Playing The Flirt Card

Playing The Flirt Card is the seventh episode of Survivor: Cayman Islands.

Previously On Survivor...

 * Following Yvonne’s elimination and Penny’s betrayal, Darnell blew up at Penny upon returning to camp.

Darnell: No, don’t give me excuses, Penny. I’m sick and tired of listening to your half-assed excuses. I’ve been with you for two weeks, I know what you’re like, and I’m telling you right now, I don’t want to hear it. The golden rule of Survivor is that flippers never win, and let me tell you, sister – you’re a flipper.

Penny: Darnell, listen – I know you’re upset, but I-

Darnell: You’re a dumbass! Okay? You made a move that threatened our numbers! We’re supposed to stick together! I saved you! Okay? I saved you when you could’ve gone home so many times, and this is how you repay me?

"loslagartos"

- It was…r-really hard after tribal. D-Darnell was really upset [sniff] and he just railed into me. [sniff] I don’t like it when people are angry with me.

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

"loslagartos"

- Darnell blew his lid after tribal. I’m thankful that he blew up, because he just made himself a target. When you’re on Survivor, you’ve got to keep your emotions in check. I can use this incident to throw Darnell under the bus if I have to. My only hope of survival will be to turn against Darnell. I don’t want to have to do it, but better him than me. And him blowing up at Penny like that makes my job a lot easier.


 * After winning an intense reward challenge…

Elmer dumps a limp Aisha on the pink mat.

Jeff: That’ll do it. Las Tortugas, wins reward!


 * The unbeaten Las Tortugas tribe went to enjoy a picnic feast, where Elmer found the clue to the hidden immunity idol.

"lastortugas"

- It was the most nerve-wracking thing I’ve done this whole game. But I knew I had to retrieve it. That clue was mine. And so I snatched it as quickly as I could and subtly hid in my pocket. First chance I get, I’m gonna go looking for this thing, because if I get it in my hands, that’s a lot of power for me and my game.


 * Back at camp, Penny was feeling depressed and vulnerable…

Penny is shown by the edge of the lake, sniffling quietly and dangling her feet idly in the water.


 * And Terrence took the opportunity to comfort her.

Terrence: Would it help if you want a shoulder to cry on? I can sit here and wait.

Penny: Thanks for understanding, Terrence. It just hurt so much.

Penny leans her head on Terrence’s shoulder, as Mitzi spies on them from afar.

"loslagartos"

- Yes, part of it is because I feel bad for her. But it was the smart thing to do strategy-wise because I know I’m on the bottom with Darnell. If I want to stay in the game, I need to bring people over to my side. If someone in the majority alliance is feeling hurt and vulnerable, especially someone as emotionally fragile as Penny, it’s an opening for me.

"loslagartos"

- I see what you’re doing, Terrence. Don’t think I don’t see what you’re doing…because I see what you’re doing! When there are people on the bottom, they have no choice but to exploit whatever cracks there are in an alliance to try and stay alive a few more days. I always thought he was just Oberon’s pet puppy and loyal soldier but he clearly has enough social and strategic game in him to be doing what he’s doing. I’m not comfortable seeing Terrence and Penny getting that intimate with one another. If Terrence is going to reel her away from me, then I’m going to need to step in and put a stop to that. I wanted Terrence gone over Yvonne and now I want him gone more than ever.


 * Leading to Darnell striking up a deal with the unpredictable Mitzi, in a desperate bid to save himself.

Darnell: There are more Los Lagartos left in the game than there are Las Tortugas. We’re a dying breed. You guys are thriving. You really want one of the three people who isolated and alienated you from the tribe enjoying that merge feast with his friends? Terrence will be a much bigger threat for you girls if you keep him. Promise me you’ll try to get your alliance to take Terrence out, and not me?

Mitzi shakes his hand.

Mitzi: Deal.


 * Returning from the reward, Callum and Peter’s antics got to be too much for the whole tribe.

Callum is shown dumping the entire canister of water all over the fire, knocking the glass bottle out of Peter’s outstretched hand, the pair in a fit of drunken giggles.

Mitch: You should have let one of us handle it. You and Peter got too drunk on that reward. You could have really hurt someone-

Callum: Jeez, you two guys are such a bunch of tools. Honestly, look at yourselves. Why are y’all being so moody all the damn time? I didn’t do it on purpose, no one got hurt, what’s the big deal? Take a chill pill, for [censored] sakes. Picky, picky, fussy, fussy - Big effin’ deal. You want me to start another fire? I’ll do it right now!

"lastortugas"

- My patience is starting to wear thin as of now. Callum is really starting to annoy me. It’s just his attitude - just immature and juvenile, and he and Peter ham it up like it’s all fun and games. Callum doesn’t have a single responsible bone in his body.

Callum is shown slumped over in a deck chair, laughing at Mitch as the latter storms off.

Callum: What a nuisance.

Brett looks worried.

"lastortugas"

- After another episode of Callum’s shenanigans, I look at everyone’s faces and I’m like ‘oh no’. I can see them getting annoyed, and like, I know he’s pissing them off. Callum, we talked about this! You have to tone your behavior down, or we’re screwed! He’s probably ticked them off again. And I’m going to have to do damage control for all three of us.


 * At the immunity challenge, Darnell begged Elmer to throw the challenge to save him and Terrence.

Darnell: Bro, Penny flipped.

Elmer: What?

Darnell: I’m telling you, I’m in deep trouble. I’ll be the next to go. You have to help me.

"lastortugas"

- Darnell gave me some very interesting information. He told me that Penny flipped…I don’t know what to make of that but it alarms me.

Darnell: If you win this and I go to tribal, I’m a goner. Throw the challenge.


 * True to his word, Elmer threw the challenge to protect Darnell.

Jeff: Darnell scores again! Los Lagartos leading 4 – 2, twice Las Tortugas’ score! Darnell can win it all right here…

Darnell lobs the ball in the air…and it sails overhead, landing squarely into the basket, scoring Los Lagartos their fifth and final point.

Jeff: Darnell goes for it and succeeds! Los Lagartos wins their first challenge and their first immunity – safe from Tribal Council!

Darnell: YES! YES!


 * Borne from frustration, Peter let his mouth run away from him.

Honestly, what sucks the most was losing to a tribe with so many girls.

Ingrid looks up, staring ludicrously at Peter. Oberon raises an eyebrow.

Peter: You know, that’s, like, the worst part of it all. It’s humiliating. That’s the hardest pill to swallow.

"lastortugas"

- We were all set on taking out Callum because of his drunken antics the other day. But then Peter…decides to make some very questionable comments about how we lost to a tribe of girls…and I’m just thinking, ‘okay…does this guy not pay attention to the crap that comes out of his mouth, or is he really just that emotionally self-unaware?’ I’m standing right here, bro! That comment was made in poor taste and it incensed me. Peter just made himself a target.


 * Facing tribal, Elmer, Mitch, Oberon and Ingrid banded together to take out one of the three guys from Las Caimanes.

Elmer: So, we’re all good and in agreement with the idea of sending one of those three boys out?

Ingrid: Yes. For sure.

Mitch: Callum or Peter?

Ingrid: I say we get rid of Peter. Callum’s a moron, but Peter’s attitude is toxic. And he is undoubtedly going to be much more of a threat later on.


 * Mitch campaigned hard for Callum to go…

Mitch: I just don’t like Callum because he’s just not the kind of guy I want to live with. He's narcissistic, cynical - and he has nothing but contempt for his fellow competitors. He has no business being out here if he’s not a team player. Completely disrespectful. I would never hire a man like that to work under me.


 * …all with the latter eavesdropping and listening to his every word.

"lastortugas"

- Mitch wasn’t on anyone’s radar, but now, he’s on mine. Mr. Family Guy has a lot of things about me to say behind my back but apparently none of the cahones to say it to my face. I’d like to see what the remaining members of Las Tortugas can do if we cut their leader out of the picture. I would love to see this already pitiful excuse of a tribe perform even more abysmally.


 * Peter revealed his possession of the hidden immunity idol…

Peter: I have a hidden immunity idol.

Brett: Shut the [censored] up.

Peter: See for yourself.

Brett: You [censored]! [laughs] You had the damn thing the whole time!


 * And the trio that stuck together since the beginning of the game plotted to use the idol to send one of the other four home.

"lastortugas"

- Those four think they have this game locked down. They chide us three for our arrogance but they’re the ones so blinded by their confidence that they’ve got this vote locked down, they don’t even bother to check in with us. So my idol is definitely coming out tonight. The decision on who to send home is still up in the air. Brett wants to get rid of Ingrid, I want to get rid of Elmer, and Callum wants to get rid of Mitch. We’re completely split on who to vote for but we need to get our thoughts together because tribal is coming up fast. One of those four is about to be blindsided right out of the game, and it’ll be delicious.


 * At tribal council, Ingrid let loose at Peter.

Ingrid: To talk about how humiliating it is to lose to ‘girls’ when I’m standing right here?! – you have to be really dense to not see how that statement’s going to sound offensive.

Peter: It was just an offhand comment. I didn’t mean anything by it.

Ingrid: This is a game in which the slightest utterance could have rippling effects. That’s all I have to say on the matter.


 * But it was Mitch who ultimately paid the price in Peter’s stead.

Peter stands up and plays his idol on himself.

Jeff: Peter, does not count.

Peter and Callum are high fiving. Ingrid looks disgusted.

Jeff: Sixth person voted out of Survivor: Cayman Islands…Mitch.

Mitch sets his torch down in front of Probst.

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

Jeff: It’s clear there’s a very evident division present in this tribe. And it serves as a reminder that anything can and will happen, and nothing is ever set in stone; be it idols, blindsides or unexpected votes.


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

Challenge
Immunity Challenge: Idol Hands (Philippines, Cagayan)

Facing off one against one in a fenced off circle, a castaway from each tribe would hold a wooden idol on top of a platform that they would hold in one hand. They would use the other free hand to attempt to knock their opponent's idol off the platform. The castaway whose idol hit the ground last would score one point for their tribe. First tribe to score five points win immunity.

Reward: Tribal Immunity.

Winner: Las Tortugas

Night 17
The show picks up where it left off, as the Las Tortugas tribe walks in single file, back to their beach. The six of them set their unlit torches down by a large tree.

Ingrid turns to face the guys, hands on her hips.

Ingrid: Well, good play, guys. You got us.

Elmer: So you guys were always gonna vote for Mitch? The whole ‘we know it’s one of us going home, campaign against each other’ thing was just a façade?

Brett shrugs.

Brett: It’s just the name of the game, Elmer. Had to do what we had to do.

"lastortugas"

- Tribal played out exactly as planned tonight. Mitch went home, Peter used his idol, and now the three of them – Elmer, Oberon and Ingrid – are feeling foolish. As they should be. They declared war on us, but they didn’t expect us to have a nuclear bomb in our arsenal.

Peter tosses his bag into the shelter, looking cocky as usual.

Peter: Sorry to disappoint you guys, but I’m not going home.

Callum: That was awesome, man.

Callum gives Peter a high five. Ingrid is seen rolling her eyes in disdain. Oberon leads her away as she fumes. Elmer crouches down on a log, poking at the fire with a thin branch, solemnly observing as it elicits a couple of sparks that rise up into the sky.

Elmer: So where’d you find the idol?

Peter snorts.

Peter: I’m not gonna tell you. What am I, stupid?

Elmer: What does it matter? You’ve already found it, it’ll be rehidden. I can’t find it even if you told me.

Peter: I’d rather not take my chances. Let’s just leave it at that.

He lays down on his back, stretching out and resting his head on his hands with a deep sigh.

Peter: A good magician never reveals his secrets.

Elmer ignores him.

"lastortugas"

- It’s so funny seeing Elmer kick himself after tribal. We’ve got the upper hand. Ingrid and Elmer know not to mess with us now. He’s all mopey about losing Mitch, but I don’t care. It must suck for him, feeling on the bottom, but that’s just the nature of the game. Anything can happen and things can change drastically at a moment’s notice. One moment he’s on the top, the next, he’s back down on the bottom, and we’re even again. There is definitely a little animosity still residing there after I took out his best ally, but he’s gonna have to suck it up and deal with it. And if he wants to, when the merge hits, he can try to take me out. But I won’t let that happen. Elmer’s a big enough threat just socially, physically and strategically that taking him out would be a major bullet point on my resume.

Peter and Callum are back to their usual selves, whispering and laughing to each other. Elmer eyes them, frowning and annoyed.

"lastortugas"

- I’m really…not happy about the way things are going right now. I thought I had this tribe swap on lock and that I was on top of everything that was going on and that was quickly proven to be false. Peter had an idol; Peter played an idol…and Mitch went home. I am not a happy camper. They took out one of my loyal allies. Mitch was a rock solid alliance member. He wasn’t a schemer or a snake or disloyal; he was the perfect ally to have because you could give him a name two seconds before he gets up to vote at the voting booth and he would be cool with it. So I’m not happy Mitch is gone, and worse still, that Peter and Callum and Brett were the ones that took him out. You have to wonder if maybe Ingrid’s blabbermouth tipped the scales in the guys’ favor. Could she have made it any more obvious that she was going to vote against Peter? In a way, she got Mitch sent home. Her lack of tact and subtlety is a cause for concern and could be trouble in the near future.

Day 18
The next morning, back at the Las Tortugas camp, the castaways are just getting up. Callum is huddled up in a green jacket, squinting in the cold morning air. Brett is digging around the firepit, brushing aside soot and ash with a large branch. Peter is in a deck chair, using a twig to pick at his teeth.

Callum looks over and signals the other two guys.

Callum: Where’d the three idiots go?

Brett: They went off into the forest to talk or whatever. They said they were gonna get coconuts, but we all know what that means.

Callum: Yeah…

"lastortugas"

- Right now, the game has deviated into a battle between two warring alliances. On one side, you have the three guys from Las Caimanes; me, Brett and Peter – we’ve prevailed and stuck together since the beginning and we’re more solid now than we’ve ever been before. We’re a bunch of scrappy cockroaches that just refuse to be squashed. And then on the losers’ bench we’ve got golden boy Elmer, country bumpkin Oberon and Miss. Valedictorian Ingrid the bestselling author or whatever the hell she writes about. When we merge, those three are going to be our targets. Us guys from Las Caimanes are ruling over them right now and there’s nothing they can do to stop it. [laughs] This is how the game is meant to be played! A good old-fashioned alliance war. I love it! I love the euphoria, feeling on top. Last night was brutal for them and I relished every second of it! Dealing them such a huge blow with that blindside and watching their faces fall one by one – it was comical. I laughed. It was flippin’ funny.

Callum: You think we should go check up on them?

Brett: Don’t bother. What are they gonna be doing?

Peter hesitates, thinking on it.

Peter: They could be looking for an idol.

Brett turns to look at him.

Meanwhile, Elmer is taking Oberon and Ingrid deep into the woods, away from the others, where he takes the idol clue from the picnic out his shorts.

Elmer: Listen, I found a clue at the reward the other day. We have to find this thing before they do.

Elmer unravels the clue and shows it to Ingrid and Oberon.

"lastortugas"

- With all the chaos of returning from reward and the immunity challenge the very next day, I never got the chance to consult my clue and go searching. I don’t know if the idol Peter played was the same one but I still have to go looking. So I’m rallying my soldiers in Oberon and Ingrid and we’re off on the hunt. It’s critical that one of us find the idol before any of those three guys do.

Elmer:…the valuable tool that you seek, can be found up north from the creek…

Unbeknownst to the trio, Peter is sneaking up behind them, tiptoeing, watching with beady eyes as Elmer reads from the clue.

Elmer:…someplace dry and someplace wet, is the idol you’ll want to get.

Ingrid: The creek’s not far from here. Let’s go.

Elmer: The idol’s a very valuable tool. We can’t let it fall into any one of their hands.

The trio sets off, Elmer folding the clue as he goes.

Peter returns to the beach, frantic, where Brett and Callum are waiting.

Peter: He’s got it.

Callum: What?

Peter: Elmer has a clue. The three of them are looking for the idol as we speak.

Brett gets up.

Brett: That’s not good. In that case, we need to start searching as well. Come on! Up on your feet! We have to get cracking.

Callum sighs and gets up with a groan, dusting himself off as he follows the others into the woods.

"lastortugas"

- It worries me that Elmer and his soldiers are looking for an idol. With last night’s blindside, the numbers are even again at 3 – 3 so an idol would completely tip the game in one side’s favor. So it’s essential we can’t let them get it before we do. Last night, they tried to take us down, so we struck back first. Elmer is leading the charge on their end and I know he’s itching for some revenge for Mitch.

Brett is trudging into the forest, Peter nipping at his heels, Callum lollygagging and strolling along behind the pair, looking nonchalant.

Brett: We split up and start searching; scour the whole island.

The three split up.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the forest, Ingrid is walking with Oberon, both checking out nearby tree stumps, bushes and noticeable hiding spots, nooks and crannies where idols may be hidden.

Ingrid: Any luck?

Oberon: Nothing.

Ingrid sighs.

Ingrid: Once again, another [censored] idol throws a wrench into the game plan.

She stoops down to sweep a clump of leaves away, digging in and around a bunch of tree roots.

Ingrid: Did all the idols have to be found by the most despicable players in the game? First Mitzi, now Peter?

Oberon rests against the side of a boulder.

Oberon: Things will look up.

He pauses.

Oberon: The merge should be coming soon. We can get back in with Terrence. Elmer has allies on the other side too. It’ll look up.

"lastortugas"

- What happened last night scared me. Once again, an idol has completely thwarted my plans. I’ve not voted the right way once this whole season because of idols popping up here and there. It’s disconcerting. And Peter is still in the game! I can’t stand the thought that that jackass is going to outlast me. So we have to go on the offensive as well. Idols have been the bane of my existence so far, but they can also be my saving grace.

Elmer appears from out of nowhere, sweating profusely in the heat, mopping his brow with his shirt.

Elmer: Come on, guys. Let’s not lose hope. If we find that idol before they do, that’s a huge game changer. The power comes back to us. So we’ve gotta start looking.

"lastortugas"

- We have to fight back. It’s now or never. Those three guys are going to let their arrogance take over at the merge, and I’ll be damned if I let that slide after they took out one of my closest allies. We need to find this idol before they do.

Peter and Callum are shown searching around a cluster of boulders, digging into mossy holes.

Callum: This is disgusting! Would they really hide it in here?

Peter: We have to find it. We’ll need it if we go back to tribal, Callum.

"lastortugas"

- It would be so amazing to find a second idol immediately after playing my first. I want that distinction, I want it bad.

Peter: Come on, let’s keep looking.

Callum sticks his tongue out, looking grossed out.

"lastortugas"

- Even now [laughs] as I sit here, it is still surreal knowing I could have gone home last night. I might not be in the game if I hadn’t tailed Brett and Erin and found that idol on Day 7 or whatever. But I feel like the Survivor gods gave me another chance, to prove my salt. And I do believe I have it in me to really be a strategic force out here. I just need the opportunity to prove it. With the merge on the horizon – as everyone should be anticipating it – I know that’s when the gameplay gets the craziest. Having another idol again would mean a lot at that stage of the game. The odds are stacked against me and the Las Caimanes boys because Elmer found a clue from who knows where. So I knew we had to work extra hard to find it. And by sheer luck…

Peter is furiously poking around in one of the holes in the large boulder, scraping out moss and dead leaves and insects and other mush.

Without warning…

…out of the blue…

…there is a yelp of surprise…

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

Callum: Pete! I got it!

Peter rushes over.

Peter: Damn. Good job.

"lastortugas"

- When I saw Callum had found the idol before me, I was really disappointed. I wanted to be the one to find it, to have had two idols in the course of this game. I’m glad at least Callum got it, cos we’re bros, and that at least one of the three of us guys is in possession of the idol instead of Elmer, Ingrid or Oberon. But it still blows that I’m not the one to have it. If we’d only been poking around in different holes, this could have turned out much differently.

Callum is whooping, and Peter hurriedly shushes him, looking over his shoulder warily for signs of Elmer, Ingrid or Oberon.

Callum kisses the idol, recoiling as he does so, unwrapping the parchment from his prize and tossing it to Peter to read.

Peter: Congratulations, you have found the hidden immunity idol at Las Tortugas…blah blah blah…played before the votes are read…yup, it’s the real deal. Exactly like the one I had just the night before. Nice job.

Callum: This is beautiful.

He grins and holds the idol up against his heart lovingly. Peter watches almost wistfully as Callum puts the idol around his neck.

"lastortugas"

- [takes out idol] What’s up, Elmer? Even with a clue, those suckers couldn’t find it before I did! If Peter can find one, so can I! Take that, Mitch!

In the meantime, at Los Lagartos…

Terrence is just waking up, sitting up straight in the shelter. Darnell is stirring a pot of boiling water and rice, looking tired. Penny is just getting up too, pulling her buff over her head and blinking wearily in the early morning daylight.

Erin sits next to Penny, stretching leisurely and yawning.

Erin: Is the challenge tomorrow?

Aisha: It must be.

Penny: I hope it’s the merge.

Aisha: Are we merging?

Mitzi comes along and joins them in the shelter, getting comfortable with the girls.

Mitzi: It should be. Merge usually takes place around this time.

Penny: I hope it is.

Erin: I can’t wait. It’ll be a huge accomplishment.

Darnell looks over and beckons Terrence to follow him. The two leave to go get water.

As the boys take their leave, Erin looks over to make sure they’re gone before engaging the girls in a discussion.

Erin: So, what’s the plan if it’s not a merge?

Aisha: It should be, shouldn’t it?

Erin: But if it’s not? We need to decide on the vote.

Mitzi nods.

Mitzi: Let’s deal with it when it comes down to it. We’ll see what happens tomorrow. But personally I’d want Terrence gone.

Penny looks up sharply from where she lies on her back, her head resting on Erin’s lap.

Penny: Terrence? He’s done nothing wrong.

Mitzi: Oh, he’s done a lot of wrong, believe you me, Penny. He and Oberon and Ingrid treated me and Aisha like dirt.

Aisha nods empathetically.

Mitzi: We can’t let him get back in with Oberon and Ingrid at the merge.

"loslagartos"

- Penny has fallen under Terrence’s spell. She will do anything to save him and send Darnell home, because she likes him more. This is ridiculous. I passed up my chance to take out Oberon’s most loyal ally last time, I won’t make that same mistake twice.

Penny: And if we do merge?

Mitzi: We deal with that when we get to it.

Erin: I have loyal allies in the guys from Las Caimanes. I’m confident I can bring them over.

"loslagartos"

- The topic of the merge is a pretty hot discussion right now. Everyone’s getting antsy because we all feel like we’ve earned it by now. Everyone here’s earned their way to the merge, so we’re all just really impatient in anticipation of getting to that merged tribe. Me and my three girls are tight, and I still have my three boys on the other side. I am set up to go far in this game if I play my cards right and if we’re all going to be living on the same beach tomorrow. And I really hope that’s the case.

Darnell and Terrence are talking by the well, as Terrence helps ladle water into the canister that Darnell is propping up on his knee.

Terrence: So what’s our next move?

Darnell is silent.

Terrence: We’re on the bottom here. We need to come up with something if we want to stay in the game.

Darnell: I know. It’s frustrating, playing on the bottom.

Terrence: Darnell, you’re my only ally left on this tribe. I’m counting on you to be honest with me here. We only have each other.

Darnell: That sounds unnecessarily romantic. And speaking of romance, how’d it go with Penny?

Terrence tries to hide his pleased expression.

Terrence: I tried roping her in but she doesn’t seem willing to turn on the girls. Erin and Mitzi really sunk their hooks deep into her.

Darnell: Yeah, well, don’t get too comfortable with Penny. She used to flirt day and night with this hunk called Elmer on our old tribe. He’s her old flame and they’re probably going to get back together when the merge hits.

Terrence’s face falls. He nods, unconvinced.

Terrence: It’s fine. I’m not out here looking for love.

Darnell: I don’t expect you to be. But listen, we really have to scramble. If the merge isn’t coming like I hope it is, then we have unbelievably hard work ahead of us.

Terrence: What do you suggest?

Darnell thinks it over.

Darnell: Well…it’s possible they’ll split the votes 2-2-2 to try and flush a potential idol either you or I have. If we play it up that either one of us has an idol…it might get them paranoid enough to split. Then we only need to convince one girl to change their vote and we’re in the clear.

Terrence: Who would we get to flip though?

Darnell: Erin, Aisha and Penny are all not going to flip. They’re all loyal to Mitzi. Which means our only hope is…

Terrence: Mitzi’s not going to work with us. She’s certainly not going to work with me.

Darnell: I can try to play it up that…you and Penny have a thing going. If Mitzi gets suspicious that Penny is easily disloyal…and easily falls into the good grace of good-looking men…I mean, it’s a long shot…but I have no other suggestion. It’s just you and me versus a gaggle of girls, and it’s not going to be easy to try to get them to implode and turn against one of their own.

Terrence looks down at his feet.

"loslagartos"

- Regarding Darnell…I didn’t want for us to have to go against each other but it’s starting to look like unless there’s a merge coming up next, I have no other option. He fed me some cock-and-bull story about getting Mitzi to turn on Penny, which has a very low chance of happening. Those girls are inseparable. Like, bro, stop faking. I’m not stupid. I know it’s either you or me going home if we go to tribal. So stop with the lies, end the façade. I’m unhappy about being forced into this vote but I will throw him under the bus to the girls and I will send him home if I have no other option. I have to reunite with Oberon and Ingrid. I have to.

Day 19
Jeff: Come on in, guys!

Los Lagartos comes in first, Penny smiling at Probst as she arrives. Erin looks excited, and has brought her bags with her.

Jeff: Los Lagartos, getting your first look at the new Las Tortugas tribe. Mitch voted out at the last tribal council.

Penny looks shocked, clasping a hand over her mouth in disbelief. Darnell looks stunned, mouth open and a flash of guilt written across his face, glancing at Elmer. The latter shakes his head in disappointment. Brett is smiling, looking hopeful. The pink tribe comes in and sets their things down.

Jeff: Alright. So, it’s been 19 days. You’ve spent almost 20 days out here on the island, you’re almost halfway done with the game – and you’re still in tribes. You’re not yet merged. Ingrid, what’s the general consensus regarding a possible merge? Do you guys think it’ll be soon?

Ingrid: Well, I think most people are expecting the merge to be today. Merge usually happens after six tribals, and so we’re hoping that we have all indeed made it to the merge so we can all really start playing.

Brett nods, squinting over at Jeff. Erin looks uncertain. Callum is grinning widely.

Jeff: Brett, what do you say?

Brett: I think a lot of people would be very happy for a merge right now.

Peter: There’s a lot of excitement going on…I think the setting of a merged tribe would be a good place to air that all out.

Callum nods, smirking. Ingrid rolls her eyes, looking cross. Mitzi arches an eyebrow, curious.

Jeff: Mitzi, what do you guys think?

Mitzi: I mean, I suppose so, yeah. A lot of us hope the merge is upon us because that’s a huge achievement for all of us. We’ve discussed the possibility about it being today. Six interesting tribals down, chances are high that everyone’s earned their spot, so, we just have to wait and see.

Jeff: So we’ve got an interesting pool of twelve different players, all itching to get to that merge, don your new buffs, enjoy that merged feast and really get to that new level of gameplay. You all want to merge?

Oberon: Please, Jeff.

Brett: Let’s do it.

Jeff: Alright. Everybody…

Penny gasps, covering her mouth with her hand.

Jeff: Drop…

Mitzi is laughing to herself, her hand on her buff. Darnell bites his lip.

Jeff: Your…

Callum is jumping up and down, grabbing both Brett and Peter by the shoulders.

Jeff:…Expectations.

A chorus of groans erupts from the two tribes.

Callum: Come on, Jeff!

Jeff: We are not merging. Not yet. You will still be participating in this challenge as tribes.

"loslagartos"

- When Jeff said we weren’t merging, my heart just sank like a stone. I was like, ‘nooooo...’ I was counting on a merge, I wanted it bad. I didn’t just want it, I needed it. I could have got back in with Elmer. I don’t know if I’m going to survive another tribal on this awful tribe because it’s basically a toss-up between me and Terrence right now and those are odds I don’t want to have to face. So this totally just screwed me over…again.

Jeff: Alright! You guys ready to get to today’s tribal immunity challenge? Once again, immunity back up for grabs. For today’s challenge, you will square off against another member of the opposing tribe, one-on-one. One castaway from each tribe will hold onto a pole, with a wooden idol balancing on top of a platform. You will then use your other hand to attempt to knock your opponent's idol off their platform. The castaway whose idol hits the ground last scores one point for their tribe. First tribe to score five points win immunity. Worth playing for? We’ll get started.

Elmer turns to catch Darnell’s eye as they move to get prepared. Darnell looks back forlornly, almost apologetically, and Elmer gives him a subtle shake of the head.

"lastortugas"

- A couple of days ago, I threw the challenge to save an original tribe member in Darnell, only to lose an original tribe member in Mitch. It was a horrible mistake. I’m not throwing another challenge again. Today, I’ll be giving it my all.

Jeff: Alright! First up, we have Peter for Las Tortugas taking on Darnell for Los Lagartos. Survivors ready? Go!

Peter and Darnell move toward each other, both circling the perimeter warily like a couple of guard dogs on alert.

Peter advances towards the latter, as the poker player meets his cocksure opponent’s steps in stride.

Jeff: Who will make the first move?

Without warning, Peter lashes out, making a beeline for Darnell’s idol. Darnell thrusts his hand up into the air to keep it out of Peter’s reach. His idol topples off his platform. As it falls, Darnell lunges for Peter’s idol and narrowly snags it, sending it sprawling into the sand. A split second later, Darnell’s idol finally cuts through the air to tumble to a stop, right next to Peter’s.

Jeff: Oh! Peter with a big move but Darnell gets to it first! Los Lagartos leads 1 – 0!

Next match up pits Elmer against Terrence. Penny watches as her two flames battle it out. Elmer stalks right up to Terrence, tall and undaunted. Terrence shrinks back a little, keeping his idol behind him.

Jeff: Elmer on the offensive…Terrence playing defence.

Terrence fakes a jab at Elmer’s eyes. The latter barely blinks, but nods, looking slightly unsure but still confident. Terrence continues feinting and making fake jabs in Elmer’s direction but Elmer merely pounces forward, swinging out his arm and slamming Terrence’s idol onto the floor.

Jeff: Elmer ties it up!

Now, it is Oberon taking on Aisha.

Jeff: Uneven mix up due to the distribution of tribes…Aisha is small while Oberon is tall and either one could use that to their advantage…

Oberon walks directly forward. Aisha stares him down, doing her best to remain unflinching. With barely any effort, Oberon feints a high attack. As Aisha shields herself, Oberon swoops down and sends her idol flying into the sand with ease.

Jeff: And just like that, Oberon puts Las Tortugas in the lead, 2 – 1. Next up – Callum versus Erin.

Callum is bouncing on the balls of his feet, looking excited. Erin smirks, balancing her idol steadily. As soon as Jeff gives the signal, Callum literally runs directly at Erin. Erin backs away hastily but Callum swings his arm in a wide arc, sending his own idol flying high up in the air, as he uses his other hand to smack Erin’s idol – and her platform – right out of her hand, causing her to jump back and stumble in surprise.

Jeff: Callum charges at Erin, and succeeds! Las Tortugas leads 3 – 1! Next up; Brett taking on Penny!

Brett gives Penny a sunny smile as she approaches him nervously, her fingers twitching around the pole of her platform. The contrast in their size and muscle definition is evident.

Jeff: Brett is a tougher opponent…but Penny is limber and has proven her agility. Can Los Lagartos make a comeback?

Penny looks frightened but determined. Brett walks right up to her and Penny ducks down low, trying to keep out of his reach. He lunges out and she manages to sneak in and knock his own idol off…but not before he knocks hers onto the ground.

Jeff: Oh! So close! Brett scores – that’s 4 – 1 for Las Tortugas! One more point and they take it all!

Mitzi now enters the ring, the last person yet to compete on Los Lagartos, taking on Ingrid, the last person yet to compete on Las Tortugas.

Jeff: Mitzi, taking on Ingrid!

Callum mouths to Brett.

Callum: This should be interesting.

Jeff: If Ingrid wins this, Las Tortugas takes the victory and Los Lagartos goes back to tribal council.

The two former-allies-turned-sworn-enemies glare at each other, neither backing down, both women tense and alert, focused intently on each other’s movements as they circle each other like animals.

Mitzi walks cautiously towards Ingrid, looking tougher and rougher than the middle-aged woman, who thrusts her lower lip out in defiance, eyebrows arched downward and her idol kept solidly away from Mitzi.

Out of the blue, Mitzi hurls her idol into the sky and lunges at Ingrid. Ingrid tosses her own idol up into the sky as Mitzi slams into her feet, knocking both women into the sand.

Jeff: Oh! Mitzi with a big move!

Both idols sail through the air…

…and Mitzi’s is the first to land in the sand, Ingrid’s bouncing right off hers.

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

The men of Las Tortugas erupt into hoots and cheers, as they all rush out to surround Ingrid in a large group hug. Mitzi is busy picking herself off the ground, brushing sand off her thighs, looking disgruntled. Darnell is on the other mat, looking pissed, and a little resigned to fate, as he shakes his head to himself. Terrence is biting his lip in worry, eyes narrowed. Penny looks at the ground, lips pursed, looking miffed.

Jeff: Las Tortugas, congratulations. Once again, immunity in your hands. Enjoy the night off.

Jeff hands the idol to Elmer, who clutches it proudly.

Jeff: Los Lagartos, for the second time, I will be seeing you tonight, where one of you will be the seventh person voted out of this game and just narrowly miss out on the merge. You have the afternoon to figure out who it’s gonna be. Good luck. I’ll see y’all at tribal.

The tribes grab their stuff and prepare to leave. The camera follows Los Lagartos down as they head back down the trail, stopping to focus on Mitzi as she walks.

"loslagartos"

- As long as nothing crazy happens, tonight, there’s only going to be two options: Darnell or Terrence. One of the two boys is going home, and us girls have a big decision ahead of us. I can only hope for my sake that I make the right decision for our group.

The Los Lagartos tribe returns to camp, where everyone is dejectedly dumping their belongings back in their shelter. Erin is going back to unpacking her possessions, disappointed.

Erin: Damn. Really hoped it’d be the merge today.

Aisha: I thought so as well.

Mitzi: Guess we’ll just have to deal with this new twist.

Darnell watches the girls talk with a thoughtful expression.

"loslagartos"

- Okay, so, no-brainer: it’s either me or Terrence going home. It’s so dumb. I was the only person to score a point for our tribe, and yet I’m on the chopping block tonight.

Darnell beckons to Mitzi and she follows him into the forest.

"loslagartos"

- Terrence is a good kid, but the guy is about to get run under a massive Greyhound bus. I’m a fighter, and I will go out of my way to get him off this beach if it means another three more days for me. I can’t get voted out now. I would be livid, if I miss out on the merge by just one damn tribal. It would haunt me.

Darnell corners Mitzi.

Darnell: So what’s the deal? Am I good tonight? What?

Mitzi: The thing is, I’m not entirely sure. The girls haven’t made a decision yet.

Darnell: Well, you’ve got to keep me updated. I’m dying right now. You’re my only hope.

Mitzi: Listen, I’m trying. I really am. But Penny doesn’t like you. You really need to go apologize to her.

Darnell: It’s not gonna matter.

Mitzi: At least try. I don’t care if it hurts your ego. I don’t care if you don’t mean a single word of it. And I don’t care if she knows it’s fake. At least try. Give me something to work with here if you want me to keep you around.

Darnell: Fine. But you know as well as I do that Terrence cannot get back in with his old allies. This is your last chance to really deal those people who gave you so much crap your first two weeks some long-awaited revenge. That’s my pitch. Do what you must.

The two part ways.

Darnell goes up to Penny when she is alone in the shelter.

Darnell: [whisper] So, is it agiven that I stand no shot tonight?

Penny gives him a look.

Penny: I don’t know. You tell me.

Darnell: For what it’s worth, I know I shouldn’t have yelled at you like that.

Penny puts her head in her hands and ignores him. Eventually, he leaves.

Mitzi arrives, calling Erin and Aisha over. The four girls sit down to talk.

Mitzi: So what’s the plan?

Penny doesn’t hesitate.

Penny: Darnell.

Erin: We can tie the vote up and on the revote, send him home.

Mitzi bites her lip, fingering a scab on her calf.

Mitzi: I just think…I still feel…that Terrence is our bigger threat.

Penny: Why do you want him gone so much?

Mitzi: You know why. And you sing the same tune about Darnell.

Penny: The way Darnell treated me was absolutely…absolutely u-uncalled for.

She looks away, trying not to break down. Mitzi shoots Aisha an exasperated look.

Mitzi: I say the same about Terrence. You weren’t around on Los Lagartos back then, you didn’t see how awful they were to me.

Aisha: They made clear that the two of us were on the bottom and going home.

Mitzi: Yes. They treated us as outsiders that weren’t even part of the tribe. They ostracized and alienated us, and for that behavior, I want to get them back.

Penny: Terrence wasn’t part of that. You said it was Oberon and Ingrid who really mistreated you. You’re being subjective.

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

Penny: But Darnell is just a bully. You heard what he said about what he’d do if he made jury. It could be the end of my game if we keep him too long.

Mitzi: Objectively, it’s still smart to take out Terrence over Darnell. He’s a number against us.

Penny: So is Darnell.

Mitzi: Terrence will get back with Oberon and Ingrid and this is my last chance – our last chance – to take him out before that happens. I don’t want to pass that up. That trio will wreak havoc for us.

Penny throws her hands in the air.

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

Mitzi: Okay. Fine.

Penny leaves.

Mitzi shakes her head, looking frustrated.

"loslagartos"

- The initial plan was to take out Terrence at our next tribal. But Darnell went and messed it all up. He made himself a target by chewing Penny out like that. Now she stubbornly wants him gone and in the meantime Terrence was smart enough to start sucking up to Penny. So now she wants Darnell out and Terrence in. Which really sucks for me because I wanted to really deal Oberon and Ingrid a blow with this swap by taking out one of their allies but I also know I need to be smart about this. I need Penny, she is my crucial vote in my alliance and so she calls the shots. If she wants Darnell gone that badly over Terrence, I may have to just let her have her way. For such a small girl, she now holds a lot of power.

Mitzi sighs, turning to Erin instead, who has been sitting quietly.

Mitzi: [whisper] Penny is dead set on having Darnell go. But I don’t know. I still want Terrence gone.

She makes sure Penny isn’t listening in to the conversation.

Mitzi: What do you say if we tie the vote up, and on the revote, all three of us vote Terrence and send him home? Even if Penny doesn’t want to, she can’t do anything about it.

Erin frowns, looking uncomfortable.

Erin: I don’t feel good about doing that. Penny trusts us. I don’t want any of us to have to trick each other like this. We should make our decisions as a group.

Aisha: Yeah, but our group is split right now.

Mitzi: In case you haven’t noticed.

Erin rubs her temples.

Erin: Personally…I do agree with Penny.

Mitzi: You do?

Erin: Darnell is much more threatening. He’s stronger, more physically fit; very strategic too. He’s a poker player, he’s good at lying and has a very good idea of how to manipulate. He will be much more of a hassle at the merge.

Mitzi: I disagree.

Erin: I know you do, because of what happened on your old tribe.

Mitzi: No, I genuinely think Terrence is more threatening. He’s likeable, sociable, makes friends easily. And he showed more self-awareness after the Yvonne vote than Darnell did. Don’t underestimate him. He’ll be a threat down the road.

"loslagartos"

- Dissension among the girls is at an all-time high right now. We can’t make up our minds on which of the two boys to send home. We’re very divided, and that’s not a good thing.

Mitzi: When we merge, Terrence is going to still be in the game and he could very well lure Penny away from us, because of how close they’ve grown. Whereas Darnell is her public enemy no. 1. If he’s still in the game, she’ll absolutely refuse to work with him, cementing her loyalty with us. Especially if it’s true about how close she is with this guy, Elmer. If Elmer and Darnell are going to work together at the merge, having Darnell around would push Penny away from working with Elmer and keep her on our side. There are more pros to keeping Darnell and more cons to keeping Terrence.

Erin: I still say we keep Terrence. Penny and I are voting Darnell tonight.

Mitzi: No chance of you changing your mind on the revote?

Erin: I just…I really am not sure.

Mitzi: If you change your mind on the revote, Terrence is gone, and there’s nothing Penny can do about it. She’ll have to accept it-

Erin: She’ll feel betrayed.

Mitzi: Even if she does, she’ll still have to stick with us cos no way is she working with Darnell, and by association, she can’t work with Elmer either. I’m thinking ahead for all our games here.

Erin: Well, us four girls need to make a decision – and soon.

Mitzi: I know, I know.

Erin gets up to go. Mitzi turns to Aisha, sharing a look.

Aisha: What do you wanna do, girl?

Mitzi shrugs.

Mitzi: Get revenge. [laughs] If Terrence weasels his way out of this…urgh. This is maddening. Because I know if we give him a free pass now, he’s going to make it far at the merge.

Aisha: At least we’re both still here.

Mitzi smiles gratefully.

Mitzi: We’ll be at the merge soon enough, you and me. Who would’ve thought?

She lies down on her back.

Mitzi: It would only be much more sweeter if Terrence was gone too. Can you imagine how they’d react?

Aisha: Oberon and Ingrid?

Mitzi: Yes. That’d be hilarious, after what they put me through.

"loslagartos"

- Tonight I have an important decision. Darnell or Terrence? Appease Penny, or pursue my own personal vendetta? I know Aisha is voting whichever way I vote – I love her, but she’s a total follower right now; whereas Penny and Erin have become a thing. So this is my dilemma. And I have to think things through smartly if I want to make the right decision for me and my game.

Terrence plops down and takes a seat next to Darnell in the sand. Darnell is watching the waves crash down on the beach, lost in his own world.

Terrence: Is there any hope tonight?

Darnell: Have you tried getting them to turn on Mitzi?

Terrence: Penny won’t budge.

Darnell: Listen – keep this between you and me.

He leans over conspiratorially.

Darnell: They’re obviously splitting the votes between the two of us. If we can get one person to flip, we’re in the clear.

Terrence: They’re not turning on each other, no matter how tough it is for them to reach a consensus.

Darnell: Mitzi, I feel, is willing to make a move with me. If she is willing to vote Penny and toss her aside after she outlived her usefulness last tribal, would you vote for Penny?

Terrence: Vote for Penny? Why?

Darnell: I know you like her and you think she’s cute-

Terrence: Wha-? I don’t-

Darnell: -and vice versa and whatever. But it could be our only shot. Mitzi thinks Penny will be a flip-flopper – which she is – and that she will join back with Elmer at the merge. So that’s my pitch. If the two of us vote together, Penny could go home if Mitzi plays ball and the Trinity Alliance may still stay in a little longer.

"loslagartos"

- I feel horrible for doing this. But I know that if I don’t feed Terrence a fake name, he could vote me and be done with it. And if Mitzi decides not to bother with the deal we made a couple days ago, if she decides to just do what Penny wants and not try to deal with the hassle of attempting to save me, the girls could all pile their votes onto me and I’m going home. I don’t have an idol, I have nothing to protect myself with. I lied to Terrence that Mitzi is considering taking Penny out. I doubt he bought it but if he did and he votes someone other than me, that difference of just one vote could mean he’ll get sent home. I have no choice but to write his name down tonight. I think of him as a friend and ally…but it’s either me or him. It’s a game and…you’ve gotta do what you’ve gotta do to survive.

Terrence thinks it over.

Terrence: I really wanted us to be strong at the merge. I was hoping to introduce you to Oberon and Ingrid and that we’d all form a big alliance together.

Darnell: Yeah, man. It’s been fun getting to know you for however short a time we’ve been on a tribe together. I only wish we’d been on the same tribe from the start.

Terrence: If tribal ends with one of us going home…well…it’s been real.

"loslagartos"

- Darnell wants me to vote for Penny. [shakes head] It’s a half-hearted attempt at best. I don’t know anymore. I feel like I’ve completely lost control of my game to those girls. I don’t know if I’m even gonna still be here tomorrow to see the merge. If Penny is in control, I’ll stay. But if Mitzi’s taking the lead…I’m a goner. Well, tribal’s coming up…and it’s time to see what those girls have decided.

The moon pops up. The four girls and two guys are shown carrying their torches in, setting them down. Mitzi looks grim. Penny is somber. Neither Darnell nor Terrence look happy to be here.

Jeff: Welcome back to tribal council.

Everyone looks stormy.

Jeff: Not a happy bunch of campers?

Erin: A lot of us were hoping to be merging.

Jeff: Let’s talk about the last vote. So Darnell. What happened after the events of our last tribal council? It was a pretty big tribal, it came down to one vote – Penny, and ultimately, she chose not to side with you, she chose to side with Mitzi and the girls. What were the ramifications of that?

Darnell: [laughs] Well…that was a few days ago…but I kind of…lost my cool.

Penny nods empathetically, looking spiteful.

Darnell: I blew up at Penny. Because I think she made a bad move and screwed the both of us.

Jeff: Penny? What do you say to that?

Penny: All I can say is I know I would’ve been on the bottom of the Darnell-Terrence-Yvonne bloc or whatever it was they had going on. I positioned myself in a better spot with the girls. And that’s why I did what I did. I don’t regret what I did, and…some people are just sour about that.

Darnell glowers at her. Penny’s lower lip trembles.

Darnell: Penny is playing the flirt card to no end right now, and it’s honestly pathetic.

Jeff: What do you mean?

Darnell: She and Elmer were tonguing each other every chance they got back on Las Tortugas and now that they’ve separated she’s completely forgotten about him and moved onto Terrence. Now she’s got him under her thumb too. Penny was never a controller back on Las Tortugas but she is very clever in using her feminine wiles to get what she wants, and that’s a threat.

Terrence looks up, bewildered. Aisha is laughing, the white of her teeth showing through the gaps in her fingers. Mitzi cocks her head to the side. Penny is biting the inside of her cheek.

Jeff: So Terrence…does Penny have you under her thumb with her ‘feminine wiles’?

Terrence: Penny? [laughs] No. I’m not under anyone’s thumb.

Mitzi: That’s not how I remember your relationship with Oberon.

Terrence looks at her sharply.

Mitzi: Terrence would follow Oberon’s orders back on the old tribe. And Ingrid replaced him as Oberon’s number-two. It just goes to show Terrence is set up to be Oberon’s strong ally if he goes far in this game. And it’ll be a bitch to deal with.

Terrence chuckles to himself, looking forlorn. Darnell grits his teeth.

Jeff: Terrence, afraid it could be you going home tonight?

Terrence spreads his hands out in front of him helplessly.

Terrence: I mean, the girls hold all the power now. I’ve packed my bags [sad laugh] I’m prepared to leave if need be.

Jeff: Where would this story sit with you, if you left now?

Terrence: If I get voted out tonight…it would suck. I want to make it to the merge. Everyone does. It’s a huge achievement.

Mitzi: I imagine a big factor in tonight’s vote is the fact that Terrence will be dangerous if he does make it to the merge because, as I pointed out, he has allies on the other tribe. And he could very well jump back in with them. Matter of fact, it’s a guarantee. Whichever of the two boys survives this vote is going to jump ship as soon as we don new buffs.

Aisha is nodding in agreement. Erin is thinking hard.

Jeff: Penny, let’s talk about all the discussion involving you. On Las Tortugas, you could’ve gone home several times. You received votes both times you came here. And Darnell – like Elmer, and the recently departed Mitch – saved you both times. Any guilt regarding that?

Penny: The funny thing is, maybe Darnell doesn’t realize…he did himself no favors with the way he lost his temper.

Darnell gazes at his feet.

Penny: If he survives this vote, he’d be incredibly lucky to have a second chance.

Jeff: But the thing is, both times you could’ve gone home and been an early boot, and yet, almost like what Darnell said, you stayed. Was part of the reason why becaue you used your ‘feminine wiles’?

Penny: I think it’s a legitimate tactic to employ, sure. It’s not like it hasn’t been done before.

Jeff: But Darnell doesn’t seem to respect that kind of gameplay.

Penny: I…I don’t know. That’s his problem.

Jeff: And Mitzi. You seem to have outgrown the position you were in the last few times you were here? You were labeled as a madwoman, a psychopath, and a human firecracker, not unlike Wilkes, who Penny had to deal with. And yet, in spite of that, in spite of nearly going home the first time you arrived, you’re still here! You and Aisha, both. And not just so, you’re both clearly on the top of this tribe and a foursome alliance of girls. This is a big evolution for you.

Mitzi: It is. I feel like I’ve rewritten my story as of now and truly improved my placing in the game. I just need to do something with it.

Jeff: Have you girls made up your mind?

Mitzi shrugs. Penny is biting her nails. Erin glances at Aisha and nods discreetly.

Jeff: Darnell, Terrence – two people knowing they’re on the bottom and doing their best to stay in – it isn’t an uncommon scenario at tribal. Are you both at peace with tonight’s vote?

Darnell: It depends on what the girls are basing it on.

Terrence sighs.

Terrence: I’m cool. Let’s get through this.

Jeff: Alright. For one of you, this is the end of your adventure, 19 days in. It is time to vote. Erin, you’re up.

Erin gets up and the voting music kicks in. Mitzi watches her go, hand on her chin, drumming her fingers casually. The scene fades away and transitions to one of Darnell approaching the booth.

He is shown starting off by writing a ‘T’ on his parchment. The camera cuts to Terrence, who is looking off into the distance, a dazed look in his eyes. His hands are shaking.

Penny now heads up. She uncaps the pen, and bends over her parchment, obscuring it from view.

Mitzi is now walking over. She picks up the parchment and takes a deep breath, as if deliberating within herself.

Darnell is shown casting her back a worried glance. Finally, Mitzi returns. No other votes are shown.

Jeff: I’ll go tally the votes.

Jeff leaves. Darnell turns to look over at Mitzi. Mitzi looks down, straight ahead, avoiding eye contact with the others. Erin and Aisha share a knowing look. Terrence is breathing heavily, looking considerably distressed. Penny sweeps her hair back, shivering.

Jeff returns.

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

Darnell looks down the row of heads at Terrence. Terrence looks at his bag, as if expecting an idol to be conjured up from nothing. Mitzi too glances at Terrence warily. Aisha’s eyes flicker to him momentarily.

Jeff: Alright, once the votes are read, the decision is final. Person voted out will be asked to leave the tribal council area immediately. I’ll read the votes.

Darnell groans, looking nervous. Terrence has his mouth open and is taking shaky breaths. Penny is clutching her sides, watching with a shadowy look in her eyes. Mitzi is all-business and has a serious expression on her face.

Jeff: First vote…Terrence.

Terrence twitches in his seat.

Jeff: Darnell.

Darnell shakes his head, unhappy. Mitzi’s mouth curls downward.

Jeff: Terrence.

Terrence is now looking uncertain, as concerned as ever. Aisha is smirking.

Jeff: Darnell. We’re tied. Two votes Terrence, two votes Darnell.

Darnell glances over at Terrence.

Jeff: Terrence. That’s three votes Terrence, two votes Darnell, one vote left…

Darnell swallows. Terrence has his hood up, stretching his hands behind his head.

Jeff flips over the sixth and final vote.

Jeff: Darnell. We are tied.

Darnell facepalms. Mitzi is stony-faced. Penny nods placidly. Terrence looks over at Darnell, upset.

Jeff: Here’s what’s gonna happen. We’re gonna revote. In the event of a tie, Terrence, Darnell, you will not vote. The rest of you – Mitzi, Aisha, Erin, Penny – you can only vote for Terrence or Darnell. Aisha, if you’ll come grab the urn.

Aisha gets up to bring the urn back to the booth. Darnell leans back, worried. Terrence faces forward, expression unreadable.

When everyone has gotten up to cast their second votes, Jeff leaves to retrieve them.

Jeff: I’ll go get the votes.

He returns.

Jeff: I’ll read the votes.

He takes out the first vote.

Jeff: First vote…

He flips it over.

Jeff: Darnell.

Darnell is not surprised. Terrence is squeezing his eyes shut as if in prayer.

Jeff: Darnell. That’s two votes Darnell.

Darnell smiles sadly to himself, with a small subtle shake of the head. Penny turns to look at Mitzi, who looks away.

Jeff: Seventh person voted out of Survivor: Cayman Islands…and the first member of our jury…Darnell. That’s three, that’s enough. You need to bring me your torch.

Darnell scoffs, getting up to go with a scowl.

Penny looks aghast. She turns to look at Mitzi, mouthing ‘Jury?’. Mitzi looks annoyed, dragging a hand over her face. Terrence is exhaling slowly, looking pale and sweaty, a solemn look in his eyes as he nods his thanks to the girls.

Darnell slams his torch down, looking bitter.

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

Darnell nods and leaves. Penny watches him go, shaking her head. Mitzi rests her head on her hand, weary.

Jeff: Well, Survivor is a game about decisions. And tonight, you made the decision to get rid of Darnell over Terrence. Only time will tell if you made the right choice or not. Grab your stuff, head back to camp…and congratulations on lasting to the jury phase of the game.

Voting Confessionals
"loslagartos"

- I really hope this works out.

"loslagartos"

- This is one game of poker you won’t be winning.

"loslagartos"

- I wish I could say I’m sorry, but I’m not. I’m sad things had to turn out this way, but you brought it on yourself.

"loslagartos"

- You’re a very crafty player, and I can see that. And that is why I can’t sway the votes away from you. I hope I’m making the right decision.

"loslagartos"

- Sorry, man. But I want to stay and play too. I don’t have anything negative to say about you.


 * Aisha didn’t say anything when she cast her vote.

Final Words
"loslagartos"

- Whenever there’s a tribe swap there’s a chance someone’s going to get their game screwed. In this case, that someone was me. I can’t believe I’m saying this but Wilkes might’ve been right. Saving Penny did come back to bite me in the ass. I made the jury but not the merge – it stings because I know I would’ve stirred the pot had I stayed longer, but at the very least, getting the chance to vote for this season’s eventual winner is a consolation.

Next Time on Survivor...

 * The merge is finally upon the castaways!

All 11 players left in the game are gathered at the Los Lagartos beach, as Callum reads from a piece of parchment.

Callum: Congratulations, you have merged!

Everyone erupts into cheers and whoops of celebration. Callum high fives Peter. Elmer and Penny are hugging in the background, and Oberon is slapping Terrence on the back, both looking elated as they embrace.


 * And everyone is enjoying the reunion.

Oberon: We made it, man.

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

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

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


 * And with everyone scrambling to stay alive, who will ultimately come out on top?


 * Can people get their game together, or will it fall apart right in front of them?

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

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

Brett is walking along the beach with Erin at his side.

Brett: Are we still good?

Erin: Yes, we’re still good.

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

Oberon: If we don’t get them on our side, we’re screwed.

Penny is now shown having an animated discussion with her new BFF Erin by the shoreline.

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

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

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

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


 * With the merge comes more clashing of personalities…


 * …and the revival of old storylines.


 * With so much on the line, who can focus and keep their eyes on the prize…the longest?

All 11 castaways are standing in a row, donning new indigo buffs as they participate in the first individual immunity challenge; their hands propping up disks with one ball balanced atop it.

Jeff: If you lose concentration for even a second…

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

Jeff:…it could have devastating results…

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

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

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

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

Life at Ponderosa #1
Life at Ponderosa #1: Darnell

Darnell is shown sitting on the beach, dressed in a clean shirt and shorts, with a cocktail in his hand.

Darnell: So I’m Darnell Rivera from this season of Survivor: Cayman Islands and uh…I guess this is my Ponderosa video.

A clip is shown of Darnell standing before Probst, slamming his torch down, looking displeased.

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

The scene picks up from where the episode left off, with Darnell trudging down a small path, the camera following him from the front as he walks alone in the night, looking frustrated with himself.

Darnell: So I just got voted out of Survivor. I mean, I saw it coming. I knew from this tribe of girls, I didn’t stand a chance. And maybe I did bring it on myself the way I yelled at Penny after what happened with Yvonne. So I’ll accept that I made mistakes too. It wasn’t just the tribe swap that [censored] me; I [censored] me too. But then, Jeff drops this…bomb…that I’m making the jury. And not only am I making the jury…I’m the first juror. So, that’s good news for me, but bad news for Penny. Survivor’s all about timing, and she just put someone with a personal grudge against her on the jury as it’s frontrunner. You can bet that won’t bode well for her chances if she makes it to the Final Tribal Council, and given that I still stand by my belief that she is a goat and playing a bad game – socially, strategically and physically – then she will most likely be taken to the end as someone’s pawn, and then I’ll be able to really rip into her about her game. [shrugs] Being a juror’s gonna be fun. [laughs] I can’t wait to see everything from the sidelines.

Darnell arrives at the medical hut.

Darnell: This is nice. Hey, Doc.

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

Darnell: Uh…I don’t know. 188lbs?

Darnell steps onto the weighing machine.

Darnell: 174.

Dr. Joe: So you lost 14 lbs.

Darnell: Cool. Probably would’ve lost more if I’d been out there longer.

Darnell leaves, and follows the path to where a truck is wating for him to get in the back.

Darnell: It is a little sad and disheartening that I won’t be a part of all the amazing gameplay. But if I was going to be taken out before the merge, it’s a small consolation at best that I can still get to witness the game take place, even if I’m not a part of it. It sucks, but, life isn’t always fair, and it’s being kind enough to me as it is.

He opens up a packet of crackers and takes one, putting it in his mouth and eating.

Darnell: I knew I was going home. I just had a gut feeling Mitzi wouldn't be living up to her words. It didn’t come as much of a shock. And, you know, as angry and as bitter as I am, I can still take a step back and look at how I played – and I am self-aware enough to know that they were right in saying it was my fault. If I’d kept my mouth shut and played nice-nice with Penny…[shrugs]…I might still be in the game.

He eats another cracker.

Darnell: Maybe I underestimated her. I still think she’s playing a lousy game and won’t amount to more than a follower. She’ll have to step it up if Penny wants to win, or at the very least, not be dragged to the end as Mitzi’s or Erin’s or Elmer’s goat. But I think part of it is that I viewed her not as a fellow competitor but more as someone I could boss around. And that led to my downfall, because I was too prideful.

Darnell is seen arriving at the resort that will be the Ponderosa of the season. He enters the lobby, which has gleaming marble tiles, jazz music playing in the background and fans spinning overhead.

Darnell: Wow…this place is nice. Maybe this won’t be so bad after all. I guess as the first juror, I’m the Mayor of Ponderosa, huh?

Next, he heads to his room. Like a basic hotel room, the bed is made and is comfortable with a soft mattress and warm blankets. There is a television directly across from it, with a bunch of movies and DVDs. Darnell sets his bags down by the bed, standing under the air conditioner.

Darnell: I wish I could be back in the game and the ocean breeze is nice and all…but I’ve missed AC.

Heading into the bathroom, he gasps upon seeing himself in the mirror, in grubby clothing, with streaks of grime across his face and chest, and severe tans all over his body.

Darnell: Good grief. I look hideous! I look like a caveman. Did I really look this gross on national television for 19 days? I can barely recognize myself…this is insane.

He lifts his shirt to examine – and count – his ribs.

Darnell: I mean, you don’t think about your own appearance much in real life, but you still catch glimpses of your own reflection every now and then. Out there on the island, no one knew how they looked like. This is legitimately scary, holy [censored]. Wow…

He runs a hand over the toothbrush, toothpaste, razor and hand towel by the sink.

Darnell: It is going to feel good to get clean again. I haven’t brushed my teeth in ages, my breath stinks.

He shuts the door on the cameraman.

Next time he is seen, Darnell is now clean and fresh, dressed in a soft polo t-shirt and shorts, grabbing food from the buffet table and taking a seat in the hotel café, his plate loaded with a cheeseburger and fries and a large dollop of tartar sauce.

Darnell takes a big bite before talking.

Darnell: You go so long without tasting food like this –[chomp]– oh man.

He takes a swig from the pitcher of beer by his plate.

Darnell: I could get used to meals like this.

The next morning, Darnell is wearing a navy blue tank top and exploring the grounds of the resort. He stops by the basketball court, aimlessly dribbling a ball.

Darnell: I’m kinda just wandering around, enjoying the scenery a little bit. It’s a little lonely, without someone to talk to or hang out with.

He shoots and scores, as the basketball sails through the air and right through the basket.

Darnell: I mean, I never really had much of a close emotional connection with anyone out there, like Terrence had with his friend Oberon. I was often working with Mitch and discussing possibly taking Elmer out before the merge, because I was threatened by him. But then the tribe swap happened before we could put that plan into action so who knows. And speaking of Mitch, I have to wonder if perhaps he would’ve stayed longer if I hadn’t told Elmer to throw that challenge.

Darnell shoots again, and doesn’t miss his mark.

Darnell: Terrence and I were working together, at least, we tried to. But once Yvonne left, we had to work against each other and I disliked that. It’s not fun having to be pitted against an ally. But otherwise, we didn’t really share much of a bond other than us both knowing we were on the bottom, both being the only two guys against Mitzi’s XX army.

He shrugs and leaves the court. Darnell heads out to the pool, where he orders a cocktail from the bar and lays out on the surface of the water, floating along on an inflatable float.

Darnell: I’m thinking maybe later on in the night, when it gets dry, I’ll put in a couple discs and have a movie marathon. I’m feeling in the mood for horror movies. They have a big supply to keep me and the other jurors entertained.

He takes a sip.

Darnell: I also found some playing cards. Isn’t that rich? The poker player finds a deck of cards first. I may have lost Survivor but when I’m joined by someone in three days, I’m going to wreck them at the game I know best.

Darnell is now sitting cross-legged in the sand in clean clothes, the ocean breeze blowing through his hair, giving him a very serene expression.

Darnell: As the first juror, I want to take my job seriously. I set the tone of Ponderosa for the whole season. I am still very much anti-Penny, but I am willing to give the others a chance. Mitzi, I think, is actually playing a surprisingly good game. I think if she tones her temper down, she can make a good case for herself at the end as the leader of the girls. Elmer…oh man [laughs] I plotted to take him out so many times back on Las Tortugas when I started to realize how much of a threat he really was. I was always suggesting to Mitch that we ought to consider cutting him loose eventually. Now, that plan’s never gonna be accomplished, but maybe that won’t be so bad. I have a feeling Elmer will be a power player come the merge, and I have high hopes for him.

He looks out at the sky as the sun begins to set.

Darnell: It will be hard to pass judgment on some of them because I still have not met some people on the other tribe. So that’ll have to be done by the other jurors.

Darnell leans back on his hands, his shirt rippling as the wind picks up.

Darnell: For me, this journey was a very meaningful one. I learned a lot about myself and how I should shut my damn mouth. [laughs] But other than that, I think strategically, I played a decent game. My experience as a poker player came in handy when I had to lie. Though Terrence didn’t buy the cock-and-bull story about voting Penny, I know that I never gave up. They can say I’m shady, that I was a fool, but I fought to the end. And while I didn’t come out on top…I was rewarded by getting the chance to be here and be a part of the jury. That brings my story to a good resolution, as far as I’m concerned.

Author's Notes

 * The episode title was said by Darnell with regards to how he felt Penny was playing the game.

Trivia

 * The merged tribe has:
 * 5 out of 6 original.
 * 4 out of 6 original.
 * 2 out of 6 original.