Alabama on ‘Survivor’: What has 10 heads and 19 legs?
By Wade Kwon‘Survivor: Tocantins,’ episode 8 recap
Two tribes, 10 contestants and four idols: Their fate rests on one bad leg. The “Survivor” merge has arrived, and someone’s getting booted, but it’s not what you think.
Can Debra Beebe, the Auburn high school principal, hang tough among fierce athletic competitors? Can James Thomas Jr., the cattle rancher from Samson, trust anyone from the ex-Timbira tribe?
Who’s playing it cocky, and who’s playing it even cockier? Find out, after the jump …
The spirit is willing: Joe finds a doctor
who makes house calls.
Egomania! Coach kisses up to his Timbira tribesmates using a little strategy called fake niceness. Neck rubs, kind words, camaraderie: Is there nothing this sumbitch won’t do??
Meanwhile, snarky Tyson is back! We’ll hear more from him in a moment.
Together, these Timbira tools have earned their camera time on sheer ballsiness alone.
Shining star: Coach dies for our sins.
E pluribus unum: Treemail sends the tribes to meet at … a picnic spot. It’s merge time, and the 10 contestants are thrilled. No more Jalapao or Timbira, green buffs for everyone!
And much face-stuffing was to be had …
Come together: Timbira and Jalapao celebrate the merge.
They bat around some awful suggestions for new tribe names, settling for Forza, Portuguese for “face stuffing.” Or maybe “strength” — they were talking with their mouths full.
Sierra creates instant awkwardness among the 10 by asking the former Jalapaos about their last two evictions (Sydney and Spencer). No one’s quite ready yet to spill the beans about how much they hate their teammates.
With the ex-Jalapaos outnumbered 6-4, J.T. hangs his hopes on a power struggle within the ex-Timbirans (foreshadowing).
Dump sweet dump: Arriving at the Timbira site, the ex-Jalapaos are underwhelmed by the accommodations. Forza starts rebuilding the shelter immediately.
I’ll get a pole, honey: Coach, left, and J.T. go fish.
Coach and J.T. go fishing (J.T. loves fishing!). Coach sizes him up, “He’s a good ol’ boy. We’re kindred spirits.” Yes, Coach is that douche-y.
Coach questions J.T. about whether Taj has the Hidden Immunity Idol, and J.T. covers for her with a lie. Coach figures out that a second Hidden Immunity Idol has been in circulation, and that Brendan must have it, and must pay.
J.T. senses trouble within ex-Timbira: “It’s hard to keep six people from different walks of life to stick together when they hate each other. So I’m just here to make sure everybody hates each other.” Pure awesome.
Coach tells Tyson they have to cut the head off the dragon, the dragon named Brendan. Tyson informs Stephen, and the game’s afoot.
Master baiters: J.T., left, and Tyson fish for food.
Hook, line, schemers: Tyson and J.T. go fishing (J.T. loves fishing!). The former all-star competitors share a moment reeling in the tiny fish. Tyson and J.T. reaffirm that Brendan is next to go.
Tyson pulls Debbie aside to fill her in, then lies to Brendan to make him feel safe.
Meanwhile, Taj and Stephen are concerned over whether Team Secret (with Brendan and Sierra) is still intact. And Erinn and Joe, he of the infected leg, go on a Hidden Immunity Idol hunt, only to discover it’s already claimed, figuring on the likely suspect … Brendan.
And I’m so hot ’cause I’m in hell:
Contestants hold tight for immunity.
Immunity Challenge: Ten poles, 10 competitors, last one to fall off wins first individual immunity.
After 30 minutes, it comes down to Debbie and Tyson. Debbie loses focus laughing, and Tyson wins.
Host Jeff Probst, who noticed Joe’s nasty leg, has him stay behind for a medical exam. Uh oh …
Without a leg to stand on: Much scheming ensues. Coach is gloating (as the “dragon slayer”), Tyson is gloating, and Stephen comes up with a safer plan in case Brendan plays his Hidden Immunity Idol.
And now, we take a moment for Tyson to share what’s on his mind. Tyson?
Don’t hate. Pontificate: Tyson dishes and disses.
On winning immunity: “So I kick ass like I always do. And if any ladies want my phone number, ask.”
On Sierra: “I never liked Sierra ever. I have no clue why she’s out here other than to just give hope to stupid people around the world.”
On Brendan: “Brendan is the sneakiest bastard I have to worry about. We smile at each other. We hug. I’ve kissed him on the neck, softly. He’s felt my warm steamy breath on the nape of his neck, even on the small of his back. But … keep your friends close and your enemies closer.”
Tyson the cyclist, ladies and gentlemen. He’ll be here all week.
When it rains: Jeff, right, delivers the bad news.
Jeff walks to camp, which means only one thing: Joe’s gone. A helicopter took him to the nearest city immediately after the doctor declared him medically ineligible, since the infection could spread to his blood or bones and become life threatening.
Before Jeff departs, he says everyone is safe with no Tribal Council.
Incoming chopper: Joe is plucked from the game.
Joe laments his early departure, “blindsided by (his) own body.” Blindside! Sort of. We’ll see if he returns for jury duty.
Will J.T. continue to benefit from the ex-Timbira implosion? Is Debbie a stronger player than she’s been letting on?
[Video and photos to be added.]
“Survivor: Tocantins – The Brazilian Highlands ” airs at 7 p.m. Thursdays on CBS 42.
Previous: Episode 7 – An idol a day
Next: Coach vs. Brendan: grudge match! (Episode 9 – Be the wizard)
• • •
Back up for grabs … more “Survivor: Tocantins” at survivor.wadeonbirmingham.com.
