Episode 8, Rory Bagged & Tagged

or Merge Mania

Lopevi wins reward, the tribes are merged, Sarge wins immunity and then at the first merged Tribal Council Rory is voted off - which surprises the heck out of the men. Rory just barely made it out of Yasur, but he couldn't dodge just one more vote. So finally, after how many votes against him?, Rory is sent packing. He came close to winning immunity too. The poor guy tried so hard and yet he doesn't even make the jury. The jury is comprised of the Castaways voted off from next episode on.

Reward Challenge
Competition: Water Toss Relay to Fire Tower
Reward: Milk, cookies and chocolate cake
This was close, but Lopevi won. Rory and Chris were the pourers.

Twila has Chris and Chad fooled. They think that she's in solid with the remnants of the Fat Five. Chris thinks he has all of his bases covered since he has deals to go to the final two with Chad, Sarge and Julie.

the Merge
They decide to settle on the old Lopevi beach and change their name to Alinta. Scout came up with the name it means People of Fire (I think) in some aboriginal language. They had a nice little party of coffee, wine and chocolate cake, which must have been at least a day or so old. Rory quickly got the men to focus on voting off Ami, because she's the leader of the women. The women have other plans and focus on Rory. Will the Lopevi women (Twila and Julie) stick with the men or vote with the women?

Immunity Challenge
(Individual now)
Competition: Swimming, climbing, flag relay.
Sarge, Eliza, Rory and Ami were in the final relays which Sarge won. I was surprised that he was strong enough to win. I thought Rory or Ami was going to win.

Tribal Council
(paraphrased)
Jeff: How about the merge?
Sarge: It' s fun.
Julie: Everyone's cooperating and the body painting is fun.
Jeff: Do you prefer separate tribes Leann?
Leann: No, this means we're advancing.
Jeff: Is this a second chance for you Rory?
Rory: Yes! I didn't think I'd make it out of Yasur.
Jeff: What's gotten you this far Ami?
Ami: My good attitude.
Jeff: Are you stuck in the middle Twila?
Twila: Yes, I've enjoyed both tribes, but I get along easier with the men.
Jeff: Do you want to keep immunity Sarge?
Sarge: Yes.

After the votes were revealed and Rory was voted off, Chad had a big "Oh my gosh!" look on his face.

Alliances
It's back to men versus women, but now they're all in the same tribe. It looks like the women can pick off the men one-by-one. Hopefully that doesn't happen or this could get a little boring for a few shows.

Heroes & Villains
Will a woman please side with the men to vote off Ami? Eliza nows the time to make your move! Julie can help too.

Official Episode Title: Now the Battle Really Begins

Won Reward: Lopevi
Milk, cookies and chocolate cake.

Won Immunity: Sarge
Yes, the tribes have merged.
Now there will be individual immunities.

Voted Off: Rory
Aired: 5 votes for Rory, 4 votes for Ami