Survivor Psyche, Episode 10: (AL)Exed

Immunity Challenge: Game and Match

Players answer the questions that were posed to them earlier in the questionnaire, in a game show format. The most popular answers were tabulated and the first player who guesses five answers correctly wins immunity. Some of the questions show the warm and fuzzy sides of the players, while others were posed to reveal some players' darker personality traits. Speaking of witch, instead of being elected Homecoming Queen or Most Popular, Jenna is shocked to be voted School Slut and Helpless Jungle Kitten by the majority. "I don't know whether people think I'm sleazy or really cool," she wonders.

On the other hand, Matthew shows off his wacky, buccaneer style of game play. He votes for himself several times, including the ones for most popular, and most in need of therapy. "Everyone should be a little crazy," he grins. In the end, Matt and Rob have four correct questions each. When Probst asks, "Who do most players have a crush on?" Matt cheerfully nominates himself for this title too. But Rob plays it straight by guessing "Heidi" and wins the necklace! When Probst places the necklace around Rob's pencil neck, he promptly gets verklempft, rapidly blinking back tears. It's a scene straight out of Sleeper, with Rob as a deliriously happy Woody Allen who believes he's just been crowned Miss America! All that's missing is the tiara and the runny mascara. "This is the best day of my life!" Rob gushes.

Monkey Redux

Swing vote scenario #3. "I have an alliance with (insert player here), and (insert different player here) wants me to switch. What should I do?" Rob again finds himself in his favorite position - Monkey in the Middle.

Roger/Deena/Dave/Alex is SURE (s)he has the game in the bag. He mocks Matthew for not "trying a little harder" to win the immunity necklace. Heidi sniggers helpfully in support, and Jenna and Heidi prepare themselves for Tribal Council by dolling themselves up with cute Care Bear symbols.

Tribal Council: "Stars Upon Thars"

It's evident to the viewing audience that Alex has put himself in the same position as Roger, Deena, and Dave, before they were voted out, and he's just as oblivious as they were. He smugly admits that he's feeling "really good" about how well he's doing. Christy, however, candidly admits her vulnerability. She says she would "not be surprised in a heartbeat," to be voted out. As always, Jenna turns away her flat-stony face when Christy is speaking. (Note Jenna and Heidi's refusal to acknowledge Christy's presence in any way when she is speaking. They don't talk to her. They won't even look at her.)

In a stunning revelation, Probst reveals Jenna and Heidi's true Seuss characteristics when he questions them about the tattoos on their faces. "You have a star on your face?" he asks Heidi. Sneetches! That's what they are! Jenna and Heidi have flaunted their "specialness" and popularity in front of the lowly ones, even going so far as to "mark" themselves with a sign of their elevated status. And Dr. Seuss has something to say about people like Heidi and Jenna.

Now, the Star-Belly Sneetches
Had bellies with stars.
The Plain-Belly Sneetches
Had none upon thars.
But because they had stars, all the Star-Belly Sneetches
Would brag, "We're the best kind of Sneetch on the beaches."
With their snoots in the air they would sniff and they'd snort
"We'll have nothing to do with the Plain-Belly sort!"
And whenever they met some when they were out walking
They'd hike right on past them without even talking.

The moment arrives we've all been waiting for. It's a hilarious contrast of expressions between Matthew and Alex as Probst reads off the votes. Matt has a Zen-like attitude, laughing silently and lounging in his seat. But as each vote against him is read off, Alex becomes increasingly rigid, adopting a rapid eye blink to deal with his stress. And then, it's official - four votes for Alex and three for Matt!

"Yopp!"

It's a giant wake-up call for the Star-Bellied Sneetches! Jenna and Heidi are flabbergasted that their Star Quarterback has been kicked out of the game. The commoners have risen up and made their voices heard!

Finally, at last! From the small Starless Sneetches
Their voices were heard! They rang out from the bleachers!
And the elephant smiled. "Do you see what I mean? …
They've proved they ARE persons, no matter how small.
And their whole world was saved by the Smallest of All!"

Next episode: Now that the prom king has been ousted, the cheerleaders turn on the band geek.

Now let's look at the players.

Butch:Who would believe it, your "go along to get along" approach has landed you in the winning alliance! You had a better run in this episode, gaining some praise, social standing, and a cool futon!

Christy:You may not have the Devil's mark on your cheek, but you're a star in our eyes. Like Cindy-Lou Who, your trusting nature has left you vulnerable to the Grinches in the game. Step back from your emotions a little - it's time to be logical and clear sighted about your team members.

Heidi:You're next! Rob is calling the shots, trying to position himself for the final two. You're a physical threat as well as being a hell of a lot more appealing than Ice Queen Jenna.

Alex: Oh, when things go wrong! You were such a fun guy in the beginning, standing up to Roger's bigotry, and always keeping things light. Too bad, your baser instincts overwhelmed your common sense and turned you into a mean, mocking, lazy, lascivious schemer.

Matthew: This episode showed off your best attributes. Your faithfulness and integrity helped to convert the most conniving and untrustworthy of the players. (I meant what I said and I said what I meant. An elephant's faithful one hundred percent!)

Rob: Two characters in one! You started out as the small hearted Grinch. But, like the Cat in the Hat, you're entertaining, and you manage to clean up your mess in the end. We just hope your shriveled heart stays in the right place. But can you pick up the pieces with Heidi and Jenna? Do you care? Either way, revealing your conniving side to the others has put you on the radar screen.

Jenna: What can we say that hasn't already been said before? You had your big chance this episode to act like a decent human being. You are not the center of the universe out here, even if that's how you've been treated all your life. Grow up a little already, and notice the shining qualities of the people around you.

Melinda Smith is a technical illustrator and writer with a background in graphic arts. She and her family live in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her sister, Suzanne Tromblay, is a licensed social worker with the State of Ohio. Melinda can be reached at tremme@eudoramail.com.

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