We are back, and I got this done quicker than I thought I would TBH. Watching Season 43 has given me some more motivation back! Speaking of, what do you think of the newest season? Me personally, I've been enjoying it! It and 42 are already standouts of the New Era (I don't think 41 is too bad, but it needed better editing when it came to Erika / Heather)
Back to it!
—
Vara Tribe: Day 20
Early morning, all four of the Maracle Men are carrying wood back to camp from the forest.
"Let's get the elephant out of the way: we're glad to have you back, T." addresses Price, as T'Challa continues to face forward. "I wasn't going to turn my back on you that easy, but Dante wasn't sticking with us if Wade stuck here. Now that Wade is gone, Dante has a better chance of returning." explains T'Challa, gripping the log to his side. "You said Slade is on the fence?"
"His nemesis is out, so we're on his mind. We have more history with him, so getting him to join along is easier. Not easy enough."
"He is on the bottom of that alliance, but he also knows we are threats. Whoever pulls him harder will win out."
Price: Feels good to have people behind my back after that. That T'Challa is a wild man, I've gotta hand it to him, but at the end of the day he marches to his own drum. Now DYLAN, I thought would turn on me…but he didn't. He's safer than I thought.
After Price and T'Challa hash that out, Snake looks right at T'Challa. "I would give up on Dante." he says, which makes T huff. "You three (T, Dylan, Dante) may have a past but he's moved on. You should too." he says, attempting to reason with the Panther. "He hasn't talked much about strategy to me or Price, so you'll be standing on different sides."
Snake: He's still worried about Dante, and part of the reason he flipped may have been because he thought he could get Dante back. He had too much trust in Dante, but now it's going to blow up on all of us.
A B-Roll shot of Dante chilling in a makeshift hammock is shown.
Snake: He's ruled out. Wasn't born yesterday.
Back to their convo, Dylan interjects. "Yeeeaaah, sorry T I'm with him on this one. He's cool as a cucumber but I think he's just left the building." T looks onward, and after taking a few moments to process, has a reply. "If we have to move on, then we will have call on Slade…but I have my doubts."
T'Challa: If Slade doesn't pull through, then I'll be using this against him. Price and Snake are threats to the end, but if the four of us can't pull through, then we will be picked off. That is a fate I refuse to have.
—
While Slade is away, Dante and the women discuss him in his absence.
"If Price makes it past, I'll eat a rock." states Dante. "All we need is for the five of us to stick together. That's it. Slade is going to be the hardest to get to stay. He never stops thinking." replies Ripley. "If we make it to five we can agree on one thing…"
"Cut him?"
"Cut him. He may be arrogant enough to stay loyal. Look around us Dante…he has less competition. T'Challa and Price are beasts he'll have to worry about later. He's screwing himself if he joins them."
"Well…you're right."
Dante: Ripley is an event planner…except the special event is an execution. She's sending people to the cutting room, and if she's planning this far ahead? She probably has me in the rotation too. I'd have a better chance against someone like..Peach, Dylan, or even Zelda. Ripley? She could calmly smash me with words.
Back to the convo, Zelda has a say. "Since they are going after me for challenges, we should take out their best for challenges. Price is one, and T'Challa should leave after." she says, making eye contact with Dante knowing his history very well.
Zelda: If we get rid of T'Challa after this, Dante has less power. He'll have to rely on us instead of those two men.
The Sparda Brother just smirks. "You are out for blood." "Absolutely." responds Zelda. "I like your plans." he starts. "But here's mine. We pop a cap in Snake next. I've been in his convos, that man is smart. If Price is the socialist, he's the strategist. We need to cut both heads off." he explains. "IF Snake starts winning challenges, then yeah, we'll have to cut T…maybe Slade if he gets out of hand." Peach steps in next. "What if Slade leaves us tonight?"
"Then we are screwed with a capital S."
Ripley: If we can make it past this one vote, we are set to go. Slade will always be a hazard, that's why he's on the bottom. Dante? We'll let him feel large and in charge now, but he's not reaching the end.
—
The sun is out, and seagulls move around near the camp. Price, Slade, and Dante are the three left at camp on that afternoon, fueling up as a challenge is not far away.
They chow down on rice inside of a coconut, a simple conversation happening between Price (left of Slade) and Dante (right of Slade). It's about a new camp activity.
"Update on the sleds?" asks Price, as Dante swallows chunks before answering. "The wood isn't soft so I'd layer up." replies Dante, who lightly punches Slade on the shoulder. "Found a nice hill for you to brood on." he says, lightly chuckling as Slade pretends to snicker.
Price: Despite sending bullets at eachother, Dante decided it would be nice for everyone to go sledding. We're all getting bored.
He has up a large piece of bamboo resting on his legs in the confessional.
Price: That's the finish line. After helping out today, it'll be a dark day tomorrow if I'm not here.
Cut to Dante, smirking in his confession. A wooden sled passes behind him.
Dante: Call me, Jeff. We can set something up.
While Price and Dante discuss the brother's Sled Race set for the next day, Slade has different thoughts on his mind.
Slade: Dante is a power player in the making. Sure the women outnumber him but he still has links to others outside of the group. I'm dead last in that little club and if I turn now I can control my story. Pull out the "underdog" card and win out on challenges. However the Maracle Men are closer. There's stiffer competition and less cracks to break. Whatever choice I make, will impact how the rest of my game goes down.
—
Immunity Challenge
Come on in!"
The nine Vara tribe members enter, one down from the last time. T'Challa has the necklace around his neck, and all eyes are on Jeff and that stand to his side.
"T'Challa, I'll be taking that back."
"We'll meet again."
He unhooks the necklace and hands it over to Jeff. The host reconnects it to the stand and turns back to the remaining competitors.
"Immunity is back up for grabs." he begins. "For todays challenge, three of you will start by squaring off inside a circle, where you will have to remove your two opponents from the circle. Since there is nine of you, we will have three rounds of three, and then a final round of three where you will have to do the same thing. Keep in mind, you can come to blows, BUT do it at your own risk. Whoever wins the final round earns immunity, and a guaranteed spot in the final eight. We'll draw, and get started." explains Jeff.
After the drawing is finished up…
—
Matchups:
#1: T'Challa vs. Dante vs. Slade
#2: Peach vs. Zelda vs. Snake
#3: Price vs. Ripley vs. Dylan
—
The first three contestants are inside the circle, the final round on their heads.
#1: T'Challa vs Dante vs Slade
Dante makes eye contact with Slade, and points his head quickly towards T. There is no emotion on Slade's face. The Panther, seeing all of this, doesn't move his eyes from either man.
"First round! Survivors ready? GO!"
Dante sprints at T'Challa and takes his legs! He keeps ahold as T'Challa gets some movement in, before Slade spears him! With both on top of T, they lift him up with ease and walk towards the end of the circle! T starts to slip out but the two uses their combined strength to toss him out of the circle!
He lands on his feet…but it's too late. He's done.
"T'Challa is ou—"
Slade grabs Dante from behind and goes to throw him, but Dante lands on his feet and pulls Slade in! He lifts him into a hug and drops him harshly on his side! Despite Slade being close to the circle, Dante comes from behind and puts him in a full nelson! He lifts Slade up as they have their eyes locked on…
Dylan: —then all of a sudden Dante pulls out wrestling moves! Where has THIS guy been?!
He drops him on his neck, and winces are audible! Slade isn't out yet, but he is on his knees and Dante lifts him from the ground! He carries him like a bag to the end of the circle and shoves him out!
"Slade is out, Dante has a 1 in 3 shot at immunity!"
Dante brushes off his clothing, and leaves the circle, looking at Slade. "Where has the beast been man?" he asks, and Ripley just facepalms. Slade keeps his gaze on him. "You'll find out."
Dante: I was just going to go easy because I wanted a challenge, but when I saw I had to take those two guys, there was no mercy. If Zelda was in the mix then I'd just go talk to the good old Devil Trigger.
Jeff calls for the next three. "Peach, Zelda, Snake, you're up."
The three step into the circle, as T'Challa makes a comment about what just went down.
T'Challa: He says he's with us, but then teams up against us. It's a shame we need his vote because if we didn't, I would throw him under.
—
#2: Peach vs. Zelda vs. Snake
Changing rotation, Peach, Zelda, and Snake are in the circle, ready to roll. Snake eyes both women.
"Two out of three! Survivors ready? GO!"
The two women instead of charging at him, take a side. Zelda to his left, Peach to his right. Both comes at him at the same time, and Snake rolls UNDER them! As Snake gets up, Zelda lifts Peach and tosses her on his back! Dylan raises both brows.
Dylan: For something that's supposed to be a free for all, I've been seeing creative teamwork.
Peach covers Snake's eyes, and Zelda goes for Snake's side! "TO YOUR LEFT!" shouts Price, which tips him off, as he charges Peach-first into Zelda! Both women are down for a second, and Snake starts picking up Peach! He looks to send her out first, until Zelda wraps her arms around Snake's waist and pulls him back!
They all go tumbling down! Snake scrambles to get up, near the edge of the circle. Peach tries to tackle him, but Snake lifts her off her feet and tosses her out! He didn't check behind him though, as Zelda musters up strength to LIFT him and slams him on his back! Ripley nods in approval on the sidelines.
Ripley: Work smarter, not harder.
Snake shoves Zelda back, but she tackles him! Both step over the circle, but…
Snake leaves the circle first!
"Snake is out, Zelda moves onto the finals!"
She gets to her feet, and holds out a hand to Snake. He actually takes it, as he is helped to his feet.
Snake: Price needs to hold down his fort, because they've just been tearing through ours.
Jeff calls for the last batch of three. "Price, Ripley, Dylan, you're up!"
Those three head to the circle, one step before the finals.
—
#3: Price vs Ripley vs Dylan
The three competitors are just one step away from meeting Dante and Zelda, but first they'll have to tear through each other.
Dylan looks at Ripley, and Price just staring at him. "So…" he says, pointing to Ripley. Price half heartedly laughs, and the two turn towards her. On the sidelines, Peach sighs..
Peach: I felt so bad for her. We did play dirty so we did it to ourselves…she's just the one that got a bad draw.
"Big shot for whoever takes this! Survivors ready? GO!"
Ripley immediately tackles Dylan first to take one out! She runs into Price like she's A-Train, and manages to make him stumble just a bit..before he picks her up like a fireman. He casually marches to the end of the circle, but she squirms out from behind and almost shoves him out! She goes to end him for good, but he catches her hand, and whips her around!
One foot leaves the circle, and when she tries to get back in, she tries to drag him outside with her. One foot of his actually leaves, and she grabs a part of his BEARD! Dylan actually gets involved and puts both hands on hers! He and Price combined have to rip her hands off there, and she stumbles out completely!
With Ripley out, it's down to two. Price turns to Dylan, brushing off his facial hair. "Almost thought she would never let go." Dylan gives a slow thumbs up. "No problem, man…" There's silence in the air. Dylan looks Price up and down, and just charges at him. Price just ducks, Dylan running into his shoulders! He is carried, and placed outside of the circle!
"Price moves on! Our final round is official!"
Dylan and Ripley step back on the sidelines, and Price walks to one end in the circle and takes a seat.
Ripley: They need to pull through. Now is the best time to take him down.
—
Final Round: Dante vs. Zelda vs. Price
The three winners of the past, all inside the circle, are ready to roll. Dante and Zelda both face Price, ready to steamroll him.
"Immunity on the line! Survivors ready? GO!"
D and Z go straight for him. Price actually steps back to the edge of the circle, Zelda oncoming first. She goes to rock him with a strike, but he grabs her arm drags her, sending her over the circle!
"Zelda is OUT!"
Dante stops his charge, and actually starts chuckling. "Hey hotshot." taunts Dante. Price spits in the sand and comes at him…
Price kicks one of Dante's legs, and grips it! Dante hops on one leg and Price sends him down! He mounts the Sparda brother, delivering legitimate blows to stay in the game, some rocking Dante! Zelda watches in shock as fists are thrown.
Zelda: Those punches were barbaric! He's desperate at this point!
The Sparda brother though has enough of this and flips Price on his back! Price wraps his legs around Dante in order to stick to him, but Dante rises with Price in his grasp! He wraps his hands around Price's throat and choke slams him!
The bottom is not done though, as he crawls towards Dante…and suddenly sweeps his legs! Dante is down, but soon gets on his knees as Price jumps on him, desperately trying to lift Dante and save himself…but Dante steps on a foot and elbows him on the nose! Price still doesn't let go so he kicks him in the gut!
That sends Price on his knees, so Dante scoops him into his arms, and slams him backfirst on the edge of the circle! Both feet are out, and so is Price!
"DANTE WINS INDIVIDUAL IMMUNITY!"
He leans over to Price. "You cool?" he asks, and Price nods, before getting up himself. With that done, the demon slayer applauds himself. He makes his way to the necklace stand and spins around, his back facing Jeff. He wraps the necklace around Dante's neck, who relishes the moment.
In his confession, that necklace is locked on.
Dante: I should just do this more often.
The other eight Vara gather up, and Jeff gives the usual breakdown. "Congratulations Dante, you cannot be voted out at tonight's Tribal Council. As for the rest of you, one will be sent to the jury. Head back to camp, I'll see you tonight."
The nine Vara leaves Jeff and head back to camp, where we hear from the swing vote, Slade.
Slade: Dante's strength is concerning, and that conflicts with my personal agenda…but there's still plenty of time before I have to put the nail in someone's coffin.
—
Vara Tribe
The nine Vara arrive back to camp, Dante keeping the necklace on. Slade looks around at everyone, knowing his position in the group. Talks were going to come in hot, so he needed to be ready.
Slade: I see what Wade meant, this strategy talk is exhausting…but it's a necessary evil.
For the new minority, it was about using everything to make him doubt.
For the majority, it was about gains.
Zelda: They are holding a grudge against me because I'm stronger. I won't be shocked if my name comes up yet again, and that's why I need Slade here. He and Dante could overshadow me if we all lose challenges later.
One thing is certain about all of Vara though, and that's that those final pitches needed to be home runs…and with what happened at the challenge, new flames were added to the fire.
—
The first meetup of the day comes on the sands of the Maldives, with Slade, Dante, Ripley, Zelda, and Peach. Dante, Peach, and Zelda are carrying coconuts, and Ripley is stating what she thinks the facts are.
"You won't beat them at the end. None of us will. ANY one of them can go on an challenge sweep, I know Dante was a beast, but you saw how they were." argues the astronaut. "One of them already has a challenge win, and it could have been two if Snake won. We're lucky Zelda and Dante can pull off wins." Slade looks those two people directly in the eyes. "You could pull off more." Dante scoffs, while Zelda cuts in herself.
"If that was a threat, you do realize you'll only have two of us to worry about, rather than three."
"It wasn't a threat, it was a statement."
Zelda: The guys will be writing my name down, since Dante won and I'm the best performer here besides him…but that's only two of us. Slade needs to keep his paranoia down!
Ripley slides back into the conversation. "Those men have more people who can do some damage. People biased towards them..WADE." That catches Slade's attention, and he huffs just hearing his name. Sensing his stress, Peach offers him a coconut, and he takes it. Since he took it, she gives her own take. "Wade will try to poison the jury. It's best you stay away from the people he likes." she points out.
Peach: What i said about Wade was true, but it also helps us…and maybe Slade will remember that we actually gave him coconuts. Made him feel comfortable.
After all this is thrown at him, Slade finally responds. "They did have a breakup. I could slip through the cracks…" Ripley looks dumbfounded.
Ripley: This man is just trying to see how much he can get away with at this point.
"No there isn't."
"Why would you think that?"
Slade just stares on as the women protest. Dante crosses his legs at this point. Ripley gives a very clear answer to this. "They got back together immediately after one of them jumped ship. They're in for the long haul, and we're the enemy. If they can get along after a betrayal, then those cracks are easy to fix." she argues, which makes Slade hum. "I know this alliance came out of nowhere but you have a better shot HERE than against a group that makes you the clearest outsider in the world."
Dante looks on, not having to worry for his safety yet.
Dante: We have to get Slade in a straight jacket. That guy is a wildcard, but you know what's worse? A smart wildcard. If he uses his head against us? We're done…but if he's actually loyal, it's smooth sailing, and we can have pizza and beer.
—
The waterwell is occupied by Slade and the Maracles. Drinks on the side are cool, but they don't care about that, it's their last shot.
"We've had your back twice." says Price, carrying his bucket filled with liquid. "We could have ditched you before Wesker and Skarlet but we didn't. Dante betrayed you already." he reminds him. "They could just send you on your way before five, they have the will to do it. The women are taking no prisoners." he adds, before Snake drops in next. "If we clip Zelda tonight, then that's one of their strongest down. Besides, she loves to play nice…but she also wanted to keep Skarlet over you, so your ties to them aren't as strong as you think."
"They aren't."
"Then align with us. We'll actually take you there, they won't."
Slade: I'll always remember what Dante did. Those women are merciless too. The Maracles are big threats, but is it worth keeping them around?
"What about my winning chances?" He asks, and Snake continues to reason with Slade despite his conflict. "All of us are threats…but we need to stick together because if we don't, Dante and Ripley are going to steamroll."
"Ripley?"
"She's the brains. That's how I see it. You have to know she will be onboard to cut you early...you're also a challenge threat. If we take out Zelda, that's less for you to worry about if you DO jump ship again…"
We don't get to see Slade's response, but we do get a confession.
Slade: Sticking with them would take out one of my challengers, but Dante still exists…Then again we are nearing the end. Price and Dante are the biggest threats to win and one is off the table. He has plenty of capital and going all the way is suicide…Maybe the best move tonight is to clip him first.
Cut to Price's confession.
Price: After what he did at the challenge, my fate is a coin toss at this point.
He pulls out a dime from his pocket and flips it! It lands on his hand, but we don't get to which it was.
—
Tribal Council: Night 20
The nine Vara members arrive to the Tribal Council area with their torches. The fire pit is there, and so is Jeff sitting in front of his podium across from the stumps.
"Dip your torches into the fire. Fire represents your life, and when it's gone, so are you."
As they dip, Skarlet and Wade sit on the jury bench across from them, both watching intently..sort of. Wade asks her a question.
"Who do you got?"
"…."
"..Buzzkill."
"We are jurors, you should be watching this closely."
"Yeah yeah, whatever…"
With that taken in, they set their torches in the slots located next to the stumps, and take a seat on those stumps. With all of the castaways in attendance, this next Tribal Council is ready to kick off.
"Welcome back to Tribal Council. Dante, I have to say, that was a dominant challenge performance." opens Jeff, and Dante just raises his necklace up. "You are safe tonight, but do you think that will put a target in your back next time?" he asks him. "Slade and T are going to be on my $$ in the next challenge, so yeah, one hell of one." Jeff turns to T'Challa.
"Well earned nonetheless, but let's change the topic. We get back to camp, Peach, break it down." demands Jeff. "We are one tribe, but we are having a civil war, and the fate is on one persons shoulders."
"Who's?"
"Slade's."
Wade throws his hands up on the bench. "So Slade, you are caught between sides. What's on your mind? The choice you make tonight will impact the rest of your game." says Jeff. "Of course it will." retorts Slade, who takes a look at Wade on the bench. "Someone's jealous…" Skarlet sideyes the merc. While that shot was taken to him, he gets back on topic and takes the info to Jeff. "This is what we're looking at: Both sides promise me loyalty, less threats, and an easier way to the end, but their standards are not mine." he admits, which gets looks from Zelda and Price. "In the end, I'll make a choice, but it's one I'm confident in."
Catching the looks from the two on the line, Jeff turns his attention to them. "Price, Zelda, you looked at him like something was up." he calls out. "It's not comfy here on the chopping block." admits Price, who half heartedly pats Zelda on the shoulder. "We'll get through it together." Zelda shakes her head. "You can only escape elimination so many times. This is the second time I'm on the block. Hearing that Slade is doubting his place is anxiety inducing."
"Do you think it's you?"
"If his head is in a different place, I'm done for."
With that answer, Jeff moves on. "Alright, it is time to vote. Dante, you're up first."
Dante rises from his stump, and struts to the voting booth.
—
Dante: There's a new captain in town, enjoy your flight back home. (Price)
Price: Heads we win, tails you lose. (Zelda)
Slade: This is for my own good. (?)
—
After all of that voting is done and over with, the tribe members get to their stumps, taking a seat during their wait.
"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.." Nobody steps up, and Jeff just gets on with it. "Alright, I'll read the votes…" he states, removing the lid from the urn. Zelda and Price look on, one of them about to leave this game.
"First vote…."
— Zelda.
— Price.
— Zelda.
— Price.
— Zelda.
— Price.
— Zelda.
— Price. That's 4 votes Zelda, 4 votes Price, one vote left…
Zelda and Price take what is one of their final looks at Slade, who looks stone cold into the distance.
"Tenth person voted out of Survivor: Maldives Madness, and the third member of the jury, Price. Bring me your torch."
Price gets up with the torch in hand, and has some words for his former mates as he approaches Jeff. "Fight hard, and rip the fangs from the snakes." He sets his torch down, and looks right at Jeff. Wade crosses his arms, and Skarlet has a look of satisfaction in her eyes.
"Price, the tribe has spoken."
He snuffs his torch.
"Time for you to go."
Price leaves the area, Mara's top dog now subdued. When he's gone, Jeff turns to the remaining eight players, with some words.
"He called for snakes to be taken out, next time we'll see which one of you are. Head back to camp, have a good night."
The players head back to camp, another two day cycle coming up, but with tension brewing.
—
Price's Final Words
Price: Was happy to take charge, but in the end that came back to bite me. Slade is gonna have a hard time getting to the end, but he made a good choice not sticking with us, because I was going to cut him at seven anyway. I'm rooting for my team, and I can't wait to just sit and watch the madness.
—
Votes:
Price: Zelda, Peach, Ripley, Dante, and Slade
Zelda: Price, Snake, T'Challa, and Dylan
—
Episode 10(A and B) Confessional Count:
8– Price
7– Dante, T'Challa, Slade
5– Zelda, Ripley
4– Snake, Peach
3– Dylan
—
Confessional Count:
45– Dante
43– Slade
35– T'Challa
34– Snake
33– Peach
32– Ripley
31– Dylan
28– Zelda
—
Eliminated Confession Count:
50– Price
46– Wade
32– Skarlet
24– Wario
20– Wesker
14– Wii Fit Trainer
11– Ms Pac-Man
17– Penelope
12– Toad
5– Jigglypuff
—
Price is out! After running the pre-merge, blindsiding Wesker, and controlling the merge vote, one of the biggest players this season is out! Dante and Ripley remain the top dogs.
Questions:
1. How will Snake, T'Challa, and Dylan recover?
2. Did Slade make the right choice?
3. What tricks do people have up their sleeves?
Those will be answered in Episode 11(A and B)! I'm Ticket, signing out, have a good one!