Welcome back to Maldives Madness! You will see the conclusion for this merge episode in just a few moments! How will the campaigning go on Vara? Find out right now!
Sidenote #1: It's not an easy "oh just vote _ first" vote because the targets offered services and help to different people, making them think a lot more about who they want to vote out, and WHAT to do to whoever remains.
Sidenote #2: Given how obvious the targets are, I thought that showing the points they have against eachother and how the people react would give better insight as to where the votes go.
—
Vara Tribe: Day 16
The sixteenth day feels like the longest one for Skarlet, who is making her next pitch to Price and Snake at the fire. Rice is being consumed as this is going on.
"Slade can't resist control. It doesn't matter what he promised you, he will turn his back on you sooner than you think. Before we started campaigning HE said we would have to throw each other under. Is that someone you trust?" she asks, as Snake swallows a chunk of rice. "Both of you are seen as villains. If there wasn't dirt on you then this would be much easier." he admits, taking another bite. That's when Price steps in. "Ignore his bluntness. He didn't get much rest." he says, playfully punching his shoulder.
Price: The tug of war has only just begun. Those two are going nuts throwing each other under, cause EVERYONE is getting a different take.
After that joke though, Skarlet does lean in towards Price. "This is not a game to me." Price immediately gets stoic. "Alright, let's get serious then." he replies, leaning in himself. "Slade is a bad man, we know that, but why would we be in danger?" he asks. "Simple. You are seen as the leader, and he will strike when the time is right to take power…" she starts, before turning to Snake, who finishes chewing rice. "The same goes for you. When Slade makes his move, he'll come for you next. I won't because I don't crave power like he does, it's why I'm the better option."
Snake: She is making a few points that standout. Sure Slade may be a shield, but he's one with a timer on it.
Skarlet: Making them feel endangered is exactly what I need to stay. It's also the truth, Slade will come for them if he survives long enough, so taking him out would help all of us.
—
In the water floating about, is Slade, T'Challa, and Dylan. His pitch is different from that of Dante and Price.
"You can ask Price and Snake what I did to Wesker. The turncoat went against your alliance, and even when we could have flipped the game, I chose not to." begins Slade. That makes Dylan's eyes light up. "Wait you actually defended us?" he asks.
"Yes Dylan. Wesker was one of the least trustworthy people I've ever met, and people like Price and Snake seemed more…welcoming." he admits. "I haven't thanked him yet for saving my life but I should." T'Challa turns to Dylan, both glancing at each other before turning back to him.
Dylan: I looked into his beautiful eyes, and was like…this guy means business.
"I have not heard an example of Skarlet doing this." responds T'Challa. "All we have is you." he admits.
"That's why you should keep me. I will bail the both of you out when you need it. If I did it once I will do it again."
Slade: Dylan and T'Challa don't worry me like Price does, but if I'm going to crack the structure I'll have to promise them everything to survive.
—
That wouldn't be the only talk the two Maracle Men have, because as they leave the water to dry off, Skarlet is right there and ready to talk.
"I assume he just talked to you." she states, and the two men nod. "I'll deflect it all. Slade wasn't the only one who pushed the Wesker move, that's lie one. Listen to what Wade says too, as much as I dislike him his main complaints are about Slade. He practically lies all the time." she says, AJ's then Dylan wipes some hair from his head. "He does seem pretty sus. The guy goes around wearing this cool looking armor, there has to be something behind that." he responds.
"There's a fit body and a great mind. To some Slade has a better chance of winning, so make the right choice and send him packing."
Skarlet: This has been an exhausting day, but I laid out exactly why Slade needs his head chopped off, so hopefully they'll use their head and listen to me. If not, I have one last resort to rat Slade out: His fake idol.
—
Immunity Challenge
Jeff stands alone in his usual polo and hat getup, the challenge directly behind him, and a stand next to him. His loneliness however would not last long…
"Come on in!"
The eleven Vara arrive to the challenge area, White buffs on and eyes locked on Jeff. There are concerns among some of the cast, and we hear from one.
Peach: If Slade or Skarlet win, this next vote will spin out of control…
They come to a stop, as Jeff puts a hand on the necklace stand. "First individual immunity of the season. No more teamwork, it's every person for themselves. Our first challenge isn't difficult physically, BUT it requires mental work: it's trivia. You will answer a question about a variety of topics: the Maldives, fellow castaways, and for some of you those answers will be a guess. This is a lesson to ALWAYS stay on your toes." he says. Wade throws his hands up.
"I thought it would be a balance challenge, but this is worse!"
"Our budget has been saved for future challenges, Wade."
"So this is the best you could do?"
"Our budgeting seems better than anything you've said on this island."
That zinger gets "ooohs" from the castaways. Wade scoffs at this…and then scoffs again. Slade slowly turns to him. "You won't be a coward, will you Wade?" His disgust immediately flips out of the picture! "I'm not a coward! You must have bought a lot of audacity to say that to me!"
"So sensitive…"
"You're one to—OK whatever, I'll be the bigger person, and let's just get on with it."
With that cue, Jeff takes the conversation back over. "We've borrowed and tweaked the Hall Brawl from "The Challenge," so think of this as a tweak on the "Big Brother" mental competitions." he states. "Whoever is the last one standing in answering wins individual immunity, and has a guaranteed spot in the final ten." Most of the contestants nod in understanding. "I'll give you a minute to prepare and we'll get started.."
—
After prep time is done and over with, everyone has a board and dry erase marker in hand.
"Alright, first question is true or false: The Maldives flag consists of three colors: Red, White, and Green…"
Everyone locks in their answers.
True: Skarlet, Slade, Price, Snake, Zelda, Ripley, and T'Challa.
False: Wade, Peach, Dylan, Dante.
"The answer was TRUE. Wade, Peach, Dylan, and Dante, step out and we'll move on." At Jeff's order, all four move to the side, a couple saltier than others.
Dante: I didn't put two and two together on what we've been wearing the whole time. I'll never hear the end of it.
"Question TWO…" begins Jeff. "True or False: The White Crescent at the center of the flag represents Islamic faith."
Everyone locks in their answers…
"Reveal."
At his command, they do.
True: Skarlet, Price, Snake, Zelda, and Ripley.
False: Slade
"The answer was True. Peach, Slade, step out and we'll move on."
The two step out, one bitter about what happened.
Slade: Losing that question was the LAST thing I needed. Now I'll have to play even dirtier…
Boards are erased, and the remaining five castaways prepare for the third question. "Question three is about wildlife. True or False: Chickens AND Dogs are allowed in the Maldives…"
Everyone records their answers.
"Reveal."
Boards are flipped, answers revealed…
True: Price and Ripley
False: Skarlet, Zelda, and Snake
"The answer was False. Chickens ARE allowed, but dogs are forbidden. Price. Ripley, step out and we'll prepare for our fourth question." The two step out, one defending their answer.
Ripley: I don't know where the grudge against dogs came from, but it just cost me.
Boards are readied by the three remaining contestants, as the host prepares himself.
"Question four, True or False: Wade is a superhero."
Answers are written down rather quickly. When asked to reveal, boards are flipped and they ALL say "True."
"The answer was true, no eliminations. Question five, True or False: Wesker, eliminated on Day 12, has the first name 'Alan.'"
The three get to answering, and when they are done..
"Reveal!"
Boards are flipped..
True: Skarlet
False: Zelda and Snake
"The answer was False, his first name is "Albert." You're out Skarlet, and we are down to TWO…"
She steps to the side, and stands next to the other target for the night.
Skarlet: If I answered correctly, we both could have escaped this elimination alive. Unfortunately the Elder Gods despise me…
With Zelda and Snake left, Jeff steps the next question up in difficulty. "Question six, True or False: The Red on the Maldives flag signifies the blood of the enemies."
The two pause, and take a little time getting their answers down this time. When they do, Jeff demands they reveal. Boards are flipped, and the answers turned out like this..
True: Snake
False: Zelda
"The answer was False, the Red on the flag actually represents the blood of the nation's heroes!"
Zelda's eyes light up!
"ZELDA WINS INDIVIDUAL IMMUNITY!"
She drops the board and raises both arms triumphantly! She gets some applause as she walks up to the necklace stand, and Jeff unhooks it for her. With one wrap, the necklace is around her neck, and she looks on at her tribe mates.
In confessional she shows off the immunity necklace.
Zelda: This necklace is a great fit! This would go well with my attire!
When the celebrating is done, Jeff comes to her side and lays down the law. "Congratulations Zelda, you cannot be voted out at tonight's Tribal Council.." he then sets his sights on the rest of the cast. "As for everyone else, one of you will be voted out at tonight's Tribal Council. Head back to camp, I'll see you tonight."
The eleven Vara leave the challenge area, one thing known for sure..
Price: Skarlet came close to winning, worried me a bit. Now we just have to make a choice, but those two (Skarlet, Slade) love to slander eachother so we won't hear the end of it until tonight.
—
Vara Tribe
The eleven Vara arrive back, with Zelda setting her immunity necklace on a post after getting congratulated.
Peach: I'm so proud of her. Snake seems really smart so the fact that she overcame that just feels good!
Ripley: If Skarlet one, one of us would be hitting the chopping block. Since we didn't, all we have to do is hear their pitches..well WE did, but Wade hasn't, and getting through to him right now will be impossible. His hate meter is rising.
—
The first to approach Wade is Skarlet. Wade is knitting at the time, and stops what he's doing when she comes over.
"Your issues with Slade can be solved easily." she says, taking a seat close to him. "I may have been his ally for the past weeks but it's him or me, and it's better for both of us to see him go." Wade just raises a fist in victory. "Look, if you want MY help? You got it."
He actually offers his hand.
"Because I'm really getting tired of keeping him around."
She takes his hand, and they actually shake on it. "I'll be an asset to you after this is over. There's nothing I can do in my power to go back on this." she admits. "Well, as long as you slide by you'll be fine!" exclaims Wade.
Wade: She may stab people at the drop of a hat, but I'll take her over Slade ANY day!
—
After Skarlet leaves, Wade continues his knitting. He does hear footsteps, and turns around to see Slade.
"Let's put the grudges aside, and have a talk."
"..Oh so you're going to manipulate me?"
"I'm going to tell you the truth. Remember those fake idols?"
Well that captures his attention instantly.
"..what?" asks Wade, and Slade approaches him. "I may be involved with the fakes, but not the real one. That's Skarlet. SHE has the real idol." Wade's jaw opens up, but he pauses and raises a brow. "WAIT, how do I not know YOU have the real one?"
"If I had the real one I wouldn't rat her out. I'd take the votes for myself and play it."
Wade pauses, and actually thinks about this. "Oook, so let's say she does have that real idol. You can just get idoled out!" he points out, and Slade just stands there menacingly. "It's a risk, but you could put most of the votes onto her. If she plays the idol, you get what you wanted the whole time…"
The Merc just shrugs. "It's a win-win." His adversary glares under the mask.
Wade: I'm voting for him anyway. This guy is the sleaziest car salesman I've ever met in my life! Why should I trust him at all?
—
The womens trio is carrying back breadfruit with dirty hands. They're walk is interrupted when Slade makes his way into frame. They immediately come to a stop, as does Slade.
"We know why you're here." admits Ripley. "What do you have for us?" she asks, and that's when Slade spills his argument. "Skarlet's reached out to you, we both know that. Joining forces with her seems like gold, but you aren't digging gold, your digging a loss." he begins, making Ripley raise a brow. "Zelda won trivia night but that doesn't seem she or any of you will win all the challenges at the end. Skarlet is capable though. A triple threat. She outdid two of you and is a force to be reckoned with herself." he continues.
He turns to Peach. "You may have beaten her in the Hall Brawl, but as far as we know the challenge won't happen again. It's endurance, puzzles, and physicality, and Skarlet has all three." Ripley points out a hole in his logic. "You ALSO have all three. Not to mention to beat T'Challa of all people." she points out. "Yes, I beat T'Challa, but they won't let me get to the end, where with Skarlet you would be letting her all the way to the final four, and mark my words I will vote for her to win if you let her in on the endgame." he argues back. "She has quite the story if she gets there…"
The three exchange glances, before Zelda has a reply for Slade. "You've come in with quite the argument." she admits. "We will need time to think about this and convince the others. We'll see how your argument pays off." she finishes, and after that Slade turns away.
"This choice could cost you two million."
He walks off, leaving the three women with new debates to tackle.
Ripley: He's dramatic, but we had a final three, not a final four. We still won't save him, but thanks to him we have the idea of cutting Skarlet…earlier than she will expect.
—
With the pitches for the day done, the nine castaways who will be splitting votes meet up. Although everyone will pretend to agree on a target, some will subvert expectations.
"First things first, the idol." says Wade, tossing a coconut between his hands. "Shady Sladey says Skarlet has it, BUT he could be faking us out." he states. "If Slade does have it, then we pile on him." cuts in Price. "It's hard telling who has it."
Price: Slade's pledged allegiance twice now, and even if he's a target, I can go to bat for him.
"Slade is so sketch."
"He is Wade. He is. But we've never heard Skarlet say Slade has the idol. If she has the idol, we could get rid of her AND it. With how she about won the challenge, that's another reason to take her out. Either person we get rid of is a win." admits Price. "Skarlet is a baddie but let's not forget about Slade's leadership." says Dante.
Dante: Slade kissed my $$, and promised me the universe, but I have to vent about his leadership. Just to get my brownie points.
"Exactly! We were both there!"
"Yep, and he was a hotshot. Pushing people around, strategy, all of it. He might be a bigger deal than the redhead." admits Dante. "AND, AND…he made fake idols." reveals Wade, and that gets more attention. "Fake idols? Heh, this guy is no joke." says Snake. "Maybe he's carrying a fake around. We should put more votes on Skarlet to give him no breathing room." Wade stops himself from facepalming.
Wade: I don't get their obsession of keeping Slade. Is he cutting corners with them? He has to be!
"Or…" starts Ripley. "We could put the most on Slade. He tried to say none of us would let him at the end. He's downplaying himself so that we go for Skarlet instead of him." Peach steps in. "He's arguing like the world is going to end…which means he's looking to gain something." Dylan cuts in next. "Yeah, survive…ok that was a bit rude but he may have something up his sleeve…like what if he wants us to vote for him? What if they BOTH have idols? It's been two weeks, anything could happen."
Snake, who usually talks strategy, just sits back and watches the debate.
Snake: Whether I like it or not, everyone will vote based off of what they've been told. A majority of nine is not going to last, but that's for later. Now, we have to cut the "villains" down to size and move on from there.
—
Tribal Council: Night 16
The eleven 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 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. With all of the castaways in attendance, this Tribal Council is ready to kick off…
"First tribal council of the merge. T'Challa, how does it feel that eleven people are on the same tribe now?" he asks. T'Challa looks into Jeff's eyes. "It's complicated."
"How so?"
"Everyone has a plan…but those plans could fall apart because three or more do not agree with it. Nine person tribes were easier at the start, but teamwork is gone. It will be everyone for themselves." he admits. "That's what everyone here will struggle with." states Jeff, who scans around and looks for his next victim.
"Dylan, he said it was complicated."
"Yeah I heard."
"Sarcasm aside, was camp like what he said it was?"
Dylan leans to the side. "Well we have to madmen running out, driving people mad with politics. Then we have everyone else, and this is not a secret by the way, trying to make a decision." he admits. "That was..a hard time because we aren't robots who are like, "yeah, "uh-huh," "yes master." That's not how it went at all." Jeff nods at the answer.
"It seems that from what Dylan's saying, agendas clashed. People wanted to go a different way." There are definitely no objections about that. "Peach, lay out what happened." Peach obliges…
"Skarlet and Slade talked to everyone, and they..want eachother out. It was nine against two and they laid it all out on the line." she admits. Slade and Skarlet glance at one another. "They had something different for everyone, and the nine of us couldn't agree on it. So we went out separate ways." Jeff leans in. "So everyone's just going rogue."
"…yes."
Slade and Skarlet's moods change. If they thought their shot at two million was low, now the hopes for each just rose. As their optimism grows, Jeff has a new question in store.
"Slade, Skarlet…one of you will be leaving. If you want to lay more out, go for it." states Jeff. Skarlet speaks up first. "Keeping Slade in is a detriment. You've heard it all: he's a two timer, he's power hungry, and keeping him will bite you. Listen to those warnings, and make the right choice."
After she's finished, Slade speaks up next. "Skarlet will slide under the radar after I'm gone. Here's my warning to all of you: She almost messed up your plans, she sticks out less than me, and she's just as ruthless if not more. That's my piece."
With both arguments done, Jeff moves on. "Anything else?" His question is ambushed by crickets, and he ends this portion of Tribal.
"Alright, it is time to vote. Price, you're up first."
He gets to his feet and heads for the voting booth.
—
Price: He pledged allegiance, and you didn't. Even if it bites me, he'll be a bigger target so I can bite back. (Skarlet)
Ripley: She made us a promise, and also just made better points. Goodbye. (Slade)
Slade: We didn't show much emotion out here, but the strategy will not be the same without you here. (Skarlet)
Skarlet: If I want to stay, you'll have to go. I hope you are bold enough to keep that idol in your pocket. (Slade)
—
After all of that voting is done and over with, the eleven Vara 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.." Literally everyone looks at Skarlet and Slade…however despite their situation, they sit on their idols, one real, one fake…Skarlet smirks though.
"Alright, I'll read the votes.." Jeff removes the lid, Skarlet and Slade looking for their confidence to pay off. The parchment is out, moment of truth coming. "First vote…"
— Slade.
— Skarlet.
— Slade.
— Skarlet.
— Slade.
— Skarlet. That's three votes Slade, three votes Skarlet, five votes left..
— Slade.
— Skarlet.
— Slade.
— Skarlet. That's five votes Slade, five votes Skarlet, one vote left.
Both Skarlet and Slade have their hands on their torches…
"The eighth person voted out of Survivor: Maldives Madness, and the first member of our jury, Skarlet. Bring me your torch."
Her smirk disappears as she gets to her feet. With her torch in hand, she leaves without a word. Wade facepalms, while Dante fist bumps Price. The trio of women exchange glances, but throughout all of that, the main point is that the duo is split.
Skarlet sets her torch down, looking directly at Jeff.
"Do it."
Jeff raises his snuffer.
"Skarlet, the tribe has spoken."
Her torch is snuffed.
"Time for you to go."
She takes one last look back at the castaways. "You will regret this." With those words said, she's out, walking off into the distance, as Slade pats his pocket. Once Skarlet is out of view, Jeff turns his attention to the remaining ten Vara members.
"Actions have consequences. Head back to camp, have a good night."
The ten Vara grab their lit torches and head out, one down and plenty more to go…
—
Skarlet's Final Words
Skarlet: It seems my arguments weren't good enough. Slade must have been making hard deals to survive this, and with his idol.
She pulls the fake from her pocket and just tosses it down.
Skarlet: I will not need that anymore.
—
Votes:
Skarlet: Price, Snake, Dylan, T'Challa, Slade, and Dante
Slade: Wade, Peach, Zelda, Ripley, and Skarlet
—
Episode 8(A and B) Confessional Count:
9– Skarlet
8– Slade
6– Price, Ripley, Dante
5– Wade
4– Peach, Snake
3– Zelda, T'Challa
2– Dylan
—
Total Confessional Count:
38– Wade
34– Slade, Price
32– Dante
25– Peach
24– Snake
23– T'Challa, Dylan, Ripley
20– Zelda
—
Eliminated Confessional Count:
32– Skarlet
24– Wario
20– Wesker
14– Wii Fit Trainer
11– Ms Pac-Man
17– Penelope
12– Toad
5– Jigglypuff
—
Guess Slade just wanted to keep his idol for another time. What a baller. Now props to the eliminated contestant today Skarlet, if she used Slade's idol against him she probably would still be here..but alas, it didn't work out.
So that's one merge Tribal down, BUT with everyone voting their own way the chaos may start soon! What if Slade wins immunity? That would open up the game! We'll see if that happens next time.
Ticket out, I'll see you again for Episode 9!