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A lucky Stephannie Favor was spared the boot last night when Raratonga's women joined forces. (Photo Courtesy of CBS.) |
Brute strength and athleticism will only get you so far on 'Survivor'. John 'JP' Calderon learned that lesson the hard way.
The self-proclaimed king of the new Raratonga Tribe was dethroned last night when the women finally couldn't take his domineering behaviour any more. Knowing full well what usually happens to female players on a tribe populated by alpha males, the Raratonga women united to solidify a strong voting block.
In a foolish move, Stephannie admitted publicly that she was the weakest member after the tribe lost an Immunity Challenge. When it was clear the consensus was to grant Stephannie her wish and vote her out, Rebecca and Jenny took control of the game and with Cristina's help, executed JP's demise.
The Survivors at the start of the broadcast were:
Aitutaki Tribe
1. "Cao Boi" Bui.
2. Becky Lee .
3. Yul Kwon.
4. Candice Woodcock.
5. Jessica Smith .
6. Oscar Lusth .
7. Sundra Oakley .
8. Jonathan Penner.
Raratonga Tribe
1. Nathan Gonzales.
2. Rebecca Borman.
3. Brad Virata.
4. Jenny Guzon-Bae.
5. Adam Gentry.
6. Parvati Shallow.
7. Cristina Coria.
8. Stephannie Favor.
9. John Calderon.
Aitutaki Tribal Happenings (Night 8)
Becky wipes her brow. Whew! That was a close one. She is confident that her alliance with Yul, Candice and Jon is holding up thus far.
Ozzy is stunned that he is the last member of the original Aitu left and also a tad bitter. It bothers him that his new tribe is living off of the great foundation the original Aitu established. He wishes they would vote him out then he wouldn't have to catch fish for them any longer. Someone call the "whambulance", please.
Aitutaki Tribal Happenings (Day 9)
Candice arrives back from Exile Island and confesses that she did not find the Hidden Immunity Idol? What the...? Is the term "bluffing" even in her vocabulary? The tribe openly ponders the reason why Candice was picked to go to Exile Island to begin with. Some wonder if Adam and Parvati were attempting to keep their former alliance member safe. Candice plays dumb which maybe isn't such a stretch for her.
Raratonga Tribal Happenings (Day 9)
While the Raratonga women work hard on a new floor for the shelter, the men sit around and count grains of sand.
Parvati is fit to be tied...and not in a good way. The men think they are ruling the roost. They seem too comfortable. They must figure they are safe because the women cannot win challenges without them.
Ever the observant ones, Brad and JP wonder if the women are angry with them. They come to the conclusion that they couldn't possibly care less. JP figures the females need manpower for the challenges so the alpha males are sitting pretty for the time being.
Reward Challenge
Two members of each tribe will be roped together. The other tribe members will assist them through an obstacle course. When that portion is completed, one member will swim out and retrieve a decoder wheel. The wheel will be used to decipher a secret message.
Reward
Blankets, pillows, a hammock and the power to send a player from the losing tribe to Exile Island.
Result
Steph sits out.
Winners: Aitutaki.
Adam is exiled.
Aitutaki Tribal Happenings
Jessica: We are so happy that brains beat out brawn this time.
Jonathan mans the boat as Ozzy hauls in more fish than a Japanese trawler in Canadian waters. Jonathan: Ozzy is a mad fisherman. Ozzy boasts: Out of the 11 fish, I caught 9. Ozzy truly feels that since he is the sole provider for the tribe, they cannot afford to get rid of him. How many times have we heard that one, folks? Ah, such naïveté. Yul jokes that they should nickname Ozzy, "Poseidon". We hope he means the ancient god of the seas and oceans and not the fictional ship that sunk like a stone.
Raratonga Tribal Happenings
Referring to the challenge loss, Nathan says it is good to be humbled sometimes.
As JP lazes around, he barks commands at the women. Fetch this. Don't do that. Put that there.
Parvati is about to snap. His conduct doesn't fly with her at all.
Parvati and Nathan chat alone. Parvati admits that she is using her super, mutant flirting powers to infiltrate the alpha males' alliance. Nathan promises her that he has her back but the gentleman he is, he doesn't mention other body parts. Nathan: Parvati is a cool girl. He trusts her. She is his ace in the hole. Parvati to Nathan: JP calls the shots. Nathan says that sometimes it is best to let the king think he is sitting pretty. Parvati is going to follow Nathan's advice and do just that when it comes to JP.
Aitutaki Tribal Happenings
As Jonathan and "Cao Boi" stroll through the jungle. "Cao Boi" sees a nest in a tree. He wonders if there are any eggs. He climbs the tree, has a shouting match with a bird and knocks the nest down. "Cao Boi" cannot help himself. Sometimes the boy inside of him takes control and makes him do stupid things. Jonathan discovers there was a baby bird in the nest. He cradles it in his hand and almost cries. Jonathan: I felt terrible about the whole thing. "Cao Boi" is heartbroken. He puts the nest back in the tree where he found it and places the baby bird gently back in the nest. He apologizes to the mother profusely as she squawks at him. "Cao Boi": My boyhood side always gets me into trouble. I feel bad and quite humbled by what happened.
Immunity Challenge
Put a stretcher together. Swim out to and unshackle a tribemate. Carry them on the stretcher to a fire pit. First tribe to build a fire that burns through a rope and releases their flag wins.
Reward
Immunity from the Tribal Council vote.
Result
Cristina sits out.
Although they are behind, Ozzy's swimming prowess makes up lost time for Aitutaki as he beats JP to the punch. "Cao Boi" lights a fire in his own special way by waving the kindling around. Probst: Either you are going to look real silly, "Cao Boi", or you will be a hero. Jenny's hand is cut as she and Steph try in vain to light a fire. "Cao Boi" wins the challenge for Aitutaki.
Winners: Aitutaki.
Raratonga Tribal Happenings
Parvati says they have nothing to be ashamed of. Aitutaki had a "Zen fire master" on their side. Steph admits to everyone that she is the weakest member of the tribe and it was her fault they lost the challenge.
Even though he admires Steph, Nathan says that if she is doubting herself and she doesn't want to compete any more, he will vote her out.
Cristina and Nathan chat. He wants to give Steph the respect she deserves and tell her what is going to happen at Tribal Council. If Steph has to go out, Nathan wants her to walk the red carpet.
Rebecca and Jenny fetch some water. They agree to save Steph and flip the game on the guys. Rebecca: The women have to stick together. Steph sits with Rebecca, Jenny and Cristina. She cannot believe she set herself up like that. She doesn't want to leave the game. She wants to fight on. Jenny heads off to speak to Parvati. She explains the deal to her. Parvati is not sure booting JP would be the best move for the tribe. She has to think things over. Brad joins the women. Steph: I need you, Brad. Steph puts her head on his shoulder.
Becky is not sure Brad can be trusted. He seems to be only true to himself.
Raratonga Tribal Council Happenings
Nathan agrees that he hasn't come out of his shell yet because he doesn't want to be targeted. Jenny says the tribe has no leader. When pushed by Probst, she confesses JP is the unofficial leader. JP explains that he doesn't order anyone around. He just speaks his mind more than others. Rebecca states that she and Steph botched the challenge. Steph hopes that people base their vote on the bigger picture and not just one challenge. JP seconds that motion and admits Ozzy smoked him in the swimming portion. Brad says it is always best to trust your gut. Steph declares that there hasn't been enough time to establish unbreakable trust in her tribe yet. Rebecca: What will happen tonight is what is best for the future of the tribe. JP: This is my hardest vote yet.
Steph votes for JP. Steph: Sorry, it was either you or me. JP picks Steph. She is a beautiful person. Cristina writes down JP's name. She doesn't want to be played by him. Nathan votes for Steph. Nathan: Your wish is my command.
Final Voting
1. Nathan Gonzales: Steph.
2. Rebecca Borman: JP.
3. Brad Virata: JP.
4. Jenny Guzon-Bae: JP.
5. Adam Gentry: JP.
6. Parvati Shallow: JP.
7. Cristina Coria: JP.
8. Stephannie Favor: JP.
9. John Calderon: Steph.
Tribal Council Victim: John Calderon.
Final Words: "Wow. This is something I never, ever saw coming. Then again, it is a game of Survivor, and I definitely got outwitted, outplayed, and outlasted in every means. I thought I was pretty confident going into this one. In no means did I think I was going to be voted out this time, next time, or for a long while, but that's the name of the game. There's no hard feelings in any way. I'm completely baffled; everybody at home, don't give me too hard of a time. Anyway, it was a great experience, I was happy to be here, that's the way the game is played, and wow, they really pulled one over on me." - John Calderon
On the next 'Survivor': Television. Probst: "Cao Boi" is critical of the women's work ethic on his tribe. Raratonga gets some unwelcome visitors to their camp.
On the next 'Survivor': Internet. The Raro men decide to prove their worth around camp by gathering a ton of food and wood. Will this be enough to keep the women happy or are they still in danger? While exploring the area, members of Aitu unknowingly land at Raro's camp. The awkward encounter becomes even worse when Cao Boi talks non-stop and asks if he can take some of their supplies. Cao Boi becomes frustrated with Candice, Becky and Sundra as they laze around and do nothing at camp. Adam catches a large octopus but Cristina, whose attitude is already annoying her tribe, accidentally lets the octopus escape while washing it off. Will this incident put her further in jeopardy or will she be able to win her tribe back over?
Powell's Thoughts:
Although Cristina may be in danger, as long as the women back her up, she ain't going anywhere.
What's with the mysterious visit? If I remember correctly, we have never seen a tribe stumble upon another tribe's camp...ever.
From week to week, Jessica is impressive with her ability to hang with the guys when it comes to the challenges. Let's hope she gains a brain and starts strategizing.
It was interesting how Nathan was left out of the loop when it came to the final vote. Not a good sign at all for him although I would guess Adam goes before him.
Jenny's comments about Brad coming off as not being trustworthy could be foreshadowing the reason why he possibly makes it no further than the merger.
Methinks Parvati has more influence in Raratonga than we are seeing. Why would she hang Nathan out to dry though? Curious that. Could it be she was afraid he would alert JP to the vote?
It is a welcome change to see the Raratonga women take control instead of waiting around to be picked off like flies. How much of their success hinges on Parvati though?
