"Episode 12 - Final Three"
Pearl Islands Wednesday, July 25th, 2018
~Previously, on OCW Survivor: The final four came together after the shocking elimination of Harold Jones, with one more elimination to go. In the longest individual immunity challenge of the season, Matt Meyhu came out on top of the Survivor Pentathlon, ensuring his entry into the finals. The other three competitors scrambled to make sure they had votes. In the end, Chad Vargas was voted out, ending his second long run in OCW Survivor, leaving us with the Final Three: Julliet Brooks, Matt Meyhu, & Zybala.~
CASAYA TRIBE
After Tribal Council
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~We watch as the three finalists make their way into the Casaya Tribe camp. The place almost seems empty with only three people sitting around the fire. The rain appears to have tapered off, at least, making it a little drier.~
Matt Meyhu: Quite a ride this year.
Julliet Brooks: Never thought it'd be us three.
Zybala: I still can't believe Pryde is staying. I thought I had him that time.
Matt Meyhu: You may need to let that go.
Zybala: Never! The vote will go for Pryde next time!
Julliet Brooks: But if Pryde gets the votes, won't he be declared the winner?
Zybala: ... Dammit.
~The three competitors keep talking around the fire for a while, enjoying the feeling of no more eliminations.~
RITE OF PASSAGE
Honoring Those Before
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~The three tribe members have been cleaning up, in a way, their home for the last so many weeks. Structures have been torn down, gear has been stored, and the place is looking very empty now. As Brooks, Meyhu, & Zybala are finishing up, a boat pulls in, with Pryde standing once again behind the driver.~
Pryde: Hello, Survivors. You've done a good job restoring this beach, although I'm sure it will never be the same after this competition. Right now, though, you all need to come with me.
~The three get in the boat with Pryde, and they head off. Soon, the group has landed, apparently on Exile Island. Zybala looks around nervously, having always wondered if Pryde was going to permanently abandon him on the island. Brooks and Meyhu take it in as well, both having had their own experiences here.~
Pryde: It's time now for the Rite of Passage. From sixteen competitors, you are the final three. Now take this walk and honor those who have come before you, on your way to the final Tribal Council.
Zybala: Thank you for not leaving me on Exile Island. I would have probably turned it into a small country and start W.W.3 with my orangutan army.
~The trio walks to the first post on the trail, getting things started.~
Zybala: I honestly forgot this dude was on here. Screw that clown! Fucking up my match last year against Mack. That makeup wearing freak screwed me from winning the one title Mack held.
Matt Meyhu: Ah yeah, that one title! In two seasons of Survivor, we never crossed paths.
Julliet Brooks: He made it fun when I was around him for Season 1.
~Video runs, showing The Lost Soul diving into the water and swimming towards the island. We also see him looking extremely hungry and rubbing his stomach. The group moves to the second post.~
Zybala: Didn't know Wentz.
Matt Meyhu: He didn't look like he was too interested in the game.
~Video runs, showing Anthony standing around during a challenge, not looking too concerned one way or another as his tribe tries to win without him. We continue on the path.~
Matt Meyhu: I wonder if Sammy has been programmed to speak yet...
~We see Sammy 3.0 looking completely deactivated while in camp, not moving at all. It's not a great look for the android. The group moves on.~
Zybala: That weird dragonborn lady seemed cool. I was upset that she wouldn't share her magic teachings unless I became an Evil minion of doom or something. Still neat though to watch her make dead, or were they undead, helpers.
~Video rolls, showing Kriegsdottir's crazy antics on the island, including having minions and eventually cursing the rest of her tribe when she's leaving Tribal Council.~
Julliet Brooks: He seemed to always have a positive attitude which can be hard to come by.
Matt Meyhu: Ah Ed... Someone we all know well! The guy is a challenge beast. If they had spared him one vote who knows how this all would have ended up.
~A video clip shows Houston competing hard in the tribal challenges, including diving into the water at one point to try and help the Verde VIP's survive. We move on.~
Matt Meyhu: Uber Man had a very... Unique personality. Marched to the beat of his own drum. Great intentions, though.
~The Uber Man is shown running around the area during a challenge, apparently trying to heroically save someone. We also see the Uber Man's final move, jabbing his torch into the bonfire at Tribal Council and nearly causing an inferno. Fun times.~
Matt Meyhu: This is the vote when the game kicked it up a notch... Something Annie did spooked Puffer and TIO, and that changed the whole direction of tribal that night. Could have been a very different game otherwise.
~We view shots of Alvarez competing in various challenges, including trying to break tiles. We also see her on Exile Island, exploring. We return back to the trail, where the competitors have moved on.~
Zybala: Damn, that was a lucky break for us all. The Puff Man was kicking ass and honestly one of the biggest threats.
Matt Meyhu: You're right about that Mike. He practically lived at Exile Island too. He was holding all the cards at the time of his exit.
Julliet Brooks: Detective Puffer and myself had talks here that weren't really shown. I considered him a good friend and that's hard to come by in this game.
~The clip rolls, showing Puffer winning the Running The Gauntlet challenge and looking pretty excited. We also are shown a 'never-before-aired' clip of Puffer finding the immunity idol on Exile Island. It's followed by a shot of Puffer being pulled from the water and being medically evacuated.~
Zybala: Tough break for the guy, no pun intended. Though if he didn't slip, he would probably be in my spot. He played a good game.
Julliet Brooks: I feel like if he hadn't gotten hurt, he would have made it to the final three.
Matt Meyhu: He's my biggest rival in wrestling. I figured it was only a matter of time until that spilled into the game... That's why I tripped him!...
~We see The Incredible One looking like a leader for a couple of tribes, trying to direct them during an intense challenge. He's also shown bearing a lot of weight on his shoulders, trying to hang in there for his tribe. The final shot shows the injury, and TIO being evacuated just like Puffer.~
Matt Meyhu: Nobody likes alliteration quite like this guy! Zane was fun to be around, but was a big target for much of the game. It was a tough path for him for sure.
~Zamota is shown looking strong in the axe-throwing challenge, while also competing in various other challenges. We also see him bidding in the auction and earning a prize. We fade back to Brooks, Meyhu, & Zybala.~
Matt Meyhu: Curt was real dangerous. Incredible at challenges and everybody loves him. We're lucky we got a shot at him when we did.
~Footage rolls of Canon hanging out with Checkers on the island, as they listen to some of Harold's jokes. We also see Curt winning an individual immunity challenge by opening a lockbox puzzle. We move on.~
Matt Meyhu: Another guy who lived with a target on his back most of the game, and he lasted even longer than Zane did. It can't be easy coming in unknown... Nearly went the distance. We could just never quite get on the same page. Played a hell of a game though.
Julliet Brooks: He was the underdog of this game, and I know what that's like. Much respect.
~We see Harold playing poker with some of the guys, and managing to get some great wins, in part thanks to Checkers watching from behind. His competition in challenges is overshadowed by the final video clip, which shows Meyhu cashing in the idol given to him, which sends Harold out.~
Zybala: Dude was always up front with me. May have played dirty with others but was cool with me. Had to vote him out though. People like him better than Meyhu.
Matt Meyhu: Appreciate that Mikey... Hard to match Chad's intensity for this game though! He went at full speed the whole time, gotta respect that. Usually that strategy is hard to pull off but he made it work. We were this close to him switching spots with one of us, and he easily could have won the game.
Julliet Brooks: We've always had a love/hate relationship, but I've always considered himself a hard worker
~Vargas is shown pushing himself heavily during a challenge, refusing to give up. We watch as Vargas wins the Down Memory Lane individual immunity challenge, screaming out "FINAL FOUR BABY!" His excitement at that moment can't be forgotten. We return to the three remaining contestants, as they have reached the end of the path. All that's left now is to head to the final Tribal Council.~
Matt Meyhu: That was a surreal experience you two. We finally made it to the end.
~The group heads to the nearby pier to get on the boat, which will take them, for a final time, to Tribal Council.~
FINAL TRIBAL COUNCIL
Questions & Answers
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~We see Brooks, Meyhu, & Zybala making their way down the path, their torches in hand for the last time. They take their seats, with all of them showing different levels of nervousness. Pryde is waiting as usual, nodding to them as they enter.~
Pryde: Welcome, lady and gentlemen, to your final Tribal Council. Tonight, of course, will be a little different from your previous trips here. Tonight, the jury has all the power. Each jury member will be given the opportunity to ask questions or make comments, as they try to decide who here should be given the victory this season. So do your best to convince the jury, because it's your only chance to win.
~The competitors are all prepared, so Pryde turns and waves his arm.~
Pryde: Let's bring the jury in. Ed Houston, The Uber Man, Annie Alvarez, Zane Zamota, Curt Canon, Harold Jones, and the most recent, Chad Vargas.~
~The completed jury files in, taking their seats. Vargas still looks angry after being eliminated last time.~
Pryde: As a reminder to the jury, tonight, you're not voting for who goes home. Tonight the vote will be for the WINNER. Of course, some of you may be wondering... what does that mean? Is it just about bragging rights? Or is there something else on the line? Well, we're going to announce that right now...
~Everyone gets on the edge of their seats, especially the three who stand to benefit.~
Pryde: The winner of OCW Survivor Season 2 will be getting a special prize. If Julliet Brooks or Zybala end up winning, they will be given an OCW Title shot on a Monday Night Massacre in the future. If Matt Meyhu, the current champion, wins tonight, he will get to choose his next opponent on a Monday Night Massacre. That, plus the bragging rights, should make tonight more meaningful.
~Brooks and Zybala look excited. Meyhu looks more contemplative, debating how he feels about this announcement. Pryde, meanwhile, turns towards the jury.~
Pryde: So now you know what's on the line tonight. Choose your questions wisely, and let's see if you can make your decision wisely. First up, let's go with Harold.
~Harold stands up and stares over at the three people competing for the victory.~
Harold Jones: For me, this game is almost exclusively based off strategy and being a step ahead of everyone else. Each of you, take me inside your most strategic move of the game and explain your thought process.
Zybala: Usually I just went with my gut. Try to trust people, but also realize that everyone wanted to win.
Julliet Brooks: It's simple really... to outsmart the strongest player.
Matt Meyhu: To me, my most strategic move of the game came at final six, coming off my first immunity win. I had to send somebody to exile and give them a chance to find the idol. I could either send somebody and pray they don't find it, or I could be proactive. I chose Zybala and shared the clue I won in the auction with him, which led him right to it. He and I had been talking strategy since the swap, but hadn’t voted together yet. After the swap, we didn't go to tribal, and after the merge, he threw one vote at Julliet and then helped take my closest ally, Zane, out of the game. But I knew where his head was at every vote, he was open about those, and I knew he would play the idol on me. That’s just who he is. He’s a nice guy, he’s an honest guy.
~Matt gives Zybala a nod, and gets one in return.~
Matt Meyhu: With you also being sent to Exile, and missing tribal, I knew this was my chance to fire a shot at Curt. I needed him out of the way because while I had some trust in Zybala, I was outnumbered regardless. Immunity was my way to day 39, and he was just too good at challenges. That single moment saved my ass at the final 5 when Zybala gave me the idol, and cleared my path to win immunity at the final 4.
Pryde: Next up, Ed Houston.
~Houston stands and walks to the front. He looks rather pleased to have the opportunity to be given such a responsibility.~
Ed Houston: As someone who believes we are judged by our toughest choices and someone that has been viewing Survivor from a far for quite a while now. My question is what was the toughest decision you had to make during Survivor and how do you think it affected the game?
Julliet Brooks: My toughest decision was holding back and not getting in any altercations with the other members, and because of that I believe I fared well.
Matt Meyhu: My toughest decision was probably leaving Harold out of loop on the merge vote. He and I were approached with an offer from Puffer and TIO to work with the majority and vote out Vargas right then, which we agreed to. Then, the vote was switched to Annie and they decided not to tell Harold, have him vote Vargas, and see if they could trust him. I opted to roll with it despite feeling that may result in losing Harold’s trust. I don’t know for sure, but I imagine that’s exactly what happened. That was probably my biggest regret, because in the coming days, both of those guys would be evacuated, Harold no longer trusted me, and my path suddenly looked a lot harder. Had I just shared that information with him, I think this is a totally different game.
Zybala: Who to pick between Chad and Matt. That was hands down the hardest choice. I picked Meyhu because I felt that he was less likable than Vargas.
Pryde: Let's see... Annie, please come up.
~Annie walks up, not looking like she really wants to be here. But she's got a question written out.~
Annie Alvarez: If things had gone differently in the Final Four challenge, and Chad Vargas was in the final three while you were on the jury, who would you vote for to win and why?
Matt Meyhu: I think I’ve been pretty honest about the fact that I wanted Vargas out because of the game he was playing. We may have all had little final three deals with other people sitting here, but he had a ton of them. The fact that he wasn’t being treated like a big threat by too many people meant that not many people had caught on to that. He was winning this game, no doubt, and that’s where my vote would have gone.
Zybala: Ooooh that's a tough one. I probably would have voted for Brooks because of our history, and her steady game pace. She didn't go balls to the wall, but she played a well enough game to make it to the end.
Julliet Brooks: Nothing against Chad, but I'd go with Matt Meyhu. He's possibly the strongest player.
Pryde: After that question, it seems like a good time to bring Chad up.
~A disgruntled Vargas stands and walks to the front, staring at the three in front of him.~
Chad Vargas: No questions for any of you. I haven't seen a bigger group of pussies since elementary school. Say one thing, and do the complete opposite. Are y'all gonna keep allowing Meyhu to think he's pulling the strings? Little does he know how close he was to taking a ride multiple times. Instead, his boyfriend Zane Zamora got the boot, and Zybala saved his ass. This is a game where you think you have the best of allies, and they fuck you as soon as you look away. Jack Puffer, Bishop, Meyhu, this game isn't about making friends, but it is about loyalty and keeping your word. To some degree, at least. People talk a lot of shit about me - playing too hard, having too many deals. HA! The truth of the matter is, I had no real deals. I came into this game trying to lay low and do better then I did last season when I was robbed. I started out the first day with a F4 deal with my original tribe and they screwed me. From that point on, the only two people that I was truly loyal to was Curt Canon and Annie Alvarez. After the tribe swap, I got close to Meyhu and whadya know? Lie... Lie... Lie... Bullshit... Lie... Lie... and, look at me now! Out the fuckin' door. Dude can't tell the truth if his life depended on it!
~Pryde and the rest of the tribe mates watches as Chad Vargas deteriorates. The game has mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausted him. Pryde makes a hand movement, as if to tell him to 'wrap it up'~
Chad Vargas: Easy champ, I just loaded another clip and I'm ready to shoot the motherfucker off into the sunset. One second.
~Pryde nods.~
Chad Vargas: Matt Meyhu, buddy, no matter what, you won't get my vote. If you think I was playing hard during our time in the jungle, I will be playing even harder in the jury house.
~Meyhu shrugs his shoulders. Vargas shrugs back. He looks back over at the other competitors.~
Chad Vargas: Give 'em hell, Zybala!
~Vargas walks away to sit back down, leaving Pryde to clear his throat and get things back on track.~
Pryde: So... who's next? How about you, Uber?
~The Uber Man walks to the spot and studies all three competitors before starting.~
The Uber Man: I've got serious questions for each of you. Matt, my question for you... And this is important... What kind of Cheetos do you prefer? Crunchy or Puffed?
Matt Meyhu: Oh boy… I’m just hungry enough to answer this. Crunchy Cheetos are way better. Puffs stick to your mouth and just make you thirsty! Stick to the classics. Plus, if this is some sort of metaphor, I don't want to be known as soft!
The Uber Man: Julliet... Do you consider yourself more of a Pepper Potts or a Lois Lane?
Julliet Brooks: Lois Lane.
The Uber Man: Zybala... Same question... Do you consider yourself more of a Pepper Potts or a Lois Lane?
Zybala: I'd say a Lois. I'm more of a take charge type when I need to be. Unless it's picking a color to paint the room, then I just tell my fiance whatever color she wants is fine, except pink. Fuck that noise.
The Uber Man: Nice. Okay, I'm done.
~Uber heads back to his spot, tripping along the way and sprawling into the laps of Annie and Ed. They immediately shove him off to the ground, where he gets up, dusts himself off as if he planned that, and sits down.~
Pryde: Well, that was... I don't know what that was. Let's just move on. Zane?
~Zane Zamota gets up and approaches the podium, ready for his turn.~
Zane Zamota: As you sit here and reflect on your game, how much could you attribute to luck, or do you think it was all skill and strategy that got you here to the final three?
Julliet Brooks: Skill and strategy. While I wouldn't say I'm the strongest competitor here, I do like to observe and see what can I use against me.
Zybala: I would say it was a little bit of luck and strategy. I was lucky enough to pass most of the challenges without incident. As for strategy, I was able to position myself to where I was able to read the other contestants just enough to not only be on a positive side with most of them, but not to draw too much attention to myself.
Matt Meyhu: I honestly can’t say that it was all skill and strategy. Earlier I laid out my path from the final six to right now. I think strategy and skill played a huge part there. However, prior to that, I certainly got lucky. First off, I don’t know that I would have survived one tribal after we swapped. I thought I would have at the time, but knowing what I know now I’m not so sure. I’m lucky we didn’t go to tribal. And with seven players left in the game, you were voted out. That easily could have been me that night. So I’d say it was a mixture. But you know what, I don’t think you can win this game without a little luck. I really believe that.
Pryde: Curt, would you like your turn to ask questions?
~Pryde gestures to Curt Canon, who slowly stands up.~
Curt Canon: I'm going to cede my time to Checkers.
Pryde: Oh, man...
~Checkers hops up over Curt's shoulder, looks at the three people sitting there... and launches into a long tirade, letting out all his emotions. It goes on for several minutes, with hand gestures, jumps, and even a bit of intimidating postures. Really, all-in-all, it was a truly eloquent statement from Checkers. Unfortunately, no one here speaks the language other than Canon, who is nodding along enthusiastically. Quite a shame. When Checkers finishes, both he and Curt look towards the competitors, apparently awaiting a response.~
Zybala: .... I'm going to agree.
Matt Meyhu: Sure.
Julliet Brooks: Ummm... absolutely.
~Looking satisfied, Curt and Checkers sit back down. Pryde pinches his nose and shakes his head, almost looking like he's in pain, but he shakes it off and returns to his notes.~
Pryde: Just a few more questions that have been sent in to us, guys. First off, Zybala, some would say you coasted most of the game, spending a lot of time on Exile Island and not being able to claim any individual challenge victories. What can you say to those who aren't sure about what you've done in OCW Survivor?
Zybala: I would say that in a way, they're right. I was "lucky" enough to be on Exile Island, by myself, away from social interaction and having mental breakdowns, for most of the first part of the season. Yes, that kept me from being eliminated, but I would have rather been around for everything. As for what I've done; I played the smart game. I made allies, kept a low profile where many didn't even consider me to be voted out, and that's why I'm here in the final three. It wasn't a balls to the wall, aggressive style of playing, but it was very effective.
Pryde: Well, you're here in the finals, so I certainly can't argue that. Now, Matt, let's face it: you wouldn't be here in the seat you're in now if it wasn't for Zybala 'saving' you at the Final Five vote. What makes you think you deserve the win more than him?
Matt Meyhu: Because that was a move I was as much a part of as he was. He found that idol with the clue I won in the auction, and was only able to look for the idol because I sent him to look for it. My biggest bargaining chip at the time was that information and I used it to further my position in the game. I definitely can see the logic behind that looking like he saved me, but the fact of the matter is, I handpicked the person who found that idol. That clue told the exact location of it. I chose the person I believed would use it on me, because there was no doubt in my mind I was next, and I was right. It was a strategic move on my part, and I think it would be hard for you to find many of those from him in this game.
Pryde: Definitely a strategy that paid off. Onto Julliet, you had one of the biggest rewards in the game, holding onto an immunity idol. You opted to use the idol on yourself, on the night when a lot of people believe the game's path changed. Do you have any regrets in not using the immunity idol on someone else?
Julliet Brooks: As far as the immunity idol goes.. I used the first one and gave it to Harold.
Pryde: You're referring to your auction item, I believe, sending Harold to Exile Island...
Julliet Brooks: Yes. I felt like it was a nice gesture and a well deserved one, but on the second one.. I believe was a necessity to use for myself and needed to look after myself at that point and not rely on anyone else.
Pryde: That's certainly part of the game, at some point, you have to protect yourself. So each of you sound pretty confident in your choices in OCW Survivor. But it's up to the jury to decide who excelled at following the Survivor mantra: Outwit, Outplay, Outlast.
~Pryde walks away from the three competitors and turns to the jury.~
Pryde: Hopefully here tonight, you heard everything you need to hear in order to make your vote. Remember, this time, you're voting for the WINNER. These three want to see their names on those pieces of paper. So take everything you've heard tonight into account, and make your decision. The voting box is right over there. Once all the votes are in, we'll have the reveal. The power is in your hands.
~Pryde walks away, as the seven jury members sit back and consider this important decision. Brooks, Meyhu, and Zybala can do nothing else but sit and wait.~
- After fifty days, we are finally going to have a victor crowned. Will it be Julliet Brooks? Matt Meyhu? Or Zybala? It's all up to the jury. Next time... the game ends in triumph for one out of 16. See you then!