by Gina Scarpa

 

One minute, the Savaii tribe is granting Ozzy his wish on Survivor: South Pacific and sending him to Redemption Island to face the undefeated Christine and the next, they're complaining back at camp about it. Keith tells Cochran that he should've manned up and taken one for the team. Shouldn't Keith have manned up and written down the name of the person he actually wanted to vote out? It's nobody's fault but your own that your strongest competitor just walked on outta here.

 

At Redemption, Ozzy tells Christine a story about how Cochran used the idol to blindside him which he seems to buy but the other players sure don't when they show up to watch the duel. Many a reality contestant have gone on to pursue a career in acting. Ozzy should just stay in the jungle where he belongs, climb trees, and win competitions. Speaking of...

 

The duel is one we've seen before but a tough one at that. The players have to use sticks and rope to create one giant superstick to retrieve keys and unlock themselves from a wall that they could just walk around. Christine's superstick repeatedly flops to the ground while Ozzy acts like he builds these things for a living. Within what seems like seconds, he accomplishes the task at hand and finally sends Christine packing. Tough luck for a woman who WAY exceeded our expectations this season. She definitely deserved a second shot.

 

With all the players sitting at the duel, that means we're merged and it's time for everyone to act like they're best friends - at least for the first few minutes. Cochran's story about blindsiding Ozzy only lasts about 8 seconds because Coach has figured out that they're lying. However, he appeals to Cochran's sensitive side when he tells him that he doesn't have to put up with the treatment that Savaii has been giving him for 20 days out there. He can go to Upolu where he'll be loved, respected, and treated right. Well, until they get down to 7.

 

Cochran talks to Dawn about jumping ship and she cries in the jungle about how everyone has been mean to him and wishes she said something earlier. In her interview, she realizes that sometimes, you have to stand up for what you believe in, even if costs you a million dollars. Alright, Dawn!

 

There are two immunity idols up for grabs - one for a female and one for a male player. Everyone balances on some logs, while keeping a coconut balancing on two pieces of rope. It requires a lot of coordination and concentration, and it's also physically demanding... which would be why Edna and Cochran are the first two out. Dawn ends up winning for the women, while Ozzy takes it for the guys. Weren't people trying to say he was past his prime? Think again.

 

Back at camp, with an idol around her neck, Dawn suddenly realizes that she loves her tribe members and can't betray them. So she really doesn't feel that bad for Cochran at all and that million dollars is starting to look good again. Okay, got it.

 

Now, here's the part I don't get. While Upolu smartly throws vote at Keith at tribal council, Savaii throws votes at Rick. RICK! You have Brandon, Albert, and Coach sitting wide open and you try to take out someone who is not a physical threat to you at all. Ozzy randomly give the idol to Whitney, for reasons I still don't understand, and it comes down to a tie. With everyone assuming they'll be drawing purple rocks, Cochran finally takes his game into his own hands, jumps ship, and blindsides Keith.

 

When Cochran outright admits what he did, Jim calls him a coward but Brandon jumps in to tell him not to talk to Cochran like that. That's why he bailed on your tribe! Brandon tells Cochran to stay close to him so that he can have his back and I couldn't help but love every minute of it!

 

Survivor: South Pacific airs Wednesdays at 8/7c on CBS.

 

(Image courtesy of CBS)

 

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