Survivor Tocantins - February 26/09

Pat is off absorbing some culture tonight so the uncultured pinch hitter is taking over.

When Timbera returns to camp after Tribal Council, Erinn tries to wash the taint of Candance off of her. She tells the tribe that the only reason she was being friendly to Candance is that she was suspicious and wanted to know what she was up to. Erinn talks and talks and talks, digging her grave deeper with each sentence. Apparently, she has never heard the expression "silence is golden" (and doesn't draw attention to you).

The next morning we find out that Jerry is suffering from bean fever. Unfortunately, beans are the only thing on the menu so he chooses to go hungry while Beans, Beans, the Musical Fruit plays softly in the background.

At Jalapao, the tribe members try out their new fishing net. Minnows are the biggest catch so they switch to the fishing rod and use the minnows for bait. Pretty soon they're feasting on a variety of grilled fish. All is good at Jalapao.

At the Reward Challenge six members from each tribe were blindfolded in pairs. The 7th team member must guide the blindfolded pairs to find a bucket, then first use the bucket to fill a container with water which will raise a flag and then fill another container with corn. The first team to raise both flags wins a tarp, blankets, pillows, an umbrella, chairs - everything you need for your beach vacation. Joe is the caller for Jalapao, Debra for Timbera. Jalapao takes an early lead and never looks back. Not sure where Timbera went wrong, but at one point all the blindfolded pairs were joined together in a Survivor conga line - perhaps it was a tribute to Brazilian dancing. When Jalapao won, Coach let out a primal yell (his description). He was very frustrated with his team's performance. This is exceptionally puzzling to me because I didn't see Coach do anything to contribute to a win. In addition to the win, Jalapao gets to send someone to Exile Island. Taj shouts out Brendan's name. Not sure if there was any consultation with her tribemates, but lo and behold Brendan picked Taj to join him. They have a secret alliance (in case you hadn't guessed by that big shout out).

Back at Timbera, Coach figures he and his Assistant Coach (Tyson) will have to get the tribe going. Tyson secretly tells the camera that Coach is a typical coach - not that good at what he is coaching (or in this case thinks he's coaching) but excellent at talking about how good he is.

Over on Exile Island, Taj finds another clue which she shares with Brendan. They discuss what they will do if they're not picked to go to Exile next time. Taj tells Brendan to have Timbera pick Stephen, she'll pull him into their alliance. Brendan says choose Sierra, she'll be onboard with him. Another clue will not be needed though as Brendan finds the idol hidden in the skirts of the Tree Mail guy, gal?? He then buries it under a rock in the forest. This would be a fatal move for me because I would never find it again. Only time will tell if Brendan is smarter.

At the Immunity Challenge, tribemates are again paired up to take turns at pushing big crates to the finish line. Each crate has a few letters on it. When all the crates are at the other side, they must build stairs that spell out their tribe name. The first tribe that has all members of their team at the top of their stairs wins immunity. Timbera breaks out into an early lead. They have all their crates at the finish line well before Jalapao. Erinn has a plan. She knows how the stair puzzle works. At first, they listen to her and seem headed for a win. Then dissension breaks out. As they are standing around arguing, Jalapao is flying to the top of their stairs to win immunity.

After the challenge, Timbera discusses Jerry's illness. Sierra tells the camera she doesn't care if Jerry's a nice guy, he's sick, he must go. They were perfectly willing to throw her under the bus when she was sick so she has no sympathy. Coach tells Assistant Coach Tyson that Erinn got an evil grin on her face when she realized Jerry was sick and she would be saved. Coach says he can't exist around evil people. Erinn must go. Tyson agrees with him. Before the trek to Tribal Council, Tyson confesses to the camera that he loves seeing people cry when you crush their dreams. Is that in the Mormon doctrine? At Tribal Council, Dimples asks Jerry where he thinks Timbera is going wrong. Jerry says they need a leader. Cut camera to Coach preparing to step up to the plate. Who, says Dimples? Brendan, says Jerry. Coach visibly recoils. Not one to be reticent about his accomplishments, Coach tells everyone that really he should be the leader, I mean that's what he does, he's Coach. Why do you think his mother gave him that name?? I mean she could have named him Assistant Coach and then Brendan would have had a shot, but nooo... Oh well, Coach will let this go as long as he has the satisfaction of seeing Evil Erinn get her torch snuffed. But when the votes are cast, Jerry's illness has trumped Evil sending our Mitzi to the sidelines. Oh and by the way Coach? Assistant Coach voted for Jerry too. You may want to rethink who's holding the power in that relationship.

Until next time, Lynn aka Stephen (I think Taj wants to use me) Fishbach

Oh I almost forgot, Jerry's departure means Lisa and Grace will not be winning our secret prize.