The Merger

**The Merger** is the seventh episode of *Survivor: Borneo*.

## Story

### Day 19

Keinan and Michael were sent to the opposing tribe's camp to assess its livability, for this will help the two decide on which of the two camps the ten remaining survivors will reside.

After visiting the camps, Keinan and Michael then paddled to the Sand Spit for a "summit" to compare both camps to decide on which of the two camps will the new tribe live.

Upon arrival at the Sand Spit, the "ambassadors" were welcomed by Jeff Probst where he revealed that they will have an overnight feast while choosing their new tribe name, with two beds also waiting for them. They were also given a new tribe flag, ten new green buffs and some paint to decorate their new flag. Jeff also reminded that the tribe that will transfer camps must only take three items from their own camp before migrating.

### Day 20

Back at Tagi, Keinan and Michael arrived at camp, where they told the tribe that they have only five minutes to gather their belongings and luxury items and bring three of their supplies before moving to Tagi beach. They also revealed that their new tribe name will be Rattana, because of the abundance of rattan trees on the island.

Later that night, rain started to fall once more.

### Day 21

Before the Immunity Challenge, Jeff congratulated them for making it to the merge. He revealed that future challenges will be on an individual basis, with the Immunity Idol being replaced by the Immunity Necklace. In the Immunity Challenge, Erika was victorious, winning the first post-merge Challenge of the season, keeping her safe from the vote.

Back at Camp, the newfound tribe was in turmoil, with Erika and Michael getting into a fight with one another while Julienne and Stephan had a disagreement. As a result of Michael's behaviour, Seema chose to leave The League, deciding to focus on laying low and diverting herself away from the attention. Erika and the remainder of The Four agreed on targeting Michael at the upcoming Tribal Council. Despite this, targets were split beyond the alliances in the game.

Heading into Tribal Council, *The Four* was confident that, with the rest of Pagong, they had the votes to eliminate Michael. However, Viktor and Anne switched allegiances, voting with Tagi and blindsiding Keinan in a 6-4 vote.

## Challenges

**Immunity Challenge:** *Snake Island Relay*
All ten castaways submerged themselves underwater to see how long they could hold their breath. The top three castaways then had another competition of releasing buoys along a ladder submerged underwater. The first castaway to release all of their ten buoys would win immunity.
**Winner:** Erika

## Tribal Council

 Keinan (6 votes)
 Michael (4 votes)
 VOTED OUT:Keinan

## Trivia

### Other

* Erika is the first contestant to win individual immunity.
* This is the first time the eliminated contestant received less than half of the votes cast. **(next episode)**
* This episode's Tribal Council holds the record for the most contestants receiving votes, with 7.**(unavailable yet)**
	+ This episode set the record for the highest proportion of eligible castaways to receive votes (7 of 9, or 78%), which would hold until "The Finish Line Is in Sight" where 7 of 8 eligible castaways received votes.
* This is the first time Anne went to Tribal Council and did not receive a vote.

## References

1. ↑ http://www.spottedratings.com/2011/12/spotvault-survivor-cbs-summer-2000.html