Stranded

Stranded is the first episode of Survivor: The Australian Outback.

Day 1
The contestants are situated inside the aircraft, with each tribe taking either side of the interior. The Ogakor tribe appear to be glaring at their opponents, who appear to be having a rough time already, with oldest male member Neil vomiting into a small paper bag before even reaching the outback. Chelsie sits with Neil, putting her hand on his shoulder trying to comfort him. Both tribes exit the plane, taking their spaces on the designated tribe mats. Both tribes are given five minutes to raid crates full of survival gear. During the raid, Cindra appears to be taking charge, but only because her over the top manner presents her as the most confident. For Ogakor, the men appear to be taking control, with Clarity getting the most stuck in out of the women, while Laurencia, Johna and Georgia take a back seat. After the raid, Ogakor appear to be much better off, having almost stripped their crate bare, while Kucha, although also doing well, fail to gather the same amount as their rivals. Jeff briefs all the contestants, before sending them in opposite directions towards their camps, he hands both tribes a compass and a map, which should help them find their way.

Kucha
Kucha begin their five mile hike to camp, managing to perform well for the initial moments of the journey. Neil and Cindra appear to be taking control of the tribe, with Cindra taking the compass and map, stating that she has experience due to her job as a adventure tour guide. Neil appears to be getting annoyed with Cindra, particularly due to her loud voice and frantic nature. Carlson, Chelsie, Rose, Mitchell, Reniero and Carlson, as the younger members of the tribe, stand back, allowing the elders to take control. "kucha"

- As a group we were all heading in this military-esque line which Cindra felt was appropriate. Of course not wanting to upset anyone we all obeyed and just walked along, tugging these heaps of supplies. The application of leadership wasn't exactly democratic it was more of a coup by the older members. Maybe I'm being too pessimistic but a tour guide and a stockbroker fighting for power while walking round the Australian outback feels like the starting of a downward spiral.

Several hours later, after more ground had been made, the group appear to have gotten lost. Cindra begins to panic, stating that they are still on track, but Neil takes the opportunity to seize power, arguing that Cindra has failed to lead them without fault, and therefore he should be given the compass and the map. "kucha"

- As a tribe we're struggling to get to our designated camp because crazy lady decides to take us sight seeing. It annoyed me that as a tribe no one spoke up in favor of Cindra handing over the compass and the map, because it meant I had to take it by force, and alas the stockbroker once again is the 'bad guy' out here. Clearly the younger people should steer away from any decision making in the future, because they don't have the courage to stand up and make necessary calls.

"kucha"

- It's a little disheartening to be knocked down in this game. I'm a registered tour guide, I have been for the last seventeen years, I think I know how to read a map. I made one tiny mistake and that's it, I'm done. Either its a clear message of the nature of this game, or Neil's personal nature. I'll make sure to do the same to him when he slips up, because he will. (laughs)

The tribe begin to make up for lost time, with Neil proving to be an effective leader. The younger members of the tribe appear to be struggling to carry the supplies during the hike, apart from Reniero, who is easily coming off as the strongest member. Rose begins to stumble towards the end of the journey, stating that she is exhausted. Mitchell stops to help her, using Rose's weakness to take a break himself, as he too is struggling to keep up physically. "kucha"

- That hike was just disgusting. I was completely drenched in sweat, we were collapsing towards the end of it. I couldn't keep up. Thank God for Rose. It's always good to have someone around who is more of a liability then you are. When we finally reached our camp and saw the tribe flag we all went into this short run before collapsing down by the river which is situated right by us. But before anyone could even get a drink of water Neil stood up and said 'Ok guys, shelter'.

Neil begins giving out instructions to his tribe mates, telling them what roles to fill in order to get a shelter built, making an indirect attack on Cindra by stating that the "time wasted going in circles" means they cant stop to break. No one on the tribe argues against Neil's plan, all appear happy to follow his orders. Cindra, Chelsie, Alia and Carlson all work in the area where the shelter will be placed, while Reniero, Neil and Mitchell go off to collect some more supplies. Rose goes through the supplies that the group had salvaged upon arrival, doing the least physically demanding task after the hike appears to have taken a toll on her.

"kucha"

- I want to know what state is liable for granting Cindra travel...

"kucha"

- Cindra has this really overbearing personality and although I believe she has a good heart, it's really grating to be dealing with someone like her this early in the game.

The tribe spend the rest of their day working on the shelter, with Reniero, Cindra and Neil doing a majority of the work. The tribe manage to make a small temporary shelter, which they aim to expand on the second day.

Ogakor
Ogakor begin their five mile hike to camp as expected, with the men taking charge, particularly Farrell, who is the most physically gifted male on the tribe. Both Ned and Curt also appear to be performing well, standing just behind Farrell on the walk, while Clarity appears to be trying to impress the boys by keeping up with them, carrying more supplies than any of the other women on the team. Laurencia and Johna stand at the back of the group, clearly struggling with the journey. The two do however take the opportunity to bond, talking over their lives back in America. Both find a common bond in religion, but before their conversations can evolve any further, Victor stands by the girls, offering them both help, seeing that they are both somewhat struggling. "ogakor"

- It is so refreshing to have someone take weight off my shoulders, but like literally. I'm a mother of six, I have been the mum as long as I can remember, and the mum always runs the home. To have someone actually help me, to stop me from struggling, that was nice. Take note Jorge! When I come home you better help with groceries or I'm leaving you for a, uh, a magician. (laughs)

"ogakor"

- Helping people is simply my nature. It isn't a strategic play to help people, its my natural reaction.

Several miles later on into the journey, the tribe members remain in their positions. Farrell continues to lead the group, with Ned and Curt standing behind him. Clarity and Georgia walk and talk together, while Laurencia and Johna stand behind them. Victor stands at the very back, making sure no one falls behind.

"ogakor"

- The term 'male chauvinist' isn't a fair description for me... It might be accurate, but what man isn't. It's scientifically proven that women, in scenarios like Survivor, just aren't as capable of men. We saw it last season, all the top players like Ben, Uri, Teddy, Eli... They're all men. It's not sexist its just true. I mean we're walking in the Australian Outback and you have women talking about shopping, family... God... I mean... Can we work on getting to camp first?!

Eventually the Ogakor tribe reach their camp, having completed the journey around an hour quicker than their rivals. The tribe celebrate their arrival by touring the campsite, looking at the different areas which they will identify as home over the next thirty nine days. The tribe all get stuck into setting up a sturdy base for a shelter, with the women particularly getting involved to earn their keep. Curt presents an idea of a shelter, which many people perceive as a good plan, however, Laurencia states that Curt's plan wont work, as the foundations of the shelter wont be strong enough to withstand their weight as a tribe.

"ogakor"

- We've already got drama on our tribe because Laurencia and Curt don't know how to shut the hell up.

"ogakor"

- I think its hilarious that I'm being underestimated because I don't have an official career in Curt's mind. I'd like to see him do what I do. The man can barely present social skills... He doesn't even sell cars he rents them out...

The group stand around squabbling over the layout of the shelter, before de-facto leader Farrell steps in to make the final call.

Johna and Laurencia go off together to collect supplies for their shelter, setting up roofing that should keep them dry. Farrell, Curt, Ned, Clarity, Georgia and Victor stay in a group making the rest of the shelter, with Georgia bringing up the previous fight.

The group begin laughing at comments made about Johna and Laurencia, apart from Farrell and Victor, who remain quiet during the laughter. "ogakor"

- I don't like negativity, and its horrible that my tribe already are presenting themselves in such a manner. Curt's idea may go horribly wrong, and if that's the case we wont all laugh at him and make comments, so why he and the others are doing it towards the women, I do not know.

"ogakor"

- Based off immediate perception, Laurencia and Johna are the weak links, the outsiders. But I personally warm to them much more than the others. They're closer to me in age, and they're both good hearted people. I don't like this pessimistic, negative and spiteful attitude coming from these younger individuals. If that's how they want to play I'll spend the days alone by the riverbed.

The tribe spend the rest of the day on their shelter, before all coming together to get a good nights rest.

Kucha
Neil, Cindra and Reniero are the first three to arise at Kucha, having decided to get up early in order to complete daily chores. Neil begins by trying to make fire, with the assistance of Reniero. Cindra stands over them, telling them what to do, much to the annoyance of the boys, who feel Cindra is out of her depth.

"kucha"

- It was getting to a point today where I was considering failure when making the fire, just so Cindra couldn't drink. But I'm putting my overall loyalty to the group above the annoyance that is Cindra. So when myself and Reniero actually got a fire going it was nice to let Cindra know she had no hand in it.

Alia and Carlson get up shortly after the boys got the fire going, both volunteering to retrieve water for the group. While the two set off to collect water, Neil begins boiling some rice for the tribe, with Reniero helping to stoke the fire. Cindra scouts the tribe area, looking for natural sources of nutrition, while Mitchell, Chelsie and Rose sleep in. While out by the water source, Alia and Carlson take the opportunity to get their strategic games going, knowing that those who fail to create a tight group end up falling short in the game.

"kucha"

- It feels almost naturally wrong to just throw yourself into an alliance this quickly into the game. But I studied last season and the one thing that became clear over and over was those who fail to align fail to succeed in the long run. Alliances are almost a poison apple, they'll either help you get to the end of this game, take control... Or they'll make you the most paranoid human alive. I'm just hoping this alliance between myself and Alia is the former of the two.

"kucha"

- I'm now in game mode where I stop with the greetings and the initial friendliness, and now I get into a frame of mind which is all game. One thing I refuse to do is forget the social aspect of this game, because as soon as you ignore that you become a messy player. I'm not here to be a messy player who comes second, I'm here to win. Our tribe is troublesome, but thankfully I thrive on problems. I think of it like... If there were no cavities and chipped teeth, then you wouldn't really need the dental nurse... Problems help me in the long run, or I'll adapt in a way that they'll help me.

Back at camp, Chelsie, now awake, helps Reniero and Neil with the cooking. Mitchell comes over to join them, not mentioning that he has slept in and done little work.

"kucha"

- It seemed almost as if Chelsie was taking a dig at me this morning. I have no idea why, considering I've done as much or as little as she has. What's worse is that she's a complete idiot... She has c**p for brains.

"kucha"

- Judging by Mitchells face after my light hearted comment, I'd say he was offended. Which is weird because he's a grown man, he needs thicker skin. Then no-strategy Neil butts in to throw down his two cents... I hopefully redeemed myself by pulling out some rubbish that I didn't know what rice was. I honestly feel that playing the dumb blonde card will work in my favour... I don't want to be perceived as a threat this early on in the game. I'm not going to tell any of them I was a physics major at my college, or that I'm a certified lifeguard. I'll let the first impressions and prejudices stay in their head, that way none of them will see me coming.

Rose stands up from the shelter, and bursts into tears immediately. The tribe are all horrified to see that Rose has become seriously sun burnt, and that she has bloated, suffering from an allergic reaction. Cindra returns to camp, dropping some firewood she had collected before running to Rose's side.

"kucha"

- Oh my God... I was sleeping next to that thing... It better not be contagious.

"kucha"

- I woke up today and I was just in serious pain. My skin is badly burnt and I'm just swollen. It hurts to move my joins... I... I don't want this to count against me too much because I've sacrificed so much to be here!

The tribe spend their day working around camp, while tending to Rose when she needs help. Medical come in to examine her, giving her the all clear to continue the game, stating her skin is simply reacting badly to the new elements that she is not use to, particularly with her fair skin. During the day Mitchell attempts to talk strategy with Reniero and Neil, trying to throw Cindra, Rose and Chelsie under the bus. However, Neil reacts badly, seeming to be firmly against strategy, citing it as the reason individuals have downfalls later in the game.

Ogakor
The Ogakor tribe all get up together, preventing anyone from slacking off work. During the night, one side of the shelter collapsed, forcing Laurencia, Johna and Ned to sleep uncomfortably. Farrell and Curt get a fire going, while Ned tries to ration the rice.

"ogakor"

- Last night I slept real bad, which in my opinion is a result of Curt's poor design. The men on this tribe are underestimating the women, I guess we just don't know anything... And I know Curt aint no Christian, so he best not pull out the Genesis story tellin' me that women were made to serve men. Nuh uh, aint having none of that.

Laurencia, Johna and Clarity stand over as the others make fire. Georgia continues lying in the shelter, although awake, while Victor goes off alone to look at the fishing boat. "ogakor"

- When I got told I was coming out here to play Survivor the one thing I wanted to do (points to the hook) ... this. I live Vegas, I have been there my whole life. Fishing is something I always regret not doing when I was younger because being able to catch your own food and to provide is just an amazing experience.

Back at the shelter, the group layout breakfast, before setting out to fix the shelter. Curt dishes up the food, not getting any for Victor, who he states is at fault for not being present at breakfast. The group begin eating their breakfast, talking about trivial topics, before moving onto the plan of action for the day.

"ogakor"

- I don't see how I can be condemned for this. My shelter is perfectly fine, its just I didn't assume we'd be needing to support someone of Laurencia's size.

"ogakor"

- I took a stand today as a leader today. I do feel I've naturally filled that role, which doesn't bother me because I feel I honestly have what it takes to get the, uh, Ogakor tribe to victory. I will make decisions which annoy people, but that's part of being the leader... I need to be careful with what I say, because anything I do or say will effect how the others treat me later in the game when a leader is no longer needed. We saw it last season with, uh, Uri... The psychic guy... He didn't treat all his members fairly, and they came back to take him out.

Farrell, Laurencia, Ned, Clarity and Johna get together to fix the shelter, changing the design to compensate with Laurencia's thoughts. Georgia walks round camp, doing very little to help, while Curt angrily stays by the fire, not getting involved. Victor returns to camp having attempted to fish, supplying the tribe with a single small fish. Despite not getting a large meal, the tribe seem grateful and impressed that Victor was able to catch one without advanced fishing equipment. After fixing the shelter, the tribe sit down to a meal of rice and fish, this time rationing the rice more evenly. "ogakor"

- Today has been great, I couldn't have asked for more from my first whole day in the Ogakor tribe. Being able to catch a fish seemed to get me some favor with the rest of the tribe, something vital in this game. I'm aware socially I might not have much in common with a model and these young big buff guys, but I'm trying... That way even if things don't work out, I can say I did my best. I've always been, uh, somewhat of an outcast in real life... At school I didn't have many friends... I mean even now I live at home with my rabbit Hercules (laughs). Sadly for me, my talents of pulling rabbits out of hats cant transpire into pulling a woman into my life... There's always tomorrow though, there's always the future.

"ogakor"

- Despite our troublesome start today I think we managed to pull it together as a tribe and I'm happy with how it all translated through the day. I think groups are naturally forming but, of course I'll go with the people I feel better with... The younger crowd of Georgia, Farrell, Curt and Ned... As a model I think people assumed I'll be buddies with Georgia, but I'm naturally drawn to the boys. I like to get stuck into the manual labour, the real tough work... I'm here to break and make stereotypes for models on survivor, and of course that small bit of cash that comes with winning (laughs).

Day 3
Both tribes get tree mail informing them that they will be facing their first immunity challenge, and which ever tribe loses will vote out the first member of the game. "kucha"

- Physically I feel ready to dominate today, I cant see any reason myself or the tribe will underperform. Rose's condition does worry me but the medical team gave her the go ahead, so I see no reason for her to cause our failure today.

"ogakor"

- Already it seems there are members that I think we would be better off without. I'd personally not like to live with Johna or Laurencia much longer, we'd save rice, and we wouldn't have to fix the shelter every time she breaks through it.

Challenge: Quest for Fire

Tribes must traverse certain obstacles, including a dilapidated bridge, and pull a raft across the river while keeping their torch lit. If at any time during the race one of the tribes&apos; flames is extinguished, that tribe automatically loses the challenge. The first team to climb to the top of a 30-foot tower and ignite it with their torch wins immunity.

Winner: Ogakor Information (Kucha): Chelsie, Cindra, Neil and Reniero perform well, clearly showing themselves to be strong in their physical ability. Alia and Carlson perform averagely, slightly slow when moving through the course. Mitchell and Rose both perform poorly, with Mitchell being overall a weak member of the tribe, and Rose's situation meaning she also performs poorly. Information (Ogakor): Clarity, Farrell, Johna, Ned and Victor perform well in the challenge, helping to pull the tribe to a win. Curt performs averagely, not being one of the strongest or weakest members. Georgia and Laurencia prove to be the weakest members, with Laurencia's size slowing her down on the course, and Georgia's overall weakness counting against her.

Kucha
Kucha return to camp having just lost the first immunity challenge. Upon returning to camp Neil decides to have an open discussion around the shelter. Rose immediately lies down in the shelter, clearly not caring enough to listen due to her condition. Mitchell sits on the ground while the others all stand.

Mitchell sits silently, looking up at Neil, who doesn't look back at him. Neil goes off to put his wet clothes on the side, leaving the others standing round the camp, unsure as what to do next. "kucha"

- Hey guys! Congratulations, we all rocked! I mean we lost, but we totally rocked! Gold star Cindra! Alia, I know your a girl, but here, have one too! Like, who the hell is this ass... (laughs)

Carlson and Chelsie are sat together by the shelter, while Alia sits inside with Rose, trying to keep her cool. Reniero, Cindra and Neil go off to collect firewood, while Mitchell walks behind them. Chelsie and Carlson appear to be bonding well, setting up a potential alliance between the two.

"kucha"

- I do think Carlson is cute... I mean he's good looking, smart, totally innocent. Of course I'll flirt with him, for strategic reasons too. I mean, I doubt he's use to someone like me acting this way around him.

Alia talks with Rose, with Chelsie and Carlson getting somewhat involved in the conversation.

"kucha"

- I know I'm in trouble tonight... I know that my illness means I'm a big target. I hope somehow I can make it past this, because I think once I recover I've got more to give than someone like Mitchell... Or Cindra...

While collecting firewood, Mitchell talks with Neil, trying to sway the vote onto Carlson, who he feels is weak. Neil doesn't seem interested in listening to Mitchell, due to holding a negative attitude towards strategic play.

"kucha"

- I'm tired of Mitchells attempts to play this big strategic game, and all its doing is angering me. I feel the best way forward is to vote out the weak, and the weak link right now is Rose...

Mitchell returns to camp, annoyed that Neil wont hear him out. Mitchell talks with the others, and they discuss Neil's 'no strategy' approach, and that he is enforcing them all to obey by this rule. Mitchell states that they should all vote for Neil, as he will ruin all their games. The others agree, stating Neil is a problem for them all in the long run. "kucha"

- All I can say is, Neil is the worst player out here. Had he listened to me, he would be lasting longer than day three.

Off away from camp, Reniero and Neil talk about the game, with Reniero being careful with his wording, making sure that he doesn't end up talking too strategically with Neil. Reniero attempts to sway the vote onto Mitchell, who he finds irritating as well as weak. Neil tells Reniero about Mitchells attempts to play strategically.

"kucha"

- I tried to humour Neil, acting as if I thought strategy was disgusting. We all know strategy is completely necessary out here. I don't like Mitchell, I think he's sneaky, rude and weak. Similarly to Mitchell, I also dislike Chelsie and Carlson. Carlson is that kind of snarky nerd who would cause problems at school and get away with it, and Chelsie is the kind of girl who uses her looks to get her own way. If I get my way I aim to try and manipulate this tribe to take those three out of the game. I trust Neil, because he doesn't have any strategic brain so I know he's with me. I trust Alia and Cindra as they're both good hearted people, and I trust Rose, because she's the most desperate person out here who needs an ally to keep her around. An alliance is like a table, you need just the right materials and pieces to come together to keep it sturdy... If you get one measurement wrong, or you use weak material, the whole thing collapses... This is a delicate process, but one I aim to perfect.

At tribal council the Kucha tribe explain that they feel overall things are going well, and that any mishaps at the start are in the past, and that the tribe will now look to the future, and how to make sure they can win challenges. Cindra mentions originally that she felt isolated on the tribe, but that she feels she has proved her worth, and that things feel brighter for her in the game. Neil talks about his no-strategy approach, which Jeff states is interesting, although appearing amused. Mitchell states that the no strategy approach is dangerous, and that the tribe will fall apart at the merge unless the form a strong strategic voting block. Reniero gets involved, stating that strategy is important, but there wont be a complete alliance unless weak members leave the game. When the votes come in, Mitchell is left alone in voting for Neil, while the other seven members unite in voting for Mitchell, due to his weakness in challenges and early attempts at stirring up the game.

Voting Confessionals
"kucha"

- Going with the group on this one.

"kucha"

- I think your challenge performance just sealed the deal, sorry about this.

"kucha"

- We never really talked. You didn't make that much of an effort with people, and scrambled too hard at the last minute.

"kucha"

- Not much to say other than thank f**k its not me.

"kucha"

- You played this game badly my friend... Strategy is necessary!

"kucha"

- I gave you one instruction. One! And you went against everything I said, you committed suicide essentially.

"kucha"

- I feel I instigated this. Thankfully we have a group of individuals I can manipulate. Your attitude wasn't particularly great.

"kucha"

- I'm shocked that the group decided against voting me, thankfully you were here.

Final Words
"kucha"

- This is stupid, its just, just totally stupid. Like who the hell plays this non-strategic game out here! Did they not see last season!? Absolute idiots. I think its clear no one on that tribe is winning, I mean they kept a inflatable girl over me, and some old guy who doesn't want to talk about votes... I'm glad I don't have to spend that much longer with them because I think I'd have thrown myself, or one of them into that fire.