Survivor: Last Resort: Cape Verde 1.8 - Episode 8

Survivor: Last Resort: Cape Verde 1.8 - Episode 8
Writer: Chad Taylor

The eight remaining castaways return to camp, a bit in a celebratory mood. They have now passed the halfway point and the end is in sight for some. For Jim and Jose, the last vote was a bit demoralizing as it means they are the only two left from their original tribe. Despite often switching from enemies to friends and back again, this sense of isolation has made them form an unlikely bond and they seem to be on as good of terms as they have ever been. This is not the first time they were the two outsiders in a group of eight. They agree that they need to build upon the Francis animosity from the last few days and put the target on him.

Francis is alone in the woods, venturing off by himself. He tells the camera that he knows that he has rubbed some people the wrong way so he needs an insurance policy. His search for a Hidden Immunity Idol this time becomes successful as he finds out hidden in a pile of rocks. As the biggest Survivor fan out here, he pumps his fist in the air and has a huge smile on his face. Since Rajon did not tell him about the HII he found earlier in the season, Francis is going to repay the favor and keep this to himself.

Meanwhile, Laura starts to build upon the connection that she and Rajon had formed on the previous reward trip. In confessional, she talks about how she was initially worried he would be roped in by another duo like Megan and Fiona so this was a power play. But over the course of the last few days, he’s become a real friend, which she never would have expected coming in. He seems genuine, whereas Francis seems to only think about the game. In his confessional, Rajon echoes this sentiment. He says it is not too crazy that a DJ and a social media influencer would be friends but its moreso their socioeconomic background that makes them so different. She came from an affluent family that allowed her to put time into becoming famous online while he has to work gigs every night to make a living. He reiterates that his goal is to win this game and buy a new DJ kit so that he can continue pursuing what he loves.

At the immunity challenge, the castaways are each standing on a tall narrow platform in the open waters. Each castaway must use a canteen to pour water in a tube that will lift a key to open a lock. The lock releases a rope, allowing the castaway to lower a plank into the water. First castaway to lower five planks and walk them wins immunity. Given that he is the most physically fit of the bunch and has the best sense of balance, Chase makes quick work compared to everyone else and runs away with the challenge. Chase wins individual immunity.

Megan and Fiona meet in private to discuss their path going forward. They believe they have the strongest bond in the game, which will beneficial in getting to the end. Megan is a bit more laid back in regards to the strategizing while Fiona is focused and has her eyes on the prize. She is determined to win and, if not her, then Megan. They debate whether or not they should final pacts with either Chase and Laura or Jim and Jose.

With his Hidden Immunity Idol as an insurance policy, Francis is determined to put his gameplay into a higher gear this vote. He approaches Laura and Chase - his old allies - and asks them where their head is at. He wants to know if they are interested in forming an alliance with him and Rajon, who can run the game until the end. They play along with his scheme but can tell they are non-commital. So he pulls out his wild card and reveals to them that his wife Sarah was on the Togo tribe to start the game. Since she was the first to be voted out, he has been devastated ever since and often wondered if he should quit or not. This does seem to gain some traction, especially with Chase. He proposes to the duo that Jose - easily the most conniving castaway left - be their next target. In confessional, Francis tells Sarah he loves her and that he hopes she doesn’t mind that he used their marriage to gain sympathy from their tribemates.

Laura and Chase discuss their options with Rajon, who is still conflicted about his feelings toward Francis. He justs wishes Francis would be honest with him for once. He tells Laura and Chase he will go with whatever they decide. Laura smiles to Chase, acknowledging that her work has paid off as they now have a solid third ally. Meanwhile, Fiona and Megan convene. Megan reveals that Francis told her in secret that his wife was on the Togo tribe. Fiona is shocked by this but - unlike Chase and Laura - she doubles down on the need for him to go. Him using that sympathy card in front of the jury could lead to him winning so they need to cut that out that knees. Megan, a fairly compassionate person, is surprised to hear Fiona be so cutthroat but she likes it.

At Tribal Council, the castaways discuss making to the halfway point. Francis says that literally every small move they make could end up being what wins them the game or gets them voted out. Chase says that this forces them to think long and hard about who they align themselves with. As the jury of Chase and Bonds watch on, Jose waves at them and says that everyone also has to start thinking of their perceptions from the people they vote out as they are who decides who wins. After some more small talk, Jeff tells them it is time to vote.

After everyone has voted, Probst says that if anyone has a Hidden Immunity Idol, now would be the time to play it. Francis slowly stands up and stretches as he pulls one from his pocket. He looks at the pairs of Fiona and Megan and Jose and Jim and tells them he hopes they had a back-up plan. He hands Jeff the idol, who spends a moment examining it. He says that this is not a Hidden Immunity Idol so any votes against Francis will still count. Francis is stunned while Jose looks to Chad in the jury section and gives him a sly wink.

First vote...Francis

….Francis

….Francis

….Francis

Four votes Francis, four votes left

….Jose

…….The ninth person to be voted off of Survivor: Last Resort and the third member of our jury: Francis. The tribe has spoken. He slumps his shoulders in defeat but says that at least he went out swinging.

In his post-show confessional, Francis has a big smile on his face, saying he doesn’t think he could’ve gone out any other way. It is unfortunate that this alliance with Rajon, Laura, and Chase didn’t materialize but it’s all in the past now. He does say kudos to whoever created the fake idol, if he ever finds out then that is who will get his vote in the end.