Philippines Episode 9: Do The Right Thing

The tribe return, minus Jeff Kent, following one of the most last-minute vote-offs ever. "Lisa made a big move to save me" says Mike, who seems almost slightly disbelieving that he's still here. He doesn't regret voting off Jeff though, because he wasn't willing to work with returnees. Penner's plan to unleash the wrath of Abi worked, although it does seem he didn't realize he could've saved Jeff. Malcolm assures Lisa he isn't holding any grudges and it's all part of the game, which lifts a huge weight off her mind.

Making Lisa Smile: Solidarity between the two actors

Penner seems to have Lisa figured out and does a great job of relating to her and what she's going through. This is what a great player does...gets to know people on an individual level. Penner's psychoanalysis is very therapeutic for Lisa, who has been seeking other people's approval her whole life.

Shooting some b-ball outside of the school

Today's reward challenge is designed to get everyone as muddy as possible by making them run an obstacle course and then shoot hoops to finish it off. The teams are divided into old Tandang vs the rest...much like the vote was last episode, hehe! Abi the sit-out queen was not picked. So Skupin and Penner run out first and although Penner falls behind, he pulled up all the bags from the mud himself to make it easier for his teammates. This definitely pays off when Lisa and Pete start struggling for their team, giving them a huge lead on the basketball section  That last ball proves to be tricky, but eventually they land it and get to go on a great reward to see a Filipino village.

Jonathan "Normal" Penner tries to crack the pinata

It's been far too long since we've had a nice, cultural reward like this. The locals are all really happy to see the survivors and some of their interactions are priceless. Jonathan introduces himself and says that in America his name is normal, leading to the kids dubbing him Normal. Malcolm is also enjoying getting a taste of the life he left behind in Micronesia, and realizes how this is so much more fulfilling than pouring drinks. There's a surprising amount of depth to this fratboy. Over dinner we also get a strategy talk and the four of them discuss the plan to flip Skupin or Lisa.

Back at camp, the Tandang target is Penner, once again. Pete wants to keep Mike and Lisa close in order to ensure they don't flip. Abi is making this very difficult as she yells at Lisa for giving information to the other alliance and calls her gullible. But will Lisa really be able to flip when she's been preaching loyalty, loyalty, loyalty?

Slightly lame immunity challenge this week...the object is to balance six balls on their arm at the same time. It's pretty much just a two horse race from the start, with only Pete and Mike able to get the hang of it. When Pete drop his balls, it just becomes a formality for Skupin to win immunity. Artis has a confessional about his relief that Penner didn't win and wanting to relax...hmmm.

Coconut assault!

Abi smashes Mike on the head with a coconut. Not on purpose, but it's probably not the first time he's felt the wrath of Abi. Denise has come up with the idea to target Artis, because they know Abi won't give him the idol. All they need now is the numbers. Penner makes a great pitch to Lisa about storytelling and how it's better for the audience if the good people win. I've always been convinced that the real reason Penner flipped in Cook Islands was because it would make a better story!

Abi has a giant clam

Lisa and Mike are discussing which move to take. It's not just a case of their best shot of progressing, but who they want to play with. "How can we stay loyal to someone not loyal to us?" points out Lisa.

At tribal council, Lisa discusses the verbal beating she took at the last tribal council and, after a little prompting from Jeff, diplomatically points out that Abi wasn't as nice to her as some of the others. Penner and Denise remain hopeful of a power shift. Abi does even more damage by telling Lisa she doesn't fully trust her.

When the votes are read, Penner gets his wish and Artis is sent to the jury by a 5-4 vote. All that build-up about Lisa's decision, and it's Mike who ends up flipping. Guess the evil trio weren't as comfortable as they thought. If you thought Abi was insufferable before, can't wait to see her next week!

STAR OF THE WEEK: JONATHAN PENNER

An honorable mention to Mike Skupin for changing the game, but I couldn't not give Penner a back-to-back star of the week after witnessing him play his ass off. He's so good at managing interpersonal relationships, and his self-aware meta-narrative showed just why he's been brought back twice. Producers love players like this, who know just how to make good TV...because they're doing their job for them.