An "Insider" Look at Survivor: Cook Islands, Episode 5 – Beautiful Inside and Out

In a second interview (her hair is down now), Jessica tells about stumbling upon the Raro tribe while out exploring with her buds Cao Boi and Ozzy. She says the whole thing was really awkward, it was almost like they were ghosts in the Raro tribe's eyes. Jessica says Cao Boi was a great icebreaker. Without him, it would have been silent. He asked when people were born, signs, etc. But then he went on for a long time and people got fed up. She says Parvati and Adam seem like they're really well connected. Adam didn't want to share anything. He didn't even want to let them sharpen their machete on their whetstone. Cao Boi tried, in a friendly way, to get the Raro tribe to give them something, but it didn't work. But you've got to try. She still thinks Cao Boi was a great icebreaker.

From what we saw on the episode, Cao Boi's icebreaking attempts didn't work as well as Jessica seems to think. The most salient thing about this interview, though, is that Jessica currently considers Cao Boi and Ozzy the two people she can trust on her tribe.

Interview with Candice

Candice grouches about Cao Boi and Jessica talking loudly inside the tent that morning while other people on the tribe were trying to sleep. She wanted them to get up and go if they were going to talk. It was rude. Candice just has to take a deep breath and remember she doesn't have to live with these people in her life forever.

In the clip of that morning, Cao Boi is rambling on about a dream he had involving super powers, black and red butterflies and other things. It's rather funny, but probably less so after you've been sleeping on branches, getting munched by bugs, and barely eating or drinking for two weeks. So I see Candice's point here.

Interview with Cristina

Cristina tells the tale of Aitus’ visit to Raro from the Raro point of view. She says the visit was interesting... The Aitus were asking for everything from their camp! They wanted noni and biscuits and spices and coconuts and everything they could think of to ask for. Her tribe was, like, “No! We worked too hard for that!” Cao Boi did most of the asking, then he sat down and told them stories. It was kind of weird. But it made Raro realize how much they all like each other on Raro. It was shocking to see the other tribe there. It was also shocking when they asked for so much stuff. Cristina was particularly shocked about Jessica, especially after she was acting so immature in the challenge with her comments. Then she was so happy and cheerful at their camp. Cristina doesn't trust her at all. As far as Cao Boi goes, she thinks he's just a character. He likes attention and that's just him. She doesn't think he's a leader of their group, though.

Cristina now talks about the reward challenge. She was working on mind over matter to hold the weight. She didn't want to let her tribe down. Adam and Nate were doing such a great job and she knew she and Brad couldn't let them down. It was a great experience, especially with the other tribe (read: Jessica) making nasty comments. They love their new spices, knives, and fishing gear – and the wine. The other tribe's taunting actually brought their tribe together. Cristina then goes on about how many octopi they've caught and eaten recently.

Cristina finishes by claiming that people on their tribe aren't forming sub-alliances. They're just working together as a team and trying to make it as a team. Hmmm... Well, that may say more about Cristina not being on the ball in terms of game play than what's really going on at Raro.

It's interesting to note that Jessica's rollergirl taunts did not go over well at all with Raro. I could tell from the show that she wasn't being mean-spirited about it, but that sort of thing rarely wins you friends on the other tribe. Jessica's not setting herself up well for a win right now, but she might be a good candidate to bring along for the final two.

Tribal Council

Now it's time to hear what Raro had to say while voting Stephannie out.

Brad votes for Stephannie. “You will be missed, Stephannie.”

Cristina votes for Stephannie. “Stephannie, I'm sorry. I think you're a great person. God bless.”

Adam votes for Stephannie. He clears his throat and then says, “You're a great person and you've been great to be around, but I don't think your heart's in this game.”

Jenny (not Sundra as I accidentally wrote last week) votes for Stephannie. “Stephannie, you're a beautiful woman inside and out. Thank you for your spiritual guidance that you've bestowed upon our tribe.”

Stephannie votes for Cristina. “Just because, sweetie, just because. Nothing personal.”

Nate votes for Stephannie. “I hate to do this, but your heart's not in the game anymore.”

Rebecca votes for Stephannie. “You are a beautiful, beautiful person inside and out and I thank you for all that you've done and all that you (muffled). God bless.”

Parvati votes for Stephannie. “I think you have a big, beautiful heart. It just wasn't one hundred percent in this game. I'm going to miss you and your beautiful soul.”

From the comments, it seems clear that everyone liked Stephannie, but given her words and her overall lack of strength she was an easy vote. It seems like Rebecca and Jenny chatted in advance about what to say, citing Stephannie's beauty and what's she's done for them and the tribe, while most of the others went with the “heart not in the game” logic in their messages.

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

Teeuwynn is a professional puzzle, game, and event designer. You can check out one of Teeuwynn's current projects at: www.angelquest.com. You can reach Teeuwynn at Teeuwynn@gmail.com.

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