Massacre Of The Inept Strategists

Massacre of the Inept Strategists is the seventh episode of Survivor: Marquesas.

Day 18 (Night)
The remaining six members of Maraamu return to camp having just unanimously voted Martin out of the game. The group feel positive about their new found unity, speculating that they will all awaken tomorrow to news that the two tribes are merging.

"maraamu"

- Tomorrow we're all expecting the tribes to merge into one, and the individual portion of the game will begin. I don't want to assume this is definitely happening, but if tradition has told us anything its that it'll happen. The perfect scenario is that the six of us here at Maraamu stick together and take out the other four who have spent their time on Rotu since the swap. Although something tells me that Ryan, Duana and even Ibrahim will be weary about going forward with us three girls...

The tribe all sit down in the shelter together, preparing to get an early night in order to be ready for what they believe to be the merge. Before going to sleep, Daisy jokingly tells the group to "stick together", prompting nods of reassurance from her tribe mates.

Maraamu
The tribe awaken to tree mail, informing the group that they must select a representative from their group to reach a location given on a map. The entire group stand around confused, unsure as to what the representative will be doing, and whether or not a merge will be happening at all. "maraamu"

- We all looked around to one another and really couldn't work out what this tree mail meant. Some people theorized that whoever left would go to Rotu and whoever came from Rotu would be joining us, and that this was more some kind of swap... After that was assumed I don't think any of us really wanted to do it.

"maraamu"

- I really didn't think that whoever left would be facing a single swap to Rotu, as that would be a twist too far... even for the likes of Survivor. Personally I wanted to go, but I couldn't volunteer because whenever someone puts themselves forward it'll be something that would likely paint a target on your back.

The group decide that the fairest option would be to draw sticks, with the individual that draws the shortest stick being the one to go forward and represent the tribe. Everyone goes up to draw from the pile, looking around and measuring up their sticks once everyone is ready. It is revealed that Daisy drew the shortest stick, meaning she will be the one to take the map and leave the Maraamu beach.

"maraamu"

- Seeing Daisy draw the short straw really made me nervous for how this game was going to go forward. If a merge isn't happening then we've just lost Daisy, and I've just lost an ally. Of the girls I'm working with Daisy is definitely the person I feel closest to, and I don't know how I'll fair now being alone with Ashley and Lotus.

Daisy gathers her things, before hugging her tribe goodbye whilst leaving the beach. She holds the map close, unsure as to where she will be taken and what her mission may be. "maraamu"

- Being the one to leave the tribe isn't ideal... Well, its not ideal if whatever I'm being signed up to do is bad. There's still a chance this is actually a great opportunity for me to keep developing my game, and to maybe set me up on a path to winning this thing.

Rotu
The Rotu four sit around the fire, having just read the same tree mail that was delivered to the Maraamu tribe. The group seem perplexed, unsure as to what it may mean for the individual game of whoever volunteers to leave.

"rotu"

- I really wanted the opportunity to get out of camp and just go for whatever this event was going to be. Everyone else played it safe, and maybe they'll have played it smart... But this whole game is going to include risks and unless I take some of my own I wont increase my personal chances of winning. Right now we're at a numbers disadvantage, and rather than assuming the old Maraamu's and Randy will vote with us, I've got to ensure I'm safe by putting myself forward and getting the job done myself.

James goes and gets his things ready by the shelter whilst Tish helps him, giving him some words of advice before he departs for the hike.

"rotu"

- For some reason I got really upset seeing James leave camp today, as he's been my best friend throughout this game. He is such a great ally to have because we're on such a similar level that I don't feel we'd ever screw over each other. I am concerned that if this isn't a merge or a swap that James and I could be separated... and that really would just break my game up.

Tish and James hug one another goodbye, before heading over to Randy and William so that James can give them his departing words. The three wave James off as he heads off on the hike, looking at the map in order to speculate as to where he may be going.

Ambassador Meeting
James reaches his intended destination, seeing a large rectangular area surrounded by statues and platforms, with a large hut opposite him. Daisy enters from the opposite side, seeing James walking towards the centre. The pair smile as they see one another, each letting out a short burst of laughter as they awkwardly greet each other. In order to break the awkwardness, the pair make jokes as to why they've ended up at the Tohua.

"maraamu"

- When James turned up I was pretty relieved because of all the people on their tribe, he is the one that I would most like to be spending time with. He seems like quite a cute guy, and his confidence really helped me relax about why the hell we were both here.

The pair are drawn into silence after Jeff Probst enters the Tohua, standing parallel as he gives them a much needed run down as to what they will both be doing over the next few hours. Jeff tells the two that they will both act as ambassadors for their respective tribes, and that they will both be responsible for the upcoming merge that will take place on Day 20. James and Daisy both give a sigh of relief, ecstatic to receive the news that they will in fact be merging, rather than any twists taking place that will see their games thrown into jeopardy. "rotu"

- Merge. The word merge just took any butterflies in my stomach and set them free. I could almost see them flying around the Tohua as Jeff gave us the rest of the information. There were definitely a few more trapped inside me, because when I realized that we really were merging... it was still a question of 'Ok then, but why are we here?!'

Jeff instructs the pair that they will spend the night at the Tohua, each getting comfort due to their ambassadorial positions. He also reveals that they must both select a tribe name and paint a new tribe flag, handing the pair a set of ten new magenta buffs. Before leaving, Jeff surprises the ambassadors by taking them to a picnic area, where they can feast on pizza and beer before setting down to their task. Daisy and James scream in excitement, hugging each other and Jeff before both sitting down to eat their fill.

James and Daisy talk about trivial topics whilst eating, before both gradually steering the conversation towards information on the game, agreeing that they shouldn't pass up the opportunity to gain an advantage over the other competitors in the game.

The pair eventually stop talking game, instead taking a break from strategizing and sharing information, drinking the rest of the beer at the picnic before moving over to the hut to get settled down and discuss a tribe name. After an hour or so of drinking, both James and Daisy find themselves getting tipsy, with little in their system to absorb the alcohol. As they move over to the hut, Daisy continuously falls over, using James to help her balance whilst laughing. After reaching the shelter, James and Daisy lay down next to one another, talking about what tribe names they like. After passing around several facetious names, they coin together the word "Soliantu", which they suggest will mean sacred allegiance to the sun. James gets started on painting the flag, whilst Daisy perches next to him, complimenting his artistic skills whilst playing with his hair. The two continue their flirtatious tipsy behavior, eventually falling asleep after finishing the flag, with Daisy moving her bedding closer to James so that they can "keep warm".

Maraamu
The tribe waits up, having expected to see Daisy return by the evening, or that another individual would be joining their tribe. As the beach is plunged into darkness, the group begin retiring to the shelter, feeling as though they wont hear any news until the following morning. Ashley insists she stays up, wanting to see her friend return safely, worried that a bad twist may be coming their way. "maraamu"

- (wiping tears from her face) ... Daisy is like my sister out here, and she's been gone for ages... I, I don't want to be alone in this game and everyone else is far too calm about it all. I'm worried that she's out of the game for good or something... and the fact they're all like 'oh whatever' is starting to p**s me off! Maybe they all have a secret alliance or something. Its getting me so paranoid I cant take it!

Rotu
The Rotu tribe take a more relaxed approach to the absence of James, lying in the shelter to try and sleep in peace. With Randy asleep, William and Tish talk about whether or not they think James will return to the camp, or if the game will change into the expected merge.

"rotu"

- Right now all we can do as a tribe is get some rest, and hope tomorrow we find something good waiting for us. William is trying to keep the spirits high, but I'd rather prepare for the worst... that way I cant be too disappointed when I learn what the truth is.

Ambassadors Meeting
Daisy and James wake up early in order to gather their belongings and to reach the Maraamu camp, where they will gather the tribe and paddle on their raft to Rotu beach, which will act as the merged tribes camp. Daisy feels awkward waking up so close to James, feeling as though drinking made her overly flirtatious.

The pair leave the Tohua, carrying their belongings back to the Maraamu tribe in order to deliver the news of the merge.

Maraamu
After waiting for several hours, the Maraamu cheer when they spot James and Daisy heading down the beach sporting two new magenta buffs.

The entire tribe surround both James and Daisy, giving both hugs and screams of excitement.

The group all work together to pack their belongings onto their tribes raft, pushing it out into the water so that they can paddle towards Rotu's beach. The original Maraamu members look back at their now stripped campsite, sad to see their home for the past nineteen days now behind them.

Rotu
The three members left at the Rotu tribe look out into the water, seeing a raft full of individuals quickly approaching their beach. Tish immediately begins screaming in excitement, understanding that this means the merge has begun. William and Randy wave out to the approaching tribe members, with everyone unable to hide their joy at reaching the merge.

The raft reaches the shore, and is pulled onto the sand by William and Randy, whilst the Maraamu members and James all hop off and greet the tiny Rotu tribe. Interrupting the cliché introductions, James pulls out the bag of magenta buffs, handing them out to his fellow tribe members.

After the excitement dies down, the group agree to prepare a meal for themselves to celebrate the arrival of the merge. Due to the depleted levels of food around the camp, Ryan, William and Duana agree to go and fish. The rest of the tribe walk around and get to know their new home, whilst others take the moment to begin their critical post-merge conversations. Over by the water, Ryan takes the first attempt at catching some fish, using the snorkel and spear to try and gain favor with the group. William and Duana stand above, holding a bag open in case Ryan is successful in his venture.

Ashley, Daisy and Lotus sit by the fire, having agreed to keep it going whilst the rest of the tribe take on duties away from camp. The girls begin quizzing Daisy on what she learnt from her time with James, knowing that as soon as the rest of the tribe return they'll not have a chance to speak privately.

Around an hour later, the entire merged tribe of ten sit down to a meal of fish caught by Ryan, congratulating him for proving his worth with the spear. The group talk amongst themselves, discussing their unanimous dislike for the no-no flies and the struggles they've faced since starting the process. During the meal, Randy continuously bad mouths those out of the game, much to the annoyance of his fellow tribe mates.

Duana finishes her food and drops her bowl, thanking Ryan for the food before storming off to the shelter. Despite the majority agreeing with Duana, they remain quiet, although pleased that someone finally spoke up against him.

Ashley goes to join Duana in the shelter, leaving the other eight Soliantu members around the fire, awkwardly finishing their meals in silence.

Day 21
The final ten arrive at their first individual immunity challenge, seeing ten platforms floating on the water before them. Each contestant gets on a platform, which they must stay on for the longest possible time without falling off or touching the platform with anything but their feet. The group quickly find the platform is unsteady, moving frequently with the tide, forcing many of them off balance early on. Within moments of the challenge beginning, Tish falls forward off her platform, evoking laughter from James. Tish flips him off as she swims back to the shore, more upset with getting her hair wet than being the first one out of the challenge.

Seconds later, Randy suddenly slips backwards into the water, causing several tribe members to silently celebrate. After seeing Randy swim back to shore, Ibrahim willingly jumps off his platform, content with the knowledge that Randy wont beat him in the challenge.

Several minutes pass, and the remaining seven begin looking at their competition, trying to determine their chances of winning. As she tries to look around her, Daisy loses her balance, falling forward and touching her platform with her hand.

More time goes by, with the five seemingly managing to avoid slipping. Ashley is suddenly heard exclaiming that she "cant do it", before lowering herself onto her platform, sliding into the water carefully so as to not go fully under. Ryan dramatically follows, causing a large splash to nearly hit William.

The final three in the challenge talk amongst themselves, asking each other how they're feeling. Lotus admits she is starting to tire, whereas William states he can keep going if need be. Soon after their conversation Duana falls sideways into the water, causing both Lotus and William's platforms to violently sway side to side. William leans forward, trying to keep his balance, but eventually follows Duana into the water. Lotus gasps and looks up at Jeff, who in turn announces that she has won the first individual immunity, prompting her to jump off her platform and collect the immunity necklace. Challenge: Sea Legs Each player must stand on a floating platform at the sea. If any part of their body besides their feet touch the platform, or if they fall of the platform, they are eliminated from the challenge. Last person left standing wins immunity. Winner: Lotus

Soliantu
After Lotus won the first individual immunity of the season, the final ten return to camp in order to begin strategizing for the looming tribal council, in which one of them will be the last individual voted out before the jury phase of the game. The group congratulate Lotus, who doesn't hide her happiness in knowing that she has been guaranteed to remain apart of the game until the end.

Lotus, Daisy, Ashley and Duana walk off down the beach, sitting together to talk about the vote. James, Tish and William watch the girls walking off, concerned as to why Duana is apart of the girls strategic chats.

Ryan and Ibrahim are subtly called over to the trio, who use the absence of the girls and Randy to try and work out where the boys will be voting. Ryan admits that he's open to ideas, and that he doesn't feel he has any allegiances to his old tribe, much to the surprise of Ibrahim. William asks Ryan if he'd be willing to vote out Ashley or Daisy, which Ryan states he'd be happy to do, delighting the three ex-Rotu members.

Randy comes back from using the "aquadump", walking over to the group just as Ryan and Ibrahim are leaving. William asks Randy if he's still "with them", which Randy confirms he is, and that he's decided they should be voting out Duana for her poor attitude. William quickly interjects, telling him that they need to vote out Daisy due to being a greater strategic threat than Duana, but Randy doesn't seem interested. Randy tells the group that he can get the three ex-Maraamu girls to vote for Duana, and that as a group of seven they can control the game. Tish and James sit in disbelief, looking over at William in hope that he'll be able to save the situation, but it is quickly apparent that he too has lost control of Randy.

The girls of the Maraamu tribe sit together on the beach to discuss the vote, which they previously assumed would be the logical decision of ousting Tish from the game. Lotus states that she'd rather see Randy go for personal reasons, feeling as though they could convince the others to vote him too, but that she is ultimately happy to vote for Tish if necessary. Duana is seen tearing up, and is quickly comforted by the other girls. When asked what's wrong, Duana gives an emotional response as to why she feels so strongly that Randy should be their vote.

The girls all agree to vote for Randy, happy to rid themselves of his negative energy once and for all. Lotus says she'll speak with Ibrahim, getting both him and Ryan to join them in writing down Randy's name. Duana also says she will likely speak with William, and can possibly get all the ex-Rotu members to vote Randy out, making it a unanimous vote against him.

Minutes later, the girls return to camp, and Duana is pulled to one side by William. James, Tish, Ashley and Daisy sit together at camp, and are eventually approached by Randy, who tells the four of them that the vote will be for Duana. Ashley snaps back at Randy, telling him to stop bothering them. After a small bickering episode between the two, Ashley walks off, asking Randy not to speak to her for the remainder of their time. Elsewhere, William gets to work asking Duana about her intentions in the game.

With only an hour to go before tribal, Lotus approaches Ibrahim to cement his loyalty to the girls' alliance.

At the first merged tribal council, Jeff asks the group whether tribal lines are going to carry on into the vote, or if the tribe swap has diluted any sense of tribal loyalty. William claims tribal loyalty no longer exists, as he feels multiple people will vote against someone they have played with at some point in the game. When asked about the harmony of the group, Duana admits that things have been rough between herself and Randy, prompting laughter from Randy, who labels Duana a "trouble maker". Ashley comes to Duana's defence, mocking Randy for being the most "hated" person in the tribe, pointing out that he has made enemies with several individuals. Jeff asks the group who feels personally in danger of leaving the game, causing only Daisy to raise her hand, much to the amusement of the group. Duana states that she feels more people are probably feeling vulnerable, but don't want to show that they're doubting their allies. Ibrahim tells Jeff how he is still unsure as to what the right vote is, although he admits he knows how he will be voting, but isn't sure whether the consequences of this vote will be good to his game. Tish is shown whispering "do we change?" to William, who doesnt immediately respond, clearing trying to run by numbers in his own head. When everyone suggests they're ready, Jeff allows James to commence the voting, feeling as though this may be one of the biggest tribal councils in the history of the game. During Randy's vote, he is heard saying the name "Duana" loudly, prompting laughter from some, whilst others shake their heads in disbelief. After Daisy sits back down as the final voter, Jeff goes to collect the urn, leaving the group with thirty seconds of paranoid silence as one of their fates is sealed.

Several individuals give off relieved body language, quickly feeling as though they wont be in danger tonight.

Daisy and Randy both sit in fear, hoping that their name isn't about to be revealed as the one to just miss out on the jury.

Randy watches as his torch goes out, feeling as though he was too threatening to be kept in the game. He turns and takes one last glare at the final nine, scowling at those who didn't vote alongside him at this crucial tribal council. Ashley sticks her middle finger up at Randy as he leaves the tribal council area, glad to see the back of him as his game comes to an end. The final nine are congratulated by Jeff for guaranteeing their spot at the final tribal council, but reminds them that only two will still be eligible to win, whilst the other seven will be making up the jury.