The King And The Witch

The King And The Witch is the eighth episode of Survivor: Mozambique - Island of Advantages.

Previously On Survivor...

 * On the new Vantagem tribe, a majority alliance consisting of Nicholas, Annabeth, Carter, Christine, Zoe, Trixie and Percy quickly rose to power.


 * ...leaving Wanda, Reyna, Leroy, Jacobiah, Markus and Becky on the outs.


 * Jacobiah won a hidden immunity idol on the Island of Advantages.


 * Wanting to figure out who to play the idol on, Wanda sent Becky out to play the role of double agent…


 * But it backfired when the majority lied about their plans…


 * ...leading to another blindside at Tribal Council.


 * In the end, the majority alliance came out on top of the minority yet again…


 * ...and Markus watched as another Qamea member was sent out of the game.

Jeff: Becky, the tribe has spoken. [snuffs torch]


 * 12 are left. Who will be voted out tonight?

Night 22
Back at the Vantagem camp, the tribe is reeling from the latest voteout.

Markus: That was pretty intense. [laughing] What the hell was that?

Leroy: Pretty sneaky, ladies.

He nods jokingly at Annabeth and Christine.

Annabeth: I was SHAKING.

Christine: Glad you’re still here.

She gives Annabeth a quick hug.

"vantagem"

- I received votes at Tribal Council for my first time. To have the vote come to a tie was terrifying, but in the end, I made it out okay. The same can’t be said for everyone though, unfortunately. [laughing] The vote left Markus, Wanda, Reyna, Leroy and Jacobiah solidly on the outs of this tribe and the lines could not, right now, be more clearly drawn in the sand. It is us against them. It is the five of us who started this game together on Waya, with Trixie and Percy, in the majority, and knowing that they all kept me safe tonight, that I didn’t even have to use my Legacy Advantage to save myself, makes me feel really good and secure about my spot in the game right now. I still have my Legacy Advantage, and now, I can only use it at the Final Six, and I’m hoping I hold onto it that long and use it to really make a big move.

Christine glances apologetically at Markus.

Christine: I’m sorry about that. It had to happen.

Markus: I know, I know...it’s the game, and I totally respect that. I’m just disappointed. She was my friend, you know?

Christine: I get that, I know.

Markus: And I know she’s disappointed too.

"vantagem"

- I am not a happy camper right now. I just lost my closest ally in the game, and it’s pretty devastating. Qamea...we’re a dying breed. Nicholas took out every member of my alliance, one by one, starting with Albert and ending with Becky. Now...it’s just me. I’m truly alone and on my own now. [laughing sadly] Heck, the only other two original Qamea, Trixie and Percy, like...neither of them want to work with me, so what do I have? Reyna and Wanda’s alliance? The four of them are tighter with each other than they are with me. If it came down to having to vote me out for them four to stay together...they’d probably do it, to save themselves. So...yeah. I really, truly am totally on my own in this game right now. I’m about to be taking fire from both sides. I have no one else left to count on but me, and my hidden immunity idol, which I’m really glad I saved tonight, because I did not even think that they’d be voting for Becky.

Wanda: That was a good play.

Leroy: For sure. Hats off, broskis.

Leroy cackles and nudges Nicholas, who grins back.

"vantagem"

- Tribal Council...played out beautifully. Our plan to blindside the minority by putting our votes on someone they’d least expect worked out to a tee. I figured Wanda’s alliance would never risk playing an idol if they had one on one of the Qamea duo rather than one of their own, so voting for Becky seemed the best option because none of them would expect it. And it truly all fell into place like clockwork. I couldn’t have planned it out better. Gah...I live for moments like these. [laughing] Moments where you build up towards something and it just ends up being...perfect. You don’t get many moments like that on Survivor, it was very satisfying.

Wanda sits further down the beach and once no one else can see her, she groans and puts her head in her hands.

Reyna and Jacobiah join her.

Reyna: Well, that sucked.

Wanda: You’re telling me.

Jacobiah: Tribal Council blooows…[sighs]

Wanda: Looks like Nicholas wins Round One...

"vantagem"

- Nicholas got the best of us tonight, not gonna deny it. But he may have won the battle this day...but he hasn’t won the war yet. There are more Tribal Councils to come...and more opportunities to topple the king off his throne. [grins devilishly] And I’ll be biding my time until that opportunity comes along.

Day 23
The next morning, Leroy is sitting on a boulder by the edge of the shore, staring out at the foamy waves.

"vantagem"

- Last night was a pretty rough night for the minority alliance. We are officially the outcasts now. We’re the loser alliance. [laughing] We were the tiny villagers trying to take down the Goliath that is Nicholas and his ginormous army, and even though we came close, it just wasn’t enough. When Becky’s name came up in that tied vote, I knew she was going home so I ditched the sinking ship and changed my vote. It didn’t matter; she would’ve gone home no matter how I voted. But if my alliance is going sinking, then I need to start making inroads with the majority to save my own skin if I have to, and me voting Becky while the others stubbornly voted for Annabeth is my attempt to say, ‘hey, I get it. I know she’s going home, and I’m not going to bother contesting it. If I can work with you down the road, please consider it.’ It was my peace offering, almost.

Reyna is peering up at him from below, shielding her eyes from the sun.

Reyna: Leroy! You okay?

Leroy: Yeah, I’m fine. Just watching the sunrise.

Reyna: Mind if I join you?

Leroy: Climb on up.

"vantagem"

- I’m still holding onto my Legacy Advantage from the Island of Advantages, and I’ve wisely kept my trap shut about it. No one on this beach knows I even went to the Island, so they’re not likely to guess I’ve got an advantage up my sleeve. And that’s just how I like it. It gives me the space I need to strike from the shadows. I could’ve used it last night, but I felt safe, and I didn’t feel I was going home, so I didn’t have to use it. Now, I just need to stay in the game long enough until I can use it again, at the Final Six, and really knock everyone’s socks off.

Reyna plops down next to Leroy.

Reyna: Things aren’t going great, huh?

Leroy: No, not at all. I’m worried we’re on a sinking ship.

She regards him curiously.

Reyna: You really think so?

Leroy: I’m worried. That’s all I’m saying. I love Wanda and Jacobiah, but I feel like they’re...well, Wanda, specifically...is too set on wanting to take down Nicholas as her big, defining move in this game. And Jacobiah...you know as well as I do that he just follows her in whatever she does. That’s not a good position to hold in the game. Nicholas will set his sights on them as the next to go if they don’t learn to adapt.

Reyna lets this sink in and nods slowly.

Leroy: I don’t know. I just feel that, unless we can get some sort of fire sparked underneath some of Nicholas’ minions and turn the tables, we might have to end up cannibalizing ourselves to stay alive.

"vantagem"

- Leroy brings up the option of simply turning on Wanda and Jacobiah to, essentially, save our own skins. He already turned on Becky when he saw there was no chance of her staying last night so I’m not surprised to hear this from him. But at the same time, I don’t want to throw in the towel just yet. I’m tenacious, so I’m going to keep trying to get a proper move going, and I don’t want to have to give up on my alliance until we’re on our last legs. Leroy may think that’s the better move for him, but I don’t think it’s the better move for me. I’m not one to give in easy.

The camera cuts to a panoramic shot of the island, before zooming in on…

Jeff: Come on in, guys!

The Vantagem tribe troops in.

Jeff: Ready to get to today’s reward challenge? For today’s challenge, in two teams of six, you will race through an obstacle course, pushing a wheelbarrow with bags of balls inside. Once you get to the end, you will disassemble your wheelbarrow to create a slingshot. Using that slingshot, you must throw those balls and hit three targets. First team to hit all three targets wins reward. Wanna know what you’re playing for? The winning team will be taken to a nearby local village, as ambassadors of goodwill to represent Survivor, where you will get to interact with the locals and be treated to local delicacies.

The tribe looks excited.

Zoe: Oh, man…

Jacobiah: [laughing] I am so hungry…

Jeff: Worth playing for? We’ll get started.

The two teams are split up.

Jeff: Alright, we have our two teams. On one team, we have Nicholas, Wanda, Markus, Zoe, Reyna and Percy. On another team, we have Leroy, Jacobiah, Trixie, Christine, Annabeth and Carter. Survivors ready? Go!

Both teams head out.

Nicholas and Markus are pushing the wheelbarrow for their team; it is Jacobiah and Leroy for the other.

Jeff: Both teams doing well, navigating this obstacle course…

Wanda: Keep going, boys!

Zoe: Wait for me!

Jeff: Nicholas and Markus working well together right out of the gate…Jacobiah and Leroy right on their tail.

Nicholas’ team makes it to the end first, Jacobiah’s right behind.

Both groups start frantically disassembling their wheelbarrows.

Jeff: You now need to assemble a slingshot from the pieces of your wheelbarrow…

Wanda: Markus, that piece goes over here!

Markus: Got it!

Wanda: Reyna, fetch that big plank!

Nicholas is running around with big steps, carrying loads of pieces in his arms.

On the other end, Jacobiah and Carter are moving pieces around fast, while Annabeth yells out instructions.

Annabeth: And that piece is the sling! You see it?

Jeff: Both teams communicating well…

Zoe is standing there, almost, not really helping out. Percy looks equally helpless next to him. Nicholas almost runs him down in his mad rush.

Nicholas: Sorry, move!

Markus: Nicholas, bring that piece over here.

Jeff: Markus’ team has the slingshot constructed first! It is Nicholas launching balls for his team!

Nicholas gets behind the slingshot and arms it. Meanwhile, on the other team…

Jeff: And Jacobiah and Carter have the slingshot built! Carter, now giving it a go!

Nicholas and Carter both aim and pull back their slingshots, and fire their balls.

Nicholas’ misses, too high, but Carter’s nails his target in the bullseye, knocking it down.

Jeff: Yes! Carter scores the first point for his team!

Christine: Yes! Go, Carter, go!

Zoe winces, glancing out of the corner of her eye at them.

Nicholas aims again, and still misses.

Nicholas: Damn it. Come on…

Carter again pulls back, and fires. His second ball hits the second target.

Jeff: Just like that, Carter with the second point! Carter only needs to hit one more target to win!

Christine: You got this, Carter!

Carter is panting heavily as he aims the slingshot the third time.

Nicholas fires again, but still misses.

Jeff: Nicholas continues to miss…

Carter fires…

...and hits the final target.

Jeff: And he does it! Carter, wins reward for his team!

Carter’s team erupts in celebration and people start jumping up and down and gathering in a big hug.

Jeff: Carter, Annabeth, Christine, Leroy, Jacobiah and Trixie. Congratulations. Before you leave for your reward, you have a decision to make. Nominate one member of your team to make a decision.

Annabeth: Carter, you do it.

Christine: Yeah, dude, you won the challenge.

Carter: I guess I’m it. [laughing]

Jeff: Alright. Carter, choose one member on the losing team to send to the Island of Advantages.

Carter glances at the other six, and quickly comes to a decision.

Carter: Nicholas.

Nicholas nods in his direction.

Jeff: Alright. Nicholas, get your things and head on out. The rest of you, I got nothing for you, head on back to camp. And as for the six of you, a boat will come to pick you up.

As they leave, the camera focuses on Wanda.

"vantagem"

- It is no surprise to me that Carter immediately chose to send Nicholas to the Island. Their alliance already has all the power, they have the numbers, and now, they’re looking to snatch up the advantages too. Things aren’t looking good for those of us in the minority…

Meanwhile, on the Island of Advantages…

Nicholas arrives and lumbers up to the wall of urns, nodding and looking around.

Nicholas: And there it is…

"vantagem"

- I finally visit the famed Island of Advantages and it’s exactly as I’ve heard it is from everyone else who’s already been there. There’s that wall of urns people keep talking about, and the puzzles are there too, and the hourglass - it’s all there, everything that was described to us before from those who have been.

Nicholas flips the hourglass over and gets to work on the puzzles.

He finishes two in quick succession.

Nicholas: Alright. Let’s do this.

He smashes open two urns side-by-side.

Out falls one parchment, which he picks up, looking happy about it.

Nicholas: Congratulations. You have found the Vote Nullifier. If you wish, you may play your Vote Nullifier before the votes are cast at Tribal Council to nullify one other player’s vote. That player may not vote. This advantage lasts until the Final Six.

He whistles to himself.

"vantagem"

- So my advantage is the Vote Nullifier and it’s exactly as the title says. It nullifies one, and only one, vote at any Tribal Council up until there are six players left. You never know when one vote could make the difference between staying and leaving the game so I plan on holding onto this and not squandering it like Becky wasted hers. [chuckling] The Survivor gods are looking out for me and I’m gonna see how far I’m going to carry this thing.

Meanwhile, at a local village elsewhere...

The winning team arrives at the village and are wowed by the feast spread out on the table before them. The locals welcome them with open arms.

Annabeth: This looks...incredible.

Jacobiah: Ahaha, nice…

Leroy: I see you salivating, Jacob. [laughs]

A group of kids are watching as the adult locals show the six castaways around the table, giggling and whispering amongst themselves. Annabeth waves at them, beaming, and Leroy ruffles the head of a young boy watching him with wide eyes.

Leroy: Hey there, little guy.

"vantagem"

- Personally, I don’t like kids or going overseas that much, but I’m not heartless. It was pretty cool to get to go to the village on reward today. It definitely felt more meaningful than a regular feast. You could say it brought a little warmth to my cold, dead heart. [laughing]

Jacobiah is crouching down to talk to the kids and smiling warmly at them.

"vantagem"

- I think this was my favorite reward so far. Yes, I was hungry because I never ate at the merge feast. But food is just food. Getting to meet the locals was more...meaningful, I would say. It meant more to me than eating, even though I needed to eat more. It was...it was just nice. And I’m glad I won it. It’s probably the most meaningful, heartwarming moment of the game so far for me, that I’d be most glad to share with my family back home, and say that I got to meet these other people. It was nice to take a break from the game for a while and have this experience with the others.

Christine: This is all thanks to you, Carter. [giggling] Thank you so much.

She hugs Carter.

"vantagem"

- My boy Carter really pulled through for us in today’s challenge. It’s another reminder for me about how good it is having a guy like him on my side. He’s athletic, so he helps win challenges when I’m counting on him to, and he’s a perfect meat shield for me. No one’s going to be looking to me as a threat as long as I have him. And, of course, the fact that he’s easy on the eyes definitely doesn’t hurt. [giggling]

Christine: My hero. [kisses Carter on the cheek]

Carter: All for you, m’lady. [laughing]

He pulls out Christine’s chair for her to sit down while the others are more preoccupied with the food.

"vantagem"

- Christine and I have taken to calling each other affectionate pet nicknames. [laughing] It just kinda started. Like, we’re making up for lost time spent on different tribes but now that we’re back together in the game, it’s like I remember why I was so drawn to her in our first few days on the island on Waya. She’s just so easy to get along with, and the girl’s gorgeous. [laughing] How can you not like her?

The two continue to giggle and sit close to each other as they eat. Trixie is shooting daggers at them from the other end of the table, her face stormy and dark.

"vantagem"

- I seriously have to endure watching Carter and Christine making boo boo kissy faces at each other throughout this whole lunch and make heart eyes and call each other their snuggle bunny or whatever gross [censored] and it’s like...UGH. I didn’t think it humanly possible to cringe as much as I did today. I almost wanted to bleach out my eyes and ears. I did not think I signed up for the Bachelor when I came out here to play Survivor. They’re so sickly sweet, it’s revolting. And it totally makes them look like a pair. Like, if anyone on this tribe doesn’t see Carter and Christine as a pair because of how they behave together, then they’re blind as a bat.

Leroy: A toast! To Carter, for winning this food for us.

Christine: Yes!

Jacobiah: To Carter.

Annabeth: To Carter!

Trixie subtly rolls her eyes but halfheartedly joins in.

Carter blushes and shrugs them all aside but Christine nudges him until he joins them, raising his champagne glass to theirs in toast.

Annabeth: Thank you, Carter!

Carter: Don’t mention it. I wanted to eat too. [laughs]

Meanwhile, back at the Vantagem camp…

The remaining five players who didn’t win reward are sulking around the fire.

Reyna is quietly making everyone rice, while Wanda, Zoe, Percy and Markus sit in silence.

"vantagem"

- I’m happy that Jacobiah and Leroy get to win the challenge and go eat, especially Jacobiah, because that poor boy never got to join in on the merge feast. But I’m also annoyed that the rich continue to get richer in this game, and what I mean by that is that Carter, Christine, Annabeth and Trixie won reward, AND Nicholas got to go play for an advantage. Like, me and Reyna, and Markus too, we’re back here and still down in the dumps. And even the two more obvious outsiders in Nicholas’s mafia - Zoe and Percy - are sitting back at camp eating crispy rice with us. Why do the people who are already so lucky in this game, get even more lucky? It just doesn’t make a lick of sense, now, does it?

Wanda scowls off at the ocean, as Reyna steadily works at scraping rice off the cooking pot next to her, lading out bowls for the others.

Reyna: Here. For you, Zoe.

Zoe: Hm.

Reyna: Percy? Yours.

Percy: Thanks, Reyna.

Reyna: Wanda? You have to eat.

Wanda: Yeah, yeah...I know.

"vantagem"

- Wanda’s a little upset about not winning the reward...well, okay, more than a little upset. I think she’s more upset that Nicholas got to play for an advantage. I empathize with her frustration, especially considering our spots in this game where we’re on the bottom and the people on the top continue to succeed and succeed and succeed. But just because I feel the same way doesn’t mean I’m going to sit around and scowl and pout over it. Not being on reward can be just as helpful as being on reward because it gives me a chance to talk to and strategize with the people that got left behind.

Reyna: So, since the five of us are all sitting around here...let’s talk.

Zoe: What about?

Reyna: I think I speak for everyone here when I say that we can all acknowledge Nicholas is a huge threat.

Percy nods and Markus perks up.

Reyna: It’s no question.

Markus: Correct. You two realize everyone on this beach sees him as the ringleader of sorts, right?

Zoe and Percy share a look.

Reyna: Even today, you all saw, Carter leapt at the opportunity to send him to the Island of Advantages so he could get an advantage. Right, Wanda?

Wanda grunts in affirmation, busy eating.

Zoe: We’re aware he’s viewed as this big figurehead. We’re not stupid.

Markus: We would only need seven people to have the majority for this next vote. If it’s the five of us…

Reyna: [counting on fingers] We pull in Leroy and Jacobiah too, then that’s seven…

Markus: It could work. If we agree, as this group right now, that we stick together...we could totally turn the tables on them and cause a total shift in power on the tribe.

"vantagem"

- I don’t want Becky to have left this game for nothing. When she left, I’m kicking my game into gear. Seeing how she was blindsided, I know my game could end in an instant, and so I’m not going to sit back and let it play out without me. If there’s a way I can shape the votes in my favor, I’m going to do my damnedest to make sure it happens. Me and Reyna are trying to convince Zoe and Percy to flip because they’re on the outs of the tight four that Nicholas has with Annabeth, Carter and Christine. And Trixie...well, she’d never work with me. My only hope is with those two.

Markus: I know I spoke of this to you just the other day, but my offer still stands, and it’ll continue to stand until we make this move together.

Reyna nods empathetically.

Reyna: With them all gone for today, this is the perfect opportunity for us to solidify this.

Wanda finally looks up from her bowl of rice.

Wanda: If you two want to make a move, we could make one at the next Tribal Council, and pull off a big blindside. What’d you come onto Survivor for? To win. And you need to make moves if you want to win.

Percy looks nervous at her words.

Percy: So you guys want to take out Nicholas? What if he gets an idol from the Island?

Markus: Then we take out his right-hand woman, Annabeth.

Wanda: Why do you think we put our votes on her last night? She’s his loyal sidekick.

Reyna: Nicholas is the bigger target, but Annabeth is dangerous too, especially while she’s latched onto him. Taking out his closest ally would be just as big a move.

Zoe chews on her lower lip.

"vantagem"

- Markus, Reyna and Wanda are talking about possibly blindsiding Nicholas or Annabeth. It’s definitely a tantalizing option, but again...there are so many factors to consider. You can’t just blindside your alliance without consequences. And like it or not, I am safe in this majority. I can make it far with them. Turning my back on them for no reason would be bad for me. Above all, I don’t know if I can trust Markus and Reyna and Wanda and I need to listen to my gut and see if this is the right move for Percy and me. As of now...I still don’t know. I still don’t know what’s the right move for me to make. But that’s definitely not stopping them from trying to pitch me.

Day 24
The next day…

Early in the morning, Nicholas is taking a walk down the beach with Trixie, waves crashing down on the shore and washing up around their toes.

Trixie: So how was the Island of Advantages? Cool?

Nicholas: Every bit as I imagined it was.

Trixie: Did you get anything?

Nicholas smirks at her.

Nicholas: What do you think?

Trixie: Oh, you sly dog, you.

"vantagem"

- Initially, I wasn’t planning on telling anyone about my advantage, not even Annabeth, who I honestly consider my closest ally out here. But I was just walking with Trixie in the morning and, I don’t know, I guess I felt comfortable enough with her that it just...slipped out.

Nicholas: I got a Vote Nullifier.

Trixie: No…

Nicholas: Mhm. I swear.

Trixie: And let me guess. It nullifies someone’s vote?

Nicholas: Now, how’d you figure that out?

Trixie snorts, and she playfully shoves him.

Trixie: Dude, we are so good.

"vantagem"

- My relationship with Trixie is an interesting one. I think we’re both pretty cunning people, which is why we gravitated to each other so smoothly back on Qamea. Like, we can just sense it in each other. I wouldn’t hesitate to stab someone in the back for a big move and I get the feeling she wouldn’t either. She’s a cutthroat and like relates to like. That’s something I can’t really relate to as much in Annabeth, even though I really do like Annabeth a lot as well and have been tight with her since the very beginning. But with Trixie, it’s just like...I know she’s been targeted and shaded by a lot of people on this beach just like I have, for both strategic and personal reasons, and so we both bond over knowing we’re viewed as bottom feeders no matter how high up on the top of the food chain we climb. And I wouldn’t have it any other way. [laughing] Being the ones on top is pretty sweet, and right now, Trixie and I are a little drunk on power, with this Vote Nullifier being the cherry foam on top. I just don’t want to let it go to my head.

In contrast, Wanda, Reyna and Jacobiah are clustered down by the beach. Wanda is watching Nicholas and Trixie walking together and cackling from afar.

Wanda: ...This sucks.

Jacobiah and Reyna see what she’s looking at.

Reyna: The king and the witch.

Wanda: What I wouldn’t give to take them down...

"vantagem"

- With us being on the bottom, we now have to fight to stay alive even more than we already did. Because I know Nicholas isn’t willing to give us second or third chances. I already risked a lot with him keeping me safe up until the merge by getting rid of Marisa first. But I know my luck won’t last. And Wanda’s clearly starting to let this feud with her and Nicholas get a bit personal.

Wanda: He has to go down. There must be a way to break that stupid alliance from within, there has to be.

Jacobiah: How?

Reyna: It won’t be Trixie or Annabeth. The two of them are loyal to him.

Wanda: One of us four needs to win immunity tomorrow.

Reyna and Jacobiah stare at her.

Wanda: Like, I’m serious. I’ll be real miffed if one of them win, again.

Jacobiah: But even so, one immunity can’t protect all four of us.

Reyna: What do we do after, if they don’t decide to flip on Nicholas?

Wanda: We just need to name a bigger target than us, and keep the crosshairs off of you two, me, and Leroy.

"vantagem"

- Trying to get the members of the majority to wake up from Nicholas’ spell and start playing the game against him rather than for him, it’s an uphill battle. And it’ll really piss me off if one of they still win immunity next, and keep the power dangling out of our reach. I’m used to being the one in charge, not being the one left out of the vote. I want to be in control of my own fate, so this is just...not the ideal scenario for me. [laughing weakly] So I’m banking on the results of tomorrow’s immunity and I’m hoping it’ll be in our favor and maybe things will start looking up for us, and we can get some momentum, and find a crack within the majority to turn the tide against Nicholas for good, so I don’t have to see him and Trixie gloating their way up and down this beach no more.

Day 25
Jeff: Come on in guys!

In comes the tribe.

Jeff: First things first, Christine, I’ll take it back.

Christine pouts as he takes back the immunity necklace.

Jeff: Immunity back up for grabs. For today’s challenge, you will race to assemble a set of stairs using planks that can only be inserted a certain way. Once you get to the top, you will solve a thirty-piece puzzle, revealing three numbers. You must then race back down the stairs and use those numbers to unlock a combination lock, releasing your flag. First person to release their flag wins immunity.

Everyone takes their place.

Jeff: Survivors ready? Go!

Everyone begins racing up and down, trying to assemble their stairs.

Jeff: These pieces are built specifically so each piece only fits on a certain step. If you grab the wrong piece, you’re gonna have to race back down and find the correct one.

Carter inserts his first stair. Nicholas and Markus do the same behind him.

Jeff: Carter, Nicholas and Markus off to an early lead!

Wanda gets her first step in. Reyna gets hers in right after. Annabeth follows too.

Jeff: Jacobiah, Trixie, Christine, Zoe, Percy and Leroy falling behind…

Carter has assembled half his stairs, and Nicholas is right next to him, Markus struggling to keep up with both.

Reyna is catching up slowly.

Jacobiah gets his first step in, and so do Christine and Leroy.

Jeff: Carter with only two steps left, Nicholas with three!

Carter is racing up and down the stairs, Nicholas scrambling as well.

Soon, Carter is up with his next step, and then goes back down to get the last one.

Jeff: Carter has finished assembling his stairs! He can now get to work on his puzzle!

Carter races up the stairs and to his platform. Nicholas is up next.

Markus is slowing down now. Jacobiah is catching up, and so is Reyna, keeping steady pace.

Carter is busy working on his puzzle alongside Nicholas.

Jeff: Jacobiah is up his stairs! Reyna and Markus are up their stairs!

Annabeth inserts her final step and races up too.

Jeff: Annabeth is up too! We’ve got a challenge going on!

Multiple people are now working on their puzzles. Carter is moving pieces around quickly, focusing hard. Nicholas is taking a step back to examine his puzzle, sweat dripping down his brow.

Trixie inserts her final step and races up.

Jeff: Trixie working on her puzzle now too!

Nicholas, as if suddenly inspired, begins moving pieces around fast, trying to catch up to Carter, who is moving a mile a minute.

Jeff: It is still Nicholas and Carter in the lead, the others rushing to catch up!

Carter inserts his final piece and sees the numbers on the puzzle. He begins racing back down the stairs.

Jeff: Carter heading down to try his combination lock!

Nicholas finishes his puzzle a split second later and begins racing Carter.

Jeff: Nicholas heading down too! Who’s gonna get there first?

Carter gets to his lock first and begins inputting numbers. Nicholas almost trips on his way down and runs past Zoe and Percy, still working on their stairs, to get to his combination lock.

Carter inputs a set of three numbers and tries the lock…

It doesn’t work.

Jeff: Carter trying another combination…

Nicholas inputs his three numbers and tries…

His lock doesn’t pop open.

Jeff: No! Nicholas is wrong too! Who’s gonna get their combination first?

Zoe stops climbing the stairs to watch them.

Carter pulls on his lock with a new set of numbers…

...and it opens!

Carter’s flag raises into the air.

Jeff: Carter wins immunity!

Panting, Nicholas grunts and abandons his lock, moving over to congratulate Carter, who is grinning from ear to ear.

Nicholas: Good job.

Carter: Thanks, man.

Christine is jumping from foot to foot in glee, barely able to contain herself.

Christine: Good job, Carter!

The tribe takes their place on the mat again.

Jeff: Carter, congratulations. First the reward challenge, and now this.

Carter looks bashful as Jeff puts the necklace on him. Christine is beaming over at him. Trixie looks sour. Wanda looks sour next to her. Reyna is disappointed.

Everyone takes their places again.

Jeff: Carter, come on up.

Carter walks over as the others applaud politely, looking bashful, and Jeff puts the necklace around him.

Jeff: Well-earned. Carter, safe from Tribal Council tonight. Everybody else, one of you will become the ninth person voted out and the second member of our jury. You have the rest of the afternoon to figure out who it’s gonna be. Grab your stuff and head back to camp. I’ll see you at Tribal. [pats Carter’s back] Congrats.

Carter: [grinning widely] Cheers, Jeff.

Everyone moves to grab their things and leave in slow motion. The camera focuses on Reyna.

"vantagem"

- Immunity challenge...did not pan out well. Um...Carter won, which means that, once again, Nicholas’ majority alliance is the one snatching up the rewards and the immunities and the advantages, all while comfortably retaining the numbers. I can already sense Wanda’s displeasure practically radiating off her. I just hope the others can’t sense it too strongly too, because it might make her a target for tonight, and knowing it could most likely be one of us going home, I don’t want it to have to be me or her. Whatever the option...it sucks knowing we’re going to have to fight, again, for our survival, and it may not even bear fruit.

The Vantagem tribe returns to camp.

Immediately, people are splitting up. Nicholas is leaving with his big group, as Wanda and the others stay at camp, noticing the others leaving one by one or in random pairs.

Jacobiah: Group meeting. [chuckling]

Leroy: Yeah, you’re telling me.

"vantagem"

- We come back from the immunity challenge, and almost right away, everyone in Nicholas’ alliance mysteriously disappears. They’re all going to attend their regular boardroom meeting, where the CEO, Nicholas Yates himself, sets up a big group discussion to decide which one of us stragglers they’re going to fire from the company that is the Vantagem tribe. [laughing] It’s a real [censored] situation right now, and who knows who’s it gonna be? I just need to make sure it’s not me.

Markus is solemn, watching as the four members of Reyna’s alliance loiter around camp, not acknowledging his presence.

Markus: You see them?

Reyna: [shrugs] They’re all gone.

Markus: What do you think’s gonna happen tonight?

Wanda is quiet, stoking the fire with a stick, looking bitter.

Wanda: Who knows…

Jacobiah scratches the back of his neck, similarly noncommittal. Reyna looks away. Leroy straight-up leaves, heading for the water.

Markus’ eyes narrow at this.

"vantagem"

- When Nicholas’ alliance left camp to talk, I waited for the other four to start strategizing, but even when I tried to talk to them, they were all just...very vague, and evasive. And immediately, I’m on alert. It feels like they’ve decided it’s not worth it to try and flip the majority alliance anymore, and that there’s no longer any chance. And if that’s the case, then they might be voting for me tonight so they can save themselves from being the one going home. And I don’t want that, obviously. So I need to take one more crack at the majority. I knew that, if we didn’t get the majority to break apart, then I’m in trouble because I’m already seen as a threat by Nicholas, Trixie and the other players within the majority. If the minority alliance also decides I’m not worth the trouble and vote me out to keep themselves safe, then...that’s not great. I still have a hidden immunity idol I could use to keep myself safe tonight, but I don't want to have to use it if I don't have to.

Deep in the forest, Nicholas and his allies have gathered for the aforementioned boardroom meeting.

Nicholas: Alright. It’s time to decide. Which one of those five do we want gone?

The others glance at one another. Zoe shares a look with Percy.

Annabeth: I mean, I personally think Wanda is the biggest strategic threat.

Carter: I agree. She’s the smartest person here, man. Don’t underestimate her just cause she’s older.

Christine: I think Reyna’s the biggest social threat.

Percy: Uh...that makes Jacobiah the biggest physical one, right? I-I mean...just look at him! The dude’s freakin’ huge!

Trixie: Personally, I think Leroy’s pretty cunning himself. I recognize that in him. So I wouldn’t be so quick to count him out.

Zoe: No one thinks Markus should go?

Trixie: Oh, no, he should definitely go. I wasn’t done talking. Leroy’s cunning, Reyna’s social, or whatever. Yeah, those are all fine points for the four of them. But primarily, Markus should go. He’s a combination of all four reasons why the others are threats. If we don’t take him out as soon as possible, we’ll regret it.

Nicholas: Now, hold on. We should still discuss this all. Markus, right now, he’s got no one on his side. Literally, no one. I’m pretty certain the other four would turn on him first to save themselves if they had to, because he’s not originally a part of their alliance. We could use Markus. He’s a free number.

Trixie: Yeah, he’s a free number that we don’t even need. We have the numbers already. Markus can go. There’s no sense in keeping him around.

Nicholas: I disagree. I think we can use him.

Annabeth: I agree with Nicholas.

Trixie huffs under her breath.

Trixie: Course you do…

"vantagem"

- I wanted Markus gone. I’ve wanted him gone since the first week when he tried to send me home. I’ve already watched as all his allies left him, one after the other after the other, and now, he’s, like, this big final boss at the end of the battle and I’m trying to rally my party members to vanquish him once and for all, and they’re all busy doing side quests and [censored]. It infuriates me.

Nicholas: I think we should vote out one of the four in the minority first, before we focus on Markus as a threat. Markus can be a threat, but he also has no allies. Those four are too tight, and they’ll vote together. So I don’t trust leaving them in. We need to knock at least one of them out of the game tonight.

"vantagem"

- My real reason for wanting to keep Markus in is...it’s kind of true, but also a bit of an ulterior motive. Markus is a threat, yes, but he’s a threat I can use. He’s my meat shield, because if people think I’m such a big threat and a big player, then Markus is one too, and I need to keep my meat shields around. Likewise, I do believe that he has no allies left in this game. Becky was his last, closest one, and she’s gone. And Reyna, Wanda, Jacobiah and Leroy...they won’t stick their necks out to save Markus. He is completely on his own, which makes him very valuable to me to use later down the road. So I’mma keep him for this round if I can. I’d like to whittle down the minority first.

Nicholas: Since all four of them don’t have immunity, we should come to a consensus on which of those four should be first to go.

Christine: What, like, put it to a vote?

Annabeth: Hmm...I know I said Wanda earlier, but I also think her social game is pretty bad. She rubs people the wrong way because she doesn’t get along with a lot of people. So I’d think Reyna, maybe, should be the one to go.

Carter: I still think Wanda is a big strategic threat. But I also fear Jacobiah in challenges. That man is a real beast.

Nicholas: It looks like we’re undecided. But it has to be one of the four of them.

Zoe is watching Nicholas closely.

"vantagem"

- Markus has said countless times that Nicholas is viewed as the leader and the big boss of the alliance. And I agreed, yes. I didn’t think it was enough to mean we had to send him home right away, but watching him lead this meeting, I definitely see where Markus was coming from. Even without being there to see Nicholas lead, he still hit the nail on the head, because Nicholas was being a real dictator today. He basically shut down Trixie’s argument to get out Markus without any protest, and then the next thing you know, he’s getting us to vote on who of the four in the minority we want to send home. He’d adaptive, and he’s taking charge, and it worries me that he’s so good at corralling Annabeth, Carter and Christine into taking his side and doing what he wants. Am I viewed the same way? Do the others think I’m a puppet too? I’ve never been more conflicted in this game than I am now. Could Markus be right? This might be my one and only chance to take a shot at Nicholas.

Markus is deep in conversation with Percy and Zoe by the well.

Markus: This is your opportunity to make a big splash. It’s on your shoulders.

Zoe: So that’s your plan? Are the others on board?

Markus: If you two are truly down for this, I guarantee you that Wanda and Reyna and them all...they’ll totally vote against Nicholas or Annabeth too. We have the power and the numbers to make this move. There’s no reason it’s not possible.

Percy: So...Nicholas has to go?

Markus: Nicholas has to go. With the two of you, we’d have seven, and that’s the majority. We’d have enough numbers to send home the biggest threat in the game tonight, and that’d be huge for both your resumes, to say that you had a hand in that. This move would be a huge benefit for all of us.

Markus leaves.

Zoe turns to Percy.

Zoe: I know it feels we’ve had this conversation before, but...what do you think?

Percy: Honestly, I...I just don’t know. I really do feel safe in Nicholas’ alliance and I don’t want to compromise that. At the same time, I’m worried the game’s being played without us and we’re being sorta left behind...

Zoe: Here are my thoughts. My only concern is...that we’d just be flipping from the bottom of one alliance, to the bottom of another. We’d be making a big move, sure, but would we be making the right move?

"vantagem"

- I would love to make a big move and show these big boys like Markus and Nicholas and Leroy and Carter that...I’m not just some small, helpless girl. I can play ball with the best of them too, and making a big move and stabbing Nicholas in the back and taking out the powerhouse of this beach would be a massive assassination. I just...worry about the backlash. What if I make this move, and then immediately regret it right afterwards? I’d be burning my bridges, no matter how small already, with people like Carter and Annabeth and Christine. I wouldn’t just be blindsiding Nicholas, I’d be blindsiding my original alliance. I should be trying to get closer with them, not turning on them so fast. I don’t want to make a move I’ll regret and I think...maybe Percy and I still need to wait a bit.

Zoe meets up with Markus later on in the day.

Zoe: I really did think I wanted to make this move. But Percy and I talked, and I’ve changed my mind. I think we’re both going to wait on it.

The look on Markus’ face says it all.

"vantagem"

- Zoe just told me that the plan to blindside Nicholas is a bust. I was so sure she was finally seeing the light and ready to make a move, but then...I guess she got cold feet. She and Percy are chickening out. It sucks, but I can tell their minds are made up. Even though tonight is the perfect opportunity to do it, they’re both too scared to make the move right now and that means, that once again, I am back in trouble. And now, I may have to grovel to Nicholas to secure my spot in the game.

Markus ends up meeting up with Nicholas, once more, in the forest.

Markus: So what’s the plan tonight? I will vote with you.

Nicholas: Yeah?

Markus: Tell me a name, and I swear to you, you will see me write it down at Tribal Council tonight. Because you know...I’ve got nothing else, bro. [laughing] Anyone you want, you just give me the name. I promise you, I am with you.

Nicholas nods, thumbing his beard.

"vantagem"

- It’s almost kinda nice…[laughing] to know I’ve got Markus in the palm of my hand. A free vote, for me to use how I see fit. As far as I’m concerned, I’ve won the war against him. I’ve whittled him down to being the most vulnerable because with Becky gone, he has no one and nothing left. Now that I’ve taken the Qamea resistance down truly to its lowest...it’s time to focus on the civil war within Waya, and that is taking down Wanda’s rebellion. And yes, these king and warlike metaphors are very apt for this scenario, because I’m walking into Tribal Council feeling like a king tonight, baby.

The sun sets, and the tribe arrives at Tribal Council.

Jeff: We’ll now bring in the first member of our jury. Becky, voted out at the last Tribal Council.

In walks Becky, in a flowing green sunflower dress, smiling winningly at the others. Markus smiles back, happy to see her.

Jeff: Nicholas, last Tribal, there was a lot of talk about how you were being perceived as a leader of the majority alliance. Will that still be relevant here tonight?

Nicholas: Unfortunately, I don’t see it being irrelevant for a long time. It’s a bit draining to have everyone constantly be pointing you out as a threat. But I am confident that the people who I’ve spoken to know that I’m being genuine with them and that they can trust me. So even though I recognize I’m not likely to stop being targeted, I feel safe because I trust the people I’m working with and I believe they trust me too.

Jeff: But what do you say to people who think taking you out would be their big move for the game?

Wanda looks at Nicholas for his answer.

Jeff: I’d say that’s pretty shortsighted. People want to vote me out because it would incite movement in the game, not necessarily because it’s the right or a smart move. I’m not some big leader of an alliance so voting me out would accomplish nothing. And people don’t like me. You’d be filling those seats on the jury with people who can’t stand my guts.

Becky raises an eyebrow at this. Leroy is chuckling to himself, scratching his goatee.

Jeff: Reyna, if you’re in the minority, what do you do to stay in the game? Do you believe the majority alliance is breakable?

Reyna: I believe that.

Nicholas glances at Annabeth, who is laughing.

Reyna: A majority alliance won’t last forever. Eventually, it’s going to split. And the only question will be whether these people will emerge on the winning or the losing side once that happens.

Jeff: Wanda, what do you tell someone from the majority if you want them to flip?

Wanda: I’d say the same thing I’ve been saying all this while. Sticking with that majority and settling for complacency won’t win you the game. The jury is going to respect people who make moves, not people who hop aboard a train and let other players pilot them to the finish line.

Nicholas: I mean, on the other hand, this game isn’t always about making crazy moves. There is a time and a place for making moves. Make moves too early or for no reason and you risk overplaying your hand and before you know it, you’ve left all your cards exposed on the table.

Wanda rolls her eyes and groans.

Nicholas: I understand why Wanda and the others are trying so hard to get one of us to flip. I don’t blame them for it because they know they’re on the bottom. But the rest of us need to stay strong. We have a solid group and compromising that for people who we may not necessarily be able to trust in the future is a dumb move. Sometimes, settling for the safe boring option is the better play because it’s all about the right time in Survivor.

Jeff: If tonight isn’t the right time, Zoe, then do you think other people would make a move in the future?

Zoe: I think there is merit to waiting for the right opportunity to make a big move. I’m deathly afraid of making a wrong move, and then suffering the consequences of it immediately after. So I do think Nicholas has a point, yeah.

Jeff: There’s a lot of talk of when the right time to make the right move is, Markus. But if tonight isn’t the time for people to be making a move, that would mean one of the people on the bottom would be going home.

Markus: Right. In this case, I would be in trouble. Because I am fully on the bottom, Jeff. I have no one [laughing] literally, I have no allies left anymore. So...I have to do what I can to stay in the game.

Leroy frowns. Wanda licks her lips. Nicholas is nodding, eyes shining.

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

Annabeth gets up to vote.

The camera cuts to Markus looking around as Annabeth walks by him, and to him glancing over at Nicholas, who is watching him closely.

Wanda is pressing her clenched fists to her chin, appearing pensive, and Reyna is biting her tongue, eyes darting to her and back again.

The camera fades away to the others walking up to the booth one by one, then cuts to Carter reaching the booth and twirling the pen, uncapping it.

The camera zooms in on the brooding look on Zoe’s face, then fades away as Markus gets to the booth, cracking his knuckles before picking up the pen.

Nicholas walks past Becky to get to the booth, and her eyes follow him as he walks.

The camera cuts to Percy getting to the voting booth, looking small and nervous, then fades back to Reyna straightening her back and sitting up straighter in her seat.

Leroy is shown ruffling his thick hair, as Percy returns.

Jeff: I’ll go tally the votes.

He leaves. Christine sucks in air through her teeth. The camera zooms in on Jacobiah’s fingers drumming restlessly on his knee.

The camera cuts to Wanda with a shrewd expression on her face as Jeff walks by and returns with the urn.

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

Trixie raises an eyebrow and looks over her shoulder at the others. Nicholas is smirking, glacing to his left and right. Wanda catches the movement and rolls her eyes. Reyna bites her lower lip but doesn’t budge and glances back at Jeff.

The camera zooms in slowly on Markus, who stares back at Jeff with an impassive expression.

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 the urn.

Becky has her hands clasped in front of her mouth, eyes wide, watching Jeff.

Markus is shown watching her reaction. Nicholas is nodding at Annabeth, looking confident.

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

Markus nods deliberately, arms crossed. Reyna watches him closely, head cocked to the side.

Jeff: Markus. (2-0)

Markus grins a little, expecting it. Wanda’s mouth twitches with annoyance.

Nicholas is rubbing his temples with one hand.

Jeff: Markus. Three votes Markus. (3-0)

Markus blinks, a little despondent now.

Trixie wags an eyebrow with anticipation. Zoe glances at Markus, her face impassive.

Jeff: Markus. That’s four votes Markus. (4-0)

Markus shrugs, staring at the floor. On the jury, Becky is covering her mouth, looking concerned.

Nicholas glances back to Markus, looking devilish.

The fire casts shadows over Wanda’s face as she narrows her eyes, awaiting the next vote. Reyna sits up straighter, worried, and the camera cuts to Leroy with his arms folded, and Jacobiah looking nervous, as Jeff pulls out the next vote.

…

…

...

Jeff: Leroy. That’s one vote Leroy. (4-1)

Leroy: [chuckling] Ahaha…

Leroy snorts, shaking his head with disappointment. Reyna glances back at him, frowning.

Wanda scowls. Annabeth looks on hopefully.

Jeff: Leroy. That’s two votes Leroy. (4-2)

Leroy rolls his eyes, glancing away. Nicholas is grinning a little more broadly.

Jeff: Leroy. Four votes Markus, three votes Leroy. (4-3)

Leroy picks at his goatee, smirking. Zoe bites her lip, sharing a look with Percy, who breathes heavily and raises an eyebrow questioningly at her.

Jeff: Leroy. We’re tied. Four votes Markus, four votes Leroy. (4-4)

Leroy sighs. Markus’s face is white with trepidation. Reyna looks disappointed, and Wanda’s face is stone.

Jeff: Leroy. That’s five votes Leroy, four votes Markus…(5-4)

Leroy glances snidely at Carter, who looks away with remorse. Christine takes a deep breath, brushing her hair out of her face. Trixie is nodding to herself.

Jeff: Leroy. That’s six votes Leroy…(6-4)

Leroy: Good job, guys.

Christine chuckles to herself. Nicholas makes a face. Wanda is shaking her head subtly.

Jeff: Ninth person voted out of Survivor: Mozambique and the second member of our jury...Leroy. You need to bring me your torch. (Final Tally: 8-4)

Leroy snickers, nodding as he gets to his feet, reaching for his things.

Leroy: Bada bing, bada boom.

The camera focuses on Nicholas licking his lips and looking up at the night sky as Leroy walks past him to get his torch.

Wanda shares a look with Reyna, who seems unsurprised but disappointed all the same.

Markus leans back in his seat, nodding to Becky on the jury, who smiles back.

Zoe swallows, fidgeting, and the camera cuts to Percy looking on as Leroy walks past the tribe to set his torch down.

Jeff: Leroy, the tribe has spoken.

Leroy holds up the rock hands as Jeff snuffs his torch.

Jeff: Time for you to go.

Leroy lets out a laugh as he goes, slinging his bag over his shoulder.

"vantagem"

- I won the Legacy Advantage from the Island of Advantages. Now that I’m out of the game, I’m going to will this to Wanda, and I hope that old dame can really kick some ass with it. [laughing]

As Leroy leaves, Reyna again shares a look with Wanda, who cranes her head back, sighing.

Jacobiah glances over at the two women, looking down.

Jeff: The majority may have prevailed once more, but there’s still a long, long way to go to the endgame. Everything won’t stay the same forever. Grab your things and head on back to camp. Goodnight.

Final Words
Leroy: They got me. I thought I was being slick but obviously, they were on to me. They knew I was a crafty player, they knew I would turn on my allies if it kept me in the game and I’m sure Nicholas recognized I would be a threat to him down the road. That’s why I’m here and that’s why Reyna, Wanda and Jacobiah are still in, but more power to them, and to Markus too for staying. I may not have been able to use my Legacy Advantage but I’m counting on Wanda to put it to good use now that it’s hers and maybe they’ll blindside Nicholas and his kingdom someday. It just won’t be with me. [laughing]

Next Time on Survivor...

 * The majority alliance finally starts to crumble.

Nicholas: Hate to say it, but I’m thinking...we take out Carter now.

Annabeth’s eyes go big and she looks shocked.

"vantagem"

- NO. Way. My heart is racing in my chest. This could totally blow up in our faces!


 * And the outsiders scramble to pick up the pieces…

Wanda: We can really turn the tables on them.

Reyna giggles a little.

"vantagem"

- There are going to be a LOT of fireworks tonight.