She's The Duchess Of Duplicity

She’s The Duchess Of Duplicity is the penultimate episode of Survivor: Mozambique - Island of Advantages.

Previously On Survivor...

 * Trixie was sent to the Island of Advantages, and won a Reward Steal.


 * Markus and Annabeth convinced Percy to join them in aligning with Carter and Christine, to target Reyna and Jacobiah first.


 * Trixie planted a fake idol in Annabeth’s bag…


 * ...and told Jacobiah about it, who planned on turning the tables onto her.


 * But in the end, Markus and Annabeth’s new voting bloc held all the power, as Reyna was forced to turn on Jacobiah to save her own skin.

Jeff: Jacobiah, the tribe has spoken.


 * Leaving Reyna all alone, on the bottom…


 * 7 are left. Who will be voted out...tonight?

Night 32
Everyone is back at the Vantagem camp. People are settling into the shelter for the night, but Annabeth is in the middle of a confrontation with Trixie.

Annabeth: You put a fake idol into my bag? Why?

Trixie shrugs.

Trixie: Why not? It’s a game, and I like to play.

Annabeth: W-What…?

Trixie: It’s just gameplay.

Annabeth: But why would you do that? Why me?

Trixie: Because I thought it’d be fun to put a target on your back. I mean, don’t take it so personal. I did the same thing with Summer and Marisa.

Percy: S-So that was you?

Trixie: Yeah, of course it was me, Perce. C’mon, that was weeks ago, you should know this.

Annabeth stares at her, flabbergasted.

"vantagem"

- I find out that the reason Jacobiah wanted to vote me out tonight was because he was under the false impression that I was in possession of a hidden immunity idol...which was fake. Trixie planted it in my bag. Trixie! Why...would she do that? It serves no strategic purpose. She didn’t even vote for me. She just wanted to spread fake news! She’s the duchess of duplicity out here. She can’t be trusted! She is so unpredictable and she really ticked me off with that move.

Trixie: Chill out, Annabeth. You’re still here, and Jacobiah’s gone. No need to ruffle your feathers.

Annabeth: I just...can’t understand why you’d think to do that.

Trixie: No one understands me. [laughing] And you shouldn’t try to.

"vantagem"

- Annabeth got her knickers all in a twist because my fake idol ploy was discovered. Stupid Jacobiah had to go and open his big fat mouth at Tribal, and he basically sealed his own fate. Not that I was gonna vote out Annabeth. Annabeth is no threat. All she ever does is leech onto the biggest player on the beach. First it was Nicholas, and now it’s Markus. She can’t play her own game. Not like me, at least. I’m in this game for me and me only, so I have no problem stepping over others like her to do it.

Markus is speaking with Carter and Christine.

Markus: That went well.

Carter: Yeah. I’m all down for this, totally.

Christine: Yeah, it’s nice to be part of a group again.

Markus: Well, I trust you guys. And I think we’re all in agreement that...Reyna goes next.

Christine: Oh, absolutely.

"vantagem"

- Me and Carter are in a much better spot than we were before because now, Reyna is back to being the biggest target left in the game. With none of her allies left and Jacobiah gone, she’s completely defenseless and with so many people on the jury who would want to see her pull through, she’s...yeah, she’s gotta go. I wouldn’t want to sit next to her at the end because she might very well beat me. Reyna has to be the one voted out next.

Day 33
In the morning, Reyna and Carter are taking a walk down the beach, each carrying coconuts in their hands back to camp.

Carter: How are you feeling after last night?

Reyna: Honestly, not great. Obviously...I kinda feel like I’m still on the bottom right now, you know?

Carter: I’m sorry. You know how it is.

Reyna: Yeah, I get it.

"vantagem"

- With Jacobiah gone, now all my allies have been eliminated from the game. It’s just...me. I’m on my own again. Now’s the time I make something happen by myself, for myself. And I’m thinking if I can name someone who’s a bigger target than me...then that’s my ticket to survival.

Reyna: I’m glad you wanted to take a walk because I was really hoping to catch you alone. Right now, I’m a free agent. Alright? I have no one else left. But I think if we work together, we can get out a really big threat in this game and it would give us all really major points on our resume. Because you know, it’s Survivor, and we all need to do something before we make it to the end if we want to win.

Carter: I know. But who are you thinking of taking out?

Reyna: I think the biggest threat on this beach, bigger than I am, has got to be Markus.

The camera cuts to Markus walking around camp with a machete in hand.

Reyna: He’s the main survivor of the Qamea massacre, Trixie and Percy aside since they both helped vote Qamea members out. Wanda brought up really good points when she tried to vote him out, and that’s that he’s got the best story, out of all of us. He’s literally the sole surviving member of his alliance. An underdog with such a rootable story is guaranteed to scoop up jury votes at the end.

Carter: I’m with you there. I don’t think I’d want to be sitting next to him either.

Reyna: Exactly. He played a pretty big role getting Nicholas out too, and he’s managed to rise to the top of this beach now, with Annabeth on his side and you and Christine in his pocket.

Carter frowns a little at that statement.

Reyna: He’s even managed to win Percy back over to him. And I assure you, eventually, he’s going to think of you as a threat too, and he’s gonna want to dispose of you.

Carter: You really think so?

Reyna: Down the road, when he doesn’t need you or Christine anymore, and when I’m out of the running, he’ll know you’re his biggest threat. He and Annabeth also make two votes. You need to cut the head off the snake before it’s too late. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Carter looks conflicted.

"vantagem"

- I’m not the kind of guy who likes betraying people. When Markus came to me with the alliance, I was on board with it, and I meant it. Yet Reyna’s words make sense. Markus is a threat in this game, and there is always a chance he turns his back on his promise that the four of us will fight for the title of Sole Survivor fair and square. Reyna’s pitch is totally sensible...and that, in a way, also makes me just as wary of her as she’s trying to make me of him.

Reyna: I’m telling you right now, I will do anything and vote whoever you say if it keeps me in. And I do think Markus would be the best option. He’s out of idols now, so now is our best shot. We do Markus next, and you and Christine are in a prime position in the game.

Carter: I give you my word, I’ll think about it.

Reyna: Okay, cool.

"vantagem"

- I’m aware Markus is a huge threat, but taking him out also takes out my biggest meat shield. Once he’s gone, who’s to say I don’t become the next biggest threat? Reyna did a really good job pitching me, but it’s also a reminder that she’s clever, and a very strategic player. Right now, I’m leaning towards sticking to the plan, and voting her out next. There’s no need to rock the boat if there’s no need to. But anything can change over the course of a couple days. I guess we’ll just have to see where the game takes me.

Carter nods at her and leaves. Reyna watches him go with narrowed eyes.

"vantagem"

- I tried to pitch blindsiding Markus with Carter, but I wasn’t picking up concrete vibes from him. And I’d be foolish to close my doors to all my options, so he’s not the only one I’m approaching to make a move. You know, you have to be adaptable in Survivor. And I’m willing to work with whoever I have to, literally anyone, to stay in this game another day. Carter may not be willing to play ball and vote out Markus...but maybe I’d have more luck the other way around.

Later in the day, Markus heads down to the water well where Reyna is waiting for him, perched on the edge.

Markus: Hey there.

Reyna: Hey. I’ve been waiting for you.

Markus sits himself up on the edge of the well alongside her.

Reyna: I’m just gonna keep this real with you. I know you know what it’s like to feel on the bottom. I do too, obviously. And you know that I’m in danger in this game right now.

Markus: I know. I don’t envy you. I still don’t feel safe, even now.

Reyna: Well, you’re in a much better spot in the game than I am right now. And look, I know there’s still some tension in the air because of the whole deal with Wanda...I hope you can look past that.

Markus: I mean, I’m always willing to hear you out. I’m not gonna hold Wanda trying to vote me out against you, I get it. It’s the game.

Reyna: Right. Thanks. Markus: So what are you going to do?

Reyna: I think you and Annabeth, right now, are like the cool kids at the party. Everyone wants to get a moment with you, people want to work with you. You two have options.

Markus: Okay.

Reyna: But eventually, if I go home next, you’re going to end up the next biggest target again, and you know it. At the end of the day, do you really think that Carter and Christine are going to work with the two of you to get rid of Trixie and Percy first?

Markus: You’re right. I don’t.

Reyna: Exactly. When push comes to shove, once you take me out, you just lost your biggest meat shield in the game. Carter and Christine will definitely get Trixie and Percy to vote you out next. The only way you stay in is if you make the move against them first. You need me here.

Markus chews on it for a bit.

Reyna: I’m the only person in the game who could be a bigger target than you right now. We have to help each other.

"vantagem"

- Do I believe Carter and Christine would honor our Final Four deal? Honestly, I have no idea. I’d like to believe they would, but it’s just as likely they pull in Trixie and Percy and vote me or Annabeth out once Reyna’s gone, since she’s the last big target on the bottom. I really do think Reyna is my biggest competition at this point, which is why I want her gone. But if I go out the door right after her, then is there really a point to me taking her out? I might need to keep her around just to keep the target off of me. My position in this game right now, i-it’s like...it’s a balancing act. I’m on a seesaw, and I’m trying to straddle the balance between playing a strong game and also staying out of people’s crosshairs. And perhaps the best way to stay out of the crosshairs is to ensure there’s an equally big target lined up right next to me, and that target’s name...could be Reyna.

Reyna: If we do Carter next, then Christine is alone and vulnerable, and she has no one. She’s not going to be able to launch a coup on you on her own. I’ll still be a target and you’ll be safe. Annabeth will be safe. I get that it’s a risk but I really do believe you need me around as much as I need you, at least for a couple more votes. Without each other, we’re both exposed.

Markus: So you want us to do Carter at the next vote?

Reyna: Yes. Not only is he a physical threat, he’s likeable, and he’s managed to not be as a big or as obvious a threat as both you and I. And he and Christine together are a dangerous pair. They’re two votes for the price of one. They’ve never voted apart from one another. If you thought me and Jacobiah needed to be split up, then they do too.

"vantagem"

- I don’t know if my pitch to Markus worked but what other options do I have? I can’t convince Carter and Christine to turn on them, so maybe they’re the ones who need to be turned on. Markus and Annabeth might be my last shot at staying in the game.

Later during the day…

Markus, Annabeth and Percy meet up in secret.

Annabeth: What did you want to discuss?

Markus: Reyna came to me. She said that once she goes, Carter and Christine will most likely pull in Trixie and Percy and target one of us.

Percy: She said that?

Markus: Thing is, I think she’s not wrong.

Percy is silent.

Markus: I know for a fact, that once Reyna’s gone, Trixie is for sure going to try and get me out.

Annabeth: Probably true, yeah.

Markus: So...maybe we do need to strike first. If we get Carter out first, then Christine’s on her own, and you and I can last a few more Tribals, because Reyna will still be the biggest target left in the game. And it’s another move on our resumes.

Annabeth looks concerned.

"vantagem"

- Markus thinks we should turn on Carter and Christine first, rather than wait for them to do the same to us once Reyna’s gone. If we do this, we need to make this move together, because right now, there’s no one else left in the game I trust more than him, because I know he needs me as much as I need him. I don’t think Reyna’s playing us because she’s desperate and her back’s against the wall. I do believe she would vote the way we wanted her to if we went through with this plan to backstab Carter. The question now is if we really believe Carter and Christine would do as Reyna says they will, or if they truly would stay loyal to our Final Four. The fact of the matter is that Trixie and Percy really aren’t bigger targets than me or Markus, so it wouldn’t make sense for them to vote those two out over me or him.

Percy: Carter then?

Annabeth: It might have to be.

Percy: [shakes head, laughing] A-Another blindside…

"vantagem"

- I am nervous about potentially blindsiding Carter. We do have a good rapport, and Annabeth and I...we’d be going back on our word that we gave him and Christine, that we’d fight it out fair and square at the Final Four. But honestly, this game doesn’t stop for me, and I’m always thinking through scenarios, and I have taken into consideration that Carter is eventually going to see me more as competition than an ally. He might be tough to beat, both in challenges and at the end, and he could be an obstacle in my path to the million dollars. If that’s the case, ally or otherwise...he’s gotta go.

Day 34
Jeff: Come on in, guys!

In walk the Vantagem tribe.

Jeff: First things first, Trixie, I will take it back.

Jeff takes back the necklace.

Jeff: Immunity is back up for grabs. For today’s challenge, you will race through an obstacle course in the water, collecting three bags of puzzle pieces along the way. Once you get back to the beach, you will use those pieces to solve a puzzle in the shape of fire. First person to finish their puzzle wins immunity. Losers, nothing but a date with me at Tribal Council where one of you will become the seventh member of our jury.

Reyna purses her lips. Carter nods.

Jeff: And with the endgame so close by, immunity is more important now than ever before. In addition, you are playing for reward. Winner of this challenge gets a feast waiting for them back at camp. We’re talking burgers, chicken wings, french fries, sandwiches, cold beer and all the works.

Carter: Ohohoho…[laughing] that sounds good.

Jeff: Worth playing for? We’ll get started.

Everyone is soon out in the water.

Jeff: Survivors ready? Go!

The seven castaways race out into their obstacle courses.

Carter is in an early lead, racing through, with Markus and Reyna right behind.

Annabeth is getting tangled up in ropes, and Percy and Trixie are faltering. Christine staying in it.

Jeff: It is Carter out in front, which is starting to become the norm…

Markus’ face looks worried as he glances to the side, hurrying to catch up with Carter, who is speeding ahead and now wading out in the water to grab his bags of puzzle pieces.

Jeff: Carter swimming down for his first bag of puzzle pieces…

Markus is swimming down now too. So is Reyna, moving expertly in the water.

Annabeth and Christine are right behind them, Trixie and Percy bringing up the rear.

Carter resurfaces with one bag of puzzle pieces.

Jeff: Carter with his first bag! Heading down for two more!

Markus unties his first bag. Reyna does the same.

Carter has his second bag free, and is now working on his third.

Jeff: It is Carter still with a solid lead, but Markus and Reyna are working hard to catch up!

Annabeth unties her first bag too.

Jeff: Annabeth still in it!

Carter surfaces with all three bags and begins heading onto the beach.

Jeff: Carter running to his puzzle now! He’s got a big headstart but can he make good use of it?

Markus surfaces too, gasping for air, but with one bag still underwater.

Reyna has her second bag untied and is working on her third.

Annabeth is still working on her second; Christine has just untied her first. Percy surfaces, gasping for air loudly, all bags still unretrieved.

Trixie unties her first and gets to her second.

Carter is running up the beach and reaches his puzzle station, quickly untying his bags and letting his pieces drop out.

Jeff: Carter is now working on his puzzle. You are building a puzzle in the shape of fire…

Markus surfaces, spluttering, unable to get his final bag.

Jeff: Markus can’t get his third bag! He has to go back down!

Annabeth surfaces as her second bag floats to the surface. Christine frees her second too and rises up to get air.

Reyna unties her third and begins wading out to shore.

Jeff: Reyna has all three bags, she’s heading out!

Carter has all his pieces free and is now slowly but surely assembling his puzzle, starting at the base.

Jeff: Carter had a big headstart but can he keep it?

Reyna reaches her station and begins working on her puzzle, eyes darting nervously to Carter beside her.

Markus finally gets his third bag free and begins swimming to the beach.

Annabeth also gets hers free.

Jeff: Markus is in it! Annabeth right behind him! And…

Christine frees her bag too.

Jeff: Christine is in it too! We’ve got a challenge!

Markus is lugging his bags up to shore, Annabeth running by him.

Jeff: Carter making solid progress…

The foundation of Carter’s puzzle is starting to take shape.

Jeff: Carter starting to pull away with it…

Meanwhile, Reyna barely has any pieces assembled, and looks frazzled.

Reyna: What in the…?

Jeff: Reyna, starting to fall out of it. Percy and Trixie, not even in it anymore.

Percy is still struggling to untie his first bag, treading water.

Percy: [gasping for air] I can’t…*huff*...I can’t get it…

Trixie unties her final bag and begins scurrying out of the water.

Jeff: Trixie has all three bags now. She’s fighting to get back in it!

Markus and Annabeth are both starting to work on their puzzles now too. Christine is getting her pieces free and rushing to join in.

Carter is still moving fast and precisely, fitting piece after piece in.

Jeff: Carter is on fire, in more ways than one!

With deft movements, alternating between the pieces on his station and on the floor, Carter is moving swiftly to assemble his puzzle, which is now more than halfway done and looking close to being finished.

Markus eyes him, concerned.

Jeff: It would take a big mistake for him to falter now. Everyone, racing to catch him…

Annabeth is scratching her head, perplexed. Christine is biting her tongue, comparing her puzzle work to his.

Jeff: Carter with another piece...and ANOTHER piece…

Markus is still trying to piece together the base of his puzzle but it is still miles away from Carter’s in terms of completion.

Jeff: Carter with only a few pieces left!

The camera cuts to Percy dragging himself out of the water, with his bags at last, and then pans over to Carter fitting in his last few pieces.

Jeff: Carter with two pieces left!

Reyna looks horrified, watching from the sidelines, a forgotten puzzle piece in her hand, as Carter fits in one piece, and then the other, holding his puzzle together.

Carter: Jeff.

Jeff comes over as Carter steps back, holding his breath for a couple beats as he watches his puzzle anxiously, waiting to see if it holds up.

Jeff: ...And that will do it! Carter wins immunity!

Carter pumps the air with his fist, before scattering his puzzle pieces with a triumphant kick.

Carter: [laughing] Woo!

Markus: Good job.

Carter: Thanks, bro!

Markus extends a hand and Carter grabs it and brings him in for a hug, grinning from ear to ear, oblivious to Markus’ disappointment.

Annabeth: [quietly] Dang…

Soon, everyone is back on the mat.

Jeff: Carter, come on over.

Carter stands next to Jeff, looking gleeful, as Jeff puts the necklace on him.

Jeff: Your second immunity win.

Carter: Hell yeah. [laughing]

Jeff: You’re the only person to win it twice now. Congrats.

Carter: Thank you.

Jeff: In addition to winning immunity, Carter, you have also won reward. Now, before you go, choose two people to join y-

Trixie: Wait.

Everyone glances at Trixie, surprised. Trixie is busy unfolding a piece of parchment she has taken from her bag. Markus raises an eyebrow.

Trixie: Congratulations, you have found a Reward Steal. You can use this advantage to steal a reward from the person who won it.

Carter looks stunned. Christine mouths “Whoa”.

Trixie shrugs, looking smug.

Jeff: Alright. Trixie is telling the truth. She has the power to steal another player’s reward. In this case, Trixie, I assume you are stealing this reward from Carter.

Trixie: Yeah, but I’m taking him with me on the reward anyway so it don’t matter.

Carter: You are? [laughing] Oh, good. Thank you. I was a little worried that you weren’t gonna…

Trixie: Course I’ll take you. You won, didn’t you? Fair and square. I’m not gonna steal that from you.

Under her breath, Annabeth is muttering.

Annabeth: [muttering] Wouldn’t be the first time you stole something…

Trixie glances at her, eyes narrowed.

Jeff: Very well. Trixie, get over here.

Trixie smirks and walks over to stand beside Carter.

Jeff: As I was saying, Trixie, you now get to choose who to come on reward with you. You’ve already picked Carter, so now, pick someone else to join the both of you.

Trixie: Easy. Christine, come on over.

Christine: Really? [laughs] W-Wow...okay, sure.

Christine hurries over to join them, hugging Trixie first and then Carter. Annabeth glances pointedly at Markus, who has his arms crossed and is swaying from foot to foot. Percy looks reproachfully at the happy trio.

Jeff: Alright. Trixie, Carter and Christine, your feast awaits you. And for the rest of you, with the exception of Carter, one of you will be voted out tonight and become the seventh member of our jury. I’ll see you guys tonight at Tribal.

As everyone prepares to leave, the camera focuses on Reyna.

"vantagem"

- Carter winning was the one thing I couldn’t have happen today, and he totally screwed me over. First, he doesn’t want to work with me. Now, he ruins what could’ve been my only shot at staying in this game. It’s demoralizing and it blows, but I’m not giving up yet. I can’t. I didn’t come out here to give up. I came out here to win Survivor. And by hook or by crook, that’s for damn sure what I’m going to do.

The Vantagem tribe returns to camp.

Annabeth: Congrats, Carter.

Carter: Thanks, Beth.

Markus: Enjoy your food, guys.

Percy: Y-Yeah, have fun...

Trixie: Thaaanks…

The three of them leave for their feast.

Annabeth turns to the others.

Annabeth: What’s up with that? Trixie picking Carter and Christine?

Markus: Yeah, I don’t like that…

Trixie, Carter and Christine arrive at a table set up for them in the forest, spread out with food, and they sit down.

Christine: Ooh...it smells heavenly.

Carter: Thanks for picking us, Trixie. I was a little worried that…

Trixie: Come on. You won the reward, dude. I’m a trickster but I’m not a monster. I wasn’t gonna exclude you on something that you won.

Carter: Haha...alright, alright.

The three start to dine.

"vantagem"

- I was going to save the Reward Steal to use on Markus, but then I thought...that’s such a petty thing to do. Might as well try and do something a little smarter and more strategic with it...like using this reward as a way of gaining favor with Carter and Christine, so I can give them my pitch...which is that the three of us, and Reyna, vote Markus out...tonight.

Trixie: So, here’s what I wanted to talk about.

Christine: Yeah?

Trixie: The three of us, and Reyna...do Markus tonight.

Carter covers his mouth with his napkin.

Trixie: It only takes four votes, and this is four. We take Markus out, and Annabeth is alone again. She’s no threat to nobody. Percy is even less of one. With Markus gone, that’s the biggest threat in the game out.

Christine: Well, what about Reyna?

Trixie: She can go next. But Markus has to go tonight. Seriously, he is the biggest threat on this beach. You guys can’t not see that. And Reyna, she will do anything to stay in the game, and that includes voting for Markus. We can make this thing happen.

Christine and Carter share a look.

"vantagem"

- Of course, nothing’s ever as easy as it seems with Tricksy Trixie. She wants to blindside Markus tonight, and use Reyna to do it. First, Reyna wanted to blindside Markus, and now, Trixie too? It’s pandemonium and everyone’s out there scrambling like it’s Black Friday! [laughing] Thing is, I think Reyna’s the bigger threat than Markus is. I don’t want to keep Reyna in the game over Markus because if she can survive this Tribal Council with such a big target on her back, who’s to say she won’t survive the next one, and the next one, and the next one, and make it all the way to the end?

Carter: My concern here is that I still think Reyna’s too scrappy to keep in. They’re both threats but Markus has a harder job of hiding in plain sight.

Christine: I agree with Carter.

Trixie scowls.

Christine: I think we take Reyna out first, and then, if you want to worry about Markus, we can always pull Percy in to get rid of him. We don’t need Reyna for that.

Trixie: Reyna has no allies left. Markus is setting himself up for the endgame. And Percy’s unpredictable. One moment he’s in Nicholas’ pocket, the next he’s snug in Markus’. This is a bad idea.

Carter and Christine again share a look as Trixie scowls.

"vantagem"

- Trixie came to us with a bit of a bold plan to get rid of Markus, and I acknowledge that Markus is a threat. But he’s also a shield for me and I don’t want to get rid of him so soon. I think Reyna is a bigger threat and I don’t need her in the game because she does nothing for me, and she’s likely to turn on me as soon as I get Markus out. So even though Trixie and Reyna have both pitched blindsiding Markus, I don’t think that tonight is the right time.

Meanwhile, back at the shelter…

Reyna goes to talk with Annabeth and Percy, who are swinging from the hammock together.

Annabeth: That didn’t go as planned, then.

Reyna: Carter winning? You’re telling me…

Annabeth: So what’s on your mind?

Reyna: I’m thinking...if we can’t do Carter tonight, why don’t we do Christine?

Percy frowns.

Annabeth: Chrissie? She’s no threat to anyone.

Reyna: She and Carter are attached to the hip. Take one out and the other will fall too.

Annabeth: She’s not as big a threat as Carter is. Carter’s been doing really well in challenges. And he’s survived this far getting votes; people on the jury know he’s a threat.

Reyna: Well, we can’t take him out now. Our only option is to take out his closest ally, so he’s vulnerable at the next vote.

Annabeth looks conflicted.

"vantagem"

- Reyna’s new plan is to blindside Christine instead. And I’m just not fully on board for that. Carter, I can understand, but Christine? All she’s ever done this game is stick close to Carter. And she’s not as physically intimidating as he is. I mean, yeah, she’s won immunity before. But she’s not won one since, and no one’s really called her out as a threat before today. I would’ve been fine sparing Reyna if it meant we could take out another bigger threat in Carter, but sparing Reyna and taking out Christine? That’s too risky. It keeps Reyna AND Carter both still in the game and they’re both much more dangerous to keep in than Christine would be.

Percy shrugs.

Percy: I’d be down for it, you know.

Reyna: You would?

Annabeth: Wait, you would?

Percy: Yeah. She’s the reason Zoe’s out of the game. I want payback.

Reyna: Right...of course. Tonight's the night, Percy, if you’re game. You know I’ll do it. I don’t have any other option.

"vantagem"

- I am fully on board with this “blindside-Christine” plan. I’ve wanted her out since Zoe went home and now might be the time for it. Annabeth thinks Christine isn’t a threat, but I think she’s not being fair to her. Christine is a big threat. She totally played me. She’s smarter than Annabeth is giving her credit for. And I want her gone.

Meanwhile, Carter and Christine are meeting up with Markus in the forest.

Carter: Hey. I got news for you.

Markus: What is it? Did Trixie say something?

Carter: She was trying to get us to vote you out tonight.

Markus: [laughs] That doesn’t really take me by surprise, believe it or not.

Christine: She said she had Reyna on board with her.

This catches Markus by surprise.

Markus: Did she say that?

Christine: Yeah.

Carter: But don’t worry, bro. We got your back.

Markus nods slowly.

Markus: Thanks.

"vantagem"

- The original plan heading into tonight’s vote was that me, Annabeth and Percy...might have blindsided Carter with Reyna. But now that Carter’s won immunity, that plan just went out the window, and whole new ones are sprouting up all over the place. The one I hear, where Trixie and Reyna might be targeting me, gives me cause for concern. Obviously, I don’t want to hear my name come up but now that Carter’s safe, Reyna might flip around again and try to get me voted out over her instead, since she’d think I’m the next biggest threat in the game. If she wants to stay in the game, she’s going to need to put the target on a player that’s bigger than her, and with Carter out of the picture, that might end up being me. And that’s a scary thought.

Markus: Yeah, I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised. Trixie and I have never got along.

Carter: The vote hasn’t changed though, has it? It has to be Reyna. It’s got to be. Look at the people she has on the jury. She’s got to go.

Markus: I know. I agree. And if she somehow has an idol?

Christine: Let’s just vote Trixie. We split the votes so if Reyna pulls out an idol, Trixie goes home.

Carter: Then you won’t have to worry so much about her plotting a coup against you, huh? [laughs]

Later on in the day, Markus rejoins Annabeth and Percy by the fire.

Annabeth: Hey. So, change of plans…

Markus: Yeah. What now?

Annabeth: Reyna proposed we get rid of Christine tonight instead.

The camera cuts to Christine laughing with Carter by the water’s edge, the pair sharing a coconut.

Markus: Christine, why?

Annabeth: She says she and Carter are too tight. We take out his closest ally tonight and then get him when he’s vulnerable next.

Markus shakes his head, lost in thought.

Markus: See, the thing is, that puts Reyna far too close to the endgame than I’d like. If we worked with her to target Carter, then, like, that makes a little more sense to me. We work with a threat to take out a threat. Taking out Christine and keeping Reyna not only leaves two big threats still in the game but we lose Carter as a vote too.

Annabeth: I know, I know, it’s risky, but…

Percy: I mean, honestly, I see no difference. Whether we take out Carter or Christine, whoever survives would’ve been upset with us anyway. Right? So let’s just vote out Christine now, and then deal with Carter or Reyna at the next vote.

Markus: ...Keeping Reyna in is a big decision. You know that, right?

Annabeth: I know. She’s sneaky.

Percy: So is Christine!

Markus: Carter and Christine wanted to split the votes between Reyna and Trixie.

The camera cuts to Trixie sitting alone atop the boulders, watching the waves crash down against the rocks, spraying salty foam over her toes.

Annabeth: If the three of us team up with Reyna, we can decide who goes home.

Markus bites his lip.

"vantagem"

- Reyna’s new plan is to blindside Christine. Taking out Christine instead of Carter doesn’t carry the same weight, because he’s a bigger threat, both in challenges and when it comes to swaying the jury. And while I see the value of the move, it also...it just feels really...how do I put this? Sparing Reyna to take out Christine definitely feels like it might backfire on us. We don’t know what Reyna might do next if we keep her in the game. And I have to ask myself...is it worth taking out Christine to weaken Carter, but keep in a smarter, more dangerous player like Reyna? There’s no doubt Reyna is a threat and that’s my biggest concern about this plan to blindside Christine. Keeping Reyna is going to be a bold choice, and there’s no telling if it will come back to bite me in the butt. All I can do is weigh the options over in my head and hope that I’m making the right choice. This close to the end, there’s no room to be making mistakes.

The sun sets, and soon, the Vantagem tribe arrives at Tribal Council.

Everyone takes their seats. Christine brushes her hair out of her face.

Jeff: We’ll now bring in the members of our jury.

In walk the jurors.

Jeff: Becky, Leroy, Nicholas, Zoe, Wanda and Jacobiah, voted out at the last Tribal Council.

Jacobiah smiles, wearing a fuschia tank top, bermudas and a straw hat. Reyna laughs when she sees him.

Jeff: So, Reyna. For a while now, you’ve been on the bottom, and with Jacobiah recently eliminated, do you still feel like your back is up against the wall?

Reyna: Absolutely, Jeff. My back has been pressed up against the wall and even when I think I might be moving forward, I’m actually taking a step back. I’ve been trying my hardest to stay alive but I know eventually, my luck will run out.

Jeff: That sounds almost too final. Do you think you’re going to the jury tonight?

Reyna: [sighs] It’s very possible, Jeff. No matter how hard I try, people on this tribe are always going to see me as a threat.

Markus looks at her.

Reyna: They say that I’m too intelligent, that I have people on the jury who’d vote for me. Like, yeah, sure, but there are all kinds of criteria for voting somebody out. I may be a threat now, but if you can use me to make a better move for your game that keeps you in and helps you down the road, then maybe you should make use of me rather than just writing me off. Those who plan ahead, succeed. That’s all I’m saying.

Jeff: Carter, what do you make of what Reyna said?

Carter: I mean, she’s got a point. And she’s smart to point out that she can be used to further somebody else’s game, and that she can be of more use than harm, no matter how big of a threat she is perceived as. That being said, the fact that she can deliver such a strong pitch only makes me more wary of her. She has a way with words. She knows how to spin her pitch well, and...you know, that makes her a threat all the same. It’d be hard going up against her in the end and she could turn the tables on you the next vote even if you work with her now, which is what makes her such a good player to be careful of.

Reyna smiles a little but looks disappointed.

Jeff: Christine, with the end of the game so close in sight, do you think that’s gonna make people start playing more aggressively? Or are people more likely to stick with the easy vote to make it to the end?

Christine: I think, now that everyone knows the end is only a few days away, people are definitely more nervous. No one wants to make the wrong move now, and get cut just days away from the finish line. I mean, the end of the game is so close, I can almost taste it. So definitely, there is a sense of, like...everyone walking on eggshells now, because no one wants to trip up and fall right at the end.

Markus nods slowly. Percy is chewing the inside of his cheek in thought.

Jeff: Markus, with the end so close, are people starting to think now more about their resumes, and whether they’ve done enough to win?

Markus: For sure. The thing about that is...how do you do enough in the game to justify a win, but still keep yourself safe to not go home right before the end? It’s a very fine line to balance, and that’s why the talk of who’s a threat and who’s not in this game is very debatable. Make yourself too much of a threat and you’re gone. Do too little and you stand no chance of winning either. There’s a lot to consider.

Jeff: And Reyna, if you are being labelled as a threat right now based on those factors, how do you push the vote away from you?

Reyna: Like I said, Jeff, I’ve been naming other players who I believe should go home before me, and laying out to whom this would benefit. I may be a threat in this game but that doesn’t mean I have to go right now. You can still use me.

Reyna is gesturing around for emphasis with her hands. Leroy raises an eyebrow from the jury. Wanda is nodding approvingly to herself.

Reyna: Use me for your games. Let’s do something together. I’ve tried my best to sell my pitch and all I can do now is hope for the best.

Christine shares a look with Carter, who nods in return. Percy takes a deep breath.

Jeff: Okay, it is time to vote. Percy, you’re up.

Percy smiles and leaves. Christine’s eyes follow him as he walks off. Markus is hunched over, one finger on his lips, lost in his own thoughts.

The camera cuts to Trixie at the voting booth, calmly writing down Reyna’s name.

Reyna is shown sitting down, staring off into the distance.

Now, Christine is shown holding up her vote.

"vantagem"

- This is just as a precaution in case Reyna has an idol. You’re the only player left here who everyone can afford to lose.

Trixie looks cross in her seat, as if she knows someone is talking badly about her, while she chews on her fingertip.

Annabeth is shown walking past the jury to get to the voting booth.

The camera cuts to Reyna writing down Christine’s name, and drawing a broken heart next to it.

The camera cuts back to Christine, unsuspecting, as she nods her head to her own drum beat.

Markus heads up to the booth now, tongue between his teeth, as he uncaps the voting pen and the camera fades away, cutting back to Reyna glancing at the jury.

At last, Markus comes back.

Jeff: I’ll go tally the votes.

He leaves. Carter’s head turns to follow him, the immunity necklace prominent around his neck.

Christine is rubbing her bare arms, looking up at the sky. Percy glances nervously at Annabeth, who waggles an eyebrow at him.

Jeff returns, and the jury is watching quietly.

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

Reyna glances out of the corner of her eye. Percy takes a deep breath, looking at the others. Markus raises an eyebrow. Reyna turns back to Jeff.

Christine smiles at Carter, who looks relieved.

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.

He opens the urn. Annabeth sits up straighter in her seat, looking interested.

Jeff: First vote...Reyna. (1-0)

Reyna looks sour as she turns back to the jury. Wanda looks disappointed, pouting.

Jeff: Trixie. (1-1)

Trixie blinks, rolling her eyes, as the camera cuts to a wide shot of the tribe.

Jeff: Christine. That’s one vote Reyna, one vote Trixie, one vote Christine. (1-1-1)

Christine smiles.

Christine: [whispering to Carter] My first vote.

Carter smiles with uncertainty, turning back to Jeff. Markus is licking his lips.

Jeff: Trixie. That’s two votes Trixie. (2-1-1)

Trixie frowns, swallowing. Christine looks excited. Reyna looks down at the floor, and back up again.

Jeff: Christine. We’re tied. Two votes Christine, two votes Trixie, one vote Reyna. (2-2-1)

Christine’s brow creases for a moment, and her smile drips off, replaced with a mix of confusion and concern. Carter is frowning too now, looking worried.

Markus looks at them out of the corner of his eye, before looking straight ahead again. Annabeth is exhaling slowly, a hopeful expression on her face.

Christine shares a frown with Carter, as she turns back to the votes.

Jeff: Christine. That’s three votes Christine, two votes Trixie, one vote Reyna, one vote left…(3-2-1)

Christine laughs sheepishly, looking down at her feet.

Christine: Wooow, guys…

Reyna winks at the jury, looking pleased with herself.

On the jury, Wanda’s face is lit up and her mouth is wide open in a big, surprised smile.

Nicholas looks captivated, stroking his beard.

Percy is chewing on the side of his cheek, nodding to himself.

Christine is shaking her head now, looking disappointed, and glancing at Carter, who looks like the wind has been taken out of his sails.

Jeff: Fourteenth person voted out and the seventh member of our jury...Christine. You need to bring me your torch. (4-2-1)

Christine smiles in defeat as she gets to her feet, grabbing her bags. She reaches out and touches Carter’s shoulder.

Christine: Good luck.

Carter shakes his head at her, nonplussed and unable to say anything. Markus shares a look with Annabeth, who nods at him like they made the right decision.

Reyna is grinning at the jury, sharing an elated look with Wanda, who nods approvingly. Percy has the tiniest smile on his face as he looks around to see Christine walking by with her torch.

Trixie looks pissed, scowling and rolling her eyes for the umpteenth time.

Trixie: [muttering] Unbelievable...

Christine sets her torch down.

Jeff: Christine, the tribe has spoken. [snuffs torch] Time for you to go.

Christine: ‘Kay…

She turns around and gives a tiny wave.

Christine: See you around, guys.

Markus: [nods] Bye, Christine.

Annabeth: Bye, Chrissie. Sorry.

Percy ignores her. Trixie has rolled her eyes up to the moon. Reyna gives her a sly wave, hiding her smile behind her hand.

Carter shakes his head to himself, glancing reproachfully at Markus.

Markus: [whispering] Sorry, buddy.

Carter: [chuckling sadly] You sly dog, you…

Jeff: For the first time since the very start of the game, we are back even, with three original Qamea members, and three original Waya members. Like Christine said, the end of the game is close, so close you can almost taste it. Unfortunately for her, she will not be a part of it. But for the six of you, the endgame is almost upon us, and there is much, much less space for you all to hide. Grab your things and head on back to camp. Goodnight.

Final Words
Christine: I just got played...real hard. I totally didn’t see it coming. So much for loyalty...Markus and Annabeth kept preaching that our new alliance was going to fight it out fair and square, but this knife in my back certainly says otherwise. I had so much fun in this game, I made moves I didn’t believe I could’ve made and I think I really proved something to myself that I didn’t know before. This experience I had will be one I’ll remember for a long time and I’m beyond grateful to have been given this opportunity.

Next Time on Survivor...

 * It’s the season finale of Survivor: Mozambique - Island of Advantages!


 * Only six castaways remain…three original Qamea, and three original Waya.


 * Markus - the self-proclaimed leader of Qamea has lost every single member of the majority alliance he formed on Day 1. After being an underdog for majority of the season, he has finally bounced back to the top by aligning himself with Annabeth and is in prime position to scoop up the win with a rootable story and the last hidden immunity idol in the game safely tucked away in his pocket. But this close to the end, will he stumble and fall?

Markus: I could easily have gone home on Day 9, if I hadn’t been sent to the Island of Advantages. And now, I’m here, less than a week away from that million dollars. I want to win and I know there’s just one final push left. I just need to get to that Final Tribal Council.


 * Annabeth - after losing her closest ally in the game, Nicholas, she has had to fend for herself, and has aligned herself with Markus to stay in the game. No stranger to betrayals after backstabbing allies of hers in the past, this counselor is also one of the only two people in the game in possession of a Legacy Advantage. This close to the end of the game, can she successfully stay under-the-radar, or will she finally be recognized as a threat and taken out so close to the finish line?

Annabeth: You know, I’ve had to lie, I’ve lied to a bunch of people who trusted me. But that’s the name of the game. I’ve made moves of my own for my game, and I’ve been using bigger players to take the heat off me. I think I’ve played the smartest game, and I hope that’s enough for me to clinch it at the end.


 * Percy - this neurotic Survivor superfan has been besieged by paranoia at almost every step of his journey, but against all odds within himself, he has made it to the Survivor finale. Will it be enough, or will his paranoia once again get the better of him and be his downfall?

Percy: This hasn’t been the easiest experience for me. I’ve struggled a lot along the way. But knowing it’s almost over and I could be sitting at that Final Tribal Council...I can’t give up now, or give in to dark thoughts. I’m here to live out my dream and I’m going to keep pushing on.


 * Trixie - the malicious trickster herself, Trixie, survived early elimination by causing chaos and sowing dissent among the other players. Content with causing chaos while not having major influence in the game and votes, Trixie has survived thus far by being scrappy and indomitable, stealing player’s belongings and framing others for the theft, and planting fake idols. Can this devilish prankster somehow weasel her way into the finale, or will the trouble she’s caused finally catch up with her?

Trixie: If you told me in the first week that I had nothing to worry about and that I’d be sitting here with a legitimate shot of making it to that Final Tribal, I’d have scoffed, easily. But it worked, and I’m almost there. I do know that I’m a villain. I’m not a villain in the sense that I’m a major strategic powerhouse. I’m not one to influence the votes or make big moves. But I’m the type of villain who likes causing chaos for the fun of it and it’s a strategy that’s worked out for me thus far. So I intend to keep causing chaos until the bitter end. Villains do have more fun, and Tricksy Trixie...loves being a villain.


 * Carter - this travel blogger lost his closest ally Charlie early in the game, and just lost another in Christine. While no strategic mastermind, he has won immunities and made friends in the game, both of which mark him as a threat to win. With only a few days left, will he outlast all the rest, or follow his allies right out of Tribal Council?

Carter: I can’t believe I’m actually here, in the Final Six! If I make it to the end, that’s a win for me and Charlie and Christine. I’m so close and it’s going to be epic! These people are going to have to drag me out of here kicking and screaming. I’m going to leave my all out there to make it to the finals. I’m bringing that million back home!


 * Reyna - the last remaining member of her alliance of outsiders, Reyna has survived several eliminations and has cemented her status as an underdog. With her back up against the wall, and viewed as a strategic threat by most of the tribe, her path to the end is rocky. But with the second Legacy Advantage in her pocket, and friends on the jury, her chances of winning are high. Can she pull through, or will her luck finally run out?

Reyna: I’ve been fighting in this game for a long time and it’s all worth it if I can make it to that Final Tribal Council. I understand there are a lot of obstacles in the way, but I’ve made it this far. What’s another four or five days or so gonna be? I really do believe I can win this game. I just need...to seal the deal.


 * Six finalists, two hours and one Sole Survivor!