”I would like to think I am a savvy game player but I may have made one of the most idiotic moves in Survivor history,” said turncoat John Cochran as he sat in judgment at Tribal Council.
A few minutes later, Cochran’s torch was snuffed and he was sent to Redemption Island to face challenge powerhouse Ozzy on next week’s episode. In his last moments with the Upolu Alliance, Cochran did his best to stir things up trying to sway the tribe into voting off ‘Cowboy’ Rick. Without Coach’s support, the plan failed.
Edna Ma, the L.A. physician and anesthesiologist, was the only one to stick by Cochran and also vote for Rick.
The drama at Tribal Council exposed much of the Upolu Alliance’s dirty laundry and secret tribal politics. With many understanding where they stand in the pecking order, expect some big moves to be made soon if anyone is going to switch up the game as it enters its final phase.
The Survivors at the start of the broadcast were:
Te Tuna Tribe
John Cochran
Sophie Clarke
Albert Destrade
Brandon Hantz
Edna Ma
Rick Nelson
Benjamin "Coach" Wade
Te Tuna Tribe – Night 27
Upolu celebrates the demise of Savaii.
Coach: "Now we feel like a tribe."
Cochran is worried that the Upolu family doesn’t really include him at all. He figures he is next.
Te Tuna Tribe – Day 28
As Cochran spends more time with Upolu, Sophie realizes why Savaii became annoyed with Cochran.
Sophie laughs: "He thinks everyone is going to take him to the end."
Cochran calls a tribe meeting. He explains how he made a "big sacrifice" for them and would like the debt to be paid back by allowing him to survive one more vote. He wants nothing more to share his birthday with them. Sophie doesn’t feel like she owes Cochran anything at all. Albert and Coach discuss making Cochran’s dream come true.
Redemption Island Duel – Dawn versus Ozzy versus Whitney
The players must balance dishes on a metal arm.
Winner: Ozzy.
Te Tuna Tribe – Day 28
Edna is busying herself doing everyone’s laundry. Albert rolls his eyes.
Albert: "The game isn’t outclean, outgather and outorganize. I will leave the housework to Martha Stewart."
When Albert spills the laundry water, allowing the campfire to go out, Edna has a hissy fit. Rick reveals that his nickname for Albert is in fact "Princess Albert" because he rarely lifts a finger to help anyone or do anything at camp.
Edna meets with Coach. She doesn’t understand why she is the next to go after Cochran. Coach would like nothing more to keep Cochran and Edna but is not sure his alliance will allow that.
Immunity Challenge
Throw sandbags on crates and slingshot coconuts.
Reward
Immunity from the Tribal Council vote and a spa treatment.
Winner: Albert.
Albert picks Coach to go along on the treatment and gives his own prize to Cochran.
Te Tuna Tribe – Pre-Tribal Council Happenings
Cochran and Edna put their heads together. They know they are next. They want to switch things up to save their own skins. Cochran reveals to Albert what Rick is calling him behind his back.
Coach ponders saving Cochran. All he knows is that whatever he decides to do at Tribal Council will determine how the rest of the game will go.
Tribal Council Happenings
Coach believes the possibilities are endless. Anyone could go tonight. Cochran feels he has been duped and is in great danger. Edna is disappointed she could be going next. Brandon blurts out that Cochran is going tonight and Edna is next because that’s what he agreed to do. Some tribe members agree that Brandon’s inability to go back on his word hurts his game.
Final Voting
John Cochran: Rick Nelson
Sophie Clarke: John Cochran
Albert Destrade: John Cochran
Brandon Hantz: John Cochran
Edna Ma: Rick Nelson
Rick Nelson: John Cochran
Benjamin "Coach" Wade: John Cochran
Tribal Council Victim: John Cochran
Powell's Thoughts
In case you missed it, Big Brother Houseguests Rachel Reilly and Brendan Villegas will be participating in the next season of the Amazing Race.
Speaking of Big Brother, Time Warner Inc. has made an offer of about 1 billion euros ($1.4 billion) for Endemol, the producer of Big Brother, Fear Factor and other reality television shows.
It is curious how both Rick and Sophie are getting more screentime. Both could be dark horses in this race to the finish.
Cochran definitely has no chance against Ozzy at Redemption Arena. The next bootee might give Ozzy a run for his money though.