You Leave the Door Ajar, I'll Push it Open

This is the premiere episode of Survivor: Ivory Coast!

Challenges
Immunity/Reward Challenge: Gatecrasher Each tribe uses a puzzle log to break through two sets of gates; then, they must turn, pull and push the puzzle log to navigate a maze that is worked into the surface of the log. Once the log is cleared from the maze station, the first tribe to hit a gong at the end of the course wins immunity. Reward: 1st Place: Fire in the form of flint + a fire making kit 2nd Place: Fire in the form of flint Winner: TBD

Day 1
The scene opens with some shots of the beautiful Ivory Coast scenery before zooming in on four trucks driving along the landscape. One truck is slightly ahead of the others. The camera zooms in on this truck, where Jeff Probst is sitting.

"none"

- I'm here in the beautiful Ivory Coast, where eighteen Americans from all walks of life are about to begin the adventure of a lifetime. They have already been divided into three tribes of six, but what they don't know is that there is a twist in store this season: Redemption Island! During the pre-merge phase, when a castaway is voted out, they will be sent to Redemption Island. There they will await other eliminated castaways where they will fight to stay alive. As the castaways come to merge, the final two inhabitants will square off in a duel, where the winner will earn redemption and return to the game. It promises to be a strong season, and in the trucks, the competitors are already sizing up their competition and forming first impressions.

(The camera zooms in on the red truck.)

Jeff: We have the Daloa tribe, who will always wear red.

(The camera focuses on a muscular man with short blonde hair and a bushy blonde beard, wearing a short-sleeved green shirt, as he scans the competition with determined focus.)

"daloa"

- I'm the CEO of a highly successful multi-million dollar company. It's a cutthroat business and it takes a lot of hard work and determination to reach the top like I have. I know that it's impossible to get places without cutting throats and snapping necks. In my game of Survivor, you get in my way, you'll be destroyed. Simple.

(The camera changes focus to a young girl wearing a black bikini, with light brown hair styled into pigtails as she gazes at her surroundings in awe.)

"daloa"

- What a beautiful place this is! (gasps in awe) I think I'm gonna absolutely love it out here! I definitely think people will see me as just some dumb little girl who lives for makeup and handbags and couldn't strategise if her life depended on it, but I'm going to show everyone that I've got what it takes to control this game! You heard it here first, folks: Orselina Perkins is going to win it all! (giggles)

(The camera is then taken to a middle-aged black woman wearing a blue shirt and black beret. Her look of determination is tinged with slight fear.)

"daloa"

- Looking around the tribe I'm definitely the odd one out here. I'm the only African-American on this tribe and I bet you my life savings that I'm the only lesbian out here as well. (sighs) It's gonna be a tough job for me to integrate socially with these guys, especially given my personality. I don't take crap from anyone. If you're being an ass, I'll tell you; if you're annoying me, I'll tell you; if you're being dumb, I'll tell you. I can't help that; that's just the person I am. I'm going to have to try and keep it under wraps for the beginning portion of this game, but it's going to come out. I just need to make sure I have social relationships to fall back on before it does! (laughs)

(After a few more shots of scenery, the camera zooms in on a pink truck with six more castaways in the back.)

Jeff: We have the Abidjan tribe, who will always wear pink. They're eager to start the game, and many are anticipating how they'll do.

(The camera focuses on a man wearing a black-and-red striped shirt with long black hair. He is smiling as he gazes around his tribe.)

"abidjan"

- In everyday life, I'm often judged to be a pedophile or something because of my long hair. (shakes head) it's disgusting. Anyone who spends more than five minutes with me knows that I'm one of the nicest guys you could meet. Looking around my group, we look like a pretty diverse and accepting bunch: we've got a smart-looking young lady, some guy who looks like a military veteran and a girl with GREEN hair, just to name a few! We definitely meet the definition of "all walks of life", huh? (laughs) I'm excited to start this game. Don't get me wrong, I'm not afraid to strategise if comes down to it, but my aim is to show that you can be a nice guy and still win this game.

(The focus then shifts to a middle-aged man with short greying hair and an air force jacket.)

"abidjan"

- I'm an Air Force pilot. I've seen more things in my years of service than most people will see in their lifetime. I've definitely got the mental toughness and physical strength to make it all the way in this game. I'm also a practicing Roman Catholic, and have been all my life, but I refuse to let my Catholicism dictate my game. My nephew, Jason, played this game before and I saw what happened when he allowed morals to take over. I didn't come all the way out here to let religion get in the way of a million dollars. I will lie and I will backstab to get myself further in this game, and when it's all done, I'll march myself down to confession and repent my sins. (smiles)

(The camera shifts to a young man in a purple shirt and cap, who rests on the truck with his arms behind his head, taking in the view with a smile on his face.)

"abidjan"

- I'm SO excited to start this game! I've been ready for this for so long. This is a social game and socialising is my thing. I get along with almost everyone I run into. I'm a cool guy who isn't afraid to chug a few beers and have a good time, or I can just sit down and talk books if that's what floats your boat! What these people might not know is that I'm a scientist, too! I've definitely got the brains and social skills to take me far in this game. Just let me out of this truck, already! (chuckles)

(As the trucks drive along, the camera changes focus to the black truck, where six more castaways are inside.)

Jeff: Finally, we have the Korhogo tribe, who will always wear black. Castaways are either forming game plans or just taking in the surroundings.

(The camera focuses on an old man wearing a red hat.)

"korhogo"

- Coming out here I know I've got a lot of things stacked against me: I'm old and I'm definitely not strong in physical challenges. That means I've really got to step up my strategic game. I need to form alliances, I need to work from behind the scenes, I need to manipulate. If anyone gets in my way, I'm going to take the rug out from under them. Who would suspect a sweet old man of such a thing? (chuckles)

(The camera shows a blonde woman wearing a cowgirl hat as she takes in all her surroundings, her gaze fixed on the scenery in front of her.)

"korhogo"

- I'm a Southern country girl at heart and I ain't hardly stepped off my dang farm in all my life! Now here I am, sitting in this here truck, in the Ivory Coast! I ain't never heard of no such place until a few months ago! (giggles) I've spent my entire life outdoors and I may not be the smartest or the strongest, but I could probably start a fire blindfolded and I'll dang well be one of the best friends you could ever ask for! Winning that cool mil gon' change my life AND my Daddy's life. I'm gon' fight tooth and nail for that cheque!

(The camera focuses on an African-American woman wearing a black-and-white striped shirt and a panda hat.)

"korhogo"

- (proudly) My name is Panda Rhodes! Yes, Panda. Like the bear. P-A-N-D-A! (laughs) I absolutely love pandas, it's an obsession of mine. Of course, people are going to heavily judge me due to my eccentric nature, but I'm going to use that to my advantage. I may look like I've escaped from the insane asylum, but (points to head) inside here is one of the fastest working brains. I'm going to be a sneaky strategist that no one will suspect until it's too late! (laughs) Watch out, Panda is gonna sneak her way to the million!

The trucks then drive for a short while before coming to a stop. The castaways slowly hop down from the back of the truck, with the exception of one. In the red truck, a young man wearing a red shirt and black cap as he eyes the ground nervously.

Morris: (to a red-haired woman) Hey, help me down?

Kimberly: (smiling) Sure.

(Kimberly offers her hand to help Morris down from the truck. Once down, Morris smiles at her sheepishly before awkwardly limping over to his tribe mat.)

"daloa"

- It was extremely embarrassing to have to be helped down off the truck. I just flat-out gave away that I have a physical disability and that's really stressing, because it paints an immediate target on my back. I mean, who's gonna want to keep the disabled guy around? I've been a fan of this show since it first came out and I have not let my disability stop me from applying for this show. Coming out here, my physical game is GONE, so I have to step up my social and strategic game to survive. . I honestly would be happy to finish anywhere but first boot: coming last in this game would be one of the most socially humiliating things ever. I'll do everything I can to make sure I don't finish last!

(As Morris limps over to the mat, the camera returns focus to John, who stands with his arms crossed, glaring at Morris, shaking his head.)

"daloa"

- Brilliant. Of course WE have to get the disabled guy. (shakes head) This guy has probably spent his whole life with the world rigging things for him and giving him advantages because of his disability, putting him up there to be (uses finger quotes) "normal" like everyone else. I'll tell you, Survivor doesn't have special exemptions. Facing the facts here, not hating on disabled people. This guy is just going to be a total hindrance to our team in challenges. He has to be the first to go.

(The castaways are all standing on their respective mats with Jeff Probst in front of them.)

Jeff: Welcome to Survivor: Ivory Coast!

(the castaways all applaud.)

Jeff: As you can see, you've already been divided into three tribes. Red tribe, you are called Daloa; pink tribe, you are called Abidjan; black tribe, you are called Korhogo. You on Abidjan, with the blue top. What's your name and what do you do?

Shanniah: I'm Shanniah, and I'm a librarian.

Jeff: What do you make of your tribe?

Shanniah: I think we're going to be a strong team.

Jeff: You on Korhogo with the cowboy hat.

Betty-May: I'm Betty-May and I'm a rodeo rider!

Rowena: (gasps) Those poor bulls!

(Betty-May glares in Rowena's direction, takes one look at her, and shakes her head.)

"korhogo"

- (annoyed) So, here I am telling all them folk that I'm a rodeo rider, and all of a sudden I got this crazy, enviro, green-haired psycho goin' "Oh those POOR bulls!" Nuh-uh! If there's one thing I can't stand it's them dang animal-lovin' enviro crazy people sayin' all us rodeo riders are cruel assholes! I ain't never hurt a fly! Now, I don't know much about how smart people go about things, but I'm pretty sure y'all'd wanna do some research 'fore you start goin' on and on about bulls! If y'all did research, y'all'd know that we rodeo riders have regulations on treatin' the bulls humanely! Dang it, she could make a preacher cuss!

Jeff: Okay, lady with the green hair, what do you do?

Rowena: I'm Rowena and I'm an environmental activist.

(The camera flashes to Winona rolling her eyes.)

Winona: (under her breath) Shoot me in the face...

Jeff: You in the red dress, what did you say?

Winona: Uh, I said, "what a lovely place!" (giggles)

Jeff: What's your name and what do you do?

Winona: I'm Winona and I'm a theatre performer.

Jeff: Well, you're right, it is a lovely place. I'm sure all of you are eager to get this game underway, but there's one thing you need to know first. In this season, during the pre-merge, we will be having Redemption Island. If you are voted out, you will be sent to Redemption Island, where you will compete in duels to stay in the game. Eventually, the two remaining castaways will fight to get back in the game.

(There is silence as the castaways absorb this)

Jeff: You, blonde guy with the black shirt, what do you think of that?

Byron: My name's Byron, and I think it's a good idea. I mean, everyone deserves a second chance.

(Ricky is shown shaking his head.)

Jeff: You in the pink top, disagree?

Ricky: I think if you're voted out, you should stay out. I don't think it's fair on the people who have survived longer if you come back and take their place in the game.

(Some castaways nod at this while others look annoyed.)

Jeff: Okay, it's time for you to head to your camps. Here's a map to each of your new homes. (he throws a map to each of the three tribes) You guys can head on out.

(The castaways all head off to their camps.)

Daloa Tribe
It is considerably later in the day when the six members of the Daloa tribe finally arrive at their campsite. John, Byron and Kimberly are leading, with Orselina and Jasmine coming up behind. Morris appears to be handling it the worst. He stumbles into camp, almost unable to stand. He takes a few deep breaths before the camera cuts to his confessional.

"daloa"

- That walk really took it out of me. Even short walks do a number on me but that walk was MASSIVE! Gosh, I felt like I was running a marathon. Even with sitting down twenty times or so on the way, I still hurt like hell. Jesus Christ, if WALKING is taking it out of me, how am I supposed to perform in the challenges?

Byron: (concerned, laying an arm on Morris) Are you okay, Morris?

Morris: Yeah, I just need to sit down again.

John: Again? You sat down about twenty times on the way here.

Morris: Well, now I need to sit down for a twenty-first time.

John: We arrived late. We don't have much daylight left if we want to build a shelter on time. I don't think there's time to sit down.

Morris: (agitated) Would you rather my legs just drop off?

John: A little pain never hurt anyone. Come on.

Kimberly: (frustrated) Give Morris a break!

Byron: Dude, you have no idea what it's like to be disabled, just shut up.

Morris: Can we not do this?

Kimberly: Okay, sorry. John, Morris just needs a couple of minutes to sit down. That's all.

John: Fine, whatever.

(Morris sits down, looking embarrassed, as Kimberly looks at John in frustration.)

"daloa"

- Running a Special Ed class means I know how to deal with disabled people. All you have to do is make allowances for them, but John is just being so annoying. It was really hard for me to keep my mouth shut. So what if Morris needs to sit down twenty times? Let him sit down a hundred times if he needs. It's frustrating to have to sit by and watch John being an ass.

After a couple of minutes, Morris has returned to his feet.

John: Okay, we really need to get this shelter started if we're to have one before sundown. Does anyone have any suggestions as to where to put it?

Orselina: It shouldn't be too close to the water. What if the tide comes in?

Jasmine: Yeah, we should find some place as far away from the water as possible.

John: Good idea. Morris, Orselina, Jasmine, why don't you guys weave the palm fronds while Byron, Kimberly and I get the structure started?

Byron: Sounds good to me.,

Without another word, the group begin working on the shelter. From her spot weaving palm fronds, Jasmine shakes her head in disgust.

"daloa"

- We've been here, what, twenty minutes? Already there's tension in the air so thick you could cut it with a knife. (pauses) We're. I'm sorry, but we are. If there's already this much fighting going on and this much awkwardness, I don't know how we're expected to last. We really need to clear up our acts.

Orselina: (noticing this) What's up?

Jasmine: It just annoys me how there's so much tension in the air, you know? We're not going to succeed much if half the tribe hates each other.

Morris: (groaning) Tell me about it.

Orselina: I think we just need to sit down and talk our feelings out. If we can do that, we might just get along!

Jasmine: Yeah, I hope so!

Orselina: We need to get along because- (''she breaks off suddenly) Wow! Hello!''

Jasmine: What is it?

(Jasmine turns around and looks. Byron has taken his shirt off, revealing strong biceps and a very muscular stomach. He then bends down to pick up a piece of wood.)

Orselina: (giggling) I think I'm gonna faint!

"daloa"

- Did I mention how hot Byron is? Because Byron is really hot. It's so SELFISH of him! (giggles) It's not FAIR that he takes his shirt off while I'm innocently minding my own business weaving palm fronds! (giggles) Byron is the hottest guy I've ever seen. His stomach muscles, his biceps, his BOOTY... I know who I'M cuddling next to tonight, and every other night ever!

Jasmine: (laughing) Whatever floats your boat, girl. But palm fronds now, eye candy later.

Orselina: Awww!

(Orselina goes back to weaving palm fronds but takes sneaky glances at shirtless Byron every now and again. On the third time, it catches the attention of Jasmine.)

Jasmine: ''Orselina! ''Palm fronds, girl!

Orselina: I'm sorry, but it's not every day you see a guy as hot as that! (giggles)

Jasmine: (sighs, shakes head) Well you're gonna get far if you're distracted by Byron every few seconds.

Orselina: Hey! I'm allowed to have fun, right?

Jasmine: (smiling) Sure, but after the palm fronds. We don't want (gestures towards John) Mr. Grumpy Beard over there biting your head off.

(Orselina giggles at this as she finally turns her attention back to the palm fronds. The camera focuses on Jasmine as she smiles.)

"daloa"

- Orselina and I get on really, really well. I'm glad, actually, because she's not the sort of girl I'd meet and be friends with in real life. I have a feeling we're the only two sane people on this tribe. Everyone else is so wrapped up in the tension and they just haven't taken the time to have a deep breath and joke around like Orselina and I have. I feel like Orselina and I will have to captain the Daloa ship before it swerves off course and sinks.

(The camera then shifts to John, Byron and Kimberly as they work on the shelter.)

John: I really like how this shelter is turning out.

Kimberly: Me too. It's gonna be a stretch, but I think we can get this done before sunset.

Byron: Yeah, but not eating is gonna suck.

Kimberly: Agreed, but there's not much we can do without a fire, unfortunately, unless you can somehow start a fire without flint.

Byron: What a shame no one wears glasses on this tribe! (laughs)

(The three continue to work on the shelter in silence before John sets down a piece of wood and begins talking again.)

John: What do you think of the tribe so far?

Kimberly: We're a decent bunch, but we have to diffuse the tension between us if we're to succeed, which involves you apologising to Morris.

John: I probably should. I know I snapped at him, and I probably shouldn't have, but I'm such a work-horse in my everyday life.

Byron: Really? I'd never have guessed. (laughs) What do you do?

John: I'm a CEO.

Kimberly: Wow... that's the definition of work-horse!

John: Yeah, so that's why I over-reacted. What got you guys so upset about it, though?

Kimberly: Well... (laughs) I'm actually a Special Ed teacher.

John: Get out. Really?

Byron: And I have a disabled brother.

John: Oh, Jesus.... I really rubbed you guys the wrong way, then, right?

Kimberly: Pretty much.

John: Wow.... this is... rather awkward.

Kimberly: You can fix it, you know. When the shelter is done, just sit everyone around the non-existent fire and apologise.

John: I might just do that, but we seriously need to work on this shelter.

(John turns his attention away from the group and starts on the shelter.)

"daloa"

- I can't help rubbing people the wrong way. That's just the way I am; I'm a work-horse, I don't like laziness and I like a strong team. I recognise, though, that this game is as much about social success as it is physical success and I won't get very far at all having the entire tribe hate me in the first twenty minutes of the game. Even successful businessmen need to be slapped in the face every once in a while. In the real world that's called a "Board of Directors" (chuckles) In all seriousness, though, I'm glad Byron and Kimberly gave me this wake-up call. To be first out of this game would be the most socially humiliating thing of my entire life.

After John's confessional, a montage is played of the group working on the shelter as the day progresses. The sun is almost beginning to set as the final parts of the shelter are being assembled. As the sun sets, the shelter is finally complete, resulting in a chorus of cheers from the Daloa tribe.

Byron: Great job, guys! We did it!

Orselina: Thank God we got it done on time! I was not sleeping out in the open!

John: Hey, guys, can we all sit down?

(The tribe nods then sits down in a circle.)

John: I just wanted to say sorry for being such an ass earlier in the day. Not that this excuses my behaviour, but I'm a CEO, so working hard is in my nature. I guess I tried to apply that here and overreacted. Can we start day two afresh?

Jasmine: You have absolutely no idea how relieved I am to hear that! Absolutely. We need to be united if we're going to win challenges.

John: Absolutely. Absolutely. (He turns to Morris) Morris, allow me to formally apologise for being a complete and utter face.

Morris: (giggles) It's okay, man. Apology accepted.

Byron: Great, now let's win this thing! "Daloa" on three: One... two... three....

Everyone: DALOA!

(The group then settle back for a peaceful night. The camera focuses on Byron as he watches the group with a smile on his face.)

"daloa"

- I am SO relieved that Kimberly and I got John to apologise. Even from team games in P.E., I know that a divided team never wins. Now that we're united, I just know we're gonna stick it to the other teams and Daloa will be victorious! I can't wait. (smiles)

The camera fades out from Byron's confessional.

Abidjan Tribe
The Abidjan tribe arrive at camp. Simon immediately sets down his stuff and begins looking around for suitable shelter spots. His eyes come to rest on a particular spot and he smiles.

Simon: I think here will do. Any objections?

(the tribe shake their heads)

Simon: Okay, so how about Kryshelle, Rowena and Shanniah, you guys work on the weaving palm fronds and stuff. Meanwhile, Wyatt, Bruce and I can construct a base for the- Oh! (he chuckles) Sorry if I seem so bossy! That's just the military man in me.

Shanniah: (laughing) It's fine. It just takes the decision away for us, so it's a win for everyone!

Simon: (laughs) Well I'm glad you see it that way. So, girls on palm fronds, guys on wood chopping?

(The group nod and go off to their respective chores. The camera focuses on Simon as he chuckles to himself.)

"abidjan"

- Curse my military lifestyle! I found myself thrust into a position to give orders and I just couldn't help myself. I guess I'm so used to being directed by orders from other people that I just found myself directing these guys in the absence of someone else to do it. I'm glad they all took it so well, because everyone knows the "bossy leader" guy is always the first to go! Imagine that, being the first out of here because I just divided up the tasks without even thinking about it. (laughs) Oh dear.

(The focus is placed on the three women as they weave palm fronds.)

Shanniah: I hope you don't mind me asking, Rowena, but why is your hair green?

Rowena: Oh, it's just to show my passion for the environment. I guess it's a little extreme, but I actually like it!

Kryshelle: (smiling) It suits you well.

Shanniah: Definitely. (laughs) I didn't think I'd be saying that about anyone with green hair, but you've definitely pulled it off!

Rowena: Aww, thanks! You guys are so nice.

(There is a short silence as the group continue weaving palm fronds.)

Rowena: This is such a lovely place! The environment is beautiful here.

Shanniah: Definitely. Do you folk know this is my first time overseas?

Kryshelle: (shocked) Really? Wow! I've been overseas three times.

Shanniah: I didn't really have the money for it, with raising four children on my small salary. They're all adult now, so these are my years to enjoy for myself and my husband. (smiles)

Kryshelle: (smiles) That's so sweet. Have you been overseas, Rowena?

Rowena: (sigh) Yeah, a few times.

Shanniah: (concerned) Is something wrong?

Rowena: No, just thinking about memories.

(At that moment, the three men come back with some chopped wood. At the sight of the wood, Rowena begins to cry.)

Rowena: Oh, my God...

Wyatt: (noticing this) Woah, where's this coming from?

Kryshelle: Are you okay, Rowena?

Rowena: It's just... seeing those trees... (she breaks away) I'm sorry, I need a minute.

(Rowena walks away towards the beach)

Wyatt: Well that was weird...

Bruce: (staring after her) Someone needs to go talk to her.

Kryshelle: (moving towards the beach) I'll do it. I think there's more to this than fallen trees.

(Kryshelle heads off in Rowena's direction.)

"abidjan"

- So we were all weaving palm fronds and having a nice discussion when Rowena started to go quiet. Then the boys come back with some chopped wood and she bursts into tears. I know she's passionate about the environment and it probably hurt to see trees being chopped down, but I suspect there's a lot more to this than Rowena is letting on. I think what Rowena needs right now is a friend to talk through some problems, and I intend to be that friend.

Shanniah: That poor girl... do you think we can work on the shelter without those two?

Bruce: Absolutely. I think Rowena will thank us for decreasing her workload if she's not in the best of moods.

Wyatt: I wonder what's wrong? I mean, I know she's an environmentalist, but people don't cry over trees being chopped down... do they?

Shanniah: Well, whatever it is, it's Rowena's business and Rowena's alone until she chooses to share it with us. Let's get to work.

(The four remaining Abidjan members get to work on the shelter.)

(The camera focuses on Rowena as she cries softly to herself on the beach.)

"abidjan"

- It was so difficult for me seeing those trees being cut down when I've spent my whole life stopping that very thing from happening! (sighs) I probably look like a freak to those guys, but I'm not, I'm really not. My passion for the environment (sniffs) started with my mother. When she passed away I took my passion up a notch so I could let her work live on in me. (sigh) But what I've done is probably get myself a one way ticket to Redemption Island.

(Kryshelle walks up to Rowena and sits down beside her.)

Kryshelle: Hello! Are you feeling okay?

Rowena: (sighs) Ugh, sorry.It's just... I got emotional about the whole thing. My whole life has been dedicated to the environment, you know? And to see trees being chopped down when I've personally chained myself to one to stop it from happening, it hurts me a little.

Kryshelle: That's understandable, Rowena. If I cared for the environment as passionately as you did, I'd be pretty upset about it, too. It's admirable.

Rowena: It's not just the environment, it's more than that. My passion for the environment started with what my mom used to tell me. My mom was everything I am today; she'd attend animal rights demonstrations, stop big businesses from ruining forestry, everything. You never met a more passionate environmentalist.

Kryshelle: (starting to understand it) Was?

Rowena: (nodding) She passed away a little less than a year ago. She and I were so close. When she died, I vowed to take her work and let in live on through my actions. That's where my green hair and veganism comes from. I used to only be vegetarian but I went full vegan after my mom died. I guess it was just my way of coping.

Kryshelle: Oh, Rowena! (she opens her arms) Come here. (they hug) Why didn't you say something before?

Rowena: I didn't want pity or sympathy; I didn't want to be seen as looking for sympathy votes. I want to tell these guys, but I can't. (she pulls a photo out of her shorts pocket) This is her. I took this here as my luxury item.

Kryshelle: (studying the photo) She looks just like you!

Rowena: (smiling sadly) She does...(she puts the photo back) But now we have to solve the problem of everyone thinking I'm just some overemotional freak.

Kryshelle: Hey, no one thinks that!

Rowena: (staring at Kryshelle like she has two heads) Really? The crazy green-haired girl just went off and had a big cry over trees being cut down and they don't think I'm a freak? Yeah, right. I've just alienated myself completely from these guys.

Kryshelle: No, you haven't! Certainly not from me, at least.

Rowena: Well, I'm gonna need some protection if we go to tribal first. Will you look out for me if I look out for you?

Kryshelle: (smiling) Sure, I'll look out for you. I'm glad we had this talk, Rowena.

Rowena: Me too. Thank so much.

Kryshelle: Now, let's get back and get to work on this shelter, shall we?

Rowena: (smiling) Right behind you!

(The two head back up towards camp, with the camera focusing on Rowena's smile.)

"abidjan"

- That talk with Kryshelle was exactly what I needed. What is it with that girl? She seemed to know exactly what to say and how to say it. She didn't even have to do much, really, it was just her presence I needed. What's great is I got an ally out of this whole thing! I'm pretty sure I'm gonna need her, too. I pretty much just painted a huge target on my back. Well, winning Survivor isn't easy but it's never impossible, and I've certainly got a fight on my hands to get there.

(The camera changes focus to Kryshelle as she follows Rowena up the beach.)

"abidjan"

- I'm so glad I got Rowena to open up. I think we've forged a connection together because of it. When Rowena told me about her mother and how close they were, how she wanted to emulate what her mother did, it reminded me so much of my family. Not that it's the same thing, but I spent two years of my life trying to track down my biological parents, and when I finally did, I wanted to do everything that they did, be who they were. Of course it didn't work out, but now I have incredibly close bonds with both my adopted and biological mother, so I can understand how deep the bond between a mother and child can go. I'm going to look forward to working with Rowena, I think. I hope we can go a long way together.

(As Kryshelle and Rowena arrive back to camp, it is shown that there has been a considerable amount of work done on the shelter.)

Kryshelle: Wow, you guys really powered through while we were gone!

Bruce: (beaming) Hey, there you two are! Feeling better now, Rowena?

Rowena: (smiling) Much better, thank you.

Bruce: Glad to hear it.

(Simon puts a log in place and steps back to look.)

Simon: We're making extremely good progress on the shelter. Quicker than I thought, actually. Looks like we'll have a lot of spare time on our hands.

Wyatt: (studying the placement of Simon's log carefully) Buddy, I reckon you might wanna move that log.

Simon: (narrowing his eyes to look) Why? What's wrong with it?

Wyatt: (standing on tiptoes to reach it) It's in at the wrong angle. If we keep it like this, we risk the whole shelter collapsing. Here, come help me move it to the left a little.

(Simon moves over and helps Wyatt move the log to a better place.)

Wyatt: (as the log fits in) There, that's better! Now we can sleep freely without the worry of being crushed to death by stray logs. (giggles)

Simon: (with a hint of admiration) You're quite smart, Wyatt. Are you an architect?

Wyatt: (shakes head) Scientist, but I did really well in math also. I'm just a maths and science type of guy.

Shanniah: Well, aren't we lucky to have you!

Wyatt: Thanks! Come on, guys. Let's finish this shelter off!

(The six tribemates get to work on finalising the shelter. The camera focuses on Wyatt, who is smiling, although it is slightly tinged with worry.)

"abidjan"

- I think a lot of the group were surprised by my smarts back there, especially the older guys. It was nice to show that I'm more than just a fun-loving party kind of guy and actually prove myself of use to this tribe. My only worry is people see my intelligence as threatening, and that would absolutely SUCK. I really hope that doesn't happen, because I'm absolutely loving this tribe right now!

A montage is then played of the six Abidjan's as they continue working on the shelter. With the weaving of palm fronds completed, Shanniah has taken a backseat, claiming the logs are too heavy for her to lift, as the rest of the tribe puts the last components of the shelter in place.

Wyatt: Woooo! Shelter built on the double!

Bruce: We're a very cohesive unit, to say the least. I think we've earned ourselves a break, gang! Let's just lie down for a bit, huh?

(The other tribemates not in agreement with Bruce's suggestion and slowly break apart. Bruce watches all this with a smile.)

"abidjan"

- I'm really happy with how well the team is functioning. Aside from the drama with Rowena- which, by all accounts, is resolved- we worked extremely well and very quickly as a cohesive unit. I'm hoping that translates into a lengthy challenge streak for us. I know it's only day one, but I have a feeling the six of us will grow into a really tight family, and I'd hate to break that apart so soon.

(The camera focuses on Shanniah and Simon in the forest. They are sitting under a shady spot, surrounded by many trees.)

Polls- During Episode
I really feel like I haven't done enough Daloa. What do you think? Not enough It's a good amount Too much