An "Insider" Look at Survivor: Cook Islands, Episode 10 - Dirty, Stanky, Whacked Fruitcake!

Well, judging from Parvati's comments, the original Raro were indeed feeling smug – or at least Parvati was – before tribal council. Parvati does acknowledge that Yul could be dangerous, but she doesn't really come across as worried about it. It also seems that the Raros were completely smug and clueless about Yul's possession of the immunity idol. Parvati's interview also confirms that Jonathan made a good choice to jump back to Aitu's camp, since the original Raro and Candice seem to have had their sights set on getting rid of him as soon as they felt able.

Candice Interview

Candice's interview also occurs post-immunity challenge. Candice starts by saying that she was disappointed in herself. Candice feels that she could have held on longer, both physically and mentally. She was worried about completely ruining her hands and feet for one challenge and then losing anyway. Next, Candice turns to the Raro majority. She says that folks are on edge, because their majority is only one. She doesn't feel like there's a reason for anyone to slip over, but it could happen. That's why she wanted to win today. Before Ozzy won immunity there was some debate over whether they should vote for Ozzy or Yul (as Parvati discussed in the previous interview), but they had already determined that Yul was the one they wanted out. Nate believes Yul is the mastermind. He also thinks that Yul and Becky need to be separated. Candice would personally rather vote Ozzy out first because he's such a physical threat in the challenges. While Nate really wanted to keep Ozzy. Candice thinks Nate might want to ally with Ozzy and boot out one of their Raro five which makes her a bit suspicious of him.

Now Candice turns to her friendship with Sundra. She says she has to be careful how much she talks to Sundra, as the other Raro don't feel comfortable if she talks to her too much. They don't want to bring anyone else into their voting alliance. So she can't really tell Sundra anything. She has to be careful. Candice tried to get Sundra to vote with the Raro as a “vote of confidence,” but Candice didn't expect this to really work. Candice goes on to say that she told Sundra that she's pretty sure Adam has the idol and that Sundra should “stick with the idol.” Snork. But Candice doesn't think her talk with Sundra worked at all. But actually, Candice admits that she actually knows Adam doesn't have the idol, but she was trying to paint a picture for Sundra that he had it and she needed the idol's protection.

Candice acknowledges that she made four enemies when she mutinied. Those are four people who won't vote for her if it comes down to it. She also had some Raro folks she never got to know. She really needs to make a case for herself if she wants to win Survivor. She plans on emphasizing what a tough competitor she is and that she came to play.

Next, Candice talks about tribal council. She says she's nervous tonight because their majority is only one. Something could happen. She doesn't want the other four to vote for her. Even if another Raro were to get voted out, it would be bad news for all the remaining Raro, so Candice hopes it doesn't happen. Too bad, Candice.

So, we've learned that Candice is smart enough to try to dangle the immunity idol as bait to members of the other tribe. At least she, unlike Parvati, is trying to solidify the old Raro's advantage instead of just resting on their one vote margin. It seems likely that Adam has told his kissy-cuddly partner that he doesn't have the idol. Overall, Candice seems less smug and more aware of what's going on in the game than Parvati, but she doesn't seem worried about one of the old Aitu actually having the idol.

Tribal Council

We're back at the pirate wreck for a particularly exciting vote. Lets see what the tribe members had to say for themselves!

Sundra votes for her former tribemate Nate. “Hey man, it's nothing personal. Just strategy.”

Becky votes for Nate. “It's really nothing personal, just pure strategy to get the Aitu four to the final four.”

Yul votes for Nate. “Nate, you seem honestly like a great guy. I wish I could have gotten to know you better and that we were on the same tribe. I'd still like to get to know you. This is a purely strategic vote. I don't know how it's going to go down tonight, but best of luck to you and I hope we get to know each other outside this game.” A gentleman, as always.

Adam votes for Yul. “You're a stand-up guy with a lot of integrity, but you're also a threat.”

Ozzy votes for Nate. “I hope your plan works, man. I don't know how anyone else is voting, but sorry if it's you.” Wow. That's an odd statement. How does Ozzy not know how anyone else is voting, yet still votes for his new pal Nate? And did he really want the Aitu vote to fail? Weird.

Nate votes for Yul – well, 'Yuehl.' “Yul, this is nothing personal. But you control your tribe too much. Peace out, brother.”

Parvati votes for Yul. “You are just too smart and too strong. It's a lethal combination.”

Candice votes for Yul. “Yul, this vote is strategic, but I also don't think that you should hide behind the idea that you haven't lied in this game. You have. And I know it. And you know it.” Interesting comment. I wonder what lie, in particular, Candice means?

Jonathan votes for Nate. “This was never my intention, but Yul presented me with the immunity idol and said that if I didn't vote with them it would be me going home tonight. They would all vote for me. My alliance is more with Adam and Candice and Parvati. I hope you understand. I couldn't go home tonight.”

Well, this was certainly a pivotal point in the game. Given the interviews above, I believe Jonathan definitely made the right choice for himself in the game. Who knows what's going through Ozzy's mind based on his comments on his tribal council vote, though. He might be a bit of a wild card in all this. Becky and Yul seem incredibly solid, as does Sundra, although Candice has a friendship with her that she's trying to re-ignite. Very interesting indeed!

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

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