Survivor: Cook Islands – Survivor Live, Episode 5

The third segment always begins with the new “minus 10” feature. Dalton reads ten categories for Stephannie to comment on, each in less than ten words. Here’s how it goes:

10. Manahiki – Black

9. Mosquitoes – Can I borrow some insect repellant?

8. Desert Storm – Survivor

7. Making Fire – Challenging, I should have practiced

6. It’s A Wonderful Life – Oh wow, Christmas

5. Nate – Top dog

4. Mashed Potatoes and Gravy – My last words

3. Sigma Gamma Rho – Yes! (squeakily)

2. Eight People on a Ledge – Impossible

1. Jenna Morasca’s Plunging Neckline – Ew-ww!

Dalton asks Jenna her opinion of Stephannie as a player. Stephannie says, “Be honest, I can take it, I’m a big girl,” but Jenna skirts the question. She says the tribe is dysfunctional, kicking off people in a seemingly random pattern.

Stephannie says to her the tribe seems to be split women against the men. She thought maybe Parvati and Nate had aligned but was unaware Parvati and all the men had allied as strongly as they had. Jenna notes Parvati is in both major groups, and may be in the best position.

Dalton notes that since two women were the targets this week, maybe it really isn’t a gender-versus-gender issue. Stephannie isn’t sure, but says it would be foolish to get rid of all the men, as some physical strength is required in the challenges.

Jenna offers that J.P. and Stephannie were not expendable. Dalton asks, “Who is?” and we don’t get a clear answer, and she brings up Cristina’s name.

Jenna asks why Jonathan keeps getting sent back to Exile Island. “Punishment.” Jenna points out that gives him more chance to find the hidden idol. She thinks many suspect the hidden idol has been found already. Jenna wonders if anyone has actually asked Yul if he has the hidden idol. Well, Cecilia said on her turn at Survivor Live that they asked him if he found it and, unable to lie, Yul changed the subject right away.

Heather from New Jersey asks who her favorite teammate was. She doesn’t have one. Jenna asks for her to name a “least favorite” and no name is proffered here, either.

The next clip is of the inadvertent invasion of Raro by three members of Aitu. Stephannie confides that no one liked it when they showed up on their turf and started asking for stuff. “It’s rude,” Stephannie jokes.

Dalton mentions Flica talking smack during the reward challenge. Stephannie says, “Everything about this game is suspect, due to the editing.” I dunno, she said it and we saw when she said it, the comment makes no sense.

Her original impression was that Flica was quiet and low key. Well, they always were on different teams so I’m not sure what that’s based on either. Jenna notes when you talk smack and then lose, that’s not good. Dalton reminds us of Flica’s competitive roller cerby background and suspects that’s where this sudden burst of cheek sprung from.

In a “too much information moment,” Dalton announces Flica would have won any armpit-hair competition she’s been in.

Our last caller is Bobby from Philly. His question is that if you were in a game for a million dollars and someone made questionable-commitment statements like Stephannie did, how would she have interpreted them? Stephannie admits she’d also have wondered if that person was really in the game or not. Stephannie confirms Jenna’s statement that her one regret is saying too much to Nate.

Commenting on the stills of her dejectedly sitting alone, Stephannie says she is very competitive and hates to lose.

It’s time for Jenna’s “Question Of The Week.” She asks, “Tell me, what are you going to do now?” She’s returned to nursing school and will be an R.N. in about a year. But she’s open to all new types of opportunities.

Dalton has the promo clip for next week run. Cristina is annoying; Cao Boi rants on; and there’s a double elimination.

Dalton hates the double elimination. Me too. What’s the purpose of competing, winning, and still having to send someone home? He surmises there may be an individual immunity assigned, but it’s still not right. Stephannie sees it as a chance to get rid of someone who is annoying.

Alas, that’s the end. Next week, apparently there will be two guests. To the strains of the hard-rocking Survivor: Live theme, Jenna dances us out.

CBS Website: Here are the promo items for this week:

• One Survivor proposes "Plan Voodoo," a plan to expose the hidden immunity idol if it's been found. Will they be able to convince their fellow Survivors to go along with the idea or will this plan backfire on the creator?
• Tension is in the air after members of Raro admit they have major problems with one of their tribe members. Has this Survivor already dug their own grave or will they be able to win back over their tribemates?
• One tribe member tries to prove their strength and value during the challenge to win back over their tribe members. Will the castaway succeed in swaying the vote, or is it too late for redemption?
• The Survivors are left in a state of shock when a surprise twist to the game is revealed at the reward challenge.
• One Survivor continues to be the main provider in hopes of securing their position in the tribe. Will theses efforts work or are they just setting themselves up as a threat in the game?

I’m thinking the plan in the first clue backfires; Cristina has dug her grave; and the last one is about Ozzy and won’t be resolved any time soon. In a game with so many players who are unfamiliar with the game, the third clue may refer to the double boot.

Trivia Answer: Here’s the answer to my trivia question – Stephannie is the first person this season to receive votes in more than one Tribal Council. That was an easy one; you all got that… right?

In Conclusion: On CBS’s “Popularity Poll,” Yul still leads but Parvati is right behind. Are those voters watching the same program I am? Shocking.

Everyone is invited to share his or her opinions at the eAddress below. If they are posted correctly (as I am away on Friday), I’ll be back next week to report on another Survivor Live interview!

If you haven’t already, be sure to check out these other recent Survivor: Cook Islands articles here on RealityNewsOnline:

Brian lives in Toronto where he can be reached at uncle_bto@rogers.com. He’d like to hear your opinions and promises to respond to all serious email.

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