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For 'Survivor' fans, it was like seeing their own torch get snuffed. For producer Mark Burnett, it must've been the nightmare scenario he dreaded. On a heart-breaking episode, Rupert Boneham, the lovable troubled teens mentor turned star of 'Survivor: Pearl Islands', got cannonballed off the island last night in the most painful eviction since Michael Skupin took a header into the camp fire on 'Survivor: The Australian Outback'.
Undisputedly the most adored 'Survivor' contestant since the series debuted in the spring of 2000, Rupert, the big, bearded, unkempt engaging lug fit in perfectly with the pirate theme of 'Survivor: Pearl Islands'. Affectionately and accurately dubbed "Blackbeard" by fans, his down-to-earth personality, ferociously competitive nature, kind-heartedness and intimidating presence won over viewers from the very first episode where in true pirate fashion he raided and sold the other team's possessions that were left lying around unattended. Ironically, Rupert's feelings of not fitting in with society and his desire to be accepted by others were both a major part of his storylines on the series.
"I want so badly to be accepted and I never get the acceptance that I want. I don't fit. So much for my dreams," said a despondent Rupert after being voted out.
Rupert wasn't without his flaws though. At times, he displayed a notoriously bad temper and a dark, vindictive side whenever he was double-crossed. Instead of working against him though, those flaws just made Rupert all the more human and all the more popular.
Now in the phase of the game where individual immunity from the Tribal Council vote is the focal point, Rupert was the biggest threat to the other players. His supremacy during the various challenges kept the Drake Tribe alive during the start of the game and continued on when the tribes merged. Described as a friendly loner by the majority of the booted castaways, Rupert's alliance fell apart around him as he fulfilled his role as the tribe's main hunter. Rupert's ego also played a part. He was amiss in thinking that he was "manipulating" anyone except for Sandra and Christa. The numbers just weren't on his side to begin with. Only Christa voted along side Rupert and stayed true to the Drake Alliance. Burton and Jon formed a new faction with Lillian, Darrah and Tijuana while Sandra's intense dislike of Jon caused her to throw a vote his way.
The remaining Survivors at the start of the broadcast were:
Balboa Tribe
1. RUPERT BONEHAM: Troubled Teens Mentor.
2. JON DALTON: Art Consultant.
3. SANDRA DIAZ-TWINE: Office Assistant.
4. CHRISTA HASTIE: Computer Programmer.
5. TIJUANA BRADLEY: Pharmaceutical Sales.
6. DARRAH JOHNSON: Mortician.
7. LILLIAN MORRIS: Scout Troop Leader.
8. BURTON ROBERTS: Marketing Executive.
Balboa Tribal Happenings (Night 24)
Everyone is snoozing away except "Blackbeard". Nights are the worst for him. He can't catch a wink of sleep. Relaxing on the shoreline, Rupert "converses" with his wife Laura. He tells her of his triumphs and his defeats. Rupie goes a tad bit overboard though. "I am the best damn Survivor that has ever been," he declares. After blurting the boast out, Rupie is quick to rip himself for being such a blowhard then fires off another exaggeration about manipulating the actions of everyone else on HIS island. His plan all along has been to make them feel like winners even though they will lose the game to him. What's that about counting your chickens before they've hatched? The bigger they are, the harder they fall indeed.
Balboa Tribal Happenings (Day 25)
Jon is sick of how Rupert and Christa interact with all their goofy sayings and pet names. About the Sandra, Christa and Rupert alliance, Jon says..."Absolute power corrupts absolutely."
Holding a pow wow, Burton and Jon plot an end to what's left of the Drake Alliance. Burton suggests they need to bring in Tijuana and "Dr. Death" Darrah since they already have the naive Lill in their back pocket. Jon says to us that the Drake Alliance wants him to "bunt" but he wants to hit a "grand slam" and take Rupie out. Burton reminds Jon that their treachery can't be uncovered. Rupie would gut them alive.
Back at camp, Rupert goes fishing. Sandra and Christa go for a stroll. Burton and Jon see this as the perfect time to lay out their plans to the others. Darrah and Tijuana are of course thrilled at the news that their heads are off the chopping block for the time being. Brushing over his own dominance, Burton claims that Rupert will horde all of the Immunity Challenges. They must seize the opportunity and ditch him now. If Rupert doesn't win Immunity, he is toast. If he does, they will target Christa. "Dr. Death" advances the scheme. She will pretend to throw in the towel, say her good-byes and pack her things before Tribal Council just to keep Rupert off the scent. Jon chimes in that they can't discuss the plan any more just in case it leaks out to the others.
Using up the majority of her allotted thirty seconds of screen time each episode, Darrah tells us that she was "down in the dumps" before but now she is tickled pink. No kidding, D. Thanks for coming out.
Meanwhile, Rupert is pulling a Quint from 'Jaws' and tracking a shark. Though he really wants to bag the beast, he fears he will lose his spear doing so and wisely backs off. Rupert says he "never admits defeat", "never surrenders" and "never gives up".
Reward Challenge
An obstacle course on the set of a grounded pirate ship. The players compete in heats and in teams of two. Mucho climbing, ringing of bells and swinging on ropes.
Reward
Result
Balboa Tribal Happenings (Day 25)
Burton reveals his scheme. He didn't hand over the trip to Rupert because he wants him to be tired so he can "smoke him" at the Immunity Challenge.
With Christa beside him, Rupert is hacking away at a coconut. He babbles ominously on about smelling rot and death. He calls Burton a "scum" and a "bastard". The only thing he is ever going to give him is his vote at Tribal Council.
Feeling guilty for not bestowing the reward upon Rupert in recognition for all the hard work he does at camp, Lillian apologizes profusely to him. Her decision wasn't right. She knows it and everyone else does at camp. Rupie says it is okay. She deserves it too. Sandra: "What's done is done."
Lillian whimpers some more with Jon. "I am such a bitch," she snivels. Sandra looked at her like she was scum. Jon is sure they will be able to bring fish back for everyone so she can redeem herself easily enough.
Lillian confides to us that she can never afford such luxurious vacations and it might be her only opportunity to sail on such a beautiful boat.
While Burton and Jon scheme some more about reeling Lillian in, Sandra eavesdrops on them from behind a bush. She rushes back and tells all to Rupert. Rupert says not to worry. He will question Lillian after the trip and she will be truthful with him.
On board the boat, Lillian and Jon gobble up pizza and guzzle beer. "I bet now you are glad you didn't give this bad boy up," laughs Jon. Jon promises to keep Lillian informed about every move the Misfits Alliance is making. Lillian isn't sure about being so deceitful. "You can check your guilt at the door or quit the game now," Jon advises. "You should be happy. You are in the final three." Jon and Lill try their hand at fishing but come up empty. Lillian and Jon break the bad news to the tribe when they arrive back.
Laying in the hovel, Rupert discusses Lillian's loyalty to the Drake Alliance. Lillian denies she has accepted an offer from anyone else. Rupert and Lillan hold hands. Rupert says to us that when Lillian made that promise, he wanted to hug and kiss her. Easy there, big guy.
Immunity Challenge
Elimination blow dart game.
Reward
Result
Balboa Pre-Tribal Council Happenings (Day 27)
Foreshadowing the human happenings at Balboa, the producers show a snake stalking and gobbling up an Iguana. Good eats!
As you might expect, Rupert is pissed at how the Immunity Challenge went down. He isn't mad at Sandra. Her error was an honest mistake. He suspects Burton took him out intentionally. Duh. What makes you think that, Rupie?
Jon and Burton discuss how much they will party on the last day together. About his promise to Rupert never to vote for him again, Jon says: "Promises are meant to be broken like a fat woman on wicker furniture." Dopey Lillian knows it is just a game but she loves Rupert and wants to keep him around. Rupert, Jon and Burton chat while relaxing in the water. Jon and Burton agree with Rupert. All the members of Morgan have to be thrown overboard. They chat about booting Darrah. Jon states that he doesn't care who goes first ...Darrah or Tijuana. Sandra really believes that Drake will stick together and can't see anyone in the alliance turning on Rupert.
Tribal Council Happenings
Ryan enters as the first member of the jury. Probst yammers on about Ryan just being there to observe and not interact...yadda...yadda. Sandra thinks Balboa would tank without Rupert. Burton only catches sting-rays. Lillian says there are others who can fish too. Burton denies there is an alpha male battle between him and Rupert. He admits that Rupert is a way better fisherman. Sandra rips on Jon for sleeping in until noon every day. Jon says that he doesn't care what Sandra thinks. She just gives him a headache all the time. Darrah is permitted to use up the rest of her fifteen seconds. She won't be surprised if she is voted out tonight. She will be disappointed but not shocked. Burton decides to keep the Immunity Sword.
Rupert votes for Darrah. She is a Morgan and has to go. In voting for Rupert, Jon steals Ric Flair's famous line..."To be the man, you have to beat the man. Woooo!". Sandra is noticeably stunned when Rupert is kicked. As his torch is being snuffed, Rupert mumbles..."I cannot believe that." No words of advice from Probst this time around. Just the obligatory..."You can head back to camp." Man, is he pissed or what?
Final Voting
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1. RUPERT BONEHAM: Darrah.
2. JON DALTON: Rupert.
3. SANDRA DIAZ-TWINE: Jon.
4. CHRISTA HASTIE: Darrah.
5. TIJUANA BRADLEY: Rupert.
6. DARRAH JOHNSON: Rupert.
7. LILLIAN MORRIS: Rupert.
8. BURTON ROBERTS: Rupert.
Parting Comments
Powell's Thoughts:
On the next 'Survivor', Jon is stunned by some devastating news. Jon is shown crying uncontrollably as Balboa comforts him. "We love you, Jon," someone says. Jon: "I love you too." A member of the tribe does the unthinkable. In a meeting, Burton says to Christa and Sandra: "You can't sabotage the tribe." Christa: "I didn't do it." Jon: "That is the most idiotic thing I have seen since the game has begun." Burton to Sandra and Christa: "I have nothing to say to either one of you." Sandra: "Well, f--k you too!".
I thought saying goodbye to Andrew was bad enough especially since he didn't even get to be part of jury. Seeing Rupert off was worse. Poor guy. Where is love for the big lug, I ask you? Where is the love? Rupert's biggest mistake is one that others have made before him. Don't think for a minute you are safe from the Tribal Council vote just because you do a tremendous job providing for them. That strategy only panned out for Richard Hatch and nobody else. Hard work is rarely rewarded on 'Survivor'.
Next week...the "Big Lie" is finally told. It has been rumoured that it is time for the family reward challenge and my guess is that is where it occurs. It could be that Jon's family member or friend delivers some terrible news to him...but it is all a farce to gain him sympathy from his tribemates. Jon and the friend/family member could've hatched the scheme before he ever went on the show. If so, it would be the most dastardly plot ever on 'Survivor'. Probst has confirmed that the only way the remaining players will discover the lie is when they watch the episode itself.
Christa and Burton look to be in danger next week. Christa is accused of sabotaging the food supply and Burton is the next big threat. Based on booted castaway's comments about Christa being quite nasty and Burton's desire to eliminate her, Christa is probably the next to head off to the Loser Lodge. Then there is the "most heated" 'Survivor' argument ever that ends with two castaways declaring themselves "sworn enemies". Could this happen before the Reward Challenge and Jon's revelation? The fight could end up as water under the bridge if that is the case. You can bet that the winner of the Reward Challenge (Lillian?) hands the prize to Jon too out of compassion. It is probably a video from home.