Firing on All Cylinders

**Firing on All Cylinders** is the first episode of *Survivor: Bocas del Toro*

## Story

* Day 1
* Day 2
* Day 3

Aboard a barge, 20 new castaways embark on a journey of a lifetime. Each castaway has a story to tell.

The barge stops. Jeff Probst climbs up the barge to officially welcomes the castaways to the game and hands them their Buffs: Wearing red is the Halcon tribe ("hawk" in Spanish). Wearing green is the Tortuga tribe ("turtle"). Jeff informs them they will be competing in their first Reward Challenge. After telling the survivors the mechanics of the challenge, Jeff reveals that the winning tribe will receive flint and their rice rations. As punishment for losing, the losing tribe will not receive their bag of rice until after the first Tribal Council.

With the survivors barely knowing each other, they discuss who will do what part of the challenge.

Marilyn and So-Yeon are first to run where So-Yeon reaches the other end of the barge and whips through the knots, but Marilyn closes the gap. Minh takes the lead for Halcon by finishing their second knot, but Isabelle reclaims the lead for Tortuga by untying the final knot for Tortuga. Ari, Skip, Tatiana and Winnie jump off the barge with the paddles to swim towards their raft. Not far behind, Antonio, Beth, Drayden and Julian follow them. Tortuga reaches the raft when Tatiana notices a note behind the buoy in between the tribe rafts. She takes it and discreetly tucks it in her bra as her tribe paddles back to the barge. As Halcon reaches their raft, Drayden and Julian remarks that Beth had easily outswam them, which Beth takes as a compliment. Tortuga returns to the barge where the paddlers hand over the heavy puzzle pieces for Brent, Imani and Walker to assemble. The three temporarily gets stumped at the puzzle, allowing Carol, Miles and Rana to catch up. However, Tortuga finishes their puzzle first, winning them the challenge. Jeff congratulates Tortuga and hands them their flint and rice. Tatiana is doubly happy that she finds an advantage early in the game. Both tribes receive maps to their camps, after which they board on their rafts and paddle away.

The Tortuga tribe arrives at camp where they circle around to make introductions. Skip introduces himself as a cruise ship captain. Victor admits he is a neurosurgeon, but the most notable introduction is from So-Yeon. She reveals she was originally from North Korea, but defected. So-Yeon shares her backstory, and the discrimination she and her family suffered both when they arrived in South Korea and in the United States.

The Tortuga tribe splits into 3 teams: Ari, Skip and Winnie make fire, while So-Yeon, Tatiana and Isabelle collect firewood, and Brent, Imani, Victor and Walker collect wood for shelter. So-Yeon finds herself separated from her group and gets lost. Instead of looking out for So-Yeon, Tatiana uses the time to express interest in working with Isabelle, even telling her she found an advantage at the challenge. They decide to open and read it together before consciously looking for So-Yeon.

The girls find So-Yeon and recruits her as an expendable number. So-Yeon reads the body language of the two, and immediately deems them untrustworthy. To prove she was genuinely lost and not looking for an idol, she empties her bag and pockets. The two believe her.

Meanwhile, Victor and Imani make fast friends as they are both intellectuals. Imani shares her life in Detroit and how she wanted to escape the thug life, while Victor vents his frustrations of having to live up to his parents' very high expectations.

As Tortuga builds their shelter, Skip notices Ari's very thick Australian accent. An Australian-born US citizen living in Guam, he explains that he met his wife who was a tourist in Sydney then.

Tatiana and Isabelle continue to get to know each other. The two get along over their very similar preference in clothing. Isabelle shares her story of having psoriasis while Tatiana disclosed being in a abusive relationship before coming to Survivor.

The Halcon arrives at camp where the tribe makes introductions at the beach. Halfway through however, Sergio insists to break the conversation and the tribe should begin performing chores. This easily gets the ire of some of his tribemates.

The tribe halfheartedly takes Sergio's request and goes in groups. Being the eldest women on the tribe, Marilyn and Beth get along while weaving palm fronds. Antonio and Julian arrive with bamboo and once again compliments Beth's athleticism. Beth admits she is 57, much to the guys' shock because she appears deceptively fit for her age. Beth explains that she used to be an athlete during her youth, but becoming pregnant at an early age forced her to focus on the family, losing time to pursue her interests altogether. Following her kids' having their own families, Beth has spent the last two years getting back in shape.

Marilyn admits to Beth she is a conservative content creator, but she makes it clear she is not the radical kind, and appreciates liberal viewpoints. She says she opposes abortion, but respects the LGBTQIA community; even sharing her experiences and meaningful conversations, political and non-political, with drag queens.

While gathering firewood, Rana, Minh, and Carol make an alliance. Carol is happy she is part of an alliance this early in the game. The girls promise to protect each other's interests.

Evening at Halcon, Marilyn shares stories about being lumped with far-right crazies in a heated episode of her podcast. Sergio, a gay Mexican immigrant, listens intently, as he had bad experiences with racist extremists himself. Sergio softens up and shares how he came out to his wife.

The tribes receive Tree Mail, which instructs them to send two of their own "out on a journey". Faced with an unprecedented situation, the survivors could only guess is any one of the players sent to this journey will have an advantage after they return to camp. Halcon sends Carol and Marilyn while Tortuga sends Tatiana and Isabelle.

The four survivors arrive at a beach with a tent. They carefully make their introductions as to not give anything away about their tribes. A note on the table welcomes them to what will be called as "The Outpost". The first note instructs them to select one item to take back to camp with them.

Isabelle and Tatiana choose the hammer and nails while Carol and Marilyn choose the flint. As the first note instructs, they read the second note; but just as they open the second note, a bracelet falls on the table. The four are shocked to see an free idol right in front of them. The second note instructs the four to decide which pair takes the idol; and if they cannot reach a decision, both tribes will either return to camp emptyhanded, or play a game of chance. Both tribes agree to split up to discuss the matter.

Isabelle insists to Tatiana they should take the idol; knowing that if Halcon disagreed, they will not have their flint. Tatiana says that Halcon could have had fire already and refusing them their flint will not matter; but if they convince the other pair to give them the idol, they could form a girls alliance. On the other hand, Carol reasons with Marilyn on why they should let Tortuga have the idol, explaining that the idol is only temporary will likely not make the merge; and if it is in Tortuga's possession, it will trigger paranoia within their tribe which could help Halcon in the long run; they also know it is expired. Marilyn agrees, adding that if they cannot reach a decision, they would have to explain to their tribemates back at camp what happened and they will likely not to be believed, putting targets on their backs. Marilyn also expresses that she would not want to play the decision game which has the risk of her receiving a disadvantage.

The four women return to the Outpost tent and compare notes. Isabelle asks if Halcon already had their flint. Carol admits they already have fire, but would still want the flint to make fire-making easier. Tatiana proposes to have an alliance with them. Seeing Tortuga's greediness for the idol, Halcon pretends to accept their offer of an alliance and decides to let Tortuga have the idol. The four agree to lie about playing the game of chance to cover their tracks. As board the boat back to camp, the two agree that Isabelle should have the idol.

As Halcon returns to camp, Carol and Marilyn agree to keep the idol side of the Outpost from their tribemates. They reunite with their tribe and presents them their flint. Sergio asks how they got the flint and not an advantage. Marilyn is visibly irked by Sergio outright putting them in the hot seat. Carol explains that the Outpost was a trove of survival items, and they can only take the item they chose is if they either agree upon which tribe takes what or play the game of chance. Most of the tribe buys the story, except Sergio who remains suspect.

Isabelle and Tatiana return to Tortuga beach where they are also peppered with questions. Tatiana reveals they won hammer and nails to help fortify their shelter. Chase asks if they were offered with an advantage, Isabelle fabricates a lie, saying there was a free idol but neither party took it. Chase acts satisfied, but he is actually suspicious.

So-Yeon follows Tatiana and Isabelle in the woods to ask them if they got an idol. Tatiana says they did not. So-Yeon is upset she's being dismissed despite being recruited as their ally.

So-Yeon expresses her concern to Victor and Imani, who both feel the same. So-Yeon tells them she's supposed to be in an alliance with them, but because they're being short with her. The three agree to reconvene to discuss the matter tomorrow.

At Halcon, while collecting firewood, Beth makes a feeble attempt to look for an idol. She peeks at every nook and cranny possible until she notices something out of place: A pile of leaves in a hollow tree. She inserts her hand and finds an idol. Ecstatic, Beth reads the note, and to her surprise, the idol will be played differently. Beth tries to hide her tears of joy.

The tribes convene for their first Immunity Challenge. Jeff asks who went to the journey. Isabelle and Tatiana and Carol and Marilyn raise their hands. Jeff asks how was the experience, Carol says it is a chance for the tribes to feel out each other. Isabelle says there could be advantages for coming to these journeys. Eyes move toward her general direction. Rattled by the sudden attention she is receiving, Isabelle says she is only adding to what Carol said about meeting the other tribe. Tatiana does her best to keep her composure.

     Jeff explains that this challenge is a classic which harkens back to Survivor: Pearl Islands' first Immunity Challenge where the tribes had to carry a very heavy cannon. In a twist, today's iteration of the challenge will have the tribes actually fire their cannons. Jeff reveals that the winning tribe will also win a fire-making kit of kerosene and dry wood stored in a waterproof bag.
At Jeff's 'go' signal, the tribes are off. Tortuga gains a slight lead as Halcon stumbles at the rock field. Ari and Skip blocks Halcon's way by throwing more rocks at their side of the field, much to Sergio's chagrin. Minh calls them "cheaters", but Julian pulls her back, saying being angry will not be productive. Halcon decides to dismantle their cannon and follow Tortuga on their side of the rock field. While successful at first, Tortuga gets stuck at at the mud pit, allowing Halcon to close the gap. Halcon leaves the mud pit first and enters the bamboo-blocked pathway. As they leave the mud pit, Minh and Rana heckle the struggling Tortuga by yelling, "what you get!" Antonio, Julian and Miles break the bamboo obstacles to clear the way. Halcon continues to lead at the gate where cannon pieces will have to pass through while the castaways leap over the gate. Tortuga finally gets out of the mud pit as Halcon makes it to the firing range. After a series of misses, Halcon hits their first two targets, but maneuvering the heavy cannon has left them exhausted. Tortuga reaches the firing range and also struggles moving their cannon around. It is too late for Tortuga however as Drayden obliterates Halcon's fifth and final target, winning them immunity and reward.

As Jeff hands the Immunity Idol to Halcon, Tatiana is visibly nervous on whether or not she should play her Mutiny Idol, but decides to hold on to it for now.

The Tortuga tribe returns to camp and separate into groups. At the water well, Winnie, Walker, Imani and Victor discuss the vote. Walker and Winnie suggest it should be Tatiana because she appears to be the bigger threat than Isabelle. Imani however is leaning towards voting Isabelle because she is weaker in challenges. She recalls that it was So-Yeon who was first to become suspicious of Tatiana and Isabelle and said they could possibly have an idol. Victor temporarily leaves the group to get So-Yeon.

Victor goes to So-Yeon to join her in the conversation. So-Yeon is thankful that she is finally heard after her disappointing treatment from Tatiana and Isabelle. They return to Winnie, Walker and Imani. So-Yeon vents that she had been treated like their lackey especially after they returned from the journey and suspects that Isabelle has the idol. The four guarantee So-Yeon she will be treated as an equal and thank her for the information.

Knowing they are in deep trouble, Tatiana and Isabelle discuss how will they be able to escape their predicament. Isabelle asks why didn't Tatiana play her Mutiny Idol when the game had just started where she could have established bonds with the other tribe. Tatiana explains she was strongly considering playing it, but she is also concerned for Isabelle. Isabelle, who has the disposable idol from the Outpost, feels it is imperative that she plays the idol.

Tatiana returns to So-Yeon to reconfirm her allegiance, but So-Yeon dismisses her; saying she is only apologizing because she is in danger of being voted out. Desperate, Tatiana begs to So-Yeon to reconsider.

At the beach, Skip (who has just arrived after fishing), Ari and Brent are joined by Isabelle who asks them if they already have a name to vote out. Isabelle throws So-Yeon's name because she is well-liked and connected with everyone. While he still does not trust Isabelle, Brent ponders her words.

Skip and Ari go to Victor and Imani at the shelter to tell what Isabelle told them. They reiterate they will go with the planned split vote. Meanwhile, Tatiana attempts to look for the regular idol. She fails; and as she goes to the shelter, she overhears the conversation between Skip, Ari, Victor and Imani, and comes up with a plan.

Tatiana goes to Isabelle to confirm that everyone is already set in splitting their votes between them. She proposes to make the idol they received from the Outpost public and also reveal the Mutiny Idol, but they will present it as a regular idol to deflect the votes away from them. Isabelle describes the plan as genius.

As the pair leave the shelter to bathe, So-Yeon sneaks in the shelter to inspect their bags to confirm whether or not they have an idol. So-Yeon finds Isabelle's and the note that came with it. She proceeds to open Tatiana's bag, but when she sees Tatiana returning from the beach, she closes the bag and leaves. She goes to Victor, Skip, and Imani to confirm that Isabelle has an idol.

At the tribe prepares for Tribal Council, Tatiana slightly feels better, but still hopes her plan becomes successful.

The Tortuga tribe enters a Tribal Council which looks like an old Panamanian fort. Jeff asks how was the first three days. The general consensus is that the tribe is holding up well despite the loss at the first Immunity Challenge. Jeff brings up the Outpost and how were Tatiana and Isabelle were received when they got back. Skip calls Isabelle and Tatiana out for being suspiciously aloof following their trip to the Outpost. Winnie adds that when Jeff asked who went to the Outpost before the challenge, Isabelle made an off-handed comment implying they got an idol from the Outpost. Isabelle and Tatiana cut to the chase and reveal they both have idols. Tatiana claims she found hers during the marooning while Isabelle admits she received hers from the Outpost. Tatiana and Isabelle taunt the tribe, saying they will both play their idols and vote for So-Yeon. So-Yeon says she is not surprised, saying that the girls have been plotting against her since she defected from their alliance. Tatiana and Isabelle defend why they had to keep it from her, saying they had to keep it a secret for the long game. So-Yeon reveals she went to their bags, saying only of the idols are real. Tatiana and Isabelle continue to badger So-Yeon for rummaging through their stuff, but Skip and Victor come to So-Yeon's defense, saying that how they are treating So-Yeon was exactly the reason why she left them. With a considerable degree of uncertainty, the Tortuga tribe votes. Isabelle remains true to her word and votes So-Yeon. However, sensing their gesture towards So-Yeon had hurt their chances more than helped, Tatiana votes Isabelle.

After tallying the votes, Jeff gives the tribe time to play an idol or advantage. After much thinking, Isabelle decides not use her idol. In the end, Isabelle not using her idol becomes her downfall, becoming the first person voted out of Survivor: Bocas del Toro in a 5-4-1 vote, with the deciding vote being Tatiana, leaving very shocked faces. As she hands her torch to Jeff, Isabelle tells the tribe that Tatiana's idol is the Mutiny Idol. With her Mutiny Idol exposed, Tatiana becomes visibly upset and nervous.

In her final words, Isabelle explains that the reason why she did not play her idol was because she believed Tatiana was the bigger threat and not her; and had the tribe went to a revote, they would have voted Tatiana out.
## Challenges

**Reward Challenge:** *Marooning*
One by one, three members from each tribe must race across the barge to untie and collect paddles. Four tribe members will then jump off the barge and swim towards a raft containing puzzle pieces. The four must paddle back to the barge and deliver the puzzle pieces to the last three tribe members who will assemble them. The first tribe to finish the puzzle wins reward.
**Reward:** Flint and an additional bag of rice.
**Additional Stipulation:** The losing tribe will not receive their rice until after the first Tribal Council.
**Winner:** Tortuga

**Immunity Challenge:** *Cannon Carry*
Tribes must race through an obstacle course while carrying a working cannon with detachable parts. At the end of the course are five targets which the tribes must take down using the cannon. The first tribe to eliminate all five of their targets wins immunity.
**Winner:** Halcon

## Next Time on Survivor

* Following her betrayal of Isabelle and with her Mutiny Idol out in the open, Tatiana is on the outs on Tortuga. Will she play her Mutiny Idol?
* Carol faces her fear of heights. Will she overcome it?
* One survivor will be ejected.

### What to Expect This Season

* My take on the Earn the Merge twist.
* Blindsides galore!
* A finale twist that has never been seen on any Survivor franchise.

## Author's Notes

* Production respects So-Yeon's decision not to divulge her birth name to protect her family.