By Brian M. Rafferty
The tide has turned on the Marquesas Islands, and College Point’s Robert DeCanio may soon be all washed up.
After weeks of leadership by John, a registered nurse, some contestants on the CBS television show “Survivor” realized that they were being played, instead of playing the game.
“I refuse to be a pawn in somebody else’s game,” said Kathy from Vermont.
After the two tribes merged for form Soliantu, there had been a quick move to get rid of Boston Rob, which seemed to put allies Sean, Vecepia and Kathy in jeopardy.
But Kathy spoke with Neleh and Paschal, explaining clearly that if those two did not join with her, all five of them would be eliminated one at a time by John, Rob, Zoe and Tammy.
Paschal and Neleh held out though, until it was time for the immunity challenge.
Each contestant had three bunches of coconuts up a tree, attached to a rope. The contestants were asked a series of questions about life in the Marquesas, and if they got an answer correct, they were able to cut somebody’s rope. The last one with coconuts left in the tree would win and get immunity from that night’s vote.
As the game went on, the first ones to get eliminated were Sean, Vecepia and Kathy. They all admitted that they knew they were on the short list, but the next ones to be chopped down were Paschal and Neleh, followed by members of the four-person alliance.
“That’s exactly how the voting is going to go,” Sean said, getting Paschal’s attention.
That night at Tribal Council, the show’s host Jeff Probst asked Paschal how he thought the game was going. Paschal, who had previously been sure to shy away from alliances, replied, “I don’t think I started playing the game until today.”
John, the self-described leader of the four-member alliance, was voted out by Paschal, Neleh, Sean, Vecepia and Kathy, and the power shifted away from the others, including Rob “The General” DeCanio.
With the shift in power, it now seems likely that, barring any unforeseen plot twists, Rob may not make it to the finals. However, John and all six of the next castaways to be voted off (which may include Rob) will make up the jury, and get to stay on the island through the duration of the game and will ultimately decide which survivor walks away with $1 million.
“Survivor” airs on CBS at 8 p.m. Thursday.
