"Episode 10 - Memories"
Pearl Islands Friday, July 13th, 2018
~Previously, on OCW Survivor: After three surprising departures in Detective Jack Puffer, The Incredible One, and Zane Zamota, the Final Six scrambled to change their strategies and continue with the competition. At the Individual Immunity challenge (End Of The Line), everyone was driven crazy trying to figure out the correct path along the ropes. In a tight victory, Matt Meyhu won immunity, barely getting past Chad Vargas. Meyhu sent Zybala (temporarily) to Exile Island, while Julliet Brooks cashed in her auction win to send Harold Jones there to safety. At Tribal Council, in a 3-2 vote, Curt Canon became the fifth member of the jury, taking us to the Final Five.~
CASAYA TRIBE
After Tribal Council
_______________
~After an equally heart breaking and shocking tribal council, and a few joints rolled out of pages from the bible (every hotel has a bible, what makes you think pearl islands didn't have a few books of the good word laying around) Chad Vargas nerves are a little more even keel. Bummed to see his good buddy Curt Canon take the ride down Elimination Road. He looks around at his tribe mates. Champion Matt Meyhu, Commish Mike Zybala, the flunky comedian Harold Jones, and the ever beautiful Julliet Brooks.~
Chad Vargas: Welcome to F5 guys! We should all be proud of ourselves. This is and has been a very intense game of OCW Survivor. Julliet, congrats on being the last female to be here!
~Julliet sits down and tries to shoo away the bugs that were swarming her, then hears Vargas talking and that catches her attention.~
Julliet Brooks: Thanks. Like you said.. the life here hasn't been easy. It's been filled with ups and downs and we have witnessed alot of our tribe mates go. However, I'm fighting strong with every day that goes by.
~Zybala looks at the remaining people. While everyone is chatting with ease, Zybala thinks he sees suspicion in their eyes. He studies his opponents for a while as he gathers his thought. He looks to Vargas.~
Zybala: I see you found that natural marijuana patch near that garden grove. Mind passing some of that? Haven't smoked in years but my nerves are shot.
~In a good mood, Vargas passes one over, and the group finds a way to 'pass the time'.~
INDIVIDUAL IMMUNITY CHALLENGE
Down Memory Lane
_______________
~The four tribe members make their way down through the jungle, where they're reunited with Harold Jones, fresh from Exile Island. The group moves into the challenge area, where Pryde is waiting in front of a long series of tables. All of the tables are covered over. Pryde signals for everyone to come in closer.~
Pryde: Everyone gather around. So here we sit with the Final Five. Today, one of you gets a chance to protect yourselves. Who will it be? First off, Matt, I'm going to need back the individual immunity necklace. Please tell me you have it.
~Thankfully, Meyhu does have it, although he looks reluctant to give it up.~
Matt Meyhu: I'll see you again soon...
~Matt then hands over the necklace to Pryde, who takes it and hangs it up next to him.~
Pryde: Alright then, immunity is back up for grabs! Today, we're playing a game of "Down Memory Lane". As you can see, there are a lot of tables behind me. On each table, covered, is a picture or item from this year's Survivor. Your goal will be to find its match on another table. This is basically a large-scale game of concentration. Who's going to remember where all of the items are? We've randomly drawn for spots, so get in your order and one by one, make your choices. You get a point for every pair you put together. A lot is on the line, so make your chances count!
~One by one, the contestants make their choices. There are so many tables that the first round is basically blind guessing, with each competitor trying to find that matching pair. Various items come up, including the black orb from the original tribe picks, a stuffed animal that's a wide-view copy of Checkers, and a volleyball that Zybala may have spent a little too much time with (and almost destroyed). Zybala looks a little heart-sick at seeing the volleyball, and immediately goes back there when it's his turn to pick, missing out on an opportunity. The rest are working to figure things out.~
Pryde: You should be getting a better feel for where single items are, now find their pictures or the reverse and match them up!
~Vargas strikes first, picking up a cover to reveal a picture of the black orb, then going back to uncover the real one, earning a point. He yells out to Pryde.~
Chad Vargas: THE BLACK ORB, PRYDE!
Pryde: Yes, I see it, Chad, you get a point, don't worry...
Chad Vargas: Sorry, got a lil excited buddy!
~On Harold's turn, he uncovers a picture of the three tribes from the beginning. Harold takes his time, wandering around, trying to remember something he had seen.~
Pryde: Any day now, Harold...
~Finally, just as Pryde looks ready to come over, Harold makes his choice, picking up a cover to show three tribal buffs sitting there. Disappointed, Harold starts to put the lid back down, but Pryde stops him.~
Pryde: That's a point, Harold! Three buffs, for Cantadora, Blue Dragons, and Verde VIP's!
~Harold, smiling now, walks back and takes a seat. Zybala follows him, but goes right back to the volleyball, and can't find a pair for it. Meyhu is the next to score a point, finding a picture of the auction site, and knowing that the mallet nearby under another cover was the connector.~
Pryde: One for Meyhu, and we've got three guys with a point each!
~The next few rounds are quick, as Vargas, Jones, and Meyhu each add another point to their totals. Brooks is trying hard, but keeps coming up empty, while Zybala barely even seems to be in the competition. We've reached the final round, as there aren't that many picks left. Jones strikes first, combining a picture of The Lost Soul with a creepy-looking mask. Julliet gets herself on the board by putting together a picture of Exile Island with a mini Hall of Fame statue of The Big Bifford. With only two picks left, Vargas and Meyhu each easily score points, ending the challenge... on a tie.~
Pryde: We've got a three-way tie, as Jones, Meyhu, & Vargas all have three points each! Sorry, Julliet and Zybala, but you've both been eliminated from the challenge. For the final three... we've got a little display set up over here.
~Pryde motions, and the three men turn to see a new display brought out. There are two tables set up, with a third one being muscled into place (as it was only ready in case of this exact scenario). On each table is one of those slide games, with a scrambled picture on top.~
Pryde: First guy to unscramble the picture wins immunity! Get to it!
~All three race over, with Meyhu and Vargas temporarily fighting over one table before spreading out. All are working with ferocious concentration, trying to move the little slices back and forth to maneuver around the picture. It's a tense few minutes, as everyone is getting closer. It almost looks like Meyhu has it, but he suddenly has to backtrack, allowing Vargas to take over the lead. With a few more clicks, Vargas finishes, reading the message hidden within.~
Chad Vargas: FINAL FOUR BABY!!
Pryde: That's correct! CHAD VARGAS WINS INDIVIDUAL IMMUNITY!!
Chad Vargas: HOLY FUCK!!! THANK YOU ALL!!! I DON'T SMOKE, BUT I THINK I'M GONNA GO FIND A CIGARETTE!
Julliet Brooks: I need possibly 30 beers after all this jeez.
~As Vargas stands, Pryde walks over and gives him the individual immunity idol.~
Pryde: Congratulations, Chad, you are now guaranteed to make it to the Final Four, assuming you keep this necklace for yourself. But now you've got a tough choice. You get to send one person to Exile Island. This person will go to Exile and have a chance to do a final search for any immunity idols hidden there, since the last time to use idols is the Final 5 Tribal Council. However, the person WILL return to Tribal Council, and will be eligible to be voted for. Make your choice, Chad.
~Vargas takes a little time to think and decide on the best course of action. He finally makes his decision.~
Chad Vargas: I'm going to send Julliet Brooks to Exile Island.
Pryde: Alright then, Julliet, grab your things and let's go. The rest of you head back to camp, and prepare yourselves for Tribal Council. I get the feeling it's going to be an exciting one.
~Pryde and Brooks walk off towards the boat (which has gotten a TON of mileage this season), as the rest head into the jungle.~
CASAYA TRIBE
Tough Choices
_______________
~The four tribe members not at Exile make their way into their camp. Each moves off to be on their own and think of their next strategy, which will surely be followed with a lot of one-on-one discussion between members. One apparently has his own thoughts on selection.~
Zybala: What I'm going to do is write four names on pieces of paper and put treats on all four. Then I'll find an animal in the jungle to decide. Whichever treat the critter goes for first will be the one I vote for.
~Zybala moves around, searching for a piece of paper, something to write with, treats, and a critter, none of which are easily found in the jungle. Vargas is over on his own side, contemplating the individual immunity necklace hanging around his neck.~
Chad Vargas: Definitely NOT WEAK ASS VICTORY!!
~To the side, Harold is passing the time by practicing some juggling. He looks a little depressed at not having an audience, though. Behind him, Meyhu is sitting in almost silent meditation. After a few minutes, though, he rises up and heads towards the shore.~
Matt Meyhu: Might as well do some fishing before the big night...
~Each person is dealing with their upcoming vote in their own ways, and the same can surely be said of Julliet on Exile Island. A lot of pressure is being felt, because any decision can make or break the game tonight.~
TRIBAL COUNCIL
Casaya Tribe
_______________
~Slowly, we watch as the torches shine in the night again, making their way towards the Tribal Council pit. One by one, each tribe member steps through the gate, finding their seats. Pryde nods at each one, having gotten to know them better after so many weeks together.~
Pryde: First, let's bring in our jury. Ed Houston, The Uber Man, Annie Alvarez, Zane Zamota, and, eliminated at the last Tribal Council, Curt Canon.
~the five jury members walk in. Canon now looks clean-shaven, although Checkers, hanging off of him, is still pretty hairy. Not really a surprise. They all take their seats, with Canon shushing Checkers when he began to mouth off at the final competitors again.~
Pryde: So we're into the last stretch now. Only five of you remain, and we'll be down to four later tonight. Every one of you, I hope, realize how amazing it is that you're still here, and how much it will take to stay here. It's a pretty strong achievement, so congratulations all around.
~The Final Five smile and nod at each other. The jury members don't look quite as thrilled with the way things have gone.~
Pryde: Chad, it must feel great, this late in the game, to win your first individual immunity idol. How were you feeling about Tribal Council before the victory, compared to now?
Chad Vargas: Well Pryde, it's a huge weight lifted from my shoulders. I knew coming into this challenge if I wanted to make it to the final 4, I would have to win. If I didn't, I would likely be going home. I've worked my ass off all season long to come this far, I want badly to go to the end with a shot to win OCW Survivor. This immunity win is dedicated to my fallen comrades Annie Alvarez and Curt Canon. I just hope the right move is made tonight, and the rest of us get an equal shot at winning this thing. We must make the right move.
~Alvarez and Canon nod from the jury box.~
Pryde: Matt, you've lasted quite a bit longer than you did last year when you were the first member of the jury, but I'm sure, for you, Final Five is still not enough. Do you have a strategy in place tonight to make it to the Final Four?
Matt Meyhu: You're right about that, final five means nothing to me! I'm a competitive person. I want to win. But I've been public enemy number one for a few days now. Somebody has done a good job of painting me the bad guy here. So my only strategy at this point is to appeal to the competitive side of these four sitting with me. I know I'm not the only competitor here. Think about who is in the driver's seat right now. There is a move to be made here that can change the whole way this game ends.
Pryde: Zybala, you were the first person who seemed to be facing elimination when you grabbed the black orb on the very first day here. Yet here you are, sitting tight with the Final Five, with a chance to make it all the way. How high is your confidence right now in continuing in the game?
Zybala: It's soaring! To have outlasted those valiant competitors who have fallen is a good ego boost. However, I'm not safe yet. I have four other people to deal with, and while they say they won't vote for me if I side with them, I know they all want to win. Everyone is playing all sides, back stabbing each other left and right. I have to do what I feel is the smartest move. Even the most unassuming player can be the most dangerous.
Pryde: Harold, you've been a definite dark horse contender, making it all the way to the Final Five above many other experienced veterans from last year. Were you prepared to go this far into the competition, and hopefully for you, even further?
Harold Jones: Hey thanks Pryde! Well you know there was a slight learning curve when I signed up for this game but here we are in the final five and I'm feeling like a grizzled veteran. Will my torch get snuffed tonight? It might; but it might not. Either way it's been a hell of a fun ride.
Pryde: I know it's been a bit of a rollercoaster for you, coming so close in the challenge the way you did. Do you feel like you've shown enough to your fellow competitors that you deserve to be here, challenging for the finals?
Harold Jones: Yeah that was some challenge wasn't it? I think that was the first time I've been competitive all game. But as far as deserving to be here for the finals? I think so. If I was anyone else here I'd want to take me. I'm the outsider, nobody talks a whole lot to me. When I am involved in a conversation I feel like I just get a nice pat on the head and sent about my way. So I don't think a whole lot of people understand the struggles of getting this far as a relative unknown. Well... maybe you know a little something about that Pryde.
Pryde: True, I was pretty new to OCW last year... under the mask, at least. So, anyone else have any comments before we start the voting? Okay then. Remember, you can vote for anyone except for Chad Vargas.
~The group gets up and places their votes, one at a time. Zybala seems to take longer than is necessary, and appears to motion twice towards the urn. Pryde, suspicious, starts to rise, but Zybala is already hurrying back. Everyone else takes the normal amount of time.~
Pryde: I'll go tally the votes.
~Pryde goes through the votes in the urn, stops for a second, and then goes through them again, more carefully. He pulls one vote out in particular and holds it in his hand as he returns, putting the urn in front of the group.~
Pryde: So it appears we had six votes entered, with only five of you here.
~Grumbling stirs up through the group, as they look around, wondering who's trying to cheat.~
Pryde: Fortunately, it's pretty obvious which one is the spare vote.
~Pryde holds up the vote in his hand. Scrawled on the note is the name "Pryde - For Real This Time". Pryde stares at Zybala, who's doing his best innocent look.~
Pryde: Zybala...
Zybala: The right of a voter being able to cast their vote anonymously is a sacred right, one that should not be...
Pryde: Dammit...
~Pryde tears up the vote, eliciting a muttered curse from Zybala.~
Pryde: With that foolishness taken care of, we can move on. Once the votes are read, the decision is final. Whoever is eliminated will be brought forward to have their torch extinguished. As always, but more importantly this time since it's the last opportunity, if one of you has the immunity idol, now would be the time to play it.
~Everyone looks around, waiting, when suddenly Julliet Brooks stands up. She walks past the group and pulls a necklace out, handing it to Pryde. He takes a moment to look it over.~
Pryde: This... IS an immunity idol, and it IS official. Julliet, I assume you're using this for yourself tonight?
~Julliet nods with a sly smile.~
Pryde: Alright, people, any votes with Julliet Brooks' name on them are now void and will not be counted.
~Julliet takes a seat... as Zybala stands up.~
Zybala: Excuse me, Pryde...
Pryde: You CANNOT vote for me, Zybala!!
Zybala: Yes I can... but that's not what I'm doing. I happen to have one of those as well.
~Zybala has something rolled up in a cloth of some sort. Pryde looks at it for a second, then scoffs.~
Pryde: Really? You expect me to believe you've got an idol, too?
Zybala: Well, I have it, but I'm giving it up. I'm giving it to Matt.
~Zybala hands the cloth wrap over to Matt, who takes it with a big grin.~
Matt Meyhu: Hey, Pryde...
~Matt begins to unravel the cloth.~
Matt Meyhu: For real this time.
~Matt stands up and walks over to Pryde, handing him a necklace.~
Matt Meyhu: I'd like to keep playing if you don't mind.
~Dumbstruck, Pryde takes the necklace and compares it to the one Julliet had. They match.~
Pryde: I can't believe I'm saying this... but Matt, this is real, so no votes for Matt will count, either.
~This causes a near collapse from the rest of the tribe.~
Pryde: So... is that it? Are we done?
Harold Jones: Well... maybe... and maybe not...
~Everyone turns their attention to Harold as he stands up... and reveals a THIRD necklace!!! The jury members are all beside themselves at how insane everything has gotten. Harold walks up and hands the necklace to Pryde, who is in complete shock.~
Pryde: But... but there were only... what the hell is going on?!?!
~Pryde steps away to confer with a producer, looking over all three necklaces. But soon, the mystery is figured out.~
Pryde: Hold on a second... this IS an immunity idol... but this is an idol from LAST YEAR!!!
~Another bombshell hits, with everyone trying to figure out where the idol came from. The last show wasn't even hosted on these islands!~
Pryde: How... how did you get this, Harold??
Harold Jones: I have my sources.
Pryde: Be as it may.... this is NOT a legal immunity idol for this season. So I'm afraid it won't count.
Harold Jones: Damn.
~Meyhu collapses onto the bench, his protest staying lodged in his throat. Harold goes and sits back down, shrugging.~
Pryde: I just... yeah, I'm spent. As long as everyone else is fine with it, how about we just read the votes, yes?
~Everyone just nods, exhausted at this point.~
Second Vote - Matt Meyhu (Does Not Count)
Third Vote - Matt Meyhu (Does Not Count)
~Meyhu looks around at his tribe, knowing that it could have been his exit.~
Pryde: Three votes down, two left.
~Harold reacts as if he knew this was coming.~
Pryde: That's enough votes, Harold. I'm going to need your torch.
~Harold walks up to the front, handing over his torch with a sad look on his face.~
Pryde: Harold, your tribe has spoken.
~The cover comes down, and the torch is put out. Harold then slowly walks off, leaving the tribe behind.~
Pryde: You've now all made it to the Final Four. We now have six jury members. But one more of you will be making the move, while the other three... will find themselves fighting for the final votes. Who's going to make it to the end? Get some rest, you'll need it, because the final challenge is going to be a doozy.
~Chad, Julliet, Matt, and Zybala walk away, after a shocking Tribal Council that brought everything forward. Who knows what camp is going to be like for the next few days?~
- The shocking elimination of Harold Jones may just have left two equal sides facing off. Will the next vote be split down the middle? Or will someone turn on their ally in order to ensure a visit to the finals?
- Exile Island's usefulness has ended. Or has it? Will the island have one more trick of its sleeve? Wait, do islands have sleeves? Yeah... yeah, I think they do...
- It all comes down to one final individual immunity challenge. Who will come out on top during what is expected to be the toughest challenge of the year? Only one gets to walk into Tribal Council feeling safe. Who will it be?