It's My Night
It's the Finale people, and we have:
Gervase: first season veteran that vowed revenge on the competition after they voted out his niece - He wants the title Sole Survivor.
Monica: stepping out of her husband's shadow winning challenge after challenge - this Survivor moment is about her.
Tyson: He told himself when Rachel (his girlfriend) left that he had to make it to the end, that is the only thing that would make it worth it to stay there [instead of take her place.]
Ciera: this newcomer started out slow but became a force, even voting out her own mother to get herself to the end.
On Redemption Island (why are these people still around? Not a fan of Redemption Island): Tina, Hayden and Laura will battle it out in one final duel, where one of them will win re-entry into the game. (I'm thinking if Laura makes it back in, she could win this thing.)
Kasama - Night 35
Upon return from Tribal Council -Ciera made a play for Monica that didn't work but she's banking on whoever comes back from Redemption (hopefully her mother) being on her side, someone she can work with.
-Tyson & Gervase know they have to solidify their alliance with Monica so Tyson tries to give her the hidden immunity idol he found (she won't take it.)
-Monica will not be manipulated, she wants to keep her options open, two chances to go to the final three, either with Tyson & Gervase or Ciera and whoever comes back from Redemption. (Monica's thinking she's all that, but playing both sides is often known to come back and bite you in he butt.)
Redemption Island - Night 35
-Laura & Tina are so sorry to see that it's Hayden coming to join them. He tells Laura that Ciera won immunity - which she was thrilled about - but they couldn't turn Monica, so there he is.
-He says someone else has to get into the top three because if it's Tyson, Gervase and Monica at the end, he's going to vote for Jeff! (Ha, that would be hilarious...But I'm pretty sure that wouldn't stand.)
-Hayden likes his chances of getting back in the game, he's got to compete against two grandmas (oh, don't underestimate the women. Cocky usually doesn't win either.)
Redemption Final Duel
-They will place one foot on the end of a balancing board, on the other end, a ceramic vase. When the vase falls (and smashes spectacularly on rocks placed underneath it) they are out. Last person with an intact vase - gets back in the game. Other two are on the jury.
-Off they go: Laura started out shaky, which Jeff had to point out, but they all stabilized.
After 15 minutes all three are still there but Laura starts hopping around... Hairy armpits... but she saves it - just barely. Then Hayden tries to wipe sweat out of his eye and drops his vase (seriously dude?). Laura then begs Tina to let her have it. Tina, "No way sister, this is a million dollar challenge." (I get it, but Tina is only still there because Laura helped her...) Both ladies start struggling but it's Laura who can't save it again - and TINA is getting back in the game (Hmm, I think Laura would have been the better story.)
-Then there is a big tearful scene with Laura and Ciera - You didn't fail, I'm proud of you - yada yada yada.
Tina gets to go back in the game and she gets a clue to the hidden immunity idol, which she gives to... herself.
Kasama - Day 36
-Tina is so happy to be back in the game - she knows there is a strong alliance between Tyson, Gervase and Monica so she wants to find the idol and try to sway Monica into going with an all-girl, all-mom alliance.
-Tina was the last person Ciera wanted to see come back in the game but she has to work with what she's got. She's impressed with Tina's no fear attitude climbing trees looking for the idol, but they also come to the conclusion that Tyson probably already found it. Ciera is also thinking she needs to keep working Monica.
-So we see the girls in the shelter and Monica wants them to convince her. Tina takes the totally wrong tack, telling her that the jury is going to be ugly because they are all mad at Monica. Ciera is thinking "Whoa, we want her to come with us, not hate us." Ciera tells Monica she doesn't agree with Tina - she thinks that Monica needs to show the jury that she is not Tyson's lap dog, that this was part of her game and if the girls go to the final three she has a good chance of winning. (And that's true - if it was these three girls in the end I do think Monica would have a better chance of winning than against the guys.)
-Monica feels pounced upon by Tina & Ciera - she has a lot of thinking to do (she's not flipping.)
Day 37 - IMMUNITY CHALLENGE
They have to pull on a rope balancing a table, then they have to venture out (still trying to keep the table level) to collect blocks to bring back and balance on the table. First person to get all ten blocks set up and balanced on the table wins immunity. (Hey! This is a new challenge, I don't think I've seen this one before.)
-Off they go - OH MY GOD - they start with one block balanced on the table and when they go back to get the next block, if the one on the table falls they have to go reset it before they can bring the second block back (oh, this could take forever.) The girls seem to be doing better but it gets harder the farther back they have to go... Tyson takes the lead at seven blocks but the rest are not too far behind.
Then everyone dumps all their blocks leaving it wide open for Tyson to place his final block - TYSON wins immunity!
Kasama - Day 37
-Tyson, Gervase & Monica get together to debate Tina vs Ciera.
-Gervase thinks Ciera should go because she's made more moves and would potentially get more jury votes.
-Monica thinks Tina should go because not one jury member was voted out because of something Tina did - she could potentially get more votes.
-Tyson wants them to decide to take the pressure off himself... he sees the merit in both sides. He leaves Gervase & Monica to battle back and forth - Gervase has the better argument in my opinion but Monica digs her heels in, she's coming from an emotional place and he just doesn't get it - I feel his frustration, she's not being logical at all but there is no convincing her otherwise.
-Next the ladies are talking and Monica, who is now mad at Gervase for bullying her, sounds like she is open to voting for Gervase with the women. Tyson won't play his idol for Gerv because he won't see it coming. Tina & Ciera are super excited but trying not to spook her.
-Monica says it's her night, the girls are salivating over her vote, the guys think she's their lap dog - this is her vote and she's going to own it.
TRIBAL COUNCIL
So we have Ciera & Tina up against Tyson & Gervase, the question is Monica where do you sit?
-I find myself in the middle again. I know what it's like to be a first round draft pick (bringing it back to football, I see what she did there) I had both sides working on me.
Who made a pitch?
-The girls came to me honestly and said this is a chance for you to make a big move, let's take out a villain.
Gervase do you see yourself as a villain?
-No, I haven't done anything villainous. I played the game, kept my word to my alliance, that's what good guys do.
Ciera, what's your pitch?
-Woman to woman she wanted to let Monica know that the boys keep saying she's an easy vote, she's easy to manipulate, she's a puppy dog, she'll do what they want her to do. And then there is also the end of the game when you're sitting there final three to get the votes you have to make a big move, what a bigger move than to get rid of the villain of the game.
Tyson pipes up: I've never used the term lapdog. Ever. To describe Monica. I've said, "I've got Monica." Meaning she's with me, I trust her, she's in our alliance, she's another person who will vote with us.
Monica, this is tough.
-Jeff, the last 24 hours have been extremely difficult. These are arguments that are breaking down Monica and I don't want to die inside (whoa, I think that's going a little too far.) It's gotten to me, but tonight it's my time to vote the best strategy for Monica.
Gervase, those are scary words.
-Yeah, my heart just dropped out my chest.
Time to Vote:
They don't show how anybody voted but Monica did say it was great playing the game with whoever she voted for... but tonight is about her (yeah, we get it - All Monica, all the time.)
Tallying the votes:
Hidden immunity idol? Tonight is the last night you can use it. (Oh? Tyson won immunity so I didn't think it'd be played...) but he hands it over to Gervase (Oh crap!)
Gervase - 1, 2. Do not count.
Ciera - 1, 2 - and it's Ciera who is voted out... but who did Monica vote for? They only showed us four votes.
Ciera made if farther than she thought she would but she is proud of the way she played, and she went out doing all that she could do... and they showed us the Monica did vote for Ciera (I'm a little disappointed with all the "this is my time" talk, she still went with the boys.)
Oh, and with Ciera being out: Fred & Gary M, Julie T and Robert L. are out of the pool.
Kasama - Night 37
Final 4 return to camp and Tina tells them she's shocked [that they voted out Ciera instead of her] - now she has to win immunity to stay.
-Monica was shocked that Tyson gave Gerv the hidden idol, that showed her they didn't believe she was 100% with them (huh? Why would they?) and now she has to win immunity to have control of her own destiny.
Final IMMUNITY CHALLENGE - Day 38
-They all want/need this immunity - but no pressure...
-They will race through a series of obstacles collecting bags of puzzle pieces two at a time. Then they have to run up stairs to deliver the bags to their table and slide down a giant water slide to head to the next obstacle. Once they have all six bags of pieces they will have to arrange the pieces to reveal a word puzzle that will help them solve a combination lock - once they open the lock, they'll raise their flag and win immunity.
Off they go: Monica and Gervase are the first two heading up with their bags and he tried to pass her on the stairs but she blocked him - Oh it's ON! Monica is the first back with her 4th bag but Tyson is not far behind her.
-Tyson, Gervase, then Monica return with their 6 bags and get to work on the puzzle - Tina is still collecting her last two bags.
-Tyson is the first to solve the puzzle... he has to go back out to count stairs, letters, pieces... and he gets the correct combination and raises his flag - TYSON is guaranteed to be in the final.
-Tina is hoping she can convince Monica to go for a two-two vote (I don't see that happening.) Tina wants to go out with guns blazing.
Back at camp - this is the first time Tyson has made it to day 39 and this has been the best day of his life so far. Hopefully he can make a totally awesome speech that will win him a million dollars, but for now, this is the best day.
-Monica gives Gervase some gentle ribbing about her elbowing him out at the challenge and he tells the camera he's really bummed that Monica checked him, "are you kidding me? We had the same goal to not let Tina win, not me."
-Gervase is talking to Tina about how he just wanted to make it farther than he did the first time and he can't believe he was called a villain. Monica just keeps rolling her eyes.
-Monica tells the camera that Gervase is playing really hard for that jury vote and maybe it's his turn to have his name written down. Monica approaches Tina and tells her she's furious that Tyson gave Gervase the hidden idol and kept it secret from her and leaves the door open for Tina.
-Tina says her only hope is for Monica to vote Gervase with her which will force a tie and then Tina & Gervase will build fire to stay.
-Meanwhile Tyson and Gervase are speculating whether Monica would get any jury votes. She could. (oh are they voting Monica now?)
-Monica tells the camera Gervase has been talking smack, let's hold his feet to the fire and make him earn his place in the final three. But what if Tina won? Does she want to sit next to Tina?
TRIBAL COUNCIL
So this is it - Tina did you feel the pressure that you had to win today?
-Oh yeah, I had two chances: win today or go to plan B - work Monica.
Monica, at the last tribal council you were very clear it was about you. It was very clear at the challenge today that this alliance was over when you checked Gervase coming up the stairs.
-Well, Gervase admitted to talking smack and scrappy Monica is going to hip check you back.
Gervase, did that move surprise you? It wasn't that important in the challenge it was more of a signal to step back.
-Yeah, she had a lead on me but I closed it up and even gave her a heads up on her left then she slammed me into the rail... What's the point of that, you're just slowing me up (and you answered your question right there.) I was shocked.
Monica, this is a continuation of the statement you made a last tribal council - all bets are off, I'm here to win.
-No question. Traditionally the person that wins final immunity is king for the day but I've been in pole position (that had Ciera rolling her eyes.) Tina came to me and said I'd love to build fire against Gervase, are you in?
Tina, what would be in that for Monica?
-Every person sitting here is trying to get to the end and you have to decide who you want to get to the end with.
Gervase, does [the women talking about voting for you] concern you?
-Absolutely, the closer the game gets to the end you think, "phew, I'm here," but it's so much work still to do. A big move does sway people, they stand back and say, wow that was great. Big moves are scary and they can happen at any time.
Time To Vote:
They showed us nothing.
Tallying the votes:
Tina - 1, 2,
Gervase - 1
Tina - 3... TINA is voted out. Monica is still talking a good game but voting with her alliance.
Finally Tina is gone and takes out: Don H, Ian G and Janine S.
Tina says she's sure if she could have made it to the final she would have tied Sandra and Richard as two time winners (Sure, you keep telling yourself that lady.)
Day 39: Final three get their final feast. And they are all congratulating themselves on making it there and contemplating their journey. I'll spare you the jabber but I've got to say I'm just happy there was no walk of remembrance...
FINAL TRIBAL COUNCIL:
Opening statements:
Gervase: I think I played this game great. I used a combination of old school and new school. You take any professional athlete from their rookie season, give them thirteen years off, I guarantee you they won't make it to the finals. I did the big blindsides starting with Aras, he wouldn't have got out of this game except for me (lost that vote.) It was a long hard road but I played this game the way it should be played and I think sitting in this position warrants your votes.
Monica: I wanted to start addressing the elephant in the room, I know you think I was drug along like a puppy dog by these two to make it to the end and that's...not...true. I had three choices in the last three tribal councils and I didn't chose those paths because I wanted to go to the final with these guys - because I have less blood on my hands and less broken promises. If I would have sat with Hayden, Katie, Ciera or Tina I would have been more like you (a loser?) So my strategic play gave me more chance to win. I hope that finds some merit in your vote and I'm proud of the social maneuvering that I've done to get here.
Tyson: I came into this game knowing I would be target numero uno from the get go and most of you confirmed that when I hit Galang beach. So I said I was going to have maximum amounts of fun, no regrets, and when I get voted out, I'm going to get voted out. That changed the second I saw Rachel (he starts tearing up - Really?) at Redemption Island. I knew I had to get to day 39 to show her that I appreciated her sacrifice and knew the reason she left was because of me. I focused and did what I had to - I dug around for the idols so no one else would have them and I won challenges when I absolutely had to. Nothing I did was out of malice and I'm here at day 39 because Rachel made that sacrifice. (Oh, that was a good spin... he's been working on this for a while.)
Jury Questions:
Vytas: Tyson the name of the game is get before you get got - you definitely did that. My last play was that you weren't going to get my jury vote and I'm going to stick to that.
Gervase, old school just means an unwillingness to adapt, doesn't work in Survivor. You hooked up with a dope new school player and he carried you through.
Monica when the tribe swap happened we had a friendship and these guys never promised me anything but you turned on me. So I really have no idea who to vote for, I'm just going to watch what happens, see what shakes out and take it from there.
Katie: One question to Tyson. In your opening speech you said you didn't do anything out of malice, but when we drew rocks, I was at my lowest point when I had the white rock, you stood up to hug me and then pointed over to the jury seat and said, "See that jury seat, that's yours." And you did that out of malice.
Tyson: You're right, that's the one thing I regretted doing in the game and I hoping to have the chance to apologize to you for that.
Katie: If you were in my shoes would you vote for Tyson after a statement like that?
Tyson: It's hard because I knew you were gunning for me and sometimes my mouth gets ahead of my brain but I would hope you could look past it and I hope I could be a big enough person to look past it and vote for the person that played the best game but I can't say with any certainty that I could.
Caleb: Gervase, what was your big game changing move?
-Voting out Aras. I know everyone thinks Tyson makes the moves but here's the thing with my playing style, I was never the target. I wanted Tyson to look like he was pulling the trigger on all these moves so he'd take the heat but a lot of moves that happened in this game came from me.
Caleb: Monica I feel like you have that perfect persona about you and I need something from you - be vulnerable - tell me something from the heart. (Bleed for me, my monkey!)
-So she starts out choked up, "My whole life has been about Brad and 9 years in the NFL, "and I want this, it's never, ever in the last 21 years been about me and today, it is." (She goes on whining that she was alone and she did it on her own - oh poor little Monica - give me a break.) She keeps crying that this will give her life meaning beyond being Brad's wife and her kids' mom - that's why she's there.
Ciera: Tyson, I titled you "the Villain." I want to know if you see yourself as the villain or the hero?
Tyson: I obviously don't see myself as the villain - every move I made was strategic it was never personal. Blah blah... not a villain so I must be a hero.
Gervase, were you ever going to vote out Tyson?
-I was going to do it at the right time, I was looking at final four and I thought if I had gone with you guys at that time, I was going to be the next to go. The better odds at that time were to stick with Tyson and ride it out and if I sat here next to him and lost, okay, because I made that decision. I feel like I can beat Tyson and that's why I made that move and came here tonight.
Laura: Monica, I don't know who you are. I can sometimes be really prickly and hard to be around... that's me being vulnerable, admitting a fault. She goes on wanting Monica to be vulnerable - for some reason they want Monica to rip her heart out and show them - I think they all feel like she's putting on an act, she's too perfect. But Monica is crying again and I'm sick of it - leave the woman alone - I don't care that this is her time, she should be talking about the game she played not how she's finally found 'Monica'.
Tina: One word and one word only that best describes the core of who you are. Monica: Generous. Gervase: Honour. That's what Gervase means is honourable and I know Caleb probably doesn't think that but out of this game, I'm a very honourable person. (Yeah, he kept talking but she let him get away with it.)
Tyson: Is fun-loving one word or is that two?
Hayden: Tyson, did you have the idol when you drew rocks? Yes.
Where was it? It was in a bird's nest up in a tree. One step ahead of you again. Touche!
Monica, you know I love you and I love Brad. "And I made him." I'm sure you did but the perception is that you are fake and that's why you're getting beat up. We want to see inside Monica.
-She's crying again, I don't know what y'all want. Have you never met a nice person? Have you never met someone who's not totally selfish? What's your goal? I feel like a total target and you just keep punching me.
-Hayden backs off and the tears immediately are gone - that's more telling than anything right there.
Aras: Gervase, prove to me you have game awareness by assuming I can only vote for Tyson or Monica and tell me why I should vote for them - only choose one - tell me what they did and why it was instrumental to getting them here.
Gervase: I would say Tyson, he had a lot of elements to his game and he could see two people talking, walk right up and say I want in. He had everyone digging up the beach looking for an idol he already had, making sure no one found something that wasn't there. That was great gameplay.
Monica: Hands down you have to vote for Tyson, he found two hidden immunity idols and he did win those last two immunities when people could have gotten rid of him - but couldn't. He was a charging horse for 39 days.
Tyson: Monica, when we started at Galang we had a good bond but when the split happened she kept her distance making everyone believe she was on the bottom but she got info we couldn't get and I would say that was her big move (whatever, he had to say something. Gervase didn't look too happy.)
Jeff says it was a great final council but there was no crazy Sue moment - no snake or rat speech... I think the winner seems pretty obvious.
Time to vote: Caleb votes for Tyson. Vytas votes for Monica.
Final tallying of the votes:
Monica - 1
Tyson - 1, 2, 3, (and he's crying) 4, 5... TYSON is the winner!
And with Tyson, the winners of our pool are: Tori K, Jenn G. and Donna P! Congratulations everyone! I will be contacting you personally to get you your winnings.
Reunion
-Jeff felt Laura and Ciera were one of the best example of Blood vs Water and he loved having them out there.
-Jeff still can't stand Colton and doesn't understand Caleb and Colton's relationship. Colton may have finally realized he needs to grow up.
-Rupert has absolutely no regrets in giving up the game for his wife to have the opportunity to play.
Hint for next season:
Muddy guys hitting each other with bags: B
Puzzle pieces: B
Blond girl raising out of the water: B ... what? That was it. Brawn, Brains, Blond?
Update on John Cochrane: he put it out there in the finale to his season that he wanted to be a writer and now he is a writer on the new CBS series, The Millers. (I'm sure his parents are so proud that his Harvard Law education is going to good use.)
-Aras & Vytas - their relationship is still pretty much the same - they had a great experience playing Survivor together but there will always be the sibling rivalry.
-Tina Wesson's son died two weeks ago in a car accident but she and Katie still wanted to be at the show because the people they played the game with are like family to her and she finds comfort being with them (awww.)
And next season: Brawn vs Brains vs Beauty! (Oh, three tribes maybe?)
So that was Blood vs Water - and it thought it was a really good season with new twists and an emotional level that brought new complexity to the game... even though there was a very predictable ending.
I wish everyone the very best of the holiday season - I'll 'see' you all in the new year.
Coleen
It's the Finale people, and we have:
Gervase: first season veteran that vowed revenge on the competition after they voted out his niece - He wants the title Sole Survivor.
Monica: stepping out of her husband's shadow winning challenge after challenge - this Survivor moment is about her.
Tyson: He told himself when Rachel (his girlfriend) left that he had to make it to the end, that is the only thing that would make it worth it to stay there [instead of take her place.]
Ciera: this newcomer started out slow but became a force, even voting out her own mother to get herself to the end.
On Redemption Island (why are these people still around? Not a fan of Redemption Island): Tina, Hayden and Laura will battle it out in one final duel, where one of them will win re-entry into the game. (I'm thinking if Laura makes it back in, she could win this thing.)
Kasama - Night 35
Upon return from Tribal Council -Ciera made a play for Monica that didn't work but she's banking on whoever comes back from Redemption (hopefully her mother) being on her side, someone she can work with.
-Tyson & Gervase know they have to solidify their alliance with Monica so Tyson tries to give her the hidden immunity idol he found (she won't take it.)
-Monica will not be manipulated, she wants to keep her options open, two chances to go to the final three, either with Tyson & Gervase or Ciera and whoever comes back from Redemption. (Monica's thinking she's all that, but playing both sides is often known to come back and bite you in he butt.)
Redemption Island - Night 35
-Laura & Tina are so sorry to see that it's Hayden coming to join them. He tells Laura that Ciera won immunity - which she was thrilled about - but they couldn't turn Monica, so there he is.
-He says someone else has to get into the top three because if it's Tyson, Gervase and Monica at the end, he's going to vote for Jeff! (Ha, that would be hilarious...But I'm pretty sure that wouldn't stand.)
-Hayden likes his chances of getting back in the game, he's got to compete against two grandmas (oh, don't underestimate the women. Cocky usually doesn't win either.)
Redemption Final Duel
-They will place one foot on the end of a balancing board, on the other end, a ceramic vase. When the vase falls (and smashes spectacularly on rocks placed underneath it) they are out. Last person with an intact vase - gets back in the game. Other two are on the jury.
-Off they go: Laura started out shaky, which Jeff had to point out, but they all stabilized.
After 15 minutes all three are still there but Laura starts hopping around... Hairy armpits... but she saves it - just barely. Then Hayden tries to wipe sweat out of his eye and drops his vase (seriously dude?). Laura then begs Tina to let her have it. Tina, "No way sister, this is a million dollar challenge." (I get it, but Tina is only still there because Laura helped her...) Both ladies start struggling but it's Laura who can't save it again - and TINA is getting back in the game (Hmm, I think Laura would have been the better story.)
-Then there is a big tearful scene with Laura and Ciera - You didn't fail, I'm proud of you - yada yada yada.
Tina gets to go back in the game and she gets a clue to the hidden immunity idol, which she gives to... herself.
Kasama - Day 36
-Tina is so happy to be back in the game - she knows there is a strong alliance between Tyson, Gervase and Monica so she wants to find the idol and try to sway Monica into going with an all-girl, all-mom alliance.
-Tina was the last person Ciera wanted to see come back in the game but she has to work with what she's got. She's impressed with Tina's no fear attitude climbing trees looking for the idol, but they also come to the conclusion that Tyson probably already found it. Ciera is also thinking she needs to keep working Monica.
-So we see the girls in the shelter and Monica wants them to convince her. Tina takes the totally wrong tack, telling her that the jury is going to be ugly because they are all mad at Monica. Ciera is thinking "Whoa, we want her to come with us, not hate us." Ciera tells Monica she doesn't agree with Tina - she thinks that Monica needs to show the jury that she is not Tyson's lap dog, that this was part of her game and if the girls go to the final three she has a good chance of winning. (And that's true - if it was these three girls in the end I do think Monica would have a better chance of winning than against the guys.)
-Monica feels pounced upon by Tina & Ciera - she has a lot of thinking to do (she's not flipping.)
Day 37 - IMMUNITY CHALLENGE
They have to pull on a rope balancing a table, then they have to venture out (still trying to keep the table level) to collect blocks to bring back and balance on the table. First person to get all ten blocks set up and balanced on the table wins immunity. (Hey! This is a new challenge, I don't think I've seen this one before.)
-Off they go - OH MY GOD - they start with one block balanced on the table and when they go back to get the next block, if the one on the table falls they have to go reset it before they can bring the second block back (oh, this could take forever.) The girls seem to be doing better but it gets harder the farther back they have to go... Tyson takes the lead at seven blocks but the rest are not too far behind.
Then everyone dumps all their blocks leaving it wide open for Tyson to place his final block - TYSON wins immunity!
Kasama - Day 37
-Tyson, Gervase & Monica get together to debate Tina vs Ciera.
-Gervase thinks Ciera should go because she's made more moves and would potentially get more jury votes.
-Monica thinks Tina should go because not one jury member was voted out because of something Tina did - she could potentially get more votes.
-Tyson wants them to decide to take the pressure off himself... he sees the merit in both sides. He leaves Gervase & Monica to battle back and forth - Gervase has the better argument in my opinion but Monica digs her heels in, she's coming from an emotional place and he just doesn't get it - I feel his frustration, she's not being logical at all but there is no convincing her otherwise.
-Next the ladies are talking and Monica, who is now mad at Gervase for bullying her, sounds like she is open to voting for Gervase with the women. Tyson won't play his idol for Gerv because he won't see it coming. Tina & Ciera are super excited but trying not to spook her.
-Monica says it's her night, the girls are salivating over her vote, the guys think she's their lap dog - this is her vote and she's going to own it.
TRIBAL COUNCIL
So we have Ciera & Tina up against Tyson & Gervase, the question is Monica where do you sit?
-I find myself in the middle again. I know what it's like to be a first round draft pick (bringing it back to football, I see what she did there) I had both sides working on me.
Who made a pitch?
-The girls came to me honestly and said this is a chance for you to make a big move, let's take out a villain.
Gervase do you see yourself as a villain?
-No, I haven't done anything villainous. I played the game, kept my word to my alliance, that's what good guys do.
Ciera, what's your pitch?
-Woman to woman she wanted to let Monica know that the boys keep saying she's an easy vote, she's easy to manipulate, she's a puppy dog, she'll do what they want her to do. And then there is also the end of the game when you're sitting there final three to get the votes you have to make a big move, what a bigger move than to get rid of the villain of the game.
Tyson pipes up: I've never used the term lapdog. Ever. To describe Monica. I've said, "I've got Monica." Meaning she's with me, I trust her, she's in our alliance, she's another person who will vote with us.
Monica, this is tough.
-Jeff, the last 24 hours have been extremely difficult. These are arguments that are breaking down Monica and I don't want to die inside (whoa, I think that's going a little too far.) It's gotten to me, but tonight it's my time to vote the best strategy for Monica.
Gervase, those are scary words.
-Yeah, my heart just dropped out my chest.
Time to Vote:
They don't show how anybody voted but Monica did say it was great playing the game with whoever she voted for... but tonight is about her (yeah, we get it - All Monica, all the time.)
Tallying the votes:
Hidden immunity idol? Tonight is the last night you can use it. (Oh? Tyson won immunity so I didn't think it'd be played...) but he hands it over to Gervase (Oh crap!)
Gervase - 1, 2. Do not count.
Ciera - 1, 2 - and it's Ciera who is voted out... but who did Monica vote for? They only showed us four votes.
Ciera made if farther than she thought she would but she is proud of the way she played, and she went out doing all that she could do... and they showed us the Monica did vote for Ciera (I'm a little disappointed with all the "this is my time" talk, she still went with the boys.)
Oh, and with Ciera being out: Fred & Gary M, Julie T and Robert L. are out of the pool.
Kasama - Night 37
Final 4 return to camp and Tina tells them she's shocked [that they voted out Ciera instead of her] - now she has to win immunity to stay.
-Monica was shocked that Tyson gave Gerv the hidden idol, that showed her they didn't believe she was 100% with them (huh? Why would they?) and now she has to win immunity to have control of her own destiny.
Final IMMUNITY CHALLENGE - Day 38
-They all want/need this immunity - but no pressure...
-They will race through a series of obstacles collecting bags of puzzle pieces two at a time. Then they have to run up stairs to deliver the bags to their table and slide down a giant water slide to head to the next obstacle. Once they have all six bags of pieces they will have to arrange the pieces to reveal a word puzzle that will help them solve a combination lock - once they open the lock, they'll raise their flag and win immunity.
Off they go: Monica and Gervase are the first two heading up with their bags and he tried to pass her on the stairs but she blocked him - Oh it's ON! Monica is the first back with her 4th bag but Tyson is not far behind her.
-Tyson, Gervase, then Monica return with their 6 bags and get to work on the puzzle - Tina is still collecting her last two bags.
-Tyson is the first to solve the puzzle... he has to go back out to count stairs, letters, pieces... and he gets the correct combination and raises his flag - TYSON is guaranteed to be in the final.
-Tina is hoping she can convince Monica to go for a two-two vote (I don't see that happening.) Tina wants to go out with guns blazing.
Back at camp - this is the first time Tyson has made it to day 39 and this has been the best day of his life so far. Hopefully he can make a totally awesome speech that will win him a million dollars, but for now, this is the best day.
-Monica gives Gervase some gentle ribbing about her elbowing him out at the challenge and he tells the camera he's really bummed that Monica checked him, "are you kidding me? We had the same goal to not let Tina win, not me."
-Gervase is talking to Tina about how he just wanted to make it farther than he did the first time and he can't believe he was called a villain. Monica just keeps rolling her eyes.
-Monica tells the camera that Gervase is playing really hard for that jury vote and maybe it's his turn to have his name written down. Monica approaches Tina and tells her she's furious that Tyson gave Gervase the hidden idol and kept it secret from her and leaves the door open for Tina.
-Tina says her only hope is for Monica to vote Gervase with her which will force a tie and then Tina & Gervase will build fire to stay.
-Meanwhile Tyson and Gervase are speculating whether Monica would get any jury votes. She could. (oh are they voting Monica now?)
-Monica tells the camera Gervase has been talking smack, let's hold his feet to the fire and make him earn his place in the final three. But what if Tina won? Does she want to sit next to Tina?
TRIBAL COUNCIL
So this is it - Tina did you feel the pressure that you had to win today?
-Oh yeah, I had two chances: win today or go to plan B - work Monica.
Monica, at the last tribal council you were very clear it was about you. It was very clear at the challenge today that this alliance was over when you checked Gervase coming up the stairs.
-Well, Gervase admitted to talking smack and scrappy Monica is going to hip check you back.
Gervase, did that move surprise you? It wasn't that important in the challenge it was more of a signal to step back.
-Yeah, she had a lead on me but I closed it up and even gave her a heads up on her left then she slammed me into the rail... What's the point of that, you're just slowing me up (and you answered your question right there.) I was shocked.
Monica, this is a continuation of the statement you made a last tribal council - all bets are off, I'm here to win.
-No question. Traditionally the person that wins final immunity is king for the day but I've been in pole position (that had Ciera rolling her eyes.) Tina came to me and said I'd love to build fire against Gervase, are you in?
Tina, what would be in that for Monica?
-Every person sitting here is trying to get to the end and you have to decide who you want to get to the end with.
Gervase, does [the women talking about voting for you] concern you?
-Absolutely, the closer the game gets to the end you think, "phew, I'm here," but it's so much work still to do. A big move does sway people, they stand back and say, wow that was great. Big moves are scary and they can happen at any time.
Time To Vote:
They showed us nothing.
Tallying the votes:
Tina - 1, 2,
Gervase - 1
Tina - 3... TINA is voted out. Monica is still talking a good game but voting with her alliance.
Finally Tina is gone and takes out: Don H, Ian G and Janine S.
Tina says she's sure if she could have made it to the final she would have tied Sandra and Richard as two time winners (Sure, you keep telling yourself that lady.)
Day 39: Final three get their final feast. And they are all congratulating themselves on making it there and contemplating their journey. I'll spare you the jabber but I've got to say I'm just happy there was no walk of remembrance...
FINAL TRIBAL COUNCIL:
Opening statements:
Gervase: I think I played this game great. I used a combination of old school and new school. You take any professional athlete from their rookie season, give them thirteen years off, I guarantee you they won't make it to the finals. I did the big blindsides starting with Aras, he wouldn't have got out of this game except for me (lost that vote.) It was a long hard road but I played this game the way it should be played and I think sitting in this position warrants your votes.
Monica: I wanted to start addressing the elephant in the room, I know you think I was drug along like a puppy dog by these two to make it to the end and that's...not...true. I had three choices in the last three tribal councils and I didn't chose those paths because I wanted to go to the final with these guys - because I have less blood on my hands and less broken promises. If I would have sat with Hayden, Katie, Ciera or Tina I would have been more like you (a loser?) So my strategic play gave me more chance to win. I hope that finds some merit in your vote and I'm proud of the social maneuvering that I've done to get here.
Tyson: I came into this game knowing I would be target numero uno from the get go and most of you confirmed that when I hit Galang beach. So I said I was going to have maximum amounts of fun, no regrets, and when I get voted out, I'm going to get voted out. That changed the second I saw Rachel (he starts tearing up - Really?) at Redemption Island. I knew I had to get to day 39 to show her that I appreciated her sacrifice and knew the reason she left was because of me. I focused and did what I had to - I dug around for the idols so no one else would have them and I won challenges when I absolutely had to. Nothing I did was out of malice and I'm here at day 39 because Rachel made that sacrifice. (Oh, that was a good spin... he's been working on this for a while.)
Jury Questions:
Vytas: Tyson the name of the game is get before you get got - you definitely did that. My last play was that you weren't going to get my jury vote and I'm going to stick to that.
Gervase, old school just means an unwillingness to adapt, doesn't work in Survivor. You hooked up with a dope new school player and he carried you through.
Monica when the tribe swap happened we had a friendship and these guys never promised me anything but you turned on me. So I really have no idea who to vote for, I'm just going to watch what happens, see what shakes out and take it from there.
Katie: One question to Tyson. In your opening speech you said you didn't do anything out of malice, but when we drew rocks, I was at my lowest point when I had the white rock, you stood up to hug me and then pointed over to the jury seat and said, "See that jury seat, that's yours." And you did that out of malice.
Tyson: You're right, that's the one thing I regretted doing in the game and I hoping to have the chance to apologize to you for that.
Katie: If you were in my shoes would you vote for Tyson after a statement like that?
Tyson: It's hard because I knew you were gunning for me and sometimes my mouth gets ahead of my brain but I would hope you could look past it and I hope I could be a big enough person to look past it and vote for the person that played the best game but I can't say with any certainty that I could.
Caleb: Gervase, what was your big game changing move?
-Voting out Aras. I know everyone thinks Tyson makes the moves but here's the thing with my playing style, I was never the target. I wanted Tyson to look like he was pulling the trigger on all these moves so he'd take the heat but a lot of moves that happened in this game came from me.
Caleb: Monica I feel like you have that perfect persona about you and I need something from you - be vulnerable - tell me something from the heart. (Bleed for me, my monkey!)
-So she starts out choked up, "My whole life has been about Brad and 9 years in the NFL, "and I want this, it's never, ever in the last 21 years been about me and today, it is." (She goes on whining that she was alone and she did it on her own - oh poor little Monica - give me a break.) She keeps crying that this will give her life meaning beyond being Brad's wife and her kids' mom - that's why she's there.
Ciera: Tyson, I titled you "the Villain." I want to know if you see yourself as the villain or the hero?
Tyson: I obviously don't see myself as the villain - every move I made was strategic it was never personal. Blah blah... not a villain so I must be a hero.
Gervase, were you ever going to vote out Tyson?
-I was going to do it at the right time, I was looking at final four and I thought if I had gone with you guys at that time, I was going to be the next to go. The better odds at that time were to stick with Tyson and ride it out and if I sat here next to him and lost, okay, because I made that decision. I feel like I can beat Tyson and that's why I made that move and came here tonight.
Laura: Monica, I don't know who you are. I can sometimes be really prickly and hard to be around... that's me being vulnerable, admitting a fault. She goes on wanting Monica to be vulnerable - for some reason they want Monica to rip her heart out and show them - I think they all feel like she's putting on an act, she's too perfect. But Monica is crying again and I'm sick of it - leave the woman alone - I don't care that this is her time, she should be talking about the game she played not how she's finally found 'Monica'.
Tina: One word and one word only that best describes the core of who you are. Monica: Generous. Gervase: Honour. That's what Gervase means is honourable and I know Caleb probably doesn't think that but out of this game, I'm a very honourable person. (Yeah, he kept talking but she let him get away with it.)
Tyson: Is fun-loving one word or is that two?
Hayden: Tyson, did you have the idol when you drew rocks? Yes.
Where was it? It was in a bird's nest up in a tree. One step ahead of you again. Touche!
Monica, you know I love you and I love Brad. "And I made him." I'm sure you did but the perception is that you are fake and that's why you're getting beat up. We want to see inside Monica.
-She's crying again, I don't know what y'all want. Have you never met a nice person? Have you never met someone who's not totally selfish? What's your goal? I feel like a total target and you just keep punching me.
-Hayden backs off and the tears immediately are gone - that's more telling than anything right there.
Aras: Gervase, prove to me you have game awareness by assuming I can only vote for Tyson or Monica and tell me why I should vote for them - only choose one - tell me what they did and why it was instrumental to getting them here.
Gervase: I would say Tyson, he had a lot of elements to his game and he could see two people talking, walk right up and say I want in. He had everyone digging up the beach looking for an idol he already had, making sure no one found something that wasn't there. That was great gameplay.
Monica: Hands down you have to vote for Tyson, he found two hidden immunity idols and he did win those last two immunities when people could have gotten rid of him - but couldn't. He was a charging horse for 39 days.
Tyson: Monica, when we started at Galang we had a good bond but when the split happened she kept her distance making everyone believe she was on the bottom but she got info we couldn't get and I would say that was her big move (whatever, he had to say something. Gervase didn't look too happy.)
Jeff says it was a great final council but there was no crazy Sue moment - no snake or rat speech... I think the winner seems pretty obvious.
Time to vote: Caleb votes for Tyson. Vytas votes for Monica.
Final tallying of the votes:
Monica - 1
Tyson - 1, 2, 3, (and he's crying) 4, 5... TYSON is the winner!
And with Tyson, the winners of our pool are: Tori K, Jenn G. and Donna P! Congratulations everyone! I will be contacting you personally to get you your winnings.
Reunion
-Jeff felt Laura and Ciera were one of the best example of Blood vs Water and he loved having them out there.
-Jeff still can't stand Colton and doesn't understand Caleb and Colton's relationship. Colton may have finally realized he needs to grow up.
-Rupert has absolutely no regrets in giving up the game for his wife to have the opportunity to play.
Hint for next season:
Muddy guys hitting each other with bags: B
Puzzle pieces: B
Blond girl raising out of the water: B ... what? That was it. Brawn, Brains, Blond?
Update on John Cochrane: he put it out there in the finale to his season that he wanted to be a writer and now he is a writer on the new CBS series, The Millers. (I'm sure his parents are so proud that his Harvard Law education is going to good use.)
-Aras & Vytas - their relationship is still pretty much the same - they had a great experience playing Survivor together but there will always be the sibling rivalry.
-Tina Wesson's son died two weeks ago in a car accident but she and Katie still wanted to be at the show because the people they played the game with are like family to her and she finds comfort being with them (awww.)
And next season: Brawn vs Brains vs Beauty! (Oh, three tribes maybe?)
So that was Blood vs Water - and it thought it was a really good season with new twists and an emotional level that brought new complexity to the game... even though there was a very predictable ending.
I wish everyone the very best of the holiday season - I'll 'see' you all in the new year.
Coleen
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