An “Insider” Look at Survivor: Cook Islands, Episode 9 – Twist in a Bottle

As with Rebecca, Jenny’s favorite part of the game was the challenges. As a close second, she really enjoyed outwitting people. Jenny thinks that she wouldn’t have made it as far in the game if she hadn’t done that. Jenny’s proud of her game. She says her sister thought she would be the first person out because Jenny can’t even stand going camping. But Jenny is NOT satisfied or happy to be out of the game. It was a wonderful experience – it was a revelation. Survivor is such a negative thing and so hard, but it draws out so many positive things in yourself.

I think Jenny’s being a tad hard on her fellow Pukas by assuming that because they care about their careers, they don’t put family first, but it’s clear from her words that she just didn’t gel with her original tribe at all. It’s also interesting to hear Jenny describe herself as a goof because she always struck me as a bit of a sourpuss.

Reward Challenge: Make Your Point

This is the reward challenge from the episode. Aitu once again beats upon the Raro tribe, doing better at both the physical and mental aspects of the challenge. Then they gleefully send Candice to exile yet again. Between Ozzy and Becky, Aitu really has both aspects covered.

Yul Offers Up the Idol

This clip starts with the entire Aitu tribe working on memorizing the islands on the map. Yul interviews that the tribe is very tight and he really hopes that they won’t lose an immunity challenge. Yul then talks to Becky privately. He tells her he’s given a lot of thought as to how he’s going to use the idol. He doesn’t want to just use it to save his own skin. He wants the person who has the best chance on their tribe to get it and go forward. He offers the idol to Becky, saying in that situation he would want her to have it. Becky says she appreciates it, but she can’t let him do it. She wants to be his true friend and she can’t let him.

Wow! Becky and Yul really seem like sweet people and I completely believe that they will be true to each other. Of course, this kind of bond will also make them (particularly Yul) a target once the tribes merge.

Immunity Challenge: South Pacific

This clip shows the immunity challenge where Aitu repeats their reward prowess and rubs Raro’s nose in their own incompetence.

Tribal Council One

Candice votes for Rebecca. “This isn’t a personal vote. This is only to keep the tribe strong for challenges. I wish you all the best of luck.”

Jenny votes for Rebecca. “You did great today, but I’m so sorry. This is being done for overall productivity and performance in the challenges. I’m sorry that I didn’t tell you.”

Parvati votes for Rebecca. “You just haven’t been pulling your weight around camp and I think you’ve gone as far as you want to in the game.” Why does Parvati so often sound obnoxious in these speeches?

Jonathan votes for Rebecca. “This is just about the productivity. I’ve been with this tribe for four days, and only this afternoon did I see anything from you. You didn’t seem really ready to step up. You didn’t even really seem like you wanted to be here. So, good luck.”

Rebecca votes for Jonathan. “Jonathan, I think you’re a great guy. You just came into the game too late.”

Adam votes for Rebecca. “You’re a great woman and it’s been a pleasure to have you around camp, but you don’t do much around camp and you don’t produce much during the challenges.”

Nate votes for Rebecca. “It’s nothing but love, but you are our weakest link right now and I will do what’s best for the tribe.”

Tribal Council Two

Candice votes for Jenny. “Well, I don’t know what to say. I hope this is the right vote, but this is crazy.”

Jenny votes for Jonathan. “You’re a great guy and I respect your work ethic. But I’m sorry; it just had to be done.”

Nate votes for Jonathan. “I’m sorry, brother. It’s nothing personal, but you’re the last person left I don’t trust.”

Parvati votes for Jenny. “This really sucks. I totally didn’t want to vote for you tonight. I didn’t know what else to do. We’ve got to keep Jonathan around because he’s feeding us and keeping us strong. I’m really going to miss you and I’m sorry.”

Jonathan votes for Jenny. “Nothing personal. It’s probably going to be you and me. I’d rather it be you. Sorry.”

Adam votes for Jenny. “I hate to do this. You’re such a great competitor and I want to keep you around. I don’t know. This was a shock to me that we had to vote someone else off. I’m sorry.”

So Jonathan’s strategy to work hard and provide food seems to have really paid off for him in this double Tribal Council. I thought his mutiny was going to get him booted pretty quickly, but so far he’s making it work.

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 puzzles at: http://www.gencon.com/2006/socal/events/puzzlehunt.aspx. You can reach Teeuwynn at Teeuwynn@gmail.com.

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