We'll Pow Pow Them

**We'll Pow Pow Them** is the season premiere of Survivor: Taiwan

## Story

### The Marooning

The season opens to two trucks that are driving across roads in Taiwan. As the trucks drive along, Jeff is standing in front of the beach, waiting for them. Jeff tells the viewers that sixteen Americans are currently ready to start the adventure of a lifetime. In a few moments, they will arrive. From then on, the game begins. As Jeff finishes, the two trucks come closer. It is clearer that one is painted in red, and the other in black. The contestants in the red truck are staring at their surroundings with determined faces.

The black truck now drives past. The eight members sitting there look nervous, but extremely excited.

When the two trucks meet in front of Jeff, the sixteen contestants step out and walk to their mats. Jeff welcomes them and tells them that they're all in for a wild 39 days on Taiwan. Jeff points to a woman in the front and asks for her name. She replies saying she's Avery. Jeff nods and asks her how she's feeling. Avery says she's a little nervous, and hopes she doesn't make everybody hate her on the first day. Kate laughs, saying she feels the exact same way. Jeff asks who else is worried about impressions they'll make on their tribemates, and a blonde woman on the black tribe raises her hand. Jeff asks for her name, and she replies saying it's Alyssa-Mae. Jeff asks her why she's worried about how she's perceived by her tribe, and Alyssa-Mae says she really can't keep her mouth shut at the best of times, who knows what she'll be saying when she's eating nothing but a small cup of rice each day. Everybody laughs. Jeff then walks over and lands on a young man on the red tribe. The man reveals his name is Tony. Jeff asks how he's feeling about his tribe. Tony smiles and says he knows they're going to be the strongest. The red tribe cheer, while the black tribe shake their heads and yell out in protest.

Once everybody is settled, Jeff tells the tribes that they are both named after islands of Taiwan. The red tribe is named Kinmen, and the black tribe is named Matsu. Jeff throws them their buffs which the castaways excitedly put on. Jeff dismisses them and both tribes head out to their new camps.

**KINMEN**

**MATSU**

### Kinmen

The eight members of the Kinmen tribe arrive at their new camp. Everybody greets each other immediately. Avery and Kate hug and smile at one another. Audrey laughs at a joke Benny made, while Ciera and Joel shake hands. When the group comes together, everybody begins introducing themselves with their names and a bit about themselves. There is some small talk about the beginning of the game as everybody gets to know each other.

Eventually, Tyler says they need to get a shelter started. Everybody agrees and the tribe divides themselves into two groups. Audrey, Kate, Joel, and Tyler are responsible for collecting materials and building the shelter frame, and Avery, Benny, Ciera, and Tony are working on the palm fronds. Joel cuts some bamboo while Tyler builds the frame of the shelter. While carrying a heavy log together, Kate and Audrey talk. Kate talks a little about herself, and Audrey does the same. Eventually, the two women connect and start talking strategy. Kate says that while the game has only begun, she gets good vibes from Audrey. Audrey agrees, and says Kate is somebody she wants to align with.

On the other side of camp, Avery, Benny, Ciera, and Tony are weaving palm fronds. Avery and Benny struggle at first, but Ciera offers them a helping hand. She teaches them both how to properly make a frond, which they're thankful for. After a while light conversation begins. Benny talks about how he's nervous he'll break out on the island, ruining his perfect skin. This causes everybody to laugh. Tony makes a joke about his dick, which gets Benny to laugh, and Ciera lets out a slight chuckle. However, Avery glares straight at Tony. He notices this.

Once the shelter construction is completely finished, everybody stands back and admires their work as a tribe. Tyler says that he's worked very hard getting this shelter completed, and being one of the strongest in the tribe, he now he has to conserve his energy for the challenge. He walks into the shelter and lays down, pulling his buff over his eyes. The rest of the tribe side eye each other, and Kate shrugs.

As the day continues, Avery and Audrey go for a walk to the water well. Audrey says she's super glad to finally be spending time with Audrey, as she was somebody she really wanted to meet. Avery smiles, and says she feels the exact same. Audrey gave her good energy. The two talk about the game so far, and how they're feeling. Avery says she's not too fond of Tony at the moment, as he's being very immature, which annoys her. Audrey asks if she wants to vote him out, but Avery shakes her head. She says that as long as he doesn't do anything personally to her, she will deal with him. She just doesn't want to align with him. Audrey nods her head and says she understands. The two then agree that they want to work with each other in the future, when alliances begin forming.

Avery and Kate are hanging out in the campsite. The two are talking about their lives outside of the game and are laughing together. Similarly to her conversation with Audrey, Avery mentions how she got good energy from Kate early on, and wanted to talk to her. Kate exasperatedly exclaims that she feels the exact same way. The conversation then changes into strategy. Avery asks if Kate has anybody she's working with, and Kate nods. She says that she really likes Audrey. Avery looks excited and says that she also likes Audrey. Kate brings up the idea of working together in the future, and bringing in Audrey. Avery nods and says she couldn't agree with that plan more.

Joel and Tony are collecting firewood together. Tony tells Joel about his studies at college, and Joel tells Tony about what it's like being a bodybuilder. The two get along really well, and eventually agree to work together. Tony says he's ready to play the game, and Joel is somebody he really wants to align with. Joel agrees, and says he gets a good feeling from Tony, and feels like he can trust him already.

As the evening sunset shines on the campground, Benny talks to a bunch of different people. First, he talks to Kate, Audrey, and Avery. The four of them get along well, all laughing and making jokes together. Then, he walks down to the beach where Ciera is laying. Ciera tells Benny heart-warming stories about her children, which makes Benny tear up and say her family sound lovely. Ciera smiles. Later on, Benny walks over to Joel and Tony. The three of them get along well. Benny and Tony's outgoing behaviour make for some jokes that causes the three of them crack up. The only person Benny doesn't talk to is Tyler, who is still sleeping in the shelter, conserving his energy.

### Matsu

The eight members of the Matsu tribe arrive at their camp and settle down. Natalie hugs Alyssa-Mae, Jon and Juan shake hands, and Vay, Kacey, and Hayden engage in a brief conversation. Eventually, the group comes together and introduces themselves. Everybody seems to be in high spirits, still euphoric over the beginning of the game.

The tribe eventually agrees that it's best to begin work on the shelter. After discussion, it's decided that Hayden, Jon, Robert, and Vay will work on the palm fronds, while Alyssa, Juan, Kacey, and Natalie will work on collecting materials and building the shelter frame. A few people ask if Kacey is sure she wants to do the physical process, and Kacey insists. Everybody gets to work, and the construction goes smoothly. The group doing the palm fronds work efficiently together. While carrying a piece of long bamboo, Kacey drops it. Alyssa rushes over to help, playfully rolling her eyes to the camera.

As the morning turns to afternoon, the tribe are hanging around in their newly built shelter. Kacey is talking to Hayden about her job, Juan and Robert are talking about topics related to outside of the game, and Alyssa, Jon, and Vay are laughing together. Natalie is sitting alone, observing the tribe and thinking to herself.

Natalie first talks to Alyssa-Mae. The two women greet each other, and begin talking. Natalie asks how Alyssa is feeling at the moment, and she says she's a bit overwhelmed, but is also glad they have a great tribe. Natalie agrees. Alyssa says she's super excited to play the game, which makes Natalie a little sceptical. Natalie asks if Alyssa is wanting to play hard. Alyssa smirks, and says she'll just have to wait and see.

Next, Natalie makes her way over to where Kacey is. Natalie smiles at her, and Kacey looks pleased to see her. Natalie says that she's super happy to be talking to her, and Kacey agrees. Kacey says she's a bit nervous about coming across as physically weaker than the rest of the group, which is why she wanted to step up while working on the shelter today. Natalie reassures Kacey that she has no reason to worry, and that she admires her for stepping out of her comfort zone. Kacey smiles and thanks her. The two then talk about strategy, with Kacey saying that she really likes Natalie, and asks if she'd be open for an alliance. Natalie seems really excited about this prospect, and agrees immediately.

Jon and Robert are talking together in the campsite. Jon says he's a chef, and Robert seems surprised. He says that it's a really cool career to have, meanwhile he's an ordinary car dealer. The two laugh and agree that they're both people they want to work with in the game. Natalie then approaches them. She asks what they were talking about, and Jon says they were talking about their lives and careers. Natalie grins and tells them about her work as a fitness professional. Robert says she must be really strong, which causes Natalie to laugh. Eventually the three really click and Jon reveals the duo Robert and himself had, but wants to make it a trio with Natalie. Robert agrees with Jon, and Natalie looks flattered. She accepts their offer.

Alyssa is sunbathing on the beach when Jon stumbles into her. Jon looks confused and asks why she's lying alone. He has a tone of concern in his voice, but Alyssa laughs hysterically. She explains that she's trying to get a tan. If she's going to be spending miserable days out here, starving and cold, she may as well look pretty while doing it. Jon smiles, and looks a little less worried. He sits down beside her and the two begin talking. Alyssa continues explaining her tan to Jon, before eventually the topic of strategy arises. Both Jon and Alyssa agree that they have mutual respect for each other, and want to have a temporary pact where they look out for each other.

A little while later, the tribe take a walk along the beach. Eventually they stumble upon a coconut tree. Everybody seems excited, finding a food source this early. Juan asks how they're going to collect the coconuts, and Kacey volunteers to climb the tree. A few people look nervous, asking if she's sure she should do it. Kacey reassures them, saying she wants to push herself out here. She walks to the trunk of the tree and begins climbing. Natalie tells her to be careful, and Hayden bites his lip. Kacey steadily shuffles her way up the coconut tree, being cautious. Vay shouts words of encouragement to Kacey, and looks a little less worried than she did before. Slowly but surely Kacey slowly inches her way up along the tree to a point where she is very high off the ground. She looks down and loses her balance. She tries to grip the tree once more, but falls off the trunk and onto the beach, where she lands with a loud thud. Everybody gasps.

The production crew step onto the beach, all circling Kacey. They call her name, but Kacey remains motionless on the floor. The medical team rush in, and check on her. The Matsu tribe are all in shock, asking repeatedly if she's going to be okay. After a while, a doctor determines that she fell off the tree on her head, and has been knocked unconscious. Everybody looks sick to their stomachs. Jeff Probst then rushes in, checking if everything is okay. Jeff asks the medical team how Kacey is, and if she's able to remain playing. The lead doctor sighs, and says there's much risk involved in keeping her in the game. She's unconscious, meaning it's difficult to know if she's alright. For all they know, she may be in life-threatening danger. She has to be pulled from the game. There is a sombre silence looming in the air when hearing these words. Jeff nods, and says that Kacey has to be medically evacuated. Production members give Kacey the necessary treatment, before taking her away with them. Once everybody has filed out of the camp, the seven remaining Matsu members all look at each other, completely stunned.

### Challenge

**KINMEN**

**MATSU**

Both tribes arrive at the challenge beach in front of Jeff. Upon realising that the Matsu tribe is missing one member, everybody standing on the Kinmen mat looks extremely confused. Jeff addresses them, and informs them that earlier there was an incident. As a result, Kacey had to be medically evacuated from the game. Everybody looks completely shocked and mortified, worried about Kacey's well-being.

Once everybody has settled down, Jeff announces that they will be playing **Octopus' Garden**. Members of each tribe will dive down and untie five buoys. Once they have all been collected, one person will shoot the five buoys into a basket. The first tribe to have landed all five buoys will win immunity. As the tribe numbers are uneven now, Ciera will sit out.

Survivors ready? GO!

For Matsu, Natalie and Juan are the two people who participate the most in untying the buoys. Juan gets the first once, and Natalie gets the second. Joel gets the first buoy for Kinmen, with Kate following him. Tyler and Natalie get another one for both of their tribes. The challenge is very close, with Alyssa and Natalie getting the final two buoys for Matsu, and Joel and Tyler getting the final two for Kinmen. Now the tribes begin shooting. Jon shoots one, but misses, meanwhile Tyler gets two into the Kinmen tribe's basket. Vay begins shooting, but doesn't have much luck. Joel shoots two for Kinmen, before Tyler finally shoots the final buoy into the basket. Kinmen wins immunity!

### Matsu

After arriving back from camp, the Matsu tribe have a few conversations about the challenge. Robert says that it's okay, and they'll win next time. After everybody splits up to talk strategy, Hayden and Natalie talk. They both agree to work together. Hayden says he feels terrible after Kacey's evacuation, but since there's fewer people on the tribe they have to align. Natalie smiles and says she couldn't agree more.

Natalie then pulls Hayden, Jon, and Robert into the forest. She says that they're the three she trusts most, and if the four of them vote together they will have the majority. Hayden says it's perfect, and Robert laughs, saying it's as if everything has already been set out for them. Natalie agrees, and says this alliance seemed to form so easily, which proves that they're all great allies. The topic of who the vote should be comes up. Natalie says she gets shady vibes from Alyssa, and would like to vote her out sooner rather than later. Jon rebuts, saying that while he doesn't have a serious alliance with her, Jon and Alyssa promised that they would look out for each other in the early game, and Jon doesn't want to go back on his word. Natalie sighs, but says it's okay. The two remaining options are Juan and Vay. There is much debate, as Vay is more likeable and has better social connections, but Juan is better in challenges, and since they'll be down two members, they need challenge strength. After much debate, the alliance decide to talk again later in the day to decide on a target.

It's later in the day as Hayden and Vay hang out by the shelter. Hayden tries opening a coconut, but fails miserably. Vay laughs and Hayden makes a self-deprecating joke. As Hayden gives up on the coconut, Vay asks him what he's thinking for the vote. Hayden says he isn't too sure. He's heard both Juan's name and hers. Vay looks extremely distressed upon hearing this, but Hayden tells her she shouldn't worry, as he wants to keep her around.

Vay scurries down to the beach, where she meets Alyssa. Vay asks her if she knows where she's going to vote tonight, because she's scared she's going to be voted out. Alyssa shakes her head, and says she hasn't been talked to about the vote. Vay asks her to please keep her around, and she'd like to work together going forward if this vote works out. Alyssa nods and says she wishes Vay the best of luck.

On the other side of the campsite, Juan approaches Jon. Juan asks Jon if he has heard anything about the vote, and Jon shrugs. He says that he has some idea, but anything can still happen. Juan raises an eyebrow, and asks if Jon is implying the vote is going to be on himself. Jon shakes his head, saying that he doesn't know where the votes are going. Juan nods, and says that he thinks they should keep challenge strength, and vote out people such as Robert, Hayden, or Vay, who are all bad in the challenges. Then, the two of them could be in an alliance together. Juan asks if Jon would be interested, and Jon says he'll consider it.

Just before tribal council, everybody except Juan and Vay gather around. There is much discussion around who should receive votes, with Hayden saying he'd prefer to keep Vay, but Natalie says she doesn't know if keeping somebody weak in challenges is the best idea. Jon says that Vay is more likeable, which is a good thing, but could also be bad for them as it could mean she could easily get people on her side. Robert agrees, saying Juan doesn't have a very good social game and struggles to make connections with people when needed, which is why he's a target in the first place. Alyssa just says that whatever happens, they need to make sure it's the right decision. Eventually, they all decide on who to vote for.

As the tribe begins packing up for tribal, Juan has a determined look on his face, while Vay is looking a little nervous, but tries to remain calm. Both know there's a possibility they will be going home, but neither of them want to be voted out at the first tribal council.

### Tribal Council

Alyssa-Mae, Hayden, Jon, Juan, Natalie, Robert, and Vay make their way into the tribal council area. Everybody picks up a torch, dips it into the flame, and collects fire. When they're all seated, Jeff asks Robert how his first few days went. Robert says that just being out here on the island is insane to think about, and he's very thankful to be here. Jeff turns to Natalie and says that Kacey was medically evacuated, which left a massive impact on the game. Jeff asks how she was impacted by this. Natalie says it hit her hard. Kacey was a very loved person around camp, and she was somebody that she got along well with. To see her go that early was devastating, and can only hope she's doing well. Jeff nods, and asks Juan if there are any alliances forming. Juan says he doesn't know about alliances, but he's definitely on the bottom. He wouldn't even be surprised if he received votes tonight, but thinks the group should come together and vote for somebody who is weaker in challenges, such as Vay. Jeff looks shocked by this statement, and asks Vay what she thinks of this. Vay sighs, and says that she expected this. She's also on the bottom, and so Juan will do whatever he can to survive.

Jeff nods, announcing it's time to vote. One by one everybody casts their first votes of the season. Jeff collects the urn and asks if anybody has a hidden immunity idol they would like to play, but nobody stands, so Jeff reads the votes.

First vote...

**JUAN.**

Juan shakes his head.

**VAY.**

That's one vote Vay, one vote Juan.

Vay bites her lip, looking nervous.

**JUAN.**

**JUAN.**

Juan grunts, frustrated.

First person voted out of Survivor: Taiwan...

**JUAN.**

Juan stands up, not looking at anybody. People try to apologise, but he tells them to save it. Once Juan's torch is snuffed by Jeff, he turns to the tribe. He tells them that they all made a stupid decision tonight, and they'll pay for it eventually. Alyssa rolls her eyes and points to the way out of tribal council, telling Juan the exit is that way. A few people laugh, but Juan just looks angry. He leaves, and the tribe pack their stuff before heading back to camp.