It Takes One to Know One

"It Takes One to Know One"
Season	Survivor: Venezuela
Author	IAmNothing712
Episode Number	8/14
Episode Chronology
Previous	"Two Worlds Collide"
Next	"Cuddle Buddy"

This is the eighth episode of Survivor: Venezuela.

Challenges

Day 21 Reward/Immunity Challenge: Hamster-ing
The survivors will have to run inside a giant hamster wheel-like contraption to crank a mechanism to raise a torch, that when raised high enough, it will burn through a rope, dropping a bag of puzzle pieces. They would have to continue running to reach higher ropes to retrieve the next two puzzle pieces. Once all three bags are collected, they must use the pieces to solve a puzzle. First player to finish the puzzle wins.
Reward: Individual immunity for the first placer, and a picnic (to be delivered at camp). The second and third place finishers get to join the first placer at the reward.
Winners: Dante wins individual immunity, while he is joined by Jaycee and Dahlia after finishing 2nd and 3rd, respectively.

Day 23 Immunity Challenge: I Love You, Pole!
The castaways must hang onto a pole as long as they can. The last person left hanging without touching the ground wins immunity.
Winner: Vince

Story

Night 20

The El Dorado tribe returns to camp after Tribal Council, where the majority Mapoyo tribe voted out Bash O'Rourke from the minority Arawak tribe. Mark congratulates his "alliance" for a job well done. However, the people who Mark considers as allies aren't really fond of his obnoxiousness.

“	Just when Mark think everything's going hunky-dory, everything will come tumbling down. If he smells our plot against him, I would treat him more seriously. But with his guard down half the time, putting a knife under his back wouldn't be so difficult.	”
–Mai

Before going to sleep, Vince and Mark talk near the fire, convincing each other that the best possible goat they would want in the end is Domino, and by getting a tight grip on Domino, they would have to get rid of her closest ally, which is Dante. Unbeknownst to them, Domino is just acting asleep, but in truth, she hears ever word they say.

“	If there is one word to describe me, "goat" or "coattail rider" would the be last words you'll ever associate me with.	”
–Domino

Day 21

Domino, who was informed by Maeve before she got voted out about Mark trying to take her to the end as a scapegoat to give him an easy win. While initially knowing it's a lie then, the conversation Domino heard last night proves that Mark actually really wants to implicate her in front of the jury as a coattail rider. Domino decides to take action and make a move against Mark. With Mapoyo having a 7-4 advantage over Arawak, Mapoyo can afford losing one member, given that they would still outnumber Arawak after taking down one of their own. Domino tells Dante, Louise, Mai and Dahlia that this might be the right time to take down Mark. Annoyed by Domino's sudden change of plans, she goes to Mark and tells him everything Domino has said. Dahlia explains that they should maximize the opportunity of having the numbers by eliminating the enemy first before turning on each other. Mark realizes that Domino is actually more threatening than he ever expected her to be.

“	Today would be the last time I'll underestimate someone. Domino thinks she's calling the shots? I'll tell her the hard way that I'm running this game!	”
–Mark

Meanwhile, while collecting their next Tree Mail, Dante tells Edward and Jaycee, telling them that he and Domino are planning to blindside Mark. To convince them further, Dante promises he will do whatever he can to save the two of them as long as possible. Jaycee sees the latter gesture as a move to butter up to the future jury members.

“	Edward and I were just asking if Dante knows something new, and then he made this speech about him taking care of myself and Ed. I definitely won't buy his crap at all. I know an ass-kisser when I see one. How? It takes one to know one. I can convince people to like me and make them do anything in my bidding. He thinks he and Domino are running this game? Perhaps for now...but I'm swooping in for the kill at the right time.	”
–Jaycee

The El Dorado tribe meets Jeff Probst for an early morning Immunity Challenge. Jaycee giggles after Jeff finishes giving the instructions.

“	It's funny. I have a pet hamster at home, and now I'm the hamster.	”
–Jaycee

The survivors run for dear life to raise their torches. Dante surges ahead, sprinting like a Olympic runner (as Jeff puts it), but he is closely followed by Jaycee. Domino barely even runs. Maggie and Mai brisk walk. Dante drops his first bag of puzzle pieces, with Jaycee still in close second. Mark desperately tries to catch up, only to trip inside his hamster wheel, spinning out of control while inside it. Domino laughs hysterically at the sight of Mark failing. Mark collects himself before continuing, while Jeff praises him for "digging deep". Dante and Jaycee are again neck-and-neck at in collecting their second and third bag, but it is Dante who retrieves his third and final bag first. However, Dante, who in his own admission, sucks at puzzles, Jaycee catches up. With Jaycee leading, all Dante can do is to peek next door, which helps him gain momentum. Jaycee attempts to block Dante by working by standing in between his table and Dante's. Dante figures it out out by himself suddenly, no longer needing to to peek next door. Vince catches up by collecting his three bags. Just as Mark gets his three bags, Dante finishes his puzzle first, and wins himself immunity and reward. Jeff nags the remaining players to keep fighting to win themselves a picnic. Jaycee finishes second, and while producing the third placer is still far off, as most of the survivors are already tired running inside their giant hamster wheels. Dahlia pushes through and finally retrieves her third bag of puzzle pieces and makes quick work of the puzzle, with Domino right behind her. With few pieces remaining, Vince and Mark suddenly realize there is something wrong with their puzzle, having to dismantle everything to figure it out, with Jeff continuing to pick on them with his commentary. In a very closely contested battle for third place, Dahlia wins against Domino by one puzzle piece.

“	Now with Dante immune, we should just keep voting Arawaks off or vote Domino out to have the Mapoyos strong again.	”
–Mark

Back at camp, the tribe sees a picnic basket waiting for Dante, Dahlia and Jaycee. Inside the basket are three large Hoagie sandwiches, iced tea, fried chicken, potato salad, mac n' cheese, and brownies for dessert. The three quickly devour the food. The rest of the tribe try to ignore them by doing the daily grind.

“	The food was glorious! I think none of us three talked to each other while we ate!	”
–Jaycee

After the picnic lunch, Dante goes to Domino and tells her his earlier conversation with Jaycee and Edward, saying they could use them in dethroning Mark. While annoyed by Dante's "promising to keep them" part, Domino keeps her cool, thinking she can use it to her advantage down the line.

“	Dante's impulsiveness, as much as it's hard to control, I think I can use it to my advantage. Dante's bumbling overcompensates his challenge dominance. No one would vote for him even if he wins all the challenges because he makes false promises and acts more dashing than he actually is.	”
–Domino

While Domino is convincing Mai, Louise and Dahlia to join her crusade agaisnt Mark, Dante approaches the former Arawaks individually, telling them it's the right time to oust Mark. Jaycee sees this as the opening they need to save themselves. Jaycee approaches Domino, telling her he is on board, but is worried that it might backfire. Domino touts she has this covered, because Mai and Louise are up for the plan. Jaycee is also worried that either Mark or Vince has the third idol, and proposes to split the votes between Mark and Vince. Domino agrees and makes a compromise that, if an Arawak goes tonight, then do not vote for her in the end.

“	Domino is calling the shots right now. I have to run with her if the Arawaks are to stay.	”
–Jaycee

Near the shelter, Katrina accuses Mai of cooking too much rice, reminding her that they should ration their rice, to be able to have enough rice to carry them through Day 39. While Mai initially agrees, Katrina continues to scold her, prompting Mai to explode at her. Domino sees the entire argument, and is scared that her plans might get botched, so she intervenes.

“	The problem with the Mapoyos is that, they cook too much rice than they should. No wonder they ran out before.	”
–Katrina

“	I understand where she's coming from, but don't blame our rice fiasco on me, because it's Dahlia who cooked the rice at our camp, so for her to just verbally attack me, he set me off. I'm starting to reconsider my voting options...	”
–Mai

“	Just when the plan is already in place, Katrina and Mai are threatening to ruin it.	”
–Domino

Meanwhile, Dahlia, who insists that Mapoyos stick together, tells Mark about Domino continuing her rebellion, and while she still firmly stands to her belief, the criminology student proposes to vote out Domino to possibly regroup the Mapoyos.

“	Tonight, Domino will act like her namesake. She's gonna fall.	”
–Mark

Mark gives Domino one more chance to stay on his side or go her own way. He personally approaches Domino, telling her he knows she's planning to take her out. While Domino confirms the claim, Mark asks if there is any chance she's still going to vote with Mapoyo. Domino rejects him, telling him that Mapoyo being a one happy family is a joke.

To get back at Domino, Mark approaches the Arawaks, asking them what Domino told them. Mark then fabricates a lie about Domino actually making them believe they are not going but they really are. To sweeten the deal, the secret service agent proposes to help them vote Domino out tonight. With Mark's statements being inconsistent with Domino's and Dante's, and also wanting to induce dissension among the Mapoyos, Jaycee calls Dante out and pit him against Mark. Jaycee, Dante and Mark have a lengthy exchange of words. Domino sees the argument erupt and comes to Dante's defense. Mark calls Domino selfish for trying to take him out. Domino answers back, telling Mark he himself is not above selfishness because he's already planning on his endgame (i.e. to keep her as her lapdog to the end). Mark admits the claim, but he declares he already dispelled it after proving she is more threatening than she puts off.

Minutes before El Dorado leaves for Tribal Council, Jaycee admits to Maggie, Edward and Katrina that he is intimidated by Domino, considering to vote her out instead. Maggie eases his doubts, telling him that they can vote Domino out any time they want, while Mark and Vince are the bigger threats. With the strategy talks somewhat revolving around the third Hidden Immunity Idol, Edward is happy because no one suspects him of having it.

“	It's funny they are splitting the votes because either Mark or Vince has the idol...because I have it.	”
–Edward

At Tribal Council, Domino and Mark continue their argument they had during the afternoon. Jeff touts at the Arawaks, saying they must be happy that the might tribe of seven is not as tight. Katrina adds she could not have had a better opening. Before the tribe votes, Dahlia, declares that herself, Mark and Vince are voting for Domino, telling the Arawaks they have the opportunity they need. Anticipating a split vote between him and Mark, Vince flips his vote to Mark to avoid a tie. Ultimately, Vince's vote blindsides Mark, making him the first member of the jury in a 5-4-2 vote. Dahlia's mouth remains open out of shock.

El Dorado returns to camp, and Dahlia is enraged by the results of the previous vote. Dahlia screams at the tribe, demanding an answer as to who flipped. Vince, who becomes highly annoyed by Dahlia's meltdown, admits that it was him who flipped, explaining that he wouldn't want to risk getting voted out through a revote. Dahlia scolds him further, telling him that if they drew rocks, he would've been immune. Vince barks back, saying that if they went to rocks, there would have a chance that it was her picking the white rock. As the tribe quietly eats dinner (except Dahlia, who decides to sleep her frustrations over), Vince secretly endures a sudden and sharp stomach pain.

Day 22

Dante expresses to Domino he feels empowered after blindsiding Mark, recalling the experience as "fun." Dante calls his alliance with Domino as, "the Double Ds." Giggling on their new monicker, Domino reminds him to not be complacent.

“	I'm scared that if he mentions "Double D" at any point, it's the end for me and him.	”
–Domino

Throughout the day, the Arawak members realize that Mapoyo has divided into two different factions: Dante, Domino, Mai and Louise, and Dahlia and Vince. The paltry alliance of four swear to stick together.

At the well, Domino and Katrina compare notes as how are they voting next. Katrina insists that Dahlia should go next, while Domino has Vince in mind. After much thought, Katrina decides to follow Domino's lead and vote Vince next.

“	For once, I get to enjoy being part of the merged tribe without worrying that us Arawak members will be picked off. I just have to lay low and let the Mapoyos kill off each other.	”
–Katrina

Afternoon at El Dorado, Katrina and Dante speak sweet nothings to each other. Katrina confides to him her past [broken] relationships, while Dante admittedly reveals he's a playboy. Maggie notices couple having a budding showmance. Dante and Katrina's flirting carries over in the evening, when Edward and Domino catch them getting cozy with each other that is beyond cuddling. Worried that Dante might do Katrina's whims instead, Domino struggles to fall asleep.

“	I used to date bad boys. Dante seems to be one.	”
–Katrina

“	I do think Kat's hot. I hope we get to see each other after this game.	”
–Dante

“	Katrina's increasingly closeness with Dante disturbs me. I have to break them up before they get a chance.	”
–Maggie

“	Katrina and Dante's canoodling must end! Katrina has to remind herself she's still in the game, and she's in my alliance. If she doesn't follow our lead, she has to go.	”
–Jaycee

Day 23

While on their way to collect Tree Mail, Maggie and Jaycee discuss Katrina being close to Dante. Jaycee suggests that if Katrina's actions do not match up to what she tells them, they have no choice but to vote her out.

“	It's a matter of time until Katrina shows her true allegiance. If she gets carried away by Dante, then we have to cut her loose.	”
–Jaycee

The El Dorado tribe meets Jeff for another Immunity Challenge.

Domino quickly slides down the minute the ladders are removed. Domino ultimately falls off, and she is followed by Mai, Katrina, Edward, Dante, leaving Jaycee, Maggie, Louise, Vince and Dahlia. Louise and Dahlia are next to be eliminated. Jaycee, Maggie and Vince, all of whom are still clinging on the upper half of their poles, inch their way downward. Maggie is next to fall, leaving Jaycee and Vince as the final two. Vince, while still weathering his stomach pain, coax Jaycee to step down. Jaycee touts he cannot, as the Arawaks are obviously in trouble still. Vince assures him that with Mark gone, everyone is given a clean slate. Jaycee ignores him and puts his focus on grabbing on the pole, though he continues to slide down. Vince starts sliding down again after having another stomachache. It is almost a race to the bottom of the pole, as the two men are getting very close to the bottom of their pole, with their feet inches away from the ground. In the end, Jaycee accidentally touches the ground, winning Vince immunity.

Just as Jeff walks toward Vince to give him the Immunity Necklace, he notices Vince wincing in pain. The host calls the medics to check on him. Dr. Ramona Salins deduces that Vince is experiencing a case of food poisoning, similar to Aries Landors from Survivor: One World - Thailand and would require further medical attention. Not knowing if Vince is still going to be physically eligible to compete, Jeff tells the tribe they will still go to Tribal Council regardless, leaving El Dorado unsettled.

“	Vince possibly getting evacuated added a new layer to the game. Strategizing would be twice as hard because if he comes back, we will have to vote Katrina out, but at the same time, if he leaves, Mapoyo loses another member. It's a win-win situation for me. I just hope we get to vote out still even if Vince leaves.	”
–Maggie

Back at camp, the whole tribe is on edge, not knowing if Vince will be able to come back. Maggie, Jaycee tell Domino they are flirting with the idea of voting out either Katrina or Dante. Alarmed by the idea of eliminating her closest ally, Domino tells them she agrees with them, but is still unsure.

“	I haven't made an official alliance with Jaycee and Maggie, but they acted as if I'm with them. The Mark vote was a one-time event, and while I am not for Pagonging, I don't see myself staying loyal to Mapoyo either.	”
–Domino

Wanting to keep Dante, Domino talks to her fellow Mapoyo tribemates, telling them her idea of voting Katrina out, under the notion that they have regrouped. Dahlia deliberately tells her that since the Mark vote, she no longer trusts her, and she demands a strong explanation as to why she voted Mark. Domino tells Dahlia that Mark was already planning his endgame the night before he got voted out, revealing to her about his conversation with Vince about taking her as their jury goat. Dahlia initially distrusts Domino's statements, but Domino asks her if she wants a place lower than top three. Dahlia ponder on Domino's statements, forgives her and tells her she is on board with her plan. Domino explains her plan: Regardless if Vince returns or nor, the Mapoyos will leave Dante out of the loop, and will vote out Katrina, in a split vote (Domino, Dahlia, Mai, Louise and Vince if he returns vote Katrina; Maggie, Jaycee and Edward vote Dante, and leaving Katrina and Dante as throwaway votes). Domino also informs her that everyone but Katrina and Dante is aware of the plan.

“	I told Maggie that, I, her, Jaycee and Edward vote Dante, then Mai, Louise, Dahlia, and Vince (in case he returns) vote Katrina. In truth, all five Mapoyos will vote for Katrina because I insisted we still need Dante... wait, I still need Dante.	”
–Domino

Scared that Domino could've brought the Mapoyos back together to save Dante, Jaycee regrets telling Domino he wanted to take her close ally out. Maggie comforts him, telling him that she also thought that Katrina and Dante would be a powerful couple and Domino was keen enough to realize it. Jaycee tells her she pretty much knows, though she cannot reconcile the fact that Dante is being too close with Katrina.

“	We're minutes away from Tribal Council, and my head's spinning right now. It's much harder to do talk plans when you have someone whose fate is uncertain. Vince being absent at camp just makes me even more paranoid than usual.	”
–Domino

Minutes before Tribal Council, Katrina asks Maggie Arawak's plan tonight. Scared to blow her cover, Maggie promises her that if anything transpires at the last minute, Maggie will hand one of the Arawaks her idol.

“	I hope Vince doesn't come back. The Arawaks are in trouble again if he returns. But something's amiss with Maggie. She's not telling me something...	”
–Katrina

At Tribal Council, Mark, now a juror, realizes that Vince is missing, and none of the players are wearing the Immunity Necklace.

Jeff saves the updates on Vince for last. Dante slips his tongue once again by telling the tribe he has a close alliance with Domino, callng their alliance as "Double D". Domino remains silent on the matter, and in retaliation, she throws Dante under the bus by calling him out for his growing relationship with Katrina. Katrina barges in, telling Domino her relationship with Dante is mere friendship and nothing further. Jeff then asks how important tribal lines are. Louise touts that since Mark left, Mapoyo has been a less stratified unit. Jeff now tells Arawak they have an opening. Edward answers that since the night before, Arawak has been fractured as well because of Katrina's cuddling sessions with Dante. This leads to a word war between Edward, Katrina and Dante. Katrina demands an explanation from Maggie. Maggie sternly explained she was trying to talk strategy with her, but the she spent the whole day with Dante. Jeff appears to be amused with the tension.

Jeff then brings up Vince. He reveals that the medics found out that Vince does suffer from food poisoning and a mild case of dehydration, thus why the vote will be called off, and all nine players remain in the game. However, Jeff tells them that if his condition allows him, Vince would return as the second member of the jury.

As the El Dorado tribe walks out of Tribal Council, Katrina glares at Edward and Maggie. Edward responds with a smirk, while Maggie ignores her gestures.

Tribal Council

Day 21

Tribal Council 8: El Dorado
Voted Against	Voter
Mark (5 votes)	Dante, Domino, Jaycee, Katrina, & Vince
Vince (4 votes)	Edward, Louise, Maggie, & Mai
Domino (2 votes)	Dahlia & Mark
VOTED OFF: Mark Edmonton

Day 23

Tribal Council 9: El Dorado
No Vote
EVACUATED: Vince Cunningham

Next Time on Survivor

• With tribal lines completely dissolved, new alliances form.
• Spa date!
• Katrina and Dante remain on hot water. Will this get one of them the boot, or will a plot against the idol holders (Maggie and Louise) prevail instead?
• With everybody still oblivious of the fact he has the third idol, Edward struggles to have a good hiding spot for it. Will he get caught while transporting his idol?

Author's Notes

• The Day 21 challenge is an original idea of the author, and a pun on "hamstring" (a tendon in the legs) and "hamster".
• As Tribal Council is underway, Dr. Ramona allows Vince to be part of the jury.