Island Of The Idols Episode 11: Place Your Bets

Leave the strategizing to the others, dude

Lauren is waiting to find out what happened at the other tribal, and is very relieved when Tommy emerges unscathed. Strategizing the next morning, Dean is pushing for Karishma to go before she slides into the final 3. Dean wants to bring himself, Elizabeth and Tommy together to stop the "goat army" assembling. Bit rich of Dean to complain about goats, does he not realize nobody thinks he's a threat? Tommy isn't really on board anyway, since Elizabeth voted for him.

An offer she can't refuse

A boat comes up and tells them they have to choose someone to go to Island of the Idols. I didn't think they would be able to agree, but apparently they do, and decide on Lauren. Waiting on the Island, Sandra gets attacked by a chicken that steals her papaya. Lauren freaks out at seeing Sandra, and gets her test: she has to predict who will win the next immunity challenge to get an idol. They fill her in on what it is (holding up a bar), and that there's also the option to sit out for food, and she narrows it down to Noura and Elizabeth. Rob then allows her to pick two, and those are the ones she goes with.

Dean wonders if his legacy advantage is real or fake, and most conclude it's real. He decides to make a fake one to play at the next vote and keep the real one for himself. Only the "real" one is fake too. So we have a real fake legacy advantage and a fake fake legacy advantage Got it?

Getting back, Lauren lets them know about the eat-or-compete challenge, but tells Tommy what's really happening. The two of them start gently nudging the likes of Janet, Dean and Karishma towards eating and hyping up Noura.

Noura's veganism coming in handy

God loves a trier

At the immunity challenge, the plate of pancakes get no reaction because they all already know what's up. 6 players sit out and only three play: Karishma, Noura and Elizabeth. Looking pretty good for Lauren. Karishma drops out fairly early and that seals the deal. The showdown between Noura and Elizabeth doesn't last long either, and Noura claims the win. She wants to carry on to let them eat, but Jeff says it doesn't work that way.

Watching like a hawk

Back at camp, Lauren and Tommy retrieve the idol from where Sandra said it would be and talk about the vote...Tommy wants Elizabeth, but they're splitting on Karishma too. Elaine would rather Karishma went, but doesn't want to stick her neck out. Noura checks Karishma's bag and feels confident she doesn't have an idol. Dan tells Karishma to vote Janet, but Karishma then talks to Elizabeth about trying to get votes for Dan. Lauren reads Karishma's lips from afar and tells Dan she heard his name, so he walks over to shut that down. Dan then asks if they can switch the vote, and Dean is happy to do so.

At tribal council, Sandra and Rob see Noura with the necklace and know Lauren got it right. Elizabeth says she's concerned because she lost her alliance. Karishma says she played because she wanted to challenge herself. Lauren says there are no easy tribals. Analogies about trenches and races go around.

Dean plays the legacy advantage, much to Rob and Sandra's amusement. and is told it's not real. Karishma then plays an idol to stunned reactions. Lauren decides not to risk it and plays her too. All that for nothing, huh? 7 votes for Karishma are canceled. and then...Janet and Elizabeth votes come up. Wait, what happened to Dan? Elizabeth goes home on the revote. Well damn, that feels like a missed opportunity. But the goats are hanging on in there and still have a chance to take over the game.

STAR OF THE WEEK: LAUREN BECK

Lauren made a great call at Island of the Idols to win herself an advantage (even if it didn't last long), and showcased her observation skills too. She's strategic and knows what she's doing.