Mussels Over Muscles

Mussels Over Muscles is the fifth episode of Survivor: Marquesas.

Day 12 (Night)
The Maraamu tribe return from their first tribal council, with most of its members experiencing a vote off for the first time since arriving on the island. After blindsiding their tribe leader Hillary, the girls of original Maraamu comfort one another after the extremely nerve wracking experience.

Ibrahim walks over to Ryan, who feels equally as betrayed by the result of their first vote, having been led to believe that Duana would be leaving the game over Hillary. Lotus tries to speak with Ibrahim about the result, but he fluffs he off, insisting that he needs time to think and come to terms with the result. Ibrahim leaves to sit alone on the beach, whilst Ryan retires to the shelter, not wanting to speak with the rest of his tribe mates. "maraamu"

- Tonight, uh... Tonight did not go the way I anticipated at all... at all. I thought me and the girls were good, and that we'd stay Maraamu strong moving forward. I feel pretty betrayed by Lotus, as she's someone I though I had something with. You think you know the people you play with out here and then they reveal their true selves when you're made to cast a vote. I no longer know where I stand with this group, and right now I don't want to speak with any of them. If I talk tonight I'll just be speaking from hate and anger, and that's not a place I want to be talking to any of them from. I'll sleep on my thoughts, and tomorrow I can hear what people have to say... the worst thing to do would be to call them all out, because I still need these people to work with.

"maraamu"

- Surviving tribal council tonight is one thing, but both me and Martin surviving is a miracle. The moment we lost yesterday I thought that was it, that one of us would be forced from this game. Thankfully, Hillary had done enough to turn the girls on her and all I needed to do was secure us together and she was gone... It was surprisingly easy, I think? I just hope that Daisy, Ash and Lotus really do want to work with me, and this wasn't a one time thing... I don't do one night stands (laughs).

Exhausted from their day, Duana and Martin both join Ryan in the shelter, leaving the three girls to sit by the fire to talk about their game changing move.

"maraamu"

- My fear is that tonight was somehow a mistake for my game, and although Daisy and Ash keep assuring me that it wasn't, they need to realize that the groups game isn't the same as my individual game. I've damaged my relationship with Ibrahim for the sake of taking out Hillary... and if Ibrahim doesn't forgive me, which he has no real reason to, then I could be in serious trouble come next tribal council. A lot of this now weighs on how forgiving a person Ibrahim is...

The girls eventually go to sleep, leaving Ibrahim alone on the beach to gather his thoughts on his position in the game.

Maraamu
The tribe steadily begin their day, with everyone pitching in with camp life, trying to ensure that Hillary's exit wouldn't bring about a failure to complete tasks. Ashley, Daisy and Duana begin by clearing up around the camp, removing stray twigs and rocks from their seating area. Martin takes the fishing gear in order to attempt to catch some food, with Ryan offering to help him on this venture. Ibrahim and Lotus are sent off to collect the tribe some more water, giving them an ample opportunity to talk over the previous nights events.

"maraamu"

- During Lotus' apology I had to show her I was mad, I couldn't be false and not say a thing because I don't want to let her think she can go behind my back again in this game and expect me to keep taking it. What she revealed during the chat was that she, Daisy and Ashley have control of this tribe, and that they've already 'decided' that Martin will be leaving. I'm not playing this game for others to agree on who does and doesn't go... You know I want to win this, and to win I need to be apart of these discussions. If Martin has to go then he has to go, but as soon as this merge hits I'll be looking for whatever opportunities that are presented to me...

After their conversation, Ibrahim offers Lotus a hug of forgiveness, which she eagerly accepts, hoping that the two can continue their bond and work together further into the game. The pair head back to camp, with the tribe all getting ready to face their next reward challenge.

Rotu
The tribe are sat around their fire, having been cooking some snails for the past few minutes in order to eat before facing their next reward challenge. Tish, James and Troy make jokes between themselves, with Randy and William both remaining largely silent during the meal.

The younger trio laugh as they continue to tease one another, with the sarcastic humour not enticing Randy or William to get involved. Whilst in the midst of their jokes, Tish starts playing with Troy's hair, eventually sitting on his lap, winding the others up that she is attracted to him.

"rotu"

- I really do enjoy my time with Troy and James right now, especially because we're all the young ones at Rotu, we kind of get the same jokes. On the other hand William and Randy are kind of cranky... you know they both seem quiet... especially William, who has kind of shut off since the swap. I know he always preferred Martin and Duana to myself and James, that was always clear. But like, I didn't realize he just had nothing to say to us... It is worrying because it makes me wonder if Rotu were to lose a challenge with the original five, would myself or James have been sent packing? Perhaps William isn't as with us as we may have originally thought. It makes our bond with Troy that much more important, because it gives us a path to a new group come merge.

Randy eventually interrupts the constant flow of jokes, asking how they can be so happy "eating crap" everyday. Randy's sudden comment throws everyone into an awkward silence, before he continues to talk down the situation at Rotu, saying that he misses the fruit and "supply of fish" found at Maraaamu. Troy tells Randy if he wants fish, that nothing is stopping him from going out and attempting to catch something other than snails. During the conversation, William stands and walks off from the group, heading into the shelter of the trees so he can be alone. "rotu"

- I... (clears throat, clearly getting emotional) ... These past few days I, uh... I haven't been feeling so good. Today is my wife's birthday, and since the swap my mind has been going back to my family, and the people I've left behind to come out here and play this game. Its been rough making the transition from one group to another after the swap, and I just feel that I cant be as open with my tribe mates now Troy and Randy are here. I don't want to burden James and Tish with how I'm feeling as I know right now their spirits are high, and I don't want to be the one to put negative energy into the group. A part of me feels I'm not ready to play a game like this, and it just goes against everything I believe as a person to lie, cheat and steal... I need to decide soon whether or not I can keep going because as much as I want to win this for my family and my community, I don't know if I have it in me to carry it out.

Reward
Challenge:'' Tiki Towers ''Each team had to pick one member to be the "eyes" of the group, while the others were to be blindfolded. The Caller had to direct the other members to collect randomly scattered segments of four Tikis that had been deconstructed. Once collected, the blindfolds were to be removed, and the first tribe to reconstruct their four Tikis would win. Reward: The winning tribe will have the right to raid the losing tribe's camp. However, the winning tribe must leave at least a pot, a machete, and personal items behind. Winner: Rotu

Maraamu
After losing the reward challenge, the seven Maraamu members sit apprehensively around their camp, waiting for the Rotu members to begin their raid. The group spot the boat approaching in the distance, with the Rotu members taunting Maraamu by waving and cheering as they head towards the beach. "maraamu"

- Today was a big ol' reward on offer... I mean heck, they could come and take almost anything off our beach and go back to Rotu with it. I just knew as soon as we lost this beach was going to go from luxury to lousy in a couple of seconds.

The Rotu five jump off their boat, heading towards the Maraamu camp, knowing they have a finite amount of time to grab as much as they want. James and Randy run towards the shelter, taking the comfort items previously won by Maraamu, collecting some cutlery items whilst on their way back to the boat. William searches the beach for the fishing gear, nodding his head to Martin and Duana as he passes them, thrilled to see his friends both miraculously survived the previous tribal council. "rotu"

- Seeing both Duana and Martin show up at the challenge, I almost dropped down to my knees and thanked God out loud. I mean, I was ready to see one of them had left the game... Clearly they're both here to play, and it really struck me that I need to up my game, because if these people can do it then so can I...

"maraamu"

- They were just not leaving ANYTHING... James and uh, Tish? They were taking things for the sake of taking things. They wanted to make sure when they left we only had the things they weren't allowed to steal... (sighs)

Troy moves over towards Daisy, trying to communicate with her quickly whilst his tribe mates snatch all they can.

Troy gives Daisy a quick peck on the cheek, before turning and heading back to the boat with his raided items. Despite thinking he was discreet, Tish looks in awe, having noticed Troy kissing Daisy on the cheek during the raid. She goes to say something to James, but decides to wait, wanting to speak privately back at camp rather than at the Maraamu beach. The Rotu tribe leave with their raided items, leaving Maraamu with a bare beach, knowing that most of their luxury comforts have now been stolen.

"maraamu"

- Knowing that we've lost our ability to fish, sleep comfortably... it was really disheartening. We're on a losing streak already as a new tribe, and this just sets us back even more. I found it interesting that when the original Rotu members saw Duana and Martin none of them really said or did anything ... They either really didn't have a good bond, or they're hiding how close they all really are. The safest bet still seems to take one of them out before we merge, just to reduce their members so they'll struggle to get a majority if we merge.

Despite the set back, the tribe keep up their high spirits, trying to make the most of the bad situation. Martin and Ryan manage to catch several crabs with their hands, whilst Ibrahim and the girls try to fix the damage done to the shelter, giving the tribe an opportunity to bond closer as a unit.

Maraamu
The tribe awaken to tree mail informing them that today they will face their fifth immunity challenge, which will take place a day earlier than expected. Lotus reads the rules to the camp, which state that both tribes must put together an SOS signal, with the tribe that has the clearest signal in the eyes of a passing boat being crowned the winners. Knowing that two members must sit out, Duana and Daisy volunteer themselves, feeling as though they need the physically larger individuals to be seen during the challenge. "maraamu"

- Both myself and Daisy volunteered to sit out of the challenge today. I think if we need to be seen by a boat off in the distance then two small girls aren't going to be too useful. We just had to sit off to one side whilst the group got on with it... For me it was nice as we got to just chill, and it gave me an opportunity to talk game and ensure that the girls at Maraamu know I want to keep working with them in this game.

"maraamu"

- Having a chance to speak to Duana has really made me a lot less anxious about the idea she could run off and work with the boys against us. From what I heard Lotus says Ibrahim and her are good again, and now it seems Duana doesn't plan on going anywhere. So right now everything couldn't be better, and us three girls are just running the show.

Back at camp, the five competitors discuss how they will put together an SOS signal strong enough to be spotted by the boat. Martin recommends incorporating movement into the signal, and that simply running around waving clothing in the air could be enough to help them stick out. Ibrahim disagrees with this, suggesting they should use fire and smoke, as it will contrast with the green jungle situated behind them.

"maraamu"

- It annoyed me that Martin seemed to think putting effort into building a fire was a waste of time. I mean, his idea was care free and the easy route, but it wouldn't be one that would get us a guaranteed win. If we can erect a fire what passing ship wouldn't be looking in our direction?

The tribe get to work with creating a large pile of wood and leaves, erecting it so that the smoke should rise clearly enough for a passing ship to see. After several hours of building, the tribe light their pyre, which they have surrounded with trunks of smaller trees found by Ryan. As the boat passes, the group incorporate Martin's recommendation alongside the fire, trying to keep both men happy that their ideas played a role.

Rotu
The Rotu tribe awaken to the same tree mail as their rivals, knowing that they must put together an SOS signal in order to gain the attention of a passing boat. Before starting, the tribe seem in high spirits, having slept and eaten well after stealing the comforts and fishing gear previously held by the Maraamu tribe. "rotu"

- It was amazing to be able to really make the Rotu tribe a bit more livable, and to add the items that I helped win from my time back at Maraamu. It is by no means an accident that the two strongest members of Maraamu, Troy and myself, once again find ourselves in possession of these items... We were the main reason in that tribes success, and together we're playing a big part in the success of this new Rotu group.

The tribe decide that their strategy in making an SOS signal will be to build letters out of medium sized logs, which the group will then hold up for the ship to see. Both James and Tish feel skeptical about the plan, but agree to go forward with it rather than to argue with their tribe mates. The group split up to begin collecting logs, with James and Tish going off in one direction, and the other three going off in another. Whilst alone, Tish decides to fill James in on what she saw during the raid.

"rotu"

- I'm there trying to tell James about Troy and his little girlfriend over on Maraamu, and he just kept making jokes as if it was nothing. I don't know if he realized that this was much deeper than 'oh Troy has friends'... Its that Troy is almost too close to his old tribe for us to rely on him as an ally.

"rotu"

- When Troy first came to our camp I never completely trusted him, and I've always felt as though he's someone I'd rather take out sooner rather than later. But Tish seemed to really like the guy, and kind of forced me into this friendship with him where we've been planning our games with Troy as a potential ally for us... I mean this whole time Tish and I have been saying we'd use Troy's connections at Maraamu to give us a clean majority at the merge... But now she suddenly feels that him being in a relationship of some sorts means he's no longer of use to us. I really don't know what to say to it... I think its time we got William back in the loop because we cant just abandon our relationship with him, especially now we're questioning our partnership with Troy.

On the other side of the beach, William, Troy and Randy sit together arranging the logs they've found, all talking about their reactions to seeing Hillary was voted out at the previous tribal council.

"rotu"

- After seeing Hillary was voted out at the last tribal council I was ready to dance and cheer... just to show my appreciation to her being gone and my girls taking charge of things. What worries me is what kind of people Duana and Martin are, so I tried my best to get information out of William... He was keeping his mouth shut. William plays this game as if he's the quiet nice guy but I can tell he's a lot more tuned in than he lets people know.

"rotu"

- I was so close to slapping Randy across the damn face... I mean this guy is sat there telling William how he and I were working together at Maraamu, and that the three girls back there are with us. He's basically just told William 'Oh hey Billy, we got us a five person alliance and we want you as number six'! Is this guy for real!? I've spent my entire energy on Rotu distancing myself from the Maraamu name because I need these guys to trust me, and Randy is blowing it up in my face. I just need to make sure both Tish and James stick by my side and we can boot Randy from this group... He's outlived his purpose... Even though he never really had one.

"rotu"

- Extremely interesting. You can always count on Randy to spill the goods and supply me with information that'll help me move forward in this game. He outright just told me how well connected both he and Troy are back at Maraamu, and its clear that both these guys will be dangerous if still present at the merge. Between the two of them I feel I can control Randy, whereas Troy is much sleeker and more in tune with James and Tish.

The tribe eventually come together, having made the letters "HEL" with their logs, unable to make the "P" due to running out of rope. The group hold up the letters whilst the boat passes, with Tish somewhat struggling with the weight of the "E". The boat passes, with the five eagerly awaiting the news on whether or not they've been successful.

Immunity Challenge
The boat returns to the Maraamu camp, with the captain ringing the ships horn, alerting the tribe that they have won. The five competing Maraamu members cheer together as a group, with Duana and Daisy running in to join the celebrations. "maraamu"

- To win a challenge as a tribe was really just amazing. I mean we had a bit of bickering today over what we should do, but in the end we came together and won together... and nothin' can take that away from us right now.

At Rotu, the group sit and watch the sunset, worrying with each passing moment that the boat wont be returning. After being plunged into darkness, the group make the call that they lost the challenge, all deciding to retire to the shelter, knowing they have a full day of strategizing ahead of them before they head to tribal council. "rotu"

- I uh, guess we lost today. Its my first immunity loss and it doesn't feel good. I know both myself and Troy are worried given that we're both the only ex-Maraamu members here. Something tells me that William will listen to me, and that maybe I can convince him that tomorrow we need to vote Tish out the game. She's our weakest member physically, and with her gone we'll be almost unstoppable.

Challenge:'' Distress Signal ''Tribes were instructed to build a distress signal on the shore of their beach, using materials in and around camp to catch the eye of a rescue boat that would pass by in the water a few hours later. The tribe with the more eye-catching distress signal would win immunity. Winner: Maraamu

Rotu
The tribe spend their morning trying to avoid the inevitable, that they soon must begin discussions as to which of them will be voted out of the tribe later that evening. Tish decides before strategizing she should interrogate Troy on his relationship with Daisy. "rotu"

- Tonight we've got to vote someone else out of this game, and it feels c**p knowing this is my fourth time going to tribal council in fifteen days. I'm not really too worried that tonight it could be myself, James or even William. This vote is definitely between Troy and Randy, and I'd personally much rather we send Randy out of this game. He's annoying, grumpy and he hasn't really bothered to get to know me in the five days he's been here. But first I need to speak with Troy, because I need to feel him out after seeing how close he was to his old tribe... I don't want to just flat out say to him what I saw, so I'm going to try and ease into the conversation with our typical sarcastic way of talking to one another.

"rotu"

- Busted. I thought I was being discreet talking with Daisy during the raid but I guess Tish couldn't keep her eyes off me. There's no way I could really play down what she saw, so I felt coming clean was the best thing. The only danger in all this is Tish thinking that I'm not going to ever show her loyalty because I've got better allies from earlier in the game.

Troy tells Tish that he and Daisy grew close earlier in the game, and that its just nice having someone to "keep warm with". Tish then jokingly asks James if he wants to "keep warm" with her later that night, evoking laughter from the tribe. Troy then asks Tish about the vote, worried that he could be in jeopardy due to being one of two old Maraamu members. James tells Troy he needs to campaign for himself, as it shouldn't be hard to make a case against Randy. The three hold a quick private conversation, with Troy assuring them that he's willing to make a deal that will last throughout the merge. Troy also tells the group that he feels it will be ideal for them to keep him due to his strength, as it will ensure Maraamu lose the next immunity challenge, guaranteeing the group they'll reach the merge. "rotu"

- Troy's speech as to why myself and Tish should save him tonight wasn't bad but like, he didn't give concrete reasons as to why it should be Randy. I mean Troy's offering of an alliance at the merge isn't bad, but I'm sure Randy is just as useful in that scenario, although a lot more unpredictable. He also said his strength guarantees we'll make the merge as we can win the next immunity challenge. The awkward thing with that is... I don't think I wont make the merge at this point. I mean we could lose the next challenge and I don't see myself going ANYWHERE. Unless William somehow flips, which I don't see happening... Troy should've promised us something more useful... Like saying he can get us some fish or something. We need mussels over muscles right now.

Overhearing the group talking about Troy and Daisy's relationship, Randy walks over to interject.

"rotu"

- The recurring theme of this game seems to be that every time I try to talk, Randy somehow screws it up for me. Waiting fifteen days to lose is far too long, and tonight voting Randy out for good will give me a much better standing in this game. If he's around any longer he'll just put one too many nails in our joint coffin.

William calls Tish and James to help him with the water, which is ultimately an excuse to talk strategy with the pair, hoping to work out where his vote will be going for the evening. The pair tell William that they're leaning towards voting out Randy, feeling as though he's the weakest of the two new arrivals, and that it'll help the tribe to keep Troy for the time being. "rotu"

- It doesn't surprise me that both Tish and James want to keep Troy around, and I cant help but feel they're looking to make a deal with him for the merge... We're at day fifteen right now, and all of us are expecting one to occur sometime soon. I know the pair of them will be thinking about themselves, and now its time for me to do the same. Troy doesn't benefit me, he hasn't come to me for anything ... Randy on the other hand is someone that I know I can keep a leash on, and perhaps steer his vote in whatever direction I please. Its for that reason I'm going to do my best to switch things up, and get rid of Troy tonight...

"rotu"

- William drops this huge piece of knowledge out of nowhere about Randy and Troy offering him a deal, and now we know that Troy's relationships back at Maraamu are even stronger than we originally thought. Both myself and Tish are totally at a loss as to who we should be voting ... Do we go selfish and try to better ourselves by siding with Troy, or do we trust in Randy. Trusting in Randy is like trusting in someone off the scale insane, and we're suppose to view that as the option less damaging for our game.

After returning to camp, Randy approaches William by the shelter, telling him that he and Troy agreed to vote for Tish (unaware that Troy was just appeasing him), asking William if he can try and swing James over to their side. William tells Randy that things are not as he believes, and that both Tish and James just told him that Troy is campaigning to get Randy out of the game. "rotu"

- My mind is just racing... is Troy coming after me? I don't understand why! William is a straight up guy and he swore on his Bible, his literal Bible... He took it out and swore on it that Troy was voting for me tonight. Perhaps Troy thinks I'm too big of a threat now, and wants take out the competition before the merge?

James and Tish sit together before tribal council, frantically going through their plan, still assuring Troy that they'll be voting Randy with him. James tells Tish that he too is now leaning towards voting for Troy, but Tish worries that they'll be passing up the opportunity to take the game into their own hands. The pair agree that if they go forward with the plan they'll be breaking trust with William, but wonder whether or not his vote will matter much to them once the merge hits. "rotu"

- This is by far the biggest vote for myself and James, because we really are going to decide where this all falls. On one side we've got William and Randy, two people I don't have end game deals with, and one person who has apparently been throwing my name out there (rolls her eyes). On the other side we've got Troy... Someone I've genuinely bonded with, and someone I do think I can work with ... But is Troy just a player? Is he taking us all for some ride before he cuts us off at the merge. If I make the wrong call both James and I will be paying for this down the road ...

At tribal council the group admit they've been bonding well, with William pointing out that the three younger tribe mates have become close over the five days. Randy admits he's more nervous for tribal council given that he's waited fifteen days before attending, whilst the Rotu members are "experts" on how to handle it. Troy tells Jeff that he feels the tribe doesn't care too much about tribal lines, but rather about who they can work with going towards the merge, as they need to have ways to connect with the other tribe due to their numbers disadvantage. Tish and James both speak of how this vote will be their toughest yet, as it will have the greatest bearing on how their games turn out later on, particularly after the merge. Before the vote, Troy once again tells the tribe that they need to consider their votes carefully, as they will either help themselves make bonds with the Maraamu tribe, or shatter any chance of building up numbers. After the voting, Jeff collects the urn, with Troy looking nervous for the first time in the game, whilst Randy watches with a blank stare.

Troy sighs loudly, clearly devastated at his departure from the game. Tish turns, offering Troy and apologetic look, but he gives her no response, shaking his head as he takes his newly lit torch over to Jeff. Tish looks at James, biting her lip as she wonders whether or not the pair made the right decision. As Troy leaves the tribal council area, William and Randy watch with faint smiles on their faces. The remaining four Rotu members return to camp, looking forward to starting a new day after a tense tribal council.

Voting Confessionals
"rotu"

- My boy Troy. I wanted you gone the second I met you, but after spending these last five days by your side I saw you're a pretty cool dude. Uh, it sucks it came down to a kiss but... that's that.

"rotu"

- I trusted you, I thought you were my friend ... You lied, you straight up lied to me, and tried to do me in. Well I strike back, and this will be your death blow.

"rotu"

- Putting up with you for these past fifteen days has been a nightmare, and I'm voting you out before you have a chance to ruin this game for me just like you constantly ruin it for yourself.

"rotu"

- I hate... HATE... having to do this. At the last second it became clear you were just too dangerous, and we've got to take care of you before you can hook back up with your girls on the other side. I really do love you as a person and I wish we started this thing together, because then this would turn out differently.

"rotu"

- If you do go tonight then I'll take it as a sign my game is working. You're not making an effort to work with me, and you'd only benefit James and Tish... Perhaps you should try talking to the whole group rather than putting all your eggs in one basket. God bless brother.

Final Words
"rotu"

- So mad right now. Ugh, I come out here and play what I think is a really good game, only to go home because a swap screwed me over. Or was it the fact that I kissed a girl on the cheek? I don't know. These people are crazy if they think Randy will do them any good, and I wont be shocked if he's out next after they lose... For my sake please win and keep yourselves in the game away from me (laughs). Tish and James made a big mistake tonight, as I genuinely would have worked with them up to the final six or so... Yeah I would turn on them eventually, but I expected them to do the same to me... Just not this early.