Smooth, Raph

Smooth, Raph is the 8th episode of patricotc's Survivor: Espana.

Challenges
Reward Challenge: End of the Line You will race through this ropes course while attached to a carabiner. At several junctions throughout the course, you will need to attach another carabiner, remove the first one, and then continue on. The same philosophy applies to several checkpoints along the way. Also at those checkpoints are a bag of puzzle pieces. Once you finish the ropes course, you will sort out the puzzle pieces to solve the puzzle. First person to get it right wins. Reward: A trip to a historical location nearby, as well as a picnic.

Immunity Challenge: Chimney Sweep You will be standing on these narrow footholds. You can brace your arms on the wall to support you, but you can't lean on the wall. Every 20 minutes, you will step down to a smaller foothold. If you fall, you're out. Last person standing wins

Previously On Survivor...
The merge meant that everything would get mixed up. Jack, Joan, and Jeffery formed an alliance, as well as Matthew, Susan, and Sue. After an earthquake, Ramon and Joan tried to form one as well. They tried to get Virginia and Raphael on their tribe. After Jack won the immunity challenge, they made their move. But The duo had other plans, sending Joan out of the game. After tribal, Larry asked to talk. Ten are left. Who will be voted out tonight?

We're still at Tribal.
We rejoin last week's tribal council.

Probst: Grab your torches. Head back to camp. Good night.

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

Probst: Go ahead.

As Jeff sits down, Larry begins to speak.

Larry: These past 3 weeks have been rough. I'm not going to lie. After last night's events, I'm a little worried that I'm not going to be able to do this anymore.

Everyone is starting to wonder what this means.

Probst: Just to be clear, what are you saying?

Larry: I'd like to quit the game.

No one liked that announcement.

Probst: Let's put my normal lack of respect for quitters aside for a second. We just voted Joan out a few minutes ago. One of those votes was your own. Her reaction was clearly frustrated. Because of you, she can't win the million dollar prize. And now, you want to walk. How is that fair to her?

Larry: She agreed to that possibility before the season began.

Probst: Well, nevertheless, it's kind of a pathetic elimination. If the rules let me, I'd call her back in right now so she can relight her torch and play again. So, with that in mind, are you sure that this is what you want to do?

Larry: Yes.

Probst: Alright. Bring me your torch.

Larry takes his torch to Jeff. Without saying a word, he dumps water on the torch, breaks it over his right knee, and throws it in the fire. Larry just walks out.

Probst: Well, they say that the true sign of an honorable person is how they overcome adversity. We'll see how that happens for you. The good news about Larry's decision is that you all will be here on day 40. Whether you are sitting on these stools or in the jury box remains to be seen. Grab your torches. Head back to camp. Good night.

As they walk out, Jeff grimaced a little bit.

Initial reactions
After the title sequence, we get to the initial reactions.

Ramon: Well, that was a waste of time.

Julia: No.

Confessional-Ramon: If you're going to play this game, play it. You just saw what Jeff did. Do you want to go through that? I don't think so.

Susan: Do you think Jeff's going to be okay? I think he was clenching his teeth afterwards.

Virginia passes by.

Raphael: Are you kidding me? That guy will require a lot more to get hurt seriously. And he's older than Virginia.

This comment made Susan snicker a little. As well as Virginia.

Virginia: He is.

Day #22
There wasn't really much going on that morning. Virginia had just got a fire started. So everyone made a plan for the day.

Jeffery: Alright. Someone needs to do some fishing.

Ramon: I'll join you for that.

Susan: I'll get some water later.

Virginia: Might want to do that after breakfast. We're going to be completely out afterwards.

Susan: Alright.

Sue: These dishes really need to be washed.

Jack: We'll need to tend to the shelters. The roofs are really terrible.

Raphael: I'll tend to the fire.

Confessional- Raphael: Everyone is making their plans for today. And it seems like we're going to be rather busy. So we may not get a whole lot of time this morning for strategizing. So we'll need to wait this lull out.

A little bit later, the work is done. Time for the gameplay aspect to begin, right? Well, a thunderstorm approached, forcing everyone into the shelter.

Raphael: You're kidding me.

They all climb in. Fortunately, production had decided to put hidden cameras into the shelters. So, we know exactly what happened. Sue's luxury item is a deck of cards. Being on her lonesome, you may as well play Solitarie. Let's head over to Jack and Susan.

Susan: So, how have you been?

Jack: Alright. Yourself?

Susan: Alright. Thanks for asking.

During the awkward silence, we'll transition to Raph and Julia.

Julia: If I win the reward challenge, you have to make the make the rice for the next three days.

Raphael: But if I win, you have to wash dishes for that time frame.

Julia: Deal.

Over to Ramon and Matthew.

Ramon: I'm telling you. It was this big.

Given that his hands are as far apart as they go, I'm guessing he's talking about a fish. Nevertheless,

Matthew: Yeah, and I've won an Oscar.

Over at the last shelter,

Virginia: The Starvation Matchups are a terrible concept. Who would volunteer for that?

Jeffery: Apparently, Doggerta would.

By nightfall, the storm had passed. Just not the rain. But a little bit of rain won't stop Survivors from doing whatever it takes to earn the million.

Ramon: Truth or dare?

Raphael: Dare.

Ramon: I dare you to jump in the river.

Confessional-Susan: We were just relaxing. Playing truth or dare. Definitely one of our better moments.

Raphael: ACK! DAMN, THAT'S SO --- COLD!

Virginia: That's what happens when it rains.

Raphael: Alright, Susan. You're up. Truth or dare?

Okay, so it sounds like we're going to get back to that. But right now, we have a challenge to get to.

The Reward Challenge
The End of the Line challenge set was a mess. Not only were there a bunch of ropes tied up to a degree of obscurity, but two straight days of rain meant that the ground underneath it was soft. This is a concern for Jeff, as he is wearing a hard knee brace.

Probst: COME ON IN, GUYS!

The Gamma tribe comes in single file. As the tribe stands on the mat, a little concern arose.

Susan: Nice hardware.

Probst: Was just about to mention that. So, you remember my actions at the last Tribal Council.

One response stood out from the rest.

Ramon: Can't get it out of my mind.

Probst: Well, Dr. Brendan took a look at my knee afterwards. It got dislocated as a result. And as a result, my recovery plan states that I can't overwork my knee. If you take a look at the challenge, that's bound to happen, so I'm sorry to say that I won't be commentating today. John [Kirhoffer] will let you know if you need to correct anything. So, shall we get to it?

Everyone apparently understood.

Probst: For today's challenge, you will race through this ropes course while attached to a carabiner. At several junctions throughout the course, you will need to attach another carabiner, remove the first one, and then continue on. The same philosophy applies to several checkpoints along the way. Also at those checkpoints are a bag of puzzle pieces. Once you finish the ropes course, you will sort out the puzzle pieces to solve the puzzle. First person to get it right wins reward. Do you want to know what you're playing for?

The dream team shots showed that the puzzle was the season logo.

Probst: First person to finish will be airlifted to the Llotja in Palma, where they will enjoy a bit of local history, views of castles, and a nice lunch of... does anyone have peanut allergies?

Nope.

Probst: PB&J, Serrano ham, chocolate chip cookies, and a nice cold glass of milk to wash it down.

The reaction was priceless.

Probst: We'll draw for spots. We'll get started.

After the wipe, it's noticeable that the third rope from the right at the starting line is vacant.

Probst: Here we go. For reward. Survivors ready?

As the tribe gets set, there's a lot of determination.

Probst: Go! I don't feel like writing a full play by play. So let's just sum this thing up. Susan got off to an early lead, and maintained that throughout the first checkpoint. By the second checkpoint, it was very clear that Ramon had taken over. The third checkpoint had a close race between him and Jeffery, who lead through the final checkpoint and going into the puzzle. Julia and Virginia were neck and neck throughout the challenge, and came 4th and 5th to the puzzle, respectively, albeit only by seconds. Sue, Jack, Raphael, and Matthew took several wrong turns throughout the checkpoints, and amongst them, Jack was the only one to make it to the puzzle at all.

Jeffery did very well with the puzzle to start, but dropped a piece, forcing him to mess up later on. Susan, Ramon and Susan couldn't really make heads or tails of the puzzle. Julia and Virginia scurried along with the challenge, and one finished a couple of seconds ahead of the other. Jack only had enough time to get the pieces out of the bag, when the challenge was finally declared.

Probst: VIRGINIA WINS REWARD!

The ones who did make the puzzle were disappointed. As Jeffery realized his problem, he used a redacted word. As the ones who didn't reach the puzzle came out of the woods, it was clear they were just happy it was over.

Probst: Virginia, you are going to get to go to Palma. Excited?

Virginia: Yes I am.

Probst: Alright. You'll be taken in this car coming up to your right. This is the same car the Sole Survivor will be driving out of the reunion show in. It's a 2017 Galaxy Phoenix with 4 wheel drive and a rear view camera. It seats 5. You'll need the driver to go along with you. And I'm guessing taking 3 will be a tight fit. So pick 2 people to go with you.

Virginia: Raph, you like this stuff. Ramon, you like peanut butter. Let's go.

Raph and Ramon get all gleeful.

Probst: Alright. Buckle up, and have fun. Say hi to the concessions lady for me. Everyone else, I have nothing for you. Grab your stuff. Head back to camp.

The Thrill of Victory...
At the reward, Virginia, Ramon, and Raph are greeted by a tour guide.

Natalie: Hello, everyone.

Raphael: Hi.

Ramon: Hello, mam.

Virginia: Why, howdy.

Natalie: I'm Natalie. I'll be your tour guide for the afternoon.

Confessional-Raphael: We get out to Llotja, and we are greeted by probably the most beautiful girl I've met. Brown hair, grey eyes. Oh, man.

Natalie: So, this used to be the center of trading here in Palma. The camera has a weird flash on to Raph, looking just flat out dumbfounded.

Confessional-Raphael: Then she went into these stories about ancient civilization. And I'm thinking that I may be able to use my geography experience to make a move.

Natalie: Up top, in the sanctuary, was where they worshipped.

Raphael: I can't help but to notice that the sanctuary is on a hill. They normally did that, and somewhat still today, because of a belief that God is to be praised from the highest place, so that all who see know that God is most important in this town.

Natalie: My husband mentioned that when we were dating. You two would get along wonderfully.

Ramon (captioned): Smooth, Raph.

Confessional-Raphael: Well, in my defense, she wasn't wearing a ring. That would've tipped me off.

Natalie: So, to your left is a...

Confessional-Natalie: I knew exactly what the guy with flat hair was trying to do. And as sweet of a guy as he seems to be, I've done the whole long distance thing before. And I'd rather not do it again. So I just made up a lie and said I'm married. That seemed to get him to stop.

Virginia: So, I believe we are off to lunch now.

Natalie: Alright.

Well, the food looked good. Even if it did seem like one thing was off. Not the ham. The dedicated focus on the game. But that doesn't go very well, either.

Raphael: So, are you feeling confident about Sue?

Virginia: I'm surprised that it was a legitimate offer, honestly. I figured that Joan was tricking us into deflecting our votes.

Confessional-Virginia: I'm wanting Sue gone for various reasons. But amongst them is that she will make a great asset in the jury phase. I don't think she gets too jealous over these types of things. And she's very open minded to various viewpoints. So we need to see her on the jury as a crucial swing vote.

Ramon: So you guys are thinking Sue?

Raphael: Yeah.

Confessional-Ramon: Oh, man. I wish Larry had quit a few minutes sooner. Would've been awesome to have Sue gone right now. But I can definitely work with this. No doubt about that.

Ramon: Well, it looks like you have three right now. I don't know. Maybe we can convince others.

Virginia: Alright.

Confessional-Raphael: To have Ramon on our side is going to be a game changer. But, that makes a three way tie between Sue, Virginia, and Ramon. So, we're going to need to boost the numbers somehow.

...and the Agony of Defeat
Meanwhile, back at camp, it's back to the usual time killing devices. The rain had still not let up, so it's somewhat miserable.

Julia: Let's go out to the river.

Jack: I'm down for that.

Confessional-Jeffery: So, we've had a couple of rewards that involve a bit of time away from camp. Virginia, Raph, and Ramon were on both. So I'm wondering if it's time for one of them to start packing for Ponderosa.

By the bank, Matthew and Susan are shooting the rice bags.

Susan: I'm just generically nervous.

Matthew: Well, it's Survivor. What's there to be nervous about?

Confessional-Matthew: I'm wondering about Julia. She seems like the type who can be a ringleader if you let her. That's not good.

In the river,

Jack: So, I'm thinking we should stick to the original plan.

Jeffery: Problem is, that leads to a tie.

Jack: Between Sue, Virginia, and Ramon. That leaves two in one alliance, and one in another, giving us the upper hand.

Julia: Fair point.

Confessional-Julia: Jack can be scary, bringing up numbers like that. It shows that he's a threat. But he's a valuable portion of the J's alliance. So he's going to be necessary to keep around.

Julia: What if Raphael flips, though?

Jeffery: You know? This is making my head hurt. Can we talk about this tomorrow?

Julia and Jack (in unison): Sure.

Meanwhile, another discussion is ongoing.

Matthew: So I'm thinking that Julia needs to go tomorrow.

Susan: Playmaker concerns?

Matthew: Yeah

Sue: I'm down with that.

Confessional-Sue: This alliance may not serve me well come crunch time. But it's all I got right now. So I'm going to try to respect it, and hopefully survive long enough to flip on them.

That night, Virginia and Susan were in the same shelter.

Virginia: You never did answer that question last night.

Susan: The truth or dare one?

Virginia: Yeah.

Confessional-Susan: I was not about to answer a question about that for Raphael. Especially after his comments in the hotel. But just between Virginia and I, it may be safe.

Susan: I found out that I'm bisexual night one. We didn't have fire yet, so we were forced to sort of spoon each other. Ronda was right behind me. Every time I saw her the next day, I couldn't stop thinking about her. She pulled me aside that night to apologize. One thing led to another, and now we're a couple.

Virginia: Wow. Three weeks ago.

Confessional-Virginia: To hear Susan's way of explaining it. I wasn't expecting it to be this recent of a discovery. But in any case, she made it. So I'm going to try to respect it.

The Immunity Challenge
The Chimney Sweep challenge site. So sexy. Eleven wooden walls set up side by side. Footholds on every one of them. It's going to be awesome.

Probst: COME ON IN, GUYS!

Julia (captioned): Not this challenge.

Screw you, Julia. This is fun. The tribe sets up shop.

Probst: Alright. Ate you ready to get to today's immunity challenge?

Julia: As ready as I'm gonna be.

Probst: Julia, I take it you're not a fan of this one.

Julia: I figured I'd be back at camp in a couple of hours.

Probst: You figured wrong. First things first. Jack, I'll take it back.

Jack: You're hurting. I'll take it to you.

But Jack still makes him take it off.

Probst: Thank you. Once again, immunity is back up for grabs. For today's challenge, you will be standing on these narrow footholds. You can brace your arms on the wall to support you, but you can't lean on the wall. Every 20 minutes, you will step down to a smaller foothold.

The dream team shots show that there are four total footholds.

Probst: If you fall, you're out. Last person standing wins immunity. Guaranteed a one in eight shot at the million dollar prize. We'll draw for spots. We'll get started.

After the wipe,

Probst: Alright, everyone get into position. A reminder you cannot use your shoulder, hips, butt, or knees. Head and forearms are fine.

As they get into position, it's clear that the spot on the far right is vacant.

Probst: This challenge is on. We'll go 20 minutes here. Interesting trivia...

A time lapse begins here, but the editors let Jeff finish his thought. Throughout the lapse, both shots of the contest and the clouds moving are in the shot, roughly alternating. Probst: We are 4,235 feet above sea level, making this challenge harder than normal because of the air pressure. You will probably start to feel it here soon.

The time lapse ends.

Probst: We are 10 minutes in. Sue readjusting again. She drops. We're down to 8. Take a spot on the bench.

Another time lapse.

Susan (singing): We're not gonna take it, anymore.

Probst: Alright. Go ahead and step down to the next foothold. If you fall, you're out. Such is the life for Susan. She's out. We're down to seven. 5...4...3...2...1... Jack did not transition fast enough. He's out. We're down to 6.

After the next time lapse, the sit outs have made buff puppets.

An on screen graphic reads: ELAPSED TIME 34 MINUTES

Jack (for puppet): I ate his hands.

Sue (for puppet): CARRRRRLLL!

Probst: Entertainment will be distracting. Fight it. Another move by Virginia. She drops. We're down to five. Another time lapse.

Probst: Alright. Next Transition. No sooner than I say that does Ramon drop. 5...4...3...2...1... We're down to four and four only. Make that three. Jeffery drops. Matthew drops. Fittingly side by side are Julia and Raphael.

Another time skip.

Probst: We're 50 minutes in. Julia readjusting.

Raphael: Oh no.

Probst: Raphael's pants are dropping.

He goes to readjust them and falls face first into the ground. Had it not been for the softness, it would've been much more painful. Admittedly, it would've been more hilarious, too. But, that's not how it happened.

Probst: Raphael literally falls. JULIA WINS IMMUNITY!

Raphael: Stupid pants.

After the wipe, everyone is in position.

Probst: Julia, come get it.

She grabs the necklace.

Probst: Julia is safe from tonight's vote. One of you guys, however, are not. I'll give you the rest of the afternoon to think about it. Grab your stuff. Head back to camp.

Tribal Council
We're having some trouble keeping up with the clock. And nothing happened during the final scramble anyhow. So we're going to go ahead and skip to tribal council.

Probst: Well, it's still raining. Are you guys staying dry enough?

Ramon: We're too busy worrying about the game to stay dry.

Raphael: I jumped into the river while it was raining a couple nights ago. I think I can handle a little rain.

Probst: Matt, do you have any thoughts about who Virginia invited onto reward?

Matthew: I know she has partnered with Raphael before. But not Ramon. So it does make me wonder what's going on with that.

Probst: Julia, do you have any concerns about how to vote tonight?

Julia: No. I'm just planning on going with that I had originally planned on at camp.

Probst: Alright. Julia has immunity. You can not vote for Julia. Everybody else is fair game. It is time to vote. Jack, you're up.

Jack (for Virginia): Personally strategy.

Susan (for Ramon): We can't trust you with this alliance.

Raphael (for Sue): Let's end this right now.

As Raphael comes back, we're ready to go.

Probst: I'll go tally the votes.

Jeff walks over to the bridge. A producer them hands him the votes, and he walks back to give his lines.

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.

A little bit of concern from Virginia.

Probst: First vote. Virginia. Sue. One vote Virginia, one vote Sue. Ramon. One vote Ramon. Virginia. 2 votes Virginia, one vote Sue, one vote Ramon. Sue. Two votes Sue. Ramon. Tied again. Two votes Virginia. Two votes Sue. Two votes Ramon. Virginia. Sue. Three votes Virginia, three votes Sue, two votes Ramon. One vote left. Ramon. We're tied.

Not a whole lot of surprise.

Probst: Okay. We're going to revote. Virginia, Sue, Ramon, you will not vote. Everybody else will only vote for Virginia, Sue, or Ramon. Jack, you're up. Take the urn with you.

Still in the Running
Photo background depicts original tribe. Table background depicts current tribe. Green is Ardilla, red is Musaraña, white means still in the running, and black means eliminated.

Next Time on Survivor...
Castaways are getting into arguments.

Sue: GET BACK HERE, FAT ASS!

Julia: OVER MY DEAD BODY!

And some members of the tribe get stateside news.

Digitally altered voice: OH MY GOOOOOOOD!

Final Words
The results of the first vote were displayed during the final words.

Confessional-Virginia: I'm definitely not concerned about the vote. I probably didn't do anything to deserve it, but I am not concerned. Everybody's playing the end game right now. So I'm sure that we're going to see a lot of these decisions. But they can take in all the crap they want. I'm taking in pancakes. Peace out.

Voting Confessionals
I didn't write any for the second round because I didn't realize until now that they would be necessary. Due to the nature of the third vote, there wouldn't be any voting confessionals. Therefore, these are only the first vote's confessionals.

Matthew (for Ramon): I do this with regret.

Julia (for Virginia) I'll see you in a few days.

Ramon (For Sue): I like you. But just not in the game.

Sue (for Ramon): Go to Hell.

Jeffery (for Virginia): You're like a car that has run out of fuel. It's not going to go very far.

Virginia (for Sue): Good bye. You were nice.

Author's Notes

 * The episode title was a quote from Ramon, commenting on Raph's failed flirting attempts.
 * Originally, Raph and Natalie were going to end up together post-game, and she was going to make an appearance at the reunion show. However, this was scrapped for reasons that will become obvious when the reunion show airs.
 * Originally, "the concessions lady" that Jeff mentioned was supposed to be his wife. This was scrapped due to time.
 * Originally, this episode was going to be run last week, but constant issues with my internet put those plans on hold.
 * This episode marks the first quit in patricotc's fanon series.