David Vs Goliath Episode 1: What's Your Story?

Probst lets us know we're in for a biblical showdown this summer, and the contrast couldn't be more apparent out of the gate. Natalie introduces herself talking about her success as a CEO, whereas Elizabeth's claim to fame is she can throw a hay bale. Climbing onto the boat, Angelina sees what she's up against and is stoked. Jeff explains the theme, and it's the Davids who seem the happiest with it. Alison seems to reject the insinuation that she doesn't work hard, being a successful doctor, but then Pat tells his story about how he couldn't even go to high school because he was taking care of his mom.

Not sure why Alison needed to be in a bra for this, but OK

For the first challenge, taking place on the boat, Jeff makes the Goliaths select the David's two weakest players - they choose Lyrsa and Christian. They then pick their strongest players - Alison and John. The challenge is a multi-choice obstacle course...but the Davids get to make the choices for both tribes. In the first section, the Goliaths have to build a plank bridge whilst the Davids shimmy across a beam over water. Despite them looking like they're going to fall in at times, Christian and Lyrsa complete it first. The net crawl however lets John and Alison catch up. It comes down to the puzzle (slide puzzle for Davids, cube puzzle for Goliath). This is where Christian shines as he does it rather easily and wins the Davids a shelter-building kit. Turns out he had some experience with them, and gets a funny confessional nitpicking how he could've done it even better.

Time to trim the fat

At Goliath camp, Mike is pretty much immediately outed for being on The Amazing Race. Dan tells his weight loss story and gets pretty flirty with Kara, who rejects his offer of a showmance. Pat is happy to take charge of putting the shelter together for the Davids. And he does a good job, which is just as well, as he's also being quite bossy and crude. Natalie puts a target on herself when the Goliaths build shelter, clashing with engineer Natalia over a difference of opinion.

Alliances start forming on the David tribe, with Jessica connecting with Bi and Carl. Davie and Carl are also together, whilst Elizabeth and Lyrsa form a surprise early bond too. Gabby and Christian are vibing well over their nerdiness, though Christian is careful to not be seen as a (platonic) pair with her.

The intimidation game

John talks about his job, revealing his long list of ring names. Natalia is getting further annoyed by Natalie, complaining about her standing silently like a stalker. Mike meanwhile is looking for an idol. Natalie goes to check Mike and tell him he's making himself a target, and it seems a safe bet the first boot will be one of the two of them.

The Davids put the finishing touches on their shelter as the rain comes down, as Nick concentrates on making alliances with Christian and Elizabeth (even naming his alliance with her the Thoroughbreds, Big Brother style.) Carl is annoyed by Nick's lack of effort around camp though, and wants to make him the first target.

I'm all for more idol equality

Alison and Angelina look for the idol, with Angelina pointing out how statistically, very few women have found idols. Yes, let's see that change! The whole tribe is looking for it now, and we learn via confessional that Dan has it! Only Kara and Natalia know for now, and Dan is clearly happy to have some beautiful ladies close to him.

Davie catches an octopus, which I can't remember seeing anyone do before. Things get a little heavier when Jessica cries telling people about how she had to look after her mom. Bi talks about her abusive relationship, hoping to make her feel better. This inspires Nick to share his story too, maybe the most emotional one yet, about losing his mom to a drug overdose.

Nick sheds his snake skin

Having a rough day

Rain is pouring for the first immunity challenge, which involves racing through an obstacle course, crawling under a log to cut rope, crossing a platform on a pole and then arranging heavy number blocks so they all end up in order. There's a lot of physical contact out of the gate, with Pat going after John. Alec beats Carl in the dig under the post when Carl gets stuck, forcing the Davids to untie their ropes instead. The puzzle is pretty even, with Alison and Christian directing their tribes. The Goliaths just about beat them when the Davids have one block left to place. Damn, that was close. But the stronger team prevailed. Davids are going to tribal, and Lyrsa seems pretty set on it being Nick.

The storm claims a victim

But fate has other ideas, as we cut to a storm and see the jarring image of Pat being dragged off a boat in pain. Apparently he was hurt on the ride back to camp. Jeff is there, as well as the doctors, as they look Pat over. Pat pleads to stay, but he doesn't have a choice and is officially pulled from the game. The Davids cry about having lost a strong leader, but at least they don't have to vote now.

Well, that was a very emotional premiere and refreshingly character-driven. Sucks to see Pat go like that, but they wouldn't be the David tribe if they didn't have a few curveballs thrown at them, and now they have to rise against adversity once more.

STAR OF THE WEEK: DAN RENGERING

This dreamboat seems well-liked by his tribe, and he has an idol and some strong connections already. As long as he doesn't get too distracted by girls, he should be OK.