Redemption Island Episode 7: Strength vs Loyalty

Steve tries to calm down the simmering tensions at Zapatera. David once again makes it known he doesn't trust Sarita. Sarita declares that David has "gone over to the dark side" by voting with Stephanie. I have no idea why David is putting such a target on his back. An emotional player is a bad player.

Stephanie is talking about food. This annoys Matt, who just wants to beat her to shut her the hell up. Rob goes to the duel with Phillip. The Federal Agent doesn't trust Rob anymore, and talks about how Rob's weakness is wanting to be in control. He even manages to namecheck Japanese Samurai Miyamoto Musashi. Rob calls Phillip "the most unaware person I've ever met". And he's been on a tribe with Coach.

Stephanie is losing her miiind

The duel is a memory game. Matt and Stephanie both get their first points completely blind. Matt picks up two more points, including another blind one. Stephanie manages to pull one back, but it's not enough, and Matt wins the duel. Stephanie has something to say though, and it's about Sarita. She encourages Ralph to keep David for his puzzle skills and ditch the weak link.

Overall, a disappointing challenge, given that it came down mostly to luck. Am I the only one who thinks these challenges are too easy? They should have to earn Redemption, and stacking dominoes and tying sticks together isn't that tough. It was enough to impress Phillip anyway, who calls Matt a warrior.

Rob spots a chance to turn the group against Phillip when Phillip suggests holding back info from the rest of the group. When did Rob become the narrator of this show? Anyway, it's clear that Rob wants Phillip out next, predicting he will make a move against him.

The other snake in the grass is David. Ralph in particular seems adamant that David will flip. He doesn't trust Lawyers in general. The rest of the group all express similar concerns about not trusting him, and it looks like he's a dead man walking.

Sarita finding another opportunity to trash David

Rob's fan club refuse Phillip's request for some crispy rice because Rob likes the crispy rice. God, it's starting to piss me off that this is the Boston Rob show now. Phillip isn't happy either. "Am I feeling like part of this tribe? HELL NO. Do I give 110% for this tribe? HELL YEAH." This is the first of Phillip's rants that I actually agree with.

Zapatera break through - can they end the losing streak?

The immunity challenge is a 6-on-6 obstacle course. Ometepe get a good lead when Boston Rob undoes the first bag faster than Sarita. Zapatera gain it back when David gets the second bag. Rob and Phillip start to look spent. Zapatera crash through the walls first and make it through the ropes. This is a really fun challenge. The last part involves throwing balls into a net. Oh, come on. Like the team with the NFL footballer (Grant) and the basketball player (Ashley) were ever going to lose this one. Everyone gives their ball to Grant and he earns his tribe a narrow victory.

Grant and the big burning death hole

Ometepe's reward is a picnic on top of a volcano. Natalie isn't old enough to drink so can't have any of the alcohol, haha. Once again, Boston Rob is the only one to look for the clue, and once again he gets it without anyone noticing. He doesn't need it, though. Into the volcano it goes!



The consensus among the group appears to be David. Sarita and Ralph have their minds made up. The Sarita/David rivalry has got so personal that Sarita is hoping Matt beats him on Redemption Island. Mike and Steve however are leaning towards voting out Sarita. Ralph makes a fool of himself at tribal council when he admits he doesn't know what cohesive means. Jeff rephrases his question into a "which would you prefer?" and Ralph says "I disagree". Kids, this is why school is important.

Sarita tries to save face

"I hope you enjoy Redemption Island as much as I enjoyed writing your name down" says David, as he casts another vote for Sarita. The votes come in. Two votes for David. Looks conclusive...oh, but wait...all the rest are for Sarita. "Oh my God, I wish I'd brought my stuff" said a shocked Sarita. I'm sorry, but anyone who displays that kind of arrogance deserves to get blindsided. David gets one last snark in telling her not to get too confident, and doesn't even wave her goodbye.

So, David is kept in order to have a stronger team for challenges. Too bad that was the last team challenge and they are soon to be merged, with the winner of the Sarita/Matt duel joining them. Until next week!

STAR OF THE WEEK: DAVID MURPHY

Made an emotional decision last week, but bounced back and kept his cool when he was under the kosh. He outperformed Sarita in the challenge and made his case that he can be trusted because he gave his word to Steph. Victory for Mr Murphy! I kind of admire him for standing up for what he believes in.