One Alpha Male Over Another

One Alpha Male Over Another is the tenth episode of Survivor: Cayman Islands.

Previously On Survivor...

 * Mitzi got her wish of taking out her biggest enemy in Ingrid, and was in charge of a majority alliance consisting of the remaining girls, Brett, Callum and Peter…

Mitzi: Did you see her face? I loved it!

Peter: She totally got what she had coming. No one’s gonna miss her.

Mitzi: It felt so good to finally write her name down and send her on her way. Like, living with Terrence and knowing I couldn’t get him out was literal torture. But it felt good to finally get to what I was building up to.


 * …leaving Elmer, Terrence and Oberon on the outside looking in.


 * At the reward, Oberon and Terrence tried to sway Penny into flipping.

Oberon: So what will it take you to flip on the girls?

Penny looks up sharply, swallowing a mouthful of her cocktail.

Oberon: You know, me, Terrence and Elmer are at the bottom right now. We will do…anything…to be in this game still and not be voted off. So whatever move we have to help you girls make, it’s what we’ll do. I mean, let’s face it, apart from Brett maybe, no one likes Peter or Callum.

Terrence: They’re repulsive.

Oberon: So, why align with them? Making this move is going to be respected by the jury. You’ll still be safe, and you can patch your friendship up with Elmer.

Terrence: We can all work together well because we all like each other. You’re still going to have the advantage and outnumber us 4-3. So you will always be in the majority.

Oberon: Penny, why do you like Mitzi so much?

Penny: I don’t know for sure what really went down with you guys and her on your old tribe but the Mitzi I know is a lot different.


 * Whereas back at camp, Elmer’s attempts to better his position in the game were stonewalled by Mitzi.

Elmer: I’ll literally do anything and vote anyone to stay in this game a few more days. So if you want to make a move, I am unquestioningly game for it. You’re a player, so use us three and let’s play.

Mitzi: You want to take out Brett?

Elmer: It’s Brett who’s really got the good head on his shoulders.

Mitzi: Just like you’re the leader of your little group?

Elmer: And you’re in charge of the girls. You’re running the show right now, Mitzi. You can do whatever you want. So let’s have at it.


 * In an immunity challenge that tested the castaways’ memory, Oberon beat Peter for the second time…

Jeff: We are back to the original showdown of Oberon and Peter. We’ve seen this in action before when Oberon pulled it out. Can he do so again?


 * …clinching his second individual immunity in a row.

Jeff: Oberon wins individual immunity for the second time in a row!

Peter pats Oberon on the back.

Peter: Good job. Again.


 * In the hours before tribal, the majority alliance decided on sending Terrence to the jury.

Erin: He’s playing a very stealthy game. He’s likeable and goodnatured. That makes him a problem.

Callum: Too nice for his own good, huh?

Mitzi: I…admit I want Terrence gone. He gave us a hell of a lot of trouble on Los Lagartos. And Erin brings up a valid point.

Brett: My only concern is Elmer being a really big threat later on, because he’s physically well-built.

Callum: Ah, well, he can’t get any stronger than Oberon. The dude’s won both individual immunities so far.


 * But Mitzi grew paranoid that Penny had flipped, and worried incessantly about an idol being played.

Mitzi: I just saw Penny skulking about with Elmer.

Aisha: Meaning?

Mitzi: Meaning I think she told him our plans. If one person flips, meaning Penny, then their three votes becomes four, and it’ll trump votes we put on Terrence if an idol is played on him. We can’t trust Penny right now.


 * And she plotted to switch her vote and blindside Elmer.

Mitzi: I’m not taking the risk. I’m sending Elmer home tonight, 4-3. Don’t tell Penny and don’t tell the guys. This is between the three of us.


 * Unbeknownst to her, Elmer decided to give up on getting the girls to flip and instead worked on getting the guys on his side.

Elmer: Well, I guess you got your wish of having an alliance war, huh Callum?

Callum: Yeah, well, what’s a good alliance war without a couple blindsides here and there?

Elmer: Listen. You want Mitzi gone? We can make it happen. All six guys. If you want to take this game into your own hands and make this move, now’s your chance.


 * Brett’s desire to make a big move, and concern that Mitzi was controlling the girls, sealed the deal. And that night, Mitzi was no longer able to walk away from tribal unscathed.

Mitzi sets her torch down.

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

Mitzi: Well played, bitches.

Elmer winks.


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

Challenge
Reward: Auction

The castaways were each given $500 to bid on items including food and idol clues. Pooling or sharing money was not permitted, and the auction would end without notice.

Immunity Challenge: Get a Grip (HvV, Worlds Apart etc)

Castaways hang onto a pole for as long as they can. The last man and woman left each win individual immunity.

Reward: Individual Immunity for the man and woman who outlasts the others

Winner: Peter, Erin

Night 25
The episode opens up with thunder booming in the background, lightning sparking across the gray skies in an ominous fashion. A slight drizzle is evolving into a downpour, as the nine remaining castaways rush to take shelter in their…shelter.

Everyone is huddling up together, watching the rain patter all around them. Erin looks more concerned than usual, one arm around a drenched Penny.

The whites of Brett’s teeth can be seen shining in the darkness as he whispers quietly to Peter and Callum, grinning from ear to ear. Erin is glaring at him. Elmer, Oberon and Terrence are sitting noiselessly by themselves.

Erin: Well, good play, boys. I did not see that coming.

Elmer is shuddering, wrapping a damp hoodie around himself.

Elmer: We were just doing what we had to to stay in the game. That’s all it was.

Oberon smirks.

Oberon: Mitzi was definitely a character. It was a big move to finally get rid of her after all this time.

Brett mops his hair back, casting Erin an anxious look.

Brett: We’re sorry we couldn’t tell you.

Erin: Oh, are you?

Brett: But you know why it had to be that way.

Erin is looking out into the darkness, simmering in spite of the cold, as Brett tries to explain himself.

Brett: You girls were just too close. And Mitzi was manipulating you girls.

Aisha is having none of it.

Aisha: You’re so full of bull, Brett. Just stop-

Brett: Aisha-

Aisha: I don’t need to hear any of it.

Brett throws his hands up helplessly.

Brett: It was only because she was getting too threatening.

Aisha scowls.

Brett is staring off into the distance, shivering, his face a somber mask. Oberon is nodding to Elmer and Terrence, patting the latter on the back.

Oberon: [whisper] We’re still here.

Elmer chuckles.

Elmer: Cold, wet and miserable – but yes, we’re still here.

Terrence: I’m just reminding myself how lucky I am to not be out of the game.

Day 26
The next morning arrives, and everyone is slowly getting up. Aisha is still grouchy after losing her main ally last night, and is jabbing and poking the fire with a stick, sending sparks flying everywhere.

Brett is scowling at her behavior and shaking his head. Erin gets up and walks about, looking restless.

Brett makes eye contact with her and beckons her away for a conversation. The two move away from camp a small distance to talk.

Brett: Listen, I’m detecting a lot of animosity from the girls. Are we still cool?

Erin looks dumbfounded.

Erin: Well, you know, I’m sure Penny and Aisha just need time to get over what you did. I don’t think Penny is too bothered, but it’s Aisha who you should worry about. She does not like you, or Callum and Peter.

Brett: Yeah, well, no surprise there. What about you? Do you blame me too?

Erin shrugs.

Brett: I was just doing what I felt I had to.

Erin: No, no, I get it, it’s a game and…you felt threatened by her.

Brett leans on a large branch, studying Erin intensely. Erin meets his gaze, unfazed.

Brett: But I think we’re still in agreement that Elmer and the others have to go, right?

Erin: Right.

Brett: Are your girls still okay with that?

Erin: They’re not my ‘girls’, but yes, I could convince them if I wanted to.

Brett: Alright. I’m thinking unless Oberon loses immunity, we should focus on getting rid of Elmer.

Erin kicks the sand with her feet.

Brett: I still believe Elmer is the biggest threat out here.

Erin: We wanted to get rid of Terrence last round, didn’t we?

Brett: Terrence? The kid’s harmless, he’s nowhere near as threatening as Elmer is. And Mitzi tried to take him out last night, didn’t she?

Erin: Mitzi was confused. We were all confused about what was going to happen, and for rightful reason! She just suspected the wrong people of flipping.

Brett: But she, in the end, still decided Elmer had to go. So she’s right. He has to go home.

Erin is shaking her head as Brett leaves.

Brett returns to camp, where Elmer is eating chicken rice out of a clam shell.

Elmer: Listen, I’m glad we could work together to do what we did the other night. That was a good move.

Brett grunts.

Brett: Yeah, well, it was a one-time thing.

Elmer looks up sharply.

Elmer: I’m sorry?

Brett: It can’t happen again.

He shrugs casually.

Brett: I mean, you know how it is, right? You, Oberon and Terrence are all big threats and that’s just the way the game works.

Penny heads over to where Terrence is sitting in the sand, helping Oberon crack open a clam. She slumps down next to the pair.

Penny: Hey.

Terrence: Hey.

Penny: I’m sorry I had to vote for you last night, but for the record, while I’ll miss Mitzi, I’m glad you’re still in.

Terrence: Thanks. I’m glad to still be in too.

She fidgets nervously as the awkward silence stretches on, the air thick with tension. Oberon ignores them both, focusing on prying open the clam and getting to the food inside.

Terrence: Listen, I still want to work with you. My door has always been open and I’ve always been down for exploring options. You know, you don’t have to always be so closed in with the idea of working with Brett and Erin. You can still…well, we can still do something.

She frowns.

Penny: Right now, my place in the game is to be loyal, and so I see where you’re coming from, I just…have to assess the situation?

He pauses.

Terrence: Elmer wants to approach Erin for a plan. If we could cook something up, would you be game?

Penny shrugs.

Penny: I’d like to be.

Penny: See you guys.

She leaves. Oberon turns to glance at Terrence and shakes his head.

Oberon: She’s so indecisive.

Terrence: Lay off her. She’s just…a little out of her element.

It is later on in the day. Brett is eating rice from a clam shell, joking with Callum, both laid back in the sand. Elmer is eyeing the pair warily as he approaches Erin, sitting alone in the shelter, her hoodie up and gazing dreamily off into the clouds.

He takes a seat next to her.

Elmer: Hey, Erin. Alright, so listen. I know you’re probably pissed at me for what happened last night-

Erin: That’s an understatement, but I get why you did it. I mean, I don’t blame you for it. It’s the game and I’m just glad it wasn’t me.

Elmer: You see, the thing is, Brett made a big play last night. You know that, right?

Erin: Of course.

Elmer: Right now, he is setting himself up nicely. He has his minions in Callum and Peter and he’s basically the dictator. He’s controlling what goes on. And that’s too much power for one man to have.

Elmer: It wasn’t even my idea, it was all Brett’s plan. I said, whoever you guys want gone, we’ll do it, if you keep us around a few more days, and he said, that he wants Mitzi gone because Mitzi had you under her thumb. If you want revenge, we can do it. We can take Brett out at this next tribal. Oberon and Terrence will be down for it, if you and the girls are.

Elmer: Brett has a lot of power in this game because he is controlling Callum and Peter. Take him out, and the two of them will be like chickens with their heads cut off.

Day 27
The day begins with treemail. Terrence and Oberon are returning; the former waving a bunch of envelopes in his hand. This sight causes an eruption of girlish shrieks of delight from Penny, Aisha and Erin, and a lot of cheering and hooting from Brett, Peter and Callum.

Terrence: Check out what we got!

Oberon: It’s the auction.

Terrence is handing out envelopes of cash. Brett takes his wad of notes out and fans them in his face. Peter is rubbing the notes together almost sexually. Callum puts the dough to his face and takes a deep whiff.

Callum: Man, I’ve missed the distinctive scent of cold cash.

Peter is eyeing Elmer, as the latter is talking excitedly with Terrence and Oberon, all looking into their own envelopes.

One fine transition later, and the castaways are walking up a trail to a row of benches, where Jeff is proudly awaiting them.

Jeff: Come on in guys!

The Alius Diversus party parades in, all with smiles on their faces, Penny leading the pack, beaming widely.

Jeff is smiling too.

Jeff: Welcome to the Survivor auction.

Everyone cheers.

Jeff: Today in tree mail, you were each given an envelope containing 500 dollars. Bidding will be in 20 dollar increments. You cannot share food or money. When you see something you like, bid on it. The auction will end without any warning. Let’s get started.

Jeff unveils the first item.

Jeff: An English breakfast; bacon, French toast, baked beans, sausages and scrambled eggs. To wash it all down, I’ve got a pitcher of milk.

Penny: 20!

Erin: 60.

Terrence: 100.

Erin: 120.

Jeff: 120 to Erin. Going once…going twice…sold to Erin for 120 dollars. Come and get it.

She takes the plate of food back. Jeff unveils his second item.

Jeff: Iced coffee and a plate full of doughnuts.

Aisha: 80.

Penny: 120.

Terrence: 140.

Penny: 160.

Aisha: 200.

Jeff: 200 to Aisha.

Terrence thinks it over, and lets it slide.

Jeff: Going once…going twice…sold to Aisha for 200 dollars!

Jeff unveils his third item.

Jeff: A glass of cold beer with a side of salted peanuts and onion rings.

Callum: 400!

Jeff: Callum jumps right to 400. Going once…going twice…sold, to Callum for 400 dollars.

Callum: I knew I wanted the beer.

Jeff: Enjoy. Next item, will remain covered.

Terrence shrugs.

Terrence: 100.

Penny looks conflicted but doesn’t budge. Elmer, Oberon, Brett and Peter are all silent.

Jeff: Terrence with 100 and no one is disputing him.

Callum shrugs.

Callum: I’d do it if I had more money.

Erin: You can have it, Callum.

Jeff: What are the rest of you guys waiting on?

Penny: Well, I’m holding out hope for something sweet but if too much goes by, I’ll take what I can get.

Jeff: And the rest of you?

Oberon smirks.

Oberon: Well, I mean, it’s pretty much common knowledge that as soon as I lose immunity, Brett’s coming for me.

Brett snorts.

Oberon: So I’m waiting for an advantage.

Jeff: Brett?

Brett: I wouldn't mind an advantage too.

Peter: I want one just to make sure they don’t get one.

Jeff: ‘They’ meaning…?

Peter: The guys on the bottom.

Terrence flinches. Elmer scowls.

Peter: Elmer, Terrence and Oberon.

Jeff: Going once…going twice…sold to Terrence for 100 dollars. Come on up.

Terrence heads over with a bounce in his step.

Jeff: Before you see what you just bought, I’ll make you an offer.

He takes out two more covered items.

Jeff: If you want, you can trade what you just bought for one of these two items. You don’t know what any of these three covered trays hold. It could be something good or something bad. And, to make it a little more complex, there’s a twist.

Terrence: Oh boy.

Jeff: If you give me the rest of your money, effectively taking yourself out of this auction, you will have the option to unveil one of the three trays BEFORE you make your decision on which tray you would like to keep. If you like what you see in the tray you unveil, you can keep it and know for certain you didn’t accidentally choose to purchase something awful. Or if you unveil something awful, you may or may not have two trays remaining that contain something good. So what’ll it be?

Terrence turns back to look at the others.

Brett: You should switch.

Oberon: If you don’t mind spending your money, see what’s under one of them.

Terrence: Yeah. I’ll unveil one of the trays.

Jeff: Alright, hand your money over. Now, which of these trays do you want to unveil?

Elmer: Unveil one of the other two that he just took out. Chances are that one of them is the bad one and the other one is the best option.

Peter: Smart ass.

Elmer: That’s just my two cents.

Terrence points to the last tray.

Terrence: I’ll unveil that one.

Jeff takes the lid off.

Jeff: One slice of banana pie, with whipped cream and chocolate flakes. If you want, you can keep this tray. Or, you can trade for one of the other two.

Terrence turns back for affirmation.

Oberon: I mean, it’s 50/50. If you want to risk getting something lousy, it’s all you.

Terrence: I’m not greedy. I’ll take what I’ve got.

Jeff: Alright, sold.

Terrence takes back his one slice of pie, on which he has spent all his money.

Jeff: Since Terrence left these two trays, let’s put these both up for grabs. You’ll be bidding for one of them.

Penny: 40.

Jeff: 40, to Penny.

Callum takes a swig of beer.

Callum: 60.

Jeff: 60 to Callum.

Penny: 80.

Callum: 100, and that’s all I got.

Jeff: Penny, if you bid 120, it’s yours.

Penny sighs.

Penny: Why not? 120.

Jeff: Going once…going twice…sold to Penny for 120 dollars. Come on up.

He points out both covered items.

Jeff: Make your pick; which one do you want?

Penny points to the first tray, the one Terrence initially bid on.

Jeff: Here you go.

He unveils the item.

Jeff: You’ve just bought yourself a side of balut.

The balut appears to be a half-developed bird embryo, still in its shell. Penny recoils, wrinkling her nose, looking disgusted.

Penny: Gee, thanks. Urgh.

She takes the plate, heads back to the bench and playfully tosses her new purchase at Callum, who yelps and dodges out of the way, spilling beer all over Peter.

Callum: What the…why did you…

Penny laughs, setting her empty plate back on the counter.

Penny: I don’t want it.

Jeff: Penny just wasted 120 dollars to scare Callum.

Aisha: I’d bid 100 to see her do it again.

Callum: Har, you’re hilarious, Aisha.

Aisha: Now you know how it feels.

Jeff: Next item, will remain covered.

Penny: 140.

Jeff: 140 to Penny.

There is no movement.

Jeff: No one wants to go up against Penny. Sold, for 140 dollars.

Penny saunters up.

Penny: Probably should’ve bid 20. I’m stupid.

Jeff: Here’s what you bought.

He unveils the third and final covered item.

Jeff: A plate of Nutella brownies and a side of M&M cookies.

Penny squeals.

Penny: Now that’s more like it!

She takes her snacks back.

Jeff unveils his next item.

Jeff: This is an advantage in this game.

Almost instantly, all four guys are jumping out of their seats. Callum jolts in surprise again, this time spilling alcohol down Terrence’s shirt.

Elmer: 500!

Brett: 500!

Peter: What they said.

Oberon: 500.

Aisha visibly rolls her eyes with unbridled contempt.

Jeff: In the event of the bidding reaching the maximum of 500 dollars, then anyone who wants in on the action can bid on it for 500 dollars. If there’s more than one person bidding 500 dollars, you’re not bidding on the advantage itself, but a chance to draw rocks to get the advantage. Who’s in?

Brett: I’m in.

Elmer: Me too.

Peter nods. Oberon nods as well.

Jeff: Alright, come on over, all four of you.

They all head over. Erin is shaking her head at them.

Jeff: Who wants to draw first?

Elmer takes his first rock, followed by Oberon – who Peter indicates to go first, then Peter, and last by Brett.

Jeff: White rock means you have won the advantage; black means you have lost. You are looking for a white rock. On the count of three…one…two…three…reveal.

Four hands uncover their rocks. Brett’s is black. Peter’s is black, and he curses. Oberon’s is black and he drops it sadly onto the countertop.

Jeff: Elmer wins the advantage.

Elmer whoops, tossing the rock over his shoulder and into the sand after kissing it.

Jeff: Here’s how this’ll work. The three of you, take your seats. Elmer, I’m going to give you a sixty second countdown to look at the advantage and what it says. Read it on your own, to yourself. Once the timer is up, you can no longer read what the advantage says. Understood?

Elmer nods.

Elmer: Let’s do this.

Jeff: You have sixty seconds to look at this and read it by yourself. Good luck.

He unveils the tray and Elmer is studying the piece of parchment taped to the tray intently, his eyes roving over the words, memorizing what he can.

Jeff covers the item.

Jeff: Your time’s up. And with that, that is the way to end our Survivor auction!

He bangs his gavel one last time and everyone gets up to go.

The group returns back to camp.

Brett: Good job, Elmer.

Elmer: Thanks.

He dumps his stuff in the shelter.

Brett: So what was it?

The others are nonchalantly casting suspicious glances in Elmer’s direction, who tries to play it off.

Elmer: I don’t know.

He shrugs and laughs weakly. Peter scoffs.

Elmer: I’m going to go for a walk.

He leaves. Not so discreetly, Oberon and Terrence follow. Brett nudges Callum.

Brett: Follow them.

Erin is slumped in the shelter, looking on incredulously at their antics.

Aisha is sighing, leaning against Erin, watching Brett and Callum take off into the foliage.

Aisha: Welp, I guess we girls have got the place to ourselves.

Penny is standing, shuffling about on the spot.

Penny: If Elmer gets an idol…that’s dangerous.

Erin: I know. That advantage gives him power.

In the meantime, Elmer is marching through the woods, whipping branches aside and trampling on dead leaves. Oberon is lumbering after him, Terrence trying to keep up. In the distance, Peter is following, eyes trained on the trio.

Elmer is giving directions to the other two.

Elmer: It mentioned 20 paces east of the well, and across a lake…something about looking in mossy holes and large boulders…

Terrence: That’s specific. It’s enough to go on.

Elmer: Yeah, well, we have to find it first. We cannot let one of them get to it.

Oberon: So it’s just another idol or…?

Elmer: The clue said it was a ‘special idol’.

Peter’s ears perk up as he ducks his head out of sight behind a small bush.

Elmer: We’ll need it. Let’s hurry.

They pick up the pace, and Peter is dogging their footsteps.

Terrence bumps into Oberon.

Terrence: [whisper] Peter’s following us.

Oberon sneaks a look back.

Oberon: You wanna run?

Elmer doesn’t reply. Instead, he takes off into the woods. Oberon and Terrence hurry after him, with Peter giving chase.

Brett: Peter!

Brett pops out onto the path, Callum in tow, and the three guys are rushing after the others. Soon the six are in a mad hunt for the idol. Arriving at a large cluster of boulders and rocky formations, the six guys are poking in and out of hidey holes, digging through the sand and searching wildly.

Brett: [whisper] Don’t take your eyes off him.

He makes sure Peter is keeping watch on Oberon, and goes off to follow Elmer, who is very disgruntedly heading away from the others, trying to distance himself from Brett.

Elmer: You just going to shadow me now, Brett?

Brett: All’s fair in war.

The two leave. Callum is busy bugging Terrence, and Peter turns to Oberon.

Peter: This is crazy.

Oberon too is panting heavily from the chase.

Oberon: Hmph.

He turns around for a split second…

…and Peter reaches into a mossy hole near his shoulder, stealing the idol out right behind Oberon and shoving it quickly down his pants.

The sun is beginning to set, and people are yawning, waiting for the day to end.

Elmer is sitting in a deck chair, shaking his legs, eyeing Brett with distaste, as the latter lazes out in the shelter, resting his head on his rucksack. Callum climbs in and lays down next to him, trying to put his head on Aisha’s lap, only for her to scoot away from him.

Elmer chuckles.

Peter watches them, before turning around and heading back into the woods.

Once a safe distance away, he unfurls his idol and reads the parchment attached to it.

Peter: Congratulations, you have a found a special hidden immunity idol. This idol will allow the person on whom it was cast for to cast a second vote. It must be played the same way a normal hidden immunity idol would, but after playing it, the person on whom it was played will be allowed to head back up to the voting booth and cast a second vote, which Jeff will add to the voting urn. This idol is valid up to the Final Five.

Day 28
A new day begins. To prepare for the upcoming challenge, desiring to beat Oberon more than anything and finally take him out, Brett is up at the crack of dawn.

Brett is down by the rocks, stretching out his arms and legs. Erin heads over to join him in a conversation.

Erin: So what’s the plan for tonight?

Brett: Immunity’s coming up…I’m training for the challenge.

He leans forward, stretching his calves and thigh muscles, staring out at the sea and breathing deeply.

Brett: It’ll be something physical, I bet. The first individual challenge was balance…second one was memory…today’s challenge could involve running or climbing or lifting something.

Erin: It could also be a puzzle. Or endurance?

Brett: Possible. I’m still making sure I’m in tip top shape for today. We have to ensure Oberon doesn’t win again.

Erin: He can’t win every single challenge from here to the finals. He has to lose at some point.

Brett: I know. But I want to take him out quickly, and the rest of his little squad, so we can get the endgame in sight.

Erin takes a seat as he continues absurdly contorting his body in all forms and positions.

Erin: What is the endgame strategy?

Brett: Well, for now…it’s to make sure those three guys don’t get too far.

The camera cuts to three separate shots of Elmer, Oberon and Terrence, going about their business at camp.

Brett: The sooner they go, the better, and I want to finish what Mitzi started and begin with Oberon. He’s been labeled a challenge threat and so he has to go. And then Elmer, and then Terrence.

Erin looks away.

Erin: Hm.

Brett: You don’t like it?

Erin: I dunno, it just seems too simple.

Brett: Yeah, well, I’m being forward here. The three of them pose threats in this game and therefore we have to vote them out one by one. But right now, my main priority is seeing someone else win immunity for once.

Erin: What then?

Brett: Then, our little alliance fights it out to the finish line. It’s three guys and three girls and we can see how it all pans out from there.

Erin: Am I in those plans?

He looks over to her.

Brett: Well I would hope so. [laughs]

Erin gives him a smile that doesn’t quite meet her eyes.

Brett: I mean, yeah…I’m thinking we can always cut Peter loose before the finals. I think he’s a sneaky player and a very tough competitor.

Erin: Absolutely ruthless, yeah. Peter’s a strategist.

Brett: And then it’ll be you, me and Callum in the Final Three. How’s that sound?

Erin: Sounds like a great deal.

Erin meets up with Elmer in the woods, where he is fast to pull her away from sight.

Elmer: Erin, are we set on taking Brett out tonight?

Erin contemplates the offer.

Elmer: I think it’s a good move at this time.

Erin: You know what, yeah, I’m down for that. I’ll talk to Penny and Aisha after the challenge.

Elmer: Convince him that you’re still on his side, we don’t need him sniffing out the truth. This is going to be epic.

Eventually…

Jeff: Come on in guys!

For the umpteenth time, in comes the calvary. The remaining nine castaways stand on their blue mat, ready to participate in their next challenge.

Jeff: Half of you guys are out of the game, and we’re getting close to the end. It’s just one final stretch left. Penny, how’s it feel knowing you could have been first out just by virtue of losing that first challenge, and now you’re here and have outlasted half the other players?

Penny: Uh…it’s crazy. [laughs] I…I guess I’m speechless. I didn’t think I’d last this long but Survivor’s unpredictable. And I love that.

Jeff: Alright, ready to get to today’s immunity challenge? First things first, Oberon, I will take it back for the second time in a row.

He takes the necklace back from Oberon.

Jeff: Once again, immunity is back up for grabs, but today…there’s a twist.

Jeff takes out a mysterious object, and unveils it. It is a second immunity necklace.

Jeff:Today, two people will win individual immunity. It all depends on who can hold on and endure the longest.

There are a few surprised faces. Oberon is biting his lower lip. Brett is nodding with approval.

Jeff: This challenge is very simple, a classic. You hang onto a pole…for as long as you can. Any part of your body touches the ground, you are out of the game. Last man and last woman standing each win individual immunity. Now that we’re getting deeper and deeper into this game, immunity is of the utmost importance. Shall we get to it? Let’s get started.

Soon, everyone is up on their poles, clinging on for dear life.

Jeff: Everybody is in position. And this challenge…is on.

Already, Aisha is starting to slip, and is wincing as she makes her way down to the next foothold, her hands flailing in her attempt to get a good grip on the hard, unforgiving wood.

Jeff: Aisha, struggling right out of the gate.

Callum: Come on, Aisha, girl, you’re the smallest one here. This should be easy for you!

Aisha: How about you focus on yourself and not me, Callum?

Callum: You’re meant to be spry! Don’t be the first one out again.

Aisha: Thanks. Great advice. Rich, coming from you.

Jeff: Aisha and Callum, bickering like an old married couple.

Aisha: I’d sooner die than be married to him.

Callum: You know you love me. Don’t try and hide it.

Aisha: He can’t hold a serious conversation to save his life.

Callum: Everyone knows you secretly love our little banter.

The challenge goes on…and it gets steadily warmer…

Aisha is groaning, slowly slipping down her pole, scrambling to stay up.

Jeff: Aisha is still trying to stay on…

Everyone else is silent, stoically holding on to their poles, with only a few fidgeting and twitching. Callum grins at Peter.

Callum: Maybe I’ll take a nap up here.

No sooner has the words left his mouth that Aisha falls like a stone, cursing and wincing as she hits the floor.

Jeff: And just like that, Aisha, first woman out of the challenge.

Penny: You did your best, girl.

Jeff: It is now down to Penny and Erin for the women…

Penny looks up at the sky as if praying to God for strength, gritting her teeth. Erin looks over, shaking strands of her long hair out of her eyes, not backing down.

Callum curses, as out of the blue, he loses his footing and tumbles awkwardly down the pole.

Brett: That looked painful.

Jeff: Callum falls, first man out of this challenge.

Callum: No surprise there, Jeff. [laughs]

He chuckles and takes his seat next to Aisha, playfully pretending to put his arm around her as she smacks it away, her disdain evident.

Jeff: Fifteen minutes in and two people are already out…

The remaining seven continue hanging on, doing whatever they can to mask the pain. Some have their eyes closed, arms firmly wrapped around their poles, feet either propping them up or locking them in position.

One transitional panoramic shot later…

[ELAPSED TIME: 30 MINS]

Jeff: You’ve been out here for almost thirty minutes. Keep fighting and keep digging. It’s a hot day out here, and two people are going to earn safety at tonight’s tribal council.

Terrence has his skinny figure wrapped all around his pole like a baby holding onto his mom, and appears to be locked in, his eyes squeezed shut in concentration.

Elmer is scrabbling to stay up on the pole, his palms sweaty and knees trembling.

Jeff: This is a challenge where the bigger and more muscular you are, the harder it’ll be to hold on.

Oberon is doing his best to stay solid and unmoving, but every once in a while, a crack in his stony exterior shows as he shifts uncomfortably from side to side.

Jeff: You should be feeling the burn right about now.

With a grunt, Elmer lets go and falls to the floor. A split second later, Brett is making his way down after him, exhausted.

Jeff: Elmer is out – can hold on no longer; Brett right behind. We are down to three. Oberon…Terrence…and Peter.

The two girls are still up.

Penny is breathing a little heavier, looking shaky. Erin is perfectly steady, almost relaxed, up on her pole.

Aisha: You got this girls, come on! Looking good, Erin! Hang in there, Penny, be strong.

Penny nods at Aisha, clearly in lots of discomfort. Erin is cool and confident, as if waiting for Penny to drop, the slightest hint of uncertainty flickering across her face.

At last, Penny lets go with a great burst of energy, toppling to the floor hard.

Jeff: Ouch. Penny, is out of this challenge, almost 45 minutes in. Erin, wins individual immunity! You can come down now.

Erin slowly makes her way down her pole, and once at the bottom, she helps Penny get to her feet as the latter dusts herself off, giving her friend a hug and making their way back to their seats.

Aisha: Good job, Erin.

Callum: Good job, sweetheart. Knew you had it in you.

Brett holds out a hand and Erin high fives him. Elmer watches the exchange.

Jeff: Now, we are down to the men – three guys battling it out for individual immunity. Two will have fought this hard, this long, for nothing, and one will head into tribal tonight safe and confident, alongside Erin. There is no greater feeling in this game, other than making it to the final tribal council, than walking into tribal knowing that you are not vulnerable and that you cannot be voted out. You want that power; fight for it.

[ELAPSED TIME: 1 HOUR 30 MINS]

Terrence is now groaning in pain, his whole body starting to tremble and shiver. Oberon is pressing his forehead up against the pole, trying to maintain his composure, focusing on steadying his breathing. Peter is still as a statue, his head turned up to face the clouds as they gather overhead, dark and brooding.

A light drizzle begins to wash over the contestants.

Penny shudders.

Jeff: It’s starting to rain. You’ve been up there for more than an hour and a half. It shows a lot about how far you’re going to go, but how much farther are you willing to fight?

Terrence looks over to Oberon, and after a brief look shared between the two friends, Terrence finally shakes his head and begins inching his way downward, finally falling off.

Jeff: Terrence has had enough. And then there were two.

Terrence limps over to join the others, moaning, as they all clap for and welcome him over.

Penny: Good job, Terrence. You did great.

Jeff: For the third time this season, Oberon and Peter are having a showdown for immunity.

Brett is watching the fight intensely, clenching his fist and muttering incoherently under his breath. Erin casts him a sideways glance.

Brett: [whisper] Come on, come on…

Oberon fidgets, trying to find a more comfortable position, only to find none.

Aisha leans over to whisper in Erin’s ear.

Aisha: [whisper] I think he’s going to fall.

Erin looks aghast.

Aisha is giggling.

Aisha: [whisper] Big strong Oberon, finally bested. I can’t wait.

Jeff: Can Oberon do it again? Can he clinch his third individual immunity and beat Peter out for the third consecutive time?

Peter is now grimacing, his arms starting to cramp. Oberon is looking worriedly at him, baring his teeth, hissing as his muscles ache.

Jeff: This is a battle of mind over body, and one of you will come out on top…

Terrence squints up at the pair.

Terrence: [whisper] Come on, Oberon…

Elmer: Let’s go, Obe, you got this, buddy!

Penny: You’re killing it, boys! Whoo!

Jeff: We are reaching the two-hour mark…you have been up there hurting like hell for two hours…

At last…

Oberon gives up.

And he literally crumples, sagging down the pole, groaning as his strung limbs finally seek release.

Jeff: And that’ll do it! Peter wins individual immunity!

Peter pumps his fist in the air, cheering as he clambers down. Oberon is bending over, wheezing. Brett flashes Callum a grin as the others clap for the two men. Erin looks uncertain now, and a little disappointed.

Elmer sighs, shaking his head.

Oberon: Good job. [laughs] You finally did it.

Peter: Good effort, brother.

The two bump knuckles and Oberon limps back to the benches, as Peter waltzes over to where Jeff is waiting with the necklace ready.

Jeff: Erin, Peter, get over here.

He crowns them both.

Jeff: Individual immunity – both of you are safe at tonight’s tribal council. As for the rest of you, one of you will be sent home tonight and become the fourth member of our jury. You have the afternoon to figure out who it’s going to be. I’ll see you guys tonight. Congrats. [pats Peter and Erin on the back]

Everyone gets up to leave, and Oberon is already walking off in shame.

The tribe returns to their camp.

Aisha: Good job, Erin.

Penny: Yay! Good job, girl!

Erin: Thanks, girls.

The girls hug it out, as Peter hangs his own necklace up.

Brett: Nice [censored] job, man! Damn!

They share a fist bump.

Brett: That was awesome.

Callum: You killed it! I’d like to not be first out one day.

Brett: Come on, we gotta talk with the girls.

They leave. Elmer watches Brett, Callum and Peter pull Erin, Penny and Aisha aside, and sticks his tongue out behind their backs.

He turns to Oberon, who looks defeated, standing sadly by the fire, looking out-of-place.

Elmer: It’s not over.

Oberon: I know.

Elmer: We were down in the dumps those first two tribals. The three of us have still prevailed and we’re still here on day…what is it, 28?

Terrence: I think so?

Elmer: They’re going to try and come after you. You know that, right?

Oberon: Yep. That’s why I’m going to go foraging for the idol. See you guys in a bit.

Elmer: We need to work on the girls after this. I proposed blindsiding Brett tonight.

Terrence: I like that.

Elmer: We need to talk to Penny and Erin.

Meanwhile, down by the edge of the water…

Brett: We are not letting this slide by. I am confident that he has to go, and nothing is getting in the way of that this time. Who knows when Oberon will be vulnerable again? It’s time to vote him out.

Aisha: Yes! Finally. Mitzi will be pleased.

Brett: So it’s Oberon, then Elmer, then Terrence. Then us six fight it out, and we’re in the clear.

Peter nods.

Peter: This couldn’t have gone better for us. Seriously. Two members of our alliance win the challenge. That’s great news.

Brett: I’m thinking we split the votes 3-3-3 between Oberon and Elmer. It’s highly likely one of those three found the idol, most likely Elmer. But if he plays it on Oberon or if Oberon found it and we all vote him, then, we’ll be stupid and they can send one of us home; and it’ll probably be me they choose to vote out, let’s face it.

Aisha rolls her eyes.

Brett: So we need to split. Guys vote Oberon, girls vote Elmer? And then we all send Oberon packing. Deal?

Erin: Deal.

She shakes his hand.

The three guys leave, all talking about Peter’s latest victory. Erin turns back to the girls, looking devious.

Erin: Listen, girls, it’s not a deal just yet.

Penny: What do you mean?

Erin: I…I still haven’t decided if it’s really best for us to swing with Brett and his goons yet.

Aisha: You know me. I’m down for whatever. I mean, Brett blindsided Mitzi too so I’m content to see ANY of the six guys go. Literally, any of them! I can’t stand Callum, Peter’s an ass, Brett is way too powerful, Elmer’s too charismatic and the other idiots from Los Lagartos – I can’t even deal with right now.

Penny: It’s a risky play, Erin. I don’t know about it.

Erin: I’m still considering it, but going behind their backs and pulling off a sneaky move is still something we should really think about doing.

Penny: It’s very risky.

The trio disband.

A little later on, Elmer approaches Erin.

Elmer: Are we still good on taking out Brett? Like, are you girls all on board?

Erin scratches her head.

Elmer: You’re hesitating.

Erin: I’m not as wishy-washy as Penny. I’ll know by the end of the day what the best move is. I just need some time to come to a proper decision, and I ask you respect that.

Elmer sighs, leaning on a stick.

Elmer: It’s because Oberon lost, right? You weren’t expecting that.

Erin: I anticipated it, but it is hard to let slip an opportunity like this. How do I know he won’t continue winning and winning and speedrunning to the end? He’ll have a killer case for himself.

Elmer: We can make sure that doesn’t happen. I’m serious. I know Oberon’s physical game is his asset right now and it makes him a competitor. But right now, I do think Brett has let his power go to his head and he needs to have his ego brought back down to Ground Zero.

Erin bites the inside of her cheek, thoughtfully weighing out both options.

"aliusdiversus"

- Crap. Oberon losing today’s challenge really threw a curveball into my plans. For starters, he’s the biggest immunity threat in this game. Whenever a challenge beast loses a challenge, that’s one of the rare opportunities to take him out. Am I really going to pass up this opportunity to take Oberon out in favor of blindsiding Brett just for the sake of making a big move? Had Oberon won immunity, I would’ve been fine blindsiding Brett, but now that this could be one of the rare few moments when Oberon is vulnerable at tribal, I have to ask if it’s really worth it risking him going on an immunity streak after this by blindsiding Brett. I have to make a decision on taking out one alpha male over another.

Penny approaches the pair, Terrence not far behind, Oberon loping along.

Penny: Hey. So are we really doing this?

Elmer: Shh, keep your voice down. I don’t want Brett to overhear and suspect.

Oberon: Please, Erin, I hope you consider this. I’m not going to win every single challenge, okay, I think that’s frankly impossible. I can go on a run but I’ll fizzle out eventually. But Brett is thinking through this game and he is intimidating in that sense. Let’s make a move that’ll shake up the game and throw some excitement into all this.

Terrence turns to Penny.

Terrence: This is what should’ve happened last tribal, us banding together to make this play.

Erin leads Penny away.

Erin: Tough decisions.

Penny: Yeah. What about Aisha?

Erin: I don’t know. I really don’t. I feel like a mess.

Penny: Come on, Erin. I’m still here. We’re in this together.

Elmer turns back to Oberon, patting him reassuringly on the shoulder.

Elmer: It’s up in their hands.

Oberon splutters.

Oberon: Maybe my adventure does end tonight. I’ve really grown accustomed to islander life.

Terrence: We can still hope, man. I think they’re with us. I really do.

Oberon: That’s what I hoped of Penny previously, and it didn’t work.

Terrence: Be optimistic. Let’s go.

Tribal is looming, and everyone is grabbing their torches and getting ready to set off. Peter pins his necklace on with snarky pride, and Erin is grabbing hers off where she hooked it too.

The usual rapid darkening of the sky ensues, followed by nine tiny flaming dots making their way into tribal council. The tribe puts their torches in their usual spots and take their seats.

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

Everyone turns to look.

Jeff: Darnell, Ingrid, and Mitzi, voted out at the last tribal council.

Mitzi comes in, in a low-cut sequin-adorned jet black top, beige yoga pants and pink heels. She has red skull earrings dangling from her ears, and scowls at the lot of them, watching on from the sidelines with a serious expression on her face. Brett looks at her sheepishly. Peter smirks.

Jeff: Alright, so, last tribal council: clearly, there was a big move being made. What was the aftermath of that, Brett?

Brett: Well, some people were unhappy with me, which is understandable. But I had some talks with them to patch things up and I hope that they forgive me and see from my perspective…why I did what I did.

Mitzi is already rolling her eyes.

Jeff: Time to address the elephant in the room…Oberon, this is the first time you’ve come into tribal council without individual immunity. Think you’re on the hot seat tonight?

Oberon simply shrugs, looking defeated, as Mitzi smiles, pleased. Next to her, Ingrid does not look happy.

Oberon: I definitely feel my head is on the chopping block tonight, there’s no easy way around it. But the thing is, I may be good in challenges but that isn’t always the most important thing to consider in a vote. Some people can be bigger threats even if they go the whole game without winning a single challenge.

Jeff: At this stage of the game, everyone’s out for themselves, and bigger and bigger moves are being made. How do you ensure that you’re on the right side of these moves, Erin?

Erin: Um…I try to focus on my every move and think it through several times beforehand. I think I’ve slept badly these past few nights because I’ve been worrying about this so much. It’s draining, honestly. Sometimes the option of either A or B can be a lot more complex. I might have to choose between three or four or five different options as to how tribal will play out and you never really know whether or not you made the right choice or if it’ll come back to bite you in the behind almost instantly.

Jeff: Elmer, given that Oberon has been established as such a big threat, does it make sense to keep him? Or is there a possibility that a bigger move will be made and something else could happen altogether?

Elmer: I know that Oberon, Terrence and I have been on the bottom for quite some time. But this game – while centered around alliances – doesn’t always have to be so straightforward. Alliances change all the time. Crazy stuff happens and it all meshes together until one group comes out on top. I want to save Oberon but my wishes might not be represented by the group that comes out on top, tonight.

Jeff: Peter, in light of last tribal’s events, are there still alliances in this game?

Peter: Well, I think there are multiple alliances in this game, and only a fair few ‘core alliances’. We were running the show last tribal until a bigger move had to be made.

Mitzi wrinkles her nose at him. Ingrid scoffs. Darnell raises an eyebrow.

Peter: I think that everyone wants to align with certain people but not everyone has similar interests at heart.

Jeff: So tonight, the big target is Oberon. That’s what I’m seeing. For you, Oberon, you have to know there is a possibility there will be a lot of people whose ‘interests’ will be in seeing you go to the jury.

Oberon: Yeah.

Jeff: In that case, is there still scrambling to be done?

Oberon: I’ve been scrambling for a long time. I’ve been fighting for a long time. I’m tired but I still have to persist. I stick by my pitch and I hope for the best.

Jeff: It’s time to see what decision you guys have come down to. It is time to vote. Peter, you’re up.

Peter gets up to vote and the music begins playing. Ingrid watches him go, her expression sour.

Arriving at the voting booth, Callum flashes the camera a grin before beginning to write.

One by one, the castaways head up to vote. Mitzi is glaring, bitterly, at Brett as he passes her. Darnell is silently laughing at Mitzi’s behavior.

Penny is at the booth, and is inhaling deeply, hands shaking as she uncaps her pen.

Finally, Erin is up, looking resolved.

At last, the votes are in. Not a single vote is shown.

Jeff: I’ll go tally the votes.

Brett turns to look down the row at Erin, who is busy looking at her hands. Oberon is clearly distressed, a bundle of nerves as he looks helplessly at the floor.

Jeff returns.

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

Callum, Aisha and Peter – all with idols – do nothing. Brett eyes Oberon, and so does Peter, but Oberon can do nothing. Elmer licks his lips, staring at Probst.

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 takes out the first vote.

Jeff: First vote…Oberon.

Oberon nods.

Jeff: Oberon.

Oberon registers no surprise.

Jeff: Oberon. That’s three votes Oberon.

Oberon bites his lip.

Jeff: Brett.

Brett nods, smirking.

Jeff: Brett.

He shrugs, unconcerned. Erin looks on quietly.

Jeff: Brett. We are tied. Three votes Oberon, three votes Brett.

Peter glances at Brett. Elmer runs a hand over his face, looking excited.

Jeff unveils the next vote.

Jeff: Callum. One vote Callum.

Callum raises an eyebrow, perplexed. Peter frowns, looking back and forth between Probst and the others. Brett narrows his eyes.

Jeff: Callum. That’s two votes Callum, three votes Oberon, three votes Brett, one vote left.

Brett turns to look at Erin, who doesn’t break eye contact with him. Penny is breathing in and out, fearful. Elmer flashes Oberon a quick smile, who looks like he cannot believe his eyes.

Jeff: Callum. We have a three-way tie.

Callum sits up straighter, confused but still with a tentative smile on his face. Brett is not smiling. Aisha winks at Mitzi.

Jeff: Alright, here’s how things are going to work. Brett, Callum, Oberon, you will not vote. The rest of you – Elmer, Terrence, Erin, Aisha, Penny and Peter – you will have a revote, and you can only vote for Brett, Callum or Oberon. Penny, if you’ll come grab the urn.

Penny gets up. Brett once again turns to regard Erin, who simply lifts her shoulder at him, almost apologetically. Peter is muttering filthy phrases to himself.

The castaways all vote again.

Jeff: I’ll go tally the votes.

He returns with the urn. The jurors on the side all look highly entertained.

Jeff: First vote…Oberon.

Oberon, hearing his name read, is beaming from ear to ear.

Jeff: Brett. One vote Brett, one vote Oberon.

Brett is laughing sadly to himself, looking embarrassed. Aisha is unremorseful, exchanging mischievous smirks with Mitzi on the jury benches.

Jeff: Brett. That’s two votes Brett.

Brett sighs deeply. Erin closes her eyes, knowing what the next vote will be.

Jeff: Brett. That’s three votes Brett, one vote Oberon…

Mitzi’s face is lit up, her eyes shining as she whispers to Ingrid.

Mitzi: [whisper] Twice the pride, double the fall.

Jeff: Tenth person voted out of Survivor: Cayman Islands and the fourth member of our jury…Brett. That’s four and that’s enough. You need to bring me your torch.

Brett gets up to go.

Brett: Good job, guys.

He shakes Peter’s and Callum’s hands before he leaves.

Peter: Dude…

Brett: It’s alright.

Aisha is openly freaking out at Mitzi. Erin looks up in time to see a cross look from Peter.

Terrence lightly punches Oberon in the arm; the latter is breathing a big sigh of relief, the color returning to his face. Elmer is chuckling triumphantly.

Brett presents his torch before Probst, looking sheepish.

Jeff: Brett, your tribe has spoken. [snuff torch] Time for you to go.

He leaves, shoulders slumped. Erin watches him go, forlorn. Peter is shaking his head very obviously in her direction. Callum is still amazed, eyes shining at the turn of events. Elmer is full of delight at the victory, and shares a jubilant look with Penny, who looks at him with pleasant surprise.

Jeff: Another straightforward tribal devolved into yet another big play. There’s only eight of you left and you’re running out of places to hide. It’s time to continue stepping up your game the closer we are to the finale. Head on back to camp. Goodnight.

Voting Confessionals
{{quotedark|aliusdiversus|I’d rather Callum or Peter go because they’re idiots. But if it has to be you and not Oberon, then I’m okay with that. Thanks for saving me last tribal, I guess…|Terrence, voting for Brett}

Next Time on Survivor...

 * With their leader Brett out of the game, Peter and Callum are left to fend for themselves…

Erin: He’s so mad. He’s really furious about it.

Elmer: Don’t mind him. He’s being a hypocrite.

Peter is shown stomping around camp, clearly infuriated.


 * Oberon fears his days are numbered…

Oberon: If I don’t keep winning, I know they’ll get rid of me eventually. I won’t be getting free passes forever.


 * An intense set of challenges push the castaways to their limits…

Oberon is literally groaning in agony, trying his damnedest to keep the two weights between his palms and the platforms off the ground; his arms quivering, sweat dripping down his chin.

Next, a scene of dominoes scattering all over the floor is shown, and Jeff is heard exclaiming in surprise.


 * And the threat of idols being played is thrown out…

The scene is now at tribal.

Peter: I know me and Callum aren’t going anywhere tonight, because we’ve BOTH got idols!

Erin’s jaw drops. Elmer is shaking his head, looking pissed. Aisha is thinking hard.

Peter: So, they can come at us all they want, it’s not working out.

Life at Ponderosa #4
Life at Ponderosa #4: Brett

Brett is sitting in the sand, with nothing on but a pair of Hawaiian-themed shorts, a volleyball tucked under his arm and a pair of reflective shades on.

Brett: ‘Sup. My name is Brett Freeman and this is my Ponderosa.

Brett has his torch snuffed.

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

He leaves tribal.

The scene picks up from the moment Brett leaves, as he walks down a moonlit trail, the camera tracking his every movement. He is chuckling at himself, looking miffed.

Brett: Obviously, that was a blindside. I should’ve seen it coming. Part of me did feel like Elmer had tricks up his sleeve, but I genuinely didn’t believe that Erin was turning against me. I thought for sure, like…after the talk we had…she had forgiven me for the whole Mitzi thing and was coming back to, you know, work with me.

He sighs.

Brett: I guess not. It’s ironic. I called her my closest ally out here. I fought to keep her safe at the Natalia vote and this is how she repays that. I’m hurting right now so my judgment isn’t going to be fair, but there’s no question in that this really stings.

He resumes walking.

Brett: As tribal went on, I was trying to, like, read her body language to see if perhaps there would be an indication that she was lying to me. But those girls were tightlipped. I really feel foolish. I should’ve anticipated her making that move. But I was so…sure…that she was back on my side. I underestimated her. And again, Elmer comes back out on top! He and Oberon are the death of me, seriously. I’ve tried to get rid of those two for so long. Us alpha males have been going at it, since, like, the swap, when Peter idoled Mitch out.

He arrives at the medical hut.

Dr. Joe: Do you remember how much you weighed previously?

Brett: I don’t care.

Dr. Joe: You weighed 179.

Brett gets on the weighing scale.

Brett: 170. I lost 9. Hm. I really lost a lot of my muscles out there. [laughs] Am I still a beefcake? No? I want to see the face Erin and the others have been staring at the past 28 or so days.

He hops onto the truck to Ponderosa.

Brett unwraps a Toblerone chocolate bar and snaps off a big chunk, tossing it in his mouth.

Brett: My hope is for Peter and Callum to avenge me, of course. I don’t think Callum can win this game. I think that if he steps up his gameplay and starts playing more…well, more strategically and competitively rather than just being along for the ride, he could stand a chance at winning, but it would be a villainous victor. It’s the same with Peter, but Peter has been a lot more in-tune with the game than Callum has. Callum did whatever we told him to do, but Peter was always scheming. But they’re also both equal parts annoying to the others so socially, they could fumble, because the jury probably has little respect for either of them. That being said, I think Peter is playing the better game among the two. I know Callum has an idol and I believe it could make an appearance next tribal.

He takes another mouthful.

Brett: And for the others…gah, I really don’t like Elmer and Oberon. [laughs] I really don’t. I’m pissed off at them and to know they’re going to outlast me. We’ve disliked each other intensely since the tribe swap. I hope neither of them win. Terrence is with them too but he’s just tagging along with the two stronger men. So I guarantee you he will be the last of those three standing. And as for the girls…

He heaves a great sigh.

Brett: I loved Erin out there and I really felt like we had a connection but damn. The whole Mitzi vote really caused a lot of beef between us. Penny and Aisha…no comment. Penny’s a sweetheart but a total ditz and she seems to be playing the game for Erin rather than for herself. And Aisha…she’s too spunky and feisty, she makes enemies with all of the guys and she’s only good with the females. She stands no chance at winning, if you ask me. No one respects her and no one thinks of her as a threat at all.

The truck arrives at Ponderosa. Brett hops off and is greeted by the other three jurors.

Darnell: Welcome to Ponderosa.

Brett: Thanks, man. It’s good to meet you.

Darnell hands Brett a cocktail and he takes a grateful sip.

Brett: That tastes so good. I’ve missed a good drink. Hey, ladies.

He gives Ingrid and Mitzi each a swift one-armed hug.

Brett: No hard feelings for last tribal, right? [laughs]

Mitzi shrugs, unimpressed.

Mitzi: Oh, pfft, ‘none at all’. Besides, you’re here now.

Darnell: C’mon. You can put your stuff down first.

Brett is now admiring his new physique in the bathroom mirror.

Brett: It’s cold in here. Oh, what the- I look dreadful. Seriously. I haven’t been this skinny since high school.

He flexes for the camera. Behind his back, Ingrid is rolling her eyes skyward. Mitzi has already gone.

Brett: I need to shower. I think I’ve got a layer of grime literally coated on my skin at this point that I may never be able to scrub off. I’m filthy.

Later, Brett joins the jury for dinner. He is heaping on a pile of dessert and sweetstuffs onto his plate and is taking a big scoop of lemon ice cream.

Darnell: So…[takes a bite of cod]…what happened?

Brett takes a long sip from a chocolate banana milkshake. Mitzi and Ingrid are gossiping to themselves, looking at the assortment of sugary treats Brett has on his side of the table.

Brett: Well, obviously, everyone teamed up to get rid of me except for Peter and Callum. It’s to be expected, my Las Caimanes boys weren’t turning on me so soon after we’ve been together on the same tribe for the past…I don’t know, 27 or 28 days. But Erin was pissed off about what happened to you (points at Mitzi) and so she and Elmer collaborated – I’m assuming – to take me out.

Darnell: Did you not think something like that was going to happen?

Brett throws his hands out in front of him in a helpless gesture.

Brett: No! I had no idea! Especially not with Oberon vulnerable for the vote for the first time since the merge. I mean, I thought about it and I did check in with Erin to see if we were hopefully still on the same page, but she was out for blood. And Elmer jumped right on that crack.

Mitzi sips from her own bottle of beer, turning coolly to Brett.

Mitzi: That’s why you don’t underestimate the girls.

Ingrid: Yeah, girl power all the way.

The two high five.

Brett: What, now you two are best friends, again?

Darnell: Better than having them be worst enemies right now.

Mitzi: I just didn’t want to have to go through the rest of my time at Ponderosa being pissed and angry and bitter. Might as well have a heart-to-heart and move on.

Brett: I really could not believe Erin was willing to take the risk of Oberon winning again and decided to keep him. It really caught me off guard. I was not expecting that.

Ingrid: I, for one, am glad Oberon is still in.

Brett: Not for long, I’m sure. What about you, Mitzi? Weren’t you hoping for Oberon to go?

Mitzi: I’m tired of hoping for revenge. I’m sure Oberon won’t be long for the game, yes, but stranger things have been known to happen, sure. I was fine with any of the six guys going.

Brett: Just like Aisha, you’re Team Estrogen all the way?

Mitzi: Well, all you boys have done dirty by me, so, yeah. I’ll be cheering for Erin, primarily, and Aisha, and Penny.

Darnell: So, guys, who do you think’s going to go home next?

Mitzi: Oberon.

Brett: Oberon, yeah.

Ingrid: If he wins, it could be Peter. I hope it’s Peter. As much as I’d hate having him here to spend time with us, I don’t want him to make it any further. Plus, it means saving Oberon.

Mitzi: Yeah, we know you and Oberon have had a tight relationship. Everyone in the game knows that you’re a guaranteed vote for the man.

Brett: Unless he wins, again. See, that’s the risk of keeping him and not me.

Darnell: Oberon is marked. He has to win to stay in. And I’m honestly surprised Elmer’s still lasted this long. He should have flamed out a long time ago, but he’s still chugging along.

The next morning, Brett is now chilling by the beach, sipping from another cocktail, watching as Darnell and Ingrid go for a jog right by him.

Brett: For me, I wanted to win this game. Everyone did, but I came here focusing only on that. I had a lot of fun and a great experience but I was primarily concerned about getting to the end with a kick-ass resume. I didn’t achieve that, so I’m disappointed. I’m trying not to be a bad sport about it but it is what it is. I got voted out and played like a fiddle by the girl who I wanted to align with since the beginning, from Day 1. I really cared for Erin so this really does sting, but I can see why she did it, even if I disagree with her sparing Oberon.

He takes another sip, enjoying the ocean breeze as it blows through his hair.

Brett: There are a lot of big personalities and dynamic players left and that’s why I’m happy to be on the jury so I don’t miss out on all of it. Though I wanted to keep pushing onward in the game more than anything. I hope this isn’t my last time out here. I would want to come back, and I would want to continue the fight and finish what I started. But for now, I guess, this is where the journey ends for me. I had a blast while it lasted and I’m ready for the next chapter in the book.

Author's Notes

 * The episode title was said by Erin.