Hey, Survivor is on! Apologies for not recapping last week’s episode — when you’re the sole recapper, things get difficult when a family emergency arises. But we’re all good, and this week’s episode already looks pretty recap-worthy.

At the start of this week’s Survivor, Dom chats about his strong friendship with Wendell. The two are tight, but he didn’t come here to make friends — he needs to win. And one big thing with Dom is that he’s got a real sense of where to find idols. He looked around the woods for anything that seemed off and ended up finding David’s fake idol. James played it, thinking it was legit, but alas — it was a fake. But, this isn’t an idol that Dom has. It’s an opportunity.

Dom needs to plant the idol somewhere and try to convince someone else it’s real, similarly to how David did with James. Dom is happy he found it and isn’t sure whether or not to target anyone individually just yet.

The Immunity Challenge

Speaking of immunity, it’s time for the immunity challenge. This challenge includes pressure and release. Survivor contestants can’t let the ball drop. And there’s a twist — two people will be winning immunity, and two people will be voted out tonight. Two separate tribal councils! Everyone’s shocked.

The contestants will draw for two temporary tribes, simply called orange and purple. Jeff Probst also says that the last person in the challenge will be able to sneak into the first tribal council and figure out who was voted out before everyone else.

Kellyn is out first, and even she seems surprised. Michael is out next. “That’s how quickly it can happen!” Probst reminds the remaining eight.

Very quickly, only two are left on the orange team. And oddly enough, it’s Wendell and Dom. Over on purple, Sebastian and Jenna both drop the ball at the same time. For purple, only Chelsea and Angela are left. And it’s only been 15 minutes since this challenge started. After a strong fight, Chelsea wins for the second week in a row!

But, Dom and Wendell are still in this. And they’re both pretty certain they’ll win. “You know I’m not going anywhere,” Dom says. He tries to taunt Wendell a little, and gets a bit cocky. His wife and kids are watching, and he’s going to win that necklace tonight. Famous last words, bro.

Actually, no. Wendell finally caves, so Dom was 100% correct. Dom will get that advantage as well.  But, someone’s going home, and it’s probably Michael. Let’s be honest here.

Dom says that the plan is to put votes on Michael. Donathan chats with him, and Donathan is unsure about whether or not he should play his idol tonight. Michael asks Donathan if he can showcase his idol and make it looks like it’s his, and Donathan tells him hell no. He doesn’t want to be linked to that plan when it blows up in his face. “I would have liked to have heard something different,” Michael says. Instead, he might just tell people he has an idol.

The Plan Is In Place

He tells Kellyn that he has an idol and is playing it tonight regardless, and she seems shocked. “I feel like she does believe that I have the idol,” Michael says. “I’ve really done all I can.” Kellyn talks about it with Dom, and Dom 100% believes he’s lying.

“It’s risky, but I’m voting for Michael,” Dom says. Still, Kellyn is worried. She tells Chelsea it might be her, and says she’s going to vote for Laurel as it’s a safer bet. Kellyn, totally freaking, also tells Wendell about the idol. Laurel is Wendell’s ally, so yes, everyone needs to figure out a plan here.

Kellyn plans to use her extra vote tonight and put two votes towards Laurel, just in case.

Then there’s the whole other tribal council. Sebastian says they’re going to be voting for Jenna, but they’re going to tell Jenna it’s Donathan. If this somehow backfires for Donathan, I’m going to be pretty damn pissed.

 

She gets real sad and tells Donathan that she’s told it’s her, as she doesn’t want Donathan to play his idol (since she thinks votes will be going to him.)

Donathan and Laurel meet up. They’re on different “tribes” but they’re great allies. Both are kind of terrified about their fate. Donathan and Jenna talk again, and Jenna tries to get Donathan to play the idol for her if they vote for Sebastian. Don’t do this, Don. Seriously. I NEED YOU IN THIS DAMN GAME.

The First Tribal Council

It’s time for Tribal #1. Chris, Libby, and Desiree are brought in from the jury. They’re really shocked by the “twist.” It’s Donathan, Sebastian, Jenna, Angela, and Chelsea.

Jenna thinks the Naviti tribe is staying strong and openly states she’s going home tonight. She’s ready to vote already,  which makes it seem like she’s not even fighting. Chelsea, sitting pretty with her necklace of safety, thinks a 3-2 split is difficult without an idol.

Probst sees everyone’s ready to vote, and goes ahead and lets them. Don’t disappoint me, Donathan.

Aaaand, he doesn’t. He plays his idol. “I am going to say that, sorry Jenna, I’m playing this for myself tonight.” Yas.

After Donathan gets a vote, he snaps happily. Sebastian gets a vote, as does Jenna. Jenna gets two more, meaning she’s totally out. The jury seems shocked. Instead of heading out, Jenna immediately gets to sit in on the jury and watch the second tribal.

The Second Tribal Council

This tribal consists of Wendell, Dom, Kellyn, Michael, and Laurel. It’s insane how yet again, Naviti has the numbers. Kellyn, weirdly goofy, admits Michael is an attractive kid. That’s why all eyes are on him. Dom opens up and says he doesn’t think Michael even has an idol, and he’s going with his instinct here. “They prey can tell that predators are out there,” Michael says, stating he wants to keep his (non) idol on the DL.

It’s time to vote. Probst goes to tally the votes and asks about hidden immunity. Michael does nothing. Because, of course. He could have at least fashioned an idol out of a pinecone or something.

Kellyn gets a vote, as well as Wendell. Laurel also gets a vote. Michael as well. What the heck, you guys. Does anyone have a strategy here?…

Laurel and Michael are tied at the end, so the tribe needs to revote. It has to be one of the two. The tribe suddenly realizes that an extra vote was in play. And, it’s Michael. Big shock.

Michael gets some extra hugs on the way out, which is nice. Hey, he tried. And as Kellyn says, he was nice to look at.