At last week's tribal council during which Maralyn "Mad Dog" Hershey was
cast out of the game, Keith Famie, Survivor's Iron Chef, voted for teammate
Mitchell Olson in a losing bid to save the retired cop from expulsion. At
the time, Famie had no idea that his crucial vote then would be the
deciding factor in whether he or Olson were fed to the crocodiles three
days later.
In a bizarre twist unlike any seen on the popular reality show, Ogakor
tribe's third consecutive trip to tribal council was a nail-biter. The
first round of voting ended in a deadlock with three Ogakor members
(Mitchell, Amber and Jerri) voting for Famie and three (Keith, Tina and
Colby) voting for Olson. Host Jeff Probst called for a tie-breaker vote
that excluded Olson and Famie. Each were permitted to plead their case as
to why they shouldn't be sent packing. Famie mentioned his "heavy work" for
the tribe and his desire to support his team till the very end. Olson,
Ogakor's prime slacker, conceded that Famie was stronger and that he
himself was "emotionally and physically drained". The tie-breaker balloting
also concluded in a stalemate with both men receiving two votes each.
In a Survivor first, Probst stated that in the event of deadlock
tie-breaker vote, the rules state that the ballots cast in previous tribal
councils would be factored into the final tally. Famie had none cast
against him yet. Mitchell had just one and that was by Famie himself at the
last tribal council. That solitary ballot was enough to tip the scales in
Famie's favour and snuff out Mitchell's torch.
The remaining Survivors at the start of the broadcast were:
Kucha Tribe
1. Alicia Calaway: Personal trainer.
2. Elisabeth Filarski: Footwear designer.
3. Jeff Varner: Internet product manager.
4. Kimmi Kappenberg: Bartender.
5. Michael Skupin: Software company president.
6. Nick Brown: U.S. army officer.
7. Rodger Bingham: Teacher.
Ogakor Tribe
1. Amber Brkich: Administrative assistant.
2. Colby Donaldson: Custom auto designer.
3. Jerri Manthey: Actress.
4. Keith Famie: Chef and restaurant owner.
5. Mitchell Olson: Singer, songwriter.
6. Tina Wesson: Nurse.
Ogakor Tribe Happenings
Tina and Keith wake up before the other deadheads. They begin planning
another fishing trip. Is it just me or are the current crop of Survivor
contestants about as lively as the replicas you'd find in a wax museum?
Gervase was a workaholic compared to these shiftless wonders. Someone
please check them for a pulse! Jerri and Mitchell come out of their
respective comas and abruptly take over the fishing duties without so much
as a "Howdy! Good morning!". Tina and Keith fume as they cast their lines
from the shoreline as Dark Queen and Jingle Boy paddle out in the canoe.
Jerri yucks it up mocking the oldsters. Keith rants "I didn't come here to
be pushed around by a bartender-wannabe actress". Iron Chef vows to slay
the unholy succubus.
Kucha Tribe Happenings
A chicken egg and a bird nest are found with the "tree mail" announcing
the next challenge. The Kangas construct a chicken coop as instructed.
Kimmi, the resident motormouth and vegetarian, cringes at thought of a
Kucha Fried Chicken franchise opening soon.
Challenge Number One
Two life-size sliding puzzles are set-up. When completed, the puzzles
act as a map to the condemned poultry. First team to solve the puzzle wins.
Reward
A rooster and 3 egg-laying chickens.
Result
Ogakor (Australian for "losers") flubs another challenge. Kucha beats them
by a few seconds. The Kangas follow the map over water and rocks to the
chickens. Elisabeth, who apparently was raised underground by a family of
gophers, picks up a chicken and exclaims..."I can't believe I am holding
this!". Poor Kimmi wonders why tofu isn't ever offered as a reward. That's
easy, Kimmi. Not many people like something that tastes like friggin'
Styrofoam.
Winners: Kucha.
Kucha Tribe Happenings
Kucha's Grand Poobah - Michael - frets about his position in the tribe
as the primary killer-of-anything-that's-not-human now that Kucha has
chickens to slaughter. Knife in hand, Michael proclaims his feathered
friends must die, die, die! Rodger and Nick stop Michael from slicing and
dicing the rooster. They say the tribe as a whole must decide when they are
to be killed. A nano second later, a chicken is on the chopping block.
Kimmi splits in disgust. Alicia sympathizes saying..."I know it is hard for
her". As everyone sucks down barbecue, Kimmi looks as if she's watching
open heart surgery. Michael wonders aloud..."What am I gonna do now?
Wrestle an alligator?". Methinks Mad Mikey has forgotten where he is since
it's crocodiles not alligators that reside in Australia. I am afraid Jeff
is right. The Grand Poobah is a bozo, folks.
Nick spots a pig by the river's edge. Michael grabs a knife and chases
it down with Nick's help. Doing his best Doctor Dolittle, Nick begs the
boar not to charge him. That's right, Nick. Reason with the boar. Michael
(Myers) becomes a human Mulinex Machine stabbing Porky over and over again.
The reaction amongst the Kangas is mixed. Elisabeth describes the scene as
"gross" and "brutal". "We've reached a new level," says Alicia. Kimmi
screeches "This is a sick tribe!". Nick thinks it's the coolest thing he's
ever seen. Jeff is looking forward to the grub. Mikey rubs Porky's blood
all over his face like its war paint and declares "Life is just a funny
blend of experiences." I guess. Unless your name is Porky and some Bill
Gates wannabe just used you as a pin cushion. Leatherface...I mean
Michael...is shown with pig meat hanging all around him as the others fill
their bellies. Alicia appreciates Michael's contribution. Mikey feels his
spot in the tribe is secure.
Ogakor Tribe Happenings
Wild fires have erupted near Ogakor's camp. Conferencing with Mitchell
and Colby, Tina calls Jerri the most "domineering and bossy person she's
ever met". She tries to convince them to vote Jerri out and doesn't care if
they turn on her because she's "got nothing to lose". Keith meets with
Colby alone. He convinces him that Jerri isn't good enough for him and that
she will cut his throat when the time is right. Colby agrees then says to
the cameramen that there is an established elimination order. Keith is up
next. Mitchell tells Jerri and Amber that he spied Keith and Colby
chatting. According to Amber, Colby is easily manipulated by others. Jerri
agrees.
Spears in hand, Jerri and Colby go pig hunting. Too much talking and
not enough hunting transpires. Jerri thinks Colby is distancing himself
from her evil clutches. She confides in Colby that she is aware of what
Tina is doing and wants to "beat her to the punch". Colby asks Jerri to
make him a deal. Jerri laughs at his suggestion. Colby tells us that Jerri
is a "puppet master" and that he hasn't trusted anyone since Day One.
Still, he piggy-back rides Jerri back to camp.
Challenge Number Two
It's pop quiz time. The constants are asked questions about Australia.
With each correct answer, the tribes move further ahead on a path of
circles laid out on the rocks. The tribe with the most correct answers
wins.
Reward
The Immunity Idol - immunity from tribal council.
Result
Jeff announces that Kucha has caught a pig. Michael makes it out like
everyone in his tribe helped with the kill and doesn't take all the credit
himself. Oddly enough, the first few quiz questions and answers given are
shown in their entirety. Then, much of the gameplay is edited out leaving
us to assume that this challenge went on forever and that the Aussie
Survivors are about as sharp as a drawer full of spoons. Alicia gets every
question wrong except the last which is the one that really counts.
Winners: Kucha Tribe.
Ogakor Pre-Council Happenings
More belly-aching with the Crocs. Mitchell is hoping Keith gets voted
out. Keith wants to topple the Dark Queen.
Tribal Council Number Three
Jeff asks Keith about the wildfires. Keith believes the fires will send
much of the wildlife towards their camp. Jeff picks Colby's brain about
Kucha scoring a pig. Colby says he's "pissed off" about it. Jeff comments
that Kucha is "kicking your ass". Ironically, Tina spouts off about loyalty
and trust. In the first balloting, Tina votes for Mitchell revealing that a
new scheme developed on the way to tribal council and "in the spirit of the
Olympics, let the games begin!". In the second balloting, Jerri votes for
Keith saying that she is keeping her promise to Mitchell and Tina explains
that the game isn't easy and the tribe can't afford to keep a weak person
around.
Final Voting (Round One)
1. Amber Brkich: Keith.
2. Colby Donaldson: Mitchell.
3. Jerri Manthey: Keith.
4. Keith Famie: Mitchell.
5. Mitchell Olson: Keith.
6. Tina Wesson: Mitchell.
Final Voting (Tie-Breaker)
1. Amber Brkich: Keith.
2. Colby Donaldson: Mitchell.
3. Jerri Manthey: Keith.
4. Tina Wesson: Mitchell.
Stalemate Vote Tally
1. Keith Famie: No previous votes against him.
2. Mitchell Olson: One previous vote against him.
Parting Comments
"That definitely took me by surprise. I guess the bright side is I get
to eat and I need to eat. Look at me! Cripes. I feel a little bit betrayed
by some of them but at the same time I want to shake their hands and
congratulate them for pulling the wool over my eyes because they definitely
got me."- Mitchell Olson.
Powell's Comments
Talk about your cliffhanger endings. Who the heck saw that coming? This
tribal council is a crossroads for the ailing Crocs. The whole complexion
of their tribe's alliances has changed dramatically. To the delight of
most, Jerri should be the next to depart if the pacts that were established
before this vote hold strong. Jerri and Amber have been left twisting in
the wind unless Colby, who represents the swing vote, can be lured back
into the fold. Look for everyone to be lobbying for Colby's loyalty.
Keeping true to her lifestyle commitment as a vegetarian has marked Kimmi.
Her time in the Outback is drawing to a close.
