Boys vs Girls

Boys vs Girls is the season premiere of Survivor: The Amazon.

Day 1
The sixteen contestants sit aboard an Amazon riverboat, with two smaller paddle boats situated off to the side. Jeff lowers a rope ladder off the side of the boat, informing the group that they will now be separated into two tribes.

"jaburu"

- The second Jeff called out a fifth female I knew that it was a certainty that this would be an all female tribe. It took us all by surprise, and definitely mixed emotions on my part.

The women seem excited in greeting one another, trying to present the division by sex as a positively received change for the start of the game. "jaburu"

- I'm extremely pleased to be on this all women's tribe right now. There's no more worries about people flirting with boys around camp, and no more of the 'lets vote off the women first' trash that we've seen in previous seasons. We have an opportunity here to show these men and those at home watching just how strong us girls are.

"jaburu"

- It frustrates me to see how cocky the men already are. Standing and puffing out there chests like this, and raising their jaws as if they're so insecure that they've got to try and do anything they can to remind us that they're these big strong men! It's pathetic. As a proud woman and feminist, I am not in the least bit worried that my tribe is in any way disadvantaged going into this game.

Jeff hushes the two groups, proceeding to tell them a brief history of the Amazon. He informs the tribes that the Amazon was discovered in 1541 by Spanish explorers, and that these explorers came across a fierce tribe solely consisting of women; hence the term "Amazon women" and the naming of the rainforest. It is for this reason that both tribes have been split by sex, with the women being named "Jaburu" after the bird, and the men "Tambaqui" after the fish. Both tribes are then provided with a map, and instructed to go off in opposite directions in order to find their respective camps. The women quickly untie their boat and head off, whilst Kennedy causes a stir in the men's boat, stumbling as he goes to untie their rope.

Jaburu
The women paddle their boat down river towards their camp, talking amongst themselves as they do so, hoping to use the journey to get to know one another. "jaburu"

- I am still pretty upset that this is an all female thing right now. A lot of my assets... are more favourable towards men. I don't know how far flirting and a tight swimsuit is going to get me around these girls.

"jaburu"

- Eventually after our introductions and paddling for what felt like maybe forty minutes or so, we see the yellow flag in the distance. I almost wanted some angels to pop out and sing a heavenly song, because just finding our camp we've over performed against the men's expectations.

The women pull their boat up against the river bank, slowly exiting their boat so that they can walk into their camp area. The tribe begin searching through their limited supplies, each taking hold of a machete and setting out a plan for how they should go about building their camp. "jaburu"

- So far what we're seeing is nothing like anything before on Survivor. Not just in terms of this being an all female tribe, but our surroundings are so unique and unlike the typical beach or fenced in area that we've seen before. We're really in a claustrophobic environment here, completely at the mercy of mother nature. I just hope that when it comes down to it that she looks more favourably on her female compadres.

"jaburu"

- I'm getting a bossy vibe off Veronica. I get that she's the old one out here, and her needs are going to be different to the rest of ours. But, it just feels that she asks questions with an answer already set in her mind.

"jaburu"

- A lot of these young girls are going to be difficult to live with, and I know it because I was one many, many years ago. Young girls think they know it all, and they don't. I'm just going to have to make sure I don't come off too condescending because I do sometimes slip into both elder and teacher mode... and out here that won't win me any friends.

The group splits up in order to focus on the two tasks at hand. Delma, Edweena and Jayla work on the fire, spending an hour or so rubbing sticks together without much progress. Eventually Jayla suggests that if the group is unable to get the fire going, that instead they should attempt to just light the lanterns they were provided with. "jaburu"

- The three of us... Edweena, Jayla and myself... had sat there for God knows how long, trying to get this very dry and dusty pile of sticks to catch alight. Jayla then innocently but brilliantly suggested using the lanterns, which reminded us all that inside each lantern there was some kerosene... so we poured the kerosene onto the small pile we had made, used the machete to get a spark and within seconds we had the most beautiful roaring fire for our camp.

The girls rush the burning sticks into a larger pile, having successfully got a fire going for the tribe thanks to the use of the kerosene within the lantern. The other five women congratulate them, allowing the group to continue working on the shelter whilst they alternate on who will watch over the fire. "jaburu"

- It felt great to have got fire on our first day, even if it was done because of a clumsy suggestion by myself (laughs). I had my reservations when Jeff told us it would be girls against boys, but right now I've got a good feeling that this group of women are going to be pretty tough to beat... the boys better watch out.

Later on in the evening, the girls sit around their fire with their shelter only half complete behind them. Jenn, Karyn, Neasa and Subira talk excessively in order to get to know one another, often laughing as they discuss both the boys tribe and their feelings coming into the game. Jayla sits silently to the side, whilst the three older women appear to be trying to sleep, wanting to get rest on their first night of the game. Veronica sits up and tells the girls to lower their voices, and preferably to head to sleep, stating that they will all need their energy for the following day in order to complete their tribe shelter. "jaburu"

- A few of us girls were sat up and trying to just forget about the fact we're in a dark and dangerous jungle, without much shelter, sharing the floor with the most disgusting set of creatures on the planet... and you know, just really enjoy our first night out here whilst it's all fresh and new. But of course some of the older women wanted to sleep early, even though none of them could really sleep much anyway because the shelter isn't the comfiest of settings. Veronica pretty much told us to be quiet in what she saw as a respectable manner, but it was just another instance of certain people in this tribe thinking their needs outweigh that of everyone else. If Veronica wants to build the shelter, we build the shelter... if Veronica wants to sleep, everyone has to sleep. It's only day one but I can see this getting tiresome pretty fast out here. My patience is already wearing thin.

Tambaqui
The men row their boat towards their tribe flag, having bonded similarly to the women along the way, discussing their feelings on the first ever tribes split by gender.

After pulling up the the bank by the flag, the boys exit the boat and head towards their crate of supplies. The men all start trying to pry open the crate, somewhat struggling much to their amusement.

Eventually Ceri helps remove the nails from the crate, allowing the boys to get it open and retrieve their supplies from inside. Sheamus passes round machetes for the tribe, quickly helping the group come to a consensus that both fire and shelter are a necessity.

The men get to work on the shelter, making quick work of the rainforest around them, creating a large pile of needed supplies next to Fredrick and Kennedy, who are working hard to get the fire going.

Sheamus, Mayson, Ceri and Hall band together and start constructing the shelter, talking amongst themselves as they do so. After getting to know one another, it becomes apparent that Hall's voice is the loudest in the group, often talking over everyone in order to make elaborate or crude jokes.

Elsewhere in the forest, Isaiah and Jody stay together to collect the last needed supplies for the shelter. The two seem to bond well, laughing as they discuss their nerves for the game, but their excitement in being able to represent men in a battle of the sexes.

As the sun begins to set on the camp, Fredrick and Kennedy have failed to make fire, much to their own personal disappointment. Sheamus and Isaiah step up to help, joining Fredrick in trying to get a spark going. After several minutes, Sheamus successfully creates a spark, getting fire for his tribe.

Kennedy seems somewhat disheartened, feeling once again he has failed to prove himself to his tribe. Nevertheless, the group all sit around the fire and begin boiling water, bonding as a unit before eventually heading into their near complete shelter for their first night in the Amazon.

Jaburu
In the early afternoon of the second day, the women continue working around camp in order to get their shelter finished. The younger trio of Jenn, Neasa and Subira go off in the tribes boat in order to try and catch some fish for the group. "jaburu"

- This morning as a tribe we all got up, and even without much sleep made sure we got to work on our shelter, and hopefully by the end of today it'll be complete. But we also badly need something to eat, because none of us are feeling too hot on the manioc flour on its own. Myself, Jenn and Neasa got the boat out there and we got ourselves paddling, because there's gonna be found in the Amazon.

"jaburu"

- Is Irish charm a real thing? Ask that again when I win the million dollars. I'm all for being a humble person, but when you know you've got something I think you've got to utilise it. I know men like me... heck, I know women like me. The figure, the face, the accent... my red hair... (laughs). I'm a dangerous combination I suppose in a game like this. Of course I understand these things will alienate some people from me, but it's only dangerous for as long as I'm on this women's only tribe. Get some men over here and I'll have them eating out of my hand.

Back at camp, a problem emerges as Karyn spends little time working, instead sitting slouched over by the almost complete shelter. Veronica comes over to comfort her, rubbing her back as she checks on her tribe members condition.

"jaburu"

- This morning whilst we were finishing up the shelter, we noticed that Karyn was feeling a little down both in spirit and energy. We recommended that she took a break, and for a good hour or so she just sat keeled over, and being both a mother and a teacher I jumped right into this protective mode, and saw someone who needed assistance. It is a worrying sign to have someone be this way just twenty-four hours into the game, so if I can do anything to get her back on form then I'll try it.

Delma, Jayla and Edweena return to the shelter with the last of the cut down supplies, placing them in a pile before heading over to the duo to see how Karyn is feeling. Karyn lets the group know that she feels she wont last in the game, requesting that if they lose the immunity challenge that she is voted out of the game, much to the surprise of her tribe mates. "jaburu"

- When Karyn asked us to vote her out, I really just wanted to walk off at that point. It's day two, and we've not even finished building our camp, and you're sat here asking to leave as if we've already lost a challenge. It's frustrating! Not just for me as her tribe member, but as a fan of this game who knows that there are thousands of people who would've done anything to take her place!

"jaburu"

- Today my throat is pretty raw, and I just feel this mixture of exhaustion and illness, and a complete contempt for being out here. I served in the armed fores, and I've been in some pretty brutal environments, but I've done those things for a greater purpose. I do feel I rushed into coming out here, and didn't consider truly how my body and mind would cope...

Jenn, Neasa and Subira return to camp some time later, with several small bait-sized fish in hand. The group seem grateful for their efforts, with the exception of Karyn, who remains somewhat motionless on the floor. The three younger women question Karyn on her condition, to which she tells them that she still feels unwell, and doesn't expect to last too much longer in the game. Some time later, the group fry up their small bait-sized fish along with some of the manioc flour, having their first meal of the game. Despite not eating much, the women seem grateful to have started on a semi-positive note, giving them hope for the upcoming challenges against the men's tribe. "jaburu"

- Our first full day as a tribe was actually pretty cool. Everyone seems to be getting along to some degree, and the cracks that I thought might be forming seem to have mended themselves for now. Back home I don't really get to have adventures like this, so for me to be our here eating fish and cutting down trees and building fires... it's a whole new experience for me, and I'm loving every second. I think our only concern right now is Karyn, but we hope that now our shelter is pretty much finished that she'll sleep better tonight, and tomorrow morning there'll be something else coming out of her mouth other than "vote me out".

Tambaqui
The Tambaqui tribe spend the day in a more relaxed manner than their counterparts, sending half their members off to search for food, whilst the others relax back at the now complete shelter. Sheamus and Ceri stand in the shallow waters by the bank of the river, trying to gain a greater understanding of the water around them in order to identify a source of protein.

Fredrick and Kennedy sit inside the boat, talking together as Sheamus and Ceri continue searching along the banks and the shallow waters for any source of protein. Sheamus calls out to the pair, asking them to take the boat out and to see if they can catch any fish.

Fredrick and Kennedy try to use the fishing poles to catch the tribe a meal, using some of the bait collected by Sheamus and Ceri. Kennedy decides to ask Fredrick how he feels about their place in the tribe. The pair admit to feeling nervous about their current standing, speculating that the stronger men will stick together.

Back at the shelter, Hall and Mayson are laying down talking, with Isaiah sat next to them. Jody sits alone by the fire, ensuring that it doesn't go out. Hall and Mayson seem to be bonding well, discussing their similar interests and ideas.

Isaiah sits blankly staring in Jody's direction, clearly thinking something through over and over. Hall and Mayson make an attempt to get his attention to no avail, eventually giving up and returning to their own conversation.

Isaiah stands and forcefully walks over to Jody, requesting that Jody follows him into the forest for "a talk". Jody appears confused, but hesitantly accepts, asking Hall and Mayson to watch the fire whilst he's gone. The pair head into the cover of the trees, with those back at camp unable to hear the topic of conversation.

Jody and Isaiah end the conversation, with Isaiah remaining unconvinced. The pair return to camp, with Hall asking if they "had a nice chat", which Jody rolls his eyes at, both tired of the conversation and Hall's constant speaking at camp. Isaiah joins Hall and Mayson in the shelter, whilst Jody returns to the fire.

Jaburu
The girls prepare to head to their first immunity challenge, making sure each one of them is motivated to win in order to stay away from the first tribal council.

"jaburu"

- Soon we're heading to our first immunity challenge, and this is going to really be the deciding factor in whether or not many of us think we've got a chance to beat the boys in this game. I believe in my heart we can do it, but I also know that physically the boys may have an advantage. Our tribe is also generally a lot older than the boys... myself, Delma and Eddie are not as uh, how shall I say... youthful... as some of these other players. But I think our mix of talents could be what propels us, and hopefully keeps us from sending someone home tonight.

"jaburu"

- I am worried that we could lose today, not because I think I could be the one going home. I think we all know at this point Karyn will be the first one out of our tribe. It's just that I don't want to hand the boys momentum, because once they have that they can keep us at tribal time and again, and as a member of the older group on this tribe I think my name will be thrown about should we keep losing.

The girls walk in unison to the boat, paddling out in order to reach the challenge area, knowing that should they lose one of them will be the first one voted out of the game. "jaburu"

- I'm determined not to be the first one off, especially when we have an army veteran ready to throw in the towel. If we lose today then I'm going to have to get things sorted quickly, because gaining control of the votes is always an important step in securing your place in the tribe. But again, I hope any campaigning isn't needed tonight, and I can come back to camp and just continue making social bonds with those I want to work with later on down the line.

Tambaqui
The boys get ready for the immunity challenge, feeling confident about their chances against the supposedly weaker female tribe.

The group head off to their boat, with some members looking confident, whilst others such as Kennedy appear nervous, seeing the challenge as their last chance to show their tribe that they are worthy of a place in the game.

Immunity Challenge
Challenge: Unchained

The tribe members were chained together and had to navigate through an obstacle course. After each station was completed, the tribes must gather a series of keys to unlock sections of a chain, which are blocking the finish line. One member of the tribe retrieved a flying fox which led to the key that unlocked the final gate for the rest of the tribe. First tribe to unlock all the sections of the chain and cross the finish line wins.

Winner: Jaburu

Information: Both tribes remain even for the early portion of the challenge, with the first puzzle proving to be what separates the two tribes. Kennedy takes lead of the puzzle for Tambaqui, giving a disastrous performance that sets the tribe back, whilst Veronica quickly leads the women through to get their set of keys. Upon reaching the balance beam, the women quickly make their way through, with only Karyn falling off, having to be led through by Subira. Due to Karyn's poor performance, the men catch up, with the pairs of Ceri & Jody and Isaiah & Fredrick quickly crossing the beam. However, Kennedy & Sheamus fall off, with Sheamus somewhat helping Kennedy across on their second attempt, whilst Hall & Mayson completely fall apart, costing their tribe an abundance of time. The women are able to make their way past the final puzzle, with Jenn going down the flying fox to retrieve their key to unlock the final gate, giving the women the win.

Tambaqui
The eight men return to camp having just lost the first immunity challenge, with many of their egos now completely deflated. Hall publicly apologises to the tribe, claiming that although he doesn't accept all of the blame, he is willing to accept that his (and Mayson's) performance on the balance beam put the "final nail in the coffin".

During the apology, Kennedy leans over to Fredrick, telling him that they need to start "looking for votes". Kennedy then quietly asks Jody to accompany him to the river bank, with Ceri following the pair. Isaiah notices the trio walking off, and decides to take the opportunity to speak with those remaining by the camp.

Sheamus and Fredrick put their things away in the shelter whilst the trio talk next to them. Isaiah brings the pair into the conversation, telling them of his beliefs that Jody and Ceri are related and part of a twist in the game. Everyone seems somewhat dumbfounded by Isaiah's claims, but Hall begins to humour them, feeling as though it is a good way to get the attention off himself and Mayson for their poor performances.

Down by the river bank, Kennedy, Ceri and Jody discuss the upcoming vote. Kennedy tells them that he understands he is physically proving to be a liability, but that he feels they need to use the first vote to take out Hall or Mayson.

Sometime later on, Jody takes Isaiah to one side at camp, asking him on his thoughts about the vote. Jody explains that he feels concerned that a majority alliance could be formed between Hall, Mayson and Sheamus, and that the other individuals should band together to vote out Hall from the game to prevent this.

Isaiah gets up and walks away from Jody, leaving him bewildered as he tries to comprehend what has just taken place. As Isaiah returns to camp, he makes a comment to the rest of the group that "he (Jody) knows he's going". Kennedy asks Fredrick what Isaiah means, leading Fredrick to briefly explain that Isaiah is targeting Jody for elimination.

Kennedy rushes Fredrick and himself over to where Jody is stood, quickly talking amongst themselves to catch-up on the state Isaiah is currently in. Fredrick explains that Isaiah would not vote anyone but Jody, and that their initial plan of getting five votes on Hall will not be possible.

Jody manages to get Sheamus off on his own, with Ceri coming over to join them. The trio discuss the vote, and Sheamus admits that Isaiah has been campaigning to get Jody out of the game.

At tribal council, the group waste no time admitting that they were too cocky in their approach to the game, with Hall admitting he has been "humbled" by their defeat. After talking about the weakness in the challenge (particularly the performances of Hall, Mayson and Kennedy), Isaiah decides to bring up the "personal issues" going on at camp; namely between himself and Jody. Isaiah proceeds to talk about his theory, much to the tribes amusement. Jody seizes the opportunity to defend himself, with both him and Ceri slamming Isaiah for his "paranoia", asking anyone else in the group to speak up if they agree with Isaiah's theory. No one intervenes to defend Isaiah, leaving him frustrated that he is being "made out to be crazy". Isaiah promptly suggests that even if his theory is wrong, that it doesn't change the fact that Ceri, Jody and Kennedy went off to make plans right after the loss. Isaiah goes on to reveal Jody's initial pitch of voting for Hall, Mayson or Sheamus to prevent the trio from "taking control". Jody hesitantly admits that he initially had planned to vote Hall, but that he is firmly now of the belief that Isaiah causes too much trouble to be allowed to stay in the game. Hall is seen laughing along to this, amused that he was the initial target of several tribe mates. When asked what the vote will give the tribe, Fredrick answers "clarity", much to the agreement of his tribe mates. With everyone eager to get to the vote, Jody commences the voting, confidently writing down Isaiah's name. One by one each of the men follow, ready to see which of them will be the first ousted from the game. As Jeff brings back the urn, Isaiah sits up straight, confident that he has the backing of his tribe mates in getting rid of his short term rival.

Jody sighs in disappointment, having expected Isaiah to be leaving due to stirring up the drama around camp. Isaiah smiles and nods boldly, winking at Sheamus and Hall for siding with him on the crucial first vote. After his torch is snuffed, Jody turns to his tribe mates and tells them "good luck in dealing with him", before departing the tribal council area. The seven men grab their torches and return to camp, knowing that they will need to perform better as a unit and in challenges if they are to stand a chance in beating the women.