Treason Against The Queen

Treason Against The Queen is the eighth episode of Survivor: Cayman Islands.

Previously On Survivor...

 * Eighteen castaways started the adventure of a lifetime in the Cayman Islands…

Jeff: Welcome to Survivor: Cayman Islands…


 * …where they were split into three tribes of six. Las Caimanes dominated the challenges early…

Clips are shown of Peter and Brett winning Hero Duels, and the Las Caimanes tribe winning immunity after immunity.

Jeff: Las Caimanes wins immunity, yet again!

Mitzi shoots the green tribe a dark look.


 * On Las Tortugas, a clear power couple emerged in budding romance Elmer and Peter.

Elmer and Penny are talking and flirting out in the ocean.

Elmer: I want to go to the Final 2 with you.

Penny: Oh yeah?

Elmer: Yeah. You and me. We could do it.

"lastortugas"

- Elmer and I have a f2 deal. I think it’s because he believes he can beat me. I love him to death, but, that doesn’t mean I wanna sit next to him.


 * And Darnell plotted to split the pair up.

"lastortugas"

- I am wary of Penny and Elmer’s relationship. It just bothers me. They are very tight. And I’m thinking they need to be broken up.


 * On Los Lagartos, Mitzi made herself an outcast on the tribe with her fiery personality and distaste for their tribe leader, Aidan.

"loslagartos"

- I told myself when I came into this game, I wouldn't let my temper get the best of me. And guess what? It got the best of me. Whatever. From now on, I am targeting Aidan Franks, and I know he will be targeting me.


 * With the help of an idol, she got her wish…

Jeff: Aidan. Your tribe has spoken. [snuffs torch]


 * …but in doing so, she made enemies with Oberon, his main ally Terrence, and her own former ally Ingrid, who turned against her when her antics proved to be too much to handle.

Mitzi: I’m not [censored] stupid, Ingrid. You’re a disloyal [censored] I thought I could trust you, I even shared my [censored] idol with you and you turned on me!

Ingrid: [sarcastic laugh] You’re out of your mind! These are all baseless accusations!

Mitzi: Please, don’t insult my [censored] intelligence, I’ve had it with your sneakiness.


 * Oberon formed a bond with Ingrid and used it to pull the latter away from Mitzi.

"loslagartos"

- Oberon is the only one left who I truly have a connection with. And I do like him.


 * …leaving Mitzi stuck with Aisha; the two clearly on the bottom of the tribe up against Oberon, Ingrid, and Terrence.


 * On Las Caimanes, their frequent success in challenges led to an increase in arrogance.

Callum: I can’t wait to continue our winning streak.

Yvonne: Shh! Don’t jinx us!


 * Natalia proposed an all-girls’ alliance with Yvonne and Erin…

Natalia: What do you girls think about, like, a female alliance?

Yvonne: What, like, with just us girls?

Natalia: That is what a female alliance is about, yeah…


 * But Brett was able to pull Erin away from the girls to form a new majority alliance of four with Callum and Peter.

Brett: So, Erin, here’s what I’m thinking. You, me, Callum and Peter. That’s four.

Erin: And that leaves Nat and Yvonne-

Brett: On the outs.

Peter: We need a majority of four on a tribe of six. This would benefit all of us, to stick together.

Erin: And us four are solid?

Brett: Absolutely. Boys?

Callum: Rock solid, sweetheart.

Peter: My word.

Brett: This will be a great alliance. As long as us four stay strong, we’re golden.

"lascaimanes"

- Believe it or not, I’ve grown to trust Brett and I consider him my partner in this game. Me and Natalia and Yvonne decided we’d have a thing going at the start but that’s kind of dissipated by now. I know she’s out to get me, so me and Brett – we’ve got to get her first.


 * Natalia attempted to appeal to Peter’s strategic side, in a bid to form a voting bloc to target and break up the Brett-and-Erin duo and exact revenge on Erin for her duplicity. But Peter chose to stay loyal to Brett.

Jeff: Natalia, your tribe has spoken.


 * And the foursome stayed intact, leaving their leader, Yvonne, on the bottom.

"lascaimanes"

- I know I no longer have a good standing on my tribe. I’m its supposed leader and yet I’m on the bottom of the pecking order right now. I need a tribe swap and I need it badly, or I’m screwed.


 * Eventually, the three tribes swapped and became two new tribes, Las Tortugas and Los Lagartos.

Jeff: Drop your buffs. We are switching tribes.


 * …meaning a saving grace for some…

"lascaimanes"

- When I heard Jeff say those three magical words, I was so excited! It was like a breath of fresh air! I needed this swap badly, and it came at the perfect opportunity.


 * …and disaster for others.

"lastortugas"

- I was not happy to be swapping. Us four on Las Tortugas, we were through a lot together. And this swap jeopardizes all of that. It’s definitely unnerving.


 * On the new Las Tortugas, Darnell formed the ill-fated Trinity Alliance with Terrence and Yvonne…

Darnell: The three of us – one member from each original tribe – together. As long as we three stick together, we'll be safe through this swap and we'll all make it to the merge.

Yvonne: I needed an alliance badly, this swap came at the perfect timing.


 * but it was short-lived as Penny turned her back on her old tribemate, choosing to side with Mitzi in taking out Erin’s target.

Jeff: Yvonne, your tribe has spoken.

Darnell shakes his head, glaring accusingly at Penny.


 * Knowing he was on the bottom thanks to Penny’s betrayal, Darnell blew up at her…

Darnell: You are a flipper and a goat and everyone here can see that. If I make it onto the jury, you can forget about getting my vote because PSA: it’s not happening.

Penny is showing crying on the beach, the other three girls around trying to comfort her through her tears.


 * Terrence, on the other hand, took the opportunity to bond with Penny…

Terrence: Would it help if you had a shoulder to cry on?

Penny: [sniff] Ah…thanks.

Penny leans her head on Terrence’s shoulder, sniffling to herself, as Mitzi watches with narrowed eyes, hidden in the bushes.

"loslagartos"

- Penny is my extra vote right now, I need her on my side to help me get further in the game. If Terrence is going to reel her away from me, then I’m going to need to step in and put a stop to that.


 * After two tribals as new tribes, Elmer, Oberon and Ingrid found themselves going head-to-head with the Las Caimanes trio of Brett, Callum and Peter.

"lastortugas"

- Right now, the game has deviated into a battle between two warring alliances. On one side, you have the three guys from Las Caimanes; me, Brett and Peter. And then on the losers’ bench we’ve got golden boy Elmer, country bumpkin Oberon and Miss. Valedictorian Ingrid the bestselling author or whatever the hell she writes about. We’re a bunch of scrappy cockroaches that just refuse to be squashed. When we merge, those three are going to be our targets. Us guys from Las Caimanes are ruling over them right now and there’s nothing they can do to stop it.


 * Aisha found an idol…

Aisha: Oh my [censored]. I’ve got it. I’ve [censored] got it.


 * …and Callum found one too.

Callum draws his hand out, a piece of parchment tied around a mysterious bulky object, clasped victoriously in his hand.

Callum: Pete! I got it!

"lastortugas"

- What’s up, Elmer? Even with a clue, those suckers couldn’t find it before I did! If Peter can find one, so can I!


 * At the next immunity challenge, everyone’s hopes for a merge were crushed.

Jeff: Drop…your…expectations.

Callum: Come on, Jeff!

Jeff: We are not merging.


 * And after a battle between former-allies-turned-enemies Mitzi and Ingrid…

Jeff: And she does it! Incredible! Las Tortugas, wins immunity, sending Los Lagartos back to tribal council!


 * Los Lagartos was sent back to tribal.

"loslagartos"

- My heart just sank like a stone. I don’t know if I’m going to survive another tribal on this awful tribe because it’s basically a toss-up between me and Terrence right now and those are odds I don’t want to have to face.


 * Darnell threw Terrence under the bus, and Mitzi - already wanting revenge against the latter for past events, and still wary of the latter for his flirting with Penny - tried to push the target onto her old tribemate.

Mitzi: I really really am not comfortable with keeping Terrence in.


 * But Darnell’s loss of temper came back to haunt him as Penny put her foot down.

Penny: I don’t care. I’m not voting for Terrence. I’m voting Darnell and that’s it.


 * Mitzi let Penny have her way. And for Darnell, the game was up.

Jeff: Seventh person voted out of Survivor: Cayman Islands…and the first member of our jury…Darnell.

Darnell slams his torch down.

Jeff: Darnell, your tribe has spoken.


 * With the merge arriving, these eleven castaways will now have to start playing an individual game, and things are heating up.


 * 11 are left, who will be voted out…tonight?

Challenge
Immunity Challenge: Roller Ball (Kaôh Rōng)

Castaways have to balance a number of balls upon a disc whilst standing on a narrow perch. A ball is added every five minutes until there are a total of three balls on the disc, after which the challenge will go on until only one castaway remains. If a ball drops, or if a castaway steps off the perch, they are eliminated from the challenge. Last person standing wins individual immunity.

Reward: Individual Immunity

Winner: Oberon

Night 19
Once again, the Los Lagartos tribe is returning from yet another tribal council. The moon is full and shines down on the beach, where the four girls and one remaining guy are making their way back to their camp.

Arriving at the shelter, they put their belongings back down, ready to turn in.

Erin: Crazy tribal, huh?

Penny: Yeah…I’m beat.

Mitzi: It was definitely something. [snorts]

"loslagartos"

- Tribal played out exactly as I’d hoped. I was a little worried that, because Mitzi was so unpredictable, she might try to flip the game and take it into her own hands and send Terrence home herself. But she chose to stay loyal to me and helped me take out Darnell. For her to do that for me…even though she’s been going on and on about how badly she’s been waiting for and wanting to take out Terrence…it meant a lot to me, that she would put aside something she’d been building up towards for so long just to help me accomplish what I wanted to do. So I was very touched, that she would do that. And because she showed her loyalty to me, I feel like in return, I should be loyal to her.

Terrence: I just wanted to say…thank you girls so much. I know you girls had to make a choice…and whatever the reason, I’m thankful that I’m still here to stay. I really am.

Erin pats him on the shoulder.

Erin: Don’t sweat it, dude. You’re good.

Penny smiles winningly at him, touching his hand briefly.

Penny: I couldn’t let it be you. You didn’t deserve to go.

Terrence flashes her a bashful smile in return. Mitzi looks sour.

"loslagartos"

- [gasp] What in the world am I still doing here? [laughs] I was sure…that I was going home. I was - I had my bags packed and everything. I was prepared and ready to leave…but apparently Penny’s feud with Darnell outranked mine with Mitzi’s. Can you believe that? Mitzi, the most brazen, opinionated, strong-willed woman in this game, is giving way to Penny Looper. [laughs] I really owe Penny one for this. I was a goner, if it hadn’t been for her. I guess I owe Darnell too. I’m glad at least that he made the jury. I know that’s a small consolation but he’d be happy to still have an impact on the season, no matter how small.

Penny: I know how it feels like to be begging for people to save you when you’re on the bottom. We’re birds of a feather.

Terrence: At any rate, I’m thankful you guys gave me another chance. Thank you. You too, Mitzi, Aisha.

Aisha snickers but turns away. Mitzi arches an eyebrow playfully, lazing back in the shelter.

"loslagartos"

- When we returned to camp, Terrence was practically falling over himself thanking us for saving his ass. Yes, I made the decision to keep him around a little longer. [sigh] It remains to be seen if I made the right choice or not. It really guts me, having to constantly delay my plans for revenge. Terrence is still in the game in spite of my best efforts to take him out. But it doesn’t matter. When we merge, I’ll have bigger fish to fry. And when I take my revenge on Oberon and Ingrid, it’ll make all this waiting that much sweeter.

Erin is tending to the fire when she stands up straight.

Erin: What do you guys think about Darnell making the jury though?

Penny groans.

Penny: I can’t believe it. What are the odds?

She hangs her head.

"loslagartos"

- [laughs] The whole reason I wanted Darnell gone was so I wouldn't have to deal with him being a juror. Tonight was finally my chance and he ends up making the jury anyway. [throws hands in air] Just my luck.

"loslagartos"

- It’s ridiculous that…I let go of the chance to take out Terrence to appease Penny’s incessant worries about Darnell giving her a hard time if he makes it to the jury; and then Darnell makes it to the jury anyway! [splutters]…dammit Penny.

Erin gets ready to go to sleep.

Erin: Well…congrats guys. Hopefully tomorrow, we’ll wake up to the merge.

Penny grasps her hand tightly.

Penny: Whatever happens, I’m glad we’re all still together. I love you girls, and this is going to be an awesome alliance.

Day 20
Morning dawns on the Las Tortugas beach, where Elmer is just waking up. Brett is poking at the fire with a large stick, looking bored.

Oberon comes over.

Oberon: Mornin’.

Elmer: Morning.

He stifles a yawn, sitting up and hugging his rucksack to his chest.

Oberon: Guess what I got from tree mail?

He pulls out a rolled-up scroll of parchment.

Callum whistles, leaping over a deck chair and rushing over.

Callum: Is it our next challenge?

Oberon unfurls the scroll and reads it as everyone else gathers around.

Oberon: Las Tortugas tribe, gather everything at your camp that you will want to continue this adventure and follow this map to your new home.

Ingrid clasps a hand over her mouth in surprise. Callum has a large grin on his face. Peter has his hands on his shoulders and is giving him a friendly massage.

Brett whoops.

Brett: It’s the merge. It’s gotta be.

Everyone starts going around, gathering up their measly belongings and prepping for the merge, excited looks on their faces.

"lastortugas"

- With only 11 castaways left in the game, it has to be a merge. And I made it. We all made it – me and my guys, and hopefully, Erin will still be in on the other tribe. If we merge, we’re going to have to deal with the Elmer-Oberon-Ingrid threesome that could cause problems for us in the distant future, but for now, it’s good to know that I can cross ‘making the merge’ off my checklist. [laughs]

Elmer is packing his bags and taking his dry clothes off from where he has hung them on a clothing line. Oberon is standing right next to him, doing the same.

Oberon: I hope Terrence is still in.

Elmer: Same goes for Darnell. If the girls are running things over on the other side…it could mean trouble.

Oberon: But hey, man, we made it. That’s all that matters.

He holds out a hand and Elmer gives him a quick high-five.

"lastortugas"

- When we found out that we were all merging, it was…amazing news! Who doesn’t want to make the merge? Making the merge is awesome! And if I merge with some of my main allies still by my side – Elmer, Ingrid, Terrence – then it turned out pretty well. The merge is always an exciting transition from the tribal portion of the game to an individual game, and that’s always a big moment for everyone involved.

Meanwhile, on the Los Lagartos beach, Erin is reading off a similar piece of parchment.

Erin:…head down your beach and await visitors! Omigosh, guys, we’re merging!

The girls erupt into hoots and hollers. Terrence is on his knees by the fire, grinning as well.

Penny: Merge!

Mitzi: This is so awesome. Come on, let’s go!

"loslagartos"

- I can’t believe it. I can’t wait to go back home and tell my family that – I made it to the Survivor merge. [laughs] Me? Of all people? After having my name written down twice in those first few tribal councils, I lasted all the way here. And I’ve attended the most amount of tribal councils and survived out of everyone else. I think I’ve really proven myself since those first few days. If Wilkes could see me now…I would love to see the look on her face knowing that I made the merge and she didn’t. [laughs]

Mitzi is haphazardly throwing clothes and jackets and stray items all around the shelter in a bid to clean up and make the place more presentable. Aisha is working alongside her.

"loslagartos"

- I made it to the merge. And it’s insane. Especially considering where I’m coming from. All I heard from Aidan and Oberon and Ingrid those first few days was how bad of a person I was and how much of a psychopath I acted and how I was so unlikeable and annoying and irritating, blah blah blah. And yet, I’m still here. I’ve got my girl Aisha doing whatever I tell her to do, and I’m set up with a solid group of females. We’re running the show right now. This is a peculiar position for Mama Mitzi but I like it.

Mitzi: We did it, girl.

Aisha: Yeah, we did.

The two have a quick hug.

"loslagartos"

- The only thing that worries me is that we’re going into this merge with 11 people, which is a big number. We need 6 to come out on top of this next vote. And worse still, 5 out of 6 Los Lagartos people are going to be here at the merge, which means Oberon, Ingrid and Terrence are still around and are still going to be causing problems for me. [shakes head] Can you imagine? The most dysfunctional of the three tribes ends up having the most amount of members at the merge. We are going to self-destruct almost instantly and it’s going to be chaos.

When the theme song finishes, the camera flies over a bird’s eye view of the Cayman Islands, finally settling down to show two lines of people walking towards each other from separate ends of one beach. The pink and brown flags are evidently shown high over their tiny heads.

Callum is waving at the other tribe with both hands in the air, calling out to them.

Callum: WHAT’S UP, LOS LAGARTOS?!

The girls respond with a couple cheers and yells in reply. Finally, the two groups meet in the middle, where there is a locked chest waiting for them, and a piece of parchment tied down to the top of it.

The two tribes meet and everyone is embracing and shaking hands and introducing themselves everywhere.

Peter is shaking Mitzi’s hand.

Peter: Hello, nice to meet you, I’m Peter.

Mitzi: Same. I’m Mitzi.

Reunions are happening all over the place. Oberon is elated to see Terrence still here, and the two are hugging it out. Penny runs into Elmer’s arms and he hugs her back tightly.

Oberon: We made it, man.

Terrence: Dude…I needed this. I never thought I’d make it this far. I came this close to not surviving Mitzi’s wrath.

Oberon glances over at Mitzi, who is now shaking Brett’s hand in greeting.

Oberon: We’ll have to talk about that later. You’ve got to tell me everything.

Elmer peers over the sea of heads.

Elmer: Where’s Darnell?

Erin comes over.

Erin: He didn’t make it.

Elmer: You’re serious?

Erin: Yeah. Hi, I’m Erin.

The two shake hands as Penny stands to the side, watching them; Elmer still in shock.

Penny: [sniff] I’ve missed you so much!

Elmer: Just you and me, as usual. I guess we’re the underdogs now huh?

He smirks and chuckles dryly.

Elmer: After all the talk and worry about us being a power couple, who would’ve thought we’d be the only two to make it this far?

Terrence is seen narrowing his eyes at the pair of them as Penny and Elmer continue to hug it out.

Callum claps his hands to get everyone’s attention as they crowd around the chest.

Callum: Alright, c’mon, enough chatter!

He picks up the piece of parchment strapped to the chest and reads off it.

Callum: Congratulations, you have merged!

Everyone again erupts into a chorus of congratulatory cheers and hoots. Brett wraps Erin in a hug by putting his arm around her shoulders. Peter is tackling Callum from behind.

Oberon and Terrence are shown checking out their new indigo buffs. Mitzi is tossing Aisha a buff from the chest. And Ingrid is smiling serenely, casting a wary sidelong glance at the pair of them.

Brett: Let me put it on you.

Erin: I can do it myself, Brett.

Brett: Oh, come on. Just bend your head- let me-

Erin: Brett, stop!

He chases her around the group, both laughing.

Callum and Peter are now unloading the chest full of food and laying out a picnic basket, where everyone is sitting down and helping themselves to a feast of cocktails, steak, mutton chops, mashed potatoes, onion rings, cookies, powdered doughnuts and fresh pineapple.

Callum burps loudly.

Callum: That hit the spot. It’s like going on reward all over again.

Brett: So what happened last night? Tell us everything.

Erin sips from a flute of champagne before speaking.

Erin: Darnell became the first member of the jury.

The members of Las Tortugas 2.0 register surprise on their faces.

Oberon: Jury?

Mitzi: Congrats on making it to the jury everybody!

Everyone clinks their champagne flutes together in a group toast. Ingrid is eyeing Mitzi with distaste and suspicion.

Ingrid sits next to Oberon, whispering to him.

Ingrid: [whisper] We’re still going to have to deal with Hurricane Mitzi.

Mitzi is smirking and sharing a plate of doughnuts with Peter and Brett, oblivious to the fact that Ingrid and Oberon are gossiping about her, chattering away with Aisha.

Oberon: [whisper] We’ll find a way through it. Okay?

In the meantime, Penny and Elmer are sitting close to one another. She shoves a doughnut into his mouth and laughs as he gets powder down his front and on his nose.

Penny: I’ve missed you.

Elmer: Looks like you did fine without me.

Penny looks down.

Penny: About Darnell…

Elmer: We can talk about that later.

Mitzi helps pour Erin a new glass of punch.

Erin: So what does everyone want to name the new tribe?

Brett shrugs.

Brett: We could combine all three names or something but that’d be really spastic.

His suggestion is met with groans and jeers and Brett sniggers.

Mitzi: Does anyone know a cool name?

Elmer: How about ‘Diversus’? I think it’s latin for Diversity.

Erin: It is. How about ‘Alius Diversus’? That sounds cool, right?

Mitzi: Works for me.

Everyone murmurs their assent.

Eventually, the feast starts winding down, and the new tribe returns to their merged camp at the Los Lagartos beach.

Callum: We’ve been on all three beaches at this point.

He tosses his bags into the shelter and slumps into the nearest deck chair. Brett and Oberon are carrying over their rewards from Las Caimanes and Las Tortugas, helping to set up the new hammock. Ingrid makes a move to get in it, but Mitzi hurries over and flings herself atop it, lazing back languorously with a relaxed sigh.

A cross Ingrid stalks away. The sun is beginning to set, turning the sky a mix of blue and fiery orange splotches streaked across it. Elmer is standing, watching the waves crash down around his feet, as Penny saunters jauntily down to join him.

Penny: Hey.

Elmer: Hey. Can you believe we made it to the merge?

Penny: Crazy.

Elmer: After all the drama on Las Tortugas those first two tribal, things were looking up. And then even on separate tribes, we still couldn’t win and lost two of our number.

Penny: I’ve been meaning to tell you. Darnell – he just went crazy.

Elmer: Oh yeah?

Penny: He went ballistic on me…because I…I chose to send home Yvonne, and he wanted to keep her. It’s a long story. But I didn’t want him to make the jury.

Elmer: Well, he did.

Penny: Yeah…it sucks.

Elmer pauses.

Elmer: Are we still good? Like…are we still in this together?

Penny hesitates.

Penny: I want to…but I also form new allies with Erin and Mitzi. I’ll try and talk to them and see…and see where they stand.

Elmer is silent.

Penny: We’ll be fine, relax.

She tries to give him a comforting smile but he doesn’t return it, gazing worriedly out at the sea.

Elmer: How close are you to Erin?

Penny: Moderately, I guess. I like her.

Elmer: Hmm.

"aliusdiversus"

- I wanted to try and reunite with Penny and see if we’re still a thing even after the whole incident with Darnell. But Mitzi and Erin are trying to take my girl away from me. Penny was my original ally and my showmance but I fear I may be losing her loyalty. We were apart for a while on two different tribes and during that time, she started to drift away and form new bonds. She was my no. 1 out here…so losing her doesn’t bode well for my game.

Elmer: Well, just promise me…that you will…communicate with me, I guess.

Penny: You could try talking to Mitzi yourself. I mean…the merge has only just started. There’s still a long way to go.

Elmer looks up at the beach, where Mitzi is swinging back and forth in the hammock, one hand propping up her head, the other picking at her teeth nonchalantly.

Elmer: I’ve got Oberon and Ingrid with me.

Penny: Oh?

Elmer: Yeah.

Penny: What happened to Mitch?

Elmer: Peter happened.

Peter is walking through camp, kicking sand around, looking bored. Callum is stretching next to him – the two of them inseperable as always.

Elmer: Point is, Oberon and Ingrid and I were on the bottom – or rather – waging war, on Las Tortugas. I trust them and they trust me. We can work with them, and Oberon says the two of them have Terrence too. That’s five people.

Penny: We need six to have a majority.

Elmer: See if you can get one of the girls to flip. Brett and his goons aren’t working with us.

Penny looks pained.

The sun is slowly being obscured by clouds. Elmer walks over to the well, where he meets Oberon, Ingrid and Terrence now having a conversation. Oberon is giving Terrence a fist bump.

Oberon: Man, I’m so glad you made it this far. We were worried for you, really.

Terrence: And I’m thankful to be back in with you guys. [laughs] I kept hoping and wishing for this to come sooner. Being alone on Los Lagartos was really stressful.

Elmer: What’s going on?

Oberon: Elmer, this is Terrence. Terrence, meet Elmer.

Terrence: Nice to meet you.

Terrence and Elmer shake hands.

Terrence: Penny talks about you a lot.

Elmer: Oh, does she? Good things, I hope.

Oberon: I think we’re all in agreement that us four should stick together. Right?

Elmer: Sure. We worked well on Las Tortugas. I want us to move forward here.

Away from the forest, Brett is walking along the beach with Erin at his side.

Brett: Are we still good?

Erin: Yes, we’re still good.

Brett: About earlier…you seem very close with Mitzi.

Erin: She’s not all bad. I don’t know what stories Ingrid and the others have told you but she’s really quite nice and reasonable if you stay on her good side. And even if she isn’t, and is incredibly fiery and unpredictable…that’d make her perfect to sit next to at the end.

Brett: So what happened on Los Lagartos?

The pair sits down in the sand. Erin fingers the sand by her feet, playing with a couple seashells and wriggling her ten little piggies.

Erin: I have the girls with me.

Brett: All of them?

Erin: Yes. Mitzi is a hothead but she’s leading the alliance. Penny trusts me entirely, and Aisha follows Mitzi blindly. What happened on your side?

Brett: It was between the three of us and Elmer, Oberon and Ingrid. Peter was their target, but he used an idol to send Mitch out of the game.

Erin: Peter had the idol the whole time?

Brett: Yes.

Erin: So Elmer, Oberon and Ingrid…?

Brett:…are on the bottom and in the minority and are definitely not working with us.

He clears his throat.

Brett: We have a 7-person alliance in the works. I’ve got Peter and Callum by my side, and you reel in your three girls. Seven’s a perfect number. Which would leave Oberon, Ingrid, Elmer and Terrence in the minority. Doesn’t that sound good?

Erin brushes the sand off her hands, sweeping her flowing hair out of her eyes and over her shoulder loftily.

Erin: As long as you and me are in the majority throughout, that’ll give us a strong position in the game. I like it.

Brett nods.

Erin: If you wanted to get rid of someone, who would you choose?

Brett thinks it over.

Brett: Elmer, most likely.

Erin: I can see why. He’s very charming.

Brett’s eyes glint.

Brett: He probably wants to avenge Mitch. And yes, he is a very big threat, the biggest threat out of the four in the minority, if you ask me. And me, Peter and Callum – we’re already against him and his minions Oberon and Ingrid to begin with after what went down on Las Tortugas. I’d like to see him go first. I tried to go after him but Callum wanted Mitch out and Peter wanted Ingrid…it was just a big mess.

Erin: Well, if we work with Mitzi, we can have our way. If you want Elmer gone, it can be done.

Brett: Alright, nice. Let’s get to conversations.

Mitzi is watching the pair talk down by the beach, her eyes narrowed in the familiar fashion with which she had stared with suspicion at Terrence comforting Penny by the lake previously.

She casts Erin a questioning look as the latter and Brett get to their feet and make their way back up the path to join the shelter.

Penny is making her way to rejoin the shelter, where she enters a whispered discussion with her old allies Mitzi, Erin and Aisha.

Mitzi: Hey Penny.

Penny: Hey.

Erin: So what’s the game plan?

Mitzi: Alright, so. We need at least six people to have a majority on this tribe. Correct? With all of us, that’s already four. We only need two more. We’re not bringing in Oberon, Ingrid or Terrence.

Aisha: Of course not.

Mitzi: That’s a no-brainer. Erin, do you think you could bring in Brett and the guys?

Erin: Yeah, I think I could.

Mitzi: Excellent. Together, that’s seven. That’s a clear majority. No need to scramble or go crazy – we’ve got a solid majority alliance in the works.

Erin: Let’s go talk to Brett.

Mitzi: Yeah, okay.

The two of them get up and leave the shelter.

Erin, Mitzi and Brett are now meeting up in the forest. Brett is wiping sweat off with his shirt, and Mitzi is talking at a rapid pace.

Mitzi: So Brett, here’s what I’m thinking.

Brett: Okay.

Mitzi: You, me, Erin, Callum, Peter, Penny and Aisha. That’s seven.

Brett: I’m down.

Mitzi: That was fast. [laughs]

Brett: I mean it. I’m down. That puts Oberon, Elmer, Ingrid…

Mitzi:…and Terrence. All on the bottom.

Brett: I’m on board. Me, Callum and Peter were already against those three on Las Tortugas so this works out perfectly fine for me.

Mitzi: Shake on it?

She holds out a hand and Brett shakes hers firmly.

Brett meets up with Callum and Peter at the edge of the forest, a distance away from the shelter. Callum stretches his arms over his head, looking excited. Peter folds his arms as Brett relays the information from earlier.

Brett: So here’s the thing. Erin’s got in tight with Mitzi.

Peter: Okay? So…

Brett: It’s the three of us, Erin and the three girls, Mitzi, Aisha and Penny. Erin says they’re trustworthy. Together we make seven.

Callum spreads his hands.

Callum: Hey, that’s perfect.

Brett: Exactly. It’s the perfect scenario.

The sun has almost set and the sky is darkening. Erin is kneeling in the sand, helping Penny paint the new tribe name on their tribe flag.

Erin: You like painting, Penny?

Penny: It’s alright. I’m more of a gymnast than an artist.

Erin: Indigo seems to be my color. [laughs] I really like my new buff.

Penny: I’m just glad we’re leaving pink and brown for something new. [laughs] I needed a new change of color.

Erin finishes painting the letter ‘D’ of Diversus and dips her brush into the palette, preparing to paint the ‘I’.

Erin: Anyway, listen. I’ve got Brett with me, and he’s got Peter and Callum. Together, we’ve got a big group.

Penny is silent, listening quietly.

"aliusdiversus"

- It makes me uncomfortable that Erin wants to align with these guys from Las Caimanes. I know they were her original allies but I’m not very fond of them. Callum is hard to get along with at camp. He’s abrasive and enjoys making an ass out of himself.

Callum is shown roaring with unrestrained laughter at something Peter said, spitting directly into the campfire.

Erin: Are you okay with this? You seemed unnaturally reserved earlier.

Penny: I just…I don’t know. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I want to be in the majority and I want to work with you and Mitzi because I like you.

Erin: Aw, thanks.

Penny: But I had old ties with Elmer. I don’t want to leave him in the lurch.

Erin pauses.

Erin: Well, it is a game. Sometimes, you’ve gotta do what you’ve gotta do.

She turns behind her to look at where Elmer is sitting, drinking directly from a coconut, sharing with Oberon, who is next to him.

Erin: From what I’ve seen of him, Elmer seems really charismatic, really sociable and really physically fit. Everything about him screams of being threatening. We can’t work with him.

Penny nods, looking subdued. Erin looks troubled.

Day 21
Morning dawns on the new Alius Diversus beach. Pulling his indigo buff over his face and around his neck, Elmer slowly gets up in a sitting position, where Terrence is laying down next to him, wrapped up in his hoodie.

Elmer nudges him.

Elmer: Hey, man.

Terrence: Hey.

Elmer: We never really got to speak one-on-one.

Terrence: Well, Oberon says you’re cool.

They relax in silence.

Terrence: I’m worried.

Elmer: About what?

Terrence: Our situation. We’re in the minority right now.

Elmer looks down the beach, where Brett, Callum, Peter, Erin, Mitzi, Aisha and Penny are all in shallow seawater; Mitzi is helping to brush sand out of Erin’s hair and Callum is splashing Peter and Brett.

Elmer: Yeah…I can see that.

Terrence: What can we do? You want to try and work on Penny?

Penny is shown laughing and chatting with Aisha and Erin.

Elmer: We can try. Both of us.

He picks at his teeth.

Elmer: Penny told me you were very nice to her after what happened with Darnell.

Terrence turns red and tries to shrug it off.

Terrence: I had to get on her good side.

Aisha: Let’s go.

Aisha and Mitzi get out of the water. Elmer sees them coming and takes his leave. Aisha gets on her knees by the fire as Mitzi braids her wet hair.

Aisha: Erin and Brett are really close. Have you noticed?

Brett and Erin are just now surfacing from the sea and heading up to shore, both dripping wet and grinning.

Mitzi: Yeah, I can see that.

Aisha puts her hands on her hips.

Aisha: My only concern is that when we get down to seven people, she’ll side with the guys over us and then it’ll be 4-3 in their favor. Can you imagine a final four with people like Callum and Peter?

Mitzi smiles dryly.

Mitzi: Not fond of them? Me neither.

Aisha: I want to retch at the idea of one of those three guys making it far. Brett, maybe he’s not so bad. But the other two are straight-up repugnant.

Mitzi: I know. But hey, we have no choice but to work with them right now. They’re the key to helping us get rid of Ingrid, Oberon and Terrence. Then when they’re gone, we can work on whittling those boys down and we’ll be in the finals, us four girls.

"aliusdiversus"

- These guys – Callum and Peter – I don’t like them. Especially Callum. He was hitting on me the other day and even if it was in a lighthearted manner…I have a very different take on it. I don’t like him. He’s repulsive.

Aisha: I thought you were the one who wore your emotions on your sleeve.

Mitzi: Well, true, but everyone knows that beneath your quiet Indian girl demeanour lies some hidden fire.

They share a smile.

Elmer plops down near the hammock, in which Ingrid is lying, eyeing Mitzi with disdain in her peripheral vision. Oberon stands by the tree, watching her sway from side to side.

Elmer: They’re obviously in the majority.

Oberon nods, lost in deep thought.

Oberon: Yeah…

Ingrid: This stinks. Who knew that pissing Mitzi off would have such severe ramifications?

Elmer: I don’t like her too much but I give her credit. She really wants you three gone and she’s doing a hell of a job making it happen.

Oberon shakes his head.

Elmer: Have either of you spoken to her at all?

Ingrid: I’ve done my best to pretend she doesn’t exist.

Oberon: We just have to fight like hell in immunity tomorrow.

Elmer: Yeah…

Ingrid: Well, have fun, boys, cos I know I’m not winning it.

Day 22
Jeff: Come on in, guys!

The new tribe soldiers on in, looking grim and determined. Oberon surveys the challenge course somberly. Brett is bouncing on the soles of his feet in anticipation. Callum is once again grinning, excited.

Jeff: Elmer, tell me, what have you decided to name your new tribe?

Elmer: We’re Alius Diversus. It’s meant to be Latin for ‘diversity’.

Jeff: Alright. Alius Diversus. You ready to get to your first individual immunity challenge?

Everyone cheers and whoops with renewed vigor and enthusiasm, grins and smiles abound.

Jeff: For today’s challenge, you will be balancing on a narrow perch while holding up a disk in one hand. At periodic intervals you will put a ball on your disk and balance them. As you add more balls to your disk it will get harder to balance both yourself and the balls. If a ball drops, you’re out. If you step off your perch, you’re out. Last person standing wins immunity.

He nods at the new tribe.

Jeff: First up, I will take back immunity.

He takes back the tribal immunity idol from Mitzi.

Jeff: Today, you will be playing for…this.

He unveils the new individual immunity of the season – a primitive, caveman-like decorative necklace.

Jeff: Individual immunity is now up for grabs. From now on…this is what you covet. Tribal immunity is no more. Worth playing for? We’ll get started.

Soon, everyone has taken their place. Callum pretends to wobble, snickering. Ingrid very evidently rolls her eyes at him.

Jeff: Alright, survivors ready? 3…2…1. And this challenge…is on.

The 11 castaways stand, balancing on their platforms whilst holding up their disks, doing their best to keep their first ball steady.

Jeff: Everyone looking good so far…this is still just preliminary. You want to be safe walking into tonight’s tribal council as there is no better feeling than knowing you can’t be voted out and are guaranteed safety for another three days. From tonight onwards, you will always be attending tribal and unless you win immunity, you will always be vulnerable. The stakes have been raised. The first tribal after the merge is always the craziest and that makes this necklace all the more valuable.

The camera pans down the line. Everyone is watching their ball intently, serious looks on their faces, conspicuously donning their new indigo buffs.

Jeff: If you lose concentration for even a second…

Callum’s mouth forms a perfect ‘o’ of surprise as his ball nearly rolls right off the edge.

Jeff:…it could have devastating results…

Elmer is intensely focused on his disk, eyes not wavering. Oberon casts him a sideways glance. Erin’s hand is shuddering under her disk.

Jeff: You do not want to be vulnerable coming to tonight’s tribal…

Mitzi looks up to regard Probst. Penny is biting her lip, swaying around, trying to maintain her balance.

Jeff:…because tonight will undoubtedly be an important night. You want that necklace around your neck.

Right as he finishes speaking, Brett jolts out of the blue, his leg twitching. Before he can stop himself, he steps off the perch, his ball dropping into the sand with a ‘plop’.

Jeff: And just like that, Brett is the first person out of this challenge. It happens that quickly. This is not physical so much as it is mental. How long can you maintain your concentration?

Ingrid bites her lip, watching her ball circle around her disk. Brett is taking his seat on the bench, watching with a smile on his face.

Jeff: Ingrid’s ball dancing around…

Without warning, Mitzi’s ball flops right off her disk and she tosses her disk to the floor, disgruntled.

Jeff: Out of the blue, Mitzi drops. No shot at immunity.

Ingrid’s ball falls off too and she shakes her head, grinning sheepishly to herself as she sets her disk down, following Mitzi to the bench.

Jeff: Ingrid is out. We are now down to eight.

Peter’s legs are trembling as he fights to stay steady. Penny holds an arm out to keep herself upright, her hand shuddering underneath her disk. Callum is rocking back and forth.

Jeff: 3…2…1…everyone put your hands on your ball and step off. You are safe. Moving onto the next round…

Everyone gets back on their perches.

Jeff: 5…4…3…2…1…this challenge is back on.

Everyone now has two balls on their disk. Moments into the challenge, Penny wobbles and falls backwards with a yelp.

Jeff: Penny, first one out of the second round, take a spot on the bench.

Penny shakes her head, passing Elmer, who is breathing slowly, eyes fixated on his ball and nothing else. Terrence is next to him, clenching his fist.

Callum curses as out of the blue he rocks back off his perch, flinging his disk to the ground. Terrence too cannot hold on any longer as one of his balls drops off the edge of his disk.

Jeff: Callum is out; Terrence right behind him!

Peter is rock steady once again. Oberon is unmoving, still as a statue.

Jeff: We are down to five. It is Elmer, Oberon, Peter, Erin and Aisha-

As if responding to her name, one of Aisha’s ball rolls towards her and falls off before she can react. With a disdainful ‘urgh’, she steps off her perch.

Jeff: -and then there were four. Three men, one woman. One original Las Tortugas, one original Los Lagartos, two original Las Caimanes. Who will win immunity and be safe at tribal council today?

The four remaining competitors are still watching their balls intensely.

Aisha: Go Erin. You got it, girl.

Erin’s eyes flicker to her in gratitude for a moment.

Jeff: Erin, swaying a little, but she recovers.

Brett is nudging Callum, looking at Oberon and Elmer in concern.

Brett: [whisper] Oh, please drop, Elmer. Come on, drop.

Terrence casts them a dark look from the side that goes unnoticed.

Callum: [whisper] They can’t win immunity, right? They couldn’t.

Brett: Preferably not.

Jeff: All four left are very still. Impressive.

[ELAPSED TIME: 1 HOUR]

Jeff: 3…2…1…put your hands on your balls and step off. You’re in the clear.

The four step off their perches. Elmer cricks his neck, looking stiff. Oberon has a serious look on his face, a severe look in his eyes. Erin casts a worried glance at the pair of them. Peter catches her eye and nods reassuringly.

Jeff: Alright, put your third ball on your disk and get ready. I’ll count you down. 3…2…1…this challenge is back on. From now on, we just go to the end, until three of you drop. No more added balls, no more breaks. We just go until someone has outlasted the others.

The sun is hot and shining down on everyone. Callum feebly shields his eyes, squinting weakly, licking his parched lips.

Callum: You got this, Pete.

Terrence: You’re doing great, Oberon.

Ingrid: Keep at it, boys.

Mitzi watches Oberon, biting her lip, as if hoping for him to lose.

Jeff: One of you four will enter tribal council totally safe tonight. But that person will have to earn it.

Moments after he finishes speaking, Erin’s ball rolls right off her disk with hardly any sort of warning. Mitzi and Aisha groan as she steps off her platform, smiling in disappointment.

Jeff: And just like that, that person will not be Erin. An hour and more into this challenge with nothing else to show for it.

Erin takes her seat next to Brett, who welcomes her.

Jeff: We are down to three guys – one from each original tribe.

Peter runs his tongue over his teeth, scowling down at his balls as if they have done him a great personal wrong – watching the three white spheres roll around his disk.

Jeff: Peter with a bit of movement.

Oberon is still staying strong. Elmer too is hanging in there, but looking more and more tired as time goes on.

Finally…

Peter can no longer take it and drops out, the three balls falling into the sand in quick succession.

Brett curses quietly and Mitzi shakes her head as a fatigued Peter comes over to join them on the bench.

Jeff: Peter, out of this duel. It is now down to Elmer and Oberon.

Elmer fidgets, for the first time in a really long time, fighting to blink sweat out of his eyes. Oberon’s three balls are starting to move a little, as his hand trembles slightly.

Jeff: Both Elmer and Oberon with a little movement. Who will win it all?

Penny is clinging to Erin in trepidation. Brett is muttering under his breath and Peter is too. Terrence looks nervous.

Jeff: Elmer with a bit of movement! Oberon with a bit of movement!

Oberon narrowly stops one ball from sliding right off the edge. Elmer leans forward a little to stop a ball from rolling right off the front of his disk…

…to no avail. One of Elmer’s balls comes crashing to the ground and he swears, groaning and getting off his perch.

Jeff: Elmer drops! Oberon wins first individual immunity!

Oberon whoops, tossing his balls in the air as he leaps off his perch, heading over to shake Elmer’s hand before wrapping his arm around the latter’s shoulders, beaming widely as he leads him back to the bench where the tribe is clapping for Oberon.

Jeff: Oberon, come on over.

He puts the individual immunity necklace around Oberon’s neck as the latter grins proudly. Ingrid is smiling at him.

Terrence: Good job, man.

Peter: Good job, Oberon.

Jeff: Oberon, safe at tribal council tonight, guaranteed a 1 in 10 shot at winning this game. As for the rest of you, after 22 hard fought days out here in the Cayman Islands, somebody will be voted out otonight and become the second member of the jury. It will not be you, congrats Oberon.

He pats Oberon on the back, who thanks Probst as he rejoins the others while everyone gathers their belongings and prepares to leave for camp.

The camera pans down to Brett, who is walking a little behind Elmer.

The Alius Diversus tribe returns to camp. Everyone is congratulating Oberon, even Mitzi.

Mitzi: Good job, Oberon.

Oberon: Thanks.

Oberon: Anyone wanna help me get water?

Elmer: I’ll come with.

Terrence: Wait up. Me too.

The three boys leave, Ingrid following alongside them.

Peter chuckles, watching their backs as they leave.

Peter: Subtle.

Oberon is now talking with Ingrid and Terrence by the well.

Oberon: Okay, so hear me out.

Elmer comes over with a full water canister.

Oberon: Those seven will try and take one of you three out. So we need to work our ass off to stop that from happening.

Ingrid: I agree. We don’t go down without a fight, and not because of Mitzi.

Oberon: I’m thinking we try and work on the guys from Las Caimanes.

Ingrid pales.

Ingrid: Oh no, no, no. You’re joking. You don’t know what you’re saying, Obe.

Oberon: No, I do know what I’m saying. I know you don’t like them, Ingrid, but it’s either them or Mitzi. We have no other option. If Brett feels threatened by Mitzi and how close she is with Erin, that could be liable reason for them to flip and join us. We can blindside Mitzi tonight if we get Brett and his boys to help.

Elmer: I’m down. I mean, I know the guys will probably want to come after me so I might be getting the boot tonight.

Ingrid: No way, they’re probably going to vote for me because of me leaving Mitzi for Oberon. Mitzi hates me, she’ll want revenge.

Terrence: Or maybe they’ll come after me. I mean, Mitzi tried her hardest to get me out in two tribals. Yet I’m still here. I’m the bug that refuses to be squished, and I know she detests that.

Oberon: See how it’s always Mitzi we’re talking about? Mitzi being in control? That’s our pitch to the boys from Las Caimanes. If we don’t get them on our side, we’re screwed.

Oberon and Elmer are talking to Peter and Brett in the forest.

Elmer: So listen. Guys, what do you think of taking Mitzi out tonight?

Peter: Mitzi? Why? She’s a hothead, and a loose cannon.

Oberon: Exactly. She’s unpredictable, and she’s an emotional player.

Elmer: We know she probably wants one of us going home tonight. Why should she hold all the power? Who made her queen?

Oberon: And haven’t you noticed how much control she has over the girls? Aisha and Penny follow her blindly. And Erin is deadset on sticking with her.

Brett bites the inside of his cheek, contemplating everything being said.

Elmer: Erin is your ally, right? Mitzi’s pulling her away from you, just like she pulled Penny away from me. She’s powerful. She has to go. We can carry out a massive blindside tonight, if you three boys are game. Put aside our petty conflict from earlier because this is our chance for us guys to make a big move that benefits all of us.

Meanwhile, Mitzi and Erin are talking.

Mitzi: We should get the guys here to discuss tonight’s vote.

Erin: Yeah, I’ll get them. I heard that Brett wants to target Elmer.

Mitzi: I’d rather see one of the original ones from Los Lagartos go first, if you don’t mind.

Erin approaches her.

Erin: I’ve been meaning to discuss with you.

Mitzi: What about?

Erin: It’s regarding Penny.

Mitzi: What’s wrong?

Erin: Penny feels guilty about Elmer. She doesn’t want to leave him in the minority.

This clearly alarms Mitzi, who raises an eyebrow questioningly.

Mitzi: We should go check in with her.

Mitzi is seen staring Penny down in the forest, Erin hovering by her shoulder.

Mitzi: Penny, I need you to be honest with me. You’re either with us, or against us. You have to make a decision.

Penny: Um…what? [nervous laugh]

Erin: Penny, honey, we’re voting for one of the three in the minority tonight. That’s Elmer, Terrence or Ingrid. The seven of us aren’t putting down any other name. We don’t have the numbers to split the vote either. We want to make sure you feel solid about this.

"aliusdiversus"

- I am the most indecisive player in Survivor history. I don’t know where to go, who to swing with! Alliances of old, or alliances of new?

Penny: Erin, I just- I don’t know about this.

Erin: Listen, Penny, I need you to trust me. I’m only looking out for the both of us. We have a good thing going on. I’m not throwing that away!

Mitzi: Trust us, Penny. We had your back in the Darnell vote, just like you had our backs in the Yvonne vote. We stuck with each other all the way. Let’s keep it up.

Penny takes a seat next to Elmer in the shelter, where he is cracking his knuckles, looking anxious.

Elmer: Well?

Penny: Mitzi and Brett both agree you’re a threat. But I don’t think they’re voting you. Mitzi wants Ingrid out for events on Los Lagartos.

Elmer chuckles.

Elmer: I tried to get Brett to work with me. Seems like that’s not an option for this tribal. Try and see if you can get Erin on board. If you’re as close with her as you claim to be, you could get her to join us.

Penny: Erin isn’t going with us. She wants to stick with the Mitzi-Brett thing.

Elmer: So I’m done? No hope?

Penny: Even if I flipped to help you, that wouldn't be enough votes. This is really hard for me, Elmer.

Elmer: I know, Penny. I know.

Elmer is in the shelter, sitting with Oberon, both watching Mitzi and Ingrid very obviously doing their best to ignore the other’s presence as they go about working at camp.

Elmer: [whisper] There’re gonna be fireworks when we go to tribal.

Mitzi beckons to Erin and the two girls walk off. The group of seven is sitting in a circle in the ocean, talking about that night’s vote very openly. Ingrid glares daggers at them from the beach, looking fowl. Terrence is swaying in the hammock, watching them.

Brett: We can’t split the votes. We don’t have the numbers.

Mitzi: You’re right. We can take out either Ingrid or Terrence. Personally, I say Ingrid. She’s done dirty by me, a lot more than Terrence has, and if those four have an idol – Oberon, Ingrid, Terrence or Elmer – they’re least likely to play it on Ingrid. It’s the best bet we’ve got.

Brett: I don’t know. I think Elmer is more of a threat, and so is Terrence. He’s smarter, fitter, sociable – a lot of traits that make him a better person to take out than Ingrid.

Erin: It could also mean they’re more likely to play an idol on him if they think we’re putting our 7 votes on him. We only have one shot so we can’t waste our votes.

Peter: It’s possible they’ll think the same thing, and if they have an idol, they could play it on Ingrid if they figure out we’ve dumped all our votes on her for being the least likely to have an idol. It could work both ways.

Mitzi: So Ingrid?

Brett: Not Elmer?

Mitzi: Another time. Not tonight.

Erin: We have to make a decision.

Aisha: I say Terrence. I grew sick of him on Los Lagartos. He just refuses to go home. It’s ridiculous how many close shaves the kid’s been getting.

Brett: I say Terrence too. He’s more of a threat than Ingrid is. I barely know Ingrid. But she’s not much of a threat.

Erin: Never underestimate your opponents.

Peter: I say we vote out Ingrid. She was a total [censored] back on Las Tortugas because of a bunch of comments she found snideful. She needs to [censored] and let loose.

He laughs and Aisha shoots him a look dripping with dislike and contempt.

Callum: I wouldn't mind taking out Yvonne 2.0. [laughs] Seriously! Are all the old women in this game going to be so uptight and have sticks up their [censored]? [censored] her. You girls are cool cos you’re not old and boring.

Aisha: Gee, thanks.

Penny: Very flattering.

Callum and Peter share a high-five.

Penny rolls her eyes.

Brett, Peter and Callum are out of the water, and now having a quick discussion out of earshot of the girls.

Brett: So what do you guys want to do?

Callum: I say screw Elmer and his pitch. He’s a fool. Does he not remember the way he and Oberon and Ingrid treated us back on Las Tortugas? Oberon’s good now, he can sit pretty with that necklace around his neck. Good for him. Whatever. I think Mitzi’s a total sociopath but I can work with her.

Peter: Callum brings up a good point. It makes sense to work with Mitzi right now.

Brett: Though Elmer is a big threat, he’s right in that Mitzi has more power over Erin. And if we stick with this alliance all the way, Mitzi and the girls will outnumber the three of us when we reach final seven.

Peter: Whatever decision we make, we make as a group. The three of us. If Erin really has left us for Mitzi and the girls, so be it. We can deal with that later when we come down to it. For now, I think we stay the course.

Everyone is preparing for tribal. Oberon and Terrence give each other a little mock hug.

Terrence: Congrats on your immunity. You earned it, bro.

Oberon: I’ve got your back, man.

Mitzi passes by Peter.

Mitzi: Are we good on tonight?

Peter: Yes. I’m down. 100%.

Mitzi: Great. I just really want this to work out the way we planned it to.

Oberon watches the exchange from afar as he dons his new necklace.

The sky rapidly darkens in the familiar transition shot as the tribe heads to tribal council; their first visit as a newly merged tribe. Donning their indigo buffs, everyone sets their torches down in their usual spots and take their seats on the stumps.

Jeff: Now bringing in our first member of the jury: Darnell, voted out at the last tribal council.

Everyone turns to look as Darnell walks in, dressed in a cyan polo t-shirt and white shorts. He gives Elmer a small smile, and the latter shakes his head, smiling as well. Penny watches him, concerned.

Jeff: So, Alius Diversus. New tribe, whole new game. Erin, tell me about the dynamics of this new tribe.

Erin: I’d like to say we’re all cozy and singing Kumbaya around the fire, but we’re not. I think everyone here can see that we split off into two very clear factions.

Jeff: And they are…?

Erin: Me, Mitzi, Aisha, Penny…Brett, Callum and Peter.

Jeff: Which would leave Elmer, Oberon, Ingrid and Terrence on the outside looking in. Oberon, so that would mean you really needed tonight’s immunity.

Oberon: I did. [laughs] I’m very happy to have won.

Jeff: And Brett – if this kind of majority alliance has been established and is known among the group, then it’s a simple matter of taking your pick of either Terrence, Ingrid or Elmer to send home.

Brett: That would be a correct assumption, yes.

Jeff: It also means that with a majority so clearly established right now, all the more reason for someone to want to shake the game up and make a crazy move.

Brett: In a game full of crazy moves, staying loyal and doing nothing is also just as unexpected. I want to think about this clinically and be smart about what I do. Making moves for the sake of making moves isn’t smart.

Peter: I agree. You know, some people – when they’re desperate and know they’re screwed – will try to do and say anything and promise people the world if it means they can stay another three days. But tonight, our alliance has a consensus on who among that small group should be going home. Big moves should be made, yes. But timing is crucial in this game.

Jeff: Is the theme of ‘who’s a bigger threat than who’ coming up?

Peter: Yes. But I think everyone poses a threat on some level. It’s just to what extent of a threat they pose in the game. Some people may be physically fitter than others…

Elmer fidgets next to Terrence.

Peter:…some people may be smarter than others…

Ingrid pushes her spectacles up, listening without looking at Peter.

Peter:…and some people may just be plain likeable, which is also a threat in its own way.

Terrence quivers.

Peter: That’s what makes the strategy so convoluted. Sometimes the choice of who is the right person to send home is blurred.

Jeff: So, Elmer, for someone who’s clearly on the bottom, what do you do to ensure it’s not you that goes home?

Elmer: I scramble. Me, Terrence and Ingrid, we’ve all been scrambling. And if I go home tonight, or rather, to join Darnell on the jury, it just makes Las Tortugas seem all the more like a tribe full of flops and failures.

He laughs.

Jeff: Terrence, you were almost sent home last tribal. You were on your way home when you narrowly avoided elimination.

Darnell nods empathetically.

Jeff: And yet, here you are, once again on the bottom.

Terrence: Well…[sigh]…if there’s any consolation, I’m not alone on the bottom anymore. [laughs] I share that spot with a couple others. It just goes to show that sometimes a change or a shift in the game doesn’t always mean that you become safer or less safe than you were before.

Jeff: Ingrid, your name was mentioned as one of those among the bottom. Afraid it’s you tonight?

Ingrid: I’m very afraid, Jeff. There are people here who want me gone because of mutual dislike.

Jeff: Such as?

Ingrid: Mitzi and Peter.

Mitzi smiles, shaking her head. Peter rolls his eyes at Callum.

Ingrid: I mean, I know I’m a viable option for going home tonight. It sucks but…it is what it is. Tribals haven’t been easy for me.

Jeff: Mitzi, does this link back to previous tribals and events? Is Ingrid a target tonight because of what happened on your old tribe?

Mitzi: Yes. I think we were both glad to be rid of each other at the tribe swap. It’s the whole reason why Terrence became targeted in the first place. And with such a big number at tonight’s tribal, it really does spice up what goes on here. Past feuds play a big part in votes, as well as trust in one’s alliance.

Brett bites his upper lip, thinking. Erin casts him a sideways look. Penny inhales steadily, turning to share a look with Elmer, who shoots her a hopeful expression.

Jeff: Elmer, being on the bottom is not a fun position to be in. And you being a threat isn’t something that can be easily hidden or disguised. What do you do in this situation? You’re clearly a very strong player from what others have said about you, and that makes you, unfortunately, a target. Because people are intimidated by you.

Elmer: I’m flattered, I guess. I have relationships with people on this tribe, though not everyone stays loyal to that-

Penny glances at him. Darnell snorts.

Elmer: I just have to trust in my minority mates.

Oberon chuckles.

Elmer: It’s tough but we don’t give up. We persevere.

Jeff: Alright, I’ve heard enough. It’s time to see whether or not a big move will be made tonight and which one of you will be getting the boot. It is time to vote. Terrence, you’re up.

Terrence gets up to vote and the music kicks into action. Mitzi rests her hand in her hands, looking happy to be at tribal for once. Brett shares a look with Peter and nods.

Transition shots of people walking to and from the voting booth fade in and out.

Mitzi looks straight ahead, unfazed. Elmer shuts his eyes, looking glum. Terrence slumps his shoulders, putting his hood up. Darnell watches as people pass by him, a no-nonsense look on his face.

Finally, Penny approaches the voting booth. Elmer watches her, somber. Darnell is looking at him, unmoving.

She returns.

Jeff: I’ll go tally the votes.

Elmer turns to look at Brett. Brett is nodding to Mitzi, and Erin pats her on the back. Penny rubs her temples, looking interally conflicted.

Jeff: If anyone has the hidden immunity idol and you want to play it, now would be the time to do so.

No one budges.

Jeff: Alright, 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.

Darnell looks excited. Terrence takes a deep breath. Penny folds her arms, watching Probst unfold the first vote.

Jeff: First vote…Mitzi.

Mitzi is already shaking her head.

Jeff: Mitzi.

She twitches slightly.

Jeff: Mitzi. That’s three votes Mitzi.

Ingrid bites the inside of her cheek. Brett shares a look with Peter.

Jeff: Ingrid. One vote Ingrid.

Ingrid sighs.

Jeff: Ingrid. That’s two votes Ingrid.

Ingrid shakes her head.

Ingrid: [whisper] I knew it.

Jeff: Ingrid. Three votes Ingrid, three votes Mitzi.

Ingrid: [whisper] I’m a goner.

Jeff: Mitzi. Four votes Mitzi.

Mitzi grinds her teeth, annoyed.

Jeff: Ingrid. We are tied. Four votes Ingrid, four votes Mitzi.

Peter nods, watching the votes being read. Erin smiles.

Jeff: Ingrid. That’s five votes Ingrid, four votes Mitzi, two votes left.

Ingrid pats Oberon on the knee.

Ingrid: Good luck.

Jeff: Eighth person voted out of Survivor: Cayman Islands and the second member of our jury…Ingrid. That’s six, that’s enough, you need to bring me your torch.

Ingrid gets to her feet, slinging her bags over her shoulders. She hugs Oberon and Terrence.

Ingrid: Good luck boys.

Elmer nods.

Terrence mouths to Elmer.

Terrence: Only four votes?

Elmer glances at Penny. Penny avoids looking directly at him. Over on the jury, Darnell is shaking his head, unsurprised.

Brett watches guiltily as Ingrid passes by him and the boys. Mitzi is smirking to herself, tossing her hair over her shoulder with a triumphant air surrounding her.

Ingrid slowly puts her torch down, looking crestfallen.

Jeff: Ingrid. Your tribe has spoken.

She smiles in disappointment as he snuffs her torch.

Mitzi smiles confidently. Brett grins tentatively at Peter, who is chuckling to himself. Oberon sighs. Elmer shakes his head, frustrated, brow furrowed.

Jeff: Time for you to go.

She nods and walks slowly by him, nose in the air. Terrence puckers up his lips, gazing at her back, upset. Penny inhales shakily, turning to look at Erin, who nods at her in reassurance. Elmer is murmuring bad words under his breath.

Jeff: Well, already there is a clear majority and a clear minority on this tribe. And for those of you in the minority, that is not good news. Tonight’s vote shows how events of the past can have a big influence on the future. But as everyone knows, anything and everything can and most probably will occur. This is a game all about making moves at the right time, and that’s what makes Survivor so complex. Grab your stuff and head on back to camp, goodnight.

Next Time on Survivor...

 * Penny has to deal with being labeled a ‘traitor’.

Elmer: Is that what you did to Darnell too?

Penny: No! That’s completely different!

Elmer: You betrayed him, and me. Even though we saved you. I don’t want to hold a grudge, but the fact of the matter is, you could have gone home twice, and we kept you around, and yet you’re turning on me like this.

Penny: I just…I know I’m being stupid. I know.

Terrence: It’s okay, Penny. Just let it out.


 * Elmer, Oberon and Terrence are fighting a losing battle on a sinking ship.


 * Oberon is marked a physical threat.

Brett: I say that if he doesn’t win the next immunity, we cut him off.


 * And both Mitzi and Brett are itching to make a move…

Life at Ponderosa #2
Life at Ponderosa #2: Ingrid

Ingrid is sitting at a table with a plate of eggs, bacon and pancakes in front of her, smiling serenely.

Ingrid: Hi, my name is Ingrid Boehtz, I’m a contestant on Survivor: Cayman Islands and this is my Ponderosa.

A clip is shown of Ingrid gingerly putting her torch in front of Probst.

Jeff: Ingrid, your tribe has spoken. [snuffs torch]

The scene picks up from where the episode left off. Ingrid is walking along through the forest at night, with the camera filming her as she goes.

Ingrid: I just got voted off. It was by no means a blindside, I mean, I saw it coming. When it came down to it, I knew Mitzi wanted me gone from the moment I turned my back on her.

She sighs.

Ingrid: I don’t think there was anything I could’ve done. There was a lot of debate leading up to that vote. It was mostly a debate within the majority. I could tell they were having trouble deciding whether to cut me or Terrence loose. But though I can see the boys from Las Caimanes wanted to make a move, they just decided it wasn’t the right time. Elmer and Oberon made a good pitch, so did Terrence. But it wasn’t enough. This game is all about decisions, so…a lot can come affect the outcome of a vote. The odds just were not in my favor when all was said and done, and my mistake was my social game with Mitzi.

Ingrid arrives at the medical hut.

Ingrid: Hello!

Dr. Joe: So do you remember how much you weighed before the season?

Ingrid: Not in the slightest. I think 164? My memory’s foggy. I was already light to begin with.

She steps onto the weighing machine.

Dr. Joe: 153. You lost 11 lbs.

Ingrid gets into a truck, which begins driving her to Ponderosa.

Ingrid: My thoughts on how I went out? I’m just glad to be a part of this game in the first place. I nearly went home third because of Aidan. But I’m here. I think my storyline has been done. I’m satisfied and excited to be on the jury. I hope my family is happy to see that I’m happy. That’s really all there is to it. There are some big personalities left in the game and it’ll make for an explosive season, especially with Mitzi still in it.

Ingrid and Darnell meet at the entrance of the resort.

Ingrid: Hellooo!

She embraces Darnell in greeting, then shakes his hand.

Ingrid: It’s nice to finally meet you!

Darnell: Yeah, you too.

Ingrid: Sucks that it had to be like this. [laughs]

Darnell: You have to tell me everything that went down. I’m dying for some info. Come on, I’ll take you to your room.

Ingrid follows Darnell to her room, which is spick and span and cool.

Ingrid: Wow. I’ve missed a room like this. [laughs]

She heads into the bathroom to look at herself in the mirror.

Ingrid: Good grief. I mean, I don’t have to shave a beard or anything but still, I look haggard as hell.

Darnell: You’re telling me. [laughs]

Next time she is seen, Ingrid is joining Darnell at the table, with a plate heaped with fresh bread, pizza, healthy greens and mushrooms, mashed potatoes and a pitcher of zesty orange juice.

Ingrid: I’m starving. Oh, utensils. How adorable.

Darnell: So what was the deal at camp? It was the seven of them versus the four of you?

Ingrid: That was the way it was almost as soon as the merged tribe hit the beach. Mitzi has a lot of power. How was she on your tribe?

Darnell: Powerful.

Ingrid: She was not at all like that on our old tribe. She was on the bottom, on the outs…and as soon as the swap hit, even though she got votes, she became the Queen Bee. She got the girls under her thumb, the guys too.

Darnell: Unbelievable.

Ingrid: I don’t think she’ll last long, and I’m not voting for her no matter how strong of a game she played.

Darnell: I could vote for her if she made it to the end. I doubt she will, but I would.

Ingrid: She might, if people deem her unlikeable enough.

Darnell: I saw the looks Brett kept shooting you guys. What was that about?

Ingrid takes a big gulp of juice.

Ingrid: He was a swing vote. He and the guys. But I doubted they’d make a move yet. They want to wait and bide their time, which irks me to no end.

The next morning, Ingrid is sitting at another table, doodling in her notebook aimlessly, as Darnell shuffles his deck of cards, propping his feet up on the railing.

Ingrid: Who do you think’s going to join us as the third juror?

Darnell: Brett and the boys will want to make a move, most likely. If that’s the case, Mitzi’s a goner.

Ingrid: I doubt it, I really do. Mitzi holds a lot of power but she’s also a total [censored]. She’s staying. I have a feeling it may be a guy leaving next. I worry for Oberon and Elmer. But Brett himself could get the boot; him or Peter, if Mitzi decides to go crazy again.

Darnell: Heh. I wish I was still in the game.

Ingrid: So do I, but at least now our jobs are to observe. We can stay out of the complications for now.

Darnell: You want to play badminton or volleyball?

Ingrid: I’m game. I can’t wait to play with whoever comes next.

Ingrid is now taking a jog down the beach, listening to music through her earbuds.

Ingrid: I came into this game wanting to prove that I could do it. And while my story had ups and downs, doesn’t every story? I had fun. I lasted to the merge. I lasted to the jury. I got to go on some cool rewards. And I made friendships that will last a lifetime.

Her hair billowing in the wind, Ingrid slows down to a trot, turning to face the ocean, smiling freely and confidently.

Ingrid: I had a hell of a time. From nearly going home third to making it here…it would’ve been nice to go further. But I am satisfied. And that’s all that matters. And I can’t wait to watch and see how the rest of my friends do.

Author's Notes

 * The episode title was said by Ingrid with regards to her friendship-turned-enmity with Mitzi.