Not Biting Your Bait

Not Biting Your Bait is the thirteenth episode of Survivor: Pearl Islands.

Day 33 (Night)
The final five competitors return to their now very quiet camp, reflecting on just how many of them have left the game. The five seem in good spirits upon their return, all engaging in conversation likely due to the fact that for the first time in the post-merge that the group voted unanimously.

Day 34
Mina dishes up breakfast for the tribe, apologising the the smaller portions, having recently struggled to find food amongst their depleting resources.

Reward Challenge
Challenge: Let's Give It Another Go, Mate

Starting tied to a post by hands and ankles, the contestants must untie themselves, dig under a fence, and use the ropes on a circle marked with compass directions to figure out where to dig for a key. They will then use the key to enter a jail cell, use the sticks and twine inside to make a pole, grab a key outside the cell, unlock the other door, grab a slingshot and break three plates with bags of puzzle pieces attached, pull on ropes to grab the bags, empty them, and use the letters inside to form a 'very famous pirate term'.

Reward: An overnight trip to the Panama Viejo ruins, a brand new GMC Envoy XUV

Winner: Mina (feast shared with Jamal)

Balboa
The three without reward return to camp, slumping down around the fire knowing that they missed out on both a brand new car, a trip to ancient ruins and a much needed feast.

Once Callum returns with some fish, the trio begin prepping for their meal. As they begin cooking, the girls begin quizzing Callum on how he feels about being left behind over Jamal. He claims that he isn't bothered, stating that he's known for some time that Mina prefers Jamal over himself.

Callum initially laughs off their attempts to smear his relationship with Mina, but soon himself begins to ponder if her preference towards Jamal could be what ultimately ends his game.

Judith and Holly continue discussing the idea that Mina being away with Jamal will give them an opportunity to make an end game deal, ultimately leaving Jamal comfortable with two people who'd willingly take him to the end. Callum jokingly says "let's vote her (Mina) out then", which is quickly jumped on by the two girls.

Reward
Mina drives her brand new vehicle with Jamal riding shotgun, heading along a marked path towards the temple ruins reward. The pair laugh in good spirits as they make the journey, bemused by the glimpse of normality that being in a private vehicle provides.

Once they arrive, the pair spend time looking around the ruins, taking in the awe inspiring views of Panamanian history. After finishing, they sit together to enjoy a substantial meal, both agreeing that the best reward was saved for last. As Jamal finishes eating, he decides to question Mina on what her plans are heading into the final few days, knowing that relying solely on his partnership with Callum will limit his odds of going to the final tribal council should plans go awry.

Mina reiterates that she'd like to get the three Morgan members to the end together, and then have them compete in the final immunity challenge as equals, rather than to worry about someone from Drake reaching the end and gaining votes off their ex-tribe members.

Balboa
Later in the evening, Mina and Jamal return to camp where they are welcomed back by the other three competitors, eager to hear what occurred during the final reward. After describing the feast and the ruins, Mina heads into the shelter where she quickly falls asleep alongside Holly. Callum and Jamal talk quietly by the fire as Judith watches on, discussing the fact that Mina has quickly become the most threatening strategic competitor left in the game.

Day 35
On day thirty-five, Callum and Jamal continue talking through the threat status of Mina whilst on a water run. Jamal tries to calm Callum's worries by agreeing with them, and reiterating that they cannot let her get to the final two otherwise she'll easily win.

Over by the shelter, the three women are laying around after cleaning up the area. Once again feeling lethargic due to the recent lack of food, with Mina herself even feeling as though the food reward did little to give her a long term boost.

Day 36
The final five begin prepping for their next immunity challenge, all eager to be the one to gain safety, knowing that whoever does will be three days away from the final tribal council.

Immunity Challenge
Challenge: Corks And Keys

The contestant must fill their canteen with seawater, cross a balance beam without falling off, and pour the water from their canteen into a tube, raising a key attached to a tiny float. They will then unlock the second beam and lower it, and repeat the process. If they need to refill at any time, they must return to the starting platform to do so. They must get five keys and lower five beams to grab their flag, before crossing them again to get to the start.

Winner: Jamal

Balboa
Over the next hour, the predictable conversations take place between the two respective alliances. Holly and Judith agree to go ahead with their plan to vote for Mina, pitching to Callum to join them, once again repeating their earlier arguments that he's taking forward a threat to win, and ultimately someone who will vote him out should she win the final immunity challenge.

Mina does as she says, and reminds both boys that the girls are trying every angle in order to find a way to take away their majority, noting that if allowed they will guarantee that rocks must be drawn at the final four. When alone, Callum again shows Jamal that he is wavering on the decision, and that he would feel a fool if Mina escapes the vote tonight and goes on to win the game.

The group arrive at tribal council, with Jamal receiving some reassuring smiles off the jury upon seeing that he has won individual immunity. Jamal reveals he is unsurprisingly ecstatic to have made the final four, but admits when asked that he doesn't feel it was a necessity to win safety.

Holly and Judith both speak about the fact that they feel as though they are fighting for their lives in the game, but try to shift the target onto Mina, who they call out for being the most impressive player left, and somebody they would both vote to win should she make the final tribal council. Mina thanks them for the compliment, but highlights that she herself conversed with the girls and assured them she was aware that nobody would likely take her to the final tribal council, even after they themselves "offer (her) an all-female alliance". Judith and Holly both try to regret ever offering Mina such a deal in the last few days, claiming that it was Grace instead who tried (and failed) to make the proposal.

Judith stands and gives Holly a hug goodbye, wishing the final ex-Drake member luck against almost impossible odds. She verbally wishes the ex-Morgan players well as she takes her torch over to Jeff, remaining in good spirits as her game comes to an end. Once Judith has left the tribal council area, the final four are informed that ahead of them remain three days, two immunity challenges and three tribal councils, that will ultimately lead them to determine which of the four of them will become the Sole Survivor and the winner of the million dollar prize.