Shake it Off

Shake it Off is the 7th episode of Survivor: Espana.

Challenges
Immunity Challenge: Rice Bag Toss You will play the game that Jack and Ronda made one day. You'll each stand behind that stick, and throw one of the rice bags towards that stick. Closest to the stick wins.

Previously on Survivor...
The Ardilla swimmers branch realized that they had 3 on their side, even if just for one vote. Sue felt too eager over a quit, making Raph feel uncomfortable. Virginia singlehandedly ruined Musaraña's only pot, causing animosity between her and Ramon. Meanwhile, Ardilla's Old Ardilla knew which way they were going. Snow meant that the reward challenge was called off. Musaraña won immunity, which also put them in a hotel for the night. Meanwhile, it was business as usual for Ardilla. Jeffery thought he was one with the swimmers. But a tie at Tribal Council proved that wasn't the case. In the revote, Jeffery voted for Matthew out of revenge. But Joan's strategy counteracted the move, sending Willis packing, and Ardilla to the merge. Eleven are left. Who will be voted out tonight?

Initial Reactions
As per the conditions of the merge, Ardilla is going to the Musaraña camp. But they elected to stop at the well to digest tribal. And to refill their water.

Julia: you, Joan.

Joan: I guess I deserve at least that.

Confessional-Joan: I flipped at tribal. I was thinking that the merge was coming. So I thought it would be a low risk move. But apparently it wasn't. So I'll have to scramble.

Jack: Everyone full?

Larry, Julia, Joan, Matthew, and Jeffery (in unison): Yes.

Jack: Alright. Let's go.

Meanwhile, Susan, Ramon, Raphael,Sue, and Virginia are sitting around the campfire.

Susan (singing): Smelly cat, smelly cat. It's not your fault. Virginia: Now I miss my cat.

About that time, the other half of the new tribe walks in.

Larry (impersonating Probst): Musaraña getting their first and last look at the new Ardilla tribe. Willis voted out at the last Tribal Council.

There was shock, but it was unclear whether it was from Willis being gone, or if Larry just startled them.

Jeffery: Took a revote, but he's gone.

Sue: That close, eh? Figures.

Ramon: So, I guess we'll need a tribe name.

Raphael: Well, what about Gamma? I mean, we're the third tribe. That's the third Greek letter. Why not?

Matthew: Sounds good to me. What about you guys?

Merged tribe (in unison): Sure.

The title sequence plays.

Day 19
The sun is shining. The squirrels are out and about.

An on screen graphic reads: Temperature 54°F

Larry is getting ready for the day. But somewhat reluctantly.

Confessional-Larry: I've been thinking about the weather and how it's affected me. This hasn't been a typical game. And I'm not sure the weather has been helping. But what are you going to do?

As he makes his way to the well, he looks up in the roof. Not seeing anything in there, he swears.

Confessional-Larry: They sometimes put advantages into regular game props after the merge. So I'm going to have a look for them.

He tries the tree mail, but it doesn't come up with anything. So he elects to "go fishing."

Larry: Gotta be around here somewhere.

Let's talk to Sue. She appears to be talking to Matt about something.

Sue: I'm not going to lie. I'd figured she would've dropped out by now.

Matthew: Susan is pretty resilient. You could kill her father in front of her, and she wouldn't be phased.

Sue: Well, if you can't get them out, may as well join them.

Confessional-Sue: Making a deal with Sue scares the bejeebies out of me. But I'm thinking there's no way around it.

Sue: Susan, can we talk?

Susan: Look, if this is about me using your toothbrush, I'm sorry. But I had to get that awful taste out of my mouth.

Sue: It's not. But it would explain the odd taste this morning. Who are you looking at towards elimination?

Susan: Ramon. He had a bit of an issue with Virginia. So I... here he comes.

Ramon is seen around the treeline. So Sue starts speaking a little louder.

Sue: Well, when you think of the name of that moisturizer, let me know.

Susan: Will do.

Ramon lets out a sigh of relief.

Confessional-Ramon: I came back from taking a dump. And I thought that Susan threw my name out Sue's way. But it turned out to just be girl talk. So I'm not too worried. Forgot that Ramón Santana had his own moisturizer.

That night, there was a bit of contemplation.

Larry: I got a catch today. Wanna mix it in with the rice, or eat it separately?

Joan: It would be nice to have a different flavor.

Jack: But would the protein value change if you mixed?

Confessional-Jeffery: I like these people. But sometimes they say stuff that just flat out don't make any sense.

Jeffery: No it wouldn't. You'd still have fish, and you would still have rice. They were just prepared differently.

Ramon: Look. We can debate this until the cows come home. But we don't need to. Just give everyone their share of fish separately. But if they want to mix it in, they will.

Larry: Sounds good.

Confessional-Ramon: I just wasn't in the mood to hear an argument. Especially over something so frivolous. So I tried to put a stop to it at the first opportunity possible.

Matthew: Cheers.

Gamma tribe (in unison): Cheers.

Day 20
The snow pretty much melted away yesterday. As a frog eats a grasshopper, Jack and Julia get to talking.

Julia: I wouldn't mind seeing Joan go.

Jack: Me, neither. Especially considering that she has that advantage.

Julia: Who knows what it is.

Confessional-Julia: Joan is a huge threat with that advantage. We need to get that out out of here as soon as possible. So I'm going to try to get a voting bloc up.

Julia: Think we could get Jeffery in on it?

Jack: At the very least, that would be awesome. We would be the ing JJJ.

Julia: You might not want to say that when we go for it.

Jack: Why not?

I'll let you figure that one out on your own. Later in the day, Ramon and Joan get to talking.

Joan: Ramon, I'm in a pickle.

Ramon: Dill or sweet?

Joan: Well, I'm not sure how to vote. I mean, I have the resources to make something happen. I just don't know which way.

Ramon: Well, it seems like you need a bit of advice. I'm currently looking at a few people myself. There's Matthew. He's just dead weight at this point. Then there's Larry. Seems too eager to make big moves. And finally, there's Raphael. If he tries hard enough, he could be final 3 material. Any of those seem like outing to you?

Joan: I'll have to think about it.

Ramon: Let me know when you do.

Confessional-Ramon: I'm not going to lie to you. Joan was also in that list. Slightly untrustworthy and has an advantage. But if she wants to work with me, I can deal with that for now.

That afternoon, Jeffery and Julia got to talking in the river.

Jeffery: So, you spear fish a lot?

Julia: First time.

Jeffery: Well, quick tip. Gravity doesn't apply underwater. You may want to remember that.

Confessional-Julia: I agreed to spear fish with Jeffery. Partly to talk strategy. Partly to make myself look like a badass fisher.

Jeffery: Just like that.

Julia's spear has a nice sized salmon on it.

Jeffery: So, I think you want to talk strategy.

Julia: Sure. How does Joan sound to you?

Jeffery: Makes sense. Hard to trust someone with an advantage. I'm in.

Confessional-Jeffery: I'm just empty mindedly agreeing so I can get off the conversation. But I'm sure she has her reasons. So I'll think about it at the least.

Night 20 was one for the ages. As the Serra de Tramuntana mountains had something in store for them. In the shelter, everyone is just trying to sleep.

Joan (in captions): 32...31...30...29...28

Larry is snoring. Sue is getting ready for bed.

Sue: Huuuhniun.

Susan (sleeping, in captions): I'll take a number one combo, with a coffee smoothie.

It just seems so peaceful. Everyone is just getting along. Well, that was a nice 30 seconds. But an earthquake hit. So that didn't last long.

Julia: HOLY !

Everyone except for Matthew is awake and alert. They quickly get out of the shelter. Matthew, still asleep, needs to be dragged out by most of the tribe.

Jack: HEADS UP!

At that point, a tree fell down and, although no one was harmed, hit the Gamma tribe's shelter, completely obliterating it.

Jeffery: Wow.

Confessional-Larry: There was an earthquake last night. And the aftermath was we are going to have to build the shelter all over again. I'm pretty much devastated at this point.

The tribe takes everything in.

Confessional-Susan: I can't help but to think about what Jeff said at the tribe switch. A tree falls in the forest. That can be used to make shelter. But that same tree can hit you and kill you. We're not dead. So let's start building.

Day 21
Upon sunrise, it becomes apparent to everyone that aftershocks aren't going to be a problem. So they get started rather quickly.

Matthew: So, I'm thinking that we may have enough wood and leaves here that we could build 5 different small shelters. We can just double up every night. When two people go, we'll destroy a shelter. Use it as firewood.

Ramon: So someone will have to triple up tonight.

Sue: No. There's tribal council tonight. So we don't have to worry about that.

Ramon: Good point.

Confessional-Jeffery: I like this idea Matt came up with. We essentially build 5 small shelters instead of one big one. That's going to give us a little more privacy. It may not be enough for game decisions. But I've been missing my girlfriend. And I'm wanting to use these shelters to "think about her." If you know what I mean.

Matthew: Alright. Let's gather some wood.

While they are doing that, Raph and Virginia get to talking.

Virginia: So, how are things?

Raphael: Got some concerns, but nothing to worry about.

Confessional-Virginia: As soon as Raph said that, I started to get real concerned. Because I wasn't sure where I stood. So I at least tried to get an idea of where he's going for.

Virginia: What is it?

Raphael: I'm not sure whether I want to stick with Sue or not. It seemed like her plan was wait on a quitter to finish up. Not only is it stupid, it's also sickening.

Virginia: Good point.

Confessional-Raphael: I'm not liking Sue right about now. She's a sick individual. And that may not be her fault. I mean, an old wrinkled guy with forceful powers may have influenced her to do evil. But it seems dangerous to keep her around.

Virginia: Well, let's think about it a little bit longer, alright?

Raphael: Sure.

Confessional-Virginia: Raph seems to be telling me the truth. But I don't think that he knows for certain what he wants yet. So I'm going to try to get him to wait on it.

Virginia: Leaves. That's what we're forgetting.

Raphael: Yeah. Almost forgot.

Confessional-Raphael: I'm sure Virginia is being 100% honest with me. But I'm not sure that I have her vote. So I'm going to be somewhat cautious about the whole affair.

As the tribe went back, Matthew explained his idea. It's a pretty complex idea to describe in detail in this short amount of time, so here's a link.

Matthew: So, you'll need to select a ridge pole. Fortunately, the tree that fell down ought to be enough to give us that.

Confessional-Larry: These shelters are going to be awesome. Okay? I don't care what you're argument is. You'll be wrong. These shelters are the bomdiggety. Don't you think about denying that. Because it's impossible to do.

As they start putting sticks across the shelter,

Susan: Shall we?

No response from Larry, aside from an awkward look.

Susan: Bunk together?

Larry: Oh, okay. Why not?

Confessional-Jeffery: Shelter? From sticks and leaves? How does that happen? Only on Survivor, baby.

The leaf huts are complete. And everyone is happy.

Susan: This is going to be great.

Immunity Challenge
About that time, Jeff showed up at camp. He came in holding a bag of rocks, and wearing the immunity necklace. It looked expensive. It depicted a red bird flying behind a diamond, with what appears to be a ram in its talons.

Probst: I'M COMING IN, GUYS!

Everybody lines up in front of the shore. Jeff grabs a stick and breaks it in half. He lays one half down, walks 15 yards away, and plants the other one in the ground. He then approaches the Gamma tribe.

Probst: So, this looks like a nice change of scenery since I was last here. When did this happen?

Ramon: I'm sure you felt the quake last night. It destroyed the original shelter.

Probst: Well, I thought that may have happened....

Yeah. Sure. "Thought."

Probst:...So I was prepared to make a deal with you. Shelter vs immunity. But since you have shelter figured out, do we need to do that? The response was a little hard to hear. But Susan said it best.

Confessional-Susan: Dammit. Jeff was going to do all that work for us. And we did it instead. Why can't we learn to be lazy?

Probst: In that case, first thing's first. Jeffery, I'll take it back.

Jeffery throws the idol back over to Jeff. Probst: Tribal immunity is no longer what you seek. Individual immunity is now up for grabs. For today's challenge, you will play the game that Jack and Ronda made one day. You'll each stand behind that stick, and throw one of the rice bags towards that stick. Closest to the stick wins immunity. Guaranteed a 1 in 10 shot at a million dollars. Losers are vulnerable at tribal council tonight, where one of you will be the 8th person voted out of this game.

The tribes were seemingly aware of the stakes.

Probst: We'll draw to determine the order. We'll get started.

A few moments later.

Probst: Alright. Matthew stepping up to the line first.

His shot only goes about halfway.

Probst: Not a great one. Joan now stepping up to the plate.

Joan: In darts, they call it the oche.

Oche is pronounced like hockey, but without the h. Either way, Joan is 2 feet away from hitting the stick.

Probst: Brilliant shot. Virginia, you're up.

Virginia lands about 5 feet away.

Probst: A good attempt, but not enough.

Ramon is right up there. His shot is perfect, hitting the stick.

Probst: Okay. Here's what we're going to do. Everyone who hasn't thrown yet has to hit the stick. If no one does, Ramon wins. If someone does, then the people who hit the stick will throw again. Sue, you're up.

Sue: Well, that sucks.

Jack: You never know.

But it wasn't meant to be, as her bag ended up in the river. Matthew went out and got it.

Probst: That bag cannot be reused for the rest of the challenge. Raph is ready to go.

Raph makes a brilliant shot, but it was inches away.

Probst: Close, but not enough. Jack, you're up.

Jack's shot, well...

Probst: Jack hits the target. We will have a showdown. Julia, here's your chance to join them. Julia, trying to concentrate, drops her bag behind the line, that will count.

A timeskip occurred, as there's only 8 bags.

Probst: Susan is waiting for me at the line. She throws. Wide right.

About 20 feet wide right.

Probst: Jeffery preparing his thoughts. He throws. He's short. Larry now up. Trying to make it a 3 person showdown. But he's too high. Ramon and Jack will now partake in the showdown. Essentially, you two will throw one more bag. If you both hit, we move the stick farther back. If one hits, and the other doesn't, the one who hits wins. If neither of you hit, whoever's closest wins.

A moment later, Jack's at the line.

Probst: Alright. Ramon won the game of rock paper scissors and elected to go second. Whenever you're ready, Jack.

His shot lands inches away.

Probst: Jack is pretty damn close. Can Ramon top that?

Nope.

Probst: Ramon is wide left by 6 feet. JACK WINS IMMUNITY!

After a bit of applause, we join the tribe.

Probst: Jack, come get the necklace.

He is more than happy to walk over. Jeff puts the necklace on him.

Probst: Jack is safe at tribal council tonight. Everyone else is in the vote. I'll give you the rest of the night to think about it. I'll get out of your hair while you do so.

Jeff leaves.

Final Scramble
With this being the first post merge final scramble, this very well could be interesting. Let's start with Larry and Jack, somewhere in the woods.

Larry: I'm afraid that we have a little bit of a situation.

Jack: What is it?

Larry (in captions): I'm afraid that Joan has a very powerful advantage.

Jack (in captions): Yeah. I'm aware. We had that opt out option during that one challenge.

Larry (in captions): So how should I go about this?

Confessional-Jack: Alliances are sometimes very sneaky. But the numbers are currently 3 for Joan, 3 for Ramon, 2 for Sue, and I'm not sure where three heads were before that. So if we can get any help at all, then I'll take it. Because ties aren't fun.

Jack (in captions): Well, I'm not going to tell you what you should do. That should be up to you. But we're going Joan's way. So if you're interested in joining us, we're definitely not going to stop you.

Confessional-Larry: This is an interesting dilemma to me. I could choose to get that advantage out of the game now. My bet is that it's a challenge aide. So I'm going to be getting that out. Because that could impact my safety later on. Larry: Noted. Thanks for the tip.

Jack: We all need fruits. They're good for our body.

As this was being said, Ramon was in that area. And he definitely was nervous. So he scurried off to find Joan.

Confessional-Ramon: That's the second time these past few weeks that someone is throwing my name out. They awkwardly change topics upon seeing me. What else could it be?

He found Joan using the facilities.

Ramon: Joan, I really need to talk.

Joan: Give me a minute.

Ramon: Yeah. It can wait that long. While we're waiting, let's join Matt and Susan in leaf hut number 2. Err, no pun intended.

Matthew: So did you and Sue come up with something?

Susan: Yeah. We're going Ramon. Do you have any objections to that?

Matthew: I'm a swimmer. Someone throws a name out, and I'm down with it.

Susan: Fair point.

Back to the toilets.

Ramon: It sounds like me. Susan changed topics awkwardly the other day upon seeing me. Then Jack did the same thing last night.

Joan: Actually, I think Jack was going towards me. It's probably just because you're in my alliance that he got awkward.

Ramon: Well this makes things easier. Maybe we can talk Raph and Virginia into going our way. That would tie things up.

Joan: No it won't. It will give us the edge. My advantage is an extra vote.

Ramon: Interesting. Joan: So, you talk to Raph. I'll get Virginia. I'll see you tomorrow.

Ramon: Sounds like a plan. Confessional-Joan: I figured, if I'm going to play it anyhow, I may as well tell my alliance. Give them some ease that this will work.

We had to edit out their conversations due to time. But I'll get the aftermath of it in. Raphael: This sounds like the perfect time. Matt, Susan, and Sue are going one way. Jack, Julia, Jeffery, and probably Larry are going another. This will definitely put the numbers on our side.

Virginia: I don't know. It sounds a little too thought out. Almost as if they orchestrated it this way.

Raphael: Fair point. But it seems too good to pass up.

Virginia: Does it seem trustworthy enough, though? I mean, for all we know, those may not be the actual numbers. They may just be rumors.

Raphael: Well, we will need to be leaving soon. I'll leave it up to you. Do you know how we're going to do this?

Virginia: Yes I do.

Tribal Council
As the king of cliffhangers, I won't say anything. As you may remember, the former Ardilla tribe's torches are still there from last time. As they take a seat, Jeff starts the drilling.

Probst: Julia. You're pretty observant from what I've seen. Has the dynamic of the tribe changed since the merge?

Julia: Yes. It appears that a lot has changed strategy wise. I'm actually thinking that everything is entirely different than it was three days ago.

Probst: Jack, I'd imagine that you feel safe with that bird hanging around your neck. Is it an important decision?

Susan (muttering, in captions): I never thought I'd hear that sentence.

Jack: Yes. It is a tough decision. But just because it's tough doesn't mean you don't already know.

Probst: Let's get to that earthquake. Was there anyone who didn't pull their weight in rebuilding?

Sue: No. But there was someone who didn't pull their weight in getting up for the earthquake.

Matthew: That would be me.

Probst: I have to ask. Not only am I a heavy sleeper, but I also have a mattress, a sturdy built cabin, earmuffs, and a mask. I also live in Los Angeles, where earthquakes are very common. And I still woke up. How did you, being in a survival situation, sleep through that?

Matthew: And I'm not sure, honestly. I guess I'm just unlucky. And I'm glad my tribe dragged me to safety.

Probst: Well, let's be frank. It's going to be interesting to see how you vote after this very interesting day. It is time to vote. Larry, you're up.

Joan (for Sue): You stick up my crawl.

Ramon (For Sue): I'm sure you're nice back home. But in Survivor, you don't seem that way. So that's why I'm voting for you tonight.

Sue (for Ramon): I like your ass. But it's especially nice without a million dollars with it.

Matthew (for Ramon): This is strictly business. I'm sorry that it has come down to this.

As Sue arrived, the following events unfolded.

Probst: I'll go tally the votes.

Joan: Jeff?

Probst: Yes?

Joan: I'd like to play my advantage.

Probst: Go ahead and explain what your advantage is.

Joan: I have an extra vote.

Probst: Joan has an extra vote. This vote will count as if it were any other vote. Joan, you're up.

Her vote was not shown. So, here we go again.

Probst: I'll go tally the votes.

A snake appears on a support beam. Ramon is nervous.

Probst: 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.

Julia could puke.

Probst: First vote, Joan. Ramon. Sue. Matthew. One vote each for Joan, Ramon, Sue, and Matthew. Joan. Ramon. Two votes for Joan and Ramon. One vote for Sue and Matthew. Sue. Matthew. Joan. Ramon. 3 votes Joan, Three votes Ramon, Two votes Sue, Two votes Matthew, one vote left. Eighth person voted out of Survivor: Espana, Joan. That's four. That's enough. You need to bring me your torch.

Joan: y'all.

Matthew: I'll miss you, too.

Probst: Joan, the tribe has spoken.

Joan leaves immediately.

Probst: Well, it seems clear to me that a majority has not been formed yet. Might want to consider doing that soon. Grab your torches. Head back to camp. Good night.

Larry: Actually, Jeff, I'd like to say something first.

Probst: Go ahead.

To be continued.

Next Time on Survivor
Larry makes his shocking announcement.

Probst: Are you sure that this is what you want to do?

Larry: Yes.

And that decision will result in chaos.

Sue: What are you saying?

Matthew: Oh my god.

Confessional- Susan: This day just went from bad to worse.

Final Words
Confessional- Joan: I'd like to thank the network, Jeff, Mark, and Lynne for giving me this opportunity to compete. It truly has been an amazing experience. Obviously, I wish it ended with a million dollar check. Or at the very least, a jury spot. But not a whole lot of people even get this opportunity. So I'm just truly grateful for that.

Voting Confessionals
Larry (for Joan): I'm sorry. But you've proven to be a major ass threat. I can't do that.

Jack (for Joan): We need you gone. If you're safe tonight, then unless you play the advantage, these will keep coming.

Virginia (for Matthew): This is a throwaway vote, Matt. Nothing against you.

Raphael (for Matthew): I'm just putting a name on parchment. This won't happen.

Susan (for Ramon): I honestly never thought I'd betray the swimmers. But there comes a time when you need to flip. So I'm sorry. But I'm going to need the million to move here soon.

Jeffery (for Joan): Go away.

Julia (for Joan): Time to fly.

Joan (for Sue, extra vote): Same speech I gave before.

Trivia

 * The episode title is a Taylor Swift song, chosen due to the earthquake.
 * This is the first episode in patricotc's series where a castaway used an advantage of any kind.
 * This is also the first episode in patricotc's series where there was no reward attached to any challenge.
 * Originally, the challenge was supposed to work the same way, but with archery instead of throwing bags. I elected to change this after writing in the rice bags.