Head Honcho

Head Honcho is the third episode of Survivor: Pearl Islands.

Day 6 (Night)
The remaining six members of Morgan return to camp having just suffered their second loss in just six days, this time voting Lucy out of the game. The mood seems relatively stable around camp, with everyone talking in good spirits despite the understandably awkward post-tribal feeling. "morgan"

- We're down two people now, and as a tribe we couldn't have had a start any worse than we've experienced. We struggled with fire, shelter, challenges... everything. It's a miracle that we all seem to still get along given the circumstances. The only tension we've got right now is either around Marcus being Marcus, or the supposed girls versus boys thing that Lucy tried before she left. I think it's a load of bull, but even if the girls do believe it... there ain't much they can do now. I like Mina and Emma though, they're both cool... so if we lose again I don't think either of them would realistically go.

Marcus seems unusually quiet, clearly bothered by the fact the vote was much closer than he had anticipated, having only stayed over Lucy by a single vote, leaving his position amongst his tribe mates questionable. Neither Emma nor Mina explain to him why they voted the way they did, not feeling as though they owe him such an explanation at this time. "morgan"

- I knew going into the vote that Lucy was going home, and it didn't bother me that much. I mean, part of our agreement as a group was that Lucy and Marcus would be the next to go, and I just wanted to prevent the girls numbers going down to two so early on. We were told that Lucy was the final vote... and then Mina and I explained we'd like to vote for Marcus still, just to send him a message that his behaviour and challenge performances have been pretty abysmal so far. If it helps him change for the better then that's great... if not then I hope Callum and Jamal stick to their word and vote him out next.

Drake
Michael and Grace work hard together on collecting food in the early hours of day seven, wanting to continue the steady flow of meals for the tribe, who appear to be flourishing in comparison to their rivals. "drake"

- The last few days I've been practising with the spear, and I'm really getting the hang of it. Right now I'm catching medium sized fish, and everyone seems grateful for the contribution. I'm hoping one day that I can bring something back... like... a decent sized shark (laughs). I want to excel in the game through any means I can, whether it be socially, game playing, surviving. Few people get to come out here so I'm not wasting this one opportunity to play.

"drake"

- Michael is an interesting character to me. He's one of the few people I feel I can look at as competition out here, especially given he's got a commanding presence, everyone respects him, and when we talk game he knows his stuff. He worries me because I know to win the game I have to beat him eventually. Talking about his personal life shows that he's very use to getting his own way, and that maybe he has commitment issues... or maybe he's hard to connect with long term. I don't know what the future holds for Michael and I in this game, but I do want to work with him through to the merge, at which point I'd like to prevent any more money being sent into his already stacked bank account.

Michael and Grace deliver a healthy supply of fish back to Lang and Judith, who descale and gut the fish, preparing to cook them for the tribes meal. Judith looks over at the other four tribe members, who are laying together on the sand in order to relax.

"drake"

- Some people on my tribe extremely lazy and don't do anything. You tell them "get water", they don't do it. You tell them "get wood", they lay down. Everything on our tribe done by the same four people. Duncan, Luke and Danielle the laziest people on this tribe. We keep winning challenges to keep us all safe, but it is now reaching a point where some people don't deserve to be worked for. This game isn't charity.

The four younger players continue to lay on the beach for another hour, talking about their similar interests back home, as well their feelings on the current situation on the Drake tribe. They somewhat boast about their winning record, joking that the game is easier than advertised. "drake"

- Survivor is... okay. I'm laying on a beach, with a young beautiful girl, a new best friend... Holly, who I know is into chicks but she's cool. She's like one of the guys I guess. Someone I could go for a beer with. We all get along in this group, and there's only one person who feels like an outsider; Judith. She's nice and all, but she's deaf, and as sad as it is... she can't really get involved as much. We haven't lost yet, and we might not lose for a while longer. I just think that if we do end up having to vote someone out, we... and Judith... know she'll be the one going. It's not easy, but someone has to be first.

Duncan stands, walking over to the shelter where he watches Judith and Lang prepare the meal. Luke and Daniell eventually join him, leaving Holly alone to collect the wood. "drake"

- I think there's some tension in our tribe between the older members... Michael, Grace, Lang and Judith... and then the younger crowd. I have the luxury of being able to fit in with both sides. When we finally go to tribal council there's this unspoken fact that Judith is the easy target, and that's been decided by the four men of our tribe who each made a bond with myself and Danielle... Michael also is evidently close with Grace, so it leaves Judith as the only person that we're all assuming has no real friends looking out for them.

Morgan
Callum and Marcus explore their island, using the time to collect much needed supplies as well as looking for the buried treasure, which they only have a single clue for. They spend much of their time talking, as Marcus remains paranoid after receiving three votes at the previous tribal council. "morgan"

- Last night, I didn't think that the girls would all be voting for me. I mean, I knew Lucy was voting for me. She was a pain in the ass and didn't like me. I didn't like her. She's gone, so that's irrelevant now. But what surprised me was that Mina and Emma also tried voting me out. Ain't none of them even said sorry or told me why they did it, so I'm pissed. I want to sit both their asses down and have them tell me what they thought they were achieving... but I don't know if there's much point. They want to play the sexism card or whatever the hell it was they spoke about last night... let them. But neither better expect a damn thing off me whilst they stay on this island.

"morgan"

- We spent some time this afternoon looking for the buried treasure, and obviously without luck. This island isn't small, it could be anywhere... and with one clue we haven't got a chance in hell of finding it. I got to spend the time searching with Marcus, who is all kinds of mad because he got votes last night. I lied to him and said I didn't have a clue he was gettin' any votes... but we all knew. He's more in the dark than he realises, and I don't think he's aware how unstable his position in this group is. Unless he starts making more friends and doing better in challenges, then I think Marcus will be the next to go.

Back at camp, Emma and Jamal go searching for food, leaving Mina and Juan, the oldest tribe members, to rest in the shelter. The pair look along the shoreline, collecting small crustacean and sea snails for consumption. Jamal screams jokingly as he tries to pick up a crab, which in turn tries to pinch him. Emma begins laughing, glad to have some light entertainment through Jamal's actions. After returning, they cook what they were able to catch, serving it to the entire tribe once Marcus and Callum return.

The tribe laugh as Jamal attempts to eat a snail, gagging profusely as he sucks the snail into his mouth, covering his mouth so he doesn't waste the food. Tears stream down his face, with the entire tribe breaking down in laughter, eventually congratulating Jamal for trying. "morgan"

- Time out here moves pretty slowly. We each get probably about five to six hours of sleep a night... so we have eighteen hours in the day to fill. It can be incredibly boring, so to have someone like Jamal who is so fun and... hilarious in how he is dealing with this situation. It's a huge help to all our spirits.

Jamal eventually swallows the snail, vowing to never consume another for as long as he lives, instead turning his attention to the boiled crabs. Juan pats Jamal on the back, claiming that he is proud to see him getting so "stuck in" to Survivor. "morgan"

- I didn't come out here thinking I'd be the joker of this tribe. I always thought I was a pretty funny guy, my friends might say differently but... I laugh at my own jokes. But I guess an audience of starving people who can't escape me are my biggest fans right now. If making them all laugh means that they want to keep me around then cool, I'm all here for it. I'm just a city boy at heart so all my reactions to being out here are genuine... and it's easy for me to pull off. Plus, the incentive of making Emma laugh is there... because she's looking more fine by the day. I know what I want for my next reward... (laughs)

Day 8
Challenge: Sprung A Leak Sink the other tribe's two boats (each with three people inside) any way necessary. Once your own boat sinks, you're out of the challenge. Reward: Mattress, pillows, blankets; loot one item from losing tribe; piece of treasure map Winner: Drake
 * Grace and Holly sit out for Drake.

Drake
Drake returns to their island having just won another challenge, cementing their feeling of being unstoppable against their competitors. The tribe immediately begin discussions as to who should leave for Morgan's camp, with Grace, Michael, Duncan and Luke all volunteering to go.

"drake"

- Duncan is in my opinion quite an immature guy. Actually, that's not opinion... it's more fact. Everyone on the tribe other than maybe Luke, who is equally immature, can see the behaviour for what it is. It's just attention seeking, and everything is done for show and entertainment. I think he's very aware that whilst we're out here in our own worlds, that there's another world back home watching us, and he wants to deliver for that. It's an extremely disingenuous way to play this game, because Duncan isn't doing what's best for Duncan, or the tribe... he's doing what he feels will make the best television. You can't rely on somebody like that.

Michael walks over to the boat, wishing the tribe luck on their search for the buried treasure. "drake"

- Going to the Morgan tribe was the safest option for me today. We sent Duncan before, and we know he probably made a joke out of the whole thing, and did whatever he could to get a rise out of their tribe. I'm a lot more ... level headed than Duncan. I'd like to say I'm a nicer person. I only felt confident in myself or Grace going, and thankfully a majority of the tribe got behind me. I'm not going to take anything significant from Morgan, because right now I'm sure they're hurting. There could be a tribe switch soon, or a merge not long after... the last thing I want to do is make myself an individual who the other group want out. Looting gives me the chance to build a relationship with the other tribe, no matter how brief the meeting will be... it could be the difference between their tribe looking to work with me and them wanting to vote me out the first chance they get.

Some time later, Danielle, Grace and Lang lay in the shelter on the newly won mattress and pillows, quickly falling asleep with the comfort the reward items bring. Holly lays with them, watching the fire as Duncan, Judith and Luke leave to search for the buried treasure. "drake"

- The blankets, pillows and mattress were one of the best things we could have won for the tribe at this point. We're doing as good as can be expected when you're living on a deserted island, but nights are cold and uncomfortable laying on the hard shelter. I think as soon as a few of us laid down we were gone just like that. Having soft bedding is a luxury... but it's something we all take for granted in our lives. That bit of home comfort was exactly what we needed. I mean I laid down and no longer had any interest in looking for the buried treasure, because what could top this? I let the two boys and Judith go on the search, which is worrying because I think the boys wanted to go alone, but Judith doesn't want to feel left out anymore. They'll probably bicker and then come back empty handed. Whilst on the search, Luke and Duncan continue their boisterous banter, making jokes at one another's expense rather than properly searching for the buried treasure. Judith becomes increasingly frustrated, eventually splitting from the boys to search on her own. Luke complains to Duncan that his hand hurts, having injured it earlier in the reward challenge. Duncan jokingly slaps the hand, causing Luke's eyes to water whilst he laughs.

"drake"

- In today's reward challenge, my hand got caught between our boat the the other sides, and it kind of crushed it a bit. It's swollen up pretty fast and is tender to touch. It sucks because my foot is still hurting from when I cut it early on, but that's just started to heal up and now I've gone and done something else. I'm accident prone on this island. I don't want it to get to a point where the group thinks I'm too injured to do anything, but I don't wanna like... strain anything more. I don't think I should even be out here digging. I should be back in the shelter getting some rest. Luke and Duncan begin calling out for Judith, wondering where she's gone off to. Duncan makes a joke that shouting is pointless, as Judith will be unlikely to hear them due to her impairment. Eventually, they find Judith looking around a small area on her own, asking her why she left.

"drake"

- Judith is pretty annoying. I didn't want her to come with us because I knew she'd find some way to make this about her and forever being a victim in life. It's tiring. I have complete respect for the girl coming out here with her disability... but she can't expect everyone to walk on eggshells around her and make extra effort to see that she's happy. This isn't the make Judith feel welcome brigade. She wants to just fit in, then she can fit in and not get special treatment like she always wants. It's annoying. If I went off on her like she just did with me and Luke, I'd get called a bully and an ass... but she does it and I'm suppose to apologise to her. Pathetic.

Judith becomes visibly upset with Duncan arguing back with her, whilst Luke remains silent, clearly unsure what to say in the situation without making it worse. After another thirty minutes of no luck, the trio head back to camp in silence, with Judith laying down in the shelter and shielding her face, wiping a few tears off her cheek. Duncan and Luke sit by the fire with Holly, whispering about the small argument that occurred on the excursion. Duncan is seen mouthing the words "she's crazy" as Luke nods in agreement. "drake"

- I try my best to work hard in camp, and to just listen and be friendly to everyone, but so many people have made me feel so unwelcome in what is meant to be my home too. Duncan is just a nasty guy. He's like the bully from high school who picks on the weaker people. Luke just follows him around... and the whole tribe allows it to happen. Only a few people here show me any kindness of respect. I don't know what I've done wrong... but they treat me like I'm some sort of expendable disease. I hate it on this island... I hate it!

Morgan
The tribe sit disheartened around their shelter having lost their fourth straight challenge, having failed to accumulate a single win throughout the game so far. Mina places the tribes main cooking pot on the fire, wanting it to be hot enough so that the other tribe cannot loot it from them.

"morgan"

- I love my tribe, and I can't imagine playing this with anyone but them. Sadly, we don't seem to be that great at working together in challenges. I don't actually even think it's an issue with cohesion, but more ability. The other tribe is just stronger than us, and they have momentum. We just need one win to tip the scales.

The group speculate as to who will be sent to loot this time, expecting it to be someone other than Duncan. Emma tells the tribe that they should try to "interrogate" whoever is sent, as they may be able to get valuable information out of the Drake member. "morgan"

- I don't really care who Drake send over, because whoever it is they're taking from us. It ain't a case of I hope it ain't Duncan or I hope it's the girl with the nice body. They're thieving from us. We barely got anything here and they're taking some more, so I don't have a preference as to who I wanna see steal from my group.

A boat is seen approaching the Morgan tribe's beach, with Michael seen sat towards the front.

Michael jumps off the boat and walks through the shallow water where he's greeted by Juan. The pair shake hands, before moving up towards the shelter where Michael politely introduces himself to each tribe member. The group openly joke to Michael that he is more "polite" than their previous guest (Duncan), which Michael laughs about, admitting that he isn't surprised Duncan rubbed the group the wrong way.

"morgan"

- Michael is a very diplomatic kind of guy. He's obviously intelligent and has a sort of charm in how he holds himself. We guessed he'd be the leader of the Drake tribe, and his visit to our island more than proved that to us. He's the kind of person you'd love if they worked with you... but because he's on the other side it's kind of... annoying. Like wow, they're a competent tribe with a competent leader... and I think we all really want him gone now.

Michael looks around the camp, asking the group what items they wouldn't like him to take, assuring them that instead he'll take something of "lesser value" as a show of good faith. Juan ultimately makes the decision to offer over half the tribes cutlery, which Michael accepts, leaving them with the bare minimum needed to be able to function.

Michael begins walking back to the boat, catching on to the tribes attempts to secure information out of him. The tribe wave him off as he wishes them luck for the next immunity challenge, watching as his boat pulls away to take him back to the Drake camp.

"morgan"

- Each time we've lost so far something has been taken from our camp. Sometimes it's a tribe member... sometimes it's an item we could use. We're just been knocked deeper and deeper into hopelessness. The other tribe seem like such giants compared to us, and it hurts because we feel like nothing we do can save us. I know there's been tribes to lose a lot before, but none have ever lost so much that they've had so much taken from them. All of us though have dealt with it amazingly... no one has shown how low we really are. I don't even care about the fact on the tribe I'm in a good spot, because what is my spot worth when there's nobody left. I've been praying to God that we can get through this time... and I'm looking though my Bible, reading the Book of Samuel, at the passages around David and Goliath. Great odds can be overcome, but we need to see a change soon.

Day 9
Both tribes prepare for the immunity challenge, with Morgan especially pumping themselves up to try and achieve their first victory of the game. Jamal gives a comedic team talk to the group, wanting to pump them up so that they utilise the limited confidence they have left in the challenge. "drake"

- Challenge today is not a big deal for our tribe. A few people say they want to keep winning, and I'm very, very happy to keep winning. But, we have a few lazy people on our tribe. These people don't deserve to be dragged through the game. If we lose, we have people we can vote for. They say Judith is the easy vote, but I like her very much. Duncan lazy. Luke lazy. Danielle lazy. One of them need to go.

"morgan"

- Today is a big day for us... again! We've had loss after loss after loss... after loss! I'm tired of it. My tribe is tired of it. We're bringing everything we got today... we've got Mina with the Asian persuasion, Juan with the strong Latin blood, Callum coming to take out the Drake trash, Emma with her fiery red hair, Marcus and those muscles we haven't seen put to use yet... and me going full black-attack. Drake thinks they've seen what we've got to offer... I beg to differ. Today we will find the win we've been craving. If we lose again... don't air this... I'll look even more like a dumbass... (laughs)

Challenge: Pull Your Weight One person is harnessed to a rope above the water. Hold them up for as long as possible. Every five minutes, the player pulling at the front of the rope must let go. Information: Mina and Judith are selected as the individuals to be hoisted up by their respective tribes, both being put through excruciating pain as they pressure of their harnesses causes numbness in their legs and pressure on their cores. Duncan begins struggling immediately, performing much worse than expected for Drake. Despite this, Grace is the first to be selected to let go, whilst Juan does the same for Morgan, somewhat tiring early on. Callum and Holly are the next two to let go, as both feel they may begin to let the rope slip. Jamal, Marcus and Emma perform well, holding on with firm grips. Michael and Lang both hold on well for Drake, whilst Duncan continues to struggle, begging to be the next to let go. Duncan and Emma then step down, followed by Jamal and Lang, leaving Marcus and Michael to go head to head. In the end, Michael lets go, having tired faster due to having less support from tribe members during the course of the challenge. Morgan celebrate their win, particularly congratulating Mina for enduring the pain, and for the strong performances from Jamal, Marcus and Emma. Winner: Morgan
 * Danielle and Luke sit out for Drake.

Drake
The eight members of Drake return to camp having just lost their first challenge, knowing they will head to tribal council now that they are without immunity, where they must vote the first person off the tribe. The group begin placing themselves around the shelter, discussing their feelings having just lost a challenge.

"drake"

- After nine days of victories, we just lost our first immunity challenge. Well... our first challenge at all. I'm not that surprised we lost this one, because Morgan do have bigger guys, and I think their growing desperation turned into a huge advantage for this particular challenge. We also couldn't use Luke in the challenge despite his muscle... because he's injured his hand or something? I've taken a look at it, and it does look swollen... I'm sure it hurts, but his consistent injuries are bringing his performances into question. We need to vote someone out... end someone's journey. His injuries and weaknesses are the only thing that comes to mind for me, and give us all a good reason to send him on his way.

Luke and Duncan ask some others to join them down the beach, walking off with Holly, Michael and Grace, leaving Lang, Danielle and Judith back at camp to tend to the fire. "drake"

- I couldn't participate today because of my hand... you know gripping the rope would have been pretty much impossible for me. We expected to lose eventually because our tribe has gotta mad tense the last few days. Especially after the fight Duncan and Judith had... I think it's time we sent her home. She's done well... like as well as she could have done. But like... I don't think any of us feel like we can be comfortable around her. It's better to vote her out now rather than later on when her uh... disability becomes something that could help her win support.

The group split up and begin walking back to camp, giving Holly and Grace a chance to briefly talk as they do so.

"drake"

- This first vote is more complicated than I expected it would turn out to be. Usually it's just vote out the weakest person or the most annoying, but because we're over a week into this game, our tribe is considering what a swap could mean if one was to happen. Luke hasn't been a great competitor because of his injuries. Danielle doesn't really bring anything special to the team. Judith is causing some friction and feels less reliable. Duncan rubs most people the wrong way. I feel like I could vote most of those four and not feel any guilt. Right now the vote is on Judith, but turning it on Danielle or one of the boys could be horrendously easy. I want to do what keeps the group strong... but I also want to make sure after the vote that whoever has gone home doesn't have loyalists still in the game who'll seek vengeance.

Back at the shelter, Lang and Judith whisper to one another in order to privately discuss the upcoming vote. Danielle lays nearby, but appears to have fallen asleep in the comfort of the shelter.

The two cut their conversation short as Danielle begins to stir in the shelter, and the others begin returning from their discussion down the beach. Holly and Grace join the duo by the fire, quickly catching one another up on the planned vote. Judith asks whether or not Danielle will be the vote, which Grace hesitantly confirms.

"drake"

- When you lose an immunity challenge you have to vote someone out. I'm the smallest person here... and because of my hearing I think the others might think I'm weak. Luke and Duncan both don't like me and treat me like an idiot, and I think they could vote for me. The others are saying to vote for Danielle, but the arguments to vote for her can be made against the two boys. I'm happy to vote any of those three... but if we can get one of those jerks out instead of Danielle then I'll go for it, because the more they're together the cockier and nastier they become.

Throughout the remainder of the day, Duncan and Luke seem confident in the plan to vote against Judith, whilst the others discuss whether voting for her is a viable option, or if instead a move should be made against Danielle or one of the boys. Grace and Holly join Michael, deciding to discuss the vote as a threesome, believing they hold the power over the rest of the tribe.

"drake"

- I try to look at this game as analytically as possible. Taking emotion out of the equation, the logical vote tonight would perhaps be against Judith. Whilst I like her and think she benefits the tribe more than say... Danielle... it has to be said that voting Judith angers the fewest people. Voting Danielle has the least impact on the tribe dynamics... it would probably rile up Duncan and Luke. Then the third and final option is we vote for one of the two guys... Duncan is the most volatile, and I don't think any of us want to deal with an angered version of himself tonight, so it might be safer to just vote him out the first chance we have. Then there's Luke... who isn't just incapable of competing half the time... but is also Duncan's right hand. Sever that tie and we... being myself, Holly and Grace, have much more power over the direction of the group. I never expected it to be so complex... but that's part of the beauty of this game. The wrong decision tonight and we pay for it somewhere down the line.

At tribal council, the eight members light their torches in the fire, knowing that for one of them this will be their first and only trip to tribal council. The group discuss their early success, which a majority of the tribe put down to their strength in challenges and work ethic around camp. However, the discussion of strength quickly turns to weakness, with Lang mentioning that some tribe members aren't fully pulling their weight, although he refrains from specifying any names in particular. Luke is asked about his challenge performances, highlighting that as an athletic young man he should be contributing more than he's shown thus far. He defends himself by pointing out his injuries, suggesting that they should soon heal and enable him to make a bigger impact in bringing the tribe to victories. Judith responds to this by saying that the tribe doesn't "have time wait". Discussions then arise over the growing tension between Judith and the duo of Duncan and Luke. The boys suggest that Judith often plays the role of a victim, and feels as if she deserves preferential treatment. Judith denies this, believing that Duncan and Luke would rather force her into the role of an outcast than make her feel welcome. Grace is given the final word, which she uses to propose that the tribe make a vote that keeps them strong moving forward, and one that can get them back to their winning streak they enjoyed for the first eight days.

Both Duncan and Luke look at one another in disbelief, completely blindsided by the other six on the tribe voting together. Luke somewhat laughs, hiding his anger and disappointment as he takes his torch over to Jeff. Judith smiles as he does so, receiving a comforting hand on the shoulder from Lang. After Luke leaves, Duncan continues shaking his head and laughing, ready to raise hell on the tribe that just voted his closest ally out of the game.

Voting Confessionals
"drake"

- Judith, you put on the tears and think we should all feel sorry for you. I've got respect for what you've done, but not for how you're playing this.

"drake"

- (vote not shown) We aren't seeing much strength from you. I don't know what else to say... I'm sorry. I don't think you'll see this coming, but don't be so certain in the future.

"drake"

- (voting for Judith) I think you've got a bigger problem with me than I have with you. I don't even have an issue with you... but you keep throwing s**t my way and try to act like you're being bullied. It's gotten boring... so... yeah.

Final Words
"drake"

- What a crazy first vote, right? I didn't see this one coming. Maybe I should have thought my injuries to my hand and uh, my foot... were more serious in the eyes of the tribe. I just can't believe they pulled this off so well. I'm still in a bit of shock about the whole thing. I hope Duncan can get through to the merge, because he's a cool guy and misunderstood just because he has a dark sense of humour. I think the tribe will continue to do well, but they won't all get far. There's too many people wanting to be the centre of attention...