LAST EDITED ON 09-26-11 AT 10:17 PM (EST)The first challenge of the season was swimming across the lagoon for the immunity idol and Erik won that race. He was always close to Ozzy and Jason and he beat James and Jason on a speed competition. Remember, it was his birthday and the black widow brigade didn't want to vote him out but would have had to if he hadn't won. They got rid of Jason instead.
As for Ozzy coming one vote away from Yul, let's not forget that two jurors (Jenny and Rebecca) had never been in a tribe with Ozzy so their votes were based on nothing more than what they saw at challenges.
I say that Survivor is at its best when it makes us laugh. Amazon was a great season because it was hilarious.