In the end, it was the women who outlasted, outplayed and outwitted the men. In a final Tribal Council vote, which once again proved that popularity and not hard work guarantees a victory on 'Survivor', the Beach Blanket Bimbo - Jenna Morasca - the 21-year-old swimsuit model from Pittsburgh, PA, scored a landslide victory over the machete-sharpening, beady-eyed workhorse -- "Machete" Matthew Von Ertfelda -- the restaurant designer from Washington, D.C., to win 'Survivor: The Amazon'.
Of the seven 'Survivor' jury votes, only one went to Von Ertfelda and that came from his tried and true fishing buddy Butch Lockley, the 50-year-old principal. Even Christy Smith, the deaf contestant who promised not to allow her "evil stepsister" Jenna to win by voting for her...did so anyway. By winning the million dollar check and car that come with it, Morasca becomes the youngest player to ever take home the title of "Ultimate Survivor".
When 'Survivor' host Jeff Probst referred to Morasca, who rarely lifted a finger to help her fellow tribemates and managed to make it into the final two through a streak of Immunity Challenge wins, as acting "selfish" and "spoiled" for 36 of the 39 days spent filming the show, Morasca admitted she had growing up to do.
"You know what? I am very young. I have much to learn...I got to watch myself and I said...Boy, I am spoiled sometimes and I am annoying," Morasca told Probst on the reunion show. "I learned so much about myself and I have grown so much but it is very hard to have a learning experience in front of a viewing audience that doesn't know you are learning."
Admitting that she deserved the criticism heaped upon her by fans, critics and other players, Morasca believes that her experience on 'Survivor' has changed her life in a big way.
"Most of it (the criticism) was deserved but I feel like I am a better person because of it. That's what really matters to me," said Morasca, known for her whining, complaining and pompousness on the show.
Von Ertfelda may have handed the game to Morasca during his closing statement at the final Tribal Council by basically saying he wasn't really worthy of the "Ultimate Survivor" title.
"I realize that I have been deceptive and that I have lied. I realize now that it is part of the game. I don't belong on a pedestal. Everyone has done a certain amount of lying and there's been a certain amount of betrayal. I have come to the realization that I don't have the level of integrity or the high moral character that I preach and that in fact I don't deserve that title. I would just like to end by saying that I've done my best to play the game to the best of my ability and I learned much along the way," he said to the jury.
When questioned about choosing Von Ertfelda over the scheming Rob 'The Robfather 2' Cesternino as the person to sit beside her in front of the jury, Morasca acknowledged that she did so thinking she had no shot against Cesternino.
"He would've kicked my butt," she said.
His sanity questioned by the other players throughout the series due to his odd behavior at times, Von Ertfelda insisted it was all an act and part of his strategy.
"That was all an act. I was just having fun. I'm a crazy guy," Von Ertfelda told Probst. "I felt like in this game that I needed people to dismiss me. They needed to think I was absolutely naive or absolutely insane and that was basically the only way I was going to deflect their attention because I felt like physically people regarded me as a threat from Day One. I was dodging an awful lot of bullets."
During the reunion show, which saw Probst "transport" the final Tribal Council votes by jet ski and subway, it was revealed that next edition of 'Survivor' will take place in the Pearl Islands of Panama. Probst promised that the "marooning" would be unlike anything viewers had ever seen before and introduced a change in the series...the new tribes would each be given their own island to live on. 'Survivor: The Pearl Islands" will shoot this summer and most likely air in September.
The remaining Survivors at the start of the broadcast were:
Jacare Tribe
1. Matthew Von Ertfelda: Restaurant Designer.
2. Rob Cesternino: Computer Projects Coordinator.
3. Jenna Morasca: Swimsuit Model.
4. Butch Lockley: Middle School Principal.
Jacare Tribal Happenings (Night 36)
This tribe has no luck with fires. The campfire is out and it is up to 'Firestarter' Butch to save the day. The Robfather 2 puts Heidi's boot in perspective. She was a "hot girl" but he was tired of "her crap". No crying from Jenna "The Jackal". She is tickled pink she is the final woman. She spends her time sucking up to the guys.
'Firestarter' Butch says that Heidi was the biggest threat and that's why the Testosterone Alliance popped her bubble. He has no doubt in his mind. Jenna is out next.
"Machete" Matt see the vote as being very straight forward. Jenna is gone and may the best man win.
Jacare Tribal Happenings (Day 37)
Time to destroy stuff. Jacare hacks apart their shelter and chops it up into firewood. The Robfather 2 and "Machete" Matt convince Butch to do his dancing machine thang. Butch fails around like a stung monkey. Rob comments that even "Machete" Matt thinks Butch has blown some of his microchips in the Amazon. Jenna is still sick but is going all out to win Immunity. If she doesn't she knows she is history.
Immunity Challenge
The Survivors must walk a maze blindfolded. They have to collect four necklaces bearing the symbols of fire, water, air and earth. First one to collect all four necklaces and make it back to the centre post wins.
Reward
Immunity from Tribal Council.
Result
Jenna mocks the men who are portrayed as bumbling around in the dark.
Winner: Jenna.
Jacare Pre-Tribal Council Happenings (Day 37)
Rob feels as if everything he has planned is in chaos. It is a scary time for The Robfather 2. Not a sniffle or a whimper from Jenna. She is delighted the Testosterone Alliance must alter their plans.
Butch sweet talks Jenna. Like everyone else, the 'Firestarter' wants to stay. Butch picks Jenna's brain about who she is going to vote for. Jenna: "Rob has screwed me." Butch is excited because it seems that the oldest and youngest see eye to eye on things.
Matt and Rob go through their calculations. They will both vote Butch regardless of what Jenna decides to do. Before going to Tribal Council, Jenna ponders Rob and Butch's status. Butch has done nothing to make it this far. Rob has screwed people. Tough choice.
Tribal Council
Butch is glad to have accomplished what he has. He is proud of the fact that he has always been positive. Matt claims that his strategy has been multi-faceted. He's been honest. Rob feels lucky the risks he has taken have paid off every time. Jenna has been through highs and lows. She really needed the Immunity tonight. Butch wants everyone to know that he hustled today to stay alive. Jenna admits it is very different to feel in control of the game again.
Rob votes for Butch. No fire is going to keep Butch's torch lit. Butch chooses Rob.
Final Voting
1. Matthew Von Ertfelda: Butch.
2. Rob Cesternino: Butch.
3. Jenna Morasca: Butch.
4. Butch Lockley: Rob.
Tribal Council Victim: Butch Lockley.
Parting Comments
"I have just experienced an adventure of a lifetime. I will never forget these 37 days. I feel that I have played the game hard and I played it well. The sign I took...I mean it when I say...'Believe in yourself'. You can do things. You can go out and set your goals and have your dreams then go out and do them. Look at me. I made it to Survivor". -- Butch Lockley.
Jacare Happenings (Night 37)
It is Invasion of the Killer Moths as the insects swarm the camp diving into the three finalists.
Jacare Happenings (Day 38)
Following a big breakfast, the producers raise the spirits of the tribe by delivering a scale to them. Matt has gone from 173 lbs. to 148. Rob was 170 lbs. and now is 138 lbs. Jenna has dropped from 118l lbs. to just 99 lbs. She is cheerful though knowing she is going to have fun gaining it all back.
That pesky Probst arrives to deliver some good news. The remaining Survivors will take an aerial tour of the Amazon before going to an area where they can make some crowns and paint themselves like "warriors". Right after that, it is on to the final Immunity Challenge.
After they are done all that, we get some statements from the Final Three. Rob understands that if he loses this challenge, he could forfeit the million dollar check. Matt thinks it would be a wise move to throw the challenge entirely. Jenna believes she has worked hard to get to where she is and doesn't know who she would choose to face the jury with her.
Immunity Challenge
Another edition concludes with a test of endurance. The players will stand on a balance beam, holding their crowns above their heads. Last person to remain on the beam without touching their body with their crown wins.
Reward
Immunity from Tribal Council.
Result
"Machete" Matt falls off first. Rob offers Jenna a deal. If she steps off, he will take her to the end. Jenna declines. She wants to "fight it out". Rob falters shortly thereafter.
Winner: Jenna.
Tribal Council
Rob tells Probst he did the best he could. Matt says that he is just exhausted and hopes Jenna makes the correct decision.
We don't see how Jenna votes but she says she wants to take along someone who deserves it and wants to beat a worthy competitor.
Final Voting
Tribal Council Victim: Rob Cesternino.
Parting Comments
"Well, what can I say? Thirty-eight days out here in the Amazon. I honestly have no complaints. I wouldn't change one thing about how I played the game. It has been the most tremendous time of my entire life. I said I wasn't going to stop smiling until they put out my torch and you know what? I am still smiling." -- Rob Cesternino.
Jacare Happenings (Day 39)
Matt and Jenna write down everyone else's name on a crate. As they do so, they talk about what they remember about them. Matt fishes alone. He thinks it is absurd that he evolved from an underdog into a person who has a chance at winning it all. He admits that he owes most of his success at 'Survivor' to Rob. He would never have gotten this far without him. He figures he's been too intense his whole life and it is about time he started enjoying more of it. Matt and Jenna terrorize the tree mail god by strapping him to a canoe. They load it up with other artifacts from the camp. Matt lights the canoe on fire and almost torches himself in the process. He pushes the canoe out into the river.
Tribal Council
As Matt and Jenna paddle to Tribal Council, they pass the burned out canoe. Probst asks each of them to give an opening statement.
Jenna: "I really don't have much to say. I feel that you know enough about me in order to make an educated decision...which I know you will. I feel that I have played this game morally and that mean allot to me. I feel like you will make the right decision so I will just end it right there."
Matt: "I have done my best to provide for the tribe. I've been out fishing. I think that I have shown that I am dedicated to the tribe as a whole. I feel that I have also shown that I am a serious competitor, that I play with heart, that I have a never-say-die attitude. I believe I have played the game honourably and maintained a level of morality and integrity throughout. I just wanted to share that with you."
Each member of the jury was then allowed to pose a question to the finalists.
Butch is first. Before he speaks, a branch falls down and almost lands on him. Probst jokes that maybe Butch should re-think that question. Butch asks Matt and Jenna whether they have ever lied in the game. Jenna admits to deceiving Deena because she felt Deena betrayed her. Matt confesses to lying to Roger and Alex.
Next up is Rob. He wants to know why Matt doesn't think Jenna deserves to win...and vice versa. Matt claims that Jenna did nothing to contribute to the tribe and that she swore to give up on the game numerous times. Jenna says that Matt really just tagged along with others. He didn't really play the game. He doesn't need the money and that 'Survivor' is just another adventure on a list of things to do for him.
Alex asks what if anything they regret doing. Jenna is upset she trusted certain people. Matt thinks he was naive in playing the game. He wishes he hadn't supported Ryan. That caused him too much grief later on and forced him into a depressive state.
Heidi wants to know if anyone on the jury is more deserving than them of winning the game. Matt thinks Rob is. He is an amazing strategist and credits Rob with getting him so far in the game. Jenna agrees. Rob had a wealth of knowledge.
Deena questions Jenna about her statement concerning Matt not needing the money because he is rich. Jenna answers that it would be one of the factors she would ponder if she was voting tonight. Deena calls Matt on his comment at a previous Tribal Council that he hoped the "better man" would win. Matt regrets the statement.
Christy wants to know how Matt reacted to having a deaf contestant like herself in the game. Matt says when he found out, it didn't phase him at all. He just thought it was a "funky accent". He never treated her differently than anyone else. Christy questions Jenna on her statement that being beautiful is a "handicap". Jenna didn't mean to compare it to what Christy goes through. She is just tired of being labeled as stupid and weak because she is a swimsuit model.
Dave asks what modern leader did Jenna and Matt fashion themselves after to play 'Survivor'. Matt answers Colin Powell. He had to be flexible. Jenna says there isn't one. She followed her mother's example of being a strong woman while fighting cancer.
Jenna and Matt give their final statements.
Matt: "I realize that I have been deceptive and that I have lied. I realize now that it is part of the game. I don't belong on a pedestal. Everyone has done a certain amount of lying and there's been a certain amount of betrayal. I have come to the realization that I don't have the level of integrity or the high moral character that I preach and that in fact don't deserve that title. I would just like to end by saying that I've done my best to play the game to the best of my ability and I learned much along the way. That's all I have to say."
Jenna: "First of all, I just want to thank you guys for being probing with the questions. It really gave me a chance to look back at things that I have done in this game that maybe I just wanted to put out of my mind or that I forgot. Yeah, maybe I am not the strongest person that cut down all the trees but I still feel that I have put in my work at camp and I do feel like I have worked hard at the challenges. When it came to the end where I needed to save my butt, my determination really came through for me and I am really proud of myself. It is hard for me to say anything more than that."
Butch votes for Matt. He believes Matt was the true Survivor. Heidi chooses Jenna. She adores her. She loves her. She represents strength in the face of adversity.
Final Tribal Council Vote
1. Christy Smith: Jenna.
2. Deena Bennett: Jenna.
3. Heidi Strobel: Jenna.
4. Alex Bell: Jenna.
5. Butch Lockley: Matt.
6. Dave Johnson: Jenna.
7. Rob Cesternino: Jenna.
Final Tribal Council Victim: Matthew Von Ertfelda .
Ultimate Survivor: Jenna Morasca.
Powell's Thoughts:
It began with an ousting of a model and ended with a model claiming the title of "Ultimate Survivor". Oh, well. I was right about everything except the Final Tribal Council vote. It just goes to show you that more times than not, the jury vote on a reality series comes down to a popularity contest.
In "Machete" Matt's case, it seems as though his public acknowledgment of Rob being instrumental in his success at the game was probably held against him by the majority of the jury members. I have no doubt too that Matt's moments of "mania", whether intentional or not, did not play in his favour either. He just rubbed people the wrong way and that was his downfall.
Unlike previous winners like Brian Heidik and Richard Hatch, I don't believe that Jenna will be looked upon as a completely deserving 'Survivor' winner. She will be lumped in with Tina Wesson and Vecepia 'Vee' Towery who achieved victory by circumstance rather than aggressive and strategic gameplay. Matt's comments about not being deserving might have tipped the scales in many people's minds.
All in all, a fairly unpredictable and satisfying season despite the low note of the finale. Thanks to everyone who had supported this column and the 'Survivor' chats. It was great fun to be back and share in the enjoyment with you. Here's hoping we can gather again during 'Big Brother 4' or 'Survivor: The Pearl Islands".
