Oh My... Part 1

Oh My... Part 1 is the seventh episode of Survivor: Pearl Islands.

Day 18 (Night)
The final four members of the Morgan tribe return to camp, still hurting after voting the well-liked Mina from the tribe. The four sit around their dwindling fire, all pitching in to try and keep it alive. "morgan"

- We... I... voted out Mina tonight. I feel like a complete jerk for doing it, man. She was easily the most positive, caring person on this tribe. I love making proper bonds in this game, and now I'm trying to separate that from what is expected of me. Callum and I have been working together since the start... and we sat down before tribal council and we said between Marcus and Mina, Marcus was more likely to follow us in what we need to do through a merge. I don't know if it was the right decision... because Mina looked out for me too.

"morgan"

- We had another vote tonight where I knew my vote wouldn't go towards the person going home. Last time it was to send a message, this time it was because I can't lie to myself. Marcus is the worst performer in challenges, the individual who everybody likes socialising with the least, and when it comes to working alongside the other tribe... he'll be a disaster! I think both Callum and Jamal made a huge error of judgement in voting Mina out, and I know in this four I'm at the bottom. I don't trust the boys to keep me safe... and if we now merge, I won't hesitate to do what's needed to be done to save myself.

Drake
Rain pours over the camp, leaving the tribe huddled together in their shelter, each taking turns to stoke the fire which they have semi-protected. "drake"

- Today is day nineteen, and from what we're all guessing... today is merge day. In all previous seasons it's been today that the game becomes individual, and that's where you know... it becomes interesting. My tribe has screwed me over, saved me, and now wants to stick together to take out everyone from Morgan. We've got the advantage over them... but I'm not forgetting the lies my tribe has told. It's this moment where players like me take the power away from people like Michael... and I can't wait to see all their faces.

"drake"

- Right now there's six original Drake members and four original Morgan... and if we merge it's going to be easy for us to take them out. This game is unpredictable and we know how easy things can change. All six of us at Drake won't be the final six... I'm not naive enough to believe that.

After the rain dies down, Holly and Lang collect tree-mail, bringing a lock and key along with a letter back to their tribe. Lang reads the letter aloud to the tribe, informing them that another challenge awaits, in which a supposed reward is up for grabs.

"drake"

- We thought we were merging today, but tree-mail just told us there's another challenge. Some people are upset by the news, and I think they wanted a feast. I don't mind though. If we win, we increase our numbers over Morgan... and if we lose, then we have a chance to vote Duncan out. I helped save him at the last tribal council, and I don't regret that. But, I won't be helping him a second time. He is still the person I don't trust and don't want to play alongside... so if I can vote him out before I merge, I'll be extremely happy!

Morgan
Similarly to the Drake tribe, the four Morgan members are sat within their shelter, trying to shield themselves from the rain that is hammering down over the camp. "morgan"

- Today has been one of the worst days we've had so far in terms of weather out here. We're gettin' absolutely wrecked by the rain. We're all worried what will happen if we merge now, and just get picked off by Drake. The plus side of keepin' Marcus is I'm confident that he'll be the first one the other tribe go for... and then the three of us who remain have a better chance at infiltratin' the cracks in Drake, and maybe... just maybe... we can survive extinction.

Marcus stands over the burnt out fire, realising that the tribe should have done more to protect it during the storm.

"morgan"

- We've been out here for nineteen days, and the weathers been okay... I mean we've had rain, but today is pretty bad. We've got no dry wood and no way to get a fire going right now. We don't have the weather channel out here... this rain could last one hour... one day... one week. There's no way of us knowin', and that's the scariest thing.

When the rain ceases, Marcus and Callum go off to collect tree-mail, leaving Emma and Jamal to talk together in the shelter. The pair discuss voting out Mina, particularly Emma's worries over being at the bottom of the tribe.

Callum and Marcus return, reading the same note to the tribe that Drake had received, sending them into another low mood realising that the expected merge is not coming.

"morgan"

- The three boys managed to get down to my level of despair when they realised that we're not merging. Callum and Jamal kept Marcus, who fails almost every single challenge... because he "guaranteed" them a spot on the jury. But, now that might have been for nothing. They've been stupid! Now we're going into a challenge against a tribe who we know we can beat. If we don't beat them today... I think I'm the next to go. As always I'm going to fight to win... but I can't win on my own... it's not an individual game yet. One mistake from any of the boys could cost the tribe, and that means sending me home. No one said this game was fair but... I think Morgan found a deeper level of making Survivor unfair.

The Twist
The Drake tribe stand ready on their mat, looking at wooden cages built near them. The Morgan tribe is called in, revealing to their competitors that Mina has been the sixth victim of the pre-merge phase. Once all ten are stood ready, Jeff begins to address them.

Both tribes look to the side, seeing the first six voted out contestants re-entering the game, all wearing purple buffs, with Juan carrying a tribe banner.

Jeff explains that the challenge will run between all three tribes will be competing, and that if either Drake or Morgan lose to 'The Outcasts', they will go to tribal council and vote somebody out of the game. However, for each individual voted out at the nights tribal council, 'The Outcasts' will vote somebody back into the game to replace them. In addition, Jeff tells the sixteen competitors that any 'Outcast' voted back into the game will be granted individual immunity at the next tribal council, giving them a fair shot to re-integrate themselves into the game. All three tribes are then given a moment to prepare, each operating with all their members. In order to combat the inequality of numbers, two members of Morgan (Marcus and Callum) will have extra knots holding them in their cells.

Immunity Challenge
Immunity Challenge: Pirate Prison Break One member from each tribe must race to a jail cell to untie one tribe member before moving to the next cells where their other tribemates are waiting. At the last cell are sticks and rope the tribes must use to retrieve a key outside to escape the prison. The first tribe to free themselves from the prison and reach the finish mat wins the challenge. Additional Stipulation: If The Outcasts win first place, both Drake and Morgan would go to Tribal Council to vote out a member. The Outcasts would then follow and vote two of them back in the game. If The Outcasts finish second, whichever tribe between Drake and Morgan that finished last would vote out a member, and one returning Outcast will replace that player. If The Outcasts finish last, their chance to return is forfeited. Any returning Outcast would then be immune the next time they visit Tribal Council. Information: Lang, Jamal and Luke are selected as the key collectors for their respective tribes. Despite his speed, Jamal struggles at getting the keys effectively sorted to open the first cell, taking his time to release Callum. Of the three, Lang gets off to an early lead, making quick work of the first two cells where he is able to release Michael and Judith. Once all the tribe members have been untied, the groups begin tying together the sticks and rope, with Drake seemingly in the lead thanks to quick performances by Lang, Michael and Judith, whilst Juan, Lucy and Mina work well to keep 'The Outcasts' in the race. 'The Outcasts' begin arguing when Savannah is called out for standing and not helping the tribe, with Duncan similarly causing conflict for Drake after he accidentally breaks part of their nearly-built pole. Marcus takes charge for Morgan, placing their built pole out of the cell in an attempt to reach the keys (despite protest from Emma), the pole proves both flimsy and too short, resulting in the group needing to pull it back in. Emma takes charge in the rebuild, enabling Morgan to catch-up despite still being in last place. Both Juan and Michael set forth their tribes poles, catching their keys in an attempt to unlock the final cell. Drake's keys fall two metres from their cage, whilst 'The Outcasts' are able to get their back, unlocking their final cage door and claiming immunity, granting two of them the chance to re-enter the game. Winner: The Outcasts

'The Outcast' tribe celebrate their victory, leaving both Drake and Morgan locked in their cages, knowing that as a result of their loss each tribe will go down a member, with two of those from 'The Outcasts' set to return to the game. Jeff informs both tribes that they will be attending tribal council later that evening, with Morgan attending first due to clearly being the tribe that remained in dead last throughout the challenge. The ten active players exit the game to return to their respective camps, with their initial thoughts of a merge now remaining a wish from the past.

Morgan
The four return to camp, knowing that their fears of being down to four members are going to increase, with only three now able to proceed to the true final ten of the game. "morgan"

- A surprise challenge... or at least a surprise situation, has pretty much ended my journey out here. It hurts knowing that I'm leaving earlier than I ever expected to, but I guess it's a small bit of comfort knowing that these guys are totally screwed (laughs).

"morgan"

- Six 'Outcasts' just came back in and stirred up this game good! Jaws were flying down... I'm feeling a mixture of happiness to see them again, sadness because one of us four is going tonight... and dread because two of the 'Outcasts' are coming back to bust some heads open. Lucy had "death to Morgan" painted on her damn top (laughs). She ain't no friend to us. From our tribe I'd be happy to see Juan or Mina come back because other than the fact I got on with both... and miss having a Mom and Dad out here... I don't think either are bitter about how they went out, and I think... maybe... there's a chance they'd be willing to work alongside our group. I say group... I mean the three of us who made it off this failure of a tribe.

Over the next thirty minutes, the tribe get to work to try and get food collected and a fire going, knowing much of their poor performance was due to their lack of energy going into the challenge. Emma speaks with Callum whilst the pair collect firewood, bringing up that once again Marcus had a poor performance in the challenge.

"morgan"

- Emma raises a good point around Marcus. Ignoring the fact he lost us a challenge again today... I think the guy brings more harm than good now that we've got people coming back. Savannah, Lucy and Mina all didn't like Marcus much... and I don't remember him and Juan being close neither. Emma had more positive relationships with at least three of them people, and I think she could do a better job at bringing one or two of them in with us. We've got a great shot right now even though we're goin' down to three people... because if we can inherit both of those who return, suddenly this game is five a piece and we're tied up with Drake.

After speaking with Callum, Emma returns with firewood and begins working on Jamal, giving him the same pitch that she gave to his ally.

"morgan"

- Even though I think my chances right now aren't all that great, I do think that after nineteen days I've got a bond with Jamal close enough that he'll consider keeping me. I know he cut Mina last night, but I saw it really tore at him, and I think now that we're going right back to tribal council he might think that keeping Marcus again is too much for him to handle. Callum I'm going to have a tougher time with... but I know he looks at this as a numbers game, and I hope my argument shows him that I offer them a chance at numbers that Marcus doesn't. I just wish that maybe when it came to voting that I stuck with a majority rather than voting with my heart... because it's the main cause for doubt in their minds that I'm not loyal to this tribe.

Marcus returns to camp with two fish, preparing them for the group to eat before tribal council, stating it is their "last supper". When Emma is momentarily away from the group, Marcus confirms with his all-male alliance that the vote will be against her.

"morgan"

- Today was a real twist in the game, and we're going to tribal council tonight to vote out another player. I feel bad for Emma, but there's just no way I'll be turnin' on either Callum or Jamal. The three of us have solidified trust, and there's just a concern that if she was to stay she'd have flipped on us. Maybe voting her out tonight gives us a chance to prevent that from happenin', and we can gain whoever comes back as long as it isn't someone who's out for our blood.

After their meal, the group wish one another luck, preparing their bags to head out to tribal council. Jamal and Callum continue privately talking, unsure whether Emma's pitch about bringing in numbers or Marcus' guaranteed loyalty is the more desirable moving forward.

"morgan"

- This vote-off tonight is going to potentially see that I stay poor for a little while longer in life. Emma says if we keep her she'll bring us in members, and I know she could do that if she wanted to... but she could also take those members and go work with Drake, and maybe take over this whole game if she wanted to. And that's only if we merge! If we stay as two tribes she'd definitely hold a huge balance of power if she stays. Marcus we know is loyal to us... and we know he's the perfect shield in this game. But, time and time again he's dragged us down and put us in these positions where others have paid for his mistake. Emma said it today... how much longer are we going to cover his ass? I voted with my head last night... and I wasn't sure if I made the right call, and this just feels like a continuation of that vote... and maybe a chance to go back if I felt any regret about the path me and Callum have chosen.

Drake
Having narrowly lost the challenge, the Drake tribe return to camp ready to begin deciding which of them should be the next to go. After Duncan's poor performance, Lang and Judith both appear to be annoyed, but also pleased due to having been given the opportunity to vote him off prior to a merge. "drake"

- Duncan broke our pole during the challenge because he was panicked, and I get why because he is constantly worried he's at the bottom of this tribe. I'm angry that he made us lose... but I also want to thank him because now we can vote him out.

"drake"

- Today, we had possibly the biggest shock anyone's ever had on Survivor. The first six people out of the game, back to kick our asses and get revenge. I mean as a fan this was brilliant... but as a player, nobody wants their past to come back and haunt them like that. When we got back to camp after losing so narrowly, I thought we'd maybe spend some time talking over what happened. Instead of that... Duncan and Lang just blew up. Predictably, Duncan was the one shouting, and I think it was due to the guilt and embarrassment he felt knowing he was the one who really screwed up for us today. He's been a thorn in our side for a while now... and it's time our tribe got rid of him.

Duncan continues to shout at Lang, who does his best to reply as little as possible. Judith comes to Lang's defence quickly, calling out Duncan for his "horrible personality" and poor challenge performance. The pair continue to argue, with Duncan accusing Judith of constantly playing the role of a victim. "drake"

- In today's challenge I saw Luke... Danielle... and I think it threw me. Every challenge I know I'm on thin-ice... and I just lost focus. We got back to camp and Lang just decided to throw a comment out there about me being stupid or something. I couldn't hold it in... for nineteen days he and Judith have acted as if I'm some sort of bully, when they're the ones who isolate themselves. I need to find a way to get rid of one of them tonight, or else... I think it's me.

Michael and Grace walk away from camp during the argument, and are eventually followed by Holly and Duncan. "drake"

- I think when there's any sort of conflict around camp, the last thing you want is to get yourself involved. I saw Michael heading away... I decided the best thing was to follow. Holly and Duncan then came after, and it's nice to be with the majority when you're trying to decide a vote.

"drake"

- Duncan's anger today really sent red flags up for me. He's someone I've been closely working with, but I've known that the pair of us wouldn't last if this tribe went back to Michael being the one in control. I think today thanks to Duncan exploding, Michael is the one everyone will go to... to make a decision. Michael is closer to Lang and Grace than to anyone else on this tribe, so I don't see a way for Duncan to survive this vote... because Judith will be protected by Lang, leaving me as the only alternative if Duncan is to be saved.

Duncan continues to rant about Lang and Judith, but receives very little back off the other three, all of whom seem uncomfortably quiet when he looks for reassurance that he won't be the vote. Duncan quickly notices this as a sign they may be voting him, leading to further frustration.

"drake"

- I tried to go to Michael, Grace and Holly to get them to listen, and to see what I can offer them. They gave me nothing! The three of them made it so clear that I'm the one going tonight, and that's fine. I'll let them all know every small thing I think about them all, and make their lives hell before I go. They're a bunch of liars, whingers and downright idiots.

Several minutes later, Holly attempts to speak with Duncan, trying to console him before breaking the news that Michael and Grace are unlikely to vote alongside him. However, Duncan quickly shuts down the conversation, accusing Holly of playing both sides, and ultimately betraying him. Holly seems disheartened by his attitude, going back to camp alone where she explains his continued anger to her tribe. "drake"

- I've tried my best to try and help Duncan out, but there's no switching these people. I think after Duncan, I'm the person without many friends in this group, which is always worrying. I get on with them but I lack that single close friend who I can trust completely... but I know now that person won't be Duncan, even if he were to stay. I've stuck my neck out for him before and I'm not going to fight for him anymore after today. I went to explain that Michael and Grace seemed to be set on voting for him, but that we could try an alternative path by speaking to Grace alone... before I could even finish, he stood up, screamed at me and accused me of being a betrayer of trust. He's held me back in this game... and now I'm done with him. Tribal is going to be intense... but the relief once it's done will be worth it.

Morgan
The Morgan four sit down, about to become the first tribe in Survivor history to dwindle below fifty-percent of its members during the pre-merge phase. The tribe are asked about their weak performance, which they blame on being malnourished heading into the challenge. However, Jeff brings up that the tribe and particular individuals have had several weak showings in immunity challenges, noting that only Emma showed strong leadership when building the pole. Emma agrees with this statement, feeling as though she was the only one performing as if she had something to lose, bringing up that she is certainly on the chopping block due to being the final girl in a "male-run tribe". Emma reiterates her earlier comments, citing Marcus as a consistent weak link and someone who is likely to hinder the group moving forward in it's "already precarious position". Marcus fluffs-off Emma's claim, feeling as though she is simply drawing attention to the fact her loyalties lay outside the tribe, and that in a merge she is the only person who he has any worries of flipping allegiances. Callum and Jamal both admit that the decision in voting either Emma or Marcus isn't easy (which shocks Marcus), as both offer good arguments for their own survival. Jamal talks over the sadness that he felt when voting Mina, and whether or not her return to the game would be a positive or a negative. Emma interrupts him by stating that anyone from their tribe returning (which is likely given the fact they make up a majority of 'The Outcasts') is only a positive if she is present over Marcus. Fearing for his safety for the first time, Marcus turns to Callum and Jamal, pleading his loyalty to them, and that to even consider saving Emma would be their downfall at the merge, as she has already shown she will vote outside of their alliance.

"morgan"

- (voting against Marcus) You say I'm not loyal to this tribe. The truth is I'm just not loyal to you. Despite all I've said, I don't think you're a bad person... just a bad tribe member. Good luck.

"morgan"

- (voting against Emma) Thinkin' that you can work with people outside this group doesn't give off appeal, just concerns that you're not with us.

Marcus shakes his head in annoyance, grabbing his torch and heading over to Jeff without glancing back at Callum and Jamal. Emma takes a sigh of relief, whispering that she's "absolutely loyal" to both Jamal and Callum for saving her. Before heading back to their camp, the three are given a small pep talk by Jeff, and told to be ready for a new member to join them shortly. "morgan"

- I definitely didn't see this one comin'. I thought myself, Callum and Jamal had trust, but obviously they're not the guys I thought they were. I think they made a big mistake tonight, and Emma is going to be the death of whatever they're planning. She's a much smarter player than I gave her credit for. I had a blast out here, and I just wish it could've gone on a little longer.

Drake
At tribal council, the group take their seats, with only Duncan having packed the entirety of his belongings, being the only person who truly thinks they are being voted out. Jeff takes notice of this, questioning Duncan on why he will be leaving. Duncan announces that it is due to the tribe being full of two-faced individuals, then proceeds to expose each negative aspect of the Drake tribe.

Judith erupts in anger over Duncan's comments, feeling as though he is making a jibe at her due to her hearing impairment which impacts her speech, as well as an attempt to mock English being Lang's second language. A majority of the tribe come to the pairs defence, leaving Duncan somewhat bewildered as he denies making it "personal", instead suggesting that he was criticising the pair for mostly spending time together. Judith and Michael both continue to berate Duncan for his comments, leaving the tobacconist in a strange state of silence as he sees his time in the game is certainly up.

The tribe falls silent as Duncan lowers his head, clearly feeling some remorse for his comment being taken so personally. With nothing else to be discussed, and the result seeming unchanged, Michael is signalled to begin the vote. "drake"

- Duncan, you've shown your true colours so many times. I am so happy to be writing your name down, because you've been a complete bully on our tribe since day one. You deserve everything you got tonight, and I hope you feel some shame for what you've said and done to all of us.

Grace sits down as the final person to vote, leaving Jeff to collect the urn. As he begins to read the votes, Duncan places one hand on his bag, wanting to leave the tribal council area as soon as possible to escape the hostile atmosphere around him.

Duncan hastily grabs his things, only looking at Holly as he walks past his tribe, who gives him a look of sympathy. Judith gives a single clap as Duncan leaves, pleased to have outlasted her tribe nemesis. The remaining five members grab their belongings and head back to camp, feeling infinitely more positive about their tribal dynamic, but nervous to see who will be returning to join them. "drake"

- You know... I uh, handled it the only way I knew how... and that was with anger. I regret that I left with them thinking I was crossing the line, when that was never my intention. I hope that I got across to the group that they really aren't all these kind, trustworthy people that they pretend to be. They tried to make me look like a bully... and maybe they succeeded. I just regret that I let them allow me to sink. You know, it's all a game... good luck to them. I hope after though they can admit their lies...

The Outcasts
Jeff welcomes the six smiling Outcasts into the tribal council area, all carrying their extinguished torches, ready to make the decision to determine which two will have their fires re-lit and to earn a second chance at the title of Sole Survivor.

To be continued...