Stalemate.
The Kucha and Ogakor tribes merged on Thursday night’s episode, and much like the current U.S. Senate, members held true to party lines.
Just before the merge, the women of both tribes were forced to spend a night together at the Ogakor camp, while the men of both tribes were forced to hunker down at Kucha Beach. The women ate tortillas; the men tore into seasoned fried chicken.
But the fine dining couldn’t inspire genteel relations. Conflict arose immediately.
At the Kucha camp, hosts Nick, Jeff and Rodger remained as polite as humanly possible while guests Colby and Keith cracked jokes. After dinner, Jeff remarked that Keith was a “puppy dog” following Colby around, and that Colby was displaying a fake smile all the while. At the Ogakor camp, guests Elisabeth and Alicia winced at the sight of the food Jerri was preparing.
Finally, the entirety of both tribes merged into a new clan — the Barramundi (named after an Outback species of fish) – camped at Challenge Beach. The Barramundi were treated to a picnic of fruit, cheese and red wine, which they disposed of immediately. But how long would the celebration last?
About 15 minutes.
Members of the former Kucha and Ogakor tribes reconvened, and the plotting began. As the first Barramundi immunity challenge commenced – which required all members to perch atop a wooden cylinder for hours on end – a very divided group practiced their strategies. Those with no previous votes against them bailed early, tempted by host Jeff Probst, who offered treats such as chocolate and peanut butter.
Left standing: Keith, Alicia and Tina. After being tempted by a round of hot chocolate, Alicia dropped off. Ex-Ogakor members Keith and Tina came to a strategic agreement. Keith had to win, with one previous vote against him. Tina begrudgingly stepped down.
At Tribal Council, strategy was still key. The former Kucha members feared Colby and all voted against him. The former Ogakor members knew Jeff had a previous vote and all voted against him. The result was a five-to-five tie. After a re-vote, in which Colby and Jeff were banned from voting, the result was a similar four-to-four tie.
It all came down to previous votes. Colby had none. Jeff took the fall.
And then there were nine.
