The stage is set. Let the blood bath begin. 'Survivor: Pearl Islands' has
its final four and they may just be the most devious and deceitful
frightful four ever assembled.
Burton Roberts, the 31-year-old marketing executive from San Francisco,
won't be in their distinguished company though. Darrah Johnson, Sandra
Diaz-Twine, Jon Dalton and Lillian Morris will be moving on without him.
Last night, Roberts achieved the distinct honour of being the only Survivor
ever to be voted out of the game twice. As a parting gift, he won an SUV at
the Reward Challenge. Not bad for a guy who can't decide what his first
name is. He was Burton Roberts on 'Survivor and was possibly "John Roberts"
on a past edition of Mark Burnett's other claim to fame - The
Eco-Challenge. As Darrah would say...Ah, shoot. What's in a name anyway,
y'all?
Roberts was voted out by the Drake Tribe way, way back on episode four but
he and Lillian Morris won the right to return to the game in episode seven
as a member of the Outcasts Alliance. At that time, Roberts promised
Lillian he would never betray her and stated that his primary goal was to
make sure an Outcast (namely himself it appears) would win the grand prize.
As the days progressed though, his alliance with Jon grew stronger while
his loyalty to Lillian crumbled. Although the producers played upon the
gender war that erupted on last night's broadcast, Burton was voted out
because he backpedaled on his alliance to Lill and was considered to be a
threat in the all-important final Immunity Challenges.
The gender war and his unconscionable fibbing ways have put the shoulders
of the dirtiest and most hated player in the 'Survivor' game - Jon Dalton
(AKA: Jonnie Fairplay) - down on the mat. Will fans be able to finally
revel in Jon being pinned or will he grab onto that bottom rope to halt the
three count? We will have to wait until this Sunday's three hour 'Survivor:
Pearl Islands' finale to find out.
Though much has been made of Jon Dalton's "Big Lie" and the ramifications
it could have at the reunion show, viewers saw an even more spiteful act
take place as a vengeful Sandra once again plotted to sabotage her own
tribe. Last week, Sandra "accidentally" dumped the tribe's dinner in the
sand and allowed Christa to take the blame. Last night, Sandra feared being
voted out next and as an act of revenge decided to start hiding the tribe's
water jugs, pick axes and machetes. Talk about cut-throat. Jonnie Fairplay
has nothing on Sandra.
The remaining Survivors at the start of the broadcast were:
Balboa Tribe
1. JON DALTON: Art Consultant.
2. SANDRA DIAZ-TWINE: Office Assistant.
3.DARRAH JOHNSON: Mortician.
4.LILLIAN MORRIS: Scout Troop Leader.
5.BURTON ROBERTS: Marketing Executive.
Balboa Tribal Happenings (Night 33)
On the way back to their pathetic hovel after gassing Christa, Jon plays
some mindgames on Sandra. He tells her that Christa was ready to stab her
in the back and was secretly plotting against her. Sandra bats away the
accusations. She can't complain. She has three more days on the island.
Dead man walking Burton can't believe the he and Jon orchestrated another
blindside vote at Tribal Council. "That's three in a row," the
Man-With-No-Name boasts. Someone should tell old what's-his-face that the
game isn't over quite yet. Knucklehead. Jon lets us in on his strategy. He
is doing everything he can to make Sandra feel vulnerable and that will keep her off balance.
Balboa Tribal Happenings (Day 34)
Think Jon lying about his grandmother was downright nasty? You ain't seen
nothing yet. Sandra shows her true colours here. She feels like her days
are numbered so she plots her revenge. Over the next three days, the sore
loser is going to hide everything the tribe needs to survive. First will be
the water jugs then the pick axes and finally the machetes. When she is
turfed, she wants the remaining players to be fishing with their bare
hands. Last week it was the "accidental" dumping of the fish and now this?
Real nice example she's setting, eh? He may be a cruel son of
a...well...you know...but at least Jonnie Fairplay didn't endanger the
entire tribe's well being with his whopper.
Jon, Burton and Lill babble at the shoreline. Jon and Burton want to place
'Dr. Death' Darrah's head on the chopping block next. Lillian vehemently
opposes the idea. "It's not right", Lillian gibbers to us. The alliance was
supposed to include Darrah. If Burton and Jon are so quick to cut Darrah
loose she ponders what her fate will be. In the end, Lillian tells Burton
that at least it won't be her going home. She will vote how they want her
to.
Reward Challenge
It is a super-duper, mega challenge including portions of previous
contests. The Survivors have to untie themselves from a post, use ropes and
co-ordinates to find a key, use the key to unlock a jail cell, fashion a
pole to retrieve a key that unlocks the cell, shoot three plates with a
slingshot and put together a scrambled word. Whew!
Reward
A camp out at some ruins outside Panama City and a feast.
Result
Burton runs away with this one.
Winner: Burton.
Host Jeff Probst informs Burton that he can take someone else to share
in the reward. Burton picks Jon. Jon leaps into Burton's arms and jokingly
asks for a hug.
Survivor Reward Happenings (Day 34)
Burton, Jon and Probst take a boat to Panama City. Burton says that he
selected Jon because he was tired of sharing rewards with people he doesn't
like. For Jon, it is the first time he has felt comfortable stepping away
from the game. He doesn't have to worry about a thing...or so he
thinks.
Warning. Time for some gratuitous product placement. When the trio exits
from the boat, Probst has a surprise for Burton. He gives him the keys to a
new SUV and a map to the ruins. Inside the SUV is some camping gear too.
Jon congratulates Burton. Normally Jon would be pissed off that someone
else won such a prize but he thinks Burton deserves it as he has worked so
hard for it. Burton and Jon drive through Panama City, find the ruins and
the feast that awaits them.
Balboa Tribal Happenings (Day 34)
Back at camp, the women engage in a bitch session while relaxing in their
hovel. Lillian is worried that Burton won't come through on his promises to
her. Sandra says that Jon slapped her three times and she won't take it any
more. Jon and Burton are snakes and liars. Lillian reveals Jon and Burton's
plan to kick Darrah. She explains how she defended 'Dr. Death' and that the
scheme really ticked her off. She is even honest enough to warn Sandra that
she was supposed to be next on the hit list not Darrah. Darrah suggests
that the women team up and take the men out. The idea perks Sandra up. She
enthusiastically backs the scheme. No need to confirm anything with her
later on. It is a done deal. Lillian isn't quite so sure. She doesn't know
what her chances would be like in the final three with Darrah and Sandra.
Darrah and Sandra convince Lillian she's better off making the final two
with them as Burton and Jon will stick together. Lillian suggests that
Burton be voted off first. Darrah and Sandra co-sign that.
Sandra is so overjoyed with the turn of events that she is putting her
sabotage plans on hold.
Survivor Reward Happenings (Day 34)
Burton and Jon have eaten their fill and now it is time to dish on the
women. Burton doesn't think the women can come up with a strategy on their
own and that they have been riding people's coat-tails the entire game.
They will squash them. Jon is sure that the men have the "intellectual
advantage". Burton worries that Lillian might turn on them. He doesn't know
if they can trust her. He suggests to Jon that they rope Sandra in as a
back-up plan. Jon laughs about how many times he "dogged out" Sandra.
Burton suggests that they don't mention he won a car when they get back to
camp. It might be held against him if the others find out.
Balboa Tribal Happenings (Day 35)
Lillian is a complete wreck. She can't sleep and her body feels numb. She
wonders why God would put her through this. Ah, Lill. The G-Man has nothing
to do with this. I hate to break this to you but...you are the one who
filled out the application and sold your soul. Darrah and Sandra comfort
Lillian. She just has to hold out for a few more days. Lillian speculates
that menopause may be the culprit. While Lill is gone, Darrah and Sandra
rip on her for freaking out so much. Sandra can't wait to be rid of the two
jackasses - Jon and Burton. She is going to put on her game face and maintain control.
Lillian and Darrah greet Jon and Burton as they arrive back. Sandra is
huddled up in the hovel. Jon asks Sandra what is wrong. She knows it is
over. Sniffle. Sniffle. She's next. Sniffle. Sniffle. She just wants to go
home. Sniffle. Sniffle. Snort.
At the same time Jon is grilling Sandra, Burton speaks with Lillian.
Lillian relates the same sob story. Sniffle. Sniffle. She just wants to
leave the game behind and go home to her family. Sniffle. Sniffle.
Snort.
Jon offers a deal to Sandra. He can promise her a position in the final
three if she votes with the guys. Jon swears on his grandmother he is
telling the truth this time. Sandra agrees. Jon wants Sandra to swear on
her children's lives. When Sandra does, Jon asks to she her hands to make
sure she isn't crossing her fingers. Sandra shows him her hands. Sandra
tells us that under her breath she promised her children she would screw
Jon and Burton.
Immunity Challenge
A plank and key challenge. Using a canteen, the Survivors must fill up
water containers. In them are keys attached to a hollow, rubber ball. Each
key unlocks a plank. The idea is to obtain all the keys one by one, to drop
all the planks so that you can make it to the end of the course and
retrieve your flag. First Survivor back to the starting position with their
flag is the winner.
Reward
Immunity from Tribal Council.
Result
While the others have to fill their containers almost to the top to get
their keys, 'Dr. Death' doesn't. Her hands are so small she can slip them
in the containers without much of a problem at all. Probst jokes that
Darrah's weight loss has come in handy and he actually calls Jon...Jonnie
Fairplay.
Winner: Darrah. That's three in a row for her.
Balboa Pre-Tribal Council Happenings (Day 35)
Though he doesn't really want to, Jon feels the tribe needs to cart Lillian
out of the game. She has broken down, is not doing her usual work around
camp and can't be trusted.
Jon attempts to touch base with Lillian. He inquires about her health.
Lillian wishes that Jon and Burton wouldn't tag team her all the time for
information. Jon denies that was his intention. He honestly wanted to know
how she was doing. Burton says that Lillian has been sleeping an hour a
night and she is a disaster now. Burton corners Sandra. Sandra is tired of
"that chick" (Darrah) winning all the Immunity Challenges. Darrah doesn't
even talk to her any more. "I wouldn't worry if I was you," says Sandra.
Sandra has no problem voting Lillian out.
Jon doesn't think the women even share a whole brain. They would be better
off mopping floors or washing potatoes. The women have proven themselves to
be followers and he is smarter than them.
Tribal Council Happenings
Darrah agrees with Probst. Her weight loss worked to her advantage in the
Immunity Challenge. She admits to not having much energy though. Even
gathering firewood is a hardship. Sandra says they have no energy to even
chat amongst themselves. Probst asks Jon what he thinks of the other women.
Lillian is strong and a hard worker. Sandra is tough and Darrah is kicking
butt at having won three Immunity Challenges in a row. None of the men have
done that. Lillian never thought she could make it this far. She needs to
find strength to forge ahead. Jon doesn't want another surprise
vote. Burton defends blindsiding people at Tribal Council. If you don't do
it to someone else, it could be you who gets the axe. Darrah elects not to
surrender the Immunity Scabbard.
Burton votes for Lill. She is not someone he wants to go up against in the
final two. Jon also writes Lill's name down. He chants..."I'm hardcore! I'm
hardcore!" in tribute to Lillian and then steals wrestler Mick Foley's line
and wishes her a nice day.
Final Voting
1. JON DALTON: Lillian.
2. SANDRA DIAZ-TWINE: Burton.
3. DARRAH JOHNSON: Burton.
4. LILLIAN MORRIS: Burton.
5. BURTON ROBERTS: Lillian.
Tribal Council Victim:
BURTON ROBERTS.
"For the second time, the tribe has spoken," Probst says to Burton.
Parting Comments
"It has been an amazing experience to have been voted out and being
given the opportunity to come back in. Of the four left, I wish Jon the
best and I hope he wins. Lill, I hope you can live with yourself. We had an
alliance. You broke it as big as Texas, so I hope you can live with that.
" -- BURTON ROBERTS.
Powell's Thoughts:
On the next 'Survivor': Announcer's voice: "The Survivor castaways were
thrown overboard with just the clothes on their backs. It began with
sixteen. Now, it is down to four. Who will be the 'Ultimate Survivor'?
Darrah: "I don't even know if I am going to stay here." Lill, the Scout
master: "I have to keep going." Sassy Sandra: "I can get loud too
motherf--ker!" or Survivor's most notorious liar: Jonnie Rotten. Jon: "I am
the king of men and they are women." Sandra: "He's an ass." Don't miss the
Survivor season finale and live reunion show on CBS this Sunday."
As opposed to the bland television promo for the finale, the official CBS
Survivor site offers these tid bits. "Letters from home bring a Survivor to
tears, but one tribemate sees it as an opportunity to turn the rest of the
tribe against that person. A twist in the final stretch brings an
unexpected battle for the Final Four. Thirty-nine days ago they swam ashore
on the Pearl Islands with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Darrah,
Jon, Lillian and Sandra have made it this far, but only one will win. Who
will be the Sole Survivor?".
Notice how the final four are mentioned in alphabetical order. I suspect
that the "twist" might be that the infamous endurance challenge is held
during the final four stage of the game rather than the final three.
Well, it all comes down to this and what a ride it has been. Definitely the
best 'Survivor' series so far considering all of the drama and despite some
of the annoying changes to the game...like unfairly allowing players to
return. One definite downside though was CBS not delivering on the hype in
their promos at various times in the season. For example: Fans did not see
the mock wedding held for Christa. There was some sloppy editing too such
as when Ryan called Christa a "bitch" when he voted for her at Tribal
Council. For television viewers that came out of left field as they were
not party to the whole who-ate-too-many-oranges incident in which Christa
blamed Ryan.
The important bits from tonight's broadcast that might aid everyone in
figuring out the finale is that...1. Burton or Jon stated that they were
worried about the friendship that was forming between Lill and Darrah. If
true, that could figure into how the final three situation works itself
out. 2. Jonnie Fairplay must win the next Immunity Challenge or he is
history. There is no way (unless they are as dumb as a bag of rocks) that
the women would allow Jon to con them again...unless one of them figures
that Jon would be a good person to be up against in the final two. I doubt
that though. I think Jonnie Rotten pulls out a final three spot but...I
could be mistaken about the finishing order for him and Sandra. 3. Chalk Burton up as another jury member who feels that Lillian betrayed him. So much for the Outcast Alliance, huh? It seems that Lillian doesn't have many fans on the jury.
