The ranking of Survivor seasons *updated with s32*

This season came out of nowhere to be a surprise hit. A memorable cast, lots of exciting tribal councils and brutal conditions made it very compelling to watch. However, whilst I consider myself a Michele fan, the season didn't fully work as the story of her win.

1. Pearl Islands
2. Cook Islands
3. Heroes Vs Villains
4. Micronesia
5. China
6. Cagayan
7. Kaoh Rong
8. Vanuatu
9. Nicaragua
10. Philippines
11. Cambodia
12. Palau
13. Caramoan
14. Blood Vs Water
15. Worlds Apart
16. Samoa
17. Tocantins
18. All Stars
19. Exile Island
20. Guatemala
21. Gabon
22. San Juan Del Sur
23. Amazon
24. One World
25. Fiji
26. South Pacific
27. Redemption Island
28. Australia
29. Borneo
30. Africa
31. Marquesas
32. Thailand

Kaoh Rong Episode 14: Ruling The Roost

Four tough cookies have made it to the finale of the most punishing season ever. Let's go through them...there's Michele, whose best asset has been her loyalty, but there's nobody left loyal to her. Aubry has faced many setbacks, but is ready to fight to the end. Cydney has had a major hand in a lot of votes, but is now precariously positioned in the middle. Lastly, Tai has had an internal battle between his heart and brain all season...can he choose the right one?

We start back at camp, and Tai knows he has to be careful now that his idol is useless. Aubry, annoyed that Jeff keeps taking her allies, wants to keep Tai close. She thinks sticking with Cydney is now her best bet, since Michele has no blood on her hands. Michele knows she's in a tight spot and expects to be screwed if she doesn't win immunity.

The reward challenge is to crawl through a net, slide tiles down a table, transfer them on a machete over a balance beam and then find the odd tiles out to open a combination lock. Up for grabs is another meal, like the one that took out Joe...hmm, maybe it wouldn't be such a good idea to win this. Tai is the first through the net, whilst Cydney is one of the last, but her prowess on the sliding section makes up a lot of time. Cydney and Michele both start dropping tiles whilst on the balance beam, with only Aubry getting them across effectively. Aubry however can't get the combination to work, until she corrects the tiles she was using. Tai and Cydney both make an attempt, but Aubry wins the reward. Getting to pick a dining partner, she opts for Cydney, hoping to turn her against Michele.

Cydney and Aubry are back to being buddies, and both are confident that one of them will be able to win the next challenge. Michele takes the chance to continue the work she'd been putting in with Tai, hinting that they might want to consider getting Aubry out. Shockingly, Tai is considering it.

Build em up, knock em down

The immunity challenge is to get a key from the water to unlock a ladder, then race back into the water to get a ball on the rope to pull down another ladder, then back into the water again to get puzzle pieces for a three-tiered puzzle. Aubry gets her ladders first and is comfortably ahead of the other three. The puzzle is a different story, and Aubry does not fair well. Tai and Michele build the fastest, and Michele pulls away on the final tier to win herself a spot in the final three.

Even though Michele is safe, she is feeling the pressure of needing to pick the right person to go to the end with. Aubry and Tai still want to stick together, which would mean voting against Cydney. Michele is confident she can get Tai to vote out Aubry, pointing out that she's a good talker that could work a jury. Neither Aubry or Cydney feel confident that Tai is voting on their side, leaving tribal up in the air.

At tribal council, Tai is even less reassuring when he claims alliances are out the door now. Aubry says whoever is voted out could have a lot of influence on deciding the winner of the game. Cydney mentions they have to consider who the threats are at this stage, with Aubry saying she thinks it's "comical" that she's considered one.

They walked through the fire together

The votes are read, and Tai pulls through on saving Aubry after all, tying the vote up 2-2. I kinda didn't see that coming. A fire tiebreaker commences, where Cydney is furiously attacking her flint to no avail. Aubry gets a fire burning first and just when it looks like she's won, it blows off to the side. Cydney still has no luck though and Aubry is able to go again, burning herself but winning the challenge. The two women share an emotional hug at the end. and it doesn't get any easier when Cydney mentions needing the money for her mom.

Michele tells Tai she thinks he just handed Aubry the million dollars, as the three of them debate whether there's going to be another challenge or not. Their question is answered when Michele picks up a treemail the next day. Aubry tries to find out where Tai stands with her and he gives a non-committal answer about the game being individual now - that's not good.

Tai's stack is even shakier than his gameplay

When they get to the challenge, Jeff shocks them by telling them they are not playing for immunity and are the final three. Instead, it's a reward, and a very important one - the power to vote out a member of the jury. All they have to do is stack balls on top of eachother using a pole whilst standing on a wobbly beam...the challenge they could've done in episode 1 but all chose not to. All three face an early collapse, but when they get settled, Michele is in the lead, who finds managing the platform harder than the stack. It's a close one though, as Michele and Aubry are putting their sixth balls down around the same time. Aubry's stack falls, Michele's doesn't. Michele wins again!

Upon receiving this game-changing power, Michele's initial instinct is the same as mine: vote out Joe, since he's the most loyal Aubry vote. Tai makes the point however that Joe is unlikely to slander her name at final tribal, whereas a slick talker like Neal might. Michele tells Aubry that she's thinking of picking one of her allies, and Aubry tries to sway her to going for Scot or Jason instead. It's a decision not to be taken lightly, and Michele is well aware that making a bad one could make her look stupid.

Parting shots

The jury turn up to tribal council and quickly notice nobody is wearing a necklace. Michele then lets them know it's them in the hotseat this time. Michele talks through her process, as Jeff wonders why she would trust the opinions of her two opponents. He then ridicules her again by saying he doesn't think it's that complicated of a choice, and Michele says she wants to get rid of a persuasive speaker...causing Scot to think it's him. Michele makes her vote, and Neal sees his name written down for the first time. He departs by calling Michele weak and saying she doesn't have a chance at winning, which I guess just proves she made the right choice. Removed from the game, removed from the jury...I feel for Neal. Can't really blame him for being a little salty.

No junk in the trunk

Aubry is of course disappointed to see one of her likely votes go, but she's happy to still be in it and will fight hard to get the rest of the votes. Tai thinks his big move of voting Scot out could be key to his chances. but recognizes that Scot will likely feel betrayed by him.

The final three arrive at their final tribal council, with special guest Mark also making an appearance. Nick warns them that they'll be facing animosity and tells them the quality they will need to display in order to have a chance - intelligence for Michele, awareness for Tai and confidence for Aubry. Debbie accuses Tai of having multiple personalities, but he denies being a flip-flopper...not a good start for him. She also reminds Aubry about how she helped her with her day 1 panic attack and wonders if Aubry would've done the same for her. Aubry claims that she would have and only betrayed her in the game because they were diverging down different paths.

Julia starts out cold to Michele, calling her the weak link of the Beauty tribe and a passenger for most of the game...but then says she was proud of her for voting her out and that's the point she started coming into her own. She tells Tai he had the opposite problem: he started strong, but fizzled after the merge. Tai denies this in his response, once again seemingly missing the point. Joe tries to get Aubry and Tai to make a case against eachother, which Aubry does by saying Tai needed her for most of the game.

Jason wants Tai to explain why he turned on him, and he says he was scared of his bond with Scot and seeing two strong men talk about men stuff. He also asks Michele how she got into the majority alliance, and she disputes the idea that it was luck. Cydney thanks Michele for sticking by her on the last vote and asks Aubry why she voted her out, who says she was a threat who had made the same moves she had. Scot blasts Tai for wasting his advantage and his idol, and tells Michele that she got stronger as the game went on whereas the other two got weaker.

The REAL Survivor

Probst lets the final three have the last word, where Aubry talks about how she played her heart out. Tai says he believes in kindness and recites a Vietnamese proverb...cute, but not likely to win over votes. Michele knocks it out of the park as she talks about how she overcame the stereotypes that come with being labeled a "Beauty girl" and believed in herself when no-one else did. We only see two votes cast and they're the most obvious ones...Julia for Michele, and Joe for Aubry. With their business concluded, Tai's last act is to let Mark roam free.

Jeff starts reading the votes back in the US. 2 votes Aubry, 5 votes Michele is the final total giving the pretty bartender a victory. Her family seem surprised and I think a lot of fans were too...drinks are on her, I guess?

STAR OF THE WEEK: MICHELE FITZGERALD

Michele's win might seem like a head-scratcher to a lot of fans, but she built up a lot of momentum towards the end and played the cards she was dealt well. Never underestimate the power of being likeable, and Michele was able to justify herself enough to make the jury want to give it to her.


Reunion notes:

• Was it me or does Jeff not really seem like the biggest fan of Michele? Probably because she disproved his narrative that you have to make BIG MOVES to win the game!
• Sia hijacking the reunion to randomly give money to Tai was weird, to say the least. I wonder how Keith felt when he heard he missed out on a check.
• Jesus Christ, Probst will take any excuse to mention Cochran.
• Caleb being the only pre-juror to speak...doubt anybody was shocked at that.
• The next season is Survivor: Millennials vs Gen X. Garbage title, but the theme should be fine, and there's a few faces in the promo already catching my eye.

Kaoh Rong Episode 13: Getting It Done At 71

Joe explains to a shocked Tai that the group felt very strongly about sending Jason home, as Michele rehashes the arguments she had with him at tribal. Tai thinks Aubry pulled a fast one on him, and tries to understand what happened. He seems slightly offended at the characterization of him being bossy - now he's rethinking his allegiances and is unsure of where to go now.

The waiting game

The reward challenge is to race into the jungle to get sandbags, then throw them into holes. They all head out, with Cydney making it back first. Cydney and Aubry both score one as the first barrage of shots rain down. Joe is the last to get back and doesn't land any. With the next lot, Cydney gets 2, and Aubry gets three. Aubry is able to get up to four before running out of bags. Joe gets 3, but everybody else is out of bags and has to wait for him to go back and get his last one. With his last two shots, Joe hits the two hardest targets, marking an amazing win. He gets to choose two people and his first one is Aubry. Aubry then picks the next one for him: Cydney.

Where's the beef?

At the reward, Joe gets refueled by filling himself up with steak. He tells the girls he wants this to be the final three, selling it to Aubry by saying him and Cydney are no threat. But Aubry has a different idea of who the threats are, and thinks she needs to get out Cydney and go with Tai instead.

Tai and Michele are back at camp, which has the potential to be very awkward. But the two of them decide to talk it out since they both feel they're in a bad position. Tai offers Michele some spa treatment of her own, and gives her a great Tai massage (pun intended). The discussion of working together also comes up, since it's not something people would expect.

Screw them, we'll have our own reward

Cyd plays both sides

Aubry gets back to camp and realizes she needs to smooth things over with Tai since if he's playing emotionally, he could blow up her game. She gives him a strong reassurance that he's in her final three, and he ends up breaking down in tears because of the stress of the game. Cydney however watches Tai and Aubry walk back and is now a little suspicious. She decides to talk with Michele and make sure they're still on the same page. Huh, maybe Michele isn't quite as dead as she thought.

Joe is having bladder problems, stemming from eating too much meat on the reward. He gets a visit from the medic who gives him some medicine, but it doesn't have much effect and his pain is getting worse. Later that night the medic comes back and decides

Joe's body breaking down

to take Joe from the game rather than risk him having kidney problems. Joe isn't shocked at all, and tells Jeff about how it's time for him to go and he's now eager for his next adventure. It can't have been easy for Joe to keep up with the kids...crazy how the one time he wins a challenge, it costs him.


Well, that's medevac number 3 - a new record. Joe's departure changes the game a lot since there was no sign of him being voted out at all. Michele looks to be the biggest beneficiary, but it'll mean nothing if she doesn't close the deal. Aubry was probably hit the hardest, but still has the opportunity to recover.

STAR OF THE WEEK: TAI TRANG

Whilst this was an emotional send-off episode for Joe, I also liked that we saw the re-emergence of gamer Tai. It's been a compelling emotional journey for the gardener and now he's got to stay strong to be able to close it out.

Kaoh Rong Episode 12: Tai'd Down

They come back to camp with Mark the chicken on the hammock...he's the boss now. Tai tells Jason that he's so persuasive he almost played his idol. Jason then immediately starts using that persuasion to tell Michele and Cydney that Tai and Aubry will be hard to beat, so they'd be better off siding with him. Tai gets Aubry and Joe together and tells them he has an extra vote and that he wants to play it in order to ensure they get the majority.

Fowl play: Mark might have the best social game left

Tai finds a big grub and feeds it to Mark, who scoffs it up in one bite. Jason bitches to Joe that no-one is playing the game, but he doesn't seem that sympathetic. Jason's doing what he can to be seen as a good person to be taken to the end - but will it be enough?

Tipping the scales

The reward challenge involves making it out to a circular maze in the water and then getting the ball to the middle as a team. It's Joe, Aubry and Cydney against Tai, Michele and Jason. Joe and Jason are the first to dive and Jason leaves Joe in the dust. In fact, blue team get Michele over as well in the time it takes Joe to finish. Once all team members are in place, Jason confidently directs for blue, whilst yellow struggle. They only get one ball in before blue get all three and win a trip to the animal shelter.

Joe organizes a firewood collection back at camp, and Cydney starts to get annoyed with the old man's bossiness. On reward, the others get to see an elephant, which seems very interested in Tai. Jason really enjoys playing with the animals as a monkey jumps on his back. Tai has now gone from targeting Jason to targeting Michele.

A real monkey on his back

Someboddy kant spel

The immunity challenge involves stacking blocks on top of eachother to spell a word, whilst holding onto the rope that keeps the table from falling over - a harder version of the challenge Jon Misch won, basically. It's actually Joe that gets off to the best start (who would've thought?) whilst Cydney goes very slowly. Joe falls, which puts Michele in the lead...but then she drops too, as do Aubry and Tai. After Jason drops, Cydney is now in the lead as the only person that hasn't. Joe is facing a different setback - putting up the wrong letter multiple times. Michele, Aubry and Tai all lose their stack again, meaning it's down to Jason and Cydney. Jason outpaces Cydney in the placing of his last block...but then it falls on the way back, and slow Cydney caps off a perfect win.

Ready for a fight

Tai is in the water with his alliance and decides to throw out booting Michele before she comes over. Tai then tells Jason to vote for her too, but he'd rather vote for Joe. Joe and Cydney both say how they'd rather vote out Jason and don't like how Tai tried to dictate the vote. Cydney lets Michele know that Tai is gunning for her but that she's fighting to save her, which lets Michele know she might have to fight for herself at tribal. Aubry has a big decision to make at tribal too, as she feels pulled in two directions.

At tribal council, Jeff comments on how the immunity challenge felt a lot like the game - constantly changing. Michele gets her shots in on Tai early, saying he must feel comfortable having two idols. Cydney also claims that Tai wasn't letting her voice be heard. Tai then reveals there's a smaller group within the big group, as Michele appeals for them not to trust him since he's flipped on every alliance he's had. Tai says that to be honest he doesn't even know why Michele got brought into the alliance in the first place. Jason is getting excited, but he's not laying back just yet...he could still be going home!

After the votes are cast, Tai tells Jeff he wants to play his advantage and goes back up to cast a second vote. Jeff reads Tai's two votes for Michele, and then two for Jason. The next vote is...Joe? Dammit Jason. But it doesn't matter as the rest of the votes are for him as well, leaving Tai pretty confused. Damn, this extra vote is now 0/3 in getting out a target.

Well, I'd say it's now time for the group to start turning on eachother, but it seems they're already ahead of the curve on that. Tai still has the idol but his social standing has taken a huge hit. Now him and Michele can go at it again for a second round.

STAR OF THE WEEK: MICHELE FITZGERALD

She put Tai on blast during tribal and completely obliterated him. Nobody can say she's boring now. I don't know why they were so eager to keep her though...and I bet she makes them regret it.

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.