My Chicken Soup!

My Chicken Soup! is the fifth episode of Survivor: Comoro Islands - Champions and Contenders.

Night 12
Lisa: What the [censored] was that, Maverick?

Those are the first words out of Lisa’s mouth as the camera pans down to show the Pamanzi tribe back at camp, standing around the fire. Constance looks affronted at Lisa's use of vulgarities. Lisa has her hands on her hips and a flabbergasted look on her face as she confronts Maverick, who is tugging on the buff around his wrist.

Maverick: Sorry, I couldn’t tell you. I didn't know if I could trust you.

Lisa: That’s not answering the question. I don't need fake niceties, I had enough of that on Vailheu. I thought we had a deal, I thought Candy was the plan!

Candy is sitting in the shelter like a deer caught in the headlights, looking between Maverick and Lisa like she is watching a highly intensive match of tennis. Behind the pair, Constance is awkwardly pretending to hang her bag from the tribe flag, dropping and hanging it up and rummaging aimlessly inside it multiple times so she can have something to do to distract her from the tense confrontation taking place barely three feet away.

Maverick: Had to be done...he was too big a threat. I know you’re feeling a little salty about being left out but trust me, it was hard on me too, because Markus was an ally at a point in time and I know he trusted-

Lisa: Salty? The issue here has nothing to do with how salty or not I am, the issue here is that we had a plan and we agreed to it and we should’ve stuck to it but instead, you went and ruined it. And now here I am, on the bottom again, despite me telling you guys that you were going to be my saving grace. You know how many times I’ve voted wrongly this season? Three times. You know how many times I’ve been to Tribal? Three times! It’s ridiculous.

Maverick: I’m sorry, I don’t know what to tell you. It was part of the game, I couldn’t come to you with the information and say, “Hey, Markus is the vote, just thought you should know”-

Lisa: That’s exactly what you should’ve done! Do you want to work with me or not?

Maverick: I didn’t want it leaking back to him. It was a secret plan and I needed the nu-

Lisa: Do you want to work with me or not?

Maverick: What are you trying to ask me here?

Lisa: What do you mean? It’s a simple question!

Constance is shaking her head slightly at the pair, eyeing Lisa with disapproval.

Lisa: Never mind. This is just great. Once again, even on a new tribe, I’m still alone on the bottom up against another tight trio. This sucks.

Candy: Lisa, don’t be like that…

Lisa: No, don’t play nice with me, Candy. I know you’re bitter that I voted against you and I lied to you. You don’t have to pretend.

Candy: I can put that aside, Lisa. At the end of the day, we’re playing a game.

Lisa: Good for you then. But I know I’m for sure leaving next, so what do you want me to do about it?

Maverick rolls his eyes upwards discreetly behind Lisa’s back as the latter continues to sulk and bemoan her situation.

Lisa is tossing off her shoes as she crawls into the shelter, still throwing her little tantrum as the others awkwardly try to avoid her aura of anger.

Lisa: So dumb…

Candy looks comically fearful of being yelled at as she scooches out of the way in the shelter so the fuming Lisa can lie back in peace.

Lisa scowls fiercely from within the shadows, steaming to herself as the other three talk in whispers around the fire.

Candy: I can’t believe we actually did that. You guys, that’s two Champions out before the merge.

Constance: It really is crazy. I can’t believe only Bridgette is left. She’s going to be so proud when she finds out…

Maverick: It is pretty cutthroat of you, Candy. I thought you told me you were sweet like candy on the outside.

Candy: [laughing] On the outside, maybe. On the inside, well...I’m trying to learn to be more cutthroat like Mallorie would be...

The camera cuts to Lisa huddled up in the shelter, glowering at the other three in the dark.

Day 13
Jeff: Come on in, guys!

In walk the Mwali and Vailheu tribes, and people’s heads crane and turn to watch as Pamanzi troops on in behind them both.

Jeff: Mwali and Vailheu, getting your first looks at the new Pamanzi tribe. Markus, voted out at the last Tribal Council.

This elicits more than a few shocked faces from the other two tribes of onlookers. Carter looks stunned, mouth open. Blake is quietly pumping his fist to himself, sharing a look of triumphant glee with Hazel, standing beside him. Keira notices the look that passes between them, and frowns, concern growing in the furrow of her brow.

Mallorie whistles approvingly, nodding at Candy when she steps on her mat.

Bridgette: [shaking head] Holy moly...wow.

Drew: That soon, huh?

Jeff: Like with Erin...lots of shocked faces. Carter, this time, like Elmer, you are the Contender which outlasted your previous season’s Champion. What’s the reaction?

Carter: Uh...wow. [laughing] I’m...honestly speechless. I knew that even Markus wasn’t invincible but at the same time, it’s pretty surreal to see the person who literally beat you and won your season...is gone, just like that. That’s two Champions out of the game within the first four votes and that speaks volumes about the level of gameplay this season. Markus wasn’t an easy person to fool and he was scrappy. To see that he couldn’t survive either is definitely a wakeup call. This game can be brutal to even the best of players.

"mwali"

- I was disappointed to see Markus gone. Yes, I will begrudgingly admit that...part of me was relieved, in some way. I did not want to have to compete against the guy a second time. I’ve seen what he can do under pressure the first time and I was not looking forward to dealing with that kind of game again! [chuckling] But at the same time, he and I are friends outside the show. We hung out a lot after our season, and our shared experiences on Mozambique really bonded us. I would’ve liked to have furthered that bond out here, and used it to advance both our games. Sadly, it looks like that’s not happening. But I do still have that Super Idol that Markus gifted me that very first Tribal. It’s been null and void long before now, but I still have it, and maybe I could bluff it as a fake idol in the future. It’s not much but it’s all I have left of Markus now...a parting gift of his, if you will.

Maverick is grinning, looking happy about the shocked reactions he is getting for his move.

Jeff: On the other hand...Bridgette! You are now the only Champion left standing.

Bridgette: Yeah, I know. I think, for a winner with arguably the least threatening reputation...it’s pretty sweet. [laughing] I know it’s because I was also blessed to not have to attend Tribal yet, but regardless. I’m very happy to still be here to prove my salt and I’m hoping this supposed vendetta against Champions doesn’t extend to me!

Blake is stroking his beard, looking devious.

The camera cuts to Elmer biting his lip with concern reflected in his eyes.

"vailheu"

- As a returnee, it definitely gives me cause for concern to see that, within the first four vote outs, we have half of them that are returning players. Both of whom were former Champions, too! This group of newbies is ruthless. I need to be able to protect myself, and that may mean sticking as close as possible to the other veterans in the game. For that, I need to work with the two Seychelles girls, Bridgette and Mallorie, more than ever. I still don’t really trust Mallorie. I’ve always been wary of her, since the first day I saw her on the same season as me, because I’ve seen the way she plays, and she is very good at this game. But the fact of the matter is, I may need Mallorie to protect myself and for the sake of my own game. Once she’s gone, I become the next biggest veteran threat, and so...I need Mallorie.

Jeff: Alright. You guys ready to get to today’s reward challenge?

Whoops and cheers greet him in affirmation.

Jeff: Here’s how this is gonna work. You will be transporting a heavy disc full of water from the water tank, through an obstacle course, and deposit the water in a jug at the other end. When the jug is full enough, it will tip over and release a bag of sandbags. Using those sandbags, you will use a slingshot to hit five targets. First two tribes to hit their targets wins reward. Wanna know what you're playing for?

Jeff unveils a covered table beside him.

Jeff: A platter of doughnuts and soft drinks!

People clap and chatter excitedly with one another at the sight of the sweet treats.

Jeff: Two tribes will win the same reward, but the tribe that comes in first will receive more spoils. Third place will net you…[holds up zero sign] nothing. Worth playing for?

Hazel: Yes!

Maverick: Hell yeah.

Jeff: Before we get started, Mwali and Vailheu, you each have one extra member. Gotta sit someone out, who’s it gonna be?

The two tribes huddled amongst each other to discuss.

Jeff: Mwali?

Blake: Kelli’s gonna sit this one out.

Kelli nods.

Jeff: Vailheu?

Vailheu is still in discussion.

Bridgette: This challenge looks like it requires a lot of physical strength. I can sit out if you guys want me to.

Elmer: I think that’s fair. Any objections?

Mallorie: None.

Randall: Actually, I wouldn’t mind sitting this one out, to be honest. My finger still kinda hurts…

"vailheu"

- Yesterday, after we won the immunity challenge, back at camp, I kinda got into an accident, and cut my finger while I was using the machete to open up a coconut. It wasn’t anything serious, it was a very minor incident and I had medical look at it after letting it soak for a bit, but it’s bandaged now and I didn’t really feel comfortable doing the reward challenge without having let my wound heal a little longer. I’ve been staying out of working on the fire, handling heavy loads like too much firewood...so that it can heal up faster in time for the challenges that actually make a difference, which are the immunity challenges. This reward challenge looked like it was a strenuous one and involved a lot of unnecessary physical strength, and I didn’t want to irritate my cut any further. Of course, though, with certain people on my team, even a simple, perfectly reasonable request like mine was due to garner me criticism.

Elmer: Your finger? You won’t need your finger to help lift the disc.

Randall: Dude, it’s a heavy [censored] stone disc filled with water. Of course it’s gonna weigh a ton. I don’t want to put too much strain on my cut before it can properly heal.

Elmer: I’m just worried because you’re making Bridgette do it instead.

Randall: What’s wrong with that? She said she can do it.

Bridgette: Yeah, really, it’s fine. I can do it if Randall doesn’t feel up to it. I’m fine!

Randall: What, just because she’s a girl or she looks weaker, she can’t do the challenge?

Elmer: No, that’s not- she said she was going to sit out, so I thought-

Bridgette: It’s fine, really...let’s not fight. I would’ve sit out if no one else wanted to but this scenario is perfect to sit out Randall if he’s not feeling up to it. I can compete. In fact, I’m happy to compete! Let’s go. Let’s do this.

Elmer opens his mouth to say something more but decides against it when Drew shoots him a warning look.

Elmer: Okay, yeah. If we’re all in agreement…

"vailheu"

- It was a little embarrassing for our tribe...well, mainly for me...to get into an altercation with Randall right before the reward challenge. I wasn’t trying to force him into it, or to suggest that Bridgette was too weak to participate in a challenge that clearly put priority on physical strength, just because she wasn’t a particularly muscular girl or because she was a girl at all. That wasn’t my intention to come across that way. I love Bridgette and I know she’s tougher than one might expect at first glance. But one misunderstanding led to another and I just think that, these days, it’s getting harder and harder to get along with and not end up in easy arguments and petty squabbles with Randall. The longer the game goes, the dirtier and the hungrier we get, the worse the mood around camp becomes, and...Randall’s the type of person to feast on that kind of negative energy. He’s always itching for a fight.

Jeff: Vailheu. We’re waiting on you.

Mallorie: Randall’s sitting out.

Randall nods.

Jeff: Alright. Randall, Kelli, take your spots on the sitout bench. Everyone else, we’ll get started.

Everyone takes their places.

Jeff: For a reward of doughnuts and soft drinks...Survivors, ready. ...Go!

All three tribes pick up their discs and step underneath their water towers, opening their respective faucets to fill them up.

Elmer: 'Kay, hold it steady…

Jeff: These discs are heavy enough as it is even without the water inside. Not only that, but your entire tribe has to navigate across balance beams while carrying them and taking care not to spill too much water.

Elmer: Okay, that’s enough.

Mallorie: You sure?

Drew: Yeah.

Jeff: The Vailheu tribe now heading out with their disc…

Blake: Alright, that’s enough. Hazel, you good?

Hazel: [grunting] Yeah.

Blake: Let’s go.

Jeff: The Mwali tribe heading out right behind them…

Maverick lets go of the tap as the Pamanzi disc fills.

Maverick: Okay, move.

Maverick and the three women grunt as they struggle to move the heavy disc forwards, staggering towards the balance beams.

Jeff: The Pamanzi tribe heading out as well…

The Vailheu tribe is halfway down their beam.

Elmer: Steady, steady...watch your steps…

All four of Elmer, Mallorie, Drew and Bridgette are carrying their disc carefully, keeping the heavy thing upright as they scoot along.

They reach the end and start to tip the water into the bucket.

Drew: Lift it…

The water in the disc trickles in, filling the bucket up to half.

Jeff: Not enough, Vailheu has to go back…

The four start returning to the water tower just as the Mwali tribe arrives with their disc.

Blake: Alright, we lift it on three. Ready? One, two…three.

The Mwali tribe pours their water in, Hazel grunting under the weight of the disc. Their water trickles in, not enough to fill their bucket.

Jeff: Mwali also has to go back…

Mwali heads out, as Vailheu traverses the balance beam. In the meantime, Pamanzi finally get off their balance beam.

Maverick: Lisa- [grunts] hold it...ngh...hold it steady…

Lisa: [through gritted teeth] I...am…

Constance’s arms are visibly shaking as she strains to lift her side of the disc. Candy yelps as she lifts with all her might.

Maverick: Come...on...hng…

The Pamanzi foursome are having trouble even lifting their disc up high enough to pour water into their bucket.

Jeff: Pamanzi, struggling to even pour water into their bucket…

Vailheu is moving along their balance beam again.

Mallorie: Let's go, Bridge. You got this, girl. Just a little more…

Bridgette exhales out loud.

Bridgette: I know. I’m fine.

Jeff: Vailheu working together very well, once again out to a strong start…

Randall nods to himself, arms crossed as he stands to the side, watching.

Over on the Pamanzi side, they finally lift their disc up a little, and water sloshes all around, spilling halfway out the side. Only a fraction of it trickles down into the bucket.

Jeff: Very little water makes it in. Pamanzi, gotta head back.

Maverick: [grunting] Come on…

The four of them lug the heavy disc back the way they came, as the other two tribes pass them, with Vailheu commanding a sizeable lead.

Elmer pants, sweat dripping down his brow.

Elmer: One, two, three...up!

Drew is dripping with sweat too as he lifts up his side of the disc, and the four of them watch as their remaining water flows into the bucket, letting every last drop go in, until their bag of sandbags is released and falls to the dirt.

Jeff: Vailheu releases their bag of sandbags! Start shooting!

Drew: [whoops] Nice one!

Elmer rushes over to pick up the bag, digging inside for the sandbags, as the rest of his tribe crowd behind him.

The camera cuts to a shot of Mallorie breathing heavily, wiping her mouth with the back of her buff-covered hand, while Bridgette cups her hands around her own mouth to cheer Elmer on as the latter gears up to start shooting.

Jeff: It is Elmer at the slingshot for Vailheu…

Blake: Almost there, Hazel.

Keira: You doin’ alright?

Hazel: Y-Yeah…

Carter: We’ve almost reached the end…

The Mwali four are staggering their way down their beam, racing to catch up with Vailheu.

Blake: Go...go…

Keira grunts, her biceps shining with sweat as she hefts her side of the disc. Hazel is the only one of the Mwali tribe struggling at the moment.

Back at the Pamanzi water tower, Constance is pressing the faucet to allow water into their disc, splashing Maverick in the process.

Constance: Oop! Sorry, Maverick, honey…

Maverick: It’s alright, keep going.

Hazel: I can’t...lift it…

Hazel is struggling at the other side of the challenge. Keira inches closer to her, trying to help lift her load.

Keira: You got it?

Hazel: I’m slipping…

Keira: What?

Hazel: I said I’m gonna drop it…

Without warning, Hazel’s side of the disc lurches downwards. Carter cries out a warning as Blake and Keira try in vain to catch Hazel’s slack, but a large portion of water has already slopped out over the side.

Hazel: Shoot…[censored]...

Jeff: A disaster for the Mwali tribe! Hazel lost them half the water in their disc!

Carter: It’s okay. Look. Don’t give up. Guys, help me lift it!

At the Vailheu side, Elmer is firing off sandbags with the slingshot in quick succession, hitting first one, then a second one right after.

Jeff: Elmer hits two targets in a row!

Bridgette: Yes!

Elmer pulls back, and fires again. His next sandbag sails through the air…

...and nails a third target.

Jeff: Elmer with another target!

In stark contrast, the Pamanzi tribe is slowly tottering back out again, grunting and groaning under the weight of the disc and water.

Candy: My fingers…

Maverick: Ugh...just get on the balance beam…

Constance: [panting] I can’t do it…

Maverick: Take it slow. One foot forward…

Maverick heaves the disc up, planting his palms firmly on the bottom, his entire body shaking from the strain. Candy is doing her best to help him on the opposite side, holding up her end of the disc with her entire body weight.

Jeff: Maverick, practically carrying his entire tribe on his shoulders, almost single handedly lugging the disc on his own!

Maverick plants one foot back on the beam and slowly lifts the disc up to him, as the other three do their best to help.

Elmer is still firing sandbags. A couple fly overhead, but his latest one hits the further of the two remaining targets almost by accident.

Jeff: Elmer with the fourth target! Elmer is on fire today!

Drew: [clapping] Heck yeah!

Randall raises an eyebrow from the sidelines.

The Mwali foursome finally pour their water in, as Kelli cheers them on.

Their bag of sandbags drop.

Jeff: Mwali does it, despite Hazel’s setback. Start shooting, Mwali!

Keira is untying the bag now, dropping to one knee by the slingshot.

The Pamanzi foursome are staggering their way through the course at a snail’s pace. Maverick looks exhausted, hunched over the disc as he makes guttural noises in the back of his throat, fighting to keep them moving along.

Jeff: Pamanzi, falling out of it…

Keira has her bag untied, and is getting ready to fire.

Hazel is collapsed on the floor.

Hazel: Go, Keira…

Jeff: Elmer, with one target left!

Elmer continues to fire. His latest sandbag almost grazes the final target.

Bridgette: Oh…! ...Damn.

Elmer pulls back another sandbag, aims...and fires.

His sandbag nails the final target.

Jeff: Vailheu wins reward!

The Vailheu tribe erupt into chaotic celebration, whooping and cheering as they hug one another. Drew noogies Elmer’s head in a friendly fashion.

Drew: Damn, we smoked them.

Elmer: Yeah, we did. [laughing] Gimme five!

Jeff: We’re looking for one more…

Pamanzi has finally reached their bucket again, and the fatigued foursome drain their disc.

...but it is not enough.

Lisa: Are you kidding me?!

Jeff: Pamanzi doesn’t have enough water to fill their bucket. They gotta go back!

Lisa: Ughhhhh!

Candy: [panting] No use...sulking…[panting] Let’s just go.

Lisa: We’ve looost…

Candy: No, we haven’t. Not yet. Maverick?

Maverick is too drained to answer.

Constance: Candy’s right. Let’s keep moving.

Jeff: Pamanzi, moving back, completely defeated and discouraged…

Keira pulls back and fires. She scores one target.

Blake: Nice! [applauding] Nice hit, Keira.

Randall is laughing with his tribemates as they watch from the sidelines, now victorious.

Randall: This is almost sad.

They watch as Pamanzi returns and struggles to, once again, carry a full water disc through the course. All the while, Keira continues to fire sandbags, hitting another...after another...after another…

Jeff: Keira with just one target left!

Constance: I can’t…

Constance and Lisa both drop their side of the disc and it spills water all over their feet. Maverick sinks to the floor, wincing and nursing his hands.

Candy: You okay?

Maverick: Yeah…

Jeff: Pamanzi drops their disc and loses all their water!

Lisa: Yeah, we noticed, Jeff!

Keira pulls back her slingshot again, as Hazel grips onto Blake’s and Carter’s shoulders in anticipation.

She fires...and hits the fifth and final target for their tribe.

Jeff: She does it! Mwali wins reward!

The Mwali tribe celebrates and gather for a group hug.

Maverick sighs, spitting into the soil. Candy pats a disappointed Constance on the back.

The camera zooms in on the frustration on Lisa’s pretty face before fading away as the tribes return to their respective mats.

Jeff: Vailheu, congratulations. Big reward. Mwali, congratulations as well. Your rewards will be waiting for you back at camp.

Hazel: Thank you, Jeff! [laughing]

Bridgette raises the roof in a wordless cheer.

Jeff: Pamanzi, unfortunately, I got nothing for you.

The four of them look spectacularly down in the dumps, barely reacting to Probst.

Jeff: Head on back to camp.

Everyone turns to leave.

The camera zooms in on Lisa as she walks back with her small tribe.

Returning to the Mwali tribe with their doughnuts and drinks, the five Mwali tribe members look to be in good spirits.

Blake: Awesome job, ladies and gent!

Hazel: That was exhilarating! I love winning! [giggling]

Keira: Who doesn’t? [chuckling]

Carter: Winning strong for once definitely feels great.

Keira: I could definitely get used to this.

Kelli: I can’t wait to eat, I’m so excited!

Blake: Guys, “Mwali” on three! One...two...three!

The tribe chants “Mwali” and break apart, laughing and patting one another on the back in jovial celebration.

"mwali"

- I am loving my tribe right now. I’ve been incredibly blessed for most of this Survivor journey so far, and it’s only getting better and better. We’re winning immunities, we’re winning rewards, the targets the Family’s marked out for assassination are getting taken out of this game even on tribes that we’re not a part of! Like, for real? I love Blake and I, we’re the unconventional father-daughter duo no one would’ve seen coming. Keira’s awesome, and I’ve started to grow closer to her after spending almost two weeks with her. She’s still a little robotic at times but she’s started opening up and the more we talk, the more I’m warming up to her as a regular gal pal - that’s a term Kelli taught me. Keira’s become almost like an older sister to me! And even Carter and Kelli, though they both joined our tribe late, they’ve become great additions to our little Mwali fivesome. I’m really sweetening Kelli up as she and I are very similar girls, we both have similar interests in fashion and movies, and I think we could tell each other anything. Carter...say we forget the fact that Carter’s days are numbered as long as Blake and I are in charge: he is without a doubt our MVP in challenges and for his service, I thank him. This tribe is amazing! I never want to swap again! [giggling]

The group sits down to enjoy the spoils of their labors, chatting away as they wolf down sprinkled doughnut after doughnut.

Kelli: Can you guys believe it? Two out of three Champions, gone, just like that…

Keira: Definitely crazy…

Kelli: Funny, that the two Champions with the bigger reputations get outlasted by the one of the three with the weakest one.

Blake: You don’t like Bridgette?

Kelli: I wasn’t a fan of her passive style of gameplay, no.

Hazel: Aw. I like her. I’d like to think she and I would get along.

Blake: Still…[bites doughnut] this for sure means less competition for the rest of us. Markus was a huge threat. I almost feel I can breathe a sigh of relief now.

Carter eyes up Blake suspicious as the latter gleefully polishes off the rest of his profiterole.

"mwali"

- Walking into the challenge today, I was so happy to see that Maverick was a loyal soldier, and took Markus out, ending the Mwali veteran era once and for all. Now, it’s me and Hazel’s turn to pick up the slack, by knocking out Markus’ fellow Mozambique buddy Carter for good, and we can go into this merge with half the veterans outta here!

The meal draws to an end, and as Hazel and Blake are enjoying what’s left of the food with a mug of coffee each, toasting one another, Kelli moves over to take a mug for herself.

Blake: Careful. We don’t have much coffee left.

Kelli: I’m sorry?

Blake: I’m saying, don’t use too much. I wasn’t expecting for us to be this close to running out already.

Kelli: Oh...k.

Blake: You can have some, of course. But like, try to go easy on it.

Hazel: We really should’ve been watching how much coffee we were drinking in the morning. [laughing]

Blake: Yeah, between Hazel and I, we’ve probably drank two cups each per day. This stuff is good.

Kelli: Okay, well can I have some, then?

Blake: Yeah, like I said, just not too much.

Kelli: Okay...thank you.

Hazel: No, that’s too much! No, I’m just kidding. [laughs]

Kelli snorts, smirking.

Hazel: [smacking lips] We really were not smart in conserving resources, were we?

Blake: Oh no, absolutely not. It was our fault. But you said it yourself, you wanted coffee as a reward the most.

Hazel: Sure do. Like being back in school again…[sighs] It’s the only way I can drag myself out of the shelter to greet the new day.

Kelli quietly refills her mug as Hazel and Blake continue to chatter.

"mwali"

- Of all things, I didn’t expect wanting control of the coffeemaker would be what’d leave me at odds with Blake and Hazel. I can get along with anyone, and I don’t let personal feelings get in the way of that. But the way their cranky coffee crew were trying to basically control the coffeemaker and how much other people could drink, because they were worried they wouldn’t have enough left for them, really irked me. I mean, I know it was their reward, it was won by the Mwali tribe so it is technically theirs. But, what? Just cause of that, no one else can have too much of your precious coffee? If you two hadn’t drank them by the mug, we might still have enough to go around for the rest of us.

Carter and Kelli are talking with Keira down by the water. Keira is helping Kelli wash out her hair.

Kelli: I just can’t believe they’re actually acting territorial over a coffeemaker, of all the things…what, like, the rest of us aren’t worthy of sharing it too, just cause you two use it more?

The camera cuts back to Hazel laughing over her cup at something Blake says.

Kelli: [rolls eyes] They think, just ‘cuz this is their home turf, they own the beach. So ridiculous…

Carter: I know how you feel. Just let it roll off your shoulders.

Kelli: I would love to turn the tables on them.

Keira opens her mouth, as if to add to her statement, but closes it, evidently deciding against further stoking the flames of Kelli’s fire.

"mwali"

- Blake and Hazel...they’re both acting like tyrants, because they know they’re the King and Queen of this tribe. They believe they’re running the show on this tribe because with Keira, they have the easy majority. They don’t even need to talk strategies with me and Kelli because why should they bother when they think they’re in charge? To put it bluntly, you wouldn’t ever find the CEO of the company drinking coffee with the janitorial squad, you know what I mean? Blake acts like a grouchy old coot when he doesn’t get his way, and Hazel’s...immature. They think they’re controlling the shots. They think I’ll just lay down and let them keep me, and Kelli, on the chopping block. And I’m not down for that. [chuckling] And I doubt Kelli would be either. She’d probably be...so not down for that. Kelli and I are the only duo going up against a tight trio here, and we need to find a way in. Keira might be our best shot at cracking them apart. We’ve been doing our best to cultivate a relationship with her, to get her to flip on them, but the thing about Keira is...that the woman’s a mystery! No one ever really knows what’s going on inside her head because she’s so secretive and closed-off. I can kinda see why Markus must’ve struggled with getting to know her, because of the way she is. That’s totally fine, because everyone’s different; I’m not faulting her for being a quiet person. But it does make my job navigating a way out of the hole I’m in on this tribe much harder.

The camera cuts to Keira looking placid and relaxed.

Carter: Have Blake and Hazel always been this way?

Keira: I don’t fight them too much over things like the coffee, because I don’t really like it all that much. Blake and Hazel were happier to win it than I was.

Carter: You don’t think they act a little too tyrannical? It’s not even stuff with the coffee, but...I always see the two of them talking and it almost looks like they conspire together on a lot. I don’t always see them including you in their little secret beachside conversations.

Keira: That doesn’t bother me as much. I think of Hazel as a sister. That’s enough for me.

Carter: Okay...fair.

Keira: How do you feel about Markus being gone, Carter?

Carter: [pauses] Obviously, I had a personal connection to him. That part of me is disappointed. But Blake has a point. He would’ve been trouble down the road.

Keira is silent.

Carter: I do think it says a lot about how people are playing this game though. Us veterans are in trouble. [chuckling]

Keira: I’m just thinking of what Markus said to me last before we swapped.

Kelli: What'd he say?

Keira: He was basically voicing his concerns that on our tribe, there was an obvious pecking order. He and Erin were on the bottom for being returning players, and I would’ve been the next to go. I didn’t pay him much mind at first. I don’t know…

Carter: I think it’d be dumb not to think Maverick might have something to do with Markus being gone, on the other tribe.

Keira shoots him a thoughtful look.

Keira: They did have a supposed alliance going on, back then. Erin used to call them “the Family”.

Kelli: The “Family”? [censored], that is tacky as [censored].

Keira laughs dryly. Carter shakes his head, a crooked smile forming on his lips.

"mwali"

- Seeing Markus gone on the Pamanzi tribe affirmed to me one of my worst fears, of coming back onto Survivor as a returning player with a group of newbies. It’s natural for new players to not want to play with veterans whose reputations precede them, and it’s natural for them to not want to share the spotlight with people who’ve already had their chance to shine in the limelight. I was lucky, on Vailheu, that there were people on the pecking order beneath me, that me and Mallorie could make it past two Tribal Councils. But Erin and Markus clearly weren’t as lucky. I very much suspect Maverick must’ve had something to do with Markus going home this early. Keira’s told me and Kelli about this “Family” or whatever that Blake was leading, and the thought of it scares me. It almost makes them sound like a little cult, and under Blake’s rule, the three of them seem to be on an anti-veteran charge. As a veteran...obviously, that’s bad news to me, because as this tribe’s sole returnee, that makes me the next one to go. [shrugs] ...Which would suck.

Meanwhile, on the Pamanzi tribe…

Maverick is fanning himself by the fire. Lisa is slumped over in the shelter, sandwiched between the other two ladies, sulking and looking sour.

Lisa: Ugh...that was such a sucky challenge.

No one makes eye contact with her. Constance is distracted, staring out at the waves, a serene and almost contemplative look on her face. Candy is poking at a sore on her heel with a tiny twig, head resting between her kneecaps.

Lisa notices no one responding to her comment and blows a raspberry, rubbing at her grimy hair.

Lisa: This suuucks! We’re never gonna win [censored] now.

Lisa scowls directly in Maverick’s direction.

Lisa: This is all your fault for blindsiding Markus. At least he could’ve helped us win challenges. You and your stupid big move...

Maverick gives the most exaggerated eye roll he can muster, which doesn’t go unnoticed by the women sans Lisa, whose attention is now elsewhere.

Lisa: You went and [censored] us over...

Lisa lies down in bed, buff over her face, grumbling.

Lisa: I can’t believe we lost that challenge. Well, I mean, I can. I mean, the four of us on our own are weak as [censored]. I just can’t fathom how I’m going to survive on such an empty stomach. I’m seriously so damn hungry. Like, even before that reward challenge, I was thinking to myself, “I literally am going to wither away if we don't win this [censored] reward.” And then we lose. I honestly think I might, like, die, if I don’t make it to the merge feast.

Maverick rolls his eyes again but she doesn’t see.

Lisa: So huuungry...I just wanted a doughnut...a tasty, sweet, succulent sugary doughnut…

One of the women’s stomachs grumbles in affirmation.

Maverick mimes shooting himself in the head to Candy and Constance as Lisa continues to groan. Candy giggles slightly.

Lisa: Or I could go for a big steak too...a ribeye. I’d like some red wine with that as well...or maybe I’ll just settle for trashy fast food, at this point. I’m not picky. I just want to eat. I could make a pool with all my saliva. I just need...food.

Constance rubs at her temples.

Lisa finally gets to her feet after a while.

Lisa: I’m going to lie down on the beach.

Constance: Okay…

Candy: You enjoy yourself.

She waves airily over her shoulder as she leaves. As soon as she is far out of earshot, Maverick turns to the other two women, blustering.

Maverick: [whispering] What the actual [censored] is her problem?

Candy bursts out into a bout of uproarious laughter, but hurriedly shushes herself when Constance nudges her, indicating Lisa is still not that far away.

Maverick: Seriously, oh my gosh...I thought annoying leeches like her were exaggerated on the show, but she is...whew...on a whole other level. I’m at my limit soon.

Constance: As am I. And I’m usually pretty patient. I lived with Randall for even longer but even he felt more tolerable than she.

Maverick: I don’t know how you lived with that chick for so long [laughing] without losing your damn mind.

Constance: Exactly. Candy, honey, I have so much respect for you and the rest of your tribe, putting up with her.

Candy: You get used to tuning her out after a while, I guess. Let it in one ear and out the other, you know? I’ve dealt with more annoying trolls on the Internet...

Day 14
Morning dawns on the Vailheu beach.

Bridgette is stretching, as Mallorie awakes and clambers out of the shelter beside her.

Bridgette: Hey, Mal. I was thinking...you want to do yoga again?

Elmer overhears, sitting with the other boys as Drew brews up a pot of rice while Randall lazily watches, yawning.

Elmer: What do you mean, again?

Bridgette: Like we did in the old days. Oh, didn’t I tell you? Mal and I used to do yoga in the morning, back in Seychelles. Not always regularly, but frequently enough to keep up a pattern. And we had thirty-eight mornings together to do it, too. [giggling]

Mallorie: It’s true. Fond memories…

"vailheu"

- Waking up next to Bridgette, out on an island in the middle of nowhere...man, it really gives me such a sense of nostalgia. [chuckling] I’m usually a pretty gamebottish person in general. I was very laser focused on the game my first time, and even now, having had to deal with two out of four Tribal Councils in the beginning phase. So I don’t talk about stuff outside the strategic game very often, like personal bonds or camp life. But some of my fondest, most cherished memories of Seychelles that weren’t strictly related to the game were the fun times and the laughter I shared with Bridgette. She is my friend, first and foremost, and today felt like another reminder to be grateful that I’m getting to share this adventure and this experience with her a second time.

Bridgette: I was a yoga instructor at the time. So I know what I’m talking about. It’s a refreshing way to kick off the day. Hey, that gives me an idea. You boys should join too!

Elmer: Hey, now that’s an idea.

Randall: Really…?

Elmer: Yeah. I mean, I think I speak for us three veterans that...you should really take advantage of and treasure every precious moment on Survivor, since you never know when it might end. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience...well, technically twice, for us.

Elmer and Bridgette laugh. Randall stares blankly at them, cringing slightly.

Elmer: It could be a fun moment of bonding for the tribe. [chuckling] Unless your finger still hurts too much for even yoga, Randall?

Randall blinks.

Bridgette: I’ll show you boys some moves. I can teach you. Come on!

Drew: Maybe later, once I’m done with breakfast.

Randall: I’ll stick with Drew.

Mallorie: Suit yourselves.

Bridgette: Come on! Elm, Mal, let’s go further down.

The other two get to their feet as Bridgette happily leads them away. Once they leave, Randall snorts to Drew.

Randall: Dude, can you believe his attempts to bond and smooth things over with me? “Us three veterans”...pfft. Way to rub it in our faces that he’s doing this for a second time. “Cherish every moment”...do you think he seriously buys the fake, sage wisdom crap he pulls out of his mouth?

Drew: [chuckling] Why do you hate him so much?

Randall: He hates me too. Can’t you tell? I think it’s blatant.

Drew: And I think you read too much into it.

Randall: Guys like him are so fake. I can’t stand it.

Drew: Alright, Randall. But seriously, though. Once I’m done here, I’m gonna go join them.

Randall: Why?

Drew: Well...why not? I know you think he’s full of it, but...Elmer has a point.

Randall: Not you too…

Drew: What’s wrong with bonding with our tribe? He is right though...you never know when your each waking moment on Survivor could be your last. Might as well...forge some fun memories for down the road…

Randall: That’s some sentimental stuff right there. You’re really a big softie, aren’t you? You seriously fell for all the emotional crap he and Bridge were selling.

Drew: Ah, you know me. I got a soft heart.

Randall: A weak one, more like it.

Drew: Just join in! Mallorie’s there too, if you really think Elmer’s presence is going to be that overbearing.

Randall: [sighs] If you’re going to join them, I guess I can’t exactly say no, can I?

Drew: I suppose that’s as good a compromise as I’m going to reach, with you.

When the three veterans are stretching down by the shoreline, Drew and Randall eventually walk on down to join them.

Bridgette: So, this position is going to stimulate your core. Ready?

Mallorie: Hold on. We got company.

Bridgette: Hey, you two. Convinced you to join us, did we?

Drew: Wouldn’t miss it.

Randall mumbles something in soft agreement.

Bridgette: [giggling] Great! This is fun! I mean, with only five of us...it’s a small group. More opportunities to bond together, as a tribe.

"vailheu"

- Right now, it’s obvious Drew is the only person Randall is willing to listen to. If he weren’t here, I doubt there would’ve been any way we could’ve dragged Randall’s sour, grouchy ass out of the shelter to join us for a spot of yoga. But that’s okay, you know. I really just want our little family of five to bond, because even with Randall, I have a lot of love for this tribe that’s helped by the fact that I’m surrounded by people who I really like and respect, and our morale as a whole is at an all-time high from winning challenge after challenge. Life couldn’t be any better. Call it naive, but I’m almost hoping that the five of us could be a dominant five. With Elmer and Randall going after each other’s throats, though...that’s probably not gonna happen anytime soon, but...one can dream.

The camera fades away from a shot of the five of them, silhouetted against the rising sun.

Meanwhile, on the Mwali beach…

Kelli and Hazel are hanging out in shallow water, both girls talking and soaking up rays.

Kelli: Is he your boyfriend?

Hazel: No...like I said, he's just a friend back home. That's all.

Kelli: ...But you're blushing!

Hazel: [gasps] Am not! Ugh, I should’ve known better than to tell you about my social life back home. [giggling] You’re awful.

Kelli: Don’t worry, I won’t tease you anymore.

Hazel: What about you? Any boyfriend waiting back home?

Kelli: Oh, definitely not. I’m single and ready for a Pringle! [giggling] Besides, if I really was attached back home, that’d look really bad for me on the show.

Hazel: Why?

Kelli: Well, because of Elm…

Hazel: ...because of…?

Kelli: W-Well, I mean...I guess the show could portray me and Elmer as a bit of a uh...a bit of a couple.

Hazel: No. Way. You and Elmer are hooking up?

Kelli: Shh! Don’t put it like that!

Hazel: That’s certainly what it’s sounding like. [laughing] Spill the tea, come on!

Kelli bites her lip, clearly conflicted, as she looks back into Hazel’s earnest eyes.

Kelli: ...Promise you won’t tell?

Hazel: Of course! Tell, tell! I’m so curious now. I’m gonna, like, bug you about it until you tell me.

Kelli: Okay, well…[sighs] yeah, me and Elmer were kinda, sorta, maybe...a bit of a couple? I don’t-

Hazel: No way…

Kelli: It’s not anything official! We were just super close, is all, and people kept spreading rumors and stuff. It was nothing! Don’t read too much into it.

Hazel: So, do you like him?

Kelli: He’s alright. He’s cute. But that’s all!

Hazel: You totally do have a thing for him. [giggling]

Kelli: I feel so bad for telling you about it. Pinky promise you won’t tell the others?

Hazel: Of course. Pinky promise!

The two share a pinky promise as Hazel laughs at Kelli’s flush.

"mwali"

- Ugh...I am so dumb. [giggling] I know I said I was going to keep it a secret, that me and Elmer had a bit of a...part-showmance, part-strategic partnership going on, but...I totally let it slip to Hazel without even really meaning to! I may not be the biggest fan of her and Blake together, but when it's just us girls, I let my hair down. I was having a ton of fun chatting it up with her in the water that I just sorta...blurted it out. This may come back to bite me in the butt later, because information can be dangerous in this game, especially about a perceived pair or duo. But I'd like to have faith that I can trust Hazel, I think the two of us have built up a real connection during our brief time together already on Mwali. I’m holding out hope she’s not going to break her promise and immediately squeal about what she now knows.

The camera immediately cuts to Hazel whispering to Blake back at camp.

Hazel: I was with Kelli in the water earlier, and she spilled the beans about a secret showmance she’s a part of.

Blake: A showmance? Oh wow. With who?

Hazel: Elmer, on Pamanzi.

Blake: ...Huh. Well, isn’t that news. A showmance, with a veteran, no less? [shakes head] What could that girl have been thinking?

"mwali"

- Out of the blue this afternoon, Hazel casually comes up to me and drops a major bombshell of information, which is that Kelli...the intelligent, unassuming Kelli Santiago...has actually made a colossal error in judgment in starting up a “showmance”...with one Elmer Harrison on the other tribe. My first thought is, she’s made a monumental mistake. I thought Kelli was supposed to be cleverer than that. Showmances never prosper! One will almost always go home before the merge, because letting a showmance make it to the merge is basically introducing a unit of two votes into an already tense individual game. We can’t have that. I thought Carter should for sure be the one leaving. But now, I wonder...could there be merit in following through with the fake "plan" I told him, and taking Kelli out instead? I didn’t think she’d be much of a threat or more of one than Carter, even if she is propping up original Pamanzi numbers. But if she and Elmer really have this secret partnership happening, then that changes things, tremendously. Not only could she be the type of player to go invisible and fade into the background at the merge, which would be great camouflage for her...she’s also one half of a duo with an already strong player. I see Kelli in a new light now. Now...she’s become a problem.

The camera cuts to Carter and Kelli now talking out in the water and sharing a coconut, as Blake sits by the fire and watches them from the shelter, machete in hand, the tip of the blade swaying back and forth between the two, an apt metaphorical representation of him trying to decide which of the two players’ throats to cut.

Blake: One's gotta go…that’s for sure.

Hazel: I thought you wanted all the veterans out first.

Blake: You’re right. I don’t want to still have to play with Carter at the merge. The less veterans around for too long, the better it is for the rest of us. But...what you’ve just said changes the situation, a lot. Just as bad as returnees are the players who enable then. ...I’m gonna go talk to Carter.

Later that day, Blake and Carter are talking in the sand.

Blake: I wanted to talk to you a bit.

Carter: Sure?

Blake: I now can confidently assure you that you’re not going anywhere if we go to Tribal.

Carter: Then, who is?

Blake meets his eyes with a sly look.

Blake: It’ll be Kelli.

The camera cuts to an oblivious Kelli sitting with Keira in the shelter, smoke from the campfire’s dying embers wafting over them.

Carter: Because she’s from Pamanzi?

Blake: That’s part of the reason. But another thing is that it turns out she’s a lot closer to some, or one, of them than she let on. And that person is Elmer.

Carter: Is that true?

Blake: It’s what I’ve heard through the grapevine. Keep that information under wraps. But yes. If you want a place with us at the merge, like...I have Maverick on the other end too. That’s us four on Mwali, and you and Candy from Vailheu...we target the Pamanzi tribe members at the merge. That’s the four of them who haven’t been to Tribal Council yet…[counting on fingers] the two veterans, Elmer and Bridgette, and the two newbies, Randall and...Drew, I think his name was. But to weaken them, we take Kelli out when we get the chance. She’s completely alone on this tribe, totally vulnerable, exposed...nowhere to hide. We take her out, they lose a strong ally on the other side, and Elmer takes a big hit.

Carter chews on this information, mulling it over.

Carter: I’m liking what I’m hearing so far...

Blake: I know you no doubt feel some type of way about being the only veteran on this tribe, but I’m telling you to trust me. You don’t need to worry. Kelli’s going home next.

Carter: Yeah? Okay.

Blake: Do you trust me?

Carter: I trust you.

Blake: You have nothing to fear. She’s the target.

Carter: I believe you. I’m hoping we won’t even need to fret over this, though, if we just win the next challenge.

Blake: Right. That’s what I’d like too. But if it comes down to it, you’re safe. I want you to count on that. Shake on it?

He extends a hand and Carter chuckles, taking it firmly.

Carter: You got yourself a deal.

The camera cuts to the next scene, which is of Carter walking with Kelli to the well, both carrying their canteens with them.

Carter: Blake wants you gone now.

Kelli: Yeah? I’m surprised he didn’t just tell you you were the vote.

Carter: He claims he’d like to vote you off, at the next Tribal Council, to lessen Pamanzi numbers.

Kelli: Oooh, really…?

Carter shakes his head.

Carter: I’m not buying it.

Kelli: Don’t you?

Carter: I still think I’m the target. He’s trying to pull the wool over my eyes, but he’s not very subtle about it.

Kelli: Kinda hard to deny the big crosshairs that being a veteran has painted on your back, huh? Elmer used to talk about that stigma all the time.

Carter: Blake thinks he’s the top dog for sure. Of the three Mwali members, he’s the only one actively trying to make me feel safe but it stinks of disingenuity. Maybe I wouldn’t have recognized it so easily if I hadn’t played before with people lying to my face too.

Kelli: He thinks he’s running the show. I swear, it’s clear to see. I’d much rather knock him off his throne, to be honest.

The camera cuts to Blake chewing on a toothpick, picking at his teeth, as he lies back in the shelter next to Hazel, who is quietly sipping from a steaming mug of coffee beside him.

Carter: If we want to pull this off, we're going to need either Hazel or Keira. Three is all we need, and there’s two of us right here.

Kelli: I have a better relationship with Hazel, but I think there's no way she'd go along with it. She's just sheeping him right now.

Carter: If we do this, we'd have to lie to Hazel about it. I know you two are getting close, but…

Kelli: No, I'll do it. I mean, it's a game. We can be friends afterwards but I'll lie to her, no problem.

Carter: Then we’d need Keira.

Kelli and Carter have a small fist bump as they leave, and the camera centers on the devious look on Kelli’s face.

"mwali"

- Carter thinks Blake is after him. But whether Blake is coming for his head or mine, it doesn’t change the fact that he is making himself out to be the most obvious threat on this tribe with how he’s the only one actively playing the game. He’s built up this perception of him as the leader on this tribe, that with him out of the picture, Hazel and Keira would be like chickens with their heads cut off. I don’t feel safe on this tribe because even Hazel, whose company I do enjoy despite tribal lines, is more loyal to Blake than to me. I’m down in numbers, I’m without my original allies, I’m stuck on this tribe with Carter against the remaining forces of an empire...the only way I can truly protect myself is with an idol.

The camera cuts to Kelli hunting in the forest.

Kelli: Oh, idol...idol...where might you be? Hmm…

She hums to herself as she scurries all over, ducking under branches and digging near roots and bushes.

At last…

She reaches her hand in between two thick roots and draws out a small, blue package.

Kelli: Oh crap.

Glancing around her quickly to ensure she is unseen, Kelli unties her package with shaking fingers.

Kelli: Congratulations, you have found the CLUE to a hidden immunity idol…! Hoooly craaap…

She puts her clammy hand up to her mouth to suppress her delighted giggles, doubling over on the floor, eyes welling up with happy tears.

Kelli: Noooo waaaay...get out of here! [reading] At your next challenge, you will be tasked to climb over a series of A-frames. Attached to the underside of the first one is the idol. You must be daring enough to retrieve it in front of your unsuspecting tribemates...yadda yadda yadda...wow. Wow, this is...this is a gamechanger. Holy crap…

Kelli playfully celebrates, thrusting her fists in the air.

Kelli: I’m so happy right now! This is exactly what I needed. Thank you, Survivor gods! Thank you, thank you, thank you! [laughing]

"mwali"

- To pull off a blindside on Blake would be so epic, especially since he believes that since this is his home turf, he’s basically untouchable. He has Hazel on one side of him and Keira on the other, so of course he’s going to believe he’s well and truly protected. But guess what, Blake? All those fancy numbers won’t do you any good with an idol in play. I would love to be able to use this to snipe him out of this game. [laughing] I know he’s got this weird vendetta against veterans, and that’s no bueno! My closest ally on the other side is a veteran, and my closest ally on this side is ALSO a veteran. So taking Blake out before the merge is crucial, and it would be so satisfying to execute if we can pull it off properly. The Godfather, assassinated before the merge? ...I would like to see it.

Kelli tucks her clue into her underwear, pumps her fist one more time for the camera and hurries off, laughing.

Meanwhile, on the Vailheu beach…

Lisa is complaining in the shelter, for the umpteenth time.

Lisa: Did you hear that?

Her stomach growls in response.

Lisa: That’s my dying stomach.

Candy stares.

Lisa: I’m dying, Candy.

Candy: I know…

Lisa: Can I eat you?

Maverick and Constance, one sitting by the fire and the other in the shelter, watch with tired eyes as Lisa pretends to crawl on all fours to Candy.

Lisa: I’m so hungry, I’d even settle for eating candy even though I hate the stuff.

Candy: …

Lisa: Cavities, Candy, cavities…

Candy: Okay…

Lisa: Ugh...I’m starving…

Maverick glares at her.

Lisa: Although I’d much prefer a big, juicy steak…

Constance: Can we not talk about food?

A nearby cluck pulls Lisa out of her reverie.

Lisa: Y’all still have one chicken left from that reward this stupid tribe won a week ago.

She pulls her buff over her head.

Lisa: [muffled] Can we please...PLEASE cut up the chicken and eat it? I’m so huuungry…

The camera slowly zooms in on Maverick’s exhausted expression.

Lisa: Let’s [censored] kill it. Dudes! Let’s do it. Let’s feast tonight. So we go in to the challenge tomorrow, stronger and rejuvenated.

Constance: I told you already, we’re saving that chicken.

Lisa: No. We need sustenance. It’s logical!

Maverick: Honestly, I’m close to caving too, Constance.

Lisa: Please? Please please please…

Constance: Don’t be a child.

Lisa scowls.

Constance: [sighs] ...Do you really want to?

Lisa: [censored], I need it. Let’s eat the [censored]!

The chicken clucks in fearful response in its cage nearby, as Lisa watches it with beady eyes and a hungry gaze.

The camera cuts to Maverick now raising the axe, ready to chop the chicken’s head off, before cutting away before he kills it.

Soon, there is chicken boiling in the pot of water, with Maverick stirring fruitfully as Lisa watches, practically salivating.

Lisa: I’m so excited!

Maverick: This chicken soup will at least make it so it fills us up more.

Lisa: I couldn’t care less if you made chicken frittata. I just want to eat.

Maverick leaves the ladle alone.

Maverick: Here, pour the soup into the shells we have available. I’ll go get another one for Constance.

He gets up to go, as Lisa stirs the pot, peering inside.

Maverick clambers into the shelter to get another shell, while Candy and Constance begin clambering out of it. Lisa is lifting the pot off the fire, grunting.

Lisa: Lemme...just…

Candy: Lisa, wait!

Without warning, Lisa drops the pot and it topples on its side. Candy and Constance rush to lift it up again, and Constance yelps as her hand makes contact with the hot liquid. Candy uprights the pot but the damage has been done: most of the soup is pooling in the dirt and sand, creating a very fragrant puddle.

Maverick stares at Lisa with a dumbfounded look on his face.

Maverick: You did NOT just do that.

Lisa: [censored] me…

Lisa puts her head in her hands.

Lisa: It slipped out of my hands. I’m so sorry. Maverick, I’m so sorry…

Maverick sighs, draping his buff over his shoulder.

Lisa: [censored]...now what are we gonna eat?

Candy is scooping up what’s left of the soup.

Candy: We have a couple shellfulls left...Constance, are you okay?

Constance: Yeah. Don’t worry. I got scalded a bit but I think I’m alright…

Candy: No, scalding is serious. Do you need to see medical? Here, let me take a look at it…

Lisa: I’m gonna go get some coconuts or something...for everyone, of course.

She leaves a little awkwardly, still a bit shaken.

Constance is nursing a now bandaged hand, but looks alright.

Candy: Are you feeling a little better?

Constance: Yes. Thank you, I’m fine. I’ll be alright.

Maverick watches Lisa leaving down the beach, eyes shimmering.

Maverick: I’m starting to think I made a mistake, you guys.

Candy: What?

Maverick: I shouldn’t have taken out Markus. Should’ve been her.

Candy: No, look. Don’t second guess yourself, alright? It’s a game. I’m not fond of her either. But that’s in the past, what’s done is done. No sense looking back and having these “what-ifs” go through your head.

Maverick massages his face with a tired sigh.

Maverick: I just don’t want us to lose the next challenge again so bad...I don’t want taking Markus out to have proven to be a disastrous move…

Candy: We’ll be fine. We can do it, can’t we, Constance?

Constance: Yes, we can.

Maverick: But with her on the team, and even now, Constance, your hand…

Constance: ...is fine. Maverick, it’s okay. Don’t blame yourself.

Maverick: I know. I know, I’m overreacting. It just sucks...thinking how we’ll probably lose again.

Candy: If we lose...we just take her out. Nothing to worry about.

Maverick: What if she has an idol?

Candy: She won’t. She doesn’t.

Candy reaches out to squeeze Maverick on the shoulder, and Constance takes his hand with her uninjured one.

Candy: If you hadn’t taken Markus out, I might not be here. We may be the underdogs heading into the challenge but that doesn’t mean we’ll lose.

Constance: Exactly.

Candy: I’m grateful to you for what you did. You saved my life, I wouldn’t still be in this game if not for you.

Maverick: ...Yeah…

Candy: So thank you.

Candy: Think how great it would be if we won the upcoming challenge though? Like...I think it’s safe to say we’re a bunch of misfits now. No one would see it coming.

Constance: [laughing] Not even I would see it coming!

The camera fades away as the trio laugh.

Meanwhile, on the Vailheu tribe…

The five castaways are chilling out in the shelter.

Drew: I still can’t believe Markus is gone. He played such a scrappy underdog game his first time, I never thought I’d see the day he’d get voted out, even on a second season.

Mallorie shrugs.

Mallorie: Carter always said that Markus was the most deserving player on Mozambique and a massive threat. It’s really no surprise he’s gone so early this time around.

Elmer: While I’ve never met Markus before or really knew him, I did respect him as a player. I think the game’s going to be better now without having to compete against him anymore.

Randall: [rolls eyes] You said the same thing about Erin.

Elmer: Because it’s true.

Randall: Bet the game’d be better too once I don’t have to compete against you.

Drew and Bridgette stiffen at this, but Elmer shrugs it off with a wry smile.

Elmer: I know, I know. Stigma against veterans is real right now…

Mallorie: Amen to that.

Randall: Hmph.

Randall pokes at one of his insect bites.

Randall: Look at this one. It’s so big, and red and...irritated.

He scratches at it furiously.

Elmer: Don’t. You’ll just irritate your skin further.

Randall: I have sensitive skin, okay? Just cause you’re used to it…

Elmer: I’m not. I just hide my own bites daily.

Randall: So you’re saying I need to suck it up?

Elmer: I never said that.

Randall: But you suggested it.

Elmer: What? No. I never suggested anything.

Randall: Suuure…

Mallorie looks like she wants to laugh, looking between the two of them.

"vailheu"

- Randall...he's like the male version of Lisa. Everything and anything under the sun, he likes to complain about like she did, he doesn't do much around camp and he seems to have a vendetta against one veteran in particular, in this case being Elmer instead of me. Usually a guy like Randall would typically get on my nerves, but in this case, I get the sense Randall genuinely sees the opportunity in this game to work with me to make a move because he’s so against Elmer and so for that, I can put up with his whining and I’d like to use him to get me further in the game.

Mallorie: Elmer, you want to go get more firewood? The flames are getting low.

Elmer: Sure. Let’s go.

When Mallorie and Elmer leave, Randall turns and complains more to Bridgette and Drew.

Randall: You guys, I swear...I want to blindside him so bad. I really do, you have no idea. He is so condescending, it’s unreal…

Bridgette gives the camera a subtle eye roll that Randall misses out on.

Randall: How delicious would it be? I’ve really been tossing it around in my head the last few weeks. Like, not having to go to Tribal Council yet is almost a blessing and a curse because I’ve been itching to blindside him for what feels like forever. It’s a double-edged sword, really.

Drew: You should never wish to go to Tribal. That’s just jinxing yourself.

Randall: I know. But imagine sending him home before the merge, a vet with his reputation…

Drew: Do you really want him to be our first vote if we lose?

Randall: Have you met me, Drew?

Bridgette is quiet, listening to them talk.

Drew: I’m still not comfortable with that.

Randall: Well, one of us is gonna get their way in the end…

"vailheu"

- It has been two weeks of living with Randall and Elmer...two full weeks of having to listen to them both bitch and moan about each other, especially Randall about Elmer. I wish I could say I’m used to it by now, and I almost kinda am. That hasn’t made it any less annoying to put up with on a daily basis though. I’d still rather us four from OG Pamanzi stay the course, and get Mallorie out first. I have no relationship with Mallorie, and I think she’s a very dangerous player in this game. It makes more sense to take her out and isolate her allies from OG Vailheu rather than waste a vote on this childish Randall-Elmer feud. I don’t want Elmer to go so soon. Not only is he a good meat shield for me as another athletic, sociable, strategic jack-of-all-trades male player, but he’s also an ally of mine who I do have trust with despite knowing I’ll have to take him out eventually. I really think tribal lines are important and it’s better to have us Pamanzi remain Pamanzi-strong, regardless of what kind of rivalry Randall and Elmer have and eve nif that means I have to keep playing the role of mediator between the awkward pair. I’m playing with emotional players here, key person being Randall, so...getting them to put aside their feud for the sake of a logical vote won’t be an easy task.

Mallorie returns in time to hear Randall continue on with the rest of his spiel.

Bridgette: Where’s Elmer gone?

Mallorie: He went to take a walk. What’d I miss?

Bridgette: Just more of Randall [censored]-ing on Elmer. The usual, pretty much. [chuckling]

Randall: You know what? I think I’m gonna take a walk of my own too.

He leaves. Mallorie turns back to Drew and Bridgette after Randall is gone.

Mallorie: Has he always been, you know...this vocal about disliking…?

Drew: [chuckling] Oh yeah.

Bridgette: It's all he ever talks about, honestly.

"vailheu"

- I love that Randall can’t stand Elmer’s guts. It takes the target off of me as the outcast on this tribe, and paints it clearly on one of their backs. Not even one in particular, because Drew and Bridgette could honestly swing either way. I see Bridgette being close with Elmer, but Drew also has a weird, odd bromance pair with Randall that I can’t quite understand, but it’s whatever. Now...I'm getting a little cunning idea in my head on how to go about this...odd catfight drama going on between Elmer and Randall. Two guys trying to duke it out and get one up over the other is the perfect dynamic for me to exploit on this tribe, because their egos will blind them to common sense and they won’t work with each other when it’s their best course of action, and I can skate by unscathed.

Hours pass, and the camera cuts to Mallorie sitting down with Randall by the rocks.

Mallorie: Okay. I wanted to get the chance to talk to you properly, one-on-one.

Randall: That works for me. I was hoping to get the chance to discuss strategy with you too.

Mallorie: Is this about Elmer?

Randall: [chuckling] You’ve figured me out.

Mallorie: Wasn’t hard.

Randall: Look, you know I’m not his biggest fan.

Mallorie: That’s an understatement. It’s clear to see, even to a girl like me who’s only been with you for less than a week.

Randall: I’m gonna level with you. If and when we lose a challenge and go to Tribal, like...I don’t know what promises Elmer and Bridgette may have made you, because you three might have a returnees’ alliance thing going on? But...I’m pretty sure you’d still be the target.

Mallorie: You really believe that, or are you just blowing smoke up my ass and telling me what I want to hear?

Randall: I am being real with you right now. Drew wants us to stay Pamanzi-strong. He wants the four of us to unite and vote you out.

Mallorie: Really? That’s Drew’s idea?

Randall: Yes. And as far as I know, Elmer is on board with it. He thinks you’re a threat too. I believe, when push comes to shove, Drew will be able to convince Elmer to vote you out first, before the merge, because that’s how much of a threat they think you are. And I would rather keep you around, because you can help me get rid of Elmer.

Mallorie swallows, clearly thinking hard.

Randall: Elmer is coming after you. I can get Drew to back off, but I'm telling you, I want to vote Elmer off, and we have the numbers to make it happen. Elmer is a threat to you, more than he is an ally. He has a lot of strong connections, that I’m willing to help you sever. This girl, Kelli, on the other tribe now? She and him were tight, so tight, like you would not believe.

Mallorie nods, listening, and absorbing.

Randall: You let them two make the merge together, and that’s a powerful duo that you’ve let sneaky by. Elmer needs to leave before that can happen. You and Bridgette used to be friends, you can get her to vote with you. She’s known you for years now, you shared such an important bond together. How long has she known Elmer? What, like...a couple weeks? Elmer is not being genuine about any kind of veteran’s deal. I’m certain he wants to side with Drew’s idea to get you out first.

"vailheu"

- ...Here’s what intriuges me the most about this tribe. You would think that...with four members of Pamanzi and one member of Vailheu, tribal dynamics wouldn’t be very convoluted. But every single one of those four Pamanzi members have their own individual goals for how they’d like our next vote to go. For such a straightforward tribe divided by one line, it is a surprisingly messy web of relationships and strategies. I have a returnees’ alliance with Bridgette and Elmer, and our first target would have to be one of the new players, either Randall or Drew, and most likely it’d be Randall, on account of his and Elmer’s feud. But Randall tells me, rather stupidly too, I might add...that his own best friend Drew is captaining an ill-fated Pamanzi-strong charge to get me out instead. First off, I think Randall’s a moron for spilling the beans about his own closest ally and throwing him under the bus in an attempt to curry favor with me. Having been lucky enough to never attend Tribal Council yet, ironically thanks to Elmer, his overeagerness to make a move really shines here in a splendid display of rookie inexperience. And at the heart of it, Randall himself just wants Elmer gone, and he’s willing to use me to get his way. I could be playing one of two roles here, and that’s either the one on the outs who’s about to get the boot if Drew gets his way, or...I could be the swing vote in this battle for dominance between Elmer and Randall. It all depends on if I trust in Bridgette’s returnees’ alliance and in Elmer’s loyalty...or if I believe Randall really could get Drew to back off wanting to target me, and I really did believe it would serve me better to take Elmer out now for being such a huge threat, and risk burning my already solid relationship with Bridgette. ...This game just got very interesting. If we were to go to Tribal Council now, I...honestly don’t know where everyone would be swinging. Things are so up in the air...that I think everyone should rightfully be afraid of where the cards are gonna fall, because when they do, it is going to be...chaotic.

Day 15
The camera cuts to a shot of the next challenge, even as rain falls from the sky in a light but consistent drizzle that shows no signs of stopping any time soon.

Jeff: Come on in, guys!

The three tribes come in one after the other.

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

He takes the immunity idols back from Hazel and Elmer respectively.

Jeff: Alright. Today...only one immunity idol is up for grabs.

Reactions of shock appear all across the board.

Bridgette: Wait...what?

Hazel: [gasps] No…

Drew: [chuckling] Ah crap.

Maverick runs a hand down his weary face, prepared for the worst news to drop. Elmer chuckles.

Jeff: That is because the two losing tribes…

The camera focuses on the petrified expression on Candy’s face.

Jeff: ...will attend Tribal Council...together.

Candy: What the heeeck…

Lisa: We are so [censored] screwed.

Maverick: [irritated] Calm down.

Lisa: No! We’re screwed. Look at us.

Constance: Shh…

Lisa scowls, hanging her head.

Jeff: Here’s how this is gonna work. For today’s challenge, you will race over a set of A-frames carrying a set of ropes. You will then use the rope to pull a heavy crate of vertical puzzle tiles to the finish line. Use the pieces inside the crate to solve a dragon puzzle. First tribe to finish their puzzle...wins immunity. The other two tribes will attend Tribal Council as one tribe...and vote one person out.

Maverick: Holy [censored].

Drew: [murmuring] This is huge…

Randall: [chuckling] What a twist.

Jeff: Big stakes, worth playing for? Before we get started, Vailheu and Mwali, you each have one extra person, gotta sit someone out. Cannot sit out the same person in back-to-back challenges, so that means Randall and Kelli must both compete. Who’re you gonna sit out?

Bridgette raises her hand.

Jeff: Bridgette, gonna sit out for Vailheu. Mwali?

Hazel: I’ll sit out.

Jeff: Alright. Bridgette and Hazel, take your spots on the bench. Everybody else, we’ll get started.

The camera briefly cuts to the A-frames on the Mwali portion of the challenge, then to Kelli’s idol, tucked away beneath the first A-frame.

The three tribes take their spots.

Jeff: For immunity, Survivors ready? Go!

The three tribes race out to tackle the first of three tall A-frames.

Jeff: These frames are gonna be extra slippery from the rain…

Sure enough, the castaways are struggling to climb up.

Kelli: Ah!

Kelli slips back downwards, skidding her knee.

Kelli: Ow…[censored]...

Maverick makes an attempt to run up his frame but slides back down.

Maverick: Damn…

Elmer: Here, climb on my shoulders. I’ll boost you up.

Elmer braces Mallorie as she clambers up him.

Mallorie: Not enough. Someone, climb up over me!

Jeff: The Vailheu tribe, now resorting to using their tribe members as rungs on a human ladder…

Randall is shown clambering up above Mallorie now, stepping atop her shoulders and pressing his whole body up against the frame, reaching out for the top.

Randall: I can’t reach it. Drew!

Drew is now precariously climbing up the human ladder. Noting their strategy, the other two tribes are attempting the same.

Maverick: Alright. Hop on up.

He braces himself against the frame as Candy jumps onto his clasped hands and pushes herself up onto his shoulders.

Candy: Lisa, climb up me.

Lisa: Really? How-

Candy: Just do it! Please!

Carter: Alright, let’s do what they’re doing.

Blake: Good plan. Kelli, climb!

Kelli hops onto Carter as he boosts her up.

Jeff: This is what Survivor is all about. Teamwork, and working together, to get through certain obstacles!

Drew is now up on his frame, and pulls Mallorie up.

Bridgette: Go, Vailheu!

Mallorie: Elmer, get up here!

Elmer runs up the wall, as both Mallorie and Drew grab him by the arms and drag him up.

Randall takes a few steps back to get a running start.

Elmer: Up you get, that’s it. I got you.

Randall takes a deep breath and races up the slope, grabbing Elmer's hand as the latter pulls him up and over.

Jeff: Vailheu over the first frame! Vailheu again off to an early lead!

Bridgette cheers.

They race to the next frame.

Keira is climbing up and pulling herself atop the frame now.

Kelli: Keira, help me up!

Keira reaches down to pull her up, and she sits atop the frame next to Keira.

Carter: Alright, we’re coming up now!

Carter and Blake are still down below, gauging the distance needed to get a running start.

As Keira watches them and prepares to help pull them up, Kelli scoots over to the side of the frame. The camera zooms in on her sticking her hand beneath the frame, feeling for the idol.

She finds it, and pulls it loose as Carter runs up the frame, Blake patting him on the back.

Keira: Reach!

Keira grabs Carter by the hand and pulls at the same time that Kelli releases the idol and shoves it into the back of her pants.

The Pamanzi tribe is struggling.

Maverick: C’mon, Constance…[grunts]

Constance is standing on Lisa’s shoulders with shaking, unsteady legs. She grips the top of the frame and winces, her bandaged hand clearly still causing her considerable discomfort.

Candy: You can do it, Constance! You’re a warrior, come on!

Constance: Agh!

Constance slips and almost falls, as Lisa grips onto her thighs to steady her.

Constance: I can’t grip it...it’s too wet…

Jeff: Pamanzi, struggling right out of the gate as usual…

Carter reaches down, offering a hand to Blake to help him up as he races up half the slope.

Carter: C'mon, Blake! There you go.

The four Mwali members have now also crossed their first frame.

Jeff: Mwali moving on to their next frame, trying to catch up to Pamanzi! In this immunity challenge, you cannot hope for second place. You want to stay in this game? You need...to win...this challenge.

Mallorie is now climbing onto Drew's shoulders, stretching her hand out.

Drew: Can you reach it?

Mallorie: Almost...I got it!

Mallorie is pulling herself up now, extending a hand down to Drew.

Mallorie: Grab my hand!

Drew pulls himself up to join her.

Jeff: Vailheu working together really well, flying ahead to a massive early lead! But anything can happen on Survivor. Mwali, working hard to catch up!

Carter is again boosting Blake and Hazel up.

Carter: Almost there...you got this…

Kelli is stretching her fingertips out to try and reach the top of the frame.

Kelli: Ugh...still too far!

Hazel has her hands in her hair as she watches on the side.

Hazel: Goooo, Mwali!

Maverick: Come on, Candy. You can reach it…

Candy is now at the top of the Pamanzi human ladder, and as Lisa pushes her feet up, she lunges upwards and snags the top of the frame, squirrelling her way up.

Lisa: Yes!

Candy: Ungh!

Jeff: Candy finally scales the frame. Now help your tribemates up! Pamanzi has a lot of time to make up, they let the other two tribes get very far ahead, but any manner of comebacks do happen on Survivor...you never give up!

The Vailheu four are now racing over the second frame, over to their crate of puzzle pieces with their ropes.

Jeff: Vailheu now gonna pull their crate of puzzle pieces to the end. This is a very heavy crate! You will need all your tribe members to work together on this!

The four of them hook their ropes around the crate and start to pull.

Elmer: Your finger okay, Randall?

Randall: Shut the [censored] man, don’t patronize me.

Elmer: What? No, I’m seriously asking. You’ve been complaining that it still hurts, I don’t want you to get rope burn.

Randall: Just pull the damn rope.

Mallorie: Guys! Save the bickering for later. Honestly, you’re like children.

Jeff: The Vailheu four actually have the time to argue amongst themselves in the middle of such a crucial challenge...I’m amazed.

Drew: Come on, guys. We can’t lose this lead…

The four of them continue to pull their crate as the Mwali tribe struggles to catch up.

Carter is about to take a running start now too, as Keira dangles her arm over the side for him.

Keira: Jump!

He runs up the wall and grabs her arm, and Keira’s bicep ripples impressively as she pulls him up to her side.

Jeff: Mwali is over their frame, they can start pulling their crate now!

Meanwhile, over with Pamanzi…

The four misfits are now at the second frame, but are facing even more difficulty than before, looking more drained physically than ever.

Maverick: [struggling to lift the girls] Climb...up…[grunting]

Jeff: This ragtag team of four continues to struggle again…

Lisa: Ahh!

Lisa falls off Candy's shoulders.

Jeff: ...and again…

Maverick’s tongue is hanging out like a dog’s, as he gasps for air.

Jeff: Maverick is EXHAUSTED!

Candy: [panting] We can’t [censored] do it…

Lisa shuts her eyes, tuning out the world as she wipes sweat off her forehead with the buff around her wrist.

The Vailheu four finally get their crate to the end.

Mallorie: Go, go!

The four of them race to open it up.

Jeff: It is Mallorie and Drew, working on the puzzle for Vailheu...with only one tribal immunity idol on the line, everyone wants that sense of security. You have to earn it!

Mallorie and Drew get all their pieces out and begin to work on assembling their puzzle.

The Mwali four are pulling their crate too.

Carter: One, two, three...pull!

Keira: Pull!

Kelli cries out as the rope flies out of her hand.

Blake: Grip it, Kelli!

Kelli: I know, sorry!

Jeff: Mwali racing to catch Vailheu, who got up to an early lead and have maintained it throughout the challenge, and show no signs of letting up…

Bridgette pumps her fists on the sitout bench. Hazel shoots her an amused sideways look.

Jeff: Vailheu has just...given up. All four sitting around, completely drained…

Lisa, Candy and Maverick are in the dirt, catching their breath.

Constance: Come on, people. We can't give up now. We can still keep going-

Lisa: Forget it. It's over. There's no way we're catching up to them.

Constance: That’s not the right attitude to have. Persev-

Lisa: Woman, there’s no way we’re getting second place, let alone first. And first place is what we need! To win! We’re done.

Jeff: Mwali has their pieces at the end! Get started on your puzzle!

The four of them race to open their crate.

Jeff: It is Blake and Keira working on the puzzle for Mwali. But they have a lot of catching up to do to catch Vailheu. Will it be enough? Or are Drew and Mallorie too far ahead?

Drew: Jeff! Jeff!

Jeff runs over as Drew and Mallorie suddenly step away from their puzzle, seemingly finished.

Jeff: Is this it?

Blake glances over in despair.

The camera zooms in on the puzzle, which has more than a couple mismatched pieces.

Jeff: It is...wrong! Vailheu thought they had it, but something’s not right!

Drew: Shoot!

Mallorie: Come on, help me look at it.

Jeff: That opens the door for Mwali to swoop in…

Constance stares at her fellow tribemates.

Constance: Are we just giving up?

Maverick: I’m sorry, Constance. I think we’re doomed.

Jeff: It is Blake and Keira, taking on Drew and Mallorie. One pair will win tribal immunity for their tribe and the other will lose it. Pamanzi, sad to say, are completely out of the equation now…

Blake and Keira are swapping pieces around at the speed of light.

Blake: No, not that piece. This piece. This piece, this piece!

Keira doesn’t retort as Blake swats a piece out of her hand.

Blake: Get that one!

Keira rushes to recover from her mistake, as Blake hurries about, putting pieces left and right in a frantic attempt to catch Drew and Mallorie.

Jeff: Blake and Keira making quick progress, but Drew and Mallorie have recovered nicely! Is it too late? Can they do it?

Drew and Mallorie are moving extremely fast with rapid movements, swapping out wrong piece after wrong piece as their puzzle soon begins to take proper shape.

Elmer: Yes...yes, you got it…

Randall puts his arms over his head.

Randall: Let’s do this, guys...

Jeff: Drew and Mallorie, seconds away from solving this puzzle, working together like clockwork!

Randall: Holy [censored], no way…

Elmer laughs, patting Randall on the stomach in a surprising bout of enthusiasm.

Candy glances sourly at them, shaking her head with visible disappointment.

Candy: Welp, we're going to Tribal.

Lisa: [snorts] Ya think?

Maverick can only breathe heavily in defeat as he watches Drew and Mallorie insert piece after correct piece, until finally…

Jeff: Vailheu wins immunity, sending Mwali and Pamanzi to Tribal Council together!

The Vailheu tribe explodes into exhilarated yells of victory. Drew and Mallorie use both hands to high five each other as Elmer and Randall and even Bridgette, racing over, envelope them in a tight group hug.

Elmer: Awesome job…

Bridgette: I can't believe how close that was.

Blake and Keira are more than halfway done. Blake groans, seeing them finished. Keira lets the lone puzzle piece in her hand drop defeatedly into the dirt.

Drew: Let’s keep this win streak up to the merge.

Bridgette: No Tribal! [laughing]

Soon, the three tribes take their places back on their mats.

Jeff: Vailheu...this was an important immunity win. Good job.

He hands a shining Bridgette the idol, who holds it out for the other four to rub and touch lovingly.

Jeff: Lisa…

Lisa’s face is stormy.

Jeff: You don’t look happy.

Lisa: I’m just disappointed, Jeff. I feel like we can’t ever win. It’s demoralizing.

Constance looks down sadly. Maverick hangs his head, scratching the back of his neck.

Jeff: Keira, this was a huge loss. Now, both your tribe and the Pamanzi tribe must attend Tribal Council together. And at the end of it all, only one person among this group of nine, not all of whom will have met before, will be going home.

Keira: It is tough, Jeff. It’s a devastating thing. But it’s the game. We just gotta roll with the punches.

Bridgette nods sympathetically. Blake scratches his beard, eyes fluttering closed.

Jeff: Alright. Mwali and Pamanzi, the nine of you will come to Tribal Council tonight as one tribe. But for now, you will be heading back to your respective beaches and you have the rest of the day to decide how tonight’s gonna play out. Grab your things and head back to camp. I’ll see you at Tribal.

The tribes leave.

The camera focuses on Candy as she walks.

The camera cuts to the Pamanzi tribe returning to their camp.

The sour expression on Lisa’s face is zoomed in on as she tosses her bag into the shelter depths.

Maverick plants the tribe flag in the sand, putting his hands on his hips.

Maverick: I’m sorry, guys.

Constance: You have nothing to apologize for.

She casts a subtle glare at Lisa, who is already stalking off.

Seeing Lisa leave, Maverick turns to address Candy and Constance in a hushed whisper.

Maverick: This is bad.

Candy: Yeah?

Maverick: If it was just us going to Tribal, our only concern would be an idol. We could’ve voted her off and been done with her. But with Mwali coming to Tribal too…

Candy: They have the numbers over us. They have one extra member.

Maverick: Exactly.

Constance: So they could have their pick of the lot in deciding which one of us they want to leave out to dry.

Maverick: Basically, yeah.

Constance: How is this going to play out?

Candy bites her lip, in another headspace of her own entirely.

Candy: You think we could convince them all to vote Lisa with us?

The camera cuts to Lisa lazily lounging on the beach, washing her arms and legs in the shallow water.

Constance: Would those five agree to it?

Candy: I think so. Carter would do it, I believe. Lisa has been a thorn in our sides for very long. And if we suggest voting Lisa, it means we wouldn’t be voting any of them out. It’s more incentive for them to do the same so they can retain their numbers. Lisa would be, like, our sacrifice to them, for us all to make it out of Tribal unscathed.

Maverick: Yeah, I suppose. And I could talk to Blake and Hazel about it.

Candy: My only concern though is that they might try to do something else.

Constance: Like what?

Candy: Like...if all three of us vote Lisa, there’s always a possibility they band together, and decide...why not vote one of the three of us out instead? They’d still have the numbers. They could take out any one of us, leave the other two stuck with Lisa and we’d be even worse off in the next challenge.

Maverick’s shoulders sag.

Maverick: I’m not gonna lie, I could see Blake being crafty enough to try to pull something like that off.

Candy: I hope it won’t happen. But it’s a possibility we should rightfully consider.

Maverick: We could always...try to get them to vote one of theirs off.

Constance: Like who?

Maverick: Well...if I can get my Mwali folk on my side…

Candy: And if I can get Carter…

Maverick: We can try aiming for Kelli instead. She’s the only one on that side who we have no real allegiance to. Constance?

Constance: I admit...it does sound tantalizing. I knew Kelli was targeting me before, so...this could be the time to get her out.

Candy: But of course, there’s no guarantee it’ll work. The Mwali guys might just decide it’s not worth it to lose one of their members.

Maverick: So we could all try and go for Kelli, to keep the numbers on both tribes even...or we could try offering Lisa up as a sacrifice, lose even more of our numbers in the next challenge, and hope they don’t lie to us about their actual target and spare our weakest member by going for one of the three of us.

Candy: And that’s not even considering what their own tribe dynamics are like.

Maverick: My problem is, I have no idea what they could be thinking. Blake is an enigma. Knowing what he’s like, I know that whatever he’s thinking of...I’ll basically never get the full picture. He’s a mystery. He could try to get his tribe to pull off something big, or maybe he’ll really manage to rally them all to take the most cohesive option for both tribes and let us send Lisa home.

Candy: What is Blake even like anyway?

Lisa is coming over now, to join in the conversation.

Lisa: Hey. What’re you guys talking about?

Maverick: Talking about the other tribe. Blake, in particular. Back on old Mwali, people called him "The Godfather".

Lisa: Really? That's...so lame. [laughing] Like, beyond lame.

Candy: Can he be trusted to help us out?

Maverick: I want to say...yes.

Lisa: Help us out with what? What’s the plan going into tonight?

Constance: We were thinking...Kelli.

Lisa: Kelli? And you’re fine with that, Constance?

Constance: Yes. I am.

Lisa: I thought you were both on the same tribe before.

Constance: Yes, but we weren’t working together.

Lisa: Fair enough. I have no one else left, so...I’ll write down whatever name y’all tell me. If it’s Kelli, it’s Kelli. I won’t fight against it.

Maverick: [nods] Okay.

Candy: I’ll do my best to convince Carter it’s what we’re trying to do.

Lisa: You want to get Carter to vote with us?

Maverick: We wouldn’t have the numbers otherwise. We need to get a sense of where their heads are at tonight...whether they’re close with Kelli or whether they’re deadset on keeping the five of their numbers together, and sending one of us four home. I’ll work on Blake and Hazel.

Lisa walks away from the rest of the tribe as the group disperses. She plops into the sand a distance away where she cannot be overheard by the other three, and sighs, running her fingers in the sand.

Lisa: I don’t know what to do...heck, I don’t even know if they’re lying to me or not...

Meanwhile, on the Mwali beach…

The five Mwali tribe members are sitting around the fire, all looking solemn.

Blake: Okay, team. We need to work together on this.

Carter: Right?

Hazel: Yeah.

Blake: This is unprecedented for sure. [laughs] But the good news is...we got the majority.

Kelli: Exactly, yeah. We have the numbers tonight. The only way it goes wrong is an idol.

Blake: So we need to be smart, and be careful about who we put our votes on.

He holds up four fingers.

Blake: There are only gonna be four options. Since tonight it's gonna be us versus them, for the sake of transparency, we should have, like, an open forum or group discussion.

Hazel: Right, good idea.

Blake: I think Maverick is with us. So I don’t want it to be him. I know he’s their best player in challenges right now, but I’m still confident with him and two other girls left, they’d be no worse than if we took him out. So I don’t want to target him. Carter, I’d assume you don’t want us to target Candy.

Carter: [rests chin on hands] Yup.

Blake: So I’d say, we can compromise, and just go for one of the other two women remaining, who none of us here are connected to or strong with. Kelli, you don’t care if it’s Constance, right?

Kelli: You’re right, I don’t.

Blake: And Carter, you and Lisa clearly had your problems. You’re fine with it being her?

Carter: Sure. I honestly think that...Candy wouldn't be against voting for Lisa either. We could count on her vote.

Hazel: If tonight works out, we won’t even need it. [chuckling]

Blake: I think our smartest option is...tonight, we go into Tribal Council, and publicly announce who we’re voting for. If Lisa really is as unpopular with people as Carter says she is...then there’s a chance Maverick and Candy and Constance will vote for her with us, and we can leave Tribal Council peacefully without too much drama on either side.

Kelli: So the vote is Lisa?

Blake: That’s the plan. We head in tonight, tell them the plan, and work together to get rid of an easy vote and common enemy.

Keira: That seems very risky.

Hazel: What if they play an idol on Lisa?

Blake: I doubt that would happen. Maverick’s loyal to us. He wouldn’t try to blindside one of us for this girl.

Carter: Candy would never play an idol on her either.

Kelli: And I highly, highly doubt Constance, of all people there, would be the one to have an idol.

Hazel: Would Lisa have one then?

Carter: I don’t think anything’s impossible on Survivor.

Blake: But you said she was lazy, right? Lazy people don’t find idols, not unless they were blessed by the Survivor gods...literally! So...you guys all good on the plan? We’re doing Lisa?

Hazel: [nods] Yup.

Carter: Sure.

Keira: I’m alright with it.

Kelli: As good as plan as any.

Blake: Lisa, it is. Okay, done. Dismissed. [laughing]

Blake pretends to wave them all away and Hazel laughs as the group disperses.

"mwali"

- With both Mwali and Pamanzi going to Tribal tonight...I'm abandoning the plan to blindside Kelli tonight. Before the announcement that it’d be two tribes at one Tribal, me, Hazel and Keira could have easily controlled the numbers to blindside Kelli, and take out one of Elmer’s close connections before the merge. There was nothing either Carter nor Kelli could’ve done to prevent it, and likely, Kelli would have believed Carter was the target anyway, which he was, initially. But now that I know it’s two tribes together...another idea’s hatching in my head. And it’s not Lisa. ...Carter and Kelli believe the plan is to vote Lisa out tonight. It’s the simple vote, she has no one on either tribe looking out for her, right? Well...why not we vote out Carter instead? That’s who my ideal target would’ve been before the Kelli-Elmer bombshell Hazel dropped on me. Maverick’s on the other tribe. And I know I can trust him. If I can get Hazel to whisper to him tonight at Tribal that the Lisa vote is a decoy, and the real target we’re going for is Carter...we can get him to vote with us. Us four Mwali can come together once more as the Mwali “Family”, and we blindside Carter tonight while both him and Kelli, and the other tribe, believe the vote will be Lisa. And that’s another veteran out of the game. [spreads hands]

Blake rendezvouses with Hazel in a secluded spot of the woods.

Blake: It’s not Lisa.

Hazel: It’s not? Who do you want it to be, then?

Blake: I’m thinking Carter.

Hazel: Yeah? Shoot, I’m on board. Just tell me how.

Blake: We get Maverick to vote him too, easily. We know we have him.

Hazel: Yeah?

Blake: Us three, and Keira, put our votes on Carter. Carter and Kelli think it’s Lisa, they vote for her. Because I told Carter the vote was Kelli before, even if he doesn’t believe the Lisa plan, he’ll think Kelli’s in more danger than him.

Hazel: Ohhhh, that’s good. That’s clever.

Blake: And if Lisa somehow has an idol played on her, it won’t matter, because-

Hazel: -because Carter’s getting all the votes. Holy crap!

Blake: Let’s say we need one more person. We can get Maverick to pull in the other Pamanzi member on that side. What’s her name again, Constance? Yeah, we can maybe try getting her to vote Carter too. She’s alone with no other Pamanzi except Kelli, and they don’t even have a good relationship from what I hear. She’s a free agent, so she can be our extra number.

Hazel: We are thinking, like, five or six steps ahead right now. I’m in love with this.

Blake: You want to do this?

Hazel: Are you kidding me? Of course I would! It’s a classic #Survivor blindside! I am so in! This is amazing!

Blake: Everyone on their side is gonna think we’re gunning for one of them. Imagine the look on their faces when they watch us blindside Carter instead.

"mwali"

- [holds out hands] I...love blindsides. Okay, I mean...who doesn’t? They’re the crux of this show! No one comes onto Survivor and goes, “I don’t want to blindside people”. Blindsides are what makes Survivor fun! And Blake wants to pull a fast one on Carter, and the fact that he pulled me in on this first out of everyone else, just goes to show how much he trusts me. I’m not gonna be dead weight. I’m gonna make sure Keira and Maverick know the plan tonight, and we can get the votes we need to do this. [widens eyes] We could be sending Markus’ Mozambique buddy right out the door behind him. That’s dramatic irony at its finest, right there. Sorry, Carter. [giggling]

The camera cuts to Carter and Keira walking down the beach together.

Keira: How are you feeling?

Carter: Honestly...not great.

Keira: Why? Do you think the plan to vote Lisa won’t work?

Carter: It’s not so much that than the fact that I don’t trust certain people don’t have their own ulterior motives for what should really go down tonight.

"mwali"

- Honestly...I find Blake’s whole story and pitch kinda fishy. It’s like I said before, there’s this untrustworthy vibe to him, where it feels like he’s spinning his every word so as to make it seem like he can be trusted, and yet there’s an undeniable artificial quality to his behavior. My gut instincts are tingling, and they’re flashing all kinds of warning signs. I already suspected he was still coming after me before, even when he told me he was switching the plan to Kelli. Now, he’s coming in hot with this Lisa plan? ...I’m suspicious. I’ve echoed this before, but I really don’t want to be the same dumb naive guy I was in Mozambique. I had to rely on other people’s strategic acumen a lot back then, mainly Christine, and I was duped and fooled aplenty. This time, I’m not gonna be like that. I want to strike first before I get struck back. There’s all kinds of talk, names being mentioned like Lisa, Kelli, and whatnot. But I think I’d like to use tonight to do something different. I’m not playing with fear. I want to assassinate the Godfather tonight!

Keira: You don’t trust Blake and Hazel?

Carter: I don’t trust Blake and Hazel. Lisa seems like a decoy vote to me. I think their idea of voting for her is all smoke and mirrors. I think they’re going to try and blindside me tonight.

Keira: What makes you so sure?

Carter: The fact that Markus and Erin are both gone, because they were with a Mwali tribemate. The fact that, according to you, Blake is the “Godfather” and he wanted both veterans on this tribe gone with an unprecedented aggression. And the fact that he’s tried too hard to convince me on both the Kelli plan from the other day, and this Lisa plan now. He doesn’t even know Lisa. The rational option is, yes, to vote out a member on the other tribe. Why lose numbers here, now? But I think a guy like him is drunk on power. He’s going around calling dibs on the coffee, ordering you and Hazel around...why wouldn’t he try to make a move on the sole returnee attending Tribal tonight, when he believes no rational player would vote him out?

Keira: You’ve given a lot of thought to this.

Carter: That’s because he makes me very nervous. I can’t trust him in this game. And I don’t think you do either, deep down.

Keira: ...You’re right. I acknowledge that there’s something untrustworthy about him. And I know he and Hazel are way closer than I will ever be to either of them.

Carter: Markus was onto something. He thinks he’s being sneaky, and crafty, but I can see through it. Kelli can see through it, and I can tell you’re starting to see through it too.

Kelli joins the party.

Kelli: Hey! What’re you two chatting about?

Carter: Do you believe Blake, when he’s talking about this Lisa vote?

Kelli: Psh. I don’t believe a word that comes out of his mouth.

Carter: Heh. See?

Keira looks deeply troubled.

Keira: Well, they haven’t told me anything yet, so...I can’t say for sure.

Carter: But if it turns out I was right, and he’s lying through his teeth...would you want to do something to change things up?

Keira: How…?

Carter: I say, we flip things around and get him out instead.

The camera cuts to Blake moving around camp, chewing on a toothpick, as ominous music picks up. Hazel sips coffee from a log near him, smiling serenely.

Kelli: [gasps] Could we do that?

Carter: I can get Candy on board on the other side. Whoever she’s with, she could pull in too. After all, we’d be taking out someone on this tribe instead of theirs. It benefits them. They’ve already come in last in so many challenges. They need this break.

The conflict is written all over Keira’s face.

Keira: That’s…

Kelli: Why are you cool with those two, Keira? Because you started out on the same tribe? Honestly, I hardly ever see them treat you like an equal. It seems to me like the two of them are always together. I don’t think they respect you enough as an ally. You’d be better off without them. Didn’t you say Markus told you, that you were on the bottom of the pecking order? Well, he wasn’t just saying that because he was on the bottom. Me and Carter, we can both see it. Easily. And we’ve not been here as long.

Carter nods empathetically.

Carter: I know. Working with a veteran doesn’t sound appealing.

Keira: It’s not that…

Carter: But just because I’m a veteran doesn’t mean I’m the biggest threat ever. I’m always going to be carrying a target around on my back, wherever I go. But Blake, a newbie, already has this ability to charm people to his side and get others to do his dirty work for him. What does that make him?

Keira: Look, how would he even have the numbers to get you out tonight? There are four other people coming to Tribal Council and three of them are unknowns to him.

Carter: Maverick’s there, right? Would he do whatever Blake asked of him if he or Hazel whispered him a different plan tonight?

Keira falls silent.

Carter: We might have a different plan.

Kelli nods.

Carter: If you’re in...I think we could honestly try turning the tables on Blake instead. The only problem is that we need you on board for this.

Kelli: Right. Keira, you’re in a powerful position right now. There’s a reason we’re coming to you with this and not Hazel. You’re not in his pocket like she is.

Carter: I know you and Blake and Hazel are all bonded as original Mwali but you can’t always think that mindset. Everyone eventually has to start playing outside of original tribal lines. I think tonight is that turning point. Because you need to ask yourself if you can really trust Blake, in the long run? He’s done a lot more lying and denying than we have.

Kelli nods again.

Keira looks hesitant.

Keira: I’ll think about it.

Kelli: If we can get Maverick and Candy on the other tribe to go along with it…

Carter: We need you, Keira. It’s time to make a move, not just for the sake of it but because we have to.

Keira looks twice as conflicted as before.

Carter: If Hazel or Blake approach you with a plan to blindside me or Kelli, then you’ll know we weren’t lying. And it’s not a matter of trust anymore, because Blake may trust you enough to let you in on his plans, but it’s no different than us wanting to work with you. Everyone on this tribe will need your vote.

Kelli: Face it, though. Blake totally seems the type to try and pull a fast one on you in the future.

Keira: ...I will consider it, and get back to you.

Carter: Alright. We understand.

"mwali"

- Once again, I find myself in a precarious position. I told myself, I never want to be the one caught piggy in the middle. I don’t fancy myself a wishy-washy person. I make my decisions, and I want to stick by them. But I do like Carter, and I do like Hazel. And it comes down to, who can I trust more moving forward? Carter, the veteran, or Blake, the cunning strategic threat? I know Carter has friends from Vailheu and undoubtedly that would make him a dangerous player at the merge. But Blake has connections too. The way he’s swayed Hazel and Maverick to his side so quickly in the first few days, and alienated Erin and Markus with such ease...it was frightening to watch. Because how can one man be so obviously shady and still so good and charismatic in controlling other players…?

Later, Hazel approaches Keira in camp.

Hazel: [whispering] Okay, so listen...you know the plan to vote Lisa tonight, right?

Keira: ...Yeah?

Hazel: [shakes head] That’s not what’s happening tonight.

Keira looks grim.

Keira: Okay…

Hazel: [excited] You wanna do something crazy tonight? Blake’s idea, but I love it. We just need you to be onboard too.

Keira: What is it?

Hazel: We think...we could actually blindside Carter tonight.

Keira stares back into her excited eyes.

Keira: Do we have the numbers for it?

Hazel: As long as us four Mwali are in on it, I believe we could push for the votes tonight. We’d totally take the other tribe by surprise too, because they’ll think we’re gunning for Lisa.

Keira: I...I don’t know. Haze, this seems risky.

Hazel: You know I wouldn’t pitch this to you if I didn’t trust you enough for this. I know you’ll do it. We need you for this, this is your move.

Keira frowns even as Hazel perks up and soldiers on, oblivious to her discomfort.

"mwali"

- Keira is like an older sister to me. She's kind, she's protective, and I've grown to enjoy her company a lot more than in the first few days. Her constant, stoic presence has been really calming to be around and so I've been grateful to have her on the same tribe for this long. We may not talk a lot, or bond as much as I have with Kelli, buuut...there’s something soothing about her presence on the tribe. I feel like I can trust her because she’s not the sort to scheme like Erin and Markus were. I understand Blake has his concerns as he should, but I trust that Keira is with us, and with me.

Hazel: So you’ll do it?

Keira: [sighs] I think it’s dangerous but if you and Blake really have given this thought…

Hazel: We have, I promise you. I think this could work! Just imagine, we’d be taking down a big threat.

Keira: Then…[shrugs] I suppose I’ll throw my lot in with you.

Hazel: [squeals] Eeeh! Thank you so much, Keira! I always knew we could count on your loyalty!

The camera focuses on Keira’s conflicted expression.

"mwali"

- I didn’t want to see it before, but I suppose I’d be blind to not admit it now. ...Blake is beginning to throw his weight around more and more. And the longer I observe him in action, the more Markus’ words from earlier start to make sense. Even Hazel, too...she’s a sweetheart but...there’s no denying she’s too attached to him, and too indistinct from him as her own individual player. I don’t see Blake without Hazel and I don’t see Hazel without Blake. She is so tight with him even when he threw her under the bus at the Erin vote a week ago. Right now, I just see her as his minion and if that’s how I see Hazel, then...how would others in this game see me? My own perception and others’ perceptions of me...has been something I’ve struggled with reconciling for a long time, even in my regular life. I don’t want to be perceived as just Blake’s puppet, especially if...as Markus says...I really have no place in his alliance. Markus and Erin tried to sell me on this, but my time with Carter and Kelli has really opened my eyes.

The sun starts to set.

Keira is collecting her personal affairs in preparation for the night’s Tribal.

Blake passes her by, and whispers to her under his breath.

Blake: [whispering] Hey, Key. We good on tonight?

Keira: Yeah. Hazel told me the plan.

Blake: Good. I knew I could count on you. We do this, we’re in the clear for the merge, I promise.

Keira: I know.

Blake: Carter’s a nice guy, and a good lad, but he’s a physical threat, he’s got connections from Vailheu, plus all the experiences as a vet-

Keira: Yeah, I got it. I know.

Blake: We’re counting on you. This is the best move for us.

Keira: I know.

"mwali"

- Blake really likes to try and sell you on what he wants you to do. He wants people to do his dirty work for them, but he doesn’t go about it in a way that’s subtle. I know what he’s trying to do. But I don’t know if I trust him. Even during the Erin vote, he was acting shady. Throwing Hazel’s name under the bus without her agreement...stuff like that is sketchy. And the way he pulled her back in with him immediately afterward with no real consequences...everyone on the tribe sans Hazel can sense he’s very focused on advancing his own game, and gathering troops like he’s gathering an army, and not an alliance. I am very conflicted. I didn’t want to cause waves this early, not before the merge, not even when Erin and Markus begged me. But now I’m really struggling to see a reason not to, especially when I believe forming new relationships with Carter moving forward might prove more beneficial to me at the merge than if I were to stay a number with Blake and Hazel. The only thing stopping me from turning on Blake tonight is my relationship with Hazel. ...I don’t want to lose that. I don’t want to lose her trust.

The camera cuts to Kelli rummaging around in her bag as the others mill around her, preparing for the night’s Tribal.

"mwali"

- Tonight is going to be an explosive Tribal, for sure. Whichever way the vote goes, I think someone’s gonna be blindsided. And I’m really hoping that someone isn’t me! So I’m bringing this bad boy [holds up idol and kisses it] with me for extra protection. [giggling] But I’m hoping I won’t have to use it. Still, even having it gives me a sense of security. Because tonight’s vote could very easily devolve into a war between two parties, and with there still being doubts over whether a couple people are turncoats or not...me and Carter will need all the ammunition we can get. If I have to, I’ll drop my own patented “Kelli” bomb at Tribal, right here, and it’ll be one hell of an explosion!

The camera cuts to Tribal Council, as the Mwali tribe walks in first, followed closely by the Pamanzi tribe.

Jeff: Kelli, behind you is a torch. Grab it, dip it in and get fire.

Kelli moves to grab the one unlit torch, as everyone’s eyes follow her.

She moves to light it.

In the meantime, Candy is making eyes at Carter and nodding at him. Carter widens his eyes significantly at her, almost as if flashing her a warning.

Blake is observing them. Hazel is nodding at Maverick pointedly, and Maverick looks puzzled.

Jeff: In this game, fire represents your life. When your fire’s gone, so...are...you.

Constance turns in her seat to watch as Kelli gingerly sets her torch down behind the group with a mild wince, before hurrying to take her seat with the others.

Jeff: Alright! Hazel, I’m gonna cut straight to the chase. Tonight’s Tribal...clearly no ordinary Tribal Council. We’ve got a big, varied group of players here. There are people here who have attended four out of the five Tribal Councils so far…

The camera cuts to Candy and Lisa, sitting beside one another, Candy looking contemplative and Lisa looking haughty.

Jeff: Then you’ve also got people who’s only attending Tribal Council tonight for their first time…

Kelli nods in agreement.

Jeff: On top of that, we have a lot of players meeting for the first time tonight. Unlike when castaways meet for the first time at a tribe swap or at the merge, this time, some of you will never have even held conversations with each other. You might have heard about certain people from their original tribemates, but otherwise, there are a lot of strangers at this Tribal Council. How is that going to complicate tonight’s vote knowing you have to vote somebody out and you don’t even know everyone sitting here tonight completely?

Hazel: This vote is going to be very complicated. Um, I mean...there are a lot of unplanned variables here tonight, and I think that really complicates things in that you don’t know who you can trust. You have people you trust, people who you thought you could trust, people on the other tribe you don’t even know you can trust, it’s a lot to take in all at once, Jeff.

Jeff: I’ll just get the ball rolling here. On paper, we have two tribes at Tribal Council tonight. One tribe has five people, and the other has four. [shrugs] Blake, what’s stopping the five of you on Mwali just saying, hey, let’s take our pick and send home whichever member of the Pamanzi four we please?

Blake: [scratching head] That is a plausible option, yes.

Jeff: And is that what’s about to go down? A simple battle between two tribes, one of which carries the advantage in numbers?

Blake: Sure, yeah. I’m willing to be the one to come out and say it, I suppose. I wasn’t expecting you to spring this on me so quickly, Jeff, I thought we’d lean into it a bit and I’d go from there but I suppose if I have to drop this bombshell, I’m gonna have to do it now…

Candy frowns at Constance.

Candy: [murmuring] What’s he talking about?

Constance shrugs, looking puzzled.

Blake: Like, okay...I guess I have to be the spokesperson for Mwali to say this now, since this question was kinda directed at me, but…

Jeff: Well, hold on. Anyone on Mwali can answer this, if this really is a plan that the five of you have agreed upon. You don’t have to say that you’re being forced to announce this.

Blake: No, it’s okay. It’s just a bit awkward to take the spotlight but I’ll do it.

He turns to address the four members of the Pamanzi tribe, who are watching his antics curiously.

Blake: The five of us on Mwali don’t want to ruffle feathers. We don’t want you guys speculating on who we’re going to target and playing an idol, and potentially taking one of us out. So we’re just going to offer a peaceful resolution to tonight’s cross-tribal battle, and say upfront who we’ve decided is going to be our target.

Kelli looks like she is dying from secondhand embarrassment. Candy looks bewildered, as Hazel nods in agreement. Carter catches Candy’s eye and gives her a subtle shake of the head.

Jeff: Blake, what do you hope to accomplish in doing this?

Blake: Like I said, it’s a peaceful solution to all our troubles. I’m hoping the other tribe will choose to put down their weapons, in a sense...and join us in voting out one of their own, with the promise that the other three will not be targeted and will have no need to play and waste an idol they may have.

Jeff: So which person on the Pamanzi tribe are you declaring is the Mwali tribe’s target?

Blake looks at the others.

Blake: I am going to put it all out there, being real with you, all the way...we’ve decided that we’re gonna go for Lisa.

Lisa’s face contorts into a disbelieving expression, as she scowls and shakes her head.

Blake: [to Lisa] Like, I'm sorry, I don't really know you, but...I'm going to be voting for you tonight. You seem to be the unpopular opinion from both sides, so...it's what we gotta do to stay safe.

Lisa scoffs, rolling her eyes.

Lisa: Wow. Okay. Nice to meet you too.

Candy and Maverick turn to share a surprised but relieved look.

Kelli: [laughing under her breath] What the hell is happening right now…?

Constance’s eyes are almost bulging out of their sockets as she clamps her hand over her mouth.

The rest of the two tribes are also reacting appropriately.

Maverick: [whispering to Hazel] What are you guys doing…?

Hazel signals for him to wait.

Candy: [whispering] Oh. My. Gosh.

Carter glances shrewdly at Keira. She looks nervous, a rare expression to be seen on her usually stoic face.

Jeff: Lots of shocked reactions.

Blake: [chuckles] Yeah. I knew this would happen, Jeff. That’s why I was nervous to be the one announcing it! But it was the decision our tribe came to. Maverick, Candy, Constance, I’m hoping the three of you are on board too.

Lisa: Oh, this is ridiculous.

Lisa smooths down her shirt, rolling her eyes.

Jeff: Lisa, as per usual, you don’t look too happy about this.

Lisa: I mean, who put him in charge? Like…[rolls eyes] Whatever.

Jeff: Blake, you realize...you’re making a big statement by coming in here and telling the other tribe, “hey, don’t worry. We’re not targeting any of the three of you. We’re only voting for Lisa. And we hope you vote for her too.”

Blake: That’s right.

Jeff: Aren’t you afraid of the repercussions of making your target so public?

Blake: I don’t want Maverick, Candy or Constance to feel in the dark about this. I think if we can cooperate and decide on a singular target, we can all walk out of Tribal feeling good about our decision. I mean, some of us have friends among the three of them. Maverick was one of us, before. He was an OG Mwali.

The camera cuts to Maverick watching Blake with a look of concern on his face.

Blake: And Carter and Candy used to be together on Vailheu, and then Constance and Kelli...you get the idea. From what Carter told us, Lisa was likely to be on the bottom of the tribe and so we settled on her.

Lisa casts Carter a dirty look. He meets her eyes with a solemn gaze.

Blake: We figure, this tentative battle between two tribes can actually be something that unites us against a common enemy and be a good thing instead. We take out the person on the bottom over there, rather than go for any of the three of them who we might be able to work with down the road. We get rid of their weak link, they don’t waste any idols out of fear they may be the target, since we have the numbers...it’s an absolute win either way it goes.

Jeff: But that’s the thing. Haven’t you considered Lisa herself might be holding onto an idol?

Blake: [shrugs] I don’t believe she would.

Jeff: Really? You’re that confident?

Blake: I’ve heard stories of her from Carter. We all came together and believed that not only would she be the least likely to have the other members of the tribe go to bat for her, but also she would be the least likely to be in possession of an idol or have one played on her by the others. That makes her our safest bet.

Lisa’s eye twitches and she tongues the inside of her cheek, staying resolutely mute.

While Jeff continues to question Blake, Hazel leans over to whisper in Maverick’s ear.

Hazel: [whispering] We’re voting Carter.

Maverick’s eyes widen as he stares at her.

Maverick: [whispering] What?

Hazel nods.

Hazel: [whispering] The four of us are voting Carter. Blake said so. We want you and Constance to vote with us. Don’t tell Candy. Lisa’s a decoy for us.

The camera cuts to Candy watching them whisper back and forth.

Jeff: Lisa, to hear Blake announce that the five of them are definitely voting for you...it can’t be a good feeling.

Lisa: [tosses hair back] That’s an understatement. I...feel like I didn’t even really have a say in any of this. I just came to Tribal Council, unsure of what was even going to happen, and the next thing I know, I could be going home. ...Again. I don’t even know how to react, I’m still kind of speechless.

Maverick and Hazel are continuing to whisper.

Maverick: [whispering] What about Lisa?

Hazel: [whispering] None of us can just get up and whisper her the plan. It would totally blow our cover if we spoke to her. If you trust her, you need to be the one to tell her to vote with us.

Candy looks at them with a fearful look on her face, and glances at Carter, who beckons her over.

Eyes widening, she gets up off her seat and goes to him, as he whispers to her.

Carter: [whispering to Candy] Can we do Blake?

The camera cuts to Blake craning his neck to watch them.

Candy: [whispering to Carter] Does he want to do Lisa?

Carter frowns at Blake and Hazel. Hazel notices, and frowns back, raising an eyebrow in question.

Carter: [whispering to Candy] I think he's full of [censored]. He wants me. I can see it in his eyes, he hasn’t trusted me one bit this entire time. He hates returnees. He wanted Erin and Markus gone right away, and look where they are now. I’m telling you, I don’t trust him.

Hazel backs off Maverick, and starts whispering to Keira.

Hazel: [whispering to Keira] What’re they talking about?

Keira shrugs in response.

Lisa looks distressed, watching all the whispering.

Maverick is now whispering to Constance, and the latter is nodding. Blake is whispering with Kelli.

Jeff: Wow...

Carter: [whispering to Candy] You gotta help me out here. This is all smoke and mirrors. I'm telling you, I'm in trouble. I have Kelli and Keira. I need you and someone else for the numbers.

Candy stares back at him with big eyes, nodding and listening.

Jeff: Blake, what’s with all the whispering? Is tonight’s plan as simple as you say it is, or is more clearly happening beneath the surface?

Blake: I think both tribes are just trying to reconnect with one another, discussing what they want to happen tonight, and making sure they have enough numbers on the same page. That’s what I’m doing, anyway.

Hazel taps him on the knee, and he kneels in between her and Maverick as the “Family” puts their heads together and huddles up to strategize.

Lisa shakes her head at the display, looking tired.

Candy pulls back from Carter and Lisa wastes no time pulling the former to her side and hissing at her, desperate.

Lisa: [whispering to Candy] Candy, please. I'll do anything to stay in the game, I'll write down whoever you want me to. Please don't vote for me.

Candy stares back at her, looking unsure.

Blake pats Maverick on the back as they and Hazel split up.

Blake: Got it?

Maverick nods, rubbing his cheek.

Kelli has a crooked grin on her face, watching things all go down.

Jeff: Carter, is this a sign that the game of Survivor has evolved to the point where the game can be made or broken, literally, right here at Tribal Council?

Carter: The game’s definitely changed, Jeff.

Candy is tapping Maverick on the shoulder, and both are whispering with one another now.

Carter: We’ve seen the game become live more and more nowadays. Especially with a twist like this, having two tribes at one Tribal...

Candy: [whispering to Maverick] Carter wants to do Blake.

Maverick casts her a pained look.

Carter: Anything could happen. Everyone has their own different strategies and watching them all play out, it’s hard to keep track of everything. But I think this kind of chaos is very organic in Survivor.

Candy: [whispering to Maverick] He's trying to do too much. You want to work with a guy like that?

Maverick whispers something unintelligible in her ear.

Candy: [whispering to Maverick] You have a spot with us, I promise.

Carter: It’s how you deal with this kind of chaos that shows what calibre of player you are.

Blake smirks, watching Carter slyly.

Lisa huffs, watching them both. Candy glances at her and nods.

Jeff: Even as you say this, Carter, people are still whispering.

Hazel and Kelli are whispering again. Blake is whispering to Keira.

Blake: [whispering to Keira] You good?

Keira stares back into his eyes.

Keira: Yeah.

Blake: ‘Kay.

Constance and Maverick are whispering once more. Maverick glances back at Lisa, who returns his look with a panicked expression.

Lisa: [spreads hands] Are we doing it?

Maverick nods.

Kelli and Carter share a look and he nods in affirmation.

Jeff: So, to wrap this all up nicely...we have five Mwali and four Pamanzi here tonight, but because of the tribe swap, it’s a lot more complicated than that, with many different, overlapping layers of relationships present. On top of that, the tribe with the numbers, led by Blake, are very brazenly declaring that they are going to put all their votes on Lisa, because she’s least likely to have an idol, and the most likely person that Maverick, Candy and Constance would be okay with letting go as a sacrifice, so they can all leave this Tribal Council unscathed. But there’s a lot of unknown variables still in the mix. Can you believe people at their word? Who’s lying, and who’s telling the truth? Who has an idol that could mess everything up? And what secret agendas are in play? There is only one way to find out.

Carter smiles, looking excited. Candy exhales, smiling too as she shakes her head in awe.

Keira: It’s a chaotic Tribal Council, Jeff.

Jeff: Truer words have never been spoken. Truly, it has been quite the captivating Tribal Council. But it is now time to find out exactly where the cards lie. It is...time to vote. Kelli, you’re up.

Kelli: [giggling] Alrighty then.

Kelli gleefully gets to her feet and skips off. Blake watches her leave with narrowed eyes, then turns to regard Hazel. Hazel looks away from him, looking on edge. The camera cuts to Carter grinning and shaking his head as he mimes an explosion, and turning sideways to look at Candy. Candy gives him a significant look and nods importantly, as the camera cuts to the jittery look on Lisa’s face while she stares at them, nonplussed and breathing heavily.

The camera cuts to Blake holding up his vote.

"mwali"

- You’re a decent guy, Carter. Any other season, I’d be happy to align with you. But you’re a veteran, and veterans...gotta go!

The camera cuts to Carter drumming his fingers against his arm as he sits with back straight and arms crossed, a serious look on his face.

The camera fades away to Constance walking to the booth, then cuts to Lisa holding up her vote.

Lisa folds up her vote with a bit of malice in her movements. The camera cuts to the shrewd look on Blake’s face as he looks at the floor.

One by one, the others head up to vote.

The camera cuts to Hazel in the booth, silently drawing a star next to her vote for Carter.

Carter swallows, fidgeting absentmindedly on his stump.

Keira is shown walking up to the booth, uncapping the pen, hesitating briefly before putting the tip to the parchment.

The camera cuts back to Hazel rocking in her seat, then to Lisa studying the floor in silence.

Maverick now stands in the booth, twirling the pen in his fingers, clearly hesitating.

The camera cuts back to Blake staring down the path at his back, before fading away as Maverick finally returns and takes his seat once more.

Jeff: I’ll go tally the votes.

He leaves.

Blake straightens up in his seat, looking to his left, where Carter is sitting with his chin resting on his fists, brooding.

Hazel has an excited little smile on her face as she looks back over her shoulder at Blake.

Candy is watching them both with a solemn expression, before peeking to her right where Lisa sits, looking sour with her legs tightly crossed, fidgeting slightly in her seat.

Jeff returns.

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

Kelli is chewing on the tip of her tongue, her face lit up with anticipation as she glances around her, then casts a momentary look down at her own bag.

Blake and Hazel are both shown unsubtly tilting in their seats to look at Carter. Carter is bouncing his legs with nervous energy, but looks otherwise composed, straightening his posture.

Lisa is chewing on her lower lip, eyes darting around to watch the others suspiciously, her own hands twitching as she places them neatly in her lap.

Candy casts her a sneaky sideways look. Lisa inhales deeply, closing her eyes...and remains seated.

Kelli licks her lips, watching them both, and turns back to face Jeff coolly.

Constance’s head shows the tiniest nod of satisfaction when no one gets to their feet.

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

He opens up the urn.

Lisa looks at the others for reassurance, wiping her sweaty palms on her thighs.

Candy gives her a curt nod. Kelli is licking her lips again, smiling nervously.

Maverick pauses, swallowing as he looks down at his feet and then back up again.

Jeff: First vote...Carter. (1-0)

Carter’s vote has a star on it.

Carter shifts in his seat, squished in between Blake and Keira, smiling dryly at the sight of his name.

Jeff: Blake. (1-1)

Blake swallows, nodding intently, rubbing his thumb and index finger together in a sage manner. Otherwise, his face doesn’t betray what he’s feeling, as he watches the votes quietly.

Lisa looks away from him, her hair falling over her shoulders.

Jeff: Carter. That’s two votes Carter. (2-1)

This vote also has a star on it.

Carter nods seriously, gnawing on his lower lip.

Hazel glances at him, an excited openmouthed grin on her face.

Candy’s eyes flicker over to her. Maverick is resting his palm against his cheek, looking skeptical.

Jeff: Blake. We’re tied. Two votes Blake, two votes Carter. (2-2)

The vote for Blake has the words “Godfather Blake!” written on it, and Blake cracks a smile, chuckling.

The camera cuts to Keira blinking, unfazed and unbothered, perfectly calm.

Lisa is smiling slightly now, looking satisfied.

Constance looks to the other tribe, then to Jeff pulling out the next vote.

Jeff: ...Blake. That’s three votes Blake, two votes Carter. (3-2)

Blake is starting to look worried, licking his lips and glancing to the others.

Hazel raises an eyebrow. Kelli is wiggling her own eyebrows, a snarky grin on her face, the whites of her teeth gleaming in the firelight.

Carter is pressing his fingertips to his lips, eyes squeezed shut.

Blake glances at him, perplexed, brow creased in trepidation.

Jeff: ...Blake. That’s four votes Blake, two votes Carter…(4-2)

Blake’s face breaks into a disappointed grin as he lets out a mirthless chuckle, looking down at his feet.

Hazel covers her mouth, shocked as she realizes what is happening. Carter is smiling tentatively.

Lisa brushes her hair down, looking smug. Candy casts her a look, and turns back to the votes.

Blake folds his arms, covering half his face with one hand, laughing in spite of his obvious embarrassment and disappointment.

Blake: [chuckling] Great…

Maverick swallows, fidgeting a little, a tinge of remorse appearing on his face.

Hazel is at a loss for words, mouth wide open. Blake glances up at the others.

Blake: Good job, you guys.

Carter briefly looks over at him, then turns away with a shrewd smirk.

Jeff turns over the next vote in his hands, revealing a star next to the name written on it.

Jeff: Fifth person voted out...Blake. That’s five, that’s enough. You need to bring me your torch. (Final Tally: 7-2)

Blake winks, quickly turning in his seat to pick up his bags.

Hazel curses, horrified, spinning in her seat to shoot Keira an accusing look. Keira is chewing on her lower lip, looking back nervously at Hazel. Hazel spins again, this time shooting Maverick a bewildered expression. Maverick looks back down on the floor, guilty. A still flabbergasted Hazel lets out a humorless laugh as she puts her hands up to her hair in shock.

Carter looks delighted and he laughs silently to himself.

Lisa is exhaling slowly, looking gleeful. Candy looks a little troubled, watching her excited reaction.

Blake puts his torch down, appearing a little embarrassed, his bag slung over his shoulder.

Jeff: Blake, the tribe has spoken.

Blake nods despondently as Jeff snuffs his torch.

Jeff: Time for you to go.

Blake: Thanks.

He turns back to point at the rest of his tribe.

Blake: Good luck. All of you!

Carter: Thanks, Blake.

Maverick: Sorry, Blake.

Candy nods at him, a little uncertainty in her expression.

Keira turns back to Carter, and he puts his hands together and nods gratefully.

Carter: [mouths] Thank you.

Hazel is breathing heavily, chest heaving as she swivels in her seat, still looking for an answer from somebody.

Maverick shakes his head sadly at her.

Maverick: [whisper] I’m sorry.

Jeff: It’s clear that, as is the case on Survivor, betrayal is still a common theme at Tribal Council.

Candy is smiling more warmly now, her eyes lit up.

Candy: [chuckling] This game...

Hazel is rubbing at her eyes, looking on the verge of a breakdown. Keira reaches out to squeeze her shoulder in an effort to console her, but the latter shakes her off unceremoniously.

Hazel: Why would you ruin this…?

Keira swallows, looking away.

Jeff: Like it or not, at the end of the day, this proves that this game continues to be an individual game, and sometimes...you gotta look out for yourself, and yourself first. Grab your torches and head on back to camp. Goodnight.

Final Words
Blake: [throws hands up in air] And so ends the reign of Godfather Blake…[chuckling] Now that I’m out of the game, I can say that I was grateful for every waking moment of the time I was playing Survivor. I got the opportunity to play the game, and I’m proud of what I accomplished, coming out here. My family will be proud of me, I know that, and I’m excited to share in this experience with them, watching this back. Do I have any regrets? Yes. But that’s life. You can’t win them all. I didn’t leave the island with a million dollars, but I’ve got to meet some pretty great people, and I have a cool little nickname that my daughters are going to use to mock me for the rest of all time, so I’d say that’s a pretty good tradeoff in the end.

Next Time on Survivor...

 * Hazel breaks down and is out for blood.

Hazel: No, don't pretend like it's all fine. You talked about us being sisters and I thought we were finally becoming close and you stabbed me in the back!

Keira: Hazel, I-

Hazel: I don't wanna hear it, Keira! You're DISLOYAL. Okay? You gave us your word. Blake trusted you! Hell, I...There was a time and a place and that wasn't it.

Keira looks on impatiently as Hazel continues on her tirade.

"mwali"

- [shrugs] I suppose Hazel hates me now.


 * But even with the merge on the horizon, there's still time for the game to change again…

Jeff: We are switching tribes...once again.

Collective groans and exclamations of surprise rise into the air.

Maverick: No way...twice?

Candy bites her tongue, looking fearful.

Constance folds her buff up into her face, worry written in her eyes.

Jeff: One of you will be exiled to the lone tribe beach, and must live there...alone.

Randall: [hands over head] No [censored] way…