Hardship Builds Character And Resilience

Hardship Builds Character And Resilience is the season finale of Survivor: Pearl Islands.

Day 36 (Night)
Callum, Holly, Jamal and Mina return to camp having just seen Judith finish the game in fifth place, leaving the four of them to fight it out over the final few days. Despite losing her ally, Holly shows her gratitude to the other three for keeping her around.

Day 37
As the sun begins to rise over the Balboa camp, the recently awoken tribe spot a boat heading over to their beach. Upon its arrival, Jeff steps off onto the sand, carrying with him a tray with refreshments and pastries.

Jeff pours five mimosas, giving a congratulatory toast to the final four, telling them that they should each be proud of how far into the game they've come. After finishing their drinks and pastries, Jeff informs the final four that he has "one more thing" for them. He heads over to the boat, and returns with four sealed envelopes, sending both Holly and Mina into tears as they are aware what the envelopes contain.

The final four each go off into a private area in order to read their letters once Jeff has left on his boat, wanting to enjoy a solitary moment to gaze over their loved ones words. Mina reads hers aloud as she's alone, with the letter being from her children and husband. She cries as she looks over the letter again and again, hoping that she has done her family proud.

Holly reads her letter, wiping tears from her cheek as she takes in her families words.

Sitting in the shelter alone, Jamal looks over his letter from his family. He laughs at his brothers messages, eventually shedding a single tear.

Callum sits on a large boulder whilst reading his letter from his mother, which breaks him down into tears. He jokes that this is what the island has done to him, claiming that back in the real world he isn't a sensitive person.

After reading their loved ones letters, the group come together around the shelter, sharing the contents of their letters with one another in a rare game-free moment. Several hours pass, and the final four continue lazing around the shelter discussing the letters and the impact it's had on them mentally. Holly and Mina both agree that the letters have made them less sad to see the game end, as it reminds them of all the good waiting for them once they arrive back in the States. Callum collects tree-mail and brings it back to the tribe, reading it aloud to the other three.

Jamal and Callum begin packing their things, whispering in agreement that if Holly were to somehow win immunity, that their backup will be to vote for Mina. Callum voices his concern about it becoming boys versus girls in that instance, but Jamal tells him that he'd be willing to draw a rock for his friend.

Mina and Holly also get their things packed after changing together, talking about their nerves going into the next immunity challenge. Mina asks Holly what she'll do if she wins the challenge, but Holly tells her that she'll remain "undecided" on that until tribal council.

Tribal Council
The final four arrive at tribal council, taking their seats as they are then joined by the five member jury, which will soon be built up to include a sixth member. Jeff explains to the group that they will be answering questions on survival and pirate folklore, and that the first person to score five points wins immunity and a guaranteed spot in the final three.

Challenge: Tribal Draft

Questions about pirate trivia and survival trivia were asked. One point per correct answer, first individual to five wins.

Winner: Holly

Holly gladly takes the individual immunity holder off Jeff, sitting herself back down next to her peers who now have to turn on each other for the first time in weeks. Holly talks enthusiastically about her win, claiming that had she not won the necklace she undoubtedly was going to be voted out. Jamal, Mina and Callum all confirm this would likely have been the case, but that they were prepared should the odd person out ultimately win immunity.

Once Callum has finished, Jeff signals the start of the vote, with immune player Holly going first.

Mina holds back tears as she wishes the final three luck, having expected to be voted out the second Holly was able to win the immunity challenge. She composes herself as Jeff snuffs her torch for a second time, once again turning and wishing everyone well before leaving the tribal council area... this time for good. Jeff congratulates the final three on reaching the penultimate day of the game, informing them that all that lays before them and the final tribal council is a single immunity challenge, in which the winner will determine who joins them, and who becomes the final member of the jury.

Day 38
Jamal heads over to tree-mail in the middle of the night, finding coins inside, and a note to be read to the rest of the tribe.

Jamal reads the note, which tells the group to get some rest as their penultimate day will begin early, and that they must attend shipwreck bay at sunrise. Callum jokes that they'd receive rest had they not been disturbed, before heading back to catch some sleep. Several hours later, the final three prepare themselves to head off for the day, knowing that they will soon know which of them has won their way to the final tribal council.

The three head out of camp on their rowboat, wondering as to why they need to arrive at Shipwreck Bay so early before their final immunity challenge.

Shipwreck Bay
Upon arriving at Shipwreck Bay, Jeff greets the final three in front of a life-size wrecked pirate ship that gives the bay its name. Jeff informs the trio that today they will pay tribute to their fallen comrades, placing the thirteen torches of the ousted players aboard the wrecked ship before setting it alight ceremoniously. Almost immediately, rain begins to pour over the group as they make their way onto the ship, each carrying a selection of torches.

Callum then places down the torch belonging to his tribes former leader... Juan.

Marcus and Duncan's torches are placed down next, being the two victims of the unprecedented outcast twist.

Jamal then places down Emma's torch, being the first member of Morgan to fall victim in the post-merge phase of the game.

Lang's torch is placed next, with Jamal and Callum both saying they don't know what to say for him, given his quiet demeanour. Holly calls him "one of the kindest players".

The thirteenth and final torch is placed down by Jamal, being none other than the torch belonging to previous boot Mina.

The trio head off the boat, now soaked by the rain, taking their position opposite it and preparing their weapons to fire and set the ship ablaze. Counting down from three together, the group fire upon reaching "one", watching as the ship quickly sets alight, and the flames consuming the torches of those who have left the game.

Holly puts her arms around the boys either side of her as they watch the ship burn, heading off several minutes later in order to compete in their final immunity challenge.

Final Immunity Challenge
The group arrive at a series of pontoon floats, where Jeff is already stood waiting for them. He explains to the final three that they will now be competing in their final immunity challenge, in which they must balance on their pontoon for as long as possible, using only their hands and feet for balance. The trio take their positions, quickly finding out that the rocking of the waves makes the balancing much harder than anticipated.

Forty minutes into the challenge, all three are still in position, albeit looking a lot more tired than when they began. Jamal positions his torso pointing upwards, joking that he looks like he's about to do pelvic thrusts towards the air. Callum and Holly both begin laughing, as does Jamal, who ultimately ends up slipping when trying to grip his trainer against the damp surface of the float.

Callum remains quiet, clearly trying to push through the pain whilst Holly and Jamal bicker. Another twenty minutes pass, and the two are both showing signs that they are close to falling. Callum tries to rearrange himself, and comes very close to slipping. He makes a noise mid panic, causing Holly to look up, and in doing so she herself loses concentration, tipping over onto her side.

Callum gains enough energy to swim over to Jeff, who places the immunity around his shoulder. He informs Callum that beyond winning himself a spot in the final two, he will also as expected be voting out the final member of the game, and deciding who between Jamal and Holly will face the jury alongside him.

Balboa
The final three contestants return to camp after Callum managed to win the final immunity challenge, leaving him with only a few hours to determine who between Holly and Jamal will become the final member of the jury. The three sit comfortably around the fire and begin to speak openly, not having anything to hide between their pitches to Callum.

Jamal and Holly somewhat bicker back and forth, as Callum lays silently in the shelter, thinking over what they're saying as they speak.

Callum eventually speaks up, telling the duo that they should just enjoy what will be one of their last evenings, and then offers to prepare a meal.

At tribal council, the final three take their seats for the penultimate time as the jury of six sit down parallel to them. Jeff congratulates Callum on winning the immunity challenge, asking him how it feels to have reached the final tribal council.

Before the vote, Jeff gives Jamal and Holly one last chance to pitch their cases to Callum. Holly brings up her argument that she will be an easier competitor to beat, as it individualises Callum's game and takes away a likeable competitor in Jamal. Jamal argues along loyalty lines, stating that the fact they played a similar game makes it easier for Callum to argue his case to the jury, rather than to face off against an underdog. Callum confirms to Jeff that he's made his decision, and goes up to vote.

Holly nods, knowing that despite leaving the game that she didn't go down without a fight. She congratulates both Callum and Jamal, wishing them luck for their final night in the Pearl Islands.

After Holly has left, Jeff congratulates the two boys, who have made history as the first all-male final in Survivor. They are told that they will now head back to camp and get some rest over their final night in the Pearl Islands, as the following day will see them face a jury of seven, and pitch their case as to why they deserve to be the Sole Survivor and the recipient of the million dollar prize.

Day 39
Jamal and Callum get up slowly on their final morning, laughing at the sight of the two of them being the only people left in the game.

The boys spend the morning taking in the view of the beachfront for the last time, eventually getting the belongings they wish to take with them prepared. They take one final look at their camp before leaving, trying not to get too emotional at leaving what has been their home for the last thirty-nine days.

The boys head off in their rowboat, leaving the Balboa camp for the final time as it fades into the distance. Shots of the jury giving their thoughts on the final two are shown as the boys make their way to the tribal council area.

Final Tribal Council
Callum and Jamal take their spots at tribal council, looking over as the seven members of the jury enter and take their spots opposite them. The boys both receive warm smiles off former tribe members Emma and Mina, but blank stares off several others. Jeff gives those present the usual rundown of the evenings events, beginning with an opening statement given by the final two, followed by questions or statements by the seven jury members. Once every jury member has spoken, they will cast their votes for who they want to win the game, deciding which of the boys will become the seventh Sole Survivor.

Emma's question
Jeff thanks the jury for their participation before giving them a minute to gather their thoughts. Emma is selected to begin the voting, with each juror walking up on by one to cast a vote for either Callum or Jamal.

Once Judith sits down, Jeff goes to collect the urn, telling the group that they will find out the results when back in the United States. Jeff leaves the tribal council area, leaving friends Callum and Jamal to hug it out, knowing that whilst the game is over they must still wait several months before seeing which of them has been victorious.

Reunion
Jeff enters into the live studio, where he stands by a suited and seated Callum and Jamal, alongside the seven jurors who are equally well dressed for the occasion. Jeff lifts the lid of the urn, now ready to reveal the result of the final vote. Callum and Jamal put an arm around one another, wishing luck to their friend and competitor.

Jamal and Callum hug after the announcement, showing that their friendship appears to have survived the game. Jamal thanks the jury, before running wildly across the stage and down towards his family, jumping into his older brother Christopher's arms. Jamal's mother is seen crying as she hugs her now millionaire son.

Reunion notes

 * Jamal mentions that he is surprised to have won, despite knowing that it would be close between himself and Callum. He says that both he and Callum worked out they would likely have three votes each, and that Michael was the one "unknown" in their speculation. He states that he will be using his money to better the life of his family, and also try to inspire "young black boys" in rough neighbourhoods that they can achieve despite what society tells them.
 * Callum admits that even though his loss is disheartening, that he understands a lot of it came down to Jamal having the stronger social game, whereas he himself isn't as use to interacting with a wide variety of people. Despite their different backgrounds, Callum and Jamal announce that they are still good friends, and that they'll continue to remain so for years to come.
 * The relationship between Grace and Michael is explored, with Grace receiving quite a harsh response from the live studio audience. A teary Grace admits that she was let go from her employment due to her appearance on the show, as it was cited that her negative behaviour was not suitable for an education worker. Michael refuses to call the firing an overreaction when asked about it, stating that people should be aware that how they behave on the show can have real-world impacts. Mina comes to Grace's defence, stating that she feels there are double standards in how certain types of women are allowed to play the game. She argues that Callum in some regards was equally as cutthroat, which he then facetiously responds with "don't get me fired too!", much to the audience's amusement. Michael does however note that he doesn't hold a personal grudge against Grace, but claims he will not be returning 'her necklace' to her.
 * The dynamics of the dysfunctional Drake tribe is spoken about, with Judith being asked why the group weren't able to stay together. She accepts blame for their demise, given that she was one of the two renegades that sent Michael out of the game. However, she passes the buck over to Grace, who she says put the final nail in their coffin. Lang supports this claim, feeling as though the group were able to come back from Michael's betrayal, but once he (Lang) left that they were "finished". Jamal rejects this idea, saying that he, Mina and Callum were able to come back from a numbers deficit. Instead suggesting that Drake had a lot of B-rated players who got lucky that they won so many challenges, as otherwise they would have explored their disloyalty much earlier.
 * On the subject of Drake's disloyalty, Danielle, Duncan and Luke are asked if their betrayals at the hands of the other Drake members should have been prophetic to the tribes ultimate demise. Luke says it should have been, before jokingly pointing out that he is probably more to blame for his second elimination than anyone else. He talks about the stick he has received off friends and fans back home over his decision, which he felt was "a good idea at the time", but in hindsight realises he shouldn't have got so cocky. Duncan is asked about his behaviour during the show, particularly towards Judith, and the controversial comments he made during his last tribal council. He begins by apologising once again to Judith, saying that the footage shows his immediate realisation and regret over what he said. He goes on to note that he had attempted to reach out to Judith, but has since received no response. Judith herself replies by saying her and Duncan's interactions came to a final end the night he left the game, receiving applause off the audience.
 * Mina is asked about her return to the game, which she says gave her more than anyone could possibly understand. She claims to believe strongly that had she reached the final tribal council that she could have won the game, something which a majority of the jury confirm to be true. Mina also talks about her return to lecturing mathematics, which she says has now ventured into her giving talks on female empowerment at an older age, something she feels she became an expert in thanks to her Survivor experience.
 * Holly is asked about her belief that she could have been on tribal council away from winning, but she comes to admit that she's not certain if that would be the truth. A mock jury question is asked, with Holly and Callum being the final two. Jamal, Mina, Emma and Grace all raise their hands as being votes for Callum, meaning that Holly would have lost regardless of whether or not she made the final tribal council, and ultimately making Callum's decision to bring Jamal to the end a million dollar mistake.
 * The final five members of the game are all checked in with. Savannah says that whilst her experience was short, that she wouldn't have changed anything about it, and also receives an apology off of Marcus from him wrongly blaming her for early mistakes concerning the stolen items. Marcus talks about his poor performance despite his muscular aesthetic, something he says has made him and his buddies laugh. He assures Jeff he's hitting the gym "twice as hard" from now on. Lucy mentions that she was happy to see her tribe eventually do better, but wishes she was able to stick around to see their luck change, as she feels she could have brought more to the game than was seen. Juan mentions that due to his poor health, he had actually asked the others in 'the outcasts' not to vote him back into the game, something that Danielle and Luke ignored due to believing him to be deserving. He proclaims that he believes had he not done this, others would have voted him and that he would have returned to the game alongside Luke, and spoken him out of "any stupid choices". Finally, Emma mentions her great reception after the show, also bringing up that she has received random marriage proposals. Jeff asks if any are off Jamal, but she assures him that she and Jamal will remain "like brother and sister".
 * To end the reunion, Jeff gathers the results of the "Player of the Season" poll, in which the winner will receive $100,000. The top four in the poll are revealed to be Callum, Jamal, Judith and Mina, with Callum and Jamal being announced as fourth and third place, leaving the girls as the top two. The winner is revealed to be Mina ("by a massive margin"), giving the mathematician the six-figure prize.
 * Before fading, Jeff teases that for the first time ever, eighteen All-Stars will be returning to the game to compete for a second time in what will shape up to be the most competitive season yet!