The women are in the Salani tribe, and the men are in the Manono tribe. ‘Survivor: One World’ has no returning veteran players.

From left to right: Front row: Jay Byars, Chelsea Meissner, Colton Cumbie, Monica Culpepper, Leif Manson and Bill Posley. Back row: Kat Edorsson, Alicia Rosa, Jonas Otsuji, Michael Jefferson, Kourtney Moon, Sabrina Thompson, Troy Robertson, Kimberly Spradlin, Greg Smith, M.D., Nina Acosta, Matt Quinlan and Christina Cha.

Nina Acosta – Retired LAPD Officer
Clovis, CA – Age 51

Jay Byars – Model
Gaffney, SC – Age 25

Christina Cha – Career Consultant
West Hollywood, CA – Age 29

Monica Culpepper – Ex-NFL Player’s Wife
Tampa, FL – Age 41

Colton Cumbie – College Student
Monroeville, AL – Age 21

Kat Edorsson – Timeshare Rep
Orlando, FL – Age 22

Michael Jefferson – Banker
Seattle, WA – Age 30

Leif Manson – Phlebotomist
San Diego, CA – Age 27

Chelsea Meissner – Medical Sales
Charleston, SC – Age 26

Kourtney Moon – Motorcycle Repair
Austin, TX – Age 29

Jonas Otsuji – Sushi Chef
Lehi, UT – Age 37

Bill Posley – Stand-Up Comedian
Venice, CA – Age 28

Matt Quinlan – Attorney
San Francisco, CA – Age 33

Alicia Rosa – Special Ed Teacher
Chicago, IL – Age 25

Troy Robertson – Swimsuit Photographer
Miami, FL – Age 50

Greg Smith – Plastic Surgeon
Houston, TX – Age 64

Kim Spradlin – Bridal Shop Owner
San Antonio, TX – Age 29

Sabrina Thompson – High School Teacher
Brooklyn, NY – Age 33

The new season premieres February 15 at 8/7c on CBS.

In this video, Jeff Probst discusses the cast and we meet a few:

With the alliance having to eat its own members, many lies are coming to the surface. Everyone knows that Albert knew Brandon was going to Redemption; he might have covered his actions by voting for Sophie, but he knew Brandon was on his way out.

As Coach says, at the end, loyalties will be broken.

At the last Redemption Island duel, Ozzy and Brandon have to hold on to a pole. The first to fall is out of the game for good. After forty minutes, they begin to slip and slide. It is a close competition, but Brandon is not as physically strong as Ozzy, and Ozzy wins again. Ozzy had a good run on Redemption; he lasted two weeks and beat eight people to win his way back into the game.

Ozzy knows that if he doesn’t win immunity, he will be going home. Coach reminds him of their secret deal, but Ozzy doubts it because he questions why anyone would want him at the end. This is true, not because of the feats Ozzy has accomplished, but because the jury is five former Savaii members. Ozzy could moon the jury and still win.

Coach says he is secure, and we learn that he has final three deals with everyone. I’ve been saying that this is Coach’s game to lose, and with so many deals, he will have to break his word to many people. This is not the wisest move, and I’m worried that Coach may have to burn too many bridges to make it to the finals. Once at the finals, he will have to talk his way to a win. Coach does have a way with words. Maybe he can talk his way to a win.

At the immunity challenge, players have to use one hand to keep a board steady. With the other hand, they have to build a house of cards. Sophie boasts that she has a book on how to build a house of cards. Coach, Ozzy, and Sophie are close. Sophie has a solid structure, but she runs out of cards. Coach and Ozzy don’t panic. Ozzy runs out of pieces and has to start over. Ozzy recovers quickly. Sophie drops many pieces and wants Albert to drop his stack so he can pick up her cards. Jeff coldly tells her that there is no helping in individual challenges; if you want immunity, you have to win it yourself. Sophie is angry. Coach and Ozzy are close, but Ozzy pulls ahead and wins.

Ozzy enjoys watching the others turn on each other, and he plans to pit them against each other. Ozzy tries to convince Albert to vote out Sophie. Albert has thought Sophie is a threat because she is well-spoken and has won challenges. Before, Albert talked to Coach, and they planned on voting out Rick. For some reason, Coach thinks Rick has a shot of winning. Rick doesn’t. Rick hasn’t made any moves or won any challenges. I thought Coach would take Rick because Rick has been riding his coattails, which would make Coach’s case easier to make.

Coach tells Rick that he thinks Sophie has turned on Rick. Coach is not a very good liar to Rick. Rick wants to know if he will not vote Rick out, but Coach can’t look Rick in the face.

Ozzy tells Albert about Coach’s plan to take him to the final three. Albert is upset and confronts Coach. Again, Coach does a poor job lying to Albert. I’ve said this has been Coach’s game to lose, and Coach might be losing the game by not being able to lie very well. If you can’t lie well, then don’t promise the sun to everyone because if you do, you will have to burn someone to make your plans happen.

At tribal council, the Savaii members of the jury are happy to see Ozzy with immunity. The choices are Rick and Sophie. Coach is not an option because he has the idol, and he can play it to guarantee his spot in the final four. Sophie has a mini meltdown because of the attacks on her character. Rick plans to vote for Sophie, as is Ozzy. Since he has wanted her out, I think Albert is going to vote for Sophie. Coach does not play the idol. Just when I think Sophie is gone, Rick’s name is called three times. Oh Albert. You had your chance. Dumb move, Albert. And this is a dumb move on Coach’s part too. Rick has been very loyal, and when he is voted out, he knows everyone, especially Coach, lied to him. Rick leaves pissed.

Ozzy’s plan to make it to the finals to win immunity. He knows this is his only option. Coach and Ozzy clear the air. Ozzy tells Coach that he revealed their secret plan because he has been burned and screwed by the game so many times that he has issues trusting people. Coach is moved by Ozzy’s explanation. Coach considers Ozzy’s plan of making Sophie and Albert fight for a spot in the finals by tying the vote, making the two build a fire to win a spot in the finals. Ozzy makes the case that Coach has preached about taking warriors to the finals so the best person wins, so Ozzy says that if Coach means what he says, he will take Ozzy.

The final four do not reminisce about former players and burn their torches. I miss this part that became a staple for many seasons of the show.

At the final immunity challenge, the final four have to race through an obstacle course. There are five stations. At each station is a bag of puzzle pieces. After they get the bags, they can complete the puzzle. The puzzle is difficult; the sections of the puzzle rotate, so players have to rotate the parts until they can fit a piece. Ozzy races through the obstacle course easily, building a large lead. Sophie finishes the course and catches up to Ozzy by solving the puzzle quickly. Sophie wins immunity!

Ozzy wants Coach to keep his word and have him and Albert build a fire for the last spot in the final. What gets me is that Coach’s name is not brought up. Coach has not been in danger since the beginning of the game. Wow.

Coach’s heart is heavy with contemplation. He wants to stay true to his word, but he also wants to win the game.

At tribal, Savaii is upset to see Ozzy without immunity. Ozzy reveals that he hopes Coach keeps his word. Albert admits that he might not win against Ozzy in a fire building competition. They vote. Albert and Sophie vote for Ozzy. Ozzy votes for Albert. Jeff reveals the final vote. Coach voted for Ozzy. Ozzy said that he had a good ride.

The final three are Sophie, Albert and Coach.

The three have a glorious breakfast. They burn the camp. They go to the final tribal council.

Jeff explains that the format is opening statements, questions, and the vote.

Albert states that his game was social. Coach talks about his uphill battle and how he played differently. Sophie states how she outwitted, outplayed, and outlasted everyone.

Ozzy goes first. He says that no one wants to vote for any of them. He asks Coach to confess that the honor stuff was a bunch of bull. Coach says that he did break his word to advance in the game and he knows that he hurt people. Jim asks Albert about why the other two shouldn’t win and instructs him to not start with a compliment. Albert compliments the quality of Jim’s questions. He says that Coach was not the leader; they carried him. He says Sophie wasn’t as social as he was. Dawn asks Sophie about her strategy. Sophie says that she wishes she was a guy so she could have gotten a couple of young girls to do her biding. Instead, she got Coach, who told her that he valued loyalty above everything else, so to Sophie, Coach was like a girl. She teamed with Albert so she could have someone to discuss strategy with, but confesses to almost voting him out because of his actions later in the game and to increase her odds of making it to the end.

Rick is next. He is still pissed. Coach apologizes to him for lying, but Rick says that he stabbed him in the back. He tells Albert that he knows he lied to Brandon about giving back the necklace. He tells Sophie that she lied all the way. She tells him that she felt bad about lying, but lied when she thought it was justified and tried to tell as few lies as possible.

Brandon confronts Coach about giving his word as a man of God to not vote him out. Coach commends Brandon for raising their standards and for being open about his love of God. Brandon says that he forgives Coach. Brandon then asks Albert if he knew Brandon was going home. Albert hesitates. Brandon says it is a yes or no question, no hesitation necessary, but Albert stumbles, finally saying that he didn’t know. Brandon does not believe him.

This is when I realize Albert does not have a chance. His inability to answer Brandon’s question immediately has put him out of the race for the million. I’m disappointed in Coach’s incessant need to apologize. He put the alliance together. He got Cochran over to their side. He got the five to the end. He needs to say all of the things he has done. His reluctance to say what he has done is making Sophie’s claim of being the brains behind the operation appear to be true.

Whitney calls Albert sleazy, accuses Coach of using God to manipulate others, and says Sophie is condescending. Sophie says that she knows she has a hard exterior and is difficult to get to know.

In one the best moments of the night, Edna makes a speech about how they should not be angry for being duped. Everyone signed up for the same game; everyone volunteered to be a part of a game that is about lying and being manipulated. Religion has been a tool used to manipulate people on a grand scale, so it being used in the game should not been seen as a negative.

Keith asks Coach about the idol. Coach says that it was a tribal idol. They thought about using it if Cochran wasn’t going to come to their side. Sophie takes this moment to explain how the idol was actually found. Coach had found it and thought about keeping for himself, Sophie, and Albert, but decided to reveal it in an elaborate ruse. The shocked look on Brandon’s face is another highlight of the night. Sophie’s clever timing might have just earned her Brandon’s vote. And maybe Rick’s since Rick was duped as well by Coach’s ruse.

Cochran tells Coach that he played a great game but used the word “honor” too much. Without talking about honor, Cochran wants Coach to explain his game. Coach admits to wanting to please everyone, and in wanting to please everyone, he ended up hurting many people. His game became a convoluted mess on his way to the finals. He says that he is not that great of a strategist.

And it is when he says this that I think Coach just cost himself the game. Why, Coach, why? I really thought you could have won the game, but not now.

They vote. Jeff takes the urn. The votes are read in L.A. at the reunion show.

To win, a player needs five votes. After six votes are read, Coach and Sophie are tied. Sophie gets two more votes and wins!

Coach was right in calling her the new Dragon Slayer. By remaining calm during the final tribal council, letting Coach apologize continuously, and revealing the ruse about the hidden immunity idol, Sophie won. She played a good game. She made a great alliance, won some immunity challenges, and used her observation skills to take herself to the end.

Jeff interviewed different players during the reunion show. Highlights include:

• Poor Brandon. The Hantz family is not impressed by how he played the game. Russell was there, and Russell does not like how Brandon wanted to undo the masterful way he played the game. Russell missed the point. Brandon didn’t want to win by being a liar. Jeff proposes a season with one tribe lead by each Hantz.
• Edna is pregnant.
• Whitney and Keith confirm their romantic relationship. Whitney says the game provides a way for people to get to know each other quickly.
• Cochran is still single.
• Christine and Stacey are close friends.
• Jeff polls the jury. If Coach had taken Rick and Albert to the finals, Coach would have won. If Ozzy was in the finals, he would have won.

The Sprint Player of the Season is revealed. In a landslide, Ozzy won the $100,000 prize.

For the first time in ‘Survivor’ history, Jeff got to give the check to the winner.

Season 24 is called ‘Survivor: One World.’ The tribes will share one island. The tribes will have to decide to either share resources or hoard. The new season will premiere in February.

With that announcement, the reunion showed ended, bringing one of the most lackluster seasons of ‘Survivor’ to a close.

Albert elaborates more during an interview on day 33. Although he originally wanted to take her and Coach to the final three, Albert thinks Sophie is dangerous because she is well-spoken, has won immunity challenges, and has friends. His new plan is to go with Rick and Coach. He thinks he would have a good shot with them because Coach has been a cult leader and Rick has been a coattail rider. However, Albert wants to keep Brandon happy, so he has told Brandon that he plans to take Brandon to the final three.

Ozzy and Edna fight to stay in the game at the Redemption duel. They have to complete a slide puzzle to release a hatchet. With the hatchet they cut a rope to release a bag of cubes. The cubes are for a puzzle. The four cubes must be stacked so each side does not have a color repeat. Ozzy has the hatchet released quickly. The five help Edna complete the first puzzle. Ozzy has a lead, but Edna catches up. She thinks she has the puzzle solved, but one side has two reds. This gives Ozzy a chance to solve his puzzle. It was a close race, but Ozzy wins again. Edna becomes the next juror. There is one Redemption Island duel left. Can Ozzy win it and get back in the game?

To the camera, Albert confesses that he’s not into honor and integrity. Albert’s been playing along, trying to position himself to win. He’s been pretending a lot, saying and promising various things to win.

Brandon and Albert discuss plans to help them get to the final three. To Brandon, the plan has always been to go to the finals with his two best friends in the game, Albert and Coach. Albert tells him the plan is to get out Sophie.

Sophie, in an interview, says Ozzy is the most dangerous player in the game. He can come back and win his way to the finals. Since he is the last player jury members talk to, he has been able to feed them and influence them as they leave the game. Her plan is to vote out Brandon so one of the more dangerous players will be out. To her, Brandon is dangerous because of his loyalty and God-fearing ways.

Coach is concerned that Albert blows with the wind. Brandon is also a concern because he has been getting more anxious, and Coach thinks the visit from Daddy riled Brandon up a bit. Coach has two targets, Albert and Brandon.

Immunity Challenge

The immunity challenge happens on day 35. The challengers must climb a wall and untie five bags of puzzle pieces. When they have all the bags, they can untie the bags and solve the puzzle. For the puzzle, players must match pairs of like pieces. Three pieces don’t match. On those three pieces are numbers; the numbers are the combination that will unlock the mechanism that will release a flag. Once a player has all three numbers, the player has to climb to the top of the wall to release the flag. Rick, Brandon and Coach get the bags easily. Coach and Brandon work the puzzle at an even pace, but Brandon gets to the top of the wall first and wins immunity. He also wins a reward of pizza at camp. He does what his father told him to do and follows his heart by picking Rick to share the pizza with.

Rick and Brandon have to eat in front of everyone and cannot share. Sophie goes over so she can “smell the pizza,” but Albert knows it is to talk about the game. She tells Rick and Brandon she wants to vote out Albert. Rick mentions how Albert wanted to go to the final three with him. This upsets Brandon because Albert has a final three deal with him.

After pizza, Brandon, Albert, Rick, and Sophie have an argument about Albert’s promises. Albert tries to deny his promises to Rick. Brandon is confused; he knows either Albert or Rick is lying, and he realizes that Albert is the liar. At that moment he is set to vote out Albert. Sophie is grateful all of this is coming out.

Albert has to do damage control; he knows he needs to get Brandon back on his side. Albert and Brandon talk alone, and they pray together. Brandon says that no one is perfect, and many have lied in the game, including him, so he will do the right thing and forgive Albert. Brandon feels Albert deserves to be in the game. If he thinks Albert is in danger, he will give Albert his immunity necklace. He tells Albert this. Albert is grateful. Brandon thinks he is safe because he thinks Coach would never vote him out.

Anyone remember Erik Reichenbach from ‘Micronesia’? He is the one who gave his immunity necklace to Natalie. When Brandon says this to Albert and to Coach, I immediately think of Erik. Will Brandon give Albert his necklace and suffer the same fate?

Brandon tells Coach that he has forgiven Albert. He goes on further to tell Coach that he sees Coach as his best friend in the game, and he tells Coach that God has told him that they will go to the finals if they keep Albert. Brandon says that he plans to follow God’s will and protect Albert by giving Albert his immunity. Coach tells Brandon that he has to pray and follow what God tells him. Brandon accepts this and leaves Coach alone. I think Coach said that to get rid of Brandon, but Coach actually prays for divine guidance. According to Coach, one name kept repeating in his mind during prayer.

At tribal council, before Jeff has a chance to ask any questions, Brandon gives Albert his immunity necklace. Jeff is stunned. The jury is confused. Jeff asks Brandon why. Brandon talks about when he was younger and how he was loyal to the wrong people. Those he was loyal to took advantage of his loyalty. Jeff asks him if that could be happening tonight. Brandon then realizes that maybe it could, but he considers Coach and Albert to be his best friends, so he thinks he is safe. Albert says that if he thought Brandon was in trouble, he would give the necklace back.

Albert goes into a speech about how he thought he was there for a bigger purpose and so on, which plays to Brandon. Jeff asks Albert if he plans on giving back the necklace. Albert says no. Rick mentions that of course he wouldn’t because there really are only three people in danger. Jeff wants to know why three because only one has immunity. Rick spills the beans that Coach has the hidden immunity idol; it’s funny that the tribe knows this, but Jeff is the last to find out. Brandon does admit that he could be in danger. Coach says that he prayed and got an answer from God. Brandon is not at peace, but he understands that Coach will do what God has told Coach to do. Albert still keeps the necklace.

During voting, we see Rick and Sophie vote for Brandon and Brandon and Albert vote for Sophie. The unknown vote belongs to Coach. Jeff reveals the votes. Who did God tell Coach to vote out? Brandon. It’s Erik all over again. Albert is visibly upset. When Brandon goes to leave, Coach tells him that it was God’s will, and he wants Brandon to win Redemption.

Coach has picked a side. He has decided to take Sophie and Rick with him. Albert lied too many times and plotted with Brandon, and Brandon became too unpredictable and started to remind Coach of Russell.

This Sunday, December 18, is the two-hour finale followed by the reunion show. On the finale, the winner of the last Redemption Island duel will rejoin the game, and the final five will fight to the end.

If you missed the previous episode, be sure to read our ‘Survivor: South Pacific – Ticking Time Bomb ‘ recap.

Because Brandon declared he was voting for her next, Edna refuses to take part in Brandon’s morning prayer. Edna feels frustrated; she really thought they were six strong, but Coach reminds her that at some point the game was going to change to an individual one. Edna’s mini-meltdown is interrupted by Brandon yelling about the Sprint tree mail. The six have made it to the Family Visit. The tribe gets to see short video messages on a Sprint phone from their family members: Rick’s wife, Edna’s sister, Sophie’s dad, Albert’s mom, Brandon’s dad, and Coach’s brother. Brandon’s dad says that he hopes Brandon has been following his heart and making good decisions.

At the Redemption duel, Jeff takes the phone and announces a twist that will be revealed at the end. The challenge is between Cochran and Ozzy. They have to use a grappling hook to retrieve three bags; each bag has a ball. They have to get one ball through a tabletop maze in order to win the duel and stay in the game. Ozzy quickly gets the bags and builds a lead. After Cochran gets his bags, he makes an aggressive move and charges through the first part of the maze, closing the gap with Ozzy. The match is even. Both have to restart the maze. Both are inches from successfully solving the puzzle, but Ozzy just edges out Cochran to win. After the challenge, Ozzy seems impressed with Cochran’s performance.

Cochran tells Jeff that he realizes he is not the person he thought he was; he has learned a lot about himself by playing the game he really loves.

After bringing out everyone’s family members and the hugging stops, Jeff tells Ozzy the big twist—Ozzy gets to decide which castaways spend time with their family members. Jeff tells Ozzy to pick someone; Ozzy picks Albert. Jeff tells Ozzy to pick another; Ozzy picks Coach. Jeff tells Ozzy to pick one more; Ozzy picks Brandon. Rick, Edna, and Sophie go back to camp. The family time will take place on Redemption Island.

At Redemption Island, they take photos of each other with the Sprint phone. Coach takes the opportunity to talk to Ozzy. Coach tells Ozzy that he would like to go to the finals together so the two noble warriors can fight it out like men. This moment lets me know how Coach feels about his alliance. Yes, he appreciates their loyalty, but to Coach they are not warriors on the same level as him and Ozzy. Coach gives Ozzy his word as a Christian man that he will work with Ozzy to get to the finals. Of course, Ozzy has to win his way back into the game for Coach’s plan to come to fruition.

Brandon tells his dad, Russell’s brother, that he no longer cares about the money. He wants to play the game the way Christ would; he wants to be an example of a good Christian. He doesn’t care if his father is upset by his lack of strategy. His father lets Brandon know that he expects Brandon to win; Brandon is there to play the game and win the gold. While I agree with Brandon’s dad that one should play ‘Survivor’ with the goal of winning, I do not agree with what he does next. Brandon’s dad goes to Coach and tells him that if Coach guarantees Brandon the finals that he will make sure Brandon does what Coach wants. Coach feels as though Daddy Hantz is being a typical Hantz by bullying him into taking Brandon to the finals. Coach knows Brandon is a ticking time bomb, and Brandon’s dad interfering might make Coach consider voting out Brandon sooner than he originally planned.

The immunity challenge happens on day 32. The six have to move across a puzzle board step by step. After they move, they have to turn over the tile they were standing on. They can only step on to yellow tiles. When a player has no moves left, the player is out. The players take turns moving. Time passes. Albert is first out. Brandon is out second. When he sits down next to Albert, Jeff hears Brandon start to tell Albert something and asks him to share. Brandon admits to covering as much space as possible so a certain someone won’t win; he doesn’t want to say who, but Edna says that she knows it is her. Rick is out next followed by Sophie. Coach has a lot of space to move, so it is his game to lose, and he does not. Before she makes her last move, Edna mentions that because she wasn’t on the beach that fateful night, she is in the position she is in now. I agree that if she was on the beach that night she might have made a tighter alliance with the others, but I find her complaining unwarranted. She has had plenty of opportunities to make a move and take control of her own game.

Back at camp, Brandon apologizes to Edna for his directness; he should not have said his plans out loud. Rick says that Brandon was rude for basically kicking Edna while she was down. During an interview, Sophie wonders about who to send to the jury; if no one on the jury likes you, then you might not get any of their votes.

Edna refuses to accept her fate. She discusses voting out Brandon with Coach, Albert and Sophie. She makes a good argument. Since the beginning, the tribe has preached loyalty, honor, and integrity, and she says that Brandon’s actions are not consistent with what the tribe stands for. She asks for one more day because she has followed the Upolu credo better than Brandon. What I find interesting is that she is not shown talking to Rick.

Edna talks to Coach alone. She asks him to use the idol. (Finally someone mentions the idol!) Coach refuses. He says that if he plays the idol he will be the next voted out. Coach gives Edna the impression that he will let Albert and Sophie decide how to vote; he will not discourage them from following Edna’s plan.

Albert tells Edna that he is considering all of his options.

At tribal council, Edna makes her case again. She gets Coach to remind everyone of the tribe’s mantra: Honor. Loyalty. Integrity. Brandon says that he does not have anything negative to say about Edna; he says that she should not take any shots at his character. Jeff reminds Brandon about the lie he told at the first tribal council. Brandon apologizes again. Sophie says that the unity they have fostered this whole time will have to end soon because they are deep into the game now.

Although a lot of time is devoted to Edna’s scrambling maneuvers, her fate is sealed. No one makes a big move. The vote is 5-1; Edna is sent to Redemption Island. Before she leaves, Coach hugs her.

From the beginning, the goal of the alliance has been to be the final five. They have achieved their goal. Jeff asks, “Now what?”

I’m sure there will be some arguing as the remaining players try to jockey into position. The winner of Redemption Island should return soon. Can Edna beat Ozzy? If it is a puzzle challenge, then she has a good chance. If Ozzy returns, will he and Coach really work together? If Edna returns, will anyone try to make a deal with her or will she be quickly voted out? Coach still has the idol, and he is still in the best position. I know I’m repeating myself, but this is really Coach’s game to lose.

There are two episodes left: next Wednesday, December 14, and the finale airs Sunday, December 18.

Edna and Cochran are worried about their place in the tribe. Cochran doesn’t want to be the next to leave, and Edna doesn’t want to follow Cochran out the door. Cochran observes that Upolu has a “cult-like” atmosphere, and Brandon is the most devote. Cochran makes a comment about the Manson family and how he does not want to end up like Sharon Tate. I am offended by Cochran’s comments. Sharon Tate was eight and a half months pregnant when she was brutally murdered by the followers of Charles Manson. To compare a strong alliance in a competition reality show to a group of murderers shows Cochran’s ignorance. His comments disgust me.

Cochran makes plea to the tribe

Cochran calls a meeting with the whole tribe. He makes a case for keeping him: his actions were vital in saving the tribe and his birthday is in a few days. He thinks the tribe owes him one. Cochran doesn’t ask for a final four deal; he just doesn’t want to be the first one of the seven to get voted out.

Cochran leaves. Coach wants the Upolu members to decide Cochran’s fate. Coach and Albert want Cochran to stay, stating that his actions helped them get this far. Sophie wants to vote Cochran out.

At the Redemption duel, Ozzy, Whitney, and Dawn battle for a chance to stay in the game. They have to stack ceramic dishes on top of a wobbly arm. The last person standing gets to stay in the game. When the dishes are nine high, Ozzy’s stack wobbles, but Dawn is the first out. After two more dishes, Whitney loses control, and her stack falls. Ozzy wins the duel.

Dawn learned from playing the game that anything is possible. The game taught Whitney that she can do something as difficult as ‘Survivor.’ Dawn is the third juror; Whitney is the fourth.

On Redemption Island, Ozzy boasts about how he is the one best suited for Redemption Island. He’s getting stronger because he can fish and eat well. Really, Ozzy? The best one suited for Redemption Island? Christine won five duels in a row; so far, Ozzy has won three. Dear Ozzy, you can boast after you win a couple more duels.

Cochran continues to work his social game. He tells more stories from his childhood, and he helps Brandon fish. Edna does the laundry. Albert comments that he thinks most of his tribe sees the game as one of cleaning and organizing; he knows the game is about strategy, challenges, and being social. After Albert tips the pot with the laundry and lets water extinguish the fire, we hear Edna, Coach, Cochran and Rick complain about Albert. According to them, Albert sits around and does nothing. Rick calls Albert “Prince Albert” because he gets everything done for him.

Edna asks Coach why she would be out after Cochran. Coach tells her that is the way things are likely to play out. Edna finally shows some signs of life. She is finally shown talking about the game and wanting to play it.

Coach begins to contemplate his options. Should he bring Cochran and Edna with him further into the game? Or should he stay with the original five and the original plan?

The immunity challenge is déjà vu for the contestants. The first part is tossing sandbags on crates. The first three who land a sandbag on each of their crates will advance to the final round. The three who make it to the finals will have to use slingshots to hit targets. The first to knock down all three targets wins immunity and a reward of a shower and a massage. Coach, Sophie, Cochran, Albert and Rick are in contention during the first round. Albert, Rick, and Sophie advance to the finals. The final round is a contest between Rick and Albert. Albert edges out Rick and wins immunity. Jeff tells Albert that he can pick someone to share the reward with. He says it’s very difficult to select one person among his family members. He picks Coach. Albert then asks Jeff if he can pick a third. Jeff says no. Albert then asks Jeff if he can give his reward to someone. Jeff tells him that since it’s his reward, he can do with it what he wants. Albert decides to give his reward to the birthday boy, Cochran.

Cochran is thrilled. He has never had a massage. Also, his birthday was six months ago, so he’s glad his little lie has benefited him.

I wonder what Albert’s angle is. Is he trying to curry favor or does he want time alone with other members of the tribe?

The reward takes place at camp, so Albert does not have a lot of time away from Coach and Cochran. It is not shown if Albert got to talk to anyone during the reward.

Cochran pulls Albert aside to thank him for the reward and to talk strategy. Cochran tells Albert about Rick’s comments. Albert and Cochran discuss voting out Rick. Cochran takes Albert’s plan to Edna; she is on board because she thinks the tribe does owe Cochran one for helping them. Cochran takes Albert’s plan to Coach. During the massage, Coach told Cochran that he will fight for Cochran to stay in the game and called Cochran his young warrior, so Cochran is convinced that Coach will listen to him and go with the plan. However, Coach does not look excited by Cochran’s information.

Coach weighs his options again. He knows his decision will determine the course of the game. He mentions a quote by Shakespeare about taking the tide at the right time; if he takes the right tide, then fortune will be his. The quote is from Shakespeare’s ‘Julius Caesar’ (4.3.218-224) and is said by Brutus:

There is a tide in the affairs of men.
Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune;
Omitted, all the voyage of their life
Is bound in shallows and in miseries.
On such a full sea are we now afloat,
And we must take the current when it serves,
Or lose our ventures.

The quote comes from the part of the play when Brutus and Cassius discuss the final stages of the war. Brutus wants to act. Will Coach act and make a big move? Can Coach vote out Rick without damaging his game? If Albert and Cochran were targeting Edna, I think Coach’s decision would be easy, but since the target is Rick, Coach has to think about the consequences. He has built an alliance on loyalty and honesty. He gave Rick his word at the beginning of the game. To vote Rick out now could damage his game. Brandon would definitely flip out and accuse Coach of betraying what the alliance stands for. At this point, I don’t think Rick is in danger.

Tribal council is very interesting. Edna admits to feeling sad about possibly ending up sixth; she feels deceived. She is trying to find angles and cracks to exploit, but she thinks her game will soon be over. I’m surprised she feels deceived; Brandon told her that she was sixth in the alliance, and we haven’t seen anything to make her think otherwise. Cochran admits to being an idiot. He is in the same spot he would have been had he stayed with Savaii. He thought the tribe would be more grateful because of his actions. And then Brandon speaks.

Tonight we get another Brandon moment. He announces that he is voting for Cochran and will vote for Edna at the next tribal council. Jeff gets Brandon to admit that he is exhausted. The most tiring part of the game for him is his inner struggle. Brandon wants to do bad things; he is human, but something stronger inside of him stops him. “Anything worth having is not easy,” he says.

Jeff observes that Brandon is not malleable. Coach admits that Brandon’s unwavering nature is both a blessing and a curse. If you are with Brandon, then you know he will stay with you till the end, but if something big happens, Brandon won’t be able to adapt and change strategy. Cochran, Albert, and Sophie agree that one cannot talk to Brandon about strategy; Brandon doesn’t speak the language of strategy and of weighing options to change plans.

At this moment I know that Coach will vote out Cochran. Coach has Brandon, and unless something dramatic happens, Brandon will probably be a big factor in getting Coach to the finals.

Cochran is voted out. What is interesting is that Rick only got two votes; only Cochran and Edna voted for Rick. The five stayed together again. Why Albert changed his mind is not shown during the show, but I wonder if Coach had a discussion with him before tribal council about family.

Where did Cochran go wrong? Two things. First, Cochran got cocky. He told everyone that they owed him one.  Second, he listened to Albert and followed Albert’s plan. When Coach calls you his young warrior, you stay by his side and ask him what the plan should be. His attitude and his eagerness to act on his own got Cochran a trip to Redemption Island.

I find it interesting that no one is talking about the immunity idol. Has everyone forgotten about the idol? Coach still has it. If anyone is discussing the idol, then that footage is not being shown.

Can Cochran beat Ozzy? In the previews, Ozzy tells Cochran that he has a chance, but then says in an interview that Cochran doesn’t stand a chance. Is Ozzy right? Ozzy is good at physical challenges, but he sometimes has trouble with puzzles. I want to say Cochran has a shot, but considering his challenge performances, I think I have to agree with Ozzy on this one.

After a recap of the season, the show opens by comparing how Savaii and Upolu started camp. Upolu got to work while Savaii decided to swim in the ocean. We learn Dawn is a Mormon, and she had as much hesitation, if not more, than Cochran about taking off her clothes and getting into the water.

According to Coach, Brandon is determined to play an honest game.

What we learn about Upolu before the merge:

Brandon and Coach made an alliance quickly; both gave their word as men of God that they will go as far as possible together. Brandon took on the provider role of the tribe to show how different he is from his uncle. Before she got voted out, Mikayla got sick. Coach saw Mikayla as selfish for taking more cream and sugar than he thought was fair. Perhaps it was a combination of her state of health and her selfishness that helped Coach keep Edna over Mikayla.

After Mikayla was voted out, Rick and Edna discussed how concerned they are about Brandon’s outbursts. If Brandon has an outburst after the merge, they are afraid he will reveal vital information to the other tribe. Albert, Sophie, and Coach agree to keep Brandon out of the strategy plan discussions, only telling Brandon what he needs to know. Coach talked to Brandon about their concerns; Brandon and Coach pray together. Coach commented about how Brandon is stubborn about being loyal and playing an honest game.

According to Whitney, Papa Bear gave Cochran bad advice about how to pick up a girl.

What we learn about Savaii before the merge:

Cochran was on the outside looking in from the very beginning. Cochran got bad advice about the ladies from Papa Bear, and Elyse called him “a weird kid” after he told her a story from his childhood. Cochran noticed the flirtation between Keith and Whitney. Apparently Keith and Whitney slept in the shelter that barely had room for three people. Cochran tried to sleep in the shelter, but the pair would complain about him taking the blanket. Eventually, Cochran got tired of sleeping in the “lover’s bungalow” and had to sleep outside alone.

Also, Ozzy ordered Cochran around a lot. Cochran likes animals, so he was very uncomfortable gutting fish. Ozzy had Cochran hold the rooster as Ozzy decapitated the animal. The way Cochran held the rooster amused Ozzy, and Ozzy made fun of Cochran for a bit. Considering how he was treated before the merge, Cochran’s actions after the merge make a lot more sense.

What we learn after the merge:

The tribes merged and live at Savaii’s camp. The state of the camp shocked Coach. Coach could not believe the lack of shelter at the camp. He couldn’t believe that Ozzy would make Savaii sleep on the beach. The first night Coach noticed Savaii’s sleeping arrangements: Whitney and Keith in the shelter, Jim and Dawn together with pillows and a blanket, Ozzy by the fire, and Cochran by himself. When he saw Cochran sleeping alone, Coach realized that he could have a good chance of getting Cochran to flip.

Coach seems to like Cochran.

On Day 20, we learn Coach has given everyone nicknames based on Greek myths and history. Ozzy is Narcissus because he only sees himself and ignores the rest of the world, Edna is Echo because she talks a lot, and Whitney is Erato because of her beauty. We don’t hear the rest of the nicknames (I wonder what Rick’s is). Coach then tells Cochran he sees Cochran as Hercules, the strongest man who was able to use his brain as well. Of course, Coach is fatherly Zeus whose retribution is strong against those who threaten the family.

In an interview, Cochran thinks Zeus ate his children, so he thinks Coach will “eat” him when the time comes. Actually, Cronus, the father of Zeus, ate his children. Zeus’s mother tricked Cronus so Zeus could survive and come back to kill Cronus and free his siblings.

Ozzy didn’t want to share his food with the Upolu tribe, so what he caught, Savaii ate. Dawn had trouble being mean; she thinks being a mother has made it difficult for her to think of herself first. Brandon sees Ozzy as arrogant. After Ozzy won immunity, he approached Coach and tried to make a final two deal. Ozzy told Coach that he would betray his tribe so the two veterans could go to the end. Coach saw through Ozzy’s lies, saying that the time had come for the weak to become strong.

By Day 23, Brandon’s erratic nature appeared again. Brandon had no luck catching fish, so he convinced the tribe to kill a chicken, but he lost hold of the chicken. The chicken ran away. Upset, Brandon went ahead and killed the other chicken.

Albert wants to make a big move soon.

Albert continues to find Brandon too unpredictable to trust, and he tried to convince Sophie to vote out Brandon by using Whitney and Dawn. However, Sophie doesn’t want to mix things up. During an interview, Sophie reveals that Albert wants to make a big move, but Sophie is not on board with his plan. This new information makes me think that Sophie and Albert are not as close as I originally thought. Also, Sophie is playing a more cautious game. If a move is going to be made, Albert will make it, and he might not have Sophie on his side.

As for Cochran, we learn that he knew his game would be awful before the merge; he knew he would bloom after the merge, and he has. Cochran is more of an individual player, and he is willing to be the villain who makes and breaks promises in order to advance in the game. This strategy could work for him if he can time his move correctly. Cochran’s best bet is to wait for Albert to make his move. Albert will either succeed and take control or get himself voted out. Either way, Cochran gets one step closer to the million dollars.

Tonight I learned how close Brandon and Coach are. They have given their word to each other as men of God, and they pray together frequently. Coach has made it one of his jobs to keep Brandon under control. Unless Brandon completely loses it, Coach might keep Brandon around, especially if he thinks Albert is after him.

Another interesting relationship is the one between Coach and Cochran. Coach has either taken Cochran under his wing or he is keeping an enemy very close. Their relationship is interesting because it seems genuine in a game that’s based on manipulating others to win. I think Coach actually likes Cochran, but Cochran is using Coach as a way to stay in the game.

The best part of the episode aired after the previews for next week. Cochran impersonates Keith during an interview about how Keith spoke to Cochran using sports metaphors. One of Keith’s pieces of wisdom is “you can’t fumble in life.” Oh, Keith, of course you can fumble in life. I’ve fumbled plenty of times, and I’ve learned it’s how you react after you fumble that matters.

This is the first time we see another player with Coach during his morning workout.

Showing us once again that he has learned from his previous times on ‘Survivor,’ Coach comments about how you cannot disrespect players on the bottom. Coach knows those who appear to be down and out are the most dangerous because they have nothing to lose. If a blindside is going to happen, the source will use the ones who feel they are on the bottom. Coach is aware that blindsides can happen at any point in the game, and he’s watching for someone to make a move against him. Although he says he doesn’t dictate his alliance’s actions, Coach is definitely in control of his game, and his influence is apparent among the members of his alliance.

Even Cochran is beginning to drink Coach’s Kool-Aid. Cochran joins Coach for his morning Tai Chi-esque routine. Afterwards, Coach tells Cochran that he’s worried about Albert. Albert is a thinker, continually strategizing, and Coach is concerned Albert will try to make a move soon. Also, Coach is not 100% comfortable with Brandon. Apparently, Brandon is still in “Brandon Mode” and is considered a loose cannon. Brandon hasn’t had any grandiose outburst; if he had, the producers would have aired it. I think what we’re not seeing is Brandon sulking, mulling over everybody’s move, and acting as though he could erupt at any moment. Because we haven’t seen Brandon’s “loose cannon” behavior lately, I thought Coach’s alliance with the young Hantz was solid. Coach’s comments have me thinking otherwise.

Even Whitney has noticed Brandon’s unpredictable nature. She will not even entertain the notion of approaching him for a possible alliance. She knows Edna is too far up Coach’s bum to be considered and that Rick is not even actively playing the game. After studying everyone, Whitney realizes that Albert is her best bet. This is the first time we see Whitney think and use strategy by herself. Where was this Whitney before? Oh, yeah. She was too busy riding Keith’s coattails.

(L to R) Jim, Ozzy, and Keith battle for a chance to remain in the game.

At the Redemption duel, Keith, Ozzy and Jim have to hold poles up against a board; they have to balance the poles on the backs of their hands. The winner still has a chance to get back into the game; the losers become the first two jury members. After ten minutes, we learn Brandon is rooting for Jim, Whitney is rooting for Keith, and no one is rooting for Ozzy. Jim is the first out. Keith’s poles slip. Ozzy’s poles shift. Keith’s pole falls first, making him the second member of the jury. All of Te Tuna watches Ozzy win another Redemption duel.

Ozzy is ecstatic about being on Redemption Island. He is alone, so he doesn’t have to spend energy plotting and watching his back. He catches plenty of fish to keep himself well fed (I swear he is Aquaman). Ozzy is a huge physical threat. If he does get back in the game, his best chance of staying in the game is winning immunity.

Back at camp, Dawn apologizes to Cochran. She realizes that she is out of options and has hurt her game by not working more with Cochran. Cochran still wants to work with Dawn; he has flipped once, so he can flip again. If he can work with Dawn and Whitney, maybe they can change the game.

Balance was key to winning tonight's immunity challenge.

For the immunity challenge, players have to balance a bowl of rice on their heads, cross two teeter-totters, and dump the rice into a basket. The first person to fill the basket so it will drop wins immunity. If a player touches the bowl or the bowl falls off, they have to go back to the start. Dawn, Sophie, Brandon, Whitney, and Coach start well, but Dawn, Sophie, and Brandon soon take the lead. Sophie fills her bowl with a huge amount of rice, which is enough to make her basket drop. Sophie wins immunity.

At the end of the challenge, Jeff announces there will be a twist at tribal council. I think it’s going to be another immunity challenge followed by another vote. Past seasons of ‘Survivor’ have followed this course of action before.

Coach’s target is Dawn, but Cochran, Whitney, and Dawn approach Albert. Albert wants to get Edna out because she’s riding Coach’s coattails, and she will either be with Coach at the end or vote for him to win. Albert tells Cochran that he will end up in seventh place. Cochran sees this as a betrayal because he sees himself as the savior of Upolu, which should earn him a higher place than Edna.

Albert and Cochran approach Sophie, which makes sense because Albert and Sophie have been working together. Sophie listens to Albert’s plan. She has no qualms about voting out Edna; after all, she has not made any promises to Edna, and Sophie knows that to get ahead in the game, big moves are required. However, Sophie is not as eager as Albert about the plan. Yes, she is focused on what she needs to do to get her to the end, but she does not like how Albert has shown his true colors this soon. According to Sophie, Albert thinks too much; he needs to relax and not be so obvious.

Albert considers using Cochran, Dawn and Whitney to make a big move.

And he is obvious. Albert gets Coach’s attention. The old Coach, the Dragon Slayer, would have yelled at Albert in front of everyone, but this Coach takes an indirect approach. Coach gathers his alliance together and reminds them that loyalty is what matters. Anyone who goes against the family will face “instant death.”

During the question and answer session at tribal council, Dawn makes a plea for someone to take advantage of her and Whitney—use them as swing votes to change the game. Whitney reveals her observations; to her, Coach seems to be in charge. Coach denies being the leader; people “report” to him because he likes information and collects information regularly. Albert calls Coach a “figurehead” for the tribe. But for all of the discussion of cracks in relationships or forming cracks in alliances, the seven hold firm. Dawn is voted out.

Am I surprised Sophie did not make a move? No. Why? Think about it. If Sophie would have teamed up with Albert, Dawn, Whitney, and Cochran, her new alliance would comprise of two Upolu, two Savaii, and one flipper. How comfortable would you be in that situation? I wouldn’t be comfortable and that’s probably why Sophie didn’t go with Albert’s plan. Sophie’s best bet is to hope Coach wants Brandon out. If the unpredictable Brandon suspects anyone of trying to vote him out, he will fight. Sophie could take advantage of the situation and convince Brandon to work with her. Or she could solidify her alliance with Coach and try to get into the finals hoping her arguments would win her the money.

Why didn’t Albert target Coach? To make sure he still will have votes on the jury. Albert has been in an alliance with Coach since the beginning. Upolu is all about loyalty. Voting out Coach, maneuvering against Coach too soon, will anger the rest of tribe and possibly cost the player the chance of winning the game. Edna, as not a part of the original alliance, is a more acceptable target because the only person protecting her is Coach.

After Dawn leaves, there is another immunity challenge. It’s a quiz challenge. Miss a question and you’re out. Edna, Rick and Albert miss the first question. Cochran and Brandon miss the second. Coach is the only one who misses the third question, leaving Whitney and Sophie. The last question is a true/false question about giant clams being dangerous. Whitney answers “true,” and Sophie answers “false.” The answer is false. Sophie wins again!

There is no discussion before the second vote. Cochran gets one vote, and the others go to Whitney. Since no big move was made during the first tribal vote, the result of the second vote is not a surprise.

There are seven left in the tribe. They have reached their goal, but Jeff is right—there is nowhere left to hide. Is Cochran the next to go? Maybe not. The best time to make a move is when there is an odd number in the tribe. Cochran can be a swing vote. If Brandon acts up and Coach targets him, then Albert, Sophie, Cochran, and Brandon could team up. Of course, the winner of Redemption Island will return at some point. Either that player will be immediately voted off or become a swing vote. With no big move made tonight, is Coach safe? Not quite, but his chances do look good. He has many people still loyal to him, and he still has an item no one has mentioned in a while.

Coach still possesses the hidden immunity idol.

No big move tonight. A strong alliance. A hidden immunity idol. If Coach keeps his head in the game, then this is his game to lose.

If you missed the previously aired episode, be sure to read our ‘Survivor: South Pacific – Cut Throat’ recap to catch up.

Below are select secret scenes that explain recent events and present insights on a few of the castaways.

Videos: I Smell BS, Offer Final Four, and Taking the Power Back

What we learn: This sequence shows the progression of Coach realizing Savaii’s ruse and how to win Cochran’s vote.

What surprised me: How much in control of the game Coach is. Coach really has his head in the game and is strategizing well. I was shocked that Coach told Ozzy about how he thinks Ozzy’s story isn’t true. Ozzy knew Upolu was strong, but arrogant Ozzy decided to stick to his plan anyway.

Videos: Stand Up for Him, Religious Bond, and Keep the Family Strong

What we learn: We know the former Upolu members are religious, especially Brandon, but they think their religion is helping them play the game differently than the other tribe.

What surprised me: I didn’t realize how often Brandon gives God credit for his performance in the game. I wonder how Brandon will act when he has to start voting his alliance members out.

Videos: Bittersweet and Brutal Tribal Council

What we learn: Rick speaks!

What surprised me: Rick speaks! And speaks well. He’s not on the show much, so all of this surprised me. Rick’s playing a cautious game, and he is very aware about what he says to his fellow castaways. I was also surprised by how grateful Rick is about Cochran keeping him in the game.

Videos: Coach’s Jacket and Cochran Effect

What we learn: Cochran really feels a part of the Upolu alliance, and Coach might like Cochran.

What surprised me: What started as a ploy could become part of Coach’s strategy. Coach trusting Cochran could provide Coach with other options, meaning Cochran might have a chance of finishing better than seventh place.

Video: Keith’s Story of Te Tuna

When I recap the episodes, I discuss how I can only guess what the next moves will be based on what is shown an hour a week. A lot more is still unknown, but these few scenes explain certain moments in the show. For example, Rick hugged Cochran after tribal because he was grateful for being in the game, not because he just wanted Cochran to feel like part of the group. ‘Survivor’ has always had great editing, and these scenes prove that the editors have to choose from a lot of fascinating moments.

In case you were curious, I’m going to leave you with Keith’s story behind the name Te Tuna:

Whitney tells Cochran he disgusts her.

Tonight begins when Te Tuna comes back to camp after Cochran’s refusal to follow Ozzy’s plan. Ozzy and Cochran talk alone—well they do after Brandon makes sure Cochran’s not getting bullied. Ozzy tells Cochran that he feels betrayed and thinks Cochran screwed him over. Cochran counters that he did it out of self-preservation; after studying the game for 11 years, he didn’t want his fate to come down to a rock. The rest of Savaii is not as civil as Ozzy. Jim calls Cochran “a coward” and “a poor excuse of a man.” Whitney says that Cochran “disgusts her.” Really, Whitney? Cochran lied about who he was voting for; it’s not as though he lied about his dead grandmother.

After taking a verbal beating from his former tribe members, Cochran goes over to the former Upolu members. Brandon welcomes him warmly. Rick puts his arm around Cochran. Fake or not, Upolu has made Cochran feel a part of the group, which is something Savaii never completely did.

The next day is the first immunity challenge. The first four castaways to toss a coconut in a ring will move to the second round. Dawn, Whitney, Jim, and Sophie advance to the next round. They have to crack coconuts open, fill their mouths with coconut water, go through an obstacle course, and spit into a tube. The first to fill the tube with coconut water wins. The race is close between Jim and Sophie. Sophie has a chance to win, but she cannot hold the coconut water in her mouth. She has to return to the start, and this allows Jim to win.

After the challenge, Ozzy knows he is going home. He tells Coach that he doesn’t want to go. Coach respects Ozzy, but Ozzy was cocky the day before, so it’s too late for Ozzy to win Coach over. Coach tells Ozzy to keep fighting and win back a chance to get into the game.

For a moment, Ozzy might have hope. Jim suggests that he give Ozzy the immunity necklace at tribal council. Jim would make an impassioned speech, hoping to sway two Upolu members to vote for Cochran. At tribal, players don’t have the opportunity to talk in private, so Jim is betting on his words changing people’s minds at the last moment.

The conversation at tribal council is very interesting. Jim believes he saved Cochran many times. Cochran doesn’t agree. Their disagreement centers on perception. Jim sees changing his mind before tribal council and voting for someone else as “saving” Cochran’s life in the game. Cochran views being on the chopping block and getting votes as having to constantly fight and beg to stay in the game. Same events. Two different interpretations.

Cochran feels welcomed by the former Upolu tribe.

Jim makes a speech about integrity. He says Upolu should stay true to their beliefs about honor. Tonight, they can make a statement about how ‘Survivor’ is played. With one voice they can declare that traitors do not belong in the game. To prove he means what he says, he is willing to give his immunity necklace to Ozzy.

Jeff asks Coach what he thinks. Coach sees Cochran’s actions as standing up for himself. Voting Cochran out will send a message that standing up for yourself will bring you harm. Coach thinks standing up for yourself is an honorable act.

Ozzy declares that being sent to Redemption Island will be good for him. He’ll only have to feed himself. He will be rested and fed, ready to win.

Jeff asks Jim about the immunity necklace. Jim keeps the necklace. So much for integrity.

The tribe votes. Cochran receives two votes. Ozzy is sent to Redemption Island again. What’s interesting is how Whitney and Dawn voted. The ladies voted for Ozzy. Are they working together or are they just being cautious?

Day 23 starts on Redemption Island. Ozzy catches fish. The men eat well. There is no duel at Redemption Arena.

Cochran offers his shoulder to a stuffed Brandon.

The tribe battles for individual immunity again. For this challenge, the players must stand on a balance beam and hold a ball in a bow. If contestants last the first round, they will move to the narrower part of the beam. Jeff announces a twist. For those who feel safe in the game, they can eat instead of competing. Coach thinks about competing, but his alliance wants to eat; since they are a united front, Coach and his allies eat while Dawn, Jim, and Whitney compete.

During the competition, Dawn says she’s happy the others get to eat, and she wants to stay on the beam as long as possible so they can eat. She feels they are one tribe. Obviously, Dawn demonstrates she is open to forming relationships with the former Upolu members. Strategizing during an immunity challenge? Maybe Dawn has her head back in the game.

Jim is out first. Dawn and Whitney advance to the second round. Dawn tries to recover, but her balance doesn’t last, and she falls. Whitney wins immunity.

Jim, knowing he is the target, tries to save himself. He presents a plot to Albert and Sophie. According to Jim, Albert and Sophie should team up with him, Dawn, and Whitney and vote out Edna. This is a good plan, and he’s right about no one suspecting Edna to be a target right now. However, his plan has a flaw—Albert and Sophie would be outnumbered in Jim’s alliance. Albert and Sophie still have numbers on their side, and they are not going to risk a move this soon. Besides, Albert claims to have a more creative plan in motion.

Jim tries to convince Albert and Sophie to follow his plan.

Albert sees Dawn’s friendly personality as a threat. He approaches Sophie, but she doesn’t want to veer from the plan and neither does Coach or Brandon. Sophie notes how nervous Albert is. This is not good for Albert. Acting rash and paranoid is not advantageous at this point in the game.

The editing is to make us wonder if the vote will be for Jim or Dawn, but we know who is going home. The interesting moment of the second tribal council involves Brandon. No, he doesn’t do another outrageous outburst, but he does have a misunderstanding with Dawn. Brandon misinterprets her comments about the immunity challenge. After a brief exchange, Brandon accepts her apology, but says that it doesn’t matter. He can’t wait to get all of the Savaii people out. Brandon is looking forward to when the seven of them are left. This is great news for Cochran. When only the Upolu 6 plus Cochran are left, he will be a swing vote again. Which way would he go? He wears Coach’s jacket during council, and Brandon is very protective of Cochran, so sticking with Coach and Brandon might be his ticket to the final four. His odds will increase if Albert continues to be paranoid and begins to make rash decisions.

Whitney cries about feeling vilified and labeled as a bully. Again, this is about perception. The members of Savaii still don’t understand how their actions and words made Cochran feel. Since day one, Cochran has felt belittled, isolated, ostracized, and ignored. From his perspective, his fellow Savaii never treated him with respect, so, to Cochran, joining the Upolu alliance was a rational and understandable act.

The tribe votes Jim out. Jim joins Ozzy and Keith on Redemption Island. Whether there will be a duel next week is uncertain. After the merge last season, duels had three and four competitors, so having more than two castaways on Redemption Island is not unprecedented.

Ozzy has competed and won the duel before, so he might just do so again. If Ozzy does return to the game, can he find a crack in the Upolu alliance? To echo what Ozzy said earlier in the show, this is ‘Survivor.’ Anything can happen.

If you missed the last episode you can read our ‘Survivor: South Pacific – Double Agent’ recap to catch up.

Based on what we’ve seen so far this season, let’s take a look at what needs to happen for each of the remaining castaways to win. Although they are Te Tuna now, I’m going to examine the remaining castaways in two groups, former Savaii and former Upolu.

Former Savaii Tribe

When the merge happened, the six Savaii were not a formal alliance. Cochran has never truly felt part of the tribe, so his decision to flip was not a surprise. The five remaining Savaii members (Keith is on Redemption Island) need to find cracks in the Upolu alliance. Not working in their favor is the fact that they no longer have a hidden immunity idol.

Ozzy: Jim getting Elyse voted out showed that Ozzy never had complete control over Savaii. His social game is not strong; arrogant Ozzy and loner Ozzy have made appearances this season. Chance of winning: Medium.
What he needs to do: Keep winning individual immunity. He might have the loyalty of Whitney and Dawn, but he won’t be able to sway any former Upolu to flip unless he can convince someone he is useful as protection.

Dawn: She sided with Jim and Cochran and helped get Elyse out, so her speech to Cochran shows her inconsistency. Since day one, Dawn has had a tough time keeping her emotions in check and her head in the game. Dawn is a lot stronger physically than people might realize. She won immunity for Savaii (‘Survivalism’) and individual immunity.
Chance of winning: Medium.
What she needs to do: Get her head in the game. She needs to pick a strategy and an alliance and stick with it. Joining forces with Jim will be her best bet.

Jim: He broke his alliance apart when he orchestrated Elyse’s exit, so he’s been focused on the bigger picture more than the other former Savaii.
Chance of winning: Medium.
What he needs to do: He needs to work Sophie and Albert. If he can get Sophie and Albert to flip and bring Dawn in on his plan, then he will have the opportunity to put some people on the jury, clearing a path for him to the finals.

Whitney: With her coattail ride, Keith, gone, she will be lost and will probably hitch her wagon to Ozzy.
Chance of winning: Low.
What she needs to do: Hope Jim can get Sophie and Albert to flip. With the Upolu alliance fractured, she will also have to hope Jim includes Ozzy in the plan. With Jim and Ozzy working together with Sophie and Albert, and Ozzy pulling her along, she can make it. But a lot has to happen for her to make it to the final four.

Cochran: He refused to obey Ozzy and took control of his game.
Chance of winning: Medium.
What he needs to do: Stick to his guns. He made a bold move, and he needs to stand by his actions. Groveling and explaining to others will not endear him to anyone. He also needs to bond with Brandon. If Brandon brings him on the Upolu alliance and Sophie and Albert betray Coach, then Cochran has a chance to exploit the fractured alliances.

Keith: He’s on Redemption Island.
Chance of winning: Low.
What he needs to do: Win every duel and get back in the game. But his time away will hurt his social game.

Former Upolu Tribe

Working in their favor is still having the hidden immunity idol and Savaii not knowing this vital piece of information.

Coach: This is his third time playing the game. The Mikayla Incident proved that he has sway over his alliance and has his head in the game. Gone is the quickly angered Dragon Slayer. In his place is a calmer, more strategic Coach.
Chance of winning: High.
What he needs to do: Stay on course. This is his game to lose. He needs to watch for a possible betrayal by Sophie and Albert, but he has Brandon, Edna, and Rick on his side. With Cochran jumping ship, this gives Coach another person to put in his pocket and use as protection against a coup.

Edna: She is riding Coach’s coattails, and so far this is working for her.
Chance of winning: Low.
What she needs to do: Hope Sophie and Albert betray Coach. If there is a coup against Coach, then she will prove her loyalty and stand with him. Coach values loyalty above all else, so he will take Edna if he feels others have been disloyal.

Rick: He has hooked his wagon to Coach. If he wanted to make a big move, he would have sided with Sophie and Albert during The Mikayla Incident.
Chance of winning: Low.
What he needs to do: Stick with Coach and hope Sophie and Albert betray Coach. Like Edna, he’s counting on his loyalty to Coach to carry him far in the game.

Brandon: The nephew of Russell Hantz is emotional, prone to outbursts, obsessed with finding idols, and a student of Coach. He wants to play a different game than his uncle; he wants to be honest and loyal. His start was rocky, but he has calmed down. He treated Mikayla better before he voted her out, and he proved that he can keep his word when he sided with Coach during The Mikayla Incident.
Chance of winning: Medium.
What he needs to do: Keep his head in the game. Although he’s on Coach’s side, he is not a coattail rider. Brandon has tried to make moves, but his moves failed because of his emotional turmoil. By protecting Cochran, he could form an alliance with the former Savaii member and try to get Sophie and Albert out. He won’t betray Coach until he has to decide who to take to the finals, and even then he might take Coach with him to the final tribal council.

Sophie and Albert: The Mikayla Incident revealed that these two are working together and probably have a final two deal.
Chance of winning: High (for both).
What they need to do: Remain a united force. And, most importantly, make their move at the right time. They know if Coach makes it to the final tribal council that he will win (and I agree). They need Ozzy gone as soon as possible because of his ability to win immunity challenges. The Mikayla Incident showed them that Brandon, Edna, and Rick are solid with Coach, so they will need to lure a couple of former Savaii to their side. Jim and Dawn are their best choices.

‘Survivor’ always gets fascinating after the merge because players become more paranoid and sometimes make rash decisions that can ruin their game or become bold enough to make a big move that saves their game. There are many possibilities of who will be the final four based on who will flip and when. These are my top four scenarios for who will be in the final four:

• Scenario 1: Sophie and Albert don’t betray Coach – Sophie, Albert, Coach, and Rick
• Scenario 2: Sophie and Albert try to betray Coach and fail – Coach, Brandon, Edna and Rick
• Scenario 3: Sophie and Albert successfully betray Coach – Sophie, Albert, Jim, and Dawn
• Scenario 4: Sophie and Albert betray Coach too soon; Jim betrays Sophie and Albert – Jim, Dawn, Ozzy, and Whitney

If Cochran stays focused and can get inside Brandon’s head, then the path of events leading to Scenario 2 will be his best bet. If that’s the case, then replace Edna with Cochran. What will be interesting is the final two. I prefer a final two because the last tribal council is more intense and exciting. I stand by my call of if Coach is in the finals then he will win. What I would like to see is a final two of either Sophie and Albert or Jim and Dawn. A finale with Sophie and Albert would come down to who gives the best answers. If Jim and Dawn are the final two and Dawn is focused and doesn’t lose it, then their tribal council should be very interesting.

The one thing I don’t want to happen is a predictable second half like last season. Most of us knew Rob was going to win weeks before the finale. Make your move Sophie and Albert and give us a rollercoaster ride to the finals. Game on!