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Previously, on Survivor; Galu had a comfortable 8-4 lead over the old Foa Foa.
<Dave seen doing his "turkey shoot.">
While the old Galu was basking in the glow of victory…<Laura and Erik smiling> they were blind to the fact that Shambo felt ostracized by Laura and embraced by Russell.
<Russell reminded us that Shambo hates Laura>
They also didn't realize that Natalie was working the Galu women to take out a Galu man.
<Natalie: "I don't trust Erik. Why don't we get him out first?>
<Russell noting that "all hell breaks loose">
Jeff told us about the 2 HII and that Erik felt safe while Russell was sure he was in danger so he played his idol but he didn't need to because Natalie's plan worked.
Thanks to Natalie, the old Galu blindsided one of their own.

Although the Foa Foa4 lived to see another day, their battle is far from over.
<All four shown with Natalie the last one focused on and then she is shown leading the march out of the Council with Mick and Russell in tow>

Interesting that Jaison's role was completely ignored to give all the credit to Natalie. Even Russell was portrayed as surprised by the turn of events.

The reward was symbolic of the episode:

Big Slide Down the Waterfall

Aiga
Night 21

Arriving in camp, the Galu men, represented by Brett and Dave were talking about chocolate chip cookies.
After such a huge TC, Galu is still not focused on the game. What will it take?

Russell (who's definitely still in the game): "At tribal council today, I had a strong feeling it would be me. I didn't think twice about playing the idol. I'm really worried because I'm pretty sure I'm out next." <Russell shown putting his arm around Natalie's shoulders who said: "I'll pray for you."> "I'm hoping for a miracle…"

Natalie joined Laura in the shelter as she was gloating about a perfect result.

Laura: (interview): "I think it was the dumbest move that Russell could have made... When he stood up and he used it, I about came off my stool. It could not have happened any better for us because, not only did we get rid of Erik, we just flushed that idol and exposed who is coming up next… Russell should absolutely be nervous. Russell is going to be gone next."

Note that in the opening credits, the turtle is now constantly preceding Natalie who wound up listed first before Mick and Russell just like what was shown after Tribal Council

Aiga
Day 22

Natalie: (interview): "I went out for a walk and I stumbled upon this rat or mouse. I'm like: Oh! My goodness! That's something to eat. I'm starving. I never thought I'd be this hungry in my life." <She kills it and tells it she's sorry> "Finally, I hit the rat. It was really hard for me; it was looking at me, it was cute...I've never been so hungry in my entire life. I feel like I'm just fading away."

Jaison: (interview): "Natalie walks into camp with this rat in a coconut. We were just shocked. She came into this game; the Southern Belle. Very sweet, nice girl but definitely not the rough and tumble Survivor type. She wasn't a Shambo. So, when she came back in her little bikini with a rat in a coconut, we were all shocked to death. On so many levels, I am proud of Natalie out here. From what I knew of her coming in to where she is now, I think she's changed a lot in the last 23 days and I'm really happy for her."

Before we get excited by this scene, let's remember that Amanda was shown catching a shark in Micronesia. What I do like about this scene is it's time manipulation: It happened while the other 5 members of the tribe were enjoying the reward. Jaison tells us it is day 23, not 22 and it isn't a miscalculation on his part. Except for an isolated shot of Shambo which could have come from any time, the only players shown were Brett, Mick, Russell and Jaison who shared the rat while Laura was seen in the shelter when Natalie arrived. (Laura probably didn't feel like eating rat without the proper sauce.) It was determined that showing Natalie killing a rat was the most important thing to show after seeing her "killing" Erik, even if it didn't happen that day.

Later, the previous day ( ) Mick and Russell went to get tree mail. Russell was already snooping around.

Russell: (interview): "If there's another immunity idol that gets put into play, I'm going to find it…I'm working on it."

Reward
Natalie was left out of the challenge so she picked the team of Russell, Jaison, Mick, Brett and Laura to support and take her on reward if they were to win. They didn't.

Not much of note except: "Shambo really slowing purple down."
Natalie wasn't forgotten as she was heard cheering.

John: "Today's reward is awesome. The rock slides are killer… It's what I've been looking for to for a while; just a day of relaxation."

Kelly: (interview): "It was so fun, it was going down and it's fresh water, it's clean, it's clear."

Monica: (interview): "My family is from Porto-Rico and this totally reminds me of Porto-Rico… Having these waterfalls around you makes for an amazing reward."

Monica read the note that was a clue to the next idol hidden in camp.

John: (interview): "There is another immunity idol that has been put into play and that is hiding at camp somewhere. Since there is no old Foa Foa here, we are going to keep this information strictly Galu. Right now, I'm starting to feel more and more comfortable with the plan of knocking off Foa Foa after Foa Foa."

Kelly put the target on Russell but Shambo said she didn't want him to go.
Kelly: (interview): "Shambo, she's protecting Russell. Russell is one of the most conniving players I feel we have in the game right now. He needs to go. If I were to pick one player who could go to Foa Foa it would definitely be Shambo. But, whether Shambo is with us or not, we still have 6 to 5 if she goes with them and we don't really need them."

Aiga
Day 22 maybe

Russell while looking around: "I don't care for no damn reward, I'm here to win the game. I'm gonna find the next immunity idol and I'm not going to tell a damn soul. It has to be near something, a landmark, something!"
<It was under the bridge over troubled waters.>
"I just found the second HII without a clue. I'm shaking, this is crazy. This might be worth 1 million dollars… Am I that damn good? This is unprecedented. I missed fried chicken and brownies for the second HII. Sounds like a good exchange to me!"

Aiga
Day 24

Russell: (interview): "Yesterday (?!!), I found an immunity idol without anybody telling me anything. This is just the gift that I have; this is why I was born. I was gonna keep it to myself but we only have 4 people left in Foa Foa so you have to have help with it."
<Shambo was so surprised to see the HII, she gave Russell a big kiss.
"Her head is getting lopped off" she said, referring to Laura.>

Shambo: (interview): "I've been pretty much aligned with Foa Foa for the last 2 weeks. I really hit it off with those guys, created some really great relationships. Russell is probably the one guy that I impeccably trust. Our plan is: Let them vote Russell so, when they vote Russell, we'll come back and vote Laura. He'll play the immunity idol and she'll go home. I am so excited!"

Shambo realized that Laura could win immunity.
Russell said it wouldn't matter because they'd vote out one of her posse.
Shambo said Monica would be easy to eliminate but that no one had anything against Kelly, adding: "Kelly's a bigger threat than Monica."

Immunity Challenge

Strange how these things work out at times, isn't it?

The only things I noted during the first leg were Natalie getting a bag but Jeff not mentioning it and Russell's smile before realizing Laura had a shot to catch him. It was somewhat odd in both cases but probably meaningless.

In the second leg, Laura was up against our resident doctor and the woman that we had been led to believe was good at puzzles but Laura raced through that challenge.
"All they got to do is look at the piece" said a frustrated Russell while Jeff mentioned that "Mick is studying while Laura continues to place pieces effortlessly."

This time, it wasn't editing: While everyone, including Natalie, applauded Laura, Russell stood with his hands on his waist, nodding in disbelief.

Laura: (interview): "Right now, we are just getting rid of Foa Foa. Clearly, Russell is the first to go because he's lied to us all. I see the Galu tribe voting for Russell including Natalie. I think that she wants to make good that she is in. Tonight, Russell is going home."

Aiga
Day 24

The image of a shark preceded the tribe's arrival in camp.

Shambo: "The challenge sucked cause Laura won… My heart is broken…You always have to have a plan B so I said that in the off-chance that she got immunity today, we'd vote out Kel because Kelly is stronger than Monica. Monica is no threat whatsoever. So, we vote somebody that's close to Laura, cause some dissension amongst the ranks. That's the plan of attack."

Russell told Jaison that he had another immunity idol and to vote Kelly.

Jaison (interview): "So, Russell found another idol that the Galu members don't know about and the idea is to surprise them with it. If Galu gets wind of what's going on, they're going to change their votes and take somebody from Foa Foa out that's not Russell. So, it got to be Russell tonight or we're all through."

Jaison and Russell told Natalie and Mick about the plan. Mick said he didn't even think there was another idol while Jaison was "beginning to really love that guy!"
That's what the viewers are meant to think also and it seems to be working.

Mick: "Russell found the idol. It's unbelievable how he finds these things and so quickly too. He has a keen mind for it. I'm excited to see what happens at tribal council. We are hoping to make a big dent in Galu today and put a dent in that arrogance and that condescending, patronizing attitude they have towards us."

Dave, Monica, John and Laura were finalizing their plans
(Note that Brett and Kelly weren't seen)
Dave indicated their pecking order: Russell, Natalie, Mick and Jaison.
Monica wanted to consider the fact that Russell could have an idol.
Dave didn't think it was the time to worry about that.
John countered by saying it wasn't rocket science to figure an idol was in camp.
Another jab at Mick maybe?
Dave was hesitating: "I say Russ first and then Natalie or vice-versa."
Laura said Russ first just as Russell was seen walking by.

Russell: "I think I heard that they were going to vote Natalie. I heard them say her name. That's how this game goes; it messes with your mind. I don't know if I should play it or not. I'm confused on what to do. I don't want to be the dumbass that gets voted out with the idol in his pocket and I don't want to be the dumbass that plays the idol again and then nobody votes his name."

Laura: "Right now, I think we're tight. The Galu tribe is tight. We don't trust Sham but we are still definitely 6 strong. As long as we can get the Foa Foa out and then we have 7 of the Galu left; that's what we want."

Tribal Council

First thing to note is that Foa Foa all sat together on Jeff's right with Galu on the left. Those seats are assigned so production wanted to keep them apart.

Dave said that voting out Erik wasn't a sign that tribal lines were gone: "Our tribe was weakened from within by Erik's presence and it was a strengthening of our tribal unity."
<That really infuriated Erik and pained Shambo.>
Kelly said "There was a snake starting a lot of trouble and it seemed to always come back to Erik."
Natalie said: "They are trying to make us all still feel welcomed like we are all one."
Jeff was all over that: "How can they possibly make you feel like you are all still one?"
Natalie stumbled: "You know, I've been welcomed in their shelter…"
Jeff interrupted: "But Natalie, you're not all still one."
Natalie recovered: "You're right but they're not being mean or ugly to anybody. I guess that was more or less what I was trying to say" <Jeff finally approved> "The fact of the matter is they are 7 to 4 and they are tight."
Jaison said it was hard to figure out if there was a crack in Galu. "Maybe there's another Erik out there that hasn't been exposed yet. I'm trying to hold on to some hope."
<Dave looked at Erik who was still boiling>
Shambo said it felt like the original Galu was pretty comfortable.
<Laura bit her lips not to smile, Russell nodded>
Mick: "The numbers are obvious but we still hope someone will see passed the former Galu, the former Foa Foa and seek 4 solid votes like "I need to make a big move here."
Russell said he used to look for cracks but "it's getting to where we're hoping somebody comes to us and wants to do something but they seem to be pretty tight."
<Laura and Monica couldn't hold back big smiles during this!>
Monica said that FF could "see how strong the 7 of us are…If they are giving it a try, I can respect them for doing so but I don't think it's that hard of a try that they are giving."
Dave said the vote would be decided by "physical ability, <Russell shown> mental toughness <Jaison on screen> and strategic acumen <Mick's turn>. It's a communal decision. We try to come to a consensus so that everybody feels heard and feels that their needs are being met."
<Laura and Monica approved, Shambo frowned dubiously>

As Jeff returned with the votes, Russell stood up saying: "I ain't finished playing just yet."
<Dave's jaw hit the floor, Erik was pumped, the scales fell from Laura's eyes, Monica felt she was a goner and, in the background Shambo acted surprised.>

As soon as Jeff read the first vote, Russell winked at Erik who was really enjoying the demise of his old team. The music changed: From the pulse-pounding drums during the voting and the nervous violin strokes after Russell handed his idol, it turned to a softer melody. We were meant to savor this moment along with the Foa Foa 4.

Slowly, Jeff read 6 more Russell votes before showing where the axe would strike Galu.
Kelly's: "It's me" reminded me a lot of Gretchen when she realized her own fate.
Laura seemed to look with anger over at Natalie who smiled before looking away.
When Kelly reached for her torch Laura, the real victim of this set-up spoke: "He just stirred up a whole lot of hell is what he did."
<Shambo acted like she agreed!>

Jeff left them with a question and a fact: "Will tonight's vote change the game or merely delay the inevitable? One more thing, the hidden immunity idol goes back into the game."

The Story

This episode could serve as proof that challenges aren't that important in Survivor. For all their wins (and this reward challenge was still yellow vs purple), Galu is portrayed as a dumb tribe. Monica and, to a lesser degree, John were the only ones sensing a possible danger. Was it a coincidence that Dave was heard revealing a pecking order of Russell, Natalie, Mick and Jaison before letting Jeff know that the vote had to be determined by eliminating the ones with most physical abilities, mental toughness and strategic acumen? Was it telling us that Natalie is ahead of Mick and Jaison in those regards? On another note: If Kelly was the second most dangerous Galu member after Laura, they don't stand a chance!

The Characters

Laura : She's on the endangered species list; a woman who dared to challenge Russell directly. Her challenge prowess is overshadowed by Galu's arrogance and their condescending attitude which is a reflection of its leader.

Dave: If that wasn't the time to think about the idol, when was? By his comments against Erik, Dave told us he had no intentions of making a move to Foa Foa. He's going down with the Galu ship.

Monica : She's still only a cute but meaningless player. Despite her vulnerable position, she doesn't seem to be smart enough to consider a move to Foa Foa.

John: Maybe this is the player that completes the overthrow of Galu. He had an opening with Russell at the merge and he saw how poor Galu's strategy was. He must have felt extremely relieved to see that Kelly was the name written on the parchments but we didn't see his reaction. Will he risk it once more or will he figure he'd better make a F5 deal with the FF and count on simply 2 immunity wins from there? I don't think it's rocket science to see what is the better option.

Brett: If John isn't the one that seizes the opportunity, Brett could certainly be welcomed by Foa Foa. I found it interesting that, after all the talk of getting in good with members of Galu in the previous episode, we didn't see any talks with Brett during the time the other Galus were on reward and that he was completely absent from all Tribal Council reaction shots. What is up with Brett? For 9 episodes, the editors have kept him out of sight. He could simply be insignificant or he has a surprise up his sleeve. That would only make him a one-trick pony, not a contender.

Shambo: She is smarter than we've been led to believe. Her reactions at TC and her vote for Russell were ways to keep her cover and I think it's working. It's a good thing to fool the other players by pretending to be dumb; it's quite another when the editors go along with it and presents you as dumb to the audience. Ask Candace from Cook Islands.

Both Kelly and Laura said they didn't trust Shambo but neither considered her a threat, just a bothersome family member that doesn't know when to leave the house. Russell must consider her as a perfect opponent in the Final 3 but we haven't heard anything from him about it. That's quite out of character for him. Only Cirie saw the danger that someone like Shambo represents. Will someone take her out to remove one of Russell's options?

Jaison: He's only serving to advance the stories of Russell and Natalie. He really loves Russell right now and he is very proud of Natalie. That tells me he'll have a tough choice to make from his jury seat.

Mick: He still seems to only be there. What would be the message if Mick were to win? As soon as I asked myself that question, I practically got a confirmation on why Mick can't win. If Mick wins it would show that leadership isn't important in Survivor. That even elected leader, it was better for Mick to lay low and let others decide. From what I know of Survivor's love affair with leaders, that would be a very strange message. Like Natalie, we can say that Mick didn't talk too much, he didn't ruffle any feathers but what has he done. Jeff and Russell's words even made him look bad during that challenge loss: "You just have to look at the pieces" we heard while Mick was studying the board, getting nowhere fast. At TC, he confirmed Erik's assessment by saying that the numbers were obvious.

Russell : He could still win this thing! At least, he ain't finished playing just yet and the reaction shots told us he has Erik's vote, at least for now. Can anger be transformed into admiration? That will be his challenge. Also, he could have to explain how finding idols is playing Survivor. From one of the most despised jackasses in series history, many are now liking Russell and we are told we should do so by Jaison. It would be a huge story to see him win.

Natalie: Probably more people are with me in thinking that Natalie will win but let's not crown her just yet. That scene with the rat was endearing and Jaison's words showed that Natalie is a worthy Survivor. The time factor manipulation is also something to consider but there were odd moments in the way she was edited this week: First, Jeff neglected telling us that she got 1 bag during the IC. We didn't hear her thoughts about getting rid of her friend Laura. Then, we saw Jeff get frustrated by Natalie during Tribal Council although she recovered and we were shown Jeff's nod of approval at her final comments.

But, overall, those are trivial compared to the recap that Jeff served us of the situation. What could have been Foa Foa's plan or Jaison's suggestion was entirely credited to Natalie and Foa Foa had her to thank for still having hope.

Jeff's summary told us that Foa Foa's losses sharpened their abilities to strategize…
<Russell said they were steps ahead of Galu and had their plan down>
Their plan worked…The old Foa Foa paid a price: Russell had to play his immunity idol.
Then, 3 game changing events took place:
- Russell found another idol
- Shambo agreed to vote with the Foa Foa 4 to take out Laura
- John agreed to change his vote, hoping Russell would agree to take out a Foa Foa next.

At Tribal Council, John changed his vote and Laura was voted out, making it 3 of the old Galu in a row.
<Erik whispered "there goes the lead">
The entire tribe is left to find out if the old Foa Foa is as good at holding on to a lead as they are getting one.

The recap focused a lot more on Foa Foa as a team rather than their individual moves. Certainly Russell is still presented as the central figure but even his move with the idol was a price all of Foa Foa had to pay.

This episode was like a Survivor version of

You've been Punk'd

Aiga
Night 27

A crab crawled towards the caged chickens.

Shambo: (voice-over): "Medusa has been dethroned! Isn't that hysterical?"

John (Interview): "At tribal tonight, Laura went home…I'm not gonna go home because of ridiculous rocks. I had a conversation with Russell in which he and I said the next person to go would be a Foa Foa."

Monica (Next morning's confessional): "We all want to make it to the end but, at some point, you need to show loyalty and integrity and respect for the people you made promises to. I've definitely come to see John as the Judas to the Galu tribe so John has to go home."

This is not only a clear path to the outcome of this episode but could also be a set-up for the Jury's state of mind.

Aiga
Day 28

Russell and Jaison brought tree mail and wallets with cash for the auction sending everyone in a frenzy at the thought of food.

Shambo: "Money means food…Today's a really good day."

After asking Jeff to uncover the first item, Natalie immediately bid $200 on a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. That surprised Dave, Shambo (holy cow!) and Jeff: "Natalie, knowing that the bidding jumps in increments of $20, jumps to $200."
Her smile told us that she was serious.
John conceded: "She just bought herself a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, Jeff."
Jeff was still laughing when he closed the deal but it was "totally worth it" according to Natalie.

Shambo jumped all over the next covered item, spending $240 on sea noodles and slug guts. Shambo didn't appear to know if she had been duped or if it was Haute Cuisine. The parsley and the Parmesan made it "Yum…Nice."
Monica and Jaison seemed to sympathize with her while Russell enjoyed the joke. Getting a closer look (and maybe smell) Monica's face told us what she thought of the "Survivor Spaghetti".

The next item was also covered and Daveball immediately went to $300. Russell thought the odds were good that they'd be two consecutive bad items but Monica still overbid Dave with $340. She was begging for something good and she got it; a full roasted chicken. John, holding on to his hair, and Dave, searching for his, looked very envious.
Monica was jumping up and down and looked like she was in chicken heaven.
(Look during the bidding for the next item: Natalie is still eating her sandwich while Monica's already looking for more meat on the chicken's carcass! How fast did she eat that thing?)

The advantage for the next immunity challenge led to a short bidding war between John, Natalie and Jaison.
Jaison (confessional): "I thought that, when John was bidding for the item, that we needed to be in possession of that item. Maybe it was my turn to sacrifice for the good of the old Foa Foa."

Jaison ended it when he asked what would happen if both bid $500. Jeff answered that the first one to $500 gets it. After hesitating for a few seconds, Jaison said 500 bucks and walked up to the podium. John was disappointed but Dave appreciated the bold move.
Jaison had no food and was wondering if he made the right move.

The next item caused Jaison more doubts: Jeff uncovered a hamburger feast with cold beer. Mick didn't hesitate a second and bid his $500 before Jeff could even describe it. That really surprised Jeff and made Jaison salivate while he "buried his head in his hands".
Shambo told Mick he had done a nice job while Jeff had to ask Jaison if he had second thoughts.
Jaison certainly did: "I want that hamburger, I want it badly." (It was HUGE!)

Next, Jeff put a clue to the hidden immunity idol up for bids.
The camera naturally focused on Russell but he didn't make a single bid.
(I would think a bid or two could have been a good idea to keep everyone in the dark)
John started at $100, Natalie bid $120 but John went to $200.
Natalie looked over at Russell who stayed quiet. Jeff repeated the importance of immunity while Daveball looked on in silence.
The gavel announced that John had earned a clue to the idol's previous location but it wasn't totally worthless:

John (interview): "Russell may have the idol, anyone can. I'm not going to sit here and go: "I'll let the immunity go, someone else can buy that." Absolutely not. Immunity is the goal."

The next item was the Survivor shower which came with shampoo and a change of clean underwear.
John bid $100 but the mention of underwear got Natalie to bid $120.
John said: "Get in there girl, no one wants to see old John take a shower."
The editors thanked John because it was the occasion to play some striptease music as Natalie went in the shower, seductively undressed and washed her hair.

Jeff then revealed a gigantic piece of apple pie.
Brett suddenly appeared and bid $180.
John bid $300.
Brett returned to his natural mute state.
Jaison was still regretting his decision because apple pie is his favorite.
Jeff presented John with a dilemma: Eat the pie he had bought or give it up so that 4 people could each get one.
John asked what the group wanted. Natalie said she wanted pie but most said it was his move.
John pulled a Cindy and kept the pie saying that they wouldn't vote him off for pie.
(I guess apple pie is worth the same as a new car to these survivors)

Russell (interview) : "John should have given the pie to everybody. It just showed how stingy he was. You're playing a game, you're in the game; you don't need to eat. If it was me, I would have given it to my tribe Foa Foa and Shambo. I think it was a terrible move."
(Russell, didn't you have $500 left? And speaking of stingy; what do you call a millionaire that keeps his $500?)

Jeff ended the auction. Dave looked disappointed, Mick and John were still eating and Monica was showing us that the chicken was finger licking good while Jaison looked catatonic.
Dave, Brett and Russell weren't shown winning a single item while Shambo didn't appear to go for anything with the rest of her money. There are always more items up for bids than those shown so it's always important to note which players are ignored. In Russell's case, at least he said "You don't need to eat" but is that enough?

Aiga
Day 28

The crab looked huge as it climbed up a rock to catch some of the sun's rays.

John: (voice over) "This morning, I got a clue to the hidden immunity idol…"
John searched for the HII but realized that Russell probably had it: "I'm still going to make moves to advance myself in this game."

Back in camp, Shambo had to say goodbye to her chickens.

Shambo: "The chicken were probably my single source of happiness in the last 29 days…"

This happened on Day 29 which makes more sense than Day 28 as this was presented because they've just come back from the auction where most of them ate a lot. Killing the chicken on Day 28 made no sense.

She couldn't kill the chicken so Mick went to get Daisy and held it down for Russell to kill it.

Jaison (interview): "I think most people just want to skewer the chicken and put it over the fire but Shambo, being the chef, is going to want to do something crazy. You know, we don't even care as long as we're eating chicken today. I think that's the plan unless someone decides to veto it later."

So Dave walked in and got into an argument with Shambo about her plan to boil it for 2 hours. Dave pointed out that he had won the chickens but she would hear none of it.

Shambo (solo): "I don't think I've been more angry in the last 29 days… Shambo has lost her mind."
We didn't hear how the chicken turned out so the argument was more important than knowing who was right.

Aiga
Night 28…yeah, right!

The chicken must not have agreed with Shambo's stomach because we shared her psychedelic nightmare. There were crabs, chickens, an eclipse of the sun, an immunity idol, tremors, weird chants… and Dave.

Shambo (solo): "It's crazy….They're literally clairvoyant dreams… I had a dream last night where we voted Dave of."

Aiga
Day 29…finally!

Shambo and Russell agreed that Dave's departure was set in stone.

Russell (interview): "Shambo had a dream that they voted out Dave. I said "that's a sign, Shambo. It's God talking to you." He laughed at that and told Natalie about it. She couldn't believe it. "Once Dave's gone, we have the numbers; I'll run it all the way to the top."

Aiga
Day 30
Immunity Challenge

Jaison read that he could move up 2 knots on his rope which would reduce the tension and the amount of weight he'd be holding.
We saw Shambo fall flat on her back and Russell quickly joined her.
When they reached the end of the rope, Monica, John and Brett quickly fell out leaving Jaison, Dave, Mick and Natalie to compete.
Jeff commented: "I have to say Natalie that you are the surprise of this challenge."
Her effort was even more evident when Mick fell out.
Jaison appeared to be in trouble but, with Russell and Shambo heard encouraging him, he outlasted Daveball.

Jaison (solo): "When Dave's hand slipped and the plate broke, it was like heaven. I'm not sure I would have beaten Dave without that advantage. Shambo wants him gone and the Foa Foas are trying to strike when the irons hot with Shambo. We have to execute; we got to get Dave out tonight."

Shambo: "I am definitely in a position of power with Foa Foa at my disposal to vote how I ask them to and they say "Shannon, whatever you want." Dave is so gone and he doesn't even know it."

Pre-Tribal Council Scramble

Dave congratulated Jaison on his win and Jaison told him he did a great job.
Natalie went to Dave to say it was awesome and Dave returned the compliment.
They shared a hug.

Mick (interview): "Dave made a few comments to Shambo…She was furious. When she gets angry at somebody, that's who she wants voted off. At this point, we're counting on Shambo's vote so it's going to be Dave."

Jaison and Mick were happy to have won back-to-back while Dave philosophically said: "C'est la vie, c'est la vie."

John and Russell talked away from camp and agreed it had to be Mick if they were going to get further into the game. John said together, they could see danger coming so they could play the idol.
(Even the Samoan chanting understood that John had just made a mistake.)

Russell (solo): "Everybody was on board to get rid of Dave. Probably the best move would be to get rid of John. He's a threat, strategically and I told him I had the immunity idol. I know he knew I had it…So, I said, yes I have it and it can help us. I got to get rid of John. These poor people have to close their ears when I'm talking because if I tell you something and I make a mistake, I got to get rid of you. It was my mistake but, sorry John; you have to go home for it!"

Russell then went to Dave, saying he could save him by getting rid of John.
Russell asked if Monica was close to John. (!!)
Dave said nobody trusted John after his flip on Laura.

Russell asked Mick who he wanted to see go and Mick immediately answered it was John but he wasn't sure where would that leave them with Shambo.

Mick told Jaison about the change in plan. The lawyer saw the possibility of a 4-4 tie. Mick said it wouldn't be a tie but Jaison said he was talking about the next round: "Shambo will leave us in 2 seconds. We're doing to her exactly what they did to her. Taking her for granted."

Tribal Council

Jaison was happy about his victory.
Dave said he wanted immunity real bad but in the end 'my hand slipped and his didn't…I might have put a target on my back but…I wanted to do my best."
Shambo said there have been many ups and downs but that "today was peaceful. It wasn't about game play."
Russell replied: "Today was strategic only."
Shambo was shocked to hear that while Jeff was shocked that she was shocked! "How is it possible you are shocked to learn that people were scrambling to stay in the game?"
<Erik blew a kiss to Jeff for that one and Natalie smiled>
Shambo said her vote was based on advancing in the game and that she didn't want "somebody who did not work getting a million dollars."
<Despite that, Dave looked serene>
Dave said: "I've done my best to be as honest and kind as I can to Shambo."
John felt that Shambo wasn't talking about him, didn't see him as lacking in effort.
Asked if he thought the person voted out would be surprised, Mick said: "At this point, I don't see how you would be surprised. If you look back here, it looks like we're getting on planes tomorrow. Everybody brought their stuff; everybody has to come in here ready to go home tonight."
Russell said he thought they would be surprised.
Shambo thought that the outcome was known.
Dave had the quote of the evening; "If this vote tonight goes the way I'm expecting it to go, I will be shocked."
John said that the two names he had heard said they wouldn't be shocked so he guessed it wouldn't be a surprise.

Jeff reading the votes was like telling John "you've been punk'd!"
<Laura realized it: "He's so screwed." After the vote she added with a smile, referring to Shambo: "She has no idea what happened.">
<Erik loved it and Dave winked at him.>

The Story

In the recap the tone of the story changed slightly from All-Russell, All-the-Time to the Foa Foa 4. If that's the case then it should be noted that Natalie and Jaison were the ones shown playing for the team. Natalie was shown bidding on both the IC advantage and for the clue to the HII and then she did her best to keep immunity in the possession of Foa Foa. Jaison sacrificed everything for that IC advantage and he won it. Russell was shown selfishly not bidding on the important stuff and putting Foa Foa in danger by changing a solid plan to go for a risky move. Mick was also shown being selfish, only bidding on the hamburger. This being an individual game, which player's portrayal was the best?

The Characters

Brett: His two old friends were on the chopping block yet his opinion didn't matter.

Monica: She told us from the start how the episode would unfold and she was very close to Dave. Despite that, her role was limited to buying the roasted chicken.

Shambo: We don't need to sympathize with Shambo anymore so, like Jeff during the auction (Let's say it does) and during Tribal Council, we can finally laugh at her without second thoughts. This episode was like a practical joke played on her. Even Laura was allowed to have a small measure of revenge by having her words heard during TC.

Dave: He's a funny guy who could have been in a great position if this game had played slightly differently. Too bad he's been under-utilized. With Monica and Brett still behind him, Dave could do to Foa Foa what they did to his tribe but there's been too many indications that Galu cannot apply good strategy. Dave will have to pay for his tribe's shortcomings.

Jaison: He finally won something and it was portrayed as a win for the team. That would be good for him if it weren't for all the regrets shown after the decision. It continues his story that Survivor is the worst decisions in his life. This is the story of Jaison's struggles and how a few simple victories can change his whole outlook. Jaison's had those victories and his story should end when Foa Foa makes it all the way back.

Mick: He finally had an episode where he didn't look indecisive. Surprising Jeff with his auction bid could foreshadow that he will surprise us in the end. It showed he knew what he wanted. On the other hand, Mick didn't do anything for the team. Maybe he didn't say a word before the hamburger came up for bid so we can't draw conclusions from that. Still, hearing Jaison's regrets underlined just how much Mick didn't think of the team. Not bad in Survivor but not great for his edit.

Ever since Mick made apologies for Ben in episode #2, I felt he couldn't win but I have to admit that episode #2 is very far in the viewers' mind. Mick could win and his consistent edit is a great argument for supporting him. Compared to Russell's knee-jerk reaction, Mick considered the dangers of switching from Dave to John but it was Jaison who made the argument while Mick was again shown uncertain.

Maybe the strongest argument against Mick winning is the killing of the chicken. Mick and Russell were shown killing it without remorse, without any "we are starved" confessionals and much worse, it was presented as if it happened on the same day of the auction, the same day Mick ate his HUGE hamburger when it actually happened on the next day.

Yul killed a wild bird but it wasn't shown on screen and they were even heard praying for the bird if I remember. Tom killed a shark but who has sympathy for a shark? Daisy's killers should have been given some sort of confessional to explain their feelings.

On a sidenote if we had identified Russell as the shark, Natalie as the turtle and Shambo as the chicken then Mick revealed himself as the crab, going after the chicken. That's a nice image for him but will the crab do more than go for chicken?

Russell: Did Russell get an item during the auction? If we get pictures of him with something or if we hear he bought an item then I'd say that eliminates Russell from contention. As is, the killing of Daisy hurts him but less than Mick. After all, Russell is supposed to be the biggest villain ever so we wouldn't expect remorse.

It's still his game to win and his tactic of switching from one faction of Galu to another for almost every vote is amazing. First, Foa Foa used Kelly and Laura to get Erik then they went with John and Shambo to get Laura and now they switched to Dave and Monica to eliminate John. Those moves should be recognized by the jury and it mitigates the hurt each of his victims feel: What he did to one, he did to the other. On the other hand, it spreads the hurt to many members of the jury.

Natalie: Once more, she didn't get any confessionals so it makes it hard to support her chances of winning. I thought for sure we'd have to hear from her about the previous tribal council where she was close to going home. Yet, I keep coming up with more clues that she is our winner. The challenges spoke for her. First, like Mick, her bid on the sandwich showed that she knows what she wants and goes for it. Then we heard her bidding on both game items which showed her team effort in an episode that was geared towards the Foa Foa team. Then, her effort at the immunity challenge was nicely underlined by Jeff.

As Monica said, "at some point you need to show loyalty and integrity and respect for the people you made promises to." Who has done that better than Natalie? That could be her winning story.

To paraphrase Dave: If the season turns up the way I expect it to turn up, I will be shocked!

How do you know it had nothing to do with Mick and Russell?! It was shown and we had seen other occasions of problems between Dave and Shambo.

I never said buying the hamburger in itself was bad for Mick as it did show him making a decision for once. What was bad was Jaison saying his sacrifice seemed like a bad idea when his team mate bought the meal. It could also be bad if Mick made other bids that weren't heard. That brings me to Natalie: Her bids could have been edited out. They weren't. That's what a clue is. It doesn't mean I'm right but it's what I saw.

I'd like to hear what you saw.