Surviving the Heroes and Villains, Episode 12: “That’s Messed Up”

Last week, the Heroes and Villains played out a tug of war for the allegiance of Sandra and Candice. Both wanted to jump ship so badly that things were going opposite of the way you might have thought, with Candice pushing to oust a Hero and Sandra wanting to target a Villain! In the end, Candice won out and Amanda lost.

This week, there is sure to be plenty of action because we’ve been told there will be two Tribal Councils! The way things seem to be going, I suspect that will mean the two Heroes leaving (that would be Rupert and Colby), but in this game, you just never know. Let’s find out!

We begin on Night 30, shortly after Tribal Council. Jerri tells us it was “interesting” because Candice helped them out so they had the numbers – but now she’s a threat because somebody who flips to their side that easily can just as easily go the other way. Indeed, I call it scheming and plotting too much. She adds, “We don’t really need her anymore.”

Rupert tells Colby everything was working except their own Heroes – they were “this close to having it back.” Colby calls Candice “weak” and “pathetic.” This coming from the guy who couldn’t even back up his teammate to get a clue to the immunity idol because it was interrupting his movie! Rupert adds, “She killed us.”

Rupert adds more commentary to us, calling Candice “a pitiful player” who screwed them. She should have been a Villain. He and Colby are on a sinking ship.

The following day, Russell and Sandra talk, with Russell noting that Rupert and Colby aren’t talking to him. He wonders what game they think they’re playing. From what we’ve seen and heard (for example, from Amanda, neither of them are playing the strategic aspect of Survivor, so I guess it shouldn’t be surprising.

Rupert tells us Russell is deceitful. Nooo! Such language! He continues that anything Russell says is a lie. “He could be worse than Jonny Fairplay!” He has all this building up inside him and needs to let it out by saying something to Russell. Plus, he wants to show the other Villains how disgusting Russell is and make them think about if they really want to be involved with that. Sounds like a plan that is doomed to failure from the start.

So they’re sitting around the fire and Rupert opens up on Russell, saying he’s already proven himself to be “a disgusting, terrible human being.” He swore on his kids’ lives! Russell says it’s a game and Rupert f#$%ed it up. Rupert says if he wants to call it the game, that’s up to him, but he wouldn’t do that. Russell says he doesn’t give a damn what Rupert thinks and doesn’t give a f$%^ about Rupert! “I don’t think you give a damn about anybody but yourself,” Rupert replies. He says this like it’s a bad thing, but I have news for you, Rupert – in Survivor, that’s a good thing.

Russell points out, “I’m a Villain.” He’s there to make Rupert’s life hell. Meanwhile, everybody else is looking on with bemused smiles. I don’t see this having the effect Rupert intended.

Russell starts making fun of Rupert, calling him “the great, powerful Rupert; the good guy; the second coming of Christ.” Rupert tells him it doesn’t really matter and Russell just calls him a “dumbass.” Russell tells us Rupert should get his tie-dye ready because he’s going home.

Just like that, it’s time for a challenge – an immunity challenge. The players are not happy to hear they will have Tribal Council tonight.

Host Jeff Probst explains the challenge: They will be standing barefoot on a small wooden perch, with one arm over their heads, strapped to a bucket. When their hand drops, the bucket tips colored water on them and they’re out. He says flat-out that he will be trying to tempt them by offering various food items. Oh, and there is a twist to be revealed at the end of the challenge.

And they’re off! Well, they’re on, that is. Probst notes that Rupert lasted a couple hours in a variant of this challenge and Parvati won this challenge in Micronesia after lasting over six hours. The difference, however, is the new wooden perch to make it more difficult.

After all of one minute, Probst brings out the first temptation. It’s a covered plate but that doesn’t stop Sandra from immediately declaring that she wants it. She says she doesn’t care what it is, she wants it. Russell chimes in likewise. Probst is stunned that they both want something when they don’t even know what it is! They step down and drench themselves in colored water, then fist-bump.

They are sharing oatmeal raisin and chocolate chip cookies and milk. Both of them are very happy with their decision.

Now, 20 minutes have passed and Probst has four donuts and an iced coffee. He gives the players 30 seconds to think about it – otherwise, he’ll give it all to Sandra and Russell. Colby wants it.

Okay, now that was a stupid move. Sandra and Russell could afford to give up immunity because they knew they’re safe tonight. Colby, however, has about a 50% chance of going home! I’m sure he was thinking that he can’t outlast somebody like Parvati, but all it could take is one slip for her to accidentally lose. Dumb move, Colby – very dumb move.

Another 15 minutes goes by and Candice whispers to Danielle, wondering if Parvati can hang on to beat Rupert. Danielle seems to nod yes.

Probst brings out the latest and greatest temptation – peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, chips, a bowl of candy, and two glasses of milk. Danielle, Jerri, and Candice all want to take it. Parvati says she’ll stay in the challenge, though.

It’s now been 70 minutes and Rupert is showing some signs of discomfort. Sandra tells Parvati his toes are moving a lot and he’s swaying side to side. Indeed, it was a heck of a sign, because Rupert loses his balance, swears, and falls. He’s out! Parvati wins immunity!