Survivor Season 38 Edge of Extinction Week 5 Recap

For Survivor's 38th season, 18 castaways (14 remaining) will be sorted into two groups as usual. However, this season introduces a new twist, wherein contestants who are voted off have an option to take a boat to an area known as the "Extinction Island", rather than leave the game permanently. Contestants then may either wait for an opportunity to re-join the main game, or may choose to leave the game at any point. The remaining contestants will initially be unaware of this twist. There are currently four people on the island.

********************************************************************************

EXTINCTION ISLAND

Rick shows up to the pity party and is shocked how miserable it is. However things change a bit when Chris finds a box with rolled up maps in it. Rick solved the clue as to what to do so they decided to eat and then head off together. Well, except for Keith who took off to find whatever it was. Everyone raced after him and Chris got to the special tree first to find a bundle of sticks in a tube that just said "practice". At the other mystery location, Rick found an advantage that gave someone else still in the game an extra vote.

The next day, they got another set of maps which Rick thought he had solved was wasn't quite in the right area. Reem and Keith see something out in the water and he grabs it. In the box was a set of knotted ropes to make someone's task harder. It must be some kind of competition for them to get back in the game somehow.

********************************************************************************

Immunity Challenge

This was a double episode so I want to get down to business. The first part of this challenge was to dive off a platform and release a set of buoys. Kama was the first to release them all and start attempting to build a pyramid puzzle. Manu was right behind them, but Lesu...poor Lesu kept diving down multiple, multiple times and couldn't get the buoys to release. Everyone was working on the puzzle and they hadn't even gotten their first piece yet.

But hold on, we all know the puzzle is the great equalizer especially if you get stumped. Kama solved it to earn immunity. In one of the greatest comebacks, Lesu made it to the puzzle stage finally and quickly solved it before Manu did, sending them to tribal and finally giving themselves a night off.

********************************************************************************

Tribal Council

Now this is their first time at tribal. Most everyone was thinking Wendy was gone over Aubry, since she was the only non-original Kama. However, Victoria wanted to do a fake "girl alliance" and target the guys while really blindsiding Aubry. However when talking to Wendy she wouldn't even answer anyone's questions, so they were like why are we even trying to work with her? Oh, and as they were walking, Aubry found the extra vote in her bag sent from Extinction Island!

Wendy got one vote. Aubry didn't use her idol or advantage, got three votes to be blindsided and sent down the path. She chose the island. #NoBrainer

********************************************************************************

Immunity Challenge

This challenge would only have one winner, with both of the losing tribes going to tribal. They had to climb a ladder and work through an obstacle while moving a bag attached to a rope around the poles. Everyone got there basically at the same time.

Next they had to pull a ball attached to a rope from inside the bag, and ring a hoop with it to open the gate. Kama got out to another big lead here, and solved the slide puzzle at the end to win immunity.

Lesu and Manu both go to tribal together, and have to vote out only one person.

********************************************************************************

Tribal Council

Lesu decided to vote four strong together, even if it took them tying and going to drawing rocks. However, Wardog is just starting to rub everyone the wrong way and Lauren admitted that if the votes were on him, she would flip the second time. Wentworth got aggravated with him as well, and when he disappeared looking for an idol, everyone else did the same. When they finally found him, he played it off. However, Wentworth found an idol hanging in a tree right behind him that he never saw! She walked past Lauren and whispered "I found it". Lauren replied that she had one too.

Manu, on the other hand, believes if they stay four strong, then someone in Lesu will flip because they have two returning players and neither of them want to take the chance at rocks. But would Lesu call their bluff?

Wendy got four votes. Lauren got four votes.

Before the re-vote there were many discussions, some between members of opposite tribes. In the end though, Manu realized that Wendy wasn't worth the risk and she got the first four votes to be sent out. She chose the island as well.

So that leaves us with (total votes received in parentheses):

Lesu: Wardog, Lauren* (7), Wentworth* (4) and David

Manu: Victoria, Eric, Gavin 

Kama: Julia, Aurora, Julie, Joe, Ron**

Voted out (in order) and on Extinction Island: Reem, Keith, Chris, Rick, Aubry* **, Wendy

*Has a Hidden Immunity Idol
Lauren found hers in Week 2.
Aubry found hers Week 3.
Wentworth found her this week.

**Has a Secret Advantage
Ron found his on the boat in Week 1. It had to be played by Week 3 so it's no longer any good.
Aubry was sent an extra vote from from Rick on Extinction Island this week. No idea if it is still good.

********************************************************************************