In part 1A, everyone arrived to their camps! We saw good conversations, like Price/Snake/T'Challa, Peach/Ms Pac-Man, Skarlet/Slade, Wade/Penelope/Jigglypuff, and more! There is also the more…negative ones, like the tension already brewing between Dante and Wario, or Toad's social gameplay.
In 1B, it's time for more exploration! Which tribe will make it to Episode 2, and which castaway on the losing tribe will meet the unfortunate fate of being first boot? Find out right now!
Mara: Price, Peach, Snake, Ripley, T'Challa, Wesker, Ms Pac-Man, and Dylan
Vulsa: Skarlet, Slade, Penelope, Wario, Wii Fit Trainer, Dante, Jigglypuff, Wade, and Zelda
—
Vulsa Tribe: Night 1
There's no dancing in the moonlight for Vulsa, who are trying to get some rest with what they have. Their bed for now is a big bamboo slab, as construction hasn't finished yet.
Jigglypuff rises from the ground, and opens her mouth.
Jigglypuff: I'm the smallest one, so losing would suck! I don't want my team exhausted, so I decided a good lullaby would do the trick.
The singing puzzles a few of her tribemates at first. Wade speaks up first. "Why do you feel the need to—" aaand he's asleep. One by one, each member drifts off to neverland. Once Jiggly is the last one awake, she decides to follow them there.
—
Mara Tribe: Day 2
While Vulsa's asleep, a few people on Mara have an early start to the day. Specifically, Price and Snake, who drag bamboo across the sand. In their sight, is a bundle of bamboo stuck together.
Price: Fish sounds good about now. Snake agrees, and what I've noticed is that we aren't on a different page yet. I don't want a big alliance this early, but an ally would help me get one.
The two set a piece of bamboo on top of that stack. Snake looks directly at Price, and speaks up. "Sooner or later we'll have to make alliances." he says, grabbing another piece of bamboo. Music to the captain's ears. "You and I together?" he asks. "I can't turn that down."
"Not just us, Price. We need numbers. You fall on the wrong side, and it's all it can take for you to go home." he explains. Price takes another piece of bamboo, their raft only getting larger. "I have an idea or two. We can get T'Challa, we're on his good side. I've thought about Wesker too. What about you?" he asks, sending the ball back into Snake's court.
"Ripley. We don't know much about her, but she seems like a team player." he answers. "Peach and Miss Pac are an obvious pair. That could be dangerous."
"They could be a pain, but there are two others. Dylan and the Shroom. They can be weak links, especially the little one." says Price, wiping his hands. "..Toad is his name."
Snake has a response after that. "Then our targets are set. Neither of us are getting voted off if we lose, so we'll have more time to decide alliances."
Snake: We may not know each other personally, but it's better that we start working together now than later. You can't predict what anyone is going to do in this game, and I won't sit around and get ran over.
—
Later on Mara when everyone is up and moving, Ripley and Peach are moving along the trail to the water well. They both have half of a coconut in hand.
Ripley: You can't win without alliances. Judging from Peach and Miss Pac's first impressions, that could be an alliance I invest in. Two of us also want Toad out, so this could be a good start.
The "Alien" protagonist wastes no time. "What do you think about Toad?" she asks. The princess starts to frown. "I'm sorry to say it, but he's annoying."
"Don't be sorry. He'll become everyone's problem and get kicked off." She just hit him with blunt force trauma. "If you want him gone, just say so and I'll help."
Peach: I don't see anything with Toad. If he's the first Mara to leave, then I'm ok with it!
Before she can fully respond, they hear footsteps from behind. They get quicker, and the two turn around to see nothing..well, until they look down to see Toad, with a serious look on his face.
Toad: Those girls don't mind me! So I'm going to use them to get rid of Price! I don't need someone like him around! He probably thinks I'm weak, just look at him!
He starts speaking right away! "We gotta talk about Price!" This was strange to hear. "What about him?" asks Ripley. "Look, he's trying to be the boss around here! I see what's coming, he's going to get a grip around us and squeeze us to death!"
Toad: If these guys won't respect me, I'll have to make them! Taking out the top guy is the best way to do it!
Ripley stops him right there. "All he's done is help us with camp, and that's it." This doesn't please Toad, who starts stuttering. "B-but, he, I—SCREW IT!" He quickly turns around and storms off, leaving Ripley and Peach to watch.
Peach: I'm not ok, I'm HAPPY that we can send him home! Toad and Price have not talked once, and one is accusing the other of being a tyrant? That's ridiculous!
—
Toad still doesn't think so, and storms into an area where Miss Pac-Man, T'Challa, and Dylan are having a conversation! The Wakandan king seems puzzled at a topic.
"Peanut Butter Butterpops? That is very on the nose."
"It's on the tongue because of the taste. Thousands of people love them, it's a phenomenon." Dylan says. Ms Pac-Man chimes in: "That sounds like a snack my children would like! Where can I find it?"
"Is there a Walmart near you?"
"What's a Walmart?"
While that happens, T'Challa is the first to notice Toad storming off. He taps Dylan's shoulder, and he and Ms Pac stop to see Toad storm off. "What is his problem?" asks the king. "Maybe he got turned down." says Dylan. "It's just like summer camp."
Dylan: I don't vibe with Toad. He has no chill, and his voice sounds like someone gargling rocks. Sorry, just had to get it out there.
Vulsa Tribe: Day 2
Bamboo is getting put together, water getting boiled, and weapons getting created. Slade and Skarlet are making spears, by sharpening sticks they found in the woods.
Slade: The more I'm around my tribe, the easier it is to read dynamics..
While he and his bloodthirsty ally sharpen sticks, we see Dante and Wario lift a bamboo vertically, looking for a short wall. Dante noticeably winces any time he gets near him.
Slade: Dante does not have tolerance for Wario.
Brief shot of Wii Fit coming over to help the two.
Slade: He does tolerate the Trainer.
The building is going ok. Meanwhile Wade watches over the boiling water, while Zelda also moves to help the other three.
Slade: Zelda is liked by everyone. She will be harder to convince for an alliance, but if she's smart, she'll come with us. I have no clue what Wade is going to do.
The camera pans over to Penelope and Jigglypuff bringing back more firewood. Jiggly is struggling, but the Yoshi takes some of the load off her! Instead of getting the fourth Slade confessional, we get a couple from Skarlet instead!
Skarlet: Slade must realize that Penelope and Jigglypuff are getting closer. If they get three more people, they will be a force to be reckoned with. Wade, the Trainer, and Dante are all that they need. We cannot let that happen.
—
Immediate cut to the woods, where Skarlet and Slade discussing the matter. A snake slithers on a tree behind Skarlet.
Skarlet runs through a list: "Me, you, Dante, the Trainer, then Wario." Slade crosses his arms. "I can see Dante and the Trainer joining us. There is tension with Wario."
"Are you suggesting Zelda is a better option?"
"I'm suggesting we remove some of the tension. If we can get them all agree to target someone like Jigglypuff, or even Penelope, that should get us a majority." he explains. "We will need to let Wario in. We'll make up with Zelda later."
"What about Wade?" asks Skarlet. "No. He could be a loose cannon. If he's let in on this plan, we will be targeted."
Skarlet: He is too paranoid about Wade. I don't understand the grudge, but there is no room for that. We have to get the numbers together, win this challenge, and make up with Zelda down the road.
—
Immunity and Reward Challenge
There is part of the challenge in the water, and part of the challenge on the sandy beach. Jeff, in his usual getup, pockets a flint. He then shoots his hands up!
"Come on in, guys!"
Mara and Vulsa both arrive to the challenge area, tribe flags being carried by Wesker and Skarlet. Both get to their colored mats, and Jeff begins.
"Are you ready for today's challenge?" he asks, and there is a resounding yes! After a day straight of hard work, more was to come though. "Alright, here's what's going down at todays challenge: you will paddle out, and retrieve a bag of number tiles. You'll then race out and pass a series of obstacles. You'll then use those tiles to release three rings to attempt to land them on three paddles. First tribe to finish wins immunity, and a reward.."
The host reveals the flint we saw earlier to the castaways. "Flint. This will make it easier to start a fire. The losing tribe gets no flint and will see me at Tribal Council, where someone will be the first person voted out of Survivor: Maldives Madness."
Those words smacked the castaways up with dread. The first person voted out after the whole casting process? Hell to the no!
"I'll give you a minute to strategize, and we'll get started…"
—
After the mandatory prep period, Mara and Vulsa are pumped up and ready to roll!
"First challenge of the season! Survivors ready? GO!" With that exclamation, this challenge is ON!
To start, both tribes rush to their boat! For Vulsa, Wario lifts the boat off the ground! Vulsa is able to reach the water first, but not fully take the lead because Mara has strong people of their own in Price, Ripley, Snake, T'Challa, etc.
The paddling portion begins, as it's neck and neck at first!
"Everyone in sync!" shouts Price, as Mara picks up speed. As for Vulsa, they have a decent start. Jigglypuff is not paddling in sync due to her size. This slows them down a bit, as Mara starts taking the lead.
"The Vulsa tribe needs to get a move on!"
Vulsa does get closer to the bag, however Mara reaches their station first! Vulsa isn't far off! They send Snake and Zelda to untie the bags!
"It's still a close race!" shouts the host. "A lot of pressure on Snake and Zelda!"
After that, the untying is brief, but Snake gets it over Zelda by SECONDS! The two hurry back to their boats, with Mara having a brief lead.
"Up next are the obstacles, which will slow any tribe down!"
Both tribes spot a wooden platform leading to a big L-shaped box! One by one, each member of each tribe starts making their way over! For Mara, their quicker and agile people like Snake, T'Challa, Peach, and more have an easy time.
Some of Vulsa leap off the top box! Wario and Jigglypuff remain. Price spots Toad behind him, and just carries him like a backpack! "Hang tight." He mutters, climbing up those boxes, and taking a leap into the water!
Wario stays behind to get Jiggly! The Pokémon climbs one time, and then Wario just snatches her and dives off causing a big splash!
"Mara and Vulsa not letting the workload stop them!" It would become more evident on the next obstacle: The Barrel Roll. "Up next is the barrel roll, you gotta get everyone over it! It spins, you're soaked, have fun!"
With Mara, people like Snake, T'Challa, and Peach make it over without much of a hassle! Snake has the numbered bag tucked in during this whole thing.
With Vulsa actually chooses to boost up the heaviest in Wario first! Literally all eight of the others pitch in, and he makes it to the other end! Wade jumps up first, and Wario pulls him across effortlessly!
Back with Mara, each member boosts the other over the roll! Eventually it comes down to Miss Pac, Price, and Toad. Price and Pac grab Toad's shoulders, and chuck him over the roll! Despite his screams, the other side catches him! Those two make their way up…
..back with Vulsa, they are making quick progress. Thanks to the strength of Wario, everyone but Slade is over! He doesn't take very long, as all of Vulsa is up, over, and can move on!
The same situation goes for Mara! There is a big net in front of both tribe, and they make a dash for it! Both tribes are about to get even, when Jiggly trips over herself! Toad starts too as well, until T'Challa grabs his arm, forcing him to make his way up!
Mara drops down first! Vulsa drops down second! Next for both tribes is the combination!
"Both tribes working on that combination! There's only three of numbers, when you get them all you can start tossing!
For Mara, Ripley takes on the combination, a bit ahead of Vulsa. For Vulsa, Penelope volunteers and tries to catch up. (The correct combination is: 451267)
Ripley sorts her 12, 45, and 67 out in different orders. Penelope does the same, looking for Vulsa to take the win!
After a few mistakes, Ripley combines the numbers into "45-12-67…" with that, she unlocks the rings! Penelope gets it not long after!
For Mara their ring tosser is T'Challa. He tosses one ring too high, and misses!
"T'Challa tosses for Mara, but misses on the first try!" He's immediately contradicted when the Panther nails one shot!
For Vulsa their ring tosser is Slade. He doesn't make the same mistake T'Challa did, and hits the first paddle!
"Slade tosses for Vulsa, and nails it!" Challa is not down for that, and lands his second ring! Slade isn't backing down and lands his! T'Challa rushes to pick up the one ring he missed…
"One more ring left! One mistake will end it all for one of you!"
Putting the pressure aside, Slade tosses his final ring, looking to end Mara….
..but the ring bounces off the paddle! This gives T'Challa the opening to right a wrong..
..his ring lands, flipping over the paddle! Mara cheers, the relief that nobody is going anywhere flowing through them!
"MARA WINS IMMUNITY AND REWARD!"
Vulsa's mood goes down, as Slade just drops a ring down and stands side by side with his tribemates. It gets better for Mara, when Jeff tosses them the flint! Peach catches it, and Jeff gives his props to the tribe.
"Congratulations Mara, you are safe tonight. Head back to camp, enjoy the night off." Mara parts ways with Vulsa, but not Jeff's attention. "Vulsa, I've got nothin for ya. Head back to camp, I'll see you tonight where one of you will be voted off." After those words, Vulsa leaves the challenge area, with Jigglypuff getting a confessional on their end.
Jigglypuff: This day is just getting worse! I don't want to be eliminated FIRST! I have to stop this from happening!
—
Mara Tribe
The nine winners for the day arrive back to camp. Peach has the flint in hand, approaching the dying fire. Everyone is generally in a good mood, except for, you guessed it, Toad.
Toad: Winning is cool, but the longer we're here, the more time Price has to get control! Those girls didn't listen to me, so I only have a few options left…
A brief shot of Wesker is shown.
Toad: That Wesker guy can give me a hand! I need it more than anyone!
Vulsa Tribe
Vulsa makes their way back to camp, not in high spirits. Despite their best efforts, one of them was going to leave just a couple days in.
Skarlet: Our plan has to come into fruition. It will be easier to execute because we found an easy target..
—
Immediate cut to the water well. Skarlet and Slade brought Wario and Wii Fit Trainer there, and now it was time to talk.
"Any tension you both have, put it aside." says Skarlet. "Slade and I discussed who should be the first to go, and we will push for Jigglypuff." Wario scratches his stache, while Wii Fit is puzzled. "Are you two in an alliance?" she asks.
"It won't be the two of us. We want the both of you to join us. We just have to convince Dante, and then we have the majority." explains Slade. Wario huffs, but gets defused with one reason. "Not only will we keep our strength, but none of us will get the boot. It's free safety, and I doubt the others will be very…accepting."
Wario: Free safety?! Wario will take it!
Wii Fit: I agree that Jigglypuff should go home after that performance. Teaming up with Wario? That won't be very fun…
—
Meanwhile on the Jiggly end of things, four are left at camp. Jiggly, Penelope, Wade, and Zelda. All four did not leave together, but a pit is in Jiggly's stomach. She looks down, fearing the potential talks.
Penelope: I actually like Jigglypuff! She helped us sleep and everything! She's done nothing but help, and getting voted out is what she gets? That's just not fair, and I think she needs a second chance…
While the other four talk, and one goes on a bathroom break, the remaining four right there get to discussions.
"So, should we just make a counter alliance right now?" asks Wade. That immediately gets everyone's attention, all eyes on him. "I'm just saying, four of the strong people leave and nobody suspects anything? "United" My $$." Zelda chimes in with her two cents. "Skarlet is someone who isn't really open. Maybe if she campaigns to vote out Skarlet, we can progress."
Zelda: It's a sad situation. I care about keeping Jigglypuff because she is someone I want to work with. Unfortunately it's very early and we need strength.
Wade: I'm a strong guy too, but come on it's clear we are at the bottom here. I'll let Jiggles campaign since they probably want to boot her, but come tomorrow, it's idol hunting time!
Jiggly does get a response out. "Thank you for backing me up. I already feel bad enough about the challenge! It's just good to know people have my back." Penelope pats Jiggly on the head. "They just need to hear you out. Nobody wants to leave because of a snap judgement." After a few seconds of thought, a thought comes to mind.
"We have to convince Dante." suggests Penelope. "But I don't know if he would do it..even if he doesn't, we have to try."
Jigglypuff: I hope Dante listens to me! One challenge does not need to get me kicked out!
—
Immediate cut to Jigglypuff pleading to Dante by the shelter.
"This isn't fair!" the Pokémon exclaims. "I tripped on a net, can they get off my back?" Dante nods along, before giving out a statement of his own. "They think you're a weak link, kid. The moment someone sees a weakness, they will not stop until you get torn apart." The Pokémon's jaw drops. "Ok that's too violent, think about it like this: they want to win more challenges, and you are a hinderance."
That doesn't calm down the Pokémon. "We were so close! We could win again with me here!"
"Who are YOU looking to take out?"
"Skarlet came up."
Ok. Dante is puzzled by that, but she is pleading hard, and even if it's annoying the ever loving hell out of him, he chooses to listen anyway. "Tell me why."
"She is so sketchy, and I just don't feel good about her!" she answers. "Look look, we have Wario! We have YOU! I would love to work with you over her!"
"My ego could use a good stroking.."
"Exactly! If I survive this i will vote with you, I will stand by you, just let me stay!" exclaims Jigglypuff. That reaches Dante, and while we don't see an answer, a confessional airs to explain his thought process.
Dante: She slipped up and wants a second chance. I get that in my own way. A hundred percent. She also wants to make an alliance, which I won't exactly pass down..but here's the elephant in the room: half of the tribe wants her gone. My first impression of her is that she's nice sure, but she'll be deadweight in the challenges. I'm making enemies either way.
—
Another cut happens where we see Dante talking with Slade behind a bush.
"Jigglypuff, is only holding us back." states Slade. "She may pitch an alliance but she's beaten there too." Wow, stated just like that. "I'm making an alliance of my own, and I want you in it. It has the strongest to offer on the tribe, and safety for everyone in it."
Dante smirks at that. "Playing hard already?"
"Not hard, necessarily."
"Hm.." It doesn't take Dante long to really think about it. "Who's in it? Let's make that clear."
"You, me, Skarlet, the Trainer, and Wario. When the five of us come together, we'll hold the numbers. The minority can vote for who they want, and they still won't stop us." After that statement, he definitely has more to think about.
Dante: I'm being handed two alliances on a silver platter. Chill with the Puffer and have a good ally, or go with Slade's plan and have a…decent group. I just wanted to relax and have an easy ride to start with, but now I'm a marked man. Let's see where it gets me!
—
Vulsa's Tribal Council: Night 2
The nine Vulsa's arrive to the Tribal Council area with torches. They spot the fire pit in front of them, and Jeff Probst sitting next to his podium across from where they'll sit.
"Each Tribal Council you'll dip your torches into that fire. Fire represents your life, and when it's gone, so are you.."
With that noted, they set their torches in the slots located next to the stumps, and take a seat on those stumps. This Tribal Council is on.
"First Tribal Council of the season. Wii Fit, how does it feel to be here?" He asks. "I don't want to be here again! Everything about it sucks! Everyone's in a bad mood, and it's dark so we can't see where we are walking! Not that I have a problem with that, I love walking, but it's hurting our morale.."
"Zelda, do you agree with her?"
"I do. Nobody wants to be the first person voted out. We all came here ready for an adventure, but we have to know that politics get in the way. It's a part of the experience, and we'll have to come back stronger next time."
That's one question covered, and Jeff sets his sights on Wario, asking another. "Wario, how is camp life going?"
"Errr, we have some food. No shelter because everyone is tired after we lost. I am not tired because Wario the strongest on the team!" That earns a few shady looks from Penelope, Wii Fit, and Zelda. Skarlet mutters under her breath. "Whatever the elf said, we will bounce back."
"Elf?" Zelda quietly asks. Nonetheless, Jeff moves on to the merc with a mouth.
"Wade."
"What's up?"
"What are you basing your vote off of?"
"Whatever i want." He says. "I could vote to 'keep the tribe strong.'" That earns a look from the Pokémon. "Hell I could be a wildcard and go against the grain!" Slade sighs. "The point is Jeffery, what I want to do, is what I'll do."
The host tilts his head. "Ok, clearly you are a free spirit." "I'm just me." With that answer from Deadpool, Jeff asks the same question to another tribe mate.
"Slade, how are you voting tonight?"
"Stability. It doesn't matter how close we came to winning, there was somebody holding us back." Jigglypuff frowns. "Everyone did come out here for an experience, but I'm not apologizing for politics. That is a part of it, and everyone WILL participate in one way or the other." That honest answer gets eyes from everyone. Some in approval, others in worry.
"No apologies Slade?" asks Jeff. "None." Slade was sticking to his guns, and with that the Survivor host sets his sights on Penelope next.
"Penelope, it's all about strength and politics tonight. What is your take on this?"
"Both matter. I get that the tribe needs to be strong, but sometimes people like the weak one!" Skarlet, Zelda, and Wade look right over. "That just makes stuff like this harder."
Dante crosses his legs, and Jigglypuff keeps her head up, nervous as heck on the inside.
"Alright, there are no more questions because it is time to vote. Trainer, you're up first."
She leaves her stump and heads to the voting booth.
—
Slade: We wouldn't work as allies. I'll do what it takes to win, and you'll do what it takes for friendship. (Jigglypuff)
Penelope: I'm a ride or die…and I really, really hope we don't die. (Skarlet)
Skarlet: You are weak. Get stronger and then we will talk. (Jigglypuff)
Jigglypuff: I'm going with what I know. You are the scariest, and that's why I'm voting for you. (Skarlet)
—
After all of that voting is done and over with, the nine Vulsa's get to their stumps, and take a nice seat.
"I'll go tally the votes.." With those words, he leaves his podium and goes straight to the booth. He takes the voting urn, and heads back to his podium. Setting it down, vote reads are about to begin.
"If anyone has a hidden immunity idol, and they would like to play it, now would be the time to do so.." Given nobody in Vulsa has one, nobody speaks up at all. Jeff removes the urn's lid, and with that the most important part of Tribal Council commences.
"I'll read the votes…" He reaches in for the parchment, and takes a stack of nine out. He sets it behind the podium so nobody has a clue of where the votes went. Jigglypuff and Skarlet look around, wary of what's to come. Jeff grabs the first piece of parchment, and makes the reveal..
"First vote…."
"Jigglypuff."
"Jigglypuff."
"Jigglypuff." Thats three votes Jigglypuff, six votes left..
"Skarlet." (Her eyes widen, and her fists clench. This was not good..)
"Skarlet. That's three votes Jigglypuff, two votes Skarlet, four votes left…
"Jigglypuff. That's four votes Jigglypuff, two votes Skarlet, three votes left…
"The first person voted out of Survivor: Maldives Madness, Jigglypuff. Bring me your torch."
A look of disappointment sticks on the Pokemon's face. She hops on her feet, and grabs the torch. She makes her way over to Jeff, and sets her torch down…
He raises his snuffer.
"Jigglypuff, the tribe has spoken."
Her torch is snuffed.
"Time for you to go."
The Pokémon leaves the Tribal Council area, waving goodbye to Penelope on her way out. Once she is out of view, Jeff turns his attention to the now eight remaining Vulsa tribe members.
"It was about strength and politics. Maybe both won tonight. Head back to camp, have a good night."
The eight Vulsa tribe members pick up their lit torches, and leave the Tribal Council area, one down and perhaps more to go.
—
Jigglypuff's Final Words
Jigglypuff: I wanted to show what I had, and I got cut really short. I'm happy at least somebody listened to me, I think it was Penelope! I hope she has a better stay at Vulsa!
—
Votes:
Jigglypuff— Skarlet, Slade, Wario, Wii Fit Trainer, Dante, Zelda, and Wade
Skarlet— Jigglypuff and Penelope
—
Zelda and Wade did NOT vote with Jigglypuff! We'll hear from them in 2A, as well as everyone else on the Vulsa beach! Mara will also get some content, as Toad seems keen to get rid of Price for some reason. We'll see how both beaches cope with their situations!
For these confessional counts, I'm ALSO counting Final Words. It's basically a reflection inside a confessional. (Underlines will show who has been eliminated)
1B confessional count:
3– Toad, Slade, Jigglypuff
2– Peach, Dante
1– Price, Snake, Ripley, Dylan, Wario, Wii Fit, Penelope, Zelda, Wade, Skarlet
0– Ms Pac-Man, T'Challa, Wesker
Total Episode 1 / Current Count:
7– Slade
6– Toad, Peach, Dante
5– Jigglypuff, Penelope, Snake, Dylan, Price
4– Wesker, Zelda, Skarlet, Wario, Wii Fit Trainer, Wade
3– T'Challa, Ms Pac-Man, Ripley
Let me know if I got the count wrong! Hopefully I have common sense!
Questions:
1. Are you at all shocked at the first boot?
2. Who was the MVP this episode?
3. Which relationships will be sustainable? Which won't?
Those are all the questions i have! Have a good one, I'm Ticket, signing off! See you at Episode 2!