The Most Important Moment of Your Life (Part 2)

The Most Important Moment of Your Life is the second part of the first episode of Survivor: Vietnam

Tuan Chau
Gloomy music is heard in the background as the ten members of Tuần Châu tribe arrive back at their home. They just lost the Immunity Challenge, and they know full well that within the next few hours, their tribe will become nine, and have one less member in the game.

Marie (to the tribe): We put up a really good fight. We really did.

Megan (nodding her head): It’s not like we were completely out of it.

David G. (looking down): We’ll just pick ourselves back up again at the next one

Steve (frustrated): Getting close isn’t gonna get us out of Tribal.

Steve is seen placing his bag down by the shelter, as he sits down, irritated with the result of the challenge.

Trisha puts her belongings down by the shelter, before publicly confronting Melanie about her actions at the challenge earlier today. She says that she didn’t like the way Melanie was speaking to her, telling her to “pick up the pace” when Trisha was dragging a cart. Melanie defended her actions by stating Trisha took up way too much time, that would’ve been valuable for the team to be able to solve the maze before Phu Quy. Trisha retaliates, calling Melanie out for letting go of the handlebar right before the second ball was to be placed in the hole. During this argument, everyone else on the tribe can also hear Melanie and Trisha.

Don intervenes within the two girls, and tells them not to get too frustrated with each other. Wanting to ease the tension within the tribe, he lets the tribe know that they still did really well, but there was only room to go up from here. In his words, “this challenge wasn’t a victory for the other tribe, it was a warning”.

A little while later, David G., Nicole, and Trisha are seen talking at camp. In this time, Trisha is continuing to complain about Melanie barking orders at the challenge. Nicole states that she believes Melanie just likes to talk the talk, and isn’t all that effective or useful for the tribe in the future. David G. is nodding his head as he looks on.

Nicole says that she’s going to be casting her vote off of who’s going to help the tribe out the least, calling out Melanie for her performance today in the challenge, as well as her apparent disagreements with other tribe members, mostly Trisha. Trisha says the vote could go anywhere, and says she believes she might’ve put a target on her back with people like David R. and James, who she believes she didn’t get along with all that well. David G. assures her that she’s probably not going to be nearly as much of a target as Melanie is, stating that while she may have gotten off at the wrong foot in the tribe, she didn’t “screw up” as bad as Melanie did.

We can see four people – David R., Don, Marie, and Steve – all conversing by the forest. The four of them are clearly discussing the vote tonight.

Steve mentions that he believes David G. and Melanie had “the most atrocious performance debut”, and cited that both of them could be easily the first to go if talking about what’s best for the tribe. Ruling out athletic people such as James and Nicole, who did their respective parts well in the challenge, and stating that there was no use in voting out Megan, it left them with David G., Melanie, and Trisha. Marie said that she thinks Trisha is “very immature”, and says that another confrontation with another tribemate, as a result of Trisha’s emotions, could potentially harm the tribe rather than help it.

While discussing strategy with each other, Don proposes an alliance name between the four of them, citing that he believes all three of them – forgetting about Marie, until she kindly corrects him – are valuable assets in this game, and are worthy of staying. David R. appears on board with the alliance, and Don suggests the name “Core Four” as the alliance name. Everyone appears to be supportive of the alliance name, and David R. suggest that a handshake is not needed, just so nobody suspects the alliance is even there.

Don asks the tribe who might be the overall choice to get rid of at tonight’s Tribal Council, based on recommendations from the tribe. After that moment, David G. is seen walking up from the bushes to approach the “Core Four”. Oddly enough, the insurance advisor asks the four who they plan to eliminate tonight. In a very awkward moment broadcasted on television, the group remains silent for several moments, putting all the murmuring and the whistling of David R., who is feeling very awkward. After a few moments, Steve brings up the obvious that it would be most likely “Melanie or Trish”, to which David G. proceeds to converse with the four about reasons as to why one should be voted out over the other. David G. knows full well that the four were very much chatting up a storm before he arrived to them.

Steve states that Melanie and Trisha both have their flaws, with Melanie’s weakness today, and Trisha’s social isolation from a lot of people, their both “reasons for a vote”. After David G. thanks them and walks away, Don takes a sigh of relief, and then a deep breath.

Don brings up the possibility, of ditching the vote against Melanie, ditching the vote against Trisha, and perhaps sliding in four votes against David G., much to Marie’s surprise. Don says that David G. has proven to be a very intelligent guy, and says that “he is good for us in a tribe setting, but he is dangerous to us, when we leave the tribe setting”. David R. and Steve both mention two flaws about David G. – David R. mentions the insurance advisor’s rather assertive leadership in the first few days, which put off a lot of people in the game, and Steve mentions that David G. didn’t do so great in the challenge either, when compared to others. – Marie still looks at Don asking questions to the David G. vote.

A while later, Don is seen walking from the beach towards the shelter, where Melanie is gathering her belongings, and putting them in her personal bag. He lets her know that the plan is not to vote to get rid of Trisha, but it’s instead to get rid of David G. This surprises Melanie more than it does relieve her.

Don explains to Melanie that David G. is a very intellectual player, who knows the ins and outs of negotiating deals, and Don believes he will use his experience working in high-profile jobs, to work his way up to the “top of the Survivor food chain”. Melanie explains that she's willing to do that, if he can promise her that everyone else is voting out David G. as well. Don promises Melanie that he’ll get the majority before the night is over, to vote out David G.

Don approaches James with the same thing to offer, which is James’ vote against David G. James, who explains to Don that he hasn’t completely decided who he’s leaning towards voting against, asks for reasons why David G. is the best reason to go. Don explains that David G. is a very strategic threat, and is also very bossy around camp.

Don (to James): If there was ever a better time to both take out a large threat in this game, and also benefit the tribe – it’s now. David is guaranteed to screw us over in my opinion, if we don’t do something about it. Let’s do something while we can.

James looks on while nodding his head at the football coach explaining his argument against David G.

Don shakes James’ hand, smiling and saying that he trusts the professional wrestler to “make the right decision”.

Don (to James): I know that it might be difficult at this stage. It might seem too early, but I promise, nothing’s going to be worse for us, than underestimating Dave Gulish, and seeing him systematically take us down on a sinking ship.

As the ten members of Tuần Châu are busy packing up their stuff and heading off to the dreaded Tribal Council area away from their camp, we can overhear a confessional from Steve.

Tribal Council
The first thing we see is a far view shot of the Tribal Council area, which is surrounding by small areas of flame. Shortly after bits and pieces of the Tribal Council area are shown to us, we can see all ten members of the Tuần Châu tribe entering Tribal Council, with their belongings. The first person we see is David G., followed by David R. After all ten of the contestants reach the sitting area, Jeff proceeds with his usual introduction.

Jeff Probst (to the tribe): Behind each of you is a torch, go a head and grab a torch, approach the flame, dip it in and get fire.

We can see David G., Steve, Don, and Megan all either getting their torches, or having it lit, while Jeff is still speaking.

Jeff Probst (to the tribe): This is part of the ritual here at Tribal Council because in this game, fire represents your life. As long as you have fire, you’re still in this game. When your fire is gone, so are you, and unfortunately that is going to be the case for one of you, tonight.

All of the tribe members sit down at the same time that Jeff sits down.

Jeff Probst (to the tribe): Let’s get right into it. James, you guys began this season on a very good head start. Steve and Trisha won the first Reward Challenge for you guys, and by all odds, you guys had the upper hand in this game with the reward. Do you think that you guys, might’ve been a little bit confident going into the challenge that you were going to win?

James (to Jeff): Um, I think that the reward win that we got was definitely a confidence booster. You wouldn’t go into a challenge expecting to lose and then just not try at all. I think we gave it our best, but at the end of the day, they outplayed us in that round. The best thing we can do right now is bounce back, win the next challenge and show them what we’re made of.

Jeff Probst: Melanie, what do you believe might’ve been the main contributor in today’s challenge loss?

Melanie (to Jeff): A lot of factors had to do with why we’re sitting here. Perhaps the most damning thing that got us here, is the lack of communication between anyone. I struggled to communicate with Dave on the puzzle, but also we were kind of yelling at each other. The other team you saw calmly communicate and cooperate with each person, and we didn’t do much of that. But overall, we have a lot of room for improvement in terms of people dealing with communicating, Jeff. (Trisha is seen chuckling)

Jeff Probst (to Trisha): Trisha, that got a response from you.

Trisha (to Jeff): Well, I obviously know she’s talking about me. Melanie and I didn’t get along today at the challenge, and I’m not afraid to shy away from saying that we didn’t get along after the challenge. We had a personality conflict, and while I do agree, that we need to communicate better, she needs to own up to her part in why we lost.

Jeff Probst (to Trisha): When you say that you didn’t get along with Melanie, you’re referring to when she told you to speed it up when dragging the maze.

Trisha (nodding her head): Yeah. You know, I’m definitely not the most physically fit person out here, and I’m confident she isn’t either. But we all had major parts to play in why we lost. Melanie is willing to cast blame onto me as opposed to herself, when really, we’re both to blame.

Melanie (to Jeff): Jeff, if I can interject. Trisha today at the challenge, was very much physically out of it. We had two strong musclemen in Don and James, and yet we still failed to make it further than the other tribe. I don’t think there was much of a chance we would’ve had anyways, because Trisha had a difficult time dragging the maze. I’m an outdoorswoman, and I consider myself a tomboy, I have since I was young. I feel that if me and Trisha switched positions, we would’ve had a lot different of a result.

Jeff Probst (to Nicole): Nicole, after the challenge, was the vote focused primarily on tribe strength, as I assume was the argument between the two of you (pointing to Melanie & Trisha), or did some people go off and say, “I have to start playing the game now, because it might be me”?

Nicole (to Jeff): I assume some went off with a group of people to talk about the vote. I plead guilty to doing that myself. However, I think that, since we really haven’t gotten the chance to really see how we all play, tonight’s vote is going to be centered around what benefits the tribe, as opposed to what benefits, me.

Jeff Probst (to David G): Dave G, do you agree with Nicole’s prediction?

David G. (nodding his head): I do, mostly. For me, the tribe is my main priority at this point, and it’s my target group. We need to do what’s best for us right now, so that later on, we can succeed in making the other tribe come here, and have to decide what to do for themselves.

Jeff Probst (to David G): When you saw Melanie and Trisha arguing about physical ability, what was going through your mind?

David G (to Jeff): I can sympathize with both Melanie and Trisha. I was a good reason why we lost today, as was Melanie (Trisha makes an expression as to say “no kidding”). Trisha, she’s a good person with a big heart, but she’s a lot of the times, out of her own element. So yeah, I sympathize with both, and I can completely understand both sides of the argument. Whoever I personally agree with more, is something that my vote is going to be determining tonight.

Melanie’s eyes widen as Don begins to crack a smile. Trisha is seen smiling as well, at the comment that David G. made about the argument determining his vote.

Jeff Probst: Melanie, big reaction from you after what David G. said.

Melanie (surprised): Yeah. Um, speaking about what’s best for the tribe, I didn’t really know too much that I was a serious contender to go home tonight. (David G. looks on) It wasn’t something I intended, if I did, ruffle any feathers, which apparently, I did.

Jeff Probst (to Melanie): Do you think that comment solidified your position in this game right now?

Melanie (nodding her head): Perhaps it did. I mean, I’m a very confident person, I like to think positive. I’m also very competitive, so when I argued with Trisha about the challenge, it was out of respect for the tribe I would say, and not personally against her.

Jeff Probst (nodding his head): David R., let’s talk about first impressions. Day One, you’re selected by your tribe as the strongest person –

David R. (interrupting Jeff): And that’s before we knew we had a pro-wrestler on our team (patting James on the back)

Everyone is laughing at David R.’s comment

David R. (smiling): Carry on Jeff.

Jeff Probst (smiling): – you’re selected by your tribe as the strongest person. What kind of expectations do you think people had for you on Day One, and has that at all changed in your mind, two days later?

David R. (to Jeff): I don’t think it has, to be honest. When we got to camp, I think impressions remained the same among a lot of people. Steve I think was perhaps the only exception (laughing). At 60 years old, the guy knew what he was doing in the Reward Challenge, and I think that he’s someone we didn’t really anticipate to do that, so we’re grateful for him, as well as some other people.

Jeff Probst (to Steve): Steve, what were your impressions on Day One when you got on to the Tuần Châu beach?

Steve: My first impressions of the tribe emerged once we were able to work on building the shelter. You could tell that some people like myself, Dave R, and Don, worked in the background for a bit, and let people take the lead. Eventually, Dave G took the leadership position and kind of put people in their place so to speak, we got a shelter built in a good two days, so I’m not complaining.

David G (to Jeff): If I may Jeff, leadership is a top quality for me. (Don looks over at David R.) As an entrepreneur and an insurance advisor, my job is to make sure the steps I take, as well as the steps my clientele takes, are always steps in the right direction. It was only natural for me to assume the leadership position on Day One, as I do that in my daily life.

Jeff Probst (to David G): Do you think that the leadership position is a help for you in a way?

David G. (to Jeff): Depending on how you see it. I’m not afraid to admit that sometimes I came off as too overbearing a lot of the times with shelter. Some would argue that taking the leadership role cements a target on your back, although I’m not so sure about that rumor. I feel I get along with everyone pretty well and I’m looking forward to the future ahead with this tribe.

Jeff Probst (to Don): Don, did you see David G. assume the leadership position?

Don (to Jeff): I think we all did. Dave’s a smart guy, he knows about what he’s talking about, and he’s the kind of guy who likes to have his voice be heard. He’s probably right in the fact that leadership is a double-edged sword. Some take it as a sign of strength, while others take it as a sign of perhaps, overconfidence. But we all have our differences, and, there’s no two people exactly the same, Jeff.

David G. (to Jeff): Exactly. My personality has always been very centered and strategic. I use my brain for the most part in tasks I handle, and it pays off well in my daily life. Using my intellect, I was able to secure a $250K deal in Manhattan for my investment company, convincing a group of people that this is the right thing to do, is something I’m used to doing. My leadership qualities have proven to work, as much as people may find it inefficient, boring, and/or upfront. I’m my own person, Jeff, and wherever this tribe goes is going to be a result of what we do both tonight, and in nights to come.

Intense music is playing in the background.

Don (whispering to Megan): Dave.

Megan (whispering to Don): Dave? Why?

Don (whispering to Megan): He’s digging his own grave right now.

Jeff Probst (to the tribe): Well, it is clear that there is a lot of enthusiasm on this tribe, but for one of you, that enthusiasm might be taken away really soon. With that, it is, time to vote. David R., you’re up.

'''David Reichard walks up to vote, his vote is not shown. He is shown taking the cap off of the voting pen.'''

Megan walks up to vote, her vote is not shown.

Nicole walks up to vote, her vote is not shown.

James walks up to vote, his vote is not shown.

Trisha walks up to vote, it is revealed that she voted for Melanie to be voted out of the tribe.

Steve walks up to vote, his vote is not shown.

Marie walks up to vote, her vote is not shown.

Don walks up to vote, it is revealed that he voted for David G. to be voted off of the tribe.

'''Melanie walks up to vote, her vote is not shown. She is seen thinking about who she is going to vote against.'''

'''David Gulish is the final person to cast his vote. Although we don’t see who he voted for, we hear his confessional.'''

As David G. exits the voting area to sit back down, we can see Jeff Probst looking at all ten tribemates.

Jeff Probst (to the tribe): I’ll go tally the votes. The camera pans to David G., Melanie, Trisha, and David R., in that order. David G. is rubbing his two hands together, while David R. is adjusting his hair. Jeff then returns with the votes.

Jeff Probst (to the tribe): If anybody has a Hidden Immunity Idol and would like to play it, now would be the time to do so.

Don looks towards David G. slightly, to see if he’s going to potentially pull a fast one on him. However, since an idol is not currently in the hands of a Tuần Châu tribe member, nobody moves.

Jeff Probst: Okay. Once the votes are read, the decision is final. Person voted out will be asked to leave the Tribal Council area immediately. I’ll read the votes.

The camera pins towards Melanie, and then Steve and Trisha, who are sitting next to each other.

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First vote: MELANIE (1 - 0)

Melanie nods her head, although very concerned that it might be her going home tonight.

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- Second vote: MELANIE (2 - 0)

Melanie nods her head once more, still nervous however.

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- Third Vote: DAVID G. (2 - 1)

David G. is a little bit surprised to see his name written down, as Don grins after seeing the vote that he cast against the insurance advisor.

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Fourth vote: MELANIE (3 - 1)

Melanie is shaking her head, wondering why she is receiving the number of votes she is getting against her.

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Fifth vote: DAVID G. (3 - 2)

David G. is biting his lip at the moment, looking over at his tribemates.

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Sixth vote: DAVID G. (3 - 3)

With the votes tied, David G. is getting suspicious at the possibility that he might’ve been tricked.

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Seventh vote: DAVID G. (4 - 3)

At this point, David G. is visibly surprised at the result, as he leads the vote count over Melanie, a fellow target.

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Eighth vote: DAVID G. (5 - 3)

David G. has his left hand on his forehead, shocked about what is going down at Tribal Council, and the votes that he is receiving. With 5 out of 10 votes, he knows that the rest of the votes will have to be against Melanie, to enforce a tie that would keep him in the game.

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Ninth vote: First person voted out of Survivor: Vietnam.... David Gulish. That's 6, and that’s enough, you need to bring me your torch.

David G. smiles, albeit surprised. Don is seen smiling visibly at the result, whilst David G. proceeds to stand up and grab his belongings.

David G. (under his breath): Did not see that one coming.

Trisha is also shocked, as she too cast her vote against Melanie. The YouTube personality is seen shaking her head at the result, while Melanie is seen breathing a sigh of relief. David G. grabs the torch that he just recently met, and approaches Jeff Probst, who has his torch snuffer in his hand.

Jeff Probst: David, the tribe has spoken.

And with that, David Gulish, the 36-year old insurance advisor from Pennsylvania, becomes the first person voted out of Survivor: Vietnam. His torch is snuffed, as he watches his Survivor journey end after only three days on the island.

Jeff Probst (to David G.): Time for you to go.

David G. (to the tribe): Good luck guys. Have some fun, and best of luck to you all.

Nicole (to David G.): Bye Dave.

Marie (waving goodbye): We’ll see ya David.

David G. walks out of the Tribal Council area with his bad in his hand. Soon he is gone, into the night, along with any chance he has of winning the $1,000,000 prize. Jeff proceeds to look back at the tribe after David G. exited Tribal Council.

Jeff Probst (to the tribe): Well, the person who preached the most about being the leader of the tribe, was the one who more than half of the tribe, wanted to get rid of. The question now is, did you make the right choice, and will your vote tonight, come back to help you, or will it come back to haunt you? Time will tell, grab your torches and head back to camp. Goodnight.

The nine remaining members of Tuần Châu are seen doing exactly as Jeff instructed them to. Torch in hand, we can see a far view shot of nine small flames in the night, along with ending credits before the screen turns to black, ending the episode.

Next Time on Survivor...

 * With the Hidden Immunity Idol in his pocket, Sebastian, is making moves.

"phu quy"

- This game isn't made for the weak - and, I'm gonna be the one coming out on top.


 * But will that his power, come back to haunt him?

"He's dead to me as far as I'm concerned."

"We're f*cked if we stay with him."

"phu quy"

- Right now, I'm absolutely 100% going after, him.

Author's Notes

 * This episode title was said by Steve Hamilton, who is referring to what it feels like to be a father.