fire, it'd be fully sick, man.

(The camera then changes focus to Nathaniel, where it's clear the proposition is seriously weighing on his mind.)

"steve"

- Well if that's not someone trying to butter me up, I don't know what is. (laughs) First it's "Hey, Nathaniel, I'd call you my dad" and then "Hey Nathaniel, let's go to the final two". Pretty poor disguise by Johannes there, if I do say so myself! That being said, I'm not going to totally discard the offer. It's Day 36, for crying out loud. To shut out an option on Day 36 is Survivor suicide. If it does come down to Johannes being less of a threat than Vinny, there is a strong chance that I'll take Vinny out. Anything that keeps the target off me, that's what I always say.

(The camera then switches to Vinny and Ruben, who are sitting in camp sipping from their canteens.)

Vinny: Hey, Ruben, since the others are away, mind if I ask you something?

Ruben: (cautious) Um, sure. What's up?

Vinny: I just wanna know where your head's at with this next vote. If you're planning to turn on me to even up the votes and send Johannes and I to a tiebreaker, it's totally fine; I'll just start my fire-making. But whatever you do, can you be upfront about it? I think we've known each other for long enough, and are man enough, to be honest with the other when it's their time to go. Don't you?

Ruben: Yeah, no, totally. I'd want that too.I don't want to let Johannes past this vote. He's won three immunities already and could easily win the next two, so I think he's my priority if he loses, but my problem is that you and Nathaniel are really tight, so that probably leaves me in third.

Vinny: Hey, don't give up on that, okay? You don't know what's going to happen.

Ruben: Don't I? You mean to tell me you'd take Nathaniel over me? I know for a fact Nathaniel's not. I asked him to look me in the eyes and say he'd vote you out if I asked, and he couldn't. So I don't know if I'd side with you guys or Johannes.; Sure Johannes is a threat, but at least I could get to the end.

Vinny: Hey, I'm going to turn on Nathaniel if I have to. I'm not gonna play with my heart; I never have. If it comes down to Nathaniel blocking me from getting to the end, then he'll go. I think Nathaniel and I have a mutual understanding on that.

Ruben: Yeah, okay, cool. I'm just worried that, if Johannes wins immunity, I'll have to go in a fire tie with you, and I don't want that to happen.

Vinny: I'm not too crash-hot on fire either, honestly. I could beat Nate, maybe you, Johannes probably not. I guess you'd want to avoid fire, too.

Ruben: Yeah, definitely! Would you be willing to give me your word that you wouldn't write my name down tomorrow?

Vinny: You gonna give me the same?

Ruben: Depends if you give it to me

Vinny: Yeah, I'll give it to you. I can't say the same for Nathaniel or Johannes, but I definitely won't be writing your name down next Tribal.

Ruben: Okay, sure. I won't write yours down. We gonna shake on that?

(They shake.)

Vinny: (jokingly) Now, is this a real shake? Last time I did this, you turned on me and voted Tucker out.

Ruben: Oh, that? That was mainly because I just wanted Tucker out. This one's real, though. I promise.

Vinny: (smiling) Good to know. I'm glad we had this talk.

Ruben: Yeah, me too.

(The talk eventually ceases and the two go back to camp life. Ruben goes to the shelter and lays down, while Vinny sits around the fire to keep warm. The camera does a close up of his face, which shows him looking conflicted.)

"steve"

- I guess I just made a final three deal with Ruben. He seems genuine, but I am a little worried. After all, I thought he was genuine last time, and look what happened. (chuckles, then sighs) I do want to believe Ruben, I do. Besides, I consider Nathaniel and Johannes bigger threats than Ruben, and I would probably take Ruben to the end given the choice. Taking Nathaniel would be the honourable thing, but I didn't come out here to get second by doing what's morally right. Besides, for all I know, Nathaniel could be looking to pull a fast one on me. I'm sure he'd understand if I pulled some punches to get to him first.

There is a small timeskip. Johannes and Nathaniel are shown coming back to camp and filling up their canteens for a drink. They engage in small talk before Johannes leaves the centre of camp to get the water for food. When he is gone, conversation begins.

Nathaniel: I don't want to alarm you guys, but you should be on the lookout for Johannes. He's definitely playing hard. He just offered me a final two deal.

Vinny: When did this happen?

Nathaniel: Down at the beach. He buttered me up with a story. I felt really bad for him, I did, but I could tell he was trying to lure me in for an alliance.

Ruben: Did he straight up offer you final two?

Nathaniel: Yeah, basically.

Ruben: And what did you say?

Nathaniel: Of course I told him yes. I wasn't going to say no. But he is still the main target, in my eyes. It will be hard to vote him out, but it's what has to be done.

Ruben: (scoffs) Hard? It won't be hard. It will be the easiest thing I've ever done.

Nathaniel: I feel a little bad for him. He's had Skanda with him the whole game as his shield, but now she's gone. I don't think he realises how big a threat he is.

VInny: Either way, he is a threat, whether he intended to be or not. There's no doubt in anyone's minds, is there? Johannes needs to be the next out.

Nathaniel: No doubt at all.

(The conversation ends and the group break up. The camera then focuses on Ruben, who looks very concerned.)

"steve"

- Until about five seconds ago, I was confident that Johannes would be the next boot. He's a huge challenge threat, liked by everyone, it seemed obvious... until that conversation. Nathaniel told me that Johannes buttered him up and then offered a final two deal. He says he said no, but you can never tell in this game. Nathaniel could have made a secret deal with him, and since I bet he's also made a deal with Vinny, that leaves me as the only person he hasn't made a deal with. That means he could easily get me booted at the final four, and even with Vinny's vote, I'll probably lose. I mean, I suck at fire! You know what? I didn't come all this way, last all this time, just to be put in FOURTH! NUH-UH! I never actually viewed Nathaniel as a threat, but sometimes it's those who seem the least threatening that are actually the most. The way I see it, there are about a million reasons to vote Nathaniel out next Tribal Council.

Immunity Challenge
Jeff: Come on in, guys!

(The final four walk in and stand on the mat.)

Jeff: You guys ready to get to today's immunity challenge? First thing's first, Johannes, I have to take it back.

(Jeff takes the immunity necklace from Johannes.)

Johannes: (as Jeff is taking the necklace) Aw, come on, dude. I need that!

(The group laugh as Jeff returns the necklace to the pole.)

Jeff: Immunity is once again back up for grabs. For today's challenge, you will run through a giant flower-shaped obstacle course to collect five bags of puzzle pieces. There are five stations, each varying in difficulty, but you will need to visit each one to get a bag of puzzle pieces. Once you have all five bags, you can start working on your flower puzzle. First person to finish their flower puzzle wins immunity and guarantees themselves a one in three shot at winning this game. We'll draw for spots and then we'll get started.

(The castaways are awaiting Jeff's signal.)

Jeff: For immunity and a one in three shot at winning this game... Survivors ready? GO!

Challenge Summary:
 * Johannes raced out to an early lead in the obstacle course, with Vinny right behind. Neither had trouble untying bags.
 * Nathaniel. on the other hand, struggled in the obstacles and fell behind quickly.
 * Ruben was a little behind in the obstacle course but still kept relatively close to Johannes and Vinny.
 * Both Johannes and Vinny cleared the obstacle course easily and Johannes had a slight lead heading into the puzzle. Johannes struggled a bit, allowing Vinny to catch up.
 * Ruben got back to the puzzle shortly after and began working, making up time until he was neck and neck with Johannes and Vinny. Disaster struck for him, however, as he realised one of his pieces was placed incorrectly, costing him time.
 * As the puzzle neared completion, it was a neck-and-neck race between Johannes and Vinny. In the end, it came down to who could put their last piece in first. That ended up being Johannes, who beat Vinny by about two seconds.

Jeff: Johannes wins immunity!

Johannes: (fist pumps) Woooo! YEAH!

(Vinny sighs deeply before going over to shake Johannes' hand. Ruben slaps his puzzle board angrily.)

Ruben: God dammit!

(There is a timeskup and all the castaways are on the mat.)

Jeff: Johannes, come on over!

(Johannes is applauded as Jeff puts the immunity necklace on him.)

Jeff: You said you needed it, now you have it. Not only that, you now have a one in three shot at winning this game. As for the rest of you, after 37 days, someone's quest for the million dollars will fall agonisingly short. Grab your stuff, head back to camp. I'll see you at Tribal.

(The final four leave the immunity challenge area.)

Steve Tribe
(Following Johannes' win, the final four head back to camp.)

Nathaniel: Congrats, Johannes!

Johannes: (beaming) Cheers, man! Wow, I've never wanted a win more.

(Johannes goes and hangs the immunity necklace up outside the shelter.)

"steve"

- So I won immunity today, and let me be the first to say: WOO-FREAKIN'-HOO, MAN! YEAH! This just feels totally awesome! Like, all the other immunity wins were cool, too, but when you REALLY need something, and then you get it? (whistles) Freakin' surreal, man. Freakin' Suh-real! I feel, like, on top of the world right now, but I gotta get my head out of the clouds for tonight's Tribal. I gotta make sure Vinny goes. The dude nearly beat me today, and I'm not gonna let him have another chance.

(The camera then switches to Vinny, who is sitting around the fire, thinking about the events.)

"steve"

- So Johannes won immunity again today. (slaps thigh) Dammit! This guy will never die! (laughs) I was so close to beating him, too! (shrugs) Oh well, I can't dwell on the past. I lost and that's that. But I am getting votes tonight, so I have to either make sure Nathaniel is with me to vote Ruben, or Ruben comes with me to vote Nathaniel. When that happens, i can practice my fire. A tie is a long shot, but it's the best I can hope for at this stage.

(The camera shows Johannes and Nathaniel as they walk together in the forest.)

Johannes: I'm voting out Vinny, dude. Just letting you know where I stand.

Nathaniel: Okay. Is there no way I can change-

Johannes: No way, dude! No way! You're not gonna vote for Ruben, are you?

Nathaniel: Well, I'm thinking about it. I've never considered voting out Vinny once.

Johannes: (raises eyebrow) For real? Dude, he'll walk all over you at Final Tribal!

Nathaniel: Maybe he will... (sigh) I never imagined turning on Vinny, you know? Ever. It's going to be hard. And what if he's voting Ruben? I will feel like an utter douchebag. I think I'd rather stick with our alliance.

Johannes: (sighing) Seriously? Dude, no way is he voting Ruben. Like, nobody's voting Ruben ever.

Nathaniel: (sigh) Fine, I'll go and talk to him, but honestly I think I'm going to vote for Ruben at this stage.

Johannes: Dude, you're crazy...

Nathaniel: I'll go and talk to him, but no promises.

(Nathaniel leaves as the camera focuses on his incredibly conflicted facial expression.)

"steve"

- Oh boy... (deep sigh) Johannes is absolutely not shifting on the Vinny vote. I came in tonight thinking Ruben would be the backup plan should Johannes win immunity, but now it's got me thinking, I don't know if I want to vote Ruben out. Ruben is probably the only person I can win against, so... (sigh) turning on Vinny might be my only option. But I am a man of honesty, and if I am going to vote my best friend out, I am going to damn well tell him. He deserves to know that, at least. If he can get the votes to tie it up and I have to face him in a tiebreaker, so be it, but I know that I can't let Ruben go.

(A short time later, Vinny and Nathaniel are sitting in the forest, discussing the vote. Before any conversation is heard, the camera cuts to a confessional from Vinny, who is looking nervous.)

"steve"

- Tonight's vote is difficult for me, because I made a deal with Ruben that I wouldn't write his name down, but I also have an unspoken final two deal with Nathaniel. He has been my best friend out here since the merge. I made a deal I would have his back, and tonight I have to break that deal. (sigh) It's a little sucky, but I think there's a lot more strategic merit in getting rid of Nathaniel than there is Ruben. What I need to do is tell Nathaniel this. I'd hate to send my best friend to the Jury having betrayed him. That's just not me, and if I go out because I told my friend I was voting him out, then so be it. I'll go out an honest man before I proceed a backstabber.

Vinny: So, uh, what were you thinking about the vote tonight?

Nathaniel: (hesitates) I... guess the only option left is Ruben. Are you okay with voting Ruben?

Vinny: (seeing through it) Okay, let's cut the crap. We're grown men who have been close friends out here for about twenty days now. I think we've reached the point where we can be honest with each other. What are you really thinking about the vote?

Nathaniel: Okay... (sigh) Be honest here, because if this isn't what you want, I will adhere to what you want. Would you hold it against me if I cast my vote for you tonight? I know we're good friends, and I know there's an unspoken final two deal between us, but I know it's better strategically to keep Ruben than you. You are a legitimate threat to win this competition. Everyone loves you. You'd get every vote, save for Skanda's if Johannes makes the end. Ruben's getting none! Ruben is the goat. It doesn't make sense, strategically, to keep you over him. You're not angry, are you? If you want to vote Ruben, then I guess I will vote Ruben.

Vinny: (shakes head) Not at all. Thanks for being honest with. Actually, to be completely honest, I was thinking of voting you as well;. I know Ruben's not getting any votes, which is why I still want him in the contest. I think you could actually win if you got to the end. You're doing a very good job at the under-the-radar thing.

Nathaniel: (scoffs) Me? Please! Ruben is the only person I have a hope of beating at this stage, and you know that. That's why I have to write your name down.

Vinny: And I will be writing your name down tonight, out of respect for you and your game.

Nathaniel: Thanks. I'm glad we've gotten this out.

Vinny: Me too. And whichever one of us gets through tonight better win. (offers out hand) Good luck, buddy.

Nathaniel: (returning the shake) You too, my friend. (Pauses) Uh, before tonight happens, though, I have to ask you one thing...

Vinny: (a little confused) What's that?

Nathaniel: I've been wondering this for thirty-seven days: Is Vinny your real name?

Vinny: (laughs) Oh man. No, Vinny isn't my real name. It's Vincent. Vinny is a name I picked up in the gang, and it just stuck. Vincent was apparently (uses finger quotes) "not tough enough". Same goes for my brother, Don. His name is Donald.

Nathaniel: (smiling) Vincent and Donald... certainly doesn't have the ring to it that Vinny and Don does. I wonder why you kept the name you were given in the gang when such bad things happened to you? If it were me, I'd be wanting to get as far away from that. (He then looks down awkwardly) Sorry, that was probably really insensitive of me.

Vinny: (chuckles) No, it's fine. I've had people ask me the same question many times. I was called Vinny so much that Vincent just feels foreign to me. I don't answer to Vincent anymore and never will again. On all my legal documents, I'm Vincent. Everywhere else, I'm Vinny. That's just the way it is.

Nathaniel: Fair enough. (stands up) Well, I'm glad we got to day thirty-seven together, Vinny. I never thought it would happen.

Vinny: (also stands) I'm glad to have gotten this far with you, too. It's a pity we can't get further. I guess Johannes is voting for me, too, huh?

Nathaniel: Yep. He seemed pretty confident about that.

Vinny: Then Ruben is the swing. (chuckles) Jesus Christ, he's good at doing that.

Nathaniel: (laughs) He is. Good luck, Vinny. If I go out tonight, I'm glad it's against you.

Vinny: Me too, Nathaniel. Good luck.

(The two shake hands and "bro-hug" before going separate ways. The camera focuses on Nathaniel, whose smile quickly disappears and is replaced with nervousness.)

"steve"

- Now that I know Vinny is definitely voting for me, there's a mixed bag of emotions. On one hand, I'm happy that we're on the same page and there'll be no hard feelings between us. On the other hand, I'm feeling nervous, because now that I'm definitely getting one vote, it's pivotal I swing Ruben my way, or I'm going to a firemaking tie with Vinny. That's scary. I know I'm not very good in challenges, but I'll give it my damn all. I promise you that.

(The camera then swaps to Vinny, who is also feeling a little anxious.)

"steve"

- So now I've gone from definitely getting one vote tonight, to definitely getting two. This means there is absolutely NO room for error. It's pivotal that I swing Ruben my way or I'm going home. I'd like to think the kid keeps to his word at least once. Yesterday we shook hands on the agreement that neither would write the other person's name down. But I know too damn much in this game to bank it all on Ruben's word, so I'm going to go talk to him again before I begin practicing fire for this challenge. If Ruben votes me out tonight, I will be very disappointed with him, to say the least.

(The camera then switches over to Ruben, who is sitting down by the beach, thinking about the night's vot'e.)

"steve"

- It's difficult for me, tonight, because my strategic brain is screaming to vote Vinny out, but my social side is saying to keep him in because I made an agreement. That being said, Nathaniel is a threat too. He's good socially and I don't think he's pissed off anyone in the Jury. If I don't want to lose anymore Jury votes than I already have, I probably should keep Vinny in and take Nathaniel out, but it's just a difficult decision for me at the moment. God dammit, I'm the swing vote AGAIN. How did I get myself into this so much?

(Johannes then approaches Ruben and sits down beside him.)

Johannes: 'Sup, dude.

Ruben: Just thinking about the vote. it's hard for me, you know? It's pretty much Nathaniel or Vinny.

Johannes: Dude, you serious? There's, like, no contest here: Vinny has to go tonight.

Ruben: You're only saying that so you can win immunity again.

Johannes: Dude, it's, like, so much more than that. Vinny has no enemies on the Jury, he's played, like, really well physically and strategically. He's gonna smash you, man.

Ruben: Nathaniel doesn't have many enemies on the Jury either, and besides, he's made final two deals with both you and VInny, and-

Johannes: Final two deal? Dude, that's news to me. I asked him 'bout it, but he shot me down real quick.

Ruben: Again, I have no idea whether that's true or you're just saying that to save your ass.

Johannes: Look, dude, you just gotta chill and think about this. Nate's not gonna get many votes because he rode coat-tails, and whose coat-tails did he ride? Vinny's. Vinny has called the shots on everything he and Nate have done. He, like, owned Nate strategically. Nate wouldn't even consider flipping to Apolima 'cause of Vinny. He's much more strategic than you think, man. He just plays the nice guy thing but, like, he's actually really strategic.

Ruben: Hm... maybe you're right.

Johannes: So you gonna vote Vinny, man? If he gets past tonight, he's basically got the mil in the bag.

Ruben: Yeah, I will. He is a big threat... Yeah, I'll vote Vinny.

Johannes: Cool. Glad you're on our side man.

Ruben: Yeah, me too.

(Johannes leaves.)

"steve"

- I got no clue where the hell Ruben is swinging, man. He seems to think that I'm voting Vinny to save my ass. (chuckles) Well, like, I kinda am, but that's beside the point. Vinny is a huge threat, and if Rubes doesn't realise that, he sucks. But, anyway, if Ruben is voting Nate tonight, I gotta, like, get Nate to practice fire. If it goes to fire, there is, like, a MASSIVE possibility Vinny could win, and I can't have that happen. If Vinny beat me at the Final 3 for immunity, I would be SO pissed, man. So freakin' pissed.

(On his way back to camp, Johannes bumps into Nathaniel, who is walking in the other direction.)

Johannes: Yo, Nate, where you headed?

Nathaniel: Oh, I'm about to go talk to Ruben about voting for Vinny. I thought about what you said and realised it was the right way to go.

Johannes: Hold up, dude. I wouldn't do that.

Nathaniel: (confused) Why not?

Johannes: He's totally confused about whether to vote for you or Vinny, and he thinks we've got, like, a final two deal. If you go talk to him, we might, like, push him further away.

Nathaniel: Oh... what am I to do?

Johannes: You gotta practice fire, dude.

Nathaniel: I don't think I know how to do that...

Johannes: I'll teach you, dude. Come on,

(The two walk away together.)

"steve"

- I'm terrified right now, because it seems my game could come down to making fire, and I don't know how to do that very well. Johannes is going to teach me, but... I've always sucked at challenges and that could end up being my undoing tonight.

(The camera then goes back to Ruben, still on the beach, as VInny now approaches him.)

Vinny: Hey, Ruben, what are you thinking about the vote tonight?

Ruben: I don't know, I mean, I guess it's you or Nathaniel and I'm having a tough time deciding.

Vinny: You should vote out Nathaniel. Don't you remember that we made an agreement to not write each others'; names down? I held to my end by targeting Nathaniel. We made a deal, Ruben.

Ruben: Yeah, I know, but Johannes told me you're a big threat, and he's kind of right.

Vinny: First off, Johannes is telling you anything to get me out of here. Second off, I am a threat, yes, but Nathaniel is also just as big a threat, if not bigger. Nathaniel has been working this whole time on getting the Jury on his side, and it's working. If he gets to the end, he has Rebecca, Skanda, Josephine all in his pocket. It's gonna be really hard for you to win with Nathaniel by your side. I may be a nice guy but I don't have any locks on the Jury. Nathaniel does. That makes him a bigger social threat than me.

Ruben: Yeah, that's what I was thinking.

Vinny: And you know who the biggest threat of all is? Johannes. And if you keep Nathaniel, it makes it a hell of a lot easier for Johannes to get to the end. If Johannes gets to the end, he's going to win. He's had a target on his back since the final six, and he's been able to win his way out of it with immunity. He's made no enemies. He's got this in the bag if he gets to the final two.

Ruben: Yeah, I totally get that. I don't want Johannes to get to the end either. I know he'll win if he does.

Vinny: Then vote for Nathaniel and take it to fire. I'm gonna go practice now, and I think I can beat Nathaniel in a fire making challenge. I'm not saying it's a given I'm gonna win, but if I practice, I'm pretty sure I could do it. Will you vote with me?

Ruben: Yeah, I will. When you put it that way, Nathaniel is a big threat.

Vinny: Good. And Ruben, don't forget our deal, okay?

Ruben: Yeah, I know, I know.

(Vinny leaves.)

"steve"

- I think I might have gotten through to Ruben. I didn't like throwing Nathaniel under the bus like that, but it had to be done. I hope Ruben sees enough sense to tie the votes. Nathaniel is a big social threat, because he does have automatic Jury votes, and having automatic Jury votes makes it easier for you to win. Plus, Ruben knows we made a deal and if he knows anything about Survivor, he'll know the last thing you want to do is go back on your word with a Juror two days before you have to face them at Tribal Council. (laughs)

A montage is then shown of Nathaniel and Vinny practicing fire. Under the aid of Johannes, Nathaniel struggles at first to produce a flame, and they spend a good half hour with no results. However, with coaching from Johannes, Nathaniel eventually produces a small spark and then a flame. Johannes then blows it out and tells Nathaniel to go again. As Nathaniel is about to start for the second time, the camera shows Vinny practicing his fire. It takes him a few minutes with no luck, before he too produces flame. He blows it out and goes to start again. The camera shows him rubbing small rocks together in place of flint, for a good few seconds, before a timeskip then takes place and the final four are heading to Tribal Council. The camera focuses on Nathaniel first, who wipes nonexistent sweat from his brow as he marches on.

"steve"

- Tonight, I'm very, very nervous. I've been practicing fire for hours, but Vinny is no pushover. I've put myself in a very good position to win this game and I cannot lose it now. I've been playing under the radar for thirty-seven days now and getting to know all the Jury members, so I know I have a good shot if I make it past tonight. Tonight will be my toughest test yet.

The camera then shows Vinny, who is seen mumbling the process for starting fire to himself as he walks to Tribal.

"steve"

- I've made my case. I've practiced fire. I'm about as prepared for tonight as you can be. If I go out tonight, I go out knowing that I've done all I can to stay, but I also know that I have a good shot of winning if I make it. It's going to be hard to take my best friend out of the competition, but if that's what I have to do, then that's what I will do.

Finally, the camera switches to Ruben, whose face and mind are filled with the struggle of making the decision he needs to make tonight.

"steve"

- Once again I'm the swing vote, and once again, it sucks. There are reasons to vote both these guys out: Nathaniel has friends on the Jury and has votes locked in for him, which would make it hard for me to win, but it's also hard to win against Vinny. BUT, if I vote Vinny out, then Johannes virtually has a free ride to the end, and he would be VERY difficult to beat. I don't know what I'm going to do, but whatever I do will give me the best shot at winning this game. That's how I've always played, and it's how I'll continue to play.

The sun sets as the final four make their way to Tribal Council.

Tribal Council (Day 37)
(The final four walk into Tribal Council and sit down.)

Jeff: We'll now bring in the members of our Jury: Rebecca, Hans, Sasha, Kiki, Josephine, Desiree and Skanda, voted out at the last Tribal Council.

(The Jury walk in and sit down. The camera focuses on Skanda, who smiles when she sees Johannes with the immunity necklace. The camera then returns to the final four.)

Jeff: Well, you've been out here thirty-seven days. Nathaniel, does the game get harder towards the end?

Nathaniel: Absolutely, Jeff, without question. As the numbers get fewer, there are fewer and fewer people to put ahead of you on the chopping block, and sometimes the strategy you've used for thirty-six days isn't effective anymore and you have to try something new to get you through those last three days. I know I have to.

Jeff: Vinny, how does the strategy change for you on Day 37?

Vinny: You have to start turning on alliances you've made since the beginning of the game. Friends become enemies and enemies become friends. Nathaniel's right: the strategy that got you this far won't get you to the end. If you aren't willing to adapt your strategy to suit the game conditions then you deserve to go home, and you will go home, because you can't play the same game for thirty-nine days. Sooner or later we all knew we'd have to turn on friends to win this game, and if you aren't willing to turn on friends, you aren't willing to play the game.

Jeff: Wow, that's a bold statement. Ruben, what do you think about what Vinny just said?

Ruben: It's completely true, every word of it. You aren't going to win the game by being everyone's friend. You have to turn on people to win the game. Even Vinny and Nathaniel are starting to realise that, and they've been BFF's since day one.

Jeff: Nathaniel, if you and Vinny are as close as Ruben claims, how hard will it be to vote him out?

Nathaniel: It will be very hard, but it's what has to be done.

Jeff: Wow. Vinny, here you are on Day 37, with your best friend straight up saying "Hey, I'm voting for you." How does that make you feel?

Vinny: I'm not surprised, because I'm voting for Nathaniel too. In an ideal world, you would take your best friend to the end, but this is not an ideal world. Nathaniel turns out to be my biggest competition, so I'm voting for him. Nathaniel and I talked it over like two grown men and there are no hard feelings towards each other. One of us is going to go tonight, and we know it and have accepted it.

Jeff: Johannes, you've now won immunity for the fourth time. Do you think people might vote in such a way to prevent you from winning immunity?

Johannes: That's definitely crossed my mind, dude. I mean, like, I'm voting for the guy who's gonna threaten me for the necklace, so I wouldn't be surprised if people are, like, thinking of keeping people around who can beat me for it. All I can say is, I'm glad I got it tonight, man, 'cause I'd be going home without it.

Jeff: Well, it is time to vote. Johannes, I imagine you aren't giving up the necklace?

Johannes: Hell no, dude.

Jeff: Johannes is the only person you cannot vote for. Everybody else is fair game. It is time to vote. Vinny, you're up.

(Vinny goes up to cast his vote.)

"steve"

- Nathaniel, for thirty-seven days you have been my best friend, and for the rest of my life you will continue to be my best friend. Unfortunately, only one of us can leave Tribal Council tonight. I wish you the best of luck.

(Johannes casts his vote. It is not shown.)

(Nathaniel casts his vote.)

"steve"

- Vincent, I have nothing but respect for you as a person and for your game. You are a fantastic friend and player, and without you, I would never have gotten this far. I wish the both of us could get to the final two, but you are dangerous competition and I need to take you out for the sake of my game. If it comes down to fire tonight, may the best man win. Good luck, friend.

(Ruben goes up to cast his vote and stops and thinks at the booth. He then begins to write as the camera fades away, before returning to his seat.)

Jeff: I'll go tally the votes.

(Jeff leaves and returns a short time later with the urn.)

Jeff: Once the votes are read, the decision is final. The person voted out will be asked to leave the Tribal Council area immediately. I'll read the votes:

First vote... VINCENT. That's Vinny. One vote Vinny. (1-0)

(Vinny smiles.)

NATHANIEL. One vote Vinny, one vote Nathaniel. (1-1)

(Nathaniel nods, fully expecting the vote.)

VINNY. That's two votes Vinny, one vote Nathaniel, one vote left. (2-1)

(Vinny nods again. As Jeff pulls out the last vote, the camera does a closeup of Nathaniel and Vinny as they look to Ruben, before it switches to Ruben, who is giving nothing away.)

Fourteenth person voted out of Survivor: Upolu and the eighth member of the Jury... VINNY. That's three, that's enough, you need to bring me your torch.

(Vinny turns around and glares at Ruben, which causes Ruben so much discomfort he has to look away.)

Vinny: (sighs) Really, Ruben?

(Ruben still does not look Vinny in the eye. Sighing, Vinny gets up out of his seat and gathers his bag. He stops in front of Nathaniel.)

Vinny: (shaking Nathaniel's hand) Good luck, Nathaniel. Good luck, guys.

(Vinny collects his torch and places it in front of Jeff.)

Jeff: Vinny, the tribe has spoken.

(Jeff snuffs Vinny's torch.)

Jeff: Time for you to go.

Vinny: (turns to the final three) It's been an honour playing with you guys. Enjoy these last two days.

(The final three wave goodbye to Vinny as he departs the Tribal Council area.)

Jeff: Congratulations, guys, you are the final three. Tomorrow, you will compete in your final immunity challenge, the most important immunity challenge out here. If you win, you will be able to decide who sits next to you to fight for the million dollar prize. It's a big deal, so I suggest you get some sleep. Grab your torches, head back to camp. Goodnight.

(The final three depart the Tribal Council area.)

Voting Confessionals
"steve"

- No hard feelings, dude. I just gotta keep winning immunity.

"steve"

- There is no way I can win against you. You could easily win every single Jury vote, so I can't let you get past tonight. I know we had a deal, but you are a bigger threat than Nathaniel and that's all there is to it. Sorry.

Final Words
"steve"

- Damn! I should have known better than to trust Ruben. (laughs) Oh well. To last thirty-seven days in this game is something to be extremely proud of, and I can go home with my head held high knowing I played to the best of my ability and fought until my torch went out. This has been a one in a lifetime experience and I have loved every single second of it! I look forward to seeing the final three duke out, and I'm pulling for Nathaniel all the way.

Night 37
(Following Vinny's elimination, the final three head back to camp.)

Ruben: Final three, guys!

Nathaniel: (setting his stuff down) Wow, I've got to tell you, I was convinced that was going to a tiebreaker. I practiced and practiced my fire!

Ruben: Well, lucky I voted Vinny, huh? (laughs)

Nathaniel: I guess you could say that. I'm so sorry to see him go, though.

Ruben: Yeah, but he was the biggest threat out here.Why are you so glum? We just made final three!

Nathaniel: Even still, he was my best friend out here, so forgive me for not being overly excited about it.

(Deflated, Nathaniel goes back to the shelter and slumps down, then rolls over. The camera focuses on him as he looks quite upset.)

"steve"

- Surviving tonight's Tribal Council definitely had a bittersweet feeling for me. I one hand, I was happy to have made the final three; on the other hand, I had to vote out my best friend to survive. I did want to go to the final two with Vinny, but I knew Ruben was the only one I had even a remote chance of winning against, so I had to vote Vinny off. What's further unsettling is that I know I am royally SCREWED should Johannes win immunity tomorrow, so I have to bank everything on Ruben winning the necklace, or I can say hello to third place.

Johannes: (to Ruben) All I can say, dude, is thank you for voting Vinny out. You pretty much saved my ass, man.

Ruben: I guess I did, huh? (beams) Anyway, I'm exhausted. I'm gonna hit the sack. 'Night, Johannes!

(As Ruben walks to the shelter, he is shown grinning from ear to ear.)

"steve"

- Yessss! Vinny is finally out! I had no hope in hell of beating that guy. I only made that final two deal to save my ass and nothing more. Sure I lost Vinny's vote, but I was never getting anyway, so why would it matter if I lost ONE? I can't believe Vinny ACTUALLY thought I was going to vote Nathaniel. There was no reason to vote Nathaniel out over Vinny, not even one. Now I'm in the final three where I have a decent shot of winning immunity AND a decent shot at winning this game! Life couldn't get any better.

Johannes: I might hit the sack, too. 'Night, dude.

(Johannes follows into the sleeping shelter. He has a smile on his face as he settles down for the night.)

"steve"

- Vinny going home tonight was, like, literally the best thing that could ever happen to me, man. Like, I like the dude, but he was, like, the only thing standing in the way of the necklace, and he'd kick my butt in the final two. Having Rubes and Nate here is ideal for my game because, like, now I have a higher chance of winning immunity. (beams) I can't freakin' believe I just survived night 37. Freakin' surreal, huh?

Steve Tribe
The day opens with complete and utter silence. Some shots of nature and the beach are shown, before the camera returns to the centre of camp as the final three wake up and leave the shelter.

Johannes: Man, it's, like, completely deserted.

Ruben: I know! It's so weird. I mean, I know there's three people here, but it feels so weird with no one else!

Nathaniel: (laughing) I've been on a three person tribe before. There's a lot of time to yourself, especially when the other two are strategising.

Ruben: Oh my God, that would suck! Nobody do that, okay?

Johannes: Sure, man. Whatever's cool.

Nathaniel: Well, there may be only three of us, but that doesn't mean the work stops! Come on, let's all go get the water together! And why don't we make the first half of this day strategy-free? There's not much strategising we can do when only one of us has the vote and we have no idea who it's going to be.

Johannes: I'm cool with that, man.

Ruben: Yeah, me too.

(The three then go to get water.)

"steve"

- So we've come down to the stage where there are three of us left, and only one of us votes at the next Tribal Council. With no idea who that's going to be, strategising is quite literally pointless, and anyone who attempts to strategise is, for lack of kinder words, an idiot. (laughs) Today, for at least a few hours, the game is going to stop, and we are just going to be people.

After having water and then breakfast, the conversation switches to everyday conversation. Talk soon turns to the million dollar prize.

Ruben: So, what would you guys do with the million dollar prize?

Nathaniel: Well, I think I would take a well-deserved holiday. (laughs) When you're waking up at one in the morning to bake your daily produce every day for twenty years, I think a break is in order.

Ruben: There's a one in the morning?

Nathaniel: Why, yes there is, and I've had to experience it daily!

Ruben: Ew! I am not being a baker!

Johannes: Dude, if you tried to bake something, you'd burn the building. (laughs)

Ruben: (giggling) Oh, like you're any better! You probably don't even know what bread is!

Johannes: Exaggerating much, man? 'Course I know what bread is.

Nathaniel: Anyway, what would you do with the money, Ruben?

Ruben: Pay for college, totally, and I'd buy myself a house. too. I don't want to rent. Renting sucks. Renting is basically an expensive hotel: you're living in someone's house and paying for it. You can't do anything to it, you can't even have pets in some cases. I would much rather own my house than rent one!

Johannes: Fair point, man. I rent right now and, like, I had to pay damages because my surfboard left marks on the carpet. (laughs)

Ruben: Yeah, that's why I'm not renting! (giggles) What would you do with the money, Johannes?

Johannes: (shrugs) Dude, I legit didn't even think I'd get this far.

Nathaniel: (disbelieving) Surely you must have some idea.

Johannes: i"d, uh, probably buy a house, I guess. And probably a car, 'cause, like, my car sucks. It's, like, so trashy.

Ruben: So, a house and a car? You wouldn't go anywhere?

Johannes: Dude, I legit hadn't even been out of Florida before this game started.

Ruben: Seriously? I've at least been to Maryland. You haven't even left Florida?

Johannes: Dude, the furthest I've travelled was to, like, Tallahassee.

Ruben: Wow. That's weird. Have you been anywhere, Nathaniel?

Nathaniel: I once went to London. It was absolutely freezing cold and rained all the time. I did have a delicious sausage roll there, though.

Johannes: (laughs) You and your freakin' sausage rolls, man.

Nathaniel: Okay, I may like them a lot...

Ruben: A lot? You talk about sausage rolls more than I talk about Survivor, and I talk about Survivor every day!

Nathaniel: Oh come on, that is an exaggeration!

Johannes: I've, like, never even had a sausage roll.

Nathaniel: (shocked) You haven't?

Johannes: Nope.

Nathaniel: Twenty-five years and you've not had one sausage roll!

Johannes: Uh... nope. (laughs)

Nathaniel: Well, when this is all over, you're coming to my bakery in Sheridan and you'll have one on the house!

Johannes: (confused) There's a Sheridan?

Nathaniel: Yes! In Wyoming!

Johannes: There's a Wyoming?

Nathaniel: Seriously?

Johannes: (laughs) Dude, chill. I was joking.

Nathaniel: Well, thank God for that.

Ruben: You know, it really sucks that one of us has to go tonight. This is a great final three.

Johannes: Yo, do you think it's too late to ask them to, like, do a final three?

Ruben: If we were able to do that, I would have stormed Micronesia's set and demanded a final three! ''Queen Cirie was robbed! ''

Johannes: (rolls eyes) Dude, that debate is, like, so old.

Ruben: Cirie is queen! She should have won Micronesia! What kind of Jury configuration is Final 2, 8 person Jury anyway?

Nathaniel: And on that note, I'm going to sleep. Wake me up when Ruben stops talking about this. (laughs)

Ruben: Oh my God, if I'd had Facebook back when Micronesia aired, I would have posted the biggest Facebook rant ever!

Johannes: I don't doubt it, dude.

Ruben: (sigh) I wish they'd do this immunity challenge already. My insides feel like they're gonna burst from nervousness.

Johannes: Well, dude, go check treemail.

Ruben: I just might. Be right back.

(Ruben leaves.)

Johannes: Disaster averted, right? (laughs)

Nathaniel: (chuckles) Totally.

Johannes: (sigh) I wish this could be the end, y'know? It, like, doesn't seem right that one of us has to go.

Nathaniel: Are you just saying that because you know you'd demolish both of us? (laughs)

Johannes: No, dude, for real. Like, we've come so far and overcome so much and then someone has to go, like, right before the end. I know it's the name of the game, but, like, it sucks.

"steve"

- I don't think, like, anyone actually appreciates the bonds you get out here. I know someone ALWAYS goes home on Day 38, but it sucks that that person is gonna be someone you've spent a lot of time with and, like, gotten to know so well. This is SO much more than a game, man. You develop friendships out here that last a lifetime. And that's a long time, man. A LONG time.

(The camera cuts to Ruben as he checks treemail.)

Ruben: (as he checks) A note, yes!

(Ruben opens the note and reads it.)

Ruben: (squeals) Oh my GOD!!!!!

(Ruben runs back to camp as fast as he can, then stops in front of Johannes and Nathaniel, huffing and puffing.)

Johannes: Oh my God, dude, you need a chill pill.

Nathaniel: What is it?

Ruben: (jumping up and down, yelling) ''We're doing Rite of Passage! 'We're doing Rite of Passage! 'We're doing Rite of Passage! 'We're doing Rite of Passage! 'We're doing Rite of Passage! We're doing Rite of Passage! (deep breath) We're doing Rite of Passage! 'We're doing Rite of Passage! We're doing Rite of Passage! WE'RE DOING RITE OF PASSAGE!!!!!!''

Johannes: Dude, calm down before you get, like, evacuated. It's not that big a deal.

Ruben: Not a big deal? It's the best part!

Nathaniel: Watch you don't tire yourself out for the immunity challenge!

Ruben: Are you crazy!? I've just gotten, like, the biggest adrenaline rush ever! I'm so excited! Let's go!

(The final three head down towards the Rite of Passage location, as the camera focuses in on Ruben, who is bopping along excitedly.)

"steve"

- RITE OF PASSAGE! RITE OF PASSAAAAAAGE! (fist pumps) YEAAAAH! Oh my God, oh my God, Oh my God, Oh my God, Oh my God... this is the best part of the show! I NEVER thought I'd get far enough to do this! I can't WAIT! Oh my God, oh my God....

Polls- During Episode
Do you like Skanda's Jury outfit? Yes No

Who will win Survivor: Upolu? Johannes Nathaniel Ruben Vinny

Who won't make final three? Nathaniel Ruben Vinny

Surprised at the vote? Yes No

Did Ruben make the right decision? Yes- Vinny was a massive threat to win No- He should have sent them to a tiebreaker

Do you like Vinny's Jury outfit? Yes No

Author's Notes

 * This is the first time in Tangle's fanon series where the final four is comprised of entirely one gender.
 * It is also the first time the final four is comprised of members from both starting tribes.
 * The episode title was said by Vinny Powers after Johannes Wilkins won immunity on Day 37, referencing the fact that, although he had been a target for days, he was still surviving.
 * As of this episode, Johannes Wilkins holds the record for the most Individual Immunity wins in Tangle's fanon series, surpassing the record of three set by Holly Underwood in Survivor: Eyre Peninsula.
 * I'm only doing one Jury Members table for this episode, as I want to avoid node count. You'll find it under Day 37