REPORT: "Survivor" Wins Again Despite Slight Ratings DropUPI News Service, 04/12/2008
The latest installment of "Survivor" has a massive following; whether it's due to a great cast or the rumors that it's the last season for the show remain to be seen. Regardless of the reason, it's still atop the ratings.
The show earned a 20.3/34 rating for the last pre-merge episode, claiming nearly 35 million viewers; not even FOX's "24" came close, earning only a rating of 12.5/21. "Ugly Betty" was a distant third, with an 8.4/14 share.
The ratings for "Survivor" have gone up steadily since the beginning of the current All-Stars season; many credit the resurgence of the show partially to the use of an all-applicant cast in Japan the season before. Still others credit the controversy before the season concerning "Japan" winner Maria Savovic, who got naked in the last episode for only the second time this season.
"If the naked girl gets ratings, we're putting her in the forefront," said a spokesperson for Mark Burnett, executive producer of "Survivor." The spokesperson went on to say, "We think that the most compelling Survivors made the merge. And we think the game's shaping up for some major fireworks."
Back form commercial.
Makaroa Island, Ta'aroa camp, Night 24. The tribe is arriving back from Tribal Council with five, including new member Maria, who pulls Paula aside.
Maria: Do you know who threw that other vote at me?
Paula: Yeah, I did.
Maria: What? You know how tight we have to be. Why are you going and stirring up trouble?
Paula: I promised Harriet I wouldn't vote for her. I knew she was going.
Maria: Then it should have been unanimous. We have to stay together. This is not a drill, Paula. We could be merging tomorrow.
(confessional) Maria: The stray vote for me is no big deal. I'm only upset about the timing of it. If Paula will send a message like that, then she will send a message like it when we merge.
Paula: Give it a rest, OK? I'm with you guys.
Maria: That's what I told the other tribe, and they believed it, and now I'm back here with you.
Paula: So wait, they think you're with them?
Maria: Yes, why?
(confessional) Paula: Why indeed? Why would I want Fati to think Maria's with them? It's too perfect.
Paula (to Ozzy): The other tribe thinks Maria's with them.
Ozzy: Well, is she?
Paula: She came with us, didn't she? She came here and didn't give them a chance to eat with us. Who could trust her over there?
(confessional) Ozzy: Maria's pretty much a persona non grata on the other tribe. She has to be with us. We're her only chance.
Paula (to Twila): Look, I know you used to be on the other tribe. Just tell me you're with us, and I won't say anything.
Twila: I'm with you guys. I swear on my--
Paula: Don't even say it, Tanner.
(confessional) Paula: Twila almost swore on her son, and the last time she did that, she didn't go through with it. I can't have that, and neither can this tribe.
Kamaka Island, Fati camp, Day 25. The tribe is hard at work; Tom, Cirie, and Terry are conferring while preparing fish.
Tom: There's five here and five there. Twila's one of us. I think we can flip her.
Terry: Maybe if Harriet stuck around, we can get her.
Cirie: What can we promise these people?
Terry: That they'll go out after Charlie and Danni, at the very least.
(confessional) Cirie: If we rope Twila in, we can promise her final four, and then we vote either her or Terry off at that point. I probably win in that scenario, so I don't see a problem with it.
The camera switches to Charlie and Danni, who are cracking open coconuts for the tribe.
Charlie: I wonder what those pinheads are trying to do.
Danni: Whatever it is, you can be sure it doesn't involve us.
Charlie: Remember the plan, though. We're good as long as everything falls into place.
(confessional) Danni: Charlie and I don't quite control the game, but it's not hard for us to be able to control it. If Tom and Cirie try to cut us loose, we'll just align with the part of the tribe that doesn't flip over and turn the tables on them.
Danni: So who from the other tribe is likely to flip?
Charlie: Assuming Tom, Cirie, and Terry are in an alliance without us, they probably go after Maria. We just need to get in with the rest of the tribe.
Danni: Do you think that puts out in fifth and sixth?
Charlie: Not even close. Remember, we just need a loyal soldier who's in with us, and we can't lose. That or an immunity idol, and you have one of those.
The camera switches to Angakauitai Island, Day 25. The two tribes row onto the neutral camp, where two tribal mats are placed near the Survivor: All-Stars II flag.
Jeff: Come on in, Fati!
The Fati tribe files in; Tom leads, followed by Cirie, Terry, Danni, and Charlie, in that order.
Jeff: Come on in, Ta'aroa!
The Ta'aroa tribe files in; Ozzy leads, followed by Paula, Yau-Man, Maria, and Twila.
Jeff: Fati getting their first look at the new Ta'aroa tribe. Harriet voted out at the last Tribal Council.
Tom (to Cirie): So we go after Twila?
Cirie: Makes sense.
Jeff: Let's get to today's challenge. It is for reward. I have here some envelopes. Tom, come on up and get yours.
Tom walks up, and Jeff hands him an envelope that resembles a small accordion-file. Tom reaches inside and pulls out a bundle of American currency.
Tom: There's cash in here!
Tom gives an excited look all around. Some others follow suit.
Jeff: There is a thousand dollars in $20 bills in that envelope. I have nine more just like it. Everyone else, come on up and grab them.
The rest of the tribe comes up to get their envelopes. One person pulls out a bundle with what appears to be a red cloth item. The camera shows that this is Yau-Man undoing what is shown to be a red buff.
Yau-Man: We're merging!
Jeff: Everyone has a buff just like it in the envelope. Congratulations, everyone; you made the merge.
Both tribes discard their old buffs, dropping them at Jeff's feet; they replace the old buffs with new, bold red ones. The buffs are a slightly metallic replica of Xhakum red.
Jeff: Fati and Ta'aroa are no more, and your campsites are also no more. Your rewards will be packed up and sent here. For the duration of the game, you will live right here where it all began.
(confessional) Yau-Man: I know all about starting over in the middle of the game. But this time, we have stuff to work with. We're not at bare-bones like when I was in Fiji. Watch and learn, everyone.
Jeff: There are a few matters of business to attend to. I will let you guys name the new tribe after I'm gone. But you're probably wondering what all the money is for. Well, I'll tell you, but first, I have to know. Is anyone in possession of an immunity idol?
The camera focuses on Danni and Maria, who are noticeably silent.
Jeff: Anyone who has one needs to come up here and hand it to me right now.
Danni nervously takes the idol out of her pocket and walks slowly up to Jeff.
Jeff: Danni handing over an idol. Come on; I know there's more.
Maria gives a defeated look before pulling out her idol and passing it up to Jeff.
Jeff: I assume that's all of them.
No one else says a word.
Jeff: Good. Danni and Maria, your idols are no longer useful in the game. However, we're not just going to leave you empty-handed. I have here an additional envelope for each of you.
Jeff hands each of them a smaller envelope. The two open it up to see more money and a scroll inside.
Jeff: Don't open those scrolls just yet. The two of you will be the only ones in possession of clues to the next hidden immunity idol until the next Tribal Council.
(confessional) Danni: Jeff pretty much robbed me blind and then gave me some stuff for my trouble. It's a little like having your car stolen and getting a check from your insurance company for enough money to buy a scooter. And then, just as a token of goodwill, the insurance company enters you in a contest for a new car.
Jeff: Danni and Maria, your envelopes contain an extra $500 in $20 bills. This should come in handy.
Behind Jeff, a boat appears carrying what appears to be a table used for previous auctions. The table is situated soon in a convenient spot while everyone carries out a stool to sit on.
Jeff: In case it isn't obvious, the Survivor Auction is back. In seasons past, we have had merge feasts. Sometimes the Survivors have had to work for the feast. Sometimes they have to sacrifice. Sometimes they have to perform for it. This time, you have to pay for it. I remind you that you are allowed to pool money, but you can only split items if I say it's OK. Also, as another reward for Danni and Maria...
Jeff takes out two dishes of fresh pineapple and sets them on the table.
Jeff: ...we have pineapple for you. This is yours at no cost.
Danni and Maria get up and joyfully and take their pineapple dishes.
(confessional) Paula: For the ladies who had the idols, they got showered with all kinds of nice stuff. I guess it was a consolation, to say "We're sorry we took your best shot at winning."
Jeff pounds his gavel on the table.
Jeff: With that, the Survivor Auction is open. The first item for bids...
Jeff takes out a larger dish of pineapple.
Jeff: ...pineapple just like what Danni and Maria got, only more of it. I'll start the bidding at $20.
Charlie: Twenty.
Paula: Forty.
Ozzy: I'll do 100.
Paula: One twenty.
Jeff: This is going for a lot.
Maria: Two hundred.
Paula looks inquisitively at Maria.
Maria: What? I like pineapple.
Jeff: Two hundred to Maria going once...twice...
Jeff pounds his gavel.
Jeff: Sold to Maria for two hundred.
Maria pays Jeff the $200 and takes her pineapple. She eats it slowly and loudly.
Maria: This is better than sex.
Charlie: I wouldn't know about that.
Maria cracks up at Charlie's comment.
Jeff: OK, we have another item here. I'll keep it a mystery. The bidding will open at $40.
Charlie: What the hell. $40.
Paula: Sixty.
Charlie: Eighty.
Paula: One hundred.
Tom: One twenty.
Terry: One sixty.
Tom: I'm out.
Jeff: One sixty to Terry going once...twice...
Jeff pounds his gavel.
Jeff: Sold to Terry for one sixty.
Terry goes up to pay Jeff and get his item.
Jeff: Terry, before I give this to you, I'd like to offer you what's in this box.
Terry: No deal, Jeff.
Jeff: I haven't even shown you what's in the box!
Terry: I don't want it.
Jeff: OK, suit yourself. In the box was...
Jeff opens up the box and reveals a small can of Pringles and a Mountain Dew.
Jeff: ...Pringles and a Mountain Dew. Let's see what you got.
Jeff lifts the lid off the item. Inside is a glass of cow's blood.
Jeff: I hope you like cow's blood, Terry.
Twila: Not as much as I do, Jeff.
Terry: He said I'm not allowed to share.
Terry goes back and sets the blood down next to him.
Jeff: OK, next up we have the snack Terry turned down. Pringles and a Mountain Dew.
Paula: One hundred.
Ozzy: One forty.
Yau-Man: Too much for me.
Paula: One sixty.
Ozzy: Two hundred.
Jeff: Ozzy wants it bad.
Paula: He can have it.
Jeff: Two hundred to Ozzy going once...twice...
Jeff bangs his gavel.
Jeff: Sold to Ozzy for two hundred.
Ozzy goes up to claim the prize; the Mountain Dew is still clearly cold.
Ozzy: Thanks for the snack, Terry.
Terry: Of course.
Jeff: Next up, we have...
Jeff pulls out a plate from under the table.
Jeff: ...a hamburger. Condiments are on the side, and you get a cold Pepsi with it. I'll open the bidding at a hundred.
Charlie: Three hundred.
Cirie: Damn.
Terry: Four hundred.
Jeff: Terry not a small spender.
Terry: Anything to get my mind off that cow's blood.
Charlie: Five hundred.
Terry: Six hundred.
Charlie: Six twenty.
Terry: Six forty.
Charlie: Six eighty.
Terry: Eight hundred.
Charlie: Enjoy it, man.
Jeff: Eight hundred dollars to Terry going once...twice...
Terry: Is it too late for buyer's remorse?
Jeff bangs his gavel.
Jeff: ...sold to Terry despite his buyer's remorse.
Terry goes up and grabs the hamburger and Pepsi.
Terry: This had better be a filet mignon sandwich.
Jeff: I don't set the prices, Terry.
Terry: Can you get me in touch with whoever does?
Jeff: OK Charlie, what do you have to say to him?
Charlie: I bet it's the best burger you've ever had.
Terry: Damn right.
Jeff: OK, next up we have another nice item...
Jeff takes out an ice cream sundae.
Jeff: It's big enough for two, so whoever wins it can split it with one other person.
Charlie: A thousand dollars.
Jeff: Holy cow. Anyone want to beat that?
The camera shows Danni and Maria conferring.
Danni: We'll go with $1,020, Jeff.
Charlie: Hey Deitz, gimme your $40 and we'll split it.
Terry: A thousand forty, Jeff.
Danni: A thousand sixty between me and Maria.
Charlie begins conferring with Yau-Man. Yau-Man begins to raise a hand to make a bid.
Danni: And we'll both strip naked.
Charlie: I withdraw my bid.
Jeff: A thousand and sixty to Danni and Maria going once...twice...
Jeff bangs his gavel.
Jeff: Sold to Danni and Maria for $1,060 and no clothes. Maria, I take it this was your idea.
Maria: Damn straight.
Maria drops her bikini and Jeff's feet as she picks up the sundae.
Maria: Would it be an auction if I kept my clothes on?
(confessional) Danni (still naked): I let the naked girl talk me into this. I didn't exactly mind, though. I don't have any problem kicking back and relaxing.
The two girls sit together and begin eating the sundae, which is massive and covered in whipped cream, hot fudge, and caramel.
Charlie: Someone get these two girls a hot tub and some champagne.
Jeff: I thought you and Danni were an item.
Charlie: She never let me see this much.
Jeff: Fair enough. Next up...it's not quite a hot tub, but...
Jeff uncovers a plate with more fresh fruit.
Jeff: ...chocolate-covered strawberries.
Maria (with her mouth full): Everything I have.
Danni: Me too.
Charlie: I can't match it.
Jeff: All of Danni and Maria's money going once...twice...
Jeff bangs his gavel.
Jeff: ...sold to Danni and Maria for...
Danni and Maria grab their sundae, drop their envelopes on the table, and carry their strawberries back with them.
Jeff: ...a lot.
Danni: Thanks, boys.
(confessional) Terry: And here comes Danni and Maria acting like schoolgirls. I wanted to explode.
Terry: I can't deal with this anymore.
Terry gets up, tosses his money on the table, and sets down his hamburger, which is almost all the way eaten, and his empty Pepsi and walks away.
Jeff: OK, we're down to seven in the auction. Danni and Maria are out of money, and Terry has excused himself.
The camera shows Terry in the background beginning to lay palms on the shelter.
Tom: Hey, it's less competition for me.
Jeff: Indeed. We have another item up for bids.
Charlie: Don't tell me. Massage oil.
Jeff: You wish.
Danni: So do we!
Jeff: We have a plate of nachos complete with...
Jeff takes out a frosty mug of beer with a Budweiser logo on it.
Jeff: ...cold beer. I'll open the bidding at two hundred.
Charlie: Give it here.
Jeff: We have $200.
Tom: Two twenty.
Charlie: Three hundred.
Yau-Man: Three forty.
Charlie: Three sixty.
Tom: Well, it's not Guinness.
Jeff: Three sixty to Charlie going once...twice...
Jeff bangs his gavel.
Jeff: Sold to Charlie for three sixty.
Charlie: You kept me waiting for too long for one of these.
Charlie takes the nachos and beer back and sets them on Terry's seat.
Charlie: This is quite possibly the best day of my life.
Danni: Mine, too!
The camera focuses on Danni and Maria, who playfully feed each other strawberries.
Jeff: Charlie, do you have a problem with this?
Charlie: If I had a problem with it, I would have bought the damn strawberries myself.
Jeff: Good point. Next up...I have these.
Jeff lays out envelopes on the table.
Jeff: These are letters from home. I know you guys miss home. I'll start the bidding at two hundred.
Tom: Two hundred.
Cirie: Three hundred.
Paula: Five hundred.
Tom: A thousand.
Paula: Damn, Tom.
Jeff: All Tom's money going once...twice...
Jeff bangs his gavel.
Jeff: Sold to Tom for $1,000.
Tom goes up to get his letter, lays his envelope on the table, and begins to read the letter. It appears to be from his kids.
The background shows Terry finishing the roof on the shelter.
Jeff: There's a big decision to make here. One other person will receive a letter from home. It can be anyone; it's free.
Jeff: I'll give it to Cirie.
Jeff: Cirie, I have your letter.
Cirie goes up to get her letter; she opens it up, and it also appears to be from her kids.
Jeff: I said earlier that there were no clues to the next idol. Well, I lied. There is one, and it's right here. I'll open the bidding at--
Paula: A thousand dollars.
Jeff: Sold to Paula.
Jeff bangs his gavel.
Jeff: This is a different clue from what Danni and Maria got.
Paula stashes the clue instantly. Danni and Maria clearly don't see her do so.
Paula (to Danni and Maria): You girls enjoying yourselves?
Maria: Care to make it three?
Paula: Sorry, Maria, you're not my type.
Charlie: You see, Jeff, if this were a perfect day, she would follow that with, "But Danni is," and join them.
Paula: Keep dreaming, goofy.
Charlie: Gladly.
Jeff: Twila and Yau-Man, you guys haven't bought anything.
Yau-Man: How can I compete with the girls?
Jeff: Maybe with one of these.
Jeff pulls out an air mattress.
Jeff: The winner of this item will have sole possession of this air mattress. I'll open the bidding at five hundred.
Charlie: Everything I have.
Ozzy: Eight hundred.
Jeff: Eight hundred already.
Twila: Nine hundred.
Yau-Man: Nine forty.
Twila: Nine eighty.
Yau-Man: A thousand.
Jeff: Sold to Yau-Man for $1,000.
Yau-Man takes the bed and starts inflating it.
Jeff: I have something that you savers might enjoy.
Jeff takes out an envelope sealed with wax.
Jeff: This is an advantage to any future immunity challenge. It's no guarantee of safety, but it will give you a significant leg up in any challenge.
Charlie: Five hundred.
Ozzy: Eight hundred.
Twila is shown giving a glazed-over look.
Jeff: Eight hundred to Ozzy going once...twice...
Jeff bangs his gavel.
Jeff: Sold to Ozzy for eight hundred.
Twila: Wait, what was that?
Jeff: An advantage to any future immunity challenge.
Twila: Damn, I could have used that.
Ozzy: You could have outbid me, too.
Twila looks in her envelope.
Twila: Damn, I could have.
Jeff: I have one last item here.
Jeff takes out a crate with fresh fruit, wine, a case of Diet Pepsi, some Reese's Pieces, and some Pringles.
Jeff: Whoever wins this gets to share it with the tribe.
Twila: A thousand dollars.
Jeff: Sold to Twila for a thousand dollars.
Twila carries the crate to the beach; some Survivors gather around.
Jeff: With that, the auction is over.
Jeff bangs the gavel one last time.
Jeff: Welcome home, Survivors. You have just fifteen days left in the game. You will spend it here.
Charlie, Twila, and Yau-Man dig into the crate while Jeff heads out.
The camera focuses on Danni and Maria, who exchange a quick kiss before heading to the beach hand-in-hand.
Danni rejoins and embraces Charlie while still naked; Charlie joyfully kisses her as the screen cuts to commercial.