Throw Him A Life Vest, Or Drown Him

Throw Him A Life Vest, Or Drown Him is the eleventh episode of Survivor: Cayman Islands.

Previously On Survivor...

 * Following the boys’ blindside of Mitzi, Erin, Penny and Aisha were left without a leader.

Brett: It was a one-time thing. It can’t happen again.
 * Meanwhile, Brett made the decision to alienate the minority of Elmer, Oberon and Terrence once more, prompting Elmer to pin the crosshairs on him.

He shrugs casually.

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


 * Elmer and Erin conspired to take out Brett for being the alpha male of the Las Caimanes trio…

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


 * At the auction, Elmer, Oberon, Peter and Brett drew rocks for an unknown advantage…

Jeff: Elmer wins the advantage!


 * Elmer got lucky and won the clue to a ‘special idol’ hidden back at camp.


 * But it was Peter who got luckier and found the idol all by himself.


 * At the immunity challenge, both men and women were battling it out against each other for individual immunity up for grabs for the last man and woman standing.


 * And in yet another showdown between Oberon and Peter, Peter finally beat Oberon, and for the first time since the merge, Oberon was vulnerable.


 * Back at camp, Erin had a decision to make: to blindside her old ally Brett for being duplicitious or take the opportunity to vote out Oberon, the tribe’s biggest threat in challenges.


 * And ultimately, she chose to take a risk.

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


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

Challenge
Immunity Challenge: This Much Free Will (Kaoh Rong)

Castaways will support two discs with ceramic pots attached to two posts with only their fingertips. If they drop their discs they are out of the challenge. Last three left standing move onto the second portion of the challenge, where contestants must balance two ceramic pots on the end of a balance beam with one leg. If their pots fall off, they are out of the challenge. The last person standing wins immunity.

Reward: Individual Immunity

Winner: Elmer

Immunity Challenge #2: Dominoe Effect (Kaoh Rong)

The contestants must stack wooden blocks along a platform while avoiding tripping hazards. Once all of their blocks are stacked the contestants must knock them over like dominoes. The first contestant to topple all of their blocks, such that the final block hits a gong at the end, wins immunity.

Reward: Individual Immunity

Winner: Erin

Night 28
The moon is slowly revealed, as a dark cloud passes by. Alius Diversus is on the walk back to camp, and one by one, they leave their unlit torches perched against the tree where they usually are.

Peter tosses his bag into the shelter, looking ticked off. Callum is a little more lighthearted, chuckling bemusedly to the others, still looking bewildered by the change in the game.

Callum: Wow. That was…unexpected.

Aisha shrugs.

Aisha: Maybe you would’ve seen it coming if you boys weren’t so blinded by your egos.

Peter lets out a mockingly loud sigh, sinking down into the shelter and kicking his legs up, making his annoyance known.

Peter: Stupid. Stupid move, Erin. That was boneheaded all the way around.

Erin: I figured you’d say that.

He shakes his head, disappointed.

Callum: You sly girl, you. [laughs]

Callum pretends to embrace Erin from behind and she playfully shoves him off.

Callum: That was very sneaky.

Elmer takes Penny and Erin away from Peter.

Elmer: That was really great. Thank you both.

Penny is already swooning, and Erin turns back to look at Peter.

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

Elmer: Don’t mind him. He’s being a hypocrite. He backstabbed you too with what happened to Mitzi. Now he knows how it feels.

Peter is sulking in the camp, as Callum kicks back next to him, taking his socks off calmly, not as upset as the former is.

Peter: I don’t believe this.

Callum: They pulled a fast one on us, I guess.

Peter: [whisper] You think they’re gonna be coming for us next?

Callum squints into the darkness to where the three girls are sitting and chatting around the campfire. Elmer is taking a swig from his water bottle, laughing with Oberon.

Callum: I hope not. I mean, Erin has to see that Oberon and Elmer are just bigger threats than us…right?

Peter narrows his eyes.

Peter: We’ll see. But that vote was total and complete garbage, I’m telling you.

Day 29
The next morning, Terrence and Elmer are heading off to get water. Penny is sitting on a log, having breakfast, while Erin swings on the hammock. Oberon is just getting up, blinking lazily. Callum is snoring happily away beside them, and on his side, Peter is awake, looking sleepy.

He nudges Oberon.

Peter: How does it feel to still be in the game?

Oberon laughs softly.

Oberon: Uh…it feels great.

He nods to himself, wiggling his toes in the sand.

Oberon: Honestly didn’t think I’d still be here.

He gets up slowly and goes to take a walk.

Oberon meets up with Erin, Elmer and Terrence in the woods.

Oberon: So here’s what I’m thinking.

Erin: Uh-uh.

Oberon: I know that…people view me as a threat. I also know that everyone here can be considered a threat in their own way, because people are intimidated by the way we play.

Elmer’s brow furrows.

Oberon: What I propose is, you three girls and us three guys – just have an alliance up to the Final 6? Let’s just work together and get Peter and Callum out of this game, and then we battle it out fair and square when it’s down to just the lot of us. Because let’s be honest, none of us have Peter or Callum in our plans for the finals. So rather than target each other and then get rid of them later anyway, why not we just…work together to get the two of them out and then we can have at it in a fair fight? We’ll get rid of the two most unlikeable people on this island and enjoy the rest of the game.

Erin: I mean, I’m down if you guys are down. Really, I think we can just…cruise on by.

Elmer: I mean, with Brett out of the picture, that frees you up a little, doesn’t it?

Erin: It does, yeah.

Elmer: You’ll talk with Penny and Aisha?

Erin: Sure, yeah. Penny is on board for sure. It’s Aisha who’s more worrying.

Elmer: She really hates us guys, doesn’t she?

Erin shrugs.

Erin: I think a bit of Mitzi rubbed off on her. She’s quiet but she’s really…well, feisty, I guess. Spunky.

Elmer: I think she just dislikes me because I’m with these two on the bottom.

Oberon: Hey, we’ve tried to make peace with Aisha since the Mitzi incident. She just won’t let it go.

Elmer: Penny, you’ve got down though, right?

Erin: Yeah. Penny will be locked in, no matter what. Two of her favorite guys are here.

The day drags on. Callum is in the shelter with Elmer and Terrence, scratching his back and regarding the other two guys.

Callum: Good job on last night, by the way.

Terrence: Yeah, thanks.

Callum: Why was it Brett?

He looks at them questioningly, with an expectant look, and Elmer is carefully avoiding his eyes, his gaze roving over the grains of sand at his feet, humming to himself. Terrence is uncomfortable, fidgeting needlessly and picking at his feet.

Terrence: He was just…getting too…domineering, I guess.

Callum: Was he now?

Terrence squirms. Peter is observing from the side of the shelter.

Terrence: You know, it was nothing personal. I was just trying to look out for my buddy Oberon.

Callum: I can respect that, of course, but you know that eventually, you’ll have to cut the guy loose, you know what I’m saying?

Peter drops by and inserts himself into the conversation.

Peter: We’re not playing you here when we say with complete honesty that Oberon is going to crush you two in the finals if you let him get far. It’s time to face the facts.

Peter: Oberon will be respected by the jury if he fights his way to the end like this. I know he’s your friend but you need to start playing for yourselves.

Elmer looks up, looking annoyed with the conversation.

Elmer: Listen, we’re not daft here. We stood up for Oberon last night and saved him because once he goes, Brett would be coming for us next. And Brett posed just as much of a threat as Oberon did-

Callum: Is that so? I thought everyone hated Brett, just because I hung out with him.

Peter: Yeah. From the horse’s mouth; aren’t me and Callum just plain ‘despicable’?

He shrugs.

Peter: Oberon is a lot more likeable than the pair of us. You take the hits for him as long as you can and he’ll take it all in the end.

Terrence looks off in the distance, where Oberon is helping Erin and Penny wash the dishes, talking amicably with the pair of girls.

Oberon is talking with Erin and Penny.

Oberon: I was thinking, you, me, Elmer, Terrence and Aisha – that’s six. We can form a brand new alliance, take Peter and Callum out, and then we continue from there.

Erin is listening intently, not taking her eyes off her work as she cleans the pan. Penny watches Oberon, soaking her feet in the water.

Oberon leaves, and Erin turns to Penny.

Erin: I don’t trust it.

Penny: I don’t either.

She sighs, looking away.

Penny: I feel like the boys don’t really see us as threats, almost.

Erin shakes her head.

Erin: You’re right. I think they’re underestimating us.

She scrubs the pan furiously.

Erin: You never met her, but I had a tribemate called Natalia. She was a schemer, incredibly strategic, almost too strategic, and because of it, she was cut before the swap even happened.

Penny nods.

Erin: I didn’t see it then but I think these guys are intimidated by that.

Erin: How are you feeling on the guys right now?

Penny shrugs.

Penny: I mean…you obviously know…I like Elmer and Terrence more…than Peter and Callum.

Erin: Yeah.

Penny: But I feel the obvious smart decision is to take out Oberon. I mean, I don’t want to do it, but, it just seems like the option we should take.

Erin contemplates this.

Erin: If Oberon slides by another one, it could gain him a lot of respect.

Penny: The jury will support him.

Erin: Then again, you never know how juries will react. Maybe they won’t be pro-Oberon. Brett certainly isn’t. Mitzi sure as hell isn’t. And Darnell’s never met him. Ingrid is probably a locked vote, and if we put Elmer and Terrence on the jury, so will they be.

Penny groans, rubbing her temples.

Penny: I don’t know, I really don’t know…I don’t want to have to face any of the boys at the end. Can’t we just have all the girls in the Final Three?

Erin: That is the dream, provided they don’t get rid of us.

Penny: They won’t. Peter and Callum are set on going after Oberon.

Erin: Right. And Elmer and the boys know we’re their best bet. We are in a very safe position right now.

Penny: My biggest concern is…when the numbers start dwindling…that’s when the boys will try and take us out, if they decide that…they’ve been underestimating us this whole time.

Day 30
Jeff: Come on in, guys!

The tribe trots in, down to just eight people left, five guys and three girls. Elmer jams the indigo flag in the sand, as it flaps wildly, blown about by gusts of wind.

Jeff: Alright, you guys ready to get to today’s challenge?

Everyone responds with affirmation.

Jeff: Today, you will be playing for immunity. The eight of you have now spent a total of thirty days out here in the Cayman Islands. It has been almost a full month since you set foot into Survivor and it’s time again to see the toll that has had on your body; thirty days of non-stop stress and malnutrition. Today’s immunity challenge will be split into two parts. First, you will be balancing two discs – attached to heavy ceramic pots – to two posts using only your fingertips. The last three people with their discs up move onto the second round, where you will then balance a heavy vase on the end of a balance beam using only one leg. If your vase drops, you are out of the challenge. Last person left standing, outlasting all their opponents, wins immunity. With only nine days left to go in the game; just a little over a week; immunity is more important now than ever. Worth playing for? Let’s get started.

Everyone takes their positions.

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

Literally seconds after saying it, Aisha drops one pot, and then the other, spitting in disbelief.

Jeff: Not even ten seconds in and Aisha is done. Aisha, take a spot on the bench, first person out of this challenge.

Shaking her head, Aisha leaves. Callum watches her go with a playful smirk on his face.

Jeff: We are down to seven.

Oberon is breathing in and out through his mouth, glaring up at the sky, gritting his teeth to mask the pain. Erin’s shoulders are shaking slightly. Peter is steady, looking rock solid; so is Elmer. Terrence is hunchbacked, trying to keep his pots up, and next to him, Penny is quietly wincing to herself.

Jeff: As time goes on, you will start to get weaker, and it will get harder and harder to keep the pots up. Your strength will start to drain.

Time passes by…Aisha sits on the bench, quietly spectating, bored…

Penny is whispering to herself in a shaky voice.

Penny: Fight it…last longer…

Terrence: Come on, Penny.

Jeff: It’s been about ten minutes. Just to spice things up and make it a little more interesting…I’ll offer you guys a choice. I’m going to go get some food. And when I come back, if you would like to, you can step out of this challenge and opt to eat instead. You lose the chance of winning immunity but get to fill your bellies. This is only applicable for the first three castaways who decide to step out of the challenge; Aisha, you are out of the running. Wait here, and I’ll go get the food.

He leaves, and Penny watches him go wistfully, her fingers trembling as she readjusts her position, inching the pots back up.

Jeff returns, taking his sweet time.

Jeff: Here. [unveils food] Burgers, French fries, nuggets and spicy chicken wings. And to wash it all down, a couple of cold chocolate milkshakes with whipped cream. This is your one and only chance to get the food. If no one steps down, it all goes to Aisha.

Aisha grins. Callum looks over longingly. Peter flashes him a serious look, shaking his head.

Peter: [whisper] Don’t.

Callum: I’m dyin’ here, man.

Peter: I need help to beat Oberon. Our games are on the line, here.

Callum moans.

Jeff: I’m going to count down from ten. And if a maximum of three people don’t step down, all this food goes to Aisha. If even one person steps down, they get the food. Only the first three people to step down gets the grub. Ten…

The players start shooting each other looks to see who will step down. Sweat is pouring down Elmer’s back as he glances over to Oberon. Oberon is scowling fiercely, the veins in his neck showing as he fights his way back, pushing his discs back up to their original position, showing no sign of giving up in the challenge.

Erin’s eyes flit back and forth between Peter and Oberon. Peter is resolute, not even looking at the food. Callum is watching, looking like a kid peering into a shop window, unable to buy whatever toy caught his eye.

Terrence turns to regard Penny, who is evidently struggling the most.

Terrence: You want to go for it?

Penny pants.

Penny: Whatever. Sure. If you drop, I’ll drop too.

Terrence: I’m down to feed. You want to do it?

Penny thinks it over, the nods.

Penny: Let’s do it. I’m not winning anyway.

Jeff: Four…three…

Terrence nods at Penny and both of them drop at the same time. Callum glances at them as Terrence gets to his feet, helping Penny along as the latter massages her pained fingers.

Jeff: Terrence and Penny are out, going for food…

Callum is clearly having an internal debate. Eventually…

Jeff: Enjoy. We still have room for one more…

Terrence and Penny are now digging into the food as Aisha watches on from next to them, looking bitter and resentful. Terrence wolfs down a beef burger, as barbeque sauce dribbles down his front and seeps through his fingers. Penny is slurping through a milkshake, taking a chunk out of her spicy wing.

Jeff: Two…one…

At the last second, Callum makes a decision and his resistance crumbles. He drops his discs and jumps off his platform, looking exhausted.

Callum: Don’t eat ‘em all yet, guys.

Jeff: And Callum is out too. That is it. Now we just go until one more person drops out.

Peter shakes his head as Callum joins Terrence and Penny in feasting.

Jeff: We could be here for a while…

The challenge fades in and fades out…with clips of the various five castaways struggling, occasionally letting out a curse or a moan, fighting to move their discs back up, muscles rippling and arms aching.

[ELAPSED TIME: 1 HOUR]

Jeff: You five have been out here sweating bullets for an hour.

Oberon is baring his teeth, hissing, clearly in agony. Terrence is sipping from the bottom of his milkshake, almost finished. Penny is full and satisfied, leaning wearily on the shoulder of a clearly aggravated Aisha – for whom watching three starving people chow down on fast food while crippled by hunger herself was clearly not an easy task. Callum is sucking on a dry chicken bone, belching loudly, clutching his stomach.

Callum: That’s good stuff, and I still feel like I’m a bag of bones.

He nudges Terrence’s thigh.

Callum: Like you, Chicken Little.

Terrence: Very funny.

Callum: I know, I’m hilarious. You are ridiculously skinny. It kinda freaks me out.

Erin is licking her parched lips, staring at the ground for the past several minutes, not budging, just concentrating. Oberon is struggling the most and having the most trouble, but somehow is still holding on to an almost impossibly grueling task. Elmer and Peter are both strong guys and look to be secure, though tired.

Jeff: Oberon, struggling to hold on.

Oberon is seething, his lips curling back as he arches his back, trying to lessen the pain, glaring up as the sky shines down mercilessly on the group. Peter is trembling quietly, eyes faced down, silent and unmoving.

Erin is calm, and Elmer, while sweating and heaving with the effort, still looks like he can go on for a while.

At last, without warning…

Peter lets his arms fall and drops out.

Jeff: Out of the blue, Peter is out. That’s it. The three of you are safe and moving on to the next round.

Peter goes to sit next to Callum.

Callum: What happened?

Peter shakes his head, glowering.

Peter: I blew it.

Next, Oberon, Erin and Elmer are standing with one leg on their balance beams, ready to raise their vases.

Jeff: Remember. The last person with their vase intact wins individual immunity. Survivors ready? This challenge…is on.

The sun continues steadily rising. All three of them appear to be solid; Oberon with some slight movement, Erin’s wobbling every now and then. Elmer’s eyes flick over to the group, where Peter is watching with a solemn look in his eyes.

Jeff: Wind is picking up.

Sure enough, it is getting windier, and harder to hold the pots steady.

Oberon twitches a little, teetering back and forth on his one foot.

Jeff: Oberon with a little bit of movement.

Callum lays back lazily, kicking his feet up on the bench.

Aisha is bored.

Penny: Good job guys. Keep it up.

Jeff: This challenge has been going on for almost twenty minutes.

Oberon is concentrating hard, sweat dripping down his face and stinging his eyes as he blinks them away madly. Erin is maintaining her composure, only with the occasional lapse in focus. Elmer is like a statue, hands on his thigh, exhaling slowly.

Jeff: Who will come out on top and win immunity today?

The music grows ominous and picks up the pace as Oberon began dancing around his platform, struggling as his vase tips dangerously in one direction, shuffling around on the end of the beam.

Jeff: Oberon is the only one struggling right now.

Erin curses as her beam shifts too far to the right, her vase now precariously on the edge of the beam.

But with a loud shatter, Oberon’s vase is the first to fall off the edge, smashing on the ground. Oberon sadly takes his foot off his beam, looking crestfallen as he sinks to the floor.

Jeff: Oberon is out! And Erin, not long after.

Erin’s vase drops and she kicks the balance beam up, disappointed.

Jeff: Elmer, wins individual immunity!

Elmer grimaces, springing the beam up and sending the vase flying in the air before vaulting downwards and crashing. He pumps the air as Erin heads over and gives him a hug around the waist in congratulations.

Penny runs over and gives him a hug too. Terrence is heading over to Oberon, who is slowly getting up and putting an arm around the former.

Penny: That was awesome, Elmer.

Jeff: Elmer, come on over.

Elmer jogs over as everyone claps. Oberon is not clapping, and neither is Peter.

Jeff: [puts necklace around Elmer] Elmer, safe at tonight’s tribal council; cannot be voted out. As for the rest of you, Oberon, Peter, Callum, Terrence, Aisha, Penny and Erin – one of you seven will be voted out of this game thirty days in and become the fifth member of our jury. You have the afternoon to think it through and I’ll see you tonight at tribal.

The tribe picks up their bags and gets ready to leave. The camera zooms in on Peter as he prepares to set off.

A really cool transitional shot of ants swarming a dead log is shown, right before the camera pans down to reveal the rest of the Alius Diversus tribe, walking back to camp in single file from the challenge. The castaways put their belongings back and mill about. Erin heads off with Aisha to get water. Elmer hangs his necklace up on a nearby tree branch.

Terrence: Nice job, man.

Elmer: Thanks.

Oberon nods at him, and beckons him and Terrence to the side in the shelter. Peter watches them go and heads off with Callum in tow.

Oberon: So, am I screwed?

Terrence scratches his head.

Terrence: I don’t know, do you think that…do you think that Erin’s honoring our deal?

Oberon shakes his head, unsure.

Oberon: I’m not sure. I’d like to think so, but…

Elmer: We’ve got your back.

Oberon: Good, cos I just want you to know I’ve still got yours. I know Peter’s going around poisoning the others against me and I don’t need that soiled anymore.

Oberon: Should I go talk to Erin?

Elmer: You should, yes. Talk to Erin. We need her on our side. I’ll talk to Penny.

Off in some part of the woods, Erin is walking along with Peter by her side to the well. Aisha is a few paces behind.

Peter: So here’s what I’m thinking.

Erin: Hm?

Peter: I know I’m an option tonight because of the whole incident with Brett. But I’m not Brett. You’ve already gotten rid of him and I don’t think that right now, I’m any threat to your game. But you know who is.

He mouthes ‘Oberon’ to her.

Peter: If people keep saying that, ‘oh, Peter’s such a jackass, no one likes Peter’, then, why get rid of me? It wouldn't make any sense. No one on that jury likes me. Even Brett would probably vote for you over me. Ingrid hates my guts and Mitzi isn’t a fan. Why get rid of me now? There is no reason to get rid of someone who you can beat and is no threat at this point, but Oberon is the exact opposite. You won’t want to mess with him later on. Tonight could be the perfect time for you to send him packing.

Erin is taking this all in. Aisha is walking behind them, casting dirty looks at the back of Peter’s skull.

Peter: I mean, I’m not getting jury votes. I bet you the jury is all like ‘[censored] Peter’. I hope you won’t take me out and you’ve considered all my points. I mean, Erin, we were on the same tribe together for a while, you know me. Oberon, you don’t have much of a relationship with, like, at all. I’m just looking out for both of us here, and trying to help your game in the process.

Peter: Think about it?

Erin: Sure.

Peter: Love you too, Erin.

He leaves. Aisha comes over to fall in step next to Erin, rolling her eyes without any hint of subtlety.

Aisha: How did you live with that guy on the same tribe in the beginning? I would’ve swam far away from that beach long ago. He’s soooo overbearing.

Erin: Him and Callum were made for each other.

They arrive at the well and Aisha props up the canister, just about slamming it down on the edge of the well, preparing to fill it up with water.

Aisha: So what are your thoughts?

Erin puckers up her lips, folding her arms.

Erin: I think…that beating Oberon will be tough in the future. Not just in challenges, but…

Aisha: He has…barely said a word to me since we merged. I’m serious.

Erin: He tried to make up with you and Mitzi, didn’t he?

Aisha: Pfft. Badly, but yes.

Erin: I think he could be respected by certain members of the jury. I don’t know. I feel like…I’d be scared to keep him.

Aisha: Peter’s a [censored] though. So is Callum. They reacted…exactly how I expected them to react after Brett was voted out; like a couple of children who didn’t get their way.

Erin: Well, what can you expect? Guys like them.

Erin: We need to think and then make a decision.

Aisha sighs.

Aisha: This is so irritating.

Elmer is approaching Penny in the shelter.

Elmer: Hey.

Penny: Heyyy.

Elmer sits back, leaning near Penny, who visibly softens as he draws near.

Elmer: Tell me, what are you thinking for tonight?

Penny: Um…I don’t know, for sure. I’ll need to discuss with-

Elmer: No, but what would you want to happen for yourself, preferably?

Penny: I’d like to take out Peter. He’s mean and he annoys everyone, and with his sidekick gone, it would leave Callum a lot more discombobulated.

She turns to look him in the eyes.

Penny: All the same, you have to see Oberon for the threat he is.

Elmer: I know, Penny.

Penny: Anything can happen and it could go either way.

She yawns.

Penny: I just miss this. I miss you.

She lies back against him and closes her eyes.

Penny: Playing this game day in and day out is hefty work.

He pats her arm comfortingly.

Elmer: I mean, you seem to still be doing well. You’re hanging in there. To think, you made it this far to Day 30. You could have been out of here Day 3.

She chuckles.

Penny: I can’t…was it Cindy who went home first? Oh, man…a month out here…time really flies.

Elmer: It does. It feels like just yesterday we were stepping off the boat.

Penny: I miss talking to you. We don’t have as many conversations as we used to.

Elmer: [whisper] Would you…be down…to vote Peter?

She flashes him a concerned expression, looking conflicted.

Penny: It’s not that I don’t want to but…I am really in a tight spot. Oberon is…well, I’m not very close to Oberon to begin with. I am with you and Terrence, and I know you two have been made to work together, so I…I want to continue working with you two just like last time.

Elmer: Then you can. Me and Terrence would like to work with you. And so would Oberon.

Terrence arrives, crawling into the shelter to join the pair.

Terrence: Yo.

Penny: We were just talking about…Oberon. About tonight?

Terrence: Well, you know where I stand on the matter, Penny. He’s my best friend, we’ve been bros since the beginning. I want him to stay.

Penny: Yes, but the thing is, he is a major beast in challenges. Even if he didn’t win today, he came darn close. He won two immunities, the reward challenge…

Terrence: Which he brought you and I on.

Penny: I know it was to curry favor. I mean, not to say I’m not grateful, but…I know it was a strategic decision. We hardly interacted with each other before that.

In the meantime, Elmer gets up and joins Terrence and Oberon, now moving to corner Erin.

Erin: It’s a lot to take in and think about, you guys.

Elmer: We know. You know, we’re not pressuring you to make a decision now.

Oberon: I know…that you girls fear there’s a lot of risk in keeping me in. But you spared me last tribal. And I didn’t win today. I’m not a challenge beast. I just got lucky. And I want to stay. I’m serious about that alliance I proposed. Us three have been on the bottom for a while now and for good reason, but Peter and Callum have been on the top for far too long.

He struggles to find the words to say what he wants to say next, his hands spread hopelessly before him.

Oberon: So I’m begging you right now for anything. Like, I know my fate rests in your hands and I’m making that promise to you that there is no way I’m winning all the way to the end. I’d just like to stay a little longer and not get voted out tonight.

Terrence is quiet, looking sad.

Peter is busy chopping open a coconut with his machete. Callum comes along, and squats down next to him, taking off his shoes.

Callum: What’s going to happen tonight, man?

Peter hacks into the coconut deftly, eyes blazing.

Peter: Hopefully they’ll see sense and take this opportunity to get rid of Oberon once and for all, like we should have done the last time. But there’s nothing more I can do. I’ve already given my basic pitch and if they don’t believe my argument, they’re screwing themselves over as much as they are the both of us.

He sighs, straightening up.

Peter: I just can’t believe how much power the Three Idiots have gotten so quickly. They were on the bottom; they should have gone home right after Ingrid. But they’ve stayed for more than a week. I just- it’s just baffling.

Callum pats him on the shoulder.

Callum: We’ll pull through, man! You’ll see. I’ve still got your back and we’re going to the end together.

While Peter and Callum have their heart-to-heart, away in the forest, Oberon is by himself, sitting on a tree stump, blocked by a large cluster of boulders, where he is reflecting.

Oberon: I just needed some time alone.

He holds his head in his hands, looking upset.

Oberon: I…uh…[laughs] I don’t usually show emotion. I’m not an emotional guy, I’m really not. But I just wanted to…to let my feelings out for once, I guess, and I didn’t want to do that at camp. I didn’t want the others to see that, I didn’t want Peter to see past the tough-guy exterior and really know how vulnerable I feel right now…

He looks away, chewing hard on his lower lip, restraining himself.

Oberon: It’s just…I feel like this game has been a rollercoaster for me. I’m sure I’m not alone in thinking that; this game affects people in various ways. But I just…I feel like it’s really hitting me now that…I’m not going to make it to the end. And after I lost that challenge…

He sniffs.

Oberon: This is so stupid. I don’t cry. I feel like I’m channeling Penny right now. But I just feel like I want to vent, to let out all this frustration and anger and I don’t know how.

He sighs deeply, sinking his head into his hands.

Oberon: I hardly get any sleep at night because I’m always thinking about the game.

Terrence appears, stepping past thorny bushes and over dead leaves, looking anxious.

Terrence: Oberon. You alright, man?

Oberon nods.

Oberon: Yeah…I’m just so…pent up. I needed a moment to myself, after I lost that challenge. I wanted to be alone. Silly. I know. I’m not an emotional person, I just needed a short…respite, I suppose.

Terrence: I respect that. Just know that…you’ve still got me, man. I value our friendship a lot, and you know that. Elmer and I are doing everything we can to sway the girls.

Oberon: If I go, you know you’ve got my vote – locked in. And it’s not just because we’re pals, but I do believe you’re playing a better game, better than I am, at least. You’re not being named the target any time soon, and you’re destined to make it far. You’re going to sneak attack these [censored], man.

Terrence snickers.

Terrence: Har har.

Terrence gives Oberon a reassuring pat on the shoulder as the latter gets up.

He sighs once more, and the scene fades away as the sky is obscured by a mass of dark clouds. Night approaches, and as the sun sets, the scene changes to Tribal Council. The tribe arrives. Oberon looks as defeated as the last time he was here, as he sinks into his seat. Peter is eyeing him warily.

Jeff: We’ll now bring in the members of our jury. Darnell, Ingrid, Mitzi and Brett, voted out at the last tribal council.

Brett arrives in a navy blue tank top, Hawaiian shorts and sneakers, with a straw hat on. He grins at Peter and Callum, who look pleased to see him. Ingrid sees Oberon without the necklace on and flashes him a worried look.

Jeff: Last tribal council – clearly a big move was made. Peter, you were obviously blindsided. What was the reaction back at camp?

Peter scratches his beard, looking spiteful.

Peter: I was mad. You know, they took out one of my closer allies, so I was ticked off about that. Especially since Elmer and them all were being smug sons-of-[censored].

Elmer laughs, but not in a lighthearted manner.

Peter: I was tempted to throw his belongings in the fire or in the ocean or just to mess with him, but I let it slide.

Elmer: Thank goodness for that, then.

Jeff: Erin, given that we’ve been out here for thirty days and there’s a little over a week left, are alliances still a thing? Or is everyone out for themselves now?

Erin: I think alliances still do exist, yeah. There’s no reason for people to still want to stay loyal to people and yet also have the end in sight. I believe the guys are very split, and so the girls and I are making the decision tonight as to who should go home.

Jeff: On the subject of loyalty, Oberon, in spite of the fact that player have labeled you a physical challenger, you had and maintained loyal allies.

Oberon: Um…yeah. I think…my alliance needed me as much as I need them. Because once I left…that would have put Brett, Peter and Callum in power, and that would’ve been frightful.

Callum smirks. Peter scowls. Brett raises an eyebrow from the jury.

Oberon: But of course, right now, I’m…well, I’m vulnerable again. I don’t have immunity.

Jeff: Speaking of which, Oberon, you could have gone home last tribal but you stayed. Do you think tonight is going to be a continuation of that or will you catch another lucky break?

Oberon: I think that…I believe I have given my pitch to the people who I trust and want to work with.

Aisha rolls her eyes.

Oberon: I am honest about my intentions.

Jeff: Aisha, what is Oberon talking about?

Aisha: He’s talking about the alliance-

Peter looks up sharply.

Aisha: -that he proposed with us and them, basically, to screw over Peter and Callum. Honestly, I don’t mind that last part.

Peter is wearily rubbing his eyes, paling. Callum is in disbelief, unsure if to laugh or not.

Aisha: But the fact is, Oberon screwed me over too, in the past. So I don’t know what’s going to happen or what I’m going to do tonight, honestly.

Jeff: You still have no idea?

Aisha: I’m on the fence. I could go either way.

Jeff: With only a few days left until the end, how important is jury management, Elmer?

Elmer: It’s important. [laughs] If people don’t start considering how to get the votes from the jury…they’re not paying attention to the game. Juries will respect and want to reward different styles of gameplay. One could think the world of their own game but it could be far from the truth. I try to appeal to what the jury would respect but it also depends on my competitors. Just because the players in the game see someone’s game a certain way doesn’t mean the jury feels the same. Someone who seems to be a threat could in reality be perfect to bring to the end and win against, and someone who seems unthreatening could…be a bigger threat than given credit for.

Jeff: And Oberon, that would be good news for you.

Oberon: Oh, yeah, sure. I know Peter’s voting for me, and then Callum’s after me too. They see me as the biggest threat in my little alliance because I’ve been winning challenges. I’ve lost as well, but they don’t see that.

Jeff: And Peter, your name has been brought up too.

Peter: Yes. It stands to reason the girls and Elmer’s little crew would want to finish what they started with Brett, because apparently, me and Callum are utterly unbearable.

Callum: I bear responsibility for that. [laughs]

Peter: But if we’re so bad, then, why not keep us?

Mitzi nods, looking thoughtful. Darnell seems unimpressed.

Peter: If we’re awful, we’re destined to lose. Don’t get rid of someone who’s not a threat to your game over someone who is. And if I end up a jury member, that’s also what I’m basing my vote on. If someone can manipulate others to bring him to the end, in spite of being an obvious threat, that person would have deserved to win. I stand by that.

Erin is listening and absorbing all this information.

Peter: And if they change their mind and decide that…me being cunning and strategic is more of a threat…then in response, I say…that they can try, but they’re not going to be able to get rid of me tonight.

Aisha frowns. So does Erin. Elmer is starting to look lost.

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

Brett whistles, turning in his seat to share an excited look with Darnell. Mitzi’s jaw drops, and next to her, Ingrid is sighing, clamping two fingers around the bridge of her nose.

Ingrid: [whisper] Another one?

Erin turns to look at and discuss with Penny in frantic whispers. Aisha looks cross, turning her head to stare between Peter and Oberon. Oberon looks resigned to his fate, his head drooping. Terrence has gone white, and Elmer is clearly angry.

Callum is laughing to himself.

Jeff: So what you’re saying is, both you and Callum have hidden immunity idols?

Peter: Yes. And I’ll play it if I know they’re coming for me. I’m just looking out for myself here.

Elmer: If you’ve got- if you’ve got idols, then show them.

Peter doesn’t flinch. He takes his idol out from his bag and flashes it at everyone.

Peter: There. It’s legit.

Ingrid lets out a disgusted ‘ugh’.

Elmer: And Callum?

Callum digs around in his bag, and takes it out slightly.

Callum: There you go, Elmer.

Elmer is fuming. Penny looks scared. Peter is confidently nodding. Brett is gleefully watching events unfold.

Jeff: Wow.

Peter: Yeah. They’re real. I didn’t want to have to show them but if the girls force my hand, I’ll do it. I’m just trying to be the smart one here.

Aisha can barely contain her indignation, rolling her eyes so hard they are about to pop out of their sockets. Terrence looks at Oberon nervously and the latter is downcast.

Jeff: Callum, this is exactly what you want! Chaos!

Callum: It most certainly is, Jeff. I love it.

Jeff: Erin, does this complicate matters, or are you still on the right path?

Erin: I can’t…even begin to fathom what goes on in Peter’s head but…I know what I’m doing tonight.

Oberon is biting his nails. Terrence’s eyes flicker down.

Jeff: Alright. It is time to vote. Elmer, you’re up.

Elmer gets up and the music, as usual, begins to play. Penny casts Erin a worried look, and the latter turns to Peter, who is breathing in and out slowly, turning his idol over and over in his hands. Callum is chuckling under his breath.

Oberon heads up to the booth. He uncaps his pen and begins to write down Peter’s name.

The jurors are watching with interest. Brett looks like Christmas has arrived early. Mitzi and Ingrid share a knowing look. Darnell has his chin propped up on his fist, appearing sage and thoughtful.

He leaves, and Peter comes up.

Oberon is inspecting his fingernails, head down low. Ingrid shoots him a sympathetic look. Terrence looks depressed. And Elmer is glaring, annoyed, as Peter takes his seat again, his immunity idol hanging around his neck like a lucky charm.

Jeff: I’ll go tally the votes.

He leaves. Penny straightens in her seat and looks Aisha and Erin in the eyes. Peter takes a deep breath, his hands shaking as he sits, brooding. Elmer is licking his lips, turning to look at the jury. Darnell raises an eyebrow back at him.

Brett winks at Callum, who is brimming with confidence, lit up with excitement. Oberon, in contrast, is sighing heavily, looking moody.

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.

Everyone is turning to look at Peter and Callum, except Oberon, who is staring glumly at the floor. Peter meets the others’ gazes with no expression. Callum looks to Peter for his guidance.

Peter pauses, not doing anything. And eventually…

Nothing. He remains seated. Callum starts to look unsure, but does not rise from his seat either, as if waiting for a cue from Peter that never arrived.

Erin swears under her breath.

Elmer’s eyes widen. Ingrid looks shocked. Brett’s jaw is wide open now, and Mitzi is laughing silently.

Jeff: Alright. The person voted out will be asked to leave the tribal council area immediately. I’ll read the votes.

He opens the urn and retrieves the first piece of parchment. Terrence puts an arm around Oberon comfortingly.

Jeff: First vote…Peter.

Peter shuffles about in his seat, worried.

Jeff: Oberon.

Oberon’s face is expressionless, devoid of reaction as he watches his name being read, almost resignedly.

Jeff: Peter.

Peter blinks, his hands clutching the idol around his neck. Elmer looks back and forth from him to Probst.

Jeff: Oberon. We’re tied. Two votes Peter, two votes Oberon.

Oberon barely reacts, still looking gloomy.

Jeff: Peter. That’s three votes Peter.

Peter hisses, biting his nails in concern.

Jeff: Oberon. We’re tied again. That’s three votes Oberon, three votes Peter.

Oberon is nodding, a sad smile slowly spreading across his face.

Jeff: Oberon. That’s four votes Oberon, three votes Peter, one vote left.

Oberon shrugs, patting Terrence on the thigh.

Jeff: Eleventh person voted out and the fifth member of our jury…Oberon. You need to bring me your torch.

Oberon nods, getting to his feet. Terrence stands up too, and the two friends embrace quickly.

Terrence: I’m sorry.

Oberon: It’s fine. I knew you’d outlast me.

He pats Terrence on the back one last time.

Oberon: Kill it out there. You’re doing fine.

He takes his bag and heads over to grab his torch. Elmer watches him go, disappointed, turning back to a glum Terrence.

Elmer: [whisper] Just you and me now.

Penny looks to Erin, as if questioning if the right decision was made, and Erin nods with reassurance.

Peter is freaking out, flashing Brett an excited grin. Brett nods at him and Callum. Callum turns to see Oberon put his torch down in front of Jeff.

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

Oberon pumps his fist in the air as he leaves, head held high, slinging his bag over his shoulders. Terrence is watching with a sigh.

Jeff: Well, tonight, no idols were played but two were revealed and yet, you’ve stayed on track and gotten rid of your biggest challenge threat thus far. The only question now is: how will you pick up and move on from tonight’s tribal? Nine days left, and only seven of you remaining. There is less and less space for you to hide, and it’s about to get dicier and dicier. Head on back to camp, goodnight.

Night 30
Dejected, the tribe returns to camp. Callum is setting his torch down, tossing his backpack inside the shelter, pleased with himself.

Callum: That was fun.

Peter shakes his head.

Peter: Should’ve happened a long time ago. That was a long time coming.

He leaves, nodding at Erin as he passes her.

Erin ducks her head under the shelter, whispering with the girls, Elmer and Terrence. Peter is heading out to the edge of the ocean in the darkness, and Callum is sitting a distance away, tending the fire with a large stick and taking sips of water.

The sky is lit up by a jagged flash of lightning, followed by rumbling thunder, as it begins to rain at night again. The wind picks up from a small breeze to a large gale, and Penny shivers, wrapping Erin’s hoodie around her, looking bitterly freezing.

Erin: [whisper] What the [censored] was up with that, at tribal?

Elmer shrugs.

Elmer: I think that was the idol I would’ve gotten…at the auction, the one that Peter got.

Erin: Is that it?

Elmer: I think so.

Erin: For both of them, to have idols, is really dangerous. And they called our bluff, they knew they weren’t getting votes but they still showed their idols off.

Penny: I think they were just trying to…intimidate us, I guess.

Elmer: They were trying to assert their dominance. Idols are very powerful in this game, and they revealed it to throw out the idea that…they can’t be taken out. It makes them feel invincible.

Erin shakes their head.

Erin: If anything, I’m more sure than ever that now, they have to go. They have to.

Elmer shakes his head.

Elmer: They’ve got to go.

Aisha nods.

Aisha: Finally. After all this time. It’ll feel good to write one of their names down.

Aisha: Peter is very cunning. He is…very cunning.

Erin nods with affirmation.

Erin: We need to vote him out next.

The rain begins to pour down heavily, and Peter arrives, retreating back into the shelter with Callum, effectively ending the conversation.

Peter puts on his jacket, looking tense.

Peter: Storm’s really setting in.

Erin nods.

Erin: Yes it is.

Day 31
The next day, the rain has subsided to a light drizzle. The sky is still blotchy and gray, and the fire has been extinguished, the logs too wet to burn.

Terrence has a stick and is poking through the soggy ashes, as Erin and Penny stand around him, observing his progress.

Terrence: We’ll need more firewood to get the fire burning again.

Penny: I’ll go get some.

She takes off, and Terrence squats down, poking around in the ashes and sand.

Elmer squats next to Terrence and the two talk in hushed voices.

Elmer: [whisper] Hey.

Terrence: Yo.

Elmer: Just you and me, now.

Terrence: Yeah…

Elmer: Last two on the bottom.

Terrence doesn’t answer, continuing to poke at the remains of the fire, as Elmer looks around.

Elmer: I’m going to try and talk to the guys to see where their heads are at.

Terrence: Okay.

Elmer heads over to where Peter and Callum are sitting in the sand, laying back on their hands.

Elmer: Hey. I wanted to talk to you both.

Elmer: I’ve been doing a lot of thinking, last night.

Callum: Okay?

Elmer: For the longest time, us guys have been going at each other’s throats. It’s been that way since what happened with Mitch. But who’s the one who’s really sailing by unscathed in all this?

He waits for dramatic effect.

Elmer: The girls. Listen, Erin is playing a very smart game. She’s in control, right now. You two may have idols but she’s the one holding all the cards. She’s been in a position of power ever sine Mitzi went home and she took over the leadership of the girls’ alliance. When Brett went home, she made the call. When Oberon went home last night, she made the call too.

Peter: Well, we forced her to, with our idols. She wasn’t coming after us.

Elmer: But my point is, Penny and Aisha are losing this game, and Erin knows that. Erin is in charge of both their votes, and neither of them can see that. Penny’s too weak-willed, she just does whatever her friend tells her to because she trusts Erin. And Aisha is hell-bent on screwing over every guy in the game. What’s going to happen if us guys just keep tearing each other apart? She and the girls will escape unnoticed and she’ll sneak her way to the end.

Peter contemplates this.

Elmer: I’m just saying this because, obviously, you’re not going home tomorrow. And I know I’m potentially going to be eliminated. But if you take me out, the girls will eventually take over. Right now is the best opportunity to take Erin out, because we’ve got four guys outnumbering three girls. If you don’t think of Penny or Aisha as threats, that’s fine. But you have to admit that Erin is.

Erin is carrying on her work around camp, blissfully ignorant. Elmer walks back into shelter,

Elmer whispers to Terrence.

Elmer: I’m thinking Erin needs to go.

Terrence frowns.

Terrence: Erin? Why?

Elmer: Because she’s been in control of the girls and this game. She has Penny and Aisha doing everything she says. Out of those three girls, she’s the only one who has a solid shot at taking this whole game at the very end. Once Mitzi left, she really stepped it up. She’s a bigger threat than Peter and Callum in the long run.

Terrence: But Peter and Callum are larger concerns in the short term. Peter and Callum have those idols. Shouldn’t we be worried about that?

Elmer: I am. Believe me. I want those idols gone too. But if they play it, who do you think they’ll send home?

Terrence pauses.

Elmer: Even if one of us two wins the next immunity, the other person is vulnerable, and if they still belive that it’s the guys versus each other, they’ll try to idol out one of us two and Erin and her minions will be sitting pretty.

Terrence: And if she wins immunity? The whole plan goes out the freakin’ window!

Elmer: We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.

Terrence: Elmer, I trust your judgment, man. But it’s risky, keeping Peter and Callum AND their combined idols in this game. It makes me concerned.

Elmer: If Peter and Callum are on board for taking out Erin, they might decide that…Erin is a bigger threat than Elmer. Erin is a bigger threat than Terrence. And they’ll take her out. We can convince the girls to vote against them because Erin wants the idols gone. Then we get them to play their idols, and we’ll all take Erin out. Idols are gone, and the strongest girl goes with them.

Terrence is clearly nervous.

Elmer: Trust me on this. It’s a plan in motion.

Night 31
Later that night…

Elmer and Penny are cuddling, for the first time in a long time. Both are nestled together on the side of the shelter. Terrence is on the far end of the bamboo structure, facing away almost grouchily, directed at the ocean as the waves continue crashing down on the shore.

Between them, the others are sleeping in a row, snoring away quietly. Except for Callum, who is snoring the loudest of them all. Aisha is visibly tossing and turning, trying to tune him out, clamping her hands over her ears.

Aisha: You snore louder than a thunderstorm! Matter of fact, I wish it was raining to drown you out.

Callum yawns sleepily, blinking his eyes awake to stare back in Aisha’s glowering expression.

Callum: Go to sleep, Aisha. You don’t…[yawn]…you don’t want rain, believe me. It’s cold enough as it is.

Aisha scowls, turning away.

A few seconds later, Callum lets out a loud and smelly fart, and gets a kick from Aisha in return.

Callum: You’re welcome.

Elmer has his arms wrapped around Penny and scoots them a little ways off, so they are out of earshot of the others. She is giggling into his ear, playfully swatting his hands away.

Penny: I’ve missed this. I missed you.

She sighs.

Penny: I kinda wish we were never separated at the swap. We really drifted apart.

Elmer: Yeah…well, what can we do about it? Things happen.

She leans back into him, humming happily to herself.

Penny: I’m sorry I had to vote Ingrid and Oberon off.

Elmer pauses.

Penny: You know why I had to do it.

Elmer: Yeah. Yeah, I know.

Penny: What are we going to do about you, though?

Elmer: What do you mean?

Penny: You know. Peter and Callum.

Callum has fallen fast asleep yet again, and is now snoring contentedly. Peter is rubbing his nose in his sleep.

Penny: They’ll want you gone.

Elmer thinks about it for a while, and continues in an extra soft whisper, ensuring everyone else is asleep and not eavesdropping.

Elmer: [whisper] How would you feel…about taking Erin out?

Penny frowns, her eyes widening.

Penny: Erin? Why?

Elmer: I’m trusting you not to repeat this to her. It’s just a thought.

Penny: What about the idols? Peter and Callum are dangerous with their idols.

Elmer: I know. But we can’t split the votes any other way. I’m looking for a way to flush them without me being the next person to go home.

Penny is scared now.

Penny: Elmer, you know Erin is a close ally of mine. I can’t…I can’t vote her off. Not now, not yet.

Elmer sighs.

Elmer: I knew you wouldn't. It was just an idea; something to think about. But this is just free advice, Penny – she’s a bigger threat than most give her credit for. Think about that, Penny.

Day 32
Jeff: Come on in guys!

The tribe reenters the challenge zone.

Jeff: Ready to get to today’s immunity challenge? First things first, Elmer, I will take it back.

He takes the immunity necklace off Elmer.

Jeff: Once again, immunity is back up for grabs. For today’s challenge, you will stack a series of dominoes on a beam while avoiding trip obstacles. If you hit the obstacle, your dominoes will fall and you will have to restack. Your goal is to stack your blocks in a line such that they fall like dominoes, ultimately hitting a gong at the end of the beam. First person to hit their gong, wins immunity, safe from tribal council – a 1 in 6 shot at winning this game. Losers; tribal council, where somebody will be voted out and become the sixth member of our jury. We’ll draw for spots and get started.

Everyone takes their place.

Jeff: Alright, here we go. For immunity! Survivors ready? …Go!

Everyone rushes to grab their first block and heads out.

Jeff: The key to success in this challenge is speed vs precision. How fast do you go to stay ahead of your competition and how slow do you go to make sure you don’t trip up and drop all your blocks to the floor?

The castaways are highstepping their way to their beams, avoiding and dodging the trip obstacles, trying to find a balance between moving fast and moving carefully.

Jeff: Everyone has their first block up. One block at a time…the faster you go, the more risk you’ll take.

Callum flinches, trying to steady his dominoes as one falls off his beam.

Jeff: Callum drops! Everytime you drop a block, you’ve got to go back to your starting point before coming back into the obstacle to restack.

Callum curses and heads back.

Jeff: You’re looking to stack them just right – not too close, not too far apart, so they can fall like dominoes.

Everyone is moving in and out, back and forth, stacking and dropping blocks, with varying levels of success.

Jeff: Erin in the early lead, moving elegantly and gracefully through the obstacles! Elmer, right on her tail!

Elmer glances over, frantic, as Erin places another block down, just one ahead of him.

Jeff: Callum, struggling.

Callum scoffs, as he puts his fourth block down.

Jeff: Penny, slow and steady, catching up. Terrence and Aisha, falling out of this challenge.

Terrence lunges to catch a block just as two more fall. Aisha is going the slowest of them all. Peter is keeping good pace, but knocks into an obstacles, scrunching up his eyes as it sends half his blocks tumbling to the floor.

Jeff: Peter, drops half his stack! That sets him back! It is still anybody’s game.

It is Erin in the lead with about fifteen blocks, Elmer with fourteen, Penny with eleven; Peter with seven, Callum with six, Terrence and Aisha both with five.

Peter is mumbling to himself.

Peter: [whisper] Come on, come on…

Callum: You got this, brother. Just stay calm.

He looks over to where Aisha is, once again, at the back of the pack in yet another challenge.

Jeff: Penny, trying to get into it! Peter, rushing to catch up!

Callum throws his hands up in the air, yelping as his foot snags on one of the obstacles, tripping up his beam and sending every last block on his beam crashing to the floor in a big heap.

Jeff: Callum loses everything! He has to start over!

Aisha is hurrying to move faster, walking with an increased pace – immediately she knocks into an obstacle, and almost three-quarters of her stack knock into each other and drop.

Jeff: Aisha drops too! Callum and Aisha, once again, are way out of the running. Erin and Elmer, neck-and-neck, still in the lead!

Penny: You go, Erin! You got this, girl!

Aisha doesn’t take her eyes off her work as she yells out encouragement over her shoulder.

Aisha: Good job, Erin!

Callum: No words of encouragement for me?

Aisha: Shut up, Callum.

Jeff: Erin places another block! She’s getting close! Elmer, right behind! This is going to come down to the wire!

Erin sweeps her hair out of her eyes, looking serious and focused. Elmer is glancing over, on tenterhooks.

Jeff: Peter, racing ahead!

Peter tries to make a big move and dash ahead, tripping over an obstacle in the process and, obviously, sending his entire stack to the floor. He curses loudly, looking pissed as he tosses his block over his shoulder and hurries to recover.

Jeff: Peter drops everything! Peter, completely out of it. Erin looks to be about one block away!

Erin places down her last block, and begins making her way back, nodding to herself.

Jeff: Elmer, and Penny – the only ones with a shot at stopping Erin.

Elmer is moving as fast as he can, the anxiety clearly written on his face.

Jeff: Erin coming back! It is down to Erin, Elmer and Penny. This could be the end of it.

Erin returns to her starting point.

Jeff: For the win!

Elmer and Peter look over with concern as Erin tips over her first block tentatively, and the blocks begin falling in a line.

Jeff: So far, so good…

For a while, it looks fine, but eventually the blocks stop halfway down the line and some topple off sideways.

Jeff: No, Erin can’t do it! Erin now has to restack!

Erin sighs, bending down to start the restacking process. Elmer turns back to his work, a triumphant expression on his face.

Jeff: The door is open again! Elmer, working on his stack, one block at a time. This challenge is Elmer’s to win!

Elmer places his last block, glancing over at his stack, looking at it until he convinces himself he is satisfied with it before turning back and hustling to make it back to his starting point.

Jeff: Elmer, heading back! Penny still has a shot at catching him!

Peter is slowly recovering from his accident. Callum is not far behind him, and Terrence after him. Aisha is completely out of it.

Jeff: Peter has been patient and has restacked everything. Will it work? Penny, placing her final block, making her way back too! She could win it, right here.

Elmer is back at his starting point. Looking down his line of blocks, he dramatically pushes the first one down.

Jeff: Elmer’s going for it!

The blocks topple forward, one by one, but ultimately fall short barely five blocks away from the gong at the end.

Jeff: No, Elmer’s got to restack too! Penny, going for it!

Penny tips her first block over. Like Elmer’s, her stack is successful at first, but eventually falls short a few blocks from the end.

Penny: Damn!

Jeff: Penny, unsuccessful! Now it’s Peter in the lead-

No sooner said, Peter knocks into his beam, and again, sends several of his blocks tumbling to the floor. He throws his hands in the air, heaving out a grumpy sigh, looking clumsy and upset. Callum does the same, accidentally knocking over his entire stack, and he groans, shaking his head at himself.

Jeff: Peter, loses everything! Callum, completely out of it. Erin, coming back with more blocks!

Erin is halfway done rebuilding her stack, and only has a few more blocks to go. Elmer is racing to catch up to her progress, his eyes frantically flicking to her every once in a while.

Jeff: Erin is back ahead of the others! Elmer, working on rebuilding, hurrying to catch up, again!

Elmer and Erin move back and forth, and Elmer decides to take the risk, trying to shorten the distance between his blocks.

Jeff: Elmer, focusing on rearranging his blocks closer to one another. Elmer, now taking over the lead!

Erin is now moving more meticulously, being careful not to trip up.

Jeff: Elmer, now going to go for it again!

Elmer is making his way back, and behind him, so is Erin, placing down her final block.

Jeff: Erin, going to go for it as well! Penny, trying to catch up.

Penny glances over at their respective beams, only two blocks away.

Jeff: Elmer, going to give it a go!

Elmer licks his lips, and knocks his first block over.

One by one, the blocks hit the one in front of it and start to topple…

…and it falls just one block short of the final one.

Jeff: Elmer, falls short again! He can’t do it! Erin has her stack restacked and is now going for it!

Erin knocks her first block over for a second time.

Jef: Erin, for the win!

Block after block falls down the line. Callum has completely stopped work and is leaning back against his beam, watching. Elmer glances over, petrified, as the line of blocks keeps falling and falling, until the last one falls and hits the gong with a satisfying ‘ding’ of finality.

Jeff: And that will do it. Erin, wins individual immunity!

Erin squeals, putting her face in her hands as she jumps up and down. Penny is cheering as she rushes over to congratulate her. Elmer looks crushed as he simply tosses his block to the floor, looking over dejectedly as the two girls dance around; Aisha strolling over to join in the celebration.

Peter spits on the floor, smirking cruelly.

Jeff: Erin, come on over.

When everyone has recovered, Erin walks over, where Jeff crowns her for the second time, pinning the necklace around her neck.

Jeff: Erin, guaranteed a 1 in 6 shot at winning this game. As for the rest of you, after 32 days out here in the Cayman Islands, somebody will be voted out tonight and become the 6th member of our jury. Grab your stuff and head back to camp, see you tonight at tribal.

Erin: Thanks Jeff.

He pats her on the back and she rejoins the others on the tribe mat. Everyone begins picking up their items in slow motion, and the camera zooms in on Elmer’s tired face, and the disgruntled look in his eyes.

The tribe returns to camp. Erin turns to Penny and Aisha, looking excited.

Aisha: Good job, girl! I knew you had it in you.

Penny: You did amazing!

She and Erin share a hug.

Penny: This is your second win, isn’t it?

Erin: It is!

Erin: You did great too, I mean, you almost won!

Penny: I wish. That was honestly the best I performed, since, like, Day 9 or something. [laughs]

Erin: You could’ve beaten me, sly fox.

Penny: Good to know I’m elegant and it’ll help in certain situations.

Erin and the girls are sitting in the shelter, cross-legged, as Erin helps to braid Penny’s hair, picking stray leaves and twigs out of it.

Erin: So what are you girls thinking for tonight?

Aisha looks outside the shelter. Elmer is down by the water, washing his feet. Terrence is poking at the fire. Peter and Callum are talking under the shade of a big tree.

Aisha: I’d like to see either Terrence or Callum leave. With Terrence gone, it’s like, ‘ugh’, finally. It took way too damn long to finish Mitzi’s work. With him out of the picture, it’ll finally be done and over with.

Terrence is innocently rekindling the fire, unaware of the words being spoken in hushed tones.

Aisha: That being said, Callum continues to be the biggest ass on this planet. I would not mind seeing him go. But girl, it’s your choice. I’ll be glad to see any of those boys leave.

Erin: The way I see it, we hold a lot of power right now in making decisions, so we have to keep making smart decisions.

Penny: Yeah.

She holds out her pinky and they share a threesome of a pinky promise.

Penny: I mean, you girls know how I feel about Elmer. I love him, but if you feel it’s his time to go, I’m willing to say goodbye.

Erin: The thing I’m worried about is, is Peter and Callum’s two idols. They’ve got to be flushed.

A shot of Peter and Callum talking in devious tones is shown.

Erin: We can’t let those idols stay in for too long. If it’s the Final Five, and both of them still have their idols, then it’s one of us girls going home. So we have to take them or their idols out. No question. I think Elmer and Terrence are bigger threats, but idols are very powerful – and very dangerous.

The girls nod in agreement.

Penny goes down to talk to Elmer by the water’s edge.

Penny: Elmer, Erin wants to take out Peter or Callum. She thinks their combined idols are too powerful.

Elmer bends down to clean his toes.

Elmer: Well, she’s not wrong.

Penny: So, that’s the plan, and you and Terrence are safe.

Elmer: I would hope so.

Penny: It just worries me, like…what if they play their idols? Then it could be one of you two going home.

Elmer chuckles.

Elmer: It’ll probably be me, let’s be real.

Elmer approaches Peter and Callum.

Elmer: I wanted to talk to you.

Peter: We did too.

Elmer: I know the whole plan to take Erin out just went…out the window. But it doesn’t have to revert right back to us guys going at each other. Okay? Because let’s face it, if we continue having the guys go at each other’s throats, we’ll just pave the way for Erin to take this in the end. We need to strike while the guys still outnumber the girls.

Peter: So what’s the idea?

Elmer: The girls are probably going to try and flush your idols. So, we can all just blindside them and send another girl home.

Peter and Callum share a look.

Elmer: It can be either Aisha or Penny, your pick.

Elmer: I’ll even vote Penny, if you want me to. We were close but I’m willing to look past that so we can pull of this move. The more allies Erin has by her side, the stronger she’ll be in the end.

Peter narrows his eyes.

Peter heads into the shelter to speak to Erin alone. Penny and Aisha are sitting in the sand a few feet away.

Peter: I wanted to talk to you.

Erin: Yeah? What’s going on?

Peter: It’s Elmer. Are we in agreement he needs to go?

Erin hesitates, unconvincingly trying to appear as unsuspicious as she can.

Erin: I mean…I suppose it’s the best option right now. He, and Terrence, are playing very strong games at the moment.

Peter: Good, because he’s been rallying us guys up to try and take you out.

Erin does a double take.

Erin: Has he now?

Peter: Yes. Erin, he is gunning for you hard, if you haven’t realized. He thinks you’re the biggest threat here because you’ve got an army of girls keeping you at the top and in control.

Erin scoffs, looking offended.

Erin: I would hardly call Penny and Aisha ‘an army’.

Peter: The point is, he wants you gone. He’s coming after you. So I’m offering to help you take him out, tonight. Just don’t vote for me, and he goes to the jury. It’s as simple as that.

Peter: Here’s the plan. We split the votes between Elmer and Terrence, in case there’s a third idol-

Erin: That’d be a riot.

Peter: And on the revote, we send Elmer home. It’s foolproof. You game?

Erin: I’ll need to…talk to my army of girls first.

Peter once again narrows his eyes in signature Peter Kane fashion.

Erin reconvenes with the girls in the woods.

Erin: Peter just told me that Elmer’s coming after me.

Penny does her best not to look shifty.

Aisha: So what now? You want to take out Elmer?

Erin: I don’t know. That’s the thing. I don’t know if Peter’s lying to me.

Penny: Elmer says he wants Peter gone now.

Erin: And I’m all for that. Peter is the snake in this camp that we should’ve gotten rid of a long time ago. But he’s protected by his idol. The idol really screws up all our plans.

Penny: Maybe…maybe Peter was lying about Elmer?

Erin: That being said, if Elmer really is coming for me, it’d make sense to be rid of him now.

Aisha: I say, we just vote Peter off. Or better yet, Callum. With them gone, that’s one less person snoring at night and one less idol in the game. If they’re dumb enough to not play it, they go home.

Erin: But Elmer…

Aisha: Girl, relax. We got yo’ back! I’m right behind you like I was to Mitzi. We girls need to stick together and get those guys out of here.

Penny nods.

Erin: Okay. But let me talk to Elmer first.

Penny: I can come with.

Elmer comes into camp, where Peter is sitting in a deck chair and Callum is swinging in his hammock. Elmer nudges Peter on the shoulder nonchalantly.

Elmer: [whisper] So we good on the plan? One of the girls?

Peter shrugs.

Peter: Sure.

Elmer: Which one?

Peter hesitates.

Elmer: We have to send a girl home. Erin’s too well-protected. One of them has to go.

Peter: Fine. We’ll do Penny.

Elmer bites his lip.

Peter: Can you handle that?

Elmer: If it means me staying, then yes.

He leaves.

Peter turns back to Callum, shaking his head.

Elmer heads up to Terrence.

Elmer: Will you vote Penny tonight?

Terrence looks conflicted.

Terrence: But…the idols-

Elmer: If they play them, I feel like they’ll vote me off.

Terrence: Those idols need to go by Final Five.

Elmer: I have no other solution. We can take out a girl?

Terrence: Dude, if we take out Penny, Erin will come after you, and so will Aisha.

Elmer: I think the idol poses bigger threats to them than I do.

Terrence: Are you banking on that?

Elmer is silent.

Terrence sighs.

Terrence: I don’t know, dude. More than a month out here and I’m starting to lose my mind. I don’t know what’s the right move anymore. All I know is Peter and Callum will play their idols eventually and they’ll target you or me.

Elmer: I could be going home tonight if they play those idols.

Terrence: Maybe they’ll play them but vote Penny?

Elmer: If they believe we’re voting with them, they wouldn't play the idols anyway-

Terrence: Which makes it the perfect time to send Peter home.

Elmer: And if they vote me?

Terrence: The girls have to be splitting between Peter and Callum, if we team up with them. I don’t want to vote out Penny.

Elmer: We may have to. If that’s the only name Peter is willing to keep me for…

Terrence: How do you know he isn’t just telling you what he knows you want to hear?

Elmer: I feel like I’m pressed up against a dead end. Everywhere I turn, I’m stonewalled, again.

Terrence pats Elmer on the shoulder.

Terrence: I don’t want you to go either, man. Once you go, I’m really all alone.

Elmer: If my only option is voting for Penny…she and I were close but I have to look out for myself-

Terrence: Remember, it’s not over til it’s over…again.

Erin emerges from the forest, and approaches Elmer.

Erin: Elmer.

Elmer: Erin.

Erin: How are you voting tonight?

Elmer scratches his head, exhaling slowly.

Elmer: I don’t know anymore. I have no idea. I want to vote Peter off because his idol really does scare me…but if he feels threatened and plays his idol, which he most likely will – it was crazy of him not to have played it anyway when he revealed it the last time – then I might be the one going home.

Erin blinks.

Erin is putting on her immunity necklace. The sun is setting and the sky is on fire, blotched blood orange as night starts to fall.

Peter is tying his shoes. Turning his head, he makes eye contact with Callum and nods.

Night has fallen, and the stars are out.

The tribe files into tribal council, setting their ablaze torches in their usual spots.

Jeff: We’ll now bring in the members of our jury. Darnell, Ingrid, Mitzi, Brett and Oberon, voted out at the last tribal council.

Oberon reenters, dressed in a red polo shirt, ripped jeans and flip flops. He grins and nods at Terrence, then Elmer. Elmer smiles back, white-faced. Terrence is happy to see his friend.

Peter is grim, looking at Brett on the jury.

Jeff: So, last tribal, clearly, there was a lot discussed and a lot revealed. Peter, you showed everyone – both the players and the jurors – that you and Callum both had hidden immunity idols.

Peter nods.

Peter: That’s right.

Jeff: Was that just a scare tactic? To strike fear into the other players? Or did you really intend to use it, and change your mind?

Peter: I was trying to intimidate them.

Elmer looks down.

Peter: But I will use it tonight if need be.

Jeff: Elmer, at this point, people are looking to take out big threats on their way to the end, and make big moves while doing so. It’s not an easy task, so how do you ensure you’re on the right side of the votes?

Elmer: I’ve gotta be honest, Jeff…my mind’s a mess, right now. I have…no idea how I’m voting tonight. I really don’t. I had a plan but…I’m just struggling to find some way that doesn’t…screw me over.

Peter is looking at him thoughtfully. Callum smirks. Terrence is downcast.

Jeff: At this point, have alliances dissipated, or are there people still tight-knit?

Elmer: I think that…Erin has a tight hold over the girls.

Mitzi smiles. Penny frowns. Erin raises an eyebrow.

Elmer: Um…she’s playing a good game, I think.

Jeff: Erin, coupled with the fact that you won immunity, does that alarm you?

Erin: Sure, I guess. But big threats aren’t the only things that we need to look out for. Sometimes, volatile players can shake up the game far worse than a logical player would, and idols are big wrenches in peoples’ plans.

Jeff: Peter, that was a dig at you.

Peter: It was. Thanks, Erin. I love that girl, so sweet.

Erin rolls her eyes good-naturedly.

Peter: The thing is, I took a big risk revealing I had an idol. Maybe it was borne of impulse. But I had to spice the game up a little, and make my mark. Besides, if I hadn’t done that, who knows, maybe I could’ve gone to the jury last tribal. But I’m still here, and I want to continue to be here.

Jeff: Having two idols among you and Callum paints a very big target on your backs, wouldn't you agree?

Peter: Oh sure.

Jeff: So what’s the plan for you from here?

Peter: Survive, I guess. We have two idols, so if we play our cards right, we can use them up to the Final Five. But for now, it’s possible that just one, or both, will come out of our pockets tonight.

Erin looks to Penny and Aisha and nods inconspicuously. Elmer catches the movement out of the corner of his eye and turns questioningly to Terrence.

Peter: Let’s just let that threat hang in the air for a bit. [laughs]

Jeff: Erin, you look very tense.

Erin: Yeah.

Jeff: And Aisha, you look grumpy.

Callum: She’s always grumpy, Jeff.

Aisha: I wonder whose fault that is?

Jeff: Is there a lot of tension among this group?

Erin: I think everyone is just…playing hard and playing the best they can for themselves and…when that comes into conflict with each other, it just causes a lot of stress.

Penny is nodding, tight-lipped. Elmer is breathing heavily, looking at her, though she doesn’t notice. Ingrid is watching on from the sidelines with fascination.

Jeff: So, before we vote, does anyone have anything left to say?

Elmer shrugs.

Elmer: I just hope people have considered the points I have had to say. People say I’m a big threat because I’m just too charismatic, for my own good, perhaps. I’ll take it as a compliment. But I hope you consider everything I’ve said, and all that I’ve brought up about who is a threat in this game and who should go home tonight. I’m a fighter and I’d hope to still be here after this.

Erin nods at him.

Jeff: Peter?

Peter snorts.

Peter: Let’s get to the vote. I want to put the pen to the paper.

Jeff: Alright, with that, it is time to vote. Terrence, you’re up.

Terrence gets up to vote. Elmer looks down at his hands, subtly trembling. Penny takes a deep breath, turning to stare at the jury. Mitzi raises an eyebrow at her, as if reassuring her with her gaze. Darnell is cold and steely.

One by one, the castaways come and go to the booth. Elmer deliberates a long time at the booth, before finally writing down a ‘P’, with the rest of the name obscured as the camera fades away, cutting to both a worried Penny and a snarky Peter, who has his idol out and is wearing it around his neck, kissing it as if for luck.

Callum heads up, stretching long and hard as he uncaps the pen and bends over his parchment.

Aisha is shown slipping her vote in.

Finally, Erin is at the booth. Her vote is not shown.

No votes are shown at all.

Erin returns.

Jeff: I’ll go tally the votes.

He leaves.

The jurors are all looking at each other in excited anticipation. Brett nods at Peter, and Callum winks back.

Jeff returns.

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

The silence stretches on.

Peter stays silent, drinking in the attention as everyone’s eyes are turned on him. Callum has his idol too, but is leaving it in his bag, uncaring. Peter has his eyes turned to the night sky, thinking it over.

Elmer licks his lips, a bundle of nerves.

And at the last possible second…

Peter: You know what, Jeff, I’m not taking any chances.

Peter gets to his feet.

Peter: I’m playing it on me tonight, Jeff. There’s just too much uncertainty tonight…

He hands his special idol over to Jeff.

Peter: And I want to be sure.

Jeff: Alright.

Peter takes his seat. Elmer is glaring at him. Terrence is shaking his head. Aisha shrugs, irritable.

Jeff: The rules of Survivor state that if a hidden immunity idol is played, then any votes cast for that person will not count. This is…not a hidden immunity idol…

Elmer’s eyes nearly pop out of his skull.

Jeff: This is a special hidden immunity idol.

Elmer turns to Terrence, mouth agape. Terrence looks lost. The jurors are shocked. Ingrid is groaning.

Brett looks like Christmas has arrived early.

Jeff: This idol will in addition to negating all the votes cast against the user, will also allow the person on whom it was played for to cast a ‘second vote’. This means that there will be eight votes read tonight, not seven. Peter, that person is you. Go cast your extra vote.

Peter nods and sets off, gleeful. Elmer watches him go with a reproachful look.

Peter votes, and returns, and Jeff adds his vote to the urn.

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

He opens the urn. The jurors are watching with bated breath; Oberon is grabbing Brett’s shoulder in awe. Mitzi’s face is lit up and her eyes shining with excitement.

Jeff: First vote…Peter, does not count.

Peter nods, starting to look more confident.

Jeff: Peter, does not count.

Peter pumps his fist, looking pleased with himself, nudging a similarly happy Callum next to him. Aisha lets out a nearly imperceptible ‘ugh’.

Jeff: Peter, does not count.

Peter is breathing a sigh of relief.

Jeff reveals the next vote.

Jeff: Elmer. One vote Elmer.

Elmer’s eyes droop.

Jeff: Elmer. That’s two votes Elmer.

Elmer bites his lip, a nervous wreck. Erin watches the votes being read attentively.

Jeff unveils the next vote.

Jeff: Penny. One vote Penny.

Penny frowns, shaking her head, confused. Aisha’s brows furrow.

Jeff: Penny. We are tied. That’s two votes Penny, two votes Elmer, and one vote left.

Jeff fishes in the urn for the last vote.

Penny turns to Erin, now looking worried, gritting her teeth, her hands shaking. Darnell looks like he’s about to faint with excitement.

Erin pats her hand consolingly. Penny turns to look at Elmer, casting him a hurt look, as he carefully avoids her eye. Terrence too looks away, head held high.

Peter watches through his fingers as Jeff unveils the last vote.

Jeff: Twelfth person voted out of Survivor: Cayman Islands and the sixth member of our jury…

He turns the final vote around.

Jeff: Elmer. That’s three and tonight, that’s enough. You need to bring me your torch.

Elmer: Damn it.

Laughing sadly to himself, he gets up, disappointed.

Terrence: I’m sorry man.

The two bump fists, and he turns to leave. Peter is chuckling to himself, shaking his head and making faces at Brett, who is grinning from ear to ear.

Darnell looks heavily disappointed. Mitzi seems shocked by the turn of events.

Penny watches, almost in tears, as Elmer passes her and sets his torch down.

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

He leaves, without a look back. Peter watches him go, smirking, unremorseful.

Aisha turns to Erin, mouthing a ‘Wow’ that sums up her thoughts. Penny looks heartbroken, turning to Terrence, who simply shrugs at her.

Jeff: Tonight, clearly, everyone was fighting for power, but ultimately, what held the most power at tonight’s tribal council was a hidden immunity idol. Grab your stuff and head on back to camp. Goodnight.

Voting Confessionals #1

 * Oberon didn’t say anything when he cast his vote.

Voting Confessionals #2

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

Next Time on Survivor...

 * Terrence is left, all alone, on a tribe of people who want him gone.

Terrence: I need you here, Penny.

Penny: Well, I need you too! You have to work with me here!


 * With the end in sight, Peter is set on taking out big threats.

Callum: I trust you with the idol. But we need to figure out how to, you know, use it right.

Peter: We should talk about our dear Erin. I think Brett is pissed at her, but Erin has Mitzi’s vote, and potentially Oberon’s and Elmer’s too. Terrence would not get Mitzi’s vote. There’s no way in hell Mitzi is voting for Terrence.


 * Erin fights for her life in an uncomfortable challenge…

Erin winces, fighting to keep her arms steady, looking up at the poles she has balanced on the back of her hands – shaking uncontrollably. Penny looks over, squinting, hopeful.


 * And the conflict between Aisha and Callum reaches breaking point…

Aisha: I don’t care if you think it’s funny, it’s not! You can’t go around acting the way you do and think it’s okay!

Callum: I don’t mean anything by it, I’m just messing around!


 * Who will make it to the Final Five and who will be cut short one episode away from the finale?

Life at Ponderosa #5 & 6
Life at Ponderosa #5: Oberon

Oberon is laying back in a comfy lounge chair, shades on and his feet kicked up on a nearby coffee table.

Oberon: Hi, my name’s Oberon Hallows, I’m from Survivor: Cayman Islands and this is my Ponderosa.

The clip of Oberon having his torch snuffed is played back.

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

The scene continues.

Oberon is heading down the same trail all the jurors follow, slinging his bag over his shoulder as he walks, looking down in the dumps.

Oberon: I mean, yeah, I saw it coming but, it doesn’t make it any less sad. I really had an awesome…just…fun time out there. I’d give anything to spend more in the game.

He shakes his head.

Oberon: In spite of all the bug bites, the itches, the stress and the malnutrition, I loved the game at its core. It was hard, but it was great. I knew they were voting me off.

He takes a sip from his canteen.

Oberon: I expected nothing less from them. I won a few challenges, all of a sudden I’m this big challenge dominator and they want my head on a pike. Figuratively speaking, of course.

He shrugs.

Oberon: I guess it was just meant to be.

He hops on the truck and it sets off down the road to Ponderosa.

Oberon is eating biscuits out of the pack now, thinking.

Oberon: Peter and Callum doing what they did and pulling out their idols…it was unexpected. But let’s be real here and face it, it’s really just Peter having two idols. Callum’s…a fool, and that’s the nicest thing I’ve said about him thus far.

He shoves another biscuit in his mouth.

Oberon: I hope Elmer and Terrence kick butt for me but I know their days are numbered too. I can only hope that they last a little bit longer, but it is going to be tough.

The truck deposits the Kansas man at Ponderosa, where Brett is the first to run up and give him a bro hug, two bottles of cold beer in his hand.

Brett: My man, welcome!

Oberon: Yo, Brett.

Brett hands Oberon one of the unopened bottles.

Brett: Bevs on me, to welcome you here.

Oberon: Cheers for that.

Ingrid: Welcome, Obe.

Ingrid arrives and Oberon scoops her up in a warm hug.

Ingrid: I’m sorry you’re here!

Oberon: I am too…

Ingrid: Well, you tried your best, honey. You did great out there so be proud of that.

Mitzi: If it isn’t the prodigal son.

Mitzi and Darnell appear too, and Oberon looks hesitant.

Mitzi: I knew you’d be here eventually but wow, you took your time.

Oberon: Good to see you too.

Mitzi: I’m just teasin’.

Darnell: It’s nice to finally meet the infamous Oberon. Terrence talks about you a lot.

Oberon: Did he now?

Darnell: Yeah. Told me all about his amazing allies Oberon and Ingrid.

Ingrid: Oh, I’m not very amazing, really.

Brett: Come on, man. You can dump your stuff in your room and freshen up and then we’re gonna get wasted!

Later on, Oberon joins the group at the buffet table, heaping sirloin steak, mashed potatoes and green beans on his plate.

Brett is busy guzzling down the rest of his beer, and Darnell takes a seat next to Oberon.

Darnell: What was it like for you? Out there?

Oberon: Ah, well, you win two immunities and all of a sudden, people label you a big threat. They’re just scared and looking for any reason to take someone out that’s not them. So.

Brett: You were a [burp] threat. You should be flattered. I am, to be here over you. You had an extra three days of fun.

Ingrid: I knew you were going to be a powerful player. You just proved my point from Day 1.

Mitzi: You won a reward too, remember?

Oberon shrugs.

Darnell: Now, I’ve asked this question each time a new juror arrives, but what do you think will happen next?

Brett: I don’t care. They can have at it. [takes another hearty swig]

Ingrid: Well, I, for one, am holding out hope that Terrence, and Elmer, pull through. They’re both smart guys. They can figure something out. As much as I don’t want to have to deal with Peter or Callum ruining the peace of Ponderosa, I’d rather they be here than back in the game.

Brett snorts.

Brett: It’s the opposite for me. I’d love to have my buddies with me here, but they better stay in the game and slay.

Mitzi rolls her eyes.

Mitzi: Those guys are honestly stupid for letting Erin stay in.

Brett: Why? Is she so threatening? She’s just doing what anyone else would do in her shoes. She’s no amazing player.

Mitzi: Sounds like somebody’s a bitter Betty – or should I say, a bitter Bretty.

Brett: Says the chick who swore revenge on her old tribe for something that happened weeks ago and let revenge take over her whole game.

Mitzi: Don’t test me when you’re drunk, hun. I still have a beef with you over my blindside.

Ingrid: Oh, stop it, guys.

Mitzi: Besides, aren’t you crazy over Erin? You follow her around like a puppy dog.

Brett: She followed me around, more like it. I defended her so hard at times, saved her from Natalia’s wrath, and she backstabbed me.

Mitzi: You did it first.

Ingrid: Truth.

Oberon: I just know that the season will only be made for me if Elmer or Terrence takes it in the end. But if it’s miraculously down to just those two – as unlikely as it may be – I know who my vote’s going to.

Mitzi: Yes, your buddy from Day 1. We all know how close you and Terrence are since you guys first buddied up from the start.

Brett: Do we have bad blood here? Hey, Darnell, look, it’s three Los Lagartos all here!

Darnell: Maybe not for long.

Brett: You think it’ll become four?

Darnell: I’m pretty sure that unless Elmer loses immunity the next time around, it’s a Las Caimanes joining us.

Brett: Then I wish you’re wrong. Wouldn't you like to reunite with another Las Tortugas?

Oberon: I don’t think a Los Lagartos is joining yet. Terrence is still under the radar, and Aisha is…well, she exists.

Mitzi: I have to admit that I love my girl Aisha, but I know she’s…not playing a very strong game.

Ingrid: She’s weak. Poor girl doesn’t know what she’s doing.

The morning dawns on a new day, and Oberon is busy in the gym, using the rowing machines, with Brett next to him doing sit ups.

Brett: I…[huff]…even trained…on the day I went home…[puff]…to try and beat you…

Oberon: Oh yeah?

Brett: And I still…lost…

Oberon: You gotta get back in shape, man.

Brett: Shut up.

Oberon is now sitting outside, a music device and earplugs in his hand, all tangled up, as he watches a flock of seagulls fly by from overhead. The other jurors are busy – Brett and Darnell are basketballing, Ingrid and Mitzi both floating in the pool, tanning.

Oberon: I like to believe in fate, so if I’m sitting here and not back on the Alius beach, I believe it was just the way things were meant to happen, the way they were always supposed to happen. I can do nothing now but watch and judge other people, which is always fun.

He looks ahead.

Oberon: Being on the jury could be a lot of potential fun. You know, I brought a hardworking work ethic to the camp when I was there, they’ll be hard pressed to find someone who worked as hard as I did around camp. [laughs] I guess it was just the way I was brought up. I put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into this game – quite literally. And I can safely say that I gave it my all. And I hope I put on a good show.

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Life at Ponderosa #6: Elmer

Elmer is waist deep in the pool, hands on his hips, grinning at the camera, his hair damp, with Brett, Darnell and Oberon mucking around in the background.

Elmer: Hey, this is Elmer from Survivor: Cayman Islands, and welcome to my Ponderosa video!

He whoops as the other three guys dunk him in the water.

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

The clip of Elmer being eliminated is shown again, and the video continues onward.

Elmer is trudging down the same trodden path as the others, chuckling to himself as the camera tracks his progress.

Elmer: Wow…I’m still processing that tribal. Um…

He shakes his head, still a little shell-shocked.

Elmer: I think that was the best way for me to have left the game. What a crazy ride this has been. Like, I honestly almost changed my mind on who to vote. But I guess it didn’t matter. We didn’t have the votes. The girls wanted to flush one of the two idols; Peter and Callum wanted me gone; there was no dodging that. And I was under a lot of duress.

He shrugged.

Elmer: Penny was clearly hurt that I voted against her. She has not voted against me once this whole time. And I know it’s a sore spot because the only other people to vote her were Cindy and Wilkes, the first two boots. Now the two guys she liked the most had to vote her, but what can I say? I know she’s emotionally fragile, more so than most, but I had to do it if there was even a fraction of a chance it meant me staying and not leaving this way.

He has his head held up high.

Elmer: Terrence stayed loyal to me. He voted the same way I did, as we planned. I kind of, signaled him to vote Penny midway, when I felt like it was my best option. But I knew Peter was too intimidated by me being…an alpha male. I guess he felt threatened by me in all aspects, and he underestimates Erin and the girls. That’s going to cost him.

He shrugs again.

Elmer: While I think Peter not taking out the girls could come back and bite him in the ass, I do think he is playing a very strategy-heavy game. He is very calculating. He plans out all his moves very thoughtfully. It’s like a warzone in his head, it must be. He was a decisive factor tonight and ultimately I lost out by not swinging him to my side. Now, if he had no idols, all I would have had to do was appeal to Erin, but he did, and so here I am. My only option to get them not to idol me out was to appeal to blindsiding Erin, but then she won immunity, and Penny was the only other option because Aisha was such a flop, but Penny was not as tantalizing an option to the two of them as taking out Erin was so…one unfortunate circumstance led to another. I could have survived tonight, but if he hadn’t had two idols…if Erin hadn’t won…if Penny had been a bigger target…things might have worked out. Worse still, I think that idol was the one that the auction clue would have led to. So, that’s a nice thought.

Elmer gets on the truck and it sets off.

Elmer: I am craving a good night’s rest on a mattress, for once. And food, and a toilet! And a shower…I’m getting excited even thinking about all of that. [laughs]

He leans back on the bench on the back of the truck.

Elmer: There’s only six people left, huh? Insane, to think how many people I outlasted. I mean, just being on the Las Tortugas tribe, it was an underdog story all the way. [laughs] We were so bad in the beginning.

He sighs, thinking back and recollecting.

Elmer: It’ll be nice to see Oberon. Oh, and Darnell too. And Ingrid. Not so much Brett and Mitzi, but I’ll make do.

The truck comes to a stop, and Elmer gets off.

He is greeted by a smiling Ingrid, who envelops him in an embrace. Darnell and Oberon appear, and both join in the hug. Brett and Mitzi are standing behind them, watching and welcoming Elmer from a distance.

Ingrid: It’s so good to see you, but it’s bittersweet!

Elmer: I know, I know.

Darnell: Good to see you again, man.

Elmer: Heyyy, buddy. I’m sorry I couldn’t help you out, I just…after Mitch left, I had to-

Darnell: I know. It was a lot to ask of you to throw that challenge. I couldn’t ask you to do it a second time. I don’t blame you. You did throw it, right?

Elmer: Yeah…Yeah, I did.

Oberon: Elmer, I wish it wasn’t you but I’m also really happy to see you, man.

Elmer: Same. This’ll be fun to hang out here but I wish I was still in the game.

Ingrid: Well, we can enjoy ourselves here. It gets a little boring after a while but it’s still a great vacation!

Elmer joins the group for dinner, where he sits at the increasingly crowded table with a plate of food and fruits.

Darnell: You went out fighting like a champ.

Ingrid: I don’t envy you. You guys lasted a lot longer than I would’ve expected after I was voted out.

Elmer: I know. Blegh.

Oberon: You still beat me.

Elmer: It was a total [censored]show, tonight’s vote.

Mitzi: It was a lovely spectacle.

Brett: Peter is killing it, you guys have to admit.

Ingrid: I won’t be happy until that guy gets his torch snuffed.

Elmer: Like, it was the combination of their two idols, and Erin winning immunity and Penny being…well, Penny…just one thing after another and it all just came together to create a situation where I was just penned in and had no where to turn to get out of it.

Oberon: A fitting metaphor to sum up our games.

The two clink glasses and Ingrid giggles.

Elmer: I tried to get movement, but to no avail.

Ingrid: Peter just is that kind of character that is so intimidated by alpha males, challenge beasts and Golden Boys. He wants to be the dominant one and no one else can be. And he is very clearly underestimating the girls. I have to say that while I don’t know her very well and hardly interacted with her in the short time that I spent in the game, I do think that Erin seems to be calm in the face of all this. I can’t help noticing that everytime Aisha or Penny seem lost, they turn to her.

Elmer: She’s usurped you as the Queen of the Girls, Mitzi.

Mitzi: Hmm. So it would seem.

Brett: Would Peter have tried to get rid of me, if he was so…hungry for control?

Elmer: He probably would have. I bet it was always in the back of his mind. The guy is definitely one of the season’s villains.

Mitzi: Boo. I wanted to be the villain of the season. Now I’ve got to compete with him?

Darnell: Anyway, why’d you vote for Penny?

Elmer: You know the game, Darnell. She was my only option. The other two had idols, Erin was immune, Aisha is a complete non-entity in this game, Terrence is my ally…granted, Penny was both my ally and my enemy at the same time. We had a complicated relationship after the events of the swap but I knew that she was my best chance at getting Peter and Callum to flip. Erin was too well-protected by those girls. I had to throw Penny under the bus.

Darnell: Well, it was pretty crazy to see her get votes. Looks like we might be the only two Las Tortugas on the jury for a while.

Brett: And I’m just sitting here waiting for a Las Caimanes. Actually, no, scratch that. Better for Peter and Callum to stay in the game. I can handle playing it solo for a while.

He laughs, shaking his head, swirling the beer around in his glass.

Brett: You just can’t trust these girls, man. First it was Mitzi being crafty and now Erin backstabbed me and Penny failed you, man. I was so close to Erin at the start and she was my downfall.

Elmer: I wouldn't say Penny was my downfall.

Darnell: Wilkes predicted she’d doom Las Tortugas, and in a weird way, she’s right. Penny is the highest placing member of our old tribe.

Elmer: We had a worsening relationship after the swap, early in the merge, because we were against each other. But I put it aside and we started growing closer again after Brett, well…got voted off.

Brett: Glad to know I patch up love on top of my many skills and talents.

Elmer: Point is, while I’m no longer as tight with her as I used to be, I’m not hopping mad. That being said, however, she’s still being led around by Erin.

Oberon: Imagine if Penny blindsided Erin.

Ingrid: That’d gain my respect, and that’s saying a lot because Penny never had much from me to begin with.

Elmer: Penny…[sigh]

Oberon: You can root for your girl, Brett can root for his guys, and I’ll be rooting for Terrence, all day, all the way.

Brett: Whatever, man. I respect Erin but she cut me deep.

Elmer: Penny may have betrayed me and Darnell but I can forgive her for it.

Darnell shrugs.

Darnell: If she makes it to the final Tribal, I’ll have some choice words for her.

Next morning arrives, and Elmer is standing on the pier, resting on a pole, looking out at sea, a distant look in his eyes.

Elmer: I honestly feel like I had the craziest journey in this game, by far. Starting out on the disaster that was Las Tortugas, and then the swap, and all the events of the merge…what with Penny and Brett and his goons…and Mitzi and Erin…it was madness. But it was fulfilling. I’ll never forget the times I spent her and the memories I made.

He sits down, dangling his legs over the water.

Elmer: With all the people left, I’m curious to see how the rest of the season’s going to unfold. I have positive stuff for Terrence, Penny and Erin, and hopefully one of the three can take this in the end. I’m a gamer, and I want to see what the game is like from the jury’s perspective, this time around. I fought hard and have been fighting hard, 24/7, for more than a month, and now, it’s time for me to take a break.

Author's Notes

 * The episode title was said by Peter.