Survivor Redemption Island - May 4/11

We begin this episode watching the aftermath of the very first total annihilation of a tribe in Survivor history. Well almost. There are three Zapatrilobites over at Redemption Island hoping to make a come-back. The fourth RI dweller, Matt, the non-Zap player, feels the odds are good for any of them that can survive and make it to the final three. They will then face a jury made up entirely of Zapetrucians.

Meanwhile Ometepe has arrived back at camp following Tribal Council Natalie has a major melt down, but is quick to assure her alliance that it doesn't mean she wants to go home. It's just that now they have to start voting out their own and she is homesick. Rob comforts her in a very kind and fatherly way, but privately tells us that he only has to make it a few more days - as long as his tribe-mates don't start talking to each other and realize that it is he who should be gone.

Tree Mail arrives consisting of a Sprint phone with a text message inviting them to the next duel at Redemption Island. "But first check the videos", says the text. There are, of course, a video for each of the Survivors made by one of their loved ones back home. There is much weeping. The same scenario is being re-enacted over at Redemption Island, where they have also received a Sprint with videos.

When everyone arrives at the Redemption Island Arena for the duel, Dimples explains how it will work. There will be a four way duel between Matt, Mike, Ralph and Steve. The loser will go home and the winner will get to spend time with their loved one. The duel involves throwing some sort of weird little object at some ceramic tiles. The first to break four tiles wins. Steve has a poor performance in this challenge and is sent over to the jury. With Steve goes our own Marie from the pool. Selina picked Steve to win so Marie and Selina will be cashless and buffless this round.

Mike wins the duel and so wins some time with his Mom. But of course there is a twist. Mike can give up his time with his mom and instead allow Matt and Ralph to spend time with their loved ones. Or, he can give the opportunity to the larger group of six who voted him out. There is a collective groan from the former Ometepe group After all, what kind of nutbar would give such a reward to the very people who sent his butt over to Redemption Island in the first place. But surprise surprise! Mike has conferred with God and God feels he should use his reward to benefit the greatest number of people. Mike gives up time with his Mom and allows Rob and company time with their loved ones. One might suspect this was strategic but I actually don't think Mike is dumb enough to believe Rob's tribe would be swayed by an act of kindness. In any case, Rob and company return to camp to spend the day and night with their loved ones. Mike, Ralph and Matt return alone to Redemption Island. Ralph thinks Mike's move was a stupid one, but Matt gets the whole God thing and admires Mike's decision.

So we watch the Ometepe people interacting with their loved ones. Rob's sister has come to visit. She ignores Rob and keeps looking over her shoulder like something might bite her. Phillip tells his sister that crazy is his strategy and that he will continue to dominate (huh?). Andrea's dad throws her over his shoulder and asks her how come her hair looks so nice. Natalie's mother gives her a much needed pep talk. But as always, the kinfolk must go home and when they do it's time for an immunity challenge.

Rob has already decided that Andrea is the next to go and that she must not win immunity. The challenge is simple enough. Untie bundles of puzzle pieces that look a lot like stairs. Fit them onto a giant staircase one at a time in the right order. Once your staircase is built you win. It sounds simple. But it is 110 degrees in US numbers and some equally wickedly hot temperature in Canadian numbers (help me out here Jack). The Survivors must constantly run up and down the staircase and the closer they get to completing it, the longer each trip is. It is a close race between Rob, Grant and Andrea. Rob wins but he is hurting when the challenge is done. He is cramping and needs assistance to stand. But it is "mission accomplished". Rob has immunity and Andrea can now be sent home according to the plan. Andrea believes it is Phillip who is going home, and for a brief while Rob does consider getting rid of Mr. Annoying Pants. But alas, when the votes are tabulated, it is indeed Andrea who is heading to Redemption Island to meet up, again, with Matt (my guy).

Until next week,
Outwit, Outplay, Outlast
Pat (aka Matt I ain't nothin if not tenacious Elrod)

PS The season finale is on Sunday May 15. Find out if Matt (my guy) comes back from against incredible odds to win all the marbles. Or not.