Episode 16: Fool Me Once
The camera focuses on Chris at the end of the Dock of Shame. "Last time on Total Drama Island." The scene cuts to flashbacks of the previous episode. "Nate started a new alliance with Tulip, since pretty much no-one else wants to hang out with him. Except, it turns out Mandy does apparently. Yeah, she tried to recruit him via Lincoln, which Nate 'accepted'. Then we had a challenge: we paired everyone up, and made them have to give each other a gift. Most of them managed to give decent gifts. Then there was Lincoln's 'grape smoothie', which was made of tomatoes and blueberries…"
"I just want to add, there were actually grapes available in the pantry," said Chef. "So really, that was his fault."
"Yes, yes, Chef, very informative," said Chris dismissively. "Anyway, also of note was Ben giving Lincoln exactly what he wanted: the power to transform into one of Ben's aliens…which didn't go anywhere near how Lincoln thought it would, but hey, he didn't specify that it had to. Also, Mandy and Korra gave each other immunity idols. Because giving Mandy more immunity idols is such a good idea. Speaking of immunity idols, Lincoln seemed to think he had one, which would have saved him from the elimination he was given. However, Dexter decided to leave instead, since he thinks he can make more money from talking about a species that Luz discovered for him."
"He has," said Chef, shoving a newspaper in front of Chris's face.
"…huh, how 'bout that?" asked Chris. "Maybe I should see if we've got any more undiscovered species here. I could retire before the season ends."
"You'd be breaking your contract," said Chef.
"I'm sure I can afford it," said Chris.
"Actually, you can't," said Chef, showing Chris his contract.
"…oh, right, that clause," said Chris. "Hey, how come you know more about my contract than I do?"
"Ever since I realised how little I'm making here, I've started reading everything far more carefully than you," said Chef.
"Yeah, that's fair enough," said Chris, as the scene cuts back to Chris standing on the Dock of Shame. "Who's time on the island is about to be up? Find out right here, right now, on Total. Drama. Island."
Intro song plays.
Lincoln is seen digging through all his things, including under his bed and mattress. "Where is it? Where is it? I know I had it." Lincoln poked his head up from the middle of a pile of his belongings. "It's…it's gone."
Confession Cam: Lincoln
"My immunity idol is definitely gone. I know I got one from the food challenge, and I never told anyone about it. Not Mandy, not Buttercup. Well, actually, I did tell…no…he wouldn't…would he?"
"Nate," said Tulip, coming up to him. "I need to know how you did it."
"I don't know what you're talking about," said Nate, in a tone that implied he knew exactly what she was talking about.
"Don't play dumb," said Tulip, reaching into her pocket and pulling out an immunity idol. "Based on the last elimination ceremony, I'm guessing this was Lincoln's, and you somehow found it?"
"Oh, that," said Nate dismissively. "Yeah, that was the point of the specific characters I drew you as. And also why I wrapped my arm around you unexpectedly. Sorry if that was a bit invasive, by the way."
"Yeah, I kinda figured that out when the characters loosely spelled out 'pocket'," said Tulip. "I need to know how you knew where to find it."
"It's kind of a guy thing," said Nate. "But basically, what happened is: you know how Mandy decided she wanted me on her team?"
"Yeah, you mentioned it," said Tulip.
"Well, Lincoln was so happy to finally have another guy on his 'team', that he told me about his secret idol," said Nate. "He also didn't think it was a problem to tell me because he didn't think I was a threat."
"Is that because you got eliminated first?" asked Tulip.
"Didn't need to be reminded about that, but yes, that's it," said Nate. "So, what do you think?"
"I think…I made the right call making you my teammate," said Tulip, giving Nate an unexpected hug. "Just curious: how's Mandy taking the revelation that Lincoln had an immunity idol?"
"Not great," said Nate. "She's keeping Lincoln on her side, but he's on thin ice."
"Why's she keeping him around?" asked Tulip.
"Doesn't hurt to have an extra vote, I guess," said Nate. "In any case, I'll have to keep pretending I'm using you in the meantime."
"As long as Mandy suffers because of it, I don't care," said Tulip.
"Campers, you know what time it is," said Chris over the loudspeakers. "That's right, time for me to torture you."
"Chris, you can't tell them that," said Chef over the loudspeaker.
"Come on, they know I'm joking," said Chris. "At least, I am sometimes. Anyway, to the Mess Hall, pronto."
"Okay, we already know today's going to suck," said Kevin.
"HEY! No doom and gloom. It's gonna be fun," said Star, dancing past him. "Come on everyone, race ya." Before anyone could say anything else, Star had already sprinted off to the Mess Hall.
"Well, at least someone's optimistic," said Kim, walking after her with the others.
Soon, all the contestants were gathered in the Mess Hall, with Chris standing before them. "So campers, who's ready for a challenge?" asked Chris.
"Well, duh. Why do you think we're here?" asked Ben.
"Okay, rude," said Chris. "But anyway, this challenge isn't what we'd originally planned. It's just that Chef and I were having a discussion yesterday, and I wanted to prove a point, so now the challenge is this."
"What was the original challenge?" asked Steven.
"Eh, something boring," said Chris dismissively. "An ice cream eating contest. Nothing that you guys would be interested in."
"Surely you know that's bull*beep," said Danny.
"…you're right, I do," said Chris, laughing to himself. "Anyway, today's challenge: I believe I'm unprankable…"
"So we have to prank you?" asked Luz.
"…okay, how did you know that?" asked Chris.
"How else was that sentence supposed to end?" asked Korra.
"…it could have been something else," said Chris.
"Like?" asked Mandy.
"…okay, look, that's not important," said Chris. "The point is, because I'm completely unprankable, your job is to figure out how to actually prank me. Which you won't. Because you can't. But you can try." As Chris finished speaking, a green blur was seen around him, followed by Chris being covered in toilet paper.
"There, done," said Buttercup.
"You know, I should disqualify you for that right now," said Chris.
"Why? I just T.P.'d you," said Buttercup.
"Because I haven't said 'go' yet," said Chris.
"Ugh, fine," said Buttercup, flying around Chris and collecting all the toilet paper. "Just say go already."
"I should point out that if you toilet paper me again, it's not much of a prank, since I'll see it coming," said Chris. "Anyway, successfully prank me and you get an immunity idol. And…GO!" As Chris finished speaking, Buttercup flew around him again, once again covering him in toilet paper. "Really?"
"Well, what else was I supposed to do with it?" asked Buttercup, before flying off with the rest of her team.
"Hey Nate," said Lincoln, putting his arm around Nate. "We should work together on this challenge, shouldn't we?"
"Probably, yeah," said Nate, carefully removing Lincoln's arm. "But, uh, maybe I should work with Tulip, keep her thinking I'm on her side, you know?"
"Yeah, yeah, I totally get that," said Lincoln, grabbing Nate again. "But before you go, I want to ask…"
"Hey, uh, maybe this can wait?" said Nate, trying to escape Lincoln's grasp, but Lincoln was holding on too tight. "Like, until after the challenge?"
"No, I think it can be talked about now," said Lincoln, spinning Nate around so he was facing him. "Where is it?"
"Where's what?" asked Nate, trying his best to act confused.
"Drop the act Nate, I know you stole it," said Lincoln. "You're the only person I told about the idol, so you're the only one who could have taken it."
"Are you sure?" asked Nate. "I mean, you told me you only keep it under your mattress. Not exactly Fort Knox, is it?"
"I suppose…" started Lincoln, starting to doubt himself.
"Plus, Mandy seems to have a sixth sense for discovering something, especially if it involves messing with her," said Nate.
"I have noticed that…" admitted Lincoln. "In fact, the mere mention of betraying her leads to…"
"HEY! What are you morons talking about?" demanded Mandy, storming up to them out of nowhere.
"Right on cue," muttered Lincoln. "Hey, we were just trying to figure out what to do with the challenge."
"And what have I told you about that?" asked Mandy.
"That we're to leave the thinking to you," said Lincoln. "But I really think…"
"No you don't," said Mandy. "Now you, whatever your name was…" At this, Mandy was pointing at Nate. "Go team-up with that redhead, see what her plan is, and report back to me, so I can screw up her plan."
"Yes ma'am," said Nate. "And my name is…"
"I don't care," said Mandy. "Now move." Nate moved.
Meanwhile…
Chris was taking a casual stroll through the woods, when he came across a sign. "What's this?" he asked, looking at it carefully. "'Hey Chris, take a step to your left.' Don't mind if I do." Chris casually took a step to the left…
…and a bucket of water poured onto the ground two steps to his right. "Okay, whoever did that, your aim's a bit off."
"No it isn't," said Kevin, with a sigh of defeat. "We were hoping you'd take a step to the right out of spite, which would have been perfect."
"Well, points for effort, I guess," said Chris. "Not many, but…" Suddenly, Chris took a step to his right, as a pie flew past where he'd just been. "Ooh, so close."
"Dang it," said Star, drawing her wand and preparing another pie spell.
"Star, it's not a prank if he sees it coming," said Kim, lowering Star's arm.
"Aww, man," said Star, disappointed.
"Keep at it though, you're on the right path," said Chris, walking away.
Meanwhile…
"Okay, there he is," said Korra. "You know the plan, right?"
"Of course," said Luz, taking out her invisibility glyph. "Ready when you are."
"Okay, here goes," said Korra, stepping out in front of Chris. "Hey Chris."
"Uh, hi?" said Chris, trying to figure out what her plan is.
"I was wondering: what sort of pranks do you like?" asked Korra.
"Trying to get a leg-up on the competition, eh?" asked Chris. "Can't say I blame you, it's always a good idea to try and see what will appeal to the judge of a competition."
"Uh huh, uh huh," said Korra. "So, what should I try?"
"Eh, I have a diverse range of interests when it comes to pranks," said Chris. "Honestly, as long as it can be shown on TV, I'm good."
"So, you don't have anything specific for me?" asked Korra.
"I will say, whoever's trying to pull my pants down, I'm wearing two belts for a reason," said Chris.
Luz let out her breath in a gasp. "Dang it," she said. "Did I get close at least?"
"Hm, you might have got them down an eighth of an inch," said Chris. "Valiant effort, but not enough."
"Damn it," said Korra, as Chris walked away.
Later…
"Hey Chris, you look thirsty," said Tulip, running up to him. "Here, have a nice refreshing soda."
"Thanks, don't mind if I do," said Chris, taking the can. He then pointed it at Tulip as he opened it, spraying her with the shaken-up soda.
"HA! Good one Chris," said Nate. "Perhaps you'd like one of these delicious cupcakes I baked for you?"
"Only if you have one first," said Chris, knowing something was up.
"Uh…what?" asked Nate.
"I mean, I assume they're perfectly fine, right?" asked Chris.
"Uh…yeah…" said Nate nervously. "But, uh…they're for you?"
"And I'm sharing them with you," said Chris, holding a cupcake out for Nate.
"Um…okay," said Nate, taking the cupcake. Nate took a tiny bite from the cupcake, then suddenly looked sick. "I've…gotta go."
"I told you he'd figure out you put laxatives in the cupcakes immediately," called Tulip after him.
"And you didn't think I'd figure out the shaken-up soda can?" asked Chris.
"A girl can dream, can't she?" asked Tulip.
"Yes she can," said Chris. "But maybe dream a bit bigger next time."
Later…
"Hey Chris, buddy," said Lincoln, wrapping his arm around Chris's shoulder. "How's it going man?"
"Well, not so bad," said Chris, wrapping his arm around Lincoln's shoulder. "Plenty of good attempts at pranks, but none have been successful yet."
"Well, hopefully someone will…" started Lincoln, as suddenly he flew forward and landed several feet away. "BUTTERCUP! What the hell?"
"What? You had the 'Kick Me' sign on you," said Buttercup.
"What are you…" started Lincoln, before reaching behind him and pulling a note off his back. "How did…"
"Did you really think that would get me?" asked Chris.
"Yes," admitted Lincoln sadly.
"No," said Mandy, coming out from behind a nearby tree.
"What? This was your idea," said Lincoln.
"Yeah, but I wanted to punish you for having a secret immunity idol," said Mandy. "By the way, have you found it yet?"
"No," said Lincoln. "I just assumed you stole it."
"I don't need to steal to win," said Mandy. "I'm perfect as is."
"Well, if you guys are done squabbling, I'm gonna head off," said Chris, walking away.
"Wait, do I get nothing for kicking Lincoln?" asked Buttercup.
"You get my undying respect, and that's something money can't buy," said Chris, as he left the area.
Later…
"I haven't seen you two yet," said Chris, walking up to Ben and Steven. "You don't think you can prank me?"
"Oh no, we've done something," said Steven.
"Really?" asked Chris, sceptical. "Because I don't feel particularly pranked."
"That's because you haven't done the thing to activate it," said Ben. "But we have done something, we can assure you of that."
"I somehow doubt it," said Chris. "But, since it's not my job to care how you do the challenge, it's none of my business whether you're doing it properly."
"Oh, trust me, you'll know when our prank hits you," said Steven.
"Hit, eh?" asked Chris. "Thanks for the tip."
"Why do I hate that phrase?" asked Ben, as Chris walked away.
Later…
"Whoo, even on days when I'm not actively torturing the campers, it's thirsty work," said Chris, walking into the kitchen. "I really need a drink." Chris walked over to the fridge and opened it up…
…and a ghostly wail erupted from inside it. "Hey Danny," said Chris, barely even phased by the appearance of Danny in the fridge as he grabbed a soda.
"Really? Nothing?" asked Danny, turning back into a human as he got out of the fridge. "I give you my Ghostly Wail from point blank range, and you feel nothing?"
"If it makes you feel any better, you've managed to be the most unexpected of the others so far," said Chris. "Not enough to win, but not a bad effort either."
"Damn it," said Danny, as Chris left the kitchen drinking his soda.
Later…
"Okay, we all know why we're here," said Kevin.
"Well, most of us I get," said Tulip. "I don't get why Mandy's here."
"Because Kevin invited me," said Mandy.
"But why?" asked Tulip. "I thought you hated her too."
"Look, I get that not all of us get along…" started Kevin.
"Understatement of the century, but go on," said Mandy.
"…but the fact is, Chris has gotten around all of our pranks so far," said Kevin.
"No he hasn't," said Steven. "Me and Ben's prank hasn't failed yet."
"What even is your prank?" asked Kim.
"We can't say," said Ben. "Chris is probably watching the cameras right now, trying to figure that out."
Meanwhile…
"He's right," said Chris, looking at the cameras. "I can't even find anything where Steven and Ben discuss what they're gonna do to me."
"Doesn't doing this kinda defeat the purpose of the challenge?" asked Chef.
"Probably," said Chris with a shrug. "What's your point?"
"No point, just making sure you knew how unethical this is," said Chef.
Back with the contestants…
"So, what do you say guys?" asked Kevin. "If we all work together, we might just be able to prank Chris."
"Um…isn't there only one winner at this point?" asked Nate.
"Well, yeah…" started Kevin.
"So that would make working together kinda pointless, right?" asked Buttercup.
"Well, maybe if we're all working together, Chris will let all of us win together?" suggested Kevin.
"I won't, trust me," said Chris over the loudspeaker.
"Isn't it unethical for you to watch us for this challenge?" asked Luz.
"Since when has that ever stopped me?" asked Chris.
"Whatever. We can still beat him," said Kevin. "Who's with me?"
"Well, we're out," said Ben. "Me and Steven still have a chance to win this solo."
"I don't mind helping the others out," said Steven.
"Do it if you want, but there's only going to be one winner," said Ben. "If we win by ourselves instead of in a group, we have a better chance of being crowned winners."
"Hmm…I guess…" said Steven. "Sorry, we're out."
"Well, we're in," said Luz, dragging Korra with her. "Right Korra?"
"Well…" started Korra.
"Keep in mind, you still need to make it up to the rest of us for giving Mandy an immunity idol," said Luz.
"To be fair, I also gave her one," said Mandy.
"Not the point," said Luz. "So, you're in, right Korra?"
"I guess I am," said Korra. "Let's do this."
"Excellent," said Kevin. "Tulip? Nate? Are you guys in?"
"I suppose so," said Tulip.
"But if one of us lands the finishing blow, we get to claim the win," said Nate.
"Fair enough," said Kevin. "Danny?"
"Sure, I'm out of ideas," said Danny. "Seriously, he didn't even react to the Ghostly Wail somehow."
"So, you have a plan?" asked Mandy, shocking everyone into silence.
"Wait, what?" asked Kevin.
"You invited us here, I assume you have a plan and a role for us all," said Mandy.
"Gonna be honest, didn't actually expect you, of all people, to agree to this," said Kevin. "But, uh, okay, here goes."
"Oh boy, this'll be good," said Chris over the loudspeaker.
"WILL YOU STOP WATCHING US?!" yelled Kevin.
"No, I will…" started Chris, who was suddenly cut off with the sound of a scuffle.
"I got him guys, you go ahead and make your plans," came Chef's voice from the loudspeaker.
"TRAITOR!" yelled Chris from the background.
"Okay, here goes…" started Kevin.
Later…
Chris was walking through the woods, when he saw a $10 note floating in the air in front of him. "How stupid do you think I am?" he asked, ignoring the note as he kept walking. The note started to float after him. "Quit it, you already know you aren't going to fool me with that." The note continued to follow him, even knocking into his hair. "I said quit…" As Chris shooed the money away, several contestants leapt out of the bushes and sprayed him with water guns.
"Got him," said Nate, high fiving Kevin next to him.
"Dudes, not cool," said Chris. "Now I have to fix my hair." Chris quickly darted off back towards his trailer.
"I really hope Mandy's held up her end of the prank," said Luz.
"If she didn't, she knows we'll vote for her," said Kim. "Not that it'll make a difference, but still…"
Back at Chris's trailer, Mandy managed to slip outside and into a nearby bush just as Chris came running in. "Okay, he's in," said Mandy. "Dead Man, get ready."
"Ghost Boy, not Dead Man," said Danny.
"Same difference," said Mandy.
Danny just sighed in response. "Buttercup, did you get it?" he asked.
"I did," said Buttercup, appearing in a flash of green and handing him something.
"And did…" started Danny.
"I did," said Korra.
"Excellent," said Danny, phasing through the wall into Chris's trailer.
Inside, Chris was frantically sifting through the drawers. "Come on, where's the hairdryer?" asked Chris, throwing things everywhere. Danny quietly placed the hairdryer on the chair behind him, then hit the chair hard enough to get Chris's attention, before going completely invisible. "Ah, there it is," he said, picking it up, then stopping. "Wait…" Chris noticed the grains of sand around the opening of the hairdryer. "Nice try, kids, but you'll have to get up way earlier in the morning to get one up on Chris McLean." Chris pointed the hairdryer away from himself, and turned it on. A huge blast of sand flew out of it, before he turned it off. "I might just style it instead," he said, as Danny flew up through the roof.
"Okay, he figured out the hairdryer," said Danny to Tulip and Lincoln. "Are you two ready to go?"
"You know it," said Lincoln, picking up their part of the prank. "Star, what about you?"
"Rainbow Flytrap!" yelled Star, casting a spell just in front of the door to the trailer. "Okay, ready."
"Shh, I think he's coming," said Tulip, crawling to the front of the trailer with Lincoln. "Okay, ready…"
"Whoo, can't believe those kids almost got me," said Chris, opening the door to the trailer, combing his hair.
"Aim…" said Tulip, holding something with Lincoln.
"But now it's time to…" started Chris, taking a step towards Star's flytrap…
"NOW!" called Tulip, dropping the wig she and Lincoln were holding.
Chris paused, then took a step to the left, dodging the wig and standing next to the flytrap. "Well, gotta commend you on your teamwork," said Chris.
"Wait, how did you…" started Lincoln.
"Well, other than Tulip yelling and the sand in the hairdryer," said Chris. "Did you not think I'd notice the smell of glue over the top of my lavender-scented hair gel?"
"So, no part of what we did worked?" asked Danny.
"Well, you got me wet," said Chris. "So…points for that I guess?"
"This is what I get for trying to play nice with others," said Mandy, storming off.
"Yep," said Chris. "And now, you guys are pretty much out of time. Good work. Not." Chris laughed as he walked away from the stunned contestants.
Later…
"Well, this challenge sucked," said Chris, in front of all the gathered contestants in the Mess Hall. Chris began making his way to a seat in front of the group. "None of you even managed to…" As Chris sat down, the sound of a huge fart rang out through the Mess Hall.
"Jeez Chris, what did you eat?" asked Danny.
"That wasn't…" started Chris, who reached behind him and pulled out a whoopy cushion. "Wait…"
"I told you we were working on something," said Steven, high-fiving Ben who'd sneakily turned himself into XLR8.
"So you were," said Chris. "I should mark you down for such a simple prank…"
"Oh, come on," said XLR8.
"…and for doing it outside the allowed time," said Chris.
"Really?" asked XLR8.
"But, you were also the only one to successfully prank me," said Chris. "So, for that, I present you with the immunity idol." Chris reached into his pocket and handed the statue to XLR8.
"Wait, I came up with the idea," said Steven.
"And Ben successfully executed the plan," said Chris. "So there you go. See you all at the Elimination Ceremony." And with that, Chris walked away to let the contestants think about their votes.
"Steven, are you okay?" asked Ben.
"Huh?" asked Steven, who was glowing pink and going back to normal like a strobe light. "Yeah, I'm fine, why?"
"…no reason," said Ben, as Steven went back to normal and stayed that way.
Later, at the Elimination Ceremony…
"Okay campers, here we go again," said Chris. "There are thirteen of you. There are twelve marshmallows. That means, one of you is missing out on a delicious treat. As well as the big cash prize. If you receive a marshmallow, you're safe. For now. If you do not receive a marshmallow, you will be taking a walk down the Dock of Shame, boarding the Boat of Losers, and you will not be coming back. Ever. The following contestants are safe." As Chris read each name, he threw them a marshmallow. "Nate. Mandy somehow. Steven. Kim. Buttercup. Korra. Danny. Ben. Luz. Lincoln. And Star." The camera focused on Kevin and Tulip. Kevin looked shocked but not too worried, while Tulip looked like she was going to be sick. "Campers, I have one marshmallow left. And it goes to…" The camera cut rapidly between Kevin and Tulip. "…Kevin." The final marshmallow landed in Kevin's outstretched hand.
"Sorry Tulip," said Kevin. "You did well, but…"
"No…" said Tulip, trying to hold back tears. "I'm sorry Kevin, but…" Tulip reached into her pocket, and pulled out the invincibility idol, stunning everyone into silence.
"You…you have…" stuttered Kevin, unable to believe what he was seeing. "But…no…that means…"
"That we have another dramatic upset? Yes we do," said Chris cheerfully, snatching the marshmallow out of Kevin's hand. "Tulip lives another day, and Kevin, you're…"
"Wait, this doesn't make any sense," said Lincoln. "When did Tulip even get an invincibility idol? She hasn't had that opportunity since she came back."
"Hey, it's not my business to keep track of who has an idol," said Chris. "Hell, my contract doesn't even say I have to keep the games fair. I just have to host the show."
"But…" started Lincoln.
"No buts," said Chris. "Kevin, your time has come."
"I'm so sorry Kevin," said Tulip, wrapping her arms around Kevin. "Please don't hate me for this."
"I don't," said Kevin, hugging her back. "Guys, don't treat her too harsh for this, okay?"
"We won't," said Kim, giving Kevin a quick kiss on the cheek. "Goodbye Kevin."
"Goodbye everyone," said Kevin as Chef started leading him to the Boat of Losers. "And good luck to everyone. Except Mandy." In response to this comment, Mandy made a hand gesture that got pixelated.
"Well, that was certainly a shock elimination," said Chris. "I love it when that happens. But who's the next contestant to be met with that fate? You'll have to find out next time, on Total. Drama. Island."
Author's note: Hey guys, it's a new year, and I've got a new poll on my profile to vote in for what I write next...if you're interested. Just thought I'd mention it. See you next time.