Insert Challenge Type Here

Insert Challenge Type Here is the sixth episode of Survivor: Pearl Islands.

Day 15 (Night)
The Drake tribe returns to camp after once again going through a shocking tribal council, this time blindsiding Danielle from the game in a 4-3 vote. Lang and Michael both look for answers immediately, keen to discover why the girls opted to save Duncan from what was planned to be a unanimous vote. "drake"

- When the votes were revealed, I couldn't believe that I'd been duped. I spent the last day talking about honesty and wanted to offer Duncan a more respectable exit, and it turns out I was the fool the whole time (laughs). They got me good, and now I'm wondering if what I thought was a safe spot for me on the tribe is still there. You think after living with people for two weeks that you know who you can and can't trust, and this game draws you in with a false sense of security.

"drake"

- You always need to smooth things over after a tribal council unless the vote was unanimous, and both times for Drake we've had results which created real divisions in our tribe. This time it's Michael, who I'd argue could be my closest ally out here... it's him who feels as though he's been played dirty by the rest of us. Why we didn't tell Michael is simply because he loves to be the leader and keep control of the tribe, and I felt that if he knew we wanted Danielle out, that he'd try to shut it down or he'd simply try to twist the situation so he can take credit for it down the line. This was a clear message to him, not to count us all as mindless followers, and to start making it more democratic or be the next one to go. The greatest strength in this game isn't being the "leader" of a group, it's the numbers of the group. If you put together enough numbers, nobody stands a chance.

During the discussions, Duncan sits quietly, opting to let the others sort the tension out between themselves, and to avoid drawing any attention onto himself. "drake"

- As you can see, I'm smiling wide and big for everyone to see. I somehow got through the vote, and I'm so close to making it to the merge. I thought I was finished in this game after losing my closest friend out here, but everything has worked itself out, and I think I'm back in with a shot to win this whole thing. I'm forever grateful to the girls for keeping me... Holly especially. But, to say that I'm now going to throw my whole game into their hands would be stupid. They gave me a second chance, and I'm going to use that chance to concentrate on saving myself by any means necessary. My mistake last time was trusting a group, and I won't let that same mistake drag me down... Holly can count on my support, but I still wouldn't trust Grace and Judith not to stab me whilst I'm sleeping.

Drake
The group get on with their day by completing chores around camp, as well as having discussions in order to bring unification after the previous tribal council. After assuring his tribe members throughout the day that he is at peace with the decisions they made, Michael goes alone to sit in the shallow water, cleaning his glasses as he looks out in the distance. "drake"

- It's tough, one day feeling you're on top of things and the next you're scrambling at the bottom. I realise what I put Duncan through, and I'm suffering the same fate. The positive is knowing he made it out of that spot, so the chances are I could too. We're hearing that everyone wants to be the final six, but the chances of that happening are slim to none. It's pathetic talk to pacify those at risk. The Drake tribe is dangerous, and nobody truly trusts anyone here. There's no way we can enter a merge and stay loyal to one another. If we lose the next immunity challenge then these few days could be the last I spend in the Pearl Islands.

Grace comes down to the water, hoping to continue rebuilding her relationship with Michael. She begins by asking Michael if he is doing okay, admitting that she is worried due to his change in behaviour.

Grace begins to become emotional, wiping tears from her face as she attempts to hug Michael, which he accepts, assuring her that he is not taking things as personally as she thinks. He goes on to tell her that he has confidence they'll be able to work through to the late stage of the game.

"drake"

- I do feel bad for Michael, I hate making anyone feel upset, especially when they'd put their trust in me. But, the simple fact is this game is not a kind one, and there'll come a time when all but one of us lose. The odds say you don't win this game. I don't want Michael to go on a crusade against those who didn't let him in on the last vote, so I put on the sad act... got him feeling a bit sorry for me, because I'm just the nervous woman in his eyes. It's much easier to play that role to gain his sympathy, and to ultimately let Holly and Duncan take the criticism for any wrongdoing. Just as long as my name remains one people can trust and come to, then I don't mind what sort of act I have to put on.

Holly and Duncan watch the two from a distance, having just returned from collecting water and firewood. The pair discuss Grace's display of emotion, admitting that they find her weakness of character irritating.

"drake"

- Grace is playing a risky game out here. I think she's willing to make moves when necessary, but then to cry about them after and to run back to Michael with her tail between her legs feels so weak. Maybe I'm misreading the situation, but I can't trust someone like that... it's the same problem we had with Danielle. You squash one bug out here and more start venturing out. If Duncan is right and it does become the four of them versus the two of us, then our first priority has to be getting to the merge... if that fails then I've got to go into survival mode and protect myself.

Back at the shelter, Lang and Judith have spent the day mending any trust issues they may have had between themselves after the previous vote, agreeing that no ill-will should come from the decision to vote Danielle out of the game. "drake"

- Last night, I opted to vote with the other girls ... and Duncan! I agreed with the decision because Danielle was playing a very deceptive game, and I couldn't say for sure what she'd do next. I dislike Duncan more, but everybody knows what kind of person he is. He's not a threat like Danielle was. My main worry was that Lang wouldn't trust me, but we have spoken and I'm glad that he's being so understanding. He isn't taking the vote to heart, and the two of us can keep working together. Duncan might think that he's safe now... but if we lose again I'll make sure to finish what he started.

"drake"

- I was a little surprised by the result of last tribal council. I expected Duncan to go, but Danielle went instead. Judith didn't tell me about the plan, but I'm not taking it to heart. You cannot play personal, or else it drive you crazy. If we all start being upset over small things then we make a bigger mess. If we play calmly and forgive, then we can get back to being a cohesive group. Best thing for us to do is to forget what happened.

Morgan
Emma and Callum sit together by the fire in the early hours of the morning, whilst Jamal and Mina lay awake inside the shelter. It becomes apparent that the group are laying awake due to the heavy snoring of Marcus, which has repeatedly become worse throughout their time in the game. "morgan"

- At the start of this game, no one can really sleep and you wake up every hour and stir. As time has gone on I think we're more accustom to sleeping on a rough shelter, being cold... so naturally you can get more relaxed and sleep a bit better. This has had it's downside for everyone other than Marcus... because he snores like a dying rhinoceros. It started out as these small... groans... and now it's this non-human deep humming noise. None of us are getting any rest because of it.

"morgan"

- Marcus really rubs people the wrong way, even with his improved attitude and growth out here. He's just an annoying person. If he's not being aggressive and patronising, he's snoring and passing gas... he just doesn't make friends as easily as he makes enemies. If this game was just a popularity contest, he'd be the next to go. But, I think being so irritating, is what makes me like Marcus... he's useful like that.

As Marcus' snoring intensifies, Mina and Jamal use the cover of the noise to talk privately to one another. "morgan"

- Each day we move forward in this game, I'm given a better shot at making it to the merge, which is where I think I'll be able to flourish as a player. Unfortunately, when you're the wrong side of forty in a game like Survivor, getting to the merge is the most difficult part of the game. I think those odds are made even more difficult if you're a woman... and given that we as players think we're just one more tribal council away from merging, I've almost overcome these odds. But, I cannot stop fighting for my survival... not for a moment.

"morgan"

- We haven't been to tribal council since we voted out Juan, and we've been winning so often that I think the game has become more... background noise for some of us. Mina is the only one who's suggesting who to vote... and I get it. She thinks if we lose that she's the one going. The fact we're so close to this game becoming individual makes me wonder if these conversations are dangerous, because I don't want Marcus to realise what she's doing... then we keep winning, and he wants her gone as soon as we merge and refuses to stick to the five. But... I guess that kind of proves Mina's point. Marcus is a little crazy, and I'd feel safer putting our tribes future out of his hands.

Day 17
Challenge: Ready, Aim, Fire The two tribes must use cannons to hit four targets on the beach. The first tribe to hit all four targets wins reward. Reward: Grill, spices, lobsters, steaks; loot one item from losing tribe; piece of treasure map. Winner: Morgan
 * Duncan sits out for the Drake tribe.

Drake
Having lost their third straight challenge, once again leaving them vulnerable to Morgan, who will send a representative to loot an item from their tribe. "drake"

- Of the last six challenges, we have won just one. That is a terrible result for us, and I think the problems we have at camp contribute to challenges. We don't vote as a tribe, we can't compete as a tribe. It's common sense. Very, very simple. I blame a lot of this on people in my tribe. Nobody wants anyone else to succeed, so they can't succeed themselves. By dragging each other down we all get dragged down.

"drake"

- I am glad Lang was able to speak up today. He's a composed guy, and he's always so optimistic about his outlook on the game. But, we can't be optimistic and ignore the fact that we keep losing. The other tribe has won the last three challenges, and if they win tomorrow we both enter the merge ... if it's at the final ten... with five members each. Morgan could be more united than us, and that means they have all the advantages if that happens.

Jamal arrives at the Drake beach, having come immediately from the challenge in order to loot. He walks up the beach alongside Michael, who gets through the small talk before the loot begins.

"morgan"

- Looting this close to what we think is gonna be the merge, I think the smartest thing for any of us to do is to make sure we aren't the one to anger the other tribe. If in three days time we're all playing as one, I don't want them to say "Jamal stole our tarp" or "Jamal stole all the pillows and blankets". So, I'll be safe and make some jokes ... take as little as possible, and they can thank me for it by not coming for my ass first (laughs).

Jamal collects what he needs and bids farewell to the tribe, opting to hurry back in order to enjoy the feast won in the reward. Duncan jokingly tells Jamal to "choke on the lobster", much to Holly's amusement. "drake"

- I'm more upset about losing the blankets and pillow than I am about losing Danielle yesterday. The blankets had more personality... they offered more. Life is becoming more and more miserable around Drake... and I really just want us to get the hell off this beach.

Morgan
The tribe sit around and immediately begin preparing their food, trying to have it ready for when Jamal returns to camp. Mina uses the spices on the meat, attempting to intensify the flavour so that the tribe can get the most out of the meal. "morgan"

- We've been so fortunately lately, coming through challenge after challenge and I don't think any of us feel remotely close to the underdogs we were back at the start. It feels like one of the greatest comebacks. And having had to go through all that suffering at the start... I think it drew us closer. Setting us up in the best possible position for the merger.

The group seem in good spirits initially after the win, standing over Mina whilst the seasons the food, agreeing to wait for Jamal before it's cooked. Callum works on keeping the fire going, being handed fresh wood from Emma, as Marcus stands silently over Mina.

"morgan"

- The one thing... the one thing that I've wanted so badly since we got to this beach, was a good steak. We won that today, and we get our grill all heated up and I'm so excited to dig in and get some good food. Mina decides that she's going to prepare the food, which everyone is eating, and use supplies we all won how she sees fit. It's annoying... and everyone's scared to say anythin' to her because she's nice. I don't care how nice someone is... don't mess with my steak!

Mina opts to stand up from the food, offering Marcus the chance to take over the preparation if he's "bothered so much". Marcus denies being bothered, claiming he is simply trying to preserve supplies.

Mina sits next to Emma in the shelter, refusing to help with the remainder of the food preparation, allowing Marcus and Callum to take over. She whispers to Emma, pointing out that Marcus sought Callum's opinion only. "morgan"

- A lot of my irritation towards Marcus lately has been a means of identifying him as the right person to leave should we lose again. But, today he reminded me why he's my target to begin with. Marcus has an opinion on every small thing, and he constantly believes he is right in every situation. He doesn't have any consideration for myself or Emma as women, and I think he's just an irritant to live with. I feel this is at a stage where it's not so much about strategy, and it's just a personal disdain I have towards him... and no doubt he has towards me after today.

When Jamal returns to camp, he is fondly greeted by his tribe mates, hoping his loot will bring some much needed positivity to the tribe's atmosphere. Jamal senses the tension immediately, being filled in by both Mina and Marcus individually, trying to hold back his laughter from the ridiculousness of the situation. Callum finishes cooking the steaks and lobster over the grill, bringing the tribe together with the meal. "morgan"

- I was glad I got away from whatever the hell these people were fighting about today. Something like... Marcus didn't want Mina to cook and use spices, and Mina didn't want to hear an attempt at logic from Marcus. I don't even know. By the time we got the food... it tasted great. So I couldn't care less how many spices we used up. I'd rather have a good steak and lobster meal than trying to make bland rice taste any less bland.

Having finished eating, the tribe spend the evening relaxing around camp, getting use out of the blanket and pillow that Jamal brought with him from the Drake camp.

"morgan"

- The fight today was somethin' that worries me. We're down to just five people on this tribe, and we can't lose any more if we want a chance to merge with equal numbers to Drake. Mina and Marcus are at each others throats, and I'm just thinkin' what if they want to vote each other out so badly that even at a merge they target one another. I've always thought if we lost another challenge that we'd vote Mina out, to keep the tribe as strong as possible... just in case the merge isn't at ten like we thought. But, every time there's an argument... Marcus is always involved. No one... and I mean no one else on this tribe has had a bust-up with anyone but Marcus. I don't think he's unlucky and arguments just find him... I think he finds arguments. I don't want someone like that dragging me and Jamal down with him.

Drake
The tribe prepare for the immunity challenge after reading tree mail, knowing that if they lose they will be back to even numbers against Morgan for the first time since day three. Grace and Holly are able to go off alone into the woods, giving them some time to speak privately about their plans should they once again return to tribal council. "drake"

- I decided to call Grace off on her own because I need to get a feel for where her head is at after the Danielle vote. She and I worked together and are the two who in my opinion made it all happen. Since we came back she's somewhat avoided talking about... anything. She's spent most of her time talking to Michael and trying to crawl back up his ass, handing him the position of leadership that she wanted to rebel against before. I'm nervous that if we do lose today that I could be in trouble... it's just a gut feeling I have. Hopefully my talk with Grace will one way or another alleviate any paranoia, or it'll confirm that I need to get to work fast if we're going to tribal tonight.

"drake"

- Holly is by far my biggest competition in this tribe. She's very much a similar player to myself, but I feel she's more forward and open about her strengths. Nobody expects Holly to be anything but a tough player. If I'm to have a chance at winning this game, somebody like Holly can't be sat anywhere near the top two. If we're to lose today, Duncan is the easiest vote. But perhaps there's an argument to make against Holly... I could say that she twisted the Danielle vote, and I think Duncan would even write her name down if he was told it was his only way to proceed in the game. That's the weakness in showing your strengths. You have less of a tough time convincing people you're good, but you have a tough time in convincing people to take you far.

Morgan
Jamal leads a mock workout on the beach prior to the immunity challenge, trying to raise the morale of the group before competing. Mina and Emma both continuously laugh during the workout, whilst Marcus and Callum stand on the side, trying to stay in a serious mind-frame. "morgan"

- This is a huge day for Morgan, because we've got this opportunity to even out our numbers with the Drake tribe for the first time since... day three. We're all preparing our own way... laughin', stayin' serious. I just hope that however we want to get ready for this that it works out, because if not we're comin' back to camp tonight and voting Mina out. The lady can work me up sometimes, but I need her vote to help me when we merge.

"morgan"

- It doesn't feel like this group is about to go and compete. We seem so different to Drake. I mean, I can't say what they're like because I don't know them. But, from what we all gathered whilst visiting... Drake is serious. We're more the goofy group who are kind of treating this a lot more light-hearted. I don't think that's such a negative thing. We're out here having fun on this experience and actually getting close with one another. Drake is a tribe. Morgan is more... like a family. I want to strangle Marcus sometimes, but I'd rather keep him here tonight for the sake of the rest of us.

Immunity Challenge
Challenge: Shoulder the Load Three members of each tribe will have a pole across their shoulders. Each round, weight (20 lbs.) will be added to that pole. The decision about which tribe member gets the weight will be made by the other tribe. When the weight becomes too much to bear, the tribe member will drop the pole and be out of the challenge. The last person left standing wins immunity for their tribe. Information: Holly, Lang and Michael are the pole bearers for Drake, whilst Emma, Jamal and Marcus are the bearers for Morgan. Callum and Mina begin by spreading the weight out evenly between the two men, wanting to tire them quickly. Judith makes a poor decision to only place weight onto Marcus, wanting to remove Morgan's visually most physical player. This decision is quickly overruled by Duncan, who correctly begins to copy Morgan's tactic of spreading out the weight. After reaching 100 lbs on Marcus, he drops his pole, much to the horror of the Morgan tribe, who see it as a failure on his part. Before Drake can celebrate, Michael drops upon reaching 120 lbs, blaming cramp in his neck. After some time, Lang is left holding 160 lbs, whilst Holly is on 120 lbs. Meanwhile for Morgan, Emma drops upon reaching 120 lbs, leaving Jamal alone on 140 lbs. Several minutes later, Jamal drops his pole, unable to take the strain any longer. Lang and Holly (along with Duncan's correct strategy) are congratulated by Jeff, declaring Drake the winners. Winner: Drake
 * Grace sits out for the Drake tribe.

Morgan
The Morgan five return to camp having just lost the immunity challenge, all dreading the fact that they will soon be down to just four members, having lost half their tribe in the pre-merge phase of the game. "morgan"

- I'm crushed. It's crushing. We just sank today, and physically they out-muscled us. We tried out best but we didn't even have anyone shine. I mean, I don't know what the heck happened to Marcus. The biggest guy out here... the most muscles, and it counted for nothing.

Mina gestures to Marcus after her comment, receiving approving nods off Emma and Jamal, both of whom are clearly as disappointed by his performance in the challenge as she is. "morgan"

- Marcus is just... I don't get the guy. He seems so masculine and tough, but he sucks at everything. He can't swim. He can't compete in puzzles if we're to get any. He isn't that fast. He doesn't do that much surviving. He can't even just hold weight longer than... Emma! He's out here telling all of us how weak the girls are, and they're kicking his ass in every damn challenge!

"morgan"

- I want Marcus to think I'm defeated out here, and that I've accepted I'll be leaving. Of course that couldn't be further from the truth. The last few days he's got me so riled up that I can't bare the thought that he might actually outlast me in this game, and after his performance in this challenge I really think getting Jamal and Callum to see his weakness should be easy.

Mina waits for Marcus and Callum to be out of the camp before she begins pitching to Emma and Jamal. She lets the pair know that she will unsurprisingly be voting for Marcus to leave the game, highlighting his constant friction with other players as well as his frequent weakness in challenges.

"morgan"

- I know I've got an extremely close bond with both Emma and Jamal on a personal level, and that the only person who I need that I'm not sure I can get is Callum. He's a lovely young man, but I think he plays a lot less with his emotions. He's probably the most stoic person in our group, and the hardest to read. Jamal and Emma are like my adoptive Survivor babies, and I hope that my social bonds will be enough to have them vote for Marcus. Everything I pitch them will be what I genuinely perceive to be true, because I'm not the sort of person who can lie with ease or try to sell people something I don't believe in. It's just so fortunate that the truth, or what I believe to be the truth, is in my opinion a strong and cohesive argument to send Marcus home.

Over by the water well, Marcus is similarly giving his pitch to Callum, wanting to confirm that the three men will be sticking together to vote Mina out of the game. Marcus asserts that based on challenges, Mina will be a liability if anything becomes "too physical", as well as worrying that her social prowess may enable her to play a strong individual game. "morgan"

- I feel reasonably confident going into tribal council tonight that I'll be receiving at least one vote... off Mina. I wouldn't be shocked if her friend Emma votes me too, and I don't care too much. No harm done with two votes right now. Myself, Callum and Jamal know that we've got to stick together, and I think both guys know that if I go tonight they'll be stuck in a 2-2 tie if we don't merge and they lose again.

"morgan"

- Today, we deserved to lose against Drake. We went into a challenge that we were naturally gonna struggle in, but we managed to blow it even worse than I thought we might. Marcus is mainly the one I'm thankin' for that, because he managed to get outperformed by everyone again. Initially the plan tonight was that we were gonna vote out Mina, and keep the three guys in control. I'm having second thoughts though, and thinkin' that just for peace of mind and tribe sanity that Marcus needs to leave. If we merge tomorrow, then I don't doubt that it's the best thing for us as a tribe. But, the merge is an individual game... and I need to think what's best for me, not the tribe. Marcus ain't that likeable, and I don't see him winnin' anything on his own. We'll be down in numbers, and I think a Drake tribe in control is more likely to vote out Marcus first than they would an older woman who everybody loves. If Mina comes with us, I think myself or Jamal will be the first ones looked at. And from what I'm feelin', I lack the social charm that Jamal has... that little twinkle in his eye (laughs). So I really think that without Marcus, I'm potentially exposed to be the first one gone.

Later on, the tribe has sat down to finish their meal, and both Mina and Marcus have managed to speak with the others in their tribe, doing their best to assure themselves that the other will be going home. Callum and Jamal find some time alone to speak over the vote, both struggling between what they want personally and what may be the better strategic decision.

"morgan"

- We're heading into this vote, and myself and Callum for the first time are really butting heads over who should go. I want to keep Mina for selfish reasons, because she really does brighten our experience out here. I think her pitch makes sense, and I don't think Marcus can give me or Callum anything but a spot on the jury... he might get us to nine guaranteed, but Mina can maybe get us to that top two. On the other hand, I do get what Callum is saying. There is short term security with Marcus, and I don't want to think I'm looking too far ahead when I need to be worried about right now. There's no point planning for this end game when I haven't even reached the merge... and that reason alone might be what makes me vote Mom out.

At tribal council, the group speak over their disappointment in losing the challenge, noting that it likely now means they'll be merging with a numbers deficit. Jamal notes that whilst this doesn't mean the group are completely out, that their chances of success are lower than their rivals. Much of the rest of tribal council is spent centred around Mina and her honesty in acknowledging that she is potentially going home. Marcus explains this as being mostly due to her weakness, resulting in Jeff criticising his comments, pointing out that in challenges it has been arguably Marcus who has under-performed more than anyone else. Mina begins her open campaign against Marcus, wanting the tribe to see the truth behind her 'unified four' plan, believing that Marcus poses a risk should he be relied too heavily upon. Marcus defends himself by attacking Mina's strong social game, feeling as though she is the type of player who will manoeuvre easily in a post-merge environment, and undoubtedly "jump ship" with more ease than anyone. Emma chastises Marcus for this comment, highlighting that Mina has been more consistent in her loyalties than he himself has, particularly when concerning his erratic and "aggressive" behaviour. Before the vote, both Mina and Marcus take one final opportunity to plead to the tribe, with Marcus clearly feeling a lot less secure than he had done walking into tribal, noting the uncertainty painted across Jamal and Callum's faces. With nothing left to say, Jeff asks Callum to begin the vote. "morgan"

- (voting for Marcus) I think you need to look back at this journey and try to grow from it, because I don't see any financial rewards being obtained whilst you're in the Pearl Islands. Best of luck.

"morgan"

- Mina, I think you're a great lady. But, uh... you're just too dangerous, and not someone who I think we can count on in challenges unless it's a puzzle. Sorry things got a bit heated... love ya.

"morgan"

- (shown writing down Marcus)

"morgan"

- (shown writing an "M" on the parchment) Sorry...

Jeff collects the urn, leaving Mina to reassuringly place her hand on top of Emma's, who has already begun crying.

An emotional Mina nods at the result, holding back tears as she hugs Emma and a teary Jamal goodbye, also wishing both Callum and Marcus well as she takes her torch over to Jeff. Before leaving, Mina tells the four to stick together and to take Drake down, hoping to see somebody from her team claim the prize in the end. The four seem solemn as they head out, having lost a major source of positive energy around their camp.

Final Words
"morgan"

- Of course I'm devastated to be going home before the merger. I wanted so badly to last long and show everyone back home there was still a tough spirit inside these old bones. I hold no hard feelings towards anyone in my tribe, not even Marcus who I know deep down is a caring guy. I hope one of them can take home the money and make a positive change to their life.

Trivia

 * The majority of the episode was written in February 2019, and was left on hiatus until June later that year.