Survivor 47: Update #10

 

Before we get started, Carol lost Sol last week and takes Andy as her Lifeline.  Here’s the updated grid:

Brian	Caroline
Iyasah	Gabe
Angela	Teeny
Dylan	Genevieve
Lia	Kyle
Sheila	Sue
Roberta	Sam
Carol	Sol	Andy (AKA The Joker)

 Available lifeline:  Rachel

Second, 5 bonus points to Carol for knowing that “Accroches-toi a ton rêve” is French for “Hold on to your dreams” and comes from ELO’s song “Hold On Tight”.  If you look at the challenge picture, they most certainly were!

https://youtu.be/UkekqVPIc2M?si=bSl4ZS1uysEyeV7Q

We pick back up at camp where Genevieve has some work to do with Teeny, who doesn’t want to hear it. Teeny feels left out, and that’s the worst feeling a person can have (1 point for “Mention” ‘in this game’” [Teeny] to Angela!).  Genevieve is a good talker but Teeny still feels hurt. This is the 2^nd time Genevieve has backstabbed Teeny’s partner, who now considers how to pivot.

The next morning, Genevieve thinks everyone knowing she was Sol’s blindside mastermind is “unfortunate”.  I thought these were resume’ builders?  She asks Andy what he thinks, and Tuku is on The Joker’s mind.  Gabe or Kyle, whoever doesn’t have immunity.

The Joker sees himself as a slithering snake, with powerful relationships to everyone (1 point for “Mention ‘in this game’ [The Joker] to Carol!) and uses his new skills to enlist Kyle, saying he’s “loyal to the soil” (5 points for “Say the title of the episode” [The Joker] to Carol!). He played Kyle perfectly here. Rachel also sees him as an ally (1 point for “Mention ‘in this game’” [Rachel] to no one!), as Andy realizes everyone’s caught in his web Finally, Sam is also eager to get Tuku, but he sees Genevieve as an equal threat.

As a side note, Andy is playing REALLY hard right now. The last person who played this hard didn’t get very far…

There’s only one me, baby!

At the reward challenge, the final 9 are split into three groups of three.  Each person’s hands and feet are tied, and they slither like a snake to move a ball over sand dunes. Then they need to sink each ball into a target.  The Sanctuary is their reward.

Teams:

Yellow: Genevieve, Sue, Teeny

Red: Andy, Caroline, Gabe

Blue: Rachel, Sam, Kyle

Kyle gets Blue off to a fast lead as Genevieve and the Joker struggle.  Kyle finishes so fast that Rachel and Sam almost lap Yellow and Red.  Blue gets to the rolling target stage and despite a great effort from Gabe, it’s quickly over.  (3 points each for “Win Tribe Reward” [Kyle], [Sam], [Rachel] to Lia, Roberta and no one!)

At the Sanctuary, Kyle thinks the script needs to be flipped which is music to Sam’s ears as the latter thinks he’s on the bottom. Kyle wants to go after Gabe. (1 point for “Mention ‘in this game’” [Kyle] to Lia!). Sam just wants some people to play with, as does Rachel. When Kyle walks away, Rachel wastes no time calling Sam out for blowing up her spot by telling Sol, despite promising not to. Apologizing, Sam says Rachel is the only person left to whom he owes loyalty (1 point for “Mention ‘in this game’” [Sam] to Roberta!) as they agree to go for Tuku.

Rachel is on board with Sam for now, but she’d be foolish to trust him.

At loser camp, The Joker tries to build yet another partnership. This time, he’s hooking Sue saying how he can see them sitting at the end together.  He’s playing WAY too hard here and it’s only a matter of time before he’s removed from this society like his inspiration, but he’ll be at the Ponderosa instead of Arkham Asylum.

Meanwhile, Gabe begins plotting with Caroline and Teeny against Kyle, who’s a threat to win his way to the end (1 point for “Mention ‘in this game’” [Gabe] to Iyasah!).  Geneveive thinks Kyle is the target as soon as he loses, while Sam, Teeny and the Joker think Gabe needs to be next. Teeny wants this group to find footing together going forward.  Being betrayed by Genevieve again has Teeny in a Survivor low moment, not unlike a real-life breakup.  When Teeny’s bag begins to burn because it’s too close to the fire, it’s viewed as a necessary kick in the ass.  Good for you!

At the immunity challenge, they balance a ball on a wooden disc while balancing themselves on balance beam.  It’s a...

Balancing act

Before the comp starts, the tribe negotiates for a bag of rice.  All but Sam would give up their shot in the dark in exchange for the rice, which Jeff would accept. Despite his reluctance, On-the-bottom-Sam gives in. They all give up their shots in the dark.

By the time Jeff says the competition is on, I’d already be out. No shot at immunity for me on this one!  They all pass Stage 1 and add a 2^nd ball for Stage 2. Caroline quickly drops.  (3 points for “First out in a challenge” [Caroline] to Brian!).  This stage is significantly harder, and The Joker, Rachel, Genevieve and Gabe all drop.  Adding the 3^rd ball at stage 3 knocks out Teeny and Sam leaving Kyle and Sue in a showdown.  A few moments later Sue drops meaning…. (8 points for “Win individual immunity” [Kyle] to Lia!).   That’s his 4^th individual immunity!

Back at camp, Sam, Teeny and The Joker are all on Gabe.  Gabe thinks that if he can get Tuku through this vote, it’s smooth sailing to the finale (1 point for “Mention ‘in this game’” [Gabe] to Iyasah!). 

Caroline sees voting for Gabe as starting her own game, and though Genevieve is a threat, Gabe is a bigger one. Her concern is that she is tight with Sue, and Sue is Gabe’s #1 and that making the wrong move could ruin her. (1 point for “Mention ‘in this game’ [Caroline] to Rachel!)

Learn a lesson from this guy: If you aren’t #1 to the person you consider #1, shank the person who is.

Tell them “The Brigade Sends Their Regards”.  

5 bonus points if you message me who this is.  

Tell no one else. Offer good until the next update. 

No internet sleuthing!

Caroline, however, goes the other way asking Rachel if they should go after Genevieve first instead.  The camp debates between the two as the sun goes down.

At Tribal Council, Jeff probes at the criteria for being included in their community.  “Just don’t be Rome”, says Teeny. 

Excuse you?

Gabe notes that it shifts all the time because while they do build a community, it’s destined to tear itself apart.   The Joker understands that getting big threats out early means a better chance of being around later, and Caroline agrees despite differing on what constitutes a threat.   Genevieve recognizes that people who were talking with her yesterday aren’t today. Sam closes a relatively calm Tribal saying the first day he felt part of the community Sierra went home.  (5 points for “Shown talking while in the jury” [Sierra] to no one!)

At the vote, no idols or advantages are played which is unfortunate for Gabe.  He’s voted out 7-2 and becomes the third member of the jury. (2 points for “Received vote against” [Genevieve] to Dylan!), (7 points for “Received vote against” [Gabe] to Iyasah!), (-2 points for “The Tribe Has Spoken” against Iyasah!) and (2 points for “Jury member” to Iyasah!)

So much for being remembered as one of the greats

So, what does this mean for our scores?  Leader Angela remains in place, but 2^nd place Lia is gaining thanks to Kyle’s immunity run! Roberta remains in 3^rd, but Carol’s knowledge of 70s rock and roll puts her in 4^th, ahead of now-5^th place Iyasah despite the latter gaining thanks to Gabe’s ouster. Despite Geneveive’s solid gameplay, she’s not really earning points for 6^th place Dylan.  And maybe Gabe’s absence will allow Sue and Caroline to emerge from the shadows, which would definitely help 7^th place Sheila and 8^th place Brian.

1. Angela   165
2. Lia         129
3. Roberta  120
4. Carol     116
5. Iyasah    114
6. Dylan      95
7. Sheila      91
8. Brian      89

Survivor 47: Champions League Update #10

 

Before we get started, Carol lost Sol last week and takes Rachel as her Lifeline.  Here’s the updated grid:

Scott	Kyle
Carol	Sol	Rachel
Jay	Andy (AKA The Joker)
Dalphyne	Sue
Ricky	Sierra	Sam
Marissa	Teeny
Kristyn	Genevieve
Jen	Gabe

Available lifeline:  Caroline

Second, 5 bonus points each to Jay and Carol for knowing that “Accroches-toi a ton rêve” is French for “Hold on to your dreams” and comes from ELO’s song “Hold On Tight”.  If you look at the challenge picture, they most certainly were!

https://youtu.be/UkekqVPIc2M?si=bSl4ZS1uysEyeV7Q

We pick back up at camp where Genevieve has some work to do with Teeny, who doesn’t want to hear it. Teeny feels left out, and that’s the worst feeling a person can have (1 point for “Mention” ‘in this game’” [Teeny] to Marissa!).  Genevieve is a good talker but Teeny still feels hurt. This is the 2^nd time Genevieve has backstabbed Teeny’s partner, who now considers how to pivot.

The next morning, Genevieve thinks everyone knowing she was Sol’s blindside mastermind is “unfortunate”.  I thought these were resume’ builders?  She asks Andy what he thinks, and Tuku is on The Joker’s mind.  Gabe or Kyle, whoever doesn’t have immunity.

The Joker sees himself as a slithering snake, with powerful relationships to everyone (1 point for “Mention ‘in this game’ [The Joker] to Jay!) and uses his new skills to enlist Kyle, saying he’s “loyal to the soil” (5 points for “Say the title of the episode” [The Joker] to Jay!). He played Kyle perfectly here. Rachel also sees him as an ally (1 point for “Mention ‘in this game’” [Rachel] to Carol!), as Andy realizes everyone’s caught in his web Finally, Sam is also eager to get Tuku, but he sees Genevieve as an equal threat.

As a side note, Andy is playing REALLY hard right now. The last person who played this hard didn’t get very far…

There’s only one me, baby!

At the reward challenge, the final 9 are split into three groups of three.  Each person’s hands and feet are tied, and they slither like a snake to move a ball over sand dunes. Then they need to sink each ball into a target.  The Sanctuary is their reward.

Teams:

Yellow: Genevieve, Sue, Teeny

Red: Andy, Caroline, Gabe

Blue: Rachel, Sam, Kyle

Kyle gets Blue off to a fast lead as Genevieve and the Joker struggle.  Kyle finishes so fast that Rachel and Sam almost lap Yellow and Red.  Blue gets to the rolling target stage and despite a great effort from Gabe, it’s quickly over.  (3 points each for “Win Tribe Reward” [Rachel], [Sam], [Kyle] to Carol, Ricky and me!)

At the Sanctuary, Kyle thinks the script needs to be flipped which is music to Sam’s ears as the latter thinks he’s on the bottom. Kyle wants to go after Gabe. (1 point for “Mention ‘in this game’” [Kyle] to me!). Sam just wants some people to play with, as does Rachel. When Kyle walks away, Rachel wastes no time calling Sam out for blowing up her spot by telling Sol, despite promising not to. Apologizing, Sam says Rachel is the only person left to whom he owes loyalty (1 point for “Mention ‘in this game’” [Sam] to Ricky!) as they agree to go for Tuku.

Rachel is on board with Sam for now, but she’d be foolish to trust him.

At loser camp, The Joker tries to build yet another partnership. This time, he’s hooking Sue saying how he can see them sitting at the end together.  He’s playing WAY too hard here and it’s only a matter of time before he’s removed from this society like his inspiration, but he’ll be at the Ponderosa instead of Arkham Asylum.

Meanwhile, Gabe begins plotting with Caroline and Teeny against Kyle, who’s a threat to win his way to the end (1 point for “Mention ‘in this game’” [Gabe] to Jen!).  Geneveive thinks Kyle is the target as soon as he loses, while Sam, Teeny and the Joker think Gabe needs to be next. Teeny wants this group to find footing together going forward.  Being betrayed by Genevieve again has Teeny in a Survivor low moment, not unlike a real-life breakup.  When Teeny’s bag begins to burn because it’s too close to the fire, it’s viewed as a necessary kick in the ass.  Good for you!

At the immunity challenge, they balance a ball on a wooden disc while balancing themselves on balance beam.  It’s a....

Balancing Act

Before the comp starts, the tribe negotiates for a bag of rice.  All but Sam would give up their shot in the dark in exchange for the rice, which Jeff would accept. Despite his reluctance, On-the-bottom-Sam gives in. They all give up their shots in the dark.

By the time Jeff says the competition is on, I’d already be out. No shot at immunity for me on this one!  They all pass Stage 1 and add a 2^nd ball for Stage 2. Caroline quickly drops.  (3 points for “First out in a challenge” [Caroline] to no one!).  This stage is significantly harder, and The Joker, Rachel, Genevieve and Gabe all drop.  Adding the 3^rd ball at stage 3 knocks out Teeny and Sam leaving Kyle and Sue in a showdown.  A few moments later Sue drops meaning…. (8 points for “Win individual immunity” [Kyle] to me!).   That’s his 4^th individual immunity!

Back at camp, Sam, Teeny and The Joker are all on Gabe.  Gabe thinks that if he can get Tuku through this vote, it’s smooth sailing to the finale (1 point for “Mention ‘in this game’” [Gabe] to Jen!). 

Caroline sees voting for Gabe as starting her own game, and though Genevieve is a threat, Gabe is a bigger one. Her concern is that she is tight with Sue, and Sue is Gabe’s #1 and that making the wrong move could ruin her. (1 point for “Mention ‘in this game’ [Caroline] to no one!)

Learn a lesson from this guy: If you aren’t #1 to the person you consider #1, shank the person who is.

Tell them “The Brigade sends their regards”.  

5 points if you message me who this is.  Tell no one else. 

Offer good until the next update. No internet sleuthing!

Caroline, however, goes the other way asking Rachel if they should go after Genevieve first instead.  The camp debates between the two as the sun goes down.

At Tribal Council, Jeff probes at the criteria for being included in their community.  “Just don’t be Rome”, says Teeny. 

Excuse you?

Gabe notes that it shifts all the time because while they do build a community, it’s destined to tear itself apart.   The Joker understands that getting big threats out early means a better chance of being around later, and Caroline agrees despite differing on what constitutes a threat.   Genevieve recognizes that people who were talking with her yesterday aren’t today. Sam closes a relatively calm Tribal saying the first day he felt part of the community Sierra went home.  (5 points for “Shown talking while in the jury” [Sierra] to Ricky!)

At the vote, no idols or advantages are played which is unfortunate for Gabe.  He’s voted out 7-2 and becomes the third member of the jury.  (2 points for “Received vote against” [Genevieve] to Kristyn!), (7 points for “Received vote against” [Gabe] to Jen!), (-2 points for “The Tribe Has Spoken” against Jen!) and (2 points for “Jury member” to Jen!)

So much for being remembered as one of the greats.

So, what does this mean for our scores?  Leader Jay retains his 11-point advantage over 2^nd place Ricky, who increases his lead over 3^rd place Kristyn.   4^th and 5^th place Dalphyne and Marissa pick up a few more points to keep ahead of 6^th place Carol and 7^th place yours truly.  Gabe being voted out earned 8^th place Jen some points but not enough to get her out of the cellar. 

Jen replaces Gabe with Caroline, as that is the only lifeline left.

1. Jay           149
2. Ricky       138
3. Kristyn     127
4. Dalphyne 118
5. Marissa    115
6. Carol       109
7. Scott        106
8. Jen            85

Survivor 47: Update #9

 

Before we get started, a reminder of who has whom:

Brian	Caroline
Iyasah	Gabe
Angela	Teeny
Dylan	Genevieve
Lia	Kyle
Sheila	Sue
Roberta	Sam
Carol	Sol

Lifelines:  Sierra, Rachel, Andy

Second, 5 bonus points to both Angela and Iyasah for knowing that it was Megamind who taught us that the difference between being a villain and a supervillain is....PRESENTATION!

We pick back up following Gata Queen Sierra’s ouster.  Her #1, Sam, is devastated. His relationship with Andy is toast. Rachel played her shot in the dark for the sole purpose of gauging reaction to see if she needed to play her idol.  Brilliant play! They both see themselves as free agents.

Flipping gives Andy as much joy as blindsiding Anika did. It’s always better to flip early than late!  He convinces Sam that he spent capital to save him over Sierra, bringing Sam back into his fold. This is the best redemption story since Emily!  (1 point for “Mention ‘in this game’” [Andy] to no one!). He also apologizes to Rachel, who’s not upset – Sierra would’ve targeted Andy anyway.  These two have mostly orbited each other, she thinks, and when he names Kyle as a target, she says Sue and Carolin would be on board (1 point for “Mention ‘in this game’” [Rachel] to no one!).

Teeny also apologizes to Sam, saying Tuku forced her to split Sierra/Sam duo.  They both mouth words about wanting Tuku gone, but do they believe? I doubt it. Finally, Sol and Genevieve see Gabe as a player and are unsure where he’s targeting, meaning he’s become a target too.

Treemail announces the next challenge – they have to break into pairs.  Andy is surprised when Sam wants him for a partner, as is Gabe when Kyle approaches him – but Kyle only wants Gabe so he can beat him head-to-head.  Be careful what you wish for, guy!

Pairs: 

Andy/Sam, Kyle/Gabe, Sue/Genevieve, Rachel/Caroline, Sol/Teeny

There are three stages to the challenge. The first three (3) groups to finish Stage 1 advance to Stage 2.  The first two (2) groups to finish Stage 2 advance to the final stage, competing for individual immunity.  All four finalists win reward (scored as “Win tribe reward”).

In the first stage, they have to crawl through a sand filled tunnel that’s a serious tight squeeze to get a step-puzzle piece then race to dig up a 2^nd step.

The tunnel looks awful, and Teeny complains that her butt isn’t teeny enough to fit.  No, really. She said that.  Gabe/Kyle make short work of Stage 1 and move on.  Sam/Andy destroy the bag holding the 2^nd step without getting the step itself. It’s on them to fix, Jeff says.  But they can’t do it fast enough.  Sol/Teeny and Sue/Genevieve move on to stage 2.  Sam/Andy and Rachel/Caroline lose their vote….for now.

In Stage 2, they have to solve a step-puzzle, climb the steps and cross a balance beam.  Sue/Genevieve finish the puzzle first but Sol/Teeny are right behind. Teeny blasts across the beam, but Sol takes two tries.  As they’re finishing, Kyle and Gabe finish the puzzle and BLAST across the beam leaving Genevieve in the dust.

The Stage 3 puzzle looks awful

“Accroche-toi à ton rêve” 

Message me the title and artist who included this line in their song

5 bonus points if you get them both

3 points if you get only one

Tell no one else.  Offer good until next update.

No internet sleuthing! You know it or you don’t!

They all pass the first and 2^nd footholds. Sol and Teeny both drop at the 3^rd foothold leaving Kyle right where he wanted to be:  In a showdown with Gabe.   Jeff wants some conversation, but Gabe needs to focus and wants nothing to do with it. He’s nicer than I would be about it!   Can Kyle win his 4^th straight individual immunity?  He thinks he needs to…but he can’t hold out any longer!  He drops! (8 points for “Win individual immunity” [Gabe] to Iyasah!), (3 points each for “Win Tribe Reward” [Gabe], [Teeny], [Sol], [Kyle] to Iyasah, Angela, Carol, and Lia!), finally (3 points for “Go on a journey” [Sam], [Andy], [Caroline], [Rachel] to Roberta, Brian and no one else!)

Back at reward, Kyle is concerned for his own skin as not being immune, after winning three (3) straight comps, paints a huge target on him (1 point for “Mention ‘in this game’” [Kyle] to Lia!). Gabe moans and drools over the first real food he’s had in two weeks, while Sol burps enough to gross out Teeny. Talking strategy, Sol wants “not Sol”, and Teeny wants Sam.  Sol thinks Genevieve will be on board and will bring Sue with her.

Left alone as the others are on reward or journey, Genevieve and Sue talk strategy. Genevieve says Sol wants Gabe out, and while Sue hasn’t forgiven Kyle for writing her name down, she will go after Sol since Gabe is her #1 ally.  Genevieve felt it was only a matter of time before she went after Sol. (1 point for “Mention ‘in this game’” [Genevieve] to Dylan!).

As the reward bearers return, Sol “tells” the two women the reward bearers decided on Sam as the vote.  Everyone nods in assent, but do they really believe? Sue gets Gabe on board, and Kyle follows along. They just need Caroline to come back from the journey with her vote…

At the journey, Sam feels vulnerable but feels a bit better when he finds out 3/4 of them will get their vote back.  (1 point for “Mention ‘in this game’” [Sam] to Roberta!) but Andy doesn’t see the upcoming challenge as anything other than nightmare fuel (5 points for “Say the title of the episode” [Andy] to no one!).   They have to build a house of metal cards, and the loser is whoever’s turn it is when the tower falls.  I could not do this.

There’s a lot of gamesmanship on where they place their cards, making it difficult for the next person but hey…1/3 of the game is “Outplay”, right?   Eventually, it’s Caroline who drops meaning she loses her vote.  They all think Kyle is THE threat, and so sail back to camp with his name.

The reward winners + Sue/Genevieve’s plan is simple: Vote Sol. They want to bring Rachel in to replace Caroline’s vote and let her decide to tell Sam or not. She doesn’t tell him outright, but confirms it when Sam guesses Sol.

And then the chaos starts.

Sam tells Sol.  Sol tries to convince Genevieve, Teeny and Andy to go for Sue.  (1 point for “Mention ‘in this game’” [Teeny] to Angela!). Sam tries to enlist Andy, but he’s reveling in the chaos. 

As he’s become the embodiment of chaos in the game, Andy’s new nickname shall be “The Joker”

 

Some men just want to watch the world burn

Sol goes to Genevieve, who sees her carefully laid plan slip away, and they flip to Kyle.  Rachel laments that she should never have told Sam.  Indeed.  The chaos lasts all the way until sunset, and they leave for tribal without having any sort of consensus.  This is going to be messy.

At tribal, lone juror Sierra enters with extra salt. She hasn’t forgiven yet. Jeff’s asking questions but the side conversations are where the action’s happening. Sol/Genevieve, Teeny/Sam, Sam/Joker, Joker/Gabe all break into hushed whispers while Genevieve notes that good players can decipher information from noise and understand how to apply it.  Caroline thinks chaos benefits people in bad spots and doesn’t see herself benefiting from it. That’s telling, no? Finally, Kyle motioning to all the side conversations, mentions how the game is happening right now.  What he fails to mention is that he’s not part of them. It’s chaos. 

An apt summary

Finally, Jeff calls them to order and it’s time to vote.  In the end, chaos did not help the person on the bottom.  They eventually land on the same plan they started with – Sol is voted out becoming Juror #2.  (8 points for “Received vote against” [Sol] to Carol!), (1 point for “Received vote against” [Sue] to Shiela!), (-2 points for “The tribe has spoken” [Sol] against Carol!) and (2 points for “Jury member” to Carol!)

Carol - time to pick a replacement!

 So what does chaos mean for our scores?  Angela can thank her kids for picking up this week’s bonus points as she remains in the lead.  Lia and 3^rd place Roberta are neck and neck for 2^nd and 3^rd place, 47+ points behind. Iyasah, who also knew Megamind, jumps to 4^th, thanks also to Gabe’s individual immunity win. She now 2 points ahead of Carol  who moves into 5^th, by racking up 8 “Sol got voted out” points.  Dylan drops to 6^th , just 2 points ahead of 7^th place Shelia and 7 ahead of last-place Brian. 

1. Angela  163
2. Lia        116
3. Roberta 115
4. Iyasah   106
5. Carol    104
6. Dylan     92
7. Sheila    90
8. Brian     85

Survivor 47: Champions League Update #9

Before we get started, a reminder of who has whom:

Sierra was voted out last week. Ricky has chosen Sam as his Lifeline.

Jay	Andy
Ricky	Sierra	Sam
Kristyn	Genevieve
Dalphyne	Sue
Marissa	Teeny
Carol	Sol
Scott	Kyle
Jen	Gabe

Lifelines:  Rachel, Caroline

Second, 5 bonus points to Jay for knowing that it was Megamind who taught us that the difference between being a villain and a supervillain is....PRESENTATION!

 

We pick back up following Gata Queen Sierra’s ouster.  Her #1, Sam, is devastated. His relationship with Andy is toast. Rachel played her shot in the dark for the sole purpose of gauging reaction to see if she needed to play her idol.  Brilliant play! They both see themselves as free agents.

Flipping gives Andy as much joy as blindsiding Anika did. It’s always better to flip early than late!  He convinces Sam that he spent capital to save him over Sierra, bringing Sam back into his fold. This is the best redemption story since Emily!  (1 point for “Mention ‘in this game’” [Andy] to Jay!). He also apologizes to Rachel, who’s not upset – Sierra would’ve targeted Andy anyway.  These two have mostly orbited each other, she thinks, and when he names Kyle as a target, she says Sue and Carolin would be on board (1 point for “Mention ‘in this game’” [Rachel] to no one!).

Teeny also apologizes to Sam, saying Tuku forced her to split Sierra/Sam duo.  They both mouth words about wanting Tuku gone, but do they believe? I doubt it. Finally, Sol and Genevieve see Gabe as a player and are unsure where he’s targeting, meaning he’s become a target too.

Treemail announces the next challenge – they have to break into pairs.  Andy is surprised when Sam wants him for a partner, as is Gabe when Kyle approaches him – but Kyle only wants Gabe so he can beat him head-to-head.  Be careful what you wish for, guy!

Pairs: 

Andy/Sam, Kyle/Gabe, Sue/Genevieve, Rachel/Caroline, Sol/Teeny

There are three stages to the challenge. The first three (3) groups to finish Stage 1 advance to Stage 2.  The first two (2) groups to finish Stage 2 advance to the final stage, competing for individual immunity.  All four finalists win reward (scored as “Win tribe reward”).

In the first stage, they have to crawl through a sand filled tunnel that’s a serious tight squeeze to get a step-puzzle piece then race to dig up a 2^nd step.

The tunnel looks awful, and Teeny complains that her butt isn’t teeny enough to fit.  No, really. She said that.  Gabe/Kyle make short work of Stage 1 and move on.  Sam/Andy destroy the bag holding the 2^nd step without getting the step itself. It’s on them to fix, Jeff says.  But they can’t do it fast enough.  Sol/Teeny and Sue/Genevieve move on to stage 2.  Sam/Andy and Rachel/Caroline lose their vote….for now.

In Stage 2, they have to solve a step-puzzle, climb the steps and cross a balance beam.  Sue/Genevieve finish the puzzle first but Sol/Teeny are right behind. Teeny blasts across the beam, but Sol takes two tries.  As they’re finishing, Kyle and Gabe finish the puzzle and BLAST across the beam leaving Genevieve in the dust.

The Stage 3 puzzle looks awful

“Accroche-toi à ton rêve” 

Message me the title and artist who included this line in their song

5 bonus points if you get them both 

3 points if you get only one 

Tell no one else.  Offer good until next update.  

No internet sleuthing! You know it or you don’t!

They all pass the first and 2^nd footholds. Sol and Teeny both drop at the 3^rd foothold leaving Kyle right where he wanted to be:  In a showdown with Gabe.   Jeff wants some conversation, but Gabe needs to focus and wants nothing to do with it. He’s nicer than I would be about it!   Can Kyle win his 4^th straight individual immunity?  He thinks he needs to…but he can’t hold out any longer!  He drops! (8 points for “Win individual immunity” [Gabe] to Jen!), (3 points each for “Win Tribe Reward” [Gabe], [Teeny], [Sol], [Kyle] to Jen, Carol, Marissa and me!), finally (3 points for “Go on a journey” [Sam], [Andy], [Caroline], [Rachel] to Ricky, Jay, and no one else!)

Back at reward, Kyle is concerned for his own skin as not being immune, after winning three (3) straight comps, paints a huge target on him (1 point for “Mention ‘in this game’” [Kyle] to me!). Gabe moans and drools over the first real food he’s had in two weeks, while Sol burps enough to gross out Teeny. Talking strategy, Sol wants “not Sol”, and Teeny wants Sam.  Sol thinks Genevieve will be on board and will bring Sue with her.

Left alone as the others are on reward or journey, Genevieve and Sue talk strategy. Genevieve says Sol wants Gabe out, and while Sue hasn’t forgiven Kyle for writing her name down, she will go after Sol since Gabe is her #1 ally.  Genevieve felt it was only a matter of time before she went after Sol. (1 point for “Mention ‘in this game’” [Genevieve] to Kristyn!).

As the reward bearers return, Sol “tells” the two women the reward bearers decided on Sam as the vote.  Everyone nods in assent, but do they really believe? Sue gets Gabe on board, and Kyle follows along. They just need Caroline to come back from the journey with her vote…

At the journey, Sam feels vulnerable but feels a bit better when he finds out 3/4 of them will get their vote back.  (1 point for “Mention ‘in this game’” [Sam] to Ricky!) but Andy doesn’t see the upcoming challenge as anything other than nightmare fuel (5 points for “Say the title of the episode” [Andy] to Jay!).   They have to build a house of metal cards, and the loser is whoever’s turn it is when the tower falls.  I could not do this.

There’s a lot of gamesmanship on where they place their cards, making it difficult for the next person but hey…1/3 of the game is “Outplay”, right?   Eventually, it’s Caroline who drops meaning she loses her vote.  They all think Kyle is THE threat, and so sail back to camp with his name.

The reward winners + Sue/Genevieve’s plan is simple: Vote Sol. They want to bring Rachel in to replace Caroline’s vote and let her decide to tell Sam or not. She doesn’t tell him outright, but confirms it when Sam guesses Sol.

And then the chaos starts.

Sam tells Sol.  Sol tries to convince Genevieve, Teeny and Andy to go for Sue.  (1 point for “Mention ‘in this game’” [Teeny] to Marissa!). Sam tries to enlist Andy, but he’s reveling in the chaos. As he’s become the embodiment of chaos in the game, Andy’s new nickname shall be “The Joker”

Some men just want to watch the world burn

Sol goes to Genevieve, who sees her carefully laid plan slip away, and they flip to Kyle.  Rachel laments that she should never have told Sam.  Indeed.  The chaos lasts all the way until sunset, and they leave for tribal without having any sort of consensus.  This is going to be messy.

At tribal, lone juror Sierra enters with extra salt. She hasn’t forgiven yet. Jeff’s asking questions but the side conversations are where the action’s happening. Sol/Genevieve, Teeny/Sam, Sam/Joker, Joker/Gabe all break into hushed whispers while Genevieve notes that good players can decipher information from noise and understand how to apply it.  Caroline thinks chaos benefits people in bad spots and doesn’t see herself benefiting from it. That’s telling, no? Finally, Kyle motioning to all the side conversations, mentions how the game is happening right now.  What he fails to mention is that he’s not part of them. It’s chaos.

An apt summary

Finally, Jeff calls them to order and it’s time to vote.  In the end, chaos did not help the person on the bottom.  They eventually land on the same plan they started with – Sol is voted out becoming Juror #2.  (8 points for “Received vote against” [Sol] to Carol!), (1 point for “Received vote against” [Sue] to Dalphyne!), (-2 points for “The tribe has spoken” [Sol] against Carol!) and (2 points for “Jury member” to Carol!)

Carol - time to pick a replacement!

So what does chaos mean for our scores?  Coming into the night, we had a 3-way tie for first between Jay, Kristyn and Ricky.  Exiting the night, Jay has claimed sole possession of first place, thanks to the Joker naming the episode.  Ricky moves into 2^nd thanks to Sam’s journey while Kristyn drops to 3^rd place. Dalphyne and Marissa remain in 4^th and 5^th, respectively, but are a small shout away from 2^nd. On the strength of Sol’s departure, Carol jumps past me into 6^th but I remain in 7^th ahead of last-place Jen! 

1. Jay 137
2. Ricky 128
3. Kristyn 124
4. Dalphyne 117
5. Marissa 113
6. Carol 99
7. Scott 93
8. Jen 77