Don't Take Out The Foot Soldier

Don't Take Out The Foot Soldier is the fourth episode of Survivor: Cayman Islands.

Previously On Survivor...
"lastortugas"
 * After taking Wilkes out of the game, Penny was able to breathe easy for another three days in Las Tortugas.

- They wouldn’t want to vote out the sweet, innocent girl [bats eyelids] otherwise these guys are gonna have no girls to stare at, just each other, and honestly they’re all so grubby and dirty after a week out here anyway. I mean, yes, I owe them, and honestly, that scares me. I don’t want to be in someone’s debt in this game

"lastortugas"
 * Whereas paranoia and the fear of greater threats took over the minds of other players…

- Elmer is going to be a social, strategic AND physical threat come the merge. And that scares me. He excels in all three aspects of the game. He’s likeable, he’s smart and intelligent, he’s strong and athletic, he’s great to have around camp. And he is the biggest threat on this tribe. I don’t want to have to deal with him and have to turn on him at the merge, because it’ll be messy. He has a target on his back just by being, you know, himself.

Natalia: We need to form a group, and strike a deal, and agree, we need to split Brett and Erin up. "lascaimanes"
 * On Las Caimanes, Natalia continued her campaign against power couple Brett and Erin, and in doing so, alienated herself from the rest of her tribe by playing too aggressively.

- Natalia is playing hard. She has a very brazen personality. She’s unafraid to speak her mind. And she's a very aggressive player. She's coming out here with all these strategies and plans and yet has made very little social connections with these people to back up her moves and actions. I’m scared that this is going to cost us. If it works, great. If it doesn’t…not so great.

"lascaimanes"

- Even if I think and agree that Erin is sneaky and way more intelligent than she gives herself credit for, I can’t stomach the idea of working with Natalia and Yvonne to betray my buddy Brett, just for the sake of splitting those two up. No matter how dangerous Natalia makes Erin out to be, I’d take my chances. Because I don’t like Natalia. She’s boring, and frankly, I’m getting a lot of middle-school-teacher vibes from her. She reminds me of my old English teacher, Ms. Callaway [laughs] and I hated Ms. Callaway. Old hag.

Peter: Congratulations, blah blah blah…hidden immunity idol…blah blah blah…this thing is authentic! Holy cow – this is huge. Alright, screw them, this thing’s mine. [laughs] I've got to find a place to hide this thing- "lascaimanes"
 * Natalia’s warnings getting to him, Peter - fearing the possibility of Brett and Erin looking for an idol - tailed the pair out into the forest…and stumbled upon the hidden immunity idol himself.

- I’m keeping my idol for myself. [laughs] Brett and Erin can look for it all they want, but it belongs to me. [kisses idol] This beautiful thing is gonna stay my little secret and my secret alone. It’s such a powerful tool and I’m determined to make use of it only when I have to, at the right time.

A clip is shown of the Las Tortugas foursome hugging it out, whooping and cheering and going nuts with elation.
 * At the immunity challenge, Las Tortugas made a massive comeback and pulled out their first immunity win, saving themselves from Tribal Council for the first time this season.

Jeff: Las Tortugas, wins immunity and reward and their first immunity challenge of the season! No one going home from the Las Tortugas tribe!
 * And in spite of the obvious fractures in their tribe, Las Caimanes were able to continue their winning streak.

Jeff: Las Caimanes is through their gate! Las Caimanes, wins immunity! Safe once again, sending Los Lagartos to their first tribal council of the season!

Aisha: [under her breath] This sucks. Aidan: So, the plan is Mitzi?
 * At the Los Lagartos camp, Aidan pulled in his alliance of four with Oberon, Terrence and Aisha, and led a campaign against the tribe’s own human firecracker, Mitzi, and her only ally in Ingrid.

Oberon: I’m not deviating from that at all.

Terrence: I think we should split the votes, though.

Aidan: So, 2 on Mitzi, 2 on…Ingrid?

Oberon: How do you feel about splitting the votes between Mitzi and Aisha? If she plays the idol the idol is gone and Aisha goes. If she doesn’t, Mitzi and her idol goes home. As long as we stick to the plan, it’s solid. Us five has to stay together. "loslagartos"
 * But Oberon decided to take things into his own hands and shake the game up.

- The thing is, I’d rather go with Ingrid to the merge than with Aisha. Aisha is…she has no social game. Which is why I’d view her as more expendable than Ingrid. I want to split the votes so Aisha goes home if Mitzi plays the idol. I’m throwing Ingrid a bone here, and really, if I make the wrong judgment in trusting her, it could have consequences.

Mitzi: We don’t need numbers. Because I have an idol. Aisha’s eyes widen and she cocks an eyebrow.
 * And yet Oberon wasn’t the only one on the tribe with tricks up his sleeve.

Aisha: Do you now?

Mitzi: I do. And I’m gonna use it tonight to ensure Aidan leaves this game. Mitzi: [shrug] I’m not [censored] stupid, Ingrid. You’re a disloyal [censored] I thought I could trust you, I even shared my [censored] idol with you and you turned on me!
 * Mitzi was able to pull Aisha to her side by pointing out the latter was on the bottom of her alliance. While Oberon was able to convince Ingrid to flip and join his alliance, Mitzi was able to convince Aisha to flip and join hers. And in the end, it all culminated in an explosive altercation between two former allies.

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

Mitzi: Please, don’t insult my [censored] intelligence.

Ingrid: Whatever. You can be paranoid about it. I’m not wasting my breath on this. "loslagartos"
 * Oberon’s plan was set to split the votes between Mitzi and an unsuspecting Aisha in the case of a very likely idol play, ensuring none of the main foursome would go home. But Aidan wasn’t satisfied with seeing Aisha leave the game. Due to his perception of her as a goat and his mistrust of Mitzi’s former ally Ingrid, Aidan plotted to blindside his own allies and take out Ingrid over Aisha.

- I think that Aisha – as the weakest member of our tribe – is the perfect goat. She’s quiet, she’s boring, she doesn’t help out around camp or in challenges. And no one really likes her! She’s barely playing the game! Perfect tool for me to win a million dollars, right there. So, even if this goes against Oberon and his plans with Terrence, I’m going to try to turn the vote against Ingrid.

Aidan: I don’t want you to go out of the game. Period. I don’t. I trust you more than I trust Ingrid, because she was being sneaky the first few days, working really closely with Mitzi. And the whole argument they just had? It could easily be a ruse. Point is, I don’t trust Ingrid any more than I trust Mitzi, so if Mitzi plays the idol, I want Ingrid to go home. "loslagartos"

- I surprise myself with my brilliance. The plan I came up with is foolproof! Regardless of whether or not Ingrid sticks to the plan the four of us came up with, it’ll be either her or Mitzi going home depending on whether or not an idol is played. I’m manipulating these people so well so that no matter what ensues, the vote will be successful and in my favor, because I am controlling this game. Man, I was born for this!

Aisha: Aidan wants to change the vote from me to Ingrid.
 * Even with the culmination of Ingrid and Aisha both flipping, Oberon’s plan to split the votes and Aidan’s plan to thwart Oberon’s…the strategy involved in the vote was still far from over.

Mitzi: I’m fine with that too, after Ingrid betrayed me. She can go third for all I care. But I wanted Aidan gone first.

"loslagartos"

- The proposition of blindsiding Ingrid with Aidan is exciting, but there also remains the fact that he named me the weakest person on the tribe on Day 1. Mitzi never did that. Mitzi has been honest with me, and she sucked up to me the whole day. I like her more than I like the fat guy. I can go with Aidan, or I can go with Mitzi. Aidan may think the result of this vote lies with him, but no. It lies with me.


 * At tribal council, everyone each thought they had the cards in their hands, but it was Mitzi and Aisha – the two underdogs on the bottom – whose move pulled through. Oberon, Ingrid and Terrence all voted the way they were meant to, intending to split the votes between Mitzi and Aisha. Aidan cast his vote against Ingrid, intent on blindsiding Mitzi’s former ally out of the game.

Jeff: We have a three-way tie. One vote Aisha, one vote Aidan, one vote Ingrid, one vote left.

Ingrid covers her mouth with her hand, looking horrified. Jeff: Third person voted out of Survivor: Cayman Islands…Aidan.
 * But in the end, still with a grudge against him for being outed as the tribe’s weakest member on Day 1, Aisha flipped the script and undid both Oberon’s and Aidan’s separate plans, blindsiding and sending the ‘leader’ of the tribe home with her and Mitzi’s two sole votes, shocking and confusing the rest of the tribe.

Aidan is shown looking shocked and humiliated. Oberon and Ingrid exchange dumbfounded looks. Mitzi is smiling and Aisha smirks.

Jeff: Aidan, your tribe has spoken.

Aidan leaves as his torch is snuffed, scratching his head, looking downcast. Mitzi nods at Aisha’s direction, shooting her a wink.

Oberon: [whisper] What the [censored] just happened?

Jeff: Aidan’s voteoff was, in fact, an unprecedented blindside and it goes to show that everyone here is playing hard and playing aggressively. If this is the way you guys are playing, I am looking forward to see the chaos that will ensue. Grab your stuff, and head on back to camp.


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

Challenge
Immunity Challenge: Rice Race (Kaôh Rōng)

The tribes must maneuver three bags of rice across an obstacle course in the water. At the end of the course, they must open the bags to retrieve three balls and compete in the maze of holes. First two tribes to get all three balls at the top of the maze, win Immunity, with an additional reward of spices, seasoning, coffee, sugar and milk for the tribe in first place to use when cooking future meals.

Reward: Tribal immunity for the first two tribes to finish, with the tribe in first place getting the choice of either a basket of spices and seasoning, coffee, sugar and milk OR a meal of hot dogs, doughnuts and French fries for two members of the tribe to enjoy whilst sitting in and spectating the losing tribe’s tribal council. The tribe in second place receives the option not chosen by the winning tribe.

Winner: Las Tortugas; Los Lagartos

Night 9
The Los Lagartos tribe return from tribal council, setting their torches down by the tree.

Oberon: Wow guys…crazy tribal.

Aisha: It was, that was insane.

Mitzi: Guess that’ll teach you guys to mess with me, huh? [laughs]

Oberon: Like, wow…so what the hell happened? Do you know?

Terrence: [half-exasperated, half-amused sigh] I have…no clue.

Mitzi: Aidan tried to outplay us all. And he got played. It’s as simple as that.

Ingrid: So Aidan voted…for me? And Aisha voted…?

Mitzi: Aisha and I voted him out. Aidan voted for you, and the rest of you split the votes.

"loslagartos"

- Tribal council last night…it was my first ever tribal council…and it was insane. Nothing at all went according to plan, and at the end of it, somehow, Mitzi managed to blindside us all. With only one person as her ally – that person being Aisha, who none of us realized had flipped – Mitzi managed to turn the tables of us and completely flip the script. We all knew she was playing her idol, the goal of last night’s tribal was to flush the idol. Oberon, Terrence and I thought Aisha was going home. Apparently, Aidan thought I was going home. But Mitzi corralled Aisha into throwing everyone for a loop and she got her wish. Now, Aidan’s gone. And in his place, it’s probably either me or Oberon as her new Public Enemy No. 1. Aisha’s replaced me as Mitzi’s right-hand woman. She’s mad at me because, obviously, I flipped on her. And she’s mad at Oberon about the whole idol business. I totally underestimated her. I knew she was a bit of an aggressive player but what she did last night was crazy, and a little scary.

"loslagartos"

- What we just pulled off last night was mental. [laughs] Throughout the night, my heart was pounding, I mean, I knew I was playing my idol but I was nervous: I didn’t know for sure if I had Aisha with me and I knew it was a toss-up between Aidan and Ingrid and Aisha. Ingrid burned bridges with me, and she is no longer my ally. But I wanted Aidan gone first before dealing with her. She and Oberon have become a pair, just as Oberon and Terrence are a pair, and the three of them have become almost a little…I don’t know, like they’ve kind of pushed us to the side and don’t want anything more to do with us.

Oberon, Terrence and Ingrid are seen all sitting together on a log, by the fire, with Aisha and Mitzi standing around by the shelter, talking in hushed voices, clearly a distance away from the other three.

Ingrid: First chance we get, we get rid of those guys.

Terrence: Agreed.

Oberon: We don’t let them splinter the tribe. Alright? Aidan’s gone, but the three of us are going to stay solid until the merge. Deal?

Ingrid: Deal.

Terrence: Deal.

"loslagartos"

- Aisha and I pulled off a big move tonight, but the two of us are still on the bottom and I know that if we go back to tribal, it’ll probably be me going home next. I played that idol but it was temporary and while I got rid of my biggest enemy, I’m still in the minority on my tribe. I have only Aisha and while she relished making that big move, she could easily flip back because I’m a sinking ship! I don’t like being in the minority, I want to be in the majority. I made bad social connections with these people, so what I need to do is find a new tribe and a new family to integrate into. So I am counting on a tribe swap to save me and my girl Aisha.

Mitzi: It just sickens me how…they’re so obviously alienating us.

Aisha: I know! It doesn’t matter. When we swap, we can pick them off one by one.

Mitzi: Ingrid is such a two-faced [censored]. I can’t stand her.

Aisha: Oberon’s playing really well, I think. He’s solid with the both of them, he’s running the show over there. If you find anymore idols…it might be nice to take the leader of their…trio…out.

"loslagartos"

- If we get to a tribe swap, Mitzi and I will try to get Ingrid or Oberon out. No one’s targeting Terrence – he’s basically just Oberon’s right hand man right now. Oberon is the Alpha Male and Ingrid is his female sidekick. The three of them have basically made me and Mitzi the outcasts of this tribe.

Aisha: We made a big move taking out Aidan, and so we can have our peace with that.

Mitzi: Yeah. That’s true.

"loslagartos"

- [sigh]…So we went into tribal…with a plan, and it all went to [censored]. [laughs] Everything that could have went wrong went wrong. Mitzi played her idol, the split vote didn’t work, someone who wasn’t meant to go home went home. It sounds to me that Aidan just dug his own grave by overplaying but all the same he was our ally. He was unpredictable so maybe it’s better off for all of us that he’s gone, but I didn’t want to still be stuck with Mitzi and Aisha. It won’t matter though because next tribal, Mitzi’s gone. We still have the majority which is why I label Aisha’s move to flip on us a failed move, because she’s still in the minority on a tribe of 2. Then again, she was already on the bottom with us, and me, Terrence and Ingrid were trying to get her out. With Aidan gone, it’s just me, Terrence and Ingrid left together against those two women, so…we’ll just have to see how it turns out for the three of us going up against them. If we make it to the merge, the fractures in our tribe is going to create havoc.

Day 10
Over at the Las Tortugas beach the next morning… Mitch is by the fire, fanning the flames and making rice for the tribe. Penny and Elmer are out soaking in the ocean. "lastortugas"

- That reward we had last night was magical. It was an amazing experience to have shared with our tribe and I think everyone enjoyed it. It was a bonding moment and one that I’ll treasure after this game.

Mitch: That was a fun reward last night.

Darnell walks over.

Darnell: I agree.

Darnell watches Elmer and Penny chilling in the water, eyes narrowing. "lastortugas"

- I am wary of Penny and Elmer’s relationship. It just bothers me. They are very tight. And I’m thinking they need to be broken up, and honestly? I’m fine with either Penny or Elmer leaving the game in order to stop this relationship from becoming too serious.

Darnell: Listen, I’m thinking, next time we have to go to tribal, we have to break up the two of them. But I’m thinking, instead of voting Penny, we vote…Elmer.

Mitch casts Darnell a worried glance.

Mitch: Elmer’s better in challenges.

Darnell: I know that. That’s why I want him gone. A tribe swap is inevitable. We’re changing tribes sooner or later. I’d rather risk having Penny on my new tribe than having Elmer on the other tribe.

"lastortugas"

- Our tribe dynamics are relatively peachy right now. We’re all still here, we’re all still in the game in spite of our rocky start. But Darnell is getting restless. He wants to make a move and put Elmer’s name down on that parchment and send him home because he’s threatened by him. And that makes sense to me, Elmer’s presence can be intimidating. But Darnell does strike me as a schemer. And the choice of which one worries me more in the long run is a cause for concern.

Elmer is seen talking to Penny in hushed tones, almost in a flirtatious manner.

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

Penny: Oh yeah?

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

- Elmer and I have a f2 deal. I think it’s because he believes he can beat me. We’ll just have to see about that. [laughs] Just by being himself, he could probably already win over the jury, so that doesn’t really make me want to take him. I love him to death, but, that doesn’t mean I wanna sit next to him. I do want him as an ally at the merge though because he’d be the perfect meat shield. Pre-merge, he’s an asset and my little cuddle-buddy. Post-merge? His physical strength and his charisma will either be his saving grace or two large targets on his back.

Penny: We just need to…make the merge. [laughs] We’re already two members down, we can’t go to the merge with low numbers.

Elmer: If we win the next challenge and survive the swap, we’ll be in the clear.

Penny: You think we’re gonna swap?

Elmer: I mean, it’s inevitable, right? If we do swap, just stay strong if we’re separated, alright? And we’ll meet up at the merge with Mitch and Darnell. "lastortugas"

- Everyone knows there’ll be a tribe swap eventually. It’s probably after this tribal. And if that happens, I do worry that the four of us will be split apart. We’re a tight group after all we’ve been through and I want us all to make the merge. So I hope Penny and I can reconcile if we are, indeed, separated, and that we’ll stay strong and survive whichever tribe we get put on.

Meanwhile, at the Los Lagartos camp…

Mitzi stands by the shelter, picking her teeth, as Oberon tends to the fire alongside her. "loslagartos"

- Right now, Ingrid and Oberon are my biggest enemies in the game. She betrayed my trust, and he completely ruined the surprise of my idol. So I want one of the two gone. But I know I’m still on the bottom of my tribe. And it sucks. I have only Aisha as my lieutenant, the other three are dead-set on taking me out and they’re being very open about alienating me. Which is really quite silly. They should at least pretend to include me in the tribe, because once we get to a swap, me and Aisha will flip in an instant. That just goes to show these people aren’t thinking.

Mitzi: So…is it safe to assume the three of you are coming after me next tribal?

Oberon doesn’t look up.

Oberon: Let’s just hope it won’t come down to that then. If we can avoid tribal, that’d be great.

Mitzi sighs.

Mitzi: Well, it was a hell of a spectacle for our tribe’s first tribal.

Oberon: Can’t disagree with that.

Ingrid arrives back at camp, laying down the stack of firewood she has gathered by a pile next to the shelter. She beckons Mitzi to join her for a walk. Mitzi begrudgingly complies, and the two women head off.

"loslagartos"

- Aisha and I have basically switched places in terms of where we now stand on this tribe. She has become Mitzi’s new right-hand woman, and now, I have only my fragile relationship with Oberon to rely on to keep me safe. I mean, I know that I can’t just push Mitzi away entirely. There is a slim chance I’ll need to rely on my social connections with her to get me further in the game. So I’ve tried to apologize, tried to talk through my decision to turn my back to her. It’s not like I haven’t tried. I’ve tried, to apologize to her. This chick just won’t let it go. She’s still here! She played her idol successfully! But she holds a massive grudge. With Aidan blindsided, she needs a new target for her enmity and it’s me and Oberon left to feel her wrath. I know I came close to going home last night. I won’t let it happen again.

Oberon watches them leave, biting the inside of his cheek, lost in his own world.

Terrence comes along.

Terrence: Where are they going?

Oberon: To have a talk.

Terrence: As long as it doesn’t culminate into a full-blown argument.

Oberon: This is Mitzi we’re talking about. Expect fireworks.

Terrence: I can’t take anymore fighting around camp. I kinda miss Aidan. He was a blockhead but his presence isn’t easily missed around here.

Along the path with Ingrid and Mitzi, the two ex-allies are talking about last night’s explosive tribal.

Ingrid: Are you still mad at me about last night?

Mitzi: What do you think, Ingrid?

Ingrid: I just want to ask you one question. If you knew everyone was targeting me, and that whichever way you voted wouldn't have mattered, would you have flipped, or would you have stayed loyal?

Mitzi scowls.

Mitzi: I had an idol, Ingrid! It wouldn't have mattered.

Ingrid: We were outnumbered and in the minority. Oberon offered me a choice and I took the better option. I was only doing what I felt was best to further my game.

Mitzi: When I give someone my word, that I’ll stay loyal, I mean it. I would stay loyal. That’s how I live my life, I’m loyal to a fault. Apparently that’s not who you are in your life-

Ingrid: What’s that supposed to mean? You don’t know who I am in real life so you can’t base any sort of judgment-

Mitzi: But I do know your character in the game, and you have no loyalty to anyone but yourself. If Oberon was at the bottom, would you still be aligned with him?

Ingrid: Yes. I would. Because he doesn’t chew me out over every little thing, or kick up a fuss at the slightest provocation-

Mitzi: Listen. I don’t want to get into this with you. So drop it. "loslagartos"

- Ingrid thinks I’ll just forget about what happened the other night, that I’ll just roll over and forget it ever happened and let bygones be bygones. Uh-uh. Apart from Aisha, everyone on this campsite is dead to me. Everyone here turned on me last night and were trying to take me out. So, as soon as a swap comes, or the merge, and I get my chance: bang, bang, bang. I’m making it my goal to take all three of them out – starting with Ingrid.

Night 10
The full moon is shown high up in the sky, as a dark cloud passes by. A clip of a monkey scampering up a tree is shown, as the camera pans down to reveal the Las Tortugas camp at night. An unexpected giggle is heard. Hushed whispers and muffled laughter cuts through the noise of Mitch’s snoring. Darnell is awoken from his slumber, looking dazed and surprised, turning his head to see and hear Elmer and Penny cooing and snuggling together, in a fit of naughty giggles and whispers. "lastortugas"

- So…last night…I was…rudely and abruptly awoken…in the middle of the night, mind you…to find…Elmer and Penny…locked in a passionate embrace.

Penny: [giggling, in a whisper] Shh! They’ll hear us!

Elmer: [whisper] It’s fine. [laughs] Who cares?

Darnell casts them an irritated look in the dark.

"lastortugas"

- I’ve been living out here for almost ten days with these people…and man…the Prom King and Queen over there are driving me nuts. I barely slept one [censored] wink last night. It’s hard enough to catch some shuteye out here in the wilderness, I get like a couple hours of sleep each night. No one can sleep good out here with the wild animals and the weather and the openness of the surroundings…except Mitch. Dude sleeps like a log. Point being, it’s already hard enough for a big guy like me to get some beauty sleep, and #Pelmer over there just made it harder. Maybe it is time to make a move and split those two up, because I’m sick of the pair of them.

With night vision turned on, Darnell is seen blinking groggily, staring up at the stars, looking annoyed and grouchy, as Elmer and Penny continue to make out beside him. Mitch resumes snoring away.

Day 11
As the sun comes up, Darnell is poking at the fire with a stick, looking exhausted and grumpy, dark circles around his eyes. Mitch takes a seat next to him, wiping sweat off his face with his shirt.

Mitch: You look awful. Didn’t sleep well?

Darnell: How could I? [laughs] Those two weren’t exactly subtle.

Mitch: [laughs] If you could sleep through my snoring, you should be able to sleep through them. They’re just restless after almost two weeks out here without any release. You can’t blame them.

Darnell: I dare you to try sleeping when they’re this close from [censored] right beside you. [censored] right out in the open too, like, wait til you get voted out and then go get a room.

"lastortugas"

- Darnell is getting annoyed at Elmer and Penny. He thinks they’re too tight. And I’m starting to see sense in that. The topic of power couples and the threat they poses is a very prevalent theme in our tribe. It is smart to be wary of them and strike now while the iron is hot. Those two are very dangerous together. I may not like Darnell’s scheming, and I do like and respect Elmer a lot more because I think he’s a gentleman. Penny may be a sweetheart, however, she’s not cut out for this game.

Darnell sighs.

Darnell: I don’t know anymore. I feel like Elmer will be a threat at the merge and I don’t want to have to deal with that, to plot a way to blindside him later on because it’d be a lot tougher. At the same time though, he’d be a meat shield and physically? A great asset and a great person to have at your side. Penny is just…useless. I don’t want to say she’s just a pretty face but she is nowhere near as threatening as Elmer is. I’m just trying to balance out the pros and cons of keeping either deeper into the game. "lastortugas"

- You know what I’d like to do? I’d like to split Elmer and Penny up. I’ve grown tired of her by now. I want her gone. She doesn’t do anything at camp. She kept me up the whole damn night! She doesn’t help out in challenges either. Maybe Cindy and Wilkes were onto something. Because even though I’ve saved her many times, she is starting to get on my nerves, and her closeness with Elmer remains as dangerous as before, if not more. I don’t like the idea of keeping Elmer once the merge comes for a variety of reasons but there are pros to keeping him as well, that could balance out any cons. Penny may be weaker than him in a lot of ways but that can just as easily be perceived as a flaw rather than to her advantage in the later stages of the game. Do we get rid of Penny or do we get rid of Elmer? And even if Mitch and I make a decision, will we get the other person to flip should we go back to tribal? With so much up in the air, I hope we don’t have to go back to tribal because we are in a hell of a dilemma regarding those two and I don’t know what to do.

A flock of birds flies by in a cool transition shot. Soothing music plays as the scene switches to that of the Las Caimanes camp. Erin is laying in the sand, sunbathing, having an incoherent conversation with Brett, who is laying on his washboard stomach, propped up on his elbows beside her and listening attentively.

Erin: You know we’re being gossiped about, right?

Brett: Let them say what they want. It doesn’t bother me.

Erin: We’ve enjoyed a very comfortable winning streak so far, courtesy of you.

Brett: You’ve pitched in as well. Don’t sell yourself short, you’re a very athletic woman.

Erin: Thanks. But you’ve killed it in the past few challenges.

Brett: Our tribe just has the stronger guys and gals.

Erin: How are things with us and Callum and Peter?

Brett: How do you mean?

Erin looks back at the beach, where Natalia is sitting in the shelter, her back pressed up against Yvonne’s, dozing off, as the latter eats from a bowl of rice.

Erin: Natalia’s been spreading rumors about us. She says we’re a big power couple.

Brett: You mean, like, they classify us as a duo?

Erin: They do. We probably shouldn’t be so close to avoid worrying them. The last thing we need right now is for them to target us for our closeness.

Brett: But I like spending time with you.

Erin: [laughs] Come off it, Brett. I’m being serious. I don’t want us to get screwed over.

Brett: We won’t be. I trust Callum and Peter.

Erin: That’ll be famous last words if they blindside you or me.

Brett: They wouldn't do that. The guys remind me of my friends back home. Us guys are very tight, we’re not splitting up, and you’re safe with me.

Brett lowers his voice conspiratorially.

Brett: If Natalia continues gunning for you or me, we can just get Callum and Peter to help us take her out. She’s a schemer and she’s playing way too hard, way too fast. The boys’ll side with us. We’ve done nothing to offend them.

Erin: Peter’s a strategist too. Callum’s a joker, he’ll go along with whatever Peter says and does. But Peter, I worry about. He’s very cunning and he’s always thinking about the game, though he shows more subtlety than Natalia. I’m afraid he’ll be threatened by our relationship.

Brett: Listen, Erin, you don’t have to worry. Peter trusts me. And I trust him, and Callum too. Us three guys are cool. And if we go to tribal – not that we will, since we’re on a hell of a winning streak right now – Natalia will go home. End of story. She only has Yvonne on her side, and even then, Yvonne hasn’t been a big problem thus far. We’ll get along fine.

Erin doesn’t look convinced. "lascaimanes"

- My tribe and I have enjoyed a couple of relatively peaceful weeks out here. We’ve not gone to tribal yet, I still don’t know where everyone really stands because tribal is where our bonds of trust are truly put to the test. Believe it or not, I’ve grown to trust Brett and I consider him my partner in this game.

A clip of Erin and Brett laughing in the shelter is shown, with the former behaving in a flirtatious manner. Natalia shoots the pair a dirty look. "lascaimanes"

- Like, I get it. Brett is a huge threat. He’s a very physical one. But that’s the perfect ally to have right now. A meathead of a guy who’s mostly brawn and very little brain. But I don’t want my relationship with him to end up costing me. Me and Natalia and Yvonne decided we’d have a thing going at the start but that’s kind of dissipated by now. I know she’s out to get me, so me and Brett – we’ve got to get her first.

Day 12
The tribe-like music kicks in as the three tribes walk in for their reward-cum-immunity challenge. Las Tortugas arrives first, everyone with a smile on their face – Darnell with a cocky little smirk. Las Caimanes is right behind them, Callum cradling the immunity idol under his arm affectionately.

Jeff: Las Tortugas and Las Caimanes, getting your first looks at the new Los Lagartos tribe. Aidan, voted out at last night’s tribal council, and with that, Los Lagartos is without its appointed leader.

Callum whistles, raising an eyebrow. Brett chuckles to himself, shaking his head.

Jeff: Alright, you ready to get to today’s immunity challenge? First things first, I’ll take back the idols.

Callum pats the idol and gives it one last loving glance before handing it over. Darnell tosses it to Jeff, who catches it deftly with one hand.

Jeff: Alright, immunity is back up for grabs. For today’s challenge, you will race out in the water, collecting three bags of rice, which you will then maneuver through a complex obstacle course. Once you get through, with all three bags, you must race up to the beach and tear open the bags to retrieve three white balls hidden among the rice. Using the balls, three members from each tribe will attempt to maneuver the balls through a vertical maze full of holes. First two tribes to get all three balls at the top of the maze, win Immunity, safe from the vote where somebody will be the fourth person voted out of this game. In addition, the first tribe to finish gets a choice between two separate rewards.

Jeff pulls off a blanket, unveiling a table laden with baskets containing various different spices, as well as jars of coffee powder, sugar and more.

Jeff: Choose this reward and you can bring back this assortment of spices, seasoning, salt and pepper, sugar, milk, coffee and tea. This’ll make even the most common meal that much more rejuvenating and it does remind one of home. Or – you can opt for a second reward.

Jeff moves over to the second covered table, pulling off the blanket to reveal a plate full of hotdogs, doughnuts and thick greasy French fries.

Jeff: If you go for this reward, only TWO members of the winning tribe will get to enjoy this feast of hotdogs and French fries…AT the losing tribe’s tribal council. So not only are these two players going to fill their bellies, these two will also collect information about the dynamics of another tribe and that could be vital for the future in the looming possibility of a swap or the merge. But only TWO members of this tribe will get to visit tribal council and enjoy this meal – the others will remain at camp and gain nothing from winning other than the night off. So the dilemma is - do you opt for long-term refreshment, or award important information and temporary fulfillment for only two of your number? Second tribe to finish will get whichever reward the first tribe didn’t pick. Losing tribe – nada, but a date with me at tribal council where two representatives from one of the other two tribes will attend and get an insight into the social politics of your tribe. An important challenge, and an important decision. Worth playing for? Let’s get started. Las Caimanes, you’re sitting two people out, who’s it gonna be? Remember you cannot sit out of back-to-back challenges.

Brett: Natalia and Peter.

Jeff: Los Lagartos, you’re sitting one person out. Who is it?

Ingrid: I guess I’ll sit out.

Soon, the tribes are all out on their platforms in the water, geared up and raring to go. Brett pats his buddies on the back.

Brett: We can do this, guys. Challenge no. #4!

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

Yvonne: Shh! Don’t jinx us!

Jeff: Survivors ready? Go!

The tribes are off! Everyone leaps into the water and are racing to unleash the bags of rice from where they are tethered down.

Jeff: Las Caimanes, again in the lead! Brett, lugging that bag across his shoulder!

Oberon has another bag secured and slung over his back. Mitzi is flying through her knots, her face a mask of furious concentration, untying the third and final bag of rice for Los Lagartos as Terrence scoops it up and the four of them plough onward through the water.

Jeff: Los Lagartos, heading out! Las Tortugas…

Elmer slings the third bag over his shoulder. Penny is flying ahead, not carrying any of the bags, as Darnell heaves his own bag along behind him, sweat pouring down his face, looking pissed.

Jeff: Las Tortugas right behind! It’s neck and neck so far! Now you’ve got to get past this wall and head up to the beach!

Brett is shoving one bag through the hole in the makeshift wall; Erin having clambered over and pulling it through the other side, straining with the effort.

On Los Lagartos’ end, Oberon is madly punching at his bag, as Mitzi and Aisha both tug at it from the opposite side. Elmer too is squeezing the bag through, with Darnell and Mitch trying to push the rice aside and get the bag through the small hole. Penny is standing alongside Elmer, trying to help as best as she can.

Jeff: Brett has his first bag through! Oberon, literally punching his bag through! Darnell and Mitch…

With a gigantic heave, Darnell falls back, pulling the bag through the hole with him and into the water with a splash.

Jeff: …they have their first bag through as well! Las Caimanes has their second bag through! Los Lagartos, right behind! It is Las Caimanes still in the lead, as usual! Las Tortugas, in the back of the pack! They do not want to revisit tribal!

Elmer is grimacing, looking exhausted as he forces a second bag in the hole, his biceps flexing with the effort.

Jeff: Las Caimanes haven’t even been to tribal yet, not once this whole season. Las Tortugas has gone twice and are down to four. Los Lagartos got their first taste of it a couple nights back. They do not want to return.

Mitzi: [under her breath] I ain’t going back.

Jeff: Las Caimanes has all their bags through! Get up to the beach! Yvonne is completely spent in this challenge! She has completely wiped out!

Yvonne is staggering after her tribemates as they hurry up the beach, looking drained of all her energy.

Erin: Yvonne, come on!

Jeff: Los Lagartos, struggling to catch up with Las Caimanes – again off to a strong start! Brett – now working on the maze!

Brett is balancing on a balance beam, with the first ball in place. Slowly, he attempts to maneuver it up the vertical maze, chewing his lip, rigid and focused on the challenge. With a loud groan, Elmer slams the final bag through the hole and races to clamber up the wall. Behind the wall, Darnell and Mitch are panting under the effort of carrying the heavy – and wet – bags of rice. Elmer falls down next to them with a large splash, dousing Penny entirely.

Jeff: Las Tortugas, in dead last – again! Racing to catch up to the other two tribes!

Mitch: Come on, Elmer!

Penny: We’re not out of it yet!

Elmer grunts as he picks up the bag of rice, sloshing through the waist-deep water after the rest of his tribe, hurrying to keep up with Los Lagartos, who is now scampering up the beach.

Jeff: Los Lagartos are making their way up the shore! You’re looking for three bags!

Terrence rips one bag open and finds the first ball, rushing to get it through the maze.

Jeff: Terrence, trying to maneuver the balls for Los Lagartos! He wants to catch up to Brett, who is very far ahead!

Brett’s face is scrunched up in concentration, his beady eyes not leaving the maze and his ball for one second. Tentatively, he begins lifting it upwards, and it is not too far from the top of the maze where he must deposit it in one of three holes.

Jeff: Can he do it? Brett’s close!

With a jolt, Brett’s ball shudders. Sweat is seeping into his eyes as he blinks furiously. Unable to recover, his ball jolts again and without warning, it falls through one of the holes in the maze.

Cursing, he leaps off the beam to replace it. Erin is clinging onto Callum, whitefaced with tension.

Erin: Come on, Brett, you can do it!

Callum: Just pick it up and keep going, man, no pressure! You got this.

Jeff: Brett dropped the ball! Las Caimanes had a huge lead and they’ve completely blown it! Terrence now in the lead!

Elmer is now heading over to work on his maze.

Jeff: Elmer, now working on the maze for Las Tortugas! He has a lot of time to make up for this tribe of underdogs! Las Caimanes started out with a massive headstart as per usual and it has all gone to waste as all three tribes are once again neck and neck!

Sitting out of the challenge, Natalia is standing, shivering, watching Brett’s ball once again make its way up the maze, slowly and shakily.

Jeff: Brett’s ball traversing its way up the maze again! Terrence’s ball is close, can he get it in the hole?

Inches away from scoring, Terrence pushes his ball up into the hole with a small movement of his hand.

Jeff: Terrence scores the first point! It is now Los Lagartos in the lead with one! Everyone else – zip!

Terrence throws his hands in the air and runs back as Mitzi rushes to take over.

Elmer’s ball too is also close to the hole at the top. Intensity blazing in his eyes, he sinks it in in one swift motion.

Jeff: Las Tortugas scores as well! In a twist of fate, Las Caimanes is in dead last after starting off with a bang! Brett needs to catch up!

Darnell is now taking over, maneuvering his ball up the maze, casting Mitzi a sidelong glance as he tries to overtake her. Mitzi swears as her ball goes through a hole. A second later, Darnell’s ball does the same and the two have to restart.

Brett gets his ball in the hole. Cheering, he tags out and Callum races over.

Jeff: Brett finally gets the ball in the hole! Callum coming to take over. Yvonne – looking exhausted.

Yvonne is sitting cross-legged on the sand, her brows furrowed and her hair plastered to her face in sweat, her bony figure shaking. Erin is crouching down next to her, a comforting arm around the older woman.

Jeff: Darnell has overtaken Mitzi! Las Tortugas is surprisingly back in the lead, looking to win their second immunity challenge! Can Darnell do it?

Darnell’s ball fits into the second hole.

Elmer: Yes!

Darnell tags out and hurriedly motions for Mitch or Penny to take over.

Mitch: You do it. I…I don’t have good hand coordination.

Elmer: Go, Penny, go!

Penny hurries over to replace Darnell.

Jeff: Las Tortugas with two points, everyone else with one! Las Tortugas has caught up in a tremendous bout of effort!

Mitzi’s ball lands in the hole with a satisfying ‘plop!’ and Mitzi whoops, tagging out with Oberon, who charges over.

Penny glances at him in worry.

Elmer: Don’t care about them, Penny, you can do this!

Jeff: Penny, getting a lot of encouragement from her tribemates.

Callum’s ball has almost reached the top. Finally, he lands the second ball for Las Caimanes and rushes out to tag with Erin.

Jeff: Everyone on their last ball now! Who will win and who will come to tribal council tonight? In a series of deft and sharp movements, Penny is inching her ball carefully but swiftly up the maze, just a few inches ahead of Oberon’s. Erin is making quick work of her maze, catching up fast, with only a few seconds behind Oberon.

Jeff: Erin has caught up for Las Caimanes after they blew their lead, but will it be enough? Can Penny win this challenge for her tribe after facing so much defeat?

Penny: C’mon, c’mon…

Elmer: You’ve got this, Penny.

Darnell is shaking his head, laughing quietly to himself, looking impressed.

Her body stiff with concentration, Penny is inching her ball up the maze, a mere distance away from the final hole. Oberon is quickly catching up. In a risky move, he shoots his ball up and past a hole with a sharp movement, increasing the distance between him and Erin, who is doing her damnedest to catch up and is still staying strong in the challenge.

Elmer: You’re almost there, you’ve got it!

Penny moves her ball up…and it falls squarely into the final hole.

Jeff: And just like that – Las Tortugas, comes from behind and wins immunity and get to choose their reward! Safe at tribal council! A massive comeback victory! That just goes to show you never give up in this game because anything can happen! We’re looking for one more tribe!

Penny runs over to embrace her tribe, laughing with tears of elation in her eyes as the others envelop her in a tight hug.

Elmer: That was awesome! Good job!

Darnell pats Penny on the back, grinning from ear to ear. Mitch kisses her on the forehead.

Mitch: You did great, sweetheart.

Darnell: Excellent hand-eye coordination. You're proving Wilkes wrong.

Penny: I’m just glad we don’t have to go back to tribal!

Oberon shoots Erin a nervous look, as she steadily makes her way up the maze with her final ball.

Terrence: Oberon, you’ve got this, brother, you’re almost there! To the right!

Jeff: Oberon, inches away! Can Erin catch up? Will it matter?

Erin grimaces, her teeth chattering. Trying to make a dangerous play, she pulls back sharply, trying to fling her ball upwards, but it falls through the wrong hole instead and everyone on Las Caimanes groans as Erin races over to restart her progress.

Jeff: Erin, drops the ball! Oberon, almost has it in!

Oberon pulls back…and the ball slots right into the third and final hole.

Jeff: Los Lagartos – wins immunity! Safe from tribal council, sending Las Caimanes to their first ever tribal council, where somebody will be the first person voted out of the previously unbeatable tribe.

Oberon pumps his fist into the air, looking jubilated as he stretches his arms wide to welcome Ingrid, who leaps in for a big bear hug. The whole tribe of five gathers around, even Mitzi, all smiling as they celebrate and congratulate one another.

On Las Caimanes’ side, Natalia is looking down at her feet, visibly disappointed. Peter spits at the sand, upset. Yvonne shakes her head, getting to her feet, chiding Callum.

Yvonne: Told you not to jinx it.

Erin: Sorry guys. I was going for broke.

Soon, everyone has recovered enough for the rewards to be dispensed.

Jeff: Las Tortugas, congrats. You’ve gone from losing the first two immunity challenges to winning the last two. You’ve earned this. [hands immunity to a beaming Penny] Now, you’ve got to make a choice. Will you opt for the spices and coffee, or for a visit to Las Caimanes’ tribal council with hotdogs and doughnuts? You can talk it out amongst yourselves.

The four members of Las Tortugas have a quick discussion.

Mitch: Which one should we pick? I’m fine with either one.

Elmer: Here’s my thought process. We’re probably going to swap at the next challenge, the spices and coffee might not even stay with us if, say, we all end up on different camps. I say we go for the visit to tribal, it could give us helpful information about who to side with at a swap, depending on which tribes we may end up on.

Mitch: That’s a good plan.

Jeff: Well?

Darnell: We'll take them hotdogs.

Jeff: And which two of you will be attending Las Caimanes’ tribal?

Darnell: You wanna go?

Elmer: Nah, it’s fine. I can stay.

Mitch: I’ll hold the fort down. You and Penny go have fun, and do surveillance. She deserves the reward. [laughs]

Darnell: Me and Penny.

Jeff: Alright, Darnell, Penny, you will be picked up from camp later this evening and taken back to tribal council where you will listen in on Las Caimanes. Los Lagartos – come take your spices and coffee, enjoy the night off.

Jeff also hands the immunity idol to Mitzi, who kisses it passionately.

Mitzi: I missed you, baby. [another kiss] Mommy needed you now more than ever.

Jeff: As for you, Las Caimanes, your winning streak has finally come to an end. Tonight, one member from your very successful group of six will be the first person voted off your tribe. I’m looking forward to seeing who it is. Grab your stuff and head out. I’ll see you tonight.

All six are looking sad and dejected. As the members of Las Caimanes grab their bags and head down the path, the camera pans down the group, focusing on a very grimy and weary-looking Natalia.

Natalia: I have wanted to split Brett and Erin up for a while now, almost since Day 1. I thought she and I could go far but not anymore. She’s a snake and tonight will be my opportunity to finally get rid of her.

Returning from a commercial break, the camera passes through a large cloud, panning over a bird’s eye view of the Las Tortugas beach.

As the four of them come back from the challenge, the guys are congratulating Penny on scoring the final ball.

Elmer: I told you you could do it. You’re proving Wilkes wrong now, every step of the way.

Penny: Thanks guys. Really, it means a lot to me.

Mitch: Don’t worry, honey, you did great.

Darnell: Yeah, great job.

"lastortugas"

- So, Penny proved everyone a little wrong today by acing that challenge. She had very good balance, very good hand-eye coordination skills and whatnot – she was very limber. So props to her. We started out terrible in that challenge and I thought we’d be going back to tribal, which would’ve been really complicated because I still wanted either Elmer or Penny out and there was the issue of whether or not one would turn on the other, or if Mitch might have even ratted me out to ensure it didn’t go to a tie so the three of them could send me home and stay safe. I took all that into consideration. We’ll never know who would’ve been third off our tribe because we’re all still here, which is good. More numbers in the merge or past the swap is going to be a good thing. And it gives us all a little break from stress for now, and a nice reward tonight. To go to tribal without worrying about the vote will be a leisure.

Elmer kisses the back of Penny’s hand as he follows her down to wash up in the ocean and she laughs. "lastortugas"

- I cannot believe what happened today. I saved my butt in that challenge and it just – it just really is a huge boost to my self-esteem, to know that I helped my tribe that much, that I was able to contribute and be a factor in one way or another regarding our success. This game has been a rollercoaster of emotions thus far, but I’m still here and I’m still in it and I couldn’t have asked for anything better. And my golden boy Elmer is here as well, so it’s paradise for another three days. [laughs]

Meanwhile…

The members of Los Lagartos are carrying their rewards back to their camp, all also looking pleased with themselves. "loslagartos"

- I was this close [holds up index finger and thumb an inch apart] to getting voted out. I knew if we didn’t win that challenge and our tribe goes back to tribal, I’m a goner. So this immunity win saved my life in the game, and if we swap soon as I expect us too, I could find a new lease in the game and hopefully find some new – and better – allies.

Oberon: Check out the stuff. [sets basket of coffee and milk down in the shade of the shelter]

Terrence whistles appreciatively.

Terrence: Can’t believe Las Tortugas didn’t want this.

Ingrid: I know! I’ve missed coffee. I feel like I’m half-dead after going so many mornings without it.

Mitzi is rummaging through the array of spices, looking bored, when a piece of parchment falls out and into the sand. There is a moment of silence when everyone stares at it, perplexed. And in a split second, Oberon is charging forward, making a beeline for the clue as Mitzi drops to the floor, scrambling to pick it up first.

Mitzi: Gimme!

Oberon: Hey!

Mitzi: Gimme my [censored] clue. [censored] off!

Oberon snatches the clue up first and darts away from the shelter, Ingrid and Terrence trailing behind him. Mitzi scurries after him, as Aisha stands by the shelter, looking befuddled. Oberon is furiously unwrapping the clue, reading it out loud as fast as he can.

Oberon: Congratulations you have found the clue to the blah blah blah…

Mitzi: Hey!

Oberon: …idol buried somewhere unexpected…another three days in the game…

Mitzi: Give it back!

Oberon rips the clue up into little pieces, tossing them into the air. He turns and beckons Ingrid and Terrence to follow him into the forest, and takes off, the other two rushing to keep up. Mitzi gets down on her knees and grabs the flimsy remains of the clue, face red in anger. "loslagartos"

- I had it. I had it for two [censored] seconds. The clue was in my hands and I let it fall out of the damned basket of spices and before I knew what was happening, Oberon was running like a madman, reading it and ripping it up and then he takes off into the forest. This is the second time Oberon’s foiled my attempt at getting the dumb idol.

Aisha is joining Mitzi in the sand, sweeping her hair from her face.

Aisha: Can you piece it back together?

Mitzi: You give it a go. Fast. I’ve got to catch up to Oberon.

Mitzi gets to her feet, dusts herself off, and chases after Oberon into the forest. Aisha sits down and looks at the torn pieces of the clue, puzzled.

Aisha: Puzzles are clearly not my strong suit, but I guess I’ll try…

Deep in the forest, Oberon is resting near a tree, panting as Ingrid and Terrence rush over towards him.

Ingrid: Quick. What did the clue say?

Oberon: Something about the idol being buried someplace unexpected. I didn’t read that far before I tore it up.

Terrence: Mitzi’s going to be in a rage. This camp is hell with her around.

Oberon: We have to start looking. Now.

"loslagartos"

- I caught Mitzi with the clue to the hidden immunity idol. Now is our chance to get the rehidden idol before she does, and the whole camp is turned into a frenzy. Everyone’s looking. Everyone! Even Aisha, the laziest person I’ve ever met. I know that me, Ingrid and Terrence has to find it. It has to be one of us three, or we’re screwed.

Soon, the entire camp is plunged into chaos, whatever camaraderie the five may have displayed after their latest victory evaporating in the aftermath of the clue’s discovery. Ingrid and Terrence scamper and scurry up and down the beach, looking for anything suspicious or out of the ordinary. Oberon is scouring the forest, Mitzi not far from him, making sure he doesn’t find it first. "loslagartos"

- Right now, we’re in a mad hunt for this damn idol. Everyone’s searching. I’ve got my girl Aisha on the chase as well. It’s 3-2 right now and either one of us needs to find it before anyone from that trio does. This is warfare right now. Someone’s going to find this idol and I’d rather it be me.

Mitzi stumbles along, her blue hair a rat’s nest, tripping and faceplanting directly into the ground, as she fumbles in her attempts to follow Oberon, who is sprinting and darting through the foliage.

Oberon: Damn thing’s here somewhere!

"loslagartos"

- I’m not resting until I find the damn thing. [laughs]

Meanwhile, Ingrid has a rendezvous with Terrence by the well, looking worn down.

Terrence: The idol’s back here somewhere, and everyone’s going nuts trying to find it. There is no peace in this camp, not anymore.

Ingrid: I can’t believe I’m saying this, but this camp has gotten even more tiresome ever since Aidan left. What with Mitzi being a [censored] and all this idol drama. I’m exhausted.

Terrence: We signed on for this. I’m having the time of my life.

Ingrid: So am I! But man…this is no joke. I think I’m going to sit in the shelter for a while…I don’t feel too well.

Terrence: Yeah, okay. Take care of yourself, Ingrid. Keep watch on Aisha while you’re at it.

In the meantime, Aisha is still down by the beach, on her own, everyone else having abandoned her, running off on their own in separate directions. Clumsily piecing together the scraps of the clue, looking bored, her gaze settles on a strange and previously unnoticed patch of dirt near the shelter, that looks like it’d been recently dug up and replaced.

"loslagartos"

- I was sitting by the shelter today after we won the challenge. Oberon and Mitzi were literally fighting over the clue aaaand after everyone left, I look over, and I see…this small patch of dirt…under some trees…literally a foot away from the shelter, from where everyone sleeps! So I found that a little suspicious, naturally, and I went over to see what it was. And lo and behold, what I found after I dug it up…

Aisha digs around the patch of dirt, looking disgusted at the mud and grime under her nails. Continuing with her work, she brushes aside a few clots of mud and soil and finally, her hand is seen closing around something round and hard.

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

She pulls the newly rehidden idol out of its hiding spot and dusts it off, untying the piece of parchment from around her new tool as she looks around and behind her, casting furtive glances at her surroundings to make sure she is alone for now.

Aisha: Congratulations…you have found the hidden immunity idol…oh no [censored] way…I can’t believe it! It was right there under everyone’s noses! Oh, this is sick!

"loslagartos"

- So…I found the idol. [grins, brandishing it for the cameras] And I’m on top of the world, right? I’m on Cloud Nine. But apparently, no one can find an idol around these parts without immediately being outed for it.

Right as Aisha is getting to her feet, admiring her new find, Ingrid is emerging from the forest, her eyes immediately fixating on the idol in Aisha’s hand.

Ingrid: Oh.

Aisha: Uh-

Ingrid: What do you have there?

Aisha: It was literally right there. Like, underneath this tree.

Ingrid: You’ve got to be kidding! Oberon hightailed into the woods and it was three feet from the shelter.

Aisha: Yeah, well…I guess it’s mine now.

Ingrid: Listen, Aisha, just…just keep it to yourself. Mitzi…she’s a madwoman. You don’t want to stand by someone like her. Being by her side…when she blows up and you get caught in the blast radius, your game will go along with hers. Just keep the idol to yourself. When we get to the merge, we can use that idol for the tribe.

Aisha: Ingrid, stop talking to me like I’m a child. Okay? This idol is mine. Not Mitzi’s, not yours, not the damn tribe’s. I’m using it on me, myself and I.

Ingrid: Okay. I’m just saying…you can’t trust Mitzi with it. That’s all.

"loslagartos"

- [sighs]…Aisha found the idol. And it’s just like – crap. I didn’t want either her or Mitzi to get the damn thing. We needed that idol in one of our hands. This is one of our worst-case scenarios right now. But we’ll just have to take it in stride.

Mitzi is next to emerge from the greenery, her eyes narrowing when she sees Ingrid resting in the shelter – the latter looking beat and completely spent after the idol chase.

"loslagartos"

- The first thing I see when I come out of the woods is…Ingrid, laying back in the shelter like she’s the prima donna of the tribe. She's not searching for it anymore. That means she's found the idol. At first, I thought it was game over for me. But thankfully, I still have my loyal lieutenant.

Aisha pulls Mitzi aside to speak with her a distance away from camp, unveiling the idol to her only ally.

Aisha: I found it.

Mitzi: No [censored] way.

Aisha: There you go.

Mitzi: You’re amazing, you are.

Aisha: It was, literally, three feet away from camp. I swear. And Ingrid, she was all like, ‘don’t tell Mitzi, don’t tell her’. Like, [censored], shut up. She tried to get me out last tribal. Don’t be acting like you can tell me what to do.

"loslagartos"

- Clearly, I underestimated Aisha. She proved her worth to me. Now, we have an idol we can share. I was right to have put my faith in her for she’s proven way better an ally than Ingrid had been. Now it’s still the two of us against the three of them, but now we have an idol, we have a powerful tool with the pair of us and hopefully, Aisha’s idol will be my saving grace. First, we win the challenge. Then, my ally and I find an idol. This day is going so much better than the past few days. It’s a sign that things are picking up once again for Mitzi.

In the meantime, Oberon slumps down next to Ingrid, looking tired, as Terrence trots in to camp, grimy and disgusting. Ingrid casts them a worried look.

Ingrid: She’s got it.

Oberon stares at her, nonplussed for a moment, before realization dawns on him and he groans.

Terrence: Which one?

Ingrid: Aisha.

Oberon: You’ve got to be kidding me. She doesn’t do anything! First thing she does around camp is find the damn idol.

Terrence: Wow…

Ingrid: It was mere feet away from the shelter, I [censored] you not.

Oberon: This is a travesty.

Ingrid: It’s not all bad. I tried to convince her not to share it with Mitzi.

Terrence: She will. The two of them are tight.

Ingrid: I know.

Terrence: Don’t worry. We should swap after this tribal. And once we do, hopefully, we won’t have to deal with Mitzi anymore. We’ll find new tribemates and move on from there.

"loslagartos"

- Of course, I immediately told Oberon and Terrence about the idol. I need them to know they can trust me. Speaking of which…Terrence and Oberon have hit it off since Day 1. I like both boys, but Oberon is the only reason I am aligned with Terrence in the first place. If it comes down to it, would Oberon sacrifice Terrence to keep me in? I don't know. But I know I was on the bottom when I was aligned with Mitzi. I want both boys to have my back in a swap or at the merge. They’re both strong, charismatic people to have by my side. I need to make sure there’s no mistrust among the three of us because we are a trio and we need to stick together.

The scene transitions. A scorpion is shown clambering across a tree branch, as the landscape changes to that of the Las Caimanes camp.

Having already returned, the three guys are sitting in the shelter. Callum gets up to go take a swim, and Brett beckons Peter into the forest.

Natalia watches them go, looking crafty.

"lascaimanes"

- I have waited…ages…to try and take out Erin. [laughs] Ages! It’s been more than a week, almost two weeks, since I set my mind on wanting her out. She has no loyalty to me, and she betrayed whatever fragile trust I’d put in her before. I’ve been working on changing Peter’s and Callum’s minds for the past ten days or so, trying to show them that Brett and Erin are a tight couple and that they’ve got to take this shot and get Erin out before she and Brett become too powerful for this game. Hopefully the work I’ve been putting in and all that I’ve done leading up to this moment will come to fruition and I can make this move successfully. I strongly believe this is the right move for me, as a player, to make. Erin has to go. This has been building up for a long, long time.

Brett and Peter are talking in the forest. The former leans against a tree with his right hand, looking worried.

Brett: I don’t know if Natalia’s been talking about me behind my back, but I want you to know that I’m still 100% with you guys. You, me, Erin and Callum – we’re good. It’s settled and we don’t need to complicate it. I’m with our foursome all the way.

Peter: The thing is, Natalia insists that you and Erin are becoming…like, the new power couple.

Brett: Well, would you want to throw your lot in with Natalia, especially with an oncoming swap guaranteed? Or with me, who’s been honest with you this past week and a half? We’re good, bro. Nat’s a flipper and she has no loyalty to anyone. "lascaimanes"

- I know my girl Erin…her name has come up a lot these past few days. It’s mostly Natalia’s doing. She’s not subtle but she is aggressive. She has been very passionate and open in targeting Erin, because she is adamant that me and her are some sort of pair. And according to Peter, she thinks I have an idol. Or Erin does. Which is kinda true. We have a clue, but neither of us has been able to find the damn idol yet. Either we’re just horrible at searching, or someone in this six has it. It could even be Natalia, which would throw a huge wrench in my plan to take her out and keep me and Erin safe. So I needed to talk to my bros Peter and Callum about keeping Erin safe and splitting the vote between Natalia and her only ally in Yvonne.

Brett: Just think about it, dude. Who’s been 100% with you and Callum from Day 1? And who’s only trying to get on your side for this one move? I’m with you all the way if you stick with the plan and Erin will be too. Take out the snake in Natalia and it’s smooth sailing into the swap and the merge.

"lascaimanes"

- Tonight…me and Callum have a very important decision to make. We have to choose between getting rid of Erin, or getting rid of Natalia. There are pros and cons to either option. For one thing, Natalia is a wet blanket. She’s very foxy, but she also has zero social game. She is on the outside of my core alliance. But Erin has also practically seduced Brett into her clutches. It has long been debated on whether or not he’d be more loyal to her or more loyal to us – me and Callum. Natalia’s not wrong for wanting Erin out. But the decision isn’t in her hands – it’s in mine.

Natalia meets up with Peter in the woods.

Natalia: Yvonne is on board. Peter, we’ve spoken about this loooong before we lost today’s challenge. You know we need to flush Brett and Erin’s idol.

"lascaimanes"

- Nat is again chugging ahead on her train of thought, trying to get me and Callum to flip and take out Erin, because she is intent on splitting her and Brett up on the basis of Erin being some sort of snake. She doesn’t know I have the idol and I don’t intend to let her know. But she is getting on my nerves, fast.

Peter: What if they don’t have an idol though? What if?

Natalia: Listen. If you want Brett’s loyalty 100% to you guys, take out his closest ally in Erin. He’ll have to stay loyal to you then. Why keep this femme fatale to risk him defecting to her side? This is the play we need to make. I get it. You and Callum don’t necessarily trust me. But trust me – just for this one vote – and we can make this move, together.

"lascaimanes"

- Because we never lost a challenge up until now, everything was still up in the air. The six of us had been so successful, we never attended tribal. But I knew it would happen eventually and I’ve been planting little seeds in the boys’ minds, trying to get Peter and Callum to flip on Brett and blindside Erin. This is the culmination of all my efforts. If Erin goes home tonight, I’ll know it’s because my work over the past few days has come to fruition.

Natalia: Just think about it. Alright?

Meanwhile, Erin is down on the beach, talking with Brett and Callum. She watches as Natalia and Peter come out of the forest, her eyes narrowing.

Natalia: So, Yvonne, you good with this plan?

Yvonne: Which is…Erin?

Natalia: Yes. Tonight, we take out Erin. I’ve been trying to get Peter and Callum to flip. If she goes tonight, we stay safe and hopefully make it to the swap that’s coming up next.

"lascaimanes"

- I am so tired…I did terrible in today’s challenge. For whatever reason, I couldn’t breathe. I think it was just the conditions of this past week getting to me. And my horrible performance in this challenge is a cause of concern but I’m hoping I’ll continue to sail under the radar as I’ve done this whole while and survive tonight’s vote. Brett did badly in today’s challenge too, but he’s pulled his weight in others so I think he’ll get through tonight just fine as well. Right now, the tribe is split into three voting units – Natalia and I, Brett and Erin, Peter and Callum. Natalia keeps going on and on about how Brett and Erin are a thing. And I see that. But I like to call Callum and Peter the dynamic duo. People think Brett and Erin’s dangerous. Those two boys are always talking and laughing at the top of their voices, I wouldn't be surprised if they were bosom buddies outside of this game. And that is way more dangerous than whatever Natalia’s selling. But she wants to work with Peter and Callum to split up #Brerin – as she calls it. They have been a strong couple and around camp, throughout this week and a half or so, we’ve always seen them together, at the hip. We know Brett’s in with the guys too, so we have the sense to target – Erin – and throw her under the bus. All I know is that tonight will be the culmination of the Natalia-Erin conflict. Somehow, one way or another, this will be resolved.

Callum takes a sip of coconut water, looking from Erin to Brett.

Callum: So what’s the plan tonight?

Brett shuffles his feet.

Brett: We know Natalia’s coming after one of us. It’s either me or Erin.

Erin: Let’s be real, she’s probably coming after me. She thinks I’m…some sneaky [censored] or something. [laughs]

Brett: Well, you’re not going home tonight. We’re not letting that happen. Tonight, we split the votes between Nat and Yvonne, and on the revote, we send Nat home.

Callum: Why? You think she has an idol?

Brett: I gotta tell you man, I know someone here has an idol and isn't telling anyone. I’m pretty sure everyone’s searched for it at some point but I’ve never found it. It’s a distinct possibility one of those two women may have it and I’m not willing to take the risk and go home because of it when we could’ve split the votes.

Callum: Makes sense. "lascaimanes"

- Tonight, it’s either going to be Erin…or Natalia. Erin is part of our core foursome, with me and the guys. Natalia is not. She’s a little stuck-up, a little prudish, and I don’t like her. I’ll miss teasing her, because it gives me great pleasure to annoy her and see how much I irritate her. But it’d be nice too to see her leave. Then again, I don’t know where my man Peter’s at with his mindset. I’m voting however he votes because I trust his judgment. He’s better at this game than I am, and he’s a friend. I’m just his cocky little sidekick. If he thinks Natalia is making sense in wanting Erin out, and he wants to vote out Erin and go against Brett…ehhh, I don’t agree with that and I’d probably speak out against it. But I would still go whichever way my man swings.

Erin: The thing is though…Natalia may be coming after me…but today in the challenge…you guys all saw how Yvonne wiped out, right?

Callum: You’re suggesting…Yvonne?

Brett: No. Absolutely not. Natalia’s coming after the two of us hardcore. We don’t take out the foot soldier, we take out the captain. If we get to a swap, and Natalia’s with you or me, she’ll come after us. Yvonne, we can control.

Erin: I know that. And I’ve thought of that too. I’m just throwing it out there because I feel that in this game, we should always talk through all our options.

"lascaimanes"

- I knew the honeymoon period was ending! [laughs] We had too good a time out here, relaxing on this beach for as long as we did because Brett and Peter, our two main challenge beasts, kept us safe and well-fed. But now that tribal’s around the corner for the first time this season, everyone’s paranoid and strategy’s getting a lot more convoluted. I honestly think Yvonne was this close to collapsing in today’s challenge and it worried me. Natalia is leading the charge against me. I know that. But Yvonne worries me too. She may be an older and weaker woman, but she is loyal to Natalia. We can take out Natalia tonight, but Yvonne will stay and anyone going up against me will be a cause for concern later on in the game.

Erin and Brett take a walk down the beach, leaving Peter and Callum to meet up and discuss.

Erin: You think we’re good?

Brett: I’ve done what I can to try and keep us safe. Don’t worry. I believe the guys will stick with us and stay loyal. Tonight, Nat goes home. I promise you that. You’ve got trust me, Erin.

Erin: I trust you.

Brett: We’ve only got each other at this point. [laughs] Our backs are against the wall. Just trust in our alliance.

Erin: I wish we had the idol. It'd make me feel a lot safer.

Brett: I've tried looking but the only red bush I've seen so far is devoid of idols. So, either it's already been found...or we're just not looking hard enough. We're barking up the wrong tree.

"lascaimanes"

- If it’s me going home tonight…man…that would be disappointing. I believe I am a strategic force to be dealt with. I want to make it further in the game and prove that I’m cunning, I’m strong and fit and athletic and I’m a strategist. I want to be a part of epic blindsides and smart strategy because of my love for this game. It’s been an amazing two weeks out here, and I don’t want the adventure to end now. So…this breaks my heart to even consider it because he’s my loyal ally, he’s my friend and he’s contributed to our tribe so much the past few days…but…if I get the feeling tonight at tribal that the plan is screwed and that Peter and Callum have joined up with Nat and Yvonne to split the votes between me and Brett…then I will vote Brett to keep myself in the game. I would absolutely hate doing that. I would hate it. But if I get a bad feeling at tonight’s tribal…then I’ll do what I have to to save myself three more days, even if it means throwing Brett under the bus.

"lascaimanes"

- I’ve spoken to Peter and Callum. Day 1 out here, we bonded and became the best of bros. I would hate for that to go up in smoke because I really do feel like the four of us could go far as a strong, rock solid alliance. Natalia’s exploiting any cracks in our foursome and I’m not letting her get away with it. I’m putting her name down on that piece of parchment tonight and hopefully, the bonds and friendships I’ve made with Pete and Callum, and all that I’ve said to Peter today, will have convinced them not to give up on me and Erin, and to trust us for this vote. I am really, really nervous.

Peter nudges Callum as they huddle together, having a discussion in low voices.

Peter: We need to make a decision.

Callum: Your call, brother. "lascaimanes"

- As I sit here right now talking, the decision is still in my hands. I have the idol. I know we don’t need to split the votes because it’s unnecessary. So whoever I choose to send home…will go home. I hold all the cards in my hands right now, this is too much power for one man. And I still have not made my decision. 12 days out here and I could’ve decided anytime but this is going to come down to the wire.

Everyone begins gathering their torches, preparing to walk down the beach to tribal council. The sun is starting to set, as Natalia grabs her bag and slings it over her shoulder.

Natalia: [mouthing to Yvonne] Just in case.

"lascaimanes"

- I’ve played a hell of a game so far. If Peter and Callum see things my way, everything should work out and we’ll get rid of a legitimate threat in Erin, and split her and Brett up. I know the boys still feel some sort of allegiance towards Brett, but all the more reason they should get rid of the woman running the show and wearing the pants in their relationship. It’s now or never, it’s do or die.

The sky darkens as the camera pans over the tribal council set. There are no tiny fires blazing and no torches being wielded as the previously unbeatable tribe of six enters the tribal council area.

Jeff: Behind each of you is a torch, go ahead and grab one, dip it in and get fire. In this game, fire represents your life. When your fire’s gone, so are you.

Everyone moves over to light their torches. Natalia holds her torch up high, the flames making her expression seem dark and almost menacing.

Jeff: We’ll now bring in the representatives of Las Tortugas – Darnell, and Penny.

Darnell and Penny arrive; Penny giving the tribe a little wave as she saunters in. Erin smiles at her and nods. The pair of them take their seats on the benches where the jury would’ve sat, and Jeff motions for them to start eating from the plate of baked treats before them.

The two of them dig in, as Jeff turns back to the tribe.

Jeff: Alright, Las Caimanes, welcome to your first tribal council of the season. Yvonne, for a whole tribe of six to completely avoid tribal for this long, to suddenly come here after a relatively peaceful, stress-free run out there on the beach…what’s that like?

Yvonne: Well…I think that tribal is the place where alliances prove…you know, trust. And having not been to tribal for more than a week…in a game that’s all about trust…it’s like, how do you know you can believe what your tribemates have been telling you this whole while? This is the place to bring some validity to any and all claims that have been made in the past week.

Jeff: Since this is our first real meeting, Callum, shed some light on the dynamics of this tribe. I’ve seen Las Tortugas. I’ve seen Los Lagartos. Let me know about this tribe, this very successful tribe of six – up until today.

Callum: I can’t speak for the other tribes but I believe every tribe will have a fracture of some sort. Obviously there will be someone on the top and someone on the bottom – clearly – because someone’s getting sent home tonight.

Jeff: And who would be on the bottom then?

Callum casts the others a look. Natalia raises an eyebrow at him. Erin is licking her lips nervously.

Callum: Ehh…let’s say…there are two candidates for elimination tonight.

Jeff: Who?

Callum: Natalia and Erin.

From the jury’s benches, Penny casts Darnell an excited look, as the latter balances an uneaten hotdog in one hand, watching tribal unfold with trepidation.

Jeff: So, Natalia. Callum says tonight’s vote is coming down to you or Erin. Care to elaborate?

Natalia: Um…the thing is…I’ve brought up Erin’s name for the vote…a couple times.

Everyone bursts out into quiet laughter at this. Erin rolls her eyes, smiling to herself. Callum shakes his head.

Jeff: Why the laughter?

Brett: See, Jeff, she hasn’t brought it up ‘a couple times’. She’s been coming after Erin and I hardcore for the past week.

Penny mouths ‘Wilkes’ to Darnell, her face lit up as if watching a particularly exciting soccer match.

Jeff: You said ‘Erin and I’. Does that mean she’s coming after the pair of you?

Brett: I do feel like, right out of the gate, Erin and I have bonded, yes.

Natalia: Really well too, apparently.

Brett: But that’s not saying much because I’ve bonded with Peter and Callum as well. The only ones I have not bonded with as much would be Natalia and Yvonne.

Yvonne nods her head. Natalia’s eyes are cast skyward, as if she cannot bear listening to anymore of Brett’s words.

Darnell: [in a whisper] Practically laying it all out for us.

Penny: [in a whisper] This is a beneficial reward.

Peter: Jeff, on our tribe, everyone’s split into three...three voting units, I would say. It’s me and Callum, Natalia and Yvonne, and Brett and Erin.

Jeff: And Natalia’s coming after Erin…?

Peter: And vice versa.

Jeff: Then that would mean, Peter, that you and Callum are the swing votes.

Peter: I guess that is what that means.

Jeff: Erin, are you worried, knowing you’re on the chopping block tonight?

Erin considers this.

Erin: I have faith in my alliance. I’ve done no crime but be loyal and be sincere with Peter, with Callum and with Brett, and hell, even with Yvonne. I trust the promises people have made me today, and I believe I’m not going home tonight. I trust in the strength of the social connections I have made in this game.

Callum looks down. Peter is nodding to himself, deep in his own thoughts.

Jeff: And you, Natalia?

Natalia: On paper, this is a very easy vote. Power couples have to be split up. It’s Survivor 101. Everyone who knows the game knows that. Brett and Erin are the strongest duo out here. Boy-girl pairs are always built on some sort of romance or lust.

Darnell raises an eyebrow at Penny at Natalia’s words. Penny doesn’t notice it.

Natalia: I have made plans with people. I’m hoping people will see sense and make a move that will, strategically, pay off.

Jeff: So, Peter. There's a lot of factors to consider in this vote. A lot of perspectives coming into play! Everyone thinks they're right, but how do you know what's right for you? Is it safe to assume it could be Natalia or Erin going home tonight?

Peter thinks on it for a while. Penny stuffs another hot dog in her face, watching him intently.

Peter: Yes, I think that’s a safe assumption. Survivor's complicated. But I love it. I love the strategy. I've thought long and hard with Callum about tonight's vote and I'm feeling pretty confident.

Jeff: If that’s the case, I don’t see any reason to drag this out any longer. Erin, you good with this?

Erin: I’m good with it.

Jeff: Natalia? Anything more to say before we vote?

Natalia: I’m ready.

Jeff: Alright. In that case, one of you is about to leave this very strong tribe and be the first out. It is time to vote. Peter, you’re up.

Peter takes a deep breath, and gets up to vote. Penny and Darnell watch him as he passes them. The music kicks in.

Yvonne is shown heading up to the voting booth, sighing as she uncaps the pen; the camera cuts away right as she puts the tip of it to the parchment.

"lascaimanes"

- I offered you an alliance, but you went in with the boys, so don’t tell me you didn’t see this coming.

Natalia folds her vote and slips it into the urn.

Darnell tosses another French fry into his mouth. Penny smiles.

Penny: [whisper] Feels good watching it from the other side.

"lascaimanes"

- You’re very sneaky, and I know you’re coming for me and Erin. I’m not letting that happen.

Callum arrives at the voting booth, grinning and cracking his knuckles. The scene fades away as Callum returns to his seat from voting.

Jeff: I’ll go tally the votes.

Penny clings onto Darnell’s arm, pale but excited. Darnell too is sitting upright in anticipation.

Brett casts Peter a forlorn look. Peter looks away. Natalia takes a deep and shaky breath.

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

Brett turns to look at Natalia; Natalia turns to look at Brett. Penny and Darnell glance between the two of them, anxious. Peter shifts uncomfortably in his seat, but does nothing.

Jeff: Okay, 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.

Penny bites her lip in worry. Erin braces herself.

Jeff: First vote…Erin.

Erin nods, worried.

Jeff: Natalia.

Natalia wiggles her eyebrows, not surprised. Peter casts her an expectant look.

Jeff: Erin.

Erin looks down, rubbing her hands to assuage her nerves. Brett watches Jeff seriously, frowning.

Jeff: Natalia. We’re tied. Two votes Erin, two votes Natalia.

Natalia sighs, nodding. Callum looks on, excited.

Jeff flips over the fifth vote.

Jeff: Natalia. That’s three votes Natalia, two votes Erin, one vote left.

Natalia looks downcast, shaking her head in disgust. Brett smiles, casting her a confident look. Erin grips his hand tightly, uneasy.

Jeff: Fourth person voted out of Survivor: Cayman Islands…Natalia. That’s two, that’s enough, need to bring me your torch.

Erin smiles, looking smug. Peter nods at Brett, who is grinning and breathing a sigh of relief. Callum winks at Natalia as she passes him. Yvonne shakes her head, unhappy.

Penny: [whisper] Wow.

Natalia gingerly places her torch down before Probst.

Jeff: Natalia. Your tribe has spoken. [snuffs torch] Time for you to go.

Natalia nods and turns to leave, her head held high, as the others watch her leave.

Jeff: Well, that was a straightforward vote. There was two people who could’ve gone home, and another two people who dictated who it would be. There was a lot of information exchanged from tonight’s tribal about where people stand, and hopefully, this will bring you guys more unity, because while you guys may have dominated in challenges, this tribal council has proven that you’re still not as cohesive as you’d like to be. Pack up your stuff, head back to camp. Goodnight.

Voting Confessionals
"lascaimanes"

- Erin, I am voting for you because you were not loyal to the girls’ alliance we had proposed. This is a game with multiple alliances and you chose a different one.

"lascaimanes"

- Hey Natalia. Sorry it had to go down this way. Good luck with your Literature class! And enjoy your early vacation.

"lascaimanes"

- Natalia, the threat of a power couple is dangerous, but you played too hard too fast right out of the gate. This vote is both a compliment and an insult to the way you played the game. Tone it down, lady.

"lascaimanes"

- At least you tried, right? Sorry sweetheart. Cards were just stacked against you. [winks]

Final Words
"lascaimanes"

- I definitely think my tribe made a mistake not taking out Erin. She and Brett are too close and I know that Peter sees that. So it baffles me why they chose to stay loyal to the two. I hope Yvonne goes far in this game and I hope she shows them that they made a mistake tonight.

Next Time on Survivor...

 * Yvonne is in hot water with the rest of her tribe…

"lascaimanes"

- Yvonne did so badly in that last challenge, it honestly makes me worry about her performance in the future.

"lascaimanes"

- I need a tribe swap and I need it badly, or I’m screwed.


 * The inevitable tribe swap threatens the relationships built over the past 13 days…

Jeff: Drop your buffs, we are switching tribes.

"lastortugas"

- I was not happy to be swapping. Us four on Las Tortugas, we were through a lot together. And this swap jeopardizes all of that. Now two of our number are on the other tribe and I worry about them. And we’ve got all these boisterous guys joining us from Las Caimanes and I’m not too sure how we’ll all gel together as a new tribe. It’s definitely unnerving.

"loslagartos"

- Yes! Thank [censored] for this swap. I needed this now more than ever. My old tribe sucked! But I have a good feeling about my new tribe. I just need to adapt and make something good out of it.

"lascaimanes"

- When I heard Jeff say those three magical words, I was so excited! It was like a breath of fresh air! I knew I was on the bottom of my old tribe after Natalia got voted off, so I needed this swap badly, and it came at the perfect opportunity. I have a new family now. New faces, new allies and hopefully a new beginning to the game for me.


 * The power couples of old may not last…

Brett: [whispers when kissing Erin on the cheek] Stay strong. We’ll regroup at the merge. Remember, Las Caimanes to the end.

Penny hugs Elmer tightly.

Penny: I’m gonna miss you…[sniff]


 * And new alliances are formed…

"loslagartos"

- And we are…the Trinity alliance.

"loslagartos"

- I need to get together a group of four, and fast!

Author's Notes

 * The episode title was said by Brett.