Surviving the All-Stars, Episode 10: Live By the Sword…

So, this week we get to (potentially) find out if Lex, Kathy, and Shii Ann made a great move, or an incredibly stupid one last week. I initially thought it was pretty stupid, but upon further review of what several other RNO writers had to say, I had to think about it some more. If Lex knew the merge was coming (and he had to figure it was soon, at least if they were keeping the jury the same number of people), then even booting Amber would put his alliance down 5-4. Then he would have been the first one targeted in the coming Pagonging. On the other hand, maybe his alliance could have pulled one person over – for example, his old pal Tom. He apparently trusted Rob, and the key will be to find out if that trust was warranted. Personally, I don’t think so. Rob has shown himself to make and break promises easily. In the end, after careful consideration, I still think it was a bad move. Let’s find out.

Chapera, Day 25. Lex says getting rid of Jerri was horrible. But he cut her loose to keep Amber around as a favor for Rob. He is sure Rob will deliver – he’s good on his word. Oh my. I hear the gods of foreshadowing rumbling.

At Mogo Mogo, Jenna says everybody figures Amber is gone and it’s a somber mood – especially Rob. She says that not only was she his strong alliance, but they were really dating. Rob says he hopes she’s still there and has said some prayers – it would be great if Lex came through. He kind of stumbles around a bit and Tom says he’s never seen Rob so bad. It’s like when you wean a calf off its mom’s titty – it just wanders around for a few days. This, he says, is about the same.

But Rob quickly gets back into the swing of things when he is sitting with Alicia and she says you never know who you can trust as a good ally. Rob suggests a silent alliance. They will just cover their tracks and be ready. He promises that he’ll fight for her. She says she will never write his name down. They make various other promises to each other – and I suspect Alicia is serious while Rob… isn’t.

So now Rob has independent promises/alliances with Amber, Tom, Jenna, Rupert, Alicia, and Lex. Whoa.

And it’s already time for a challenge! The tribes come in and there is Amber. Rob is happy. Jenna squeals with delight. Amber smiles at ‘em.

It’s an individual reward challenge even though they are still in tribes. All nine will start on a platform in the water and dive down to retrieve a pot. Thing is, there are only seven. So the two who come up empty are out. Then they go down to five and then to three. The final three have to dive down and transport a heavy crate to the shore. First one there wins. What do they win? An immediate ride on a helicopter to a resort where they will get a shower, massage, facial, feast, etc. They will stay overnight and they will get to take two people from either tribe.

And they’re off – nine tribe members looking for seven pots. Shii Ann and Jenna come up empty. Back in the seven go. Tom and Amber fight over a pot and Tom gets it. Amber and Kathy are out, leaving only the guys and Alicia. And they’re back in again. This time, Tom is fighting with Rob for the pot, and comes out on the losing end. Rob, Rupert, and Lex head to the finals.

As they begin, it’s hard to tell who is doing well, but Rupert looks to be getting a lead as he carries the crate on his shoulder. Rob is still in it but is struggling. Rupert pushes through as Lex falls. Rupert wins! Jenna gives him a huge hug after cheering him on the whole way. He’d better pick her!

So, who is he going to take? Amber because she was gone for a day with the other tribe, and Jenna – who he’s been with the whole time. They get into the helicopter. Rupert says his baby will say that’s his daddy – the toughest dad in the world. Who then took two hot chicks on an overnight date!

They arrive at the resort island and Rupert says, “I’m in heaven with two goddesses.” Well, I’m sure his wife will love that. Into the hut they go, where find sandals, robes, etc. Rupert says he’s never had a reward ever in his Survivor history. Jenna is happy that they have deodorant, toothbrushes, makeup, etc. Amber says they’ll get pretty for Rupert tonight. Amber brushes her teeth while Rupert asks if it’s conditioner before shampoo or after. Then they get massages and facials. After this reward, Rupert says he can do the last 13 days standing on his head.

Time for dinner, and Amber & Jenna are all dolled up. Rupert says he wanted to kiss and hug them all over. If the previous stuff didn’t make her day already, I’m sure his wife will be just thrilled to hear that! Rupert says he has faith in Rob, Amber, Jenna, Tom, and himself. They are five strong and solid. They discuss it over dinner and Jenna seems into it, but Amber is… less so. She made a deal with Kathy and Lex, after all, but she couldn’t tell Rupert and Jenna that!

Back at camp, they get treemail. It looks like another competition dealing with survival skills. To Rob is sounds like reward, but he says that doesn’t make sense – they’ve never had two in a row. Yeah, well they’ve never had people who played the game before; they’ve never had three tribes; etc. So who knows, Rob!

The tribes arrive, as does the chopper. Probst points out that Amber got her nails done. Heh. Then he notes that they are on the former Saboga tribe beach. And it’s time for the game to change again. They are instructed to drop their buffs and they have to reach in for new buffs again. Rob pulls out… a blue one – yes, it’s the merge color, and the all get ‘em. A nice fake-out by Probst.