The Tribal Tables Are Turned On Survivor 17: Gabon
By: Mary Cavaliere

I’m a little late with this blog because, like many Americans, the Vice-Presidential debate was the thing to watch on Thursday night.  So before I go any further, don’t forget to vote!

I haven’t figured out yet why there have been no targets on Randy’s back yet.  I can’t stand watching him for five minutes out of an hour, never mind living in the same place as him every day.  But I guess some people aren’t bothered by ignorance like I am.  There is a lot of animosity between Randy and G.C. so I would think that might play into it as well, but because of the success of FANG this week, no one from KOTA was on the chopping block.

The first challenge was for reward.  There was a station post and one member of each tribe had to hang onto that post while two other members from the opposing tribe tried to not only remove them from the post, but also drag them across the dirt to the finish line.  The first tribe to get two points won the challenge.  Ace was unbelievably strong during this challenge his first time out but his second time out he couldn’t fight off Crystal.  Her strength was unbelievable and she is really responsible for her tribe winning.  I thought the entire challenge was a bit much for a few pillows and blankets but I’m guessing to the tribes involved, it’s more about winning than anything else.

As a result of KOTE’S loss, Sugar was sent to Exhile Island.  She felt she was sent because people think she’s stupid, but obviously she is smarter than others think because she found the immunity idol.  The only thing I’m not sure she was so smart about was sharing that information with Ace. 

The immunity challenge had to do with each tribe member sliding down a water slide into the water to retrieve puzzle pieces that one chosen member would put together at the end of the challenge.  The first tribe to raise their flag won immunity.  Once again FANG won the challenge and KOTE was forced to head to tribal council for the first time.

Corinne seemed to have it out for Ace along with Paloma, but I’m not really sure why.  Jealousy maybe?  Paloma ended up getting voted out, but Ace’s gears were definitely turning when he saw his name come up several times during the voting process.  I loved what Paloma said after she was voted out.  “If Ace wins a million dollars I don’t think I’ll ever watch Survivor again.”  Yup.  That’s what I said about Parvati winning last season, yet here I am!

Here are the players remaining in the game:

G.C. (Danny) ~ Maintenance Supervisor
Bob ~ Physics Teacher
Kathy ~ Medical Device Saleswoman
Ken ~ Professional Video Game Player
Marcus ~ In The Medical Field (whatever that means)
Charlie ~ Management Consultant
Matty ~ Personal Trainer
Suzie ~ Part-Time Hair Dresser
Randy ~ Wedding Videographer
Ace ~ Fashion Photographer
Crystal ~ Pre-School Teacher (and Olympic Gold Medalist in Track & Field)
Kelly ~ Retail Assistant Manager
Corinne ~ Pharmaceutical Saleswoman
Dan ~ Attorney (who’s searching for himself)
Sugar ~ Pin-Up Model

You can read more of Mary’s television blogs at www.myspace.com/italiangirl57