Survivor 23: Episode 14: And Then There Were Five

 REDEMPTION DUEL: BLOCK IT OUT
 Ozzy quickly solves the slide puzzle releasing his hatchet. Edna struggles with the puzzle until Albert gives her suggestions from the audience. Meanwhile, Ozzy uses the hatchet to release his puzzle cubes and starts working on stacking the cubes. He is in the lead. Edna finally solves her slide puzzle and uses the hatchet to retrieve her puzzle cubes. She has some catching up to do. Ozzy moves his cubes around trying to make sure that the same color does not repeat on any of the four sides of his stack. Each side of the stack must have four different colors red, green, yellow and blue. Edna works quickly trying to solve her cube stack, while Ozzy takes his time, since he has had so much more time to work on this final puzzle. Edna once again receives suggestions from her former tribe mates in the audience. Ozzy receives no help from the audience, which proves that they do not want Ozzy back in the game. In the end, Ozzy solves his cube puzzle first and wins the duel. Therefore, Ozzy stays on Redemption Island, while Edna is out of the game and joins the jury.

Brandon announces right at the beginning of Tribal Council that he is going to give up his immunity necklace to Albert. This surprises Jeff, the jury and Coach, Sophie and Rick. Brandon explains that he wants to honor his commitments. He says, "I had a lot of time to pray with Albert and I knew that if I didn’t give him the immunity tonight, then he was going to Redemption.” Brandon goes on to explain that when he was younger and part of a gang, he was often called crazy or "loco” for being so loyal when others weren’t. He hopes that his tribe mates will stay loyal to him now. Jeff reminds him that he is in a game competing for a million dollars. Albert admits that he has a real and spiritual bond with Brandon and Coach, which is stronger than his bond with Rick and Sophie. Albert says that he would give Brandon back the immunity necklace, if he felt Brandon were in danger tonight. Sophie rolls her eyes. Rick admits that he feels vulnerable, since Albert has the necklace and someone else has the hidden immunity idol, so only three of them can be voted out tonight. Coach winces because Rick has just exposed the fact that he has the idol to others. The remaining Te Tuna members all knew that Coach had the idol, but not everyone in the jury did. Rick apologizes to Coach for exposing the idol. Coach says, "It’s okay, it’s better safe than sorry at this point.” Brandon realizes that he might not be safe tonight. He tells Jeff that it is up to Albert if he wants to give him the necklace back tonight. Albert tries to assure Brandon that he and Coach are on his side. Albert says, "Honestly, I don’t think he’s going home tonight, so I’m not giving him the necklace back.” Coach reveals that he has prayed about what to do tonight and therefore is at peace. Brandon does not feel at peace. The votes are then cast. Brandon and Albert vote for Sophie, while everyone else votes for Brandon. As Brandon goes to pick up his torch and take it to Jeff, Coach hugs him and says, "It’s God’s will. Go win redemption.” So, Brandon Hantz, the 19 year-old nephew of Russell Hantz, from Katy, TX, becomes the fourteenth person voted out of SURVIVOR: SOUTH PACIFIC and sent to Redemption Island. 

ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: Um…wow. I’ve always help up Erik giving up his immunity necklace in Fans vs. Favorites and then being voted out as the gold standard of dumb Survivor moves. What’s so odd about Brandon now doing the same thing is that he doesn’t seem to view it as dumb in the least. How can I call something strategically idiotic when the person doing it actively refuses to engage in anything strategic? Where does Brandon’s act fall for you in the annals of stupid Survivor moves like what Erik did, James being voted out with two immunity idols, Tyson essentially voting himself out, J.T. giving Russell his idol, etc…
JEFF PROBST: I agree with you that it’s hard to label this as a dumb move since it seems to be based on Brandon feeling it was the “right thing to do.” The more interesting question for me is, did Albert know Brandon was going home? Did he sit there and play dumb when Brandon asked for the idol back?

Be honest Jeff. You’re in danger and someone gives you his immunity idol. That then puts him in danger. You give it back?
Ah, I see you asked my last question with this question! No. You can’t. Not if you want to win.

Both returning players, Coach and Ozzy, have made it to the finale but in completely different ways: Coach by dominating socially and strategically, and Ozzy by dominating physically at Redemption Island. Which is more impressive? And if Ozzy gets back in the game and makes it to the finals, which route would earn your vote as a jury member?
If Ozzy makes it back to the final 3 it’s very hard to vote against him. It’s just such a monumental achievement. But right now my vote would go to Coach if he makes it. I don’t see the case for Rick or Albert. Brandon is out of contention. Sophie is the dark horse. Depends what happens the last few days.

Just one episode left. Tease us up for both the finale and the reunion on Sunday.
It’s the finale, what else do you need? If Ozzy gets back in, he is the favorite.

Savaii			Upolu
"Papa Bear" -	Karen D.		Sophie ---	Pat
"Cochran"---	Brendan		Albert ----	Steve
Whitney ------	Cara		Brandon --	Brandon
"Ozzy" -------	Christianne		Edna ------	Karen R.
Dawn ----------	Kim		Rick -------	Colin
Jim ------------	Lauren		Stacey ----	Erin
Keith ----------	Dick		Christine-	Warren
Elyse ----------	Cheryl		"Coach" -	Tonya
			Mikayla --	Sandy