Kaoh Rong Episode 11: Let's Do Something Crazy

Tai and Aubry kiss after pulling off a big move...awkward. Jason is on an island and making an appeal for Cydney to consider him as an option. Julia is frustrated to be out of the loop, seeing herself on the bottom as well. Aubry talks about their final 4 and how Jason is the next target.

Tai explains himself to Jason, saying he was threatened by his bond with Scot. Jason is still really mad and wants revenge, although he's not quite mad enough to kill the chicken like Tai feared.

Do the funky chicken!

The reward challenge sees teams of two face an obstacle course tied together, retrieving rings and then throwing them on a hook. The pairs are Julia/Aubry, Cydney/Michele and Joe/Tai...sucks for Jason, who misses out. Aubry and Julia find the course difficult and their rope trips them up at one point, whilst Cydney and Michele fly through it. There's a high-up ring that needs retrieving with a stick, but Tai, Aubry and Cydney all get it off. Cydney is the first to land a ring and Joe ends up making a mark for once by getting 2. Cydney gets the last one though and wins. The prize is a picnic and they choose Aubry to accompany them.

Michele uses the reward time to make sure she's reintegrated with the group. Cydney is pretty adamant about not going to the final 3 with Tai, so she's definitely considering her an option. Julia and Jason also talk about wanting Tai out, thinking they have Michele, and wait to pitch Cydney when she gets back. "As soon as Tai leaves, we're eating Mark" says Julia. And the chicken reacts as if he senses the danger.

Chicken run

The writing's on the board

The immunity challenge tests everybody's memory, where they have to race out to find symbols matching with numbers and then use them to decode a wheel. Once they have the right key, they must unlock the box and solve the puzzle with the blocks. Jason treads water and gets there first, but Cydney is the first to leave. Back at the decoding stations, Tai and Michele try writing numbers in the sand to help them. Jason is wrong when he makes a guess for the key and has to go back. Michele and Julia are both right on their first try, as Aubry and Cydney go back for more. Joe has given up at this point. Michele spells the word - "Blindside" - and ensures that there won't be one for her tonight. Jeff is pretty impressed when she tells him she managed to memorize all of them in one go.

Why me?

Cydney says to the group that Jason should go, but then several people point out how Julia was right behind Michele in the challenge. The five agree to stick together but Michele isn't that comfortable voting out her best friend. Coming up with a decoy plan to tell Julia, Cydney says they'll just go with "the Tai thing". Tai is pretty WTF at this, as it's not nice to see your name come up. Michele actually wants to vote out Tai for real, and tells Julia as much. Jason is hoping he can either take out Tai or at least get rid of his idol.

At tribal council, Julia discusses the pivotal point in the game and tells the girls she's hoping to vote with that they're on the bottom. Tai says not to rock the boat, but Jason points out that Tai has already flipped twice. Tai explains he just wanted to break up Jason and Scot, but Jason argues that Joe and Aubry are an even stronger pair. Michele and Cydney both say they're comfortable making big moves, which makes Tai very uncomfortable.

A teary farewell for the sorority sisters

Aubry gives an awesome throwback to her Peter vote when she says "Sorry I'm not crossing it out this time" as she votes for Julia. Tai gets some last-minute advice from Aubry about whether to play his idol. She tells him he's good, so he doesn't. It proves to be the correct decision as Julia is voted out, with even Michele writing her name down. But Michele's tears makes it clear it wasn't easy for her.

Julia showed a lot of fight for someone so young, but made her bed when she got caught playing both sides. Tai survives for now, though the target on his back is getting bigger. But let's be honest...the real winner here is Mark the chicken.

STAR OF THE WEEK: KYLE JASON

The military man handled his sucky new position with much more grace than we've come to expect from him and gave a spirited showing at tribal council too. There was even talk of bringing him further in the game...as a goat, but still.

Kaoh Rong Episode 10: Missed Connection

Scot is so happy with how tribal turned out, as Jason outlines what a good position the trio are in and collects his idol back from Tai. Tai is wondering if they can return the camp to normal now, but Scot wants to talk to Aubry first. The talk goes as follows: vote Cydney out, and you'll get everything back. And yet Scot seems to be using this as an example of his maturity.

Knock back a beer and enjoy the show

The reward challenge is to keep one foot on a plank holding a vase. But the reward is up to the contestants! Each player gets a choice between food, an advantage or a letter from a loved one to play for. Tai, Cydney and Aubry go for the advantage, Joe and Julia compete for a letter and Scot, Jason and Michele take the food. Joe is out first, meaning the first battle is decided pretty quick. Michele wins the food next when Scot and Jason both drop. The other battle comes down to Tai vs Aubry, with Aubry just wanting to give a good showing. But her pot topples eventually, securing the advantage for Tai.

A reminder of what you're playing for

Tai gets his advantage, which is an extra vote. So now he has two advantages, and calls it a rich man's problem. Hopefully he doesn't squander it like Stephen or Dan. Julia reads her letter, which gives her the confidence to go out and play the game. She tells Aubry and Michele that they have to try and flush Tai's idol even more urgently now, and points out how it's Cydney that will likely go home if he plays it. But Aubry still thinks Julia is shady, even though Michele doesn't see it.

Kindred spirits

Tai and Aubry talk on an emotional level, where Aubry tips him off that people are coming after him. Tai feels good about his new buddy and goes back to Scot and Jason to fill them in. But almost immediately they switch the topic to targeting Aubry instead, making Tai feel like he has no say in things.

Push it real good

The immunity challenge is to keep your outstretched arms pressing disks to a post. The slightest slip-up drops a pot. Joe is first out, as is becoming the trend for him. Aubry goes goofy dance moves to fight off the discomfort. Scot is out quickly too, and Julia gives up once her thumbs start hurting. The last three are Aubry, Cydney and Jason. Cydney drops and now it's a rather unlikely battle between a nerdy girl and a former military man. Aubry gives a great effort but is just short once again, as Jason wins the challenge.

Jason respects the effort Aubry put in, but is convinced that she's done thanks to their superidol. Julia tells Scot and Jason the majority are voting for Tai, and although they don't tell her their plans, they do promise her final 3. Aubry and Cydney have a different plan, wanting to vote out Scot. Recognizing Tai as the key to making that happen, Aubry tries to butter him up. Tai is torn between his head and his heart, not sure which side he wants to go with. Aubry and Jason both put their plans into action, with Aubry filling in Joe and Jason passing his idol to Scot.

At tribal council, Jason has no problem making bold proclamations like Scot and Tai are safe, and that the others should jump on board now or get left behind. Probst picks up on Tai feeling uncomfortable, since he's not really a boaster, but he claims that he's committed to the guys. Aubry says she was happy to duke it out with the big boys and show her brawny side, which is why they want her out.

Scot left hanging

As the votes are cast, Jason gives Aubry her due props. When Probst asks for idols, Tai finds Julia telling him to play it and Scot telling him not to. He doesn't, but he doesn't need it, as Scot gets the majority of the votes. Scot looks over to Tai expectantly. but Tai shuts him down...ice cold! Scot ends up walking, and he takes Jason's idol with him, putting the bounty hunter in a real tough spot.

So did Tai make the right move? Strategically, probably not...the two Brawns were his best chance at a winnable final 3. But for his soul? Absolutely. Releasing the stranglehold the superidol had on the game has just opened up the playing field for everybody.

STAR OF THE WEEK: AUBRY BRACCO

I pondered giving it to Tai, but I can't say enough good things about Aubry's gameplay right now. Being able to seduce Tai from the dark side with an emotional appeal was fantastic work, and the soundbites she gives are up there with the best of them.

Kaoh Rong Episode 9: Two Sides Go To War

IIIIII can't stand it, I know you planned it...

Tai, Jason and Scot have realized the girls are together and they're on the bottom...but they have one major ace up their sleeve: the superidol. Scot also decides to hide the machete in order to stir things up. When the rest of camp notice this, Debbie calls them out on poor sportsmanship. Undeterred, Cydney decides to roast a coconut instead and open it with a saw. Looks like Scot has only succeeded in pissing himself off when he sees how unbothered they are. Congratulations, you played yourself. Scot decides to end the speculation and just blatantly pour water on the fire in front of everyone.

The reward challenge is to unravel the ropes tying them together and then throwing beanbags to knock down blocks. Jeff offers to let them pick their own teams, since there's clearly a split in the tribe. Tai, Jason and Scot need a fourth member, so Julia volunteers. Joe is sitting out but has backed the girls to win. Julia's switch pays off as the boys team get the first part done much faster. Jason starts chucking and does really well. The girls catch up however once Debbie starts killing it and it takes a team effort between Jason and Scot to stop them.

As the winning team eat takeout, Scot and Jason try to sway Julia to their side. And she sees the benefit in joining up with them, since their latest antics have pretty much destroyed any small chance they had of getting jury votes. Debbie has complete faith that Julia will stick with them, but Cydney finds it suspicious that she immediately asked for their plans for the next tribal after coming back.

Julia going to the dark side

Even Tai is getting in on the sabotage now, as he puts out the restarted fire. Luckily for him, Scot ends up getting the blame. Aubry thinks that Scot's shenanigans are a deliberate attempt to draw votes, and that their smartest move would be to vote off Julia next. Debbie disagrees, which is frustrating for Aubry.

Tread lightly

The immunity challenge is to stack blocks like dominos, whilst being careful not to knock the frame they must step through and knock everything down. Michele makes quick progress, whilst Jason and Scot both face early disaster. Tai looks to be the only one that can catch Michele, but then he loses his stack. Michele gives it a go, but her last one doesn't quite reach. Debbie then makes two attempts and fails. Jason tries stacking from the other side, but it doesn't seem to help. Julia's slow and steady approach works when she pulls off a perfect connection and wins immunity.

Debbie the dictator

Debbie says they're splitting the votes between Tai and Scot, but Aubry doesn't like that she gave up the plan to Julia so quickly. That concern proves justified when she rats them out to Scot, who tries to get her to exploit the split and vote Cydney. Aubry and Cydney now need to come up with a new plan for damage control, and consider cutting Debbie loose. They'd need 4 votes. Michele is willing to do it, but Joe bluntly refuses. Which means they now need...Julia, the person Aubry originally wanted to get rid of.

Jason stirs the pot

At tribal council, Debbie lets it be known she is not impressed with Scot's antics, which has jeopardized their literal survival. Julia is asked how people reacted to her siding with the boys at the reward challenge, and she says they were OK with it since someone had to do it. Tai and Jason decide to light tribal up by pulling out both their idols. with Jason saying he's gonna do Rochambeau to decide who between him and Scot gets to save themselves. Whispers start to happen, and now it's not clear how ANYBODY is voting.

After the vote, Scot and Jason duel it out as planned, but Jason has a change of heart and decides to give his idol to Tai....who doesn't play it. The vote is 2 for Scot, 3 for Cydney and 4 for Debbie...which blindsides both Debbie and the boys. Well, this is when the game is at its best...everybody swinging for the fences and trying to one-up eachother. But now the superidol has got even more powerful, and Nick's words seem prophetic when he says "they're gonna be around for a while".

STAR OF THE WEEK: JULIA SOKOLOWSKI

I was pretty skeptical of Julia's flip-flopping at first, particularly as it seemed so transparent, but it worked out for her. She ended up being the most powerful person tonight and the deeper she gets, the more valuable to both sides she becomes.

Kaoh Rong Episode 8: Checkmate

Scot is goofing off following Neal's demise, and it's just solidified their grip on power. Jason thinks Neal took the idol with him, but is still planning on splitting votes just in case. He also opens up about his autistic daughter, hoping it will help him in the game. But the main effect it's having is making Cydney not want to go to the end with him.

Step by step

The reward challenge is for two teams to transport their smallest member from one platform to another using poles, then get every team member on an even smaller platform. The reward is ice cream...funny how the ice cream man just missed out on this one. Aubry and Julia, having each picked the teams, end up being transported...but as Aubry keeps falling, Julia does an impressive job of staying on. Michele and Cydney both try to swap out for Aubry but have no better luck. Julia's team get everyone up on their platform, even Scot, and win the reward. As team captain, Aubry takes the blame and has a mini-meltdown.

So the ice cream vendor is sent to camp, and Scot can barely suppress his smile when he talks about how they're eating right in front of the losers. Jason yells over that it's OK for them to celebrate a bit. Scot decides to open up about his sick mother, which cues the sob story music for the second time in this episode.

Don't check her, boo

Julia, Michele, Cydney and Tai go off on a rowing adventure, causing Scot to bring up his suspicions at the possibility of an all-female alliance. When they come back, Nick decides to check in with Julia just to let her know what has been said. Cydney notices this and doesn't like it, so Jason tries to clarify for her as she plays down her "blow up".

The immunity challenge is to hang on to a post with handles in a very uncomfortable pose. Jeff then brings pizza and says it's their one shot to take a temptation, but Julia drops out too early and misses out. Jason, Scot, Joe and Michele decide to go for it. Tai says he wants to stay on so a Brain doesn't win, which Nick reaffirms. Once Aubry and Debbie drop, Nick steps down too. Jeff asks how he feels about going to his first tribal council, and he talks about how he hopes it isn't bittersweet, though he doesn't say it with conviction. It's now just Tai vs Cydney, with Cydney the odds-on favorite. But Tai summons strength from Buddha, and Cydney falls to give him the win.

Winner's embrace: The redwood has fallen

He's a user

Nick goes to Aubry and tells her to vote Debbie, hoping he can use her to his advantage...although he says it in a very creepy way. He openly admits to coming off arrogant too, to which Aubry replies "at least you admit it". There's a better plan in place though - Cydney wants to vote Nick out, and even floats the plan to Michele and Julia whilst they're in the water. Michele isn't sure it's her best move since she has an alliance with Nick, but she wants to prove her worth in the game.

Tai's "stick to the plan" moment

Neal takes his place on the jury bench with a massive patch on his knee, as Michele talks about how her first tribal council is finally a chance to show what type of player she is. Julia claims there's opportunities for moves, but Jason thinks their 7 is strong. Tai talks about how there's been rumours of a superidol, which is apparently news to Julia. Debbie uses this as an example of how Julia must be on the bottom, since she's out of the loop.

As Jason and Nick confidently cast their votes, Debbie says that overconfidence is a weakness. Probably a good message if it was coming from anyone else. Aubry and Debbie votes come out first, but then more and more Nick votes pile up, and even one for Jason. Nick ends up going home and completely owns up to getting outplayed. Interesting to see the girls throw things into chaos this early - but hey, I'm not complaining! Particularly as the people I don't like are on the outs now. Hopefully it stays that way.

STAR OF THE WEEK: CYDNEY GILLON

Cydney has played a quiet game up until this point, but she proved she can ramp it up when she needs to. It was impressive how little fear she showed in the face of making a big move. These guys found out the hard way not to mess with her.