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The Raratonga Tribe finally ditched the troublesome Brad Virata. (Photo courtesy of: CBS.) |
There was a mutiny on 'Survivor: Cook Islands' and we aren't just talking about the fans who are losing patience with this wearisome instalment.
Throwing a curve ball at both tribes before the Reward Challenge, host/producer Jeff Probst made every player an offer. He gave them ten seconds to decide if they wanted to jump ship and join the rival tribe.
Normally on 'Survivor' nobody takes Probst up on his deal as everyone has been with the same tribe since the beginning of the game. To leave them would be game suicide. As the 'Cook Islands' edition began with four racially divided tribes who were then dissolved into two tribes, the offer carried more weight. Thinking they could resurrect the Caucasian tribe, both Aitutaki Tribe members Candice Woodcock and Jonathan Penner flipped over to the Raratonga Tribe.
Although decimated, the Aitutaki Tribe kept the faith and went on to win both the Reward and Immunity Challenges. Brad Virata, who announced at Tribal Council that he didn't trust his tribe at all, was summarily given his walking papers in the most predictable boot of the season. In a twist, Probst announced that Brad would be the first member of the 'Cook Islands' jury.
The Survivors at the start of the broadcast were:
Aitutaki Tribe
1. Becky Lee.
2. Yul Kwon.
3. Candice Woodcock.
4. Oscar Lusth .
5. Sundra Oakley .
6. Jonathan Penner.
Raratonga Tribe
1. Nathan Gonzales.
2. Rebecca Borman.
3. Brad Virata.
4. Jenny Guzon-Bae.
5. Adam Gentry.
6. Parvati Shallow.
Aitutaki Tribe Tribal Happenings (Day 19)
The core Aitutaki Alliance members meet. They decide Ozzy must go before the merger. Yul reminds them that they must stick together. If they don't, they are gonna be toast.
Candice: She plans on turning her back on Aitutaki and hooking back up with Parvati and Adam once the merge occurs.
Candice and Jonathan meet. Jonathan fears it is gonna get real ugly soon. He thinks they need to reform the Caucasian Tribe Alliance with Parvati and Adam. Jonathan doesn't want to be the player who makes a move when it is too late. Jonathan says he trusts Candice and promises her Final Two.
Candice: She has never trusted Jonathan at all. He will always do whatever is best for him. She wants him gone.
Raratonga Tribe Tribal Happenings (Day 19)
The tribe discusses the upcoming merger. Brad blurts out that when it happens, it will be every man for themselves. He wanders off into the jungle. Everyone is stunned by Brad's comment. Parvati: He is just digging his own hole.
Nate: Brad is the real Slim Shady. He has lost all trust in Brad. Brad thinks everything is tight. He is gonna be played like a sucker.
Reward Challenge
Before getting to the challenge, Probst details the mutiny twist. Candice and Jonathan move over to the Raratonga Tribe and receive new buffs. Yul states that he is shocked. Ozzy is not surprised as in his opinion Candice and Jonathan don't have any guts or backbone.
Multi-faceted challenge with two players being rolled down an obstacle course in a barrel. The barrel is then floated out into the water and flags are retrieved. Once everyone is back on the beach, they hang the flags and dig for an axe to cut a rope.
Reward
Letters from home, a feast and the power to send someone to Exile Island.
Result
Aitutaki takes the lead and never surrenders it. Sundra cries when Aitutaki is declared the winners.
Winners: Aitutaki Tribe.
Without a thought, Aitutaki sends Candice to Exile Island.
Aitutaki Reward Happenings
The tribe is given dry robes and lots of pastries to eat as well as their letters. Yul says that he is proud of everyone. Sundra explains that she cried because the odds were against them and they pulled together. Ozzy feels recharged. Yul: Looking at everyone's photographs, you understand these are all real people with hopes and dreams just like you. Sundra sobs as she reads a letter by her young son. Ozzy does the same. The tribe shares a group hug. Ozzy: We are a family and a team to the end.
Exile Island Happenings
Candice cannot wait to get back to her friends Parvati and Adam. She explains that she doesn't trust Jonathan...again. She is worried that Jonathan is back at camp and could be bonding with everyone.
Raratonga Tribe Tribal Happenings
Out in the open as they sit around the campfire, Jonathan explains his decision to ditch Aitutaki. Jonathan admits the decision was "impulsive".
Jonathan: I need to earn their trust and not appear as a threat in any way.
Nathan: What is Jonathan smoking? Brad didn't jump. He stayed with us. Jonathan sold out his own tribe.
Raratonga Tribe Tribal Happenings (Day 21)
Jon sets to work while everyone else is relaxing. Jonathan speaks with Adam and proposes reforming the Caucasian band. Adam agrees.
Immunity Challenge
Traveling in glass bottom boats, the tribes must line up underwater targets and shoot them with cannonballs. Direct hits release buoys with clues on them to a puzzle back on the beach.
Reward
Immunity from the Tribal Council vote.
Result
After a shaky start, Yul figures out that instead of looking through the glass bottom, he can see the targets through the cannonball drop holes.
Winners: Aitutaki Tribe.
Raratonga Pre-Tribal Council Happenings
Jonathan is glad Candice is back. Now, he isn't the only person at the top of the pecking order.
Candice and Parvarti chat. Candice explains what Jonathan's plan is and how she would love to vote him out.
Adam and Nathan talk in the shelter. They agree to keep Jonathan around as he can never go back to the Aitutaki Tribe now. He must stick with them. He has no choice.
Nathan: He calls Jonathan the "Lord-Knows-What-He-Is-Thinking Knucklehead". Nathan is going to play Brad and make him think he is totally safe.
Nathan speaks with Brad. Nate: We got the numbers, homey. We won't cradle a traitor. What does Jonathan think this is, a refugee camp?
Candice explains to Adam that Jonathan has been talking trash about him. Adam believes it and angrily says he wants to "beat his ass". Adam meets with Nathan. Nathan calms Adam down. They need to think and play smart.
Raratonga Tribal Council Happenings
Brad terms Candice as a "gutsy girl". Jenny: Jonathan and Candice are at the bottom of the totem pole but Rara has the numbers going into the merger. They will be able to pick off Aitutaki like zits. Candice is glad to be back with the fun tribe. Jonathan is concerned. He would be stupid to think he won't be voted off. Nathan praises the core alliance. Candice and Jonathan haven't proved themselves yet. He terms Candice as a lethal player. The tribe doesn't like leaders and will axe them. Brad likes Candice and Jonathan but they switched way too late in the ballgame. He doesn't trust anyone on his tribe.
Jonathan votes for Brad. It is not personal but he hopes he is not the only person voting for him. Brad writes down Jonathan's name. Jonathan is a good leader and a father but jumping ship is too little, too late.
Final Voting
1. Nathan Gonzales: Brad.
2. Rebecca Borman: Brad.
3. Brad Virata: Jonathan.
4. Jenny Guzon-Bae: Brad.
5. Adam Gentry: Brad.
6. Parvati Shallow: Brad.
Tribal Council Victim: Brad Virata.
Final Words: "My experience overall has been the best/worst experience of my entire life. I didn't know I was going. I didn't know what was brewing. It is kind of a sigh of relief for me but at the same time, parting is bittersweet. Anything is possible in this game and making jury proves that point." - Brad Virata.
On the next 'Survivor': Television. Adam and Candice rekindle their bond. Jenny is worried about Adam as the rest of the tribe doesn't want him to falter. Probst hold up a bottle to the players: This bottle contains significant information... Probst says the first-time twist will turn the game upside down.
Powell's Thoughts:
What's in the mystery bottle? I am not sure but what is rumoured to occur is that we will see a double Tribal Council but not in the traditional sense. One tribe will boot two members out and bets are the unlucky tribe will be Raratonga. The bottle may contain a message stating this to the tribe that loses the Immunity Challenge.
If Rara is forced to ditch two members, Jonathan, Jenny and Rebecca seem to be the lead candidates. Jonathan, because as has been drilled into our heads, nobody trusts him. Jenny, because Rara probably fears she will abandon them after the merger. Rebecca, because she is pretty cruddy at challenges.
It seems that Aitutaki will win Reward and be carried to a special feast hosted by locals.
It is time for Aitutaki to own this game.
