Better Than What I Could Have Done with One Picture of a Random Girl in the Woods

**Better Than What I Could Have Done with One Picture of a Random Girl in the Woods** is the seventh episode of *Survivor: Middle Earth.*

After our previous tribal, our players were informed that they would have yet another tribal immunity challenge. However, upon arriving at the challenge, they were informed that they had actually made the merge.

Much to the surprise of many, our eliminated players had been battling Redemption Island style in Durin’s Tower throughout the pre-merge. The final challenge involved flipping a cup four times normally and then one time in reverse. At the merge announcement, it was also announced that Erin Hoodlebrink had won and would be returning to the game.

Moving over to the first individual immunity challenge, our players were tasked with our classic character recreation challenge. Despite some great (and some terrible) efforts, it was Amanda Bryan who came out victorious.

At tribal, Amanda started things off by saying she was happy to have immunity because there was a lot of uncertainty surrounding the vote. Erin then noted that the battleback win could place a target on her, but that she had cleared the air with those who voted her out. James Hanson then noted the lack of tribal lines in this merged tribe, due to the number of swaps they went through. Dylan Masella said that he was happy to still be in the game after the safety chain and that all of the twists had made the game chaotic. Shaylyn Thornton then talked about the possible factors that could go into the vote, while also discussing the possible target associated with relationships from the pre-merge. Elijah Van Camp-Goh spoke about pre-existing relationships and the potential threat/target they carry, while also mentioning that many things could have the same effect. Surra Arielle then discussed that it’s been noted that people have been going for advantages and dueling mods, with the number of noticeable missing votes at previous tribals. Dylan Hattabaugh then spoke about hearing his name tonight and how unsure he was about the direction that the vote was headed in. Jay Milligan then talked about the quietness that’s been apparent during this game and in contrast, the pre-tribal scramble that ensued tonight. Lastly, Dakota Houser said that he would be voting based off of where he believed that the numbers would be going tonight.

When the votes were revealed, it was Ryan Cundliffe who had received the majority and would become the first member of our Middle Earth jury.

## Challenges

* Reward
* Immunity

**Challenge:** Hot Po-Ta-Toes
 Castaways were tasked with keeping up two balloons with one hand for as long as they can and the player with the longest time received their choice of reward between Outwit, Outplay, and Outlast.
 **Winner:** Elijah Van Camp-Goh

**Challenge:** Character Portrait Recreation
 Players were given pictures of Middle Earth characters to recreate. The recreations were sent to judges who scored them. The player with the highest score would win.
 **Winner:** Amanda Bryan

## Tribal Council

 (6 votes)

## Trivia/Stats

* This episode title was said by Lane Mashburn.