"Episode 5 - Lightning Strikes"
Pearl Islands Tuesday, June 26th, 2018
~Previously, on OCW Survivor: After Sammy 3.0 of the Verde VIP's tribe was voted off, the three tribes all came together for another challenge, which was won by Detective Jack Puffer. However, it turned out this wasn't a tribal immunity challenge, but a reorganization challenge! All three tribes were disbanded, with two new tribes being formed: Bueno Vista and Vivienda. Puffer, given a choice as the winner, went to Exile Island, while the two new tribes spent time getting to know each other. In the eating challenge, Bueno Vista dominated, sending Vivienda to Tribal Council. Showing some unity, the rest of Vivienda voted out Kalinda Kriegsdottir (as she cursed them), making her the fourth person eliminated from OCW Survivor Season 2.~
VIVIENDA TRIBE
After Tribal Council
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~We come to shot of the Vivienda Tribe having left Tribal Council. As can happen in the Pearl Islands, the weather has turned ugly. The tribe makes its return to camp; and it's raining - hard. They all seek shelter and try to avoid getting wet, but it's near impossible.~
The Incredible One: You know, it's raining, but I couldn't be happier. Maybe this is Kalinda's curse coming to haunt us, but hell, she was the most annoying.. thing.. I've ever met--~Before TIO could finish his sentence, a lightning bolt struck the ground about twenty-five yards away from shelter.~
The Incredible One: ....Okay I'm going to shut up now.
~The good detective enters into camp and takes a good look around. Suddenly the TRANSLUCENT shovels and dead people and other weird shit vanish. Each and every hole/pit/grave/whatever instantly fills. It becomes something resembling a human camp. Or...had it always been that way and Kalinda was just some sort of expert hypnotist convincing people they were seeing batshit crazy, inexplicable crap? The good detective cannot say.~
Detective Jack Puffer: Hello everyone...I am the good detective, Jack Puffer and, in case you were wondering, yes, I am a detective. I hope my human sized frame and lack of giant, blue tail isn't seen as a disappointment.
~Puffer walks over to Ed Houston, sizes him up, and offers a greeting.~ Detective Jack Puffer: I'd know that face anywhere. Nice to see you, Mr. Zybala. I hope we can work together to make this tribe strong! ~Houston looks at Puffer in disbelief that he could be confused with Zybala. He goes to correct this 'insult', as the storm continues to rain down.~
BUENO VISTA TRIBE
Triumphant Eaters
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~Hopes were much higher in the Bueno Vista camp, as they were still celebrating their dominating victory from earlier. Having a tarp was certainly helping, as is the beer that was won.~
Harold Jones: Hey Checkers! Come with Uncle Harold and I’ll tell you some more jokes I’ve been working on.
~Harold grabs a beer from the cooler and walks with Checkers away from the group to practice his stand-up.~
Chad Vargas: Good team win y'all. I thought we were doomed! You boardwalk guys are beginning to grow on me!
~Julliet sat on the opposite side of Vargas and stared at him in silence. No one was certain what was going through their heads, but she decided to get up, dusting the sand off her and handed him a lobster she caught. Vargas accepts the perfectly cooked lobster from Julliet. Or was it still alive? Nobody really knows with Ms. Brooks. None the less, he takes the mother fucker and rips a huge piece of meat and shoves it into his mouth. Chewing obnoxiously he gives thanks to his ever gracious tribe mate.~
Chad Vargas: Vargas: Julliet, you've outdone yourself buddy, this shit is terrific.
~Harold looks up from over where he's working on his comedy routine.~
Harold Jones: Wait... did Julliet just give you Crabs? Ah... it was a lobster... carry on!
~Zybala is seen wandering around the island, away from the group. He stumbles upon a little grove of wild flowers and birds drinking the nectar from the flowers. It's a beautiful, serene sight, especially in the chaos of the show. He smiles for a bit and sits to meditate in the midst of the storm.~
TRIBAL IMMUNITY CHALLENGE
Oars In The Water
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~Eventually overnight the storm clears up, if only temporarily. We see shots of leaves dripping and the jungle drying out. The camera angle then focuses on the sun sitting out over the ocean before returning us to the game. Out from two different sections of the jungle, almost as if it were staged, the two tribes make their way onto the challenge area. Pryde is standing near the water, beckoning them over.~
Pryde: Come on over, Bueno Vista tribe. Get your first look at the new Vivienda tribe. Kalinda Kriegsdottir voted out at the last Tribal Council.
~A few of the Bueno Vista members, especially Chad Vargas, look rather pleased at who's gone. Some of Kalinda's old tribe members in the Blue Dragons look disappointed, although not completely surprised. Numbers was clearly going to be an issue the way the split came down. The tribes line up next to each other.~
Pryde: So how we feeling? Enjoy the heavy rain we got yesterday? I guarantee you more is on the way, probably tonight.
~The word "cursed" floats up from Vivienda's side.~
Pryde: The ground's going to get pretty flooded around your campsites. Probably won't be pleasant, or healthy, sleeping in the water. Sure, some of you have cots and tarps, but that doesn't keep you dry, as I'm sure you've learned. So here's the deal. Tonight is a Tribal Immunity Challenge, but there's also a reward on the line for the winners.
~Pryde gestures to his right, where a boat can be seen in the distance.~
Pryde: Here's the deal. The winning tribe tonight gets to take their six members and get on that boat. It will take you down the shore to a private home we've got set up. There's food, there's drinks... and there's plumbing, including showers. Worth playing for?
~There's a major excitement at that announcement. A few questions float up, like "What kind of drinks?" and "Can you make the showers mandatory, these guys stink!"~
Pryde: Calm down, people. So yes, the winners get to go spend a short time in what will feel like paradise after a few weeks out here. The losers, though, will go home with nothing, and will also be facing Tribal Council. So let's go over the challenge. As you can see here off-shore, we've got two small rowboats set up. They'll hold six people... probably. Further out, you'll see a series of buoys. Each buoy has a flag tied to it... under water. So each tribe will need to swim out to their boats and get on board. You'll then need to maneuver the boat to your colored buoys and dive down to reach the flags underneath. The first ones back to shore and hanging their flags up on this post here, wins immunity.
~Pryde pats the nearby post, which has two ends hanging off it with hooks in place.~
Pryde: Work out your strategy, and then we'll get started.
~After a brief period of everyone organizing to talk things out, both tribes are now in position. Several of the guys have shed their shirts to remove weight. Pryde signals to get ready, and then drops his hand, shouting "Go!" All twelve wrestlers race across the sand and head into the water, cutting through as best as possible to make their way to the boats. As the groups swim, a voice suddenly rings out.~
The Uber Man: Wait! Someone's drowning! I'll rescue them!
Ed Houston: What the hell? Get back here, Uber Man!!
~But The Uber Man is already nearly back on shore again, using his dog paddle to get himself out. It's possible he was the one drowning, but maybe he saw something the rest of us didn't. The rest of the tribe, already frustrated, turns and hurries for their boat, one man down. The Bueno Vista tribe is already at their boat, with Meyhu and Canon working together to push each individual in. Brooks stumbles and barely hangs onto the side, with Vargas and Zybala grabbing at her to pull her up. On the other side, the majority of the Vivienda tribe has reached their boat and start getting in, with Houston & TIO forming a floating pyramid of sorts to start throwing people up and over the bow.~
Pryde: It's close so far, as the Bueno Vista tribe appears to have the early lead. But can they keep it up?
~Bueno Vista indeed has their boat filled first, with Canon and Vargas taking up the first rowing duties. Vivienda manages to get everyone in, although it wasn't easy. TIO and Puffer take up the oars. With only five in their boat, the Vivienda tribe starts making up some ground, although Bueno Vista is still the first to reach the buoys. Meyhu is immediately diving over the side, disappearing underneath the waves. There's an underwater cameraman, hopefully with breating equipment, who records Meyhu climbing down the chain and reaching the flag, working on it. On the other side, the Vivienda tribe arrives, with Houston diving over with perfect form.~
Pryde: Vivienda trying to make up the difference... Uber Man, what are you doing?
The Uber Man: Being heroic!
~The Uber Man runs off, apparently still trying to save the day. Pryde shakes his head in wonder. Back out on the ocean, Meyhu breaks through the water, flag in hand. He tosses it into the boat and gets pulled in by Vargas and Jones. Brooks and Zybala then start rowing, trying to keep it in sequence. The Vivienda tribe comes out as well, with Houston having gotten the flag free quickly. They're both on the way to the second buoy, and it's pretty close now. Both boats pull up, with Puffer and Canon leaping into the water and swimming down. Both are moving quickly as well, keeping the competition close. Puffer manages to get the flag free first, bringing it up, with Canon right behind.~
Pryde: Vivienda trying for the amazing comeback!
~Both tribes push to get to the third buoy, trying to trade up on the rowing. Unfortunately for Vivienda, they're one short, so TIO and Houston are back on rowing duty. They look to be getting winded, even as Bueno Vista pulls up even with them thanks to Jones & Meyhu. We reach the third buoy, with Alvarez and Zybala both diving in. This buoy has the lowest flag of the three, something Pryde 'conveniently' forgot to mention. Zybala gets to the flag first, using the chain, and struggles to get it free. Alvarez reaches the flag, but she isn't able to get a good enough grip on it to bring it free. She eventually heads back to the surface, without the flag. Gasping for air, Annie signals to her crew, and TIO is immediately up and out, diving into the water perfectly. Meanwhile, though, Zybala comes to the surface... flag in hand.~
Pryde: Bueno Vista has all their flags!! It's a race back to shore now, but Vivienda has to find a way to pick it up!!
~Zybala gets hauled on board, and the flags are collected together. Meyhu and Canon start rowing hard for shore. For Vivienda, TIO breaks the surface again with the flag and grabs hold of the side of the boat. Alvarez & Zamota pull at him, struggling, while Houston & Puffer, not waiting, start smashing their oars into the water, trying to gain a lot of speed. TIO manages to get on board, laying flat in the boat, as Houston & Puffer give it their all, even though they've had to give a lot in this challenge to give their tribe a chance. But it's Bueno Vista who still gets to shore first.~
Pryde: Bueno Vista, get out of that boat and get over here! Every tribe members needs to be here before the flags are hung!
~Everyone basically falls out of the Bueno Vista boat, which had to hurt in the shallow water. They all hurry forward as one unit, as Vivienda is still trying to get to shore. The boat pulls up into the sand, and an exhausted Houston & Puffer follow their tribe members out of the boat, waving at The Uber Man to get his ass over there. But it's too late, as Vivienda quickly works on their flags, hanging them in the correct order.~
Pryde: It's over! For the second time, Bueno Vista wins immunity!
~Bueno Vista cheers and celebrates, while TIO, Houston, and Puffer collapse to the sand. They gave their all, but there was nothing they could do.~
Pryde: So Bueno Vista, your ship is waiting for you out there. Use the rowboat if you don't want to swim there, I assume you're tired out. Enjoy yourselves!
~There are a few groans from having to get back in the rowboat, but they're relatively happy groans. The tribe heads out, as Pryde turns to the defeated tribe.~
Pryde: For you guys, there's going to be a tribal council tonight. But I've got one other twist for you. You see, there's also the matter of Exile Island. We haven't had someone out there in a couple of days, and hey, with the rain coming in, we'd hate to miss a good angle for the TV show. So one of you is going. And once again, based on performance... it's you, Detective.
~Everyone looks at Detective Jack Puffer, who looks frustrated.~
Pryde: However... this one's going to be a little different. As the winner, you'll get the day to once again search Exile Island. But come nightfall, you're coming back for Tribal Council, because this time, no one is going to be safe. All of you will be up for the vote. Puffer, head to Exile. The rest of you, I'll see you soon.
~Pryde heads off, as a dejected Vivienda tribe splits up and departs.~
VIVIENDA TRIBE
Soggy & Sad
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~The Vivienda tribe arrives back at their camp, the disappointment clear on their faces. One of them will be leaving soon, for the second time in a row. It doesn't help that a powerful storm is bearing down on the island, with the rain already starting to fall. Who knows how bad it's going to get before the storm passes. All they can do is buckle down and wait, and prepare for the eventuality of voting out one of their own.~
Zane Zamota: ...
Annie Alvarez: ...
~Puddles and mud consume camp. There isn't a dry spot, not even shelter is safe from the rain. Everyone is huddled inside the shelter, trying to stay warm.~
The Incredible One: Man, I'm so upset that the Bueno's are sleeping dry, having a warm shower... man. When is this rain going to end?!
~TIO looks forlornly out into the storm, wondering how things are going for the winning tribe.~
BUENO VISTA TRIBE
Celebrate In Style
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~The Bueno Vista tribe is brought by boat to another side of the island. The waves are choppy from the oncoming storm, but the tribe doesn't seem to mind. They're all pretty excited after their victory. They grow more energized when they see the home they'll be spending the next couple of nights in.~
~Pryde watches the tribe members nearly breaking down at the sight of the luxury before them.~
Pryde: Alright, everyone, enjoy the showers, enjoy the relaxation, and enjoy the beer. Remember, the game's still on, no matter where you are, so I'd be careful about over-indulging. Then again, you're wrestlers, so I'm sure you can survive it.
~Pryde starts to walk back to the boats, but then turns around.~
Pryde: And... please keep the destruction to a minimum? The place is rented, and any major damage will come out of your meager OCW salaries. Says so in the contract you signed for this game. Just letting you know.
~Pryde heads off, departing with the crew. Zybala looks around with wonder in his eyes. Yes, he has seen nicer, but after roughing it for the past few weeks, this is paradise. There is only one thing for him to do. He starts running towards the condo, taking off his dirty clothes as he runs.
Zybala: First dibs on shower!!
~Julliet stands there and looks at the beautiful condo with excitement in her eyes before she runs inside to grab a beer, pop one up and takes it with her to the pool where she sits on the edge of it and watches the other members go crazy with the new addition. Meyhu walks back into the room following a nice shower.~
Matt Meyhu: Wooo! I never knew how much I'd miss a nice bathroom. I'm tired of peeing in bushes. It's nice to get back to normal and pee in the shower.
~Meyhu walks over and grabs a beer before sitting down next to Julliet.~
Matt Meyhu: Shower's all yours!
~Vargas exits the bathroom after what seems like an eternity of being in there. What a great place this is. Pryde is such a better host than that Yankee ass hat Jock Reasoning. It wouldn't be Chad Vargas if he didn't have something negative to say.~
Chad Vargas: really? No cottenelle? 1 ply toilet paper for a multi million dollar wrestling promotion? 1 ply!?! WEAK ASS SHIT PAPER! .........Spose it beats leaves.
~As Vargas exits he walks by a freshly showered Matt Meyhu. He looks him up and down and smiles (was our match previous to this or is survivor taped last summer, who knows)~
Chad Vargas: hey man... I stashed a few rolls under the sink. Lets put as many as we can get into our bags... Knowing Pryde he will probably search us...but worth a shot!
~As Vargas and Meyhu contemplate stealing toilet paper, we go to the side, where Curt Canon & Checkers are staring out the window at the stormclouds.~
Curt Canon: Wonder how Exile Island is going?
~The camera zooms in to the far distance, where the island might be located.~
EXILE ISLAND
Worse and worse
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~The boat pulls up to Exile Island, once again bringing Detective Jack Puffer to the isolated location. He doesn't look too pleased to be back.~
Pryde: Jack, we'll be back for you in a day or so. You'll be facing Tribal Council along with Vivienda. For now, feel free to search the island. Oh, and mind the weather.
~Pryde has the boat pull away. The ominous storm clouds above choose that moment to start bringing the rain down. And you thought Exile Island was miserable before! Time passes, as we see several clips of how miserable it must be on Exile. Puffer dashes through the foliage near the center of the island. He hops from tree to tree in an effort to avoid the rain...~
Detective Jack Puffer: Back on Exile again...woe is me!
~A flash of lightning illuminates the sky followed by a loud crack of thunder. The storm is directly overhead. Puffer trembles from the electrical uproar...~
Detective Jack Puffer: Exile Island my hat!! They should rename this Puffer Island..or Isle of Puff...yes, Isle of Puff, I like that. Has a certain ring to it...a bit of panache, if you will!
~Another flash of lightning followed by a prompt BOOM shakes the heavens. Puffer spots something during the elongated flash of light...~
Detective Jack Puffer: What is THIS
~It's a treasure chest with the words 'Property of Marcus' stamped on it. Puffer rushes toward the chest to break it open...~
Detective Jack Puffer: Confounded chest! Open!!
~Puffer fights and fights with the chest. The lightning and thunder continues to rock the atmosphere. Puffer's patience is running thin...~
Detective Jack Puffer: Alas...I cannot get this chest open. It's too complex...too complicated for a simple, North American detective such as myself. If only I had spent more time overseas...then, maybe I might have been able to solve such an enigma.
~Puffer stands up and yells into the sky, venting his frustration. He kicks the chest over. The top just flips up for...IT WAS NOT LOCKED~
Detective Jack Puffer: What...look at what I have done! I have cracked the code!!
~Puffer pulls the chest back into an upright position and begins digging through the interior. He is astounded by what he sees...~
Detective Jack Puffer: While far from the greatest treasure in all the land...certainly eye catching! Could this be the idol?
~We zoom in...the interior is dark and unable to be made out...that is until more lightning flashes revealing...revealing...SCANTILY CLAD PHOTOS OF ANNIE ALVAREZ~
Detective Jack Puffer: Property of Marcus Welsh indeed!
~Puffer takes his time looking the photos over. A light flashes from behind...it seems to emanate from ground level. Puffer turns around, squinting in the light...~
Detective Jack Puffer: Pryde...is that you?
~It IS Pryde...he waves for Puffer to come along...~
Detective Jack Puffer: Tribal Council time already? Well, okay, hold on...I've got something of great importance I must bring with me.
~Puffer stands and crams all the photos down the front of his pants. He clears his throat, turns around to face Pryde and smiles~
Detective Jack Puffer: Lead the way, my good man. Lead the way!
~Puffer follows Pryde from the center of the island toward the shore. It is apparently time to vote.~
TRIBAL COUNCIL
Vivienda Tribe
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~The storm has yet to let up completely in the area of the tribal council, so some wet tribe members make their way down. Somehow, the torches are managing to stay lit. I guess the Survivor torches are made of something special. Everyone takes their place, with most leaning towards the warmth of the fire burning in the center. Pryde, of course, has a tarp over him to keep him dry, the bastard.~
Pryde: Please welcome back Detective Jack Puffer from Exile Island.
~Puffer walks in, looking even worse for wear than the rest of the tribe. He staggers over, with TIO and Annie making room for him in the center.~
Pryde: I know you guys are having a miserable time of it, so we won't stretch this out... too long. Suffice to say, none of you wanted to be back here so soon. But you're still searching for your first victory as a tribe. Hopefully tonight, you can find a way to unify.
~The wrestlers in the tribe say nothing, staring into the flames in front of them. They made have thrown a few extra logs in there to keep the area warm enough for the Tribal Council.~
Pryde: Annie, I wasn't wanting to see you guys back here so soon, but so far, luck hasn't been on your tribe's side. What do you think it will take to get back on track?
Annie Alvarez: It will take some real commitment from everyone to act as a team. I think the first merger really messed with peoples heads and old alliances they might have made could be clouding our game now.
Pryde: TIO, you certainly didn't want to be back here so soon, but a lot of things seemed to go against you guys in the challenge. Any worries about the Kalinda Curse? Or do you think the curse can be 'broken' after tonight?
The Incredible One: No one likes to go to tribal, Pryde. It sucks. I felt like getting rid of Kalinda was right for the tribe, she made things miserable around camp. I don't really believe in curses, but how we adapt to a situation. I felt like I busted my ass in the challenge, and I gave it my all. That's all I can do, and hope that by voting tonight, we solidify this tribe and win some challenges.
Pryde: We can only hope. So, Ed, you gave 100 percent at the challenge, but unfortunately that wasn't enough to carry your tribe to victory. How are you feeling about your fellow tribemates right now?
Ed Houston: You know it's kinda frustrating but it just wants me to work harder. I still believe our tribe can turn this thing around.
Pryde: Now on the flip side, Uber Man, you appeared to have something more pressing than completing the challenge with your tribe. Did you worry about not being there while you were being... heroic?
The Uber Man: They didn't need me to win, but they also didn't need me to lose.
Pryde: I... suppose that's accurate.
~Pryde turns away, slightly confused.~
Pryde: Zane, on a night like tonight, when it's three former Verde VIP members vs. three Cantadora members, how strong do you feel your ties are with your former tribe? Do you think it matters at all, or will the tribe be voting as a unit for the weakest link?
Zane Zamota: The old V V tribe was great to me, but my main focus right now needs to be on the future of the game.
~This gets some looks exchanged between Houston and The Uber Man.~
Pryde: Puffer, how did you find Exile Island this time around?
Detective Jack Puffer: Exile Island...or as I like to call it, The Isle of Puff wasn't much fun this go around. Wet, dark and noisy. I did, however, find something of great value.
~Pryde stares at Puffer. Puffer stares back at Pryde. Pryde stares at Puffer. Puffer stares back at Pryde. Pryde stares at Puffer. Puffer stares back at Pryde. Pryde sighs.~
Pryde: Wow, okay, I guess you're really not going to tell us. With that said, and with this damn rain not letting up, let's get this over with. It's time to vote! Remember, you can write down any tribe member's name except your own.
~As we've seen in previous weeks, it's the same ceremony. One by one, the wrestlers get up and fill out their voting cards, folding them and putting them in the urn. We focus on The Incredible One. Although we can't see what name he wrote, he does lean towards the camera for a whisper.~
The Incredible One: You're a strong player, I like you, but this is purely strategic to further my game.
~TIO puts away the vote, as the camera shifts to show Annie and the Detective looking on. Everyone gets their turn, and we eventually shift back to Pryde.~
Pryde: I'll go tally the votes.
~Pryde goes over to the urn, sorts it (discreetly), and then comes back.~
Pryde: Once the votes are read, the decision is final. Whoever is eliminated will be brought forward to have their torch extinguished, if the damn things manage to stay lit in all this rainwater. As always, if one of you has the immunity idol, now would be the time to play it.
~Puffer clears his throat. The tribe gasps.~
Detective Jack Puffer: I'd like to play one of the idols I found, Pryde.
~Puffer stands and heads toward Pryde. He reaches down the front of his pants. He pulls out a large, risque photo of Annie and hands it to Pryde. Puffer, proudly, sits back down. Pryde stares at the picture for several moments.~
Pryde: This is... very nice... but I'm sorry, Detective... but this is NOT an immunity idol...
~Everyone is stunned at this turn of events. Alvarez is giving Pryde a very strange look. Pryde, seeing this, coughs and puts the picture in his pocket.~
Pryde: So... *clears throat to lower tone* So, shall we read the votes?
~Pryde, trying to get his composure back, begins to reach into the urn for the votes.~
~Ed sits up straight, taking a deep breath.~
~The Uber Man readjusts his mask and looks over at Houston, his tribemate through two tribes.~
Pryde: That's four votes for Houston. Ed, I'm going to need you to bring me your torch.
~Houston can't believe what just went down. He looks over at Zamota and The Uber Man, then looks back at the other three. He finally gets up and walks forward, forcefully handing over his torch to Pryde.~
Pryde: Ed... the tribe has spoken.
~With dramatic music behind him, Pryde puts out the torch (which was barely flickering anyway). Ed Houston walks away, not looking back. Pryde watches him go, then turns to the tribemates.~
Pryde: After struggling at two straight challenges, you just got rid of one of your strongest competitors. It will be interesting to see how that move works out for you. Try to keep warm. Good night!
~Everyone seems reluctant to leave the fire here at the Tribal Council, but eventually the Vivienda tribe is sent off to find their camp.~